California Bound

In just two days I will be arriving in Southern California. I am going there to help my Mom move out of her appartment and into her new home that the Lord has blessed her with. I haven't been back to Southern Cali now for a year and three months so I am really looking forward to this trip. Living this far from my hometown and more importantly my family has been really tough especially being this far away from my Mom! This is the first time that I have lived almost 3,000 miles away from her and hopefully it will be the last as this is just too far! ;)

I wanted to take this time and update my friends and family that may or may not know about the challenges that my Mom has been facing in these last couple of years. She has been looking to purchase a house now ever since Richie and I moved to North Carolina back in April of 2007. We have all been praying that God would put her where He saw fit and God willing one day she would be able to own a house again and begin a new chapter in her life. I must admit I was growing a tad impatient and was wondering what God was doing and if His timing would ever prevail. But atlas as always God's grace proved to be ever sufficient and He had just the right house in mind for my Mom. She has had one of the fastest escrow's in history I do believe and is about to receive the keys to her new home any day now. We are hoping to go there Friday evening or Saturday morning after I arrive there in California. Yes she is waiting to turn her key for the first time until I am there with her and I am sooo honored by her decision to do so. I stand amazed once again by God and I have felt His prescence with her through this whole process and I praise Him for His answers to our many prayers!! Now I continue on to the biggest prayer request right now that is much needed, my Mom's job situation.

Oh where do I begin with this issue?! As many of you know my Mom works for San Bernardino county and has for some time now. She is now in the management field in the Medical Records department at a local medical center. She is under an EXTREME amount of stress there and the department is in complete chaos. The people who are in higher management are completely unable to please and they act more like tyrants than fellow employees. They yell at not only their office workers but more importantly their supervisors, which is where my Mom is grouped. This stress has caused many health problems and challenges for several of the employees in that office. One lady has had significant heart distress and many of them have suffered severe headaches, stomach problems, nerves that are on edge, and have a hard time functioniong while at work and often times even away from the office as well. There are a few individuals who have processed transfer papers and are willing to go to another office to escape the absolute chaos. My Mom is one of those individuals. She has been told that she is the 17th supervisor there in the last two years and that she has now lasted the longest, I know sad huh?! This has made me angry at them but more importantly I am greatly concerned about my Mom's health. Her blood pressure has raised since working there and she has been dealing with a few health concerns for awhile all because of her job! So my prayer is that God will place her in a new job position that will not be nearly as stressful as this one is and where she can finish her last few years working for the county before retiring. Please I ask all of you, friends and family to pray with me about this issue. I ask that you will lift her up to the Lord and ask for God's will to be done. Just as He placed her in her new home, I ask that He will deliever her from this work environment quickly in order for her health to improve. If you have any prayer lists at your local church could you please put my Mom on there for me? She needs all the prayers she can get and I know she would really appreciate it a lot as I do as well. Father we lift up my Mom to you right now and we ask that you will intervene and deliever my Mom from this awful situation at work. I ask that your will be done and I ask that you give her the strength to be able to hang in there until something else comes available. In your precisous name I pray, AMEN!! Thank you all for praying with me and for my Mom. I know God is going to do a mighty work in her life as He already has! He is mighty to save indeed!!


Blessings to you and your family,

~Lori Fender

Fender Facts

Okay I know, I know, it has been a long time since I have blogged. I can't tell you how many emails I have received asking me why I haven't blogged in a long time. The truth is life has just been overwhelming for me the past few months. I have been living in the fast lane for sure!! It reminds me of that Alabama song, "I'm In A Hurry To Get Things Done(Oh,) I Rush & Rush Until Life's No Fun, All I Really Gotta Do Is Live Die But, I'm In A Hurry & Don't Know Why. I thought that I would update some of the happenings that have gone on in the Fender household and I promise I will get back to blogging more frequently!

