Egg Rolls

Ugh. I ate too much!

(short post, short post, gotta make it short so I can go to bed... sleep off some of this food!)

I made stir fry and egg rolls for dinner followed by strawberries (4 lbs. for $5.00 at Safeway!) and whipped cream. I know. More sugar. What can I say?

OK, back to the egg rolls.

Egg Rolls:

One package egg roll wrappers.

Thinly slice about half a cabbage.
Add grated carrots (maybe 1/3 to 1/2 cup)
Some ginger (fresh is best!)

Brown (in olive oil) one large boneless skinless chicken breast cut up into tiny pieces.
Add cabbage mixture and cook on High heat for a minute or two, stirring constantly.

Cool.

Use your finger dipped in a little bowl of water to wet two edges of egg roll wrapper.
Place one large spoonful of cabbage and chicken mixture in the center of wrapper.
Fold in in three corners and roll the rest (being the moistened two sides).

To cook on stove, fill a shallow sauce pan with about an inch of olive oil.
Heat oil.
Place Egg Rolls into hot oil (beware of hot splattering oil!), and turn to finish when one side is browned.
Adjust heat as needed to keep your oil from getting over-hot.

Sweet and Sour dipping sauce:

1/3 cup vinegar (rice vinegar recommended. I used cider vinegar)
4 Tbs. brown sugar
1 Tbs. catchup
1 tsp. soy sauce.

Bring to boil while stirring.

Add while stirring, 2 tsp corn starch mixed into 4 tsp. cold water.

Grandmas Are My Kryptonite

It's true. That blog post about the pumpkin bread and three cups of sugar? That's nothin'! Try Grandma's galore (which is just peachy with me, and the children think they've died and gone to heaven!).
How that works out is like this:

Yesterday: I took the children to my Grama H's where her sister Aunt Rosie was visiting. She offered the children each "two chocolates apiece" (after graciously checking with me). This followed by "just one more", followed by "There are a few left in the bowl, you can divide the rest", and finally "how about just one peppermint?" and so on...
As you can imagine no one was happy about the proceedings!

And then...

This morning: Children bouncing off the walls, walls shaking, floors quaking, voices high and screechy (you know Jenny, there IS a fate worse than death for eating three cups of sugar)!
At breakfast I told the children we were going to purge the system and no more sugar at all through the rest of the week.
(because that's all I had the guts to commit to)

This afternoon: At my Grama F's house I served my children whole wheat bread for lunch. Grama gave me the look which told me in no uncertain terms that I am an incompetent and incapable mother if I don't put something on that bread - peanut butter, tuna, ham, anything. Somehow I won the argument if there was one (my powers for combat ting "the look" must have been pretty good at that time of day).
Then, however she proceeded to feed my children Strawberries.
In sugar.
And Potato chips (in which one of the first ingredients was sugar), and then cookies, followed by Neapolitan ice cream.
Whatever tactics I used earlier were no good now. I knew she made a special trip to the store for these goodies, and who is the hero? Obviously! And who looks like that green prune-faced old Grinch? Uh-huh.
Grama's are supposed to be grama's, and this is one of those things that mommas just have to live with. I admit (positively shamefully) that I fully enjoyed seeing my grama get to enjoy and bless my children. To me it is worth the aftermath I endure for the next few days as their little bodies go through shock and recovery;-)
I mean, you should have heard my grama laugh when a wide-eyed Clayton looked at his ice cream and said "And MOM said we wouldn't be allowed to eat any sugar for the rest of the week!"
(hopefully she didn't believe such horror) ;-P

Grama's are my Kryptonite. It's a weakness worse than a carton of Safeway Rocky Road ice cream in the freezer. How often do they get to be grama's, and when they ask so sweetly (and I remember the chocolates and peppermints from girlhood) I just can't help myself. I just can't. My resolve just melts and my lips are completely incapable of forming the words "no thank you" or "Absolutely NOT! Don't you know that sugar will ruin these children forever?!!"
It just doesn't seem important enough to remove such a little pleasure for such a dear dear person as grama. There is more to life I think.
And while I get to endure my punishment for the next few days, I feel privileged to share some of that "more" with my beloved grama's!

