OR
"...O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their REST in You." – St. Augustine
Friday, May 30, 2008
BE GLAD YOU WEREN'T AT MY HOUSE TODAY...
OR
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
My Wonderful Mother's Day
Don't you just love that quote above? Having taught school for more than 16 years, I've heard some of the cutest things about mommies! Here are a couple of the ways my boys have described me when they were younger. Shane always told me and others that I smell good and Josh would always describe me as soft and squishy to hug! Now is that last one a compliment or what!? LOL
I know I'm late as usual, but here are some photos from my super-fabulous Mother's Day of May 2008!.
Hubby took me to dinner at this great new, southwestern grill. I ordered "Juanita's Fajita Salad" and boy oh, was it delish! Why did he take me at night? One of his busiest days at the restaurant is Mother's Day. He ALWAYS has to work that day, so he took me out to dinner a couple of nights before! Sweet huh?
Another part of his gift to me! He took me to one of my favorite places a few days before!
Shaney Pooh made his dad (asked his dad) to take him to Walgreen's Saturday night. He had remembered me commenting on this foot care package of Burt's Bees Products. Agustin said Shane was intent on getting this for me!
These little delights were included in my gift bag from Shane.
(I can't believe I forgot to put my jacket on before having this photo taken! Que pena!
That afternoon, my first born called me. A great ending to a great day!
DISHEARTENING NEWS ABOUT "HABITAT FOR HUMANITY"
Habitat for Humanity Partners with Planned Parenthood
Habitat for Humanity, a Christian ministry dedicated to building houses for the poor, is helping Planned Parenthood open an abortion clinic in Sarasota, Fla., according to news reports.
In order to get around local zoning regulations, Planned Parenthood sold space to Habitat for Humanity for $10. The Sarasota City Commission approved the plan this month.
Daniel Weiss, senior analyst for media and sexuality at Focus on the Family Action, said he was disappointed by Habitat’s actions.
“It's unfortunate and more than a bit maddening that an organization so widely respected for helping those in need would turn its back on the most defenseless among us — the preborn,” he said.
Article taken from www.citizenlink.org
Monday, May 26, 2008
Amen!!!
"For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned."
--Benjamin Franklin
Oh the time I've wasted searching for that one piece of paper I didn't file right away, or that craft item I purchased and didn't put in my craft closet!
Organization is on my brain this week as I'm co-hosting a Bridal Shower for a very special someone here in my home this Friday evening. My desk is piled high and deep! Well, not as high and deep as week before last! I remember now that I hurriedly shoved some papers and catalogues in a drawer when I heard someone was coming over! Now that stack is still in that drawer and I have a new, fresh stack of paperwork to contend with crowding my mind this week. I'm not the type to normally hide and shove items in closets and drawers. I'm a firm believer of EVERYTHING MUST HAVE AN ASSIGNED PLACE AND EVERYONE MUST RETURN EVERYTHING TO ITS PLACE. I have some pretty shelves I want hung and some pictures I need to arrange but being the perfectionist that I am, (I'd like to be able to type "Recovered Perfectionist" here!) I leave stuff out, lying in a corner until I can put it in its proper place. I know it doesn't sound very perfectionistic, but if you observe most perfectionists, they are also great procrastinators! We don't want to attempt any projects until we are sure we have time to do them correctly and completely. Therefore, many things go undone, which can make us appear AND FEEL very unorganized! That drawer full of old mail and catalogues is heavy on my mind, so I'm now off to purge it! Maybe then I can sort through this fresh stuff on my desk before Friday night!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
FREEDOM ISN"T FREE!
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Friday, May 23, 2008
Friday's Show and Tell
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Saturday, May 17, 2008
An Invitation to Prayer
You too are invited to join this blog if you're willing to commit to a time slot to pray. Your commitment can be a small as 15 minutes per day to an hour or two. You can visit SUSAN HERE to learn more about "Hearts in 1 Accord". I'm telling you now, YOU will receive the biggest blessing from this!
If you'd like to leave a prayer request for us, simply click on the button below to send in an email with the request. I'm also adding this button to my sidebar.
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Friday, May 16, 2008
What Your Little Black Dress Says About You |
![]() You are chic, worldly, and charming. You are naturally fascinating and popular. You never feel like pretending to be someone you're not. Your style is simple, flattering, and always appropriate. You fill your closet with well quality, timeless items. If you were a shoe, you would be: Open toed heels |
Hello World, It's Been A Long Time
Am I busier than usual? Maybe a tad! The school year is winding down and I feel we have lots of loose strings to attend to. Then there was Mother's Day and Luncheons. I will add photos at the end of the post.
