birthday snow

Posted on December 31, 2007 by Shanda

Look who has a birthday today!

Oops, sorry, wrong one. . .

I meant this young man:

Our firstborn, Jacob Richard

It just doesn’t seem. . . possible. . .that I could be a mom of an eleven year old. . . .it’s just crazy, that’s what!

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We woke up to some beautiful birthday snow.

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It’s become, in the last few years, a tradition for me and Jacob to have our picture taken like this. We are documenting growth (on his part) and the aging process (on my part).

Last year:

This year:

We gave him his gifts. He got a big “Peanuts” book, a new watch, and a whole bunch

of office supplies. He’s at the table now, playing office. He has

a stapler, a label maker, pens, pencils, ruler, white out,

tape, a rubber band ball, paper clips, a white board,

envelopes, a pencil sharpener. . . . . .and 4 candy bars.

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I told Rich teasingly when I bought the candy, “Now, let’s see if he shares any

of this. . . .” We gave him one first thing this morning and he gave

most of it away, made us all take some to try it, not knowing that he

he had three more to come. . .it just about made me cry.

He’s such a good boy. A great big brother.

*********

We’re also going to look at pictures from when he was a little baby,

and look at his baby book.

“My first baby. I was so satisfied with you, so happy and so grateful.”
~something I wrote in Jacob’s babybook when he was born

Rest on Sunday

Posted on December 30, 2007 by Shanda

Being a Mom of five children (ages “almost 11” to 2), my life is filled and busy. I am constantly performing household duties. . trying my best to do God’s will in my home by providing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of my little ones. By God’s grace, this duty, along with being a helper to my dear husband, is my high calling and my number one priority. In this busy season of life, I need to take every opportunity to allow God to refresh my soul and fill my cup to overflowing. . . . . . . .

Lately, the Lord has pressed upon my heart the importance of resting on Sunday. I must confess, my typical Sunday is usually much much busier than even the weekdays! I’ve been thinking lately, that this should not be the case. My heart and soul yearns for a deeper relationship with God, and I hope that by working harder on Saturday, by preparing and organizing the house, that I can truly rest on Sundays and focus on God even more.

This morning, I got up at 6:30, set the table for breakfast, got the children to the table to eat, ironed 2 dress shirts, 2 pairs of pants, made one dirty boy take a bath, cleaned up the kitchen, got David and Caleb dressed, checked emails, took a shower, got dressed, put on my make up, and got in the van to go to church. Once at church, we spent about 3 hours under the teaching and preaching of God’s word, and catching up with our dear brothers and sisters in Christ. On the way home, we stopped at the local grocery store to buy app. 100 dollars worth of groceries. I made the kids sandwiches, which we ate on the way home. Caleb fell asleep in his carseat. We arrived at home and I put the groceries away, and put the kids to bed. I checked emails while drinking a cup of coffee.

Then, I went to bed for about three hours. I read my book and slept.

Boy, did that feel good! After naps, Rich came in with his book, then here came Caleb. . . then Ethan came in to visit, then David came in, too. . . .we stayed right in bed, in one spot, and the kids liked it. . it was cozy.

We didn’t go to church tonight because the kids are getting over their colds. However, our typical routine on Sunday evenings involves 4:30 choir practice, in which I have to drive myself (church is a half hour drive). . .and then Rich joins me at church with the kids at 6 for the sermon. After Christmas was over, Rich and I prayerfully came to the decision that choir needed to be put on the back burner for a little while. We are hoping that this will help us slow down on Sundays. It’s a small sacrifice, but I hope that the extra hour will be used for God’s glory.

All this to say, one of my New Years Resolutions is to SLOW DOWN ON SUNDAYS in order to focus my mind on God. . . . . .

I found this quote on an internet site:

“Part of the Sabbath command reads, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work…” God tells us to take care of our ordinary work and concerns on the other six days, leaving our time and our minds free to properly worship and obey Him by observing the Sabbath. When we are free to focus our minds and thoughts on God’s way and purpose, the Sabbath truly becomes the blessing and delight God intends it to be (Isaiah 58:13, 14).”

Has Sunday been a blessing and a delight to me? Hmmmmmmmmmm

I’m not saying that I need to go off in the other extreme and form all kinds of new rules for myself. . .I’m just saying that some rest on Sundays will do my heart, soul, and mind a world of good. A lot of those things I mentioned that I did this morning could have been done yesterday.

Also, I plan to study my Bible for more information on the Sabbath. . . . . .I’m sure it will be a great study for my quiet times.

Will you pray for me in this area, please? I need God’s help and grace so much!

