Hershey's Chocolate Ornaments

My husband and I scored these Hershey's ornaments, with tags still on them, at a garage sale this past summer. They've found a permanent home on the small tree Cody and I had in our townhouse.

Oops. This little guy needs his glasses repaired.

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

2 cups sour cream
1(4 oz.) can diced green chilies
1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of chicken soup
1 lb. shredded cheddar cheese
*2-3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
6 large flour tortillas

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine sour cream, green chilies, soup, chicken and 2/3 of the cheese. Spoon 1/3 cup chicken mixture on tortillas and roll up. Spread a little of the leftover chicken mixture in the bottom of a greased 9x13 glass dish. (This step is important to prevent enchiladas from being too crispy on the bottom.) Place enchiladas in dish, then spread the remaining mixture over the top. Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle leftover 1/3 shredded cheese on top. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until cheese is melted.

Serves 4-6

*TIP- Buy a rotisserie chicken at Costco. Remove skin and debone. Freeze shredded chicken in freezer bags according to your recipe needs (Chicken Bow-Tie Salad , chicken pot pie, chicken crescents, chicken noodle soup, chicken tacos, Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups, etc.). 

Caregiver Awareness Week

I found an article worth reading on The Mighty. It was written by Jessica Pridemore, a caregiver in Illinois. As a mother to someone with special needs, Jessica's words describing her job do not surprise me, but I think many of you may learn some things that you had never thought about. To view how Jessica feels about the work she does, click here. 

Cody is blessed to attend a day program with amazing employees like Jessica Pridemore. This past week, I had the opportunity to recognize them by sending some small and simple gifts. Thank you Jennifer, Maureen, Shaun, Alexis, Gaby, Jessica, and Lindsi. Our family certainly appreciates each and every one of you!

Happy Birthday Cody!

This guy and I are a team. He stole my heart 37 years ago and I haven't been the same since. Cody has taught me more about service and compassion and love than I ever could have learned without him. I am his rock and he keeps me grounded. He makes me happy and sometimes frustrated, overwhelmed and crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. You're the most loving, forgiving person I know Cody and I hope you have a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Summer Las Vegas 2018

My husband and I spent a few days in Las Vegas last week, visiting my kids and enjoying limited time being "empty nesters". My son and his girlfriend took us to one of their favorite places to eat...Nacho Daddy. Nacho Daddy has  regular and vegan menus, which is one of the main reason's Casey and Kelly like to go there. Casey pointed out that Nacho Daddy is the home of the Original Scorpion Shot and asked me if I wanted to try it. Ummm. No. But the Nachos and raspberry tea were divine!

We decided to check out the Orleans casino after hearing that they are more generous with pay outs. I wasn't sold, but I am a cheap skate. Throwing money away is hard for me. So, while Boyd was enjoying tapping on the coy fish on an Asian style slot machine screen, I took a pic of the crocodiles out front.

Of course, the highlight of my visit to Vegas was seeing the Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio. This summer's theme was 'That's Amore', inspired by the beauty that's found throughout Italy. Here are a few pics. I wish you could smell these flowers as well. The air is so fresh and cool and fragrant, a total contrast to the stench of the smoke filled casinos.

The picture above is an Italian rug made out of seeds, beans, chickpeas, corn, dried peppers and carrots, coconut, licorice sticks, acorns, pineapple rings, dried bananas and other natural flowers and plants.

Do you see that green hedge above? SPLIT PEAS. Billions and billions of them!

There were a lot of living lime and lemon trees. You can imagine the fragrances we were smelling. 

Last of all, I cannot post about this trip to Las Vegas without mentioning my favorite restaurant Famous Dave's. I LOVE this place. I put BBQ sauce on my BBQ sauce. :)

Spring Break Las Vegas 2018

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite places to visit in Las Vegas. Japanese Spring is the theme they have going now and, as always, it is beautiful and awe inspiring. Their horticulturalists and designers are amazingly talented! Here are a few of my favorite pics this trip...

Just look at the tulips! Gorgeous!

These huge flowers were made from Carnations. Pink Carnations are my favorite flower. 

L O V E

The Coy Pond was a fun touch. :)

1st Birthday Party- Dinosaur Theme

My daughter and son-in-law did a great job planning their babies first birthday party and gave me permission to share the decor. Sorry, because my blog is not private, I am not allowed to show the sweetest (pun intended) thing at the party...my grandson. :)