OOPS! Sorry Ron, no official Show and Tell Today!

Well, I did feel up to eating at our favorite Mexican restaurant on Cinco de Mayo. However, the place was so crowded when we arrived at almost 9 p.m. that we just drove right on past. (boo-hoo) We did try a new southwestern cafe, "BUFFALO'S" which recently opened in town and boy did we enjoy it. I had the "Juanita Fajita Salad!!! So yummy!

Talked with my sis on the phone for about an hour today. We almost solved all the world's problems during that time! LOL

Shane is pressing on to finish his 4th grade curriculum. It's looking more and more like we'll have quite a bit of summer school---just trying to catch up. He's a good little student, but it seems we've had many distractions and interruptions this year. Sunday evening before last, he sang a solo in his Patch Program at church. Read all about it HERE IN THIS NEWSPAPER ARTICLE!We were so proud of him. In the program at the end of May, he has a speaking part. He is growing not only physically, but spiritually as well. He is such a blessing to me.

For now, my son's skydiving adventure has been postponed. Many in his social cirlce are being wed or graduating this month, so many responsibilities are requiring their time these days. My son will be flying out to Lake Tahoe to be Best Man in his cousin's wedding on June 7th. He's working on a great speech for the event! It will be so cute and sweet, as Josh and his cousin have been so close throughout the years. They are polar opposites but great buddies. There are many wonderful memories between the two of them.


My Mom drove out to the house today. We had some Olive Garden gift cards for her to pick up. She will be using them as door prizes and gifts at the annual Mother and Daughter Tea she organizes each year for her church. This year's theme is "A REFRESHING TOUCH". I also had a dress and two suits for her to try on, as I've lost weight and inches, so most of my clothes hang awkwardly on me now! BOY OH, DID IT FEEL GOOD TO TYPE THAT LAST SENTENCE! I could have had my tailor take them in, but they really aren't my style anymore, besides which, my mother really liked them and needs them.



Saying I've lost weight in the above paragraph is a misnomer. I visited my primary care physician on Wednesday, all excited to weigh in. I just KNEW I'd lost 10 more lbs. or so. I mean, for goodness sakes, all my clothes are baggy. My walking shorts are falling down around my ankles if I walk too fast, (not really but almost), my rings and watches are too honking big. I was psyched to be weighed in! People, I had gained 3 lbs!!! You could have knocked me over with a feather! The poor nurse tried to console me. My blood pressure was excellent she said. I retorted back to her that I'm surprised it was so good cuz I felt it rise when I saw my weight. She offered to weigh me again. I climbed on those mean ol' scales and sure enough, it still had me up 3 lbs. from November's weight. Several staff tried comforting me, even dear ol' Doc. "I'm sure you've lost inches", he said. "Muscle weighs more than fat", says the nurse. "At least you look and feel better", offers my husband. YES 'tis true! I have been exercising more and eating healthier. I do have more energy and I must remember: "I AM 20 LBS. LIGHTER THAN I WAS THIS SAME TIME LAST YEAR!!! I recently purchased a few outfits, which were 2 sizes smaller than what I had been wearing. I shall continue on this journey of better health and weight loss. I will not be defeated!

Agustin had Monday and Tuesday off this week. Our family drove out to Clearwater Beach on Tuesday for some fun in the sun. I'm burned! I used a new sunblock which can only be purchased from the dermatologist's office, with a SPF of 65. I guess it wasn't water proof though! I'm burned! Thankfully I wore a hat all day, so my scalp and face were saved from frying. My arms, shoulders and legs are another story though.

My hubby has a busy rest of the week. It started Wednesday at work and will continue through Mother's Day. Extra chairs for waiting patrons on Sunday (mom's day), ordering and stocking of commodities and food items, $22,000.00 above regular budget. Extra dishes and glasses have been ordered and delivered. Many organizational projects have been completed in preparation of their biggest day of the year!

On May 22, another huge day, as Agustin conducts a large training session for new managers and execs. He has most preparations for that in place already.

I have many things on my heart and mind, many prayer requests which must remain unspoken for now.

It's that time of year, many weddings and graduations to be attended. I love all the excitement in the air!

