They Came In Shifts (and a winner)

***Congrats to comment #3, CRYSTAL! You won the Poster Pop giveaway! Please send me which design and what color you'd like, as well as your mailing info, so I can get it to the shop owner. ***

Yesterday was one of those days when I wasn't sure whether to laugh hysterically or run and hide....or both. Libby had a play date. Her super adorable friend was WONDERFUL; the Libster-- well, let's just say it wasn't one of her better days.
I also might have tried to get way too much done whilst watching three kiddos.
So, I did what any resourceful girl would do on a day such as this; I called for reinforcements.

Shift one: LENZIE

While Lenzie was on duty, I made one of my all-time favorite holiday treats: peppermint bark.

Yes, I know, I'm a mint chocolate addict. Sue me. I love the combo, and this is hands down one of the easiest, tastiest treats out there. Three ingredients. No cooking. What more could you want?

All you need is four cups of rice krispies, a package of almond bark (or another version of white melting chocolate), and some peppermint pieces. I swear I'll marry the man who packages peppermint in sprinkle form. It's so not fun crushing peppermint. To get this, I crushed eight candy canes (aka beat them shamelessly until they were in itty bitty pieces). This is by far the hardest part.

You then melt the chocolate in the microwave for two minutes at first and then in one minute intervals until it stirs easily (I think mine took five minutes total). Be sure to attempt to stir it after each minute though....chocolate is tricky stuff and will make you think it's still solid when actually it's way more melted than it appears.

Once it's melted all the way, slowly add the four cups or rice krispies. Stir until the krispies are well-coated.

You'll then want to pour the chocolate coated rice krispies onto a sheet of wax paper. You can put this directly on your counter or onto a cookie sheet, whichever you prefer. Once you've poured it onto the sheet, spread it the best you can using a spatula and then pour the peppermint pieces on top. You'll then take another sheet of wax paper, lay it on top of the mix, and use the paper to press the mix flat. You'll then remove the paper on top and let the mix cool.

Once it cools, you can break it apart and enjoy the heck out of it.

Note: while mine was cooling, Libby was picking out her first day of college outfit.

Ummmm...Mom's thinking not so much.

Ok, so once it cools and you break it, it will look something like this:

Like I said, easiest treat ever. And it sure is yummy.

After we treated, we enjoyed a stimulating game of Scrabble Junior with our guests. Let me just say that I highly recommend this game if you have a little one in your life. One side of the board (the side you see here), has words already printed on it, but the other side is blank like a traditional scrabble board so that the game can grow with your little one.

Told ya Lib's friend is adorable. I so wanted to keep her, but seeing as it's Christmas and all, I found it in my heart to return her at the end of the day.

Shift two: MOLLY

When Molly arrived, she was greeted by two hiding little girls.

Obviously hiding discreetly is not one of the Libster's many gifts.

And here's what the neighbors saw.

It's only a matter of time until they vote us off the island, folks.

And let me just say, Molly deserves hazard pay for her time here yesterday. The girl is a champ. She so got the short end of the stick with the middle shift. The poor girl had to deal with lunch time drama, no nap fiascoes, and a very grumpy Libby. I hope we can still be friends, Molly.

Shift three: RACHEL

Oh, I love Rachel. I swear our visits are NEVER long enough. And no, she doesn't always look like this....but it sure is funny when she does.

Well, while Rachel was here helping with Hollyn and corralling the kindergartners, I attempted to make homemade marshmallows.

The recipe came from here. Contrary to what the hubby will tell you, they really weren't all that difficult to make. And they have a minty flavor that I'm thinking would be pretty darn tasty in a cup of hot chocolate. However, by themselves....well, let's just say you might want to stick to the peppermint bark, alrighty?

So, with only two more days until Christmas Eve and with us preparing to tackle tomorrow night out of town, I have a never-ending to-do list.

Here's hoping you are WAY more on top of things than I am this year.