Yummmmmm (and healthy)

I went to a restaurant with a friend today and had a salad.  It was delicious.  It had chicken and fruit and a tangy dressing.  I wondered why I never try to make healthy "restaurant" type salads at home and decided to give it a try.  Here is is in case you want to try it also.....or maybe it inspires you to try your own recipe, in which case I'll need pictures and the info.  :)

Mixed greens tossed with Kraft Raspberry Vinagrette.

Top with feta cheese, sliced strawberries, chopped cooked chicken, chopped pecans and sliced avacado.

I decided it was delicious.  The kids around my house aren't used to eating fruity salads and didn't love it as much as I do.  But, I think it may grow on them. ;)

What happened to my country??

Today I am just wondering, "What happened to my country?".  Increasingly I don't recognize what I see.  I was raised with values, morals and beliefs that almost seem extinct today.

I am trying to raise my kids with the old fashioned belief that this is the best country in the world, full of opportunities available to those who will work hard and sacrifice.  I am trying to pass on to them the expectation that they become self sufficient, educated, contributors to a great society and that the best way to do that is inside an intact, God fearing family unit.  I am frustrated by the fact that even though I see many good examples of the same values and expectations among my friends and associates....there is so much of the opposite around and our elected officials seem to be unable or unwilling to promote the values and beliefs that this country was founded upon.

What happened?  How do we fix it?  Is there still hope to reverse the trend and avoid the train wreck that is already in progress?

Yep, I bought a gun!

I've been wanting to for a while.  But today, I did it!  I purchased a handgun.  In a couple of weeks I take a conceal-carry class and will submit the paperwork for my permit.  I will be one less defenseless female.  I will be one more person who will stand up to protect myself and my loved ones if needed.  Ya, I'm feeling pretty good about it!

Special thanks to my daughter Cali and her husband Jeff for being such good examples!  Love you guys!

New Year Fun

New Year Pillowcases for fun.  It was time.  I needed to do something to brighten the cold month of January.  This was it.

The pillowcases were simple to make from cotton fabric and some DMC thread that I already had.  They make the New Year seem bright already.  Bring it!  Bring it on!  :)