• Richie got on with a marketing firm in Rocky Mount, NC and is interning for them. He has already gained a ton of experience and they have appreciated having him there. This was an answer to prayer and we are very grateful for this opportunity.
• Richie is now a senior at North Carolina Wesleyan College and is still making the honor list and has every term since he started there. I am VERY proud of him!!
• Richie works full-time for his Mom's family business and he gives back on a daily basis doing all kinds of duties for the family. I work there part-time and help as much as I can.
• Richie & I are working hard to eat healthier and incorporate exercise in our daily lifestyle.
• Richie & my Mom surprised me for my birthday and she flew here for a visit. It was the best birthday gift ever and I was very surprised and really enjoyed her visit, she even brought her mini long haired dachshund. The 3 of the dogs enjoyed that a ton!
• Richie and I are working very hard to pay things down and prepare for our move. We ask that you all pray for God to continue to lead us where He wants us. Just when we think we know where we are going God shows us something else and we have to re-focus. God please lead us and may we do your will!
• Richie & I haven't taken any trips yet and though we love to travel we are limiting our travels to a minimum due to saving for paying bills off and saving for a move. I'm sure we will take a weekend trip for our anniversary and we already have tickets for December to fly to CA for 10 days. YAY! :)

I do believe that is it for now. We are plugging along and working hard to get where we need to be. Life is certainly busy and we are constantly working towards a new chapter in our lives. The Fender household is never still for too long. God may we glorify you and may you continue to mold us and use us for your will! We hope you are all doing well. I do promise that I will be blogging more and keeping in touch better. May God bless you and your family and may you find comfort in Him!

Blessings,

Lori Fender

2009 NBA Final Predictions

My final prediction is.............The Los Angeles Lakers become the 2009 NBA Champions!!!! After a long hard season I believe that the Lakers will indeed prevail yet once again. I've been a Los Angeles Lakers fan my whole life and I have seen them defy the odds. They have played with guys injured and with tragedies that happened off the court but make no mistake, they have NEVER given up!! This is one team that fights to the end and works the hardest out of any team in the NBA! It's time to root on our purple and gold and watch them yet again defy the odds and win another NBA Championship. Now with Andrew Bynum back in the lineup this team is more stronger and hungrier than ever. Goooooooooooooooooooo Lakers!!!!!!!!

~Lori Fender

2009 NBA Predictions for the Playoffs:Round 2

Here are my predictions for the 2nd round of the NBA Playoffs. May the best team win! Gooo Lakers!!! :)

My predictions for Round 1 of the 2009 Playoffs are.........

Here are my predictions for the 2009 NBA Playoffs: Round 1

2009 NBA Playoffs Bracket

GOOOO LAKERS!!!

Lakers Trade Chris Mihm........

The Los Angeles Lakers have traded center Chris Mihm to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a conditional 2nd round pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, it was announced by General Manager Mitch Kupchak.


Mihm, currently in his 5th season with the Lakers, is averaging 2.0 points, 1.9 rebounds and 5.8 minutes in 18 games this year. His best campaign came in the 2005-06 season, when he averaged 10.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

“The last two years have been difficult and frustrating for Chris in coming back from his ankle injury,” said Kupchak. “But Chris has handled himself with true professionalism the entire time. With the depth of our roster, especially at the center position, Chris has not had the opportunity to play that he deserves. At this point in his career, and especially as someone who will be a free agent this summer, we felt it was in his best interests to go to a team that would give him a chance to play. Chris has made significant contributions to our team over the past five years. We’d like to thank him and wish him the best of luck for the remainder of his career.”



You can ask any player or coach for the Lakers and one thing rings loud and true....everyone loved Chris Mihm. Most of the players said that he was a hard worker, a great teammate, and a terrific all around guy. After having ankle surgery myself I know how hard it can be to get back to your "old-self". It takes a long time to get back to par and often times you are never the same. I've heard of some athletes that had ankle injuries and surgeries that never truly got back to their game. I hope that isn't the case for Chris Mihm. I hope he is able to continue a great career in the sport of basketball and I hope to see him on the court playing great basketball that he is capable of playing. Good luck Chris and may you accomplish all you set out to do! We'll miss you over in Lakerland!

One of the best pie recipes ever!!!

