Christmas Tour

Heidi Jo is hosting a Christmas Tour of Homes. I didn't want to be left out of the fun! Welcome to our home! (Well, parts of it...the cleanest parts anyway!)

O Christmas Tree...

Angels We Have Heard on High...

O Holy Night...

Up on the Housetop....

Deck the Halls...

Frosty the Snowman...

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

We Wish You a Merry Christmas...

Tiny Talk Tuesday - Holiday Edition, Part 2

Lots of tiny ones talking in our house again!

Dad: Are you tired Elle? (It was about an hour and a half past her bedtime as we picked her up from the sitters...she was just wondering through their house)
Elle: What are yooooouuuuuu talking about?

Quintin was up front at church this past Sunday for the children's story. T's dad was leading the story. Grandpa was asking the children what they wanted for Christmas and he called on Quintin. While we couldn't hear Quintin, we heard Grandpa say "2 cannons and a pirate ship." Now, you have to understand my in-laws have a touch of PA dutch accent - where pirate sounds more like parrot. To all our surprise, Quintin didn't correct Grandpa (like he usually does, lol) but when he came back to sit with us - he made sure we knew he wanted a pirate ship and not a parrot ship! Quintin was dissapointed that he couldn't tell Grandpa everything. He said, "But I didn't get to tell him I want a row boat for the pirates and...." I said "You didn't have to tell him everything, he's not Santa!" And Quintin just looked at me and with a little chuckle said, "Nooooo!"

This video is after several attempts - something kept happening to make us stop - like the camera stopped recording. :( Therefore, the answers have lost their 'first response' take and have more of a 'why are you still asking me these questions?' take. I think you'll enjoy it anyway! :)

Before the video, I wanted to share one that didn't make the cut! ;)

Mom: How does Santa get to all the houses?
Quintin: He's a super hero!

And, now, on to the video!



FYI: I am in a small bells choir at church and we play this Sunday...Elle's birthday!

If you'd like to read what other tiny ones are saying, head over to Mary's!

What's my holiday mood?

Saw this over at Susan's!



And then, I started doing more quizzes...



So, what character are you and what's your holiday mood?

My Top 5

Top 5 Reasons Why I Read Just Mom's Musings...

5 - She has a very pleasant blog template! ;-)

4 - She has become a great friend and I look forward to what piece of her life and family she is going to share. She can learn from the ordinary daily mom tasks and even invites us in to read her private thoughts about motherhood.

3 - I enjoy reading her 'take' on life - Whether its things that send her over the edge or having an 'aha' moment - she makes us all feel like we are right across the kitchen table...talking as friends.

2 - Not only is she an awesome writer, but she's a superb photographer and she's down-right hilarious too - it all makes for a great combo!

And my #1 reason why I read her blog:

1 - I like to stalk her blog to get her heart racing when she checks her blog stats at sitemeter!

In honor of your blogoversary, JM, I did do a vlog of me singing Happy Blogoversary but I couldn't get it to upload - boy, what a disappointment! HA! And if you believe that, I'll tell you a few more!!!

Happy 1st Blogoversary Just Mom!! Do I win the contest now? ;-)

A Special Day

I'm in denial about today being December 7. It can't be! This past year went way too quickly - it should only be about....say, March 7. Yes! That would be much better...on me....but I have a little guy here that is turning 1 - and I'm sure he'd rather be 1 than 3 months old....Do any other 3 month old children crawl?

OK, so I'm sucking up my selfish anxieties and letting my baby turn 1 today. Why does it have to be so hard...9 months of pregnancy and a year have gone by already?

At 5:30am a year ago, T and I walked into the hospital for a scheduled c-section. At 8am, we had an 8lb, 1 oz baby boy. Colin's original due date was December 21 and then it changed to December 12 after my first ultrasound. We could schedule his c-section up to a week prior, and today was the day my favorite doctor was in!

Everything went fine and even though it was the third time around, it is just simply amazing. Such a tiny little baby. He was, and still is, a great baby. He sleeps and eats great! His brother and sister just love on him all the time - as do his dad and I.

