This is the best news we've gotten all year.

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It has been a week, I tell you! We waited and waited and waited, each day getting more and more anxious. Just when we thought we couldn't take it anymore, Ron and I finally received the pathology report.

Thank God, the mass in Ron's chest is not cancerous! To say this was a huge relief is an understatement! Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers. Your messages meant the world to us. Thank you, thank you!

On Sunday, we enjoyed having Reis, Jordin, and my parents over, and can you guess what I made again? That's right: my Sunday Sauce and Italian Meatballs. My family can't get enough of this dinner; there's just something about the sauce, with the little bits of pork that melt in your mouth and the Italian sausage adding so much flavor. I made three pounds of meatballs, and would you believe it? There's none left over! After I sent some home with my parents, Reis, and Jordin, we had a couple left to enjoy during the week, but they're already gone.

It truly makes me so happy to feed my family. Sending them home with care packages brings me so much joy, and it's so rewarding that when my parents come over for dinner, they can't wait to go home with leftovers so they don't have to cook for the week. I think that might be their favorite part, sometimes!

Earlier this year I shared with you that I am on a health journey. I'm trying to cut down on my carbs, so no spaghetti and meatballs for me. 😔 But, I am obsessed with a new way of serving my meatballs so I can still enjoy them: making a meatball salad with arugula and tomatoes! I dress the salad with mozzarella cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It is out of this world! Honestly, it's my new favorite way to enjoy meatballs. I might just like it even better than pasta.

You have to try it. Let me know if you do! What are some ways you cut down on carbs? I would love to hear all your tricks.

I also tested out a new appetizer on the fam (my original taste testers). It was an easy shrimp francese appetizer made low carb by substituting finely grated Parmesan cheese for the flour, and it was so good. I'm still working on perfecting the recipe before I share it with you; I want it to be spectacular! It's getting there, and I can't wait for you to try it.

These past three months have been so trying. While we waited for tests and results, I spent much of my time in meditation and deep thought. As a matter of fact, during the surgery, the waiting room was crowded and very loud. I do not do well with chatter and loud TVs; it's a pet peeve of mine. So, I found the hospital chapel, which was empty, and sat in meditation. The peace it brought me was immense.

The best ideas come to me during quiet time. This time of turbulence in our lives has brought me so much clarity, especially regarding Sunday Supper; it's my baby, and I'm looking forward to sharing some of my ideas for it with you once I work things out a bit more. Stay tuned!

Once more, thank you again for all of your support during this difficult time in our lives. It means the world to me!

Your friend,
Isabel

Missed a week? Check out my previous blog post!