Egg and Sausage Casserole

I made this for recent baby shower brunch and it turned out pretty good. Little warning, though: it is Naughty (captial 'N'). Of course, you could tone it way down by using milk instead of half-and-half, egg whites or egg beaters, and turkey sausage. But I figure, heck, a little saturated fat never hurt anybody. Wait a minute.

2 lbs. sausage
1 loaf cubed whole wheat bread (this is how I justify this dish . . . at least it has fiber, right?
1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese (I like Tillamook in the black package)
8 eggs
1 t. dry mustard
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
4 c. half-and-half

Brown the sausage and drain. Break it up onto a 9"x13" casserole dish. Place bread on top of sausage. Mix the rest of the ingredients together, including half the cheese. Pour all over the casserole. Your dish will be very full. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning for 45 or 50 minutes at 350 or so. Serve piping hot.

Father Son + Gigi Campout

Husband took older two children and joined Best Friend with his three boys for his stake's father/son campout. When he proposed this idea to me, I was preparing my arguments about how unfair it was, and how sad Gigi would be to be excluded for the first time, just because she isn't a boy. However, hero that he is, he said, "Of course we were planning on taking her no matter what anyone says." I love that husband of mine.

Here is the only picture they took from the trip.

Madsen Bike

Assuming we stay here in San Diego, which I think would be fun, I need this bike for the beach and the 56 bike trail! Or Dirk does. I am not sure that I can pedal two of my heavy babies in it. Ox is a super biker at this point, but the other two are as yet useless and I long for family bike rides. Wouldn't this one be cool? You can stow all kinds of things in there.

I owe my friend Cara for this info . . . she always has fun random stuff on her blog. I am a big fan of Travel Tuesdays and she is always good for inspiring recipes.

I need carbonation

I am usually free of strange pregnancy cravings. Sometimes red meat. Sometimes citrus. But lately, I have been jonesing for something sparkling. I never buy the stuff, because I am sure it is terrible for me, but right now, I want it bad. Baby is sleeping. How am I going to make this happen? I am thinking some gingerale. Or orange soda. Ice cold.

Grandma Ellen's Visit

My mom, along with our longtime family friend, Brenda, came to see us for Memorial Day weekend. We had such a great time! They were so great with the kids, and our youngest especially took to his grandma. They left too soon and we cannot wait for a return visit.

What we've been waiting for . . .

Rounding out our week of big news, we just found out that Dirk passed the CA bar exam. I'm exhausted from a day of nerves and a surge of thrill and relief. I need to go lie down. Hip hip, HOORAY!

Baby Boy

I had another ultrasound last night which confirmed we are definitely having another boy. I am excited, the kids are thrilled, and I am looking for the perfect name for my little peanut.

I don't think I have formally announced that I am pregnant, due August 3rd. Since our lease is up in July and we do not know if Dirk will find another job here or if we will have to move elsewhere, I am planning to go to my mom's in July and stay until after the baby is born.

Times like this, I need theme music! I have never been an especially musical person, but I was noticing at Sea World that music has special powers. Stay with me on this one. . . We were watching the Shamu show for about the millionth time; we never tire of those loveable killer whales. And the whales were jumping and splashing and the music was loud and cheesy and I nearly cried, I am ashamed to admit, for about the millionth time.

If I had some good theme music, this uncertain time of our lives would seem like one of those inspirational movies . . . think Rudy, The Hoosiers, etc. You get my drift. Everyone would be rooting for us and we would consider each disappointment as a new reason to get up in the morning and fight like killer whales to save the day. Then, when we conquered, the fans would cry and cheer and buy souvenir cups and popcorn buckets with our cartoon likenesses.

So, now I am collecting suggestions for theme music and boy names.

About that job . . .

We found out last week that Dirk will be part of a third wave of layoffs at his firm. So, we are on the lookout for another opportunity. I have faith in Heavenly Father to see us through this difficult time, and faith in Dirk to sell his mad skills to someone who can pay lots of money for them. I am trying to keep perspective about the imbalance in our favor of blessings and take advantage of this experience for growth. Please keep us in your prayers!

Padres Game

Glow-up Light Stick Party

Among my favorite things about kids as they grow are their original ideas. I try to help them make stuff happen as much as I can, to encourage creativity and feel like I am a good mom. Ox has been talking about having a spooky party for some time because of these light sticks we bought at Joann. Well, last night was the big night. We ate ice cream at dusk and then broke them out. They ran around with these things for an hour and a half. I think they would have been going all night if we hadn't finally called bedtime.