Dear Lexi,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

I can't believe you are one year old today! I'm so happy you were born into a loving, Christian family! You are one blessed little baby girl! It seems like it was just yesterday I drove about an hour to see you on your very first day in this world. Your mommy's bedroom was abuzz with excitement! Gigi and I almost fought about who would get to hold you first.

It tickles me to know that the first time you went to church, Gigi brought you into my Junior Church class and introduced you to the children!

I love you so much Lexi. If I were there in Paraguay with you right now, I'd hug you, and squeeze you, and smack a big, noisy kiss on your chubby cheeks! Oh and I'm sure I'd be squealing too. Stay healthy baby girl. I pray I can see you one day soon.

Love Forever,

Tia Pam

Tia Pam holding newborn baby Lexi.

GiGi holds baby Lexi while visiting the Junior Church class.

P.S. - I can' t wait to see the pictures of your birthday celebration. Your mommy is such a talented photographer, I'm sure they'll be very good.

Little Abbie's New Do!!!

See Abbie's long hair? Well that was before....

she got THIS new do!!

Isn't she just the most adorable little bug? I miss her and her sisters sooo much!

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!

DON'T TRY THESE AT HOME

Tis the season of colds and flu-bugs! I chuckled when I read the following list of things that folks used to think would help cure ya'! (List taken from Sunday's PARADE insert.)

DON'T TRY THESE AT HOME

1) Smearing goose grease on your chest and wrapping it with flannel

2) Rubbing the soles of your feet with tallow and turpentine, and holding them against a wood stove

3) Getting passed three times under a horse's belly

4) Having a fish skin tied to your feet

5) Cupping, followed by blood-letting
{I've seen this done to my husband in Mexico. The *cupper* will rub the *cuppee* with alcohol. Then light a match near it, rush a cup over that area. The cup sucks the skin up into it. Supposedly this cleanses the *cuppee* of toxins. This is done all over the *cuppee's* body. Fun to watch but I never participated as a *cuppee* because the *cupper* seemed to enjoy it too much!}

6) Going to sleep wearing a pair of cold, wet socks with a pair of thick, dry socks on top of them

7) Stuffing your nostrils with cut garlic cloves

*I've heard my dad talk of similar mountain cures. For instance, his mother would rub mustard on his chest and tie garlic around his neck when he was sick. Sometimes she would force him to eat an onion sandwich.*

8) Pressing a warm, peeled hard-boiled egg to your forehead

9) Eating snakeskin

OK, NOW LEAVE THE # OF YOUR FAVORITE CURE IN MY COMMENT SECTION.

I think my fave is #8!!!

Embroidered Towels, Aunt Tommie's Work

You've heard me mention my Aunt Tommie on here many times. She is one of my dad's older sisters and a doll. She has always been known for her tedious and precise handiwork. In this short video you can see the kitchen towels she sent to my mom for Christmas this year. I just love them!

Missing 'Em!!

Some days, I just seem to yearn for a hug or to hear a sweet giggle from these two precious little girls. They belong to my niece Jackie. She and Brian are awesome parents, raising their three little ladies up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. When I'm around these little gals, it seems all the cares of the world melt away. Sadly for me, they live on another continent! They are quite content there. It's where God has led them to minister. But still yet, I miss you Elena and Abbie! (Oh and baby Lexi too).

A Visit to our Neighborhood Park While Visiting With Us

What pleasant memories this photo brings! They were serving burgers and fries to us, pretending to work at a M*Donald*s. They would hand Tio Agustin handfuls of mulch. He would pretend they were french fries and act as if he was munching on them. They would just

GIGGLE AND GIGGLE!

Here's Elena in her Tia Pam's cowgirl boots. She found them in my closet - oh, I'd say within five minutes of arriving at our house! oh and notice the necklace, that's mine too! I'm smiling now as I recall how surprised I was that she found these items to play dress up in on her own and oh so quickly!

And now, purely for your enjoyment, a photo of Lexi Joy, the baby sister!

Dear Elena, Abbie, and Lexi:

Please don't grow up too, too much before I get to see you again!

Love,

Tia Pam

Two Prayer Requests...

I would so appreciate it if you could please keep my son Josh and four of his friends in prayer as they travel throughout this evening and all day tomorrow, heading to Houston, Texas. (Wed. & Thurs.) They begin work on Friday morning. While there, they will be building a huge furnace for a glass factory.

Also, my Shane is so sick again! He had about two weeks relief from an ugly virus and terrible cough. Sunday he started with another sore throat and now his poor little nose is runny and his cough hurts his throat. So far, we're trying various home remedies. He slept well last night. I trust he feels better soon!

BROTHERS-Josh and Shane

BUSY December!

I always find it hard to keep up with posting during November and December. I always fall behind. WE have so many functions and birthdays during these last two months of the year.

We had a wonderful but different Christmas this year. With my husband in Mexico and my baby brother in West Virginia, things felt a little "off" or "strange" this year. Nonetheless, we had a warm, cozy time of breaking bread with loved ones here and opening lovingly wrapped packages. Then of course there was plenty of laughter! You can't have my son Josh, his cousin Josh, and my youngest son Shane in a room together without loads of antics and laughter. That was all on Christmas Eve.

