A day downtown

Today Rachel, Sarah, Samantha and I went downtown Lancaster. We stopped for lunch at House of Pizza, and then went to the Historic Central Market. It was fun to check out the market stands. We then went to see OLIVER! at the Fulton Opera House. It was a fantastic afternoon.

And that is what inspires me to smile!

A night at the movies

Over the past 3 weeks I have watched more movies then I have probably watched all year. Between all the Hallmark Christmas special Movies, Movies on new channels we now get on Comcast, and going to the movies, I think I broke my record. And you know what there are still good movies out there that I want to see. Tonight we took Samantha to see Charlotte's Web. I think Dakota Fanning is so adorable! But my favorite movie this holiday season was "The Holiday" I loved it! Go see it if you get the chance. Oh yeah and the Local movie rental business in our neighborhood called me yesterday to say that since we haven't been in lately we can stop in anytime this week and get a free rental. Looks like I will be fitting some more movies in before the end of 2006!

And that is what inspires me to smile!

Fun in the Kitchen for the holidays

A nice thing about the Holidays is that you can make all sort of sweet things in the kitchen that you don't usually take the time to make. Today I made home made CARAMELS! Yum my very favorite candy. Here a few pictures of the process.

Boil, pour, cut and wrap! wallah you have delicious homemade caramels.

And that is what inspires me to smile!

Youthquake

Tonight like every Wednesday night, we helped with YouthQuake. That is the name of our youth Group at our church. We have over 20 students in 7th - 12th grade in the group. These are all great kids, many of which I had when they were in 3rd grade in my Sunday School class. It is nice to see them grow up, yet I feel there is so much more they need to learn and soak up before they leave high school.

Tonight we talked about Forgiveness. In Ephesians 4:32 the Bible instructs us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you. The illustration of the Amish schoolhouse shooting was discussed. This happened a few months ago about 8 miles from our church. The Amish forgave the shooter and his family and in fact reached out to helped the wife and children of the man who did this horrible act. The question is Would any of us be able to do the same. When we don't forgive it creates bitterness, and anger. Those stand between us and God when we hang on to them. Take time this Christmas season to forgive someone if you have been holding on to a wrong someone did against you or a loved one.

Last Saturday I took five of the girls from our small group to see "Oliver!" at the theatre in Lancaster. We all enjoyed it so much and the songs have been stuck in my head ever since. I love musicals.


And that is what inspires me to smile!

Nothing worse then not feeling well on your birthday

Today was my adorable niece's first birthday. The family all gathered at my sister Jen and her husband's home for a first birthday party. The invitation stated to wear Green or pink and I was happy to see that all that attended complied to this request. We are gathered waited for Caroline to come and enjoy her first birthday party.

The sad thing was she was running a fever and didn't seem to be in the partying mood. Poor little girl sat with her mommy and tried to take in all that was happening. She made it through the present opening, and it was time for the Birthday cake. Her eyes were heavy and I thought she might fall asleep waiting for the little pink cake with the cute frog (her favorites) decoration to be sat before her. She was a real trooper and tried to enjoy a finger or two dipped into the icing. We all sang to her and she was then taken up for a much needed nap. I hope she is feeling better soon!

After the party we went up to Shillington to do some Christmas shopping. And that will inspire me to smile any time!

A year in review

Make an online slide show at onetruemedia.com

Click the play button and see the special people and things that inspire me to smile!

Preparing for Mission Trip in July

Last night we had our first organizational meeting for our youth group's summer mission trip. I am really excited to be given this opportunity. We will be going to Patillas Puerto Rico.
It looks like the six youth leaders and our pastor and his wife will be chaperoning the teens on this, our first out of the country mission trip.

Our church supports a Missionary couple - the Westerband's - who live in Patillas. We will be in charge of a week long VBS for the children while we are there. We will also be doing some street Drama, music, witnessing, crafts, and helping with a single mother's group while there.

We will be flying out of Philadelphia on July 23rd and returning July 30th. Please pray for our group.

And that is what inspires me to smile

Enjoying the Christmas Season

Why do weekends go so fast? It is hard to believe that the sun will be setting soon and tomorrow is back to work. Not that I don't like my job, I do.. most all of the time. More about that another time.
This Christmas season our pastor has been teaching on a different Character from the recorded Christmas story in the Bible. Today was on Mary the mother of Jesus. My mind tries to imagine what it was like for Mary to hear the news from an angel that she was going to give birth the the son of God. What it must have been like to raise him, and hear him say his prayers. I love the Christmas season. I love reading the scriptures that tell of Christ birth. What an awesome time of year to smile and share God's love with others.
Den is in the Christmas choir. They have been practicing for weeks now for the Christmas program on Dec. 17th. I love singing, but don't feel like I have the voice to sing in a choir. Some of us are more suited to sit and enjoy what the others have to share.

Here is a picture of our church. Colerain Baptist Church 1923 Noble Road Kirkwood, PA 17536 If you are ever passing through stop in some Sunday Morning.



And that is what inspires me to smile!

My three Nieces

These are my Three beautiful nieces and their friends.

Caroline will be One year old next week. She makes me smile just being with her because of her funny faces and personality.


Lindsey is a Beautiful girl who is in College for Nursing. She is very bright and will make a compassionate Nurse.

Alie is a Sweetheart who has set a new record at her High School in Discus throwing. She too is a beautiful and smart girl.
And that is what inspires me to smile