All of a sudden I woke up. The room was dark but our closet light was on. My husband, Rich, was getting dressed for work. I was startled, “What time is it?” “It’s okay, honey, go back to sleep”, he said. After he left I tossed and turned, wide awake. I got up to check the time.
It was 2 a.m.
Why? Why did he go to work in the middle of the night? I went back to bed and tossed and turned for an hour. I got back up at 3 and called Rich. It turned out that he couldn’t sleep and decided he may as well go to work. *deep, deep, sighing* on my part. After we got off the phone I actually went online for a little while, then ate a snack and went back to bed with a book. At about 4, I fell asleep. 6:30, and Caleb’s noises, came all too soon.
As I stumbled out to the couch and put Jacob and Ethan in charge of pouring Caleb’s cereal, I felt terrible. I don’t think I felt that tired since Caleb was a week old!
Oh well, what to do? I drank a couple mugs of coffee and ate a bowl of Cheerios. Then, I wandered around the house and yard with my camera. Just counting my blessings.
Patches is always tired after a night of prowling.
Caleb found another marker. He loves to draw on himself. I gave him a bath this morning to make him sweet and clean again.
When I went upstairs, I found Jacob, Ethan, and Grace drawing. They draw figures and vehicles, all kinds, and cut them out. We have stacks of original art by them. They are quite industrious about it.
Here is David, just after he woke up. He still has sleepy eyes.
Our coffee table is currently covered in Thomas the Tank Engine stickers. (Caleb)
Decorating for fall.
The zinnias are still growing.
I like to tuck the boy’s trucks and tractors right in my flower beds.
I found these buttery handprints on the porch steps.
Maybe I will sit here later?
After his bath, Caleb spent some time looking at Mama’s blog. I love that little tongue and his little finger spinning the mouse dial. Imagine a 2 year old learning the computer already!
Some artwork by little hands. David drew this picture.
A reminder to live simply, to cherish the little things in life.
An inspiring (to me) quote for homemakers:
“Across the years, the old home and its love called to me
and memories of sweet words of counsel came flooding back.
I realized that all my life the teachings of those early days
have influenced me and the example set by father and mother
has been something I have tried to follow, with failures
here and there, with rebellion at times, but always coming
back to it as the compass needle to the star.
So much depends on the homemakers. I sometimes
wonder if they are so busy now, with other things, that they
are forgetting the importance of this special work.
Nothing can ever take the place of this early home influence
and, as it does not depend upon externals, it may be the
possession of the poor as well as the rich,
a heritage from all fathers and mothers to their children.”
Laura Ingalls Wilder
(something I read in the middle of last night!)
I talked to Rich not long ago. I called to tell him that he has already put his 8 hours in, and to come home. He had to leave a meeting to take my call and he told me that there was an emergency at work and that he wanted me to pray. It’s a long story, it’s a business crisis that doesn’t involve anyone’s life or death–but will make Rich’s day at work a long, long, stressful one. I am uneasy here at home, concerned about how much he puts of himself into his job, and knowing that he will be tired when he returns home to us.
And, I am here at home with the little ones. After I post this, I will start on our day of school. I will try my best, with God’s help and power, to get through my day with love and gratitude in my heart, even though I am so very tired!
Have a lovely day, friends!
Good to be Home 
When I noticed the time you commented on my site, I thought about asking what you were doing up in the middle of the night. Now I know!
You are indeed cherishing the little things ~ I love that photo of Caleb looking at your blog ~ priceless.
Enjoyed the pictures and your positive attitude.
Try meat and cheese instead of Cheerios. It has more protein and will hopefully convert to energy.
sounds like you could use some prayer today from a friend….when you know your husband is dealing with some tough pressures at work, it’s hard on the wife too…I’ll be thinking and praying for you all~
***Huge Hugs and Many Many Prayers*** ❤ Jami
It probably sound silly coming from someone who has no children yet, but I feel as though I totally understand how you feel: being tired from short nights and trying to be strong and have a grateful heart in spite of concerns for your husband…You have a great attitude; soon this will pass. Home must seem like such a haven for your husband after the pressures of work, especially with his beautiful, cheerful little wife to greet him!
