Farewell

My oldest daughter LOVES to read. I actually call her Rory (Gilmore Girls reference) sometimes. We have had the same conversation Lorelei and Rory had regarding things not fitting into a backpack because of multiple books. To say my daughter reads a lot is an understatement. She would love nothing more than to spend a day curled up and reading a book! She is in eighth grade this year. She has had two librarians in her life thus far and she has taken a shine to both.

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In the next few weeks our middle school/ town librarian will be embarking a new adventure with her family in another state. We are sad to see her go, but we wish her all the best! She has picked out numerous books for Kailee, as I am sure she does for many folks in our town and school!! Kailee loves that Audrey will search for just the right book for her, or be able to come up with a title at ease that fits just her style. Thank you Audrey for making our children feel special, and for knowing just what book to pick! The next librarian has some big shoes to fill – I hope they welcome the challenge and our kids with “open books.”

As a token of appreciation I made some chocolate cups for her. I mean, who doesn’t love to each chocolates while they read?!?

IMG_2006You can make the chocolate cups with a candy mold and tempered or compound chocolate, OR you can buy ready made ones at your local grocery store. I filled them with Biscoff Cookie Butter Smooth Spread and topped with dark chocolate ganache.

IMG_2005I also made ones that I filled with just the ganache and topped with a freeze dried raspberry.  I used my go-to ganache recipe.

These are super easy and quick to make because you don’t have to let the ganache sit before using it, as you might if you were piping or frosting a dessert, especially if using store bought chocolate candy shells. You fill them and are ready to enjoy!

The possibilities are endless – get creative!! These are a quick treat with big flavor!

 

SUNSETS!

This is a Facebook post from my personal page. This isn’t a “normal” blog post, nor does it have anything to do with baking, but everything to do with LOVE, SIGNS and SUNSETS.

 

15621868_10103550817375369_1058234644136233353_nI love sunsets. Yes, they are pretty, but to me they are so much more. I can’t tell you when it started, but I can tell you why. I have alluded to sunsets before tonight, but I have never shared exactly why they mean so much to me (with anyone).

16998157_10103751230820219_9099789378870496058_nThis post is for my family that is hurting and grieving in a way I have never experienced personally. I love them deeply and my heart aches for them, and I pray their memories, and love for each other keeps them strong during the difficult time. 

13726789_10103153513490539_4611357999121582467_nI can’t tell you how many times I have asked God when my life has felt crazy out of control and I have felt at a loss, “Why do I keep getting tested? “What is going to be so bad that I need to be so strong?” “Please give me a sign things will get better – I need things to get better.” A few years ago, I believe I figured out what my strength was needed for and I surprised myself with how much courage I found within myself, and like many times before, when I have been struggling, the SUNSET was breathtaking that night. I was never walking alone. SUNSETS ARE MY SIGN. 

21728405_10104404122924209_1488864282375343796_nTonight, as I was driving alone in my car, I started to pray for my family and friends who are grieving. I felt the need to pull over so that I could really focus on what my heart was feeling, asking God to grant them strength and courage to face the days ahead; to let them see the SIGNS that their loved one is near; and to know they are not walking alone. When I looked up the sky was amazing. My sign was once again there to greet me. 

21740454_10104398149799399_7393540964662194307_n💗MUCH LOVE TO MY JAMES FAMILY! I hope your signs are all around you!