Life Lessons & Cherry Pecan Cookies

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There are moments in life where things happen and you take a step back and realize how precious life is. I feel like most days my life feels like it is on a runaway train. I feel like there is more to do than I will ever have time to accomplish. I think our to-do lists can often keep us so busy on things that are good, that we forget what is most important. This is a HUGE problem of mine that I try and do better at every day. Since some tragic news we received this week, these priorities have been a little easier to see. An amazing mother, wife and friend from our neighborhood growing up passed away suddenly this past week. Her funeral was today and we have all shed many tears and can't believe the hardship and trials her family are experiencing.

For me her death felt like a huge wake up call for my own life. Kim & I are the same age, we were both married the same year, we both have three boys and 2 girls (nearly the exact same ages), her husband is the Bishop of their ward just like mine is (a Bishop is like the pastor of our church), her son plays football, her daughter is in the same grade as my oldest daughter, etc., etc., etc. I started to think about my life and how much better of a mother, wife and friend I need to be. At the viewing, her husband Jim told us in a hoarse and serious voice to   "treasure EVERY moment". Isn't that so true? How often do we truly treasure each moment. I feel like many moments I am in survival mode and don't really appreciate the simple and special moments we have with those we love. We never know when our days here on earth will come to an end. To simplify and appreciate my life more is my new years resolution and something I hope I can figure out this holiday season, before life gets even more busy.

I wanted to share a favorite quote of mine that I am printing and putting up to remind me to SLOW down and enjoy the beautiful life I have been given ;)

"We would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do 'all these things..in wisdom, and order, for it is not requisite that we should run faster than we have strength. But, it's expedient that we should be diligent and thereby..win the prize.

Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship--the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace."

Now, I mention Kim's family because this is a time to give and help those in need. Kim's dear friends and neighborhood are putting together a HUGE silent auction/yard sale/craft sale/bake sale in her family's behalf. They are hoping to raise money to help with the funeral costs, child care for the young children and everything else they will need upcoming. If you are able and wish to help this family, you can donate to the Kimberly Milligan Donation Fund @ Zions Bank. If you live in the Salt Lake Valley the auctions information is the following (there will be several Deals to Meals Year Memberships you can bid on):

When:  December 1stLocation: U.S. Taekwondo CenterAddress: 11585 S. State Street, Sandy UtahTime: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.Come & join this great cause!
Now, if you are wanting to participate in the bake sale, this cookie would be a great one to bring :) There is nothing fancy about the cookie dough, but the combination of dried cherries (Costco's are my favorite), pecans and white chocolate was amazing! The tart cherries with the sweet chocolate was just plain scrumptious :)

Cherry Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. white sugar
1 c. butter, room temperature
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
3 1/2 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 c. pecans, chopped
1/8 t. almond extract
1 c. dried cherries
12 oz. white chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350. Cream together the brown sugar, white sugar and butter until smooth. Add the eggs and beat. Add the vanilla, flour, baking soda, almond extract. salt and cream together. Add the flour and then add the dried cherries, pecans and white chocolate chips.  Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and then place golf size cookie dough balls on the pan. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown.