Spiffalicious and Delicious

Happy Birthday Bubble!

2009-08-11T23:47:00.002-02:30

Today is Bubble's 4th Birthday!

Happy Birthday to her!

Weekend Trip to Tarpon Springs

2009-07-21T00:09:00.002-02:30

Last weekend Mark and I took a trip to Tarpon Springs, FL. Tarpon Springs is notable for having the highest percentage of Greek-American of any city in the US. Greek shops, restaurants and bakeries covered the main strip of downtown Tarpon Springs.

Natural Sponges.....famous in Tarpon Springs

We enjoyed delicious desserts at Hellas Bakery

Vacation- Baton Rouge. Friends/Family Part 7

2009-07-20T16:37:00.006-02:30

While visiting my family in Baton Rouge, Mark and I were able to visit with some of my friends from school.

Becky Rome and I have been friends since Junior High. We kinda lost touch over some years and the last 2 trips to Baton Rouge we've been able to visit.

Deven Buckley and I have been friends since we were 10. She was also part of Mark and my wedding. We always enjoy our trips to Baton Rouge and make sure we get a chance to catch up with Deven. She's one awesome RN!

The trip to Baton Rouge was a suprise "Mothers Day" for my mom and family.

My awesome sister, Martha

My older brother, Sito

Happy Mothers Day Mom!!!

Mark chopping ice???

Reminding Dad that everyone is ready to EAT!

Chilling out...

Mom and my brother Joshua

Vacation- Oak Alley Plantation Vacherie Louisiana Part 6

2009-07-20T16:33:00.007-02:30

Before our road trip to the mountains, we spent a few days and a weekend with my family. Martha (my sister), my Mom, Mark and I visited the famous Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie Lousiana. About 1 hour outside of Baton Rouge.

Oak Alley-

A Historic plantation located on the Mississippi River in Vacherie Louisiana. It is protected as a National Historic Landmark. It is named after its distinguishing feature, an alley of a double row of live oaks about 800 feet (240 meters) long, which was planted in the early 1700s, long before the present house was built. The alley leads towards the Mississippi River.

More information on this beautiful house and the history- http://www.oakalleyplantation.com/

Many movies were filmed here including Interview with the Vampire

Vacation- North Carolina Part 5

2009-07-19T18:15:00.004-02:30

Our next destination on our vacation road trip was North Carolina. We stayed with Mark's parents for a few days. One of our trips was to Chimney Rock State Park. One of the most notable features in the park is a 315-foot (96 m) granite monolith, Chimney Rock, accessible by elevator and providing views of the park and surrounding countryside. Mark's Dad and I were the only two brave ones to make it up there. Mark and his mom waved at us as we looked down.

Hickory Nut Falls

Vacation- Gatlinburg.North Carolina Part 4

2009-07-19T17:39:00.005-02:30

Our last day in Gatlinburg we ventured further into the Smoky Mountains National Park. We met up with Mark's parents who were vacationing as well (North Carolina). We met up at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center right outside of Cherokee, NC. We took a walk on a trail that let to Cherokee North Carolina.

Bridal Falls- North Carolina:

One of the most unusual and most popular falls in the South by virtue of its location along scenic mountain highway US 64. The old road, in fact, passes underneath the 60-foot high falls.

Glen Falls- North Carolina:

A 1 mile trail leads you to Glenn Falls. Three large waterfalls make up the falls, and each drops about 60 feet.

Mark was brave enough to walk behind the falls....YIKES!

Vacation- Gatlinburg Part 3

2009-07-16T22:52:00.009-02:30

Ober Gatlinburg (Amusement Park and Ski Area, located in the mountains overlooking Gatlinburg, TN.

I rode the aerial tramway to Ober Gatlinburg. Mark drove up the mountain due to his dislike for heights. The 2.1 miles tram ride runs 17 miles per hour and takes about 10 minutes, and offers spectacular views of the mountains in the daytime and the sparkling lights of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and beyond!

As you can see the view was amazing and VERY high! I was able to see our hotel (Park Vista).

Smokey Mountain Wildlife Adventure also part of Ober Gatlinburg. Black Bears and many other animals lived. One of the many black bears enjoying his breakfast.

We ventured out to Chimney Tops Mountain. It’s located in the central Great Smokey Mountains and has an elevation of 4,800 feet. It’s a very popular hiking destination.

The trek up the mountain was extremely physically draining at times due to the high elevation and large rocks we climbed over. But alas we finally made it. At one point a group of people were hiking down the mountain and said "oh its worth the trip up", well we thought we were almost there....ha ha no way we had another hour up.

Chimney Tops is one of the few instances of a bare rock summit in the Smokies. Over the centuries, the bedrock atop the mountain has been exposed through natural weathering of the upper layers of soil strata. This rock is mostly Anakeesta Formation metamorphic rock, especially slate, phyllite, and metasiltsone. The grainy, contorted capstones offer excellent footholds and handholds for climbing.

We knew we were close to the top because the temperature dropped extremely! We went from sweating to freezing. My fingers actually felt numb. When we made it to the top, you had to climb over the summit rock....however the rock was very slippery (maybe because of a previous rain) so we opted not climb, Mark had already had his fill of the mountain and was ready to get back on normal ground. I decided to take a few photos of the side views of Chimney Tops.

Definitely a somewhat fun experience. At least I can say I made it to the top and didn't quit! There were times while we were hiking up the mountain that I wanted to stop and turn back. Out of breath sometimes and in pain from previous hikes I decided to endure and make it to the top. Well we did it! Had fun! And totally admired God's creation!

Vacation- Gatlinburg Part 2

2009-07-16T22:22:00.004-02:30

Along Cades Cove and the Smokey Mountain National Park there are many old buildings, churchs, homes and barns.

Cades Cove Methodist Church

Built in 1902 by carpenter/pastor, John D. McCampbell. The buildings two front door design was common in the 1800's in the Smokies and elsewhere. Generally a two front door design allowed men to enter and sit on one side of the chapel and women and children on the other. Some churches even had a divider in the middle of the chapel. However, the Cades Cove's Methodist congregation was more relaxed and sat where they pleased. Yet the peaceful setting and harmonious design of the church building did not shield this Smokies congregation from controversy. The Cades Cove Methodist was troubled by division during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Dissidents split off and formed the Hopewell Methodist church. The Hopewell building no longer stands.

Hiking to Abrams Falls in Cades Cove.

Mark checking out one of the old barns.

Finally reaching Abrams Falls and enjoying the beautiful falls....one of the many we saw on our trip.

Vacation- Gatlinburg Part 1

2009-07-15T23:53:00.005-02:30

This past May, Mark and I took a well needed vacation to Gatlinburg Tennessee. Our first adventure in our favorite town we drove through the Smokey Mountain National Park and visited Cades Cove. Its truly a beautiful place to be. The glorious beauty of God's handy work just makes you stop and stare and be amazed at his awesome work!

One of the many deer we saw in Cades Cove. This one was actually about 2 feet away from us.

Cades Cove was sooo beautiful and green, you cant help but stare and be amazed.

New Addition to the Family

2009-07-12T23:42:00.003-02:30

It is with great pride and happiness that I introduce the new addition to our family. As some of you know my brother in law & sister in law (David & Michele Pentecost) have been in the process of adopting a child from Russia since Fall 2007. On April 9th, 2009 they brought home their son Jack Pentecost. Check out their journey and meet my awesome, sweet and wonderful nephew- http://adoptionexpedition.blogspot.com/

It wouldn't be Valentines Day without.....

2009-02-13T00:29:00.005-03:30

Well in true Gabriella fashion....with it being Valentines you know I've got some tasty treats prepared. I just love baking, cooking, especially desserts! Last night a baked about 50 cupcakes for the office & home. Mostly for the office. When a holiday is upon us...most wonder if Gabriella will be bringing in something tasty to the office. So what do we have here today?

Remember as a kid those cupcakes/ cakes prepared with colorful sprinkles in them? I was always amazed and wondered how the cake would have different colors within. I always liked those. They were so fun looking! And of course you've got to have those tiny heart shaped conversation heart candies!

And of course, you can't celebrate Valentines without something CHOCOLATE right!? So yes, I've got some scrumcious chocolate cupcakes all decorated differently. Some with white sprinkles, some with Hershey Hugs.

So with that....you are probably drooling and wanting something sweet. Go for it spoil yourself today and have something sweet and tasty. Have a sugar rush or 2! Ha ha!

Oh and Mark....sweetie... don't worry, I've got cupcakes saved just for you!!!!!!
Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas is almost here!

2008-12-18T23:24:00.002-03:30

Christmas is almost here! Whoohoo and that means its time to make Christmas Treats! So check out my cute Snowman cake/cupcake arrangement.

My little helper

2008-09-13T23:58:00.004-02:30

It was time for a new vacuum cleaner, so today Mark and I went out and bought one. Bubble was suppose to be helping me put the vacuum cleaner together. Well....it wasn't till I turned around to see what all that noise was and I caught her "helping herself" to the cardboard packaging. What a helper huh!?

Summer of Pictures

2008-09-10T23:19:00.015-02:30

Its been a long time since I've blogged. So I decided I'd "show" you we've been up to over the summer. Enjoy!

Mark started interning this fall at an elementary school in Lakeland. He is working with 5th graders and its been quite an experience. I think he is doing very well and learning a lot.

Check out his Blog-http://markcrazyhorse.blogspot.com/ when you get a chance.

Here is Bubble helping him with his lesson plans.

And here he is again.....busy at work.
Oh hi....its just me.
Flowers are always nice, especially when they are from someone special.
Bubble and Shanaynay have been just wonderful. They are sharing a raw hide bone.
We had to end up taking this sock away from her because she was eating it and well...that wasn't a good thing. But she tore the mess out of it!
Since I got my new digital camera, Bubble has been an excellent model.
She's had this toy for 2 or 3 years now and she finally has created a bond with it. Very funny...the games we play with it.
I'm sure Bubble was messing with Shanaynay.

Mark and I took a mini vacation one weekend to Sand Key Beach in Clearwater. That was fun. It got a little windy and my umbrella almost flew away. You always manage to see strange yet interestingly weird people at the beach.

Oh yes, Bubble and Shanaynay have a new cousin...errr I mean Uncle. Mark's parents have a new dog. His name is Rocky, he is a Boxer. Bubble isn't too sure about him. ha ha
Shanaynay didn't mind him one bit.
Chilly spent a few days with us over the summer while his parents went on a short vacation. Isn't he super cute!

Well I think thats about it. I hope your summer was fabulous. Ours was pretty good, it just seemed to go by so fast. I just put up my fall decor last weekend.....and when I was done I thought, "wow....where'd the summer go?" Have a great day!

Bling Technology

2008-06-19T22:32:00.002-02:30

Check out the fabulous gifts my awesome friend Deven bought me for my Birthday. She knows me so well.....Pretty lovely!!

