I haven't been much of a recipe poster--but to keep this a secret would truly be keeping a culinary light under a bushel. My sister-in-law, Audra, put together a family cook-book with her side of the family...but I was still lucky enough to get a copy! Thank you again, Audra-dear.This one is entitled "Grandma Woods' Marshmallow Treats." While I've never had the chance to meet you Grandma Woods, I will love you forever. You think I am being over-dramatic? Make them, eat them, and you will love her too.
Grandma Woods' Marshmallow Treats
1/2 c. (1 cube) butter
1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 14 oz. package Kraft caramels, unwrapped (I used Werthers Originals chewy caramels)
1/2 bag (8 oz) of large marshmallows
1 box Rice Krispies cereal
Cook butter, condensed milk, and caramels in a double boiler until smooth. Turn off heat, but leave mixture over hot water while working with it and stir often. With kitchen shears cut large marshmallows in half. Roll in caramel mixture. Then roll in Rice Krispies cereal. Place on waxed paper to cool. Store in an air tight container.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
My Two Katie's
So I have a sister-in-law Katie and a sister named Katie and some of you may be familiar with one, the other or both...but I thought I would do this post about both of them to alleviate confusion. However, I am just one sentence in and I already am sure it will be more confusing. Oh well. So the one that was Katie Barrett is now Katie Riley and the one that was Katie Linford is now Katie Barrett. Got it? Can you guess which one my actual sister?
You may have noticed that neither of them look a thing like me--the top one is my sister-in-law and the bottom one is my little sister.
My sister-in-law, Katie, is married to my older brother Will. She is one of my best friends and the most amazing mother--if you have ever seen her interact with any of her kids, you know what I'm talking about. Every time I am around her she inspires me to be a better mother: more loving, more happy, more selfless and more fun. You have never seen anyone take more joy in their children than she does, she is incredible. She is one the most hilarious people ever to be born on the earth-and I mean ever. And no matter how much time I spend with her--it's never enough...companionship (that's an inside joke). When we are together it is a non-stop chatfest, and pretty much non-stop validation. It's like a spa retreat for my personality. Love her love her love her. And one more thing--Katie, it is pathetic that this is the only picture I have of us together--I am a whale.
My sister Katie is four years younger than me and for the longest time I thought, maybe because of all the school we played as kids, that because I was older I was the one that taught her things. Hmmm...not even close. She has taught me to lighten up (work in progress), be less judgemental, take myself less seriously, and, when I have needed it most, she has been there to make me feel better--even if that meant holding a throw up bucket. She is amazing at anything she tries, she can cook, she can sew, she can decorate, she plans weddings and arranges flowers and she is the most darling, doting, wonderful brand new mother. She is also one of my best friends and when I picture her in my mind--at any age--she is always laughing. She is the most loyal, caring, kind, fun-loving, funny, do-anything-for-you-person. I can be completely and totally myself around her and that is a beautiful, beautiful thing. In that picture above she is holding my baby...here is her lovely little Macy. I cannot wait to pinch those cheeks again...
You may have noticed that neither of them look a thing like me--the top one is my sister-in-law and the bottom one is my little sister.
My sister-in-law, Katie, is married to my older brother Will. She is one of my best friends and the most amazing mother--if you have ever seen her interact with any of her kids, you know what I'm talking about. Every time I am around her she inspires me to be a better mother: more loving, more happy, more selfless and more fun. You have never seen anyone take more joy in their children than she does, she is incredible. She is one the most hilarious people ever to be born on the earth-and I mean ever. And no matter how much time I spend with her--it's never enough...companionship (that's an inside joke). When we are together it is a non-stop chatfest, and pretty much non-stop validation. It's like a spa retreat for my personality. Love her love her love her. And one more thing--Katie, it is pathetic that this is the only picture I have of us together--I am a whale.
