We love eating steak and shrimp so we have committed to eating both at least once a week. We feel the call of eating from the land and the sea! AMEN! Steak and Shrimp are both gifts from God! One must not abstain from what the Lord has provided.
TGIFridays has become one of our favorite places to eat. Jack Daniels Sirloin & Shrimp mania is enough to make anyone sleep good on a full stomach. Of course this meal pairs nicely with a red wine, tea from Long Island, or a glass of Jack Daniels: however, since we don't drink we will leave that for another discussion. Ha!
Okay.. I know there are other places that have good food, but TGIFridays is great buy one get one free meals.
Friday, September 30, 2011
California Dreaming Turkey Style
The holidays are just weeks away and there is no better way to spend Thanksgiving than with Mickey & Minnie Mouse. Well... that is not completely true... spending it with Mama Lou is fun also. Oh that's right, Mama Lou is coming with!!!! How awesome is that? We are delighted to have Mama come with us for this special time in California for 4 days. And not mention, we love her and enjoy spending time with a true servant of God.
And the coolest thing ever will be our Thanksgiving dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. I am completely serious.. I am not kidding!!!! WE have RESERVATIONS to eat a character Thanksgiving Meal.. GET OUT!!! NO I am really serious.
And the coolest thing ever will be our Thanksgiving dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. I am completely serious.. I am not kidding!!!! WE have RESERVATIONS to eat a character Thanksgiving Meal.. GET OUT!!! NO I am really serious.
DISNEYLAND 2011!
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Joy of Being a Leonard
We have been blessed so much this past year and I know the Lord has clearly had His hands on our lives. Anna is thriving (like she does at everything) at teaching and will soon complete her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. We are thankful for her commitment over the past five years for being a stay at home Mom, but God has allowed her to return to work. AMEN! Anna continues to be the shining star God created her to be and makes everyone consistently involved in her life very proud.
My Girl is the sweetest two year old ever. I love her more than I could have ever imagined possible. My best time with Emily is sharing ice cream at Dairy Queen after school. We usually don't tell the other two, because its our special time and they don't need to know. I look forward to fixing Emily's hair and occasionally painting her toe nails.
My little young man is totally the coolest kid on the block. Andrew is respectful, smart, good looking, and for the most part makes other five year old's look dumb (okay that is not true, but funny). He is learning his sight words very quickly and thinks he knows how to snap his fingers even though we don't hear anything.
I am still the same me, which is a blessing for everyone!! In order to celebrate I think I am going to buy a flat screen TV. Yep, it is now out and in the open. I said to myself, "Pete.... why a flat screen, why now?" So of course I answered myself, "Pete.... because you can and you should." So after class tonight, I will make the purchase. This is only one of two of flat screens coming to North 25th Dale. Our recent bedroom revamp now allows for 50" to 60" TV over our LOVE sofa. Nice!!! Can a happy couple like us ask for anything more exciting? Probably, but for right now it is about the TV.
One final thought... Thank you Shannon for allowing God to move in heart. :)
My Girl is the sweetest two year old ever. I love her more than I could have ever imagined possible. My best time with Emily is sharing ice cream at Dairy Queen after school. We usually don't tell the other two, because its our special time and they don't need to know. I look forward to fixing Emily's hair and occasionally painting her toe nails.
My little young man is totally the coolest kid on the block. Andrew is respectful, smart, good looking, and for the most part makes other five year old's look dumb (okay that is not true, but funny). He is learning his sight words very quickly and thinks he knows how to snap his fingers even though we don't hear anything.
I am still the same me, which is a blessing for everyone!! In order to celebrate I think I am going to buy a flat screen TV. Yep, it is now out and in the open. I said to myself, "Pete.... why a flat screen, why now?" So of course I answered myself, "Pete.... because you can and you should." So after class tonight, I will make the purchase. This is only one of two of flat screens coming to North 25th Dale. Our recent bedroom revamp now allows for 50" to 60" TV over our LOVE sofa. Nice!!! Can a happy couple like us ask for anything more exciting? Probably, but for right now it is about the TV.
One final thought... Thank you Shannon for allowing God to move in heart. :)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Everything Changes Soon or Later
Everything changes (except for my charming personality, which I will keep) and it is fun to be part of the process: Anna returning to work, no more child care in our home, Andrew starting school, Emily going to preschool, re-arranging the rooms in our house (new colors and a few new pieces), & vacations with our special kids.
Our trip to the beach has been totally awesome. Yes the seafood every evening has spoiled us, but experiencing rest and relaxation at the ocean could not get any better. I have great memories of the beach with my parents growing up and it is now awesome to create the same with my kids.
Already have reservations for next summer!!! We may even become residents of South Carolina one day. Possibilities are endless.
Our trip to the beach has been totally awesome. Yes the seafood every evening has spoiled us, but experiencing rest and relaxation at the ocean could not get any better. I have great memories of the beach with my parents growing up and it is now awesome to create the same with my kids.
