Turning 50 Part 1 (Yes. It Was THAT Good!)

I did it. I hit the dreaded, milestone 50th birthday yesterday and I've got to say, it wasn't at all bad. In fact, thanks to my awesome kids, fabulous extended family and amazing friends, it was the BEST birthday I've ever had!

The morning started off great with Cody giving me a C.O. My facebook friends know the story behind this gift. For those of you who don't, Cody has wanted to get me an electric can opener (C.O.) for my birthday for awhile now and not because I need one. Cody, in all his autistic glory, has WANTED me to want one.

When I arrived at the school, Mrs. B. had these sitting on my table, along with a cute card...

She and the children sang the birthday song to me and, when the Kindergarten students wanted to know my age, I responded, "I'm a grandma, so how old do you think I am?" One little girl shouted "18!", which was much kinder than Cody telling me I was almost 100.

After work, my husband treated me to lunch at Olive Garden and, when we got home, Casey had been at our house and left a card and this gift on the kitchen counter...

A 50 dollar iTunes card for my new iPhone! Hellzzyeah! :)

AND...

Throughout the entire day (week/month/?), I had NO idea THIS was going to happen...

I had to erase the address and phone number. Obviously. :)

You will want to stay tuned for Turning 50 Parts 2 and 3. I promise it gets even better!

Sticky Finger Salad

This is my knock off recipe for Sticky Finger Salad, a favorite when dining at Winger's. In fact, after eating my Sticky Finger Salad at home a few times this summer, my husband actually ordered one when we went to Winger's for lunch last week. As we left the restaurant, he told me he thought my version was better. 

Here are the simple, yet tasty ingredients needed:

Romaine Lettuce

Cherry tomatoes, Halved

Cheddar Cheese, Grated

Craisins (Do not leave these out. They make the salad!)
Red Onion- Thinly Sliced (optional, but so good)

Croutons

Ranch Dressing (We like Hidden Valley, but use your favorite.)

Breaded, Frozen Chicken Strips

Frank's Hot Sauce

Brown Sugar

Follow Six Sisters' Stuff's 'Winger's Sticky Fingers Copycat Recipe'. (I only use about half the amount of hot sauce for my husband's and Cody's sake, otherwise, I follow their recipe to a T.)

While the chicken strips are baking, prepare salad on plates, then top with warm sticky finger's and ranch dressing. Yum. Yum.