Toby, Our Darling Dog

I hate that I even have to make this post, but here goes...

Our sweet, adorable, and beloved Toby (Tobsters, Toby Wan Canoby, Toby-Woby, etc...) passed away this afternoon...(September 3rd, I started this post last night so the date is incorrect above). It was a horrible and heart-wrenching day, but we will get through it eventually. For those that don't know, Toby would have been 16 years old this November.

He was a special gift to my mom when she was sick with cancer. I was 14 years old! I have had Toby as a family member/dog for more than half my life. He had a wonderful life and was the best dog I could have ever asked for. Things will never be the same.

The girls did really well. I think there is a little confusion, but we told them to hug and kiss him goodbye cause he was sick and needed to go to heaven. They seemed to like that explanation and gave him LOTS of love today.

Eric has been AMAZING!!! He loves that dog like I do and as if he had gotten him as a kid too. I always knew that whoever I married would have to love Toby as much as I did. To me, dogs are part of the family. Anyway, Eric has been there for me more than I ever could have imagined.

We brought him home and placed him in a very special spot in the backyard. We planted a beautiful Oklahoma Redbud tree over him and told the girls that it was Toby's tree. We hope that even if we don't live here forever, that the tree will always be a tribute to our beautiful little friend and that the tree will bring joy to new owners, just as Toby always brought joy to us!

What would a blog post of mine be without loads of pictures?!

Some older pictures...

This summer...Lexi and her buddy!

Me and my sweetie on Wednesday...

Sweet Lilly holding her friend...

My guy today...

And yes folks, the girls ARE wearing socks on their hands. Don't ask...

My guys!

Toby met his tree this afternoon...

Goodbye sweet friend! We will never, ever forget you! You have no idea how many people loved you and will miss you!

Beef Noodle Bowl

As I mentioned before, I have been trying lots and lots of new recipes. I saw this one on Finding Joy in My Kitchen and modified it a little bit. It is great for a busy night when you need something filling and comforting, but FAST!

Beef Noodle Bowl

1/2 lb. linguine, uncooked
3 C broccoli florets

1 bell pepper, any color
2 cups carrots (I used sliced baby carrots)
1 lb. beef sirloin steak, cut into strips
1/4 C Fat Free Zesty Italian Dressing
1/4 C Soy Sauce

Cook your pasta. While pasta is boiling, cook beef in a saucepan until browned on both sides. I used pre-cooked fajita beef strips, so I didn't have to wait! :)

Cut up carrots and bell pepper, then add to the saucepan with the beef strips. Stir together the soy sauce and the italian dressing. Simmer the veggies, beef, and sauce together until the veggies are tender.

Drain pasta, add meat/veggie mixture, toss to coat! This was really good and the girls said, "MMMmmm, yummy!" after almost every bite. We will definitely try this one again!

Day at the Grandparents

We hadn't seen my Dad and Debbie for a while, so we packed up the girls on Saturday to head to Dallas. We had such a FUN time! The girls were content to run up and down the stairs and get into everything they shouldn't. But then they got the tricycles out! The girls are super hooked!! Christmas present idea received....

They both stared at their feet but wouldn't steer. It was funny watching them go straight into the bushes or make Papa walk in circles. :)

Papa and Lilly

Lexi riding with Papa's help.
Both on the move! Watch out world!
Lexi was in pink...

Afterwards we went to the backyard. The girls LOVED everything back there, from the plants, to the birds, to the big deck. They LOVED playing back there.

Here was a favorite...swinging!
Anything involving water is fun!
The girls had fun sticking their bottoms into the stream of water...
Then Nana had a great idea...pull out the wash tub and let the girls play in the water. I had swimsuits for them, but we just went with swim diapers instead. They're kids, why not!

Papa spraying Lilly. :)
It doesn't really look like it, but this is the face of a little girl giving a happy shout!
Lexi got comfortable!
Then they decided to share a little bit...
This is my favorite one...Lexi had just said, "We're twins!"
Make a funny face, Lexi!