THE "DOODLINGS" WHICH MAKE ME CRY!

Join me and many others for this time of fun and sharing. Simply CLICK HERE to visit and/or signup! I'm so thrilled that Kelli started this Friday Fun for us to participate in.



Last week, I featured a special Bible which we recieved from my Uncle Ray's personal library. I thought I'd continue with the theme of Bibles until I've shown you all the very special ones in our collection.


Many of you know a little about my niece
JACKIE JO VERNOY MCCOBB LIVING IN PARAGUAY AS A MISSIONARY'S WIFE. When she and her hubby were packing up for the big move to South America a few years ago, she left a few boxes of things in a storage room at my dad's church. These boxes of items were to be donated to D & D Mission Homes. One afternoon, I entered that storage room to get some bulletin board paper for the board in my Sunday School classroom. AND THERE IT WAS...Jackie's Spanish/English Bible!! "What?" I asked myself in amazement! "She's going to just give this away?!?" Then I seized it! Yes folks, my greedy little hands had to have it."Hey this is still in good shape and Agustin has been wanting a 2 in 1 Bible! Thank you Lord and thank you Jackie!" I stood there in that hot little room, leafing through the precious Bible. I thought of that beautiful, godly niece of mine using that very Bible in mission's conference after mission's conference with her parents. AND SURE ENOUGH... there was proof she had used it much ! She had "doodled" in her Bible. A couple of the "doodles" brought tears instantly to my eyes as they showed a pure, devoted heart! Sometime later, when I finally remembered to tell her that I had RESCUED her old Bible and about some of the cute doodlings I had found in it, she smugly said, "Oh, I'm sure I drew those while sitting in yet another conference while dad showed our slides yet again!" We both giggled.



Well, I couldn't wait to get home that evening to show my hubby the treasure I had just found! He was actually very excited about it when he saw it. Then I showed him the doodlings and notes. How precious it was to think of those pre-teen hands using this Bible, taking many good notes which were interspersed with the "doodlings"! Now my hubby uses that Bible daily for his devotions and has added a few notes and doodles of his own!




Personal note to Jackie: Honey, You don't know the times that I've used that Bible just so I could feel connected to you somehow. I've even had tears come to my eyes occassionally when I show your notes and drawings to others. It is certainly a very special item which I plan on keeping until the day I die.

PHOTOS OF JACKIE'S OLD BIBLE

One of the heart wrenching "doodles". If you enlarge it, you may be able to see where she wrote: "I got saved!" and "My Grandma's in heaven."

More "doodling"! I love how the stick people appear to be happy neighbors.

Sermon notes!

More sermon notes in Spanish.

This Bible was given to Jackie by my parents for Christmas, 1993.

This shot shows how the English translation lines up right next to the Spanish one.

The words to one of my favorite choruses, "Hay Una Cenda"

This is my favorite "doodle" It says volumes about Jackie's heart! The person in the drawing is shedding tears. In the word bubble out from it, it says, "I LOVE JESUS!" Isn't that the most precious thing? *okay, I can't see the keyboard through my own tears now*.

JACKIE just posted an awesome post tonight. If you want your heart to be blessed today, be sure to pop on over and check her blog out today! FAITHFUL IN THE FEW THINGS

A MEME about ME!

From MY SIS AT THE JUNGLE HUT


1. Go to http://www.photobucket.com/


2. Type in your answer to the question in the “search” box


3. Use only the first page


4. Insert the picture into your Blog.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


1. What is your current relationship stat?



( happily married)


2. What is your current mood?



(Deep In Thought)


3. What is your favorite band/singer?


(The Dartts)


4. What is your favorite movie?

(A Walk To Remember)

5. Where do you live?

(Florida)

6. Where do you work?

( In My Home)

7. What do you look like?

(I'm a sometime blonde Brunette)

8. What do you drive?

( Dodge Durango)

9. What is your favorite TV show?

(Each evening @ 7pm, CNN headline news channel)

10. Describe yourself?

(Well, I typed in Conservative and this is what I got. I don't think I'm this arrogant really!)

