Day 9 ~ An Early Christmas Present!

Sunday-another sheep came into the fold.

Our hearts are encouraged!

A. gave his heart to the Lord!

It is such a precious thing to witness a child come to Christ!

I still love this little poem I learned as a child: 

'What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I'd give a lamb.

If I were a wise man, I'd do my part.

Yet what can I give Him? I'll give Him my heart!'

~Author Unknown

Our Pastor (a.k.a. "My Dad") and A.

The happy little guy in the striped shirt has recently started attending church with his grandparents. (There is another great story there!) I've been privileged to have A. in my Children's Church class for several Sundays now. The past two Sundays, I've sensed that he was moving closer and closer to the point of wanting to know more about the doctrine of salvation. He approached my dad before Sunday evening service, and well...A. is now my brother in Christ!

 A. with his tickled Grandparents!

A. with his happy teacher and her happy helper!

It's Time To Let The Cat Out Of The Bag!

Poor thing's been hissing and clawing to get out for days!

So so so very much has happened since I last posted here. I've been teasing on Face book about "Letting the Cat out of the bag." Let me cut right to the chase here and let that poor Cat out right now! Last week, we moved to another city, closer to my husband's work. (whew! now that poor cat can breathe!) Agustin was transferred in December and has already grown tired of a near hour commute to and from work. But for today, I'm happy to report that we are all doing fine and recouping from the decisions and move quite well. Since I didn't say a peep about us moving before hand, I felt as though I was keeping a huge secret from all of my friends. It was kind of exhilarating feeling like a sneaky snake! LOL

We haven't found another home yet that feels like the proper fit, so we are staying with my parents in the city. I sort of feel as though I'm on a mini-vacation because our belongings, for the most part, are in a storage unit. I find it freeing to not have so much stuff to worry about day to day. My home needed some purging, and boy did I ever purge as I packed last week! It was really quite fun! It did frustrate me to see my empty office. I could have enjoyed it so much more for these past five years had I decluttered sooner!

Look Jackie! I finally have a clean desk!

Too bad it took a move to get me to clean my office!

We rented the largest U-Haul truck available! I had to take a shot of these words since we were moving in with my mom and dad on a temporary basis.

"Mom's Attic"

I'd like to give a big shout out to our son, Josh and Shane, and to my mom for all their help with the packing and loading.

We couldn't have done it without you!
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Friday, baby brother is flying in as he needs to pick up some important documents. Our mother has planned to prepare all of his favorite meals! He is her baby after all.

While Agustin and Shane played at Busch Gardens today, mom and I took a whirlwind tour through IKEA. I saw several items I liked but am holding off purchasing things until I see exactly what type of home I wind up living in. We plan on downsizing so our new mantra is "Simplify,Simplify,Simplify!"I did purchase a tea infuser and Mom bought some cute, round, black place mats and dishtowels.

I can't believe another weekend is already upon us since the move. Last Saturday, we went with friends to the annual Strawberry Festival in Plant City. This year we chose not to ride anything, but we did enjoy the booths, crafts, cooking shows, natural remedy liniments (yeah weird huh?), and of course all the food that is so bad for us! The best part was eating strawberries and ice cream with friends and introducing a recently arrived northerner to the festival.

Loretta, Meredith, Missy, and Pam (I'm the big red strawberry on the end)arriving at the Strawberry Festival,
Plant City, Fl
I'm wondering if the place will EVER be the same!


We appreciated the fact that the good folks at *Brandon Farms* know who the credit belongs to!


I must not close this post without proclaiming the goodness of our Heavenly Father! God has been so very good to us. It never ceases to amaze me how HE works everything out. I saw several miracles last week during the course of our moving adventure

His timing is always perfection!

I have many burdens upon my heart at this time and would certainly be grateful

for your prayer support.

My Week in Review

Sunday was amazing! Working with the children in Junior Church is always a highlight of each week. This past Sunday, I witnessed a student who usually is aloof, become animated and really joined in on the songs and with the activities.

