The Blessings of Missionary Work

After our 11 hour car ride home from Utah on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (yes, we shaved an hour off by only stopping for one meal) I had to re-group quickly and head over to Seattle(a 4 hour car ride) for a very special occasion.

Andres Bennin, who I taught when I was a missionary 11 years ago in the Washington DC South mission, was getting off his mission in Tacoma, WA. For the past two years I have written him letters telling him that SURELY, SOMETIME, I would be in Seattle and I would drive over to see him, and take him to lunch or dinner, and visit. Well, two years seemed to go by in a flash, and I never did get over to Seattle.. I guess with moving from Sandpoint, and having a baby, and dealing with Jaxon issues... I didn't have much free time on my hands.

Anyway, my loving and very supportive husband, sucked it up and took care of the kids for a couple of days so I could go over and see Elder Bennin and his mother who came from DC to get her boy. It was the last chance I was going to have!

It was an amazing and wonderful experience. One that I don't think I will be able to put words to. But I am going to try...

I entered into the transfer meeting and was able to hear his final testimony of the gospel. It was an amazing meeting, and I almost wanted to go out tracting after...but that is another story..During his testimony, he stood and pointed out that the missionary who taught him the gospel was in the back, sitting next to his mom. I almost turned and looked myself, because it seems like a dream that I had long ago. He reminded me that they were found while we were tracking in the blizzard of '96. Truly... it was called by all of the media outlets the BLIZZARD OF '96. I really don't remember how much snow was on the ground, it was a lot.. but mission rules are, if there is snow on the ground with un-plowed roads, you must leave your car parked.

I was companions with a sister I was training at the time, Sister Petty, and we were not in the area where the Doris Larbi and her boys lived, but my next companion was.. and Doris and her boys were found during that week because Sister Burgess and her companion were hoofing it, and tracting, because that is all we could do. I was too, but not in that area.. I was blessed enough to meet up with Sister Burgess the next transfer where we followed up with Doris and her boys to teach a first discussion. I know sister Burgess and I were blessed for tracting during that blizzard! Doris and her boys were baptized two weeks later.

The ward family was very upset that we wanted to rush their baptism along, stating that they had not come to church enough times, and that people fell away too often. This was a ward that had not had a baptism in their ward for a few years... and it was easy to see why at times. The bishop called me and insisted that the baptism be postponed, and to make matters worse, church was cancelled the Sunday they were to be baptized because sludge was coming up through the pipes in the Stake Center. It sure seemed like hell was combining against us. A quick call from my mission President to the bishop, and a relocation to another Stake Center and they were baptized that Sunday. The following week James (the older of the two sons) gave his first talk as a youth speaker at 16 years old. I remember laughing, almost out loud in the back row of the church because he bore the most powerful testimony of the gospel of any new member of the church that I had ever heard. I was laughing because it was a testimony to me, and my companion at that time that the work had not been thwarted, and the Lord's side had won! It was so amazing to hear that testimony.

I came to find out, on this trip to see Andres, that his brother had no notes for that talk, and he had quoted Book of Mormon Scriptures as well as scriptures from the Joseph Smith History... and that he had gone to each ward in the Stake as a speaker with the Stake Predsident....amazing. Now, 11 years later, James has graduated from BYU TWICE and is now an Attorney in North Carolina. He also served a mission in the Los Angeles, CA. mission. He was married in the DC temple about 3 years ago, and just had his first daughter. Andres graduated from BYU in Molecular Biology before he left on his mission and now is planning on getting his JD as well.

I had probably 100 missionaries come up to me after Andres' final testimony, and tell me how knowing him had changed their lives. His nickname in the mission was the rain-maker, because he would baptize in every area... even if there had not been baptisms for years. He baptised over 100 people and had 7 people scheduled for baptism as he was leaving the mission.

Many of those Elders who knew him thanked me... for finding him... But I thank Doris and the boys, for being humble, and prepared, and Heavenly Father, for showing me for years and years the amazing miracle of missionary work, and what a blessing it is in not only your life, but the lives of others, and not only for 18 months, or two years but for a lifetime, and an eternity. I love you guys, thank you for keeping me a part of your life.

More Thanksgiving Memories

What would thanksgiving be without a little Guitar Hero? Well, not much by my family's standards. We had a great time in SLC, and to prove it, here are a few pix. Thanks for the memories!
Trevor and Peter strutting their stuff with guitar hero.


Enjoying the fab food at the Grand America Buffet. I think I may have eaten my weight in shrimp.




Here we are decorating gingerbread houses. Did I mention that a Stewart will use any excuse to put frosting in their mouth? Cool trick hills. . .

Tis the Season to eat FOOD...

Falalalala..la..la..lala..

Well, as part of the Stewart tradition... we stuffed our faces for Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful affair, and we didn't even lift a carving knife! That is right! The Stewart's took the day off in the kitchen by going to the GRAND AMERICA Buffet in SLC. It was great, but I have to admit.. I missed fresh dinner rolls as part of our fabulous dinner tradition. But... NEVER FEAR, we still made dinner rolls anyway.

This picture seemed appropriate after the last statement.



As to the dinner roll dilemma. After 30 years of making "Rita" rolls at all Family affairs, there was actually a NEW roll recipe introduced this holiday. I was mortified that a tradition of 30 (or more) years could be cast aside so carelessly. But, I have to admit, the new recipe was pretty phenomenal. I will post both, and I will still probably use both, because I have been using the "Rita" roll recipe to make home made scones on Sunday nights as part of another family tradition for the last 7 years, so, I can't change that!!! The Rita roll recipe seems to make these scones OHHHHHHHHHHH SOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD... however, I am sure that any old roll recipe would probably be ok.

JUDITH ROLLS were amazing, and I will probably be making these rolls for years to come because this recipe was light, and fluffy, and amazing..so, thanks for sharing Judith!

I am also attaching a link to Paula Deen's Gooey Pumpkin Bars....which we also tested this holiday season.... yummy...

