Marcus' 2nd Birthday

A letter to Marcus:

Dear Marcus,

I can't believe another year has past by so quickly. On the morning of your second birthday, you woke up early as usual! I allowed you to have a lightly frosted Elmo cupcake for breakfast and watch Sesame Street. Daddy and I sang “Happy Birthday” to you. We got ready for school and began our day. At school, they had a sign for you outside. They also had one at your classroom door along with balloons. I came to your classroom at snack-time to sing “Happy Birthday” and have cupcakes and juice boxes. You ignored me and enjoyed your snack! I left work early so I could spend the remainder of the day with you. When Daddy got home we opened presents. You received books, socks and new Sesame Street cups! You loved opening presents! Daddy and I took you out to dinner at Rio Lerma, a local Tex-Mex restaurant. Judy, Michael and Brittany came too! Afterward, we went to McDonald's for ice cream! You were very happy! I let you stay up late with Brittany and me.

You are a very bright tot! You love Elmo and the rest of the Sesame Street gang, but Elmo is your favorite! You talk a lot! Daddy and I can have conversations with you and easily understand what you want or need. I'm so proud to be your mommy! You count to ten easily and sometimes go past ten. You sing your “ABC's” and dance too! You sing several songs including some from the radio. I love watching you dance in your car seat. I feel you are slightly brighter then your peers and I feel myself beaming as it shows! This year, you proudly colored the couch! You love to color and write. You couldn't understand why Daddy and I didn't like the couch, but seemed agreeable to cleaning it. You say “What's up, Mommy?” and it's very cute! You have the cutest voice in the world! I love talking to you! You are a cuddler and love to give kisses! But, when things don't go your way, you get pretty upset! I'm hoping it's just a phase! You understand time out and prefer not to go there! You apologize when you are in “trouble” and give hugs. You are also very independent and prefer to do things on your own. You frequently say, “I help” or “I do it” when it comes to doing things of importance to you. You are also very compassionate. If you see a baby crying, you will say, “shhh baby” and try to find their pacifier or bottle.

Your birthday party is next Saturday at Bouncing Around. It's an indoor bounce house in Forney. The theme for your party is Elmo and I'm very excited to see your face as you receive your cake and tricycle. Daddy and I have planned a very special day for you! We invited all your family, friends and classmates!

I know you will be growing much more in the next year! We are going through the joys of potty training now. You have your moments when you want to do it, but usually tell us no. Tonight, you went on the potty and we were very proud! Some of our goals for you for the next year include: being potty trained, recognizing all letters by sight, recognizing all numbers by sight and writing your name before your next birthday. I know you are able to obtain all these goals and your eagerness shows!

I love you very much Marcus Preciliano Tanguma! Happy 2^nd Birthday, cupcake!

Love,

Mommy

His birthday party was a success and he loved it!  I couldn't believe he had such a great time with his friends at such a young age.  I know he won't remember the day, but he'll always be able to look back at the photo's and the letter I wrote him.  I hope to write him every year and gift it to him as an adult.  He brings so much joy to my life and I can't imagine it without him! 

Cupcake for breakfast and Seasame Street

Birthday Sign and Balloon on his classroom door

Happy Birthday sign outside the school.

Enjoying cupcakes and juice pouches with his classmates...ignoring me!

Cupcakes for his party!

Daddy and Marcus coming down the slide...Mommy (right) waiting at the bottom!

Birthday evening at home

Rock 'n Roll Elmo cake...made by mommy!

party room

Mommy and Marcus

Getting on the party hats!

 

my fav pic!

my perfect lil family!

Party Photography by: Elizabeth Stanley Photography

Yesterday, my friend Tonia and I got together to prep and prepare about a month of meals!  We cooked for about 12 hours.  We were exhausted, but it was completely worth it!  We prepped onions, peppers, and cheese.  We baked homemade breadsticks.  We made marinara and marinade sauces.  We cooked chicken parmiagana, sauted chicken breasts, chicken ticklers, smothered pork chops, mini meatloafs, tator tot casserole, king ranch casserole, peach whiskey bbq chicken, and chicken tortilla soup.  We also made mashed potato casserole and cheesy spoon bread.  We couldn't forget the sides!!  I know there are a few things we will do differently next time.  Such as, prep all items at home before the big cooking day.  I also would like to try to bake a few different types of bread next month too.  We had tortilla soup tonight and will have meatloafs tomorrow along with mashed potato casserole. 

Tonia will probably have more pix and recipes on her blog, itty bitty kisses...So check it out too!

The prepped items.  Shredded cheese, diced red and yellow onions, and red and green bell peppers.  Yes, that is a two gallon bag of yellow onions! 