11. What are you doing today?

(EXERCISING! Every day baby!)

12. What did you do last night?

('A Man Called Peter' by Catherine Marshall)

13. What is your name?

( WARNING! I got an EYEFULL when I typed my name in! *HINT: Think, P*mela L*e Anders*n*)

And now I tag...

ANYONE WHO HAS THE TIME AND PATIENCE TO PARTICIPATE. IT'S GREAT FUN BUT VERY TIME CONSUMING! Do it, I dare you!

FRIDAY SHOW AND TELL (in memory of Uncle Ray Kennedy)

Surprise! I haven't participated in a Friday Show and Tell since I don't know when! To enjoy more goodies, link on over to KELLI'S HOUSE where a long list of participants await you! I have a 'CERTAIN COUSIN' who keeps getting on to me about it, says he really misses seeing what I will come up with for my Friday Show and Tells. I think this 'CERTAIN COUSIN' will particularly like what I'm featuring today! Enjoy! You know who you are! LOL

My Show and Tell today is a very special book. Not only is it special because its the Bible, God's Holy Word, but it is in the Spanish Language and once belonged to my Uncle Ray Kennedy. Uncle Ray was a well educated man and a minister of the word. After Uncle Ray graduated to heaven, his wife gave many of his books, commentaries, and this Bible to my dad, her brother. I remember driving over to Aunt Donna's when she still lived in Vero Beach to spend time helping dad box up some of the treasures that had been my Uncle's. He was like a little boy in a candy shop! I'll never forget his demeanor or the twinkle in his eyes that day as he lovingly handled, sifted through pages, and packed up what to him was the best gift ever! It was peaceful standing in Uncle Ray's study, knowing that he was now with God and out of all pain. I remember the day well as it was the day that the van of Bible students from Crown College had been in a terrible crash and all died right there on Highway 60 just the night before. We passed YeeHaw Junction without knowing this, but on the way back home, we received a phone call telling us about the horrible incident. I had chills as I realized we had just driven right through the very spot where those Christian young people, on a singing tour, had been called home. Aunt Donna was a trooper and worked hard right beside dad and I. I think we drove back to Tampa with 5 or 6 Rubbermaid action packers full of wonderful, delicious volumes. This Bible doesn't have a copyright date printed in it. It only says it was printed in the United States of America by the American Bible Society. As I handle this precious and small Bible, I wonder if Uncle Ray ever had the opportunity to lead a Spanish speaking person to Christ while using it. I love the musty, yellowing pages as I flip through. I'm so glad dad recalled I have a weakness for old things, especially old books! I'm sure he also thought Agustin and I would get more use from it than he, since we actually speak, read, and understand Spanish! LOL

Thanks dad for giving me this treasure from Uncle Ray.

The spine of my small, Spanish Bible. See the white discoloring on it from age? It is a beautiful hunter green color which didn't show up well in the photos.



Opened up to John 3 :16 "For God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life."

Juan 3:16 Porque de tal manera,amp Dios al mundo, que a dado a su Hijo, unigenito,para que todo aquel que en el cree, no se pierda,mas tenga vida eterna."

The front leaf of the Bible.

SAY IT ISN'T SO!!!

My baby turned TWENTY-ONE, (21) On Sunday, April 6th! As all mothers seem to ask themselves at this juncture in their child's life, I join in the chorus, "Where have the years gone?"

We drove to Tampa to attend church HERE with Joshua and his friends Sunday morning, then took them to Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse for a steak dinner. That was the BIG BIRTHDAY BASH! LOL Because it's what Josh wanted, it was fine with us. And can you believe, that I, the Queen of picture taking, forgot to have my camera with us??? Mom took a couple with her cell phone. I will have to remember to get them from her.

We had discussed with him whether he wanted us to throw a real party, or cookout or something. I mean, I had to do something awesome for him this year didn't I?? He chose, instead of a party, .... drum roll please.... are you ready for this?....

Duh Duh Duh Dum! Scroll Down Please...













He chose that we pay for his ...








