tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47011170225786056642024-03-13T07:46:09.991-07:00CassieCassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-38201035229577507572013-06-04T16:17:00.001-07:002013-06-04T16:20:57.533-07:00Who am I?Like most girls do, I really struggle with my self worth and how I see myself. Today while having some quiet time with God, I really felt led to think about who I am. I started a list and feel led to share it with whoever, if anyone, reads this. It started with some things that are weird/quirky about me and grew from some prayer and consideration. I hope that I can continue to add to this list as I keep discovering who (and whose) I am.
I am:<br />
-creative<br />
-loyal<br />
-the girl who babbles when she is nervous<br />
-sensitive<br />
-a good listener<br />
-supportive<br />
-one who loves too easily (and too fiercely)<br />
-enough<br />
-flawed, but a powerful tool for the Kingdom of God<br />
-a follower OF Christ<br />
-a leader FOR Christ<br />
-confident IN Christ<br />
-worthy of love<br />
-valuable<br />
-exactly where I am supposed to be<br />
-being used in ways I may not see or understand<br />
-never alone<br />
-created for a purpose<br />
-a daughter of the Most HighCassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-31998556584419197162011-06-30T22:31:00.000-07:002011-06-30T23:04:24.036-07:00Living in the StickyI feel stuck. <br /><br />Now don't misunderstand, I am very much content with my life right now. I am so very blessed and I try to recognize that every day. However in many ways in my life I am in limbo. I don't feel like a child, and even though I am almost 26 (eep!) I don't quite feel like an adult. I am working, but don't have a career. I am in college, but don't fit in with the "college students". I want to hold onto the past, but I am so excited for the future. All of my friends are getting married and having babies, and here I am. Just me. <br /><br />I don't doubt that God has an amazing plan for my life. But sometimes I am so caught up in the business of every day life, that I forget that anticipation of what is to come. The real world is not like the board game LIFE. It is not a race to get married, have the career and have babies to fill up your little car. Our culture has pressed that into us, but I do not believe that is in God's design. The pace of my life is that which is laid out for me. I do worry though that I am not advancing to that next space because of stagnancy or mistakes that are of my own making. How do I make the steps today to take me into the next portion of my life? And just when and where will that be? All I know is that for now I am stuck. There is a lesson to be learned here in the stickiness.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-56294650314675925662011-02-19T17:19:00.000-08:002011-02-19T18:26:45.897-08:00Songs in my pocket, List in my bucketInspired by Tara, I have made my own list of life goals and dreams. (T- I stole some of yours, haha) I will probably be adding to this list as time goes on, but I am excited to start checking things off! <br /><br />1. Become fluent in Spanish <br />2. Marry the love of my life<br />3. Have children<br />4. Open my cupcake store<br />5. Learn to play an instrument<br />6. Celebrate New Year’s in NYC<br />7. Visit Australia<br />8. Go on a Cruise <br />9. Live in another country (again)<br />10. Be on a tv game show <br />11. Learn Spanish cooking (especially paella)<br />12. Take ballroom dance lessons<br />13. Walk in Jesus and the disciples’ footsteps in the Holy Land <br />14. Go to Disney World<br />15. Go on a Route 66 road trip <br />16. See the Eiffel Tower<br />17. Go on a tour of Italy<br />18. See a play on Broadway<br />19. Visit Four Corners<br />20. Make a difference<br />21. Ride in a hot air balloon <br />22. Adopt a dog (again)<br />23. See the White House<br />24. Go to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC<br />25. Visit the Seattle Pike Place Market - <span style="font-style:italic;">done</span><br />26. Go to La Tomatina in Buñol, Spain<br />27. Research and create a family tree<br />28. Visit every U.S. State<br />29. Pass my business on in our family as a legacy<br />30. Go to the Olympics<br />31. Go on a trip alone <br />32. Eat crab cakes in Maryland<br />33. Eat New England clam chowder IN New England<br />34. Learn to make sushi<br />35. Serve on a jury - <span style="font-style:italic;">done</span><br />36. Bury a time capsule<br />37. Finish list of 100 books to read, then read them!<br />38. Save for my children’s education<br />39. Go kayaking <br />40. Go to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro<br />41. Swim with dolphins<br />42. Stay close with my best friends<br />43. Change someone's life<br />44. Paint a mural<br />45. Be in a talk show audience<br />46. Drive up the entire west coast<br />47. Photograph Yosemite National Park<br />48. Make the crafts on my to-do list (and blog about them)<br />49. See the northern lights<br />50. Make a family recipe book to pass on<br />51. Write a song<br />52. Do one thing I never thought I would doCassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-29010605539180243952011-01-31T21:33:00.000-08:002011-01-31T22:01:44.991-08:00Everybody wants to be loved**I will eventually finish posting recipes from 25 days of baking. Sorry to those who have been waiting for it. I will never again put a deadline like that on myself during the holidays. If there is a recipe you were looking for that has not been posted, email me and I can send it to you.**<br /><br />I am a people pleaser. I will sacrifice what I truly want if it will keep people from being angry at me. Not to say that I never make people angry... because I certainly do, just that I will avoid it when possible. I often hide what I am feeling or when I am hurt because I fear being disliked. We as human beings give our love so conditionally and take it away so easily. I run away from situations and people who could potentially abandon me or cause me that pain. I am constantly working to prove to myself that I deserve their love, but it also leads me to (sometimes unknowingly) believe that people don't actually love me, just whatever it is they get out of our relationship. <br /><br />This often becomes a struggle with me and God. It is hard for me to grasp sometimes that there is nothing I can do to make him stop loving me. That while I can live my life in an effort to please Him, I can do nothing to deserve His love. The God of the universe loves me exactly as I am and has made me that way for a purpose. He knows my heart and He is with me in those moments when I am hurt and hiding. I often wrestle with knowing how to show my gratitude, or with remembering that I need to be thankful for all of these things that He brings me, both the good and bad. I lose sight of that attitude of service and having a grateful heart. <br /><br />I want to live in such a way to change that first sentence from "I am a people pleaser" to "I am deeply loved by God, and because of His love, I am called to be a servant."Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-89793094389099887082010-12-13T08:42:00.000-08:002010-12-13T10:18:41.655-08:00Baking Days 7 and 8<span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 7 - Boston Creme Cupcakes</span>:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TQZNnNIHt9I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/egyq3ksPtnc/s1600/day%2B7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TQZNnNIHt9I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/egyq3ksPtnc/s320/day%2B7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550208926714673106" /></a><br />I didn't care for these very much. :/ I liked that the cake was not super sweet (because you are going to put all that sweetness in) and the topping was wonderful... mostly because it is melted chocolate and butter. Hard to go wrong with that. But the filling was TERRIBLE. It never quite set up to that lovely custard consistency that makes the boston creme so good. It wasnt very tasty either... just a really poor effort. I am not even going to post the recipe until I can find a suitable filling because I don't want anyone else to be as disappointed as I was. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 8, part one - Chai Spice Snickerdoodles</span>:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TQZOm8ecBvI/AAAAAAAAAFY/GgNVUar8TGY/s1600/day%2B8%2Ba.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TQZOm8ecBvI/AAAAAAAAAFY/GgNVUar8TGY/s320/day%2B8%2Ba.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550210021756503794" /></a><br />Taken from www.visionsofsugarplum.com These also fell into the"meh" category. The outside topping was pretty good, but basically just a fancier snickerdoodle topping. The cookie part was a little too dense and had a dry mouthfeel. I would like to re-make these using my normal snickerdoodle dough and changing up the topping a bit to make it more spicy.<br /><br />2 tablespoons granulated sugar plus an additional 2/3 cup, divided use<br />1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />1/2 teaspoon ground ginger<br />1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg<br />1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (if anyone makes these, borrow some cardamom from me- it is EXPENSIVE!)<br />2 cups all-purpose flour<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1/4 cup unsalted butter<br />1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (1/2 package)<br />2 teaspoons honey<br />1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste (substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)<br />1 large egg<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a large cookie sheet. (I used parchment paper- my new best friend)<br />In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cardamom until well combined.<br /><br />In a medium sized mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt.<br />In a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on medium speed, beat butter, cream cheese, <br />additional 2/3 cup granulated sugar, honey and vanilla paste until creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in flour mixture until combined. Chill dough in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, or until you can roll it into balls.<br /><br />Roll the cookie dough into balls and roll the balls into spice mixture to coat completely. Place on sheet pan and flatten with hands to about 1/4-inch thickness. Bake at 350 degrees F for 9-12 minutes or until golden and puffed. Cool for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 8, part 2 - Cheesy Crackers</span>: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TQZaPFMUehI/AAAAAAAAAFg/7xTpM7Yf3uo/s1600/day%2B8%2Bb.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TQZaPFMUehI/AAAAAAAAAFg/7xTpM7Yf3uo/s320/day%2B8%2Bb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550222805919103506" /></a><br />I adapted these from kathdedon.wordpress.com who adapted them from Smitten Kitchen. They are WONDERFUL. I made them for Thanksgiving with white flour and they were all gone with my mom saying "Did you make more?"so I made them again, but used whole wheat flour this time. I think they are better if you use an extra sharp cheddar (which I did the first time), however you can really use any cheese or mix of cheeses. They come out very light and flaky.. more like a pie crust consistency than a true cracker. Make sure not to roll them too thin or they will lose some of that wonderful texture. <br /><br />1½ cups (6 oz) grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese<br />4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces<br />¾ cup (90 g) flour, plus more for dusting<br />½ teaspoon salt<br />½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (order some pizza and use the little packets - thats what I did!)<br />1 tablespoon milk<br /><br />1. Preheat oven to 350˚.<br />2. Put everything except the milk in a food processor. Pulse the processor, 5 seconds at a time, for about 5 or 6 times, until the dough is in coarse crumbs. (I couldnt find the food processor, so I used a pastry blender and did it by hand)<br />3. Add the milk and process until the dough gathers together in a ball.<br />4. Roll the dough out on a floured board with a rolling pin that has been floured until it is about 1/8 inch thick.<br />5. Cut the dough into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. You can put a bit of flour on the blade of the knife to keep it from sticking.Use the flat end of a wooden skewer to poke a hole in the center of each cracker<br />6. Place the crackers at least 1/4 inch apart on parchment paper on a baking sheet<br />7. Bake for 12 – 15 minutes until the edges are just starting to brown. (you will smell them when they are almost done)<br />8. Put the baking sheet on a rack and let the crackers cool completely.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 8, part 3 - Homemade Granola</span>: (yes I went crazy this day)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TQZhFjvDzvI/AAAAAAAAAFo/DQ5m9xUjwWk/s1600/day%2B8c.