Let’s join in the DIFO Project #3 World’s Largest NERF Party! {I’m going to look for some more age-appropriate Nerf Toys that my boys can use to join in the fun!}

Valentine’s Day is for the Birds at Today’s Housewife {really late for Valentine’s Day – but you could use any shape for these fun bird seed biscuits!}

Rag Bracelet…all grown up! from It’s a HodgePodge Life {something fun for us moms!}

Creamy Tomato Soup with Asiago Croutons from A Virtuous Woman {I just had to share this – yum!}

At the Heart of Homeschooling from Simple Homeschool {a wonderful, centering post for those who homeschool/are thinking about it}

Easy Recipes for Natural Homemade Cleaners from Simple Organics

Our Imperishable Wreath by Tsh at (In)Courage {Tsh was also inspired by the Olympics this week!}

Have you found Positive Parenting 365 yet? {I went back and read all the posts I missed from the beginning of the year – fabulous!}

Photo from We Are THAT Family

Joy is…

…banana cake with carmamel icing…

…banana milk…

…your daughter dancing and singing “I’ve got the Joy! Joy! Joy! Joy! down in my heart!” at the top of her lungs!

What gives you Joy?

see all our FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: JOY activities here.

I finally caught up with Amanda and read the Mrs. Rosey Posey books – and I’m so glad I got the chance to read them!  The books are full of wonderful Biblical truths – all simply explained – and lovely to read.  I’m a Robin Jones Gunn groupie now, too!  If you didn’t win copies of the books in our giveaway, please go and find copies someplace.  Fabulous!

_________________________________________

I love making food from scratch for my family – and I love it even more when it turns out to be delicious and easy!  A friend shared this recipe with me for granola bars… super easy and absolutely fabulous! Great for substitutions – just be sure the volume of dry ingredients remains the same with anything that is subbed in.  Also a great recipe to let the kids help with!

Granola Bars

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 1/2 cups oats
• 1 cup coconut flakes (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup milled flax seeds

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Warm condensed milk in microwave (optional – I never do this). Mix all dry ingredients together; add condensed milk and fold together with spatula. Spread mixture into a greased 13″x9″ pan. Press lightly with hand or spatula. Bake 1 hour – remove and let cool 3 minutes. Cut into bars. When completely cooled, wrap bars for goodness on the go!

Other awesome combos = chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and cashews; butterscotch chips and sunflower seeds.

ENJOY!