Dear Colin - You are my baby...and you're turning one already! I love when I get you out of the crib after a nap, you continue to snuggle against me and keep your head on my shoulder. Even when hearing the voices of your siblings, you stay tucked against mommy. As much as I want to keep you a little baby, you are growing up into a little man. Your brown eyes remind me of your daddy and your brother and sister. But, you did get your momma's dimples - one in each cheek! You have a twinkle in your eye when you smile and even when you are about to drop another cracker on the floor for the dog. Your crawling so fast, walking a little along furniture and I know it won't be long until you're running. I love you my little man and I hope you will always run back into your momma's arms...even when you are too big to snuggle on my shoulder.

Happy B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y* Colin!!! Love, Mom

Edited to add:

Quintin came out of his room this morning and asked, "Where is Colin?"

"In his room."

"Is he 1 now?"

"Yes"

"Can I go in and see him?"

"No, he's sleeping."
"But, I wanna see how big he got!"

Be Still

Tiny Talk Tuesday - Holiday Edition - Part 1

These are some of the TTT questions, answered by Quintin, age 5 1/2.


To read more, head over to Mary's!

1. Why do we celebrate Christmas?

"Because its Jesus' birthday."

2. What is your favorite food/treat to eat at Christmas time?
"Candy!"
*Yep, he's my son!


3. What would you like for Christmas?
"Well. I want 2 cannons, and they roll and they have cannonballs. A big treasure chest. And, then...I want a skull ship and then...what else did I want?"


4. What is your favorite Christmas activity?
"Decorating the Christmas tree."


5. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in our house?
"The lights on our Christmas tree."


6. What is the best part about Christmas?
"Baby Jesus and presents"


7. Why do we give presents?
"Because its Jesus' birthday."


8. Why do we have a tree to decorate?
"The tree reminds of the cross that Jesus died on and the lights remind us of stars in the sky."
*Someone was paying attention to our advent devotional! LOL


9. What songs do you like to sing at Christmas time?
"Jingle Bells"
"Hark the Herald Angels Sing"
"Away in the Manger"


10. What are some of the special things we do during Christmastime?
"Christmas tree and nativity set"


11. Where are some of the special places we go during Christmastime?
"To the mall to see Santa!"


12. Do you know where the presents are hidden? Did you peek?
He doesn't know there are presents hidden in the house, so it went like this.
me: When do the presents come?
Q: Christmas morning
me: Are there presents hidden in the house?
Q: That would be funny if presents were hidden in the house...giggle...
*phew, we're safe for another year!


13. Tell me about your favorite ornament and why it is special.
"I like that ringing bell (Polar E*xpress) and the ornament I painted the inside of last year - because I like painting."

14. What should daddy buy mommy?
"Special things, I don't know.....a sword...I don't know...."
*Ok, his future wife will be loving this!


15. What should mommy buy daddy?
"Telescope."
me: Does daddy like telescopes?
"No"


16. What does mommy want for Christmas? Daddy? Elle? Colin? Riley?
Mommy - ornament?
Daddy - camo backpack
Elle - something that spins around like crazy (that would be a sit n spin)
Colin - boy stuff
Riley - A dog bed


17. Why was there no room at the inn?
"What? At the inn? All the houses and hotels were full."


18. What gifts did the wise men bring?
"Gifts!"



Yeah, these are the times you feel like you're really reaching your child!!!

December 1, 2007......already?

Well, things are never dull around here and today was no exception. T, Quintin and Elle went and picked out our tree. It is in the house in water, but no decorations yet! We also put out our advent nativity set. You place Mary out on December 1. We all love when we add Baby Jesus to the manger Christmas morning. From Rom*an Inc.





We also made our own advent wreath.

































































And then exchanged a kiss for a kiss!




















We got the idea from this book.













And, while trying to make each Christmas memorable not only for my children...but for myself as well, I picked up this book to read.











May we all be able to slow ourselves down this season, amidst the hustle and bustle, and create a meaningful Christmas for ourselves and our families!

Christmas cards

The past two years, I have had a blast doing our Christmas cards - such fun ideas. This first idea came after sending some of our pictures to a good friend. She replied back that she loved the one where they were praying. I was actually having them clap - but it was so cute. I found a fitting saying and we were off!

2005



Colin was 4 days old in this picture - again, a fun photo to do!