Peanut Butter Pie

Ingredients:

2-3 Oz. Packages of Cream Cheese, softened

1 Cup Peanut Butter (crunchy or smooth, but use a good brand)

1 Cup Powdered Sugar

1 12oz Container of Cool Whip

3 Tbsp Milk

1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together with a mixer until fluffy. Pour into a graham cracker pie crust and chill overnight.


This recipe is not only easy but it tastes oh so good! I had a piece of this luscious pie not long ago at my Mother in law's and it was killer! If you love peanut butter like my family does then this is a pie you will want to try. Just make it one day and chill it overnight and simply enjoy! Try it and let me know what you think......

Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

This particular recipe is done by per serving. So if there is going to be 2 of you eating just double the amount. It is a weight watchers stir-fry recipe and is sooooo good!!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

2 minced garlic cloves, sauteed
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup diced green onions
2 tsp olive oil
1 uncooked chicken breast (skinless & boneless)
1 tbsp teriyaki sauce
1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth

Directions:

Saute the garlic and green onions for a few minutes in the olive oil until they begin to brown slightly. Then add the broccoli florets and carrots and cook for approximately 5-10 minutes depending on how tough you like your vegetables. Then cut the chicken breast up into approx 1" strips. Add the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Simmer on low for approximately 15-20 minutes. Serve over rice. I always serve brown rice with this dish but you can use any type of rice. This is a very good recipe and one that you're whole family will surely enjoy!!

Valentine's Day 2009

This past weekend was absolutely amazing especially Saturday! My husband and I had been waiting for this day for quite some time as we had both made some plans way in advance. We started the day off by going to the NC Auto Show in Raleigh, NC. For those of you that don't know, we absolutely love car shows and just cars in general. I guess you could say I am definitely a bit of a tomboy. At any rate we got to see the new 2010 Chevy Camaro, the new Cadillac CTS-V, which is now the fastest sedan on the road, and the new Corvette that looked more sportier than ever and I truly didn't think that was possible! We also got to go view some classic cars (oldies but goodies) over in the Dorton arena and that was a lot of fun too. Here are a few pics below for you to look at. Hope you enjoy!








After the car show Richie and I headed over to this amazing place called Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. I've always loved a good steak once in awhile but their food was absolutely amazing! We both ordered a filet and we both agreed it was the best steak we had ever tasted. I also found out that they have locations all over the place, including 14 in the state of California! I did not know that at all but after that fantastic dinner I would definitely recommend this awesome steakhouse to anybody. This is a place for special occassions in my opinion but you can go anytime. They treated us so special and it really made a wonderful dinner out with my best friend! :) We had a fabulous time and it was the type of day that you just want to freeze and remember for many days to come. I'll tuck it away in my heart and remain grateful for the time we got to spend together. It was definitely one of those moments that took my breath away!

I hope you had a Happy Valentine's Day. Whether you went out or stayed in at home for the day or evening, I hope it was a good day. For us it reminded us of the love that we have for each other but more importantly the love that Christ has for us! That is the greatest love of all without a doubt!!

All our love,

Richie & Lori Fender

Lakers End Cavaliers 23-0 Home Streak

Even though Kobe Bryant was very sick with flu like symptoms it was the Cleveland Cavaliers that looked like they were sick and were suffering from something unknown.


Some Fun Facts
• The Lakers became the first team in NBA history to win back-to-back games, both on the road, against teams with .800-plus win percentage at least 40 games into the season.
• The Cavaliers lost a home game for the first time since April 16, 2008 against the Pistons in the final game of last year.
• The Lakers finished their road trip with a perfect 6-0 record. The last time the Lakers finished a road trip at least 6-0 was in the 1999-00 season which was the first year of their three straight NBA titles. :) The last team to go at least 6-0 on a road trip was the Mavericks during the 2006-07 season.
• The Lakers held the Cavaliers to a low scoring 30 points in the second half.
• Lamar Odom led the Lakers with 28 points and 17 rebounds, both season highs. Odom had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the third quarter when the Lakers outscored the Cavaliers 31-16 after trailing by 10 at the half.

