Congratulations!

I wrote down the names of all who commented and numbered them 1-18 - so for those who left numerous comments, you were still only in the drawing once. But know that you amused me immensely with your multiple comments here and on facebook! I live for that stuff, because as Just Mom pointed out, I'm needy like that!

Using Random.org, #10 was selected. And #10 is - LYNN!! Lynn, let me know if you'd like the CD mailed, or gifted from iTunes. Congrats!! I know you'll love it!!!!

Thanks for all your kinds words and birthday wishes! I even got cards through email and snail mail - Thank You!!

For those curious as to my birthday plans - my hubby scored complimentary tickets to Les Mis and we'll enjoy that after eating at one of my favorite restaurants in the city!!

Oh, and we have a gift card from Christmas to use for dinner! So, you know what this means ... all the more money that can be put into my present - bah hahahahahaha!!!

As a side, my hubby was up at 1am this morning to drive tractor trailer and I had a bad night's sleep - we may be "Les Miserables" tonight!

It's my birthday tomorrow...

So, it's time for a giveaway!!

This past spring I was driving and listening to some new tunes on our local Christian radio station. "Since the World Began" started playing and I fell in love. I couldn't get enough of the song and couldn't find it online since the new cd hadn't been released yet. The cd, Glory Revealed II, will be released this Tuesday, July 14. I've had my copy pre-ordered for quite some time now.

In honor my 34th birthday tomorrow, I'd like to pass along a copy of this cd to someone. I can either gift it from iTunes or send the cd in the mail - winner's choice. Here's a little preview...

To enter, just leave a comment on this post telling me what you've put in the mail as my birthday present - ha! Ok, I'll be nice, just leave me a comment!

I'll pick a winner, tomorrow, on my birthday and post around lunchtime!!!

I'm off to celebrate.

Not really. ;-P

Wordless Wednesday

It's the Little Things!

A few weeks ago, Diana tagged me for a 6 UNimportant Things That Make Me Happy meme.

Like the others, I had to determine what "unimportant" was in my life - and I decided it was the things that made me happy, but it didn't matter one tiny bit to someone else.
Without further ado, I present to you my list of 6 UNimportant things that make me, Momma Roar, happy.

1 - I am obsessed wtih mowing and creating lines in my yard. I know I sound like a nut job, but a freshly mowed lawn with a pattern makes me smile.

2 - Every now and then, when I'm outside mowing or hanging out laundry, I'll catch the smell of honeysuckle and that puts a smile on my face every time. It's like a little present just for me and I was there for the right moment to receive it.  The same is true for lilacs.

3 - I guess I could have grouped 1, 2 and 3 into a category of "being outside" - but then I would have had to think of more. ;-)  I love sitting on the beach, period.  But, the sounds enhance the experience.  I love hearing the ocean waves with the muffled sounds of families playing all around.

4 - I find happiness looking at the stack of papers I typed up last month filled with checklists of 2nd grade standards.  From this, I'm planning 0ur upcoming year and it feels so good to be so organized, realizing it's early in the ball ame and by the top of the 4th, I'll be maxed out on my organization abilities! ;-)

5 - Music makes me happy - especially "my" music.  We have a great local Christian radio station, but I grow tired of the commercials and weather and news.  We recently purchased a speaker for my iPod and now I can listen to my favorite music as well as the podcasts I enjoy...life is good!

6 - Happiness is, finding the gas tank filled when I jump in my truck!

What UNimportant things make you happy?  If you'd like to play along, consider yourself tagged!

Bunny Love

Joy...

Laughter...

Happy...

Running...

Jumping...

Hopping...

Giggles...

Arms flying...

I just stood and watched.  The sheer joy on this child's face as he ran through those dust bunny-filled sunbeams thinking it was all there for his enjoyment and not due to his mother's lack of dusting skills!

A new do for Bubba!

Colin got his first buzz cut Wednesday morning.  He was heard, later in the day, saying, "I love my new hair."  As well as, "Now I look like Dintin!"