What else did we make? Well, if you know me, or my family, we will use any excuse for CAKE. My little sister Hillary has become quite the baker and I am sure if we had a bake off, it would be a very difficult and close competition. She does have amazing recipes though, and the one she used this time was from Magnolia Bakery (Magnolia Bakery Cook Book) in NYC. The cake was incredible, and I had fond thoughts of it all the way home in the car. Thanks for making that cake Hilby. Check out the posts below. Happy Holidays!

Magnolia Bakery Cake with Butter Cream Frosting

Just don't think about the butter... believe me... it is worth it.

Traditional Vanilla Birthday Cake

1 Cup Softened Butter
2 Cups Sugar
4 Large Eggs at Room Temperature
1 1/2 Cups Self Rising Flour
1 1/4 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Cup Whole Milk
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour three 9 x 2 inch round cake pans. Line the bottom with waxed paper.

In a mixer, cream butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time and beat after each addition. Combine the flours and add in four parts the flour, milk and vanilla alternating with each addition. Beat well after each addition. Divide the batter among the cake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean. Leave in pans for at least 10 minutes, and then remove to cool completely.

If you are making cupcakes, line two 12 cup muffin tins with papers. Spoon the batter into the cups about 3/4 of the way full. Bake until the tops spring back when lightly touched..about 20- 22 minutes. Remove cup cakes from pan and cool completely before frosting.

Traditional Vanilla Buttercream

1 Cup Butter (Very Soft)
8 Cups Confectioners Sugar
1/2 Cup Whole Milk
2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

Place butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the remaining sugar 1 cup at a time, until icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistancy. (You might not need all of the sugar) If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. Use and store icing at room temperature, as icing will set if chilled. Store in airtight container for 3 days.

Aunt Judith Rolls

1 Cup Water
1 Cup Butter
3/4 Cup Sugar
2 Tsp. Salt
1 Cup Cold Water
4 Beaten Eggs
2 Pkgs. Yeast
7 1/2 Cups Flour

Bring 1 Cup water to a boil. Add Butter, Sugar, and Salt. Remove from heat and pour into bowl. Add 1 Cup of cold water. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 Cup warm water. When first mixture is luke warm add yeast mixture and beatten eggs. Stir together and add flour. Cover and refridgerate overnight. Divide into thirds. Roll out 1/2 inch thick. Let rise for 4 hours and bake at 400 for 12 minutes.

Freezer tip:

Freeze after rolling out on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, place rolls in a freezer safe bag. To bake, remove from freezer, and let rise for 6 hours, or over night.

Aunt Rita Rolls

2 Pkgs. Yeast
1/4 Cup Warm Water
1 tsp. Sugar

Stir together until yeast dissolves (Let it rest for 5 minutes to foam)

Mix:
1 Cup Hot Water
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 tsp. Salt
1/2 Cup Shortening (melted)

Stir together until sugar and shortening dissolve. Let cool.

Add 3 beaten eggs to shortening mixture. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Fold in yeast mixure and stir in 4 1/2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth. Coat bowl and dough with shortening and let rise 30 minutes then punch down. Cover and refrigerate for eight hours (overnight). Roll out and let rise for 3 to 4 hours. Bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

Bubba Dub.

What do we say about Jaxon...???.... He is a great kid, and a fun addition to our family. Many of you know, and some of you don't know, that within the last year, Jaxon has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS, which in short is an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified. (Don't you LOVE acronyms?) ANYWAY, what does that mean? It means that endless hours of research, analysis, testing, retesting, and schooling has been added to his 4 year old life, and my daily schedule.

Really, I shouldn't complain. In all, Jaxon has a great prognosis. He doesn't disable our lives like many children with ASD do to their families. We have minor issues that we deal with that many people don't really even notice.(Unless they have never met him before- (i.e. the UPS man that he invites in to play or eat a meal eventhough he is only there to deliver a box...) As a matter of fact, we really have it easy compared to most. However, that does not dimish the hours of research and testing that it takes to make sure he is getting the right educational, and social training. After 12 months of working on it, I feel like we finally have it under control. What does that mean?

That means that Jaxon leaves for school at 8:00 in the morning, and attends a special program for Autistic Children that allows them to be integrated into a pre-school with "normally" developing children for 2 1/2 hours, and then they have an intervention program for 1 1/2 hours after preschool, and then he gets to come home around 2:00 after a 30 minute bus ride home. On Mondays and Tuesdays he is home for about 1 1/2 hours until we head to the University for the ABA Therapy Preschool- yes this is preschool #2 for the day- (A specific type of Autism Therapy) which is a preschool run by the Special Education Department on campus and allows the students there to have a hands on learning experience in their field. We are there for 1 1/2 hours both nights. On Wednesdays, Abby has dance, but on Thursdays Jaxon is back to Speech Therapy where we have found a "Play Therapy" group that will work on his social skills, and playing with other children.

It is a big week, EVERY week for Jaxon, but overall, we feel blessed and watched over as we try our best to give Jaxon a shot at being integrated into the Public School System. For children with Autism, this is possible with some additional "training" on how to interact in social situations and function with peers. It takes chilren with autism more work to interact socially, follow instructions and focus on tasks. These things just don't come naturally.

At times, I feel guilty that my other two children live their lives around Jaxon's school schedule, and over the past month, I have spent 10 hours in Dr.'s offices while we wait for Jaxon to be analyized, watched, tested, and assessed. However, I feel great success in his placement, and I know that we are doing what is best for him, and he will probably be able to live a normal life. (That is the hope anyway)

I find the most joy in his successes, and fabulous personality. His teachers in the AIM (morning) preschool love him, and push him in all areas of development. We LOVE them, and feel so blessed to have them in his life. What is evern better is that they LOVE Jaxon... (really, what is not to love) and they want to see his success and make sure he reaches his fullest potential.

The best is when we see Jaxon make great strides in understanding, and development. Tonight, while we were reading the Book of Mormon Illustrated stories Peter pointed to a picture of someone being baptized and asked Jaxon...'What are they doing Jaxon?' to which he responded.... washing... (He gets asked these type of questions a million times a day by teachers trying to drill him in comprehension...i.e. He is wearing gloves..why? Because it is cold.) Anyway, Peter informs him that they are being BAPTIZED, and a look of understanding crosses his face as he says, yeah.... BATH-TIZED. - It does seem like some kind of super- hero action bath.. doesn't it? I grinned at him, and winked... and he quickly shot me a perfect wink back... That makes it all worth it.