Another reason for my absence this past week is simply this: I've been trying to spend more quiet time with God. I have many burdens on my heart. Many emotions which only my Lord can curb. I do feel I'm growing and stretching at this period in my life. He is molding me and making me into His image more and more daily, chipping and carving away those things which don't look Christ like. I in my flesh, fight it at times. I see God working! I see God's patience with me and with so many others. It's amazing!
I haven't spoken much about the fact that my nephew is getting married on June 7, out west at LAKE TAHOE SOUTH SHORE. What a gorgeous place! It will be an outdoor wedding. My son Josh will be Best Man and my brother John (the groom's uncle) will be a groomsman. Josh and John hosted a Bachelor's Party for my nephew last Saturday night. Don't worry! All are Christian young men so it involved a steak dinner at Lone Star Steak House. (which is now owned by DARDEN, the same company which owns Olive Garden and Red Lobster). The guys are pretty psyched about the trip out west to Lake Tahoe. They ended the evening with hours of games and laughs, but no women jumping out of cakes! (As far as I know anyway! *winks*)
I'd like to share the following photos of our church's Mother & Daughter Luncheon which was held on May 3rd. This Saturday, May 17th, I'll be attending the Mother & Daughter Luncheon at my parent's church in Tampa. Knowing me, I'll have plenty of photos of that day to share here next week. The theme for their's is "Spiritual Refreshment".
This list was attached to the front of each gift bag to explain what each item should signify in our lives. Enlarge to read the fine print!
Here is our Pastor's wife (in the solid blouse). Mrs. White was this year's recipient of the Esther Award. This is a yearly award given to a godly lady who has the qualities of Queen Esther.
Baby Caroline's ticket had the winning number for the drawing from the kiddies basket. She was awarded this sweet, itty-bitty, pink purse which was sewn by a dear lady in our church.
Our guest speaker, Mrs. Amy Nance, Me, and our Pastor's wife, Dina Naill. Amy spoke of the woman who TOUCHED the hem of Jesus' garment and was healed! If you know this story from the Bible, then you know the lady had suffered from a severe illness. The Bible says she had an issue of blood. She was probably very anemic and weak, but fought the crowd to touch Jesus. See how well Amy tied her message in with the theme of "A Special Touch"? The woman in the story had tried every form of treatment known in that day. She had been to Dr. upon Dr. but she never gave up searching for that fullness of healing. My heart was touched and encouraged by Amy's words. My friends, have YOU received that special touch from Jesus? He not only enjoys healing our physical maladies, he wants to save our souls and freely give us eternal life. If you have any questions concerning salvation through Christ, please feel free to email me at scrbkmaniac@aol.comI possessed a winning ticket as well and just looky at what I won! These goodies helped represent the theme of "A Special Touch" as well. A dermatologist who attends our church donated $1300.00 worth of product for door prizes and such.
This is the pretty table I sat at. I wore a lavendar suit so I blended in well!
This was my favorite table of all! In keeping with the theme of the day, the hostess called it "The Potter's Touch". I think it should have won the contest. Notice the hand prints on the plastic table cloth. Also the tiny clay pots which were at each place setting.
Notice the pieces of clay and the artist tools on the lazy susan?
This table was decorated with single girls in mind. Enlarge to read the signs. I love the warnings as the road winds up to the top which has a bride and groom signifying marriage.
Miss Charlotte, the single gal who decorated this table. I told her I'd publish her photo and announce that she is LOOKING for a godly man! Maybe that's why she is smiling so pretty!
Blessings my friends and have a most wonderful weekend!
Love and Hugs,
Pam
Saturday, May 10, 2008
SATURDAY SILLIES!
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My dear sweet Patti sent the following in an email.
There are less than eight months until the election,
an election that will decide the next President of theUnited States .
The person elected will be the president of all Americans,
not just the Democrats or the Republicans.
To show our solidarity as Americans,
let's all get together and show each other our support for the candidate of our choice.
It's time that we all came together, Democrats and Republicans alike.
If you support the policies and character of John McCain, please drive with your headlights on during the day.
If you support Obama or Hillary, please drive with your headlights off at night.
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You Are a Caramel Apple Jelly Bean |
![]() You have a gentle sophistication. An appreciation of fine things, without being snobby about it. You enjoy sweet tastes and silky textures. |
Friday, May 09, 2008
OOPS! Sorry Ron, no official Show and Tell Today!
Talked with my sis on the phone for about an hour today. We almost solved all the world's problems during that time! LOL
Shane is pressing on to finish his 4th grade curriculum. It's looking more and more like we'll have quite a bit of summer school---just trying to catch up. He's a good little student, but it seems we've had many distractions and interruptions this year. Sunday evening before last, he sang a solo in his Patch Program at church. Read all about it HERE IN THIS NEWSPAPER ARTICLE!We were so proud of him. In the program at the end of May, he has a speaking part. He is growing not only physically, but spiritually as well. He is such a blessing to me.
