Posted on February 29, 2008 by Shanda

What inspires me at home:

the color yellow

the color green

the color red

clothelines

cool knobs

fiesta ware

hammocks

beautiful beds

baskets

tins

crystals (the ones that dangle from chandeliers)

flowers dropping over, half wilted, in a vase

old canning jars

wooden floors, no matter how beat up

rustic benches

quilts

small outside buildings

tire swings

big trees

peonies

sandbox for the kids

open cupboard doors

hooks down low for the kids

lotsa books

blankets

wooden rocking chairs

big comfy chairs

chipped paint

old tin cans used as a vase

bowls of fruit or nuts

wooden crates

hat boxes

my porch

mismatched chairs around the kitchen table….all painted a different color

a tablecloth on the picnic table

braided rugs

cats/kittens

a piano

robin’s egg blue

collections

baby girl’s small baby dresses, hanging up on the wall

rustic wreaths

mirror

colorful throw pillows

a yellow front door

glass storage containers

old suitcases (look cool and are great for storage, I don’t even care if they smell old)

framed photographs

my kids toys in every room

Weston came for a visit

Posted on February 29, 2008 by Shanda

To all you moms out there. . .remember that “my baby is one month old and I’m in an under-water haze of exhaustion” feeling?

That’s how my sister Amanda woke up yesterday. . .after a month of little sleep. . .a newborn to take care of, a not-quite 2 year old, and an 8 year old. Her husband Jason was home for a few weeks but now she’s adjusting to him being back to work. It’s so hard to have a newborn! Yet, so delightful as well!

Anyway, she did the right thing yesterday and came to big sister’s house for the day. I was shocked when I was in taking a shower and David ran in yelling, “Aunt Amanda’s here!!!” and then ran right back out.

The kids and I were so happy to see her (and the 1 dozen dunkin donuts that she brought) and we all enjoyed holding Weston and spending time with Naomi. After we visited for a little bit, I sent Amanda to bed for a nap and I sat at the table with the new baby in my arms, 4 kids around the table, and 2 playing on the floor. Naomi made me smile a lot because she kept calling me “MOM”. Much easier than “Aunt Shanda”, I suppose.

Of course I took advantage of the day and took some more photos of the baby.

David was so quiet when he held Weston. He only used a whisper to talk and was very annoyed with Caleb and Naomi, who were as noisy as ever.

Grace was absolutely smitten.

Those arms just get me. The fists. The elbows. So darling.

Aunt Shanda made him have “tummy time” and isn’t he cute, this is as far up he could get his head. I love it! He was bobbing up and down and making those funny noises.

Grace took these:

He’s smiling in my arms. He thinks Aunt Shanda is funny.

He weighs over 7 pounds now!

hope

Posted on February 28, 2008 by Shanda

I woke right up thinking about God this morning. My heart and soul long for the day when I finally get to see Jesus and be in heaven with all other believers. “Oh that will be glory for me!” as the hymn says. I know if I died today I would have precious family members there to meet me, “but I long to see my Saviour first of all.”

Have you ever just closed your eyes and imagined what it would be like to see Jesus for the first time? I am convinced that his eyes will be full of love, compassion, and understanding. He knows me, “he remembereth that I am dust”, He is merciful. He has perfect love toward His own.

This morning I was thinking about Jesus’ last words on earth. After 30+ years of earthly ministry, He was leaving! But what did He say? “. . .lo, I am with you alway, even until the end of the world.” He last words on earth were full of comfort.

He is with me always! Always!

I’ve also been thinking a lot about my Bible. What a precious treasure it is! I just finished a book about 5 men who were shipwrecked on a deserted island. They had a Bible with them and my heart was pierced when I read that when they were on the verge of collapse from discouragement, they read the Bible to one another until they were comforted.

Do you remember when Corrie Ten Boom and her sister were taken to a concentration camp for hiding Jews in their home during the war against Hitler? All their earthly possessions boiled down to one thing.. . .the one item that they wanted, NEEDED more than any other.. . .was their Bible. The story is beautiful. Corrie was able to enter the camp (despite being strip-searched!) with her Bible, through a miracle of God.

“And so it was that when we were herded into that room ten minutes later; we were not poor, but rich–rich in the care of Him who was God even of Ravensbruck.” (the concentration camp)

“So Betsie and I came to our barracks at Ravensbruck. Before long we were holding clandestine Bible study groups for an ever-growing group of believers, and Barracks 28 became known throughout the camp as ‘the crazy place, where they hope.’” ~Corrie Ten Boom

Our Bible gives us hope! Hope in any circumstance!