Remember I once stated here that the Love Language I understand most is the gift of words? So now tell me, those of you who know me---am I looking thinner or not? Be honest! Most of you who read this blog don't know me in person, so you're off the hook! LOL I've found two photos for you to compare.

Here I am last August (2007). I'm in the center.

Here I am last week. May 2008

Have a splendid weekend!

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!!!

In keeping with the Mexican theme of today's post, I thought I'd show you some of the authentic Mexican food we enjoyed for most of last week. I only had to cook a couple of nights due to the generosity of two Mexican gals who work for my hubby at the restaurant. Its a huge demonstration of love and respect for Latinos to share their food. Isabella and Sophia send something home with Agustin often. He enjoys their kindness and its a perk for me as well! (The NO COOKING THAT NIGHT perk!)

Monday Night - Agustin brought this home after work. Mole (pronounced molay)and Mexican Rice.


Unwrapping the goods! Chicken/Turkey in Mole sauce is a traditional Mexican FIESTA dish!

The best way we've found to heat up tortillas here in the states is in a cast iron skillet.

Place them in a tortilla keeper to stay warm. I bought mine in Queretaro, Mexico.

The meal is plated and ready to serve!

One happy 'Mexicano' digs in!

Tuesday Night - Agustin brought home tamales. This signature Mexican dish is another which is normally reserved to be made for big fiestas such as weddings, birthdays, Christmas, etc. due to all the work one must put into making these. My hubby's mom is known as the QUEEN OF TAMALES in her circle. I like to add a dollop of sour cream on mine. You can add salsa or whatever you're in the mood for. These tamales were loaded with chicken and green salsa inside, so the sour cream was all they needed.

One needs an extra plate on which to discard the corn shucks after unwrapping the tamales.

One lone tamal is left on MY plate!

Wednesday Night - Ground beef with spices, onions, and cactus! Yes, you read that right, cactus! They are quite tangy and good for you. Also pictured are refried beans and more Mexican Rice. I prepared this meal myself.

These are the cactus we purchase in the grocery store.




CINCO DE MAYO is a pretty big deal around our house due to my hubby being from Mexico! He is quite proud of his heritage and of the resilience of the Mexican people. It seems everyone wanted to claim the land which is called Mexico. Spain, France, the United States as well all had a go at it, but por fin, the Mexican's prevailed. Cinco de Mayo is an important day in history as it is the day that 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated 8,000 French and traitor Mexican soldiers in the town of Puebla, Mexico in 1862. This was all going on while the United States was fighting our Civil War.


Here are a few facts about the origin of this celebration which I took from THIS SITE.

The 5th of May is not Mexican Independence Day, but it should be! And Cinco de Mayo is not an American holiday, but it should be. Mexico declared its independence from mother Spain on midnight, the 15th of September, 1810. And it took 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico.

So, why Cinco de Mayo? And why should Americans savor this day as well? Because 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862.

The French had landed in Mexico (along with Spanish and English troops) five months earlier on the pretext of collecting Mexican debts from the newly elected government of democratic President (and Indian) Benito Juarez. The English and Spanish quickly made deals and left. The French, however, had different ideas.

Under Emperor Napoleon III, who detested the United States, the French came to stay. They brought a Hapsburg prince with them to rule the new Mexican empire. His name was Maximilian; his wife, Carolota. Napoleon's French Army had not been defeated in 50 years, and it invaded Mexico with the finest modern equipment and with a newly reconstituted Foreign Legion. The French were not afraid of anyone, especially since the United States was embroiled in its own Civil War.

The French Army left the port of Vera Cruz to attack Mexico City to the west, as the French assumed that the Mexicans would give up should their capital fall to the enemy -- as European countries traditionally did.

Under the command of Texas-born General Zaragosa, (and the cavalry under the command of Colonel Porfirio Diaz, later to be Mexico's president and dictator), the Mexicans awaited. Brightly dressed French Dragoons led the enemy columns. The Mexican Army was less stylish.
General Zaragosa ordered Colonel Diaz to take his cavalry, the best in the world, out to the French flanks. In response, the French did a most stupid thing; they sent their cavalry off to chase Diaz and his men, who proceeded to butcher them. The remaining French infantrymen charged the Mexican defenders through sloppy mud from a thunderstorm and through hundreds of head of stampeding cattle stirred up by Indians armed only with machetes.