18 Weeks

Okay. Here is a side view and... WHOOPS I forgot to wear my Princess Leia get-up for this picture! Sorry Grace :-)
Zack is getting to be a pretty good little picture taker isn't he? And I am getting to be pretty good at chopping and hacking up the photos. You know... despite my children's opinion of my good looks, I really do think this picture is improved without the rest of me. What?! Alright. To keep my readership happy:
See, this is how pregnant Courtney looked at seven months (despite her son's recent comments), and I certainly have no intention of competing with her.
However twins might make me competitive;-) Her husband says having twins is "cheating". I bet you mommy's of twins would like to deck him, wouldn't you?
I'm betting I'm just a tank of a pregnant woman. The Princess Leia outfit would have done a better job showing you where all the rest of the pounds have gone and NO, you won't get the chance to see it. Just keep tabs on my face and arms. They don't let me hide secrets!!
I'm just glad there's a growing baby in there with little kicking feet:-)

Love you Baby Bug!

Doth My Ears Deceive Me?

Zachary and Clay have recently been granted the privilege of watching some pieces of the original Star Wars movies. this is a big deal, and you have to be big stuff to watch! Daddy is selective, and the girls are too little (of course) but not to worry, the boys fill them in on the pertinent facts later on.
This morning I stumbled groggily out of the bedroom and noticed that the bathroom was already occupied and there was quite a story going on in there!





This is what I overheard:

..............................................................................................

Zack "...Then there is the Death star. It is supposed to destroy planets, but the good guys destroyed it first."

(lots of appropriately interjected laughter by Susanna, here implying that the bad guys got what they deserved)

Susanna "Maybe I could watch some parts."

Zack "Yeah... I don't know.
Hey! There's a girl called Princess Leia and she's about twenty years old... [and here comes the really good part] ...she looks a lot like mom. [*smile* Oh happy day!] She has long black hair... yeah, she looks like mom. She's twins with Luke Sywalker..."

Susanna "Maybe I could watch some Ewoks?"

.....................................................................................

I may not have gotten into the bathroom right away, but the boy made my day!
What a guy:-)

No Fear

This has been an interesting pregnancy for me. Different from the others in many ways, and unfortunately one of the more emotional ones I've experienced. AJ says I seem to be more aware of that fact though, and it's as if I'm looking back at me from the third person.
Don't know if that's true, but perhaps I'm finally learning to cope with the hormones a little more objectively. Hey- I'll take that as a compliment!

This baby follows closely on the heels of G.R. (God Reigns), our last little one lost early to miscarriage after my exciting hospital event, and I suspect there are some family and friends concerned for my health. According to the surgeon who spoke to us when there was still the hope of little G.R. there would be no problem recovering fully in time for birthing a baby eight months from that time .
Now with a new hope to dream of, I am grateful for those words and am glad if they put some other dear hearts at ease.

Starting at fourteen weeks, I began to strongly suspect the possibility of more than one baby this time. My belly is popping out way early, and my fundal height is four to five weeks ahead of my dates. I have felt the baby earlier, and feel very pregnant already. "Welcome to number six!" says an experienced friend of mine, which I suppose means I'd better get used to feeling large and stretched out - fairly common symptoms of a many-time-momma.

I've not had an appointment with a midwife yet as I'm hoping to establish that connection in Idaho and I'm very excited about the options available there, but... with my growing belly and volatile state of emotions I have been getting downright anxious to take a look inside.
That is rather odd since I never feel compelled to find out baby's gender in advance and don't care about having ultrasound pictures taken. But this time I want, I want, I WaaaANT!!
And while I haven't actually had that calm intuition that says something is wrong, that hasn't stopped my mind from wandering over the less desirable possibilities associated with this big melon of a tummy. I have tried rationalizing the feelings away. I have tried to mind over matter the issue. I have tried to ignore it, but always to the same end: immediate relief followed by another onslaught of fear.

...fear...

It is subtle.
It is ugly.
It is mean.
It is relentless.
It is from the enemy of our souls.