My sister Katie is four years younger than me and for the longest time I thought, maybe because of all the school we played as kids, that because I was older I was the one that taught her things. Hmmm...not even close. She has taught me to lighten up (work in progress), be less judgemental, take myself less seriously, and, when I have needed it most, she has been there to make me feel better--even if that meant holding a throw up bucket. She is amazing at anything she tries, she can cook, she can sew, she can decorate, she plans weddings and arranges flowers and she is the most darling, doting, wonderful brand new mother. She is also one of my best friends and when I picture her in my mind--at any age--she is always laughing. She is the most loyal, caring, kind, fun-loving, funny, do-anything-for-you-person. I can be completely and totally myself around her and that is a beautiful, beautiful thing. In that picture above she is holding my baby...here is her lovely little Macy. I cannot wait to pinch those cheeks again...
Friday, September 24, 2010
Will
This is my older brother, Will--he is the greatest older brother ever. Period. He was sometimes a little rough growing up, but that is how I turned out so tough. (joke). I know I can always get great advice from him on everything from buying a house to relationship junk. And I can always depend on him to be honest, even if that means he is going to straight up tell me that I am being an idiot. But I really can be an idiot and I'd really rather know when I am... so I actually appreciate it. He knows exactly who he is and never sells out for anyone; and he talks more crap than anyone I know and it is impossible to beat him at it. He is a great father/brother/uncle and a great friend. He hates being thanked, but I don't think he even knows I have a blog, so ha...and thanks for everything, Will...
I think the only reason I have a picture of him smiling is that he was mocking me at the time.
I think the only reason I have a picture of him smiling is that he was mocking me at the time.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Amy
I know I'm going a little overboard on the Elsie showcase...but isn't that what blogs are for? So I have done a fair amount of bragging about my illustrator/sister Amy, but for those of you who aren't related to me/don't know what I'm talking about, let me explain. My sister Amy is, among many other amazing traits, an uber-talented illustrator for children's books. She was born with talent to be sure, but she has been working at it her entire life! Well, she sketched out this little number of Elsie--from memory--on an airplane--while flying back to her home in Pennsylvania. I think it's amazing! Her website is very cool... http://www.amybates.com/. I love my sister so much, and not just because she draws amazing pictures of my kids (it's quite a bonus though!).
She is super low-key about her success, we usually find out months/years later that she won some huge award or one of her books was a best seller. My sisters/sisters-in law are my best friends, to say that I lucked out just doesn't even cover it! Amy is currently living in Japan with her family (boo!). So call me, Amy, when you see this--I miss you! And I want to talk to you about next summer.
She is super low-key about her success, we usually find out months/years later that she won some huge award or one of her books was a best seller. My sisters/sisters-in law are my best friends, to say that I lucked out just doesn't even cover it! Amy is currently living in Japan with her family (boo!). So call me, Amy, when you see this--I miss you! And I want to talk to you about next summer.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Elsie's Photo Shoot
These are the pics that my friend Liz took yesterday, can you believe I have them already?!? She is great, you can check out her photo website http://rosebudpics.blogspot.com/ I am so thrilled with how they turned out--I'm going to post quite a few...you'll just have to indulge me...
Thursday, September 16, 2010
All Aboard!
Last weekend we made a stop at the Santa Susanna Train Depot here in Simi and it was so cute! Teddy loved seeing the tracks up close and the volunteers there were so happy to have visitors... doesn't seem like the get many ): Here are some pics:
Even though Teddy happily "plays guys" for hours on end these days, I think trains will always hold a special place in his heart. I'm a little tired tonight...one of those days where you run from sun up to sun down. Good news, though--Elsie had her 1-year pictures taken today! I will post asap...
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Glorious!
Teddy started preschool on Monday and he looooves it!! And guess what? So do I! He goes three days a week from 8:30-11:30. His teacher could not be cuter or more wonderful and everyday he is so excited to see "the kids." After his first day I was asking him about it and in a most conspiratorial tone, as if it was a sort of shocking secret, he turned to me and whispered, "Mom, there are girls there!"
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
GoodReads
So I'm be a bit of a procrastinator, a list maker rather than a do-er, and I get bogged down with details. I really really like things perfect--but I'm also lazy and lack self-discipline. This is not a good match. As a result of these conflicting personality traits I am somewhat of a self-help book fanatic but nothing I've read comes close to this...
Of all the self-help books I've read...and there is plenty--just ask Ben about the stack that, up until recently, towered next to our bed: The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands, The 5 Languages of Love, The Anger Trap...on and on...this is the first self-help book that has...well, actually helped my...self.
