Relief, Running and Redemption

****Before I begin with all things that seem so very frivolous in light of all the devastation that is happening in Haiti, I thought I needed to say that I am not being shallow and ignoring the obvious.  Images that they are showing are impossible to imagine.  So very heart breaking.  We are so spoiled in all we have, and if all of us just shared a miniscule portion of our spoils, it would go so far to provide the basics to people who literally have nothing.  Just my two cents worth.  If you haven't had a chance to help and want to, here are some organizations that already have people in place in Haiti to offer help:

Compassion International
World Vision
Red Cross
World Concern

I'm going to be asking my kids to consider giving a small amount to one of these organizations.  I think it's a great opportunity for them to see that although this is a great big world, we still all need each other.  Imagine if every person who makes going to Starbucks a regular habit gave up just one and instead sent that money to help in Haiti.  Just something to think about.  All done.****


Now back to our regular programming:

Ah...it's so very good to be back on that treadmill.  I couldn't help myself today, and went an extra quarter mile.  Just was feeling so good...  The longer I went without running the more I realized how much I need it for my mental health:  I am just a happier and calmer person when I get that workout in.  So thankful to be back at it.  Please, Lord, let this foot take it!!

And I'm needing some redemption here.  That could go many directions, but I'm talking specifically about that lousy recipe I posted with the FIg Newtons.  Awful.  Just awful.  Even my Brad, who will honestly eat just about anything, turned his nose up at that.  THAT is a testimonial not to be denied.  And Brenna really liked it until she tried it the second time.  Then she just couldn't bring herself to finish it.  So we are down to Alex and Beth singing its praises.  And you can take that for what it's worth. 

So I am out to redeem myself in some way.  It can be hard to crawl out of a hole, but I will do my best.  I'll start with this non-recipe "recipe" that I came up with for dinner last night.  Here is Brenna's review:

"Mommy, this is even better than McDonalds!!"

Now, to qualify, my kids really only eat McDonalds when we are traveling or some other "special occasion", so it is held in high, high esteem by them.  To be put on a level above McDonalds by my children is true praise.

So here's what I placed before them for dinner last night:

Chicken Ranch Burgers

chicken breasts
deli ham
cheese slices (I used Colby-Jack because it's what I had)
avocado
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dip mix
onion slices
lettuce
buns

pound chicken breasts between waxed paper until they are even in thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.  rub with ranch dip powder.  (I would have grilled these outside if it wasn't for the driving wind and rain...)  In a large skillet sprayed with non-stick spray, cook chicken on each side until just cooked through.  remove to cookie sheet or oven-safe plate and top each with 1 piece of deli ham and slice of cheese.  (I heated the ham in the microwave slightly first.)  put in oven at 350 just long enough to melt the cheese. 

meanwhile, add 1 TBSP butter to same skillet used to cook chicken.  after it melts, add the onion slices and saute just until beginning to caramelize. 

layer 'em up with chicken, avocado, onions, and lettuce.

Okay, I feel better now.  That's more like it.  More of "that's more like it" to come in the near future!