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TQZhFjvDzvI/AAAAAAAAAFo/DQ5m9xUjwWk/s320/day%2B8c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550230338900578034" /></a><br />adapted from www.asouthernfairytale.com This granola is super awesome and much cheaper than buying it! The most annoying part is the baking time bc you have to mix it every 20 minutes and bake for about an hour. You can also change up the nuts and the fruits in it to suit your tastes or the season. This recipe makes a gallon bag full of granola. <br /><br />6 C oats (NOT the quick cooking ones)<br />1 C sliced almonds<br />1 C chopped walnuts<br />1 1/2 C shredded unsweetened coconut<br />1 C applesauce<br />1/2 C honey<br />2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract<br />2 Tbsp vegetable oil<br />1/2 C light brown sugar, packed<br />1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />1 C raisins<br />1 C dried cherries<br />1 C dried cranberries<br />or dried apples, nectarines etc….<br /><br />In your biggest mixing bowl, mix together; oats, almonds, walnuts and coconut<br />In a small bowl mix together: 1/2 C honey, 1 C applesauce, 2 Tbsp vanilla, 1/2 C brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 2 Tbsp vegetable oil<br />Pour the applesauce mixture over the oat mixture and combine thoroughly. Use your hands (preferred) or a spoon and mix until thoroughly combined<br />Spread the mixture over two baking sheets and bake at 250 F for about 1 hour 20 minutes.<br />If the baking sheet is light it will take about 1 hour 20 minutes, if it’s dark/non-stick it will take about 1 hour (these are {abouts} it will depend on your oven, you want the granola to have turned a lovely golden brown. It will get crispy after it’s removed from the oven and allowed to cool<br />stir the granola every 20 minutes (also for even baking, i would make sure to rotate the pans in your oven when stirring)<br />remove from the heat and allow to cool, this is when it will crisp up<br />add in dried fruit: cranberries, raisins, cherries, apples etc…Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-19580626301814593652010-12-06T20:32:00.000-08:002010-12-06T21:07:55.297-08:0025 Days of Baking! Days 4, 5 and 6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TP25hTT-0vI/AAAAAAAAAFA/RnAG50EaCyI/s1600/day%2B4.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TP25hTT-0vI/AAAAAAAAAFA/RnAG50EaCyI/s320/day%2B4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547794297761223410" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 4 - Marble Cookies</span>: sister made these, so I do not have the recipe yet (will update later when I have it). These were yummy and great with this little glass of milk. Perfect after dinner dessert if you dont want something too heavy. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TP25iYF2yVI/AAAAAAAAAFI/E2HhDQdCH_4/s1600/day%2B5.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TP25iYF2yVI/AAAAAAAAAFI/E2HhDQdCH_4/s320/day%2B5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547794316224022866" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 5 - Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies</span>: adapted from a recipe on epicurious.com (from Bon Appetit. I really liked these, they came out crispy with little bits of butterscotch goodness. Flavorful and yet simple. It was hard not to eat the batter (something I am notorious for)<br /><br />1 cup all purpose flour<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/2 teaspoon cinnamon<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar<br />1 large egg<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1 cup old-fashioned oats (I used about a cup and a half)<br />2 cups butterscotch chips (heck just toss a whole bag in there- this would probably also be good if you switched out some of the chips for white chocolate or dried fruit.. yum)<br /><br />Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat butter and both sugars in large bowl until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture and oats and stir until blended. Stir in chips.<br />Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until edges are light brown, about 16 minutes. Cool on sheets 5 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely<br /><br />Day 6 - Pumpkin Apple Puppycakes: (forgot to take a picture! Will add it later) recipe is taken from www.cookingwithmykid.com I neglected to add the "frosting" bc then they would require refrigeration and I just dont have the space :) These smelled SO good when they came out of the oven that I admit I tried a little bite.... don't be fooled like I was. Safe for human consumption, but not great for eating. I imagine that if I were a dog, they would be awesome though! I have some other dog treat recipes that I will be trying after the 25 days are over... I hope my pup friends are up for testing! <br /><br />1 cup whole wheat flour<br />3/4 cup rolled oats<br />3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce<br />1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie – just plain pumpkin!)<br />1 medium apple (peeled + diced small)<br />1 teaspoon Cinnamon<br />3 eggs lightly beaten<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix oats, cinnamon and flour together. In another bowl mixed together pumpkin, apple sauce, eggs and apple together. Combine wet and dry ingredients and scoop into a greased muffin tin -all the way to the top. These are dense and will not rise. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack to dry out over night. yield- 6 cupcakes (I doubled the recipe and used a mini muffin pan and turned out with 24 lil cups. This also meant my baking time was around 15 min. You will smell them when they are done. Poke with your finger and if it springs back, they are ready!)Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-49979313731222521652010-12-03T19:43:00.000-08:002010-12-06T20:29:30.214-08:0025 Days of Baking! Days 1, 2 and 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TP22BvIDZyI/AAAAAAAAAEo/VWkvgTE-hBk/s1600/day%2B1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TP22BvIDZyI/AAAAAAAAAEo/VWkvgTE-hBk/s320/day%2B1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547790456936687394" /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1 - Peppermint Brownie Cups</span>: My recipe was adapted from www.bakeorbreak.com who adapted it from Nestle's Very Best Baking. Its weird how recipes get tweaked and adapted and can end up all so different! I really liked these brownies and would definitely make them again for a holiday event.