We love it too, except I think it makes him look even older...NOOOOOO!!  2 1/2 going on 12!

Wordless Wednesday

Don't let the cute face fool you, the shirt says it all!!!

Itza Pizza

Works for me Wednesday's is hosting a summer recipe edition.

We tried something new last night for supper and it was very yummy. However, had my time management skills been a little better we would have eaten at our normal time of 5:30 instead of almost 7, but it's all good. If there is one thing my hubby can get most frustrated with me (ok, I'll be honest, there is more than just one thing, but I'm trying to take it easy on myself), it's my lack of time management. I'd just like to blame it farkle! ;-D

So, where was I?

Yes, new recipe. I combined 3 different recipes for this one. I used my new favorite pizza dough from Emeril and a new pizza sauce recipe I just googled and tried. Then, to make it even more fun, we tossed the pizza onto the grill.

Backtracking...how did it take 1 1/2 hours to get pizza on the table, you ask? Without mentioning any names, someone forgot to read the directions ahead of time and failed to notice the 1 hour time for the dough to rise.

The finished product:

Click here to get the full recipe.

To see more wfmw's, click here.

Campin'

This weekend was our church's annual Family Camping Weekend at a camping area about 35 minutes from home. T grew up going here with his family, and we've made it a tradition since we're married.

Last year, we didn't get to go because T was deep into a building project at work. In 2007, T camped with Quintin. The little ones and I spent the day with them, but we came home to sleep. In '06, we all went - but Elle was 18 months old and I was pregnant with Colin. So, we knew this year would be very different. And it was, but it was also a lot of fun.

If you've camped, you know how much work it can be - but if you enjoy the outdoors, it is really worth it.

The other 51 weeks of the year, I'm glad we have a tent because it stores so easily. Then that one remaining week - right before we leave - I'm wishing we had a camper!!!

We have a really nice site, except during the afternoons, when the sun just lays on the tent.

Not so nice when little ones are trying to nap. It was so hot inside the tent - but they did get a good nap in. They were up until 11 both nights - they needed this little rest to get them there! There were marshmallows to roast and s'mores to make! YUM!

Below, this plays a key role in helping our kids sleep. It gets cool enough in the nighttime, but we run the fan for the noise.

The kids slept in until 8am each morning - that's better than they do at home!

There's plenty to do...

fishing with cousins.

Boating. Notice who is holding the paddles! ;-D

We colored pictures and played Farkle.

Checking out what another cousin has caught and is now showing to everyone as he carries it around his neck...*shudder*

It was a great weekend filled with lots of memories. At one point, Quintin asked if we could live up there.

As Sunday afternoon rolled around, we tore down and everyone was tired. So thankful it is just a 35 minute drive home!!!

I can't believe he's 7!

Happy 7th Big Guy!

Vacation...

While it was a less than great week, weather-wise, at the beach, we still had a great time. This is our 3rd year to travel down to New Jersey with my best friend from high school (who also played a key role in T asking me on our first date) and her family.

The kids always have a blast and they found plenty to do. While we were covering ourselves with light jackets on the beach, earlier in the week, they ran around playing, splashing with no care to the cool air around them.

When it was too overcast to suit up, we flew kites and went to the Cape May Zoo...which is free! And what a great zoo!

And when it rained poured, we went to the mall and just walked around. Quintin was excited to come away with a new pair of blue and orange sneakers!!

Now we work to get back into our "home groove" while taking care of the laundry (which I put off all weekend) and to mow the meadow that our lawn has become after a week of the same weather here at home.

There is blue sky today.

The sun is shining today.

As the kids play in the sandbox, I think I'll take a break and join them once or twice. I'll stick my toes in the sand, close my eyes and listen for the waves.

I don't know what it is about the beach, but I think it has a power over me!

Wordless Week: Friday

Happy Father's Day!!!

2009

2008...

Wordless Week: Thursday