Tall Socks Rock! Happy Birthday Mark

2008-06-07T10:56:00.006-02:30

This week we've been celebrating Mark's birthday. If you can guess his age you might get a prize! I surprised Mark with a little birthday game on his birthday (June 5th) where he had to find all his birthday presents around the house. They were mostly candy and goodies and an awesome coffee cup. Oh yes and a bike! I had it hiding in the bathroom. He had no idea and he was super surprised!

Birthday Cake? No brownies!

We celebrated Mark's birthday with friends and family on Friday at Panera Bread.

Me and my hip and cool sister in law Sarah!

My super cool friend Gina....ummm she said doing that was for Mark (picking her nose) and my other awesome sister in law Michele

Whats that? Its a pedometer!

And finally a birthday cake! Yeppers I made it and it was delicious!

Mark finally got his chocolate cake he's been asking me to make for months. ha ha ha
I love you babe!Michele, David-my brother in law, Pete-Sara's brother and Jon-my other brother in law....umm what is Jon doing?
Sara- Pete's wife and Gina. Oh that is stunning Gina
After Panera Bread we treked over to the Bowling Alley. It was funny because we all were wearing flip flops or shoes without socks..... (its a Florida thing). So we were hoping they'd have socks and they did. Well actually they were ("Tall Socks"). A few of us actually wore them tall. And I have to admit, I thought we looked rather hot in them. Ha Ha

Go Laura Winslow aka Michele!

Make it happen Urkel aka David
C'mon Curly Sue aka Sarah- you can do it!

Big n Chewy aka Jon....give us a strike!

We all had a blast last night. Mark I hope your Birthday rocked! I love you

My Birthday!!!

2008-06-06T11:46:00.005-02:30

Okay so I know I'm a bit behind on my blogging adventures and this entry is a few weeks late. Oh well!!! May 23rd was my birthday!!! Whoohoo!!! Mark suprised me AS ALWAYS with pretty birthday decorations and a delicious red velvet birthday cake and MORE!

My wonderful coworkers so kindly and lovingly decorated my office to help me celebrate my B-Day! Oh how sweet....I feel the love!!! Ha Ha

The cake looked and tasted great. I have to thank Ashley for this. Its a long story!

My awesome bike Mark bought me for my birthday!
Fun times!!! Whoohoo!
Mark and I took a trip to St. Augustine FL the weekend of my birthday. We had a blast!

Boats in the harbor

Hanging out in the little side shops is super fun!!!! All the neat things to play with!

St. George Street
Mark is having fun

St. Augustine Beach. Fun times.

20 Years Later....

2008-05-14T17:43:00.002-02:30

As I was reading the local newspaper, I came across an article that got my attention (Death of Girl, 10, in DUI Crash Not in Vain). At first I wasn’t aware of what it was until I skimmed through the article and saw a familiar name, Karolyn Nunnallee. Many of you may have remembered that terrible- horrific bus accident that occurred the night of May 14, 1988 in Carrollton, KY. I was 5 at the time and remember quite a bit. I remember my parents turning on the television and seeing coverage of the accident on the news. On that fateful night, a repeat DUI offender with a .24 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC), heading the wrong way down the highway in a pickup truck, slammed into a bus returning from a church trip to Kings Island Amusement Park. The fiery crash killed 27 passengers, 24 youth, three adults and 34 injured, many with mutilating burns.. Majority of them attended our church (First Assemblies of God, in Radcliff KY- Pastored by The Tennisons).
This crash is still the deadliest drunken-driving crash in American history.
Larry Mahoney, who drove the pickup, was a repeat drunken-driving offender. His blood alcohol was .24 percent, far exceeding the legal limit in Kentucky. Age 34 at the time of the accident, he survived with only minor injuries. Mahoney spent 9 1/2 years in prison for wiping away what could have been 1,000 years or more of life from the 27 who died.
Many of our family friend’s children died that night. That horrible event ended some marriages, brought people together, turned people away from God and some perhaps closer to God. Many of the young people that escaped were badly burned and had to be hospitalized for many months. I remember visiting one of our friend’s years later and looking into her dead son’s room. I felt hurt.
PLEASE DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE……IT HURTS SO MANY PEOPLE
I remember attending the funeral and seeing so many caskets and their pictures and even as a young child I guess I was confused but also sad.

“For nearly 20 years I have fought on the grassroots level adhering to the mission of MADD, and my work is far from over. As a victim advocate I am so grateful that MADD took the lead and formed the first Crises Response Team in the nation. They were the first to assist the first responders in the crash and then coming to Radcliff to assist the families whose loved ones were killed and those who were scarred physically and mentally in the crash. " – Karolyn Nunnallee (mother of the youngest child that was killed (10yrs old)- 2 weeks after the accident she become heavily involved in MADD and is still to this day)

Some of the gains made in the 1990s have slipped in the 2000s. Fatalities have remained steady, but alcohol-related crashes statewide are up 60 percent since 2000. And they're up in Campbell (72 percent), Boone (51 percent) and Kenton (39 percent) counties.

Drunken drivers may be out on the roads earlier than you think. Suspected alcohol-related crashes peak between 10 p.m. and midnight - but the happy hour can be just as dangerous as 2 a.m.
Most alcohol-related crashes involve drivers under 32 years old, with the likelihood peaking in the early 20s.
Men are almost four times as likely to be the driver in an alcohol-related crash.
Among the most dangerous days: New Year's Day, the day after Cinco de Mayo (May 6) and Independence Day.

PLEASE DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE…..IT KILLS

Weekend Guests

2008-04-20T18:32:00.005-02:30

This weekend we had 2 guests stay over. You know what, I don't even know their names. I'm not a cat person, but the kittens were bearable. It was for a weekend, so it was okay. They are really cute. A few cats at the clinic Mark works at had several litters of kittens. So they need 24hr care. Mark brought them home Friday....what a surprise.

Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana Rolls

2008-04-11T11:26:00.003-02:30

Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana Rolls

Serving Size- 4

4 Boneless Chicken Breast
1 teaspoons of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of dried basil
½ teaspoon of garlic salt
2 garlic cloves (pressed)
1 8oz can of tomato sauce
1 Roma Tomato thinly sliced
Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded or sliced)
½ cup Bread crumb and Parmesan Cheese Mixture
Olive Oil

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees; prep casserole dish- add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce and a few dashes of oregano, spread around casserole dish.
Lay chicken breast flat and cut in half to create 2 cutlets, do so for all 4 (if chicken breasts are thick)
2. Season chicken with oregano, basil, garlic salt, garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Take one of your chicken cutlets lay flat and carefully spread 1 teaspoon of tomato sauce on side facing up.
4. Next, add some mozzarella cheese and one slice of the Roma tomato.
5. Now roll the chicken and pin it close with a toothpick, you may need 2 toothpicks depending on the size of your chicken.
6. Place Chicken Parmigiana Roll in casserole dish. Repeat.
7. Drizzle Olive Oil over chicken rolls and add the bread crumb and parmesan cheese mixture over chicken.
8. Use your remaining Roma tomatoes and tomato sauce and place around chicken rolls.
9. Cook in 350 degree oven for 40 min or until cooked.
10. Use remaining mozzarella cheese the last 10 min of cooking and sprinkle over chicken rolls.
Enjoy!

Yes the Spaghetti is GREEN

2008-03-17T22:13:00.003-02:30

Happy St. Patricks Day!

For Dinner:

Garlic and White Wine Chicken Medallians

Organic Green Spaghetti

Cut Green Beans

Heres hoping you didn't get "pinched" today and had some form of green on!

Have a Great Evening.

Lakeland Highlands Scrub

2008-03-13T17:30:00.006-02:30

Last weekend Mark and I took Shanaynay & Bubble on a super fun trail walk. We ventured out to the Lakeland Highlands Scrub in South Lakeland. As you can see we had a lot of fun. The weather was excellent, we couldn't ask for a better day!

I just love hanging out with this guy!!!

And my special girls of course!

The park contains one of the largest undeveloped scrub communities (140 acres) on the Lakeland Ridge. The natural communities on the site include sand live oak, scrub, dry prairie, pine flatwoods, depression marsh, basin marsh and basin swamp. Initial surveys show that the property is home to at least five rare plant species, as well as gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes, Florida Scrub-jays and a number of wading bird species.

Ummmmm yeah......thats a long story.

Bubble decided to do a little exploring of her own.

C'mon Shanaynay!!!

Need some help in the Kitchen?

2008-02-27T12:41:00.004-03:30

Looking for an easy tasty chicken recipe with an Italian flare? Give my recipe a try. The chicken is deliciously moist and tasteful.

YOU WILL NEED:

4 boneless chicken breasts
1- 8oz can of tomato sauce
2 teaspoons of oregano
2 teaspoons of basil
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of pepper
1 teaspoon of garlic salt
2 garlic cloves
1 table spoon of olive oil
1 cup of mozzarella cheese
1 table spoon of parmesan cheese

LETS GET STARTED:

1. Season chicken breasts with oregano, basil, salt, pepper and olive oil. Mix well.
2. Place seasoned chicken breasts in a casserole dish.
3. Pour tomato sauce on and around chicken. Your chicken will be mostly covered with the sauce.
4. Press, crush or cut garlic cloves and sprinkle on top of chicken.
5. Cook in 400 degree oven for 35min.
6. After chicken is fully cooked, top each chicken breast with mozzarella & parmesan cheese.
7. Cook for 15 more minutes or until cheese is melted and cooked.
8. Enjoy!!!

Valentines is Coming!

2008-01-21T23:01:00.000-03:30

Last weekend I took down the last of my Christmas decorations. It seems as though it was just the beginning of the Christmas season and I was pulling out the Christmas decor and deciding where to put everything. Well Christmas is over and Valentines is upon us. I didn't grow up decorating for Valentines Day. Its kinda become a tradition for me now. Ever since Mark and I have been married I've always decorated for Valentines Day. As most of you know Pink is my favorite color, so what better reason to pull out the pinks and reds. It creates a "cheery, loving" feeling in the house. I plan to continue this tradition in years to come.

Just a few decorations........

Don't forget your sweetie and friends this Valentines Day!!!!!! It's not only a time for couples but also a time to show your friends and family how much you love them!

Happy Girls

2008-01-21T22:49:00.000-03:30

I don't think I've blogged about my girls this year. So why not!? Last weekend I picked up some raw hide bones for the girls. I think they like these as much as they like food or treats. Shanaynay will gnaw and eat it up non stop. Bubble however will try to hide hers. She'll whine and run around the house with it. On this occasion however she sat still and chewed it. Check out these crazy girls!

Bubble sticking her butt in the air chewing away at her bone.
Yummy!