With Bryant suffering from the flu, Lamar Odom scored a season-high 28 points -- 15 in the third quarter alone and Pau Gasol scored 18 as the streak-busting Los Angeles Lakers dominated the second half and handed Cleveland its first home loss this season, 101-91 on Sunday to complete a 6-0 road trip and it was one heck of a road trip for sure!! The Los Angeles Lakers kept their hard working attitudes in check and won some huge games even with their big center out for a few months due to a serious injury and with their star player, Kobe Bryant so ill he could hardly stand up on the court.



Bryant was not himself. The superstar vomited before the game, shivered with chills throughout and needed intravenous fluids at halftime. But Odom picked up the offensive slack, helped contain LeBron James on defense, and was the biggest factor in the Lakers outscoring the Cavaliers 50-30 after halftime.



"That was one of the best games he's played for us," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said of the enigmatic Odom. "He's had some spectacular games, but that was a terrific game. It was the total package of his game. He broke people down with his speed and quickness to the basket and got some easy shots."


It's been a tough few days for Cleveland. First, guard Mo Williams was bypassed for the second time as an All-Star. Then, James had his apparent historic triple-double in New York downgraded by an NBA review, and now, the Cavaliers have had their invincibility at home stripped by the road-weary Lakers.


"You have to give the Lakers credit," said James, who scored 16 but missed 15 of his 20 field-goal tries. "I missed a lot of easy looks that I usually make."


The Cavaliers came in 23-0 at Quicken Loans Arena, but were stopped by the Lakers, who are gaining a reputation for stopping streaks. They ended Boston's 19-game winning streak on Christmas Day and halted a 12-game run by the Celtics earlier this week. This was Cleveland's first loss at home since Game 5 against Washington in the first round of last season's playoffs. "I didn't want it to happen," James said. "But I'm glad it's over."



The Lakers weren't intimidated at all in one of the NBA's rowdiest arena and went undefeated on a road trip that also included stops in Minnesota, Memphis, New York, Toronto and Boston. Los Angeles' trip started rocky with center Andrew Bynum injuring his knee against the Grizzlies, but it couldn't have ended any better. Beginning with Bryant's record setting 61 point performance against the Knicks, the Lakers have gone 4-0 without Bynum. They didn't commit a turnover in the final 19:28 against the Cavs.


"We're playing for perfection, Odom said, and in order to do that, it takes a lot of energy, focus and commitment to winning and doing whatever it takes. We got production from everyone."



Odom, who added a season-best 17 rebounds, was unstoppable in the third, when the Lakers outscored the Cavaliers 31-16 and turned a 10-point deficit into a 82-77 lead entering the fourth. "I never play the game for stats," Odom said. "It's all about winning."


Cleveland's crowd was at a playoff pitch from the outset for one of the most anticipated games of the season, a matchup of the league's top stars, both leading MVP candidates, and two of the NBA's best teams. But the game never materialized into a Bryant vs. James affair as Odom completely stole the spotlight. Great job Lamar!

NEXT LAKERS GAME: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles Lakers Tues. Feb. 10th 7:30 PM (PST)

Lakers Beat Celtics Again If Even By 1 In OT!!

Ray Allen just got knocked on his back and was still laying down on the court when the Los Angeles Lakers began hugging and chest-bumping under the 2008 NBA Championship banner that was earned at their expense. This was one heck of a game this past Thursday night! My husband and I sat on our couch oohing and ahhing and begging the Lakers to take them down again for the second time this season. You could just see how bad the Lakers wanted this game and especially on the road in Boston.

"I wish we would have come here last year with this kind of attitude," said Pau Gasol, who scored 24 points and 14 rebounds Thursday night to lead the Lakers to a 110-109 overtime victory over Boston.

The Lakers have recovered since their last visit to Boston, a 131-92 loss in Game 6 of last year's NBA Finals.

In a rematch of an NBA finals in which the Celtics out muscled the Lakers to the title, Lamar Odom made a pair of free throws with 16 seconds left in overtime and Los Angeles held on with physical defense against Paul Pierce and Allen that prevented either All-Star from getting off a clean shot.

The loss snapped the Celtics' 12-game winning streak and dropped them to 0-2 against the best in the West. Boston trails the Lakers by percentage points for the best overall record in the NBA, and would lose a tiebreaker for home court advantage in the finals -- if they both make it back.


