5 years

5 years ago (yesterday) we got married.

It seems unbelievable to me that it has been 5 years already.  Where does time go?

I always thought that getting married so close to Christmas was risky and there have been years where we haven't been able to celebrate as much as we'd like because of all the activities that comes along with the Holidays.  This year the last few weeks have been crazy and not with fun Holiday Cheer.  Let's just say that 2011 is a welcome change and I'm praying for good news to accompany the new year!  So celebrating our anniversary in the middle of all the unpleasant craziness this year has been a REALLY bright light to look forward to, not that I don't always look forward to it but it was a day where there was no bad news that day and we were able to celebrate in a small way and I spent it with my love, MK.

Life

Sometimes life gets in the ways.

Sometimes life throws you curve balls.

Sometimes life makes you stop and think.

(My sweet Dadad, who passed last Tuesday at the age of 93)

In the last week I've experienced all of those feelings and tons more that I don't even know how to put into words.  Specifically, I feel that the curve balls have been beaning me right in the forehead.  

In all the curve balls, and life getting in the way I have become more and more thankful for my family and the wonderful, sweet friends that God has blessed me with.  I have been overwhelmed by the love and support that Matt and I have felt.

Here are a few pictures of why we feel blessed.

Cousins.  My cousins can make me so happy even at the graveside of my Dadad.

Friends.  My Freiji is the sweetest and makes me happy everyday.

(sorry Meg the roomie pic was NOT acceptable - but you make me happy everyday too).

Family History.  I like that this is where we come from.

- lp

Follow up to New Look & My Dad

A little while ago I wrote a post about MY Dad and mentioned an article that was about him and his work preaching the gospel here in Tampa.  The article was included in the December Edition.  There are two links to the story:

1. A Conversation Version

2. The full article PDF, he is on page 21 of the file.

I'm so proud of my Dad!

Also check it...I got a photo cred!

In other news here is another Target Holiday Commercial for your daily dose of laughter.  These commercials just kill me and make my day better!  Hope it does the same for you!

- proud daughter lp

Target

I don't usually participate in Black Friday shopping.  I find the crowds make me angry more than anything.

 

This Target commercial makes me laugh so hard EVERY time I see it!

Hope it brightens your day!

 

Target 2-Day Sale Commercial

- lp

Artichokes, Gorgonzola, Giada & Fresh Herbs

Do you like artichokes?  And no I don't mean artichokes in spinach artichoke dip at Chili's or artichoke hearts in a salad...I mean like real fresh artichokes.  I'm trying more and more to eat in season and luckily as always Publix promotes in season veggies with good sales.  So according to this website there is a small crop of artichokes in October.  So I researched some artichoke recipes.

The first recipe I have tried is by Giada De Laurentis, it is Baked Artichokes with Gorgonzola and Herbs. I halved the recipe since there are only two of us.  I also assumed it wouldn't  be that filling however it was quite filling and would work best probably as an appetizer.  I can't say that this is the healthiest of recipes however, I did use fat free Gorgonzola which wasn't quite as gooey as full fat Gorgonzola would be but none the less quite tasty.  It was really easy to make and we really enjoyed it.  

Eating it was an adventure in itself.  MK and I debated on which was the best way to eat it.  If you're not familiar with artichokes the "meat" of the artichoke is at the base of the leaf.  If you scrap your teeth along the leaf you get the tasty "meat."  We decided that if you pile the cheese on top of the individual leaf by dipping or whatever method and then scrap the meat and cheese off it is delicious!

Hope you try it and enjoy!

On this adventurous culinary night we also spotted a culprit that LOVES to leave large gifts of a nasty consistency on my car.  Take a look at this Sand Hill Crane (which are my fav birds)just chilling on my car.

We chased it to a Honda Accord next door and saw the aforementioned nasty gift left on the Accord that we thankfully avoided the next morning.

- lp de laurentis 

Blessed

With recent events that have happened in our life I've come to appreciate how blessed we truly are when it comes to friends and family (both local and far away).

I don't think it's too often that MK and I need some help or have some needs where need to call on friends and family but this week we have had some obstacles.  How do I know that we're blessed?  That without asking we have friends who have gone out of their way and called to check on us and family members who have bent over backwards to make sure we had the easiest time as possible.  

