Bonding

I'm so thankful for the relationship my husband has with his sons. He has been an active, hands on dad since day one!  I think it is so sweet to watch Shane and his dad refinish Shane's bedroom furniture together. It certainly has been some quality bonding time for the two of them as they have planned their days, shopped for materials, and worked on this project. It has taken a couple of weeks, as they only work on Agustin's day off. Shane has made practically all the decisions concerning his new room in this house.


Ideas of Shane's which we've used:

*use lime green/black/silver for decor
*refinish his existing furniture rather than buying new
*paint said furniture black
*attach new hardware
*chose contemporary brushed nickel handles
*picked out new brushed nickel lamps
*chose black lamp shades instead of white
*brushed nickel ceiling fan/light

Ideas of mine which we've used so far:

*purchase thermal draperies to block out some of this hot Florida sun! (his bedroom window gets full morning sun and by the afternoon his room is too warm to enjoy)
*use black floating shelves in lieu of a bulky two piece cabinet/bookshelf

I can't wait to get it all pulled together with lime green accessories. I promise, I will take pictures to share here!

FYI: This furniture has been in our family for many years. It was used throughout the childhood of my cousin's son, Ted. Ted grew up to be an Army Ranger. After returning from his tours in Iraq, Ted accepted a position as instructor at West Point!!! Yeah, awesome I know! :) After a few more years in Germany, Ted has now retired. We have used Ted's furniture for both of our sons. It has been an honor!

Here is the cabinet and bookshelf that is part of Shane's bedroom furniture. I'm going to steal use it in my kitchen I think.

This is one of the small drawers of the above shelf. Can you read what it says?  My cousin Ted must have been saving money to purchase a frog?? I just shared this photo on his Facebook page, asking him to indulge me by explaining. I think it's a nice little piece of his youth.

Dilly Dallying

That's what today's beautiful weather calls for! I've decided that for today, I'm going to Dilly Dally! Do you ever take a day to just Dilly Dally? The low humidity, the warming sun, the breeze and temps outside call for time outdoors today. I'm thinking a walk with my doggie, then some reading out on the back patio, enjoying the breeze coming in off our little lake. Oh but first, LUNCH with my hubs who just happens to be off today!

So how is your weather where you live? How are you spending your Tuesday?

HERE'S A SILLY PHOTO OF AGUSTIN AND I!

It always makes me laugh!

The Night My Life Changed Forever!

Monday was a most wonderful day spent with my hubby. It was, after all, our 24th wedding anniversary! Where have those years gone though? I still can't believe it has been 24 years since I stepped into that crowded living room in Queretaro, Qro., Mexico and first laid eyes on Agustin. The occasion for my visit was a birthday party for his younger brother Elias. My American neighbor, Larry, had told me about Agustin. I smile now as I recall his description of him. "It's a wonderful Christian family and Agustin seems like a nice young man. He's tall for a Mexican!" I remember asking Larry if this Agustin was good looking. Larry's response was that I would have to judge that for myself later at the party. He was more into Agustin's sister than he was into Agustin! LOL Alrighty then, I'd go with him, meet the family and this Agustin guy, and enjoy the free homemade traditional Mexican food! No harm in that, right?

Well that's the night my life changed forever!

More to come later!

In the photos below, Agustin and I at our private reception after the Civil ceremony. Then a picture of my little niece Jackie and Agustin's little sister Berenice leading us out of the small church where our Religious ceremony took place. In Mexico, the church does not recognize a marriage performed by the state, nor does the state recognize the church marriage. So I like to say that although I've never divorced, I have been married TWICE!

CAUGHT IN THE ACT!!!

