“. . .youth must gather the sweet things of life—the flowers, the fragrant odors, which lie everywhere, so that old age may be clothed with gladness. We do not realize how much the happiness of our later years will depend upon the things we are doing today.”
~ J.R. Miller, the ever inspiring, in Homemaking
The above quote applies to everyone, don’t you think? We parents, when we make memories with our children, are not only giving them happy remembrances, but we are also giving them to ourselves.
I know that Rich and I, when our children are grown, will remember the happy adventures we had with our young ones, and be so glad, so *very* thankful, that we took the opportunities that God gave us, to enjoy our children.
Yesterday we went to the ocean, what will we do today? Each day is filled with opportunities to win the hearts of our precious ones. . . . .those moments could come as a special trip, or something as simple as a long hug, at bedtime, without even saying a word.
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Caleb, getting used to the waves. . . .
The five of them, all in one picture. Grace had a lot of fun, collecting little bits of things, from the sea.
Caleb was discusted, when a piece of seaweed got on his finger. He ran to me crying, so I could remove it.
These next two pictures say JOY to me. . . .I can feel it in my own heart, when I look at them.
The children were busy, making a sand castle with nothing to use for tools, except the ones on the ends of their arms.
And Grace took along her stuffed doggie, Sprocket.
And, do you know what else I got to do? I got to stop at a Yankee Candle outlet store and stock up on more candles, enough to last us for probably a year! (Thanks, honey!)
Grace and David have colds but I am happy to say that we still put in a satisfying morning of school. The sun is shining nicely and Davy-do is already home from his morning at Kindergarten. The older children are taking a break at the moment, and watching I love Lucy. Then, we will do some cleaning and reading.
I hope all of you are having a blessed day, and abiding in our friend and Savior, Jesus Christ. He loves us with everlasting love, and there is nothing more beautiful than that.
~Shanda~
Good to be Home 
It looks like you had a wonderful day, savoring every moment of their childhood! I like the picture of Grace and her stuffed dog- too cute!
Love them Shanda. Thank you for the heads up! I was waiting for the first picture to download and just saw that ocean…I have not set foot on a beach for over a year no! Honeymoon in 5 weeks…I need the ocean….can’t wait. I love you Sis.
What a wonderful day! I didn’t even know a Yankee Candle Outlet existed!! I am sitting here typing this while I have a Fall Festival burning beside me at my desk. I always can’t wait until September 1st, when I start thinking Fall. Living in Souheast Florida, we usually don’t get Fall weather until late October and we don’t have any trees with leaves that change, but I love looking on pictures of blogs with the change of seasons, especially autum. Have a blessed day.
Oh how I love the ocean…what a fabulous day you guys had, it made me wish we’d gone to the beach too. I love the pictures, as always…and the Yankee Candle Outlet??? MY FAVORITE PLACE EVER. 🙂 Yeah, Yankee is like Fiestaware is to you. 🙂 I hope you have a lovely day Shan. Lots of love, Trish
that picture does picture joy perfectly…
OH what FUN. We went to the ocean yesterday as well so if you get a minute come by and see the new pictures. I LOVE the one of your two oldest jumping waves. I have to agree the picture says JOY.
It looks like a wonderful day!! They are all very good pictures. I’m glad you were able to get more candles to:) You can never have to many of them:)
I adore the quote and the thought behind it. It is a good reminder and I will take it with me today. The pictures are beautiful and simple. It looks so warm there. It’s chilly here in Washington.
Sighs of contentment and gratitude for such memories. Thank you for sharing yours and the wonderful quote and music. The picture of the jumping boys should be framed! hugs from here. (the candles were lit this weekend here). m (OX)
Was it crowded? I would have thought it would have been packed, but it doesn’t look that way from your pictures. I’m so glad you had a lovely day.
Oh, I love the ocean — we didn’t get there this year because it was at the same time we were expecting our grandson to arrive — he’s worth the miss!!Great pictures of your children having a fun time!
Oh, how I long to see the ocean again ~
Beautiful pictures, Shanda… I hope you have a wonderful day, and enjoy your candles! (I might have stocked up during the 3 for $15 deal at White Barn and might have enough Sage and Allspice to last a couple of winters…)
I grew up near the ocean — some of my favorite childhood memories are of the days/times we spent at the beach. I will always be happiest living near the ocean! I love the shots of the two big boys jumping the waves, and of building sand castles!
Beautiful seashore pictures.Did you know if you put the same scent candles in a zip-lock bag, the scent will last longer? Just a hint I read somewhere.Happy September! Gads! Is it really September????
It does say JOY all of the pictures do! What a fun place to take them, so different from the country, but with similar pleasures!
What books did you bring to read?
how sweet, simple, and just precious.
Beautiful pictures, Shan! Looks like you had such a fun time. I’m glad you were able to get some candles- I love having candles, especially in the fall.
The two photos of the boys jumping just makes me soul leap with joy…. what great pictures. All of the pictures are beautiful and full of such love and warmth and feeling, but you are right…. there is nothing that is more beautiful than the amazing and unending love of our Savior.
What great pictures and wonderful memories!! And, I am jealous about the Yankee candles!! 🙂 What scents did you choose??
Looks like a ton of fun. And you are savoring every moment with them and they will cherish that you cherished them. I miss Yankee Candle. There is no substitute. Have a blessed day dear friend!
The very last pic of Grace is beautiful! She looks so at peace with her life, her surroundings….just enjoying it all. All those brothers. 🙂
Looks like fun! Looks like you had the beach to yourselves!
I adore your family.I just looked through the last few posts I missed. Today I sat on the beach with my sister Jenny and her son David…we talked about your family and how much we enjoy your posts, we are so glad you are having another baby, and can’t believe what a big boy Caleb has become. All 3 of us wish we could visit you! And how fun to come visit your site tonight and find out you’ve been enjoying the beach too!
what a great idea to stick life jackets on the little ones!! i never thought of that. looks like a lovely time!!~jan
loved catching up on the last few posts!! how i love your posts!! i always come away feeling H.A.P.P.Y. :)the ocean pics are great! i love water and love watching kids love water!! the shots of the boys jumping the waves are fuN ~ and the little hands building in the hands ~ and sprocket watching it all from a safe distance! 🙂 sweet.sweet times!you’re right that every moment we need to cherish w/ our kids ~ thanks for showing us so well through your own life how to do just that. Love ya shanda dear~
Shanda, thanks for sharing the pics. You’re right, you’ll always remember these fun times at the beach, as will your children. Do you scrapbook? You really should get these pics in archives to last a lifetime! GREAT eye, love the pics!
I love the beach – we will have to take all of our kids together next time we come out to see you (at least if it is warm enough). Love the picture of Caleb looking out at the waves while the big brothers are swimming. He looks so thoughtful.
i love beach pictures! something about the sun, sand, water…just perfect for vibrant pics!!
And being there is a great mood lifter!! Glad you had a good time~
What awesome pictures Shan! I have always wanted to go to the Yankee Candle outlet and never have! I love you! Lish