Laetare Jerusalem: et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam: gaudete cum laetitia, qui in tristitia fuistis: ut exsultetis, et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestrae.

Be joyful, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation.

It is just past the mid-point of the fast, and Laetare Sunday is here! Milk joy Sunday is the Mother's Day of the Church, remembering the Church as our Mother and the Blessed Mother herself. This is a little bright spot in the work and discipline of Lent. We are enjoying some milk and cheese today.

Jerome's test with milk products seems to be going well. He is almost at the end of this trial and will begin with sesame in a couple weeks. We cannot wait for him to have most, if not all, of these restricted foods back. His skin is not improving as much as we would like, though. It's not getting worse, but it isn't really getting a lot better. He thinks he may need to take another try with eating entirely grain free for a while, but he is not looking forward to it. Please pray for him.

• Sunday - Laetare Sunday
  Breakfast: Croissants (Gluten-free for Jerome) with Brie and Jam, Bananas (Grapefruit for Jerome), Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Shrimp Lettuce Wraps, Wok Fried Greens, Jasmine Rice, Fruit Plate
• Monday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Chickpeas with Roasted Red Peppers and Diced Tomatoes, Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Sliced Oranges, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Popcorn Shrimp (Gluten-free for Jerome), Potato Wedges (Gluten-free), Cabbage Salad, Fruit Plate
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Apple Coconut Breakfast Bowls with Almond Butter Drizzle, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Zaalouk, Kesra, Chopped Salad, Fruit Plate
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Avocado Toast with Citrus Shallot Seasoning and Sprouts, Home Canned Pears, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Kung Pao Cauliflower, Garlic Fried Rice, Oranges
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Vegetable Hash Breakfast Burritos (Gluten-free tortillas for Jerome), Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Tomato Basil Soup, Italian Bread (Gluten-free Bread for Jerome), Canned Peaches
• Friday
  Breakfast: Peanut Butter Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome) with Honey, Sliced Oranges, Tea and Honey
  Dinner: Cuban Black Beans, Rice, Fruit
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Ful, Shatta, Kalamata Olives, Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Chickpea Shawerma Bowls, Salad, Olives, Gluten-free Lenten Chocolate Orange Cake

What is on your menu this week? If you want a recipe, ask and I will provide it as soon as I can. If there are any starred recipes, I will follow up separately with a weekly recipe round up on Saturday.

Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Governor Inslee Needs a Frozen Fish to the Forehead, Homemaking, Laetare, Lent, Menu Plans, Special Diet, Tales from the Kitchen