Happy Birthday T!

Tomorrow is my man's birthday...34...and to think this June will be 17 years since our first date!!

There is no one on this planet I would have rather spent these last 17 years with. Almost 12 years of marriage...with its ups and downs - mostly ups!!!

I've been told I don't share a lot about him - I like being secretive, I guess, lol - so here's my attempt at filling you all in on the better half of Momma Roar. (Last year on his birthday, since I was new to blogging, I listed 33 things about myself - is that vain? ;) )

This picture was taken back in the mid-90s at a local hiking spot that we enjoyed hiking to on Sunday afternoons.

1 - We met in high school, he graduated the year before me.
2 - He played soccer and tennis.
3 - He played soccer one year in college and then switched to playing on the rec teams.
4 - He roomed with his best friend in college and they are still great friends today.
5 - This friend coaches the HS soccer team (of our alma mater) and T helped him coach for about 5 years.
6 - During that coaching time, T played on an "over-30" soccer team (however he was the only one under 30).
7 - It was in one of those games that he tore the ACL in his left knee.
8 - He coached until 2005 - when he resumed added responsibility at work.
9 - His college degree was in business administration.
10 - He came home almost every weekend to see me!
11 - 5 weeks after his college graduation, we were married.
12 - He enjoys hunting, but doesn't get to go as often as he'd like. He has just started taking up archery hunting, as well.
13 - He is involved in a community service group which he really enjoys.
14 - His favorite pastime (even more than hunting) is skiing.
15 - He was eager to teach me to ski (and was a great teacher) and looks forward to teaching all the children and skiing together.
16 - He does not like card games...or board games for that matter! But, he will suffer through (he's getting better) and play with the kids and me!
17 - He knows how to play the piano and the trombone.
18 - He still plays trombone on occasion for church. He and some others will be playing along with the choir on Easter.
19 - He enjoys helping me in the kitchen and enjoys making some of the meals on the weekends.
20 - We served on our church's kitchen committee for a few years after we were first married and that was something we both really enjoyed.
21 - While he's not a true Mr. Fixit (he'll admit that too) he enjoys trying his hand at a few small projects to learn more.
22 - He has brown eyes and dark brown hair (with some flecks of gray - which I love).
23 - I truly believe I am the reason for those gray hairs. :-)
24 - Every now and then he needs to drive a tractor trailer or a dump truck on an overnight trip and this is something that he really enjoys.
25 - He often talks about wanting to take Quintin along in a few years!
26 - He is one of the hardest workers I know. He puts his whole self into each project.
27 - He has a huge heart and will do almost anything for anyone.
28 - He is one of the most selfless people I know - often, he doesn't even have to think twice about putting his selfish desires to the side to help a friend.
29 -He loves Christ, me and our children.
30 - He looks past my faults and still loves me. He is my #1 cheerleader!
31 - If it wasn't for T, I probably would not have finished college...I had a very rough first year. It was with this same encouragement that I finished my master's the winter before Quintin was born.
32- He's 5'10" - my tall, dark and handsome!!!
33 - He enjoys playing golf, even with me!! We took a trip to Vermont one June (before children) and played golf and mountain biked down the mountain (Killington ski slope). It was fun to ski there this winter and reminisce about that trip.
34 - T is not one to make a big deal about birthdays, especially his own. He would probably be mortified that I did this!! He would also be mortified if I had the waiters/waitresses sing tonight at supper. But I learned many, many years ago not to do that. We were out to eat, I think we were just dating and I kept watching the staff. He caught on and made me stop the celebration before it could even begin. He certainly does not like being the center of attention (I guess its true that opposites attract, haha).

Happy Birthday T!!! We love you! :-)

From Winter to Spring

It still looks a lot like winter outside - but its a sunny day and I'm ready to make the house feel and smell more springy. Armed with my favorite lavender scented all-purpose cleaner, a good sturdy ladder, tunes to dance clean to, the vacuum and 3 adorable helpers, we're set for the task!

Here we go....

