Milk free - the way to be

So I have found that as long as I am nursing Greyson I can't eat any dairy. That means no dairy AT ALL.
You wouldn't believe how many food items have dairy in them. Well, maybe you would believe it (especially you Mrs. B from Vegan Bees:)) but I sure was surprised.

I was also surprised to find that Oreos do NOT have dairy in them. Neither do Lays Chips or animal crackers. There is one brand of cake mixes and one brand of icing that I can eat.

My fridge currently houses non-dairy "butter" and veggie cheese. That's right "Veggie slices" are sitting in my fridge just waiting to be paired with the non-dairy "butter" for a milk free grilled cheese.

I have also branched out -with help from a friend- to find that I can substitute Rice milk for most recipes that call for cow's milk. The biscuits were actually more soft and fluffy and the mashed potatoes had no idea that I had mixed them with it along with the non-dairy butter.

Jon wanted some milk to drink the other morning and I asked "almond, rice, cow or breast"? He opted for plain ole cow's milk. I guess he's not as into trying new forms of calcium as I am...

And the most important thing is that I also found chocolate chips that are virtually dairy free. Enter Ghiradelli semi-sweet chocolate chips. Since I don't cheat on any other dairy I can get away with eating a small pile of these mouth watering chips occasionally without poor Greyson being miserable.

Today I splurged on some dairy-free ice cream- made with coconut milk. It's mint choco-chip and tastes...well, kind of like coconut. It's pretty good once my taste buds knew what to expect. However, for $4.50 per pint I think I'll pass in the future.

I have never been eager to learn vegan cooking or been conscientious of allergens in cooking. But I am catching on.

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

And another thing

I have another thing to be thankful for...

a

brand

new

niece!!

Thanksgiving

We have so many many things to be thankful for this year. It's been a year of transitions and joys.

Last thanksgiving I was facing an early miscarriage.
This thanksgiving I'm watching my precious son sleep beside me.

Last thanksgiving Jon was plugging away in a very intense and difficult schooling program.
This thanksgiving he is working away at his job.

Last thanksgiving we weren't sure how we were going to get through the whole year financially.
This year we can see that God got us through last year with His provision- despite unexpected expenses.

Last thanksgiving I was thankful for my family.
This thanksgiving I'm thankful for my family.

Last thanksgiving I was thankful for a healthy child.
This thanksgiving I'm thankful for two healthy children.

Last thanksgiving I was thankful for God's patience with me.
This thanksgiving I'm thankful for His patience with me; and His everlasting blessings despite my lack of faith at times.

This year we have had so many joys.
Greyson is healthy. His delivery was perfect, early, but perfect.
Emma is healthy. She is growing and learning and has such a sweet spirit.
Jon is working his job and doesn't have to study! He is such a wonderful husband and provider.
I am thankful to be at home with the kids. I will only be working during tax seasons now. That is a long-awaited answered prayer for me.
God is changing me. He is changing my lack of trust.
God is patient with me and bringing peace and contentment to my soul.

I could continue on and on. My turn at the Thanksgiving table will be long :)

How about you?
I'd love to read comments about what you are thankful for.

Family pictures