We are having a very nice day, happy and sunny.
My joy has to do with the fact that my husband has tomorrow off from work. It’s been one of those weeks, when he is so very busy that we are missing each other. We are taking the children to NY this weekend, for my cousin Katie’s baby shower. Rich and I enjoy these weekend trips now and then, we can drive and talk, with the children all buckled in their seats! We leave tomorrow, and I still have packing to do (I’m the worlds biggest procrastinator when it comes to packing). . . . .
Anyway. . . .
The children and I went for a nice walk today. The air was clear and hot, and the meadow smelled so good.
Well, it did have it’s not-so-nice moments;
David was “too hot, itchy, and couldn’t breathe”. (and was being quite overdramatic!)
However, when you are blessed with four siblings, the majority rules. . so, we kept on going.
I enjoy walking through tall grass, in a warm meadow, wearing a long skirt. It feels so. . .right, somehow. Maybe it’s the prairie-girl coming out in me.
When Caleb can’t get me to carry him, he holds my hand so very nicely. He even leaned his head against my arm.
I love it, I just love it.
How to make Grace happy. . . .make her a hair wreath out of the flowers she picked during her walk.
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And, a couple more pictures. . . . . .
We are having a garage built. This picture gives an idea of where it will stand. (On top of that dirt heap) LOL. The foundation has been poured this week.
This next one makes me laugh.
I was outside watching Caleb play earlier today, and when I came in I caught David sneaking chocolate chips from the cupboard . . . .the look on his face is priceless . . . .(neither of us said a word, he just dropped the chips, jumped off the counter, and ran out the door).
Better luck next time, Davy-do!
Well, I better get started on that packing!
“How excellent is thy lovingkindess, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and they righteousness to the upright in heart.” Psalm 36:7-9
Good to be Home 
LOL and still LOL over Davey Do…gosh I remember being caught sneaking cookies from the cookie jar!You are one sneaky mom!Today’s pictures I can feel the summer heat and the coolness found in the stream.The picture of Caleb holding your hand should be framed. It’s a treasure
Your pictures make me want to put on a long skirt and walk through the tall grass………..but our grass and the ground is so wet it would not be as pleasant as your walk. Also I have no sweet little fellow to hold my hand and lean his face on my hand……………nor do I have anyone to sneak chocolate chips so I have to do that myself!
What a nice post Shanda???!!! I definitely can relate to the light saber moment as I have those often. Was this the land behind your house???? That is neat. You looked cute in your hat too.:)
looks like a great afternoon! I love the medow flowers and long skirt….ahhh…I can almost smell the sweet grass!
What a beautiful day that you had. Love those special times. Have a great time on your mini trip. Be Blessed
I enjoyed all these pictures! I’m looking forward to seeing you! Please don’t be afraid to stop by our house. You don’t have to warn me just stop by and bring anyone you want to too! Love you! Elisha
Caleb looks SO long in that first picture!!! Oh my…he is NOT a baby anymore, is he? Oh…where does the time go???
Your pictures today remind me of my summers as a child, so fun and carefree **sigh** . Have a wonderful weekend in NY.
@Geidlbots – He’s almost THREE. . . .I’m still determined to carry him as long as I can. . . .they all are growing too fast!
The chip monster picture reminds me of a picture we took of our oldest grandchild at Rissy’s b-day a few years ago. It was VERY quiet in the house and when we went to the kitchen (decorated table with Blues Clues – cake and all), we found JanaLyn sitting on the table scooping handfuls of cake into her blue frosted mouth. Same look as yours, and she quiet climbed down without saying a word, just like your son. How can you NOT laugh and grab your camera! We actually put JanaLyn (much to her perplexity) BACK on the table so we could get her to reenact the moment and take pictures!Do, how did y’all do in the tick department today? Walking in that tall grass had me wondering!
Love the daisy wreath!! and the “thief” on the kitchen counter is priceless!!!
What a lovely post! I enjoyed reading how that walking through the tall grass in a long skirt felt right to you- I would feel the same way! I love how Grace has her eyes closed in the picture of her with her crown of flowers. Davy-do is just priceless! Hope you have a wonderful trip!
Have a great trip this weekend! I know how much you love visiting your family. 🙂 That picture of David is a memory in print. I can easily see that on a graduation or wedding DVD. Your walk looks lovely. I’m loving this weather this week, even when it was much hotter. I love summer.
The meadow pictures are beautiful and Grace looks like a princess with that wreath on her head!! Hope you enjoy your weekend trip to New York. My sister is getting ready to head there…remember how she’s moving?
Your meadow walk reminds me of our meadow walk last Saturday. The whole reason I couldn’t post pictures of me on the vine (which I didn’t explain) is because I too had on a long skirt and had to hike my skirt all the way to my thighs to properly do the vine swing!! (LOL)
Oh wow……you’d be the perfect neighbor….I can just imagine the things the children would find to do!! 🙂
Such great pictures. I will miss reading your posts while you are gone, I know you will enjoy the time with your family & husband. Caleb looks so cute hugging your arm:) That picture of Davy is to cute, I like the chocolate chips on the counter:) Enjoy your weekend!