For now, my son's skydiving adventure has been postponed. Many in his social cirlce are being wed or graduating this month, so many responsibilities are requiring their time these days. My son will be flying out to Lake Tahoe to be Best Man in his cousin's wedding on June 7th. He's working on a great speech for the event! It will be so cute and sweet, as Josh and his cousin have been so close throughout the years. They are polar opposites but great buddies. There are many wonderful memories between the two of them.
My Mom drove out to the house today. We had some Olive Garden gift cards for her to pick up. She will be using them as door prizes and gifts at the annual Mother and Daughter Tea she organizes each year for her church. This year's theme is "A REFRESHING TOUCH". I also had a dress and two suits for her to try on, as I've lost weight and inches, so most of my clothes hang awkwardly on me now! BOY OH, DID IT FEEL GOOD TO TYPE THAT LAST SENTENCE! I could have had my tailor take them in, but they really aren't my style anymore, besides which, my mother really liked them and needs them.
Saying I've lost weight in the above paragraph is a misnomer. I visited my primary care physician on Wednesday, all excited to weigh in. I just KNEW I'd lost 10 more lbs. or so. I mean, for goodness sakes, all my clothes are baggy. My walking shorts are falling down around my ankles if I walk too fast, (not really but almost), my rings and watches are too honking big. I was psyched to be weighed in! People, I had gained 3 lbs!!! You could have knocked me over with a feather! The poor nurse tried to console me. My blood pressure was excellent she said. I retorted back to her that I'm surprised it was so good cuz I felt it rise when I saw my weight. She offered to weigh me again. I climbed on those mean ol' scales and sure enough, it still had me up 3 lbs. from November's weight. Several staff tried comforting me, even dear ol' Doc. "I'm sure you've lost inches", he said. "Muscle weighs more than fat", says the nurse. "At least you look and feel better", offers my husband. YES 'tis true! I have been exercising more and eating healthier. I do have more energy and I must remember: "I AM 20 LBS. LIGHTER THAN I WAS THIS SAME TIME LAST YEAR!!! I recently purchased a few outfits, which were 2 sizes smaller than what I had been wearing. I shall continue on this journey of better health and weight loss. I will not be defeated!
Agustin had Monday and Tuesday off this week. Our family drove out to Clearwater Beach on Tuesday for some fun in the sun. I'm burned! I used a new sunblock which can only be purchased from the dermatologist's office, with a SPF of 65. I guess it wasn't water proof though! I'm burned! Thankfully I wore a hat all day, so my scalp and face were saved from frying. My arms, shoulders and legs are another story though.
My hubby has a busy rest of the week. It started Wednesday at work and will continue through Mother's Day. Extra chairs for waiting patrons on Sunday (mom's day), ordering and stocking of commodities and food items, $22,000.00 above regular budget. Extra dishes and glasses have been ordered and delivered. Many organizational projects have been completed in preparation of their biggest day of the year!
On May 22, another huge day, as Agustin conducts a large training session for new managers and execs. He has most preparations for that in place already.
I have many things on my heart and mind, many prayer requests which must remain unspoken for now.
It's that time of year, many weddings and graduations to be attended. I love all the excitement in the air!
Remember I once stated here that the Love Language I understand most is the gift of words? So now tell me, those of you who know me---am I looking thinner or not? Be honest! Most of you who read this blog don't know me in person, so you're off the hook! LOL I've found two photos for you to compare.
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Here I am last week. May 2008
Have a splendid weekend!
Monday, May 05, 2008
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!!!
In keeping with the Mexican theme of today's post, I thought I'd show you some of the authentic Mexican food we enjoyed for most of last week. I only had to cook a couple of nights due to the generosity of two Mexican gals who work for my hubby at the restaurant. Its a huge demonstration of love and respect for Latinos to share their food. Isabella and Sophia send something home with Agustin often. He enjoys their kindness and its a perk for me as well! (The NO COOKING THAT NIGHT perk!)
Monday Night - Agustin brought this home after work. Mole (pronounced molay)and Mexican Rice.Unwrapping the goods! Chicken/Turkey in Mole sauce is a traditional Mexican FIESTA dish!
The best way we've found to heat up tortillas here in the states is in a cast iron skillet.
Place them in a tortilla keeper to stay warm. I bought mine in Queretaro, Mexico.
The meal is plated and ready to serve!
One needs an extra plate on which to discard the corn shucks after unwrapping the tamales.
One lone tamal is left on MY plate!
Wednesday Night - Ground beef with spices, onions, and cactus! Yes, you read that right, cactus! They are quite tangy and good for you. Also pictured are refried beans and more Mexican Rice. I prepared this meal myself.
