tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77372031132962887332024-02-07T16:03:28.737-10:00Mustard Me YellowUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger300125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-1445939321922999332015-01-13T06:21:00.000-10:002015-01-13T06:27:41.992-10:00 A Day in the Life - 11/12/14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I absolutely love simple lifestyle photos that capture small moments in everyday life. These photos are priceless to me and I know I will cherish looking back at this time in our lives.<br />
<br />
Photos taken by <a href="http://thephotobliss.com/" target="_blank">Siara Martin</a>. Edited by Me.<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7737203113296288733%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D69498118291016685%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-0aq_Uk47tD8%252FVLSnvGDbAVI%252FAAAAAAAADAM%252Fk4sVNr6tn5E%252Fs1600%252F20141112_1653web.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7737203113296288733%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D69498118291016685%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-0aq_Uk47tD8%252FVLSnvGDbAVI%252FAAAAAAAADAM%252Fk4sVNr6tn5E%252Fs1600%252F20141112_1653web.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-40063141636911669892014-11-14T16:17:00.000-10:002014-11-14T16:17:57.786-10:00The last of the warm fall days.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I felt like fall came and went so quickly this year. The cold weather has already arrived and winter is right around the corner. These photos were taken just a few days ago. The weather was so warm (like 70 degrees warm!). No coats or jackets necessary! It was pure heaven. Today I am snuggled up inside with the heat on, wearing a sweater, and wool socks.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos taken by <a href="http://www.thephotobliss.com/" target="_blank">Siara Martin</a>. Edited by me. </span>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-40705192504739418842014-11-13T06:56:00.002-10:002014-11-13T07:12:31.150-10:00Leo the Lion Cub.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We dressed Leo up as a lion for Halloween this year (how fitting, right?). He was the cutest little lion cub we had ever seen. I was totally bummed that he didn't like his costume and wanted to rip it right off. We did a pretty good job distracting him so he would smile for a few pictures! </div>
Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-25559798747460833812014-09-23T10:19:00.001-10:002014-09-23T10:20:08.535-10:00Pumpkin Bars.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year again. It's pumpkin season! This is a wonderful recipe from the kitchen of the one and only Aunt Dianne. I knew this recipe would be amazing before I had even tried it! I'm adding this to my list of favorites for sure.<br />
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Aunt Dianne's Pumpkin Bars<br />
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2 cups sugar<br />
3/4 cups butter<br />
4 eggs<br />
2 cups pumpkin puree<br />
2 teaspoons baking soda<br />
2 teaspoons cinnamon<br />
1/2 teaspoon cloves<br />
1/8 teaspoon salt<br />
1/8 teaspoon ginger<br />
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg<br />
2 cups flour<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.<br />
Combine sugar, butter, and eggs - mix well.<br />
Add pumpkin puree, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and flour.<br />
Mix all ingredients together then pour onto a greased cookie sheet.<br />
Bake 20-25 minutes.<br />
<br />
Icing:<br />
8 oz cream cheese (softened)<br />
4 tablespoons butter (softened)<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 tablespoon milk<br />
3-4 cups powdered sugar<br />
<br />
Cream together in mixer.Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-18466606269462597542014-09-18T07:11:00.000-10:002014-09-23T10:20:29.476-10:00Zucchini Bread.The first time I had this zucchini bread was when my sister-in-law, Sara, made it for me when I visited her in Hawaii. It pretty much knocked my socks off. She even added chocolate chips, which made it even better!<br />
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Recipe from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Moms-Zucchini-Bread/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=zucchini%20bread&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page&soid=sr_results_p1i1" target="_blank">allrecipes.com</a>.<br />
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Zucchini Bread<br />
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3 cups all purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 cup vegetable oil<br />
2 1/4 cups white sugar<br />
3 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
2 cups grated zucchini<br />
1 cup chopped walnuts<br />
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)<br />
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Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.</div>
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Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.</div>
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Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, beat well. Stir in zucchini, nuts, and chocolate chips until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans. </div>
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Bake for 40-60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, completely cool.</div>
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<br />Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-78902248389791456692014-08-22T17:57:00.000-10:002014-08-22T18:15:15.309-10:00Family Photos.My dear friend Andrea, who I only met this summer, took these beautiful photos for our family. Andrea and I met through a photography group on FB and we've been following each other's blogs and IG for a couple years now. Its so fun to actually meet someone in person after only knowing about them through social media. We have a ton in common and we've become great friends in such a short time! She and her family have only been here for the summer and are leaving next week to go back home to Utah. :( We will miss them!<br />
