Whew that was a lot of work

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?

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

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)

Enjoying the Christmas Season

I just love the Christmas Season!! Driving around the neighborhood and looking at the beautiful Christmas lights in people's yards.....lovely!!! Or taking a short trip to the local park/lake and enjoying the Christmas lights and decor.

Mark and I spent Saturday evening in downtown Lakeland.

Mund Park















Sipping coffee and walking around the Lake....speaking of coffee I had a frozen chocolate covered strawberry drink from Mitchells....Oh my goodness....the BEST!!!! Yummy!















I totally tackled this Lion.....and as you can see I won!!!! Victory!!!!! Oh yeah!















Mark, sharing his coffee with the Golden People....he's so silly!!!!














Oh yes....its a PINK butterfly!!!!
I know your jealous!

Cajuns in the House?

This is one of my favorite Christmas Poems....its pretty funny and cute.

I lived in Louisiana for 8 years....reading this reminds me of some Louisianans.

Enjoy!!!

CajunNight Before Christmas
By: Trosclair, Howard Jacobs, James Rice


'Twas the night before Christmas, an'all t;ru de house Dey don't a t'ing pass, Not even a mouse.
De chirren been nezzle, Good snug on de flo' An' Mama pass de pepper, T'ru de crack on de do'.


Den Mama in de fireplace, Done roas' up de ham Stir up de gumbo, An' make bake de yam.
Den out on de by-you, Dey got such a clatta, Make soun' like ole Boudreau, Done fall off his ladder.

I run like a rabbit, To got to do do' Trip over de dorg, An' fall on de flo'! As I look out de do', In de light o' de moon I t'ink "Manh, you crazy, Or got ol' too soon."


Cuz dere on de by-you, W'en I stretch ma' neck stiff Dere's eight alligator, A pullin' de skiff.


An' a little fat drover, Wit' a long pole-ing stick I know r'at away, Got to be ole St. Nick. Mo' fas'er and fas'er, De' gator day came. He whistle an ' holler, An' call dem by name:

"Ha, Gaston! Ha, Tiboy! Ha, Pierre an' Alcee! Gee, Ninette! Gee, Suzette! Celeste an' Renee!" " To de top o' de porch, To de top 0' de wall Make crawl, alligator, an' be sho' you don't fall."

Like Tante Flo's cat, T'ru de treetop he fly, W'en de big ole houn' dorg, Come a run hisse'f by, Like dat up de porch, Dem ole' gator clim! Wit' de skiff full o'toy, An' St. Nicklus behin.


Den on top de porch roof, It soun' like de hail, W'en all dem big 'gator, Done sot down dey tail. Den down de chimney, I yell wit' a bam, An' St. Nicklus fall, An' sit on de yam.
"Sacre!" he axclaim, "Ma pant got a hole, I done sot ma'se'f, On dem red hot coal." He got on his foots, An' jump like a cat! Out to del flo', Where he lan' wit' a SPLAT!


He was dress in musk-rat, From his head to his foot, An' his clothes is all dirty, Wit' ashes an' soot. A sack full o'playt'ing, He t'row on his back, He looked like a burglar, An dass fo' a fack.


His eyes how dey shine. His dimple, how merry! Maybe he been drink, De wine from blackberry. His cheek was like rose, His nose like a cherry, On secon't'ought maybe, He lap up de sherry.

Wit' snow-white chin whisker, An' quiverin'belly, He shook w'en he laugh, Like de stromberry jelly! But a wink in his eye, an' a shook o'his head, Make my confi-dence dat, I don't got to be scared.

He don' do no talkin', Gone straight to his work, Put playt'ing in sock, An' den turn wit' a jerk. He put bot' his han', Dere on top o' his head, Cas' an eye on de chimney, An'den he done said: "Wit' all o'dat fire, An' dem burnin' hot flame, Me I ain' goin' back, By de way dat I came."


So he run out de do', An' he clim' to de roof, He ain' no fool, him, For to make one more goof.


He jum in his skiff, An' crack his big whip, De'gator move down, An'don' make one slip. An' I hear him shout loud, As a splashin' he go....

" Merry Christmas to all, "Till I saw you some mo'!"

Christmas at Work

A few weeks ago I prepared my office for the Holidays.

Since you practically spend most of your day at your place of employment....I figured I'd do a little decorating.

You might not be able to see the door very well....but it reads "Let it Snow", there are a few snowflakes and musical notes. Its really gotten some people in the office in the Christmas spirit. You can hear them humming it when they walk down the halls.

The red bows, I made out of construction paper. That was fun!!

Of course....did you expect anything less??....YESSS a PINK Christmas tree.

I've gotten so many compliments from my PINK tree and decor.