<br />
<br />
<br />3/4 cup granulated sugar (I substituted brown sugar for some extra moistness)
<br />1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
<br />1 tablespoon water
<br />3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
<br />1 large egg
<br />1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
<br />1 cup all-purpose flour
<br />1/4 teaspoon baking soda
<br />1/2 cup mint chips plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing (I use Andes brand peppermint chips - to die for!)
<br />1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing
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<br />Preheat oven to 350°. Spray or grease 12 muffin cups.
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<br />In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar, butter, and water. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until butter is melted. Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted. Stir in egg and vanilla extract. Add flour and baking soda, stirring until blended. Allow to cool to room temperature. Then, stir in 1/2 cup each mint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Fill muffin cups with batter - about 3/4 full.
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<br />Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly wet. Place pan on wire rack. Centers of brownies will fall upon cooling. If not, tap centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole. *mine did not fall and thus, there was no hole to fill with garnishing chips... however I still think they were great and I <span style="font-style:italic;">may</span> have eaten some of the additional chips while they were cooling.*
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<br />While brownies are still hot, top with semi-sweet chocolate chips and mint chips. Cool completely in pan.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TP22LA_AJBI/AAAAAAAAAEw/AJRI1sZGTj4/s1600/day%2B2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TP22LA_AJBI/AAAAAAAAAEw/AJRI1sZGTj4/s320/day%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547790616349385746" /></a>/a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2 - Eggnog Cookies</span>: Sister baked these, recipe came from a Mrs. Fields cookie book. They were good, but a little dry. If we made them again in the future, I would do some adjusting to make them more moist and yummy.
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<br />2½ cup Flour, all purpose
<br />1 teaspoon Baking powder
<br />½ teaspoon Cinnamon, ground
<br />½ teaspoon Nutmeg, ground
<br />1¼ cup Sugar, white
<br />¾ cup Butter; salted, softened
<br />½ cup Eggnog
<br />1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
<br />2 larges Egg yolks
<br />1 tablespoon Nutmeg, ground
<br />
<br />Preheat oven to 300F. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. mix well with a wire whisk and set aside. In a large bowl cream sugar and butter with an electric mixer to form a grainy paste. Add eggnog, vanilla and egg yolks and beat at medium speed until smooth. Add the flour mixture and beat at low speed just until combined. Do not overmix. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets, 1 inch apart. Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until bottoms turn light brown. Transfer to cool, flat surface immediately with spatula.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TP22fIKNTHI/AAAAAAAAAE4/aRZFMhBZvsc/s1600/day%2B3.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eRgIID_m_Jc/TP22fIKNTHI/AAAAAAAAAE4/aRZFMhBZvsc/s320/day%2B3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547790961872817266" /> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3 - Cranberry Orange Scones</span>: These are sooo yummy. I have had them for breakfast every day since. They were perfect the next morning when I had an early test. :) They are not too dry and perfectly flavorful.
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<br />2 Tbsp sugar
<br />2 Tbsp fresh orange juice, divided
<br />3 cups all-purpose flour
<br />1 Tbsp baking powder
<br />1 Tbsp orange peel, finely grated (I used about 2 Tbsp because I couldn't find the grater and used the zester instead- bigger chunks, which I actually love)
<br />1 tsp salt
<br />1 cup sugar
<br />3/4 cup (1 1/2) sticks chilled unsalted butter, diced
<br />1 cup dried sweetened cranberries
<br />1/2 cup walnuts coarsely chopped (optional)
<br />1/2 cup half and half, chilled
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<br />Preheat oven to 375. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick mat. Whisk together 2 Tbsp sugar and 1 Tbsp juice in a small bowl. Set aside.
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<br />Whisk flour, baking powder, orange peel, salt and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl. Add chilled butter, mix using hands until a coarse meal forms. Mix in cranberries and walnuts (if desired). Add half and half and remaining juice. toss with a fork until dough forms moist clumps
<br />
<br />divide dough in half. Press out each half onto floured surface into a 6-inch diameter (1 in high) round. Cut each round into 6 wedges and transfer to baking sheet. Brush with glaze. Bake until golden and tester comes out clean, about 18 min. Serve warm or at room temp.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-83820240146294440892010-10-13T23:05:00.000-07:002010-10-13T23:23:03.054-07:00It won't be long before another dayI hate being overworked. I know, even as I am doing it, that I am going down a bad road. A path that leads to less God time, less worship, more selfishness, disconnect from my friends and family... not to mention the physical exhaustion. <br /><br />I always struggle with balance. I have a feeling this will be a lifelong battle. I think it all boils down to 2 things: lack of trust that I will be taken care of and the inability to say no. The distrustful part says "Oh God, I know you promise that it will be ok, but I still need to do all this work to make sure everything is REALLY ok" and the people pleasing part of me gets me heaping more commitments and tasks on an already teetering pile. <br /><br />But trying to remove things from the pile is difficult too. Its hard to determine what stays and what goes. And how to take things out without sending everything crashing down. It all comes back to that trust part I suppose. Just give the whole pile over and God will give me back what I need.