SKYDIVING LESSONS!



HUH? What??? My baby is going to learn to jump from a plane??? Oh the joys of having ADULT (or so called) CHILDREN! LOL I love that booger! So it was settled. Lunch on Sunday and an earth crashing, oops, I mean a skydiving lesson in 2 weeks. Oh and the rest of the story...




His ....

Dear....

Ol' ....

DAD ....

wants to jump from the plane with him!!! Ay Dios Mio!

Well, you can be sure this Mama will remain with her feet planted well, down on earth, taking lots of photos, which I will be sure to share here on this blog! In the meantime, I will leave you with the following photos of this amazing young man, some of which are my favorites. I am proud to call him "SON".

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ENLARGE BY CLICKING AND JUST LOOKING AT THIS CHILD'S GORGEOUS EYES!

Josh at 3 months of age. Daddy was still in Mexico working on his visa. He saw Josh for the first time about 2 weeks after this photo was taken.

Striking a pose at age 3.

Glad to be out of the car after a full day of traveling! I LOVE this photo of his sweet face!

Sports of any kind have always been my boy's thing! No matter what type of physical feat challenges him even today, he conquers and quite elegantly!

He has always been our ALL -STAR whether he played sports or not.

Up to bat! #2

This past summer, Josh giving his little brother a piggy back ride.

Beach House Vacation, summer 2007 on Hunting Island, S.C.

Josh with Natalie, Easter 1993.

Josh with assistant coach, Coach Mitchell, after the Sport's Banquet of his Senior year, 2005. During this banquet, Josh was presented with MVP award in Basketball and The Coach's Award. Coach Ragel gave a positive, short speech about Josh and shared that he felt Josh deserved The Coach's Award for many reasons, one being his Christian testimony and leadership both on and off the court, another for playing with heart and passion.

Two tired brothers after a day on the beach!

Josh with his cousin, Josh Vernoy, building an elaborate sand castle. What you see here was just the beginning. This thing turned out awesome! They spent an entire day working on it. Several family members worked in shifts with them as well. Watching their minds in action reminded JUNGLE MOM and I of days gone by when these two created, conjured, and played the days away.

Who Am I?

I have taken this fun UNscientific quiz 5 times. On the first try, I did the long version and came out as Che Guevera. God forbid! He shot children and was killed by the CIA on a mountain top!

Second try, I came out as Mother Teresa. I digressed from a murdering communist to a saint! Talk about being bi-polar!

Third try, I really tried to tweak some answers but yet remain true to myself and did the test with a medium amount of questions. Guess who? HITLER!! People I'm all over the map. My hubby said he always knew I was a little extreme! LOL

Fourth try today, long version of test, I'm once again Mother Teresa!

Okay I said, one more try and I'm only doing the short version. I like who I am today, don't you?

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Cozy, Rainy Night

After a sunny morning and afternoon, we are now enjoying an evening of rain and thunder. Hey, it's okay by me. My yard needed the refreshment and now I won't have to run my sprinkler system! Thank you Lord for watering my lawn for me and saving me a few dollars on my water bill!

School went slowly today. Shane did make it to the park for P.E. with his dad. I usually go, but thanks to a new ecliptical exercise machine, I am so sore! Plus, I messed up yesterday and spent a little too long on the tennis courts withoug SUNBLOCK!! That's a big no no for several reasons. Let's see, its bad for the skin, possible skin cancer. I'm on medications that plainly state that I should limit my time in the sun! Even the RA istself has reasons attached which make too much sun exposure a poor choice for me. So--I've been naughty but I am paying the price with a pretty bright sunburn! *hangs head in shame*

After the guys return, we ate a lunch of spaghetti (wheat pasta), garlic toast, and salad. After showers and clean up, school commenced much later than normal. Shane did well with his Bible assignment and Spelling activities. Math was a real stinker though! We started so much later than normal. Shane is now taking a break, playing the Lego Star Wars video game with a little friend from next door. As soon as Ricardo returns home, we will have a History lesson.

