Back to the drawing board...

Drawing is something that I'll never stop doing. Even when it's been a busy season in my life and it falls by the wayside, I know that I'll pick it up sometime just because I love expressing creativity in that way! This summer I've done various projects and started to ease back into art, which just inspires me to do more! A couple weeks ago I decided to do a last minute project (very typical for me) as a shower gift for a friend and her sweet baby. I worked the next day, then ran to the store, picked up a frame, came home and framed the drawing, and made it to the shower only 15 minutes late!  Haha. Since I had started drawing the night before at like 9 pm, I just stuck to a less finished pencil drawing, and am pretty pleased with the results! It felt good to put pencil to paper again.

Dutch Pannekoeken (Pancakes)

My mom's side of the family is Dutch and so we have a lot of stories, traditions, and recipes that have been handed down. My "Pake" (Grandpa) immigrated when he was a child, and when he was an adult, took his family to Bonaire, which is a Caribbean island which is owned by the Netherlands. They were Trans World Radio missionaries there, so my mom grew up and learned how to speak the language and has since tried to pass a lot of the heritage down to her own family. I love the heritage that I have inherited, and especially this delicious but simple recipe for Dutch Pannekoeken, or pancakes.

This isn't what American's would think of as a pancake...it is more like a thick crepe, and it is much larger than our fluffy pancakes. You can drizzle it with a thick "koekenstroop" (syrup) that is more like molasses than our maple syrup. There are many Pannekoeken Huizen in Holland; restaurants where they serve this dish. There are lots and lots of toppings and combinations you can order for your pancake--almost how we treat pizza in America! This version is how my mom taught me to make pannekoeken, and our favorite salty/sweet topping combination: ham, cheese, and apples.

The ingredients for the pancake are flour, sugar, eggs, milk, salt and vegetable oil.

 The measurements are different depending on how many pancakes you want to make. 

Keep in mind, these pancakes are pretty filling. 

2 adults: 1 c. flour, 1 1/2 c. milk, 2 eggs, 2 Tbsp. sugar, 1 Tbsp. oil, 1/8 tsp. salt

4 adults: 2 c. flour, 3 c. milk, 4 eggs, 4 Tbsp. sugar, 2 Tbsp. oil, 1/4 tsp. salt

5 adults: 2 1/2 c. flour, 3 1/2 c. milk, 5 eggs, 5 Tbsp. sugar, 2 1/2 Tbsp. oil, 1/2 tsp. salt

6 adults: 3 c. flour, 4 c. milk, 6 eggs, 6 Tbsp. sugar, 2 Tbsp. oil, 1 scant tsp. salt

You  just mix all the ingredients together in no particular order and whisk it so there are no lumps. 

You can put your hubby to work on that...and if he's stilling willing to help, 

have him grate some cheese after that:

Take slices of deli or leftover ham, and cut into squares. 

Slice a couple apples and set out the grated cheese, ham, and apples out on the counter, ready to go. 

Next, heat a skillet to medium-high and melt a little bit of butter in it, sliding the butter around to coat the bottom. Then pour a scoop of the pancake mixture into the bottom, almost like a crepe, although you don't want it that thin. I use a little less than 1 cup of batter for my pan. 

Now you put all the toppings you want on it, in this case we're using ham and apples. 

Wait until the batter starts to set and the edges start to lift up from the pan, showing that it's cooked. Slide your spatula underneath the pancake, and flip the whole thing over! This might take a bit of practice but it is not as hard as it looks. And don't worry if it folds over, just straighten it out flat and it will be fine. 

The top should be golden brown like this:

Just sprinkle a handful of cheese on top...

...and place a lid on the pan to help the cheese melt evenly.

Derek kept peeking...he was impatient! When the cheese has melted, the underside should be cooked by then and you just slide it off onto a plate. 

This is the syrup we used...it's not quite exactly the same thing that my mom buys at a Dutch store in Canada, but this was at a nearby Amish store and it is very similar. I always pour some into a pitcher and heat it up for a few seconds in the microwave so it's not quite so thick to pour. If you only have maple syrup, just use that! 

After that,  just dig in and enjoy your Dutch pannekoeken! The only downside to this recipe is you can only make one at a time, and if you have a bunch of hungry people they will have to wait for their turn. But this is a really very simple recipe with ingredients that I almost always have on hand. It's fast and filling for a weeknight--one of those dishes that are good for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Mmm...cheesy and syrupy on top....

With ham and apple in each bite. Delicious! 

We hope you enjoy this family favorite!  

I'm linking up to Homemaker by Choice's blog hop...check it out!

Soaking Up The Sunshine...

Last week we had a beautiful sunny day, so we decided to grill outside for lunch, to soak up the nice weather before it turns too cold. I love this time of year, where it's still sunny but not so hot, as the season turns to autumn.

