Thursday, March 25, 2010

"No Complaining"

The company I work for asked everyone to read the book titled "The No Complaining Rule". It's a very easy read and WOW it sure opened my eyes. I was immediately convicted by the Lord. I should not have to learn about not complaining in a book. I should already stand apart in that area simply because I am a follower of Christ. My life should already look different and be different.
So today was my first "No Complaining Day". I caught myself one time and didn't complain and honestly my WHOLE day was blessed by it. Not to say that there was not the urge to complain because of course there was but the entire day just looked different because my mindset was different. Tomorrow will begin day two and I PRAY that it goes on for a week, a month, a year and a lifetime.
I know 100% that it will NOT happen apart from Christ. Lord, thank You for being in complete control. Thank You for desiring to help us in all areas of life. I love You!

Until next time-
Les

My Current Playlist

Here's what I'm listening to right now:

1. Passion Awakening CD: especially Healing in your hands, Our God, and Where the Spirit of the Lord is, and Like a Lion
2. Reign in Us by Starfield
3. God Gave me You by Dave Barnes
4. Still Calls Me Son by John Waller
5. Unredeemed by Selah
6. I'd Need a Savior by Among the Thirsty
7. What Faith Can Do by Kutless
8. Feels like Home by Edwina Hayes
9. Love Has Come by Mark Schultz
10. No Not One by Christy Nockels
11. Something Beautiful by Needtobreathe

Check some of these songs out!

Until next time-
Les

Monday, March 22, 2010

Birthdays!!!!

Any of you who have known me for any length of time know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Birthdays!!! I love my birthday, I love your birthday, I love EVERYONE'S birthday!!

This week, I am SUPER excited because it's my man's birthday!!!! MM's birthday is Friday, March 26th! I have planned a pretty great surprise birthday treat for him. He knows that we are doing "something" for his birthday but he doesn't know what. I absolutely know he will love it! His brother, sister, brother-in-law and one of our friends will be able to be a part as well. Matt's excited because I'm excited which makes me even more excited!

I can't wait to blog about the details of the day. Have an INCREDIBLE week!

Until next time-
Les

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

"Excuse Me"

The other day, one of my patients burped during therapy. I said, "Say 'Excuse me'". She said "Excuse me, My manners aren't very good"

SOOOO Cute!

Until next time-
Les

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Cruising with the Madre!!!

On March 1st, I took my Mom on a cruise for her birthday. In November of last year, I just decided that I really wanted to do something special for my mom. She has done so much for me in my lifetime so far and I just wanted to give her back a little bit of what she has given me. It was her first cruise and she loved it!

We had the absolute best time. We relaxed to the fullest...slept late, ate often, read books, enjoyed sunrises, slept with the balcony door open, laughed much, enjoyed sunsets, etc., etc., etc.

It was one of the most relaxing trips I've ever been on for sure!

Here are a few pictures from our adventure!

This was when we were getting on the boat. We were soooooo excited!!!


This is Mom when we were leaving the dock. She was like a little kid!

Mom was so embarrassed that I brought the life jackets down for the drill. I had no idea that we didn't have to bring them. She didn't want to be seen with me!

Dressed for dinner on Day #1.

One example of the beautiful scenery we saw so much!
Example #2
Mom and Daughter!!! I love that Lady!

I zoomed too much accidentally but Mom liked it so I kept it.

Just a little fun in Cozumel.
I took several pictures with each towel animal every night. Mom enjoyed seeing them too.
My best elephant impression. It needs a little work.
Mother/Daughter love. We decided that this was the best picture we have ever take together.

We enjoyed each other's company so much.

It was a great trip but it was also good to be home. I drove back to Montgomery the day we got back to surprise M-squared at work. He wasn't expecting me until Sunday. I met him in the parking lot when he got off and he looked at me with a shocked look on his face like he didn't recognize me. Then he said "You came home early". It was excellent and well worth the 5 hour drive!

Until next time-
Les

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Real Update soon!

There will be a real update soon including cruise pictures but for now...I'm doing well. Catching up on things after my vacation, easing back into reality, loving the Passion Awakening CD, spending some excellent quality time with M-squared, preparing for the upcoming wedding season between now and the 4th of July. etc, etc etc...Everything is good!

Until next time-
Les

Friday, February 26, 2010

A quiz

1.

What time is it

4:38 p.m.

2.

What's your full name?

Leslie Anne Latino

3.

What are you most afraid of

lizards, spiders, and fire

4.

What's the most recent movie you've seen

New Movie: The Rocketeer

Any movie: My Girl 2

5.

Where were you born?

Hammond, LA

6.

Favorite food

Mashed Potatoes

7.

What's your natural hair color

red

8..

Ever been skinny dipping

yes

9.

Love someone so much it made you cry?

I'm not sure on that one...maybe

10.

Ever been in a car accident ?

yes

11.

Croutons or bacon bits

depends where I am but most likely croutons

12.

Ever been on a ship

Yes and I'm going again next week with Mi Madre for her birthday!

13.

Favorite Flower

roses or tulips, I think

14.

Favorite day of the week

Sunday

15.

