My Bible Study

I know I am really going to love this study!! Our first meeting yesterday was great and Beth's introductory session was awesome. What I've heard about her studies is so true - she really gets you into the Bible and she has such a wonderful passion for it too.

I came home eager to start my first day of homework and was blown away by the first paragraph of the first lesson. There it was!! The reason I knew this lesson was for me - right here and right now!

See it below!

Shopping, anyone? ;-)

Momma Roar rambles

Today I'm embarking on a new journey. And, nooooo...its not a shopping journey ;-)

I'm doing something many have done before, but this is my first try at it. I hate being new at something. ;-)

What is it you ask? (And even if you didn't ask, ya all know I'm gonna share!)

I'm participating in a Be*th Mo*ore Bible Study. A Wed morning ladies group has led them in the past, but I was usually busy (imagine that) with a newborn and this past Fall I didn't participate because I was involved in my awesome homeschool co-op.

After some prayer, we've decided to not participate in the co-op this spring but do the Beth M study at church.

It took some conversations with the co-op bigwigs to let me go (as it is a year commitment) but I am really excited about this opportunity and I know they are in support.

Do you remember me posting about my dear friend Tanya? She lost her mother suddenly in early November. Tanya attends a different church, but had been attending this Wed morning group with her mom. I knew she was interested in being involved in this one so I suggested doing it with her.

I certainly don't want to make it sound like I had to pull some strings or anything - but when I make a commitment, I like to follow through. But, I know the Lord had this in His plans all along.

Back in late summer, when we joined the co-op, I thought it strange that they didn't want my entire year's payment, they just asked for the fall payment - ya see what I mean? His hands were in it!

And the timing for all of it worked out great as well!

We didn't feel Quintin would be missing out on too much for this last semester of kindergarten co-op - and Tanya's 2nd oldest daughter will be in his class at the Bible study. She also has twin daughters that are just a few days younger than Elle - so it should be a blast.

I'm really looking forward to doing this study. I had tried to participate in an online Beth M study, but I didn't do so well following through - I know this one will be different!!

I look forward to spending my Wednesdays as a part of this group and with Tanya - God is good!

Oh, the study I'm doing is "Jesus, the One and Only" - has anyone done this one before?

I had the chance to see Beth live 2 years ago - she pumped me up then and I know she'll use her God-given gifts to do it again!

Maybe I'll take some time to share here and there about the study, but today, I just wanted to share my excitement.

I know that my quiet time with my Lord is not what it should be and I pray that this will encourage me on my journey - I pray that this will *inspire* you on your journey as well.

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Don't forget to enter the contest in the post below - it ends Friday at noon. Oh, and for those who enjoy leaving multiple comments, at least have the courtesy to continue with the flattery! ;-) And, has anyone noticed, the comments have become like a mini-reunion - how fun to have so many HS friends to catch up with! Blogging is just awesome, isn't it?

Happy Blogoversary!

One year ago today, I started this blog...why? 'Cause Weavermom started one!! (I'm such a follower!)

I thought blogging would be a nice way to stay in touch with family...a year later, I wonder if my family even reads it! ha - I know you're reading mom and dad...thanks! :)

I hope each of you know how much I appreciate you stopping by and making me part of your day. I have a few prizes I'd love to give away this week as a thanks for stopping by kinda-thing.

Leave me a comment as to why you'd read this crazy momma's ramblings for another year and you'll have the chance to win one of these 3 prizes.


First, the cookbook, "The Best of Cooking Light" featuring "over 500 of our all-time greatest recipes."







Second, some chocolate from our local chocolate factory (and I'm not talking H*e*r*s*h*e*y's - I'm talking waaaaay better than that) and a knit dishcloth made by yours truly - it is the one in the picture and yes, it is finished and off the needles! :-P)



And third, I have a copy of Southern Living's "Christmas with Southern Living 2007."








Leave as many comments as you like, be creative - make me laugh!! Points for originality, fun and creativity may be taken into account for scoring purposes ;-) wink-wink!

And, if you feel like telling me which prize you'd like to win the most, please do!


This contest will remain open until noon on Friday, Feb 1 (est).
Winners will be posted Friday evening.

Here's my guy!!

We told him to make a "pizza" with his legs - and when on a flatter area, he could do "french fries" - I think you'll hear me say those once or twice.

Skiing with one glove off to tape the video - VERY COLD

But having this keepsake - PRICELESS

You can read a little more about our trip in the post below.

There's no place like home

After a week away, it is awesome to be home.

We were enjoying a week of skiing in Killington, Vermont. We were with T's parents and his two sisters and their families. One sister had 3 children along and the other sister has 5 children.