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-42423753231710576092010-07-29T14:47:00.000-07:002010-07-29T15:06:10.264-07:00I have found lately that its hard to follow your dreams. People generally fall into 1 of 2 camps, totally supportive or complete dream killers. I suppose I shouldn't let the downers get to me, but its difficult sometimes. From the "You do realize it's hard to start a business right now?" to "Oh cupcakes are so trendy, you aren't going to be able to compete with Sprinkles and established businesses". Gee thanks people. I understand that there will be obstacles. I get that its not always going to be easy. <br /><br />I have to rely on the fact that hard work is rewarded and that I feel like God is really pulling me to this. I wouldn't have changed my school plans (again), brought my sister (and her husband) into this and put so much effort in already if it was just a fling. I am looking forward to learning about how to be a great business owner and employer. I want to be a part of a local business community. I am really excited to finish school and get working on this next chapter in my life. I am just hoping and praying that God will protect my heart through this adventure and keep me from listening to those who want to tear me down.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-20762130516421916792010-07-26T11:26:00.000-07:002010-07-26T11:27:44.573-07:00comment spam?Does anyone els have a problem with random comments showing up in chinese or something? <br /><br />I have changed it so that only followers of my blog can comment, so hopefully this will get rid of that problem. :/ (Sorry Romi and Tara bc you are usually the only ones that comment)Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-11758633609932606252010-07-19T17:31:00.000-07:002010-07-19T17:58:22.984-07:00there is a purpose for those who waitWell I officially changed my "concentration of study" today. For the 7th time. <br /><br />I am now going to be working towards a certificate in Small Business Admin & Management. This will allow me to be done with MCC this May! This is such a relief after 7 years of school (8 or 9 by the time I am done done) After that, plans are a little unsure. I am looking into a couple of culinary programs just for some more experience. All this to work toward the eventual opening of a bakery/coffee shop with my sister (like the girls on DC Cupcakes on TLC, but less drama and more awesome)<br /><br />This decision has allowed me to feel like a weight has been lifted. I have really been struggling with feeling like I was working toward an unachievable goal and that there was no purpose there. Now that my goals are more short-term and feel more attainable, I can relax a little bit and enjoy the journey more. Plus this means I am taking 13-15 credits this semester instead of 24 - always a plus. More time for baking!Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-20638460325483563382010-06-27T08:01:00.000-07:002010-06-27T08:18:49.382-07:00So in addition to my obsession with cupcakes, I have developed two more time-sucking habits: reading cookbooks and reading baking/cupcake blogs. It truly is amazing how much time I will spend doing these! You will note that my "What I Read" section now contains at least 5 baking blogs and expect to see more there soon. I am most inspired by "How To Eat a Cupcake" - another girl named Cassie with a dream to open a bakery (maybe its something in the name? Do all Cassies love to bake?)<br /><br />A few things I have discovered about myself through this:<br />- I have no interest in pies. Don't get me wrong, I love to eat a well made pie (mmm pumpkin...) and I love love love cheesecake, which is pie-ish, but I have no desire to make them. I skip over those recipes and scroll right past those entries. Maybe I will just leave that to my parents, My mom makes awesome pumpkin pie and my dad- amazing peppermint cheesecake. <br /><br />- I don't really love chocolate baked goods. Unless they are mixed with another flavor. HTEAC has a recipe for Neopolitan Cupcakes that looks interesting and I have found a few others, but I find plain chocolate cupcakes to be boring. However, I am never bored by vanilla or butter cakes. Weird. One of my new goals is to find a chocolate cupcake recipe (or make one) that I love. <br /><br />I will be making some cupcakes today or tomorrow for a dinner tomorrow night. Sometime in there I have to finish paperwork for fall semester, do homework for bible study and get my room in order.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-7802147431666033772010-06-09T16:06:00.000-07:002010-06-09T16:31:14.277-07:00When you dream, dream bigI love to bake. I have always known this. But I recently discovered my love of decorating cakes (cupcakes specifically). I have been playing around with the idea of opening a bakery/coffee shop someday. Realistically, if I could just do music and cupcakes for the rest of my life, I would be the happiest girl ever. <br /><br />Today I got my first official cupcake job! I will be making 3 dozen summer themed cupcakes for a 5 year olds birthday party on saturday. Honestly, I was a last minute substitute for a flaky cake decorator, but I will take it! I will post photos on my FB page when they are done. This is the start that I needed to this summer. I want to take some decorating classes soon to learn how to work with fondant and other materials, but I think I have done pretty well on my own so far! <br /><br />I have been praying about the bakery thing and I am waiting to see what God's timing brings in that (and other areas of my life) and to see how school will be this fall.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-17142434846528359542010-05-13T10:59:00.000-07:002010-05-13T11:13:51.829-07:00feeling the same way all over againIt took some time to figure out, but I have discovered why this week has been so hard- I came home from Spain one year ago. I think it is hard to accept that. I think the hardest part of it is how alone I feel. No one here really understands what I went through and the experiences I had (T- you come close though). Everyone lives in Georgia or is away at school and I feel abandoned. Of course we all said "We will stay in touch" but it has faded as time has pressed on. I know that they still care and that it is just life being busy and getting in the way, but that doesn't stop it from hurting. <br /><br />And then I wonder if that is how God feels about us. Our lives "get in the way" of spending time with Him. We get so caught up that we forget to tell our Daddy how much we love Him. I think this is as humbling as it is challenging. How many times am I guilty of putting school or work or even sleep above that time. And I don't even feel that He asks that much from us. How much would a few minutes a day brighten His heart? We are His beloved children and as such, He longs to have that relationship with us.