Yay for me!

So, after a whole year, I finally finished my Thanksgiving project. Last year I saw this sign in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog, and I thought... "That is cute... I don't need to buy it, I can make it!" I roped some girlfriends from the neighborhood in to helping me, and making their own and after 1 year, it is finally done, and hanging in its proper spot. I love looking at it, and thinking, "Hey, that is cute, and I made it!" Anyway, Here is a picture of my little project that should have been done last year!



The turkey is courtesy of Abby from last years kindergarten class.

Cutie Tooter Wader Rooder

Wade is now almost 8 months old! (Well, he will be in 10 days) But the little tyke is crazy busy and is in a full crawl now. Actually, it makes me happy because now he entertains himself better... tearing leaves off plants, tipping over kitty water bowls, tipping over bathroom garbages, crawling under the table and getting stuck, and tearing up magazines... Oh, the fun of an 8 month old. Why now when he happy with his freedom does he have to start cutting teeth????


I took a few pix I had to share. His hair is getting more red, and full. I think he actually is more red than Abby was at this age! However, if the expression on his face starts to look repetitive, it is because he has figured out how the camera works... there is a little orange light that goes on, and then a big bright ugly flash! Hence, the stunned face. As soon as he sees the orange light on the camera, his smile goes away because he knows the big flash is coming!!!!!

Oh well, he is still pretty darn cute. :) Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween! We had a great day of parties at both Jaxon and Abby's school. Jaxon was "Spiderman", Abby was a "Ballerina Girl" - she really just wanted to wear her costume from her ballet performance last spring. Fine by me, less effort to find a new costume, and Wade, he was Charlie Brown... I have to admit, he made a pretty great Charlie Brown!

Hope you all had a fun, and safe Halloween!

Here is Jaxon at his school parade... I didn't get there in time to get his mask on...


Here is a close up of our crawling, slobbering, Charlie Brown....









Spook courtesy of Peter

Wade Crawls- Sort of....

So, Wade turned 7 months old on October 16th... unfortunately, and much to my dismay, the little tyke has decided that he is going to take on crawling... Well, he isn't quite to a quick and easy crawl yet, but as you can see, he can get to what he wants in some sort of fashion. I am sure it will only be a matter of days until he gets down the coordinated motion of it all and has us all scrambling to baby proof doors, cupboards, electrical sockets, and stairs....We have a few guest stars in this video... so, enjoy!

Roller Queens

I had a girlfriend invite me to take Abby rollerskating with her daughters. I thought... what could it hurt? She hasn't been before, but, they give the kids a lesson, and then let them skate! Well, Abby and Jaxon's skates were on one of the tightest settings, but Abby still managed to get familiar with the floor. Just a few pictures to illustrate the point... (notice, she had a favorite falling side)



Abby's disgusting bruises didn't stop her... She skated for two more hours because of course, once the disco ball starting twirling, and the music started pumping, she just couldn't stop herself. . . What can I say... I can't blame her!

Stein Erickson Lodge Turkey Chili

I got this recipe from my sister. It is our most beloved Chili. Don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients. Most of it is just spices.... it goes together just as quickly as any other Chili... just a little more saute time. This recipe goes a long way, so invite someone over, eat it all week, or freeze it!

4 cups canned Black Beans
1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (regular works fine, just don't burn it)
2 Medium Anaheim Chiles- Seeded and chopped
2/3 Cup Chopped Red Onion
2/3 Cup Chopped Celery
2/3 Cup Chopped Red Bell Pepper
1 Large Leek (White part Only)
2 Cloves Garlic Minced
2 Tbs. Dried Oregano
1/4 Cup Flour
2 1/2 Tbs. Chili Powder
2 1/2 Tbs. Cumin
2 Tbs. Coriander
1 tsp. Salt
1/8 Cup Sugar
4 1/2 Cups Chicken Stock
2 1/2 Cups Frozen Corn (Thawed)
4 Cups Diced Turkey (Buy a chunk from the deli, that you can dice, or buy a pre-cooked turkey breast from Costco- in the deli section)

Garnish with grated cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

Melt Butter in large pot. Add chiles, onion, celery, bell pepper, leek, garlic and oregano. Saute for 10 minutes- then add flour and reduce heat to low. Add spices including sugar and cook 5 minutes.

Add 4 cups chicken stock and simmer for 10 minutes. Puree 1/2 cups of corn and add to chicken stock. Add beans, turkey, and remaining cup of corn. Heat through and serve.

Hearty Logger's Chili

We LOVE CHILI! These are our favorites! Want to make this one a little lighter? Use ground turkey, and 1/2 lb. of keilbasa... just makes it a little less of a heart attack. :0

1 lb. Lean Ground Beef
1 lb. Kielbasa Sausage
1 Tbs. Olive Oil
1 C. Onion
1 C. Green Peppers diced
2 Cloves Garlic diced
1 16 oz. can Kidney Beans
1 16 oz. can Stewed Tomatoes- undrained
1 16 oz. can Tomato Sauce
2 Bay Leaves
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Chili Powder
1 tsp. Dried Oregano
1/3 tsp. White Pepper
1/3 tsp. Black Pepper
1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

Garnish wish sour cream, and cheddar cheese.

Sautee ground beef in a large skillet. Drain, and set aside. Cut sausage into 1/2 inch pieces. In the same pan, saute sausage until brown. Set aside. Saute onions and green peppers in olive oil unitl soft. Add garlic, and saute, add ground beef, and sausage and remaining ingredients. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour.

Butterscotch Sauce Part Deux

A while ago I posted a link for a recipe for Butterscotch Sauce (Banana Splits)on my recipe links. If it is over there, I have tried it, and liked it! Anyway, I Tivo Everyday Food on PBS which is on Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. here in Spokane. One of the episodes had ANOTHER recipe for Butterscotch Sauce. However, this recipe called for sweetened condensed milk instead of cream which I liked, because I don't usually have cream on hand. Sweetened condensed milk is rare too, but it is more likely since I love to bake.

