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.

"STILL ON CLOUD NINE"

I received a card last week from my friend Kim and had to smile when I read these words: "I'M STILL ON CLOUD NINE". She and her husband Tom were down from Michigan last month scoping out the perfect place to retire in a few years. Of course, I think the Tampa Bay area IS the perfect place for them to land! We met up at Landry's Seafood House for a late lunch at 2:30. I couldn't believe the clock in the car read 5:30 when we left the restaurant! It was a wonderful visit and the food and server helped add to our memorable three hours together.

Here's the entry into Landry's, right before the causeway. I love where I live! Once in awhile, I become aware that I'm taking the beauty of my surroundings for granted. I'm trying to make it a point to mention the beauty of the blue sky, the palm trees, or the pretty landscaping each time we go out.

Agustin, Shane, Tom, Kim, and I.

Our server was kind enough to offer to take a shot of us together. I think, from our banter and laughter, he could tell we didn't get to see each other often.


Agustin and Tom both ordered the Blackened Salmon topped with shrimp!
Shane order Chicken Alfredo which looked delicious but I didn't think to snap a shot of it.


Kim and I both ordered a health conscious plate-NOT! Fried catfish, fried oysters, fried shrimp, french fries, hush puppies, oh my!

Our server, Anthony, was a real character! He enjoyed talking HOCKEY with Tom, who coaches a hockey team in Michigan.

Outside with full tummies!

Kim and I - Even after a long, leisurely meal, we stood around outside the restaurant and talked another forty five minutes or so. We really didn't want to say goodbye!

Such sweet memories and I too am "STILL ON CLOUD NINE"!

Prayers for Josh Please!

Good morning all!

My eldest son, Josh, has two long days of classes, 12 hrs. today and tomorrow. After the class, he has 2 tests to pass, then possibly a new job as a security guard. He isn't thrilled about this line of work, but they are hiring right now. His job in construction has not been steady and as I mentioned before he has been discouraged. If he gets this job, at least it will be a weekly paycheck and not hit or miss like the past year has been for him. I'm asking our sweet, loving FATHER to bless Josh both spiritually and physically today. He's a big , active man that dreads the thought of sitting for such a long period in a chair! LOL We know he'll have breaks, but still! He also knows sometimes *a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do*! He's a good kid and his dad and I want God's best for him. Thanks for those prayers!

Oh-No! My pretty little blog layout is missing!

Remember my cute little bumble-bees and hives and sunflowers?!? You can click on the link below to learn why my blog went from adorable to BORING!! Boo-hoo! Do any of you use another site that offers free layouts?

CLICK HERE!

In the meantime, I guess I'll revert to one of Blogger's free designs. I guess this pink isn't too bad for the time being.

Smiles! Have a great evening.

An Abby-ism!!!

My niece's little girl Abbie, recently told her mommy the following:

"Mommy, I miss Tia Pam and Taney Pooh. I call him Taney Pooh "cubuz" his is a funny boy!"

I can just see her tilting her head as she said that!

Just look at her! Who wouldn't miss such a doll?

Abbie, wearing a Paraguayan soccer jersey, eating her 4th of July watermelon. I'm glad her parents see the need to celebrate our American holidays even though they are ex-pats living in Paraguay.

Give-A-Way from Ally Jo's Erudition Blog

Some of the cutest stationary products you'll ever see are at Ally Jo's Etsy Shop! Check out my friend's Give-A-Way BY CLICKING HERE. I think you'll really love the Shakespearean themed note cards!

Go Paraguay!

My niece Jackie is too cute! Check out this link to her blog post. She put these photos up after Paraguay's victory over Japan today in the World Cup! The little country made history as they now move into the quarter finals of the biggest deal on earth to us soccer fans!

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?

This Made Me Feel So Good! Smile and Enjoy!

This made me feel so happy! Sit a couple of minutes and join in the celebration of Christ's Resurrection!

Hello sweet little blog of mine!

