XOXOXOX

Oh the day of love has almost arrived!  Smooch, smooch.  Around these parts, its mostly about the kiddo - not a lot of festivities going on.  Ryan and I made some Valentines for the family this yeat after I saw a neat idea on the Martha Stewart website.   I hope that all of the recipients have them in hand and love looking at them as much as I do :o)

In the newsletter we receive every month from Ryan's daycare we were told us that the kids would be going to the post office on a field trip.  I didn't really think much of it.  Friday, when we got home from work there was an envelope addressed to Mommy and Daddy.   What a great daycare, they are always trying to do fun little learning activities with the kids.  Ryan told me all about how she made the card and wrote her name twice (in the right direction - see signature above) and they brought it to the post office and the man was brought it to our house.

A little sticker project turned banner to add to the seasonal decor.   Its so funny how there weren't so many opportunities to decorate before there was a preschooler around.

I hope you all have a Happy Valentines Day!  XOXOXOXO

Hamburger Soup

I was getting ready to mail this recipe to a friend when I thought, why not just share it with everyone!  I'm a soup lover and love finding a great recipe.  I must confess that Jason asked me often enough to make hamburger soup and I found the idea a little repulsive for some reason...  Maybe I thought that hamburger should be reserved for things other than soup...  Who knows!  Anyway, one day I was motivated and came across this recipe on a fellow bloggers blog.  (Forgive me though, because I cannot remember where!) 

As it turns out, I love hamburger soup!  I make a batch and we usually have it for supper and then I freeze the rest in single serving containers for lunches.  Mmmmm... hamburger soup with cheese and crackers.....  If you like a thick, hearty soup this might be the one for you!

Hamburger Soup

1lb ground beef (lean)
16oz can of diced tomat0es witht the juices (I like Hunts Italian)
1 onion chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1 can of tomato soup
1/3 cup of pearl barley
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 tsp dried basil (add oregano and thyme as well if you didn't use Hunts Italian tomatoes)
1 bay leaf (I don't bother...)

In a large pot sauté ground beef.  Drain off fat.  Add onion, celery and carrots and continue cooking until onions are soft.  Stir in remaining ingredients along with 5 cups of water.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  If you used a bay leaf don't forget to remove it.

Bon appetit!

The Aviator

Coming soon to a too-cute-for-words brother and sister duo!  And a very tired mommy :o(  Thinking of you Christy!!!  Big hugs - I hope you like the happy mail!

I had to be creative for the pictures, especially for the little one.  Fortunately Hillary was willing to be a model.  Ryan didn't do too badly herself.  She was excited to have a gift to send to her friends Talon and Scarlett.

I didn't have a pattern for these ones - I kind of lifted the idea from my greatest new resource, Etsy.  If you haven't checked it out yet you really should.  There is a wonderful world of handmade goodies out there....