Somehow half the day has flown by rapidly. I just came downstairs after reading (about Bible customs, very fascinating) and waiting for David and Caleb to fall asleep. We have had sleeping issues with them lately so they have to be watched closely. . .it gave me an excuse to sit still for a while, anyway! I’m thankful for the big comfy chair right outside their bedroom, that’s for sure!
I have a few more photos to share with you. On Friday, before my parents left to go back home, my mom and I went for a little walk around our property. I took some little clippers with me to cut some red berries. It was so frigid outside that we didn’t stay out for very long. Still, it was nice to get some fresh air and to give the children a chance to show Grandma all their favorite spots around the yard and stream.
Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the
most “useless”;
peacocks and lilies for instance. ~John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice, 1851
I brought the berries inside to add some color and decoration to the livingroom. I love bringing the outdoors in.
After our walk, Jacob and my Dad got out their instruments again for one last practice. Their song sounds very nice! It’s so special to listen to them play together and they are making lasting memories as well. I know Jacob will never forget playing with his Grandpa. And soon Ethan will be able to join them.
Play the music, not the instrument. ~Author Unknown
Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory. ~Oscar Wilde
That brings us to this morning. Our dumb dog has been barking in the night so my poor husband was exhausted this morning. . .I left him alone so he could sleep and you all know what I do when I’m free! Take pictures, of course! This morning I was keeping my eye on my littlest munchkin, Caleb, who was wearing new pajamas which, by the looks of them, will not last long!
A hundred hearts would be too few
To carry all my love for you.
~Author Unknown
They were all watching a Saturday morning cartoon. Or was it a Thomas video? I don’t know . . . .
Here is Grace, still wearing her snow suit (she and Ethan went outside first thing this morning).
Parker stole someone’s candy apple off the kitchen counter. He loved it. (**sigh**)
The children all enjoy our wood-pellet stove and there is usually one child perched on top when they watch tv. Jacob and Ethan just got soft new robes.
Last but not least, Davy-do with one of his typical wide-eyed expressions.
For you see, each day I love you more
Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.
~Rosemonde Gerard
Rich and I went out shopping yesterday afternoon with the kids. It wasn’t too bad, actually. Ever since I went to NYC, Rich has been wanting to get me some proper sneakers (I got sore that day!) so he took matters in his own hands and picked them out for me. I am not a sneaker girl, I would
much rather wear other types of footwear, so I let him decide. They are white with pink and silver on them and they feel good on my feet. (notice I do not focus on brand, but appearance, LOL, they were Nike) Hopefully they will help me avoid back and hip pain! We bought the kids some things that they needed–pj’s, socks, mittens, boots, etc. Thankfully some of the children can still use their things from last winter. But last year’s gloves and mittens completely disappeared. It’s amazing!
This morning we let the kids watch some tv and then we all cleaned the house (again). Rich just got back home with Jacob and Ethan, he returned some things to the library and ran some errands. Now that cleaning is over and done with, he and the older 3 children are all sitting at the table, reading. I asked husband to pick me out some books, which is risky but better than going myself –(for today anyway, I’m too tired)–he brought back 2 cookbooks that I’ve already looked at many many times and 2 biographies that I have not read but look interesting–one is about C.S. Lewis, and one is about John Wesley. He did good!
By the way, the leftovers have been yummy!
Hope all is well with you!
Good to be Home 
Those red berries are beautiful. I also love to “bring in” the outdoors!”Play the MUSIC, not the instrument” ~ I have never before heard that quote, and I absolutely LOVE it!!!! I will remember to use that with my piano students, for sure.Looks like your family is enjoying a nice cozy weekend together.
ah, sounds like good days… love those everyone home in their pj’s kind of days. 🙂 the shot of the one perched on the stove watching TV is classic. yep, I’ve got 4 brothers.. Scott is the oldest. then me. Jeffrey is 10 yrs. younger.. Nate – 15 yrs. and Danny 17 yrs younger… that always shocks people! to which my mom is quick to add, “all by the same husband!” 😉 i love the age gap. it’s a blast. those 3 younger ones have brought such joy to Scott and I. we wouldn’t have it any other way. have a great weekend friend. 🙂
LOL on the dog 🙂
I just love reading your blog…I love the pictures. I feel like I “know” your family even through the pictures. 🙂 Sounds like all in all a really nice day.
What a warm and cozy post! Brings back days when my kids were younger. I think it is so special that your dad and your sons can play music together….
You take wonderful pictures. I just finished decorating my tree and am thinking seriously of a nap. I haven’t taken one this whole break and with only one day left, I better get on it. Thanks for the comment. I have never tried their candles. I may have to make a trip soon and check them out.
I love this update. I feel like I know what all went on…I’m a fly on the wall! I hope you get some good rest and enjoy any bit of downtime you can find!
I like when you write about this, that, and the other! Does your little one look like your dad? I just thought I saw a resemblance.
Your pictures are always so lovely — it always soothes me to read your posts! I love your son’s new Thomas jammies — they look so soft and warm. I bought some beautiful soft red flannel with snowflakes and snow swirls on it to make some eyelet-trimmed winter nighties for the girls…maybe I will start those this week!
