Carroll Christmas & Vanilla Honey Butter

Every year for the last 75 years "Carroll Christmas" has taken place. It originated with Brad's grandparent's family and their 7 children, and since then, has probably tripled in size with descendants. His family has a beautiful church camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the Saturday before Christmas, the entire family comes from afar to celebrate with one another.

This year was Keating's first year, and he was supposed to be Baby Jesus in the kids Nativity play. I was really looking forward to filming him flipping out while he was swaddled as a docile baby Jesus {His exact opposite.} Instead of sleeping in the manger, he fell asleep in the car. We decided not to wake him, because lately with nap time, I take what I can get.

Another tradition that the day entails is the annual skeet shoot. Usually just the boys participate in the contest, but this year a few girls gave them a run for their money!

It has been so cold lately that the pond is actually frozen.

Keating loves being outside like his dad.

He hung out with Aunt Melissa a lot so that I could photo the contest.

Blue was so well behaved that he had the entire extended family fooled! He was so happy all day, but would NOT be held by anyone other than a select few. His stranger anxiety is still at an all time high.

We passed this precious barn on the way home with a Nativity in the hay loft. I thought it was so cute. Not something we see around town.

So if you follow my tweets, last week I mentioned that I made Vanilla Honey Butter. I LOVE honey butter and I decided that I would whip some up to give away to friends. I enhanced the recipe a bit and it came out so delicious.

Vanilla Honey Butter

1 lb Butter
3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

First cream the butter

Then add honey, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon

I had saved a few baby food jars that I repurposed. I spray painted the lids so that they didnt say Gerber. = )

Then I spruced them up with a little fabric and a homemade tag. Its all about the presentation! This stuff is amazing on biscuits, toast, muffins, a spoon.... just keep in mind that it is butter, and not frosting. I had to keep reminding myself of that!

Well I hope that everyone is having a great week. I cant believe it is almost Christmas!!! This week I am excited to see a lot of friends that are coming into town for the festivities. It has been ages since I have seen a few of them.

Also DONT FORGET to enter my giveaway!!