Favorite sport to watch

Football...What a crazy question to ask a southern girl

16.

Warner Brothers or Disney

Disney

17.

Favorite restaurant

I don't know that I have a favorite. Depends on what kind of food mood I'm in

18.

Favorite drink

Crystal Light Peach Tea

19.

Favorite ice cream

Cookies and Cream

20.

What color is your bedroom carpet

cream sorta kinda

21.

Who will respond to this e-mail the quickest?

This is not an e-mail it is a blog silly survey person

22.

Who will be the last to respond?

see above

23.

Who is the person that you are most curious to see their responses

see above above

24.

How many times did you fail your driver's test

Never...really???

25.

Last person you went to dinner with

Matt or Su...not sure

26.

Favorite TV Show

what's TV???

27.

What do you want to do before you die

Plenty of things...

28.

Before this one, from whom you get your last e-mail

IDK...this is silly!

29.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

God :)

30.

Park or Zoo

Zoo!

31.

Have you been overseas?

Just on a cruise

32.

What do you do when you are bored

Play around on the computer, read, take naps :)

33.

What are your favorite colors

orange and purple but not together

34..

How many people are you sending this e-mail to?

SEE ABOVE :)

35.

Your usual Bedtime

It used to be early but things change...:)

36.

How many tattoos do you have .

None, thankyouverymuch

37.

How many pets do you have

None...Just don't have time right now

38.

Time you finished this survey

4:45 p.m.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

You gotta start somewhere

I feel like these words have been my famous last words over the last 2 months or so...

"You gotta start somewhere"

I feel like this applies in every area of life. Or maybe I should say, the Lord has shown me that this applies in every area of my life.

In relationships...you gotta start somewhere.
In learning something new...you gotta start somewhere.
In taking a trip...you gotta start somewhere.
In making a life changing decision...you gotta start somewhere.
In everything...you gotta start somewhere.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Turkey Pot Pie

So.......Last week I baked a turkey and I was super proud of myself. It was a milestone for me. I was pumped and then I realized that I had a TON of turkey and I had no idea what to do with it. Mom suggested a pot pie so I got a recipe from one of the girls at work and it was TERRIFIC (according to M-Squared). Here's the recipe:

Turkey/Chicken Pot Pie
(Makes 2 pies)
1 stick of margarine
8 tablespoons of flour
1 teaspoon salt
pepper
4 boiled eggs (I used 6)
boiled/baked turkey, chopped
4 cups chicken stock
Ready made pie crust (I got two deep dish frozen already made crusts and then a box of refrigerated pie crusts to put over the top.)

1. Melt butter in stock on low to medium.
2. Add salt and pepper.
3. Slowly add flour a small amount at a time. Stir constantly until thick. (I turned the heat up to thicken it)
4. Put turkey (or chicken) in the bottom of the dish.
5. Add chopped eggs on top.
6. Pour flour mixture on top.
7. Place pie crust on top.
8. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes until crust is brown.

I added corn and peas to mine as well. It was AMAZING, at least in my opinion!

Until next time-
Les

Things I love...

Jesus...
Landau Scrubs...
Tagalong Girl Scout Cookies...
My momma...
Vacations...
My job...
Tagalong Girl Scout Cookie Ice Cream...
Cooking...
Friends...
Growing in Christ....
Fellowship...
Hanging out with M-squared...
Clean Sheets...
My Daddy...
iPhone apps...
Baking...
Naps...
New revelations...
Life...

Until next time-
Les

Friday, February 19, 2010

What will be said...

A recent sermon challenged me to think about the things I would want to have said about me once my days on this earth were over. He gave a list of 8 main words that he wanted to have said about him...I am not an 8 word kind of girl but here is what I've been thinking...

Leslie Anne Latino
loved deeply...
gave generously...
trusted the Lord in all things...
was a blessing to those around her...
made a difference in the lives of those she was surrounded by (friends, family, strangers, patients)...
honored the Lord...
maintained purity...
sacrificed for the Kingdom of God...
honored her parents...
worshipped freely and in spirit and truth...
was faithful to her calling...
was a daughter of the King...

Just some thoughts.

Until next time-
Les

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Pictures...In completely random order!

These pictures are completely random but here they are!!! We took these on our Valentine's!

The Kingdom of Heaven

During the sermon on Sunday I was reminded by the Lord that I need to be looking for him everywhere. Here are some places I've seen him just in the last few days....

In a conversation with an old friend from home...
In a sweet session with a precious patient of mine...
In the sickness of another person which opened a door for me. Crazy, I know, but God uses all things...
In the encouragement of my sweet boyfriend when I so didn't deserve it...
In the conversation with my sweet friend, Jill...I'm so proud of her spiritual growth...
In the excitement of my dear friends...
In the face of my sweet O-man! (He's really Mandy and Jeff's)
In the excitement of my first turkey cooking adventure...

Seriously, God is everywhere. I'm grateful He has allowed me a page in His story...

Until next time-
Les

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Valentine's Day aka Valentine's Eve Eve

Well, hello sweet friends!!! I intended for this blog to have TONS of pictures but for some reason, I'm having issues with the pictures. I'm sure it's a user error!