There are even those friends who don't know what is really going on with us (which by the way is nothing too crazy, just some minor health issues being taken care of and part of journey, that at some point I'll share) and have just reached out or sent sweet encouraging messages.

It's all appreciated and I am confident it's all because of the love and common bond we share in God.  It's a great feeling.

Also, MK has been a great nurse! I've been a little out of it and basically in bed and he has done all that he can to make me more comfortable.  And he indulged my decorating fetish with a nice purchase.  Although...last night he might have hit his breaking point...case in point...he threatened me with drool.   I'll leave it at that.  He is a good hubby.

In other news, it's not hard to spend time in bed when there are little ones like this to keep you company.

- lp

My Lasagna

Ok...

I don't think anyone's recipes are truly all their own.  In reality if you're making a traditional dish it all basically stems from the same basic ingredients.  The Lasagna I make is based on PW's recipe found here.  But I make a few healthy changes to it, these are the items I use:

Whole Wheat Pasta
Fat Free Ricotta Cheese instead of Cottage Cheese (I have an aversion to cottage cheese due to a certain Alabama camp counselor and some stories....I digress)
Low Fat Cheese
Ground Turkey - organic if possible or no added hormones for sure
Topped off with fresh grated parmesan cheese mixed with grated cheese out of the can

I cooked this for MK's b'day dinner, after all lasagna is his favorite.  Here is what it looks like fresh out of the oven.

Joey would LOVE to sink his teeth into this!  He just loves food, any food, all food!

If you make this hope you enjoy it!

-lp

I Voted

I Voted.

Did you vote?

A few weeks ago MK suggested that we partake in early voting. I thought about it and decided no I did not want to vote early.  Here were my reasons:

1. As an American I have been blessed by God to have a government that allows me to have a say in who runs this great country.

2. Also as an American Woman I have the privilege to go to the polls to vote without fear of being discriminated against or harmed.  I remember when the first time I saw Iraqi voting taking place and women were able to go to the polls and vote, the pictures of it moved me.  If these brave women could decide to walk to the polls and vote and hold up their ink stained fingers then I could take the time on Election Day to go to my polls and vote.  Also there are many women in this world that today still do not have the rights that I have, so I felt like for their sakes I wanted to go to the polls and vote on the appointed Election Day.

3. I believe that it is my duty and Christian woman to participate in the these elections in order to help our country turn around from it's current wordly state.  Now I am not saying that all the candidates that we have are righteous, in fact sometimes I feel like I'm voting for the lesser of two evils.  But since our country is set up to elect our officials I should participate and have a say.

Now let me just remind everyone that I am not a political analyst, activist, or expert.  Nor am I overly informed about political issues.  But I do try to learn enough to make a good decision.  

I hope that if you feel like you should vote that you did vote (no matter who or what you voted for).  It's your way to have a voice in what is being done in this country.  I understand others exercising their right not to vote, if you don't know what or who you're voting for then it's probably best not to vote, or if you don't feel like it is your duty to vote you're entitled to that opinion as well.

- patriot lp

Pumpkin Patch Farm/It was a carnival!

This weekend Em wanted to take little Bug to a farm we had heard of that is about an hour away.  We thought it was going to be just a pumpkin patch, a hay ride, and some animals.  So made it a girls day with "Rara" and "Gi" too, loaded up and drove to the farm.  When we got there we saw it wasn't just a farm, it was basically a mini fair complete with fair food, trapeze artists, motorcycle tricks, pony rides, and carnival games.  We were shocked to say the least!  Bug thought it was the best place ever!  She had so much fun that day and we all did too.  It was a day well spent for these city girls (we were covered in dirt by the time we left)!

- lp

Twins, Girlfriends, & Fun Times

This past weekend MK and I were able to drive up to Auburn to visit THESE cute little ones!  Oh and their Mom and Dad.... ;)

We had so much fun meeting these little guys!  They are 9 months old and this was the first chance that we had to get away and go hang out!  We had plenty of snuggle and play time!  Jans is such a good little Mom and Matt is a great helpful Dad.  They make having twins look like a breeze!  

