Beating the Odds

I've been so crazy busy at work this past month, I've hardly had time for anything else let alone blogging but I wanted to get this post in before the month was over. (Whew - just made it!)  Winston turned 4 earlier this month and I can't help but look at how far he's come. 

Before he was born, the odds were so heavily against him that I didn't dare feel excited about his future and my future with him.  After he was born it seemed like every time I'd start to think it was all going to be OK he'd have a set back and I'd worry all over again about all of the what ifs and remember what the doctors had said about babies born with the defect he had. 

Through it all I've tried to have faith and I've clung to a blessing given to me by a dear friend in which I was promised that even though Winston would have a rough start he would go on to live a healthy, full and rich life.  Looking at him now, you would never know how rough a start he had.  He really has beaten the odds and is such a blessing in our lives - not to mention living proof that miracles do still happen. 

Happy Birthday to my wonderful little buddy.  You've brought so much joy to my heart.   



Recipe for September - Pecan Pie Bars

This recipe is a family favorite and when I take these anywhere, I'm always asked for a copy.  They're a perfect treat for the upcoming fall season so enjoy!

PECAN PIE BARS

CRUST:
3 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 c. plus 2 Tlb cold butter (no substitutes)
FILLING:
4 eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. corn syrup
1/4 c. butter, melted
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 17 1/4-in. by 11 1/2-in. by 1-in. baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 22 minutes or until crust edges are beginning to brown and bottom is set.

For filling, combine the eggs, sugar, corn syrup, butter and vanilla in a large bowl; mix well. Stir in pecans. Pour over crust. Bake 25 to 30 minutes longer or until edges are firm and center is almost set. Cool on wire racks. Cut into bars. Refrigerate until serving. Yield 3 to 4 dozen.

Today I Can Choose

I love Sunflowers.  Have you ever noticed that in a sunflower field, the flowers almost always face the same direction?  I read somewhere that sunflowers actually track the sun when they're young - they'll face East in the morning and then follow the sun throughout the day until they're facing West in the evening - that's why they're called sunflowers.  I like to think they're also a reminder for us to look up - to seek out the light in our own lives.

I came across the following affirmation a few years ago while preparing for a talk in church and have loved this from the momet I first read it.  We really are in charge of our attitudes - how we feel and how we allow others to affect us each day.  It's also a good reminder about how our actions affect those around us.  I've misplaced it a few times so thought I'd just post on my blog so I'll always know where to find it - especially on those days when I need an attitude adjustment.  ;) 

TODAY I CAN CHOOSE

"Today comes with built in decisions, great and small. The clothes I put on, the road I travel, the people whose lives I touch. In fact, nearly everything in my day depends on how I choose. Today I can choose to carry the blame myself, or to hold out a helping hand...to shout out loud in anger, or to wait ten seconds...to cloud someone's mind with doubt, or to lift a heart with encouragement. Today I can choose to count stars or to count mud puddles. When I go to the store, I can choose to see how much there is to buy instead of how much I have to pay. When I get stuck in traffic, I can see, in every other car, a person just as important as me. Today, because I live in a free land, there are a thousand things I can choose: The neighborhood I live in, the friends I laugh with, the work I do, the thoughts I think, the dreams I dare. And what I will become, in spite of my fears and failures, in spite of the talents I lack, in spite of all the privileges I never had, depends on how I choose to challenge myself today. For I have power, if I choose, to act instead of complain...to speak out instead of cherishing a hurt...to seek justice instead of revenge...to love the world instead of waiting for the world to embrace me first. What I choose today may well be the cause of my tomorrow. Today...I shall live as I choose. Let me choose wisely and well..."   Author Unknown

Remember to look up - like a sunflower!  :)

Welcome September

Summer is my favorite time of year and I'm sad to see it coming to an end.  However, September is a good month with lots of things to look forward too - family birthdays, our annual last trip to Lake Powell and beautiful Autumn leaves to name a few.  This September puts me one month closer to seeing my boys again.  I can't believe that it's been almost two years but here it is - time for them to come home.  So I say, "Welcome September!"