I hope you're feeling all Christmasy at "work"!!!!

Congrats.....MARTHA

Well, well, well.....if it isn't Martha Marchan....mi sista!!!! She graduated in September from ITI Technical College (Information Systems). This is kinda late.....but better late than never.



















Martha is growing up....yes, yes, yes.....I can remember when we were little kids sharing a room. She always would have her clothes all over the place. I remember I used to put all her clothes in a pile in the room. Then I got in trouble so I stopped doing that.
















Martha works at Albertsons.........ummm yeah....Its like Publix.



















I wonder what Martha is thinking in this picture.....probably...."man I'd rather be at Las Palmas eating Fajitas". LOL Just kidding.




















I told Martha I was gonna post this picture.....this is in her "bad girl" days. She had just beat up this chubby kid in the bathroom. She flushed the toilet and put their head in there. Then she wrapped them in toilet paper and flused them again. Then she saw me and said I was next. Needless to say I high tailed it outta there!!!!! LOL..... No way...just kidding. If you only knew the story behind this picture.......

Thanksgiving Evening with the Pentecosts

What a fun and yummy day indeed.
Mark and I started our Thanksgiving day with The Macy's Day Parade. Whoohoo So many fun characters floating in the air.

Lunch was served later that day around 2-ish at D & M's house. Lots of yummy food to eat. And let us not forget Bubble attacking Jon with smooches!!! Ha Ha Ha. Our "Thankful" Game. Fun times I tell ya!!!!

Then on to our place. Everyone had a chance to ride the horses. Well everyone rode except Mom....but thats okay...ha ha ha. Grandma sat inside listening to Christmas music and time to time sneaking a peek at us ride.

Looks like David is having a blast!!!















Mark is giving Dad a short lesson. Looks like Dad is having fun.















Jon was a little hesitant to ride, but I told him I'd lead Banner. He seemed pretty nervous. Guess its been a while since Jon rode the horses huh.... After a "short" ride...Jon was ready to get off Banner.















Daddy P, Sarah, and Michele watch on as the rest ride. Whats in that cup Dad??? Oh look is that my Bubble you have there Michele?

















Looks like Chad is having a ball! Nice hat Chad. Its soo you!!! LOL I think Mark is doing an excellent job teaching you.
















After we entertained ourselves with the horses, we all made our way in the house. The smell of pumpkin spice, vanilla, desserts......hmmmmm filled the air.
The desserts were "delectable"!!!! The hot chocolate was yummy.
After chatting and eating, we sat down to watch "Over the Hedge". There was a loud snore coming from the couch....who could it be. Chad, Mom, Dad.....hmmmm....ha ha it was Bubble. She had a long day!!!!

Special thanks to all that made our Thanksgiving Day super, fun, and yummy!!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving....with family, friends, good food, and great memories!!!!!!!!

The Holidays are Coming!

The Holidays are coming, I’m so excited it’s my favorite time of the year (Thanksgiving & Christmas) - I’m already listening to my Christmas CD’s. I remember when I was young, after Thanksgiving- it always seemed like forever for Christmas to come. Now that I am older-it’s pretty much right around the corner. So with that being said, here’s a little game of Favorites for Thanksgiving & Christmas!!! Enjoy!!!!

Favorite Thanksgiving Memory as a child? Helping my mom cook the Thanksgiving lunch, eating with the family and using those fancy wine glasses for our “sparkling grape juice”, and then watching a movie we rented.

Favorite Thanksgiving Memory as an adult? Last Thanksgiving, our family (Pentecosts) had a progressive style Thanksgiving. (Jon and Sarah –appetizers, David and Michele- Main Meal, Mark and I – dessert, and Mark’s parents- night cap and a movie. It was a full day, but I had fun.

Favorite Thanksgiving Food? My mom’s stuffing & cheesecake & Turkey

Favorite part of the winter? The coldness, wearing coats and winter wear, snow-if I lived up north-sledding, the holidays.

Favorite Christmas song? Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire

Favorite Christmas movie? National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Fake or Real Tree? Growing up always fake. Since Mark and I have been married- REAL. I really like it better.

Stockings after presents or before? Before

Favorite Christmas Memory growing up? Opening one present Christmas Eve- it was usually pajamas my mom made- I was so happy because I was able to wear them to bed. My mom would bake bread Christmas Eve in time for Christmas morning breakfast. We’d always get a slice or two that night. Waking up Christmas morning- Dad would read the Christmas story and my siblings and I would be so impatient and wanted to open our gifts. After we opened our gifts we’d have Christmas breakfast (country-salted- ham, baked bread, hmmmm yummy days!!!! Then go and play with our toys!!!