Yes, it's true. My husband caught me kissing another man. He snapped this picture for proof! *tee hee*
What better way to break the ice after such a long absence than to put up silly photos, taken at International Mall a couple of years ago? I sure hope I made you smile!
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Life has been so unusual for me this past year. Can you believe it has been an entire year since Agustin's job upset? Thankfully, we learned and grew through a very negative circumstance. He is coming upon his first year anniversary at his new job, and tonight the regional director informed him they were reassigning him to a different location starting Wednesday. This will make his commute a tad longer, but we think the new location closes for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. That makes us smile!





Shane and I have been knee deep in school and such. He has grown so much this past year! And is such a good and pleasant boy. I can't believe he turns THIRTEEN in December!





Josh has been having a blast working at Busch Gardens for the past six weeks. You'll never guess what he is getting paid to do? He thinks it's a great thing to receive money for SCARING PEOPLE!!! He has been a Werewolf character for the Howl-O-Scream hours at the park this year. He gets to wear an amazing costume and walk around his zone scaring the wits out of big boyfriends who almost jump into their sweeties arms! That's Josh's favorite reaction to see.





Guess whose birthday is coming up soonm? MINE! I turn the BIG 50 on November 8th! A friend is flying in from Michigan and others are meeting up for a reunion in Arcadia next weekend. It's a small town where my parents and I taught school. I have many wonderful memories of fun people and fun times there.





Well I just wanted to post a little something before I started visiting some of my favorite blogs. I know my cousin Ronnie checks here often and seems so very disappointed when I don't update enough! *wink,wink*





Have a great weekend everyone!

There'll Be No Tamales This Year!

Guess what Friday is? Well, besides being Friday the thirteenth-it's my husband's birthday. Oh and it's Fidel Castro's birthday as well. I often tease my husband about all the traits he has in common with Fidel, such as: same birthdate and they're both dictators! (Just kidding!) sort of.

So here's my question for you-what should I do for my man? I know I can't top last years celebration! His mom and brother flew in from Mexico for ten days and on the day of his birthday we all gathered in the fellowship hall of our church and made homemade tamales with all the fixin's. (homemade salsa, refried beans, Mexican rice, guacamole,...) Okay, I'm drooling now! We had about fifteen friends over and we even sang Mariachi songs to him.

He doesn't have to work Friday. He wants to go to Busch Garden's during the day. He wants to play on his regular soccer team Friday night. I'm considering cooking a Beef Wellington and of course baking a cake; but there certainly will be no tamales for him this year! As far as his gift, well that's a secret!

HERE ARE A FEW - WELL ALOT - OF PICTURES FROM LAST YEARS BIRTHDAY GET TOGETHER.

DO Y'ALL KNOW HOW LABOR INTENSIVE MAKING TAMALES IS?

IT'S AN ALL DAY PROCESS!

MOTHER IN LAW AND BROTHER IN LAW GOT AN EARLY START MIXING THE MASA FOR THE TAMALES

ADDING THE CILANTRO TO THE CHICKEN (tamales filling)

CLINT PUT THE SHUCKS IN TO SOAK

SOME OF THE CORN SHUCKS FILLED WITH MASA

HELPING MY MOTHER IN LAW SPREAD THE MASA

JUST ABOUT EVERYBODY GOT INVOLVED WITH THE PREP

DIGGING IN

I FELL IN LOVE WITH THESE CUTE MARIACHI DANCERS WHICH MY IN LAWS BROUGHT ALL THE WAY FROM MEXICO





ADMIRING HIS NEW SOCCER CLEATS

SHANE GETS A HUG FROM HIS DAD HIS FAVORITE PRESENT--HIS MAMA

FATHER AND SON SHARE A BIRTHDAY HUG

AGUSTIN READY TO BLOW OUT ALL THOSE CANDLES

NIECES AND NEPHEW WITH THEIR "old" UNCLE

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Olsen!!