Here is a quick rundown of my Valentine's.

Matt and I had decided that Friday, February 12th would be our Valentine's because he had to work on Saturday and Sundays are typically just busy by nature. It worked out well because we both got off of work early because of the snow. Matt came over to my apt. about 1:00 and he, Su, and I went to play in the snow. I threw snowballs at him and he let me. He made a snow angel and we built a small and cute snowman with a cooked carrot nose and peanut butter M&M's eyes and mouth. After our snow extravaganza, we came inside and hung out, drinking tea and playing with iPhone apps! I know, look out!!! About 5:00, he started cooking dinner which consisted of a greek chicken dish with orzo pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese. OH MY! It was so good! I "made" dessert which was girl scout cookies and king cake. I know, I know...I went all out for my man! Then we watched the movies "Fireproof" and "My Girl". It was so nice because neither of us had anywhere to be early on Saturday so we could just hang out Friday night and enjoy each other. It was a blessing.

Oh yeah, we exchanged gifts too. Matt gave me a journal (which he didn't let me keep. That's a story for another day), a card, a poem and SOME REESE PEANUT BUTTER HEARTS!!!!!!!!!!

It was a great day. As we both reflected on the day, we both had the same response..."God is so good to us"

Until next time-
Les

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Oh My!

Here is a picture of the sweet treat I received on Saturday!




Until next time-
Les

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Amazing Video....

This video blew me away...Check it out!


Until next time-
Les

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Awards!!! OH MY!!

Today, I got my first (and second) blog award!!! I'm so excited, you would think it was Christmas. Recently, a couple of "speechies" (Rachel and Ashley) that I have never met began following my blog. I've been so blessed by them-it's almost ridiculous!
About this award...apparently there are some rules. I'm supposed to give props to 7 blogs that I love to read and I'm supposed to provide you with 7 amazingly awesome random facts about myself....Brace yourselves!!!

Props #1
My girl Ashley...http://heartsetonhim.blogspot.com/...Ashley and I met when I was in graduate school. We became instant friends. She is super encouraging to me. Our friendship has changed a great deal since I've moved but I still adore her. Her blog is always eye opening and makes me think about life in general! Love you so much Ash!!!

Props #2
Rachel....http://the-pugh-family.blogspot.com/....One of the fellow "speechies" who gave me my first (or second) blog award! This girl is pretty amazing. I enjoy reading her blog and seeing a woman who is so deeply in love with her creator and so deeply in love with her husband as well. It makes me look forward to what could be for me some day. It's pretty cool how the Lord can draw us "speechies" together.

Props #3
Lindsey...http://lindseyandpaulfisher.blogspot.com/...Another "speechie"...Lindsey taught me everything I know :). Lindsey was my supervisor at HealthSouth in the summer of '08. I've been blessed by her blog because it's all about her precious sweet baby. I love to get her updates and see how excited she and Paul are about their baby girl!

Props #4
Ashley...http://amorganslp.blogspot.com/...The 3rd and final "speechie" of the night. SLP's sure can blog. Oh my!!! Nothing like a woman who can be open, honest, real and so encouraging. Enjoy reading her blog each and every time I see an update!!

Props #5
Mandy Moody...http://thatmoodyfamily.blogspot.com/...One of my best friends here in Montgomery. She does not blog much but it's because she is such a good mom to Ollie and wife to Jeff. Mandy constantly lifts me up. I love her because she is completely honest all of the time and that rocks my socks!!

Props #6
Jessika...http://wheregraceoverflows.blogspot.com/...Jessika is married to a guy that I met when I was in Monroe for graduate school...OH MY! I just remembered that she is a "speechie" too!!!!!!! Jessika is precious. She loves her God and her husband A LOT! I love her encouraging and funny words. Always makes me smile.

Props #7
Daphne...http://apollosgal.blogspot.com/...I met Daphne when I was interning at Trace Crossings Elementary school. She recently adopted a son from Ethiopia and her blog is all about BEN! I love reading of the adventures they have and seeing her love for him through her words. It's awesome!!!

Now for the super duper amazing fun part!!!

Random thought #1 about me...Kinda heavy, but it's the first thing that popped into my head. I've never kissed a guy before (besides my Daddy) and I'm blessed to say that I will save that first kiss for the man I marry. Thank you, Lord for protecting me.

Random thought #2 about me...I was 19 before I ever flew in an airplane. My first trip was to California all by myself!!!

Random thought #3 about me...I prefer baths to showers. I usually take a bath every night and lean over the tub in the morning to wash my hair. The house I grew up in only had a bathtub and no shower so I guess that's where it started from...who knows!

Random thought #4 about me...I love jewelry...It makes me excited. It doesn't have to be fancy jewelry but putting jewelry on just makes me feel better. I like to wear jewelry with my scrubs.

Random thought #5 about me...I'd love to visit my Compassion child in Thailand one day.

Random thought #6 about me...I hate pickles and mustard.

Random thought #7 about me...I love movies but it seems that any time someone asks me about a particular movie, I haven't seen it. Funny to me...

***This post has been fun. I am super duper pumped about my Blog awards. I feel so....special!!!!

Until next time-
Les