Catching Up ~ Days 6, 7, & 8

Whew! Since I've been immobile with an excruciating RA flare the past two weeks, I've gotten terribly behind with household chores and desk work. Playing catch up in those two areas alone has taken up most of my "good hours" during each day. That hasn't included much blogging or face booking time for me these past few days; but it does mean I'm doing much better and getting back to living my life!!! I'm afraid many don't realize that with this chronic illness (an auto-immune disease), I have a small window of time each day to be productive. I do appreciate all of my wonderful praying friends! I am reaping the benefits of each prayer you offered up on my behalf! I'm not totally out of pain and I still have substantial swelling in most joints, but I am functioning and getting a few hours of deep, healing, rejuvenating sleep each night.

I'm delighted to tell you that I'm also on day five of the Cabbage Soup Seven Day Diet and I'm feeling positive results! As of day three, I had lost two pounds! hip hip hooray!! I can't wait to weigh again on Sunday! See the diced fresh veggies in the picture below? That is the beginning of the base for my cabbage soup. I love seeing the pretty colors come together in the pot! After sauteing, seasoning, adding the cabbage and tomatoes further on in the process, I must say, it came out delicious!

Let's eat!

Well now that the "housekeeping" issues are out of the way here, (my explaining why I'm behind on the Photo A Day meme) I shall commence on "Catching Up" with some photos!

Day 6 ~ Work!

This is my son Josh painting his grandmother's kitchen.

Day 7 ~ Rest!

I can't find  a picture of me doing anything restful, but I did come across this sweet photo of my son Josh relaxing with baby Abbie, his cousin's little one.

 Day 8 ~ I AM...Me!

Top row: I am a wife, a mother of two handsome fellows, the sister of a red head!

(That's her surprising me on my fiftieth birthday! She had to fly all the way from Paraguay to pull it off!)

Middle row: I am the zany friend, a follower of Christ and I love His Word, a singer!

(I'm in the green, singing with friends around my organ!)

Bottom row: I am the Mother of a beautiful fur-child, a teacher of children, a foodie!

(I'm eating a steak & cheese sub at Portillo's of Chicago!)

Dilly Dallying

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

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

HERE'S A SILLY PHOTO OF AGUSTIN AND I!

It always makes me laugh!

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!

The Night My Life Changed Forever!

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

Well that's the night my life changed forever!

More to come later!

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

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!

CAUGHT IN THE ACT!!!

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





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





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





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





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





Have a great weekend everyone!

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.)

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!