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-44215540555051444352010-03-02T22:23:00.000-08:002010-03-02T22:35:45.531-08:00The hardest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in returnhttp://www.azhumane.org/<br /><br />Miserable day. <br /><br />Today I took my beloved dog to the AZ Humane Society to surrender him. It was one of the hardest, most painful things I have ever done and has left me feeling like the worst person on the planet. But this has also led me to look back on the great times I had with Scout. The first day I got him as a 2 week old puppy, all the walks and park time and just snuggling. All of the things that I wish I had appreciated more when I had them. And now he is gone. And my world just seems less because of it. Its just that kind of pain in my heart that deadens everything around me. <br /><br />I hope that someone amazing will find Scout and can love him and all of his neurotic craziness. I know that the people at the Humane Society are amazing and loving and taking great care of him for now, but I want him to have a great home for the rest of his life. Someone who will give him a chance. And most of all, I really hope that all dogs DO go to heaven and that Scout and I can take a walk with Jesus someday. <br /><br />Thank you Scout for teaching me what it means to love unconditionally. You have been my best friend for the past 5 years. I hope that you can now be someone else's best friend when they need you most. I love you and will miss you every day. <br /><br />**************<br /><br />If you are considering adding an animal to your family, please do not buy from a store. Visit http://www.azhumane.org/ to see their adoptable pets - these babies need a home! Or consider giving a donation to help offset the care of these guys while they are waiting for their new owners.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-33049341026697683422010-02-26T12:39:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:50:15.436-08:00emotional debtAfter doing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University program this last fall, I am finally getting into getting myself out of debt. Money is always a struggle, but for me... lets just say its not my spiritual gift (DR would call me the "free spirit") Today is the first day in YEARS that I can look ahead to the rest of the year with excitement instead of dread at where I will find the money to pay the bills. I paid off two of my three credit cards today and it gave me the biggest rush! For once I feel like I CAN be in control of this. Next is going crazy intense on that last credit card, and then working on paying back my parents (lucky they don't charge interest!)<br /><br />Thinking about this though, has led me to wonder how many times in my life have I put myself in emotional debt? Sometimes I know this is through selfishness and pushing away the people I need the most, and sometimes it is through an unhealthy level of taking care of everyone else and ignoring my own needs. It all goes back to that favorite word of mine - BALANCE. While I am renegotiating my checkbook, I am taking a look over my heart too. Looking at where my passions are, what I need to achieve my goals and the people who encourage me to be all of those things. I have come to one conclusion that amazes me every time:<br /><br /><br /><br />I am amazingly blessed. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />http://www.daveramsey.com/radio/home/Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-20167773008310548142010-01-03T16:39:00.000-08:002010-01-14T09:49:29.016-08:00I'm tired of holdin' this inside my headso slightly late, but Welcome 2010! As with the beginning of any year, I have been reminiscing about the past year and how far I have come, and also looking ahead to what this year will bring. 2009 was crazy and amazing and heartbreaking and so many other things. Jan 1st was very emotional for me as I realized that one year ago, I was on my way to Spain, meeting people who would change my life forever and who are some of my dearest friends. It's still hard to not be there. '09 was a time of discovering who I am and who God has made me to be (a lifelong thing I an thinking...) Looking back, I know that I need to hold on to those memories and the lessons I learned. <br /><br />2010 is going to be busy! There is going to be a lot of celebrating in marriage and babies and so many things. It is exciting, but at the same time, it is hard sometimes to feel like you don't belong with this group. I have been feeling a little lost lately. Like there is not a place for me right now. <br /><br />I'm trying to figure out where 2010 will take me and what God has to teach me this year. So far I am thinking its my two not favorite things: trust and patience. At the moment I feel like I am stuck in a rut, but I go between pushing so hard that my wheels are just spinning in place, or being so exhausted that I don't want to do anything. Right now, life is about finding that balance of where I need to be.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-14048092338107574792009-10-11T16:10:00.000-07:002009-10-11T16:31:40.765-07:00You'll make me work so we can work to work it outSo I surprisingly am not dead. Just been busy with school, work and church. I have had a lot of experiences the past few months that have changed the way I see people and made me realize who I need, and who were just the time bombs in my life. I miss Spain more than words can express and half of my heart is still there with everyone. Lately I have run into an issue of prioritizing my life. I think this is partially to fill the void that Spain has left in my life and the lonliness I feel sometimes, so I make myself so busy that I can't think about it. I am not home many nights because of how many commitments I have and it is starting to affect my health. I have been praying for balance, but perhaps I need to change to praying for clarity on what needs to go. I don't want to give up anything, but it may be my only choice for sanity.<br /><br />I am working to become more introspective and rely more on just me and God to think out my problems. I have had things thrown back in my face too many times and I am tired of having my mistakes brought up over and over. I am only 24 years old. I am still in college. I am ALLOWED to make mistakes and to grow. I don't have to comepletly be an adult yet. I have an amazing, incredible supportive set of parents and an equally awesome sister. I don't tell them enough what they mean to me (another thing to work on) but I know that they are always there for me. I know that I am a sensitive person, but I don't think that necessarily means that I am childish. Which usually means I do about 70% of my thinking with my heart, and the other 30% with my head... but so far that hasn't led me to too many decisions that I have regretted. I just run into issues when I can't explain why I made that choice or when other people in my life can't see the logic (or lack therof I suppose) in my decision. <br /><br />I truly believe that people live up to the expectations you set for them. In many cases I think this is an issue with vision. You <em>assume</em> someone will act a certain way, so that is the lens you forever view them through, whether that is true or not. They "fail" in your eyes, because that is what you <em>think</em> they will do. Your tainted view becomes your truth. I am just as guilty of this as everyone else. Maybe we all just need to up our expectations for those around us and somehow change to hope for the best.