With this realization though, I remembered there is only one way to combat fear. And that is by power of the Holy Spirit in me, and through God's Word.
This is what the Lord gave me the other day from Psalms 34 verse 4:

"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

Isn't that a wonderful verse? I was so excited as I meditated on these words, to note that while God delivered David from his fears, there is no mention of his being delivered from the things he was fearing.
If I have an ultrasound today to relieve me of my fears, there is no reason to believe that would be the outcome. I might very well find out that my fears were founded.
If so, there could simply be more fear and less peace, for peace doesn't come from having control of our circumstances does it. He will do His will through my life, my trials (or joys), no matter what, and if He is going to do that then why entertain fear? The only thing fear does is paralyze. I am infective for the Lord's work - even giving my children the care they need with singleness of mind and purpose - which will not bare witness of His peace in me. I see no alternative to letting go of the control I imagine, relinquishing my fears, and trusting Him to fill me with HIS peace as He accomplishes His will.

I think for me, there is no alternative.
And so... I asked the Lord to remove my fears and help me to wait on Him.

He has done that for me! (I know, big shocker there)

I am still curious to know if I'm just a stretched out gravida 8 para 5 or if there is a more fun reason for turning into a pumpkin so fast. But whether I decide to have an ultrasound tomorrow or wait for the midwifes assessment, I am content to be content.












By God's merciful grace,
and patiently waiting.

-Me

First "Getting Wet" of the Season!

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

Cousin Fun!

Today was another precious opportunity to enjoy family. This time it was my Cousin's wife and little dolly Vivian as our family joined Char and Hannah for brunch at Auntie Cheryl and Uncle Jim's house!
At Aunt Cheryl's all you have to do is think it, and surely your hearts desire shall appear before your very eyes;-)
































Judah Christopher endured a tea party with the girls and staunchly stood his manly ground when the they called him "beautiful". No way ladies, I draw the line at good company and drinking from a delicate little cup - call me beautiful and them's fightin' words!

It was delightful to watch Jeanette in all her full-fledged-motherly glory with little Vivie. She has most definitely joined the ranks of motherhood as proven when she reached for a drink of water and (unwittingly) took a swig out of a sippy cup! HA!
































Here's the most beloved Auntie of all time: holding Micah. Truly - she is the Baby Whisperer!










































And the Uncle who facilitates it all:-)


















Here's the crew - all the great grandchildren together on my dad's side (Aunt Cheryl is my dad's big sis)













Thank you Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Jim, Jeanette and Vivie!!! We have a GREAT time!

Memories and Memory Making

Daddy wanted to take the Bugletts for a walk today and I decided to go with them. Especially in light of our more recent blog conversations - er(cough cough) ahem ;-)

Have you seen the old Robbin Hood movie with Errol Flynn?

AJ and I grew up playing in Bidwell park where that oldie-goldie was filmed,
and that's where we walked today.

It was BEAUTIFUL!
The whole Sacramento Valley used to be covered in oaks like this.

















AJ used to skate through Lower Park all the time and often rode his bike on the North Rim Trail in Upper Park. When he and I were "just friends" we took our deck or cards, lunch, and long visits under these trees fairly often.
Lots and lots of special memories here:-)

One More Point for MY Team!

Dear Jenny. Yes YOU. Smack-talker to emotional pregnant women;-)
Or namely one.
-Pregnant woman that is.
OK... me. I'm the emotional pregnant woman since you had to ask!

No one in my family has died of sugar yet (I realize there's still time), and I also realize that quality of life due to eating chocolate and sipping Java Chip Frappaccino's and mocha's has an actual duration of one to three hours at best. It's a very NICE three hours, but suffice to say the long-range effects are not the ones I experience in that time period. I admit it. I know the truth, and STILL... I eat sugar, hydrogenated cream, and caffeine. Not only that, but I unblushingly own that I like my Safeway Rocky Road ice cream and will probably continue to eat it (just ask Courtney or Heather).

