Ever have days like this

How does that song go...Mama said there will be days like this. Well my momma didn't but boy oh boy am I learning. A sample of my day. We took my little angels to the Dr. with my mom and I to check up on her arm. They were perfect, Dr. kept saying how wonderful and adorable they are (yes I did puff up my chest a little hearing such wonderful comments being made) Later we get home with very long paper towel tubes the DR. decided to give my kids so they could make arts and crafts with (they made a homeschooling momma very happy) so we get home and off to work on some shakers. I bring out the beans since I didn't want to open the rice. I say to my darlings sweeties "Mom is going to run downstairs and get the tape I will be right back" I head down to the cellar and then hear little drops over my head....oh no I think they are touching the beans. "Colby why do I hear beans dropping on the floor?" in which he responds "Well mom you didn't say we couldn't touch them" ahhhh of course I didn't I forgot I need to give detailed intruction for every moment...lol...All is well we made shakers. When we were done I noticed the weather was a steaming 50 degrees and thought we need to take advantage of this warm weather before we are literally snowed in. Send them out and we play. Time to come in I ask them to wash their hands. Angels 1 and 2 do as asked....then I noticed angel number 3 is gigglinga bit much. I walk in and water has flooded my floor, she has decided to wash her hair and is drenched...lol...off I go to clean up. Then lets finish the night with a bang...literally. I am now cooking and hear bang...giggle...bang...giggle. "Um Colby what is that banging I hear?" to which he responds "Don't worry mom I'm just playing with your exercise bands" I then think well at least thay are getting some use now and continue to cook. My darling husband comes home runs upstairs to change and I hear...."MEL some here!" oh boy I'm coming. Off I come wobbling over as fast as I can. I reach upstairs and he shows me a wall full of dents and black marks. Apparently I did have something to worry about silly mom. When the angels were playing so nicely they were using my exercise bands as sling shots and making dents in my wall.......momma forgot to tell me there would be days like this. Have you had days like this?

Homemade hot cocoa and marshmallows

Marshmallows

Ingredients:
4 envelopes unflavored gelatin
water
3 c. granulated sugar
1 1/4 c. light corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

powdered sugar for slicing

Directions:
-In large saucepan over medium high heat, combine 3/4 c. water, sugar, corn syrup and salt.
-Meanwhile, in bowl of stand mixer place 3/4 c. water and sprinkle gelatin on top, let plump.
-Bringing sugar mixture to boil, place candy thermometer in middle of mixture, making sure not to touch the side or bottom of the pan and let keep a rolling boil until mixture passes 235 degrees, about 3-5 minutes.
-With mixer on low, carefully pour sugar mixture into mixer bowl and slowly raise beater to high speed.
-Beat sugar mixture on high for five minutes and then add vanilla. (If you'd like to add other flavors here like peppermint, color, or cocoa powder for chocolate, add now).
-Continue beating mixture for an additional 5 minutes.
-Meanwhile, oil a 9x13 pan for large marshmallows or two 10x10 pans for small marshmallows.
-When done beating, pour sugar mixture into pan(s), smooth top and tap to release extra air.
-Leave on counter overnight to form.
-Generously sprinkle working surface with powdered sugar, turn out marshmallow mixture, generously sprinkle with powdered sugar, and cut as desired, lightly coating marshmallow shapes with powdered sugar to avoid sticking.


Easy and Delicious Hot Cocoa Mix

Ingredients:
4 c. vanilla sugar
2 c. Hershey's cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
-Combine all ingredients in large bowl and whisk to combine well.

Directions for serving:
-For cold night: Mix 4 Tbsp cocoa mix to mug, add 1 c. milk and heat in microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes.
-For a crowd: Add 3/4 c. cocoa mixture and 1/3 c. water in saucepan over medium heat, boil for 2 minutes, add 4 c. milk, heat back up and serve immediately

Vanilla Sugar
Vanilla sugar is about 1 vanilla bean to every 2 c. granulated sugar. You put the sugar in a container, scrape out the innards of the bean, add that and the bean into the sugar and let sit for about 1-2 weeks (I like 2 weeks, but I love vanilla). You can use in anything like granulated sugar.