Ice Skating

2008-01-04T10:23:00.000-03:30

My brothers, sister, Mark and I went Ice Skating while we were visiting my family in Baton Rouge. We all had a blast! Unfortunately some of us were sore that night and the next day. Talk about "Ouch"!

Check out Martha....I think she is balancing herself.

Joshua was awesome. He was Mr. Lightning around the rink.

Mark and I skating.
It got a little warm, so we took our jackets and scarves off.
Oh no! I think this is when Sito fell....too bad I didn't get the "fall" on camera.
We all had a great time hanging out ice skating. Fun Times!

Fun with Friends & Family

2007-12-31T18:24:00.000-03:30

It's always a blast getting together with Family and Friends.

Mama and Papa Pentecost

Crazy Michele, Silly Gina, and Zanny Martha...we are at a pizza place people not a bar! LOL
Brothers doing??? I dunno!
Cool Chad.....??? ha ha!

Hanging with my Sista in Old Town

2007-12-31T18:14:00.000-03:30

Martha came back to Florida with us. I'm off work for the next few days so she decided to hang out with Mark and I. While visiting we did a lot of shopping...oh yeas! And Saturday night Mark and I took Martha to Old Town. There were a lot of classical cars and rides and "fair type" stuff. Our favorite was the cotton candy....can you tell. Fun times I tell ya!

Well you KNOW I HAD to take a picture next to the pink car!!!

Artists in Training?

2007-12-31T18:07:00.000-03:30

Martha, Gina and I took a trip to Art Gecko the other day to express our artistic talents. As you can see we did a pretty good job. Delicious Starbucks coffee, fun chats, fun paint good golly it was great! ha hah a okay that was cheezathon! Anywhoo....fun times ladies!

Hmmmm.....Can you say OREO!?!?!?!?! ha ha ha

Christmas with the Pentecosts

2007-12-31T17:54:00.000-03:30

This year we decided to pull names and do a gift exchange. It worked out really well. A few of us (couples) got the same person so we ended up buying for someone twice. It was lots of fun.

Below are a few snapshots from our Christmas Gift Exchange night.

I'm not sure what David is doing exactly..............................

Michele, Me, Martha & Sarah. We lined up in height order one way but I just realized we are lined up in age on the other side
Ah very nice, the boys are behaving now.
Mama Pat reading a story?
Daddy P standing in the door way?
A Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!!!

Christmas Day

2007-12-31T17:19:00.000-03:30

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Christmas morning started off with the family eating a delicious breakfast my mom and aunt prepared. Its tradition that every Christmas we have a ham (salted ham) and homemade baked bread. Everything was yummy! Following breakfast, we dashed into the living room to open and exchange Christmas presents.

Joshua was a little confused when he openned his gift from us. There's actually a gift card inside the box. ha ha!

And we see Joshua looking for more gifts!
Mom opening a gift from Josh. A variety of garden supplies.

We got Sito 2 Cesar Milan dog training books. This outta help his dog out!!!!

I bought Mark a new MP3 player

Martha you should smile....thats what you wanted!!! ha ha

Mom and Dad....dad opening a gift from someone

Getting ready for Christmas lunch.

Fun with Friends Part 3

2007-12-31T16:01:00.000-03:30

We were able to visit with my long time best gal pal Deven. We've been friends going on 20 years now. We met during a Camp Meeting at JSM. Every Camp Meeting we looked forward to seeing each other. She lived in CA and we lived in KY. We've kept in touch over the years. Her and her family have been living in Baton Rouge for some time now. Deven was in Mark and my wedding. We met up at one of Baton Rouge's newest shopping centers "Towne Center". We had lunch at a little mexican place. It was similar to Moes Southwest Grill, but a little fancier I thought. After we ate we walked around the shopping plaza then stopped by Starbucks for a jolt of java.... ha ha. We chatted and had a wonderful time. Deven is one of my most awesomest friends....is that a word?

Here is Mark in a sporting goods store. He decided to dress up...we think he's going skiing?

We have a love/ hate relationship....LOL

We found out from Josh, since he works for Starbucks, your not allowed to take pictures in Starbucks. Reason= someone might steal their "decor" ideas

Bond Girls.....well wanna-be

We had a great time hanging out and visiting with Deven. Shes awesome!

Fun with Friends Part 2

2007-12-31T15:39:00.000-03:30

We met up with my old school pals from FCA Dec. 20 for dinner at The Italian Pie. We hadn't seen each other in about 10 years. Thank God for the technology of today and myspace, I was able to find Amber. I had been looking for Becky for a long, long, long time. I was able to find a mutual friend of ours online and she gave me Becky's contact info. We've been chatting a lot this year and gotten closer, Amber, Becky and I. Amber has a little boy named Emerson. He is so adorable. Her husband and her are expecting baby #2 in about 8-7 months?? I think. Mark was able to meet them and we all chatted about FCA days. Mark was able to connect to some of the stories and people since he went to school there before. I love those girls and I'm so glad I was able to meet up with them and hang out and just chat about whatever!

Me and Emerson
Emerson, Amber, Me, and Becky
Emerson, Amber, Mark, Me and Becky
Emerson, Amber, Martha, Me and Becky

Fun with Friends Part 1

2007-12-31T15:06:00.000-03:30

While visiting in Baton Rouge, Mark and I were able to visit with a few friends. The pictures below are from Dec. 21. Martha, Mark and I attended a play at The Manship Theatre in Downtown Baton Rouge, along with some of the ladies at my old church "Harvest Christian Center". The play was "A Christmas Carol". It took us so long to get there. Baton Rouge is so overpopulated, the interstate was jammed pack and we had to get off the interstate and figure our way through Downtown BR. We finally found the theatre. After the play we all met up at Coffee Call and enjoyed Beignets, hot cocoa, coffee and lots of sugar and laughs. I hadn't seen some of the ladies in a long time and was good to visit and catch up.

I think Martha needs more sugar on her!
Don't I look marvelous with the powder sugar on- Mark blew it on me. How nice huh. Jennifer has some on too....she's just a little pale so it doesn't show up too well...ha ha ha
See I got Mark back!!!!! Whoohoo!
What a fun night!

New Orleans Trip Christmas Weekend

2007-12-22T23:35:00.000-03:30

Hey there! We took a trip to New Orleans today. My Mom, Aunt Pat, brothers Sito and Joshua and my sister Martha. We had lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp. It was delicious. I've missed cajun food. After we had lunch, we wandered the streets of New Orleans. (French Quarter, Canal Street, the Riverwalk, etc.) Check out the pics below. It was a fun time.

Well EXCEPT- the part with us getting lost. Well instead of heading WEST to Baton Rouge, we headed EAST and ended up in Mississippi!!!! YIKES. When I saw the sign that said "Welcome to Mississippi", I said "Mark, why are we in Mississippi?" URGH! Not fun. So we had to drive an additional hour or more to get back to Louisiana. Anywhooo....it was a fun day.

Christmas Vacation Starts

2007-12-18T10:26:00.000-03:30

Hey Everybody!

Mark and I will be starting our Christmas Vacation tomorrow morning!!! Whoohoo We'll be driving up to Louisiana early tomorrow morning to visit my family. It's about a 10 and a half hour drive. I'll also be seeing a few friends I haven't seen in years. So I'm super excited. I will definitely post some stories and pics either while we're there or when we return.

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Safe New Year!

Love ya!

Gabriella & Mark Pentecost

I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

2007-12-08T10:27:00.000-03:30

Okay.....this is one of my favorite Christmas songs!!! So sing along!

http://www.minibite.com/christmas/hippo.htm

I want a hippopotamus for ChristmasOnly a hippopotamus will do

Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy

I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas

I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?

He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue

Just bring him through the front door,that's the easy thing to do

I can see me now on Christmas morning, creeping down the stairs

Oh what joy and what surprise

when I open up my eyes

to see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas

Only a hippopotamus will do

No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses

I only like hippopotamuses

And hippopotamuses like me too

Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but then Teacher says a hippo is a vegeterian

There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage

I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage

I can see me now on Christmas morning, creeping down the stairs

Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyesto see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas

Only a hippopotamus will do

No crocodiles or rhinoceroseses

I only like hippopotamuseses

And hippopotamuses like me too!

-Gayla Peevey

Christmas came early for Shanaynay

2007-12-08T10:18:00.000-03:30

Christmas came early for Shanaynay. She has a new crate. A very large crate. She's been going through a weird stage, getting into things, ripping up books & magazines. We purchased a baby gate and well that didn't work for long. She pushed it down. So our last resort was to buy a crate. Its big enough for Shanaynay and Bubble!!! So during the day they stay safe in there. So far its been working out well.
So, Merry Christmas Shanaynay!!!!! Enjoy!

Christmas is Almost Here!

2007-11-27T13:01:00.000-03:30

Can you believe Christmas is almost here!? Its like it was just Christmas and now its here again. Its a great feeling though. I love the bright lights, beautiful Christmas decor, the whole spirit of Christmas!!! As you begin decorating, hanging your lights, buying the perfect gift for family & friends may you not forget the "real" reason we celebrate this beautiful season. The birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Take some time and focus on the blessings of this past year and how wonderful the Lord has been to you. Celebrate "His" Birthday!!!

Last weekend I began decorating our home for Christmas. And as you can see....yes that's a Pink Christmas tree. Happy Christmas decorating!!!! Its Christmas Time!!!! Until later.....

What to do with all that Turkey?

2007-11-27T12:46:00.000-03:30

Turkey Noodle Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of Olive oil
3 cups of turkey (shredded works well)
1 Onion
2 cloves Garlic
4 Stalks of Celery
5 Carrots cut
8 cups Chicken Broth
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Thyme- optional
Parsley- optional
Oregano- optional
1 can of Green beans
1 can of Corn
Bag of Noodles (Type and Amount-your choice)

Let’s start Cookin’

1. Chop onions, carrots and celery ahead of time. Also press or chop your garlic.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven heat Olive Oil.
3. Add garlic and onions, stir carefully for about 2 minutes.
4. Add your carrots and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes on medium heat. Make sure they do not burn.
5. Add turkey and stir well. Cook for 5 minutes.
6. Pour Chicken broth and stir, add your salt and pepper. Let it come to a boil.
7. Add any necessary water to your soup if you like. Add any favorite seasonings or more salt & pepper to taste. I like thyme, parsley, and oregano.
8. Add noodles and cook for 10 minutes or until noodles are done.
9. Add green beans and corn. They shouldn’t take very long to cook. They just need to be “warmed”.
10. Turn stove down on low and allow the soup to finish cooking about 5 minutes.
11. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

A No Parent Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T14:26:00.000-03:30

Thanksgiving with the Pentecosts again.....but this time no parents in sight!?! Where ever can they be? Is Mama P hiding under the table? Is Daddy P hiding in the closet? No sight of those crazy people? Just the "Pentecost Kids".

