Chicken and Dumplings!

It was so nice to have Martin home all day today! I had a hard time sleeping last night, because I kept thinking about his being on administrative leave, and wondering how the contested hearing will turn out. I know that we have entered a new aspect of our lives, and it is exciting to have change knowing that Heavenly Father is guiding us. Still, I can't see the future, and it is hard not knowing where we are going.

The weather was really sloppy today, lots of drizzle and fog, and Martin thought that chicken and dumplings would be really good. I had planned on fried chicken, but it was little to ask that I change the menu, and so I did. As I simmered the chicken, it occurred to me that when the family found out that I was making chicken and dumplings, they would all want some. I realized that the pot simmering the chicken would not begin to feed everyone, and so, I got out "Big Mama". This is a roaster that I often use on top of the stove for large quantities of whatever. Sometimes it is chinese food, sometimes it is soup, or spaghetti, maybe stew, or a large casserole. Whatever it is, Big Mama comes out when a large group is expected. There is also, "Big Papa". It is larger than Big Mama, and usually handles the Thanksgiving turkey, or something like that. He does not come out very often, but when he does, foods a'cookin.

So, out came Big Mama, and I filled her with chicken broth. Then I got out the largest bowl I have, and stirred up a mountain of dumpling dough. By then, the kids had gotten off the bus, and when Jacob found out about the chicken and dumplings, he began to whoop and jump around in joy. Eli wrinked his nose, but we compromised by letting him make his own ramen noodles. The doorbell rang, and as it was Wednsday, Nanamee was at the door. I welcomed her in, and then remembered how much she likes pineapple upside cake. I turned on the oven and began to stir up the cake for her and the family. After putting it into the oven, I cleared a space on the granite counter and rolled out several large circles of dough, and cut the dumplings into squares. Jacob helped me, and if the squares were less than perfect, no problem! Aunt Cheryl sat at the table and boned the cooked chicken. The dogs were slathering at the chops, because I think they know when chicken scraps are coming their way. Aunt Cheryl put the chicken meat in one bowl, the scraps in another and the bones in the trash. Finally, I had dropped all the dumplings in the boiling broth and let them cook for a bit. By then, Shane had come in and smelled the homey smells from the kitchen. I told him, "chicken and dumplings" and he grinned like a possum. I told him I would call and invite his family, (David, Natalee, and Tyler) to come for supper. The phone rang, and it was Sissy. Jacob was excited to tell her that he was helping with the dumplings, and she said that Robby would be happy to know I had made some. I added the chicken meat to the dumplings, stirred for a bit and the phone rang again. It was Becky. "What's for dinner Mom?" Chicken and dumplings, I told her, and she said that Joe would be so happy to hear that. So, I added up everyone coming to have dinner. It was, Martin, Aunt Cheryl, Nanamee, Shane, David, Natalee, Tyler, Joe, Becky, Little Joe, Jacob and Robby. I can't eat chicken, so I don't count myself. Big Mama was the only way to go! Soon, the rich broth was bubbling with chicken and dumplings and the kitchen was bubbling with anticipation! The cake had turned out perfectly, the chicken and dumplings were ready, but not everyone was there. I decided to feed the family in shifts, so, Papa, Aunt Cheryl and Little Joe got the first round. David and his family showed up, and so they and Jacob got the second round. Joe and Becky came later, and round number three was started. In the meantime, rounds one and two were going back for seconds, and believe it or not, all 3 gallons of chicken and dumplings all but disappeared! The was just enough left for Martin to have for lunch tomorrow. I did mix some broth and chicken scraps with the dog's food, and put some dumplings and broth aside to make Little Joe some baby food. What I do for that is blend the dumplings without the chicken, with some of the broth together in a blender and pour it into ice cube trays and freeze it. Then, I take the frozen cubes out and put them in a baggie to use one at a time in the future for his dinner, along with fruit and vegetables.

And the cake? Well, everyone was civil, and it survived intact to be cut into pieces and served with ice cream. Usually, pineapple upside down cake around here, gets the crispy corners cut off by sneaky cake sneakers before I can get it served. Not tonight, thank goodness.

As I sat at the table with all of the family, I felt kind of teary. It felt like Heaven on Earth to have them all around me, laughing and eating and getting along. I am thankful for Chicken and Dumplings and all that it means to me. Nanamee said that she would rather have a simple meal like that than to go and spend a bunch of money on a restaurant, where you couldn't even get chicken and dumplings! She is right, with minimal cost, I fed many, they all loved it, and once again, I am shown the most important things in life are not material things.