No Ordinary Moments

Opportunity {Five Minute Friday}

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:39:00 +0000

{go}

The total the cashier gave me at the register of Lowe’s made me gasp. Really? It didn’t seem like I had purchased that many flowers.

And then I realized there were bunches of window boxes still left to plant and fill. Yikes.

I stood at home a bit later and looked at the barren and pitiful looking boxes on my deck. Knowing how much it would cost to fill them made my heart hurt.

Especially after looking in the face of poverty, knowing the hope that a few dollars offers, and contemplating the true value of my money.

Yes, I want my home to look beautiful {and it’s ok to have it be pretty}. But this year {and maybe in years to come as well}, we’re going to take the opportunity to share the beauty with another family.

The flowers may not abound in the window boxes, but as I plant some herb seeds and leave one box barren, the new sprouts will be a daily be reminder of TRUE beauty and the opportunity to make an eternal difference in the life of a child.

{stop}

Five Minute Fridays is hosted by The Gypsy Mama and is a meme where we write for only five short, bold, beautiful minutes. Unscripted and unedited. We just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. Join in here…

Camping at Natural Chimneys

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:02:00 +0000

Although this wasn’t the first time we’ve gone camping this year, it was a trip we all enjoyed. And relaxed.

Natural Chimneys was beautiful and we had a PERFECT weekend. There were only a handful of campers on the grounds. The weather was truly amazing. While we didn’t have wifi, we did have electricity and somehow we all survived.

With citronella candles handy to ward off hungry mosquitos.

Long hikes to see amazing and breathtaking views.

Moments realizing how little we are in the scope of things.

Near heart-attack moments as you watch your sons teeter on the brink of the fire pit. Sigh.

This momma is loving camping. Most of the time.

In Too Deep by Mary Connealy {Book Review}

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:51:00 +0000

Colorado 1866.

Ethan Kincaide may not have planned to get married to Audra Gilliand, but somehow the proposal and marriage happened in what seemed like mere moments.

Literally.

The worlds rolled off his tongue. He was just trying to help in what was a dire situation. But now he has a wife and two children and finds himself in a place he never anticipated ~ a growing love.

His main concern his Audra’s safety and protection from the dangers that follow her and the family. He also wants to protect his heart. Others he’s loved have been hurt before and he is fearful the same will happen to Audra.

Audra hasn’t had the easiest life and has been mistreated by men for as long as she has been alive, so Ethan’s help is something she doubts. She believes she can care for herself and her children, but little by little she opens herself up to trusting again.

But will it be in time?

My Thoughts

In Too Deep by Mary Connealy is the second book in the Kincaid Bride series, although it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Of course, after reading this one, I wanted to go back and find out more of the back story behind several of the other characters ~ and look forward to the final book in the series as well.

At times, Ethan comes across as a bit simple-minded, but as the story progresses, you realize the defenses that he has developed over the years because of hurts in his past. The characters will draw you in and make you want to know more about them.

Overall In Too Deep is an easy read, perfect for summer reading {ok, anytime reading and with a bit of mystery added in for good measure, it will leave you wanting the next book right away.

Or at least grabbing the first book in the series until you can get your hands on the last one!

Find Out More

~ Visit Mary Connealy’s website to find out more about her books and series.

~ Buy In Too Deep by Mary Connealy in paperback or Kindle format.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Jet Lag and Tanzania

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:58:00 +0000

This past week I’ve been in Tanzania with Compassion International and as much as I thought I would be posting little blurbs here all week, well….

I’ll admit that I forgot. Can I blame it on jet lag?

Please?

I cannot even begin to describe here {or we’d be here forever}, all that I have seen, absorbed and realized in this last week. But I can share with you a few posts and pictures to get you started until I have time to sit down and full process all that God has put on my heart this week. In the meantime, here’s some food for thought…

Sweet Songs of Praise {Day 1}

Hope and Vision {Day 2}

A Little Child Shall Lead Them {Day 2 part 2}

The Difference a Gift Can Make {Day 3}

In Which I Cry Again {Day 4}

The Hands and Feet of Jesus {Day 5}

Would you like to help make the difference in the life of a child? Sponsor a child through Compassion International and begin helping fight the poverty of others.

If you have sponsored a child this week {or before}, would you let me know? I would love to pray for you and your child too!

{This} Close to Tanzania!