My friend's daughter was just married on Saturday. It was one of the sweetest wedding ceremonies I've ever experienced. Amber, the bride, is someone I've come to admire and learn from. She may be younger than I, but her heart for God has given her discernment and insight that I desire. Not only is Amber beautiful and fun, she is so very talented! This girl used the internet to teach herself the Japanese language. She took a misson's trip there the year between high school and college. She is an artist. She taught herself guitar. She is an avid photographer. She is recently graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in music. She is returning for her masters in the fall. She married a bright, young, godly man who loves the Lord. His family are missionaries in Italy. It was an honor to meet them at the wedding.

Amber had a Japanese inspired wedding. Simple, sweet, moving. I wish I had recorded the love song from the Song of Solomon which she sang to her groom during the ceremony! What a voice she has. I love her as though we are blood related. I love how, even though she is grown, she continues to call me "Aunt Pam". I know God will do great things with this sweet couple who love Him and desire to serve Him!

Congratulations Nathan and Amber. I love you.

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THE BRIDAL SHOWER

Amber and I at her bridal shower a few weeks ago.

I wish I had thought and taken photos of all the delicate food Amber's aunt Trish made for this shower! Scones and the best Devonshire Cream I've ever popped my beak into! Chicken salad on croissants, fresh fruit salad, and more! Everything was so pretty and tasty. I'm sure Amber, being the photo bug that she is, snapped some pictures of the lovely display. I think she has just been a tad busy lately to have had time to post them. :)

The bride to be, opening gifts.

Yes, we played the silly games!

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THE WEDDING RECEPTION

The Newlyweds!
Amber was a most beautiful pride and I thought Nathan looked so dashing in his ivory jacket!
Nathan with Japanese knife in hand, ready to cut the cake!

Another piece of artwork created by my friend Shannon. I'm so proud of her!

During the reception, me with two of Amber's aunts.

"Aunt Trish" and "Aunt Pam" sporting one of the beautiful Japanese fans which were given as party favors.


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And in totally unrelated news:

Are any of you watching the FIFA World Cup?

Since our USA and Mexican teams were eliminated this weekend, we are now rooting for Paraguay. We feel a slight connection with them since my sister and her family live there now. Paraguay may be a small country, but her people are of strong heart! And I hear they are

HUGE SOCCER FANATICOS!
They face Japan at today!

EDT: Paraguay made it through to the quarter finals!! Hip Hip Hooray! Its the first time in history they've made it that far in a World Cup!

How do you like what my niece Jayde did for her Tio Agustin?

Some Thoughts

Hi dear friends here in Blog land. I've missed you more than words can express. Something strange seems to have been afoot in my life and so many things have changed in the past eight months. I have peeked in on some of your blogs a bit here and there and each time I did, it drew me back into the world of blogging for a bit.

I am on Face book almost daily due to that being the favorite mode of many of my relatives and my recently rediscovered friends from the past. I always loved blogging, but never have met most of you. I read and enjoy your blogs and feel connected to you but it's a different type of relationship. I also found that Face book was a means of escape for me while coping with my husband's depression. You may remember he resigned from a job he loved and was great at (due to a very ugly situation). After two months of being unemployed, he began struggling with chronic insomnia. He was hired on with a new company, but continued to suffer with insomnia, which then impaired him from being able to concentrate or function at full capacity. Can you imagine starting a new job, wanting to make a good impression on your new boss and co-workers, but without having slept for weeks? Thankfully, he endured and proved himself . He now has adjusted to a slower store and less employees but he has made his mark. After returning from a week of vacation last week, he was greeted with open armed hugs and remarks about how it just wasn't the same there when he wasn't around. His coworkers have seen his strengths and appreciate the confidence and security he adds to the work place. As he gets stronger, I do too. We are both very different people than we were some eight months ago.

