My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

These "stick figure" families are all the rage around here. You see them on everyone's vehicle. This is what our stick family would look like...it was fun making it! Click on the link and make yours...and then post it! :)

A Chuckle

Inside our Sunday bulletins is a layout for the next week's family devotions. This afternoon, Kevin was reading us the Devotional Thoughts and one of the questions was "Who is to be blamed if you are discouraged?" Kaleb piped up first and answered, "Daddy and Mama!"

A hearty winter soup

BLACK BEAN SOUP

Makes 4 to 6 servings

6 slices bacon, finely chopped(I use thick sliced bacon)

1/2 cup chopped onion(I always use more onion and don't chop into small pieces)

3 cloves garlic, minced

4( 15.25 oz) cans black beans, drained

2 (14 oz) cans chicken broth

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder(I use a little less chili powder, and grated some fresh sea salt into the soup)

Garnish: sour cream, minced chives (or your favorite cheese)

In a medium Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, or until just beginning to brown. Add onion and garlic; cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until onion is tender. Add beans, broth, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.

In the container of a blender, spoon half of soup; process until almost smooth. Return processed mixture to Dutch oven, stirring to combine. Garnish w/sour cream and chives, if desired. Serve!

We enjoyed this soup for lunch today, and found ourselves going back to the soup pot on the stove for seconds and then thirds! I served w/corn and hash browns. This recipe, like much of my cooking, comes from Paula Deen!

W/a little help from Daddy...

On Sunday, the kids and I tried to build a snowman; however, we just never got anywhere w/our attempts. Then, Kevin joined the kids outside Monday morning...and in about 10 minutes, Allyson called me to come outside and take a look at their snowman! I guess being a Yankee has it's advantages...they sure can make a snowman fast! :)

A hungry Silas