We had our Thanksgiving lunch at our house this year. We woke up to the smell of a delicious turkey baking in the oven. (I woke up a few hours before we got up and stuck the bird in the oven to cook). Everything was pretty much cooked or cooking, so Mark and I took Shanaynay & Bubble out for a walk. The weather was so beautiful....for a moment I forgot I was in Florida. As we walked, there were quite a few gusts of winds that blew the leaves off the trees. Oh so beautiful.

Everyone arrived around 12ish....in came Andrea, a friend of ours, then Jon & Sarah and let us not forget Snoop their Pug, and then in came David & Michele with Chilly their Maltese. The "kids" ahem...dogs played and greeted each other. At times they did things to each other none of us approved of.

After cooking the final dishes we all sat down to give thanks for the bountiful food and each other. The meal was great. Everyone brought something and it tasted delish!

We played a game while we were eating called "Thanksgiving Bingo". You had to fill your card up with the markers (candy) just like in regular bingo, but heres the kicker the phrases on the page had to be said by someone else and that someone else couldn't get credit for it. See picture below.
It was either Jon or Andrea that won the game. It was quite funny!!!

And here we are stuffed!!So....after the delicious Thanksgiving meal, we decided to take a little walk outside and feed carrots to Banner and Texas our horses. Not sure what Snoop and Shanaynay are investigating.
Chilly thought it was his job to put Banner in his place. Chilly began barking and running back and forth standing up to Banner. It was quite hilarious! After a while he calmed down.

A carrot fell and Bubble decided to make a meal of it.

Ahhh...Thanksgiving is over. We wait so long for it to come...it comes then its over. We shop for the perfect food deals and decide what we are serving. We make lists and times on when to cook what....we get up early and put the bird in the oven....and then before you know it, its over. Time to get the extra turkey meat off the bird. Whatever will we do with it? Well David and Michele had dinner leftovers with us and then yesterday Mark and I had leftovers. I think I will freeze some of it. Perhaps turkey soup....turkey casserole. I love to cook so I'm sure to think of something. So you've heard of the "Chicken Dance", but have you heard of the "Turkey Dance"? Courtesy of my crazy husband Mark.......Great job Mark. I'm glad your doing that! Mark.....I saw that!!!!!!!!!!!! And I'm sure Bubble is enjoying every drop!
Well this concludes our Thanksgiving Day. We still never found Mama P or Daddy P. But wherever they are....I'm sure they are enjoying themselves and being a blessing to many!! We miss ya'll!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! I hope your Thanksgiving was wondermous!

Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-11-15T10:36:00.000-03:30

I made these delicious cookies for the Cookie Exchange
Party I hosted 2 weeks ago. I thought I'd share this
yummy recipe with you!!!!

Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

INGREDIENTS
3 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons finely ground espresso beans
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper.
In the top of a double boiler, melt together the unsweetened chocolate, 1 cup of the chocolate chips and the butter. This can also be done in a microwave oven on low setting. Stir occasionally until melted. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and light, about 3 minutes. Stir in the espresso. Add the chocolate mixture, mix well. Sift together the flour and baking powder, fold into the egg mixture. Carefully fold in the chopped nuts and remaining chocolate chips.
Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Cookies will have a crackled appearance when done. Cool on baking sheets.

Cookie Time

2007-11-04T19:17:00.000-03:30

Today I hosted a Cookie Exchange Party for the Lady's Group at my church. As you can see there were many delicious and tasty cookies!

Pumpkin Cookies, Espresso Chocoate Chip, White Chip Chocolate Cookies, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Pudding Bars, Cream Cheese Pinwheels, Sugar Cookies, and Chocolate No Bake Cookies!!!

We played a fun game called "Guess Who", where you had to guess the name of the person on your back who you "were". But here's the clicker......the only answers that could be given were "yes or no". Esther was our 1st place winner and Michele was our 2nd place winner.
Took Gina a while to figure out who she was....... "Barbie"Everybody eating lunch.
Gina gets creative............ how nice!
Whats that in your mouth Gina?

Time for sampling cookies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And now....time for exchanging..........

I believe a fun time was had by all. And now that we've got new recipes from today's cookie exchange.....I wish you ladies Happy Baking this holiday season!!!! Love ya!

For more info and all the happenings from my church, check out www.youmanschurch.org

It's our Anniversary!!

2007-10-22T21:42:00.000-02:30

Tomorrow will be our 3yr wedding anniversary! Wow....how time flies! Last weekend we decided to celebrate our anniversary. Unfortunately we got rained out everytime we wanted to do something outdoors. Saturday we took the horses out and enjoyed a nice long ride after it rained all day. Sunday afternoon/evening we got rained out of visiting Old Town in Orlando, we ended up dining at the famous NYPD Pizza Restaurant. I took a few shots of us just enjoying some time together and watching the rain fall.

Afterward we headed for the ice cream parlor and enjoyed a sweet treat!!

The weekend wasn't a total bust due to the rain, we were still together and enjoyed each others company. We reflected on the past few years together and just how happy we are.

God has blessed me with a wonderful, amazing, sweet, loving, handsome, kind, smart husband. Each day spent with him is a wonderful day and I thank God for those days and the many days to come.

Happy Anniversary Mark!!! I love you so much!!!!!

Pumpkin What?

2007-10-05T14:24:00.000-02:30

As promised here are some delicious "pumpkin eats" Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cookies

This pumpkin cookie recipe includes directions for making your own pumpkin purée.

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
1 cup pumpkin purée, canned or homemade*
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup milk
sifted confectioners' sugar, for dusting

PREPARATION:
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. Stir in the pumpkin purée. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Stir flour mixture into the creamed mixture along with the milk. Blend thoroughly but do not over beat.
Drop cookie dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for about 12 minutes, until set. Cool for a minute; remove to racks and continue to cool. Dust pumpkin cookies with sifted confectioners' sugar.

To make pumpkin purée, cut pumpkin in half, crosswise. Remove seeds and membranes. Place on a greased baking sheet, cut side down, and bake at 325° for 1 hour, or until tender. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove pulp and place in blender or processor. Purée or process until smooth. Place in a cheesecloth-lined mesh strainer or sieve and let drain into a bowl for about an hour. When dripping has stopped, put purée into a container, cover, and refrigerate if not using right away.Makes about 3 dozen pumpkin cookies.

Pumpkin Muffins

Fill muffin cups 3/4 full or nearly full for high tops.

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 scant teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (15 to 16 ounces) pumpkin puree
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped pecans or raisins
cinnamon-sugar, optional

PREPARATION:
Directions for Pumpkin Muffins In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to blend In separate bowl, combine pumpkin, melted butter, milk or half-and-half, the beaten eggs, sugars, and vanilla; mix until blended.

Stir pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients until moistened. Fold in pecans or raisins. Do not overmix. Line 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well and dust with flour. I use a baking spray. Fill the about 3/4-full with the pumpkin muffins batter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar if desired, and bake at 375° for 20 to 25 minutes.Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 12 to 16 pumpkin muffins.

Pumpkin Waffles

2 cups flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin
3/4 cup margarine
1 tablespoon vanilla

Preparation:
1. Combine dry ingredients and set aside.
2. Beat egg yolks slightly. Add milk, pumpkin margarine & vanilla. Add flour mixture.
3. Beat egg whites to a stiff peak and fold into pumpkin mixture.
4. Cook in waffle iron and serve hot with buttermilk syrup.

Autumn Is Here Start Decorating & Cooking!

2007-09-23T20:06:00.000-02:30

Welcome to our home.....

Autumn is here!! It's my favorite time of the year. I love the smell of "harvest time", watching the leaves turn beautiful colors (not necessarily in Florida), baking yummy foods in the kitchen like pumpkin pie, apple pie, heart warming chili, various delicious soups and many more.

I started decorating our house last weekend. I pulled out our fall decor and began decorating...one of my favorite things to do!
In the weeks to come, I will begin posting delicious fall eats for all my food fans out there!

Let the holiday count down begin..............

I hope your Autumn Season is Fabulous!

Six years later......Let us not forget

2007-09-10T16:06:00.000-02:30

Tomorrow will mark the 6th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Can you remember that day back in 2001? What were you doing when you heard the news? I remember I was watching a video that morning before I had to leave for work. My Aunt who lives in New York called us and asked if we had heard the news. We quickly put the news on and saw everything going on. I can remember my heart sinking. I was in shock and scared for everyone involved. I began to pray that God would save them. It was getting late so I left for work, at that time I working in retail. I remember the store being so empty and quite, we all left early that day. Nobody had a radio so every now and then we’d walk to the back and watch the news quickly. I tried to call my Aunt and a few friends that live in New York, but the telephone lines were shut down and we couldn’t get in touch with them. And for many weeks after the horrid attack it was hard to get a free line into New York. As I stood in the store, I began to think. I could have been there! I remembered that 1 ½ months ago, I was in New York. I applied for a job at Goldman Sachs, we had a close friend that worked for that company at the World Trade Center location and I was very close to getting the job, but a few things fell through and I wasn’t hired. I actually flew out of New York exactly a month before the attacks. We later found out that the Goldman Sachs office was blown out, luckily those in the office came through alright. In the days to come, American heard story after story of who survived, heroes, reasons why they left home late, lost friends and family, bravery and much more.

How much has America changed since then? Are we really safer? I can tell you from day to day living in America, watching the news, flying or just transportation in general there is a major change in security. Can we do better? How safe are we? Is America turning to God? Was this a wake up call….and did it wake up America? I remember visiting the World Trade Center in 1998, one of my trips to New York. I remember standing at the top of the building on the view deck. When you out the window you can see the whole city and beyond. It’s quite breathtaking.

Here’s a little knowledge of the future of the World Trade Center

World Trade Center Tower 1, or Freedom Tower, is the centerpiece building of the new World Trade Center complex currently planned for Lower Manhattan. The tower will be located in the northwest corner of the 16-acre (65,000 m²) World Trade Center site, bound by Vesey Street, West Street, Washington Street and Fulton Street.[1] Construction on below-grade utility relocations, footings, and foundations for Freedom Tower began on April 27, 2006.[2] By December 19, 2006, the first steel columns were installed in the building's foundation. Three other high rises are planned for the site along Greenwich Street, plus a residential tower that will surround the World Trade Center Memorial that is currently also under construction, and a museum.
Following the destruction of the World Trade Center towers in the September 11, 2001 attacks, there was much debate regarding the future of the World Trade Center site. Proposals began almost immediately, and by 2002, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who own the right to develop the site, organized a competition through the newly created Lower Manhattan Development Corporation to determine how to use the land. Public rejection of the first round of designs, the "Preliminary Design Concepts," led to a second, more open competition in December 2002, the "Innovative Design Study," in which a design by Daniel Libeskind was selected. This design went through many revisions, largely because of disagreements with developer Larry Silverstein, who held the lease to the World Trade Center site on September 11, 2001.
A final design for the tower was formally unveiled on June 28, 2006. To satisfy security issues raised by the New York City Police Department a 187-foot (57 m) concrete base was added in April of that year. The final design included plans to clad the base in glass prisms to address criticism that the base looked like a "concrete bunker." Contrasting with Libeskind's plan, the final design tapers the corners of the base outward as they rise. Its designers stated that the tower will be a "monolithic glass structure reflecting the sky and topped by a sculpted antenna." In terms of a completion date, Larry Silverstein stated "By 2012 we should have a completely rebuilt World Trade Center more magnificent, more spectacular than it ever was."[3] On April 26, 2006, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey approved a conceptual framework that enabled foundation construction to begin while a formal agreement is drafted on the following day, the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Empire State Building. Construction began with a formal ceremony that took place when the construction team arrived.[4] It is projected that steel for the building will be visible above ground in 2008, with a topping out in 2010. The building is projected to be ready for occupancy in the first quarter of 2011.[5]
-Wikipedia

Developments:

January. 2006

October. 2006

March 2007

August 2007

Special Delivery

2007-08-31T11:14:00.000-02:30

Well Shanaynay finally got a new bed! It's actually larger than we thought.

