Today I baked two Chocolate Chip Pecan Pies. One was baked in a homemade crust that was waiting for me in the fridge. The other was baked in a store-bought crust I picked up this morning. Both pies were for thanking folks.

I based the pies on a church lady recipe from a church lady cookbook. Here’s what’s in it if you want to give it a go:

Homemade or Store-bought pie crust (both worked GREAT and looked equally appetizing)

3 eggs

2/3 cup sugar

1 cup corn syrup (dark or light will work–I used dark)

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup melted butter

pecans

chocolate chips

Mix together the eggs, sugar, salt, butter, and syrup by hand. Line the bottom of the prepared shell with pecans and chocolate chips–just enough to cover the bottom. Pour the mixture over the top of the pecans and chocolate chips. Bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Then turn the oven down to 350 and bake for 1 hour or until knife comes out clean (one hour worked for me).

I just love the way that sugary, syrupy stuff looks when I’m pouring it over the chips and nuts. And the smell is downright intoxicating. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t get to taste any of the pie today. I baked them for two of our son’s teachers–music and P.E.

They don’t teach my son every day, but they do see him once or twice a week, and I really believe in the impact they both have on kids’ education. It’s been known for a long time that balance works–body, mind, and soul must all be in sync to help us function at our best. I know this is true for all of us, but I think it’s especially true for little boys.

Anybody who thinks that the education system of our country will improve by skimping on physical education and the arts is just WRONG. When my kid gets enough exercise, he sleeps better and eats better. When he has a song to sing or an instrument to explore, his mind is sharper and his heart is happier.

Who doesn’t feel better when they sing?

So I wanted to thank them. These two terrific people make my son’s life richer, so they make mine richer, too.

Who makes your life richer?

How can you let them know how grateful you are? Do it today!