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Photos by <a href="http://www.andreabrionnephotography.com/" target="_blank">Andrea Mehner</a><br />
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<br />Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-70512597246775559012014-08-13T05:14:00.002-10:002014-08-13T05:18:11.771-10:00Bridge Favorites.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WvdZM1Cy5EVihJtpulrrCFxpoyZLjVUsR-nMTrnxhyphenhyphenn_IXjd0zQhGN4NUlbE-uvjl5tGN1IsV33qQEd3XoovjrbOqWQCyc77oq99UnSjFibcGGmJajvzXeGG8uSky38-yUvzkuxkhFFe/s1600/IMG_3920-2web.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
Before I had even married into the Bridge family, I had already heard all about these amazing cookies. When I finally tried them for myself I instantly realized what all the hype was about. These cookies are delicious and there's a dang good reason why they're called Bridge Favorites!<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F<br />
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Cream together<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
1 cup white sugar<br />
1 cup butter softened<br />
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Add<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla<br />
2 tablespoons milk<br />
2 cups flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
2 cups oats<br />
2 cups raisins<br />
2 cups coconut<br />
(raisins and coconut may be substituted for 2 cups chocolate chips)<br />
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Mix all ingredients together<br />
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Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown on top.Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-78247038318660470732014-07-26T11:28:00.000-10:002014-07-26T11:28:59.172-10:00Happy 1st Birthday Leo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe my baby is one! This past year has been the best one yet. Leo brings so much joy and happiness to our family and I am so grateful to have him in our lives. We love you so much Mr. Buttersworth!<br />
My talented sister put her amazing graphic design skills to use and made this darling info-graph of Leo for his birthday. I LOVE it!Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-33294556077742022562014-07-24T16:06:00.003-10:002014-07-24T16:34:00.169-10:00Leo's Birth Story.I know this post is long over due. My baby is turning one on Saturday and I honestly can't believe how quickly time has flown. As I was putting together this blog post I was getting a bit emotional. Reflecting back over the past year has made me realize that motherhood has changed me. I have learned to love in a way that I never knew I could. Our lives now revolve around a tiny human who relies on us for everything. That's a big responsibility, people! I'm proud to say that we somehow managed to take care of a baby for a whole year! I remember coming home from the hospital with Leo thinking, "Now what do we do?!" But we survived! Now we have the happiest, sweetest boy who is the center of our world. Leo has blessed our lives so much and I can't imagine life without him.<br />
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Thursday, July 25 was another sleepless night. This was pretty typical at this point. I spent my nights getting up repeatedly to use the bathroom, eating several meals, sitting in front of the fan, and tossing and turning from side to side. It's impossible to get comfortable when you're nine months pregnant in the middle of the summer.<br />
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I felt several contractions coming on throughout the night. I thought nothing of it because I had been having contractions for several weeks now. But these contractions continued to get stronger and stronger and also more frequent as the night went on. By morning I knew that we were probably going to have a baby that day. When Daniel woke up I told him that I was having contractions. He helped me time them to see how frequent they were coming. By the time they were five minutes apart we decided to head to the hospital. We got there at about 10:00 am. <br />
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When I was admitted into the room I was 4 centimeters dialated. My contractions were getting extremely painful. I couldn't have been happier when they asked me if I wanted an epidural. After getting the epidural I felt a million times better! I finally felt comfortable enough to fall asleep. It honestly felt like a miracle! I was completely exhausted from staying up all night the night before, as well as many nights before that.<br />
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We spent the entire day waiting for the baby to come. I took several naps, ate jello, and visited with Daniel as we waited. I remember Daniel saying, "Man, labor really isn't all that bad!" Ha. Little did he know, the hard part hadn't even started yet. It wasn't until about 9:30 pm that I finally started pushing. I had really great nurses and a wonderful doctor who took really good care of me. I am so grateful to have had a smooth labor and delivery. Leo James Bridge was born at 11:28 pm on Friday, July 26. He was 7 lbs 3oz and the sweetest little thing we had ever laid eyes on. Holding him for the first time was the most surreal feeling. I couldn't believe that this little human that had been growing inside of me for nine months was finally here. He was absolutely perfect and we were completely in love.<br />
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Our first family picture. :) ^^^<br />