Check out www.dog.com for some really cool dog items!

As you can see she really likes it.....and of course little Miss Bubble had to check it out.

Everybody just chilling out....

I had to let Bubble know....that she has her own bed and Shanaynay has her own bed.

Mr. Tuffy even got something new......a new crate. Now he and Bubble can be "neighbors"

Oh yes.....and Bubble got a new Pink! Sherbert collar. Her previous collar was giving her a rash under her neck. I think she likes her new one. She got all excited when I put it on her.

Bubble is getting irritated because I'm taking pictures and not playing with her...ha ha ha
Well Shanaynay started laying in Bubble's bed because we switched where we had them to make room.....so we ended up moving her new bed where her original one was.....I think she likes it better.

Here she is this morning eating her treat.

Yep.....I just love my "kids"....LOL I had the items shipped to me at work yesterday and everyone wanted to take a nap on Shanaynay's new bed. I wish I had my camera so I could have taken a few shots of some employees giving the bed a try..... ha ha ha.

Something Delicious Part 3

2007-08-21T17:54:00.000-02:30

Chicken & Yellow Rice with Black Beans

Ingredients:

1 box of Zatarains Yellow Rice
4 boneless/ skinless chicken breast
1 onion
3 cloves of garlic
Tony Chachere Seasoning
Garlic Salt
Pepper
"Durkee" Cajun Seasoning (Optional)
Oregano
1 can of Black Beans (I like the organic ones)
2 tablespoons of olive oil

Let’s get Cook’n

1. Begin by seasoning chicken with- 2 pressed cloves of garlic, half onion (chopped), 2 dashes of garlic salt, 3 dashes of Tony Chachere Seasoning, 1 dash of pepper, 2 dashes of Cajun Seasoning, and 2 dashes of oregano. Cut chicken into small strips (almost shred like). Set aside to marinade.

2. Start to cook the black beans on your stove top. Add 1 pressed garlic, half onion (chopped), 4 dashes of Tony Chachere Seasoning, 1 dash of garlic salt, 2 dashes of pepper, 2 dashes of Cajun Seasoning, and 1 dash of oregano. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes, add water if necessary. Cook on low for the remaining cooking time, this will allow the seasons to blend. Cook as long as you prefer. While your beans are cooking you can start on your chicken.

3. Heat skillet and add olive oil. When oil is hot enough, add chicken and cook until well done and no pink.

4. Set cooked chicken aside and begin cooking the rice use the directions provided for you on the box.

5. When the rice is almost done, add rice to the skillet containing the cooked chicken. Mix well and cook on low/med for about 10 min. Then cook on low for about 15min. or until rice is completely cooked.

6. Enjoy!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBBLE

2007-08-12T20:05:00.000-02:30

"Wake Up Bubble!! Its your Birthday!!!!!"

Bubble was awaken on her birthday with a special "Birthday Song" from me.

Mark calls me crazy, but they love when I get all funny sounding with them.

Bubble ran around the house and somehow knew it was her special day.

Bubble celebrated her 2nd Birthday Saturday Aug. 11.

I made Bubble, Shanaynay & Tuffy little doggie handkirchiefs to wear in honor of Bubble's Birthday.

Breakfast Time!

They got a little tired after running around the house and playing.

Happy Birthday Bubble.....Bubble is opening her birthday present!!! Hmmmm what on earth is it?

"A new bed!!!!! Yeah!!!

Just what I needed".....-Bubble

Bubble is checking it out.............."Hmmmm it'll do"

Bubble's a bit tired.....we took all 3 of them to Petsmart today in search of a birthday bed for Bubble. It was quite an eventful trip. Filled with meeting all sorts of people, sniffing out the store, Bubble peeing on my foot, searching for the perfect bed.....oh wait...did I say Bubble peeing on my foot. Yes that is right. We were standing in an aisle when all of a sudden I feel this warm liquid on my foot. I jumped backed and was like WHOA?! Bubble smelled another dog's scent and decided to make her scent present. Luckily Petsmart has wipeys and I was able to clean my foot and flip flops and also clean her mess. Ha Ha... what a day. I ended up finding her a bed at good ole' Target. While Mark and the dogs waited for me in the car, I ran in and found what I knew she'd like......

And as you can see....................She likes it a lot!

Maybe Bubble will get a special treat tonight.....hmmmm something with Peanut Butter? Her favorite. Ha ha.

My baby is 2....I can't believe it!!! Oh My has she grown.

Happy Birthday Bubble!

Time for a Change

2007-07-27T10:22:00.000-02:30

Touchy subject? Perhaps to some. As I was skimming through the news articles Friday morning, I came across an article posted on Yahoo.

The subject was “Fiesta Bowl star Ian Johnson says he's hired wedding security because of racist threats”. I decided to read into it. It was about the Boise State Running Back that scored the winning points in the Fiesta Bowl, and then proposed to his cheerleader girlfriend on national TV. Very romantic & sweet I thought. He says he has hired security for their wedding due to racial threats. Ian Johnson, who is black, and Chrissy Popadics who is white are due to be married Saturday. He’s received multiple phone calls, letters & personal threats from people who object to their marriage plans. Ian says, “You take it for what it is -- the less educated, the less willing to change……..But we're not acting like we're naive to all the stuff that's going on. We know what's been said. We're going to make sure we're safe at all times. It's an amazing day for us, and we'd hate to have it ruined by someone……… It's really sad because a lot of people that are probably doing it are the same people who were cheering me on”.

Sad situation….yes. Why can’t some people change? Why must they be so ignorant?

I remember growing up…..there was never an issue with a person’s color. A lot of it had to do with growing up in the Army. There were Black, White, Asian, Hispanic etc. children around me. I cannot ever remember facing any problems because of my color or vice versa or noticing it an issue around me. Also, more of it comes from the way I was raised. My parents raised me to be friends with all people of color. I don’t remember ever hearing “that white girl, or that black boy….etc.” It was always by name. So I think the way people are raised plays a big part in how they view situations like this. I do remember however, when we moved to Fort Polk, Louisiana; in Jr. High I had friends of different colors and I remember a lot of the black girls were mad at me and wanted to know why I hung out with some white girls. I told them they were my friends and I didn’t see a problem hanging out with them just because they were white. That year was the hardest for me. I had my locker broken into because I refused to be “like them”….because I decided to associate with everyone and not just my “color”.

Am I ranting, venting or just sticking a topic out here for discussion? Not sure, but when I read this article I thought I should blog about it. It’s sad that there are so many people out there that refuse to change, refuse to realize how stupid & ignorant they are regarding the whole race issue. Ya know….when God sees us, He doesn’t see color, he sees His child He made, and He made us all very different, He doesn’t love one person more and one person less. We should look at people…not as “color” or “ethnicity” but as a human…as a person….that God created a little different than you. Blue eyed, green eyed, brown skin, white skin, thick hair, thin hair, big eyes, small eyes, big hair, small hands, and the list goes on.

God has blessed me with a wonderful husband. Our marriage is wonderfully blessed because He is in it. Our families & friends are amazing. We are so happy together and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Do we get “funny looks” by the “ignorant” yeah sure sometimes, but we ignore it and don’t let it bother us. It’s like whatever…..this is “our life”, “our marriage”, we are happy and in love and God brought us together for a reason and we are fulfilling that reason everyday.

Something Delicious Part 2

2007-07-24T20:34:00.000-02:30

"Eat well, eat healthy with this herbed chicken sauteed with mushrooms and Marsala wine."

Chicken Marsala

Ingredients

¼ cup all-purpose flour for coating
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 garlic cloves pressed
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves- pounded ¼ inch thick
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup sliced mushrooms
½ cup dry Marsala wine

Let’s Start Cooking

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper and oregano.
2. Season chicken breast halves with a dash of salt & pepper and garlic
3. Coat chicken pieces in flour mixture
4. In a large skillet, melt butter in oil over medium heat.
5. Place chicken in pan, and lightly brown.
6. Turn over chicken pieces, and add mushrooms.
7. Pour in wine. Cover skillet; simmer chicken 10 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Serve with pasta or rice.

Enjoy!

I made this delish dish this week.....thought I'd share this yummalicious recipe with you! It's very tasty.

Something Delicious

2007-07-17T21:43:00.000-02:30

Spinach & Tomato Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:

1 Package of Frozen Spinach- Thawed
½ Cup of Water
2 Plum Tomatoes cut in little squares
2 Green Onions chopped
1 Medium Onion chopped
2 Cloves of Garlic- Pressed
½ Teaspoon of Oregano
½ Teaspoon of Parsley
½ Teaspoon of Salt
½ Teaspoon of Pepper
½ Teaspoon of Garlic Salt
1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
4-6 Boneless Chicken Breasts
4 Tablespoons of Parmesan Cheese
1 Cup of Italian Bread Crumbs/ Regular Bread Crumbs will do also
2 Teaspoons of Melted Butter

Pre-Heat Oven to 350 degrees

Let the Cooking Begin:

1. Cook Spinach in skillet, Add ½ cup of water, Cook for about 5 minutes or until wilted like. Strain Spinach. Set aside.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in same skillet.

3. Sauté onions, green onions, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic salt.

4. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add Tomatoes. Add Spinach. Cook for about 6 minutes. Set aside.

5. Place Chicken Breast one at a time under wax paper or plastic wrap, gently pound with a meat mallet to flatten evenly. Be careful not to tear or break through.

6. Season Chicken as desired. (Salt, Pepper, Season Salt)

7. Spray 13x9 casserole dish with a nonstick oil spray.

8. Lay chicken flat and add desired amount of spinach mixture (about 2 tablespoons) - depending on your chicken size in the middle of the breast.