So there.
Enter... The Happiness Project.
Of all the self-help books I've read...and there is plenty--just ask Ben about the stack that, up until recently, towered next to our bed: The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands, The 5 Languages of Love, The Anger Trap...on and on...this is the first self-help book that has...well, actually helped my...self.
So there.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Little Red (7-1/2 months!)
Long time no blog, i know. So here's a some new pictures of our delicious little pumpkin... If I have to think of something clever to say, this will never get posted so, whatever!
This post is dedicated to "the Hawl", I love you Mom--and I miss you every day!
This post is dedicated to "the Hawl", I love you Mom--and I miss you every day!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
A blessing for a blessing...
Elsie was blessed last Sunday (Nov 1) and it was such a great day! Thanks again Shane & Julie for letting us party it up at your house! My parents are still on their mission so they couldn't be with us, but Elsie was able to wear a dress that my mom made which made the experience just that much more special! Here are some pictures of her in her dress...
Sunday, November 1, 2009
October Update!
It has been a busy month! We've had several long-distance requests for halloween pictures, so I'm going to start at the end!
My sister Katie and her husband Troy came for a visit a couple of weeks ago and it was soooo much fun!! We miss them every stinking day...
Believe it or not I still have more pictures to post...I will do it at some point, but at least I've made a dent!
My sister Katie and her husband Troy came for a visit a couple of weeks ago and it was soooo much fun!! We miss them every stinking day...
Isn't my sister beautiful!?! Thanks again for coming to visit, it was so dang fun.
BTW as you can clearly see Elsie has full on RED hair!! I don't think I've really communicated that very well to people, but there is no mistaking it! We think it is darling!
We also got together with my cousins Patricia and Elise to get some punkins at the farm...
BTW as you can clearly see Elsie has full on RED hair!! I don't think I've really communicated that very well to people, but there is no mistaking it! We think it is darling!
We also got together with my cousins Patricia and Elise to get some punkins at the farm...
Believe it or not I still have more pictures to post...I will do it at some point, but at least I've made a dent!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Elsie Snow Bollard
Our little Elsie is finally here!! She was born last Tuesday at 8:34 pm, 6 lbs 14 oz and 19 in. She is an absolute doll! She is super calm and easy to please...we are so thrilled with her. She is a week old tomorrow and doing great!! We'll have much more info to come, but I had to start somewhere!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
More Stupider
I admit I've always been kind of a space cadet, but it has gotten so out of hand recently. I can't remember things to save my life. Note the following that has all occurred within the last week.
Example #1:
Several weeks ago while visiting my in-laws in Irvine, I left my stinking cell phone at their house. We live over an hour away. That stunk. Luckily my brother-in-law Joe bailed me out by bringing it 1/2 way.
Example #2:
While on our next visit to the in-laws, I am gathering all my stuff getting ready to drive back to Simi Valley. I am close to walking out when my mother-in-law walks up and hands me my cell phone, "don't forget this!" Right. It is at this exact moment that I realize that I have left my car keys in my sister-in-law's car--who lives in Huntington Beach. Rats. I am so flustered by this realization that I set my wallet down on the counter and walk out of the house. As we are climbing in the car to go get my car keys, my mother-in-law asks "Have you got everything?" My response "Ha-ha seriously! What's my problem? But yes I'm totally sure I've got everything, don't worry about me." Hmmm. Nope, totally left it sitting there. So thanks again Joe and Tori for meeting me half way to deliver my forgotten keys and thanks again to Joe for again bailing me out by bringing my wallet up to Torrence.
Example #3:
My cousin-in-law Julie just had a birthday and a bunch of girls were getting together last Friday night to celebrate. Well, Ben decided to take Teddy out to get some dinner before I had to leave. As he is preparing to go, I hand him his wallet--totally forgetting that my wallet is still in Irvine. Several minutes after he's gone, I realize I have no money--and two seconds later Kaye has come to pick me up. As I get in the car I tell Kaye I've got no money, just a checkbook. Well, it so happens Kaye only has cash, just enough to dinner, so her friend in the car, Tiffany, who I have only met once and who is also very nice says, "oh don't worry, I'll pay for you." So we go to dinner and while we are chatting I learn that Tiffany is training for a marathon and is on a strict diet. Dinner ends and I write Tiffany a check, she is super awesome about it...then as we are driving home we are chatting and having so much fun I say, "oh..we don't have to go home right now, do we? Can't we go get some ice cream or something?"...again completely spacing that I have no money and hello Tiffany is training for a marathon, did I really just suggest that she take me out and buy me ice cream and sit and talk to me while I eat it? Well that's what I did, and that's what we ended up doing, and I think she is about the nicest person ever. We ate really fast because Kaye had to get up early but Tiffany's will power will forevermore be an inspiration!