You have a beautiful view on your porch. I would love to be sitting on that with my cup of coffe, wrapped in a blanket looking at the gorgeous view you have. Your pictures are so good! I know I’m the same way with my husband at work. I will be so glad when he gets his new job, right now he is under so much stress at work. Have a great day!
I would love to join you on your porch and chat the afternoon away. Thank you for sharing more lovely pictures. I will be praying for you.
Blessings~Cindy
Believe it or not, this post is so encouraging to me. I sometimes feel like I’m the only mom who doesn’t have it “all together.” Not that you don’t, but I mean that it’s nice to know that I’m not the only mom with stickers on things that shouldn’t have stickers and grimy handprints on just cleaned cupboards or walls… or porches. 🙂 Sounds like you’re having a day. Happy thoughts and prayers sent your way. :)Oh and I love your “live simply” cross stitch. Someone very special must have made that for you. 🙂
Hold on to the Lord to day dear friend, He will be your strength. HUGS
Praying for you today – and thanks for the email. It was very helpful! I may write back with questions at a later time, if you do not mind.
Wow, all that was done and you posted at 10:30!! Hope you can sneak in a nap!! With five children!! Maybe not!!
I hope are able to take a nap or at least have a break of some sort. Perhaps go to bed early? Be good to yourself today.
Sweet, sweet pictures by the way 🙂
Sending you hugs today.
What a way to get into a better mood –by being grateful! I love this post Shan and I hope you get a good rest tonight and that Rich’s crisis at work is resolved well. Lots of love, Elisha
I woke the other night after an unsettling dream and could not relax again, so I crept into my children’s room and watched them sleep.
Two days ago Abby got into some mini stickers I had tucked away for her and she put them all over her shirt, forehead and cheeks! I wish now that I had thought to take a picture!
Praying for you and Rich and that your day is going well! Hugs to you, Shanda. 🙂
{{{{HUGS}}}}
I do hope that you have some time today to sit and relax on that wonderful porch — and that the crisis at work is at least on its way to being resolved today so you can both get some good, well-deserved rest tonight!
Good for you for approaching the day so positively with so little rest. I can relate with my husband’s shift work…his current rotation has him up at 4:30 and lately I haven’t been able to sleep after he leaves, either. He rarely gets to leave work on time and I worry about him wearing out and burning out. I hope you get a break or an early turn-in and a good night’s rest!
Shanda I love you and hope that your day is relaxing for you even though you are tired. Oh ps I found out today what the baby is so if you want to know before everyone at church tonight you need to answer your phone 🙂
Praying that things at Rich’s job will work out right. That picture of Calebat the computer is so sweet!
I hope all works out at your husband’s work. And that you both get a good night’s sleep tonight.
Love the Laura Ingalls Wilder quote! Thank you for sharing it. ~ Gina
You were in my prayers today.
ps) I LOVE the lighting in the porch rockers pic…..wish I could sit awhile with you (sigh)
Your pics are awesome. I love the porch as well. Try to get in a nap or something maybe you and hubby go to bed early you will definately sleep more tonight.
Praying for Rich today. So much responsiblity for your dear husband. May the Lord give him wisdom, strenght and guidance
Praying for you sweet friend. I loved the handprints on the staircase. They whispered the truth of the Laura Ingalls Wilder quote. That nearly brought this granny to tears. I will pray that Rich’s job settles into a more sane routine and that his health will not be impacted. Love you! M in SC
yes—5 is nice :o) Happy birthday, David.
Caleb and the computer photo is just the very bestest in the world :o)
cherish the stickers and the handprints…….one day they will be happy memories :o)
Someday I will be sitting in the rocker with you, the one with the quilt looks especially nice to me, and that perfect sunlight..so comforting!