9. Roll chicken and secure with toothpicks.

10. Mix Bread Crumbs & Parmesan Cheese together in a shallow bowl.

11. Dip Stuffed Chicken in the Bread Crumb mixture coating it evenly.

12. Place Chicken in casserole dish.

13. Any extra Spinach mixture, add to casserole around chicken.
Sprinkle Bread Crumb Mixture over parts of chicken that lack it.

14. Drizzle melted butter over chicken.

15. Cook uncovered in 350 degree oven for 30-45min. Or until juices from the chicken run clear.

Bon Appetite!

2007-07-09T10:40:00.000-02:30

Ahoy, me Hearties! The Party is starting!

Place your hand in the bucket of goo prepared by the wench and find ye eyeball

Aaaarrghhh Captain Jack Sito

Shiver me timbers!

And here's the Old Salt Captain Fro

Aaaarrrghhh Shiver me timbers is ye lassy Lady Pinkerton

The Sea Pup must DIE

Blow me Down.....the Sea Pup is soon to be a gonner

Aaarghh pretty lassies

Soon to be kissing?

Captain Wiper Boot seems a little confused

Snoozing Captain Jack Sito??? Ahoy David...contemplating your next pillage?

Hang 'im from the yardarm

Time for the Booty

Batten down the hatches these lassies are up to something

Oooh the goo

Weigh anchor and hoist the mizzen! That was a greattt party!

Bok Garden Sanctuary

2007-07-05T13:46:00.000-02:30

Historic Bok Sanctuary, located in Lake Wales, FL., offers visitors Florida's most abundant opportunities for aesthetic, cultural and personal enrichment. The lush landscapes of the Olmsted gardens, the majesty and musicof the carillon tower and the splendor of Pinewood Estate create an experience that inspires all who visit.

We recently took a trip here. It was beautiful despite the humidity. (smile)

The meandering garden is one of the greatest achievements of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.

Looking up at the 205-foot Gothic and art deco Carillon Tower is an experience like no other. Designed by famed architect Milton B. Medary and ornately crafted by noted stone sculptor Lee Lawrie, the Tower houses one of the world’s finest carillons. Recitals from the 60-bell carillon fill the Sanctuary daily.

Please enjoy my pictures............and take a trip there if you can....its really a beautiful & peaceful place!

We hung out with this swan for a little bit….he decided to get friendly with Ma Ma P’s ankle.

Creature...?

2007-06-26T13:14:00.000-02:30

Your thoughts or ideas on what this creature is and where it came from......

Please share a make up story or one liner........

Go for it!!! Ha Ha

Birthdays!!!

2007-06-21T16:36:00.000-02:30

It's been a while since I've blogged.....

In the last 2 months both Mark & I have celebrated Birthdays! I turned the BIG 25 on May 23rd and Mark turned the BIG 28 on June 5. I've included some pictures from our Birthday Celebrations. Enjoy!

Mark surprised me with a trip to Sea World...and to make it extra special my awesome friends joined us.

The Killer Whales were awesome!!!

Here we are getting our picture taken at the "Photo Spot"......we were getting hungry.

Here are my the birthday presents some of my wonderful friends gave me.

Yesssssss thats PINK! hair. And NO you can't have it!

Happy Birthday Mark!!!! I made him a delicious "Lucious Lemon Poke Cake"

Blow out the candles and make a wish!!!

It was delicious!

Surprised Mark with Dunkin Donuts for breakfast on his birthday.....he LOVES donuts!

Here are a few pics of Mark opening his presents.

Oh he is sooo handsome! LOL

Ooooh Hunky Monkey!

Well I'd have to say my 25th Birthday was quite Amazing!!!! Thank you ALL that helped me celebrate it. Now.....5 more years till I'm 30

Recipe Time

2007-05-15T12:25:00.000-02:30

Gabriella's Chicken Fajitas

What you will need:

5-6 chicken breasts
Oregano- (3 dashes)
2 small onions or 1 big onion (they will need to be sliced)
2 cloves of garlic
1 Bell Pepper- (sliced)
Salsa- (3 tablespoons)
Paprika- (3 dashes)
Garlic Salt- (3 dashes)
Tony Chachere's Seasoning- (optional) – (4 dashes) - Substitute with Seasoning Salt
2 tablespoons of Oil- (I prefer Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

Lets start Cookin’

Cut chicken breasts into strips about 2 ½ inches long; ½ inch wide.
Season with:
3 dashes of Oregano
Add 1 sliced onion
Add your garlic – (you can press or crush it)
Add Salsa – (3 tablespoons)
Add Paprika-(3 dashes)
Add Garlic Salt-(3 dashes)
Add Tony’s Seasoning-optional-(4 dashes)

Mix together well, be sure your chicken is coated with the seasonings.
Heat your skillet, add your oil. When the oil is to a cooking temperature add your chicken/seasoning mixture. Cook on Med-High. When your chicken is close to being cooked add your sliced bell pepper and 2nd sliced onion. Stir occasionally. The chicken should cook within 20-25 minutes.

Best Served with:
Tortillas, Yellow Rice, Black Beans

Serves 4-6

Bon Appetit

The Interview

2007-05-01T13:05:00.000-02:30

The Interview of

Gabriella M. Pentecost

1. If you could spend the day with any living celebrity, who would it be and why?
Hmmm…that’s a tough one, since I don’t have too many favorite (actors & actresses) and I have no idea what I’d spend the day with them doing. So I’d have to say J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, Carlton Cuse, Jack Bender, Jeff Pinkner or Bryan Burk. They are the creators & executive producers of LOST. I’d ask them questions about the show. And well hopefully they’d share some insight about the show. If not, I’d just like to know how they think some of these storylines up and ask them to fill in the missing pieces a lot of LOST fans have been wanting to know.

2. If you could spend the day with any living music celebrity, who would it be and why?
Group 1 Crew. Their testimonies are awesome. It’s great to hear how God brought all 3 of them through different hardships in life. And to see God using them….that’s just amazing. They seem humble, focused on God, wanting to reach the lost, fun & hip.

3. What place have you visited that has effected you the most and why?
Sanibel Island Florida. My husband- Mark and I went there for our 2yr wedding anniversary. We pretty much had the beach to ourselves. The beauty of the ocean and sunset was like enjoying the vast beauty, glory, and majesty of God.

4. Who’s the closest friend you ever had in your life thus far?
Mark, my husband. He knows me so well and I know him so well.

5. How did you get into Blogging?
I started networking on myspace, then branched off into blogging on myspace for fun, then followed Blogger.

6. Are you an athlete? If so, what sport do you play or have played?
I try to be athletic as best I can, because it’s good for your body. I run, jog, and speed walk a few times a week and lift weights daily. I played Volley Ball in Jr. High.

7. Favorite Movie and why?
“The Notebook”. I’m a sucker for love stories. And that one is my favorite.

8. Favorite song and why?
“Have you ever been in love”, by Celine Dion. When I first heard that song, I knew I was in love with Mark. It’s “our song”

9. Most romantic date you’ve ever been on?
It would have to be the evening Mark proposed to me.

10. What is your favorite car that you have owned?
Current vehicle- 2007 Black Honda FIT 5 speed Sport

Congratulations Jon & Sarah

2007-04-17T13:15:00.000-02:30

Over the weekend, my brother in law, Jon and his fiancée, Sarah, tied the knot. I'm so happy for them. It was a crazy-busy weekend...but a lot of fun. Here are some pics of the lovely bride & groom, and various other shots of family & friends prepping for the wedding and the wedding celebration.

Congratulations Jon & Sarah Pentecost!!!!

We are sooo happy for ya'll and love ya!!!!

The Rehearsal Dinner......

The Bride & Groom

The Rehearsal Dinner- Mark & Gabby

Twins? Michele & Martha

Part of The Bridal Party....prepping before the wedding

Ma'ma "P" getting prettified

Aunt Lorna getting a manicure

Martha & Gina after the wedding....I heard someone was "cutting up"...hmmmm...

Wedding Cake Time....Jon did you get some up your nose?? Yikes!

The Pentecost Sisters- Gabby, Sarah & Michele

Sisters- Gabby, Michele & Martha

Jon & Sarah's 1st Dance as "Mr. & Mrs. Pentecost"

This was a fun-group dance at the reception. I can't remember the name of it....but it was a lot of fun.

Me & the bride

Ahhh....these people are such wonderful humans!!!!! I love them!!!

Yep...thats me and my hottie of a husband!!!! (I love you Mark!!!) (smile)

Aunt Lorna, Mark and me.

Lake Hollingsworth

2007-04-17T12:01:00.000-02:30

Lake Hollingsworth is a beautiful place to visit for Florida Wildlife watching. It’s located in the heart of Central Florida. Lake Hollingsworth is a relatively small lake in the center of Lakeland.

It is also surrounded by a three mile paved walking path which also passes the campus of Florida Southern College. Many of the buildings on the campus and around the lake were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. So if you like birds or if you like beautiful and interesting architecture, you’re in the right place.

The lake is home to many bird residents such as: The Roseate Spoonbill, White Pelican, Dunlin, Black-bellied Plover, Wood Stork, Long-billed Dowitcher, and variety of Swans & Ducks. Recently a clutch of chicks were born. If you are on the side of the lake near the Jewish Temple, going towards the club house you are bound to see them huddled together with their parents. They are soo cute. If you’re lucky, you may even see a few rabbits here and there.

I took Martha to Lake Hollingsworth while she was visiting us. We took a few shots of us around the Lake. We even stumbled upon an odd looking creature in the water. At first we thought it was a snake.....then the body came up and we found out it was a bird. That was crazy!

Martha wanted to hurry this pic up because that "odd looking creature" was right behind us in the water and she thought it would jump out and grab us....

ha ha ha ha!!!

Shanaynay was sooo excited to take a break....that she posed and smiled for the camera.
I'm not really sure what the girls are looking at.....?????

Sure ain't the camera like me huh?!

Well....as you know I love the camera...ha ha ha ha ha ha...

The sun was starting to set....that meant it was about to get dark soon.

And here is Martha posing for the camera.....we had to hurry this shot up because right where she was sitting......were a swarm of gnats starting to build up....YUCK!!! ha ha ha ha...we took the picture and ran off.

I normally run/walk the lake 2x a week with Bubble & Shanaynay. Its a great cardio work out and its fun to see the many wonderful wildlife Florida has to offer. I won't even start with the "Weirdos" the lake has to offer. Ha, Ha, Ha!!

Caption Game

2007-04-04T17:16:00.000-02:30

Lets Have Some Fun...

Give this picture a Caption!!!!!

Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha!!!

Stability

2007-04-02T13:53:00.000-02:30

One of my hobbies is working out. Ever since I got a stability ball for Christmas, I use it daily. It’s so much fun and works your core with pretty much any exercise you do on it. The secret of the ball is that it works your midsection without you even knowing it. Just by maintaining balance on the ball, you constantly activate your core muscles.