When the battle was over, many French were killed or wounded and their cavalry was being chased by Diaz' superb horsemen miles away. The Mexicans had won a great victory that kept Napoleon III from supplying the confederate rebels for another year, allowing the United States to build the greatest army the world had ever seen. This grand army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War.

Union forces were then rushed to the Texas/Mexican border under General Phil Sheridan, who made sure that the Mexicans got all the weapons and ammunition they needed to expel the French. American soldiers were discharged with their uniforms and rifles if they promised to join the Mexican Army to fight the French. The American Legion of Honor marched in the Victory Parade in Mexico, City.

It might be a historical stretch to credit the survival of the United States to those brave 4,000 Mexicans who faced an army twice as large in 1862. But who knows?

In gratitude, thousands of Mexicans crossed the border after Pearl Harbor to join the U.S. Armed Forces. As recently as the Persian Gulf War, Mexicans flooded American consulates with phone calls, trying to join up and fight another war for America.



Mexicans, you see, never forget who their friends are, and neither do Americans. That's why Cinco de Mayo is such a party -- A party that celebrates freedom and liberty. There are two ideals which Mexicans and Americans have fought shoulder to shoulder to protect, ever since the 5th of May, 1862. VIVA! el CINCO DE MAYO!!





Here are some GREAT CINCO DE MAYO CRAFTS for the kiddos.


For the adults, some yummy MEXICAN RECIPES.


Tonight, (trusting I'll feel well enough-I had a rough weekend) we'll be going to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants for supper and to listen to LIVE MARIACHIS!!!

First Things First---GOOD MORNING RON!!!

For Show and Tell this week, I'd like to continue showing you my Bible collection. So far, I've shared with you a Spanish Bible from my Uncle Ray's personal library and my Bi-Lingual Bible which once belonged to my niece Jackie. Remember all the sweet drawings and notes in that one?

The Bible I'm sharing today is a New Testament which was once owned by my Dad's mom, Granny Susie. She has scribbled some notes in this little Bible which makes it all the more precious to me. This New Testament was distributed by "The Pocket Testament League". Presbyterian Committee of Publication. I love the color choice for the cover, PURPLE which reminds me of ROYALTY. I couldn't find the copyright date in the Bible, but in my Grandmothers handwriting, I found the year 1925 written. This Bible was presented to her in Stacy, VA by F. E. Alock.

The antique Bible rests atop my stack of antique poetry books.

Notice the date Granny wrote at the top of this page of the Bible. (Sunday 29, 1925) Each time I look at the date she wrote here, I can't help but chuckle. She didn't note which month she received the little Bible.

I'm sorry this photo didn't come out very clear. In the back cover is a personal message written and signed by then President Woodrow Wilson.

This date at the top marks the day she gave this little Bible to her youngest son, my daddy. It was Dec. 30, 1989.

I just love the small colored pictures included.

When my dad granted me guardianship of his mother's New Testament, he also gave me his old draft cards. I wish they were legible, but after carrying them in his wallet for so many years, they are terribly worn and faded. I can make out that for his complexion they wrote "ruddy".

The other side of daddy's draft card.

This card tells my dad's height and weight, etc.

The card in this photo is labeled "Selective Service System" Notice of Classification, and where he applied. (Mullens, W.Va.)

I keep these small papers safely tucked in Granny's New Testament.

I trust you enjoyed looking at this old Bible, full of family memories. See you next week! Oh and remember, to see more Show and Tells, LINK HERE TO KELLIS HOUSE!

CHECK OUT THIS NEWSPAPER ARTICLE!

TO CREATE YOUR OWN NEWSPAPER ARTICLE, GO HERE!

Why 2 articles you ask? I wrote the one below really late last night. This morning, I simply couldn't find where I had saved it, so I rewrote another entire article. Then I found this one. Shane liked the top one best, I preferred the bottom, so in a great compromise, I published both.