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Leo, you are the best thing that has ever happened to us. Dad and I love you very very much and we can't wait to celebrate your first birthday with you!Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-19004304274838899672014-06-19T04:09:00.001-10:002014-06-19T05:03:54.980-10:00Making Homemade Bread & Jam.<a href="http://www.christalbridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/collage1.jpg"><img alt="collage1" class="aligncenter wp-image-210 size-full" src="http://www.christalbridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/collage1.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a><br />
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Collaboration with <a href="http://www.andreabrionnephotography.com/" target="_blank">Andrea Mehner</a> and <a href="http://www.thephotobliss.com/" target="_blank">Siara Martin</a>.</div>
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Model: Brittany Lockie</div>
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I had such a great time doing this shoot with Andrea, Siara, and Brittany. Its always fun when creative minds come together! We spent the afternoon taking pictures and eating bread. The best combo if you ask me! </div>
Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-55921944722942565402014-05-03T16:22:00.000-10:002014-05-04T03:03:48.667-10:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My sweet sister-in-law, Kaitlyn, passed away this past Monday. She fiercely battled cancer until her body couldn't take it anymore. She was a beautiful, strong, and courageous young woman. I am so grateful that I was able to know her, even though it was for such a short time. We loved her so much. We are a forever family and I know that we will see Kaitlyn again someday.</div>
Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-28756360404388048172014-04-16T15:31:00.000-10:002014-04-16T17:20:27.945-10:00Team Kait.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinn5bluX4GqKDiBXAtLFxeS2q8W8ofqQUpq73YNCkIaEAkJfJDdo1A-HYbn-LYntJTtCOF5e3NufVx_wuK-sVzSq4AKqnWzwZD24unFRqnXc_IGCacdYNKOlkgb4eTzPxJhS6KjW9Sn6c0/s1600/IMG_8463+web.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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This is my brother-in-law, Connor, and the love of his life, Kaitlyn. They have quite a remarkable love story.<br />
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Connor and Kaitlyn met each other last fall while attending school at the LDS Business College. Apparently they fell in love <i>really</i> fast because when we visited them in Utah over Thanksgiving, Connor was already head over heels for her. It was such a delight for us to meet Kaitlyn. She was a darling girl with the cutest smile, had the sweetest personality, was a leukemia survivor!, <i>and...</i> was the <i>perfect </i>match for Connor. Daniel and I used to joke around making guesses as to what type of girl Connor would marry. All we knew was she needed to be someone who was outgoing, adventurous, down to earth, and understood his humor. And sure enough, Kaitlyn had it all.<br />
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By the time Christmas came around, Connor and Kaitlyn already knew that they wanted to get married. Over the holiday we flew home to be with the Bridge family. We spent the entire break talking about Kaitlyn. We wanted to know everything, and Connor loved talking about her. We only heard the most wonderful things about her. He was a lovesick puppy dog, that's for sure. <br />
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A couple of months later Connor proposed. She said yes, and the two of them drifted off on cloud nine. Their wedding date was set for April 25. They started planning the wedding and life just seemed so wonderful and perfect for them. <br />
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At the end of March the family received some devastating news. Kaitlyn hadn't been feeling well so she went in to get some blood work done. They found out that she had relapsed and her leukemia had returned. They told her that she needed to start chemotherapy right away.<br />
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Connor and Kaitlyn decided that it would be best to move up the wedding. They received special permission from the doctor to postpone chemo for a few more days. They planned a quick wedding and got married two days later in the Salt Lake Temple on March 27. Their wedding day was so joyful and beautiful (so we heard!). We desperately wished we could have been there. <br />
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Kaitlyn is currently in the hospital receiving treatments with her loving husband at her side. The best chance Kaitlyn has for a cure is a bone marrow transplant. If you feel so inclined to help in a good cause please click <a href="http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/team-kait-/156164">HERE</a>. Please pray for Kaitlyn and Connor, because I know that prayers are really what help more than anything.Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-5261327792519191502014-03-28T06:27:00.001-10:002014-03-28T06:28:09.113-10:00Chocolate Coconut Squares.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWeGqTaWsGa1l-GXZZxTqR6K1CvhlYfvMtwAmdceCu-Vf6kIm6mfSRL8qa2Mp-r6WEkMJfw1nYxT-O3Y5Qj_6qJrybmom_dPf9tMCY_DjH9hAL2FYLxYZQCLStk5zUIXN5X0qGZ8gogtl/s1600/IMG_5899+(1)+web.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></div>
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If you are a coconut lover like me then you will absolutely love these coconut squares! Nothing is more heavenly than a coconut/chocolate duo! Here's another great recipe by Grandma Bridge.</div>
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Grandma Bridge's Chocolate Coconut Squares</div>
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Batter:</div>
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1/2 cup butter melted</div>