Favorite Christmas Memory as an adult? The Christmas before Mark and I got married. I came to visit him and his family for Christmas. They were so warm and welcoming. I got off work (Christmas Eve) around 12 and flew out of New Orleans to Tampa. I was soo excited to see Mark. He greeted me at the airport with a rose. It was soo sweet. That Christmas was special and I got to know his family better and we had a wonderful time.

Did you believe in Santa as a child? No, but when we lived in Germany, the kids in the apartment would leave their boots outside the door and on Christmas morning there would be candy in there if they were good and coal if they were bad. I got candy. It’s a German or European custom. I think Santa comes from that.

Wanna play? Copy and Paste- but put your answers where mine are.

Today in Gabriella's Cafe we are serving....

Spiced Hot Chocolate

1 cup milk
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 square BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, finely chopped
2 OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
MIX milk and cinnamon in saucepan. Bring just to boil on medium-high heat.
ADD chocolate; beat with wire whisk until chocolate is completely melted and milk is slightly frothy.
SERVE hot with the cookies.

Its Novemeber...and its starting to cool down...YEAH! So a cup of hot chocolate sounds wonderful and warming to me.
Today we are serving Hot Chocolate.....Enjoy.

Soooo.....when you start sipping your hot chocolate....what is one of the first things that comes to your mind?
Hmmmm....for me..... It would probably be early mornings as a child getting our garage sale started, sipping our hot cocoa in the cold, waiting for people to come by.
Another memory is Christmas Morning Breakfasts as a child. Eating country ham (salted one), fresh homemade baked bread, and enjoying my delicious hot chocolate with those little marshmellows.
Hmmmmmmm.....Good times!

When Did It Hit You...."I'm getting OLD"?

Time To Chat.......

I was playing this questionnaire thing that a friend of mine sent me. I used to do them all the time, but for a while there they were the same ‘ole same ‘ole, so I stopped. I decided to do the one she sent me. One of the questions on there really hit me. It was “When did you realize you were getting old”. Most people would answer, “when I began developing wrinkles”, “when my knees and body started making cracks and aching” the list goes on. But her answer (When I went to the bar and noticed all the younger girls around me doing what I used to do) got me thinking. My answer is similar minus the “bar scene”. When I first realized I was getting “old” I was at Justin’s graduation party. And I saw all the teenage girls hanging out together just being a young teen. I really can’t explain it but it was a strange feeling. Almost like I felt “left out”, but I wasn’t left out. I had Michele there sitting next to me and a few other “adults”, it was odd…kinda like I was seeing how I used to be with my friends years ago. On other occasions I’ve felt like I was getting “old” would be when I’m out shopping and notice teens…the way they talk….dress…etc. I’m not really in their “league” I’m an adult…I’m “older”. Other times I feel like I’m getting “old”- when my younger brother Joshua graduated from High School and started college, when Martha my younger sister graduated from college and when I hear of kids I used to baby-sit, are pregnant or married. Man I feel “old”. So with all that said. When did you realize you were getting old? Was it a physical appearance about you, or the everyday things and people around you?
Now don’t get me wrong….I’m happy to be the age I am. I’m blessed to be healthy and alive. I know that as I grow….God has bigger and better for me as the days, months, and years go by. I think of aging as a blessing.

Our Weekend Getway to Sanibel

For our 2yr Anniversary, Mark and I decided to take a little trip to Sanibel Island. We both had a wonderful time. We left Friday evening after work and drove the 3hrs to Sanibel. We got a little lost at first and ended up on Fort Myers Beach. So we called up the owners and they were able to help us get back on track. The Island was very dark at night. When we finally arrived at The West End Paradise Resort, we were so thankful. The place was cute and cozy. We were the only ones there that weekend. The garden was very pretty and relaxing. The next morning after breakfast, we took a walk around the grounds and admired everything. There was a canoe and a little pond. We declined on the idea since there was a warning sign in the pond (Alligators). With us being the only ones out there, we thought that might not be wise. Anywhoo, we had access to bikes. We took a morning ride around the area. The cool breeze was refreshing. We later met up with the owners and checked in and they gave us a handy dandy map of the island. We found the beach!! It was right around the corner. We were able to ride our bikes over there and admire he quiet clean beach.
We decided to venture out to J.N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. “The refuge consists of over 6,400 acres of mangrove forest, submerged seagrass beds, cordgrass marshes, and West Indian hardwood hammocks. Approximately 2,800 acres of the refuge are designated by Congress as a Wilderness Area. The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge was created to safeguard and enhance the pristine wildlife habitat of Sanibel Island, to protect endangered and threatened species, and to provide feeding, nesting, and roosting areas for migratory birds. Today, the refuge provides important habitat to over 220 species of birds. The entire complex is approximately 8,000 acres.” http://dingdarlingsociety.org/
We were able to ride our bicycles throughout the refuge. We even spotted an Alligator as we entered the park. He was crossing the road we road our bikes on. Oh course I had to snap a picture of him. We road many, many miles. Needless to say, we were tired afterward.
For lunch we dined at The Island Cow. Afterward we browsed a few shops and had a frozen mocha drink at a café. The coffee was a bit too strong.