Monday was tough! I was exhausted as I usually am after each weekend. I try to not plan much for any given Monday due to health restraints. I get my son rolling with his new school assignments for the week and do some laundry. That's about it. Oh except for this week! I spent sometime on the phone making some sneaky plans concerning my mom's birthday on Sunday and ordering custom designed cupcakes from my friend Shannon Green. I can't wait for the surprise factor on Sunday when mom is surprised (hopefully). I'm taking her to her favorite Chinese Buffet (Lee Garden) and when she enters, she will see our Ladie's Sunday School class assembled and ready to celebrate her special day. Then the big finale will be when Shannon and her young daughter Sydney show up with dessert for the special occasion!

Tuesday was another low key day and gift from God. Agustin had the day off, so I cooked his favorite American meal. (roast beef, loaded baked potatoes, steamed broccoli, salad.

Wednesday I was to host an old college friend and her daughter in our home for the night then drive them to the airport the next morning where they would catch their flight to CHICAGO!! Well we know what kind of weather that part of the country is experiencing this week! Needless to say, their flight was changed around and as of Wednesday afternoon, they were no longer going to be flying out of Tampa. I was disappointed that it didn't work out because I was really looking forward to a long chat with a girlfriend. I was happy to read on Facebook that they arrived safely in Chicago on Thursday. She is a born and bred Florida Keys girl! I chuckled when I read her status which said: "I've never been in a place where the weather actually takes my breath away." No doubt she is referring to weather in the cold and windy city of Chicago!

Thursday was another day off for Agustin. After doing a few chores around the house and a long walk with the dog, we got our showers and headed out to dinner. Shane has been craving Olive Garden and so has my husband. So that is where we ate last night. Since my husband's resignation back in September of 2009, we've only returned once to his old store. It was good to see many of his former employees who are still opining about how much they miss him. We decided to fore go the yummy desserts there and headed to Coldstone Creamery instead. Agustin ordered the Cheesecake Fantasy. He offered me a bit saying:"Try this, it's like a party in your mouth!" It was yummo!

Next we headed to Sally Beauty Supply where I used a 20% off coupon and purchased my very first flatiron. I loved the finished salon look my hair gets after using the flatiron! While in Sally's, I met a sweet and beautiful gal from Albania. By the time I walked out of there, I felt like we were fast and true friends. I can't wait to follow up and share my Lord with her.

Needless to say, my husband and Shane didn't go into Sally's Beauty Supply with me! They ran to Target and were waiting curbside for me when I FINALLY walked out of there. My carriage whisked me away to the phone store and yep-we did it-we finally purchased our first iPhone! I LOVE IT! Why did we wait so long?? Shane and I were up until the wee hours of the morning playing with it.

Another highlight of the day came when I saw a photo of my Josh out in Texas via a photo posted on Facebook!! It's the little things in life ya' know.

Friday, today has been a most wonderful day! It started with some phone calls to friends, then a visit from my dear gal pal Pat and her daughter Rachel. What sweet and precious Christian ladies! They couldn't stay long but the short, sweet visit was a great way to start the day.

This afternoon, Shane left to spend the night with Jacob; his buddy who is turning 13 this weekend. I'm home alone with my doggie. When my friend Michal found out I was alone and pondering on what to do tonight, she invited me to her place for supper at six. I haven't seen her in over a year even though we both live in the same neighborhood. A shame, I know! (The story of how Michal and I met is a sweet, amazing story which I absolutely must share on my blog sometime.) The menu sounds delish for tonight. Grilled BBQ chicken, scalloped potatoes, green beans, deviled eggs and strawberry cake for dessert!

I'm not sure what tomorrow holds but I'm sure looking forward to it!

What about you? What were some highlights from your week?

Edited To Say: Just back from a wonderful Friday night of good food around a Christian Family Table and in the sweet company of fellow believers. This is the first time I've been out alone in awhile. I must say it felt kinda nice!

THIRTEEN YEARS...How can it be?