ARGH!!! - updated

Updates below!! Added two more pictures! Thank you for all your sweet comments - but this is not something I can put on the floor yet. Tracy - it was in the lacing of the rug together that I didn't do enough stitches - I just got a book that I need to look into whether or not I did it the correct way or not.

Here's the rug. Its together but not completed. Can you see the bumps in it?

You are supposed to be able to drop a braided rug and if it is made well, it will lay flat. Well....let me just say that to get this picture - I was kneeling on the rug for a few minutes and trying to flatten it out. ARGH!

I took it up to the shop owner who taught the class and she told me how to correct it - I was skipping too many stitches as I rounded the corners...so I worked to add in some stitches.

It helped on one side but not the other....now I'm stuck as I ended the braid and worked it into the rug - I am not sure I want to unlace it, although I think that may be the best decision.

Soooo, just wanted to show you all where I am with the rug. I want to start another one...but I really would like to finish this one first. Until then, it will sit on my kitchen counter...mocking me! ;)

*************************

Ok, look at the first 2 white rows on the right (rows 4 & 5) from the outside edge. Do you see how they are buckled together? Whatever I do, I cannot make this rug flat. I'm close to tossing it in the washer to shrink the wool! HA!

And, Diana, this one shows the size of the rug a little better!
Thanks again for your sweet comments - but I can't let anyone wipe their muddy paws on it yet - or they'll slip due to those bumps!!! :-D

Tiny Talk Tuesday

~~~~On the way home from church this past Sunday, Elle informed us her finger was red. We didn't think much of it until Quintin yelled, "MOM! Elle's bleeding!" I look back to see one side of her face covered in blood - why? She was picking her nose - eeww!! Anyway, we tried not to make a big deal of it and got Quintin calmed down by having him grab a tissue for her. I knew she'd be okay when I heard her giggle and say, "My fingers look like they have pizza sauce on them!"

HA!

~~~~Quintin and I were working on his spelling and we came to the word spent. The sentence was "She spent all her money foolishly, and now she's sad." Quintin commented, "Why is she sad? Let's change the sentence. How about 'She spent one dollar on some pizza and still had some money left.' That way she isn't sad."

