Lately it’s been quite busy with volunteering and spending time with Greg’s parents. As you may already know, they live in Kansas and come down whenever they get the chance.
Last weekend was Greg’s pastoral ordination (hallelujah! 
) and they made sure to fly over to Cali to celebrate this special time with us.
Greg and I also had the opportunity to take ‘our kids’ (the ones we volunteer for) to the Home Depot Center to watch a Galaxy Game!
Yes amigos y amigas, that is Mr. David Beckham himself! We had front row seats and thanks to God, we all got free tickets through a sponsorship program called “Kicks for Kids”, which prides itself in helping out children who can’t afford to watch games at the stadium. All the 5th graders thoroughly enjoyed themselves and then some…
They’re such cuties I tell ya!
Just the mere fact that we got to make their day brighter through this fun event made us feel so grateful and blessed. There’s nothing like serving others, even when there are other note-worthy things going on in our own lives. We feel more “alive” when we do just that, because we’re constantly reminded that life ain’t about us.
And now onto the eats! 
This WIAW thang is hosted by Jenn from Peas and Crayons. This girl always has yummy eats on her blog!
Breakfast
Oh.my.goodness! Today’s breakfast was delicious and packed with protein all at once. I cooked up my beloved protein pancakes with Greg’s chocolate protein powder (I ran out of mine), but instead of the usual addition of oats I decided to go with light rye flour. If you’re not too familiar with using rye flour, let me just tell you that you might just be missing out! The texture is extra fine and it makes fluffy and delicious pancakes.
I’m telling you people, Greg gets spoiled by me all the time! Especially when it comes to good food….Mehehehe.
I made him regular pancakes with the same rye flour, and they came out so perfect that he deemed them to be the best ones I’ve made for him so far. On the side, he had cheesy scrambled eggs along with fresh fruit.
Lunch
I know I’m not the only one who eats a mish mash of random foods for lunch. 
I had Argentinean baked beef empanadas with fresh greens, avocado, and a super tasty stew that I made last week. Unfortunately I can’t find the recipe I wrote down. Ahhh! I guess I’m destined to lose every other recipe I record.
Venturing Out Like My Filipino Bros and Sis
One of the very best things about becoming part of a different ethnic congregation–and believe me, there are many positive aspects to it–is the food.
Period.
Up until our recent move to the city of Carson and our new church, I wasn’t quite familiar with the Filipino culture and all that it entailed. I have some friends who are Filipino, but they’re probably just as Americanized as I am!
Almost every Sunday these hospitable brathas and sistas cook up a delicious array of Filipino dishes. That means, main course and desserts. So far I love everything I’ve tried!
In my opinion, one of the best ways to immerse ourselves in a different culture is by thinking like the people of the respective culture and venturing out to the places that they frequent. Today I decided to make a pit stop at Valerio’s Bakery in Carson. Every time I walk past their door I get weak in the knees from getting hit with the buttery and yeasty aroma wafting past the parking lot.
I went in and bought two different pastries for only $1.40! The one on the left is a flaky and coconutty pastry with a sweet taro filling. So good!
The other pastry is a delicious Pan de Sal type of bread that’s amazingly fluffy and covered with sweet butter and filled with cream cheese inside. Uhhhh I tried to have self control but after 1, 2, 3 bites I nearly finished it all.
Mountain 14 Workout
1) Burpees with Push ups- 14 reps
2) Deadlifts- 14 reps (40 lb. barbell)
3) Mountain Climbers- 14 reps (2 jumps=1 rep)
4) Standing delt flys- 14 reps (10 lb. each hand)
5) Tricep Dips on Floor with One Leg Up- 7 reps with each leg switch
6) Mountain Climbers- 14 reps
7) Side V-Crunch [Right]- 14 reps
8) Side V-Crunch [Left]- 14 reps
9) Mountain Climbers- 14 reps
***Repeat this circuit 4 times as quickly as possible and record your time. It took me 35 minutes to complete it.***
I was wiped out from this routine! It was like a monster, but luckily enough I had more than enough energy to use up and powered through it.
Have a beautiful day and thank you so much for the lovely comments on our wedding pictures! Hehe, they made me smile.
Do you like to venture out to different cities/areas to try different ethnic foods?
What flour have you been loving as of late?
-rye, for sure!