Today, Sunday, is my youngest son's 13th birthday. Don't ask me where the years have gone because I have no idea! What I do know though, is that God sent this child to us just when we needed it most! Our first and only child, Joshua, was ten years old when we found out we were going to have an addition to our little family. I was thirty-six! We had arrived at the point where it was so easy to just pick up and go anywhere. We hadn't used car seats, diaper bags, diapers, formula, wipees, binkies for several years now. Anytime we wanted to jaunt off to a restaurant, store, or to visit friends, our only prep was to notify Josh to jump into the car and buckle up. Boy, did things change after the birth of our Shane! It seemed to take forever to go anywhere! Well, at least the preparation to go seemed to take forever! You know exactly what I'm talking about. "Where's the diaper bag?" " Did you make a fresh bottle?" " Does he have his binkie?" "Should I feed him first?" etc. Of course, I'm not complaining! He has been such a blessing not only to us but to many others. Always a lovable, affectionate type and a great cuddler; even as a baby, he had an infectious laugh which he still has today.
Let me tell you a few things I love about this kid! At thirteen, he is still affectionate and loving; very considerate. He enjoys surprising his dad and I with fully prepared breakfasts. Without being told, he bathes our dog weekly. He cleans up all the dog-poop in the yard twice a week. He is consistent with his trash duties. He is a very good student. Shane has great comprehension. He's a gentle giant! He ministers by serving in our Children's Church. I could go on and on, but instead, I'll post some photos!

Shane shows off his Captain's award from Patch the Pirate Club- 2nd year in a row.

Josh and Agustin visit newborn Shane in nursery while I was recuperating from the C-section.

Agustin and I during Shane's dedication service.

a Proud Grandpa during the dedication service.

For my baby shower, my dad painted the little baskets by hand. We filled them with homemade chocolates as favor.



My first time to lay eyes on my little blessing. He was blowing bubbles!!

Dr. Bruce Shephard visits us in the hospital the day after he performed the C-section.






Me at 9 months,

Our first ultra-sound of baby Shane!

Thanks for indulging me!

Here's a video clip of Shane's birthday last year. We were so happy to have my nieces and nephew (Josh & Naomy, Jewel, and Jackie and her girlies) with us. Notice Jackie's baby bump. This was before the arrival of little Lexi. I love how much fun the 3 siblings have singing together - breaking out in a multi-cultural celebration!!! Poor Shane was not into it! He had a friend stay over the night before and hadn't slept!!!

A Glimpse Into Our Thanksgiving 2010

We were honored that Nora, a single mom from our church, and her teen daughter and a friend accepted our invitation to join us for Thanksgiving. We were also pleasantly surprised by my brother, who drove down from West Virginia. In this video you'll see him catching a little nap on our Shane's bed! It was a wonderful day with many laughs but most importantly, we all enjoyed a time of reflection on God's goodness to us this past year.

PSALM 100:1 "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands, serve the Lord with gladness,come before HIS presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord,He is God. It is He that hath made us and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING AND INTO HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE! Be thankful unto Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting and His truth endureth to all generations."

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?

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!

Y'all Are So Sweet!

Your prayers and sweet words have kept me going these past couple of days. I am feeling so much better and think I know the reason for the terrible flare up. I have a new, huge bulge on my left arm, right below the elbow. It was a nodule but now it's about the size of a golf ball. I wonder if while it was growing and manifesting itself, my body was trying to fight it off? I can almost close my hands now and my typing is some faster. LOL I can also turn my neck to the left and almost totally to the right; and I can bend my left knee! I ask for your continued prayers as I still have much to do in preparation for my dad's surprise party at the end of the month!

Psalm 5:11-12

"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice. Let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them. Let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee, for thou Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him with a shield."

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FYI: Shane posted yesterday! See his blog at Mustang Dreams. His link is on my right side bar. Thanks!

Have a wonderful, safe Labor Day weekend.

Begging for Your Prayers Today

I'm having a terrible flare up with my RA (rheumatoid arthritis). It has been a year or more since I've experienced this much physical pain. It kept me up all night, in tears off and on. I'm on my way to lie down; hoping sleep will come. I'm at the point where I'm shivering as though I have a high fever. This happens when I'm overtired and inflammation has set in.