2006
This year, I'm feeling stumped and almost a little pressured. But, there is an idea out there! And, when I find it - I'll be jumping up and down!

Thought some of you might enjoy seeing the pictures we didn't use!

Its crafting time!

Here's our Thankful Tree from last week. The children really enjoyed doing this. You can click on the tree picure to enlarge it to see what they are thankful for.

Tuesday morning, we had our neighbors over for some crafting fun!

With our pipe cleaners and beads, we made candy canes....

...wreaths...

...and snowflakes.

For a treat, we had snowballs. Well, that would be popcorn balls! Teresa's recipe was a hit! Thanks Teresa!

Do you know what you can make with a feather boa, pipe cleaners, glue and little eyes?

A family of feathery spiders! I got the idea, here.

I just think they are SO CUTE!

Friday, my sister and her little guy are coming to make this terra-cotta trio! I found it here.

I think we are going to feel crafted-out by the weekend, but it has been fun to be creative!

Let me know if you try any of the projects!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

My mom was here yesterday morning while I ran some errands. She and the kids were playing their favorite game, Sequence. It was Elle's turn, but she wasn't ready yet, as she told my mom and Quintin, "I'm not done thinking yet."

To hear what other tiny ones are saying, visit Mary's blog!

What a weekend!

I hope you had a terrific week. It felt like things were getting crazy here by Wednesday.

I finished up all my cleaning projects - and even though no one was upstairs to see if the rooms were swept, dusted or the woodwork/windows were cleaned - it made me feel a whole lot better! Now, I can sit back and relax, what? 2-3 months weeks until I need to dust or vacuum again? ;-) Actually, that doesn't sound too bad!

We had my family on Thursday - 15 people total. I hope to get some recipes posted soon - but I want to wait for pictures first. I wasn't about to take a picture of the meal I was serving on Thursday, as T already locks the door when I step outside to take pictures of what we're having for dinner. We'll be eating leftovers this week, so we'll snap some pictures of them!

Friday night, we had some friends over - 16 people total. 6 adults and 10 children (2 under a year). Tried a friend's recipe for Sausage Dip. YUM - want to share the recipe for that as well!

Saturday afternoon, we were at T's parents - 25 people total. 10 adults and 15 children (the oldest is 14 and Colin, 11 months, is the youngest).

After these past few days....I've got just three things to say:

1 - I'm stuffed!

2 - Stay tuned to Momma Roar's Kitchen for my recipes.

3 - Thank goodness Tuesday is trash day!

Thanks and Turkey

A grateful heart finds blessings in what others overlook.


Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!!

One, more thing I wanted to include. I'm sharing a turkey recipe. If you make it, your dinner will be the talk of the TOWN! You should try this! It is sure to bring smiles from your guests!

Thanksgiving Turkey
~Cut out aluminum foil in desired shapes.
~Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil very carefully.
~Roast according to your own recipe and serve.
~Watch your guests' faces...

May your stuffing be tasty.

May your turkey plump.

May your potatoes and gravy

Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious,

And your pies take the prize.

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

:-) My sister in law sent me this and I couldn't resist posting it!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

This past Friday was the closing program for our co-op's fall session. There was a play put on by the high school age participants in the co-op. But, before the play, the Pre-K/K class sang the song they had been working all in music class, as well as their verse. I was only able to get a portion of the song taped, as the batteries quit in my camera (the story of my life!)

Quintin is fifth in from the left, wearing a blue and brown shirt proudly holding his red card!! If you look on the other end, the blonde boy dancing with his black card, that is Quintin's cousin, H. It was fun to see these two together in class. H is pre-k, so they won't be in the same class next fall when Quintin moves up to the grade 1/2 class.




Prior to the program beginning, displays of the children's work. In Quintin's art class, he made a salt dough nativity! I had been curious all session to take a peek at his masterpiece, but instead, waited until Friday to see it. I love it. Since he's brought it home, he and Elle have been playing with it. They say things like, "Here's the angel, she told Mary, 'You are going to have a baby, name him Jesus."

