Philippians 4:8-9

whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Storm!!!

As I was driving to work today, I was reminiscing about this past year.
All the good, the bad and the ugly! This past year has been an AMAZING year as well as an EXTREMELY CHALLENGING year!

AMAZING in ways that I can't really put into words.(but I will try) AMAZING watching my dad care for my mom as she went through surgery, chemo, the loss of her hair and all the emotional ups and downs. The way my dad was there for her through EVERY step and EVERY emotion. He not only drove her to all her appointments, but sat with her and held her hand when she needed, cried with her, laughed with her, protected her, held her, served her, and above all... gently turned her face to the Lord when she was overwhelmed. My dads strength throughout this journey has been inspiring!! I know my dads strength only comes from the Lord!!
AMAZING friends that have become family!! Sweet friends that have walked the infertility road before me and can offer not only support, but a shoulder to cry on and hands to pray with. Crazy friends that we can laugh with, friends with wisdom to walk beside us.

CHALLENGING in so many different ways. I (Carey) have had more dental work done this year than my whole life..(slight exaggeration). BUT, we don't have dental insurance, so that hurts more than just my mouth!
CHALLENGING financially. Due to lots of car trouble, lots of medical expenses! Loss of friendships, that I thought would last forever. Loss of my precious doggie Fugazi, and loss of hope. Hope that someday I would be a mom. I'm still working through this one because this one is heartbreaking.
CHALLENGING in the fact that through all the infertility testing we have gone through, they still cannot find a "reason" that we can't conceive.

No matter what this past year has thrown at us, one thing has remained calm and consistent...The Lord is the glue that holds my family together!!! I would call this last year a "STORM", and as I listened to the words of this song by Casting Crowns, I am reminded that:

I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands
For You are who You are no matter where I am
And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn
I will praise YOU in this storm!!

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

I will praise You in this storm
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm


So I will praise Him and thank Him!!!! Thank you for ALWAYS being there for me and praise You, for You are ALWAYS in control!!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Favorite Recipes!!

My favorite time of year!! The time when the "special" recipes come out, you know the ones that have been passed down or shared just between your family!!
Well, this following recipes are passed down from my boss. He is an AMAZING cook!!! (and boss too)
I know ANY recipe that he gives me is excellent:)
Below are 2 of my favorite dessert recipes from him! They will impress your friends and family! PLUS they taste delicious too!

CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE
Ingredients:
1 3/4 Cups Pecans
3/4 Cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 unbaked 9 inch pie shell (Mrs. Smiths)
4 Eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup corn syrup (Karro)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract(not imitation)
Pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 375 Spread the pecan pieces and the chocolate chips evenly on the bottom of the pie shell

In a mixing bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients together. Pour the filling over the pecans. Bake until the filling sets 50-60 minutes
Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes before slicing!!!
Enjoy

CHOCOLATE PECAN OATMEAL COOKIES
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups pecans
1/2 pd unsalted butter at room temp
1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
1 cup granulated sugar
2 extra large eggs at room temp
2 tsp pure vanilla extract (no imitations)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
3 cups old fashioned oatmeal
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350Place pecans on a sheet pan and bake for 5 minutes until crisp. Set aside to cool

In a bowl, beat butter, brown sugar and sugar together on med..beat until light and fluffy. With mixer on low add eggs one at a time ad the vanilla

Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together in a medium bowl. With mixer on low, slowly add the fry ingredients to butter mixture. Add the oats, chocolate chips and pecans and mix with your hand until the flour is incorporated.

Using a small ice cream scoop drop 2 inch mounds of dough on baking sheet. Flatten the dough mounds slightly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned.
Cool completely before eating!