Christmas day was spent with my parents in their home. Nora, a friend from church joined us for another delicious meal which started off with my father reading an account of the birth of Christ from the gospel of Matthew. Then we watched family videos starting back in November from my birthday, Thanksgiving, Shane's birthday, mine and Agustin's anniversary. November and December sure are busy months at our house. It seems we have so many things to celebrate! But culminating our year by celebrating the birth of our Saviour is top of the list!
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Here are some photos from Shane's 13th birthday on Dec. 5th. I'll post Christmas photos soon.

Happy Thirteenth Shane!

Opening Birthday Gifts!

Oh what after dinner fun! Watching videos on You Tube which gross you out. I recall this one showing a woman popping/draining a boil on her husband's back! Now who would think to video and upload something like that? Now WHO would think it's fun watching something like that? You're looking at the three of them!

Grandma & Shane eyeing her homemade chicken and dumplings he requested fir his

birthday meal.

Shane also requested corn on the cob!

Grandma made the cake Shane requested for his birthday. Weight Watcher's orange diet soda cake topped with mandarin oranges!

In Children's Church

The embarrassing "Mom kisses son in front of people" kiss.

"Now look here woman!"

We do share lots of laughter when together. I love this kid.

In church

What Delilah does for several minutes each time Shane or Agustin leave home. So cute.

Agustin's gift to Shane-a trip to the shooting range!

There's nothing quite like a boy and his dog! Shane telling Delilah goodbye before heading off to shoot stuff.

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!

THIRTEEN YEARS...How can it be?

Today, Sunday, is my youngest son's 13th birthday. Don't ask me where the years have gone because I have no idea! What I do know though, is that God sent this child to us just when we needed it most! Our first and only child, Joshua, was ten years old when we found out we were going to have an addition to our little family. I was thirty-six! We had arrived at the point where it was so easy to just pick up and go anywhere. We hadn't used car seats, diaper bags, diapers, formula, wipees, binkies for several years now. Anytime we wanted to jaunt off to a restaurant, store, or to visit friends, our only prep was to notify Josh to jump into the car and buckle up. Boy, did things change after the birth of our Shane! It seemed to take forever to go anywhere! Well, at least the preparation to go seemed to take forever! You know exactly what I'm talking about. "Where's the diaper bag?" " Did you make a fresh bottle?" " Does he have his binkie?" "Should I feed him first?" etc. Of course, I'm not complaining! He has been such a blessing not only to us but to many others. Always a lovable, affectionate type and a great cuddler; even as a baby, he had an infectious laugh which he still has today.
Let me tell you a few things I love about this kid! At thirteen, he is still affectionate and loving; very considerate. He enjoys surprising his dad and I with fully prepared breakfasts. Without being told, he bathes our dog weekly. He cleans up all the dog-poop in the yard twice a week. He is consistent with his trash duties. He is a very good student. Shane has great comprehension. He's a gentle giant! He ministers by serving in our Children's Church. I could go on and on, but instead, I'll post some photos!

Shane shows off his Captain's award from Patch the Pirate Club- 2nd year in a row.

Josh and Agustin visit newborn Shane in nursery while I was recuperating from the C-section.

Agustin and I during Shane's dedication service.

a Proud Grandpa during the dedication service.

For my baby shower, my dad painted the little baskets by hand. We filled them with homemade chocolates as favor.



My first time to lay eyes on my little blessing. He was blowing bubbles!!

Dr. Bruce Shephard visits us in the hospital the day after he performed the C-section.






Me at 9 months,

Our first ultra-sound of baby Shane!

Thanks for indulging me!

Here's a video clip of Shane's birthday last year. We were so happy to have my nieces and nephew (Josh & Naomy, Jewel, and Jackie and her girlies) with us. Notice Jackie's baby bump. This was before the arrival of little Lexi. I love how much fun the 3 siblings have singing together - breaking out in a multi-cultural celebration!!! Poor Shane was not into it! He had a friend stay over the night before and hadn't slept!!!

"Peace On Earth" December Challenge

Are you looking to make this Christmas season more meaningful?

Are you hoping you can find a few moments of peace during the hectic month of December? Then 'link up' with us for the "Peace On Earth" December Challenge!

Courtney over at Women Living Well has created this challenge. I've checked out Courtney's blog and watched her video which explains what this challenge is all about. I've also linked up and am ready for her weekly tips and encouragement to help me focus on God's Word and on ways to bring peace in my life and home this holiday season.

Won't you join us?

A Glimpse Into Our Thanksgiving 2010

We were honored that Nora, a single mom from our church, and her teen daughter and a friend accepted our invitation to join us for Thanksgiving. We were also pleasantly surprised by my brother, who drove down from West Virginia. In this video you'll see him catching a little nap on our Shane's bed! It was a wonderful day with many laughs but most importantly, we all enjoyed a time of reflection on God's goodness to us this past year.

PSALM 100:1 "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands, serve the Lord with gladness,come before HIS presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord,He is God. It is He that hath made us and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING AND INTO HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE! Be thankful unto Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting and His truth endureth to all generations."

Pam's Birthday Surprise Long Version

I just love this video!!! I watch it over and over and over. I'm starting to remind myself of my boys when they were little and wanted to watch the same thing over and over again. I cry everytime I watch this one though. What great friends I have who made all this happen! What great memories I have of sharing this day with them! And to the gal who purchased my sister's ticket, I'm eternally indebted to you! (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!)And to those who bought our dinner at Chi*li's later that night, thank you, thank you, thank you!

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!