Assembly line Won Tons

We've been reading a book Bryn had me check out at the library a few weeks ago.

Dumpling Days

It also inspired tonight's dinner: Wonton Soup
(from an Everyday Food Tara gave me years ago. Can't tell you how many recipes I've been storing and saving for "someday." Must try new things.)

It's the story of a first generation American of Taiwanese descent and her first voyage to Taiwan. Since my family has a little Taiwan connection, it's very interesting. Hearing her talk about dumplings made me want to make this recipe I've been keeping around for years. It was nice to have Bryn's company while I made them . . . they took longer that I thought.

She laid out the wrappers and scooped most of the filling, even though this is my hand

Ready to go but protected with a damp paper towel so they don't dry out too much

My Chief Photographer was home teaching so this blurry pic will have to do

My rating of this recipe: Delicious.

Nathan came home at 7 so he ate dinner after us. He said, "Do these taste better because of the book we are reading?"
I don't know if it's that, or just breaking your fast after a long day, but if you haven't made wontons, this is a good place to start--they show lots of pictures demonstrating the steps.
3/5 of my kids liked the whole soup, one only wanted the broth, and one didn't care for it at all. Pretty good--we don't try to please all the palates at once.

I remember watching my mom make egg rolls when I was little and learning how to wrap them myself when I got older. I love deep fat fried wrapped up meat and cabbage. Boiled in soup is also tasty.

(I've decided to check out some Newberry winning authors--I think that's what my friend in Chicago read. I don't read adult fiction for the most part, but I love a well written story so I thought it would be a good place to begin).

Have a great week.

For dessert tonight (UPDATED)

Oatmeal Carmelitas

Haven't made these yet, but tried them (twice) in the past 6 months. Deliciosa! Baking them myself tonight.
(I cut the butter and sugar--a la Tara Hunt but not by half).

UPDATED: SOMEONE TOOK SOME OF THESE TO WORK TODAY. THEY DISAPPEARED QUICKLY, AND THE CO-WORKERS WROTE A THANK YOU NOTE TO BE BROUGHT HOME TO ME. I'M JUST SAYING, YOU SHOULD TRY THEM.

You've had a

birthday, shout HOORAY!

I went shopping for Ed's cake supplies with all 5 children, since they were home for Christmas break. Before we went he said he wanted yellow cake with strawberry frosting. I tried multiple times to talk him into something else, but you can see I wasn't successful.
(I think it's a side effect of following 3 girls).
He didn't care one lick that it was pink, but someday perhaps he'll get a good laugh out of it.
My parents, sister, and cousins came to go to the newly opened children's discovery center to celebrate a few days earlier. It was packed and lots of fun--we will go back again and again.

Ed and Grandma trying out the same instrument. They had mouthpieces you could try with different shapes to blow into. (It tested my germ sharing limits). Each person got their own mouthpiece . . . . supposedly.

b-day cake for Eddie made by Bryn

I asked for a cute face

The kids were home from school on his birthday so we celebrated with a little playdough, gifted from a close friend, and I let them watch Ice Age: The Meltdown. Ed missed his nap, in honor of siblings home from school.
That night was his first night in his big boy bed, and our home is cribless. (Hard to believe).

We love Edwin!

New Year's Day

We spent at home. It was bitterly cold and we stayed inside all day. I sat under a quilt I was tying and Nathan played basketball with the kids nearby. Mostly they played pig and horse. A few shots were invented: the bathroom shot, (which is shot from the bathroom), the office shot (guess where from?), and the macaroni and cheese.
It was great.

Resolved

2012 was a good year for our family. We grew and changed, changed and grew. In some ways we improved, in others felt like we still have a long way to go.

In my blog reading, I found a young mom who makes ONE resolution for the year. I love that idea . . . . so my 2013 resolution is to eat vegetables at lunch every day. I made it the first two days but slipped on the third. We had grilled cheese and tomato soup. (My dad says that the soup counts, I would like to believe him).

I think I can do it--but it is a change for me and will take some planning. I can only eat carrot sticks so many days in a row.

Resolution 2013: Veggies at lunch

Peace on earth

Is it possible? I say YES--I found it here in my town.

Peace on earth--this is my wish for my children for the rest of their lives . . . . its been on my mind for the last 10 days or so. 
This is the answer and it came during Sacrament meeting last Sunday . . . .
The Power of Peace 2004 December Ensign, James E. Faust.

Merry Christmas!

December how many?

 One posed in the elf hat.

This is the face we get when we ask him to SMILE.
Clenching his teeth.
Awesome.

 Seven snowflakes hung. Above seven mugs (left by someone on our doorstep).

 One gingerbread man was photographed (and then eaten . . . . Elmer's glue and all).

 One expander was placed and many photos were taken. (By the one behind them--ie, her).

Four braces on the bottom, more will follow on the top.

One very sore mouth.

Two stayed home from church with one sick tummy.

A community choir tour to two nursing homes and one Hotel lobby. While this was the most beautiful it was Bryn's least favorite performance.

One pastel art brought home from middle school. (And quickly photographed and thrown away before pastels got everywhere. Maybe I'm too stressed about messy . . . . Nathan didn't get to see it in person.)

 Two nativities placed on the piano--one favorite.

And the magic of family prayer by the lit tree . . . . Love this most of all. It's so pretty with all the other lights in the house turned off. I remember doing this as a girl and loving it--I want them to have it, too.

One great idea found . . . .
About halfway through the month I found this Christmas planning guide, which I love and recommend to you if you are interested in changing your holiday experience. What I like best is that it focuses on what you want to feel and want your family to feel, and to plan experiences to provide those opportunities. Some things I want to feel and have my children feel:
the joy of giving to each other, 
the joy of receiving, 
to experience Christmas music
to spend time with friends and family
to connect with friends and family who are far away
to prepare earlier so there is less to do when the kids are out of school
and more. I will use it in the future--I like the thought process and the decision making process spelled out for me--I am easily overwhelmed when faced with too many options.

This year we had our children draw names for each other and they've gone on individual shopping trips to get the gifts. I've loved watching them work (and sacrifice) to do something thoughtful for someone else. It's been a special experience, which will be complete as they open them on Tuesday.


Peace on earth--this is my wish for my children for the rest of their lives . . . . its been on my mind for the last 10 days or so. 
This is the answer and it came during Sacrament meeting today . . . . The Power of Peace 2004 December Ensign, James E. Faust.

Merry Christmas!