Kevin Garnett banged his fist on the table in agreement, and then interjected a reminder that seemed to be intended for the locker room across the hall: "We're the champs, man." Well, he may be right because they did win the Championship title last year, however, this is 2009 and so far we have the best record in the entire NBA as well as the West and we will show everybody who is THIS YEAR'S champs! Get ready Boston because the Lakers are ready and willing to take you down!!


Kobe Bryant scored 26 points and had 10 rebounds to help the Lakers take a five-game winning streak into Sunday's game against Cleveland. L.A. also snapped Boston's 19-game winning streak on Christmas Day and sent the Celtics into a 2-7 skid that is the worst stretch of the New Big Three era.















"These games are tough, and they're emotional games and then you play the next night," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers, whose team plays the New York Knicks on Friday night. "We'll try to muster it up and see what we have."

Pierce scored 21, and Allen had 22, but they both missed off-balance shots in the final seconds. Allen was knocked to the court at the buzzer while Boston fans clamored for a foul call, but none came. Rivers was unhappy about the non-call and about the refereeing in general. "I thought it was a hand check; he pushed him the whole way," Rivers said, according to The Boston Globe. "The officials say they don't call the game different from the first quarter to the end of the game, and if that's true, Ray should have been on the free throw line."

All I have to say about that is cry me a river.......build me a bridge........and get over it!!

Does Doc Rivers really think that he and his team are so special that they should get all of the calls to go in his favor? Please!! Last year in the finals the Celtics were getting calls that completely looked staged and the Lakers along with their fans wanted those calls that were CLEARLY fouls but didn't get the calls to go in their favor. So you have to just continue playing the game of basketball and hope that your teams gets the calls.


It was the Lakers' first visit to Boston since a 131-92 embarrassment in Game 6 of the NBA finals that clinched the Celtics' unprecedented 17th league championship. L.A. got a small measure of revenge on Christmas, but even then Boston played a more physical game. "Coming down the streets, staying at the same hotel, I was up last night thinking about the game -- wondering how my teammates would respond. It all came back," Bryant said. "Enough is enough. We were able to match their physical play."


There were two double-technicals -- one of them after Bryant and Rondo were pushing and finger-pointing in the third and enough shoving to pass for a playoff game, but both teams were tired when it ended. Garnett, who missed the previous two games with the flu, scored 16 before fouling out with 4:22 left in the fourth quarter.

Rivers said he felt the officials let the game get out of control in the second half. "I just thought there was a lot of chippiness. It was funny. Thirty seconds into the second half, I yelled out on the floor and said, 'Guys, there's elbows. Clean it up.' I thought we're the retaliators tonight a lot and we got the call obviously."

Bryant, who scored 61 and 36 in his previous two games, hit three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, the last with 1:30 left in regulation and with Paul Pierce in his face he made it 101-100 and that gave the Lakers' their first lead of the half. But after Pierce made one of two free throws with 30 seconds left, Bryant tried to shoot over Pierce again and banged it off the rim. After a timeout with 7.7 seconds left, Pierce dribbled the clock down before Bryant poked the ball away. Eddie House got it and put up a sideways, one-handed 3-point attempt at the buzzer that wasn't close.


One thing was for sure...this game was more like a playoff game and the players as well as their fans really got into it. With hands clinched my husband and I stood up at the end and gave a big BOOYAH!!!!! It was definitely a great basketball game. I am hoping this year the end result will be completely different and it will be the purple and gold bringing home the championship!! :)


The next HUGE matchup will be today (Sunday) at 12:30 PM (PST) against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are the only undefeated team at home in the NBA at 23-0. So this is one game you won't want to miss for sure! GOOO LAKERS!!!!!

Taken took first place this past weekend for a reason

New action adventure film Taken has wrestled the number one spot at the U.S. box office from Kevin James' comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop, taking in $24.6 million in its opening weekend (31Jan/01Feb09). The thriller, starring Liam Neeson and Maggie Grace, nabbed the prize after James scored two weeks at the top spot with his role as an overzealous security guard, with takings of $14 million in his film's third week.


