Baby Boy Names

I have compiled another list of baby names. Why? Because I am a little quirky. Like I said before...I like names. I tend to choose more traditional names for boys because I don't want my little boy to be teased at school. My mom had a realtor and his name was Shannon. What was his mother thinking?

BTW, I am NOT pregant. However, I do feel if we ever have another baby, it will be a boy. So here is my favorite list of boy names. What is your favorite boy name?

Aiden
Miles
Milo
Gage
Mateo
Sorrin
Micah
Alec
Noah
Oliver
Alexander
Anderson
Bennett
Bentley
Hudson
Peter
Paxton
Preston
Ryan
Ryder
Stewart
Trey
Turner
Weston
Willem
Xavier
Zachary
Henry
Hank
Harrison
Liam
Lucas
Ethan
Atticus
Gavin
Barret
Baron
Beckett
Carson
Carter
Blake
Gibson
Maxwell
Braden
Bryce
Brock
Conner
Cooper
Caden
Cameron
Collin
Cole
Dallin
Tyler
Davis
Dexter
Drew
Duncan
Easton
Elliot
Elijah
Owen
Everett
Gabriel
Gareth
Graham
Grant
Heath
Isaac
Caleb
Evan
James
William
Wesley
Jaron
Jansen
Griffin
Kai

Seth

Chase

Camden

Burton

Baldwin

Calvin

Kalem
Keeton
Keenan
Kyle
Lincoln
Mason
Tanner

Photoshoot with Q

Here is a photo shoot with little Q. She is only 2 weeks old and SO precious. It was fun to photograph a little newborn. I fell in love with photography all over again afer this shoot. Enjoy!

What did I look like as a Baby?

If you ever wondered what I looked like as a baby, you can click here and visit my sister's blog. My sister, Laurel, put a little montage of all us sisters together. It's like a whose who of Richmond sisters (my maiden name). You may want to visit her site often because she is a fun girl to know or read about.

Eggcellent Easter Weekend

We had a fantastic Easter weekend. Here is a recap for ya'll...

Saturday Morning Easter Egg Hunt w/ our Church

Dying Easter Eggs

Easter Morning @ Home

Easter Sunday @ Church


Opening Gifts from Mimi...thanks!

Easter Dinner with Friends

It really was a great weekend. I love to hang out with my little family and our friends. The kids really enjoyed hunting for eggs. In fact, Ethan is really great at it. During the Easter Egg Hunt, his basket was filled with eggs before most of the other kids. He donated a few to some of his friends because he has PLENTY. Holland loves her Easter presents. She is now carrying her Easter bunny with her wherever she goes.

Sunday was really great because we were reminded what Easter is all about - Jesus.

Happy Spring

This is what we did on the first day of Spring...

To be honest, it was a very depressing day. The storm lasted all day long. It has been 6 long months of this dreary weather.

This was the kids first snowman. They were loving him. But as soon as Ryan put on his eyes and smile...it kind of freaked them out.

Healthy Snack

I have been busy with life lately and I can't think of anything to post on.....So here is another recipe...

Hummus!
The perfect healthy snack. Can be eaten with a pita, veggies, chips, etc.

1 - 15 1/2 ounce can of garbanzo beans
1/3 cup tahini
Juice from 1 Lemon
1 clove garlic
3 TBSP Olive Oil
1 TBSP Parsley
salt to taste

Asparagus Soup Recipe

(actual photo of soup)
Who does not LOVE asparagus? This is a very, very easy recipe to make. I whipped it up on Sunday afternoon. I can do that since I am Rachel Ray!These is my very favorite soup and I make it every year. I froze the leftovers and ate them a couple weeks later. It low fat meal and I consider it very healthy! Plus, my kids like it too.

It always feels good to have them eat some veggies.

INGREDIENTS
· 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
· 1/2 cup chopped onion
· 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
· 2 tablespoons butter
· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1 pinch ground black pepper
· 1 cup milk
· 1/2 cup light sour cream
· 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large saucepan, combine asparagus, chopped onion, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, and simmer uncovered until asparagus is tender, about 12 minutes. Process the mixture in a blender to puree the vegetables. Set aside.
2. In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Whisk in the remaining chicken broth, and increase the heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture boils. Stir in the asparagus puree and the milk.
3. Put the sour cream in a small bowl, and stir in a spoonful of the hot soup. Add the sour cream mixture and the lemon juice to the soup. Stir while heating the soup to serving temperature, but don't allow it to boil. Serve immediately.

Flashback Friday

Here are photos of the twins 2 years ago (about 6 months old) a few weeks before we moved to Chicago. I miss their chubby cheeks and sweet smiles. Whenever I look at their baby pictures it makes me want another one!

Straight

This is for the hubby...

Learned something new...

I think I am ready to start my own photography studio. Look at these photos!

I learned a few new things about Photoshop. You may all know how to do this already, but I was really happy with the results. You can see my before and after shots below of my little cuddle bug. I also played around with the brightness and hue/saturation. Read more about adding a soft glow by clicking here.

Before

H After

Little E - BEFORE

Little E AFTER

Faves of American Idol

Michael

David

Brooke

I think this season of American Idol is the best yet. I am loving these three right now. We are pretty much on a first name basis because of our love. However, I never call and vote for them because...

1) I record the shows on DVR and watch them late in the evening

2) If I do call, the numbers are usually busy

3) I feel a little dorky calling

I hope someone voted for them because I would be sad to see them go.

So Sick of being Sick

It all started last Tuesday night. I was just feeling blah and it got worse on Wednesday and then a little better on Friday morning. By Friday night I was feeling really crappy....sore throat, running nose, and watery eyes. I thought I may have a sinus infection. By Saturday night I was super sicky. My chest was hurting and I had a nasty cough that sounded like a dog barking.

I went to an Urgent Care and tested positive for the flu. I spent all day Sunday in bed, sleeping. I did not think it was possible to sleep for 36 hours straight. Anyway, I am feeling better today. But I am still weak, nauseous and a little headachey.

I am a little frustrated because it was actually nice weather yesterday and I was stuck in bed all day!

Will the winter and sickness please leave now?