Who would have thought Friday would ever get here? It has been an incredibly long week filled with so much stress. The week has culminated with well over 2,500 fellow teachers voting on whether or not to strike. The results and next steps are still unknown ~ so the waiting game continues. And Lord knows, I do not live well in the Land of the Unknown. 

Years ago, I was exstatic to be hired by one of the most prestigious school districts in the state. I never thought then, that I would find myself in the midst of this battle. Sadly, the ones who lose the most are the kids.

When I look at the past decade, without any hesitation, I can rattle off so many, “Who would have thoughts…”

• Who would have thought this girly-girl would become a boy’s mom, and embrace it whole-heartedly?
• Who would have thought my marriage would eventually end? Who would have thought that my boy’s dad and I could go on to have a such a good relationship that allows us to continue to celebrate holidays together and be there for one another in times of need?
• Who would have thought that four years into my teaching career, I would have the honor of being named Teacher of the Year for Orange County?
• Who would have thought that applying for a leave of absence from my teaching position, when my son was born, would lead me directly into my current position at the district?
• Who would have thought that almost five years after my divorce,  I’d still be here waiting for my not-so-Prince Charming to arrive (secretly loving my single life and wondering if I will decide to ever marry again)?

I guess when you look back, life is about  a whole lot of “Who would have thoughts”. And if we realize that there is a master plan, in which all things work together for good, then it’s okay to be  in the Land of the Unknown. It’s right where God wants us. That was my epiphany in the shower this morning! Don’t ya love those shower moments? 

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God-those whom he has called according to his plan. ~Romans 8:28

But onto this sweet treat…I love chocolate-covered strawberries. I saw this recipe for citrus- chocolate-covered strawberries and was intrigued. I actually didn’t think I was going to like it, but made them as a last minute addition to our Easter brunch…

And who would have thought they would be this sensational?

  printable recipe

White-Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries With Citrus Sugar

The Bon Appetit Test Kitchen (April 2010)

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange peel

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel

6 ounces high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Perugina), chopped

16 large ripe strawberries

Line baking sheet with foil. Using fingertips, mix sugar and citrus peels in small bowl until sugar is moist. Stir chocolate in small bowl set over saucepan of barely simmering water until melted and smooth. Remove from over water.

Holding 1 strawberry by stem end, dip 2/3 of berry into chocolate; shake excess back into bowl. Turn berry dipped end up and sprinkle with citrus sugar. Place on prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining berries, chocolate, and sugar. Chill until chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

Happy weekend everyone!