Chicken Crostina

Tonight I tried something I've never done before. I cooked supper. Many of you know that Olive Garden is my favorite restaurant. The last time there I had a dish very similar to this. So tonight I set out to fix it. Believe it or not, it tasted a lot like it. Rest assured, Olive Garden has nothing to fear from Chef Matte', but I must say, mine wasn't to bad. My dream is to one day visit Italy, Venice especially.

Promoted

Justin has graduated to the next Sunday school class. He tearfully said goodbye to Teacher Vonnie and his dear friends and a half cheerful and tearful hello to his new teacher Mrs. DeStefano and friends.

Happy Birthday Justin

Yesterday was Justin's fifth birthday. Man, how time flies. We have never had a "real" party for him, because he didn't quite underdatnd it all. So it has always been with just family. This year we invited the Randy & Gwen Tolley and their crew, Eric and Jill Susan and their kids and Steve and Sarah Miller, the Hallenbecks, Laura and Jon and Alica Plank. Not everyone could come but Justin had a great time. He was surprised. Yesterday, Justin asked Vonnie to help put on his socks. Vonnie said your 5 now and a big boy, you can do it. His response was, I'm not 5 yet. People haven't come to my house and I haven't eaten my cake yet. Happy Birthday Justin. We love you and wouldn't trade you for the world!

Bad Breath

While I was away, Justin and Kayla slept in our bed with Vonnie. One morning Kayla woke up and said, "Mommy, your breath sinks". Vonnie said, "It does not. What does it smell like"? Kayla's response...."Cow poop".

Troy, Missouri

As you have probablly already read on other blogs, Revs. James Plank, Aaron McCarty, Matt Ellison and Jon Plank went to Troy, Missouri for a local IHC. We had a blast. God's presence was with us in many of the services. While we went primarily to minister to and encourage the people there, we also had a great time together. When you leave the central Pennsylavania area, you realize how fotunate we are to have so many "sister" churches around us. I believe we were a blessing to them all. Jim preached extremely well. Aaron preached a superb message and sang as good as I've ever heard him sing. Jon ripped up the piano as usual and provided us all with wonderful humor. I had never said this to anyone but my wife, but ever since I graduated my dream has aleays been to some how be able to be in a ministry team with Jim, Jon, Aaron and myself. I was overwhelmed when Jim called and proposed the idea. A dream come true. I am amazed how God keeps His promises. He said He will give you the desires of your heart I you will serve Him. It was an experience I will always cherish. Needless to say, our trip began and ended with laughter. It was great. Here are some pics, some of which are probablly duplicates you have seen elsewhere. But none-the-less, here they are.

Pastor Day

Ready for Home

Our fine dining.
Jon rippin' it up

IHC Banner
What a beautiful church


The only bear butt I will ever post
Practice.
Beautiful


Ha. Ha. Ha.

Nice.

St. Louis Arch
Jim's unique picture taking style.
St. Louis Cardinals Home Field
St. Louis Rams Arena
People at the bottom of the arch.

Checking in.
A limo picked us up.
My room
Jon blogging?

210

My weight-to-date. Recording a 5 pound loss from a week ago.

New and Improved

After two rides on my yardsale bike, I realized it wasn't sufficient. The tires would not hold air because they are cracked. Most importantly, it was a rather small bike. It's hard to imagine, but my knees practically touched the handlebars as I rode. So today I bought a new bike that will fit my riding needs. It was purchased at Dick's Sporting Goods and will play a great role in my thinning down process. Future updates will follow!

Ready! Get Set! Go!

Today is the big day. I started riding my newly aquired bike. I am on a quest to fulfill my promise to my congregation that I made January 2007. That promise was that I would be 24 pounds lighter come January 2008. Being the procrastinator that I am, I'm in a bit of a bind. My birthday is coming up, so I asked for a bike. I had one picked out and was going to purchase it until I found this beauty at the Watsontown Yardsales for $10.00. Quite a bargin. I know it's not as nice as Lance Armstrong's, but it will do the trick. So for the record, this morning I weighed in at 215. By January, I must weigh 191.