So sweet!


~~~~To hear what other little ones are saying, visit Mary's.

Quirky Quote Contest 2008

I'm always game for a fun contest and when I saw this at Diana's this morning, I knew I wanted to enter. Just an hour or so before reading her post, I came across a quote in our spelling book that really left me pondering! It is one I've heard before but certainly needed the reminder. It is does not recognize where or whom it originated from, however.

If God loved you as much as you love Him, where would you be?

To read more, go here: An Open Book: Quirky Quote Contest 2008

My southern pals!

A young family from our church moved to Alabama this past fall to work with the We Care Program at a correctional facility in Alabama. John and Shirley have two young children (their son and Quintin were in the same Sunday School class) and she's just begun blogging to chronicle their experiences and happenings. Since she's new to blogging, I'd love it if you have a chance to stop over and say hello and welcome her to this crazy world of blogging! She's just started posting some "Alabama-isms" which are keeping me guessing! Click on their picture to go to their blog!!



Also, if you have a chance to stop by another southerner's blog - MorningSong started one to document her sewing - which is awesome!! Plus, she's got a great looking header on her new blog! ;-)




And one more southerner to share - this one sews too! Meet Sewsensible, she's friends with MorningSong and has just started a new website to sell her patterns that she has created. She designs her patterns for young children with modesty in mind. I have her Twirl SKORT pattern and just picked up some material this week to make it. I can't wait to get started - but there are several other projects that must be finished first. Sew many projects, sew little time! (did ya like that?) Oh, and she has the cutest pattern for Easter baskets!

Kids' Day

A local grocery store/nursery offered a Kids' Day on Monday. Even with the schools being closed, it wasn't as busy as I thought! My dad and I loaded up the kids (an extra pair of hands is always great - thanks Dad!) and had a great time.

We went through the store stopping at various stations to pick up bags of chips, popcorn, and so many other treats, too many to mention. (Short Stop: they had Utz chips and Tastykakes!! - I thought of you!!)

We headed out to the nursery where the kids each got to plant a little seed (you can see their cups in the pictures).


Not to be left out, here's my little man and my dad!!

It was a great time walking around the nursery and seeing the fish and playing in the water!! (of course!!)

It was really a great thing the store offered and I am making a mental note to be sure and do it again next year!!

If all goes well, we'll be planting their sunflower seeds in mid-May. Have you heard the one about my, ahem, green thumb?!?!

Praise

There is a book a dear blogger friend (you know who you are) sent me that has just been spot on with what I need. It is called, "One Minute of Praise" by Darlene McCarty.

I felt I needed to share some of what I read this morning:

A story is told about the executiion of Polycarp, one of the Apostle John's disciples. When Polycarp was being burned at the stake for refusing to deny Christ, he said: "Wherefore also I praise Thee for all things, I bless Thee, I glorify Thee, along with the everlasting and heavenly Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, with Whom, to Thee and the Holy Ghost be glory both now and to all coming ages."

When the fire was kindled around his body and began to blaze up and overtake him, eyewitnesses said, "He appeared as gold or silver, glowing in a furnace. We began to smell a sweet odor coming from the pile, as if frankincense or such precious spices were being burned," just like in the Tabernacle when the high priest would pour incense over the coals in the incense burner and a sweet-smelling smoke would fill the room of the inner court. The burning incense would press against the veil being drawn up by the Precense of God that was behind it. As Polycarp was placed upon his incense burner, praise began to pour from within him-inhaled as a sweet-smelling odor in the nostrils of God. I can hear the Lord saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Matthew 25:23)

The men who watched could not believe that this "strange man" would not burn. They finally commanded an executioner to pierce a dagger through his heart. When he did this, to their surprise, a dove flew out of his chest with such a great quanitity of blood that the fire was extinguished.

What will it take to revive, rejuvenate, restore, reawaken, regenerate, and rekindle your love for Him? When will you become as passionate as that for the pleasure of His Presence?

"If you can't praise the Lord extravagantly when life is going 'as usual,' how can you expect to go through your 'day of reckoning' in a blaze of praise? Start practicing right now living ablaze so you'll be prepared to leave in a blaze - for one minute."

Wow, right? I would love to be able to add my own thoughts here, but ya know - its one of those times where I feel God teaching me - leading me and I am but a young, new learner...not prepared to pass on any thing yet. I hope that this has touched you and that the lack of my "deep thoughts" (BAH hahaha) hasn't hindered the message.

When will I become as passionate

as that for the pleasure of His Precense?

When will you become as passionate

as that for the pleasure of His Precense?