However... That being said, I am extremely desirous of feeling better, less tired, achy, and grouchy. A combination of things provoke these tendencies perhaps, but I know what I should do, and that is the hard thing.
How come the right thing is usually the hard thing?
Anyway... I digress. There is a personal war here I think many can relate to, and I know that in the joking and grinning we cringe at our own lost battles, and sympathize with the failings of our dear sisters as well.
I cheer for their efforts.
I cry for their losses.
I understand their determination.
I believe in their reasons.
All for the glory of the Lord God as we strive to honor Him with every lovely thing He has blessed us with.
And I raise my overflowing cup with joy and laughter, knowing He WILL be glorified in us as we seek Him over everything else!
-Even if that cup is filled with mocha;-)

That being said, I would LOVE for each to share their victories with ME. I need more practical help - even though I've done this (being pregnant, tired, and emotional) a couple times before.
So tell me, Jenny... how did YOU get through tired groggy pregnancies with grace and mercy?
Tell me Carri...
Tell me Jess...
Tell me Mother Hen...
Tell me Courtney........
How? What? Tell me more...

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . ... ... . .. . . .. .. . ..................................

Today I had the most lovely surprise! My sister Molly and her husband Nick dropped in for an afternoon of visiting with their new pup Cali. What a delight! We sat on the porch under the Wisteria and Roses sipping tea and watching children run wild in the yard.
Later in the afternoon we were joined by my Brother Charlie and his family (including two more dogs) and the porch chairs filled, and the yard became even more wild (in a delightful sort of way). Charlie's family and my friend Diane joined us for dinner this evening, which is where I get the point of my post title. The children and I made a Chinese dinner for "school" today since we have been learning a tiny bit about that country, and that included dessert (not actually Chinese that I know of) which was a Coconut milk Custard.
There.
That's what this post was to be about: that custard-that-wasn't-Chinese-but-was-made-for-the-Chinese-dinner-we-did-for-school-etc-etc-etc...
Anyway, the dinner turned out lovely. Edible anyways, and the Coconut dessert we could take or leave, BUT here is the point. Yes "THE" point: IF you like custard, this was a very high protein low sugar dilly that even Jenny would have no need to alter.
The recipe here as follows:

Coconut Milk Custard

Ingredients:

• 5 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons of honey (or 1/3 cup rapadura or sugar if you're not into honey)
• 1 cup coconut milk*
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• Options: add a little cinnamon or nutmeg during or after baking. My photo shows a dusting of cinnamon but I usually skip this and let the natural coconut flavor prevail.

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place rack in center of oven. Beat eggs, honey, and coconut milk until frothy. A stick blender works perfectly fine as well.

Pour mixture into 8" by 8" baking dish or individual ramekins/containers. Place in larger pan filled with hot water. Water should be halfway up the sides of baking dish. Bake 30-45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake. If serving hot, spoon into dishes; if serving cold, allow mixture to cool before cutting into squares.

Notes from me:
*It was an easy recipe to make.
*We used Honey.
*I doubled it for my family size since four servings wasn't going to cut it!
*AND I was pleased that this is one more high protein food for Carolina and myself because of all the eggs! How cool is that?
So in the interest of preserving my friendship with Miss Jenny in Colorado, I scored me a point today making a healthy-ish treat for my family. Don't you think I earned it?!

Love you Jenny!

To Clear Up Any Misunderstanding...

Clearly some of my recent commenter's are confused about why I bake.
It just so happens that I bake for my pleasure in EATING what I make, but if it would make you feel better, I can move the first ingredient "3 Cups of sugar" down to the bottom of the list where it's less obtrusive.

Now. I know that one can bake richly healthy, (supposedly) satisfying, sweet, and perhaps chocolaty (assuming you don't try to substitute carob) (!) concoctions all while being conscious of ones length and quality of life. But... I ask, what is duration of life without quality? As my husband regularly reminds me:

"You're going to die of SOMETHING..."

So apropos (if lacking finesse).
But if you insist, there's always THIS option: Several spadefuls of rich garden soil mixed liberally with water. It's low carb, low cal, AND high in minerals.












(beware though - it is rather... um. "BLACK" Says Sue)

If you prefer a more classic style recipe, try a few pinches of (organic) grass clippings in your water.


















The trick here is to use only pure, unchlorinated well water. It can be very hard to get, so good luck!
Pour into a recycled Strauss Family yogurt container (only the best!) and VIOLA!
*consume at your own risk.

Now you can't say I'm not conscientious of my cooking. My girls can concoct and whip up these treats in a flash! I must be doing SOMETHING right ;-P