That evening we decided to hang out on the beach till the sunset. It was cool and pretty. We practically had the beach to ourselves. The sun began to set. It was gorgeous!!
Dinner time and decided to head over to Captiva Island. Captiva Island was about 15 minutes from where we stayed. We ate dinner at The Bubble Room. It was a strange little place. Yet interesting. It had everything you could think of it the place- (clowns, Hollywood legends, disco balls, beads hanging- odd!!) Where we sat, these little men were lined up looking down on us. How strange and freaky we thought. Ha ha ha!!!
Sunday we took another morning bike ride and spent some time on the beach. We built sand castles and shelled. It was nice. The rest of the day we browsed little shops and just enjoyed our little getaway weekend.
It was wonderful to get away for the weekend with each other and just be carefree and have fun. To play in the sand like a little kid, to ride bikes all day and not worry about what’s next.

We enjoyed our Anniversary weekend away and we thank God for another year and more to come.
You gotta enjoy life with those you love; friends, family, your spouse, your pets (smile). Just enjoy life to its fullest.

Showing off my Girls!!!

Hey!!!!

Yep...just showing off my sweet girls. This was taken

after a run one evening. I think Bubble is tired...wonder what she's dreaming of???!!!!

Whatcha think?

Bubble and Shanaynay are the sweetest doggies!!!

They love to pose for the camera. Do they take after their Mommy or what?

Ha ha ha ha!!!

Bubble looks up to her big sister Shanaynay. They love to play and just hang out. Shanaynay loves to take care of Bubble....she treats her like she is the mama. She keeps lil Miss Bubble in line. Oh how they make me soo happy. Those girls make me smile.

Happy Anniversary to Us

October 23

Two Years and Still Happy as can be.

Monday will be Mark and my 2 year wedding anniversary.

Can't say our marriage has been an easy breeze. We have our ups and downs like all couples. But with God's leading and guiding...our trust in God and what He has for us...and the love we have for each other....we have made it another year. And we are still more in love than ever.

Oh how I remember that day......

Full of some crazy, fun, sweet, nervous memories. But hey...we had a blast!!!

It will be a day I will remember forever!!!

I really like my wedding dress. I remember putting it on and all my other accessories. I remember walking down the aisle and seeing my incredible man waiting for me at the alter. My wedding bouquet was marvelous....thanks to Michele!!!!

My Bridesmaids were awesome. Thank you ladies for everything.

I remember smiling all day....and then after everything was done....my face was sore...ha ha ha.

I love my husband Mark and enjoy every moment being married to him!

Sweetest Day- October 21st

Sweetest Day began in Cleveland, Ohio, and yes, one of the largest greeting card companies in the world, American Greetings, is headquartered in the same city. But that’s just a coincidence. Sweetest Day, which is Oct. 21st this year, actually originated with the kindness of a Cleveland candy company employee.

It was Herbert Birch Kingston, in 1922 who decided he would bring a little cheer to local orphans, shut-ins and others he felt had been “forgotten.” With the help of friends, the big-hearted philanthropist distributed candy and gifts to these less-than-fortunate citizens.

The generosity and sweetness of the gesture caught on, and today Sweetest Day is commemorated by sending greeting cards and gifts to family and friends to remind them that they are loved and appreciated. This remains primarily a regional observance celebrated in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast. However, the observance is gradually spreading to other areas of the country. Industry wide, Ohio is the top state for Sweetest Day sales, followed by Michigan and Illinois.

Texas and Florida also observe Sweetest Day, but if you ask someone in Wisconsin or Connecticut or Montana about Sweetest Day, chances are, they may have no idea what you are talking about.”

On the first Sweetest Day, movie star Ann Pennington presented 2,200 Cleveland newspaper boys with boxes of candy to express gratitude for their service to the public.
Another popular movie star, Theda Bara, distributed 10,000 boxes of candy to people in Cleveland hospitals and also gave candy to all who came to watch her film in a local theater

As people become more mobile and jobs take them to different regions, the once-regional celebration of Sweetest Day is spreading throughout the country. In addition to remembering those sometimes forgotten and showing appreciation for family and friends, Sweetest Day also has become very much a romantic day in most locations.
In time, the Sweetest Day idea of spreading cheer to the underprivileged was broadened to include everyone from family members to sweethearts, and co-workers to acquaintances.