PS. The kids are eating the gingerbread house today.

trip to the library

Posted on December 29, 2007 by Shanda

Caleb is feeling better, I’m finally getting spunky again, it’s just Grace who is sick-ish now. But not too sick for a trip to the library! Rich and I took the kids there this morning and I took my camera along, just for the fun of it. It’s chilly out, but the sun is shining. It takes us about 10 minutes to drive to the library and I like it because it’s outside of town, it’s a nice little library. I usually take the kids myself during the week so it was a treat to have Rich come along this time. There weren’t too many people there today. Jacob, Ethan, and Grace each have their own special library bag. They have their own library cards, too, but no one could find them. But they did find and take along their stuffed animals!

I had to return a video that our VCR “ate”, I was wondering if I would have to buy it but I didn’t, thankfully. I’m so grateful that we have free public libraries, but Rich says that I ruin it for our family by paying a fine every time I go! Today I had to pay 4 dollars. Yikes!

Caleb always runs as fast as he can to his favorite spot, the train table!

Here’s Grace with her stuffed kitten, picking out books. She’s been reading all kinds of animal books lately.

Here is handsome E, choosing a book for himself, with his brother Jacob looking on in the background.

I found this handsome guy (my husband) . . . . .Rich ended up choosing and taking home two huge computer books.

David was thrilled when his Daddy agreed to play a game of checkers with him.

This is the only “staged” photo, of myself. My friend Hannah (thank you Hannah!!!) sent me some books to read, so today I only checked out cookbooks. (besides, I was hungry)

Then I found little Caleb on his tummy, looking at a Thomas book with faithful Percy by his side.

Jacob and Ethan got right down on the floor to look at a comic book. Are they cute, or what? I told them they looked like they were siamese twins. Hard to believe that Jacob will be 11 on Monday. . . . . . .

I didn’t think David would look at a book without me telling him to, but he did! He looked at the same Thomas book that Caleb had found.

I just finished the most excellent book yesterday, I’ll attach the link below so you may order a copy. It’s written by John G Paton, who was a missionary in the mid 1800’s to cannibals. It’s 500 pages long but so good I wished that it was even longer than that. I tell you I laughed and cried through the whole thing, and my heart was so warmed by his amazing testimony. The book is crammed packed with glory to God. . . .very stirring words indeed. Please read it for yourself, you won’t be sorry.

The rest of my reading list:

The Twenty-fourth Of June, by Grace S. Richmond. This is a book that Hannah lent to me.

Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn. Another book from Hannah. (By the way, Hannah, I already read Stepping Heavenward, that’s why it’s not listed here.)

When People are Big, and God is Small, by Edward T. Welch. I have read most of this now, Joanna recently read it and recommended it.

T
he Puritan Family, by Edmund S. Morgan. From my Dad’s collection of books.

What about you? Do you like to read? What’s on your reading list these days?

Christmas magic, "Good-by, Sweet Day"

Posted on December 27, 2007 by Shanda

To a child, there is nothing quite like the night before Christmas. My oldest son, Jacob, said emphatically to me on Christmas Eve, “I am NOT going to be able to sleep tonight.” I remember feeling that same way when I was a child.

So, was Christmas as magical for me this year? I must admit, I was not feeling very well. I’m getting over a cold that “wiped” me right out. However, as Rich and I finally finished up the Christmas preparations on Christmas Eve, and started gently and carefully placing the gifts “just so” under the tree, I found myself smiling and getting excited. I put pretty shiny bows on everything and after we were done, the tree, with all the gifts around and under it, looked so beautiful. One of the things I love about my husband is the way he enjoys making Christmas special for the children. He is very generous, and wants them all to be thrilled when they get up on Christmas morning. Spending time with him in our living room, preparing for the next day, made me so happy, and I did actually have a hard time getting to sleep that night! I couldn’t wait to see Jacob’s face when he opened his castle, or Ethan opening his guitar, or Grace with her new cash register. And, who can forget my busy little Davy-do? He would get to open his very own tool box, complete with tools, and a pile of wood, just for him. Little Caleb only needs “choo-choo’s” to make him happy, and there were four for him under the tree.

The next morning, at 5:20, Jacob and Ethan woke us up as they came downstairs. Rich went out and wished them a “Merry Christmas” and sent them right back to bed for just one more hour. An “eternity” to two excited little boys. Eventually the time came for us, the parents, to get out of bed and call down our wide-awake little ones. Grace, Jacob, and Ethan came downstairs and sat on the couch to talk to each other about what they could see, and held their stockings in their laps. Rich and I made some coffee and sipped it from red and green fiesta mugs.

At 6:45, Rich went upstairs to wake up David and Caleb. We couldn’t believe that they “slept in” on the most exciting morning of the year! David came out of his room half asleep and scowling, but soon the scowl turned to a smile when he realized that Christmas was finally here!

