all within a week post # 4- NC Visits and the Shaw Move

Forrest and Micheal came for a few days to visit, we had a great time talking, singing and hanging out. We enjoyed having the guys join us on Sunday night for bible study. Also, they provided some nice company in the kitchen while working on Maddy's cake. I fully expect them to know how to make fondant and butter-cream icing now. hehe

 Laura stayed with us a few nights to sign and finalize closing on their house. Olivia kept Sandy busy playing games. The big move is quickly approaching in a few days for the Shaws, our new neighbors.  

 On Friday night the Huffman's, Micheal and his son joined us for the weekend. We worked on planning and handing out information/flyer's in the community for the Tae Kwon Do Sports Camp they will be doing here July 9-13th.
We are so thankful to have them as partners in the ministry here in PA



We discovered we can comfortably fit at least 10 extra people in the basement (they said so themselves) and Cindy and I fed 20 people on Friday night as some neighbors/friends joined in on our activity.
(My camera exposed many pictures including the group picture rrrrrr!)

 The girls hanging out

It was so sweet to look through the camera and see how in less than a year, there are people eager to serve and welcome the Shaws into the body of Redeeming Grace Church.  The Shaws had many from FBC help with moving and it was nice to see and share the moment with them. It's difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that the Shaws live on the same street just a block up from our house and only a few blocks from the Shays.  As the truck was being unloaded one of our neighbors passed by and we talked for a few minutes. They were baffled at the sight of all the busy bodies and how the RGC family is growing. Folks...our neighborhood is changing, changing for eternity.  The connections have already begun with neighbors. 

 Sunday morning we gathered together as Billy spoke a challenging and encouraging Word.  (Romans 12:9-13) . Many people, for many reasons gathered together, but one purpose - to advance the gospel.

 We spent a few minutes gathering around the Shaws praying for them...

We pray and continue to pray for more workers in PA:  Luke 10:2  He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. ^"

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

It seems like yesterday this van pulled out from our move. Seeing it three times within a year in the same neighborhood moving in...well, we serve a big God for sure.  We had some personal reflection time as this Saturday last year we closed the door to our home in Wake Forest. As I look back at the post

Empty but so full 

I can't describe how full our home is here in Harrisburg PA.

To God be the Glory for the great things He has done.

All within a week # 3- Maddy's Birthday Party

Maddy is our animal lover, so she requested a safari cake this year. We typically do "family birthdays" besides pivotal years such as 5,10,13,16 years old. She was turning 10 so we pulled off her Birthday party the Thursday after her actual Birthday. She had some kids from school join the fun and neighbors/friends came by throughout the evening. We had a blast at the party as the parents, friends and party goers joined in on the games. The evening went very fast and we didn't  have enough time to play all the "minute to win it" games we had planned.

Who knew you could use plastic cups for so many games that the kids would eagerly wait to play!

Cup stacking was a hit!

another game...

and another cup game!

Putting cut out cereal boxes together

The party didn't stop until well after dark.

We had a fun celebration for Maddy, she ended the evening saying..."THAT was the best birthday party ever"  We are blessed beyond words that the Lord entrusted her to us. She cares deeply for others, she is compassionate, caring, quick to serve, outgoing, teachable, friendly, energetic, loves adventure and she is spontaneous, gifted in music/singing, enjoys deep conversations, innovative, independent....I could go on.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

All within a week Post # 2-Mother's Day

We had a pretty busy weekend and a busy week approaching,  I was very thankful Billy came up with our plans for the afternoon of Mother's Day. We went out to eat for lunch and then headed to a nature park near our house. The park had a variety of trails, streams, birds and paved trails. We had fun being goofy, running, skipping and throwing rocks and just hanging out together.

Just so free.  No worries, no cares. Enjoy the moment.....

All within a week Post #1- Grandparents!

The kids were so excited to have grandma and granddaddy come for a visit. Olivia and I spent time with them in Florida in February but the other kids haven't seen them for 9months! That's a long time to go without hugs from grandparents!

We went to Logan's music performance at the school. They sang patriotic songs and it was very sweet to see my dad stand and be recognized for serving in the Military. Logan was very proud to see his granddaddy in the crowd standing. It will not be a moment he will soon forget...for sure.

Logan and Granddaddy watching the Marines run past the house for PT. This is very common to see large groups run past our house. The kids cheer them on as they past by. Logan tells everyone his granddaddy served and brings all kinds of books home about the military.

We went to The Broad Street Market on Saturday. We picked up a few snacks along the way including the pretzels! It never seems to fail we always see people from the community that we have crossed paths before with various RGC projects.

What could be better than to have grandma and granddaddy playing a game of waffle ball? The kids thought Grandma was pretty cool as she cranked it over the shed.

We headed out to May Fair at Maddy's school. As you can see Olivia doesn't walk...she leaps, skips or runs everywhere!  It was nice to support the school in its fun raising efforts. It was planned very well, with a variety of games, food and activities.

The kids played lots of games; Maddy ran into Maya, Breanna's friend, and she did a little challenge at one of the game stations.

The kids snuggled up  (it was a chilly night!!)  as often as possible to catch up on the hugs. Grandma & Grandaddy were able to see 2 baseball games while they were in town.

It was a great visit and was nice to catch up and let them explore the city with us.

Band Concert,Fine Arts Night, Moms and Muffins

Band Concert

Maddy had her very first on stage performance playing her instrument. It was very nice to see her put together all that she has learned this year in band.

Maddy played the clarinet this year. She has enjoyed band and we have not threaten to purchase ear plugs for a while now at home when she practices. he he

She just loves performing in front of people.

"We will Rock you"

Fine Arts Night

We had a few minutes to stop by the book fair. Mr.Selvenis was talking to the kids while picking out books. We have certainly enjoyed having him as Maddy's principal this year. He is very personable and is great with the kids.

Moms and Muffins

Moms and Muffins!  It was a full gym of moms and kids

 my sweet Maddy

We were so busy at the fine arts night that we didn't have time to find Maddy's art work. So we took a few minutes after moms and muffins.

Can you tell she really enjoys her new school???  So hard to believe that the kids will finish a full school year in PA in 21 short days.