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1 cup brown sugar</div>
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1 egg well beaten</div>
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2 tablespoons cocoa powder</div>
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1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
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1 cup flour</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla</div>
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Topping:</div>
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1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk</div>
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2 cups sweetened coconut</div>
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Spread batter in a 9x9 pan.</div>
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Mix sweetened condensed milk and coconut together, spread on top of batter.</div>
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Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown.</div>
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Cool then ice with chocolate frosting.</div>
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Frosting:</div>
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1/2 cup butter</div>
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4 tablespoons cocoa powder</div>
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1/3 cup milk</div>
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4 cups powdered sugar</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla</div>
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Combine butter, cocoa powder, and milk in small sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Turn heat to low then stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. </div>
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Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-22551489094144386902014-03-03T10:11:00.003-10:002014-03-03T10:14:02.810-10:00Blackberry Crisp.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytqtrIB4xv4H4uGDpJvjuP2cD2Q8hBRQE3TEau2qiCYuFu79kX9bbAR24YZ78glnf7SVHSq8DsLdeWHDTN6wD0L7r0oxnQaoqH0jt8RPVO5OHnr9DG0HNvBt7ksyTMRe6RSdfJ8m4XILF/s1600/IMG_6303+(1)+web.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
This recipe is a family favorite. My mother-in-law would make this for us during the summers that we lived with them. Instead of using blackberries she would use rhubarb. It was the most heavenly dessert I had ever had. The best thing about this recipe is you can substitute the rhubarb for a variety of different fruit. I usually just use whatever happens to be in season at the time. Right now it's blackberry season, so blackberry crisp it is!<br />
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Grandma Bridge's Rhubarb (or whatever fruit) Crisp<br />
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2 cups flour<br />
2 cups brown sugar<br />
1 cup melted butter<br />
1 1/2 cup oatmeal<br />
2 teaspoons cinnamon<br />
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Mix ingredients together in a large bowl.<br />
Press 1/2 of mixture into a 9x13 pan.<br />
Add 4 cups chopped rhubarb, or fruit over the base.<br />
Top with rest of crumbs.<br />
Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.<br />
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Serve with vanilla ice cream on top.<br />
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Great with cherries, peaches, raspberries, or any kind of berry. Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-33857844664455205592014-02-19T07:53:00.000-10:002014-02-19T07:57:40.045-10:00Butternut Squash Soup.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRjyHyzDlpLAntUZdRO5-BryzE55iT70a90UNDnLvSsw4Co1tsPeVOZbqQujWqMmB0tDlSnPzKs1XcgzrmXBvnFm2cami600Yzj1fI-1VCjqV1vd3u33iqARcjD6ir_pg_RrxKxcaB8D2/s1600/IMG_5225+(1)+web.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
Ohhhh man, this soup is soooo good! I won the best wife award for this one. Daniel loved it. I know this is more of a fall soup, but I just love the fall flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and squash. So why not have it in February, or anytime of the year for that matter! <br />
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I adapted this recipe from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/butternut-squash-soup-ii/">allrecipes.com</a>.<br />
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Butternut Squash Soup<br />
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2 tablespoons butter<br />
1 small onion, chopped<br />
1 stalk celery, chopped<br />
1 medium carrot, chopped<br />
1 medium potato, cubed<br />
1 medium butternut squash - peeled, seeded and cubed<br />
32 ounce container chicken stock<br />
1/2 cup heavy cream<br />
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg<br />
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
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Melt butter in a large pot, and cook onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, and squash for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Pour in enough of the chicken stock to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.<br />
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Transfer soup to a blender, blend until smooth. Return to pot, and mix any remaining stock to attain desired consistency. Add heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt and pepper. <br />
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Serve with crumbled bacon and freshly grated parmesan cheese.Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-79694008924617578592014-02-05T07:15:00.000-10:002014-02-05T07:15:50.119-10:00Happy Feet.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This little penguin of mine is just about the sweetest thing there is. Six months is such a fun age. I'm so lucky to be his mama.Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-4949612891284566722014-01-29T11:09:00.000-10:002014-01-29T11:09:57.516-10:00Vegetable Chowder.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Daniel made this for me the other day. I just love when my husband cooks for me! This vegetable chowder is pure creamy, cheesy goodness. It's the perfect meal for a cold winter day.<br />
