Hubby's Homemade Mint Hot Chocolate

I love new beginnings, don't you?  This blog has a new name, a new background, and new tabs to more accurately reflect the blog's overall theme.  Check out the "Yearly Goals" tab to see how I am kicking off 2013. 

It was so nice today when the kids were able to get all their winter stuff on (helping each other and doing it without my assistance).  They had a blast playing in the snow and making a snow science museum.  I have no idea what a snow science museum is, only that my kids are having fun building one.:)

In light of my goals for 2013, I was the good Mommy and called them in for hot chocolate before their faces were too red.  Hubby gave me this idea the other night to make homemade mint hot chocolate; so easy and delicious.
  
   Hubby's Homemade Mint Hot Chocolate

   Step #1:  Gather the supplies (Andes mints- I got these crushed mints on sale at Aldi after
   Christmas for $1.30; they are usually quite a bit more- you could use whole Andes mints too.  You
   can crush up candy canes too although that is harder, literally).  Also you will need hot water,
   mugs, spoons, candy canes and hot cocoa mix.

  

   Step #2:  Boil water for the hot cocoa (I like the whimsy of using a teapot).

   
    Step #3:  Add mints to the bottom of the mug

   
  
   Step #4:  Pour hot water over mints and stir.

   Step #5:  Add your favorite hot cocoa mix and stir

  Step #6:  Add a candy cane if desired (careful because it cracks and breaks when the water is hot. 
  Make sure the drinkers know there may be large candy chunks in their drink before it melts).  You   
  can also use a candy cane for dipping too.  Let the drink cool some before you serve it, you can
  always add an ice cube.  Whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles would be a fun add-on.

 

     Step #7:  Enjoy a cup for yourself and the smiling faces that think you are the best!
 

Joy Comes In Unexpected Places

Rewind.  Over 10 years ago I walked through the gun aisle of a sporting goods store and started crying as Hubby looked at guns.  I did not grow up with guns around.  Since I was a teacher, my connection with guns was hearing about school shootings and gun accidents.  Fear dictated my view of guns.

Fast forwarded to today.  I still don't feel real comfortable with guns, but I support my hubby's hobby and collection.  I have even attended a gun safety class and shot handguns several times.  Well, the other day I shot Hubby's new AR build and you know what?  I actually enjoyed myself by the second shot.  And I checked another thing off my Bucket List; I hit the target!

Joy comes in unexpected places.

We have had a lot of loss with the adoption process.  10 babies, not ours.  Still waiting, much longer than we expected.  Grief knocks throughout the days; but joy does too.  Joy came while I was doing something I feared.

Joy found in the three, right here, collected the bullet shells, once fired, a treasure hunt.  Find casings, memorials of the power displayed.  Keep counting...

#2081  Done with school for the year- quite the milestone.  We learned, we cried, we grew, we finished; joy.

#2082  Darling daughter started a Horse Blog and stopped crying about writing, when she got to use the keyboard to write.  She loves to use exclamation points!!!!!!!!!  Quite fitting for a girl who approaches life with such enthusiasm!

#2084  After big break from phonics and tears of frustration (from student and teacher) we found a reading program that works for sunshine-head.  He is one who can honestly say, "Hooked on Phonics worked for me!":)  So proud of you son.

#2085  For the flexibility of youngest while the others do school.  So ready to learn...chiming in with answers.  Your turn will come this fall buddy.

Today, let's bring joy to unexpected places...like a dentist office, a stressful work environment,  a lonely neighbor, a spouse who could use a helping hand, a prayer offered for a difficult situation.


Jeremiah 31:13-14  
"Then (she) will rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old, together, for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and give them joy for their sorrow.  And I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness', declares the LORD."