Thanks Toni! Thanks Kat!

TONI at Amazing Grace passed the below award to me. Thanks Toni for your encouragement! I've really enjoyed reading your blog too and following your family life.

Last month, KAT passed this friendship award to me and I've just now remembered to add it to my blog. Thanks so much Kat! Thank you for sharing so faithfully on your blog!

FOUND A PEANUT, FOUND A PEANUT!!!

O.H. M.Y. W.O.R.D.!!! I think that this is really a great description of me! Why, just today, while walking, I had the toughest looking dog ( ENGLISHSTAFFORDSHIRE BULL)mosey right up to me and start licking my hand! At first, I mistook the doggie for a Pit Bull. His owner was right there in his driveway and I'm not a die hard Pit Bull hater, so I wasn't at all afraid. My brother owns one, and his veterinarian owns 3. But back to the quiz, I know for a fact that there are people who avoid me for whatever reason. I think I can be a little overwhelming with my friendliness. Maybe they think I'm an overly friendly Pit Bull! *winks*

You Are A Peanut

You are popular, even with people who tend to have picky taste. Kids love you, as do dogs. From rednecks to snobs, most people have a place for you in their hearts. As popular as you are, there are some people who can't be near you. Don't take it too personally. There's just a few people you rub the wrong way.

What Nut Are You?

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF THIS MEXICAN HOLIDAY?

Especially for my Honey!
Here's a little something of Mexican history I don't think you're aware of!



Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England . In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico , which was to
be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York .

This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico . But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.

The people of Mexico , who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly
awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.

The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as ---Sinko de Mayo.

I LOVE Days Like This!

EDT 8:19 pm: Misspelled word has been corrected. Can you imagine my laughter when I read my post today and saw that I had given our "friendly neighborhood duck" a MONOCLE??? His "MONAKER" is "Mr. Quackers"!!!

I accomplished much! Now here is the proof!

I took apart the air vents/fans in both bathrooms to give them a good cleaning inside.

The vent back in place after a good scrubbing with

a toothbrush and bleach.

A freshly washed bathroom door.

My trusty "KIRBY" carpet spot remover. This took care of the problem in the next photo.

Proof for those who say my house is never dirty! See the orange spot on the formal living room carpet? I do declare, we did buy Cheetos last week!

A clean and shiny bathroom! The vent in here was also taken down and cleaned.

Shane's bedroom didn't get a good vacuuming due to an ensuing battle!

I couldn't live with out this monster! My hard-working Kirby Vacuum.

See spot? (on the wall)

See spot run?

This chased spot away!

Time was spent instructing Shane in Bible, Reading, Spelling, Cursive Writing, and Math! Maybe we'll sneak some History in before bed.

A healthy afternoon snack of pineapples and cottage cheese.

I weeded this section in the backyard.

You can see this section which remains to be weeded. I will attempt tomorrow and then will work around to the other side of the patio.

Shane and neighbor feeding our friendly neighborhood duck, whom we've given the fine monaker of "Mr.Quackers."

The hall bath, all clean and shiny!

Freshly laundered towels, folded and ready to be put away.

You may be wondering why my accomplishment of these few chores warrant a blog post and why all the photos of such menial tasks. Just know this, I AM AMAZED that I have the capability of performing any of these alone. You see, this time last year, I was just beginning a new regime of meds for my RA (rheumatoid arthritis), Diabetes, aand a couple of other issues I was dealing with. I had been immobile for many months and seldom left my home. My loving husband did most of the grocery shopping and heavy chores around the home. On his days off, he saw to it that our 10 year old participated in activities out and about. I, on the other hand, was happy if I had the capability of getting the bed made daily, my shower taken, and giving instruction to Shane. I only occasionally attended church services. It was much easier to get ready if my hubby was home to help me dress. Due to his work schedule, I wasn't able to attend as often as I should. As I sat in service this past Easter service, I reflected a moment on our Easter service last year. My then 20 year old son had driven up from Tampa to drive Shane and I to church. He first had to help dress me. So you can bet I remembered to rejoice and give thanks to the Lord during this year's Easter service. For you see, this year I was able to dress and drive myself! I've learned to not take small daily things for granted. God has used my chronic pain to teach me so many things and most importantly, He has proven over and over again that His tender mercies are abundantly given to me each and every day.