I really did a poor job with pictures of everyone - but I did take some cool videos of Quintin skiing!! Quintin skied one day last year, and this year he was out 3 short half-days. He did awesome and is such a trooper!

We did have one disappointment this year - T hurt his knee. Almost 5 years ago, he had surgery on his left knee after tearing the ACL during a soccer game. Since then, he has never had problems with sports. The frustrating thing is that it didn't happen this week while skiing, but while playing in the pool with the kids. We hope to get into the doctor's this week and are praying for a good report.

Conditions at Killington were nice - it snowed everyday - but was C.O.L.D. It was a wonderful time of family fun and many memories! We had safe travels to and from as well!!

T spent one morning working with Quintin, then we both went out with him the next day, and then our last day, Saturday, I took him out since T wasn't able to. When T took him, he either had Quintin between his skies or he was skiing backwards in front of Quintin. Knowing that I didn't even want to attempt skiing backwards, I gave him one end of my poles while I had the other end and I skied behind him. It worked! Quintin was feeling confident enough to try it himself. We went up the lift and down a beginner slope 3 times! Until I get a chance to load the videos, here's a cute shot of Quintin. He had his lips puckered the whole way down as he was concentrating. I was so proud of him!



Have a wonderful week and don't forget to check "interceding for our children" for a new prayer this week!

This and that

Today feels like a good day for a list - a list of some of the things I've been wanting to update about and pass along.

1. T's cousin, Glenn, is at home - awaiting a heart transplant.
2. Here is compilation of updates that my sister in law sent to me concerning her friend. "Join us in praising our Lord! God continues to heal John. He is coming out of the sedation and waking up quite well (slowly, but well). He remains on minimal breathing support, many drips and numerous (but decreasing!) machines. God’s fingerprints are everywhere. Pray for God to continue to provide kind and gracious nurses as John continues to need a great deal of assistance with simple tasks and for the family to continue to testify as to God’s guiding so many healing hand(s). Praise to God that in His providential timing and by His Mercy and Grace the IV’s and most tubes have been removed. John is speaking softly and is beginning to realize his condition is (and needs much) improving."
3. Thank you faithful prayer warriors for prayers you've lifted for these two men.
4. I didn't get my rug finished this weekend and I'm so close - just ran out of time. :( I hope to get it done next week.
5. Inspired by Mary, I've chosen a word for myself for the year. I'm very excited - I will share more later, but I will tell you my word - INSPIRE. Have you picked a word for the year? If so, would you share?
6. I will be absent from the blog-O-sphere because of a lack of Internet hookup - which is okay - It would probably be better that I spend time with family as opposed to checking email and blogs! :) (Did I really type that?)
7. Will someone call me when Short Stop has Baby Bean? :-D
8. If my MIA status is disappointing to anyone - that is if anyone is still reading ;) - I have selected some of my favorite posts to hold you over! (In other words, I still want traffic on my site when I'm MIA! HAHAHAHA...just kidding!)

Selected posts to keep your fill of Momma Roar:

Mon - My testimony

Tues - Late night contemplations - this is a timeless classic, folks

Wed - Addicted to thinking - the followup to the above post

Thurs - In her own words

Fri - And we're off - My first blog post - January 29, 2007 - yep, I have a blog-O-versary coming up - and you all know how I like to celebrate!! Stay tuned!

Have a great week! I'm signing off....

Sneak Peak

I was hoping to have my latest project finished for Show & Tell today...but it snowed yesterday (there was sledding to do) and my fingers are tender from the work - even typing hurts a bit. :-O

I hope to finish it up this weekend and get it posted - as we won't be around next week for show and tell.

So, here's your sneak peak - like any of you were really sitting on "pins and needles" (pun intended) for this one - but amuse me, would you? ;-)

- this was taken after arriving home from my first class - 'cause I had to keep working on it right away!! I'm crafty-crazy like that! :)

Lap.books: Pirates & ABCs

It was Pirate Week last week here on the SS Roar! Quintin and I worked through a Pirate Lapbook from In The Hands of a Child. And, Elle? Um, she was just having a blast with her dress up clothes!

A lapbook is an educational learning tool that keeps things of a similar theme together. There were coloring pages, a fun quiz, dot to dot, counting activities, writing, illustrating a story - and then they all go together in a folder to keep it nice and neat.

Quintin has been pulling it out every now and then and just sitting quietly while looking through it. There are a lot of variations of lapbooks, and some can get quite elaborate. We choose a simple style - one folder. It was a lot of fun. Here are some more pictures from our week.

Notice Riley only has two legs on the picture - Quintin told me you can only see that many from the side! :)
We even tea-dyed our own treasure maps.

Pirate Week ended with Quintin and Daddy heading to the theater to see the new Vegg.ie.Tale Pirate movie!