I checked the Everyday Food website, and the recipe wasn't there!! Thankfully I hadn't gotten around to erasing the episode from my tivo, so here it is!!! I am updating this post to add pictures. . .PIONEER WOMAN STYLE!

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar in a Sauce Pan. This recipe is so stinkin' easy you can do it right now!

Add 3 Tablespoons of water and 1/3 cup corn syrup. Stir it up and let it come to a boil. The longer you boil, the harder the sauce when you poor it on ice cream. If you want it more candy like, boil 5 mins, if not, boil 1 min. . If you can't decided, boil sometime in-between.

Add 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk. Lick the lid, you know you want to.

Here is the boilin' part...


And 5 tablespoons of butter. Remove from heat and stir in your new additions. It will start to look CREAMY. . . Oh yum.

Poor it over ice cream, add some bananas for that "bananas foster" feel, or just dip some apples in it. You will THANK ME! (You're welcome)

A couple of years ago, I bought glass jars and delivered this as a Christmas gift to friends and neighbors. I started a little obsession with a few friends who, I am sure, are still making it today! YUM-O!



3/4 Cup Brown Sugar (packed)
3 Tbls. water
1/3 Cup Corn Syrup

Dissolve sugar completely and let come to a boil.

Add

5 Tbls. Butter and stir until melted, then remove from heat.
Add
1/4 Cup. Sweetened Condensed Milk.

Store in a jar, or plastic container for easy re-heat!

The Artist

Jaxon has evolved, from Map Making Fool, to artist extraordinaire. Every day Jaxon insists on making MAPS! However, we have determined that we need to curb that behavior, and get him making something else! (Not to mention that he was single handedly killing rain forests in Guatemala, and increasing the earth's temperature by 1 % each day by his personal paper consumption)

Anywho... when I tell him he can't make a map, he gets a little stressed, but today, he said he was going to make a picture of Daddy, so here it is! I believe there is also sun, grass, and a possible flower!

Enjoy!

Abby's School Photo

Here is Abby's School Photo... I guess as far as school photos go, it is alright. I have got to figure out how to get the more "natural" smile... To get a REAL treat, please scroll down to the Three Bears Video... you'll love it.

Subscribe to my Blog!

So, you may get tired of my e-mails TELLING you that my Blog is updated. Now you don't have to! There is a link on the right hand side of my blog (scroll down a bit) that you can SIGN UP to get an e-mail each time I update my blog! If I don't update it, you won't get an e-mail, and even if I updated it TWENTY times a day, it will only e-mail you once a day! Lets make it easy, and SIGN UP! Thanks!

Look A Like Meter

Thanks Hillary! Great Idea!

Our Kid Jaxon

Jaxon, what can I say about Jaxon? He makes us laugh, he makes us cry, he makes us.... well, mostly cry. No..... he is a great kid, with LOTS of energy, and love. He has a hilarious personality which he displays mostly in the Primary at church when he has the attention of the entire primary.... (ask about the "I'm a Man" Story)

I was sitting on the couch paralyzed by a day of Preschool outings to Farms, Dr.'s appointments, 6 month old double-ear infections and double preschool days with a 4o minute round trip drive which we do twice a week... anyway........I could hear someone misbehaving upstairs, and asked Peter to go "lay the smack down." I mentioned to him that it was probably Jaxon, and after an investigative mission upstairs, he said it was Abby, who was taking the rollers that she asked to be put in her hair... out of her hair. That seemed to make sense, so I continued on in my comatose state, waiting for the Tivo to finish recording "Dancing with the Stars" so I can watch it commercial free....Anywho...

Later that night.... .I am on my way to bed, about 11:00 p.m. to do the routine tuck in... When I go to Jaxon's room, I find it difficult to open the door! When I finally get it open a crack, I notice that the light is on, but it is very quiet in his room... I get the door open enough to get in the room, and find that his bed is completely stripped... everything, even the fitted sheet. All of the bedding was blocking the door. Jaxon was peacefully asleep to the side of his bed with no blanket, or pillow... Well, it looked like he could have been using the pull up diaper next to his head as a pillow, but since it was NEXT to his head, we will say he wasn't. And he DID have his blanket to the side of him, but it had a far more important purpose which was... acting as "wrapping paper" to a "present" which contained a bunch of his toys that we let him keep in his room.

I went about making his bed in complete light, and made him get up and get in as I scolded him for taking all of the sheets off his bed... Will he remember? I doubt it. He will probably think it was all a dream... even the part where he dismantled his bed.

Kids... they never cease to amaze me.

Here is our Pirate Jaxon. He LOVES making "Treasure Maps" (one is proudly displayed on the fridge). If I let him, he would make about 20, but we cut it down after 2.... don't want to kill too many trees. :)

Wade Sits Up

Ok, I know, it is event overload at our house, but since I was posting about Abby and Jaxon's milestones, I decided that I must add Wade too. After all, he has been sitting up for about 3 weeks! Oh well, I am a little behind the curve on Wade, but that is what happens when you have a third child... they come third..

He is trying tremendously hard to crawl, but his head gets in the way. He digs his head into the ground to keep his balance when up on all fours. For now, he gets around by rolling all over the place, which at times is hazardous. He never likes rolling from the carpet onto the hard kitchen floor, or into the Iron console table, but he is learning that once an obstacle is reached, stop rolling, or roll the other way. It is cute, and fun to watch where he ends up!

Here is a video of our cutie tooter red head. What is not to love. He is a great baby, fun and loving, and he is an absolute joy in our house. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to view the video)

Abby's First Tooth!

It finally happened! Abby has been wanting so badly to loose a tooth. I wouldn't be surprised if she took a hammer to her mouth to get rid of one. It seems to be the "cool" thing in first grade, however, Abby is probably one of the youngest in her class! I wasn't really expecting her to have one until the end of the year, but she was determined! And once she puts her mind to something, LOOK OUT! ( I wonder who she gets THAT from! ? !)

