Frozen Pepperiment Hot Chocolate

Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate (see recipe below)

I didn't expect to feel up to posting so soon, but I have been feeling good and baby Jules is making it pretty easy on me.  Most nights she only gets up once to eat and she is such a happy baby!  I prayed many times that she would be a good eater and sleeper (among other things), and God definitely answered my prayers.

Here she is with big sister on Sunday:

We went and got our Christmas tree with David's family on Saturday (we were soaking up having Uncle Evan and Auntie Elisa in town) and Uncle Evan captured the outing for us.  Thank you, Evan!

Peyton playing at the farm before we loaded up:

This is one of the views we get to enjoy- beautiful!

Getting ready to go (don't worry, they didn't ride in the back of the truck). :)

Uncle Bryan and Daddy at the tree farm:

We posed in front of this tree as a joke!

David is the king of Christmas.  Actually, make that Jesus, but David is incredibly sentimental and fun.  We usually drink hot cocoa while decorating the tree and this year Olivia and I made the frozen peppermint hot chocolate out of her kid's cookbook.  The little nuts and David decorated the tree while Julia and I watched.  He made it so memorable for them and was very patient!:)

We have been showered with so much love and thoughtfulness.  I can't express our gratitude enough!  My cousin, Angie made the most amazing care package with gobs of personalized things for our family.  I want to share more of her creations, but for now look at the little string of ducks with name tags she made for the nuts.     

My Aunt Holly made these adorable snowman bibs:

See what I mean?  We have felt so spoiled (delicious dinners, etc.)!

Here is the recipe if you want to give it a try (easy and tasty to make with kids). 

I'd like to share some other Christmas stuff, so hopefully I'll be back soon! 

Frozen Peppermint Whipped Topping:
1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
10-12 hard peppermint candies, crushed
1 to 2 drops red food coloring
Hot Chocolate:
4 cups whole or reduced-fat milk
Pinch salt
11/2 cups milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Makes 8 servings

Line a cookie sheet with foil or waxed paper.  Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine half of the whipped topping with crushed peppermints.  Add a drop or two of red food coloring an stir to blend.
Drop 8 teaspoons full of whipped topping in the shape of dollops on prepared cookie sheet.  Place in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes.
Heat milk and salt in large saucepan over medium heat until steaming.  Remove from heat, add chocolate chips.  Return to low heat and whisk until chips are melted and mixture is smooth.  Remove hot chocolate from heat and add vanilla.  Garnish each cup of hot chocolate with frozen peppermint whipped topping.