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So, little sis have you ever thought to yourself,  "I wonder what losers do on New Year's".  Well I'll tell you.  They sneak booze while celebrating the New Year with their young children.  They then wonder why the heck they didn't change the clocks so that they could crawl into bed with the New York crowd (you know watch the ball drop "live" eastern time so you can crawl into bed at 10).  Yeah that was me this year.  The first time ever that C and I didn't go out on the town (K-town that is) with our good friends, it was terrible.  I tried to make a party out of it but C was working, the P's couldn't make it do to a post hunting accident... and the cool people were in the "big city".  What a bust of a year, I almost cried at the thought of ringing in the New Year with my kiddos that probably wouldn't make it past their normal bed time, but I pulled it together and decided to plan a party anyways.  As I was planning my "menu" Buff says, "Mom why are you making all this food if no one is coming".  Seriously... even my 7 year old knows I am a loser.  Bummer.  I re-grouped and totally made a killer menu.  Pizza bites, home-made veggie dip, easy peasy sugar cookies, and malted hot cocoa.  I may be a loser but I am a pretty good hostess when no one is around :).  C did end up getting off prior to midnight and came home, put on his "lounge wear" and created Lego creations with Buff and Lou.  We have totally become L*O*S*E*R*S... okay not losers but you know boring parents.  I didn't even kiss C until 1am when he basically had to tuck me into bed from pure exhaustion.  I can't believe I stayed awake that long.  Buff and Lou were wide awake still at that point, it is a little embarrassing to have your 7 and 5 year olds tucking you into bed.  WHEN DID I GET SO OLD.

Well although my New Year's didn't quite go as planned I did stumble upon a delicious hot cocoa recipe.  If your in the mood for a milk shake but are to cold to even consider getting one this is the recipe for you.  I guess in your case, if you are just wishing your were in the "frozen tundra" this might help you get in the mood.

Malted Hot Cocoa with Toasted Marshmallows
1 serving hot chocolate
3 marshmallows
3 tbsp. malted milk powder

Heat broiler.  Place marshmallows on baking sheet.  Broil till golden brown.  Prepare hot cocoa according to package directions.  Mix in malt powder.  Top w/ toasted marshmallows.  (makes 1 serving) ENJOY.




 The kids LOVED this hot "milkshake", we will definitely be having this again.

I loved the "adult version".  I added 2 shots (give me a break it was New Year's) of Irish Cream Liqueur.  YUMMO!!!!!!   Note to self.. .next time don't use identical mugs.  Although the kids didn't get confused I thought I was chugging Corinne's leftovers when I got a nice little surprise.  It certainly warmed me up from the inside...  I'll be sure to clearly distinguish my cup from theirs next time.  But nonetheless this was a delicious "signature drink" for our New Year's party.

I hope you rang in the New Year's with a bang!  I will tell you that we did make it to church this morning, a little late, but we made it.  As we drove home from church Lou says, "whelp, guess we missed worship"... he's so funny.  I told him next week we'll be sure to get there on time so he can worship.  I love that he loves church.
LOVE the pictures.  Tell Mr.I that I need him to come hang some things for me.  My hubby doesn't ever seem to help me out with that sort of thing. :) Just kidding C, you're the best!  Well before I put my foot in my mouth anymore I better go to bed.  Love you sister!  Give my favorite almost 2 year old a kiss from her Kiki.