Rico

Here is the ever fashionable Rico. At the girls softball game I found him like this. He picked up one of the players glasses and tried them on. Not bad.
Rico started working Monday and Tuesdays at Goodwill. Last report he is doing very well with putting CD cases together. He seems to enjoy it. He has his own ID card now it looks just like a license and he also has his own access card to get into his job. Pretty professional he is.
He still really likes Barney although he likes other more grown up things as well. We had his senior pictures taken and we will be picking them up soon. He looks very handsome and so much older in the pics. He continues to be very socialable at school and sits all over the place with whoever he chooses at lunch at his school. So all in all Rico is doing well.

Chicken and Dumplings

 

Yesterday I was watching "Tyler's Ultimate". Tyler Florence is a chef on the "Food Network" channel. This time he made The Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings. I decided to give it a try. I printed out the recipe and got to work.
I had a fun time making this meal. Number one I was hungry for something soupy because of this rain. And number two we had no plans for the evening and knew I could take my time makeing this recipe. The meal turned out wonderfully and everyone liked it a lot. Now it's always fun when you make something new and everyone likes it that's no small thing around here pleasing everyone. We sat down to eat and I looked at my plate and thought I need to take a picture of this. The kids laughed at me. I said hey when you guys do something fab you like to take pics of it and it's the same with me. So here it is. And by the way did you miss me? I wonder how long it will take for someone to check my blog and see I actually update. Whoever stops by please leave me a note. =)

Freeman picnic........

Okay wow I got lost there for a long time so long that I almost forgot how to get on my Miranda Experience website. But no fears it all came back to me. Below is some pics of a great picnic we had with some great friends. I've been wanting to hang out with the Freeman's for a while I really wanted to use there brick outdoor barbecue but that didn't happen they need to do work on that. So we settled for a barbecue normal style. Enjoy the pics.

Basketball 09

From Basketball 09

The girls basketball season has come to a close. Bella's team went undefeated this year 16-0. Pretty cool. Bri's team came out pretty strong the first half but struggled the last half of the season. These pictures are of the last game of the season against Manheim Central. We've also been spending a lot of time watching the J.V. and Varsity High School girls play. The Varisty girls went undefeated as well in there divisional play. So they won there section title now it's on to the LL league playoffs. I know some of these pics won't be of interest to you but I just wanted to show you how we have been spending some of our time this past season.

Work outside the home?

So I've been thinking about something for awhile. It has to do with working outside of the home. Thinking back to when I was first married and Edwin and I started a family we decided that I would quit my job and be a stay at home mom. It would require sacrifices but it would be worth it. We were taught through many good teachings that staying at home and raising your family and caring for your home was a wonderful high calling. Of course I wanted that for my family. I wanted to be there for my children.
When my children were old enough I home schooled them. I home schooled our oldest daughter all the way through to graduation. Then I home schooled my son till 4th grade. But after a lot of counseling and talking things though with my husband and others we felt the timing was right to enroll our younger children in public school. We weren't the only ones to have our children enrolled in school there were others in our church who went that route too. Then you started to see more and more ladies getting jobs outside there homes at church. And then after 18 years of being at home my husband felt like I should get a job for financial reasons. I said it had to be the perfect job like a job where I can be at home when the kids are home from school. So I applied for a cafeteria job at my kids school and got the job. So now I work about 25 hours a week outside my home. It's a decent job the ladies are pleasant to work with and I have the added benefit of being around my son Rico who is in 11th grade and next year my daughter Bri will be in the high school as well. The money is helping us and it's a blessing. But I always have this thing in the back of my mind. Is this the best thing for our family. Are we walking in faith. What if we made the step of faith and said we aren't going to take the route of me working outside the home. God does promise to provide. But how does that look these days as opposed to Bible times. I must say there are many times I miss being at home many times I wish I could be at home taking care of my home daily. Anyway that's what I think about at times. What do you think about this issue? I'd love to here your thoughts no matter what they are.

Turkey Trot 08

Here's some pictures of our time at the 2008 Turkey Trot in Millersville. It was a beautiful chilly, sunny day. Brianna entered the race along with 27 other Crossway people most of them from the youth group. It was the brain child of Nathaniel Millen. A celebration of him being healed from Lyme Disease. It's inspiring to me and many others I'm sure who know of his story. After the race we headed back to the Millens home for a pizza party. It was a great day.
By the way Brianna ran the 5k race in 23min. 41 sec. and came in 50th overall.