I took my camera with me but didn't use it once.  I don't know what is wrong with me!  Matt H. was able to snap a few fun photos with my phone.  This was some playtime in the boys room.  

We love Shep & Spence! 

We also got to see Jess and Kevin and Kenzie and Trenton, and Ann and Jon and Wes.  I love having girl time with my friends that have been my girlfriends since before I can remember.  They are the best friends anyone could ask for and I am so blessed.  Over the past few weeks I have been reminded of how important it is to have the support and prayers of friends and I have NEVER felt so blessed in my life as I have lately.  I have an abundance of good girlfriends!  Truly they are gifts from God!

- truly blessed lp

New Look & MY Dad

So there is a new look going on here...any thoughts?

I like the picture of my pups sleeping cause that's what they like to do best (besides run around like maniacs on cool fall mornings).

This week I had the pleasure of taking some pictures of my dad for an article in a Christian magazine.  If there is a link later I'll post it.  Anyways, it was quite a bright morning to take the pictures but I think we managed ok.  Dad wears glasses that are transition lenses and since it's Florida and sunny he and I decided that lightly tinted sunglasses were a good thing.  I love my dad.  When I asked him what he thought about loosing the glasses he said, "No one will know who I am without my glasses."  Of course!  It's true he looks quite differently without his glasses.

It was a harsh light but let me know what you think....

This one wasn't used sent the magazine but I like how it shows my Dad's kindness.  He was smiling at and talking to a passerby on a bike (hope the guy comes to visit maybe).

Not sent either...but I still like it, especially his hands covering his transition lenses so they won't be so dark in the sunlight.  I like his half smile...

Lookin' good in those shades! Plus the additional bushes that I decided needed to be added due to some unsightly parts of the church building.

For those of you who have the pleasure of knowing my dad, you know he is a great man.  I feel lucky to be raised by such a man.  I'm really not talented enough with words to convey what kind of man he is, but I hope that through these pictures you can see his heart and his kindness because that's the true beauty of my Dad.

By the way I noticed while looking closely at these pictures that not matter how much I KNOW I look my Mom...I'm pretty sure I inherited my Dad's Scottish cheeks.

-Daddy's Girl lp

These 2 Boys

So I know these 2 boys,

They both have October Birthdays.

After nearly 8 years of their girlfriends turned wives planning their birthdays they decided they were tired of birthdays being spent at Halloween Horror Nights, Outlet Malls, and the latest suggestion Harry Potter World (we really wanted some Butter Beer)!

So these two boys decided they wanted nothing more than to celebrate their birthdays early by going to a Rays Division League Series game...Game 5 to be exact.

They were super excited to be there, deciding that we should get there 3 hours ahead of time for Batting Practice and so they could explore the field.

They also bought giant sized cowbells in order to annoy any and all within a 20 foot radius of us.

Freiji and I were along for the ride...even though we do love the Rays.

Sadly the Rays lost but we still had a good time, even though it took nearly 3 hours to get home.

Go Rays!

- fanatical fan lp

Freedom of Speech & Salt Seasoned Speech

Ok....Here We Go....

So it is not often that I use this blog as anything but fun facts about our lives or to post some fun cute pictures but a couple of things have struck me lately and have been on my mind.  Since these things have been on my mind and have to do with the internet I thought that a blog post about such thought could be profitable for some and the appropriate place for me to put my thoughts.

Before I get into my thoughts let me preface this by saying that I am not a scholar, I do not intend to "make waves" or start discussions with this post.  I am merely thinking "out loud" as it may be thought of.  In all honesty I just want people (if people are reading this blog) to stop and consider.

So here are my thoughts:

The internet and the websites that have sprung from it, such as Facebook, Twitter, and many blogs such as this one, offer one incredible anonymity even if your name is listed right next to the comment or statement.  People do, for some reason, get an extra bit of confidence sitting in front of a computer screen and often feel the need to make statements that they would never make if they were face to face with an individual.  

Facebook status and Twitter tweets have gone from fun loving, keeping up with friends to let me tell you how I feel about anyone who isn't like me by my bold, self-centered, look-at-me statements (in 140 characters or less of course).  