Sigh, Example #4:
I've been on a couponing kick the last 6 months or so, yes because it saves money but also because it is a little bit of a contest I have with myself. Since being pregnant I've kind of fallen off the wagon because for some reason I'd rather poke my eyes out than go to the grocery store. However, yesterday we were out of everything...I mean everything. I had no choice. So I got out the coupons, which I had to organize about 3 months worth...got my list together...it took about an hour or so. Got to the grocery store, had the cart just about loaded up when I realized I forgot the coupons.
Please help me, pregnancy is eating my brain.
Example #1:
Several weeks ago while visiting my in-laws in Irvine, I left my stinking cell phone at their house. We live over an hour away. That stunk. Luckily my brother-in-law Joe bailed me out by bringing it 1/2 way.
Example #2:
While on our next visit to the in-laws, I am gathering all my stuff getting ready to drive back to Simi Valley. I am close to walking out when my mother-in-law walks up and hands me my cell phone, "don't forget this!" Right. It is at this exact moment that I realize that I have left my car keys in my sister-in-law's car--who lives in Huntington Beach. Rats. I am so flustered by this realization that I set my wallet down on the counter and walk out of the house. As we are climbing in the car to go get my car keys, my mother-in-law asks "Have you got everything?" My response "Ha-ha seriously! What's my problem? But yes I'm totally sure I've got everything, don't worry about me." Hmmm. Nope, totally left it sitting there. So thanks again Joe and Tori for meeting me half way to deliver my forgotten keys and thanks again to Joe for again bailing me out by bringing my wallet up to Torrence.
Example #3:
My cousin-in-law Julie just had a birthday and a bunch of girls were getting together last Friday night to celebrate. Well, Ben decided to take Teddy out to get some dinner before I had to leave. As he is preparing to go, I hand him his wallet--totally forgetting that my wallet is still in Irvine. Several minutes after he's gone, I realize I have no money--and two seconds later Kaye has come to pick me up. As I get in the car I tell Kaye I've got no money, just a checkbook. Well, it so happens Kaye only has cash, just enough to dinner, so her friend in the car, Tiffany, who I have only met once and who is also very nice says, "oh don't worry, I'll pay for you." So we go to dinner and while we are chatting I learn that Tiffany is training for a marathon and is on a strict diet. Dinner ends and I write Tiffany a check, she is super awesome about it...then as we are driving home we are chatting and having so much fun I say, "oh..we don't have to go home right now, do we? Can't we go get some ice cream or something?"...again completely spacing that I have no money and hello Tiffany is training for a marathon, did I really just suggest that she take me out and buy me ice cream and sit and talk to me while I eat it? Well that's what I did, and that's what we ended up doing, and I think she is about the nicest person ever. We ate really fast because Kaye had to get up early but Tiffany's will power will forevermore be an inspiration!
Sigh, Example #4:
I've been on a couponing kick the last 6 months or so, yes because it saves money but also because it is a little bit of a contest I have with myself. Since being pregnant I've kind of fallen off the wagon because for some reason I'd rather poke my eyes out than go to the grocery store. However, yesterday we were out of everything...I mean everything. I had no choice. So I got out the coupons, which I had to organize about 3 months worth...got my list together...it took about an hour or so. Got to the grocery store, had the cart just about loaded up when I realized I forgot the coupons.
Please help me, pregnancy is eating my brain.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Due and Overdue
I am way overdue in posting about this, but we are expecting! Ta-da! I am due September 10th...and we have yet to find out the gender. We tried to go last week but the stinking chord was in the way. We are so excited!! It has gone by so fast already, I'm terrified I'm going to wake up and realize I'm due, like, tomorrow. Anyhow...so there. I have officially blogged it, what a relief!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Surpise!