Home-in Paraguay

My niece and her little family arrived exhausted but safe after an all night flight with a 2 year old, 4 year old and the new 9 week old baby. Thank God they arrived safe and sound to join my sister and her husband who were already there. We will miss them greatly! Sunday was difficult for mom and I as that is the day we went over to get our final hugs and kisses before the little family left on their long trip. I did well at keeping my emotions in check. Usually I fall apart when Rita and her crew have to leave us, but I know the girls were so so excited about getting back to their home (Paraguay). Their parents are wise and the entire year here, they spoke lovingly of their field of service and built up the excitement so that it was only natural that the girlies were filled with anticipation about getting back to their lives in Paraguay! Elena and Abbie have been speaking with joy about their garden they plan on planting when they get back home. And the cutest thing is how they both talk about how their mommy is going to have more babies and Elena squeals: "I'm gonna have lots and lots of sisters and a brother. We are going to name him Jacob!"

I mentioned earlier that I didn't break down and boo-hoo in front of the children as we said our goodbye's Sunday afternoon. ( I did however turn quickly to run to my car when I felt the tears start stinging my eyes and my lips started quivering after the hugs.) That being said, I did break down twice today! The first break down came over me like a ton of bricks when doing my laundry, I came across a pair of Abbie's little size 2 panties. the second break down flooded over me while on my walk this afternoon. As soon as I turned the corner and BOOM, there was the playground where they had so much fun while here. The tears started flowing. It passed quickly as I kept reminding myself how they deserve to be in their own home ; in the land to which God has called their family to serve. I'm sure they are thrilled to be back in their beloved Paraguay after a long year here in the states. It's okay if I miss them though, isn't it?

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.)

Two Little Boys Singing In Church- PRECIOUS!

This blessed my heart so! I know all of you will enjoy it as well!
Two_Little_Boys_Singing_In_Church.wmv

Getting My Act Together?? and Meet My Precious Great Nieces!!!

First off, do y'all think it's high time I get rid of the February, Valentiney theme on my blog? I promise, it will happen, just don't know when!

I really need to get my act together. I'm in the same boat as another blogging friend or two it seems. As of late, I can't seem to get my stuff together. And by stuff I mean even some of the simplest of daily chores! Most of you know our family recently went through some major changes and major health issues over these past six months or so. I thought by now, I'd be up and running on all cylinders, facing life with energy and zeal. But it just "ain't" happening! Could it have something to do with my age? I turn the big 50 in November. Shhh, don't tell anyone!

Well, here, let me allow the following picture to express to you how I'm feeling these days!

I've given myself a good talkin' to about my lack of reaching my own goals. I've had the hubster pray with me about it. I've joked about it with others. I've cried about it with my sister. I've tried to ignore it. I've given that ol' devil a chewing out. I've mused about it at odd hours, yes, many times at midnight. I'm tired of thinking about not being quite with it around here, so ...I've decided that for now I'm just going to rejoice in the fact that I walked for an hour yesterday and plan on doing it again today.Shane did get some lessons done yesterday and by God's grace, we'll do even more today. At least that's a start in the right direction of my former life and what we called normal.


Now, If y'all will indulge me, I'd like to share some sweet photos of my great nieces visiting my children's church class a couple of Sunday's ago! They are here visiting from Paraguay and leave us in about 6 weeks. I'm already having withdrawal symptoms. Let me tell you, these little princesses have a way of stealing hearts! Their giggles and squeals when I walk into a room is priceless!

Baby Lexi didn't like getting her clothes changed for church!

Here my niece Jackie, with her husband Brian are leaving the morning church service laden with gifts of pink from many of our generous church ladies! This was Jackie's first time to church since the birth of Lexi. Jackie looks good here doesn't she? She had given birth to Lexi at her home just two weeks prior.

Sarah gifted the girlies with matching dresses, not seen here as they are still in the bags.


My Mom brought baby Lexi into our Children's Church for a photo op ---It was, after all, Lexi's first time to church! Elena and Abbie are very proud to be big sisters now.



Elena and Abbie LOVE LOVE LOVE playing in the puppet theatre at the end of class time!






My helpers in Children's Church"

Elena, Matthew, Abbie, and Seth hold up the visuals to the little song,

"Whisper a prayer in the morning,

Whisper a prayer at noon.

Whisper a prayer in the evening.

Twill keep your heart in tune."



My niece said the girls went around their house singing it all week.

How precious is that? Be still my soul!



Here are the three princesses;

Abbie (age 2) Ya' gotta notice the toes! , Elena (age 4), and Lexi (1 month)



I love 'em to pieces!

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!