CINCO DE MAYO is a pretty big deal around our house due to my hubby being from Mexico! He is quite proud of his heritage and of the resilience of the Mexican people. It seems everyone wanted to claim the land which is called Mexico. Spain, France, the United States as well all had a go at it, but por fin, the Mexican's prevailed. Cinco de Mayo is an important day in history as it is the day that 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated 8,000 French and traitor Mexican soldiers in the town of Puebla, Mexico in 1862. This was all going on while the United States was fighting our Civil War.
Here are a few facts about the origin of this celebration which I took from THIS SITE.
The 5th of May is not Mexican Independence Day, but it should be! And Cinco de Mayo is not an American holiday, but it should be. Mexico declared its independence from mother Spain on midnight, the 15th of September, 1810. And it took 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico.
So, why Cinco de Mayo? And why should Americans savor this day as well? Because 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862.
The French had landed in Mexico (along with Spanish and English troops) five months earlier on the pretext of collecting Mexican debts from the newly elected government of democratic President (and Indian) Benito Juarez. The English and Spanish quickly made deals and left. The French, however, had different ideas.
Under Emperor Napoleon III, who detested the United States, the French came to stay. They brought a Hapsburg prince with them to rule the new Mexican empire. His name was Maximilian; his wife, Carolota. Napoleon's French Army had not been defeated in 50 years, and it invaded Mexico with the finest modern equipment and with a newly reconstituted Foreign Legion. The French were not afraid of anyone, especially since the United States was embroiled in its own Civil War.
The French Army left the port of Vera Cruz to attack Mexico City to the west, as the French assumed that the Mexicans would give up should their capital fall to the enemy -- as European countries traditionally did.
Under the command of Texas-born General Zaragosa, (and the cavalry under the command of Colonel Porfirio Diaz, later to be Mexico's president and dictator), the Mexicans awaited. Brightly dressed French Dragoons led the enemy columns. The Mexican Army was less stylish.
General Zaragosa ordered Colonel Diaz to take his cavalry, the best in the world, out to the French flanks. In response, the French did a most stupid thing; they sent their cavalry off to chase Diaz and his men, who proceeded to butcher them. The remaining French infantrymen charged the Mexican defenders through sloppy mud from a thunderstorm and through hundreds of head of stampeding cattle stirred up by Indians armed only with machetes.
When the battle was over, many French were killed or wounded and their cavalry was being chased by Diaz' superb horsemen miles away. The Mexicans had won a great victory that kept Napoleon III from supplying the confederate rebels for another year, allowing the United States to build the greatest army the world had ever seen. This grand army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War.
Union forces were then rushed to the Texas/Mexican border under General Phil Sheridan, who made sure that the Mexicans got all the weapons and ammunition they needed to expel the French. American soldiers were discharged with their uniforms and rifles if they promised to join the Mexican Army to fight the French. The American Legion of Honor marched in the Victory Parade in Mexico, City.
It might be a historical stretch to credit the survival of the United States to those brave 4,000 Mexicans who faced an army twice as large in 1862. But who knows?
In gratitude, thousands of Mexicans crossed the border after Pearl Harbor to join the U.S. Armed Forces. As recently as the Persian Gulf War, Mexicans flooded American consulates with phone calls, trying to join up and fight another war for America.
Mexicans, you see, never forget who their friends are, and neither do Americans. That's why Cinco de Mayo is such a party -- A party that celebrates freedom and liberty. There are two ideals which Mexicans and Americans have fought shoulder to shoulder to protect, ever since the 5th of May, 1862. VIVA! el CINCO DE MAYO!!
Here are some GREAT CINCO DE MAYO CRAFTS for the kiddos.
For the adults, some yummy MEXICAN RECIPES.
Tonight, (trusting I'll feel well enough-I had a rough weekend) we'll be going to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants for supper and to listen to LIVE MARIACHIS!!!
Friday, May 02, 2008
First Things First---GOOD MORNING RON!!!
This date at the top marks the day she gave this little Bible to her youngest son, my daddy. It was Dec. 30, 1989.
I just love the small colored pictures included.
When my dad granted me guardianship of his mother's New Testament, he also gave me his old draft cards. I wish they were legible, but after carrying them in his wallet for so many years, they are terribly worn and faded. I can make out that for his complexion they wrote "ruddy".
The other side of daddy's draft card.
This card tells my dad's height and weight, etc.
The card in this photo is labeled "Selective Service System" Notice of Classification, and where he applied. (Mullens, W.Va.)
I keep these small papers safely tucked in Granny's New Testament.
I trust you enjoyed looking at this old Bible, full of family memories. See you next week! Oh and remember, to see more Show and Tells, LINK HERE TO KELLIS HOUSE!