A tasty and simple lunch...brats with green tomato relish, chips, homegrown tomatoes, and peach/blueberry/strawberry fruit salad. Mmmm!

Derek brought his schoolwork out and studied outside for the day...so much nicer than indoors!

 (Notice his serious study face.)

The sun setting over the corn field next to the house. 

The trees in our yard are producing apples...I should do some baking soon! I love the fall apple season.

After he finished school for the day, we drove over to the city park and took a walk and watched the sun set. 

The moon on our way home...it was a great day to just enjoy God's creation and spend some time together!

Not one, but TWO Birthdays!

Today is also a special day because it happens to be my brother in law's birthday as well! Drake, here are 14 things that Derek and I appreciate about you:

1. Derek: He hasn't held any grudges against me for picking on him since he's my youngest brother. That shows maturity.

2. Erin: He is the brother-in-law that feels the most like an actual brother to me, since he's often around and hanging out when I am over at their house, we've spent more time together.

3. Derek: He's had the strength to kick bad habits, and it encourages me to kick the bad habits I have.

4. Erin: He has a good sense of humor! Often when I'm over, he and I will notice something and just laugh about it together.

5. Derek: That he enjoys hanging out with his bros.

6. Erin: He is friendly and kind to people.


7. Derek: I appreciate that he helped in our wedding as an usher and just support as a brother.

8. Erin: He loves his mom and his little sister.

9. Derek: His determination when odds are against him.

10.  Erin: He's held out the longest on our promise to not drink pop for a year...I think most everyone broke it a long time ago.

11. Derek: His humility...when we've picked on him in the past (and sometimes present), he often just takes it and turns the other cheek.

12. Erin: His willingness to try new things, like soccer this year!

13. Derek: I'm thankful that he is a part of my family!

14. Erin: That he enjoys playing games. It's a lot of fun to do when I come over to wash laundry.

Happy 14th Birthday, Drake!

We love you and are thankful for you,

and pray that you have many more birthdays in the future!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is a special day-- my dad's 49th birthday! In honor of this, I took the time to write down some things I appreciate about him--one for each year of life. Surprisingly, this wasn't nearly as difficult as I anticipated. There's just that many things to love! My dad is a great guy.

Dad, I'm very blessed that God chose you to be my earthly father! Happy Birthday!

1. You danced with me (and my siblings) again and again and again. In watching our home videos recently, I can just tell how much we loved to dance, but especially with you.

2. You and mom were such cute new parents... enthralled with my every move and noise!

3. Every time in these home videos I would do something and you would say, "I bet she'll be a gymnast!" "Oh, she's got great talent, she might be an actor!" It makes me smile. :o)

4. You go to work cheerfully to provide for your family.

5. You were my high school Sunday School teacher! It was lots of fun to have you as my teacher, you were great with all the kids and I appreciated the way you worked so hard to study God's Word before you taught each week. You took the job of teaching very seriously.

6. Your birthday gives me an opportunity to have cherry torte at least once a year. Thanks for being predictable with this one. :o)

7. You try new things and encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone sometimes.

8. You have faithfully carved out time each day to gather our family for worship and scripture reading.

9.  Your impressions of your army commander barking out orders. And your stories of life in the army and trying out the German foods.

10. The way you have a song for just about any situation and often treated us to a spontaneous rendition whether we liked it or not as kids.

11. You have a LOT of wisdom. Although I used to not like to admit this.

12. The way you will stand outside at night just to watch the stars and ponder their Maker.

13. You disciplined me even when you were tired, and it wasn't easy or convenient. Proverbs 13:24.

14. You pray for me.

15. You spent your hard earned money on things that us kids would enjoy. Having a new car and a big house didn't matter to you as much as seeing us play in a big backyard in the country, have fun on the trampoline, and swim in the pool.

16. In the same light, you saw the importance of us having mom stay home with us and teach us. You worked hard and made do with less to see that she was at home for us.

17. You have a great sense of humor. Things that come to mind: wearing your pink cow shirt proudly, yelling for mom to come out and see the moose on our road (April Fools!), saying we were having all sorts of crazy things for dinner (pickled pigs feet, skunk stew etc.), coming home from work early on night and instead of coming inside to greet us like a "normal" dad, you pressed your face against the window until I looked up from my math workbook and got scared silly.

18.  You care for people. It is evident in the way I see people enjoy being with you, and the way you take time to help others, especially by being a deacon in our church and going the extra mile for friends and family.

19. You are eloquent. I appreciate the thought and heart you put into each letter, birthday card, and prayer.


20. You were (quite literally) my  Prince Charming. Also the villain. Pretty much anything I need to complete my make believe stories. You also spent much time and care to make me a huge cardboard castle for my birthday when I was little. That was a major highlight of my life.