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4

I have two Bibles! Two! I feel rich. And ashamed, because so many times I wonder where my hope is, when I haven’t even read my Bible in days. . . . . . .

“I have a wonderful treasure!
A gift of God without measure.
And so we travel together,
my Bible and I.”

(just because)

Posted on February 26, 2008 by Shanda

Rich got home from work last night at 9:30pm. He was supposed to do the same tonight.

But he surprised me by coming home 4 hours before I thought he would!

I was on the couch under a blanket, very tired, in sweats, flipping aimlessly through tv stations. The kids already had their dinner and were all playing a computer game. It had been a very long day (including a trip to the dentist and the grocery store).

He walked in and said he had been watching me through the door and that I looked so sad, like a wounded rabbit on the side of a road. (not exactly like June Cleaver, huh?)

I was feeling so yuck and Rich sat down to talk to me looking so nice, that I got my camera out to take his picture.

I feel so protected and safe when Rich is home with us.

He said he came home early because he knew I would need help tonight. . .and I said “God must have told you”. . .I was so grateful! The kids were, too.

Caleb has been very lovey lately. Giving lots of hugs and kisses.

homemaking journal

Posted on February 25, 2008 by Shanda

“This home is the backdrop to simplify life, slow us all down, and teach our children about stewardship and the traditions that define our family.”

“All beautiful things work well together.”

“Every place I turn here, there is something that makes me smile.”

(quotes from Country Living magazine)

Before I get started on my day, I wanted to share another journal with you. I started this one about 6 years ago as a way to have all my homemaking inspiration in one spot. I use old magazines and photos to fill it with quotes, articles, lists, my own thoughts, and ideas. I add to it every once in a while, when I’m in the mood. I sit down with a glue stick, a pair of scissors, a pen, a stack of old magazines, and catalogues. Then I clip, glue, and scribble away! There are no rules! It’s all for me!

If you looked in it you would see the things that inspire me to make my house a home. The front cover is dark green and on it I glued this quote:

If walls could talk, we’ve often thought, what stories they would tell.
But if we’re slow to grasp the message of an open front door,
a clean-scrubbed floor, or a handmade object comfortable
with its age and imperfections, perhaps we’re just not
listening well. The language of a house is visual.
The soul of a house is memory. And it speaks to the heart.

(Here’s a peek inside:)

This is an article about the importance of raising kids to love nature.

The photo is of my Dad giving small Ethan and small Jacob a tractor ride.

“What feels like home?”

“As children, we were not busy making money, keeping appointments,
and meeting deadlines. Memories of our youth may bring to mind places
where we could enjoy simply being.
Bringing these memories to the creative process of design
may help make your house feel like a home—
the place your heart holds dear.”

Creativity and fiestaware!

Windchimes (because our homes extend to the outdoors!)

“Make time for you”

I loved the basket idea. . .put a bunch of things in it that appeal to you–journal and pen, stationary, flowers, a book, pretty napkin, etc, and have them ready in a basket, to carry to your special quiet place.

Aprons! “Every apron tells a story”

Cherry things!

My friends Lea Ann and Joanna know about this journal and they send me articles sometimes. I love it when they jot little notes on the pages. . .I glue them in my book and a part of them is now included. It always surprises me how much they know me. Lea Ann made me laugh when she sent a clipping from a magazine about chicken coops! Joanna even had this journal at her house for a few months, to look at and add to. My homemaking journal is something I enjoy and it has helped me fall in love with feathering my nest. Don’t you think that a beautiful home pleases God? Homemaking is not a waste of time!

I encourage you to enjoy your HOME today– the smell of a burning candle, the warmth of the sun shining through your windows, the peaceful feeling of a quiet spot (even if you only have one like me, LOL). Make your home a feast for your senses——

taste (like an inviting bowl of candy), touch (a clean soft blanket draped on the back of the couch), see (photos everywhere), hear (beautiful music and the sound of your loved one’s voices), smell (coffee and bacon). . . . . .

poor in spirit

Posted on February 24, 2008 by Shanda

Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

I read this in the February edition of Tabletalk magazine:

“The Sermon on the Mount opens with the Beatitudes, the first of which tells us ‘the poor is spirit’ are blessed, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. In this context, Jesus is basically saying that only those who do not rely on their own goodness will be granted entrance into God’s kingdom. It is not an appeal to deny our worth as human beings, but to recognize our sin and desperate need for salvation. Matthew Henry comments that ‘to be poor in spirit, is to have humble thoughts of ourselves, of what we are, and have, and do. . .it is to shun all confidence in our own righteousness and strength, that we may depend only on the merit of Christ and the spirit and grace of Christ. . .The kingdom of grace is composed of such, the kingdom of glory is prepared for them.”‘ RC Sproul