20th Century Fox’s “Taken” posted the second best Superbowl weekend debut behind only “Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour” with an estimated $24.6 million from 3,183 theatres. Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Maggie Grace, Xander Berkeley, Jon Gries and Katie Cassidy star in the Pierre Morel (“District B13,” “From Paris with Love”) helmed film based on the writing by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen (“Transporter” series and “The Fifth Element”).

This is a realistically brutal film about a father hunting down those who kidnapped his daughter for sale in a white slavery ring. Liam Neeson shows both his character's past as a spy and concealed rage at the same time. Liam Neeson does a very solid job, having been trained by a former member of the SAS, at handling the physicality of the role. Taken is by far the most adrenaline pumping, action packed thriller I've seen in awhile. Taken stars Liam Neeson as Brian Mills an ex-black op's agent who while trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter allows her to go to Paris for some fun and relaxation away from home. But as soon as they get there she is kidnapped by a group of men who are involved in human trafficking. Now Brian has less than 48 hours to find her or she's gone forever. Taken is one of the most well made movies to come out this year, it's an amazing thrill ride that you cant miss. I very highly recommend this movie.


Maggie Grace, played Neeson's daughter in the film and she did an outstanding job. She plays a very sheltered 17 year old who is wanting to have that freedom that most teenage girls want to have. She is extremely naive and doesn't realize that bad things can in fact happen to young women in our world. In my opinion she is a vastly underrated talent!! She became more widely known while she stared on ABC's hit show LOST while playing the role of Shannon Rutherford.


The direction is solid on this film. The flash and spin of a car chase is handled, almost mimicked, like Paul Greengrass handled the Bourne films. This film is steeped in realism and the visuals kept in that framework.


Make no mistake, there is a point to this film other than "the end justifies the means" or "a father needs to save his little girl". It also sheds light on the very real threat of young women traveling overseas who get taken for white slavery rings. Do the research on this topic and you may find jarring reports and articles on the subject. This is a very telling and appropriate film for a topic such as this.


This is definitely a must see movie! We, as people in the US, need to see this film to help vent our frustrations on where things are with this country. Call it sympathetic aggression relief if you will. The need to exult at someone doing all that is necessary to save someone they love, someone they would die for, is great right now.


My final review: While I admit to getting in at a discount rate due to using my student ID at the theater I saw the film at, I would pay full price to see this film. A matinee showing is an exceptional deal for this movie. This is not a "must wait for the dollar theater to see it" type of film unless you are financially strapped. I would definitely go and see this movie again and pay full price, that's how good it really was!


The critics:

I am still trying to figure out how critics get hired? This movie is another reason why I don't listen to critics because if I did, I probably wouldn't see it. The average grade for this movie by the critics is a C which is outrageous. This movie has a little bit of everything from action to drama. The acting is great as well. I think a lot of people take for granted how good of an actor Neeson is. I wish these "critics" would give good movies good grades. Don't take my word for it, go see Taken.

Kobe Bryant Shines Against The New York Knicks

The mood for the Los Angeles Lakers was rather bleak after just finding out how serious Andrew Bynum's injury was. The Lakers just learned that center Andrew Bynum has a torn MCL and will be out for approximately two to three months. Kobe Bryant decided to try to lift the mood for the Lakers and he put on a classic and historic scoring display at Madison Square Garden. Kobe Bryant knew with Andrew Bynum being out that he would have to kick it up a notch to get his team going, and he also knew that potential taunts from Spike Lee and Mike D'Antoni could be facing him as well. That gave him plenty of incentive to deliver a special night at Madison Square Garden and he unleashed the biggest game the present building has EVER seen!

Kobe Bryant scored 61 points Monday, breaking the record for a game at the current Madison Square Garden. Bernard King had 60 points for the Knicks on Dec. 25, 1984. Bryant surpassed that mark by hitting two free throws with 2:33 left.

