Carmella

I am blessed to be the mother of Carmella.  Scott and I had been married for about 8 years when we were told that we would probably never be able to have children.  This broke my heart because since I can remember I have loved babies and looked forward to having my own. But, in July of 1995 the Lord blessed us with our beautiful baby girl.  Since Carmella's birth it has been my desire to be here for her.  I am so thankful that I was blessed to be a Stay at Home Mom.  I never planned to go back to work after her birth, but God had other plans.  When Scott lost his job as an Architect in 2009, the Lord provided a part-time job for me working in an elementary school kitchen.  When I did a pros and cons list before accepting the job, the only con I could come up with was that I had to do it!  The Lord had taken care of all my concerns.  Although I did not want to do it, after four years I can say I like my job.  It really is the best job for a Mom because I am still able to be here for Carmella, because when there is no school I don't work!  God is so good! 

I am the second in the kitchen, so I don't do the cooking but I have purposed to serve the girl I work with.  I have thought about being a lead, but that would mean more hours and Carmella is a Senior in high school and graduating in June.  Three short months!  However, a couple of weeks ago I was asked to train for a lead position.  I should have said no but I did tell them it's very important to me to continue to take Carmella to school these last few months.  They understood and were willing to work with me, so I said I would try it.  It was one of the most stressful weeks of my life!  I was anxious and had knots in my stomach all week until I told them I didn't want to continue.  When they said I could return to my normal schedule, all my anxiousness went away.  I didn't really understand why it was so hard for me, but in talking to a friend she said I had discovered that I am more comfortable in a supportive role and that is okay! What a relief that was.  Also, I believe all those nerves were God's way of telling me that was not the job for me.  Why do I say that?  Because all week I was praying, begging that He would take away my anxiousness and not until I was told I could return to my original job did it go away. 

I want to be able to enjoy these last few months of Carmella's Senior year with her and not be all stressed out.  I will have a lot of years to possibly work more hours, but I will never get this time with Carmella back.
It says in 2Corinthians that we walk by faith and not by sight.  God has been faithful to meet our needs and I know that He will continue.

Below is one of Carmella's favorite treats. 

I love you Carmella and am so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to be your Mom.


Welcome Home Bars

1/2C Butter (one cube)
1 1/2C Graham Cracker Crumbs
14oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk (not evaporated milk)
1C or more of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1C or more of Reese's Peanut Butter Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a 9x13 baking pan, melt butter in oven.  Sprinkle crumbs evenly over butter, pour Sweetened Condensed Milk evenly over crumbs.  Then sprinkle with the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips; press down firmly.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.  Be careful not to over bake!  Cool.  Cut into bars.

I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!