You can even utilize a pair of light hand weights with the ball. While you are lifting weights, you can feel your abs tighten as you maintain your balance on the ball…thus working your arms with the weights and your abs. You can use the ball instead of a hard weight bench.

The stability ball gets you off the floor…instead of doing typical crunches and sit ups on the floor creating a pain and strain to your back and neck….you can lay back on the ball….stretching your spine and working your abs as you “crunch” up.

You can work your upper body-(push ups) now with the ball..not only do you work your arms and chest, but also your abs.

Need to tone your lower body (legs, thighs, buttocks)...the stability ball helps you out. And again...your abs stay tightened in this exercise...therefore you obtain a core workout.

I've found this DVD (10 Minute Solution- Fitness Ball Workouts) to be unbelievably helpful. Kimberly Spreen, the fitness director takes you through 5 (10min.) workouts to improve your (upper body, lower body, core, cardio & flexibility). You can go through the whole 5 workouts or select the work out you want. This is my favorite workout DVD by far. She isn't cheesy like most fitness instructors. She's positive and normal. Each segment is designed to tighten and tone your body. So if your looking for a fun workout...this is it. I can't promise you won't fall off the ball the first time.....like someone I know. But if you fall off...get back on. This is a perfect toning tool for not only women but men also. It's so much fun and satisfying to know your toning and working your body into healthy condition.

Swim Therapy

2007-03-26T18:05:00.000-02:30

We took the girls to the clinic pool over the weekend.

Bubble still has some physical therapy that she has to go through

to build the muscle in her back leg.

And the swim was good for Shanaynay also....check her out diving in for the toy!!!

This was Shanaynay's routine....jump in....get the ball....swim....get out and watch us.

Mark is adjusting the current....so Bubble can swim against it and work harder to rebuild and strengthen her muscles. She doesn't look very happy does she...ha ha.

And again....Shanaynay jumps in...swims to her toy....and shes outta there....
Bubble was so happy to take a break from swimming and play with the red and blue ball.
And, shes off......................!!!!!!!!!!!!Back to work......
Having fun Shanaynay??

Work it Bubble!!!....YGG!!!!!!
Swimming against the current.....

Surprise Grandma!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-19T12:36:00.000-02:30

Last weekend, Mark and I drove up to Jacksonville for a surprise party honoring my Grandma. My brother Sito was also in Jacksonville visiting and there for the party. We got in Saturday morning and met up with Sito and took a trip to the Jacksonville Zoo. We had nice time. The weather was great!!

Later that afternoon we got ready for Grandma's party. It took place at the Clarion Hotel near the airport. The banquet room was decorated with balloons and more. After about an hour and half of waiting....sheesh!! ha ha. Grandma made her grand entrance. She was so surprised to see so many friends and family she hadn't seen in a long time or didn't even know she would see them that day. She was in awe. Back up the story here....she thought it was gonna be a Surprise Birthday Party for my uncle. Little did she know....she was the one being surprised.

As she walked in, she looked around the room and was in awe.

As the evening went on, a few people sang some songs in honor of her, some read poems and some spoke.

After the many tributes and speeches, the dance floor was open and most of us got out there and had fun. They played mostly Calypso music and some older stuff. Above, is my little cousin Rinoldo and a lady that dance ALL night, pretty much non stop. This is so cute!! ha ha

I tried talking Mark into dancing with me....but he insisted he couldn't and didn't have rhythm. So my cousin Rahim and I danced. Then his sister Rasheda pulled Mark on the dance floor and we had a blast. Mark did quite well!!!! Ha ha, Then Mark and I danced.

My cousin Dominique and I encouraged Sito to dance with this little old lady. She danced VERY good and LONG for her age. It was so funny and cute seeing her dance.

Even Grandma got on the dance floor and did a few steps with my cousins. Not sure what Sito is doing in the background. ha ha ha We danced all night.....(the electric slide, then those who were on the dance floor lined up facing each other and one person would have to go between the "aisle" and do their own little dance. Some people were good, some were goofy....ha ha ha Unfortunately I don't have pics of that. But it was fun!!! ha hah

From the Left- (Cousins)- Brittany, Rasheda, Rahim, Me, Grandma, Robert (on her lap), Kendall, Sito, Neilla, Kyle, and Dominique.
Here we are again. We took lots of pics. Its amazing we didn't get our digital cameras confused.

This is my awesome cousin Brittany. She lives in Orlando.
And this is her mom, my Aunt Sandra. This is my dad's sister.
And here I am with my cousin Rasheda and her mom, my Aunt Dianna. Also my Dad's sister.
Here is Rasheda and Rahim- my cousins. Brother & Sister.

All of us wore black....we didn't plan it either. We were quite "divalicious". The girl on far right is Rahim's girlfriend.
Rahim, Sito and Mark.

Taking a picture with Grandma.....Mark your eyes are shut?!?! ha ha ha. Grandma enjoyed watching all her children, and grandchildren dance and have fun. She sat in her chair and watched us she smiled and laughed when we were being goofy.
Here I am with my wonderful cousins Dominique- she is Brittany's sister. And Rinaldo.

Brittany and I .....yeah we know we're Hott!! LOL
Sito and Mark....where is your black?
Cousins being goofy... Kendall, Sito, Rasheda, and Me.
We really enjoyed our time in Jacksonville. We were able to visit with Sito...that was cool. And also, we met a lot of 1st, 2nd and 3rd cousins we never knew about and some cousins we hadn't seen in a while. Grandma was very surprised and delighted.

And they love the hooves

2007-02-17T12:04:00.000-03:30

Bubble and Shanaynay.....gnawing away on hoof chews Mark gave them.

When they've got a hold of these.....nothing will peel them away.
Sometimes they try to take it outside when I let them go potty.
AND.........its pretty much the first thing they think about when they get up in the morning. Bubble rushes out of her crate....in search of her hoof chew....and Shanaynay, the same.

Florida "Snow"

2007-02-17T11:33:00.000-03:30

So this morning....I wake up to find "Florida Snow" on the property. And some Ice.

The horses were blanketed due to the freezing cold weather.
Yep...."Florida Snow".....we always welcome you anytime. (smile)
This may be as close to "snow" that we'll get this year..............

The grass "crunched" everytime I stepped on it.

Valentines Day Tribute

2007-02-13T11:43:00.000-03:30

Happy Valentines Day Everybody!

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Special thanks to American Greetings.

Friends

A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift.A friend is someone we treasure for our friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy, and grace. And makes the whole world we live in a better and happier place.

- Jean Kyler McManus -

I love my husand

I love my family

I love my friends

They are all so very special to me

So when this lovely holiday rolls around

I make sure to send them something special to remind them....

I love them!
Gabriella Pentecost 2007

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

- Author Unknown -
Friends are God's way of taking care of us.

- Author Unknown -

"If a star would fall and land on my hand every time I thought about you, the whole sky would be in the palms of my hands.
-Cindy Lee

Shall I compare thee to a Summer's day?
Thou are more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And Summer's lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd:
But thy eternal Summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st:
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

Shall I Compare Thee, (Sonnet XVIII)by William Shakespeare

I love you Mark.....Always and Forever xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Hearts History

2007-02-08T12:25:00.000-03:30

For over a century now, the makers of NECCO Sweethearts Conversation Hearts have come up with some of the sweetest ways of saying “I love you”. The company prints new messages on the tiny colored hearts every year, and can you believe they’ve been a holiday tradition since the Civil War?

These conversation hearts were invented in the 1860’s by the brother of NECCO’s founder. These first hearts had printed paper notes tucked inside. The lengthy , old-fashioned sayings included such wistful thoughts as “Please send a lock of your hair by return mail.” ~~~hmmm…..???

Sweet Talk for the Times
Some favorites among the more than one hundred Sweetheart sayings have been in circulation since the hearts were first factory-made in 1902. These classics include "Kiss Me," "Sweet Talk," and "Be Mine." Sometimes a motto is discontinued for a time and then makes a reappearance; others are gone for good. Sayings considered outdated by NECCO include the funky "Dig Me" and the cheerful "You Are Gay."

NECCO says that creating mottoes can be tricky. The new sayings can't be "offensive, distasteful, or too wordy," according to Walter Marshall, retired NECCO vice president.
Space is also an issue. Conversation hearts come in two sizes—the standard 1/2 inch and the larger 3/4 inch model. The small hearts generally can fit no more than two words with four letters each, while the large hearts may accommodate two words with six letters each. Fortunately, creative phrasing can help fit longer sentiments onto the tiny hearts, as in the case of "EZ 2 LOVE."

Say It Again, Sweetheart
If you miss some of the old sayings, or would like to see some of your own, you can have them custom-made. The catch is that you'll have to buy a full production run, or about 1.7 million candy hearts. But you'll have plenty of time to eat them—they should stay fresh for at least five years.
Production of Sweethearts for Valentine's Day has already begun. There's still a chance to submit your slogan ideas for next year, however. NECCO must produce about 100,000 pounds of the candy hearts every day in order to meet the Valentine demand, when about 8 billion hearts are sold in six weeks.

Candy Hearts Archive
2006 Candy Hearts
TO
AND
ILU
HOME SOON
SWEET HOME
HOUSE PARTY
GO HOME
HOME SICK
CALL HOME
HOME RUN
2005 Candy Hearts
#1 FAN
FIT FOR LOVE
DREAM TEAM
LOVE LIFE
BE A SPORT
LOVE MY TEAM
CHEER ME ON
BE MY HERO
HEART OF GOLD
ALL-STAR
2004 Candy Hearts
3 WISHES
EVER AFTER
NEW YOU
MAGIC
DREAM
CHARM ME
START NOW
NEW LOVE
IM ME
I LOVE YOU

2003 Candy Hearts
WRITE ME
CLASS ACT
WHIZ KID
WISE UP
TEACH ME
LOVE LETTER
PEN PAL
BOOK CLUB
SCHOOL MATE
LET'S READ

2007 Candy Hearts
· COOL CAT
· PUPPY LOVE
· TAKE A WALK
· MY PET
· BEAR HUG
· TOP DOG
· URA TIGER
· GO FISH
· LOVE BIRD
· PURR FECT

Pimped Out John

2007-02-07T18:02:00.000-03:30

Your thoughts & comments......are welcomed!!

Ummmm....wow, what will they think of next?
Is this hygienic in any way?

Roto-Rooter's "Pimped out John" is outfitted with every feature a modern king or queen could want in a bathroom throne, and underneath all of the trappings, is a superb Kohler® toilet.
This amazing commode is fully loaded with the following "luxury enhancements":
Microsoft Xbox 360, laptop computer, high-definition television, refrigerator, bike pedal exerciser and etc.

