Happy First Birthday Charlotte!

Charlotte is ONE! We had a small family party.  And by party, I mean cupcakes and singing "Happy Birthday" to Charlotte while she smiled at us.  No frills on this one.  Why no over the top kid's party?  First of all, she's one.  She doesn't know nor will she remember this birthday.  Second, there are a lot of other activities I'm involved in this month.  There will be plenty of time for big girlie parties in the years to come.  Until then we'll keep it simple.

Soccer Superstar!

William has started playing soccer and is an instant star.  It helps that he is one of the oldest on the team of 4-6 year olds.  Team Hurricanes had their first game on Saturday and he did great.  He almost scored a goal and got to play goalie.  He even blocked a goal!  His coach asked if he had played soccer before.  I guess kickball in the backyard has really paid off!  The games are mercifully short (20 min.) and I don't think score is kept but as far has William is concerned, he's a pro now!

A Little Hustle Before the Game

Getting Warmed Up

Jumping Jacks

Dribble Drills

Go William!

William's Cheerleaders

Recipe of the Month

Okay, I've been such a slacker this summer!  I hope this recipe makes up for my absence.  It's my all time favorite homemade soup.  I totally found it by chance online at A Thrifty Mom.  It's based on the Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden and has been a favorite in our family ever since.  I'm glad it's finally cooling off so I can justify making hot soup.  I don't have a photo so I'll have to show a swiped picture from another blog.  Enjoy!

In a big ol' soup pot throw in

1 1/2 lbs of Italian sausage (pork, chicken, turkey, whatever)  I prefer the spicy pork kind.  Make sure it's bulk or cut off the casings and crumble.

1 diced onion

When the meat is browned, remove from the pot and drain the grease.  I like to keep a little on the meat for more flavor.  Put the meat back in and now add to the pot

6 or 7 medium diced potatoes.  I like the skins on.  I like the flavor and I'm too lazy to peel.

8 cups of chicken broth

3 cups heavy cream

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less based on your heat tolerance)

Bring to a slow boil on medium heat.  Make sure you stir it pretty often.  DON'T let it curdle!  I did once and it ruined the whole batch.  Turn the heat down to med/low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

While that's cooking wash and chop

6 cups kale

After the 20 minutes are up, add the kale, cover and continue simmering for another 30 minutes.

I admit this soup takes FOREVER to make but it's so worth it!  Serve with garlic bread.  Eat it.  Love it.  Yum!

Back to School

School is back and William is the king of preschool!  He is in the Blue Birds class with his teachers, Mrs. M and Mrs Nacci.  He even has a few friends that he knew from last year in class.  In fact it was kind of hard to take pictures once we got to school because he was so excited.  The school had a shaky start because of all of the rain (cancellations and what not) but we're now back on schedule.  William is looking forward to friends, field trips, and recess.  I'm looking forward to free time and making class snacks.  Yay for school!

Two Wheelin'

William has reached that all important childhood milestone.  We have taken off the training wheels and he can ride his big boy two wheeler.  We're so proud!