Because hubby is working the late shift at the restaurant tonight, he won't be home until around midnight. I plan on having a cozy, relaxing night at home which includes a bubble bath, lit candle, and a good book.

I trust your week has gone well and that you are gearing up for a wonderful weekend and a time of worshipping and glorifying our Lord. Blessings!

Classic Movie I Am Most Like

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Wow! If I lived up to this daily, I'd be well pleased! My sis says it does describe me well, so thanks Jungle Mom. I'm touched you see me through such rose colored glasses, especially since you came out as "The Godfather"!!!! LOL

I saw this movie years ago when it first came out. I remember crying alot. Mr. Schindler was allowed to save the lives of a certain amount of Jews during the holocaust. He worked hard to fill each slot. The endingm when he cries over not saling his gold lapel pen to purchase the life of one more Jew is crushing. It makes me wonder how many Christians will have the same sentiment some day over not telling one more about Christ.

Back to My Roots...

Wild Wonderful West Virginia!

Even though I haven't lived in the mountains of West Virginia at any time during my adult life, I do remember my childhood visits to the state of my birth. Some of the sweetest, loving people you would ever care to meet are from these mountains. I could list a few here, but the list would grow oh so long I'm afraid.

We left West Virginia when my dad wanted to adventure out to the WEST (California) to find employment and possibly make "big money"in the booming logging business. He had grown tired of driving a coal truck. We can look back now and see how it was the hand of God moving my dad, mom, and I. I was not quite two years of age when we moved. After a few short years in Fortuna, CA, my father was visited by a Pastor of Campton Heights Baptist Church. Pastor Smith shared God's simple plan of salvation with dad and a new creature in Christ was born that night, right in our home. I was five or six years of age at that time. I remember daddy walking into the kitchen and pouring his brand new 6 pack of beer down the kitchen sink, all on his own accord. He said, "I won't be needing that anymore!" He has never drank a sip of alcohol since. Much has happened since that day which I plan to share at a later time.

As you watch this video and listen to the mountain music, let it speak to you about times that were less complicated. The dear folk and sceneries shown in the video take me back to some of my summer visits to a state which will forever be close to my heart! Once my Uncle Mack took my son "4 wheeling" up one of the mountain paths near his home. While up on the mountain top, Josh had need of a restroom. Uncle Mack told him to "pee" over the side of the mountain. Josh returned home so excited, hurriedly telling me that Uncle Mack had just named the spot of the moutain where he relieved himself as "Joshua's Point"!! I myself can remember walking those "country roads" with cousins to the community post office or to another cousin's house. My cousin Teresa, showed me how to pick beech right off the beech trees and start chewing! It was so refreshing! Remember, Beech Nut Chewing Gum?

Lawsy, I wish I could just take you dear blogging buddies up home to one of our Family Homecomings! I have uncles and cousins who play the banjo, guitar, and sing that ol' bluegrass. I especially enjoy taking the time to listen to stories from my relatives who knew my Granny Susie and Grandpa Booker; my Grandma Lula and Grandpa Johnny. Many we visit when there remember my great-grandparents as well and many other relatives of ours.

Oh and if you happen by one of the hollows (hollers) where my relatives live, you'll never go hungry! You'll be offered good food before you can take a seat! My boys love it there! When I was little though, this was the land of pinto beans, cornbread, fried taters, fried flitters (some call them "fritters"), farm fresh eggs, fried chicken, fried pork chops, fresh garden veggies! I LOVED the home cooked breakfasts when I visited all of my aunts. The normal fare was fried eggs, sausage, milk gravy, fried taters, and a big whopping pan of home made biscuits with fresh butter and home made preserves! OF course, most of my relatives are health conscious these days and no longer have to plow the back forty acres, requiring a slight change in diet. But I bet we can still find a pot of fresh pinto beans just about anywhere in those hollers!