And get this.....you can enter to to win this contraption!!

http://www.rotorooter.com/john/entertowin.php

Shanaynay

2007-02-01T13:33:00.000-03:30

Sweet

Huggable

Amazing

Nice

Adorable

You'd love her

No other

Astonishing

Yellow Golden Friend

Thats my dog.

Bubble

2007-02-01T11:59:00.000-03:30

Boston Terrier

Unbelieveable

Beauty

Brilliant

Loving

Energy

Thats my dog.

Color.Mood.Food

2007-01-23T12:16:00.000-03:30

I'm pretty sure you must be wondering...what on earth is Gabriella's blog about now. Well I

got to thinking the other day about colors and food.

Do we choose our foods based on how we feel? Does it tie into the food's color? If someone was to present you with two foods

you liked, but the colors were different.....you would choose the food you "felt" like having. Do you think the color of the food would be based on your decision? Or your mood? Its probably not the first thing you'd think of....but way deep in your mind...you'd be surprised how much of an affect it plays.

According to several studies.....

Color has an incredible effect on you mood, your perception, and your likes and dislikes. It’s programmed into you, and you really have little to say about it. Your reptilian mind is the part of you that is programmed to survive. It’s what makes you instinctively know that fire is bad, that red is danger, and that green is comforting. Humans developed over millions of years and color is a big part of our perception. It’s why orange is often used to make products that are high priced look more inviting because psychologically it makes them seem more affordable. And it’s why red is the most prominent color in fast food logos –red stimulates appetite. And it’s why you will have trouble eating food that is blue. What food is blue? Exactly! Okay, maybe blueberries but how about some blue mashed potatoes with blue meatloaf and blue gravy? See what I mean?

Corporations spend millions of dollars testing colors on consumers every day. Why? Because they know color has a huge affect on how you perceive their products.

Red is the color that we pay the most attention to. It is the warmest and most energic color in the spectrum.
We associate red with love, valentines, danger, desire, speed, strength, violence, anger, emergency exit signs, stop signs and blood.

With strawberries being my all time favorite....I find it VERY hard to say NO to them. I can eat strawberries ANYTIME!

Green is a cool color that symbolizes nature and the natural world. Green also represents tranquility, good luck, health, and jealousy.
Researchers have also found that green can improve reading ability. Some students may find that laying a transparent sheet of green paper over reading material increases reading speed and comprehension.
Green has long been a symbol of fertility and was once the preferred color choice for wedding gowns in the 15th-century. Even today, green M & M's (an American chocolate candy) are said to send a sexual message.
Green is often used in decorating for its calming effect, For example, guests waiting to appear on television programs often wait in a “green room” to relax.
Green is thought to relieve stress and help heal. Those who have a green work environment experience fewer stomachaches.
Consider how green is used in language: green thumb, green with envy, greenhorn.

When I'm eating a salad....I feel cool and somewhat close to nature. I feel good because I know I'm eating a healthy meal.

Are salads more appetizing when there is a variation of veggies in them (RED tomato, YELLOW peppers, ORANGE carrots, BLACK dashes of pepper...etc. Versus a plain lettuce and carrot salad???

So next time you sit down to have your next meal...or your driving around town looking for a place to eat or looking at the food on a menu, test yourself and see if "COLOR" played a role in choosing your food OR if your "MOOD" played a role. Give it a little thought. You might be surprised.

Martha's visit

2007-01-09T15:50:00.000-03:30

My sister Martha came to visit us from Baton Rouge. We had a lot of fun and now I miss her!

Fun Time Bowling...Oh yes!!

And she won...then Mark...then me.. eh:-(

Martha really enjoys horse back riding. Here she is with her buddy Texas.
Bubble fell in love with Martha. She wouldn't let Martha out of her sight.

Ha Ha Ha Martha....I got you sleeping!!!!!

Here we are at Picasso's Cup painting pottery...what FUN!
Smile for the CAMERA!!!

Ha ha ha....we are cheesy!

Glad you came Martha!!!! We love you and miss you!!!!

Shhhh....its a surprise

2007-01-09T15:38:00.000-03:30

Friday night (Jan.5) we planned a Surprise Birthday Party for

David and Michele.

They thought they were coming over to Mom and Dad Pentecosts house for dessert and gifts.... but unbeknownst to them....they were in for a surprise!!!

We hid in Grandma's room so they couldn't see us....

and then....and then....

SURPRISE!!!

Ummmm....NO COMMENT......
Michele got 2 of these gifts!!!

I guess we really "know" her!

David got a pair of shorts....he tried them on over his jeans and did a little dance....

What a goofy guy!!!! ha ha ha ha

Happy Birthday David and Michele....you guys are Terrific and Spiffalicious!

Goodbye 2006!

2007-01-09T15:27:00.000-03:30

Linnie, Justin & Michele fill balloons with confetti for the welcoming of 2007.

Game time!!!!! Michele and Mark seem to be trying to "draw" something.
HAPPY NEW YEAR.....

We popped balloons and welcomed the New Year with Sparkling Grape Juice, confetti galore, yells of "Happy New Year" and singing Auld Lang Syne

Oh Yes....and we all set our alarm clocks to 12am....however, some people's clocks were a few min. or secs behind. ha ha ha

Can you see the confetti in the air???

Can you hear all these crazy people yelling Happy New Year?

Ugh....Who did that? Ha Ha HA!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

May your 2007 be Happy and Blessed!!!!

Lowry Park Zoo

2007-01-09T14:44:00.000-03:30

We took a trip to the Zoo the week after Christmas....

and what a fun time we had!!!

So ever wonder why some Flamingos are PINK and some are WHITE?

Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly-shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume, and are uniquely used upside-down. The filtering of food items is assisted by hairy structures called lamellae which line the mandibles, and the large rough-surfaced tongue. It is the shellfish and shrimps which flamingos eat which give them their distinctive pink colour, otherwise they would be white

Check out Tamani...the new baby elephant. Not sure if this is its Mom because it hung around all the elephants, however, it played with this one the most, so maybe this is the Mama.

More info on Tamani- http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/baby_elephant/name_contest.html

Monkey Madness!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh gosh....the bats got ME!!!!!!!! HELP!!!

Merry Christmas

2007-01-09T14:39:00.000-03:30

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Its Christmas Morning at Mark & Gabbys

Smile Bubble.....

Do these girls ever stop playing??? Uh Nope!

They were having a Christmas Wrestlemania

Mark playing with his reins & halter I bought him
What a mess we made!!!!!

Christmas Eve

2007-01-09T14:29:00.000-03:30

Another Christmas Eve with the Pentecosts.....

Who will be late............

Who will wear the bows.....

Who will be the last to open the gifts.....

What will be served......

Will Grandma get another puzzle.......

Will there be newspaper & duct tape present.....

Will "Daddy P" have his trusty pocket knife handy.......

Hmmmmm......????????????

And as you can see the evening started out with Mark hiding in a Dillards bag.

Why you ask.....hmmmm you ask him.

Everyone took their "Christmas Eve" seats. I've gone through a few pictures of Christmas Eve at The Pentecosts and noticed....we all sit in the same seats every year......

How Bizarre.................

Hmmmm.....What will it be Patty?????

Notice the gift tags on Michele & Davids presents for everyone. They printed pics of us and used them as gift tags....how creative!!!!! Kudos to you Michele & David!!!!

And yes....David, as you can see David wore the bows from the gifts.... Ain't that cute!!!

Here I am modeling some of my Christmas presents....oh yes people that is a PINK apron you see!!!!!

So to answer the questions I posed to you............

Who will be late......... WOW we all actually made it there on time!!! Didn't we??
Who will wear the bows..... David of course and he wore "Moms" gift tag on his ear Who will be the last to open the gifts..... That would be me.
What will be served......Yummy snacks and dessert
Will Grandma get another puzzle....... NO! But she did get a cool popcorn bowl and popcorn for her movie nights..."Go Grandma!!"
Will there be newspaper & duct tape present..... OF COURSE!!! Pretty much every gift from Mom and Dad had some.
Will "Daddy P" have his trusty pocket knife handy....... Actually there was scissors present during the gift openning that was used...and I think I heard David say "I have a pocket knife we can use"...ha ha hahaha

Christmas Eve.....

Very Enjoyable!!! Good times!!!! Crazy People!!!! Fun Memories!!!!

Whew that was a lot of work

2006-12-24T17:01:00.000-03:30

Mark and I started building a Ginger Bread House a week ago. Lots of work I tell ya!! We started with a card board box and then added the graham crackers and candy. If the candy wasn't on the house...it was in our mouths...ha ha ha.

I finished up the house last night...adding a few finishing touches like the funny looking snowman and the patches of snow around the house.

Gum drops, lifesavers, red hots, jelly beans, candy canes, m&ms,...hmmmm yum!

Royal Icing...helped the candy stay on the house!!!

Now I wonder how long the candy will last on the house.....????

This is one of the Christmas projects Mark and I accomplished. We had a lot of fun and we think this will become a Christmas tradition in our family.

Oh by the way...Bubble and Shanaynay enjoyed the candy that fell on the ground....Their favorite is...MARSHMELLOWS!!!! Go figure.

Whenever I open a bag of marshmellows....especially Bubble....its like she knows what I've got and comes running to get one that "accidently drops on the ground"....shhhhh

Merry Christmas to Everyone!!!

What Can I Give Him?

2006-12-20T17:38:00.000-03:30

Christmas is almost here....YEAH!!!!! I'm pretty much almost done with all my shopping and wrapping. With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season, I have tried not to forget the REAL, TRUE meaning of the season. As I shop and think of the perfect gift....I'm trying not to forget "THE" PERFECT GIFT.....trying not to forget who we are celebrating.

Luke 2: 11-14
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

This is the season we celebrate Jesus' birth!!!!!!

And with that being said, the other day as I was driving to work, it was like Jesus was asking me..."What will you give me this year?" And I thought hard and pondered on what Jesus wanted the most this year. Perhaps He wants me to be closer to Him......Trust Him more......Pray with Him more.......Give Him more of me???

Matthew 2:10-11
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

The gifts the 3 wise men gave Jesus....WOW!!! Do you realize how much that stuff was worth back then? They gave their BEST to Jesus....their BEST to the King of Kings.

So as you shop, wrap your gifts, exchange your gifts and enjoy the Christmas Season with family and friends......take some time and ask yourself....

"What can I give Jesus.............?"

Lights of Lakeland

2006-12-18T13:24:00.000-03:30

Last night, Mark and I went over to the "Lights of Lakeland". We got there a little early, but later we realized it was probably a good idea to get there early. The line started getting longer....

Lights of Lakeland is a series of lights and decor- different themes and characters. You walk down a path and all around you there are Christmas lights, singing, characters...lots of fun stuff.

The elves are hard at work
Look who nabbed my husband!!!!!!
Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus
Cute donkey....there were more animals (camels, sheep, goats, and a cow)