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Tue, 01 May 2012 03:31:00 +0000

The last step for my upcoming trip to Tanzania with Compassion International is in place. Today, my trip guide arrived, along with my passport and visa for Tanzania. My plane tickets are now officially packed and I am finishing up a few loose ends before the plane takes off on Friday ~ with me on it!

Each day that brings me closer to traveling makes it a little more ‘real’, but at the same time, almost surreal.

I am beyond excited to be a part of this blogging team with some other amazing people. Even if I don’t always externally show it, know that internally I am shouting.

Meanwhile, I am breaking in new shoes so that I don’t need to pack boxes of Band-Aids and the kids are drawing pictures to share with the little boy, David, that we now sponsor in Tanzania. I can hardly believe that at some point next week, I will be able to physically hold that little boy, play with him, hopefully meet his family, and SEE the difference that partnering with Compassion International can make.

THAT alone is just an overwhelming thought.

I’ll be sharing bits and pieces here and linking you to more pictures and my heart thoughts as I go along. Thank you all SO much for your encouragement and prayers. They are known and felt!!

And…if you don’t already, pray and consider sponsoring a child through Compassion {from Tanzania or anywhere!}.

Community

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:03:00 +0000

The theme this week for 5 Minute Friday is “Community”.

{go}

I used to snicker when I hear that people met ‘online’ and wonder how in the world a relationship could really develop with someone that you hadn’t met in person. Wouldn’t it be scary to actually get together? In my mind, it was just people posing as someone they were not, and real relationships were just a joke.

Then I started blogging and some of these online personalities became REAL to me. More than anything I wanted to wrap my arms around some of the sweet ladies that were quickly becoming more than just an online presence to me.

One brave day, I drove into the inner city of Philadelphia to meet one of these ladies who is now one of my DEAREST friends. Since then, I have met numerous others that I am beyond blessed to call friends. Ladies I know that I can pick up a phone and call in a heartbeat. Drop an email or send a text.

No more snickering. I am blessed to be a part of a different type of community.

{stop}

The Whirlwind

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:38:00 +0000

The last few weeks have gone by in what seems like a flash. Birthday parties for a new 11 year old girl. Camping. The whirlwind we call life.

At the end of last week I sat down to look at all that is coming up in the next few weeks and about had a panic attack. This weekend I will be speaking at the 2 to 1 Conference and after my return home it is only a few short days that I have to unpack and then REpack for my trip to Africa.

GULP.

I’m furiously making lists. Trying to remember all that I need to pack. Planning meals for the family. Making sure I remember all that needs to be done in the upcoming weeks.

In the meantime, we’re wrapping up our school year this week {BIG CHEERS} and we were enjoying the weather before it got so chilly!!

But that’s life ~ a whirlwind of activity lately!

Calling Shotgun!

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Until this past weekend, the radio controls were all mine. Well, for the most part. There may be mutiny based on what CD was playing, but ultimately I was still in control of the front seat area.

And then a certain someone hit 80 pounds and is now crying ‘Shotgun!’…much to her delight and the dismay of her siblings who are nowhere near the 80 pound mark.

She doesn’t look at all excited on her first trip in the front seat, does she? Other than doing the happy dance for a few minutes, she immediately took control over the radio.

When, oh when did she grow up so fast?

My Spring Reading List

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:27:00 +0000

It’s a bit late in being posted, but somehow the Spring Reading Thing Challenge managed to sneak by me and I missed making my list. That doesn’t mean that I stopped reading ~ I just didn’t feel like sitting down to put a concrete list together until last night.

Although I don’t have a set list of books that I would like to read, I do know that it always helps me to have goals to print off and keep handy during the coming months to see how I’m doing. In May I have some nice long plane rides for my trip to Tanzania with Compassion International, so I have a feeling my Kindle and I will becoming rather cozy during that time. Here’s my general ‘to read’ list for this spring:

In {real} paperback format

- The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer

~ Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson

~ Six Ways Keep the “Good” in Your Boy by Dannah Gresh

~ Good and Angry by Scott Turansky

Via My Kindle

I have a ton of ‘fun’ books that I’ve downloaded via my Free Kindle Books list, and I’d like to read 10 of them this spring.

With the Kids

The kids and I have been reading the Gregor the Overlander series by Suzanne Collins together and we are almost finished with the last book in the series. I’m avidly looking for a new series to start reading with them when this one is done ~ any suggestions?

