Quote of the Day

"I am no friend of bigotry, yet I think the freedom of inquiry, and the general toleration of religious sentiments, have been, like all other good things, perverted, and, under their shelter, deism, and even atheism, have found refuge." ~Abigail Adams

Let's Bake a Cake

Happy Birthday, Noah! Baking your birthday cake was loads of fun. :)

And the batter did taste good!

Homecoming Parade

Jim and Cindy were kind enough to let their children come with Daniel and me to walk in the Homecoming Parade. West Virginians for Life has a group every year, and the kids (and I!) were excited to participate.

The Theme? "What if I hadn't been born?"

After waiting for the parade to start (and the kids listening to my instruction -- you aren't allowed to throw candy anymore...) we marched down the street. Smiling and walking all the way.

Back row: Noah and Daniel Front Row: Evangelia, Jude, and Maggie

 

But, we did take some time for pictures! It was "a prime blogging opportunity."

Me and the kids

We saw many friends... and missed several more.

Make a silly face

Next year, I'll have to bring more candy... we ran out before we completed the route...

And another!

After the parade, the kids wanted to take a photo with Bob, Penny, and Rufus.
I LOVE taking pictures with Bob, Penny, and Rufus!!

The kids with my favorite statue

And the funnier the poses, the better. *grins*

Noah wanted Bob's gun

Can't wait 'til next year. :)

Quote of the Day

I do much wonder that one man, seeing how much
another man is a fool when he dedicates his
behaviors to love, will, after he hath laughed at
such shallow follies in others, become the argument
of his own scorn by failing in love: and such a man
is Claudio. I have known when there was no music
with him but the drum and the fife; and now had he
rather hear the tabour and the pipe: I have known
when he would have walked ten mile a-foot to see a
good armour; and now will he lie ten nights awake,
carving the fashion of a new doublet. He was wont to
speak plain and to the purpose, like an honest man
and a soldier; and now is he turned orthography; his
words are a very fantastical banquet, just so many
strange dishes. May I be so converted and see with
these eyes? I cannot tell; I think not: I will not
be sworn, but love may transform me to an oyster; but
I'll take my oath on it, till he have made an oyster
of me, he shall never make me such a fool. One woman
is fair, yet I am well; another is wise, yet I am
well; another virtuous, yet I am well; but till all
graces be in one woman, one woman shall not come in
my grace. Rich she shall be, that's certain; wise,
or I'll none; virtuous, or I'll never cheapen her;
fair, or I'll never look on her; mild, or come not
near me; noble, or not I for an angel; of good
discourse, an excellent musician, and her hair shall
be of what colour it please God. Ha! the prince and
Monsieur Love! I will hide me in the arbour.
~Benedick in Much Ado about Nothing

If this does not amuse, then what, pray tell, can? *grins*

Who's the Baby?

Isn't Jack adorable? In my not-so-humble-opinion, he's one of the cutest babies ever!!

Energetic on the Inside

Dancing is a big part of my life right now... And it's less than 1 month until the ball! GASP! Well, I'm enjoying every practice while I can. Though, the last practice was a little noisy depending whom you ask. So, Mr. K (our beloved caller) told us to lower our voices and be "energetic on the inside." I <3 it!!

Ready for the Virginia Reel

Mid - two hand turn

Reeling

OSB is so blessed to have many guests and dancers. :O) With so many smiling faces around, one cannot help but be cheery.

Right hand turn

Bridge

Isn't the timing of this photo great? Like a movie?

Through the Bridge

Another resident photographer

Patty Cake Polka

Still the Patty Cake

Name tags have become a tradition at dance practices. They identify the dances, and they help us learn one another's names.

Sometimes the name tags end up in the strangest places...

Until next dance practice... I may be skipping in 8 beats.

Fashion Faux Pas

I think Dee's worried about me... I wore toe socks with flips-flops. Yikes! But, my feet were cold, I had no other shoes... May it never happen again. *Grins*

CT Christmas: the results!!

