Birthday fun!

I had an amazing birthday this year!  I had to work on Friday (which was my actual birthday) and arrived to find that Kyle had left me a boquet of flowers and a balloon- he started my day off so nicely!  I usualy take my birthday off but I had a manager meeting that I had to go to so I had to this year.  It was actually fun working- my assistant manager, Elisabet hung up a fun banner so everyone knew what was going on that day and I got a lot of "Happy Birthdays" thrown my way and the tips were improved too...sweet!!  When I got home, Kyle had me open my gifts.  I can't remember the last time I actually asked for something specific for a gift and this year I have been a bit obsessed with this designer.  Her patterns are so fun, colorful and just pretty!  So I asked for a sewing machine (and Kyle got me one!)and now I can shop at this adorable shop and make way to may cute things for all my friends and family (I can dream, right?) ...just after I get over the intimidation factor that this thing has.  "Parker" got me a stinkin' adorable pair of these UGGS!  by the way, Kyle has said before that he hates Uggs so I know that I am loved :)  After gifts on Friday we went to dinner at Swingin' doors and, another surprise, my sister Monika and her husband Dan were there to eat with us.

 Saturday Kyle and I got up early and grabbed coffee and doughnuts and took Parker to Greenbluff.  This has become my birthday tradition and I intend on kepping it especially now that we have our own little family.  We got some adorable pictures of Parker, picked pumpkins and shopped in all the little craft booths. 

That night we took Parker to his first hockey game with us and Dan and Monika.  Parker had fun waving "Hi" to everyone and he really did watch all the hockey players fly around on the ice- we had fun chattting watching Parker and watching the game too.  Sunday we got to go to church together then run our usual day off errands followed by a bit of football.  My gift to myself was to take Monday off of work so after our crazy busy wekend we spent the day trying to clean the house and relax. 

I had such a great weekend and I am so appreciative to all our friends and family for the well wishes, cards and love.

So long September....On to October!

I LOVE Fall!  This has been a beautiful one and I am very hopefull that it will stay around as long as possible before the "W" word or the "S" word come around.  (Winter and Snow)  September is such a great month- It starts like summer and ends in fall- how can you loose!?  We enjoy the fall and all that comes with it.  The cool, crisp breeze, turning on the heaters for the first time in the house, cozy sweaters (I steal Kyles), the beautiful colors that the trees turn, and eating home made soups for dinner on a regular basis.  I am anticipating October and all that goes with it as well.  We get to celebrate birthdays and go to greenbluff and Halloween is right around the corner too.  Speaking of yummy soups, we had Taco Soup for dinner tonight and it was so good- you have to try this recipe!  It's incredibly easy and makes a ton of soup so it's great for leftovers, large dinners or to freeze for later.  Here's the recipe...

Ingredients:

2lbs hamburger (I like to use turkey burger to cut a few calories- still yummy)
1 large onion
28oz diced can tomatoes
16 oz can pinto beans
16 oz can black beans
16 oz can of kidney beans
14 oz can of corn
1envelope of ranch dressing mix
2 envelopes of taco seasoning
10 oz can of tomato & chiles

Brown burger and chopped onions together.  Add all other ingredients (don't drain any of the canned items)
Add water to desired thickness
Simmer 30-45 minutes
Serve with shredded cheese, totilla strips and sour cream- YUM!

 
~Now for a little brag session....

Parker is now 10 months old and had his 10 month well-check with our new pediatrician on Friday.  His appointment went great.  He is now 22 pounds and 30 inches long which puts him in the 75th percentile for both his height and weight.  He is more and more fun every day!  He is now pulling himself up on everything and crawling around like a pro.  Free standing and walking are soon to come I just know it and honestly, we arent doing much to encourage it yet- he's fast enough on the ground!!  He is eating "big people food" and wants nothing to do with babyfood anymore, drinks (chugs) out of his sippy cup all by himself, says "mama" and is working on "dada", waves hello to everyone, including strangers, "helps" with the dishes, has 4 1/2 teeth, fake laughs to get you to laugh, tries to give you raspberries (they may be kisses but it's hard to tell yet), claps his hands, loves balloons and all animals and has developed quite the little personality!  I can't believe my little baby is growing up so fast! 

I am still trying to do some catching up on my blog so here are a few more pictures from September..

                                                 

Have a FUN fall!!!