Another Bible passage that addresses this issue of self-righteous vs. humble:

Luke 18:9-14

“And he (Jesus) spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others (**I don’t know about you, but I was once one of them, am still tempted to be one of them, and know many who are like them!!! The pharisee still exists!!**)

Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. (**I’ve heard “godly” men and women give lists of the ‘things they do’ that, in their opinion, display FRUIT and prove “Christian value” such as soul-winning, and perfect church attendance, etc, but THE THINGS THAT WE DO ARE NOT TRUE FRUIT, see Galatians for the real fruit of the spirit!**)

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Yell it from the rooftops! It is not by works of righteousness that we are saved! It’s by the grace of God, more specifically, the blood of His Son!

***If you do anything for Christ today, make sure it is out of a pure motive. Serve out of LOVE for Christ and others, not out of love for self.***

***Christian, in general, who are you most like? Be honest with yourself! The Pharisee? Or the Publican? The Lord knows!***

Posted on February 22, 2008 by Shanda

We’re having a snow storm. It’s a winter-wonderland out there.

Rich is working from home today and I’ve been busy with him and the kids. I love having Rich home when the weather is bad, it is so cozy.

Thanks for being such good sports about yesterday’s post. Oh my, I was laughing about that all day long, I’ll tell ya, it feels so good to be a stinker (mother of encouragements word for me yesterday) now and then. Today Caleb has a fever but I don’t think it has anything to do with Electric Ear. LOL

I know some of you saw a different side to me yesterday but I must confess I say/do things during the day quite often that make the kids howl. For instance, the other day Ethan told me about a plane he designed that could “drop bombs from the bottom”. I almost hate to say this but, my response? . . . . .“Wow, Ethan! You do that sometimes, too!!” in a Very Impressed Voice. Jacob laughed SO hard . . . (after he figured out what I meant, it usually takes a few seconds). . .he laughed so hard that he almost dropped an air-bomb of his own. (I’m so sorry, I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately, I’ve cracked up I think.)

********************************

David made me laugh today. He was looking through his coloring book and announced,

“Mom!! Someone put NAILS in this pumpkin!!”

It was a picture of a pincushion.

(Davy-do)

**EDIT**

Pictures of today:

Rich took the boys over to the dam to sled down the big hill. He is pulling Jake and E with the 4-wheeler and David is on his lap.

Grace didn’t want to go sledding. She was too cozy watching “The 3 Lives of Thomasina” with her kitty, and eating popcorn.

Caleb is sick:

What are your plans for the weekend?

just for fun!!!!

Posted on February 21, 2008 by Shanda

(this is to make you laugh)

I just called the doctor and found out that my kids have a very rare case of something called “Electric Ear”. It started this morning after breakfast, David got it first. The Doctor said, although it is rare, it should go away on it’s own. If it’s not gone by tomorrow I have to go to Target and get some special cream to put in it. Its called “Electric Cream, for the illness no one wants to hear about”. It’s put out by, can you believe it, GE!

Thankfully it is not painful. As you can see by the pictures, the kids are in happy spirits this morning (although Jacob complained of the heat). It was scary for me, though, I was not ready for the . . . “shock”. . .

I’m glad I called the doctor and found out what it was. I was so afraid that they would start glowing in other parts of the body. Like the nose for instance.

Please pray for me today. I’m still shaking. I hope they clear up soon, I really wanted to go someplace. I just can’t take them out in public like this.

Thanks for understanding. I hope that in sharing this, I might find at least one other family that has gone through it. I could really use some encouragement. I feel like a terrible mother.

I thought Grace said it well,

“It’s embarrassing.”

boys and birds

Posted on February 20, 2008 by Shanda

What wonderful comments you all added to my post from this morning, thank you SO much!

Today was a better day, the best day I’ve had in a while, as a matter of fact. I slowed myself down and made an effort not to be rushing from one thing to the next. We had a very nice day of school. I have some older school books that I have picked up from library book sales and we used one today to read lines from a play. It was about Robin Hood and Little John. The kids loved it. Guess who seemed to be the most natural actor? ETHAN. I sat with Grace and re-explained her math skills, using beans to show her exactly what she is doing when she multiplies and divides. After lunch (we had spaghetti w/sauce and David threw his *third bowl of it*around! Jacob vacuumed it up and it went up the vacuum just fine LOL). . anyway, after lunch we all bundled up and went outside. It was much colder today than it was yesterday but it did us good to get out in the fresh air. Grace, David, and Caleb jumped on the trampoline. Jacob and Ethan ~~walked~~ ran the dog, played near the stream and gathered some chunks of ice.