Most Points By Player At Current MSG (Either Team)
61
Kobe Bryant
Feb. 2, 2009
60
Bernard King
Dec. 25, 1984
55
Michael Jordan
March 28, 1995
55
Bernard King
Feb. 16, 1985
52
Jamal Crawford
Jan. 26, 2007


Bryant broke the current arena record with 61 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers looked plenty potent without Bynum in a 126-117 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night. "It's a blessing to do what you love and to have moments like this," Bryant said. Bryant teased and pleased a sold-out crowd that took turns booing him and saluting him with "MVP!" chants during an electrifying performance. He passed Michael Jordan's opponent record of 55 points at the present building, known as "Garden IV," when he hit three free throws with 3:56 remaining, then bettered Bernard King's mark of 60, set on Christmas Day 1984, with two more foul shots with 2:33 to play. Bryant, who also finished with the highest-scoring game in the NBA this season, left to a loud ovation after the 24th 50-point game of his career. It was also his fifth 40-point game here, where the Knicks played their first game in February 1968.


Kobe On Point
Kobe Bryant recorded his fifth career 60-point game on Monday night, the second most in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain's 32.
Most Points By Kobe Bryant
81
Jan. 22, 2006*
65
March 16, 2007*
62
Dec. 20, 2005*
61
Feb. 2, 2009*
60
March 22, 2007*
* -- Won game


It saved him from a rough night with Lee, the director and Knicks superfan he is working on a project with. "On a lighter note, I'm going to review this documentary I'm doing with Spike Lee tonight after the game and I didn't feel like sitting next to him and hearing him talking trash about the Knicks, so that was added incentive as well," Bryant said. "Seriously. He's going to get an earful tonight."


D'Antoni might, too. He's a rival from past postseasons when he was coaching Phoenix and playfully sparred with Bryant as an assistant with the U.S. Olympic team this summer. Bryant said not to underestimate his desire to quiet the coach. "We tried to do the rope-a-dope a little bit where he might shoot himself out, but he didn't," D'Antoni said. "He just kept on going."




Pau Gasol added 31 points and 14 rebounds in the Lakers' first game since losing Bynum, their starting center, for eight to 12 weeks with a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee. They'll be fine without him if Bryant plays the way he did Monday, going 19-of-31 with an array of tough jumpers, powerful drives to the basket and perfect foul shooting. He also hit all 20 free throws.

"He was on fire from the start and finished the game almost the same way," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "That was a remarkable performance." Jackson also was the coach when Michael Jordan set the previous Garden record for most points by an opponent with 55 for Chicago on March 28, 1995. He recalled that Jordan was playing in just his fifth game in 22 months. "He wasn't really totally himself as a player yet," Jackson said. "We just stuck him in the post." He added, "Both remarkable performances."




Bryant said he didn't know Jordan owned that record. "But I watched the game, actually, when he had that game," he said, "just oohing and aahing and just marveling at the performance, as I'm sure we all were."

Bynum was hurt Saturday at Memphis when Bryant missed a driving shot, then crashed into his leg. The center isn't expected to need surgery and said he was confident he would return in time for the playoffs.



Fun Facts
• Los Angeles has now won four straight vs. the Knicks and is 3-0 on its current six-game road trip.
• The Knicks lost their first of three straight games vs. opponents with a record more than 25 games above .500, the first team in league history to face such a stretch. They'll play Cleveland (37-9) and Boston (40-9) in their next two games.
• Kobe Bryant scored 61 in the Lakers' first game without Andrew Bynum this season.
The Lakers reached the NBA Finals last season despite losing Bynum for the final 46 games with an injury to his left knee, but they missed his inside presence when they were overpowered by Boston in six games.

Gasol and Odom were too big for the undersized Knicks, but the Lakers will get a truer test of where they are without Bynum when they visit the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers later this week. Let's hope that all the players for the Los Angeles Lakers step up to the plate and give the top two teams in the East a run for their money. Go Lakers!!

Bryant's night quickly became the talk of the league.
"I've never had a night like that," said Heat guard Dwyane Wade, who scored 32 in Miami's win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. "You could tell, just watching the highlights, he had a pep in his step and he was on a mission. With Bynum out, he's going to have to do a little more, and I think he understands that. I mean, 61 points, that's Kobe -- that's all you can say." Hearing Wade, Heat rookie Michael Beasley became wide-eyed. "Kobe scored 61?" he asked. "You serious?"

