Simmering Spice Stovetop Potpourri

Happy New Year!

We had a great Christmas back in Ontario with friends and family.  Since we had a long drive back last night it was nice to have a low key and relaxing day today.  The kids started out by playing with some of their Christmas presents. 

Chris and Matthew finished Matthew's lego construction vehicles.....

.....while Sarah worked on her latch hooking.  I clearly remember latch hooking when I was a little girl so it is fun to watch Sarah doing the same.

As you can see she has completed 2 rows with MANY more to go.  I hope that she sticks with it and finishes her project.

Since it was a mild day today we all went out to play.  Here is a snowman that the girls did all by themselves.  Jillian even put eyelashed on their 'snowgirl'.

We also hung up the birdseed tree ornaments that the kids made for Chris.  They look so pretty against the back drop of snow.

Then the kids played 'Just Dance' on the wii.  It is a really fun game!  The kids looked so cute dancing around.  Sadly Sarah preferred songs by Ke$ha instead of the 'classics'.  I think this marks the beginning of musical divergence in our household.

While we played around this afternoon I had this great stove top potpourri simmering on the stove.  It smelled amazing and filled the house.  We will definately be making this again!

1 orange sliced

1 lemon sliced

4 cinnamon sticks broken into halves

3 tablespoons whole cloves

2 tablespoons whole all spice

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon nutmeg
4 cups water

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Then reduce to a simmer and enjoy the wonderful smells.  Occasionally watch the pot and add more water as needed.

Wishing you a wonderful New Year filled with

health and happiness!