The hospitality is a whole other post! Lovely homes nestled between two mountains on flat bottoms by the creeks. At night, I enjoy being able to open my bedroom window, breathing in the fresh night air as I listen to the babbling creek, crickets and toads. OH, and here is another story I just remembered about one of my Josh's visits to W. Va. He was allowed to sit on Aunt Virgie's porch with Uncle Mack and shoot a rifle! People, he shot off a rifle while sitting in a rocking chair on someones front porch! What a life! You must realize that nobody lives across the "street". Josh was actually shooting across a large front lawn, across the holler road, (which is now paved!)and into the mountain side! He loved telling his city slicker friends back home in Tampa about that experience!

In the words of John Denver, "Take Me Home Country Roads!" I think I'm ready to spend a few weeks "back home".

A Wonderfully, Creative Way to Memorize or Emphasize Scriptures!

One of my dear cousins shared with me the link below. I was so pleased to see what some creative ladies have come up with in the world of scrapbooking! Take a peek for yourself by clicking on the link!

http://scrapbookideas.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/this-weeks-bible-verse-quick-page/

Oh and just a reminder for those who have the time. Please head over to my son's blog to read his report about the Thomas-Ford Winter Estate field trip. Click HERE and leave him a comment which I think will encourage him to write more! He checks each day to see if someone new has read his post!

THREE THINGS TO PONDER

1. Cows
2. The Constitution
3. The Ten Commandments

C O W S: Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington ? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.

TH E C O N S T I T U T I O N: They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq . Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.

T H E 1 0 C O M M A N D M E N T S: The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this: You cannot post 'Thou Shall Not Steal,' 'Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery ,' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians...It creates a hostile work environment.

Our Reasonable Service

Click here for a wonderful devotion about giving God our reasonable service. It's short and to the point, but very convicting. I think you'll enjoy The Flip Flop Queen's humor as she points out a very important duty for we Christians!

A Timely Quote

Even though the following words were spoken by Thomas Edison many years ago, we should take it as wise advice and encouragement in today's climate. Wouldn't you agree?

"Be courageous! Whatever setbacks America has encountered, it has always emerged as a stronger and more prosperous nation...."
"Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith and go forward"

--- Thomas Alva Edison

OF course, as a Christian with a strong faith in God, I know HE has the future in HIS almighty hands. I am committed to prayer as I see my country seemingly spiral downward, further and further from being the great nation that our founding fathers intended. As we see contention rise during this political season, let's agree to commit each candidate and our citizens into God's hands and pray for HIS will to be done. Whatever the outcome in November, I will pray for my new president.

1 Timothy 2:1-5

vs. 1)I EXHORT therefore, that, first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

vs. 2)For kings, and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty,

vs. 3)For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

vs. 4)Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

vs. 5)For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

I wonder, if we spent as much time and energy in prayer for those in authority and for each other as we spend criticizing - - -would we experience more of that peace and holiness as mentioned above in verse 2?

ART IN THE COFFEE CUP

Wanna see some fascinating art in a cup of coffe? Just click on the link below.


ART IN THE COFFEE MUG

Rheumatoid Arthritis" What Is It?"

I'm sure most of you who read my blog know by now that I suffer from RA. I thought I'd post the following explanation I found in my Arthritis Today magazine.

Rheumatoid arthritis (rue-ma-TOYD arth-write-tis) is a chronic disease, mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability.

Thankfully, this picture is not of my hands. However, this is an example of severe joint damage caused by RA. I have very minimal deformities when comparing my hands to those of this dear soul.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progresses in three stages. The first stage is the swelling of the synovial lining, causing pain, warmth, stiffness, redness and swelling around the joint. Second is the rapid division and growth of cells, or pannus, which causes the synovium to thicken. In the third stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage, often causing the involved joint to lose its shape and alignment, more pain, and loss of movement.


Because it is a chronic disease, RA continues indefinitely and may not go away. Frequent flares in disease activity can occur. RA is a systemic disease, which means it can affect other organs in the body. Early diagnosis and treatment of RA is critical if you want to continue living a productive lifestyle. Studies have shown that early aggressive treatment of RA can limit joint damage, which in turn limits loss of movement, decreased ability to work, higher medical costs and potential surgery.