When we came in, Caleb watched a Thomas video and fell right asleep on the floor.

The kids finished up their school work and then they went upstairs to read/play quietly so that I could have my hour and a half of rest time.

After they all got up, they watched a video and I went for a little walk. I was gone for about 20-25 minutes, within hearing distance of the house. I found a bright yellow feather and put that in my pocket. I went to the bird forest but didn’t see any birds so I came out of the woods to the stream and then noticed a whole flock of cedar waxwings and one robin up in a tree, in the bright sun. I had so much fun sneaking as close as I could and I took a lot of pictures.

I hope you all enjoy the pictures and thanks again for being so kind to me here on xanga. Have a great evening!

A happier day

my handsome son Ethan

best friends, standing together in the middle of the rushing stream

Crazy Ethan, balancing on a rock, pulling out some ice
in the middle of frigid icy water.

The prize! Ice!

Caleb got good and tired
after all that fresh air
and fell asleep while watching
a thomas video.

The Cedar Waxwing Photos

they were busy eating these berries

There are three in this next picture, can you see the one in the background?

Do you
see the one and only robin on the far right side of this next photo?

“Oh Master, let me walk with Thee
in lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret;
Help me to bear
the strain of toil,
The fret of care.”

~”Oh Master Let me Walk with Thee”, W. Gladden
~a hymn the kids and I have been working on all week long.

a small peek into my busy life. . . . .

Posted on February 20, 2008 by Shanda

Rich had to work late last night.
So at about 4:30 I cleaned up my kitchen,
while the kids watched a video about Japan,
and Caleb, my shadow, was perched on the counter next to the sink (where I was standing).
I decided to take them to McDonald’s for dinner.
There is one not too far away that has one of those indoor play-scapes.
So we went, it’s been a long time since we’ve gone to a play-scape,
And Jacob was thrilled that he could still play (12 yrs old is the limit).
He and Ethan, of course, turned it into a game of “spy”.
Caleb managed just fine, despite his big sister’s over-the-top “help”.
David, of course, made new friends left and right.
One little boy was missing a hand.
And I thanked God, that my kids all had their hands.
The little boy was great, no one noticed his disability.
When he left, my kids leaned into me and said,
“That was such a nice boy!”
They didn’t say one word about his hand.
Children can be so beautiful. . . . .

Anyway, they ate their fries and chicken.
David was too busy to fill himself up so when we got home,
out came the crackers.
They all complained when I stopped their movie at 8pm.
But, I had to, I was TIRED, and ready for bed myself!
Unfortunately,
the last thing they all heard before sleep,
was me yelling.
8:30 came and I was till trying to get them to settle down.
Caleb kept getting out of his crib,
and Jacob and E decided this would be the night they taught the dog to sleep with them.
It ended in a disaster–he peed on Ethan’s guitar case–
I was so mad, I yelled the whole time that I was scrub-scrub-scrubbing.
Caleb actually popped the side of his crib off,
and I got mad and yelled as I struggled to fix it.
(we’ll be putting him in a bed, soon)
I even yelled at David, who was just looking at me from under his covers. Like this
I said, “ARE YOU TELLING CALEB TO GET OUT OF BED??”
(He shook his head no)
“TURN AROUND AND FACE THE WALL!!”
“GO TO SLEEP!!!!!!!”
“I HATE THAT DOG! HE HAS TO GO!!!”

Those were (some of) the words my poor children had to hear right before sleep last night.

Of course once things settled down, I felt sad, and spent some time writing in my journal
and letting the Lord fix my bad attitude.

Then I got in bed and read a book and fell asleep early. I do have my limitations!

Today is a new day!

Caleb, still my shadow, is standing next to me as I type,
with his head in my lap,
and a choo-choo in his hand.
When I stop to think about what to write, I rub his back,
or stroke his soft cheek,
or touch his hair (which has a crusty spot from him dumping chocolate milk on his head yesterday).

Last night I had had ENOUGH.
Today I will try to pace myself better and by God’s grace, keep my cool.

My heart belongs to my family and my children, I love them so.

These are photos that I took of David and Caleb yesterday morning, after my battery had charged.

I didn’t even write about cleaning up a big bowl of dumped cat food (twice) and not finding the dust pan.
(NO ONE knows where it went). . . .
Or the entire Nestle chocolate milk mix that was dumped upside down on the table.
Or bursting into tears when I was trying to read to the kids and Jacob complained, “I already read this”
Or when the dog knocked me over backwards out in the woods when I called him out of a shot.
Or discovering the driveway was scattered with those. . .packing peanuts. . . .
etc, etc,

Yesterday I got totally irritated over the little problems of motherhood.

Today I hope to be more positive!