Firethorne Christmas Lights

Last Saturday, after having dinner and going to see Santa, we drove through our community and looked at all the beautiful Christmas lights.  I had gotten an email for the "yard of the month" for Firethorne, and boy did they deserve it.  It was truly amazing.  They had a tent set up in their driveway with tons of cookies, brownies and other assortments of sweets and hot chocolate.  Then Santa sat out in front of their house and took pictures with all the kids.  It was the kindest, nicest thing these wonderful people could have done.  It was like their gift to our housing addition and I was truly amazed.  I didn't have my camera with me so these are pictures from my cell which don't do it justice.

Santa again!!!

As Caroline says "Preeeee" aka "Pretty"

She was in awe, so was I!!

Fa La La La La!!!

Our halls have been decked for awhile now, but I haven't gotten around to blogging much lately!  I started right after the nutcracker market in mid November.  Since we travel during the Holidays I wanted to enjoy as much as possible.

She's done really well except grabbing an ornament here and there.

Went totally different with the topper this year!!

Same ornament... different day! :) Love this picture.

Love my Santa.  Another great item from the Round Top Collection at the market!

Meet "Pat Pat"

Merry Christmas from the Hopewell's!!!

Hot Toddy...

For the adults only of course.  My Dad made this concoction last Christmas called Apple Pie Moonshine.  Warning: It tastes just like a regular apple cider so you have to be careful as it's a "sipping" drink and can sneak up on you a little.  Great little gifts for neighbors and friends.  It's perfect for when you aren't going to be driving of course, or if you have don't have any special place to be!  I loved to heat up a little at a time last year and wrap my presents.  Also great for Christmas parties or gatherings.

This year I decided to make up a batch and jar a few to give as little gifts to my neighbors and friends.  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 gallon apple juice
1 gallon apple cider
3 cups white sugar
8 cinnamon sticks
1 liter bottle of grain liquor (I used everclear) 190 proof (Yes, that's why it can sneak up on you) :)

Directions:

1.  In a large stockpot (I had to use two) combine apple juice, cider, sugar and cinnamon sticks, bring to a boil and remove from heat and allow to cool.
2.  Add bottle of high proof liquor.
3.  Pour this into mason jars, screw the lids on and let it mellow out.  You can drink it right away, but it does get better after a week or two.  (I canned it like I was canning anything else and formed the seal in case anyone wanted to save it for awhile.)

Waiting on them to boil...

Ta Da!!!

Remember, this stuff is so tasty and smooth!  Use with CAUTION! :) 



Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family this year and Caroline got to enjoy all the yummies as well!!

"Gobble, gobble" Never mind the drool, I've come to terms that it's never going to end! :)

Silly girl

Leaves!!

Pointing to buzzards that were so high I don't know how she spotted them!

One of the arrangements mom did for the table.  Such talent!