family · Goals · kids · organization · Random Stuff · scrapbook · vacation

Cute Stuff

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I am on vacation this week, and it has been somewhat okay.  We have an older vehicle that needed belt repair for a long while, and this week the battery decided it was time to stop working as well.  Repaired to the tune of $420 later.  But I am not going to let that ruin my time off…too much to do…and do it joyfully.

This is what some call a staycation…staying at home while I have vacation from work (bonus – I am not sick). I have goals, and a list of priorities to accomplish this week.  Weekends never seem to be long enough for my organizing, and the week just piles stuff back up. So it is a never ending circle it seems.

Anyway…one of the goals this week was to empty out my pantry.  I knew it was bad, but really had no idea how bad it truly was.  Jar of Alfredo sauce: expiration Feb 2006!  Yep, that plus a lot more.  2 large black garbage bags full, and some time later = organized.  For the moment anyway.  I had the kids help, and hopefully that will play into keeping it for longer than 3 days.

 NOTHING on top of the refrigerator!!! I love that.

A two drawer system (that I found in the garage), and some other tubs (that I can’t find the lids) organized the chips and pasta.  All of my baking ingredients are on one shelf (sugars, cocoa, marshmallows).  It may not look like much, but, oh what a beautiful sight it is for us.

I also added a cutie to my scrap closet.

This was a bonus Decor Elements from Stampin’ Up from a couple of months ago.  I LOVE their design and ease of application.  If you need anything from Stampin’ Up – Julie is great – and you can find her here:

www.craftasticpassion.com

But isn’t it the cutest!  Most people won’t see it, but I do from where I sit in the office.  I need to get some small chalk and a chalk ledge so that I can get some great use out of it. 

Well, back to it…still have more to get done…and it is already Thursday!  Have a great day.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

lupus · vbs

VBS Part 2

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Well, we all survived…and it was good.  This vacation Bible school was “Big Apple Adventure…where life and faith connect” by Lifeway.  This was one of their best vbs productions.  It was fun filled, modern music, and energized.  The kids loved it, and we were well organized (even though I was panicked  most of the time).

My daughter, Carmen painted most of the “sets,” and she did a great job.  She ended up helping the majority of the week with registrations to records, to being the Missions leader on Friday.  I am so very proud of her.

We have had a wonderful vbs director for about 8 years, and she really has her stuff together.  So, that made it easier, although my self-confidence really sunk low.

Speaking in front of people is never easy, and with kids I am more comfortable.  I was panicked about this I think beginning on Wednesday.  Our temperatures during the week averaged around 94, and no clue what the heat index was, but it was hot.  Running around all week, even with the sections being inside, it was really tiring.  I did try to rest when we got home, but there were things that needed to be done each day in preparation for the next.  Friday was the worst.  We hosted a family fun night and hot dog supper. Cooking 300 hot dogs, and 100 hamburgers was easy due to some wonderful volunteers.  But for me – exhausting. 

The best part was that we had children bouncing to areas (snack, music, recreation), and most importantly Bible Study.  Thursday was a great day for me, considering a 3rd grader came beaming about accepting Christ the night before.  He was walking on air, and Christ shown through.  I was humbled, in awe of the joy that came through him so easily.

The week ended, and I crashed – hard.  It was worth it.  I was honored to be a part of a great week.

Blessings.


cooking · Recipes · Turkey Salad

Turkey Salad

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Cooking lately for me has been nil, but a salad isn’t really cooking right?

I purchased some already cooked, oven roasted turkey at Sam’s Club (super convenient, and really good flavor).

They come in medallions so I just chopped them a little bit.
 I sliced a sweet onion, and sauteed it in olive oil.
I chopped a couple of slices of prosciutto (yummy), and added it to the mix.
It wasn’t just right…so a spoonful of minced garlic.
Added it to a spring mix.
I found in the refrig (yes found) this peanut ginger dressing,
and it really made it refreshing.
Not heavy, too strong, just right.
So not to bad for not “cooking”…eh?
Enjoy!!
family · friends · vbs

VBS

jachancellor1 Comment

Our vacation Bible school began yesterday…and I am officially in charge. I have been doing fine until yesterday – ha.  I am a good organizer, getting supplies, rooms ready, ordering what is needed, etc.  Getting up in front of people (even the majority of them children) really makes me nervous.  I have so far survived two days, but I have a great official director who has done this for years, and she makes it look very easy.

I will post pictures hopefully tomorrow, but I just wanted to update all of you of our happenings.

Oh, and cooking has been placed on hold for the week.  I plan to work up my menu (and grocery shop) next week so recipes should come along shortly.

Have a blessed week.

Jerry Ann

Auburn · beginnings · blessings · college · family

Endings and New Beginnings

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I am so sorry that I haven’t posted in a long while.  We have been busy with Carmen and Stephen’s graduations.  Finally have a moment to post some pictures of all of the events that have kept us occupied for the past several weeks.