That’s it for my list overall ~ plus any fun books that show up for review. Do you have any books that you want to read soon?

New Chick in the Country

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:14:00 +0000

Six new chicks. Four happy children. ‘Nuff said.

Enjoying Beautiful Orchids

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:21:00 +0000

This past weekend we spent time with friends we haven’t seen for some time. We visited a botanical garden near their home and enjoyed walking through the orchid house and strolling the grounds.

I had much fun capturing some of the beautiful orchids and finding some pictures that we’ll be framing to hang above our mantel.

Loving how these will not only be a constant reminder of the beauty that God created, but also of the relationships that He has blessed us with.

Thai Peanut Chicken Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:51:00 +0000

I have a love for a certain Thai restaurant nearby. And one certain dish. When I came across a recipe that had a few of the key ingredients included in the soup, I had fun altering it a bit. It’s one that I’ve made several times now and absolutely love it!

Pin It

Thai Peanut Chicken Soup

{adapted from Eats Well with Others}

1 Tbsp Coconut Oil

1 Tbsp Thai red curry paste

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced

2 chicken breasts, thawed and cut into small pieces

1 cup coconut milk

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup peanut butter {I used Costco’s all-natural}

1/2 cup boiling water

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

juice from 1 lime

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

salt and pepper, to taste

1. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes. Bring to a boil in a large saucepan with the coconut milk and 1 cup of the chicken broth. Reduce heat and simmer until sweet potatoes have softened.

2. While sweet potatoes are cooking, heat the coconut oil in a large soup pot. Add in curry paste and cinnamon and stir til mixed. Add in diced chicken and cook thoroughly. When chicken has finished cooking, add in onion, garlic, bell pepper and jalapeño to the mix. Cook til veggies are softened.

3. Mix peanut butter with the 1/2 cup of hot water and pour into pot with chicken mixture. Add the additional 3 cups of chicken broth.

4. When sweet potatoes have softened, use a fork to puree them into the broth/coconut milk mixture. You can also use a blender to puree them together. Add to chicken mix.

5. Add red pepper and basil. Bring soup to a boil.

6. Lower heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in lime juice and brown sugar.

Note: This dish can also be served over white rice. I added a teaspoon of salt to the dish to season it a bit.

Thirty One Gifts ~ $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Last year one of my friends gave me the cutest little cooler bag from Thirty-One Gifts. It was the first that I’d heard of the company and I immediately starting browsing their many bags for organizing and fell in love with the different fabrics and styles available. Not only can you get organized, you can do it with some fun and coordinating fabrics. The Thirty-One product line features purses to totes and everything in between.

Two of my favorite Thirty-One bags have been the Large Utility Tote {we have 2 of these} and the Organizing Utility Tote. Our Large Utility Tote {Aqua Circle Spirals pattern} is working wonderfully as our pool tote. All six of our large beach towels are rolled up inside. The bag measures 11.75” H x 21.5” W x 10” D and has 14” handles. It also collapses practically flat when not in use.

Our swim goggles, swim caps, and sunscreen are stored in a Cinch Sack {Circle Spirals pattern} and that drops into the bag nicely. Having the goggles in a separate bag is handy, especially when they are wet! The Cinch Sack can be used as a backpack and also has a zipper on the front of the bag for easy access into the bag.

The Organizing Utility Tote has been a FABULOUS bag and is currently my teaching tote. It holds so much more than I expected and the little side pockets on it are endless. :) One of the front pockets holds an entire 12-pack of the large dry erase markers. The other pocket hold various pencils, scissors, sharpies, a stapler…and so much more! I dropped in a file folder holder to divide out the inside a little bit, but love this bag.

What I LOVE about Thirty-One Bags

Easy to clean ~ Not that I ever spill anything {my kids are the only ones that make messes ~ ahem}, but the fabric is a breeze to clean up!
Many of the bags collapse for compact storage ~ when I’m not using them I can fold them down and slide it under a car seat, etc…
Large variety of colors and prints ~ the catalog has a wide variety of fabrics to choose from and different ones coordinate with each other.
They are sturdy! The handles and fabric are not flimsy, making them easy to carry around and hold lots of stuff. We’ve used our large utility tote to carry around everyone’s roller blades with no problem. The handles are also nice and long, making the bags comfortable to carry.
Bags can be personalized ~ if you are giving the bag as a gift or maybe want to label bags with your child’s name, you can choose from a variety of fonts/colors to make it your own.
Great sales ~ each month Thirty-One runs a special. The special for March 2012 is the Mini Utility Bin ~ for every $31 you spend, you can order a Mini Utility Bin for $8 {a $14 savings on each bag}.

