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!

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."

MY BIG FIVE-O!!!

Wow have I got a story for you! You're gonna just LOVE it! I promise! But first, a disclaimer. This is a long post with alot of photos. I apologize up front but I really wanted to share this extraordinary day with you-A DAY I'LL NEVER FORGET!

Now if you happen to follow me on Face book, this will be old news to you, but I have to share with the rest of you about my wonderful birthday surprise! Are you ready?

Okay, here goes! I was attending a school reunion in Arcadia, Florida the Saturday before my birthday. Mom had also been a teacher at ACC (Arcadia Christian Center) so we had driven over together. It was wonderful seeing old friends and former faculty I'd worked with for several years before I moved to Mexico.

Photo of a former student and her family.

Here I am standing in the doorway of what was once my classroom! The school is now a daycare center ran by the county for un-wed mothers to utilize as they finish their education.

George and his sweet wife Bonnie helped organize the reunion. He was one of my parent's favorite students back in the day. He has such a wonderful personality.

Mom and I with Barbara, another former student. It was wonderful to hear how she is still serving the Lord! In a very touching testimony, she expressed thanks to my parents for their godly examples and for their strong Christian influence in her life. Her words were heart felt and brought tears to my eyes.



Mom with another former student, Ronnie. It blessed our hearts to learn that he serves as a deacon in First Baptist Church of Arcadia.



Another former student, Lori.

It was the typical school reunion: old yearbooks being passed around, tables covered with old photos, delicious food

(Km & Bill)

lots of hugs and loud laughter,

(Marie, Me, Sherry)

and there were babies being passed around, etc. You know the drill. Anyhoose, around five p.m. things had come to a slow down, some of the attendees had left already when all of a sudden, my nephew from Tampa and his wife walked into the school cafeteria. I had to do a double take. At first sight of them, I was amazed at how much that couple resembled Josh Daniel and Naomy! Then it hit me, that was Josh Daniel and Naomy-in Arcadia!?! "They never attended here. They've never even been to Arcadia! What are they doing here now?" Those are a few of the thoughts that were flying through my head for a brief second. Then I started thinking clearly again (Shut up Clint Vernoy) and walked across the room to hug them and ask what in the world they were doing at my school reunion.

Here I am, surprised that Josh and Naomy showed up at a reunion, over a two hour drive from their home,

for a school they didn't attend!

After a few friends who know them came over for hugs and greetings, Josh turned to me and said; "Aunt Pam, we need you to come out to the parking lot. We have something for you." Well that is when my radar went up! Did they bring my friend Shannon with them? She and I had just chatted early that morning and she had asked some suspicious questions now that I thought about! Had she baked me one of her stupendous cakes and was she going to surprise me with it here in Arcadia with this wonderful group of friends?" I was smiling inside anticipating what my cake would look like and how did they get it all the way from Tampa to Arcadia

without harming it?

As we walked out of the cafeteria, through the school's hall, out the side door, I noticed that a few of my reunion pals had grabbed their cameras and were following us out to the parking lot. Hmmm just what did they know that I didn't?

(Me with my entourage!)

Well as I rounded to the front lot, there I saw it! a HUGE box, wrapped up in newspaper and a big ol' tag which read: "To-Pam, Special Delivery". Oh and by the way, this was the morning after mid-term elections. I was in a great mood due to the gains of conservatives the night before and I noticed right away that one of the headlines on the wrapped box said something about the Energetic GOP! woop woop! So I continued walking and bantering with my nephew, my mind racing the whole time. When I saw that big, ol' box I was convinced it had a mighty big/ tall cake in it because there beyond the box, filming me and my entourage as we approached was Shannon, her husband Michael, and their young daughter Sydney! I started squealing with glee. "Shannon!!! What are you doing here?"

(behold, THE BOX!! and Shannon, Michael, & Sydney in background)

everyone starts yelling at me: "OPEN THE BOX!"

Guess what happens?

Let the screaming commence!
Boy Shannon, that is some cake. You really out did yourself this time girl!
A dear friend paid to get my little sister to me all the way from Paraguay for my birthday!!

Who said fat girls can't jump?

Here we are, still screaming and giggling and crying and ...

Rita, Mom, and I

It was a most glorious of days!

Another Little Girl All Grown Up

Just sitting here thinking about how so many of our friends are marrying off their daughters this summer!! Little girls with boo-boos became gorgeous brides and it seems this happened over night!. Two in particular tug at my heart strings.

