First Trip to the Play Place!

On Wednesday the kids and I went to the Play Place in the mall to escape the cold weather one last time before the ice storm came. The way the Weather men and people were talking (and shopping) that this Ice store was going to be the apocalypse.... So, we met up with some friends and had a fun day! I'm a germ freak (which you may know already) so today was Caroline's first day to actually "play" in the play place. Here are some photos to sum up the play time!


She is Oh-so proud of herself!

Tobin announced that you didn't have to play on top of the flowers, you could hid underneath. Ha!

Caroline is trying to figure out how all those kids got on top of the flowers, while sweet Ava ran around her! So cute!

This pretty much sums up most of the photos of Tobin that were taken.

Wonder what they are thinking here...

"okay, I'm tired! I think I'll just watch from the stroller now" (do you see her cute bow barrette actually in her hair! It's growing people!

Sweet Ava!

My baby is growing up! She will be walking ANY DAY NOW! Prayers are appreciated ;)

Fun at Mimi's House

Tobin has loved this bench since he was 18months old! Now, they sit together to watch tv, while being spoiled at Mimi's house!
Caroline With Mamaw(Tony's grandmother). Mamaw is smitten over her "Sweet Sunshine" Caroline!

Tobin loves his Mimi!

Mimi made this cute hat for Caroline! Isn't it darling? I added the bow, of course. Have I mentioned I'm addicted to bow making? Ha!

Snack Time!

"Why do you constantly tell me to "say cheese" mom? good grief!"
"I'll share if you stop taking pictures!"

"When are you gonna be done with this? Seriously?"

Have I mentioned this girl loves to eat?!

Vegetarian Spicy Taco Soup

Okay my friends, for all of you doing the Daniel Fast like I am, here's a recipe to try if you're out of ideas! It's what's for dinner tonight(okay, I know I'm not Rachael Ray, but I like making up recipes anyway)!

Two cans pinto beans

One can black beans

One can red beans (also can use kidney beans)

One large can diced tomatoes

One can tomato paste

(Optional)One can chopped green chili's

One can corn

Half of One sweet onion, chopped

One raw jalapeno chopped (If you like things really spicy, you can add more. However, beware if you simmer all day in a crock pot. It can get really spicy)

One package taco seasoning (if you get the low sodium kind, it doesn't have sugar in it)

Or, you can substitute taco seasoning for the following: (all approx: I don't measure anything, just put it in my hand and throw it in ;)

- 2 tbs chili powder

- 1 1/2 tsp cumin (or cuminos)

- 1 tbs minced garlic

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix all ingredients into a pot or crock-pot. Do not drain juice out of the cans. I simmer all ingredients in a crock-pot for a few hours. You can also simmer in a pot on the stove. The longer it simmers, the better (I think).

(I usually like it topped with cheese, sour cream and chips, but you know... Daniel doesn't think that's wise :)

For all of you non-Daniel Fasters. You can start out with a pound of ground beef. Yum!

Christmas in a flash

Found the Camera on Christmas eve- it was a miracle! Here is a review of our Christmas/New Years holiday. I have more photos to upload than I have time to upload then, but this will give you an idea.





Our Christmas this year was fabulous! The kids got to meet Santa this year. I swear he was the real one! Caroline's first Christmas for Santa to visit...

Tobin was overjoyed to finally meet the real Santa!

We made our yearly tradition of Christmas cookies. I didn't think we were going to have time this year- but being snowed in on Christmas Eve made it easier for us to do the things we love to do together like... make Christmas cookies, read books, watch Christmas movies, and just enjoy each other. Mostly, we got to focus on what Christmas really is all about- the birth of our Savior!

Tobin was shocked when he woke Christmas morning! He got a Kitchen(which he plays with all day long every day- I keep thinking he'll get tired of it), and the only thing he asked for - A Slinky Dog!

Caroline got spoiled by everyone this year. Being her first Christmas , it didn't take her long to figure out how to unwrap the presents. She loves tearing paper now! Here she is playing with one of her new toys in her dress that my Grammy made her!

We experienced a real live blizzard this year! When it hit town, we were at church. It normally takes us 15 minutes to get home from church in traffic. It actually took us over an hour to get home! It was unbelievable! A white Christmas we will never forget! We got a record breaking 14.1 inches! Tobin loved making snow angels and of course, throwing snow balls!

Christmas afternoon, we dug our car out of the snow...

... drove through the snowy hills...

... to go see our family!

We had a great Christmas this year! Aunt Serina made everyone these great hats!

Second cousins Kinsey and Caroline finally got to meet.

...And we said goodbye to my sweet Grandaddy, Herschel. He is now gardening with the Lord in heaven, but we will miss him so much!
Tuesday, My doctor said I was officially in Remission. I am now off all steroids- Praise the Lord! I give the Lord full credit for my healing. We are starting 2010 thanking God for our blessings. Hope your 2010 is blessed beyond measure!