it's a marshmallow world in the winter

I made homemade marshmallows yesterday and I've been debating for a full 24 hours if I like them even equally to the store-bought variety. Which, I have to admit, is a little weird because if there was ever a thing I could make homemade I will almost always choose to make it at home because homemade just tastes so much better. Then I met homemade marshmallows. Well hello, there. They are beautiful, fluffy, square, and kind of weirdly textured. I wanted to fall in love with them and elope in Paris, but I just.. couldn't... do... it.

But that aaaaall changed this morning, when I put confections in question to their final test. They went for a little dunk in a steaming pool of hot cocoa and... and... Oh baby. They are SO much better than the store bought in there. It's amazing! They are creamy, and smooth, and melty-yummy-delicious.

In conclusion, if you ever come to a hot cocoa party at my house, you can expect homemade marshmallows. But any other time, expect the usual jet-puffed variety.

If you'd like to find out for yourself, the recipe I used can be found here.

(Photo from martha)

he takes after his father

Ben says the only subject he really struggled with in school was penmanship. And now, poor Benson has had the hardest time getting his little name on a piece of paper. He has practiced writing his name for hours now, and it's paying off. He's been so determined, and it's so cute to see him do his "homework" with daddy. Ak, before I know it, he'll be in kindergarten and then reading, and thenwriting stories, and then being published.

le ballet

This week we will celebrate 6 lovely years together. And because my husband is so awesome, he took me to see the Russian National Ballet perform Cinderella. The ballet itself was less than stellar, honestly, but it was so fun go out it really didn't matter. My favorite part of the night was eavesdropping during intermezzo. We parked ourselves next to a group of Russians, looked intently at our program, and Ben listened and translated what they were saying. Ben was Bond, and I was his arm candy. But secretly packing heat. I just googled "packing heat" to make sure that means what I think it does. It does.

sweet dreams

Before we ever had children, Ben talked about how excited he was to share his love of sports with his boys. It warms my heart to see him get his wished fulfilled.

And while I share this dream with Ben, the dream I think of most often for myself is playing dolls with my daughter. I really hope that someday I get to have my dreams too.

Discover Kate Rusby!

PS please enjoy some tunage. This is one of my newest favorites. It's kind of random, and sorta makes me want to cry, but I love it somehow. I really want to go to Ireland, but for now, I love listening to this and picturing old castles and green, rolling hills. And sheep. And men in kilts.

*Ha! It's totally a Scottish song. hahaha Do Scotland and Ireland look very different? hahaha I'm dumb, but it's still good. :)

never give up

My kids are so stubborn about trying new foods. It makes me crazy! Ugh, last week I actually cried because I take so much time to make healthy dinners for my family and then no one but me eats them. It's dumb to cry over it, but you know sometimes I get stressed out for no good reason.

But there is hope.

Benson somehow got brave enough to try the celery in his chicken noodle soup last night, and exclaimed, "This is my FAVORITE!" And then he ate all the celery in his bowl and asked for some more.

I'm so happy he's found a vegetable companion for the carrots he likes.

Now if we could only get Banks to eat something once in a while that wasn't Ramen Noodles...

I thought this was the most clever thing I've ever seen. Enjoy!

It would seem that Banks likes his chocolate frosting with a side of toenail. Mmmmmmm toenail frosting....