Hi all! How is your Wednesday going so far?
Mine and Greg’s started okay but rough! And that was all because of this little guy…
Orion is the type of person cat that likes predictability. He loves routine, food, sleep, affection, and did I mention routine? Greg and I needed to drop off a 15-passenger van early this morning, so in a sense Orion was right in trying to wake us up with his loud meowing and howling. Yes my friends, this cat howls like it’s his full-time job! At least more than 50 percent of the time he will be the one waking us up way early, rather than the alarm itself. 
So why in the world did we have to drop off a 15-passenger van?
Because we took our kiddos from the MAD Club to Knott’s Berry Farm as our last treat for their being part of our group! They just ended school last week, and I don’t think that there could have been a more perfect way to kick start their summer break.
It was all of these girls plus three boys, Emily, Greg, and myself.
These kids are just so precious, and the mere fact that they’ve been picking up on our weekly lessons and trying to live them out is truly rewarding. We’re so grateful to God for allowing us to serve these kids at a public school because that’s just unheard of in this generation.
Hahaha! I don’t know why but all of us were cracking up at the second to last picture. It just looks so…..comical! And aren’t they so cute? They had so much fun yesterday, which I’m glad about because through all the laughs, times of disobedience, and having heart-to-heart talks, we were able to bond so much more than if we were stuck in a classroom.
Although we won’t be seeing them officially anymore, we’re hoping that we will stay in touch. Now, wouldn’t it be crazy to get a phone call from these guys 10 years from now?! I’m hoping that’s the case because I can still remember some of my mentor figures from childhood, and the thought of them just brings me so much joy and encouragement. 
Today’s breakfast was all about the protein pancakes, babay! They were made just like the last ones I posted about except I cooked these with banana slices inside the batter.
The toppings include the usual: home made coconut butter, strawberries, Love Grown Granola, PB Crave that I won on Kat’s giveaway, and a new to me but oh-so-delicious ingredient called Labe Kefir cheese. So let me talk a little bit more about that Kefir cheese. It is in the consistency of really thick greek yogurt, yet a lighter cream cheese. It tastes super creamy and tangy all at the same time–great when smeared on toast or used as a dollop on pancakes and oatmeal. Mmmm!
So about this ginormous cinnamon roll…after we dropped the van off this morning, Greg was really craving a fat cinna-roll from Mimi’s Cafe, so we made a quick pit stop and after he ate 2/3 of it, I took a few bites off the crusty part (which is always my favorite part of any baked treat). Naturally. Hah!
Pretty much the whole day I was having stomach trouble so I wasn’t very hungry for a big, heavy lunch. Well, usually lunch is light for me, but today’s was lighter than usual. I opted for an Ezekiel toast with melted muenster cheese and avocado smeared on top. Veggies are usually a must for my meals, so I had it along with salsa, spinach, celery, bell pepper, and hummus.
Have a beautiful day and know that you are loved to death! (Literally. If you know what I mean. 
)
Are you the type to go to amusement parks?
-I kind of am, but now whenever I go I get headaches and nauseated! I guess I’m definitely getting “older”
Did you have any mentor figures while growing up? What kind of influence did they have on you?
Have you tried Labne Kefir cheese? Would you want to give it a try?
Love,
Ellie <33
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Three cheers for cinnamon rolls. I love them and just cant get enough. I try to stay away though because they are bad for my butt lol I want your protein pancakes though. Looks healthy and delicious. Win win!
OooOo yes they are, you should give ‘em a try Lindsay!
Aw, what a lovely outing! What a fantastic group to be involved with – I am sure they really appreciated the outing and your company over the year
Your protein pancakes look pretty lovely too!
Also, I nominated you for the food stories award for excellence in storytelling
(see – http://bite-sized-thoughts.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/best-chocolate-dessert-ive-had-this.html)
Thank you so much Kari~You’re very sweet even though I don’t deserve it, hehe. And surprisingly, we got really close with these kids!
Aww Ellie! What a fun, memorable outing w the kids!! It must’ve been bittersweet though, huh? And your cat and I will get along just fine hehe..I am a creature of habit, and I wake up at 5:30 every morning even w/o an alarm clock. I like how she rolls =).
And I used to love going to the amusement park, but now just the thought of it makes my tummy churn! It’s sad…Now I join my parents in walking around the park while the thrill-seeking youngens are on the rides =(. How and when did this happen?!?
It WAS bittersweet!! haha! And Orion is a HE.
But many times we joke around saying he has no “you know what” because he can’t create babies. 
And I rode a few rides, but believe me! I am getting old or somethin’! I was sad knowing that I get headaches when I ride too many roller coasters now….:(
That looks like a blast! I didn’t realize Knott’s was an amusement park. I used to love going to them as a kid, but haven’t been in years. Maybe time to rectify that…
Hehe, yup! It’s not too far from my home. Hopefully you’re not “too old” now and start getting tummy aches and headaches.
I LOVED that hotdog pic! My hubby and I always look for cutouts like that, in which we can stick our faces in and take pics!! Ha, ha.
Too fun! And just looks like a great time all around!
So funny you guys keep on the lookout for them!
Definitely going to try your protein pancakes tomorrow morning! My mentor growing up was my dad. He worked so hard and was really well liked by all. He was inspiring to be around!
Yaayyy hope you like ‘em! Keep in mind that different powders will rend different textures, etc.
And it is SOOOOO sweet that you look up to your dad like that! He sounds like he was a really loving and gentle man.
Aww Ellie, those kids are so lucky to have a mentor like you! Looks like a fantastic day
That cheese sure looks interesting!
Ahhhh I totally went to Knott’s when I lived in Orange County as a kid!
I love working with kids! It’s always an adventure.
That pancake looks 9 ways of good. Onion is probably my dream cat.
I had a cat all while growing up named peanut. And I picked him out at the shelter hoping he’d be big and kinda fat (sorry onion), but he wasn’t big and really really lanky.