21. You bought and played that bumble bee game with me when I was little. I wanted it so bad and was so excited about it. I'm sure that you must have thought it looked pretty stupid to attach a bumble bee probiscus thing to your head. But you did it anyways.

22. You love and respect your parents and look out for their best.

23. Every time the mail comes you ask if you got your "major award." (A Christmas Story)

24. You taught me that a bowl of cereal is a good bedtime snack.


25. You enjoy listening to me play piano. You are my favorite audience.


26. You love the country. Thanks for moving us to Pine Needle Hill.

27. You are an example of finding enjoyment in the simple things, like: a bonfire, a beer, and a Tiger's game on the radio.

28. You have an eye for the beauty of God's creation and are eager to share with me something you've noticed, like a sunset, the light on water, the stars, the red winged blackbirds in spring, etc.


29. You took us up north so many summers. I wouldn't trade those times for however many trips to Florida. :o)


30. You taught me to appreciate the combination of blue moon and chocolate almond ice cream. And the value and possibilities of just plain ol' vanilla. Also that you are the master chef of the best Kahlua and Bailey's ice cream shakes.

31. You built me a bedroom in the basement that I got to enjoy before I got married and moved out, which was sooner than we expected. That room is just one big reminder that you love me.

32. You are a thankful person who recognizes God's blessings to you.

33. You taught me to love onions. Creamed herring, not so much.

34. You "smell the roses." Your version is to sit in your lazy-boy and watch the birds as you sip your (very strong black) coffee. These birds often have names like Charlie, Petunia or Francois. On the naming things subject...you often name inanimate objects as well: The Hulk (our van), Norbert (the plant), Packy (the cactus), Frieda (The Christmas Tree), and many more.


35. You are tactful. "Momma, I don't think it's a keeper."


36. You enjoy music. From hymns sung by Fernando Ortega to Elton John crooning along to the piano with the volume pumped up.

37. You took time to make memories with your family. There are so many pictures in our albums of you helping and playing with us. Just spending time with us.

38. You let us express our creativity by painting on your old car. What's more, you drove said car decorated with splashes of color and rainbows and waterfalls to work (prison) and took the jibes from coworkers. That deserves Dad of the year award for sure.

39. You have whole-heartedly embraced Derek as your son-in-law.

40.You love and cherish mom. This is evident in the way you show her affection in front of us, the way you make it a point to take her on dates and getaways, the way you gently reprove her, the way you guard her time and energy, the way you support her ideas, the way you make time to sit with her or walk with her each day, the way you confide in her, the way you admire and trust her, the way you praise her. And so much more. You gave me a wonderful picture of a good husband and what qualities to look for.

41. You are a witness for Christ to your family, friends, and in your workplace. I often hear about the conversations that you share with us about coworkers and prisoners and while I appreciate the insights you share, the thing that has stuck with me is your genuineness and the way you speak the truth in love with no gimmicks or obnoxiousness, just you sharing the love of Christ with another sinner. Your love of Christ pops up so naturally in all your conversations with everyone...you see things and the graciousness of God in so many ways and can't help but talk about it.

42. You strive to do what's best for your family, which has involved making some tough choices, doing things in a totally different way than you might have been used to, and dealing with kids that aren't happy with what you see as best (they usually see your point in retrospect), like homeschooling, choosing the church we attend, keeping the Lord's Day, pursuing a peaceful life, and guiding me through the process of courtship.

43. You admit that you have mistakes.

44. You look handsome with or without a mustache...or, should I say, "shmush-shmash."

45.You make it a point to say goodbye to each one of us everyday with a hug and kiss. Even after church when you have to leave for work. I am so thankful for a dad that walks out the door to work reminding us, "Rejoice, Christians, rejoice!" or saying "Pray for me, I'll pray for you."

46. You are a very humble man. Which you wouldn't say so, but this proves God's grace in making you into His likeness.

47. It is a very familiar sight for your family to pass by your lazy-boy on a busy and slightly noisy morning and find you sitting peacefully in that chair with your Gideon Bible, soaking in God's promises and praying. You never gave me the impression that you must have a formal "study" time (though you did make sure we had times of quiet separately). But on the days where those times of quiet didn't happen (which were often) you wouldn't let that prevent you from opening God's word and spending time with Him. In fact, your little Bible goes many places with you.

48. You taught me that hard work is a good thing and it can be fun to do as a family.

49. Most of all you have (with and without words) done your utmost to teach me about Christ's love, which is the best gift a daughter could recieve from her father.

I love you, dad!

Me, as a flower girl at my aunt's wedding, dancing with my dad...

...and on  my own wedding day.