Mary Beth, a Thirty-One consultant, offered to give one of my readers a $25 gift certificate to shop in the Thirty One catalog with her! You can order Thirty-One Gifts online and items will be shipped directly to your home. If you see something you like or have a question, feel free to contact Mary Beth directly.

I know that you won’t have a problem finding something to use in your home, so just follow the directions in the widget below {feed readers will have to click over to the blog to enter}. There are several ways to earn additional entries, so pay attention to those too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided a product credit in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I have purchased Thirty-One bags in the past and will continue to purchase them in the future as well. My honest opinion is they are wonderful.

My Favorite Footwear

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:36:00 +0000

Every now and then you can get me dressed up {somewhat}, but on a typical day in our house {or really anywhere}, this is what you will find me wearing. With jeans and most likely a tshirt.

I {heart} my Adidas Sambas. What makes your feet happy?

Who Can it Be Banging on My Door?

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Rick and I were sitting on the couch together at 9pm the other night, watching a news program, when someone started shaking the front door handle rather frantically. My heart immediately began pounding. The door handle continued to rattle until I thought the person would try to break the door in.

As Rick got up to see what was going on, the doorbell started ringing quickly as well. I was meanwhile curled up on the couch and considering my options of escape and defense. Who in the world would be on our doorstep late at night and so crazy-like?

Rick started saying something {I wasn’t focusing well on what he was saying} and then he opened to find our poor 10 year old daughter standing outside on the front porch. In the pitch black.

Trying to figure out why we had locked her OUT.

It’s here that I will publicly admit that I forgot one of our children was not at home with us {something that I hope never to be repeated} . While our children have spent the night at friend’s houses and gone on trips with others, typically I remember that they are gone…and will be returning.

This time I didn’t remember.

The girl is only ten years old. I have a long road ahead of me in remembering who is where and due home. Lord, help me if this is how I start it all off!

Taking a Trip to Tanzania

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:49:00 +0000

In my sidebar you may notice a new button that says I’m following Compassion Bloggers to Tanzania. The reality of it is, I will actually be one of the bloggers traveling to Tanzania in May of 2012.

I’ll be sharing more details about the trip soon with you all, but in the meantime can I ask for your prayers as the entire team prepares for the time overseas? Most of my personal trip will be blogged about at Homeschool Creations, but I will be including snippets of it here with links to the full posts.

You can follow along and ‘meet’ the other Compassion Bloggers on the Tanzinia trip and if you are on Twitter, also follow along with our Twitter stream. Thanks so much for all of your prayers!

Chicken Taquitos Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:13:00 +0000

This chicken taquitos recipe has been a staple since it’s introduction into our family several months ago. I found a recipe via Pinterest and tweaked it to our tastes ~ but it’s one that is asked for at least once a month and has also been requested by friends when visiting.

This recipe will make a double batch, so you can make one to eat right away and flash freeze another to use later in the month. They are best fresh out of the oven {not reheated} since they are crispy when freshly baked and a wee bit soggy if they are reheated. If you happen to have leftover filling it also makes a tasty chicken salad.

Chicken Taquito Ingredients

{makes 24 taquitos}

8 ounces sour cream
1/2 cup green salsa
4 ounces cream cheese {1/2 a block}
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
3 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
3 cloves garlic
5 green onions, diced
4 Tbsp. fresh chopped basil {can use cilantro, but we prefer basil}
2 Tbsp. lime juice
4-5 chicken breasts
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese {Walmart has a shredded blend}
2 packages of tortillas {about 24}
non-stick cooking spray

Directions:

Sprinkle chicken with granulated garlic and cook chicken until no longer pink. Chop finely and set aside {I use my Pampered Chef food chopper for this}.
While chicken is cooking, cream together sour cream, cream cheese, cumin, green salsa, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic. Mix in green onions, chopped basil and lime juice.
Preheat oven to 425.
Fold chicken and cheese into cream mixture.
Lightly spray 2 baking sheets with cooking spray.
Spoon several tablespoons of chicken mixture into center of a tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla up and place on baking sheet.
When baking sheet is full {mine will hold 12 taquitos}, lightly spray the taquitos with the cooking spray.
Bake at 425 for 15 minutes or til edges are golden brown and crispy.
Serve with sour cream and extra green chile sauce.

