Keller is 2 months!

So this post is a few weeks late...it's still a post full of cute pictures:)

Keller man is growing like a weed! He started wearing 3-6 month clothes when he was 6 weeks old! Hayes stayed so tiny for the whole first year. I'm not quite sure what to do with a baby who goes through clothes so fast!

He has such a sweet smile and a sweet voice. I love when he "talks" to me.

Those fists must taste delicious...

Happy 2 months, monkey!

Top 10...back again!

1. Finally making a Top 10 comeback. It's hard to find computer time on a Sunday night when all I really want to do is absolutely nothing.

2. Some big changes happened after maternity leave, including a job change. I wasn't expecting it to happen as fast as it did, but God handled the details and I am not one to question Him! It was a bittersweet change, but I am so thankful for my new job with a great company and plenty of work for me to do!

3. Before I started back to work, I started doing a workout program every day. Now that I'm working...a lot...there is no time to work out! I am getting super frustrated with this lack of time for fitness, but am determined to find a way to make time for it. My big goal is to start running regularly. Wish me luck!

4. Hayes is hilarious. And mischievous. And defiant. And loving. And adorable. Toddlers are so exhausting. He loves to "help" wash the dishes, "fix" things around the house with his tools, and punt his soccer ball. I wouldn't have it any other way.

5. Keller man is rapidly growing. He has already outgrown some of his 3-6 month pants and those onesies won't fit for much longer. Oh, and he's not even 3 months old yet! Seriously? I guess it's ok because all of Hayes' 6-12 month clothes are for winter weather. But still, stop trying to catch up with your brother, please.

6. We got a new entertainment center from Ikea this weekend! It is assembled and looks wonderful! Much better than the desk our tv was sitting on...

7. My two favorite songs right now are Adorn by Miguel and Gone, Gone, Gone by Phillip Phillips. Just in case you were wondering.

8. Made some old school tuna noodle casserole tonight. It was wonderful comfort food and Hayes had lots of fun helping me assemble it.

9. Whatever happened to Jessica Simpson's music career? You know, I once went to 3 Wal-Marts in one night with a friend in search of her newest CD. True story. Fun night:)

10. Lots of prayers needed tonight. A high school friend lost her father suddenly this weekend and her family could use lots of prayers and good thoughts sent their way. A former co-worker's husband started chemo this last week and will continue chemo for the next 6 months. They are a busy family with 3 little ones and could also use our prayers and positive thoughts.

Instagram Obsessed

I am starting a new series to add to my Top 10...which I know I haven't done in a while. Oops!

My new series is "Instagram Obsessed."

I finally upgraded my dear, old Blackberry and joined the Apple world with an iPhone. And then, I discovered Instagram. Hello, cute picture overload! I have been having way too much fun with this app. I told a few friends today to let me know if I got obnoxious with my frequent picture postings;)

Not everyone is on Instagram and can see these fun pictures, which are pretty much all of my other obsession, my babies. So...the Instagram Obsessed series! Look back every week for all of my latest Instagram photo ops!

Curious Hayes is 2!

Hayes is 2! We had a fun birthday party with friends and family yesterday to celebrate. We had a "Curious George" party in honor of the birthday boy, who loves George the monkey. Here are some pics from our fun day!

My fantastic friend, Melanie, created the invite and these super cute party decorations for the party. 

 

A Curious George party isn't complete without some fun banana snacks!

{banana pudding cups}

{chocolate covered banana pops}

{banana pancake bites & Curious George gummies}

{banana cupcakes & chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting}

Hayes loved his birthday treat!

Curious Hayes! Keller also had a "Curious Keller" shirt, compliments of my friend, Lauren!

Our special party guests got to take home their own Curious George book and a box of animal crackers.

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate! Hayes got some fantastic presents and has enjoyed playing with them this morning. Happy Birthday, Hayes!

Vendors:
Melanie Moffett: Birthday banner, framed signage, food labels, cupcake toppers
Cherry-O Creations: Curious Hayes shirt
Ele Cake Co.:  Banana and Chocolate cupcakes with Peanut Butter frosting

Top 10!

1. Hayes likes to walk around the house saying "hot toffee" while holding a cup and blowing on it. So stinkin' cute.

2. Hayes calls ketchup "dip it." Also cute. Not cute, when he eats ketchup with a spoon.

3. Ryan attempted to cut Hayes's hair last night. Let's just say that no one had fun during that adventure...

4. Ryan's cousin, Hilary, came over today with her hubby and adorable son, Greyson, for a visit. It was so great to see family. Keller is almost the same size as Greyson...and almost 5 months younger.

5. I feel like I need to start coupon-ing. But, you know what I've noticed? The foods I buy don't have coupons! I try to cook healthy, and I have not discovered a source of coupons for healthy foods...

6. Speaking of bargain hunting, I went on a diaper bargain hunt this weekend. I ended up at Babies R Us where they had gift card offers. With their specials, I got $20 off two large cases of diapers, $10 off a 30 pack of toilet paper, and $5 off a case of wipes. Of course the savings were applied to a BRU gift card, but that will certainly be needed for baby supplies in the future. Pretty pumped about those savings!

7. Due to the death of a tv, we had to re-arrange tvs in our house, leaving the area above our fireplace/mantle empty. I went to Home Goods and found the most beautiful, huge canvas to hang above the fireplace. Next up, giving the brick a white wash finish and creating a new look for our mantle. We should probably do some research on DIY network...

8. My Natalie and her hubby, Adam, found out they are expecting a baby boy!!!! Baby boy Verhalen will be here in June and I can't wait to meet the little sweetie! I feel like I'm going to be an Aunt again! And yes, I meant to say "my Natalie." Friend isn't enough of a descriptive term for our relationship.

9. Well, it's Mardi Gras season. If you go to a ball, watch out for the Valentin-is. They will get you. Also, asparagus tastes wonderful dipped in Cane's sauce. Trust me.

10. Keep praying for my babies. This crazy weather is keeping our house in sniffle mode and I am hoping it doesn't lead to worse!

Brotherly Love

Hayes loves his brother. He will grab a pillow for his lap and snuggle in next to us on the couch so he can "hol de bebe." So of course, we place Keller in his lap, and Hayes's face lights up. I need to try to get those sweet moments on video where he says "hi, baby, hi" and gives Keller sweet kisses. While starting supper, I overheard Hayes asking to "hol de bebe" so I grabbed my camera and got a few sweet shots of these boys that melt my heart every stinkin' day.

Keller, meet Elmo. Elmo, this is Keller.

Sweet kiss, complete with lip smacking sound.

Not really sure why his hand must be on his head during brother bonding time...

Hugs!

I hope they always love each other this much...

Creamy Veggie Pasta

This pasta dish caught my eye on Pinterest. I'm always a little skeptical of greek yogurt, I still haven't fully embraced the slightly bitter flavor. I will say I was pleasantly surprised with this dish though. Ryan like it too...he had seconds;) I altered it a little from the original...here is my version.

{Creamy Veggie Pasta}

1 lb whole wheat thin spaghetti
3 zucchinis, chopped to your preference
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes. halved
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
2 tsp lemon juice
salt and pepper
fresh or dried basil

Start by boiling water and cooking your pasta. In a large bowl, mix greek yogurt, cheese, and lemon juice. Add salt, pepper, and basil to taste. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add zucchini and cook until tender. I sliced mine in thin, short strips. Once zucchini is done, add garlic and cook for a few minutes. Add tomatoes and cook several more minutes until tomatoes are tender. Add veggies into yogurt mixture and stir, coating veggies. Add in your pasta, which should be done at this point, tossing until well mixed. Top with parm cheese and eat away!