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Aunt Becky's Vegetable Chowder<br />
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4 cups potatoes cubed<br />
2 cups carrots diced<br />
2 cups celery chopped<br />
1/2 cup onion chopped<br />
2 teaspoons salt<br />
4 cups water<br />
10 ounces broccoli fresh or frozen, chopped into bite size pieces<br />
3 tablespoons chicken base<br />
3 1/2 cups milk<br />
1/2 cup flour<br />
1 tablespoon dry mustard<br />
16 ounces cheddar cheese cubed or shredded<br />
<br />
1/2 cup margarine<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
1/2 cup flour (add more if needed)<br />
<br />
Prepare potatoes, carrots, celery and onion. In a large pot bring salted water to a boil. Add vegetables and cook until tender.<br />
Add broccoli, chicken base and milk. Simmer for five minutes.<br />
In a separate pan melt margarine, butter, flour and dry mustard - make a roux.<br />
Add to soup until thickened.<br />
Add cheese and heat until melted. Do not boil.Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-63439154143330673262014-01-25T06:10:00.000-10:002014-01-25T06:10:03.535-10:00Peanut Butter Bars.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We received a very special gift for Christmas this year and I can't even explain to you how excited I was about it! Each family on the Bridge side received a cookbook compiled of our family's favorite recipes. These aren't just any recipes though! The Bridge's are the biggest foodies I have ever met, so you can only imagine how good these recipes are! This book has recipes that have been passed down from Grandma and Grandpa Bridge, recipes that are used every year for holidays, recipes that have been handwritten and photo copied, that sort of thing. My mother-in-law and the aunts worked so hard to put this cookbook together for everyone. I am so grateful to have such a treasure. My goal is to make every recipe in the Bridge cookbook (and take photos of course!). Have you ever seen the movie Julie and Julia? It'll probably take me more than a year to do it though.<br />
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The first recipe I made were Aunt Claudia's Peanut Butter Bars. These were so delicious, the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter, chocolate, and a soft cookie-like crust on the bottom!<br />
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Peanut Butter Bars:<br />
1/2 cup butter softened<br />
1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
<br />
1 egg<br />
1/3 cup peanut butter<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
1 cup flour<br />
1 cup oats<br />
<br />
1/2 cup chocolate chips<br />
<br />
Frosting:<br />
1/2 cup powdered sugar<br />
1/4 cup peanut butter<br />
2 teaspoons milk<br />
1/4 cup butter softened<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees<br />
Mix together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar<br />
Add egg, peanut butter, baking soda, vanilla, and salt<br />
Stir in flour and oats<br />
Pat mixture into a greased 9x13 pan and bake for 20 min<br />
Right out of the oven sprinkle with chocolate chips then add the frosting on top. The heat will make the frosting very easy to spread, the chocolate chips and frosting will swirl together.Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-80153918293693022962014-01-23T08:50:00.001-10:002014-01-23T08:53:14.445-10:004 Generations.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year we spent Christmas break with the Bridge's in Montana. We had the most wonderful time. We also spent some time up in Canada with the extended family. It was so great seeing grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I had to snap a picture of these four handsome men while they were all together.Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-57316441006069917122013-11-13T07:10:00.001-10:002013-11-13T07:10:49.804-10:0011-11.Just had to share this adorableness from my birthday two days ago. I have the cutest niece and nephew!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="426" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1cNoub4Y0vI" width="640"></iframe><br />
Thank you to all my friends, family, and darling husband who made my birthday so special. I am so lucky to have so many amazing people in my life. I think 25 is going to be a great year!Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-33865127988789469112013-11-04T09:03:00.003-10:002013-11-04T09:11:01.855-10:00Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kbmSSBF3zBmaDaYVzaLQ8zBVaxXydYk-Z-_TiqRv9M1jN2Si0HROGmPHBSxnDHhfOIvpsaPi7-zZiOrhw_fh6e_CpHlfG9YlGkZOw-_Vy3SXGW2oeJ9WoYaRJYuY2z6mz8vEauYoTN8E/s640/IMG_2171-(1).jpg-web.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm warning you...these cookies are too good to be true. I could have eaten the whole batch by myself! Autumn is one of my favorite seasons and also my favorite time to bake. I just love pumpkin <i>everything</i>! I've also been wanting to get back into food photography and had a really fun time stylizing this shoot. So, here you guys go...a delicious cookie recipe that will not disappoint!</span><br />
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Cream Cheese Filling:<br />
<br />
> 3 cups confectioners sugar<br />
> 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened<br />
> 8 ounces cream cheese, softened<br />