Last week she came home and told me that one of her teeth was loose, and I could hardly believe it! She worked with it all week, and it came out today! I just happened to be volunteering in her class today. Her friend Bryant came up to show me that he had just lost a tooth yesterday. Shortly after that, she came running up to her teacher and yelled, MRS. PARKER! I LOST MY TOOTH! (Um... Hello? I am sitting right there! How about MOMMY, I LOST MY TOOTH!) Well, it turns out, it was MUCH more important to tell Mrs. Parker because she instantly got permission to go to the office where they give the kids a tiny treasure box to keep it in for the day.

I can hardly believe my little baby lost her first tooth. There aren't as many milestones that are momentous once your kids reach a certain age, but I can tell you most certainly, this was MOMENTOUS! It is a fun and exciting time for her, and for us. We love watching them get older!

My Favorite Meatloaf

For some people, Meatloaf is a turn off. Want something a little leaner? Cook it on a broiler pan so the grease and juices drip through to the bottom. When it is done cooking, let is stand for 10 minutes so the juices redistribute.

1 Cup Boiling Water
1/2 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes
Combine and re-constitute dried tomatoes in water. Drain water off, and chop.

Combine with
1/2 Cup Ketchup
1 Cup Seasoned Bread Crumbs
3/4 Cup Grated Onion
Add Sun Dried Tomatoes
2 Cloves Garlic Minced
1/2 Cup Shredded Sharp Provolone (if you can't find it, use Parmesan)
2 large egg whites
1 lb. Lean Ground Beef
3/4 Cup Fresh Basil Chopped, (or 3 Tbls. Dried)

Combine all of the ingredients together well. Shape on a broiler pan in 9 x 5 shape 2 inches high. Spread sauce on top and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Sauce:

1/2 Cup Ketchup
3 Shakes Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbls. Vinegar
1 Tbls. Brown Sugar

Fish Soup

My mom made this dish growing up, and I crave it when it is cold and wet outside... My mom was a pro at making soups on cold drizzly days. I loved it.

1 medium onion
3 stalks celery
3 carrots chopped
2 small zucchinis chopped
3 cups chicken broth
Frozen Green Beans
Frozen Corn
1 can Stewed Tomatoes
Thyme
Pepper
Worcestershire Sauce
White Fish

Saute Onion and Celery together. Add Carrots, zucchini, and any other veggie that sounds good to you, or that you have on hand. Add chicken broth, Stewed Tomatoes, and spices to taste. Bring to a Boil and add fish. Let fish cook until you can break it apart into small pieces. (Use cod, Tilapia, or any other soft white fish that will break down when it cooks) Add frozen corn, and beans, and bring back up to a boil. Serve with french bread... it is fab!

Pita Pocket Bread

I received this recipe from a girl in my ward in Sandpoint, ID. This is a great recipe... FAIRLY easy, but there is one tricky part. However, if you have some time, and want something great... this would be it!

1 3/4 C. Warm Water
2 1/2 t. Yeast
2 t. Sugar
2 t. Salt
2 T. Oil
2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
2 3/4 to 3 Cups White Flour

Mix water, sugar and yeast together. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add salt, oil, and wheat flour. Mix well. Add white flour one cup at a time until dough is soft and slightly sticky. Knead for five minutes. Let dough rest for 30 minutes well oiled and covered.

Roll into eight balls for smaller pitas, six balls for larger pitas. Roll out into circles on a well floured surface until 1/4 inch thick. Let rest on well floured surface for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. VERY CAREFULLY transfer bread to oven, and bake on a un oiled sheet pan. (Preheat the pan in the oven and keep it in there, so it stays hot. Transfer dough from floured surface to oven using a flat large surface, like you would a pizza) MAKE SURE to not touch or push down on the pitas after the rest period. You want to be sure they "fluff" up. Do not let the pitas touch each other while they rise or bake.

I know this sounds a little technical, but once you have done it, it is much easier than it sounds... Just takes a little practice!! Enjoy!

Falafels!

Peter and I catch a few shows on the food network from time to time. Lately, Peter enjoys watching Guy Fieri's Diners and Drive Ins where Guy goes from dive to dive showing all of the great eats around the country. On Saturday, we saw Guy's own show called Guy's Big Bite, where we watched him make Tempura Stuffed Avocados. I commit formally to trying them soon. Especially since Peter brought home boxed tempura batter the other day. I guess that is my cue....they looked incredible though.

Today, Peter was watching Diners and Drive ins, and one place was making Falafels! What are those? Wikipedia will tell you.

Falafel ( Arabic: فَلافِِل falaafil (help·info), also known in Egypt and Sudan as ta'meya (طعمية), is a fried ball or patty made from spiced fava beans and/or chickpeas. It has become a popular form of fast food in the Levant and in the Mashriq (Arab East), where it is also served as a mezze (snack or tapas). The word "falafel" is the plural of the Arabic word فِِلِِفِِل (filfil), meaning pepper.[1]
Falafel is usually served as a sandwich wrapped in pita bread, and outside the Middle East, the term "falafel" commonly refers to this sandwich—falafel in a pita is typical street food or fast food. Along with the falafel balls, which may be crushed onto the bread or added whole, topping variations are usually included. Falafel balls may also be eaten alone as a snack or served as part of a mezze. During Ramadan they are sometimes eaten as part of an iftar, the meal which breaks the daily fast after sunset.

Anyway, I had my first falafel in Israel many years ago. I would eat them from street vendors, and practically died of food poisoning from one of them, but I still love them. I am not sure if it is the Tzatziki sauce, or the chickpeas and seasonings, but they taste so fresh and yummy!!! Peter suggested that I make them for dinner. Not our typical dinner fare.... but I have to admit, sometimes I get excited about a challenge in the kitchen.

I tried a recipe from Martha.. Really, for most recipes, I trust her most, and I will search her website for a recipe first. I was right, it was fab. However, I did not measure my liquids very closely and regretted it later when my falafel patties would not firm up... However, they were still incredible! Try them when you are feeling VERY adventuresome, but don't skip the Tzatziki sauce! Links are to the right!

