As I sat here.

     As I sat here and edited these images I was overcome with thankfulness. In a time of uncertainty when Grayson and I are looking for and praying for direction and clarity it is so easy to forget what we have and enjoy. So instead we complain about what we don't have and in turn cultivate spirits of discontent. I don't want that, I want to forever be in awe of what God provides, because even if the bills are piling high and the job isn't quite what we thought, he still provides and he will continue to do so. I can take whatever comes because he is my strength. And that is a truth I will choose to believe and the truth I will hitch my heart to. Because in seasons of plenty and in seasons of drought there is always something to be thankful for especially when God is bigger than your wildest dreams!!
     So as I look at these pictures I am thankful that my husband and I live in a free country. A country where we can enjoy walking safety around town. A place where be have the freedom to work and make money. A free nation that allows us to spend the money we make how we choose. I am thankful for a husband who takes walks with me even though he could think of a trillion other ways to spend his time. I am thankful for food and the tastebuds God has given me to enjoy it. I am thankful for water and the refreshment it provides, for sun and the way it lifts my spirits. For a dog who, though he annoys me, is a companion I cannot imagine living without.

     Grayson and I have been reading through Philippians as a part of our devotions together. There is so much to digest and be reminded of, but chapter 4 in particular has stood out to me.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let you gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus. . . I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:4-7; 4:11-13 The Message)

     As I grow and become farther removed from college and the protection and shelter of my parents roof, I am awakened to just how unpredictable life is. Nothing is certain, nothing is secure. And as I realize this truth, I can't help but feel sadness for those who do not trust in God. Because going through life and the trials it brings would be hopeless without the meaning and security God offers. I can't do any of this through my own strength, but I can do it through him who gives me strength, and that gives my heart peace!

More sugar please!

     I've been in a serious baking mood lately. I attribute it to the fact that on Tuesday morning I had my gestational diabetes test and after fasting from sugar for the weekend and watching my carb intake, I was so ready for the good stuff! So on Tuesday I had ice cream for lunch and then made sugar cookies for dinner. On Wednesday I made old fashioned pancakes for breakfast. On Friday I made these delicious cake pancakes and had several chocolate chip cookies for dinner. Then yesterday evening I made this scrumptious Streusel Coffee Cake for this morning. If you aren't grossed out from all that sugary goodness, then you must be pregnant too, welcome to the party!! :) In all seriousness, I should probably reign it in this next week. . . probably. But before I do I will be finishing the rest of this crumbly yumminess!
     The recipe is quite simple and will not take much time which always scores in my book! Please try this recipe and tell me if you liked it just as much as me and if your crust sinks to the bottom let me know that too. Mine definitely did and I'm not sure why. I tried to read the reviews but came away thinking two things, 1) "phew, there seems to be a group of us who had the same issue (strength in numbers people)" and 2) "wow, I must be an idiot! I must have made some sort of mistake because so many of these people are saying (with gumption I might add) they did EXACTLY what the recipe said and everything turned out perfect!" Well if your crust sinks or it doesn't, know that it's not a big deal because regardless, this cake is still super good! I mean who doesn't love sweet, moist coffee cake with a brown sugar cinnamon crumble on top, it's a classic!

Fourth of July with the Cato's!

     I have such contrasting memories of July 4th that at times it can be baffling. Some memories include the anticipation of getting together with a large group of friends and playing games and eating watermelon while waiting to watch the fireworks display out at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. While other memories seem less climatic and include grilling out with just the family and sometimes missing the fireworks altogether. I loved hanging out with my family, but there is something special to gathering with a big group of friends to celebrate and make memories and I hope that Gray and I can make it a tradition when this little one arrives!
     Unfortunately, this year will be one of those less climatic years. Grayson just started a new job at Applebee's, a job we are very thankful for, but as the new low man on the totem pole, he doesn't have much say over his hours. So today he works from 11am to close. But in my disappointment at not being able to "rightly" celebrate the holiday, I can find comfort in the fact that this is just a phase of life and that this is just one 4th in the midst of many. But before I depress you all with too much disappointment, let me say that the two of us did get to pay proper tribute this morning before he left! I'm hoping that these scrumptious strawberry banana pancakes become a part of our tradition because they were so so yummy and festive!
     I had a box of strawberry cake mix just hiding out in my pantry and I figured someone had to have made a pancake recipe using cake mix so I went searching and found this POST on the blog Tastes of Lizzy T. After a quick trip to the store for some eggs (one of my go to meals during this pregnancy has been eggs over hard so eggs don't keep very long in our fridge) and heavy whipping cream, I went to work! I started with THIS whipped cream recipe first and then set it in the fridge to keep cool. After mixing the ingredients for the pancakes I started the long process of cooking them, oh the woes of not owning a griddle! :) I used coconut oil to keep the pancakes from not sticking and it worked great! After creating a decent stack I started the layering process. Pancake then whipped cream then banana slices and repeat as many times as you like. Once I got to the top I used a star cookie cutter to create a little topper. These pancakes were so good! Good enough that you can definitely eat them without syrup if you choose, but being sweet lovers Gray and I decided a side of syrup never hurt anyone and it was just the right addition!
Go ahead try these out, you won't be disappointed!

Five on Friday

    I'm starting a weekly series on the blog called, "Five on Friday," who doesn't like alliteration? :) Basically, it's just a glimpse into a few things that have inspired me/moved me/challenged me during the week. Maybe you'll find something new to inspire or challenge you!

 Johnnyswim, their music is mesmerizing. I especially like their song, "Take the World." Go find them and save their new CD "Diamonds" to your Spotify playlist!

Bobbi+Mike Photography, their style and way of seeing things always makes me strive to be a better photographer. Check out their work, you won't be disappointed!

A blog I follow, Under the Sycamore, posted this heart wrenching story. I was challenged to cherish life, no matter how fleeting.

Brown Butter Icebox Cookies from A Beautiful Mess. It took everything within me to refrain from making these cookies, they look amazing! It's pinned to my Pinterest board for future baking!

Posted on the blog CARA LOREN, I love these shorts from the Mini Model Gallery. I'm looking forward to the day when I can dress my little boy in clothes like this!

Big News!

     It has been several weeks since we announced our big news on Facebook, but that's how I roll when it comes to blogging, always a step behind. So this story will be familiar to some.
     Gray and I knew we wanted to get our friends together for a gender reveal, but we didn't quite agree on how it would work. We finally settled on finding out before our guests, and I think it worked out perfectly for us! We had our 20 week ultrasound, Monday, May 12th and planned our party for the following day. It was a hazy 48 hours, finding out the news, cleaning the house, prepping the food, all while wrapped in a cloud of pure joy as I tried to imagine life with this new individual. Trying so hard to change my language from "it" to "him," from "Baby Cato" to "Baby Boy Cato."We let our family know through a video Gray took during our ultrasound, but trying to contain the news from friends here was kinda hard. I'm glad the party was so soon after we found out.
     The menu was pretty simple, but Gray and I couldn't help adding in a little of our cooking flair. We had hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and the famous Cato nacho dip, veggies, and for dessert my special peach cobbler! It was so fun to have our friends over and have them share in this moment with us! It made finding out even more exciting, who knew that was possible!

The proud new dad! Working his magic at the grill.

And here's how it happened folks!

It's a BOY!!!!

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We couldn't have asked for a better time, we are truly blessed with some awesome friends!