The branch cannot bear fruit by itself........

John 15:1-17
I Am the True Vine
15:1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, [1] for the servant [2] does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

things........

I've been inspired by reading Lori's blog to blog more then I have been thanks Lori =). I kind of got caught up in Facebook for awhile and that's fine but Facebook doesn't allow for detailed happenings. So yesterday was Bella's final field hockey game of the season. They won! Now it's on to basketball. Although her coach would love to her play indoor field hockey. But Bella's heart is pretty much set on playing basketball. Brianna just finished up with Cross Country she had a great season. And it's on to basketball as well for her. Rico got new glasses make sure you check them out he's looking good. Rico is totally into watching Barney videos on You Tube. He would watch them all day if he could. He gets on the computer and navigates to all these places on youtube. He amazes me at times. Noah is finding his sophomore year of college to be a challenge. We were just at a ballet/concert at Millersville U. last night. Although the ballet and music was good from where we were sitting we could not see Noah because of the curtain. Disappointing. But at least we were there to support our son.
Yesterday was Elijah's birthday he is four now and as cute as ever. Erika and Hector are having a party for him tomorrow and we'll be going to that after the girls baseball games.
I took Gracie for a walk this morning. I'm proud of myself =) I got up and got dressed right away and walked. The air felt great. I should do that everyday.
Edwin is still recovering from his knee surgery. He goes a couple times a week for physical therapy. He goes to the doctor next week. Maybe he'll be able to go back to light duty at work. That's all for now.

Elijah

 
 
Putting on his armor.

5 Generations...

 

Recently we went to a birthday party for Edwin's Aunt Evette she turned 50. While we were there we took this picture of 5 generations. Pretty cool.

Kingswood 08

Here we are at Kingswood for our annual camping trip. The weather was beautiful pretty much the whole time. Stars at night were so clearly seen like no where else I've ever been to. We took Gracie along and she was a lot of fun. She loved it. She was our little protector our anything in the woods alarm. She just needs to learn the difference between a frog alert and a bear alert.
Of course it was fun spending some time with the Haughery's. They are fun people and a blessing to be around. Kingswood is just a wonderful place to build memories with our family. It's definitely a highlight of our summer.

tomato bombs.......

So last night Erika and her son Elijah stopped over. Erika and I were chatting and then Erika glanced into the kitchen and then walked into the kitchen and she kind of yelled out in horror. I quickly walked over almost afraid to look at what was going on. Elijah was squatting on top of the table beside an almost empty basket of tomatoes. There was splattered tomatoes all over the floor. Rico was out there too just kind of standing off to the side. Of course we asked Elijah what in the world was going on. He kind of blamed Rico and when we asked Rico what happened he pointed to Elijah.
Needless to say something happened and it's a pretty good bet it was the both of them. But it's beyond me that either one of them would have done that. It really is out of character. For some reason tomatoes started flying. We got it all cleaned up and life goes on. But this memory will make me shake my head for awhile in disbelief.

New song........

Blessed Is The One


Blessed is the one whose sins are overcome
Whom God has sheltered deep within His grace
Blessed is the one who trusts in God the Son
His steadfast love the sinner’s hiding place

Jesus, Your blood covers all my sin
Jesus, Your love draws my heart to sing
What a Savior, Jesus

I will always hide at my Savior’s side
I find my refuge in His sovereign care
When the waters rise, God will hear my cries
His steadfast love will hold me safely there

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)



I love this song. The first time I heard it was at the WG08 Conference. It really effected my heart. This song felt so personal to me. It has the feel of coming out of a personal quiet time with Jesus and just singing quietly to Him.
I was able to buy the new SG CD called "Psalms" at the conference. It's a great CD probably the best so far from SG. It should soon be available at our Crossway resource center. It's worth the money.
Doug also has another song on this CD it's called. "Praise the Lord" this is also a really great song. We sang this song a lot at the conference. Definitely a song you can celebrate the Lord with. I'm looking forward to singing these songs at Crossway hopefully soon. It is so very cool seeing how God is using Doug here at Crossway and all over the world where ever these CD's go.

Walking at the property.

Yesterday we went out to the church property for a walk/bike ride. Edwin, Rico, Gracie and I walked while Bri and Bella rode there bikes. It was a beautiful night.
After the walk we threw a little frisbee. The church property is so beautiful I wonder why more people don't go over and use it.

