Riverbend Ramblings

http://riverbendramblings.blogspot.com
~Riverbend Ramblings~
The days are long, but the years are short.
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Monday, May 05, 2014
Three month recap
It's been three months since my last post; definitely time for an update! Life has been good, and the days have been very full. I needed to step away from the blogging world for a little while, but I missed it! Here are just a few of the highlights that I wanted to share:
 
 
February...
Bryn turned ten and had her first sleepover with a few friends. Thanks to tickets from a generous friend, we visited all four Disney parks in one day. Whew! Shay turned Sweet Sixteen on Valentine's Day. One of her best friends that she met at music camp last summer traveled all the way from Texas to celebrate with her. We helped my dad celebrate his 80th birthday.
March...
I had another birthday (I have to figure out how to stop having those!), Steven and I celebrated our 19th anniversary, and we traveled to West Virginia for spring break. I drove in the snow for the first time, and the kids made a snowman that looked a lot like Olaf.
 
April...
Many afternoons were spent at the softball field with Bryn. Her team was undefeated! Shay attended her high school banquet. All three of the girls had their annual piano evaluations at Student Day. Steven preached at a Bible conference, and we were able to spend a few quiet days at the beach.

May...
The next few weeks are going to be busy ones. Big things are happening. Details to come...

 
 

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Written at Monday, May 05, 2014 by Paula.
3 comments
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Lil' Nut Turns 10
Happy Birthday to my baby Brynie-Boo! She chose her first-ever Big Mac for her birthday lunch at school and shared cupcakes with her class. We're waiting until Friday night to have her party. Love you, Bryn!
 

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Written at Wednesday, February 05, 2014 by Paula.
7 comments
Friday, January 17, 2014
Friday's Fave Five ~ 1.17.14
I'm linking up with Susanne at Living to Tell the Story to share five favorites from this week. You can join us!
1. My son, Case, turned 14 this week. In the last few months he has really hit a growing spurt and is starting to look more like a young man and less like a boy. We took him out to eat at his favorite steakhouse for his birthday. He ordered a huge ribeye (since we only let him do that on his birthday) and ate the whole thing. I love my boy!
2. My mom's birthday is the same day as Case's. My mom is a wonderful lady, and I'm thankful for the love and support she has unconditionally given me my entire life. She's a terrific grandma, too!
 
3. Steven and I enjoyed a breakfast date and visited a few antique stores. We have fun searching for treasures together.
 
4. Hope and Case both had basketball games this week, and Case's team scored a victory. They have a young team and a first-year coach, so every win means a lot to them.
 
5. I started exercising regularly and changed the way I eat back in September. In the last four months, I've lost 15 pounds, and my PBF (percent body fat) is down 7%. I'm pretty much right where I need to be with my weight now, and I think I'm in the best shape I've been in since high school. Those 6 a.m. workouts are rough but so worth the effort.
 
 

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Written at Friday, January 17, 2014 by Paula.
10 comments
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas!
 

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Written at Tuesday, December 24, 2013 by Paula.
6 comments
Monday, November 11, 2013
A Thankful Monday
Happy Veteran's Day to all those who have served in our country's military, both past and present. I'm thankful for the sacrifices made by these special men and women.
 
It's been a busy Monday for me. I had a speaking engagement this morning (thankful for that group of young ladies), then I made a quick trip to the grocery store (thankful for the money to buy groceries), and now I'm fixing to tidy up a few hot spots around the house (thankful for the family that makes the mess and for the strength to clean the mess up).

I came across this picture of Shay and Bryn today. It was taken almost exactly nine years ago. Makes me want to cry. Just look at those chubby baby legs!
Okay, no more getting sidetracked; the house won't clean itself! Hope you have a fabulous (thankful) Monday!
 