> 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"> Sift confectioner' sugar into a medium bowl; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth. Add cream cheese and beat until well combined. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla, beat just until smooth. (Filling can be made up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate; let stand at room temperature to soften before using.)</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 22px;">Pumpkin Whoopie Cookies:</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 3 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 1 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 1 teaspoon baking powder</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 1 teaspoon baking soda</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 1 tablespoon ground ginger</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 1 tablespoon ground cloves</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 1 cup vegetable oil</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 3 cups pumpkin puree, chilled</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 2 large eggs</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;">> 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat; set aside.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, </span><span class="mandelbrot_refrag" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">cinnamon</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">, ginger, and cloves; set aside. In another large bowl, whisk together brown sugar and oil until well combined. Add </span><span class="mandelbrot_refrag" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">pumpkin</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> puree and whisk until combined. Add eggs</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> and vanilla</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> and whisk until well combined. Sprinkle flour mixture over pumpkin mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Using a small ice cream</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> scoop with a release mechanism, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Transfer to oven and bake until cookies are just starting to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of each cookie comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely on pan.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Assemble the whoopie pies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Transfer filling to a disposable pastry bag and snip the end. When cookies have cooled completely, pipe a large dollop of filling on the flat side of half of the cookies. Sandwich with remaining cookies, pressing down slightly so that the filling spreads to the edge of the cookies. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate cookies at least 30 minutes before serving and up to 3 days.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/344826/pumpkin-whoopie-pies-with-cream-cheese-f">Martha Stweart</a>. </span></span><br />
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Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-3243082489019395082013-11-01T09:57:00.000-10:002013-11-01T09:58:02.516-10:00Two costumes are better than one. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Halloween (yesterday)!</div>
Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-86153704601972023112013-10-15T04:51:00.000-10:002013-10-15T05:30:45.177-10:00Now I understand why parents are obsessed with their kids. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5ylA1cn9XOc" width="640"></iframe>
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As Leo's mother, I think that everything he does is t<i>he cutest thing ever</i>. Watching him grow and develop has been amazing to watch. They really do grow up so fast! Leo has recently started to smile, laugh, and respond. I can't get over how cute his baby coos and giggles are. This kid also loves to spit up... and I mean A LOT. That's why he is always wearing a bib.Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-17702259775538064192013-10-02T05:13:00.000-10:002013-10-02T05:15:09.241-10:00Mr. Buttersworth.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DTL-Y815BbFLuMNk_orl2CSNCdOXmk-GO19bsq-UOHut6OgF7eABWqK29IVt9_1sF4mTPxJvKNkrfJe2QmLqj5lgqZmJlyubPiHhIc_9U2XfR6I6SzfRNFhyDcMUybaN6JwWAcC-mf8o/s640/IMG_0465-(1).jpg-web.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Daniel has this strange tendency of giving our son the most random nicknames. Most of the time they only last a few weeks or so before he comes up with a new name. Usually these nicknames make absolutely no sense. For now, Leo's nickname is Mr. Buttersworth. Don't ask me how my husband came up with it. And of course, since our son is Mr. Buttersworth he has now started calling me Grandma Buttersworth. I asked Daniel why he wouldn't just call me Mrs. Buttersworth. He explained to me that Mrs. Buttersworth would be Mr. Buttersworth's wife, so that's why I have to be Grandma Buttersworth. I guess that makes sense.<br />
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Oh and by the way, this little cutie is now two months old! Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737203113296288733.post-59333446487959997952013-09-25T04:49:00.001-10:002013-09-25T04:49:49.052-10:004 Years.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOmjpUpCJk8y7XoLU01TD02g5fFlIjOOF1AGlX99EZHCT0RKsS9Be6rCyuypksWf7mhIA3NVOa_CIjLr4BnUyGUCP184pQxjxyKCkSnwVxsGJqi0WCZoDdEEyAXOXDcm99P94S-4Sw2Hj/s1600/IMG_0415-(1)-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOmjpUpCJk8y7XoLU01TD02g5fFlIjOOF1AGlX99EZHCT0RKsS9Be6rCyuypksWf7mhIA3NVOa_CIjLr4BnUyGUCP184pQxjxyKCkSnwVxsGJqi0WCZoDdEEyAXOXDcm99P94S-4Sw2Hj/s640/IMG_0415-(1)-web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A lot has happened in four years, but this past year will definitely be a memorable one. I will never forget seeing my sweet husband become a father for the first time. It was one of the most precious moments of my life. Happy anniversary to the greatest husband and father we could ever hope for. Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824490598070373606noreply@blogger.com3