I love the walk picture…how lovely and blue the sky was today (and yesterday!) looks like you had a great time. I hope you guys have an awesome time at your cousin’s shower this weekend. We’ll see you all when you get back 🙂
I think it is “the Anne” in you. How beautiful to see you all in the meadow. I love seeing your boys carrying flowers….mine did. I think that they like tea, and know how much flowers mean to me will help them as husbands. I love the picture of Caleb and your hand…too sweet. It reminds me of the little boy that lived with us for a year when he was five…he would kiss my arm. Gives me encouragement to do the art classes for little ones I have planned this summer…they are so cute. Davy do is a rascal…he is at that age. David said “I was suprised at Davy do and the matches in the woods!” I had to laugh…though was glad Grace is such a little mommy. Sweet sweet daisy wreath Have a wonderful weekend. Jenny
Love the pictures. The meadow is just perfect for walking in a long skirt in! I have a little prairie girl in me too. :)Poor David. Gotta give him an “E” for effort. 🙂
Loved the pictures of your day – especially David on the counter. 🙂 I only remember my dad giving me one spanking – and that is exactly how he caught me, standing on the counter sneaking candy.
Interesting post!
I love the picture in your header – of the kids leaning over the railing!
hehe..that last picture made me smile…
love your meadow, and that stream is just perfect!I was just wondering recently how your building project was coming…looks like something’s going on….=) how exciting!
Sounds like such a wonderful day full of nature and exploring. Funny picture stealing the chocolate chips. My kids love them and beg me to give them some whenever I cook.
Enjoy your trip!!!Poor Davey-Do!! :o)Blessings,Angie
Hi Shanda…Love the pics. Your son on top of the counter…oh my. LOL!! You look tanned and I like your hat. Grace is so pretty and with the flower hat.
My children wonder how I do this…I’m in the LR. Maryanne comes out of her room goes to the kitchen. It’s very quiet in there. I don’t get up, I don’t ask her what she is doing. But just as she is reaching for the cookies in the cupboard…she just about has them…I say “Leave those cookies alone.” She comes stomping into the LR and said “How did you do that!!!”
She goes to school the next day and tells her teacher too….LOL!!
God Bless You!!
HA! Davy-do is busted!
You have a wonderful place. Lots to explore as I’m sure your children have done!
I like Grace’s wild flower “halo” too. I think that they make children look so enchanted. 🙂
Have a wonderful day and weekend.
Oh wow! We live in the same looking house as you!! Our siding is fake cedar and does not sit on a hill, but it has the same dormers and the wrap around porch. Do your stairs sit dead center? When we open the front door we can go directly up the stairs. Even the layout of your kitchen is the same. Maybe your square footage is larger or layout is better because we’re really stuck for bedroom space. The three girls share the master bedroom and we have their old room. I can’t believe how often I hit my head on the slope when making the bed. :o)
Have a wonderful weekend away!!
love the first shot. and your little guy with his head on your hand – so peaceful. you look lovely in your long skirt and hat – – – straight out of a storybook. thanks for the encouragement w/ kate – and for directing my focus to the Lord.blessings on your day there and trip this weekend~
“neither of us said a word, he just dropped the chips, jumped off the counter, and ran out the door”
That is so funny!!!!!!! His looks is priceless I am glad you captured it!
How long will you be in NY?
Packing is hard for me as well, mostly because every single thing has to be clean for me to start packing, all the laundry done and ready to look through, it is a HUGE job when you have kids!
I picture you two holding hands in the van.
I hope it is a nice relaxing trip!
Love, JO
Oh my, you are such a good mommy. God bless
Kelly
Loved the first picture, the one with the shoes on the rocks and the one of Caleb holding on and Grace’s wreath – what special moments! The life God gives us as moms is so full of wonderful opportunities and moments…
I love such walks! Good for you guys going out, itchy and all 🙂 I’m headed out today… doing the same, though I’m not sure I’ll muster the courage to do a long skirt — though I will admit, I admire you for it, and adore the sight of it! It’s lovely! One day, my tomboyishness, put aside, I should give it a try just for the romantic feel! :)ALyssa
How did you twist the flowers together and get them to stay? Both of my daughters just saw that picture and they want one now. LOL
Another delightful, beautiful montage of your life. I adored the one of Grace. I did that for my girls! And you looked perfectly lovely in your long prairie girl dress. Have a wonderful time in NY. (Okay I will say it as well…I cracked up at the last picture and your story of it) How is it that I can just love you and your kids so much even though we have never met! blessing and love to you! M
LOL I love that last picture!
haha! I love that last one…just perfect!
Love all the pictures as usual!
Have a fun trip this week end!
Have fun!
This is my first visit to your site. How pretty is the place where you live! I’m trying to decide where it is. Must be Pennsylvania or somewhere close to that? Your children are adorable and obviously happy….hope that you have a good weekend in NY.
These pictures are so precious! I do think you look adorable with your hat and the skirt walking through the tall grass!!! How fun!! I too tend to dream of the prairie girl that is in me that somehow wants to get out! I feel like I could go on and make comments about every picture but that would take me for ever…the flower wreath!…the holding hands!…sneaking chocolate!…rock jumping…itching…all precious! Thanks for sharing! and your house once again is beautiful! Hurray for a garage coming along! :o)
You look like a little girl in that first picture holding Caleb – more like the kids’ older sister than mom, I think! THANK YOU for taking my call the other day and for a wonderful visit…and for the wonderful news! Love,Angie