First was Stephen’s graduation.  He has attended Liza Jackson Preparatory School since Kindergarten.  This hit me emotionally far more than I realized it would.  Alex, and Nico have been consistent friends through middle school, and we are thankful for their friendships.  Stephen is going to be (hopefully) the Stylemarchers at Choctaw High next fall.  He has had a rough year, but survived, and we are all truly thankful.

Carmen graduated with Cum Laude Honors, National Honor Society, French Honor, International Baccalaureate program, Yearbook staff, Wheelettes Service Club, Indian Scholar, and Anne T. Mitchell Award recipient for 4 years.  Lots, that meant she worked hard (not really – she is really gifted in a lot of areas, which irritates me and Stephen.) and awarded for her work.

Carmen will be attending Auburn in the Fall, with some scholarships (Yeah!!).  We are transitioning this summer (I guess), and will be busy with getting her ready to be on her own.  

So, again, thank you for your patience.  I will be updating more now (hopefully), but haven’t been cooking, let alone time for posting.

Have a great summer!! 
Blessings.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa · Leftovers · Mexican · Recipes

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

jachancellor1 Comment

Tory came for a visit last weekend.  She is a gluten-free girl, as is her sister Serenity.  She makes herself at home here, and I am truly thankful for that.  She normally makes peanut and chocolate chip cookies, but this weekend was shorter.  She likes Mexican type/flavored food, and we had some fiesta cheese, and corn tortillas.

I thought about doing a little something extra for her, so I came up with this:

I drained and rinsed a can of black beans, and corn.  
Added 1/2 chopped onion, and some red pepper.
Also added a little bit of cracked black pepper,
Added a little bit of garlic, and some lemon juice (to add a little freshness).
Tory ate on this all weekend, and she said she really enjoyed it.
Carmen made some fish tacos with it, and some of the leftover mackerel that we had.
Just a tortilla filler, but it turned it into something special.
Enjoy!
family · fishing the Gulf · kale · Recipes · Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel & the Gulf

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Stephen had the pleasure of going fishing with our friend Tommy and his son Larkin.  
They caught about 10 Spanish Mackerel’s, and brought all of them home for us to eat.

 Tommy sent this picture via his phone, blurry, but still a good photo of the boys.
Tommy filleted the mackerels that they caught for us. 
We kept them cold until ready to cook that afternoon.
I rinsed them, and patted dry.
I used garlic infused oil, pepper, and lemon juice, and let marinate for about 1 hour.
I placed them on parchment paper on a baking sheet, and broiled for about 12 minutes.
The mackerel turned out moist, and really flavorful.
I served it with some sauteed kale and Pancetta.
It was really yummy.
Fresh fish is the best, especially from the Gulf.
Enjoy!!

Memory Verse

Memory Verse #9

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Yes, I missed #8, and to be honest, I won’t go back to it. 

I am using Beth’s this time.  It spoke volumes to me this week.

So…Memory Verse #9:

“Rely on the Lord!  Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 
The Net Version

I must say, that this version was the only one that used the wording “rely.”  Most of the others used wait, and that is fine, but more fitting for me this week is rely.  To rely:  1. to be dependent (on) 2. to have trust or confidence (in).

I can rely on Him today, and tomorrow, for many things, for ALL things.  To be dependent upon Christ is easy, to have trust or confidence is easy as well.  Not in our brothers and sisters, they can help, but to rely on Christ, His strength, awesome.

Have a blessed week my loves.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

beaches · Random Thoughts

The Gulf –

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Carmen and I last weekend on our beach.
The beach is beautiful this time of year.
I keep expecting oil to show up, but it hasn’t.
The water is still a beautiful green/blue and the sand is 
still as white as ever.
I love this place.  
I love just sitting, and listening to the waves roll onto the beach.
Love the Emerald Coast.
You should come for a visit.
Enjoy!
kale · pasta · Recipes · satuteed Pancetta and Kale

Sauteed Pancetta with Kale and Pasta

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I realized the other day, that I haven’t posted a recipe in a while.  Sorry.  I also haven’t been cooking, which explains it, eh?

Oh, well…one of our favorite (kids and I) dishes is pasta.  Sometimes all we do is add olive oil, salt and pepper, oh, and Parmesan cheese.  But, this is my new favorite way (especially when Kale is fresh, and the Pancetta is on sale).

Chop the Pancetta that has been thinly sliced.  Add to a hot pan, begin sauteing until edges are brown.  Add one sweet onion sliced, and 2 to 3 cloves of garlic. Once the onion is translucent, add the kale.  I have to add a pan full, stir, and let it wilt some before adding the rest of the kale (I typically use a 1/2 bag of kale).  Once the kale is wilted (this is your preference on how wilted), add to cooked pasta.  Salt and pepper to your liking, and add cheese.

This serving of pasta is artichoke and ricotta filled tortellini.
The salt from the shaved Parmesan, and the slight smoke flavor from the 
Pancetta was wonderful with the bitterness of the kale.
This is truly one of my go to suppers.
Enjoy!