Note: I make up the extra taquitos and pop them into the freezer until they are frozen and then transfer them to another container. When we are ready to use them, I pull them out and bake at 425 for a little longer than 15 minutes {or til they are golden brown}. Makes a great freezer meal!

Source: adapted from Pennies on a Platter

Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of February 20, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Back to life this week after a little time off for me last week! Everyone seems to have survived ~ but I have to admit it was wonderful to have a group of fabulous ladies and be a little bit spoiled last week! :)

Here’s what is on the menu for this week:

Monday

Breakfast ~ Bagels
Dinner ~ Poppyseed chicken with rice and veggies

Tuesday

Breakfast ~ Baked oatmeal
Dinner ~ Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and veggies
Extra ~ 4 loaves of homemade whole wheat bread

Wednesday

Breakfast ~ Eggs & toast
Dinner ~ leftovers

Thursday

Breakfast ~ Whole wheat pancakes
Dinner ~ White Cheddar Mac and Cheese and green beans

Friday

Breakfast ~ Cereal
Dinner ~ Homemade pizza & veggies

Saturday

Breakfast ~ Scrambled eggs, bacon & toast
Dinner ~ Lentil Stew and bread

Sunday

Breakfast ~ Cinnamon rolls
Dinner ~ Popcorn & chocolate milk

As Always: I’ve linked to any recipes that I’ve already posted. That’s it for the week ~ what on your menu?

Don’t miss my Main Dish Menu Planner and go-along Monthly Menu Planner that you can fill in with your own text and save on your own computer ~ go on and try! I have examples on how I use it to help sort and plan my meals.

A Different View

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Yesterday morning, this was my view from outside my window at 6am. Not my typical view, but definitely a beautiful one.

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall {Book Review & Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Margaret Macy is just a few month’s away from her twenty fifth birthday and a rather large inheritance. Her new step-father intends to marry her off to his nephew and get his hands on the money that she inherits. In a rash decision, she runs away with her recently discharged servant. With little funds to support her, she is forced to disguise herself and is hired as a servant.

Reality sets in at 5:30 am each morning and Margaret attempts to learn the ins and outs of a life in service. Unfortunately for her, she has been hired to work in the house of one of her former suitors and there are numerous people looking to discover where she is hidden. Will she be able to keep her identity a secret or will she be discovered and forced to marry someone who only intends to take her inheritance?

My Thoughts

Right now one of my favorite tv series focuses on the differences between the lives of servants and the society families. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen was a fun look into the life of a girl who is thrust into the role of servant ~ when she is far from accustomed to doing any bit of work and her attitude has been anything but thankful. As her character adjusts to the new circumstances and her attitude changes toward others, you are pulled into the story and the lives of those that surround her.

I truly have not read a book by Julie Klassen that I have not loved or would not recommend. When this book showed up in my mailbox early one Saturday afternoon, I immediately pulled it out of the envelope, sat down on the couch and read it cover to cover.

I only stopped to make dinner for my family. Even then, I had the book in my hand while stirring the cooking food. {ahem}

Hopefully, that will give you some indication of how much I enjoyed it! Here are a few more books by Julie Klassen that I have also enjoyed: The Girl in the Gatehouse, The Silent Governess, The Apothecary's Daughter, and Lady of Milkweed Manor. If you enjoy period fiction, you will really enjoy her books!

Find Out More

~ Visit Julie Klassen’s website

~ Buy The Maid of Fairbourne Hall at Amazon.

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall ? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, February 21st at 8pm.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Happy Valentine’s Day LOVE from What’s in the Bible!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:55:00 +0000

To celebrate Valentine’s Day and God’s love for us, What’s in the Bible has a special Valentine’s Day card and coupon code that is available today only {February 14th}. The coupon code will give you $10 off Volume 1: Genesis and includes FREE shipping and handling.

Bottom line is $5.

Just click on the valentine card with Sunday School lady {she just cracks me up} and use the code LOVE4 during checkout.

Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of February 13, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

For some reason I didn’t pull out my monthly calendar ahead of time when filling out my monthly meal plan ~ which was super obvious when I sat down to write down our meals and realized that I would be out of town from Wednesday through Sunday leaving no one to make the meals I had planned.

Oops!