The wide-eyed innocence is adorable! All of the children are adorable….they are sweet. Love the soft robes and the snowsuit…such safety and security there for your children. They are quite blessed to have such a good mommy and daddy. : )
Your family is beautiful! Your mom and dad look so young!
The doggy pic with the apple made me smile too. ; ) These puppy-dogs, they are something else! Almost human like at times!
Those red berries are gorgeous….Dd22 too likes to collect things from the yard and decorate the table naturally….it always looks so rich, it amazes me.
You take care and I pray your Holy Season beginnings are filled with Peace and Grace and Love…. hugs, ~Amelia
Morgan makes those wide eyed expressions too! I will have to take a pic and post it soon. Your day sounded good. We just got back last night and we had so much fun on our camping trip and a great Thanksgiving. I will be posting about it all on Monday. I love camping and we have decided to make it a frequent thing to do as a family. I am at peace when we are outside. Have a nice night and enjoy your books.
That must be SO neat listening to your Dad and son plat together. I LOVE your stove…it doesn’t get hot? We have a propane stove that the top doesn’t get hot but the front sure does. We would love to get the corn pellet kind.
That is so sweet of your husband to take care of you like that! That is so neat that your son & father can play music together like that. The berries look so pretty! I bet your house looks so festive! Have a great day!
Took a little time on Xanga this evening and read some of your past posts. I simply LOVED the big family pictures with all the kids and adults. Looks like a very special family.
Another practically perfect post…meaning there are pictures and delightful details to savor to inspire my own thoughts:* Bri like me to sit in her room when she was falling asleep, so I’d catch up on my reading by her night light* We have wild, red Toyon berries in our hills that I pick to decorate with*no musicians in our family…but many artists *Caleb is growing up too fast! *LOL over Parker (you are so like me, instead of scolding the imp you got for the phot op!)*As a child I remember huddling around the wall heater. your stove looks much nicer.*I got inserts from our chiropractor for my tennis shoes…my feet don’t hurt!* and I bought a vintage book by Dale Evans to send you..but then I started reading it! LOLIt’s really good
Such wonderful photos of each of your family. I particularly like the last two!
The berries remind me of my childhood…Mom used to bring some in for the mantel at Christmas along with redwood or juniper for green. I love seeing the “slow down” after a big holiday. I really loved the picture of Caleb…I have a fond love of looking at the little hands and feet of babies and small children. My favorite children’s author is Eloise Wilkens…and she has perfected the look the best. By the way…enjoy you new shoes.
Caleb and his little red pj’s — how cute!! Sitting on the stove — isn’t that hot! We’d never be able to touch our wood stove! Everyone looks so comfy and relaxed — enjoy your books.
I love the red berries. So your stove is wood? I always enjoyed music being played. Shawn and I love music. I want to learn to play the guitar. Well have a wonderful day. Thinking of you. I always enjoy your pics
Understand the lovely dog barking all night! Our new puppy doesn’t like to be by herself…poor baby! I told Jason to just bring her into our bed…that is where my dog is…but he says no! She is going to learn that just because she whines doesn’t mean she gets her ways!! Sounds like raising a child! He is worn out as well!!!I love the pictures of your son playing music with Grandpa! How special that will be!! It is always wonderful that you take pictures of those sweet memories too!! I love the kids snuggly robes and pj’s! My kids just love robes and slippers too! 🙂 What a restful morning it sounds like. Glad you got some new snazzy “girlie” tennis shoes!!! That is a must for me with tennis shoes! Must be snazzy, and must be girlie!! Pink and Silver! Rich did good is sounds like!!! :)Looking forward to leftovers myself today! 🙂 Hurray! I love them! It makes Sunday extra easy after church!! Then naps!! Hallelujah! That is what I am most looking forward to today!!! A nice rest after a filling day spiritually at church and a filling meal! I love those berries by the way! You will have to show us a picture of what you decided to do with them once you brought them in! Oh, and how did the dog hold up after that candied apple? WoW! Sugar high for the doggy 🙂
OH, that picture of the dog did make for an adorable one though! 🙂
your puppy is precious! he reminds me of our cheaspeake bay retreiver who has more personality than anyone else in the family 🙂 love these photos! you have a wonderful, peaceful life and your blog is so much fun to come to each day.
Lovely extended Thanksgiving photos…part of the joy and so cosy looking! Nice to have hubbys that take care of us….mine took me shopping for a hand brace as I have had extra pain in my left hand of late. we also got to go by the Sawdust and see all the winter beauty! Thanks for sharing your sweet family. Loved seeing all the extended family in the last post. blessings, Jenny
Sitting on the stove! Looks toasty ~ LOL! Love those red berries, and the dog eating the apple ~
I’m so grateful to have found your blog. Your children are just gorgeous, and it makes me wish for a fireplace so we could curl up all warm and toasty in soft robes.
I laughed when I saw the picture of Jacob on top of the fireplace! David reminds me more and more of Etienne.
I am impressed with the books he chose, which C. S. Lewis one was it?
I loved sharing this little visit to your home! Your family is so real and down-to-earth. I hope someday our families may meet… what fun that would be! In His time or in heaven, we shall see! 🙂