Do you like to volunteer with kids? What kind of causes would you like to get involved with?
Love,
Ellie <33
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Loving those pancakes! And i definitely like to experiment with all kinds of foods, not a picky eater here ;D
I love it when people aren’t picky. Nice to seeya Jenny!
HEY ELLIE! I have miss you but I agree with you when you said “One of the very best things about becoming part of a different ethnic congregation–and believe me, there are many positive aspects to it–is the food.
Period.”
I must agree here! PS I think Im making this protein pancakes soon!
oh you definitely should try ‘em! Every protein powder makes it taste and feel different, just a heads up. So good to hear from you Angie~<3
I’ve always been a fan of rye flour, as my mum is allergic to wheat and rye and cornflour made up most of her personal alternate-flour creation. Mmm, I want her rye-flour-melted-Nuttelex-oats-brown-sugar-walnuts apple rhubarb crumble right now!
And aw, your kiddlywinks look so happy!
Nice! You always mention your mom’s rhubarb crumble–it makes me hungry! lol.
Oh gosh, your breakfast sounds wonderful! Great meals all around for that matter.
Where did you get the empanada? Have you been to Empanada Place in Costa Mesa?
My mom made it! But I know how to make it too, so I’ll post a recipe someday (hopefully soon)
And omgshhhh! I’ve seen it in costa mesa and have been so curious about that place! have you tried it? Is it good?
Awww that’s wonderful that the kids got front row seats to see the game
And that’s so awesome that u got to see David Beckham!!!! mmmm LOVE ethnic food and trying different types of food. When I travel, I like to find out which restaurants the locals go to and “eat as the locals do”.
haha, that’s seriously one of the most fun things to do when traveling. My parents always say that when I go somewhere far, I come back looking “healthier and fuller”
I love going to different parts of town for the ethnic goods! I live right near a stretch of Orlando called “little Vietnam” and it’s high time I go back to get me some of the delicious pho!
Oh mannnnn nothing like good, original vietnamese pho~my mouth waters just thinking about it
Did I read your husband is studing to be a minister? That is so cool. I haven’t been reading your blog very long, but I really enjoy it. It’s nice to read that others have a loving committed relationship with Jesus Christ.
Hi Kathy! my husband JUST became ordained and has been the pastor of this church since around our wedding. Just about 2 months now!
awww thanks for reading and enjoying it! I feel honored to hear that. And it’s so awesome you’re a writer! And amen, it’s super encouraging to read of ppl with a love for Christ.
First of all, DROOL – David Beckham! So jealous!
I grew up in a VERY culturally diverse city suburb, so from a very young age I was exposed to all sorts of different cultures and foods! My 3 best childhood friends are hispanic, Japanese, and Vietnamese, so we used to have the best time exploring all the cultural foods available in our neighborhood. Or just having a sleepover and letting their mom’s make traditional foods! I think one of the best ways to really understand another culture is to experience their cuisine and dining experience. Food is a universal language!
haha totally universal! It’s so cool that you grew up so aware of different types of people and cultures. It’s funny b/c to our Filipino congregation, it was REALLY important that we fit in with their culture and that we like their food. I think most people are like that–especially in the Asian community! Luckily we love their food
WHY DIDNT YOU TELL ME YOU WERE GOING TO THE GAME?! My coach has season tickets…I totally couldve met you guys there~!! Im actually going on wednesday in 2 weeks
ah mannnnn I totally didn’t think of contacting you! But soon one of these days we’ll have to set a date!
Those empanadas look amazing! Did you make them? Going on ethnic food adventures is the best and a favorite way to spend a Saturday.
Hello Val! My madre made these empanadas, and if you’d like I can post a recipe sometime! Love making them, but I just need to set aside some time TO make them. I love how you put that–it’s totally a fun adventure on a weekend.
definitely post the recipe for the empanadas. i’ve never made homemade empanada dough before. i usually just buy the discs and make the filling myself and then bake them. and one day post a picture of all those workout exercises! i think i need to do more HIIT…. hahaha.
and those pastries from the bakery…makes me weak in the knees too. i know once i tell myself one bite, its game over!
Junia, for sure I’ll post some pics or maybe even a video?! hahaa don’t know…but I’m totally willing to help you although I don’t feel very qualified due to so many amazing fitness “gurus” out there
btw, do you make the empanadas argentinean style?
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