RA affects 1 percent of the U.S. population or 2.1 million Americans. Currently, the cause of RA is unknown, although there are several theories. And while there is no cure, it is easier than ever to control RA through the use of new drugs, exercise, joint protection techniques and self-management techniques. While there is no good time to have rheumatoid arthritis, advancements in research and drug development mean that more people with RA are living happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Pam adds: ,I'm happy to report that after my terrible flare up last year which lasted about six months, I am now doing much better. New medications and feeling well enough to start up my walking and exercise routine have been God sends. I've lost right at 25 lbs. and feel so much better. I still have pain on a daily basis, but oh, so much bearable than at this time last year. I can't stress it enough here that the key to feeling better, whether you have a chronic disease or not, depends on your diet and exercize. Eating good, nutritional foods are a must for those of us with RA. Our bodies need all those good vitamins and minerals found in whole foods. Many of you prayed for me during those difficult days. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Some symptoms which manifest themselves in me are:

Cervical spine (the neck): Symptoms include neck stiffness, weakness, and loss of motion. Other symptoms often can't be felt or seen in exams. Ligaments are often inflamed, and there may be problems with the spinal cord or nervous system. Neck pain alone tends to get better, even when the joints are damaged. Damage to the nervous system does not usually improve.

Shoulders: The main symptom is loss of motion. Your body's unconscious reaction to shoulder pain is simply not to use your shoulders. Since daily life doesn't require much shoulder use, frozen shoulder syndrome can set in quickly.

Hands and wrists: Almost everyone with RA has affected wrists. Joints in the middle of your hand and fingers are usually affected. The knuckles at the ends of your fingers usually are not. RA can cause joint deformities that freeze your fingers in unusual positions. Rheumatoid nodules and tendon inflammation can make it hard to bend the fingers. Nodules can cause a locking and catching action as your fingers bend.

Knees: It is easy to feel the swelling in the knees. A fluid-filled lump called a Baker's cyst often appears behind the knee. It can burst and leak fluid into the calf.

Feet and ankles: RA commonly affects the joints in the middle of the toes and the ankle joints. The deformities and pain in the toes can cause problems with walking. The sole of the foot can feel tingly or numb.

The progression of RA is hard to predict. The swelling of RA flares up and dies down, and milder forms of the disease often don't require much treatment. Mild RA may even go undiagnosed.

I Can't Wait To See This Film!

I saw the trailer of this movie and loved it! Starring beautiful Angela Bassett and handsome Rick Fox ( a pro NBA player).

A single mother living in inner Chicago, Brenda has been struggling for years to make ends meet and keep her three kids off the street. But when she's laid off with no warning, she starts losing hope for the first time, until a letter arrives announcing the death of a father she's never met. Desperate for any kind of help, Brenda takes her family to Georgia for the funeral. Nothing could have prepared her for the Browns, her fathers fun loving, crass, Southern clan. In a small-town world, full of long afternoons and county fairs, Brenda struggles to get to know the family she never knew existed and finds a brand new romance that just might change her life.

Based on the popular stage production of the same name, TYLER PERRY "MEETS THE BROWNS" is a charming story about the joys of family and the possibility of second chances.

Go check it out for yourself here!
Meet the Browns

And in other news, there has been a posting by Battle King Shane. He is hosting his first photo caption contest and just wait until you see the photo!!! To see it and to leave a caption entry in his comment section, just click HERE
Have fun!

Someone has a birthday today...

...and it's my lovely niece, Jackie! She is turning 23!!

You and me right after your small, private, family wedding ceremony. I was so happy to have been able to attend since I wasn't able to go to your elegant wedding in Venezuela.

I love you girl and don't tell you often enough just how proud I am of you. It warms my heart to be able to call you "niece".

I awoke this morning thinking of you on your special day. Even though you are oh so far away, I always feel you close in my heart.

