anti-winter antics

Even though winter hasn't technically been around all that long, but it sure feels like the land of the eternal winter tundra of frigidity. No more snow! No more ice! No more tundra like temperatures! What better way to say 'nyet' to summer than a little sun, flip flops, mopeds and surf? Bring it on!

My body shuns the cold and a little sun seriously goes a long way. Even in the midst of twenty degree weather with snow and ice at every turn, having had a little splash of sun and a whole lot of ocean saturation has me not feeling so anti-Jersey right now. But I have to admit, there was a part of me contemplating the epic possibility of living in a tropical paradise with flip flops, a moped, surfboards and selling baked goods from a little hut 231 feet from the beach. This chick can dream!

Until that day arrives I will savor these treks and times away to recharge and soak in a little sun to keep my positive vibe in check. Very grateful and blessed for a weekend get away with the coolest dude around : ) 

Good Cooking

As a kid, some of my favorite memories consist of my mom in the kitchen baking, cooking and always whipping something up. Even now, as an adult, there is something comforting in just watching her do her magic and where she seems so very comfortable. In the past few years I finally have a grasp of why so many hours were spent laboring over what I perceived to be limited to breakfast, lunch, dinner and deserts. 

The funny thing is, I get it now. I was blessed with years of meals around the table catching up on the days happenings, laughing with a big bowl of popcorn in front of the tv and the precious moments of sipping hot chocolate after an afternoon of sledding with my sisters. 

At thirty six years old I find myself mimicking all those things I never really understood until now. It is in my own kitchen that I spend most of my time when home. It isn't out of obligation. It isn't out of necessity. I find a sense of joy and fulfillment that words can't do justice. To have the opportunity to pass on the comforts, memories and beauty connected with my own kitchen is pretty awesome. The pancakes, hot chocolate and brownies will keep rolling out of the Patterson compound for years to come and with it my hope that all the goodness will be attached. 

132 hours

Sometimes the distance between Virginia and Jersey can seem so vast. It can be tough on my heart, but I never take for granted the days I am given to spend with my parents, sister and the little dudes. So having 132 hours with them over break was nothing short of awesome. The temps were low, but our stoke was high.  

I find solace in having coffee with my mom by the fire, chatting about God and cattle with my dad, collecting eggs with the nephews and riding in the car to the farmer's market with my sister. Little things that mean the world to me.

Every holiday is a blessing. Each day is a gift. I love the beauty and crazy of family. I find joy in watching Tristan walking side by side with my dad to herd cattle or Gabe helping Jess feed newborn calves. My heart is at peace in the kitchen with my mom doing dishes or watching her whip up another yummy meal. I am blessed and thankful.

So with a New Year approaching I am appreciative for my family in Jersey and Virginia. I am excited for the new chapter ahead, but grateful for a pretty great year. Bring on 2014!