It was so fun to watch them open their gifts, to see their eyes light up and hear the excitement in their voices. Caleb took all of his gifts to his Daddy to open, and he just loved all his new trains. I just kept taking pictures and thinking, “Enjoy it. Enjoy it. Christmas won’t be like this forever.” Like my header says, “These Truly are the Wonder Years”. . .yes, they are, and it’s the wonder of seeing the world, and the moments we have together, through the eyes of a child. One of the best parts of parenting, is getting to experience the early years all over again, watching our children enjoy their childhood, and remembering our own.

This Christmas, the children played non stop all day long. They loved the castle most of all. We bought it for Jacob, but told him that it was for them all to play with. David loved his tools and I laughed so much to see him wearing the big safety goggles as he hammered away. You have already seen the photos of lil’ Woody and lil’ Buzz. How cute they were in their costumes! Rich would say, “Hi, Woody!!” and Caleb would say, “NO! I CAY-YUB!” in his little voice. . .so dear and sweet.

Rich started picking up the wrapping paper just as soon as it was all over but I begged him to leave it as it was for a while. Once the papers and bows are gathered up to throw away, the morning would seem so final. I wanted to enjoy the mess for a change.

Rich surprised me with a few more gifts — some Godiva chocolates (my favorite), two pairs of black gloves (he couldn’t decide so he bought both), and a tripod for my camera.

The day was a happy one, I loved this Christmas.

Our house, on Christmas Eve. I went for a walk….the ice on the ponds was so pretty.

Our five, in new jammies, on Christmas Eve. My heart skips a beat when I see this photo. David is getting taller! He’s almost as tall as Grace! How did that happen? Grace has a new nightgown on, and she has her Bitty Baby doll, who has a nightgown just like her “mommy”.

Christmas morning, I like how Rich and I are reflected in the window. (We’re standing in the kitchen.)

Christmas morning coffee

Davy-do’s smile when he sees the tree and all the presents.

Our firstborn, emptying his stocking, and finding a grenade!

Did anyone else run out of wrapping paper? I did, but Caleb was so happy to see the Thomas rug, which was one of his gifts. He loves pushing his trains around on it.

The boys busy getting their toys out of the boxes. It’s not easy. They had me help now and then. Rich is in the background, with Caleb in his lap.

Caleb, dressed up in his Woody costume, looking at his new Thomas book.

Ethan was thrilled with his new guitar and unwrapped the big box so excitedly. It’s one of my favorite moments of the entire day, seeing him tear the paper off and throw it behind him, smiling so big!

The most beautiful mess of all. . .the papers and bows from unwrapped Christmas gifts.

Little David, busy making “an airplane” with his new wood, hammer, and nails.

David joining his little brother for some choo-choo play.

Setting up the castle. I love their bright, happy faces.

In this photo, the children are all opening cards from their Uncle David. Look at Grace’s face. They each got 15 dollars. They acted like it was a million. Well, except for Caleb. He threw his card and slid down to the floor, back to his trains.

Rich is home all this week, taking a much needed vacation. I am still so very tired from this cold. . .in fact, this morning I went back to bed at 9am! I’ve been just sort of hanging around, doing a little here, a little there, trying to avoid all heavy work, LOL. Rich has been doing most of the kitchen work, either that or making the children do it! He even scrubbed the bathroom shower stall this morning! I asked him, teasingly, if he was going to potty train Caleb, too, during his vacation, but he said no. Today we had to go to the grocery store, but other than that we’ve been pretty low-key all week long. I can’t believe that tomorrow is Friday already. Caleb has my sickness now, and is absolutely miserable. Grace says she’s feeling funny, too. We were planning on driving to NY this weekend but all signs say “NO” at this point. . .

And, yes, I’ve been enjoying my new piano so very much. I’m able to play everything that I could play before (it’s been 8 years since I last played) and it’s so so good to do it again.

Thank you all for your kindness to me here, and your friendship. I had a box come from a dear xanga friend in Alaska, with lovely gifts inside, and several Christmas cards from some of you! I just shake my head in wonder, and in awe over the way God has blessed us with such sweet Christian fellowship, in which we can be so close, and even love, our sisters in Christ whom we have never seen face to face! I just love that! We truly have a wonderful heavenly Father. . . . .

Merry Christmas once again to you all! I’ll leave you with a dear little poem I read today.

“Good-by, Sweet Day”

Good-by, sweet day, good-by!
I have so loved thee, but I cannot keep thee.
Departing like a dream, the shadows fold thee;
Slowly thy perfect beauty fades away.
Good-by, sweet day!