Where to begin!! I had the best birthday ever this year! I turned 30 years old (gulp) on the 27th of December and it was a blast. Here's what happened:
- December 26th, Ben and I head to Vegas to see the Cirque de Soliel show, Love. Incredible! Bill and Christy watched Teddy for us back in Irvine, we spent the night at Aunt Wendy's house (thanks again Wendy!) (so fun to stay up late and talk D&D, what crazy kids we are!)
- December 27th, we go shopping!! After a couple hours at the outlets, we went and saw Valkyrie. I knew we were going to stay in a hotel that night, but Ben wanted to surpise me with what hotel. So after the movie we went to check in at our hotel, The Westin. There I was just warming up my tootsies (so cold in Vegas!)...when this happened:
To my wonderful husband--the thought you put into this really humbles me. I love you so much, thank you for making my birthday so special. I hope I'm worthy of you someday! Thanks for loving me, especially when I am less than what I should be. I love you more and more each day!
To Amy, Alex, Evan, Juniper and Sean--thank you so much for coming! As if coming from PA isn't enough, you drove to Vegas too?! Thank you so much, it was soo good to see you guys. I love you all! PS I LOVE Teddy's picture, it's my most favorite thing that I ever recieved.
To Will, Katie, Jax, McArthur and Easton--Will & Katie thank you so much for letting us stay with you in St. George and for feeding and hosting us!! You guys are always so generous and amazing. Will, you're the best big brother in the world. Katie I love you to death! Jax-I wish I could have seen you, hope you like your present! McArthur and Easton--I love you both!
To Amy, Alex, Evan, Juniper and Sean--thank you so much for coming! As if coming from PA isn't enough, you drove to Vegas too?! Thank you so much, it was soo good to see you guys. I love you all! PS I LOVE Teddy's picture, it's my most favorite thing that I ever recieved.
To Will, Katie, Jax, McArthur and Easton--Will & Katie thank you so much for letting us stay with you in St. George and for feeding and hosting us!! You guys are always so generous and amazing. Will, you're the best big brother in the world. Katie I love you to death! Jax-I wish I could have seen you, hope you like your present! McArthur and Easton--I love you both!
To Katie and Troy--Thank you so much for coming!! It was so fun to hang out with you, I'm sorry you were sicky Katie, I'm just glad I got to see you at all! Troy, you are the man! I miss you guys so much! I will never forget our romantic gondola ride or our 7 hour trip to the hottest distribution center on the planet. PS Teddy LOVES his cars!!
To John and Bonnie--Thank you guys so much for coming and for lending your wheels to Amy & Alex. I will always treasure the memory of my princess balloon and birthday cake. You guys are awesome! John, I'm always 10 times happier with you around. Bon, I had so much fun hanging out with you, I love ya! I can't wait to see you guys again soon.
Thanks again everybody!!! Thanks again Bill & Christy for watching Teddy and for your continuing love and support.
Thanks again everybody!!! Thanks again Bill & Christy for watching Teddy and for your continuing love and support.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Happy Anniversary!!
It's hard to believe it's been four years! It has flown by. I'm so lucky to be married to the most patient, loving and sweet man in the whole world. It's been the greatest four years of my life and I'm looking forward to many more!
We celebrated our anniversary by going to dinner and a movie, which may not sound that exciting--but for us it was!! I am really into Top Chef this season and Fabio has a restaurant in Moorpark called Firenze, just about 10 minutes away. So we went and he was totally there! It was awesome, we has a great time! The food was great and the atmosphere was really cool. Our upstairs neighbors Dan & Lori watched Teddy (they own the dogs in my previous blog entry) and he had a great time too.
We celebrated our anniversary by going to dinner and a movie, which may not sound that exciting--but for us it was!! I am really into Top Chef this season and Fabio has a restaurant in Moorpark called Firenze, just about 10 minutes away. So we went and he was totally there! It was awesome, we has a great time! The food was great and the atmosphere was really cool. Our upstairs neighbors Dan & Lori watched Teddy (they own the dogs in my previous blog entry) and he had a great time too.
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