Already have reservations for next summer!!! We may even become residents of South Carolina one day. Possibilities are endless.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
the last vacation of the summer
it's hot & muggy mess here but well worth the 2100 mile journey to get here... Litchfield Beach rocks and we are having a blast. Anna and I both are both beach bums when we get a chance and luckily for us, Andrew and Emily are following right in our footsteps. There is nothing better than heat exhaustion, sunburn, and sandy shorts in 100 degree weather. I love leaving hot phoenix and coming to hot South Carolina where I get to use my southern drawl and eat all the seafood I want. The crab legs we ate last night were incredible.
Now that Anna is teaching during the school year, we will be staying in VA for 6 weeks during the summer and of course one of those weeks will be at the beach.
This is living!!!! We love it!
Now that Anna is teaching during the school year, we will be staying in VA for 6 weeks during the summer and of course one of those weeks will be at the beach.
This is living!!!! We love it!
Friday, April 22, 2011
operation six pack
operation six pack begins today..... six abs in six weeks in preparation for a fabulous summer
Why abs, why now?
Thanks for asking... With Anna's recent Zumba craze, it would look better if we both have washboard's when we lay poolside at the Planet and when we take the boy and girl to enjoy the recently renovated water park down the street.
This is the summer for outdoor fun. Of course.......... plenty of Arbonne sunscreen for my pasty white skin!!
Mom we are posting pics soon!
Why abs, why now?
Thanks for asking... With Anna's recent Zumba craze, it would look better if we both have washboard's when we lay poolside at the Planet and when we take the boy and girl to enjoy the recently renovated water park down the street.
This is the summer for outdoor fun. Of course.......... plenty of Arbonne sunscreen for my pasty white skin!!
Mom we are posting pics soon!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Im so thankful...
This past weekend I spent two days creating an outdoor living space for the four of us to enjoy. I love this time of year when the leaves are coming out and everything turns green. This year we have a good mixture of different shrubs, flowers and bushes (most of which have incredible blooms). Two of the new comers to the backyard are rose bushes. We planted a yellow rose bush in honor of my mother-in-law, Mama Lou and a pink rose bush in honor of my mother, Nanny Phyllis. These are two incredible women whom I absolutely adore and I can never repay the love we receive from the two of them. We love having Mama Lou in our home (not to mention she thinks I am funny). She is always welcome anytime she wants to come. Even though Nanny Phyllis does not get to visit as often, she spends many hours on the phone with us and we appreciate the time we do get to spend with her.
 |
| Our spring flowers |
I am lucky to have a wife like Anna who is full of honor and always demonstrates her Christ likeness. Anna models her life after the strong example of her parents. We love you Anna and I know your heart is where is it supposed to be. I am looking forward to the summer months and everything we have planned. I mostly enjoy the balance you bring to our home. THANK YOU for being YOU!!! I wouldn't have it any other way. Our recent trip to VA was only the start to a fun summer. You deserve a good time and I am going to make sure you have one! There are greater things yet to come..... Yes I will take you to New York City and yes we will see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.
I am thankful for our home, the opportunities I have to teach and my recent promotion at my full time job. I am thankful for the ability to experience life to its fullest and experience Christ abundantly. I am thankful for my two wonderful children. I am thankful for the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the eternal salvation I have in him alone. I am thankful for his mercy and undeserving love.
Friday, April 15, 2011
what does shopping and vacation have in common?
Clothes are ridiculously overpriced. Rarely do I ever purchase a piece of clothing unless it's an absolute must have. Even if then, I shrug at paying retail. To help eliminate the possibility of being lured into paying more then I should, I simply avoid going to the Banana, Van Huesen, JcPenny, Jared Jewelry, and others I choose not to mention. Until.............
THE SALE!!!!!!!!!!! Everything eventually gets marked down, prices are slashed, coupons rain from the heavens, special deals are presented.... and then it's time to look like a million dollars! ...but of course only pay what the threads are really worth.
If I frequent a store, I always sign up for the "frequent flyer card." You know what I mean... it is similar to flying Southwest Airlines and being rewarded for flying with an airline that knows how to do it right. Most reward cards are (at least should be) free to sign up and you build points toward free merchandise. The trick is to use the card on those several SALE trips you make 2 - 3 times a year. I will usually purchase around $1,500 of clothing at Van Huesen a year and only pay around $250. .... then I receive $100 in rewards because I used my frequent flyer card. Pretty smart huh? I will wait for the next 70% off sale and get an additional $300 worth of clothes for "FREE". Overall I get $1,800 worth of clothes for $250.
Our recent trip to Van Huesen was so much fun. Both Anna and I needed some summer clothes. We purchased $1,068.80 worth of clothes and only paid $277.57. That is a savings of $791.23, which we are using toward our Viva Las Vegas crazy vacation.
Not a bad deal, if you are just willing to wait for good clothes and a good time.
THE SALE!!!!!!!!!!! Everything eventually gets marked down, prices are slashed, coupons rain from the heavens, special deals are presented.... and then it's time to look like a million dollars! ...but of course only pay what the threads are really worth.