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-24105023924939931122009-07-25T00:36:00.000-07:002009-07-25T00:41:34.132-07:00heartbrokenGoing through a rough time right now and can't write bc I can't even process this all for myself. I know that God is using this to make room for something in my life, but everything just hurts so much right now. I have to just keep trusting that this is all for a reason. He has a plan. <br />**********************<br /><br />I am writing because I have to get rid of my dog, Scout. I need to find him a good home so I do not have to put him down. I am hoping that someone will be able to take him, or that you may know someone who can. <br /><br />Scout is almost 5 years old, neutered male German Shepherd mix. He is microchipped and up to date on shots (or will be as of Tuesday). He went through training with me at Petsmart & I have had him since he was 2 weeks old, so he has no history of abuse or neglect. He is kennel trained, but does need to have an owner with a yard and someone who has history with dogs. Not good for a first-time pet owner as he requires more attention and dominance and Scout has never been around children, so I am not sure how he would react to them. He is has lived with another dog and with cats. (no harm has come to the cats, but he does like to chase them occasionally)<br /><br />I have to get rid of him because he did have an incedent while a friend was petsitting this past weekend and she was hurt. Our homeowners insurance will not cover our house if we keep him because we had to file a claim with them in order to help pay her medical bills. I am trying to do what is best for my friend and also for Scout. I have spoken to his trainer and to my vet and we think it was an issue with food aggressiveness. This can be fixed with some attention and training. He just needs someone to give him the chance. Scout is currently in observation at the vet and at the end of observation will be up to date on his shots and cleared to go home on Tuesday evening. I am working to take care of the vet bills, whoever can take him would just need to pay the registration fees to the county and have Scout switched into their names. He is free to a good home and I will give you his kennel and all of his things. If there was any way that I could keep him, I would- I just need to know that he is going to be given a chance at the rest of his life and have someone to love him. <br /><br />Please let me know if you are interested, or give my info to anyone you know that might be.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-49729672277752355892009-06-21T22:48:00.000-07:002009-06-21T23:12:55.490-07:00you can cross the line whenever you want toSo the last month had been interesting. Being home is really hard, much harder than originally anticipated. I miss Spain a lot, and while this gets better every day I am also worried that there will come a day where I don't miss it. I don't ever want to completely stop missing it. Part of my heart is still there and that will always be like a home to me. <br /><br />I did something very dangerous tonight. We watched a video at church from a speaker from last year's Leadership Summit. One thing that she said really stuck out to me - she told everyone to just tell God to "Bring It On" and then be ready for whatever he gives you. So I told God- "Ok God, you know where my heart is, lets go. I am in this all the way." I have been thinking a lot about going back to Spain, leading a small group, taking on bigger roles in the ministries I serve in, adding new ministries.... you get the idea. I am just never sure when to say no. I have a hard time discerning the difference between the wants of the people around me (or my own) and what God has in mind. Less than an hour after this prayer, I was presented with an opportunity. Now I am still not sure if this is right or not, but I am going to prayerfully consider it and figure out where my life is going. I am scared, but so excited!Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-13612906416571296162009-05-12T10:05:00.000-07:002009-05-12T10:14:54.413-07:00tu cara en la cara de la lunaWell. I am officially home from Spain. It was a very very long journey and I am glad to be done with it. The next few days/weeks will be interesting. I am happy to be home and be with my family, but I am devastated that I am not in Spain and with my friends there. Its a weird place to be emotionally. <br /><br />Last night when I was flying from Chicago to Phoenix, I had passed the point of crying (i think my body has just dried out for a bit) and was just staring out the window and thinking. Watching the world and God's creation turn into the scraggly, rough desert that is home to me. And I was thinking about how the desert really represents me and my growth this past year. (stay with me here.... I was really tired and emotional, so this could be a little crazy) I was thinking about how plants and animals in the desert have to work so hard and face the challenges to survive.... sun, heat, no water, hard dirt... but if you tried to put them in a different environment, they couldn't thrive there. I think that is where I was. I was like a cactus trying to live in a swamp. Not being challenged, not changing, just existing but not LIVING. And now I feel like a cactus in the desert (figuratively and literally) I feel like I understand who I am becoming and some of who God wants me to be. I think I came home from Spain a different person. I hope that other people will see that too (and think its a good thing)<br /><br />I'm not prepared emotionally to talk about the last bit of Spain, but that will come soon. :)Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-42353420645282198842009-04-25T09:27:00.000-07:002009-04-25T09:43:45.245-07:00Mercy Comes with the Morning16 days left!<br /><br />Every day here is different. I am on an emotional roller coaster right now. Some days I am ready to get on a plane and go home right then, and others I never want to leave Spain. Its weird. I am just trying to enjoy every moment, take lots of pictures and spend time with the people I will miss the most. <br /><br />Here are a few specific dates coming up that we will need extra prayer for :)<br />Tuesday, April 28th- Tertulia. Kelly and Krin are giving the talk.