So a little adjusting the meals, some pre-cooking and freezing and everything should hopefully be set for the rest of the week. While Daddy is home with the kids at the end of the week, I’ll be at a conference {with some WONDERFUL ladies}, and back in time to enjoy popcorn and a movie next Sunday!

Monday

Breakfast ~ Bagels
Dinner ~ Chicken Gyros {trying out a new recipe this week!}
Extra ~ 4 loaves of homemade whole wheat bread
Extra ~ make ahead Chicken Taquitos & freeze for later this week

Tuesday

Breakfast ~ Baked oatmeal
Dinner ~ Chili in crockpot and homemade cornbread
Extra ~ Homemade granola bars

Wednesday

Breakfast ~ Eggs & toast
Dinner ~ @ church

Thursday

Breakfast ~ Whole wheat pancakes {frozen batch}
Dinner ~ Leftovers!

Friday

Breakfast ~ Cereal
Dinner ~ Homemade pizza & veggies

Saturday

Breakfast ~ Scrambled eggs, bacon & toast
Dinner ~ Chicken Taquitos {really need to post this recipe since I altered one I found and it is truly AMAZING!!}

Sunday

Breakfast ~ Cinnamon rolls
Dinner ~ Popcorn & chocolate milk

As Always: I’ve linked to any recipes that I’ve already posted. That’s it for the week ~ what on your menu?

Battery Storage and Organization ~ #PinterestChallenge

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:40:00 +0000

I’ve officially documented my first Pinterest challenge ~ well, aside from the various recipes that I’ve been trying. Our battery storage was one of the first areas that I wanted to tackle. While this doesn’t include our rechargeable batteries {those are organized in a kitchen drawer}, I did want to get our other batteries out of sight from certain children who feel the need to swipe any and every battery.

Thanks to this lovely Pinterest idea from BHG, I picked up a craft box at Walmart {couldn’t find a tackle or bait box that was deep enough}, and sorted all of our batteries.

The box was deep enough that I was also able to hide a few of our extra flashlights and a headlamp inside {in case of emergency}.

Now the batteries are all organized and stored up in our pantry {a.k.a. away from the eyes of children} and I am moving on to another Pinterest project that I’ll share with you next week!!

I’m linking up with Julie from Dutch Being Me and her Pinterest Challenge ~ and trying to accomplish all those fun ideas from pinning!

Come Out to Support Compassion International

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:31:00 +0000

Does your family sponsor a child through Compassion International? If you would like to learn more about the ministry of Compassion International, singer Shaun Groves will be in concert representing Compassion on the evening of Wednesday, February 15th at Eastern Mennonite University {Martin Chapel}.

Compassion's mission is releasing children from poverty across the world. Join Shaun for an evening of songs and stories inspired by his travels with Compassion. Although the concert is free, they are accepting the donations at the door. There will also be an opportunity to sponsor a child ~ something we as a family truly enjoy!

I would HIGHLY recommend attending and spreading the word to your friends and family that may be in the area. Not only is Shaun’s music wonderful, he will be sharing his heart {and humor} with everyone. It will be an evening that will bless you on so many levels, so be sure to mark your calendar to attend!

Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of February 6th

noreply@blogger.com (Jolanthe Erb) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Company is coming and we’re finishing up Superbowl leftovers too this week. Later this week, I’m also going to attempt making pitas and trying out a new recipe for Chicken Gyros…if they taste half as amazing as they look, we’ll be in great shape! :)

Monday

Breakfast ~ Bagels
Dinner ~ Mushroom Chicken Bake with Wild Rice
Extra ~ make bread

Tuesday

Breakfast ~ Baked oatmeal
Dinner ~ Tater Tot Casserole

Wednesday

Breakfast ~ Eggs & toast
Dinner ~ leftovers
Extra ~ 4 loaves of homemade whole wheat bread

Thursday

Breakfast ~ Whole wheat pancakes
Dinner ~ Zippy Beef & Ziti Skillet

Friday

Breakfast ~ Cereal
Dinner ~ Homemade pizza & veggies

Saturday

Breakfast ~ Scrambled eggs, bacon & toast
Dinner ~ Chicken Gyros {new recipe we’re trying this week}

Sunday

Breakfast ~ Cinnamon rolls
Dinner ~ Popcorn & chocolate milk

As Always: I’ve linked to any recipes that I’ve already posted. That’s it for the week ~ what on your menu?