One of the memories that floated through my cloudy mind this a.m. was about the time we went to get DONUTS!! (Need I say more Miss Jackie? I bet you are giggling already.) When Jackie and I are together or even just on line chatting, we only need to say the following phrase in a nasally, nerd voice to get us both LOL. "Are you an economist or something?" I know folks, it isn't the least bit funny to you, but I know Jackie giggled when she read it! Am I right dear niece, am I right??? For the rest of you, it's just one of those times when you HAD TO BE THERE! On the way home from that incident with the donuts and economist remark, we laughed so hard, we almost had to pull off the road. Well, I almost had to pull off the road, since I, thankfully, was the one driving! We all know how Jackie is behind the wheel of a vehicle! Too much of your mom's DNA there girl. Anyhoose, the tears and laughter were such an impediment to my driving, it was kind of scary crossing that bridge over the Hillsborough River!

I also started reminiscing about all the concerts we went to together and how excited and starry eyed you would get afterwards, waiting for autographs or photos with the performers. Of course, I was just as excited as you ever were, maybe more so! Fun times, those were!

Remember all the Sunday naps we tried to take together? I could drift off to sleep so easily but you, oh no, your mind wouldn't shut down for even one minute.

I used to love your visits to my bedside when I was on bedrest for most of my pregnancy with Shane. It was the highlight of my day, but I think I've failed telling you that. I have photos of you and some of the cousins and the Josh's all circled around my bed, some of you on the bed with me, entertaining me. It really helped to break up my long, boring days. I was so glad my bedrest fell at a time when you all were here in the states on furlough.

Some of my most favorite memories though are of our time in Mexico together! You were my baby! Agustin insisted on taking you on just about every date with us. He couldn't stand it when we would leave the house, and see and hear you in the living room window, crying after us. So many times he would rush back inside to ask your parents if you could come along. Remember, you were only 12 months old or so!

One memory that still brings tears to my eyes, is from the week or so before I married. It was such an emotional time, as we were putting last details together on my wedding, entertaining guests from the states who had flown down for the big day, and your parents were packing and making arrangements to return to the United States for a couple of months before moving on to Venezuela. I asked your dad if you could start sleeping with me in my bed for that last week before my wedding. I'd go to bed and just hug you and cry into your soft baby hair, as I thought about having to say good bye to you so soon. You all were going to head to Mexico City right after my wedding. You see, I knew I wouldn't see you after I returned from my honeymoon, so I was wanting to hold you and talk with you and spend every moment with you that was possible. You were 18 months old and you performed so well in my wedding as the Jr. Flower Girl! We all think you stole the show away from me, the BRIDE!!

OH my, I'm sorry I just grew so sentimental! This day is supposed to be all about you, not me! LOL

I know your hubby has made it possible for you to enjoy your special day. God bless you my love, as you continue to become that Proverbs 31 lady you so desire to be. You are such a blessing to know.
Happy Birthday!
If anyone reading this would like to pop on over to Jackie's blog and leave her a birthday greeting, simply click HERE

CAUTION: Nauseating amount of photos to follow!

Jackie with Scott Fowler after a Cathedral concert.

Precious angel!

Your Uncle Agustin's sarcasm and wit always draws a big ol' laugh out of you!

(This was taken right after Grandpa performed your private, family, wedding ceremony.)

I've always loved this photo of you, Jackie. Josh and Jewell are adorable as well, but I think the photographer captured your animation. You look as though you are so proud of your two younger siblings. I also think you look as though you are about to speak to anybody who sees this photo.

Mopping Venezuelan style!

Do you remember the time we drove out to Uncle Johnny's work site with Uncle Chilo and my mom in law? It wasn't long after this that Uncle Johnny fell from a high column here at this same site, to the ground and broke his arm.

You (behind the pulpit), leading games for our Father's Day program at church. We had so much fun that day and all the men and boys had such a wonderful time.

This was another birthday of yours. I think you were turning 13 and your parents were out of town, but your dad, being the great guy that he is, sent you a bouquet of flowers. Also, do you see the back of my little Shaney Pooh behind you?

You with your mom and I in our front yard in Mexico. I think we were on our way to Sunday morning worship. Look at those adorable legs. They remind me of Miss Elena's.