Good-by, sweet day, good-by!
Dear were thy golden hours of tranquil splendor;
Sadly thou yieldest to the evening tender,
Who wert so fair from thy first morning ray;
Good-by, sweet day!

Good-by, sweet day, good-by!
Thy glow and charm, thy smiles and tones and glances
Vanish at last, and solemn night advances;
Ah, couldst thou yet a little longer stay!
Good-by, sweet day!

Good-by, sweet day, good-by!
All thy rich gifts my grateful heart remembers,
The while I watch thy sunset’s smoldering embers
Die in the west beneath the twilight gray.
Good-by, sweet day!

~Celia Thaxter

Happy Birthday, dear Dad

Posted on December 27, 2007 by Shanda

I love my father as the stars –

he’s a bright shining example

and a happy twinkling in my heart.

~Adabella Radici

Posted on December 26, 2007 by Shanda

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My sister Amanda and her husband came for dinner yesterday, and I took the opportunity to take some pictures of her, I love the big belly! She says this baby is the last, so, we want to carefully document the memories. . . .

Amanda has always been the smiley one. . . .

with dimples. . . . .

Now she’s waiting for her baby boy. . . .

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Sisters Forever

One with blond hair, one with brown. . . .

one with blue eyes, one with green. . . .

Memories

Two years ago. . . .

Summer afternoon at the park on Ahern Ave, with magazines,

our babies, and a quilt on the grass. . . .

At her wedding, kissing Dad. . . .

In New York City together. . .

March 2007. . . .

And yesterday. . . .

One of the things I am most thankful for is my sister.

I couldn’t do with out her!

So many memories. . .dancing on the lawn, giggles, sharing a room.

She was my maid of honor in my wedding.

She was the first babysitter I ever hired.

She is such a good aunt to my babies.

She’s a lot of fun, when we’re together we do nothing but laugh.

I hope I never take our relationship for granted.

My next project will be a scrapbook of the two of us. It will be fun

gathering all the photos and memories together.

“We are sisters. We will always be sisters.

Our differences may never go away,

but neither, for me, will our song.”

~Elizabeth Fishel

we interrupt these Christmas festivities with a little Buzz and a little Woody

Posted on December 25, 2007 by Shanda

I got these costumes for the boys on clearance in November and wrapped them up for Christmas. I think I got more fun out of them than the boys did. David got too hot in his Buzz suit but Caleb was Woody all day long.

These were just too funny not to share. Hope you’re laughing today! If not, maybe these pictures can help you.

“To infinity and beyond!”

“This guy is so cool. I’m totally impressed.”~ Woody

“Wow. What was that flying by my face? I almost caught it.” ~Woody

Jumping for joy!

“You’ve got a friend in me!” ~Woody and Buzz, best buddies forever

Merry Christmas!

Christmas wishes for you

Posted on December 24, 2007 by Shanda

may you be filled with. . . . .

worship-extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: bring an offering, and come before Him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” 1 Chronicles 16:29

contentment-feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6

joy-a state of happiness or felicity

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10

peace-a state of tranquillity or quiet

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1

love-warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2

We are spending Christmas here, with a trip to church this afternoon. My dear sister and her husband are coming tomorrow, along with my little niece. Our house has been a place of fun, excitement, and love, as we prepare ourselves for Christmas day. Yesterday evening, we were busy in the kitchen making caramel popcorn and peanut butter candy. There are a few more presents to wrap, a few more hymns to sing, a few more Bible passages to read, and a lot more praise and thanksgiving to God for this beautiful time of year to remember our precious Savior’s birth.

To you, my dear friends, I wish much happiness and love this Christmas, with an emphasis on Christ and the bond we have in our heart toward each other, in Him. O come all ye faithful, let us adore Him together.

“The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”

my Christmas present

Posted on December 22, 2007 by Shanda

It’s here!

We had to wait all day yesterday, and it was finally delivered at 7pm.

I found all my old piano books in a box downstairs, along with my old year books. It was strange to look through the yearbooks, public school is a dim and distant memory. However I did chuckle over one thing. . . .

In my Jr. year of H.S., my future husband Rich wrote in my yearbook! One of the things he wrote was, “who knows, maybe we’ll become closer in the future. . . .” Isn’t that funny? We had gone on 1 date but little did we know we would some day be married with five children. Yes, Rich, I guess we did become closer in the future! And, here’s to many many more years together.

I’m so thankful for my husband, and our wonderful life.

Grace

Posted on December 20, 2007 by Shanda

I bought Grace a Christmas dress (from Costco, only 16 dollars!) and I decided it would be really cool (no pun intended) to get her dressed up in it and go outside to take some Christmas photos. We had lots of fun, she’s such a good sport. Enjoy!