Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Sip a Little

The days are getting shorter and the weather is brisk! It's time to curl up with a tasty, warm drink and relax by the fire.

Who am I kidding? It's time to wipe that snotty nose off your toddler (wipe the snot off, that is, not the nose off...), reach for the screaming baby, and pray for the sun to peak out just a tad so that you might remember you are not living in the far north. If you can find that warm drink that you made an hour ago, you can bet your bottom dollar it will be lukewarm. However, I have learned to appreciate lukewarm drinks now that I have two little one's to chase after; taking slow sips of cocoa doesn't have the same appeal when you have spit-up running down your arm, and your toddler is glancing at your paints and the family pet with a gleam in her eye. When your two year old's precocious nature is leading her to experiment with fur and paint, lukewarm drinks are definitely better, they go down quicker and don't keep you tied up for long.

Just don't fret, my pet, all us mother's here on the prairies need to unite. Remember that these winter months are fleeting. *insert awkward laughter* Soon enough the calves will be laying on the ground and the crocuses will be popping up. For now, try and embrace the living room forts,  play dough you hope won't get eaten, and the Dr. Seuss marathon that will ensue. Cozy on up with your babes and cuddle their warm little bodies. Stare into their big, trusting eyes, and laugh at their antics. Know in your heart of hearts, that these are the good years. It might be chilly outside, but the sticky fingers on your clean windows, pointing at the snowflakes in wonder, are what will haul you through these long, Old Man Winter months.

If you are struggling with little sunlight, cyclical housework, and summer's opposite-remember we're all in this together. Find a neighbour mom to chat things over with or join a mom's group in town.  You can always do what I do, lay back in that fort, and stare up at the stars on that crazy quilt's back and let your heart swell with the knowledge that you are exactly where you should be in life.

Now, wipe off your counter, make that warm drink and recollect the fact that there are only five or six months until we might see a break in the weather. That ain't nothin'...

Cavities in a cup


Hot Almond 'n' Cream Drink-please, be prepared to rot your teeth out.

1c butter or margarine
1c sugar
1c packed brown sugar
2c vanilla ice cream, softened
2tsp vanilla extract
Ground nutmeg

In a saucepan over low heat, cook & stir, butter and sugars for 10-12 minutes or until butter is melted. Pour into a mixing bowl; add ice cream and extract. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes or until smooth, scraping the bowl often.


To make one serving: spoon 1/4c mixture into mug and 3/4c boiling water and stir well. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Mix can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to one week.



16 comments:

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Not a mom, but can I have a cup? Loooks sooo yummy , and I am a really good Auntie!

Unknown said...

Sending you some sunshine....we are soaking up as much as possible here. Soon I will be asking for advice on little ones, but for now, I sip my hot tea simply because I can. In just a few months, I won't be able to do that!

Julie Harward said...

That looks like one great hot chocolate or warm in your case! You are in the trenches for sure, my daughters too, I have been there and done all of that with 8 and I made it through and so much love fills my life now because of it. Come say hi some time. :D

Grandma K said...

Yes, Chey, the days do pass quickly !

And then the Grandma days come and the hot drink is lukewarm because I set it down and forget about it or forget where I put it!

For everything there is a season......

Thanks for the recipe!

Shirley said...

Such a heart warming post! It has been decades since I had my snot-nosed, curtain-climbing, crumb-snatching rug rat to clean up after, cuddle with and love. she's all grown up now, and is a lawyer in Ontario. Sigh..... thanks for the nostalgic trip, and I hope this winter brings you many wonderful memories.

Deb said...

I'm sending this post to my daughter. Bring on winter! NOT.

Alicia said...

"please be prepared to tot your teeth out" Haha, looking forward to trying this recipe! :)

Lindsay said...

Thank you for the recipe!

Oh, this sounds like my house- minus the pet. They paint each other, the walls, furniture, etc. I am trying to drink my warm drink now, but it is not the same after it has been reheated 3 or 4 times. :)

Jaimi_C said...

Sounds like you're hunkering down for the chilly days ahead like we are. Great post on just enjoying the moment and making it through the long winters. Your drink looks so yummy I think I'll give it a try some time in the near future!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

oooh yum.... and thanks for keeping it real ...LOL...

Crystal said...

That recipe sounds awesome! Even though no snot nosed kids here, but it sure would brighten up a winter (or at least give you something to keep occupied till spring comes)

Faye Henry said...

Oh what a sweet post... It brings back such dear memories.. It is great that you realize that you are in the Summer of your life.. The best part.. Enjoy it and bring on the delicious drinks..
God Bless...

Jenn Jantz said...

I can not wait to try this drink!!! YUmmm. and I know the sun has been still shining here (except today it dumped buckets of rain) it has been getting just a tad *chilly*... sweaters have been pulled out! and I have been devouring warm drinks. This ones next :)

Gumbo Lily said...

I'm a mom who has been down the road. My five Littles have turned into Bigs and left home. You are right, these days will be gone before you know it. I know that's easy for me to say now, but believe me, I remember when I thought the terrible twos and nines, and elevens would never be over.

You are exactly where God wants you to be so enjoy the ride!

The cavity in a cup looks really delish!

Jody

Allison said...

oh! This looks scrumptious. I bought two bottles of Starbucks syrup when I was in the US: one of gingerbread, one of cinnamon for 8 dollars a piece. Not bad, eh? I can't wait to make silky foamy drinks when the snow flies!

Carrie Lynne said...

Very funny

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