Worship God 08 pictures

WorshipGod08 Conference

I have the privilege of going to this conference. July 30th to Aug. 2nd. The folks who are making the trip are Doug Plank, John Teeter, Laura Carroll, Sara Rankin, Matt&Kim Randolph, Lane&Lori Randolph, Stephen&Ann Smith and Keith&Kristin Bunting.
Would you please pray for us. We are all staying with host families which is such a blessing. I'll be with both Randolph couples. Janet Borghi was to go to the conference as well and should have been with me at my host family kind of like my buddy. She would have made a great buddy. She's such a sweet woman but things shaped up for her not being able to go after all. My first reaction was I didn't want to go either. I don't know I just felt weird. But God has been changing my heart and has changed my heart to I do want to go and am looking forward to how He will use this conference in my life. It's my little adventure. I do know that the conference is full. Over 1600 people are signed up to be there. I hope I remember my camera. And while you are praying would you pray for my family here at home. Thank you. =)

Longs Park........

Noah asked Edwin and I to go with him to Longs Park to here Habib. The whole family would have went but the kids wanted to go swimming with the Mellingers. So it ended up as a rare time but sweet time Edwin and I alone with our son Noah. It was a wonderful evening. We took our Q grill and some burgers and snacks as we waited for the show to begin. We got there around 6 show didn't start till 7:30. But it pays to come early. Great parking space and free pick of where to sit. We had a good time people watching. People are crazy! The band was sooooo good. I think I will get there CD.
I have no idea what they were saying though as it was all in African. So I should probably try to find the lyrics somewhere first. It was fun to be there with Edwin and Noah enjoying a free night of great music.

Donut Peaches.......

For those of you who may not ever heard about these peaches. They are called Donut Peaches and they are the cutest things. As you can see they look like donuts. They have a small stone or seed in the middle. They are very easy to eat.
They are white peaches. And they are very flavorful. Just the right size for snacking. Right now they have some at Costco but they call theres Saucer Peaches. But if you want to take a nice little road trip head on down to Kauffman's Fruit Farm and they have the smaller ones pictured there. I'm not sure how long the season is so gettem while the gettin is good. Also Kauffman's now have a website that you can check for specials. It's http://www.kauffmansfruitfarm.com/

 

couple things........

First of all if you are reading my posts would you take the time to comment even if it's just a hi it would be encouraging for me to know that someone is reading on a regular basis along with Gina. =)

The kids and I went over to the church property this passed week for a walk for me,Rico and Gracie and a run for Bri and Bella. I have to put a plug in for the property. What a beautiful place to take your kids too or a family picnic. Apart from Sundays I'm not sure how much it gets used. But it's well worth the time to get there. We plan on going more.

Yesterday I had such a fun day. I got to drive Amish to a picnic they had along with my mom and sister Diane. They needed three vans so mom asked me to help. I love to drive things with power and the van I drove definitely has it. I took it easy on my Amish friends though. We picked the Amish up at 8:30 and took them to there company picnic somewhere towards the Welsh Mountains. We didn't need to pick them up again till 6:30p.m. Mom had more runs to take but Diane and I were free. So Diane and I went to a about 4 Amish stores and checked out things along with a gift shop. We did meet up with Mom for a later lunch at the Bird in Hand Restaurant as well. It was a fun fun day. I wish I would have remembered my camera.

Ratatouille

I only recently found out what Ratatouille really was. Not just a movie. I made these wonderful grilled veggies layed out below and it's excellent. The great thing is I have all these veggies in the recipe in my garden. What fun picking your own vegetables. Get your grill fired up and have some Ratatouille.






Grilled Ratatouille Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

2 zucchini, cut into quarters lengthwise
2 yellow squash, cut into quarters lengthwise
2 Japanese eggplant, halved lengthwise
2 red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and quartered
2 yellow bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and quartered
2 red onions, quartered
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
Preheat grill to medium-high.

Place all cut vegetables and the tomatoes in a large shallow baking dish, add the 1/2 cup of olive oil, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time. Remove the tomatoes, cover grill, and cook the remaining vegetables for 2 minutes, or until almost cooked through. Transfer vegetables to a cutting board and coarsely chop (leave tomatoes whole). Place the chopped vegetables and tomatoes in a large bowl, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic, oregano and parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve at room temperature.