In June, Mike and Kim proudly turned their beautiful daughter Amber over to Nathan. This past Friday, Justin and Summer saw their lovely daughter become Mrs. Aaron Hargis. It was a classic, elegant affair which was officiated by the bride's grandfather, Pastor Bruce Turner of Tampa, Florida. Aaron and Katelin sang to each other and the harmony in their voices was amazing! Directly after their honeymoon, they will be moving to Indiana where Aaron will begin his new job as youth pastor of a church there. We're so happy to see this energetic, young couple following God's will for their lives. Felicidades Aaron and Katelin! We love you!

My son Josh with Kate at her 19th birthday party just a few short months ago. They've been buddies since they were babies. I've enjoyed watching their brotherly/sisterly relationship over the years.

Katelin arrives in her limousine.



Life-long friend Cali was one of Katelin's bride's maids.


Justin walks his daughter down the aisle.
This is when I began to cry!

THE KISS!! Well one of the kisses. I think he kissed her three different times. It was so cute and of course we all laughed!

Katelin feeds Aaron his bite of cake.

The couple used a winter's theme as that was the season they fell in love. The dessert bar looked so cool and refreshing, with crystal candy bowls and vases full of rock candy on sticks in colors of white and cool blue. Grab bags were available for each of the guests to fill with Hershey's kisses, truffles, mini sparkling marshmallows, and many other miscellaneous sweets; all in white or cool blue. To help transform the gym into a winter wonderland, my son Josh cut down six large dead trees on Justin's property, brought them to the gym. They were placed behind the head table. The candlelight sparkling off the crystal dishes and mirrors on the tables, the icy color scheme, all helped set the ambiance Kate was going for.

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?

Checking In! and Welcome Stupendous Sparkle! Glad you found my blog!

Do any of my friends even blog anymore? I have been so scarce around the blog world, I don't even know if my friends blog any longer! That's pretty bad!

Our lives have been in such an unusual state, that I've stayed away from blogging on purpose. I never want to say anything on here that would be detrimental to my family or my loved ones. Thankfully, due to prayer and tears, lots of good books by strong Christian authors, many counseling sessions with pastors, but most importantly, clinging to the Word of God, we are healing and things are ALMOST back to normal. (Normal for us anyway-I always heard that normal is way over rated.)

I did post about my newest great niece, Lexi Joy. That was a great occasion in all our lives. My mother and I were so happy Jackie is home on furlough from Paraguay and was able to give birth in our area.(See her photo in previous post) The baby is now 3 weeks old and getting lots of lovin' from her two sisters!

Last Saturday I enjoyed attending a school reunion. I was a teacher at Arcadia Christian Center back in the 80's, but forged many wonderful friendships with many of the students who were class mates with my siblings. Most of us hadn't seen each other for 25 years until this reunion. It was amazing. And true to form, I have PHOTOS!! LOL

SISTERS!
Rita and I having a good laugh. I probably shouldn't have posted such a terrible picture of myself, but I love what this photo communicates. We shared so many good laughs throughout the day.

Former students with their babies!

The next generation!



Mom and Rita, with some of mom's former students.

This is such a great shot! Kim and Rita were best friends and Kim was in Rita's wedding. They've only seen each other a few times since then. I'm sorry it's blurry, but I had to grab this moment before it was over!

Yes, Kim is sitting on my lap. We're so silly!

Rita and Clint with Dwight Powell. He was pastor/principal of Arcadia Christian Center. He just recently returned from Haiti, where he has an established ministry. Oh the stories he told us! God is really working in Haiti. He baptized 126 Sunday before last! He told about a Voodoo priest who also came to the Lord after Dwight climbed the mountain to speak with him face to face and offer food for his people. He told him "My God spoke to me and told me to bring you and your people food." At first the priest denied the help, but later accepted. The next day, he came down off the mountain and found Bro. Dwight and asked to learn more of "his God" who was loving and kind and sent food. The Voodoo priest said his god was angry and made the earth break. Bro. Dwight shared the gospel with the man who openly accepted the Lord that day. I had goosebumps all over as he told this miraculous story. Can you imagine the rejoicing that went on in the ministry headquarters that day!?!

Wendy was so happy to see me again! She was a student of my parents at the school, but I taught her on Wednesday nights at our church. We hadn't seen each other since 1983!

Jan and George seemed happy to be reunited!

Lots of hugging through out the day.

Here I am with Paige!! I was her first grade teacher and taught her how to read! I hadn't seen her since the mid eighties when she was still a little girl! She is now retired from the Air Force. One of her most recent accomplishments was spending nearly five years writing an instructional curriculum for the Air Force. I kept rubbing it in that I was the one who taught her how to read! I'm so proud of her and what a sweetie she is!

Two great godly men, Bro. Dwight and my dad!

Aunt Rita greets Shane.

Brother in laws, Clint and Agustin

This photo needs no words. I love it!