Day of Miracles

Today was a day of MIRACLES! They really do happen. I know you are dying to know exactly what miracles happened today, so let me tell you!

I dread waking up on Sunday mornings. Not because it is Sunday, but because of what I have to wake up to. Each morning, I get woken up by the sounds of my 4 year old who has pressed his face up against the crack under his door to call my name in long extended sounds... MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYY! Not quite the alarm I look forward to, his voice echoes into the hall, and I have to hurry out of bed before everyone in the house is awakened by his hollering. I guess it is better than some other alarm options, but still. .. Anyway, the first thing we do when I open his door, is let him go to the bathroom, because usually MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYY is followed by, " I NEED TO GO POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTYYYYYYYYYYY!
Then he proclaims to me that "The Sun is up!" Which is debatable because it is usually 6:00 or 6:30 and the sun has in fact NOT come up, but is just barely casting a pale color other than total blackness.

After that, we get him dressed. Why do I do it right then? Because waiting just delays a painful process of deciding what to wear. Jaxon is particularly fond of one or two shirts in his wardrobe, and it is always a challenge when I want him to wear a different one. When we get ready to change clothes, he asks me, "What are we doing?" Usually the answer is, "Going to School!" Which is generally a well received answer, and this is the answer 5 out of 7 days of course. Saturdays, I don't get him dressed right when he wakes up, but Sunday, the answer is "Going to Church!" The reaction to this response is always tears, and it is at that point that I dread the fact that it is Sunday. "But, I don't want to go to church!" is his answer. I thought I wouldn't have to hear this response until my kids were teenagers, hopefully I am getting it all in now.


I am sure he has many reasons for not liking to go to church (i.e. sitting still, being quiet, not touching neighbors etc.) however, when we are getting dressed, the current obstacle is, he has to wear a collared shirt. No matter what kind of shirt it is, polo, rugby, or button up.. if it has a collar, he thinks it is a church shirt, and if it is a school day, he doesn't want to wear a shirt with a collar. When we put on the collared shirt, he knows it is inevitable... we are going to church.

Today, however, I had a slightly different game plan. Peter and I decided it was time to wear a white dress shirt, with a tie. I know, we are brave, brave parents. We tried to make this transition in the most gentle manner, and by using just a little bit of trickery. I got him dressed, but put him off his guard by just having him put on a white t-shirt, and putting on his socks, and dress pants. The plan was to have him put on his shirt and tie at the same time as Peter. We even got them matching (sort of) ties, so they could be twins! When it was time, I gave Jaxon his dress shirt, and tie, and said... take this to DADDY! He usually responds with enthusiasm to this kind of task... and he did today too. I am not quite sure what happened after that. I could hear Peter upstairs using a very upbeat voice and saying things like "LOOK! JUST LIKE DADDY!" "COOL" and "SEE???" I figured it was going well, and it was.. Jaxon came down stairs with his daddy, and a HUGE smile on his face. The battle was WON! with little to no resistance!

MIRACLE # 1: Jaxon wore a dress shirt and tie to church!

Much to my amazement, the Miracles kept coming! Sharing time is yet ANOTHER challenging time for Jaxon. Sitting next to friends without touching them is a very difficult task. So is the task is watching the chorister involve kids in singing time without being able to participate himself. She of course is involving the kids that are being reverent, or quiet which is usually never Jaxon... thus making the process of getting through singing time even more of a challenge. Even today, she had three cups on the table and even though he reached out to try to touch them several times, he never did, and he never got out of his seat. That was AMAZING MIRACLE #2! AMAZING MIRACLE #3 followed closely behind when the chorister noticed Jaxon's good behavior, and actually rewarded him by letting him choose one of the cups! YEAH FOR JAXON! It was great to have his "good" behavior rewarded in such a large group setting. I was grateful that she noticed, and finally gave him a chance.

I never ask how Jaxon was during his Sunday School class, because I am sure he was a challenge. The first day Jaxon was a Sunbeam, I formally apologized to his teachers, and promised them that they would be blessed for being Jaxon's first ever Sunday School teachers. They laughed at me, and I am sure thought I was just kidding until after class started :) Since then, I just move as quickly as I can to pick him up from class after church, and I am careful to make Jaxon say "thank you" to his teachers before I whisk him away. Today however, it was a day of MIRACLES and MIRACLE #4 happened when we picked him up from class! His teacher looked at me and with a totally straight face said, "Jaxon was really good in class today!" I am sure a look of confusion and disbelief crossed my face, but he looked genuinely sincere, and I had no choice but to believe him! What a great day of miracles! But 4 miracles was not enough!

We came home, and Jaxon wanted a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. This is no different from any other day, and we can get him to eat a few other things, but usually this meal will go down with the least resistance. Usually only the crust is left behind, and we normally take another 15 minutes to get him to eat at least 1/2 of the crust left behind. Today, I wasn't really paying attention, when MIRACLE #5 happened! I looked over at Jaxon's plate when he was almost finished, and I noticed something different about his plate.... it was not strewn with the fractured crusts of a dismantled peanut butter and jelly sandwich... It was entirely clean... I demanded that Peter turn around and look at Jaxon's plate, just to be sure I wasn't seeing things... so naturally since you usually can't take a picture of miracles... I took a picture of miracle #5... Jaxon's clean plate.

All in all, it was a pretty amazing day of miracles. I know many of you might think these kinds of things are run of the mill, but not for us, or Jaxon. I am grateful to see him progressing, and growing, and learning to do the right thing. For us and Jaxon this IS a miracle! I attribute it all to wearing the TIE!! :)

Recipe Links!