Happily, I can report that we have made some wonderful memories in the past few months. It hasn't all been negative. Many social functions and extra family in town have helped my husband and I on our road to healing. But I honestly know it was the prayer support of loved ones and friends that got us through. Times when in a natural state I would have wanted to panic or run away, I felt a calmness. I literally felt the presence of God keeping me calm and strong when I needed to be those things. It was extremely sad watching my husband go through the most difficult time of his life. He lost 22 pounds in two months. He could only sleep fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. He was miserable! The lack of sleep of course was causing other, more serious problems. I was amazed at how my strength came right from the Lord. Both Agustin and I are so relieved that we are now adjusted to our new lives. Some things are actually better than they were before the biggest challenge of our lives.


I thought I'd share some photos and videos here to highlight some of our ups and downs so far this year.


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New Year's Eve was spent in the emergency room! Exciting huh? Agustin had been having chest pains, but when they intensified, he left work and asked me to drive him to the hospital. Thank the Lord, it was not a heart attack, but assumed to be panic attacks. As I said before, his lack of sleeping caused other health issues. It was strange for me to see my strong, active husband in a fragile state. He had never been hospitalized before.

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We've had my niece Jackie and her family in the area since March. My niece 's little girls have fallen in love with Shane! We've fallen head over heels in love with them.

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We went on a week long beach vacation!

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My niece Jackie gave birth to our Lexi!

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My Aunt Carol came down to visit with us.

Mom, Shane, and I took the girlies for their first trip to Busch Gardens!

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In this 40 second video, Elena talks about how excited she is to be going back to Paraguay! As a missionary child, she was counting down the weeks by counting how many more churches they had to visit before their departure.

(This was taped about a month ago. They leave us on Monday.)

Caught in the Act...

of praying.

While walking through my parent's house the other night, I came upon this heart stirring sight and just had to run get my camera to capture it for my blog. What a blessed woman I am!

What you are looking at is one senior saint, wise and loving (my daddy), praying with another saint in need of encouragement (my husband), as he is seeking God's will in his life.
Agustin had just come from a wicked, discouraging day of training for his new job.

If you click on the photo to enlarge it, peek in the mirror and look at the men's reflections closely.

Tell me what you see there that stirs the heart even more.

Do you understand how precious this moment was to me? Do you understand why I had to get my camera and rush back into my dad's study to snap this?

HAVE A BLESSED SUNDAY!

PHOTOS AD NAUSEUM

The Mariachis came all the way from Mexico to perform at Agustin's party!


Agustin, rapido! Blow out that flame before the entire church is afire!

Agustin with his mom and brother. They brought the little figurines with them on the plane.

This photo causes me to tear up each time I see it. My hubby was so happy to have his mom with him for his birthday! She is such a blessing to have around at any time!

Agustin poses with a fellow Mexicano, Pablo, a neighbor of my parent's.


Tio and Abuelita with my sons.

Tiffany made some new friends!

Johnny cutting his usual jokes!


Clint poses with his new friends!



Look who showed up after getting off work! Jungle Mom's son, Josh and his wife Naomy!

And Jewel! Jungle Mom's daughter!

I thought the kiss was supposed to be for the birthday boy!

Well I think everyone, except for Agustin, had fun!

Are you two sneaking into the kitchen for more food?

Tiffany sneaking in for MORE food??

(She was actually making a "to go" plate for her sister!)

If we were to chop off Shannon's hands, she wouldn't be able to talk!

She is our "in house" cake baker & decorator! However, we let her off the hook for this party due to the fact she is working day and night trying to produce and fill all the orders for her new design company, "Green Label". It is going great guns and we are so so happy for her.

Visit http://www.greenlabeldesigns.com/

Our crazy family at the end of a very long day!!

Can you tell my nose is sunburned and peeling? Que pena!

New soccer shoes!

from Shane!

Agustin's brother popped this bow on his mom's head, saying:

"Here is my gift to you! I brought you your mama!"

Thanking Josh for his gift - a few pairs of soccer socks!

Sydney saying goodbye!

Singing the traditional "Las Mananitas" to Agustin! Pablo really is singing out! He's so cute. Even at 87 he continues to garden for the neighborhood!