Please add a little prayer in there for my Shane too, as he will be on his own today. He's a good boy and will do his school work and check in on me often. I just regret we won't get much accomplished today. It will be a lost day in my life.

I'm wishing my sister were here or I were there(Paraguay) as I am longing for a hug from her and her shoulder to cry on. Oh boy, I hope this doesn't sound like a pity party for that is NOT my intention.

Mom and I are planning a surprise "get together" for dad on Septmenber 26th. I'm producing a video of special moments, photos, people, memories, etc. to be shown on the big day. I added a couple of really short video clips here to give you a small sample of some of the heartwarming testimonies we are gathering for our DVD.

Here is my nephew, Joshua Vernoy and his wife. As Josh tries to share his thanks to my dad (his grandpa) he becomes emotional. I cried while I was filming and I cry each time I watch it. It is a blessing to know that I have such a godly father who has impacted the lives of so many in a positive way!

Take 1

Take 2

Take 4

For some reason, Take 3 wouldn't load. It was the best as it is the one in which Josh is composed and able to share his heart. I will try it as a new post and see what happens.

First Sunday of my Nephew's New Ministry

A special blessing was bestowed upon us this month and I just have to share it with you. I know that most of you who read my blog are fellow believers and will receive just as big of a blessing from this as I did.

While my mother in law and brother in law were visiting with us, we had the honor of attending the first service at my nephew's new ministry here in Tampa. Under the umbrella of Southside Baptist Church and Pastor Kerry Nance, a new Spanish ministry is being established near MacDill Airforce Base. My nephew Josh was approached a few months ago, asked to pray about joining Pastor Nance and starting up this new church. Josh is a talented, articulate young man who loves God and seeks after God's heart. His wife Naomy, is a precious young lady who delights in being his completer. It's obvious she is exactly the gal God intended for my nephew to marry!

My heart was so full of emotion during that first service. One reason I think I was so emotional was because there, in attendance with us, for this first monumental step in ministry for my nephew, was my mother in law. She had ministered to Josh's parents when they were young missionaries living in Mexico as language students. I'm sure during those days of welcoming them into her home, serving up her delicious food, caring for their child Jackie, she never dreamt she would be in the states one day, sitting under the ministry of that young couple's son!

Josh did a phenomenal job that Sunday morning! He had it ALL on his shoulders. The welcoming of guests, the leading of the music, the order of service, the preaching, then the invitation. And what a great sermon it was! He preached about the woman at the well who was living in sin. She had a thirst for men, which caused her to be weak in certain areas.

"What is your thirst in this life?" he asked. "What is that weakness in your life which causes you to sin over and over again?" Then he shared how Christ is there ready to forgive and forget. All we need to do is confess our sins and receive him as our personal Savior. Christ and Christ alone, can change your life for the better! It was a great sermon.

My eyes are tearing up now just typing this; but I hope I've conveyed clearly to you why my emotions were running so strongly that morning. At the end of the service, while singing the invitational song, I had tears streaming down my face and the emotions came flooding over me.

Josh, I know you never read my blog, but I want to express here just how proud I am of you and how honored I feel to have had the privilege of attending your first service!

Joshua leading the singing. I think a total of 16 in attendance for that first sermon.

Pastor Joshua Vernoy and his lovely wife, Naomy.


Naomy and Joshua Vernoy, my mother in law, brother in law, and my niece Jewel.

Most of those in attendance for that first service on August 9, 2009.


Mom and John met us for lunch after church. An added blessing for me that day was Peggy, my neighbor. She wanted to tag along with us to the service simply because she wants to learn Spanish! She was so excited to meet my family and practice what she has been learning!

The other end of the table!



The congregation singing. The pianist didn't attempt playing this song due to it being her first time hearing it!



Josh preaching.

Please join me in praying for this young couple as they labor and toil to plant this new church for Spanish speakers in South Tampa.

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!