Unfortunately, Martha doesn't post all of her "Everyday Food" recipes on her website. That is why I have to post them sometimes. However, if they ARE on her website, I just link them on my Recipe Links to the right! Tonight I tried Lighter Chicken Pot Pie. EXCELLENT! My husband LOVES Chicken Pot Pie, and it is truly not my favorite thing. However, this was loved by ALL of us. I baked, and cubed chicken, and I used 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, and it was great. Don't forget the Lemon Juice. That is what seals the deal, and salt and pepper your chicken and veggies so that it doesn't taste bland... DELICIOUS! Don't worry about the Phyllo dough, you will be amazed at how easy it is to use. (It is in the freezer section next to the frozen desserts)

Butterscotch Banana Splits? I watched this on Everyday Food (TV Episode-PBS- Saturday morning. I have my Tivo set up to time it) Anyway, it looked SO DARN GOOD I had to try it! I did tonight, and it was just as good as I had imagined it! I am a sucker for Bananas Foster, which is a difficult dessert to find... but this was an excellent replacement. I am entertaining on Thursday night for Girls Night Out, and I will most certainly be making the Butterscotch Syrup! YUM!

Mongolian Beef (PF Changs)

This recipe is my most cooked meal. It is one of our favorite dishes at PF Changs, and I jumped at the chance to try a knock off. It is pretty darn good! So, we'll take it! Give it a try, and tell me what you think!

1 Flank Steak (cut cross wise into thin strips)
Corn Starch
1/2 Cup Soy Sauce
1/2 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar (dark, but I use regular)
1 Tbs. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. minced ginger
2 large green onions
Frozen Peas

Cut meat into thin strips, and coat both sides with corn starch. Set aside, and let meat soak in corn starch. Let meat rest while you make the sauce.

Make sauce by putting a small amount of oil in a sauce pan. Add garlic and ginger and saute for 10 seconds. Do not scorch garlic. Add water, soy sauce and brown sugar, and dissolve. Cook on medium heat until sauce thickens. (Don't worry, adding it to the meat will thicken it even more)
Remove from heat, and set aside.

Heat dutch oven or wok with hot oil, use as much or as little as you like. Make sure oil is hot, but not smoking. Working in batches, brown meat on both sides. It doesn't need to be cooked through. Remove from heat, and place on paper towel to drain oil. Add meat back to pan, and add sauce. Add green onions. Cook on medium heat until meat is cooked through. I add frozen peas at the end to add a veggie.

Serve over steamed rice.

Jean's Chicken Curry

This is a family favorite, and is made for almost every one's birthday as their favorite meal. It used to be Peter's favorite meal, but now, it is Jaxon's favorite meal. Either way, we love it!

1 lb. Chicken (boil covered in water for 10 minutes until done- do not overcook) Shred when cooked.
6 Tbs. Butter
6 Tbs. Flour
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1 1/2 tsp. Sugar
1 Tbs. Lemon Juice
1 Tbs. Curry Powder
1 small Onion chopped
2 tsp. Grated Ginger Root
2 Cups Milk
1 1/2 Cups Chicken Broth


Saute Onion and Ginger in butter until onion is cooked through. Add flour, salt, sugar, and curry powder. Cook for 1 minute. Add 2 cups milk, and 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Stir in slowly, and cook until thickened. Add shredded chicken, and 1 Tbs. Lemon Juice.

Serve over steamed white rice, and top with raisins, cubed pineapple, cashews, and coconut. (The toppings is what makes it SOOOOOOO good.)

Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Penne and Broccoli

Everyday Food came through with a quick and yummy meal that my family loved because Chicken Parmesan is one of Peter's favorite dishes. Give it a try!

2 large eggs
3/4 cup finely grated parmesan
1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
1 1/2 lbs. chicken tenders
1 3/4 cups tomato sauce
4 oz. part skim mozzarella shredded (1 Cup)
8 oz. penne rigate (ridged) or other short pasta
1 package (10 oz.) frozen broccoli florets, thawed
1 Tbls. olive oil

Bring salted water to a boil. Heat broiler, with a rack set 4 inches from heat. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup parmesan and breadcrumbs. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dip tenders in egg, then in parmesan mixture; place on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil until golden brown. 2 to 4 minutes a side.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spread 1 cup tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish. Then top with chicken, remaining 3/4 cup sauce, and finally mozzarella. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, according to package directions, adding broccoli for final 30 seconds. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta and broccoli, and return to pot. Add oil and remaining 1/4 cup parmesan. Toss, gradually adding some reserved pasta water until pasta is lightly coated. Serve chicken with penne and broccoli.

Every Day Food

Since the weather has turned cooler, I have turned to the kitchen! I have some great new recipes to share. One of my favorite magazines is everyday food. They always make good use of garden veggies that are in season. I LOVE that! Especially because my very sweet neighbor who doesn't speak English very well has brought me TONS of tomatoes. I haven't had the heart to tell him that I have two tomato plants in my back yard. Oh well, I had to find something to do with them, and Everyday Food had a recipe for making your own tomato sauce! Here is the link! If you have extra tomatoes, give it a try!

http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.fc77a0dbc44dd1611e3bf410b5900aa0/?vgnextoid=41c6a5efd1f54110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&autonomy_kw=tomato%20sauce&rsc=ns2006_m5

Abby's Circus Dream

Well, it was inevitable! Abby is a STAR! Her dreams came true tonight when a circus clown came and asked me if I had a volunteer... Wow, do I ever! I think it all started when Abby was about 2. Abby would stand in front of the fireplace, and Peter would be the "announce" and say... "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS, PRESENTING....ABBY!!!!" Abby would put on an elaborate "show" for us, and tonight, her "show" was a reality! Even the Circus Emcee got into the act.. just as she has always dreamed.

Abby was thrilled, and went right out on to the floor! He told me I could take as many pictures as I wanted. It wasn't until about 5 minutes into his routine that I realized I had a video feature on my camera! I took two clips, and they are great! I know it is difficult to see, but turn up the volume, and you will get the gist of it. The pictures are fun too. All in all I think she was out there for about 10-12 minutes. It was great! I didn't catch the end on video, but snapped a few shots. In the end, the clown opens the garbage can, where the bubble makers were all thrown away, and it erupts with tons of bubbles! Her skit was a great success!

I am sure you realize how thrilled Abby was by this experience! She loved it! See the video clips, and still shots below. Much love.... L

Abby's 1st Day of 1st GRADE!

Our big girl Abby had her first day of 1st grade on Thursday, Sept 6th! Her new teacher is Mrs. Parker, and Abby seems to like her a lot. She got a cute new hair cut for the big day, and we are so excited for her! Here are some pix for you to look at!