<br />Thursday, April 30th- Our last Bible Study (there is one more after most of the XC students are gone)<br />Monday, May 4th- Exchange Student Despedida. Dinner with us and the team to review the semester and get a chance to say goodbye<br />Saturday, May 9th- End of Year Banquet. Our chance to say goodbye to all of the students and last night with the team and everyone here. We will have dinner and time at the house and then everyone goes out together until all hours of the morning. <br />Sunday May 10th/Monday May 11th- Rebecca, Meredith and I will take the last train to Madrid on sunday night so that we can board planes in the morning and head home! Please pray for safety in our journey & no problems. I will be flying by myself for the entire trip (Madrid to Munich, Munich to Chicago, Chicago to Phoenix) so I am hoping not to get lost or have any problems finding where I need to be!<br /><br />We also still have a few more regular events left that I did not list specific dates for (the usual tues, wed, thurs events) and we are all trying to spend as much time loving on students as we can before we leave. Please just be praying for all of us to have opportunities to share with students and that their hearts will be open.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-26140660184366938792009-04-14T04:31:00.001-07:002009-04-14T04:31:56.834-07:00stuck in the middle with youThis is going to be really random, so I apologize in advance and thank you if you actually take the time to read all of it.<br /><br />I have been feeling lost lately. Like I am stuck between the US and Spain. I think it all comes down to fear. I am afraid of going home- afraid that everyone will have moved on without me, afraid that I don't have a place or a purpose there anymore. I am afraid to leave Spain- afraid of what will happen with the students we have met, afraid to be without my team. I'm trying not to focus on it, and instead make the most of the time I have left here, but there is this calendar on my wall of the events we have left... and its only one piece of paper. 4 short weeks. I have a to-do list on my desktop. I have people I need to meet with. I have suitcases under my bed that are just screaming to be packed (I am ignoring that particular urge at the moment)<br /><br />Semana Santa was... interesting. The processions are a little creepy and somber. The whole thing made me very sad though- I think that Catholics here focus too much on the death of Christ and never on the resurrection. Easter is not a happy day. Jesus is always pictured dying on the cross. There are giant crosses and statues that are carried around the city during these processions. To carry one of these is a great "honor"- I quoted that because they believe that by taking on this great weight you can be granted atonement. Here is where I think it all comes in to play. It breaks my heart that they don't think the death and resurrection of Jesus are enough. He didn't mean enough. They have to walk barefoot and carry a heavy load around a city and say so many special prayers to "deserve" heaven. Traditions like this make our job here so much harder. The students have grown up seeing this all of the time. To them, belief in Jesus has to be this sad, somber existence of always having to repay for your own sins. They are amazed that this is something we enjoy and we are constantly trying to show them that following Jesus can be exciting and fun and full of life. <br /><br />The second half of Semana Santa I finally got to leave Salamanca and Whitney, Ansley, Rebecca and I drove to Valencia (on the Southeast coast of Spain). Correction: I drove, they backseat drove :) It was great to get away for a little bit, see the ocean, get to see another city, HAVE A STARBUCKS and just relax for a few days. The drive home was a little crazy and we were slightly misplaced in Madrid for an hour or so, but we made it back unharmed and ready to go for our last month. <br /><br />Please just keep all of us and the students in your prayers this last month. We are trying to fit as much as we can in a very short time, so everything needs to be drenched in Christ and we want to be as effective as we can be. There are 2 specific students I would like to have deep conversations with before I leave, but I do not want to put their names here. If you could just be thinking about them and to pray that I will have the words to say to them.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-52247328135802862182009-03-29T11:43:00.000-07:002009-03-29T11:44:21.616-07:00don't look back in angerIts been a very interesting week. Not bad, not great... just interesting. Had a few things that I had been praying about get an answer, but not how I expected. There were a few blows to my self-esteem, but also a lot of love and encouragement. I am still processing all of this and trying to figure out how it will shape me into the woman I am becoming here. <br /><br />Fundraising for Proyecto Portugal is going extremely well. We are over the halfway point of the money we need to raise. Once we got to 150 Euro, the exchange students had to do a dance (which was performed very well if I do say so), at 500 euros we get to have a pie throwing party and when we reach the goal of 1125 Euros all of the boys on the team are going to shave their heads. There is going to be a benefit concert/auction on April 1st at a local club, so hopefully we will be able to raise the rest of the money before they all leave for Portugal on thursday.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701117022578605664.post-40559831786945444112009-03-23T16:43:00.000-07:002009-03-23T17:22:03.751-07:00paint me over with your dreamsSo I am officially registered for classes for this fall at MCC. I am taking a full course load, and I am going to be busy, but I am happy to be getting back on track with school and heading towards finishing a degree. These are my courses this fall:<br />Music Theory<br />Aural Perceptions<br />Piano 1<br />Chamber Chorale<br />Private Voice Lessons<br />Survey of Broadway Musicals<br />Psych 101<br /><br />I may also add another internet class or 2 this summer to help get done faster, but I don't want to overload myself. I have also been given a partial scholarship for this fall, which will be a major blessing. <br /><br />This weekend was amazing and restful for me. Had a lot of time with Spanish friends as well as American visitors. My favorite moment from the weekend was going out to lunch after church (Chinese food! Yum!) and just spending time with some of the team, Krin and Jared. I am also excited to get to spend more time with friends and have more time to take walks (and more pics for you, mom). Getting ready for Semana Santa.. plans are still not totally finalized, but I think I am taking a road trip with Rebecca, Whitney and maybe another person. I'm pretty thrilled, but also in the back of my mind is the realization that our time here is winding down.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09748465671632576922noreply@blogger.com0