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Here is a lapbook I made up for Elle to introduce letters. I just bought two packs of ABC stickers and needed 2 folders and index cards. One set of stickers went inside the folder and Elle placed the other set of stickers on index card. We put half the alphabet in each folder and then made pockets on each folder to store the cards.

You sat in what?

After my date night/limo post, I thought I'd share a couple pictures of "the limo" from our wedding.

Yes, a 1936 Int*erna*tional concrete mixer. I did pho.to.s.hop out the name on the door, it doesn't usually look so blurry. This truck has been painted and lettered to match the current trucks used at the quarry. This mixer has been used for advertising and many parades!



T's brother drove, and I sat on T's lap!
And, thank goodness, we did not have a long ride. Where did we go, you ask? To a house not far from our church that has the perfect view of a lovely Lan*ast*er county bridge so we could get some pictures.

And that, my friends, is the limo concrete mixer!

Back-seat Driver - Tiny Talk Tuesday

While driving, T was trying to adjust the music so the kids' songs would play only in the back of the yukon. Nothing against their music, but it is nice to chat while they sing in the back seat!!

As he was attempting to make the adjustments, he kept turning their music off and switching it to the radio. After the third or fourth time, and having finally gotten it straightened out, Elle advises, "Now, no touch buttons any mo'!"


*****


On another family outing, Elle says, "Dad, I'm 'joying the ride."

T answers, somewhat clueless, "That's great Elle."

I looked at him and asked, "You know why she's saying that don't you?"

"No," came the response.

"How many times has she heard you say, 'Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!' after she's started to whine or fuss?"

We were thankful she was able to 'joy the ride before the fussing even began!!



Click over to Mary's for more Tiny Talk participants!

Friday Night - Date Night

T and I had the opportunity to have a "date night" this past Friday night.

A business acquaintance of T's invited us to dinner to a new restaurant in a town just north of us. They are older than us, as their oldest son is about 25 and they also have 3 younger children. But, T and P get along really well and we had an enjoyable time last year when we got together. T knows their oldest son - as he is involved in his dad's business and they both get into the quarry.

P told us they'd be picking us up at quarter til 7. Our niece came to babysit the children and we were dressed to go.

I was giving our niece last minute info as I hear T from the front room saying, "Look at that!"

Which was followed by, "That's not coming in our driveway. Its just turning around, right? Right?"

I come to the window to understand T's comments.

This is what we saw. (Okay, not this exact one, but I was too shocked to grab the camera!)

Backing into our driveway, is a white stretch limo.

T just keeps repeating, "P is not seriously picking us up in this. Where are we going?"

Which I then start to question, "Am I dressed nicely enough to eat in a restaurant where a limo is dropping us of?"

As I go hide say goodbye to the kids in the playroom, T goes outside to talk to P.

P jumps out of the limo in jeans - phew! - and he and his wife are there. I head out and say hello and meet their oldest son and his wife. Their oldest son was driving. He and his wife have an almost 3 year old girl and a just turned 1 year old boy!

It turns out that on P's farm, they have storage units and a friend of theirs stores his limo there. P said it can be stored based on the condition that they can use it once or twice a month!

P is a fun guy and he's all about having a great time!

And what fun we had!

As their son drove, P and T were in the very back and the ladies were up front. It turns out their daughter in law and I have a lot in common (besides, children the same age, we also share a love of Vera B purses!)

The 6 of us had a wonderful time!

This was a first for both T and me. P was surprised, he asked, "Didn't you have a limo at your wedding?"

"Nope," I answered, "We were driven in a 1936 Inter*natio*nal concrete mixer!! What else?"

What an awesome date night - I think it will be a while 'til we have another one as memorable as that one!!

Oh, and as we were leaving the restaurant, someone asked our "driver" who he brought. He answered "My friends," to which the gentleman asked, "Do you drive all your friends around in a limo?" heehee

Say Cheese!

In trying to keep with my photo-on-birthday tradition, we took the kids to the mall today to get their pictures.

Colin, age 1 Elle, age 3

Quintin, kindergarten

I couldn't believe we were in and out in an hour - leaving with photos in hand!! Daddy came along and was a huge help. I cannot believe how much they have each changed in 6 months - to see their pictures from the summer, click here.

Birthday Photos

Yes, I'm finally getting around to posting some photos from Colin and Elle's birthdays. Give me a few more weeks and I'll get some Christmas ones posted too! ;-P

The children had great birthdays and even big brother held up well watching his siblings open presents!!

Our family is blessed with loving grandparents and a wonderful friend of mine that we lovingly refer to as Grand-Sharon!!

After their birthdays, I just kept saying to myself, "I can't believe I have a 5, 3 and 1 year old! AAAHHHHHHH!!!"