 
 

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Written at Monday, November 11, 2013 by Paula.
4 comments
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Round Up Sunday 2013
The Carter Family, with Sheriff Judd (far right)
This past Sunday was one of our church's annual big events: Round Up Sunday. The interior of the church building was decorated to match the day's Western theme, but I completely neglected to take any pictures other than this one of a cute little covered wagon on a table in the foyer. Very Little House on the Prairie-ish.
I did manage to corral my four cow-pokes before we headed to Sunday school. Check out Bryn's mustache; she is such a Lil' Nut!
Our county sheriff joins us every year for this special day and speaks briefly to the congregation. He is a godly man and one of the highest profile sheriffs in the country. We appreciate the time he took from his busy schedule to attend Round Up Sunday and stay for lunch.
The goal of Round Up Sunday is to "round up the strays" and get them to church to hear the gospel. One young woman trusted Christ as her Saviour during the morning service, and there were other decisions made in the various junior and teen church services that were going on at the same time. Yeeee-haw!
 

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Written at Wednesday, October 30, 2013 by Paula.
3 comments
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Steven Hits the Big "40"

Steven turned 40 on Friday the 13th. We celebrated as a family by going out to supper at an amazing Brazilian steakhouse in Orlando where the servers bring platter after platter of lamb, fillet, sirloin, prime rib-- you name it-- to your table. There is also a sixty item buffet with everything from imported olives to goat cheese to lobster bisque. I think Case at twice the meat as the rest of us combined. You know how teenage boys are. I wish I would have taken a picture of his plate. We had a great time together. Steven's big gift from me was a beautiful Mont Blanc pen. The kids gave him an iTunes gift card and a ton of his favorite snacks.

Our church family had a fellowship for Steven's birthday after the Sunday evening service with food and a delicious cake. I think he had the best best birthday ever, and he was told by a few men that life gets even better after 40. Happy Birthday to my handsome man!

 

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Written at Tuesday, September 17, 2013 by Paula.
6 comments
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
First Day of School 2013
L-R: Shay 10th, Case 8th, Hope 6th, Bryn 4th

The kids started a brand new school year on Monday. Don't they look thrilled? They actually really were ready to go back to school. Three days in, and they are still all smiles. We'll see how long that lasts.

 

For those of you who have been reading here for a while, do you remember this picture?

2007

 

 

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Written at Wednesday, August 21, 2013 by Paula.
4 comments
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Happy Independence Day!
I took this picture at Stone Mountain, Georgia, a few years ago.


God Bless America
by Irving Berlin

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above;
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.

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Written at Wednesday, July 03, 2013 by Paula.
3 comments
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Special Men
I was a bad mom on Father' Day. I completely forgot to take pictures of the kids with their dad and his dad. I actually did remember, but it was in the middle of the 11:00 service while my husband was preaching. Not such a good time for a photo op, and then it never crossed my mind again.

We did something special this year at our church to honor dads. Each person was asked to bring a picture of their dad to display on the walls around the back of the auditorium. It was so much fun to look at all of the pictures and try to figure out who was related to whom. Here are a couple of the displays along with some grainy copies of the pictures I put up.

This is my dad holding me when I was a chubby little baby. I've always called him Papa. He's 79 years old now and lives in northern Florida. The kids and I got to talk with him on the phone on Father's Day.

My Grandpa Smith (my dad's dad) passed away a few months after I graduated high school. I spent a lot of time with him during my teenage years. He would let me drive his Jeep around the pasture while he put out hay for the cows. This picture was taken in front of the cow pens on our property. (Where is my shirt??!!) He was a sweet, sweet man.

My Grandad Hartt (my mom's dad) battled cancer and passed away in 1983 when I was seven. He trusted Christ as his Saviour not too long before that. I wasn't around him very often, but I remember watching wrestling or boxing on T.V. with him when we would visit him.

I don't think that most dads get the same attention showered on them for Father's Day that we ladies get on Mother's Day. I have to admit that I am guilty in this area and need to do a better job letting our family's special men know how much we love and appreciate them. I am very thankful for the great men who have had an influence on my life, and my kids are blessed to have a dad who loves them and takes such good care of them.
June 2012

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Written at Tuesday, June 18, 2013 by Paula.
3 comments
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Birthday Girl
Curly Girl turned 11 today. I love you, my Hope!

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Written at Tuesday, November 20, 2012 by Paula.
1 comments
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Trip to Georgia
Last weekend our family traveled back to our "old" church in Eatonton, Georgia, to be part of its 25th Anniversary service. This was such an exciting trip for us, especially for the kids since it had been almost three years since our last visit. We had such a good time visiting with all of our friends at Grace Baptist, and we're thrilled with what the Lord is continuing to there through their faithfulness.
I sure do miss the beautiful views of the land and Lake Oconee.