After one year of many changes, I can now:

*climb to reach things which need cleaning
*vacuum my entire house in one day
*walk an hour each day
*scrub my own bathtubs
*shop and cook on the same day
*kick the soccer ball with Shane and try to keep up with his neat tricks
*hold a baby for longer periods of time
*stand outside and talk with neighbors
*exercise on this!

I must now go do my 15 minutes on this thing. We lovingly refer to it as "THE BEAST"!!! (When we first bought it about a month ago, I could only manage to creak out 30 seconds or so on it. I've slowly worked my way up to 15 minutes at a time!) BABY STEPS!

Now on another topic: Here's the shot of my cowboy boots I mentioned in the previous post. One of the outfits I like to wear them with is a suede dress of the same color, which is enhanced with silver and turquoise bling! (Think Pocahontas) It drives my 21 year old son crazy! "Mom!" says he. "Those boots shouldn't be worn with that dress." I ask, "Why not?" He replies, "They cancel each other out. You can't be an Indian (Native American) and a cowboy at the same time." Oh well!

ME OR NOT ME???

You Are Cowboy Boots

This doesn't mean you're country, just funky. You've got a ton of attitude and confidence. You're unique, expressive, and even a little bit wacky. You wear whatever you feel like – and you have your own sense of style. You are straight shooting and honest. You tell people how it is. Low maintenance and free wheeling, you're always up for an adventure. You should live: Where you can at least get to wide open spaces You should work: In a job that allows you to take charge

What Kind of Shoe Are You?

I do own a pair of Cowboy boots which I will post a photo of later today!!!

God's Peace

On a day when things were seemingly falling apart around me and my tumultuous mind needed calming, I FOUND THESE NOTES FROM ONE OF MY PASTOR'S SERMONS back in September of 2007. It was a blatant reminder that God wanted me to stay my mind on HIM and HIS GOODNESS!
***********************************************************************************


Preaching from Philippians 4:4-7 on the topic of - "HOW TO HAVE THE PEACE OF GOD", Pastor Naill gave the following points in his outline:


1. PRAISE - To have peace, you must first have PRAISE. There can't be discord if you're busy PRAISING!


2. POISE - act in moderation, Phil. 4:5. In the Greek, it means to be patient and gentle. Who would want to be caught away in the rapture during an angry argument? Always MODERATE your speech and relationships.


3. PRAYER - If we aren't spending time with the Lord in PRAYER, we'll have NO POWER in our lives. You can be the most faithful to church, singing in the choir, singing solos, dressed most modestly, but if not spending time in PRAYER, you will have NO POWER on your life.


God knows your requests before you bring them to HIM. He just wants you to talk to HIM about it.


God is interested in all parts of our lives. Pastor said he prayed before his free throw shots when playing high school basketball.


If he hears one of his children asking others for food during a "Dinner on the Grounds" at church, he intervenes and explains to his child, "Don't ask others for your needs. Ask me, I'm your Father. I enjoy taking care of your needs." He then related this to our Father God. God doesn't want to see us going around asking everyone but Him, begging, as it were, for our needs to be met when HIS purpose is to care for us and to meet our needs.


Having kids has confirmed in his mind that God set up the family to give us a real illustration of our relationship with God.


Pastor asked, "Is there any devastating occurrence which can disturb the peace of God? NO - God is the author of PEACE and the PRINCE OF PEACE! Philippians 4:7


One final quote from Pastor Naill: "The greatest secret to living a godly life and walking the proper walk is by knowing certain things about God and His Word."


I hope you enjoyed these little tidbits from a sermon which really encouraged me in my faith. I wish I could have posted the entire sermon for you, but I had only these few notes which I scratched out during the sermon. Feel free to visit my chuch website BY CLICKING HERE.

PLEASE BE PRAYING...

FOR this is going on at our church FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY! Much planning and preparation has been put into this event, with anticipation of seeing God work in mighty ways!