Take Heart

“God’s grace means that I can rest assured that I’ll have everything I need to be what he wants me to be and to do what he wants me to do in the situation in which he’s placed me.

I’m no longer restricted to the limits of my own strength and wisdom. By his grace, I’ve a new identity and a new potential. I’m a child of God; the risen Christ now lives inside of me. I need no longer fear people or circumstances; I don’t have to feel weak in the face of suffering or temptation, because I no longer rest in the resources of my own ability. I’m in Christ and he’s in me.

This new identity gives me new potential as I face the realities of life in this bent and broken world. God’s grace gives me reason to ‘take heart.’”

—Paul David Tripp

Sitting Up, Playing, and Laughing

Anna is 4 and a half months old. She is becoming more "kid-like," with her personality blooming. Just today, she let out a big, hearty laugh as I kissed her multiple times on her cheek. Of course this produces quite the big, hearty laugh from her mom as well!

She also is sitting up very well with assistance, definitely has the holding-up-her-head thing down, and is really getting good at grabbing and playing with her toys. And everything she can grab goes into her mouth. She still adores to stand up, and now has a jumper to play in (thank you Laura). Oh, and she thinks her reflection in the mirror is the best, cooing and smiling at herself.

Strawberry & Chocolate Chip Cake

So I found this recipe from the blog, "Food Allergy Mama" and decided to try it out (see picture above). It is delicious! And dairy-, egg-, nut-free! I see many more of these in my future.

DAIRY, EGG AND NUT FREE CHOCOLATE CHIP STRAWBERRY CAKE

1/2 c. dairy free margarine (I use Fleischman’s)

3/4 c. granulated sugar (plus 1T. for sprinkling)

1 T. water

1 1/4 tsp. vanilla

1/3 c. soy or rice milk

1 1/2 c. unbleached all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. dairy free chocolate chips (I use Divvies or Enjoy Life)

2 1/2 c. hulled and halved strawberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and generously spray a glass pyrex 9-inch pie dish with dairy free baking spray. Set aside.

In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the dairy free margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Add water and vanilla and combine thoroughly. In a medium seperate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt with a wire whisk. Add flour mixture to the margarine mixture, alternating with the soy milk. Combine thoroughly but don’t overmix. Stir in dairy free chocolate chips with a rubber spatula. Pour batter into prepared glass dish.

Arrange strawberries on top of cake, cut side down, close together. Sprinkle with remaining 1 T. granulated sugar. Bake 45-50 minutes or until lightly browned and toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing.

Nina & Michael get Married!

The three of us traveled down to Pittsburgh, PA last weekend to be with our dear friends, Nina and Michael, as they tied the knot on May 1st. I was privileged to be Nina's matron of honor, and enjoyed the time together with her and her bridal party! It was like a college reunion, as my other very dear friends, Bridget, Erica, and Leslie, were also bridesmaids. Chad, a good friend from college, was the photographer. Altogether, it was a beautiful day, and Nina looked stunning. My parents were also able to attend the wedding (and babysit Anna), which made for a great weekend of visiting with them as well. I'm very thankful that I did not trip down the aisle, mess up the toast, or having any trouble fitting into the dress after having a baby. The only problem was that Anna refused to take a bottle (the little stinker), so I had to find a private room at the reception to nurse her after I had given my toast.

We love you Nin and Mike! Hope you're having fun on your honeymoon in Mexico! :)