Something to chew on

Valentine's Day: After Hours

OOooooo, what a post title!! That doesn't aptly describe our evening as it better describes when I'm typing this up! Perhaps "recap" would have been a better chosen word, oh well, what's done is done! (Note: I've had way too much sugar with dinner!!!)

I always enjoy reading blogs to see how families spend their holidays and Valentine's Day was no different. Typically, we don't make much of this holiday other than to make sure we go a little more out of our way to let each other know they are loved and appreciated for all they do.

This year, as in year's past, I placed the focus of this day on helping my children show their love for their daddy. It is such a joy to see them doing things because they know Daddy will love it.

Our plans began early in the week (well, once we could finally talk about food). It was mostly Quintin and me doing the planning because sometimes Elle just gets a little too excited and has a hard time keeping those surprises to herself! ;-) Hmmm, wonder where she gets that from?

Our plan was executed very well last evening and I know Daddy felt very loved and very special and the kids felt so wonderful for pulling off some fun surprises.

Here's the recap:

We started our day with some shopping in order to make T's favorite meal (chicken tetrazinni) and to purchase one of his favorite appetizers: mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat. We also scanned the store for some tasty after-dinner-delights so as not to feel too overwhelmed in the kitchen (it was the first meal I cooked in a whole week).

After their rest time in the afternoon, the work began. I got the kids excited by talking about what needed to be done. Quintin started on the card making process while Elle and I started in the kitchen.

We scrubbed, sliced, chopped, diced, cooked, sauteed until we had the tetrazinni in the oven. Then on to cleaning up the counters. But first, for some reason I thought it was an appropriate time to de-clutter the fridge too. WHAT???!!!! A run of the garbage disposal and gazillions of containers in the sink later, we were ready to continue.

Next, I got Elle and Quintin set up with the strawberries. Elle was the green "thingy" remover and Quintin worked to slice them - I took care of fanning them. As we worked we talked about what needed to be done. How we'd need to check during dinner if Daddy needed more water (while we're talking I'm getting the pretty water pitcher from the cupboard and filling it), and that we need candles (ok, candlesticks, where are you?), and we'll want to make sure we have the toppings for the dessert (dessert? where is dessert? Oh yes, in the garage fridge, let's get them out before we forget)! The kids loved planning all the little details.

We heard the garage door go up as we put the mushrooms in to bake - perfect timing. The kids met Daddy at the door and escorted him upstairs so he could not see what was happening in the kitchen. Before he slipped into the shower, I made him aware of the dress code for the evening: athletic casual. He asked, "You mean sweats?" I answered, "Yep!"

We quickly placed a pretty red tablecloth on the table and even got out the fancy napkins which I folded and Quintin thought resembled a pirate something or other. We put ice in everyone's glasses (the kids didn't even have plastic last night) and placed the silverware on the table. The final touch was to light the candles and put Daddy's card at his seat. The kids went back upstairs to meet Dad at the bedroom door and lead him downstairs to have a seat in the living room. (We have a very open floor plan and our upstairs hallway is like a catwalk where you can see down into the family room/kitchen area).

I dimmed the lights and went and got them all. Quintin said prayers and then came to the kitchen to get the mushrooms for T - he loved them!

We served this:

Here's another picture of that fanned strawberry - sorry, I just think they look so pretty!

Followed by a choice of this:

or this:

Um, we all had a slice of each! LOL

I loved seeing my children put their whole selves...their hearts...into planning special things like this. I think it is great to have a day where we can do some extra things like this as a family!

What fun!

I know T felt really special last night. And, how was I made to feel special yesterday? Well, my hubby has a knack for catching me by surprise. Every couple years, he picks a special day (holiday, birthday, anniversary) to do something extra special for me...and this year, it was Valentine's Day. I found a box on my nightstand yesterday morning when I woke up, with this inside:

I would have planned every detail the same had it not been there. We shared a wonderful meal around the table by candlelight - even though I didn't take any other pictures, this evening has been burned into my mind as a precious time together as family.

Thank you for letting me share it with you.

<3 <3 <3 (tilt your head right) <3 <3 <3

You know your family is sick when...

First, thanks to everyone for the well wishes and prayers for me and my fam. We are all finally, finally, finally on the mend. :)



You know your family is sick when...

...you suggest naptime at 10AM and no one fusses.

...you haven't been out of the house for 5 days and you really couldn't care less.

...your kids don't even appear thrilled anymore when you ask if they want to watch a movie.

...you consider it a successful day when at bedtime, your child is still wearing the same clothes he/she had on when he/she first got dressed.