If I frequent a store, I always sign up for the "frequent flyer card." You know what I mean... it is similar to flying Southwest Airlines and being rewarded for flying with an airline that knows how to do it right. Most reward cards are (at least should be) free to sign up and you build points toward free merchandise. The trick is to use the card on those several SALE trips you make 2 - 3 times a year. I will usually purchase around $1,500 of clothing at Van Huesen a year and only pay around $250. .... then I receive $100 in rewards because I used my frequent flyer card. Pretty smart huh? I will wait for the next 70% off sale and get an additional $300 worth of clothes for "FREE". Overall I get $1,800 worth of clothes for $250.
Our recent trip to Van Huesen was so much fun. Both Anna and I needed some summer clothes. We purchased $1,068.80 worth of clothes and only paid $277.57. That is a savings of $791.23, which we are using toward our Viva Las Vegas crazy vacation.
Not a bad deal, if you are just willing to wait for good clothes and a good time.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Why Vegas? Why Now?
Planet Hollywood
Luke and Shannon
Mystère Cirque du Soleil
Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular
It's Time!!
And we are happy to share it with two great people!
Viva Las Vegas
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Bruschetta worth losing sleep over....
Bruschetta (taken from the Greek word bruschetta) is one of my personal food choices that I absolutely am willing to lose sleep over. Matter of fact, bruschetta should have its own food group. Used mostly as an appetizer, bruschetta from Sauce can save your marriage, build stronger relationships with your children, provide motivation to work out, and most importantly encourage your walk with the Lord.
We frequent Sauce at least once a week (we have a line item for Sauce in our budget) and always look forward to same meal with every visit:
2 Caprese Bruschetta (1 is not enough and I don't share very well nor will I)
2 Chicken Pine Nut Salads (dressing on the side for Anna as she works hard to look as good as she does)
1 Pepperonini and Mushroom Pizza (must have if you like thin crust)
Side of Pasta with Red Sauce (Andrew's Favorite)
Emily likes it all!!!!
.....you will take one bit of the caprese bruschetta and scream out "Thank You Jesus" the same way you did when you accepted him as your Lord and Savior. If for any reason you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior, I will meet you at Sauce to go over the details where we can break bread (bruschetta) together......
Like a moth to the flame, you will find yourself returning again and again to that pizza palace. Go ahead spend the money, treat yourself, and enjoy some bruschetta from Sauce. We do and we never regret it! You can purchase $100 Sauce Gift Card at Costco and only pay $80. What a steal!!!! What a deal!!!!
Oh........ and by the way, I forgot to mention......... I really like bruschetta.
We frequent Sauce at least once a week (we have a line item for Sauce in our budget) and always look forward to same meal with every visit:
2 Caprese Bruschetta (1 is not enough and I don't share very well nor will I)
2 Chicken Pine Nut Salads (dressing on the side for Anna as she works hard to look as good as she does)
1 Pepperonini and Mushroom Pizza (must have if you like thin crust)
Side of Pasta with Red Sauce (Andrew's Favorite)
Emily likes it all!!!!
.....you will take one bit of the caprese bruschetta and scream out "Thank You Jesus" the same way you did when you accepted him as your Lord and Savior. If for any reason you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior, I will meet you at Sauce to go over the details where we can break bread (bruschetta) together......
Like a moth to the flame, you will find yourself returning again and again to that pizza palace. Go ahead spend the money, treat yourself, and enjoy some bruschetta from Sauce. We do and we never regret it! You can purchase $100 Sauce Gift Card at Costco and only pay $80. What a steal!!!! What a deal!!!!
Oh........ and by the way, I forgot to mention......... I really like bruschetta.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
I look forward to....
....starting my day with a cup of joe; Dunkin' Donuts Coffee to be exact. It is truly the best part of waking up. The joy of downing a half cup of java and a half cup of creamer as Anna, Andrew and Emily roll out of bed into the reality of yet another day in the Leonard house. I love drinking a second cup as I read the Bible and ask God to bless my wife and children. Somehow I believe coffee makes everything better in the morning. I'm not sure why, but I am grateful for those two cups.
....coming home in the evening and being greeted by absolutely the best wife and mother anyone can ever brag about. Anna always has a healthy (just to die for) meal on the table. I am convinced she gets her cooking skills from her father. The freshness of dinner is always different and special. Anna keeps three other children in addition to our two during the week and still manages to keep the house looking spotless, cuts coupons for our weekend deals at Wal-mart (which includes price matching by the way) and takes Andrew back and forth to pre-school. I can't brag enough about this lovely lady and how she has blessed this family. Not to mention my parents think she is the BOMB!
....coming home in the evening and being greeted by absolutely the best wife and mother anyone can ever brag about. Anna always has a healthy (just to die for) meal on the table. I am convinced she gets her cooking skills from her father. The freshness of dinner is always different and special. Anna keeps three other children in addition to our two during the week and still manages to keep the house looking spotless, cuts coupons for our weekend deals at Wal-mart (which includes price matching by the way) and takes Andrew back and forth to pre-school. I can't brag enough about this lovely lady and how she has blessed this family. Not to mention my parents think she is the BOMB!
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