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I couldn't believe it when we woke up to some snow yesterday morning - it was so beautiful as many of the trees still had their leaves. The reds and oranges on the trees accented by the white on the ground was so beautiful. It wasn't enough snow to cancel or delay any of the schools, so the school kids missed out on it. We pushed back our school time, as did our neighbors, and the kids played outside. I shot a short video of them sledding in the back yard. Quintin was such a great big brother taking care of Elle. At one point, she stopped walking because she couldn't make it up to the top of the hill, so Quintin walked down and took her hand. They walked side by side for a while, but then I started cracking up because he began to pull her and she started pulling the opposite direction to get him to slow down! Men!! ;-) You'll see Quintin and Elle on the sled first, followed by our neighbor girls, ages 7 and 5.




*************
I've been playing some Christmas music this week, one cd being Jo*sh Gro*ban's Noel. Now, Elle is short for Noelle (but Elle rhymes with belly, while Noelle does not!) The First Noel came on and I told Elle to come out and listen, they were singing her name. She came out of the playroom and listened. Then she looked at me with her eyebrows buried into her eyes and her lips pouted and said, "Me no want them to sing my name!" I hope one day she'll appreciate her Christmas name!!



Head on over to Mary's to see what more tiny ones are talking about this Tuesday!

Countdown Tag

Tara tagged me for this one last week.

TEN THINGS I DID THIS WEEKEND
1. Planned out our Thanksgiving meal and got most of my groceries. My family will be here on Thursday - there will be a total of 17 15 people!! Apparently, I can't count...and that includes me, T and the kids...so, 10 additional people, that sounds much better than 17! HA
2. T and I worked to clean the windows in our 2-story family room and foyer.
3. Wiped walls and woodwork in the family room and playroom.
4. Put away the summer decorations on my mantle.
5. Began playing around with my Christmas/Winter decorations for the mantle.
6. Went to Sunday School and church with my family (not a rare thing - we do it every weekend!)
7. Friday night we attended the closing program for the Fall Homeschool Co-op session.
8. Enjoyed seeing Quintin's Pre-K/K class say their verse and sing their colors song for the whole group (will post pictures Tuesday!)
9. I walked on the treadmill Saturday morning (I usually don't walk on the weekends)
10. As I was walking, I saw a deer outside at the woods - at first I thought it was a 3D archery target - then I remembered we don't have one of them, lol!

9 things on my agenda this week:
1. Make it to Thursday without hurting anyone!! ;-)
2. Finish cleaning the downstairs windows/woodwork.
3. Vacuum and dust the upstairs.
4. Give the bathrooms a thorough cleaning...yuck
5. Exercise each morning to reduce my stress and have time to plan out my day.
6. Make a Thanksgiving Tree with the children.
7. Post pictures of Thanksgiving Tree and Friday night's Co-op program.
8. Make a lot of food!
9. Catch up with friends through blogs!

8 shows I've watched last week:
1. Chuck
2. Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
3. Football
4. Criminal Minds
5. Sesame Street
6. Super Why!
7. Clifford
8. Dancing with the Stars

7 things I cooked last week: (I'm changing this to things that will be cooked this week)
1. Refrigerator mashed potatoes
2. Creamed corn
3. 17 lb turkey
4. Mom's stuffing
5. Sweet & sour green beans
6. Ham & cheese pie
7. Leftovers!

6 things I read this week
1. My bible
2. Blogs!
3. One Minute of Praise
4. Leading Little Ones to God
5. Southern Living Christmas 2007
6. The Story of the Easter Egg

5 Reasons to be happy today
1. Its soon time to go to bed!
2. I'm continuing to see my weight go down on the scale!!!!!
3. I have a wonderful family
4. You are reading this!
5. My family is coming on Thursday

4 things I need to buy:
1. Winter boots for Quintin
2. Christmas presents
3. A winter hat for Elle
4. I need to get Colin some new long pjs

3 people I saw this weekend:
1. Heidi
2. Jezz
3. Tracy & Andrea....who don't comment...just in case you wondered! HAHAHA

2 things I am thankful right now:
1. To be able to spend tonight at home, with my family
2. I have 3 healthy children and a wonderful hubby!

1 final thought:
With great chocolate, comes great responsibility.
~Larry Boy (VeggieTales superhero)

Consider yourself tagged if you'd like to play along!