...you've cleaned your toilet bowl more times in one weekend than you've done in 2 months.

5 for 5

Yep, the uglies (see post below) have gotten all of us.

Have a great week everyone, it will be a quiet one around here.

The good, the bad & the ugly

The Good:
Only about a foot more of the rug to braid and then I will finish lacing it! I've already ripped the lacing out twice to re-lace it and am now pleased with the results. Now, if I can only remember how she showed us to finish it....hoping to post soon.

The Bad:

We had T's dr appt today. He has torn the meniscus in his left knee. He had a small tear in it back in '03 and they trimmed some of it away. Since it has torn further, he is scheduled for surgery at the beginning of March and they will either try to repair the tear or remove the meniscus. If they remove it totally, he will be back on his feet in 3 days...we are actually praying for them to be able to repair it - which requires 4 weeks to be off his leg. They will not know which they will do until they are doing the surgery.

&

The Ugly:

Colin woke up last night throwing up...slept well from just after midnight til almost 9. Slept almost 5 hours this afternoon and woke up crying. I went up to get him and then he threw up some more...leaves me wondering who will be in the next round of "uglies".....sigh

Inspiration

I had noted a week or so ago, that I've chosen *inspire* as my word of the year. I hope to be able to keep track of the things that have inspired me in 2008. I am also going to keep this graphic on my sidebar, feel free to grab it and use it in your own posts if you have something that has inspired you.

Today's inspiration:

It took this post from a family currently reading the same book, to inspire creativity and spark our imaginations for some good moments of play. Simple idea...simple inspiration - but created some great memories!






I love this book - does anyone else enjoy it?

PS - If you do use the inspire graphic, be sure to let me know so I can come and be....inspired! :D

Name that meme

I want to thank Diana for bringing this to my attention: Blogging without obligation - you'll see the link at the top of my righthand sidebar. You can also click on the above link to read more.

I think this is such a great concept, and here is the one I identified with the most:

Because for most of us blogging is just a hobby. A way to express yourself and connect with others. You should not have to apologize for lapses in posts. Just take a step back and enjoy life, not everything you do has to be "bloggable".

Ahhh, yes, what a great idea!
*****

I'm not feeling obligated, but I did want to join in on some memes that I was tagged for. I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you decide to play along, let me know.

First, I was tagged by mom24 and I'm choosing the "6 non-important things about yourself."

1 - I am all about balance. When I'm walking, if my right arm brushes against the wall, I must have my left arm brush the wall too - quirky? You bet!
2 - When showering, I wash my hair, wash my face and then wash my body. If I go out of order, I will most definitely repeat a step without realizing it.
3 - Lately, I have really had a problem of talking without thinking first. I was talking to a friend and she asked if I was on my cell phone. I told her yes and asked, "Why, is the connection blurry?" Blurry? UGH
4 - In High School, I won the "Most Oustanding Senior" Award in the orchestra. And, I was the only senior in the HS orchestra that year.
5 - I tried teaching myself how to play guitar, but then I had children...and my sister in law wanted her guitar back. Maybe some day.
6 - My parents called me "Little Little" when I was....um, little. Every now and then, T will call me Little. I like it when he does!
*****

Second, Mary tagged me for a book meme. (click on 'book meme' for the rules).

Closest book: "Wh*at the Bible is A*ll Abo*ut" by Hen*rietta Me*ars
Page 123 is a lovely picture of a shepherd on the hills outside of Bethlehem...so I'll use pg 134.
I'm to find the 5th sentence and then list the following 3 sentences (I love this!)

Things to Do:
1. Read the Bible.
2. Delight in it.
3. Meditate upon it.

I thought that was pretty awesome advice!!
*****
Thirdly, I want to thank Mary and Diana for selecting me as a Daily Dose! And, I want to pass on the love. Since some of us run in the same circles, I want to do this one a little differently and link to some blogs I've been lurking reading for some time. I like to link to them so that maybe you'll find some joy and encouragement there too! Some I've found just by blog hopping, and some found me first. Enjoy!

1 - SouleMama - she's finishing up a 30 days in photos segment
2 - Keep Believing - Her CSI-House Edition had me cracking up - she's very creative!
3 - The Simple Wife - Be sure to click on 'The ABCs of Living Simply' on her sidebar
4 - The Heart of the Matter - A great homeschooling blog
5 - 4 Reluctant Entertainers - Sandy has a Love Connection giveaway right now, too'

Curly locks (updated)

I think it is a good thing we are getting haircuts today.

Oh, what am I gonna do with these curls?

Updated - after the haircut

I should have noted that this wasn't Colin's first haircut. His hair is the measure I use to know when it is time for our next appt!

I'm not sure I could let his hair grow long at this age - 14 months - I think I'd go nuts. He can decide what to do with it when he is older (within reason, of course!)