Abby's cute new cut. Her bangs are ALMOST all grown out now! Sorry about the shade!

Here is Abby running to the playground before school!

Jaxon's 4th Birthday

This INCREDIBLE MAN...

(Who has lost 40 lbs. By the way)

Did ALL THIS...

Bought all the presents, decorations, and food. As well as decorated, wrapped presents, and made the birthday dinner, and the cake.

All for THIS Birthday BOY!

He Even did THIS!

It was a great, happy birthday! Thank you to Peter for making it SOOOOOOOO great, (as I have had the stomach flu!!!) You are the best Daddy EVER! For more birthday pix, and a birthday video... see the links below!

In the Back Yarden

That is what I called it when I was a kid anyway. We did a video tour of our garden this year. It is our first garden ever, and since I had Wade March 16th, I thought I would escape it for one more year. However, I made the mistake of taking Abby with me to the nursery to buy other plants, and the woman helping us asked if Abby was going to have a garden.... to which Abby gave a resounding "YES!" How could I deny her?

It hasn't really been so bad. The prep part was definitely the worst, but it forced me to finish the back yard, so that was good. We have our garden on a hill side, something I will have to build up again next year because the run off from a very strong rain storm washed away many of our seeds... Lesson learned. Retaining wall next year.... We still ended up with a pretty great (small) garden! And it has given Abby a great sense of accomplishment.

Enjoy the video below! Oh, it cuts out just she explains that the green pepper is something we put in our food, but she can't remember the name of it. Then we look at our strawberries, which are not very plentiful because we live next to a bird/nature reserve.... not good for our strawberry growth! They love to eat them too!

Crib Notes

My sister told me my posts were too long... (she has a new baby) so, I am going to make it short for her. It has been a while since I have posted because we were,

• Out of town, in SLC
• My whole family was there
• Hillary's baby Ruby was blessed
• We went to Lagoon, and Raging Waters and did a million other things.
• Had lunch with childhood girl friends, so fun.
• It was lots of fun. (and crazy and exhausting at the same time)
• I will post pictures when I can find the CD I brought home

That is about it!! I cannot believe that we are in the middle of August. I have one last birthday to celebrate this summer, and it is Jaxon's... next week. Check back, because I am sure I will post that.

Here is my list of my guilty summer pleasures: In bullets, for my sister, of course.

• So You Think You Can Dance (I know, I know, but I have been dancing since I was 7, so, it is fun to watch)
• Harry Potter, and the Deathly Hallows
• *Twilight* By Stephenie Meyer- LDS Author, BYU Grad. (I know! Me read more than one book? It is true! It doesn't happen often, because I can't put them down, but Twilight was a fun easy read, teenybopper audience, but a romance (clean) I loved it.)
• Last but not least... Burn Notice- USA network. Funny, witty spy show. It makes me laugh, and fills a small spot in my heart when Alias when off the air. I look forward to Thursday Nights because of it!

Check back soon! I am going to photograph my garden (Don't get too excited, it is a first attempt)

To All The Guys I've Fed Before....

What a crazy week! It started Sunday with Peter's birthday, and Abby's birthday was Monday. We had party after party, and I cooked and cooked and baked! Tuesday I was up to my ears in other responsibilities, and Wednesday, we went to the lake...So, it has been a little while since my last blog. We are getting ready to head to Utah tomorrow to visit my family, so I am excited...

Today I checked my e-mail, and there was an e-mail from a friend of mine from BYU days. I cooked for him on occasion, and to my surprise, he had checked out the blog, and wanted HIS favorite recipe... POT STICKERS. Funny enough, if I had blogged everything I had cooked since my last blog, pot stickers would be one of them, as that is what my husband wanted for his birthday dinner. I didn't realize my blog could also provide wanted recipes that I had cooked for years.. but even so, I am happy to oblige. He mentioned that was about 14 years ago (sadly that is true) and the thought of them still makes his mouth water. My family has been making pot stickers much longer than that. My mom used a recipe out of a Japanese cookbook she had, and then my sister trumped her by one she found. It is still the one I use today. So, to all the guys I have fed before here is my sure fire Pot sticker Recipe!

POT STICKERS

1 lb. Ground Pork (NOT PORK SAUSAGE)-

and if you are feeling sassy, you can chop 1/2 lb. deviened raw shrimp, and combine it with 1/2 lb. ground pork, but it is usually too much trouble for me, but it is VERY good if you feel up to it.

1/4 Cup Green Onions (Chopped)
4 tsp. Ginger Root (I grate fresh, it is the ONLY way to go)
1/4 Cup Shredded Carrot (a cheese grater works great)
2 Tbs. Cooking Sherry
2 Tbs. Soy Sauce
1 tsp. Sesame Oil
1 Egg (beaten)
Won ton Wrappers (found in the produce section of most stores- next to the tofu) Round, or Square work fine.

Combine ingredients and put by spoonful into won tons. Do not overload, or you won't be able to close the won ton. Wet the edge of the won ton, and seal by pressing closed with your fingers. Fry the won ton on one side in oil in a fry pan on medium heat. You can cut down on calories by spraying the pan with Pam, instead of using oil. But if things get too "sticky" use oil. After the bottoms are browned, add 3/4 cups water, or chicken broth and cover. Reduce heat to medium low. Set the timer for 6 to 8 minutes, (until the water has cooked off for the most part) Remove lid and boil of the rest of the water.

Dipping Sauce:

1 Part soy sauce
1 tsp Ginger Root (grated)
1 Part Rice Vinegar
Green Onions

Serve over Japanese Sticky Rice (my favorite is Calrose, in the Oriental Foods dept.)

Make it SOUP! This recipe makes a enough for 5 adults, but sometimes I like to make won ton soup because it is an easy step from the pot stickers. I use chicken broth as my base, and a little bit of soy sauce. Add the won tons, and bring it to a boil. Add fresh mushrooms, and peas. (I usually just use frozen peas because it is what I have on hand) add a few of the green onions as well. If you want to get really fancy, add the BBQ pork in slices that you can find in the oriental department of the store as well.