Thai Peanut Marinade

Mashed Potato Casseroles

Cheesy Spoon Bread.  The big ones are Tonia's and the small ones are ours.

Cooking tons of chicken!!!

Sausage Balls

Chicken Ticklers

 

Peach Whiskey BBQ Chicken

Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmagiana and Marinara.

Basic Sauted Chicken Breasts.

My truck loaded down with all the loot!

Freezer full of meals!

Did I mention, all three kiddos were hanging around and were perfect angels!!!  Thank goodness for awesome Daddies!  We couldn't of done it without them!

A Perfect End to a Perfect Month

I can't believe the month of October has already come and gone.  Or that my tiny little baby isn't so tiny anymore and will soon be two!  I'm sure by next year he won't have many memories of this past month, but I will have stories and pictures too! 

Marcus had his class party the Friday before Halloween.  I was heartbroken when I found out I would be unable to attend due to rehab on my knee.  It was a difficult day for me, but it was made better by his teacher.  I asked her if she would be kind enough to take pictures of the occasion and she was excited to agree!  His class went room to room and trick or treated each and every class.  I received a report from another mother that he wanted to stay in the pre-k class where they were enjoying a movie!  But, he quickly changed his mind when he found out more candy would be the cost!  I believe he truly enjoyed his party! 

The next evening, we went to Trick or Treat on the Trails and we had a party!  I was pleasantly surprised at how many local businesses set up a booth at the trails!  When we left, Marcus had over a bucket of candy and toys!  He was thrilled and seemed to love Halloween!  We came back home for our little party.  I made a spider web dip, an apple sangria, candy corn shooters, and we had a carmel apple dipping station along with other goodies!  The apple sangria was a huge hit and I will be making it again!  I found the recipe on Pinterest.  Then, I completely changed it and everyone loved it! 

On Halloween, we were invited to trick or treat with our friends.  I was very excited because I wasn't sure how Marcus would respond if he trick or treated alone.  We went with a fairly large group of children and he did very well!  He walked almost all of the way and didn't seem frightened by the "scary" stuff.  I dread next year when he's old enough to understand just what scary really is!  He really enjoyed himself and loved all the treats he received! 

I really enjoyed this month and can't wait to do it all again next year.  Well, maybe I can wait.  I don't want Marcus growing up any faster!

Ready to go to his school party!

Trick or Treating through the classrooms.

Ready for a Halloween Party!  Candy Corn Guessing Game, Costume Contest voting...

Gift Bags!

This witch is ready to party!

Spider web layered dip

Elmo and his Daddy at Trick or Treat on the Trails.

Carmel apple dipping station.

"Belle" and her apple.

Candy Corn Shooters!  For the "big kids".

Twinkie Witches!

A butterfly and a witch!

 

Tyler loves his apple!!!

Let the trick or treating begin!

Mommy and Marcus - trick or treating

Lily, Tyler and Marcus - such a wonderful experience!

Pumpkin Carving Fun!

Tonight was a very busy night tonight!  I made pumpkin shaped sandwiches for Marcus' class tomorrow.  They are having their class party in the morning.  We also carved the pumpkin we selected at Yesterland Farm.  Marcus was very eager to help with everything!  I just couldn't let the seeds go to waste.  So, I decided to make Sugar and Spice Pumpkin Seeds.

These are very easy to make and are a delicious snack!  You clean and dry the seeds.  It's ok it they're still slightly moist.  Melt 1-2 tsp butter and add to seeds.  I used 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp cinnamon and 2 tsp sugar.  They turned out pretty good, but next time we will add a little more sugar.  Next, you bake for about an hour at 300 degrees.  Stir about every 15 minutes. Cool and serve! 

For those who know Marcus best, they know Elmo is a "must have" in our home.  So naturally, we found an Elmo pumpkin pattern to use!  It turned out really great!  Marcus hasn't seen it yet, because I put him to bed while Daddy was still carving.  I can't wait until the morning when he discovers his Elmo pumpkin!  I can already hear his little voice saying it!

Tonight was a success and I can't wait to see Marcus' face light up while he's discovering the magic of the holiday for the first time!

Pumpkin shaped sandwich

Daddy digging out seeds.  Mommy separating pulp from seeds.  Marcus thinking we're nuts! 

It's a dirty job, but someone had to do it!

Marcus just had to have a bite!  He wasn't impressed!

Helping Daddy map out the jack o lantern.



Elmo Jack o Lantern!!! 



Adding melted butter to the cleaned and dried seeds.

Sprinkling cinnamon and sugar.

Stirring the mixture.

Pour to bake.

Finished product.  Yummy!