The current pastor and the three previous pastors (including my hubby) all had a part in the service. The auditorium's renovation was recently completed, and I loved the new look!

Evangelist Kurt LeBouve sang several songs and preached the afternoon service. He and Mrs. Dale are such sweet people! I heard a little rumor that they just might be with us next month at our church.

This is what the kids looked like when we moved back to Florida in 2008.
And just look at them now!

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Written at Wednesday, October 10, 2012 by Paula.
7 comments
Friday, August 24, 2012
First Day of School 2012
The kids have made through their first week back to school. Bryn is now in third grade, Hope is in fifth, Case is in seventh, and Shay is a freshman (or freshWOMAN) in high school!!! My, how the time is flyin' by! Just look at this picture from the first day of school five years ago. Makes me want to cry!

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Written at Friday, August 24, 2012 by Paula.
3 comments
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Where did February go?
March is already here; I have no idea where February went. Story of my life. Ahem.

Everyone in our house is aging rapidly, and I've got proof. Three of the kids had birthdays since I last posted.

Case turned 12. He's all boy. Enough said.

Bryn, my Lil' Nut, turned 8. She's sharp as a tack.

Shay, my Bookworm, is now 14 and 5' 8". I wish you could hear her play the piano; she is one talented girl. We're going to have to lock her up and throw away the key.

So that's my quick update. Have a fabulous weekend!

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Written at Saturday, March 03, 2012 by Paula.
2 comments
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Faithful all through the year
It's December 31st. Tonight we'll be ringing in 2012 at our church's annual Watch Night service. There will be great singing, a message from our pastor, food, fellowship, and testimonies shared as we praise God for His goodness.

As I was thinking today about how fast this year has flown by, one of my favorite hymns came to mind. It sums up how I feel about 2011.
~~~~~~~~~~
Great is Thy Faithfulness
by Thomas Chisholm

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain
~~~~~~~~~~

No matter what may happen in the coming year, I know I can continue to count on my Saviour's faithfulness! Happy New Year!

"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 89:1

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Written at Saturday, December 31, 2011 by Paula.
2 comments
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
First Day of School 2011
Shay ~ 8th grade

Case ~ 6th grade

Hope ~ 4th grade

Bryn ~ 2nd grade

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Written at Tuesday, August 23, 2011 by Paula.
3 comments
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
What I've Been Up To
~We had a wonderful, soul-stirring Bible conference at church.
~Went to a spring training game with my hubby and watched my favorite team win. "Let's go, Red Sox!" ~Spent a Saturday with my mom and three of the kids at a local art/antiques fair. ~I've been trying to spend more time in the kitchen. We don't eat much pork, but I found a roast on sale (don't get me started on the price of meat!). It was yummy! ~Spotted this pretty cake in the window of a bakery and thought it would be fun to take a cake decorating class. Decided that an eighth day of the week would have to be created first. ~I turned 29 last week...again...for the sixth time. Let me do the math for you--I'm 35. :)

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Written at Tuesday, March 15, 2011 by Paula.
6 comments
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
M.I.A.
Can you believe I haven't posted since the middle of January? Shame on me! Since my last post... Our church celebrated my father-in-law's 40th anniversary as pastor and threw a big party in his honor complete with a 50's diner theme and slide show. One of the ladies in the church made this cake.Lil Nut and Curly Girl were the "party girls". They helped take down the balloons during the clean up afterward.My favorite redhead finished his first season of basketball. He was one of the starting five in the last game of the year and has really improved. Lil Nut turned seven and loved every second of her birthday. She could hardly sleep the night before because she was so excited. Bookworm became a teenager! Enough said. Isn't she lovely? My hubby sent these Valentine roses to my office. They stayed beautiful for over a week. Our church's radio ministry held its annual three day fundraiser. Over $217,000 was pledged for the coming year. That's the back of my handsome hubby's head in the foreground.We're blessed and staying busy as always.

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Written at Wednesday, March 02, 2011 by Paula.
1 comments