Here's proof that you tried to steal the show away from me!! LOL The older flower girl is Berenice, Agustin's sister who recently graduated from law school. My, I'm getting old!

Yep, that's you getting all the smiles and warm comments as we left the ceremony.

Is this what you would call a "BAD HAIR DAY"? On the back of this photo, your mom wrote, "Jackie, after a rough night. She likes sleeping in Clint's shirts."

SO darling!

Easter, 1987, at Grandma's house in Logan, W.Va.

Here you are holding your cousin, Josh Rios. Ha, I'd like to see you do that now!

Josh Turner singing "Me and God"

I LEARNED A NEW WORD TODAY THAT'S A WHOLE LOTTA FUN TO SAY!

I had never heard of this word until it arrived in my email a few weeks ago from Dictionary.com's Word Of The Day! I LOVE this word!

I'd like to see who can compose an interesting sentence using "my" new word! Just leave it in my comment section if you feel so obliged!

nonagenarian \non-uh-juh-NAIR-ee-uhn; no-nuh-\, noun:

A ninety year old person; someone whose age is in the nineties.

A Weekend Pleasure!

We just returned home from walking and playing basketball in the park. I jumped on line to post really quick while Agustin and Shane are in the back yard grilling burgers. It has been so beautiful here today. I can't imagine all of you reading this who are still fighting snow and ice. *prays for Ginger and Sarah*

Look who took time out of his oh so busy schedule to meet up with us for an early supper Saturday evening!



My first born! With his job, church, and social life keeping him busy, and due to the fact that he lives almost an hour away, we don't see him often. He was looking fine, tanned, fit, and rested and was in oh such a pleasant, talkative mood. His natural tendancy is to be somewhat subdued, serious, and quiet, unless he has something he feels is important to say. He doesn't talk just to hear his brain rattle, if you know what I mean! Don't misunderstand me here though, he can be quite the clown and the life of the party if he feels so inclined! He is usually quite happy to slip into a party unannounced or to give advice only when asked. So anytime I catch him in one of his talky moods, I relish it! He shared some business plans with us, some prayer requests, some of his goals, and some of his funny life stories. It was such a blessing to have him share his heart with us and to learn how the Lord is truly working in his life. It's hard for this mama to grasp that her baby boy will be turning 21 on April 6th! Where has the time gone? I must be honest, my heart swelled with pride as I watched him interact with the server, his dad, his little brother and I. Oh yeah, and with that certain someone behind me who kept distracting him! *winks*

You can click on any photo to enlarge it for better viewing.

A Happy Mama with her two treasures!

(I'm so sorry Josh is squinting. The sun was so bright. It was a gorgeous evening!)

The three most important men in my life. My two sons and husband!

Supper was delish. We met up at Red Lobster. Agustin had his regular, "The Admiral's Feast", Shane had his regular as well, "Kid's Chicken Fingers". Josh had his regular, although it's no longer on their menu, they prepared it for him, his beloved "Cajun Shrimp Alfredo". I tried one of their promotional items, "Lobster Stuffed Tilapia". It was super delicious! Of course, we all enjoyed the Cheddar Bay Biscuits, YUM! Yes, I endulged! But I must emphasize that although the food was great, the time spent as a family was even better. Thanks Josh, honey, for the wonderful visit.



Side note to my brother in law (Yekwanaman): Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit and counsel with Josh about a week or so ago. He appreciated it so very much, which makes me appreciate it so very much.

Good Beyond Measure!

I wanted to share with you, my friends, some of the most beautiful words I've ever had the privilege of reading. They were sent to me in an email a while back. I can't help but smile and be overcome with peace when I read them!


"God is gracious and good beyond measure to bless with hearts like yours, to share that little quiet space with... a friend to worship with...
Thank you, Pam, for sharing you with me, and giving glory to Him ...Together, let's keep walking with Him towards Home! "
All's grace...
Ann

"All that happens becomes bread to nourish, soap to cleanse, fire to purify, a chisel to carve heavenly features. Everything is a channel of His Grace."