Blogs are even more so because it is your own "space" to write and you are not limited by really any constraints.  You have the ability to write and post whatever you feel like and no one tells you this is not good or censors what you say.

So where did this arrogance of posting, commenting, arguing on the internet come from?

From the 1st Amendment?  Let's consider what the 1st Amendment actually states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. 

http://topics.law.cornell.edu/constitution/billofrights#amendmenti

From what I read in the 1st Amendment is that Congress isn't allowed to prohibit what we say.  The 1st Amendment is not giving us a carte blanche to say what we want without consideration of others.  Now as I stated before I am NOT a scholar and far from being a student of the law (I am an Art History major who very much loves art...as a side note).   So I may be interpreting this incorrectly and if so I apologize but I'm just reading the words without interpreting them into a deeper meaning.

That's as far as I can read into our law.  I don't know much else but I do know that along with the laws of the land as a Christian woman I am bound by God's law as well.  And that law trumps whatever laws my government has put in place.  However I think these go hand in hand. As far as speech goes here is what the Good Book tells us...

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone...

Granted if you do not have faith in God then this statement may not be binding in your mind but it is a good guide as to how to speak to others.  

Also in Philippians 4:8 we are told:

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Could this not also apply to your speech?

I am a woman of Faith and I do believe that these statements are binding to me.  If I put this hand in hand with what our government has told us as well this is the conclusion I come to:

The Lord is telling me that I should think before I speak and to speak with grace.  If I am dwelling on what is right, pure, lovely, of good repute and of excellence and worthy of praise then shouldn't my speech be default be seasoned with salt?

If I do not take the 1st Amendment to an extreme and see that it speaking to our government and not giving me the right to say whatever I want whenever I want without the consideration of anyone's thoughts or feelings then shouldn't think before I speak?

My conclusion is this:

I am tired of people using the internet, specifically social networking, to promote arrogance of opinion and to belittle others who do not share the same views as you might.  If you have love for others in your heart then you do not promote yourself and think yourself better than others (1 Corinthians 13).  Think of the good you could do if you took a moment before you spoke or typed and considered if this will be profitable to others and is it seasoned with the kind of salt that would make my Lord proud of me?  Or am I taking my 1st Amendment right to an extreme?

I miss the days of Facebook Status stating, "So and So is excited for the weekend."  

MK often asks me why I am selective with who I accept as a friend on Facebook.  My answer is some people have too much of an opinion and I really don't want to read overbearing opinions day in and day out.  

So there you have it.  You may disagree with what I've "said" and perhaps you think I may be using my blog to promote my own thoughts. My intention is to say something to those couple of people reading this blog that maybe we should stop and consider before we type. 

Just some thoughts of whats been on my mind lately.

Agree or Disagree, it's ok.  Just consider.

- lp

Fall Weather

It is finally Fall in the Sunshine State!  Well I don't know if finally is the correct word, it seems as thought it's here earlier than usual.  But I'm not complaining!  I love having the windows and doors open on the cool mornings.  It is quite pleasant outside.

I've really enjoyed the cool mornings to practice my yoga with the windows and doors open and the sounds of birds chirping and squirrels scurrying around.  It does a lot for the mind and body.

Fall also brings fabulous fall decorations.  I decided to make some a few additions this year.  My favorite being from Michaels of course! If you don't visit Michael's regularly you really should!  

How cute are these little words?

With the cooler weather comes the craving of heartier foods.  I went to Publix for some inspiration without really having a list (could have been a disaster) however I kept myself in check.  I'm trying a new recipe tonight for chicken stroganoff, saw it on the TODAY show (of course).  Beef Stroganoff was one of my favs growing up but this one seemed healthier so we shall see how it turns out.  I'm doing it from memory of what I saw this morning.

Tomorrow... CHILI!  OH I CAN'T WAIT!

It's truly Fall when you have Chili cooking all day long!

Happy Fall Y'all!

-lp  

Fall, Football and Frogger

It is finally feeling like Fall outside here in the good ole' Sunshine State!

With the feeling of fall comes good things like beautiful days, chili, and of course Football!!

Now I may a different kind of girl than some but I believe I enjoy football and sports more than most.  For example:  This beautiful Saturday Morning MK went to go play in a golf tournament so when the dogs and I decided to eat breakfast we watched Sportscenter and Game Day by ourselves.  I just like it.