I blogged awhile ago about the Celtic Thunder Christmas CD...  And we had a contest on who could guess the most artists correctly. Below are the answers.

1. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas  ----> Neil

2. Winter Wonderland ----> Damian

3. Let It Snow ----> Ryan
4. Last Christmas ----> Keith
5. Silent Night  ----> Ensemble

6. Going Home for Christmas ----> George

7. When You Wish Upon a Star ----> Neil
8. Our First Christmas Together ----> Damian

9. Christmas 1915 ----> Ensemble
10. Baby It's Cold Outside ----> Ryan & Charlie
11. Ave Maria ----> Paul

12. All I want For Christmas Is You ----> Keith

13. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day ----> George

14. The Most Wonderful Time of The Year/We Wish You a Merry Christmas ----> Ensemble

And the winner is..... *drumroll*

KEELY! Good job girl! 

Weekend Women's Retreat

Several weekends ago, I had the great pleasure of attending the Presbytery of Ohio's Women's retreat. And it was such a blessing! It was relaxing, convicting, and encouraging.

Getting in the car

Although I did get carsick, the trip was enjoyable.  The wisdom of the older women with me was amazing. Opportunities to ask questions and to listen to their stories were precious.

When we arrived the camp, the beauty of God's creation struck me anew... so we went on a short walk before our sessions began...

The vista

Exploring

The Pond

Me

Follow the leader

Mrs. Tara Barthel with Peacemaker Ministries was an impressive speaker. Funny, articulate, and smooth, she would make you laugh and convict you within moments. But, Tara was quick to remind us that we don't start with our work. We start with what God has done for us. We start with the indicative --> what Christ has done for us and who we are.... and then move on to the imperative ---> God's commands and how we should live.

Tara Barthel from Peacemaker Ministries

Materials

You knew that I would bring some books, right?

Our room

It was nice to fellowship with so many godly women apart from distractions. In our every day existence, we become so busy that we can forget God. Sometimes those two days can refocus us in the right direction.

There were no men...

And it was nice to see some "old" friends too. :)

Heather and I

Some new friends

23 Years of Blessings

Happy Birthday to... Me? Yep, 23 years. Wow! October truly is my favorite month, and my birthday has nothing to do with it. ;) This year's celebration was especially delightful as many of my friends and family were able to celebrate with me at a dance practice.

Kiri and Me

Me and Kelsie

Me and Keely

And my friends were sweet enough to bring gifts... I appreciate each and every friend in their own unique way. My dad even tried to "embarrass" me by having everyone sing "Happy Birthday." Apparently, I didn't turn red enough for my dad's satisfaction.:)

Presents?

WHAT A FACE!!

What great fun to dance new dances and old favorites on my birthday... I *think* (grins) that everyone has as much fun as I did.

Ship's Cook

Ladies In: 2, 3,4

Gallop: 2,3,4,5,6,7,8!

Ladies, dance in a circle

Bridge and Pass Under

And down line...

2 BRIDGES?!

Strip the Willow :)

Circle: Left!

Circle: Right!

I love the artistic look of this one!

Hey! (Sheena's Saunter)

The Gay Gordon

Strip the Willow

Bridge!

Figure 8

Get ready for the Riverside Jig

Do si Do

Right hand "x" ;)

Even Daddies dance

Right Hand Turn

TEAM 1. GO!!!!

Bridge and Pass Under

Lot's of photographers

Can shadow's dance too?

Circle

The bunny hop - Mid air

No birthday is complete without Lucky Charms!

After the dance practice, my family and I headed to the Spring Festival. Whoot whoot! And enjoyed a nice meal together. A dance practice and a festival - all in one day. Too much excitement. 

God has given many so many blessings. Not the least of these are a wonderful family, a supportive church, and excellent friends. Thank you, Lord. 

"The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,For His compassions never fail.They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23