Lazy Day Lunch

I try to make meals that are healthy for Steve and Jack, but honestly many times I'm not able to. Just wanted to share this really easy lunch idea I make for Jack on the days when I don't have time for a fancy lunch.

Grilled Cheese with Cauliflower (Makes 2 sandwiches)

1/2 cup of shredded cheese
1/2 cup of cauliflower puree
Wheat sandwiches

It makes me feel better to know Jack is getting some of his vegetables, and he doesn't even realize there's cauliflower in the sandwich! He is a picky eater but he always eats this right up.

I will premake vegetable purees and freeze them at the beginning of the month, and when appropiate I will often add it to our meals. I got this idea from the book "Deceptively Delicious" I blogged about here.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Multitude Mondays

List of things I've been thankful for this past week...

October 17th
761. For joy in finally sharing the news of our pregnancy this week
762. For a woman's compassion as she saw me sick on the side of Publix and she offered to help
763. That even though nausea seems unbearable at times, it is a very good sign that my hormones are working and the baby is well
764. For receiving encouraging notes and messages tonight

October 18th
765. For the opportunity to share a little bit about Andrew with other moms.
766. That even though today was a difficult day, I was encouraged by good news at the end of the day.

October 19th
767. For how well prepared the teachers are at Bible Study Fellowship
768. That Jack is learning bible songs and receiving God's word at BSF.
769. For the kindness of Bethany in having us over for dinner.
770. For being able to lay down on her couch and feeling comfortable enough to do so.


October 20th
771. For a friend opening up and being transparent today.

772. For energy and being able to do more things to take care of our home.

October 21st
773. For a cool, beautiful, sunny morning in our backyard with two little boys.

774. For the different mood Christian music playing in the background can make.
775. For the excitement of a friend when I gave her the devotional book 'Jesus Calling'.

October 22nd
776. For how Jack and Roman really look forward to seeing each other, and the joy it is for me to watch them.

777. For celebrating Roman's 2nd birthday with their parents and family..
778. For a very fun day that was out of our routine.

October 23rd
779. For the excitement and anticipation of Tara in her shower as she awaits her two daughters from China
780. For an afternoon of catching up with friends who I cherish and wish I could see more often.
781. For Steve playing and taking care of Jack this evening, as I laid down in the couch nauseous and tired.

A Big Praise

As most of you already know, we are excited to share Jack is going to a big brother!! This picture was taken a few weeks ago at our first ultrasound appointment, and we were thankful for a strong heartbeat and a good doctor's appointment.

It has been very emotional this first trimester.

I cry at the drop of a hat, and sometimes for no good reason at all. I now cry everytime at the end of 'Extreme Makeover''. And have bawled reading books such as 'I love you forever' and 'On the night you were born' to Jack. Sometimes Steve will get home from work and I will just cry. I know it's the hormones, but most of it is my own frustration from being nauseous and tired. I've had to slow down a lot and haven't been able to keep up with the house or cook as I used to.

I often wonder if I have barely been able to make it through the first trimester, how am I going to handle taking care of two?

I think of our sweet Andrew everyday, but I don't long for him the same way I did when I was pregnant with Jack. I more often I think of Jack and what a joy it has been to have him. I still can't believe that we might get to hold and have another child! And it is truly a daily surrender for me not to live in the past or the unknowns of the future, to try to enjoy the blessings of today.

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they were created

and have their being.”

Revelations 4:11

I read this verse right before I found out I was pregnant back in August. Praising God for all life He brings forth!

Dinner and a Play

This past Saturday Steve and I had the opportunity to watch the play 'The Screwtape Letters' perform here in Tampa. We went to see it with our friends Kindra and Vipul, and I was excited as we had previously read the book at different times so we had a lot to talk about. It's a book that has challenged and convicted me in many different ways.

The book was written in the 1940's by C.S Lewis right before world war was about to break out. Most people are familiar with C.S Lewis's writing and he has the gift of always challenging the reader to read in between the lines and think outside the box! This book was even more interesting as he writes it from a 'demons' perspective who is mentoring a younger demon on how to spiritually attack human beings.

Although this book is dark, it shone a light on different ways that I allow myself to be distracted and brought farther away from my relationship with the Lord. Highly recommend this read if you are looking for a book that will challenge you. And I'm so glad Steve really enjoyed it as well!

A picture of us at the end of the night- after dinner, play, and getting drenched in the rain a couple of times :)

If you are interested in learning more about C.S Lewis and his writing- my friend Amber is doing a series of some of her favorite quotes of C.S Lewis in her blog. She is posting a quote each day over 31 days, and you can follow the quotes here.