Last night I went out shopping. I am not one for “retail therapy” LOL but it sure felt nice to walk around the mall by myself. I even ate at Panera. . by myself. . .while reading a magazine. If I’m alone I can’t just sit and eat, it feels too strange. So I read, which never feels strange. I got some great deals on clothes for the kids, found some remaining winter clearance specials. . .got Grace two long sleeved Land’s End dresses (size 10) for only 5.99 each. And I also paid that same price for a pair of pants for Jacob (size 14!!). I went to The Children’s Place and bought the boys each matching shirts. It’s just too fun to do that now and then (at least I think so) . . . . . .
I also bought Caleb the cutest pair of green pants. They make me laugh. . David already had a pair that used to be Ethan’s.
This next one is my favorite. I was sitting on the kitchen floor earlier and Caleb came to me. I gave him a hug and a kiss and he said, “And my feet!” and held up a foot for me to kiss. I’ve trained him well! So when I look at this picture I want to kiss his feet again. . . .
My favorite picture of Grace from today:
I am feeling very tired right now. I could even use the word “weak” even though I don’t want to. I wonder what is the matter with me. . .I felt fine this morning. I guess I’ll go eat some lunch and see if that helps. I’ll probably go crash on the couch for a while.
When I look at the pictures I just took it doesn’t seem strange that I would feel so tired out at times.
Attached is a link to the most wonderful set of DVD’s. I bought them at Costco for much cheaper than amazon. I highly recommend them, they are so wholesome and fun. Ethan and I clap after every episode and I often shed a tear or two. . . .we all love watching, including Rich.
Okay. . . I need food and couch.
my
LovetoUall
Good to be Home 
Shopping by yourself can be a wonderful break…especially with a special food treat!You have a beautiful family.
I love the pictures, I especially love how Jacob has his hands in his pockets, all casual-like. The green pants are too funny, I was grinning over them. Gracie girl is so lovely, she’s quite a beauty these days. I hope you guys have a good afternoon. I love Anne, I should check into those DVD’s…Casey loves reading the books. Love you.
Sounds like a dream! I’m so glad you were able to get out and shop and enjoy a yummy meal! You got some great deals! That is always a good feeling. The pictures are so fun- you did a great job capturing the boys on the trampoline. I know what you mean about sweet, kissable feet! Hope you feel refreshed after lunch.
@alaskahannah – I just ate a yummy omelet (made with cheese, bacon, and green onions) and I had a side of stewed tomatoes (I love ’em) and I feel much much better. I’m going to make some cookies now.
I remember those green pants on Ethan! David can’t be big enough to wear them yet!!
I’m glad you had some nice time by yourself. That’s what I do when I get some time by myself, go to Panera with a magazine. We had fun at that Ag expo yesterday. You’ll have to check my blog to see some pictures.
Do they really all have blue eyes? What a wonderful pack of boys you have!!! Delightful pictures. My mom used to dress us all in blue too. When I was a teenager I came in the house wearing a blue sweat shirt and sweat pants, my dad had almost the same outfit, as did the rest of the family, within 10 minutes everyone else had changed into their sweat suits…and mom took the picture! You sure cature wonderful pictures on that trampoline
Great pictures, I loved every one of them!
Hugs
I love those shirts. The boys look so handsome in them! You have good reason to be tired. Seriously.
I love the green pants
What wonderful kids! Shanda you are such a gifted photographer! These are treasures. Okay, multiplekid mom time: I still have to read when I eat without anyone around…even here at the office! A doctor once told me I had every right to be tired! So do you honey, and your fine labor shows in the faces of each of these well-loved children. blessings and hugs in SC
those green pants are adorable..and the matching shirts, do it while you can! soon your older boys might not like to match with the others 😉
Oh my! Shopping empowers me! I love to shop. Those shirts look great. I like when kids dress alike.
Shanda, I always make sure I have a book or magazine with me if I’m by myself. I just ate lunch outside of the office, and read a magazine while I waited on my food and ate. I am so self-conscious about eating by myself otherwise.
It’s good though, relaxing sometimes to just have a little peace and quiet. I know “they” say never eat lunch alone, but that’s some of my best quiet time.
Love the green pants ~ and I agree ~ those 2 favorite photos of yours are just adorable ~
Our kids were raised on Avonlea…I taped many of them back in the day, and they are nearly worn out from constant use. I need to invest in the DVDs.Many of the lines from that show have become a part of our family language with one another.Love the vocabulary, don’t you?Love, love, love Panera Bread!!!!!Cute shirts! Reminds me of my boys. I used to go to a Health Tex outlet and buy things in the spring and the fall. I could find outfits for my twinnie boys that looked the same, but were different in some way. Do they even have Health Tex clothing anymore??Did you take a break and lounge on the sofa? Good for you, mama!xo
Good Morning…..I love the pics of your sons and your daughter. The green pants too! You truly have a beautiful family. I love going shopping by myself too. Even if I don’t buy anything or even just a book to read. I feel uncomfortable too eating by myself. Feels weird without hubby and the children. So I usually don’t. Hope you are feeling more energetic….take care and God Bless You!!
I hope you enjoy resting. We have had a very busy morning so I am going to try and recoup for a few minutes also. I love the pictures, taking more pictures lately has reminded me of the good times, instead of remembering the stressful ones.
I love the shot with the boys in mid-air on the trampoline, and also the one of you with your boys.
With all of that energy showing in your pictures, don’t you just wish you could suck a little out of them and plug it into yourself??? LOL!
I can see why you love the green pants! They are great! That is a hilarious shot of his feet up in the air on the trampoline!
I forgot to tell you that I saw a bunch of people in NYC carrying American doll bags from the store and every time I thought of Gee!
gorgeous, gorgeous all so gorgeous! i especially love the third trampoline picture with those feet straight in the air…hilarious! and the first one of grace is precious. so glad you had some time to yourself 🙂
I don’t know what it is about shopping but I love it! If I go alone I get in trouble and if I have someone with me who doesn’t encourage overspending then I do good. Good deals! I love the pictures of the kids! See you soon! Love, Lish
I love to read when I get a small get away to a resturant. It is like having a friend along….or having a quiet retreat. The blue shirts are wonderful! It is always a treat to see your beautiful kids. Fun you got an outing…sounds like it was fruitful. Very sweet little feet. We all love the Anne of Green Gable series….even the big guys. So much relationship and humor. Those DVD’s sound great….I wonder if our Costco has them…I will have to look. blessings, Jenny
What a lovely group of children! Jacob looks very tall, and they all look as if they’re having a wonderful time!
Great pictures — I remember how my children used to wiggle their toes and feet when I took their shoes and socks off — it must have felt so good!!!
A nice outing for you.
Great photos! I really like the one of Grace. Beautiful!
I hope you’re making sure to get enough water, vitamins, food, and good rest. I also hope you’re feeling better today.