With Football Season comes several different things.  

1.  We generally spend more Saturdays at Mom and Dad's watching games.

2. Since Em and I married boys that are not Bama fans there are some rivalries and games that make some Saturdays a little more enjoyable & stressful depending on who is winning.  (As of late that's been Bama and I'm good with that one).

3.  Saturday activities are scheduled around football games.

Last Saturday was the Bama vs. Arkansas game which meant for a few uncomfortable moments in our household.  However my MK took it like a champ.  We took our little Bug over to Mom and Dad's to watch the game.  Em was out of town and her daddy dressed her....in Gator colors.  Thankfully since G-Daddy had been gone for so long to Ethiopia and Seychelles he didn't seem to mind.  

Since our little Bug has been in our family there have been a few changes in activities during the game.  We take turns playing outside with her and watching the game.  Half-time is now spend catching lost frogs....to be specific Frogger....and petting  baby snakes named Scarecrow.  Take a look:

G giving Bug Frogger.

Bug was so excited to be holding Frogger.

Frogger got loose so half time was spent looking for him by all (G, Grand-mere, and Uncle Matt).

After the game we packed up Frogger and Scarecrow and took it back to Bug's house for her mom and dad to deal with.  After all...thats what Aunts and Uncles are for!

Roll Tide!  Beat those Gators!

- Aunt lp 

Leadership & Tony Dungy & Food & Friends

So I feel like there is a lot to catch up on as the last month has been incredibly busy but not the fun kind of busy that anyone wants to hear.  Let's put it this way...14 days straight of work = 2000 miles on my car.  LOADS of fun!

So let's move on to the fun stuff seeing that my major project was put in the mail yesterday.

Last night we were lucky enough with 1000 other people to attend the Tony Dungy Leadership dinner.  He was a very good speaker and his speech was very inspirational.  We had fun with our Circle G friends 

and MK got his picture made with Tony. 

 We ran into a lot of people that we've known for awhile and it was good to see them for a minute.  All in all it was at a good time.

Now it's Friday and I'm busy dealing with the sniffles.  Oh well.

-lp

Deals, Deals, Deals

I love finding deals!  Check out these adorable little pots I found for the kitchen at Anthropologie!  

They weren't even on sale.  They were only $8 even the girl who checked me out was in shock.  I'm still under the impression that they were probably marked wrong since the "SALE" items weren't even that cheap.  I love this store and can rarely buy items there because of the prices but was overly excited to find these cute little additions for our ever evolving kitchen.  Poor MK he never knows what he is going to come home to at the end of the day.  My crazy ideas sometimes take over the house.  

- shoppertunistic lp

Ethiopia & Seychelles

Dad is in Ethiopia again for his bi-annual trip.  He will wrap up his trip in Seychelles for a couple of weeks.  To follow him on this incredible journey visit his blog:

http://stevepatton.wordpress.com/

- daddy's girl lp

Circle G

As mentioned in some other posts MK owns a feed store with one of our good friends. I will say that it is a different world than over here in the suburbs of Tampa.

After the bank a couple nights a week MK

goes up to the Circle G to do different tasks and help his business

partner out with other things.

Thursday it was a delivery that needed to be done. Since we've both been working tons of hours and I'll be traveling next week the pups and I decided to ride along on this delivery. We rode in the box truck which struck panic in Joey almost immediately. We saw some pretty property and beautiful houses. We also saw a girl that had gotten thrown off her horse and was laying face down in the grass. MK, being the guy that he is and the fact that he inherited some captain underpants characteristics from his dad, swerved the box truck off the road and sprinted into the field only to find out the girl was fine AND that he knew almost everyone in the field. The dogs and I hung out in the truck while MK loaded and unloaded and then re-loaded the truck.

I will say that the horse world is a whole different CRAZY world.

If you're interested in the Circle G here are some links and more info:

Website - http://www.circlegonline.com/

Facebook Fan Page, become a FAN! -

http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Port-Richey-FL/Circle-G-Ranch-Pet-Supplies/97784073381?ref=ts

Blog - http://circlegonline.wordpress.com/

- proud wife lp