CHRISTMAS IN ANKENY

This is Ruby, getting to know her Nana. She was very purposeful as she unwrapped her gift. She is somewhat quiet but loves to laugh and mimics any sound. It won't be long and she will chatter away just like Mya! She is learning how to kiss, but still prefers to be kissed. She is a really good eater and is so obviously in love with her new family. I think this is a match made in Heaven!

Carter ~ what a ham! We had to go to Pet Smart and buy fish for his bowl. His only request was replacement fish. Poor Frank had passed some time ago and the bowl had been empty too long. Now Bubbles and Swimmy (?) are happily swimming around the bowl.

Mya was so disappointed that Santa didn't bring her the wedding Barbie and the one she can kiss with. She was surprised to discover that Santa had asked me to bring  these over for her because his bag was so full. She was so excited, full of oohs and aahs.

And my little man~Cole~ so loved his Classic Children's novels that he was 60 pages into The Wizard of Oz before dinner. He is and  always has been an avid reader.  I can't believe he will be 13 this summer. Time just flies by.....
My sister, Patty, passed a recipe on to me that our sister, Barb, had given her. I want to share it with you. 
QUICK AND EASY WILD RICE SOUP
2 C. COOKED WILD RICE ( Uncle Ben's is easy.)
1/2 JAR/PACKAGE BACON BITS ( I use the packaged ones.)
OR  1 C. CHOPPED CHICKEN ( I used both.)
1/2 C. CHOPPED ONION
1/2 C. CHOPPED CELERY
1 8 OZ. CAN MUSHROOMS
2 or 3 CANS CREAM OF POTATO SOUP
1 or 2 CANS CHICKEN BROTH
2 C. MILK ( I used half and half.)
1 C. SHREDDED CHEESE ( any kind will do. I used Cheddar.)
1 or 2 T. WHITE WINE ( option that I skipped. )
Combine all ingredients in your soup pot.
Heat over low heat but DO NOT allow to boil.
I served with crusty hot bread.
Gratitude:**I am thankful for sticky little hands, constant chattering, spilled milk, chocolate kisses, silly board games, knee hugs, and all the warm, fuzzy memories they give me.**