Visiting Savannah, Georgia

On our way back from Daytona Beach, Florida, Richie surprised me and got off the freeway. He began to type something in to our lovely GPS navigator and off we went again on our merry little way. I was wondering if in fact was taking us through Savannah, which is a place I had always wanted to go. I also knew what island was right past Savannah and that the first Lighthouse I ever collected happened to be on that particular island. Well come to find out, yes my husband was indeed surprising me and he was taking me to that little city nestled along the coastline of Georgia. What a man, what a man, what a mighty man! ;) He got big brownie points that day and trust me he's still hearing from me what a awesome time I had and how glad I was that he pulled off the highway. I finally got to see the first lighthouse I ever collected, which was Tybee Island, and I also got to see the streets of downtown Savannah. Though it was for only a few hours it was the best few hours spent in a city I had never been to. While we were in Savannah, Georgia, Richie and I got to top the day off by eating dinner at the famous restaurant owned by Paula Deen, Lady & Sons. It was a fantastic dinner and it offered a very relaxed atmosphere as well. I had a great time and we certainly enjoyed our brief visit to Savannah, Georgia. I would love to go back someday and spend a little bit more time there. If you are ever out on the East Coast you should take some time out to visit Savannah, GA. You will be glad you did! Here are some of our pictures that we took of our time in Savannah, we hope you enjoy!!

~The Fenders

Our trip to Daytona Beach, FL

On January 9 Richie & I headed for sunny Daytona Beach, FL for a few days. I was definitely ready for some sunshine and a trip to Daytona Beach was just what the Doctor ordered. We stayed at our Oceanwalk Resort there that is right on the beach. The views were outstanding and this resort definitely offered everything our hearts could desire! We had an absolutely fabulous time but the drive there and back seemed to take a good amount of our time. Even though we were on the road quite a bit we were able to make the most of our time and wound up getting some much needed R&R in. We just wished we had a whole week to bathe in the beautiful Florida sunshine! We were able to see yet another gorgeous lighthouse, take a boat cruise, walk along the harbor, drive on the beach, which we had both never done, and even got to take in a Carolina Panthers game at a really nice sports bar in Daytona Beach. All in all this was a great little getaway and we thoroughly enjoyed our time! Here are some pictures for you to enjoy of our Daytona Beach FL trip.

We hope you all are doing well and that this year is off to a great start for you! All our love and best wishes!!

~The Fenders

Look at the winter storm that we got hit with......

Richie and I woke up this past Tuesday morning (Jan 20th) to find a pretty think blanket of white snow covering our entire city. We had been hit with one of the worst winter storms to hit this area in quite some time and it was cold!! This was what Richie and I had wanted for Christmas, our first white Christmas together ever. Well although it was a little late it was welcomed and we enjoyed it. I didn't make any snow angels but I sure took a few pictures and just admired the beauty of all the different seasons that God creates. It was certainly a pretty picture!!

Our dogs sure weren't sure about this white cold stuff at all! I knew it wasn't going away and I had to take them out to go potty but I was wondering how they would take it. This would be their first encounter with snow in their first 2 1/2 years of life and they are low-riders! Well as I expected they about freaked out and were not sure how they were supposed to do their deed in the midst of all that snow. Poor things....they kept looking up at me like Momma fix it please!! LOL! I just laughed because they looked so cute standing there in the snow trying to figure out how to get around. Once Richie got home he used the snow shovel that he borrowed from his Mom's to clear a path for them so they could go potty without having to walk through the snow. Now that's spoiled!! Here's some pics of them........

Though the snow is already melting we have enjoyed this winter storm! Richie missed a whole week of school, as well as other appointments that he had, and I have got to enjoy having him home more. Though it's been a lazier week it was a much needed break from the every day hustle and bustle if I must say so myself. It was also nice to get to experience a taste of the season! May you and your family enjoy all of the seasons and may God bless you!!

Blessings,

~LF