Waiting on pins and needles

If you think that title has to do with the giveaways, scroll down to the post below - BUT AFTER you read this very important announcement - which I know you were all waiting on pins and needles for!

Phil Says Six More Weeks of Winter!

Phil's official forecast as read 2/2/08 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:

Here Ye! Here Ye! Here Ye!

On Gobbler's Knob on this fabolous Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2008, Punxsutawney Phil, the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators, Rose to the call of President Bill Cooper and greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths.
After casting a weathered eye toward thousands of his faithful followers, Phil consulted with President Cooper and directed him to the appropriate scroll, which proclaimed:

"As I look around me, a bright sky I see, and a shadow beside me.Six more weeks of winter it will be!"

BLECH!

Its cloudy where I am - no sun peeking through here and I'm not that far away. But far enough away for Phil's sake! HA!

And the giveaways go to...

T and I decied to stay in tonight - its still raining - lots of puddles. We gonna have our date tomorrow night (Thank you Mom & Dad for switching nights!!)

Here's the time you've all been waiting for - but first, we need some statistics.

83 comments (prior to 12 noon). (Some needed to get the "last word" in)

I think it is important to mention that there were only comments from 27 different people. LOL

One blogger, who shall remain nameless, left 34 comments - totally cracking me up with each one - what a riot!

Some banter began, I was beginning to think my blog was being hijacked - and two more bloggers finished up with 12 and 9 comments. Ahhh, too funny. I can totally feel the love.

I will have to do a post of some of the comments - b/c if you haven't read them, you're missing out on some great laughs. Poetry, people nominating others, we even had a comment from a 1 week old baby who wanted his nursing momma to win the chocolate so he could have chocolate milk! BAH hahahahahaha

And this, folks, is what makes blogging so fun. And tells me, that a few of us, need more to do with our time!!

I must rest now - for my head has gotten too large from all the sweet comments!! I was, however, considering some awards for some of those great comments - but I'm too tired. Take it upon yourself to let me know what awards you think should be awarded - LOL!!

On a more serious note, thank you for commenting and stopping by to see what is happening in our little corner of the world (wide web).

To make it more fun, I thought I'd have to volunteers help me vlog the official pulling the names out of the FAMOUS Ka*sey Kah*ne hat.

Here are my helpers - enjoy the video!!! The winners can email me: mommaroar at gmail dot com

Rain, rain go away - or not!

This morning, its raining - and we have ice warnings. The driveway doesn't look bad, but all our concrete walks are covered in ice.

I was wishing the rain to stop, until I remembered tomorrow is Groundhog's Day. Is this a big deal anywhere else? Not that I think it is a big deal, but there is a town in PA which makes a HUGE deal about this holiday. Holiday? LOL

If Punxsutawny Phil doesn't see his shadow tomorrow - then spring will be right around the corner - RAIN ON!! Rain down on me!! Raindrops keep falling on my head!!

Please tell me there are other states with crazed people or, the "inner circle" awaiting one big day where a varmint will predict the weather? Or is it just us?

In case you were interested, here are some "answers to FAQ about the holiday" from the "Official site of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club" - oh please! LOL

*Yes! Punxsutawney Phil is the only true weather forecasting groundhog. The others are just impostors.
*How often is Phil's prediction correct? 100% of the time, of course!
*How many "Phils" have there been over the years? There has only been one Punxsutawney Phil. He has been making predictions for over 120 years!
*Punxsutawney Phil gets his longevity from drinking the "elixir of life," a secret recipe. Phil takes one sip every summer at the Groundhog Picnic and it magically gives him seven more years of life.
*On February 2, Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler's Knob - in front of thousands of followers from all over the world - to predict the weather for the rest of winter.
*According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
*No! Phil's forecasts are not made in advance by the Inner Circle. After Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2, he speaks to the Groundhog Club president in "Groundhogese"(a language only understood by the current president of the Inner Circle). His proclamation is then translated for the world.
*The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states, "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May..."
*Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the 1800s. The first official trek to Gobbler's Knob was made on February 2, 1887.


Good grief!! I know you all wanted to know that!

You know, its a good thing Phil is in Punxsutawney, becuase if he popped his head out of a hole in our backyard...well, let's just say his prediction-making days would be, um, over!

The giveaway contest ends today at noon (est) - be sure to comment to win. And if you need to laugh, I mean really laugh - go read the comments from my "overzealous readers"!!! HAHA I love you all!!