Good evening! I finally have a few moments, to write and add some photos here. Rich just left a little while ago, taking Grace, Caleb, and Davy-do with him downtown. I’ve “had enough” for the day, so he graciously shut me in my room and told me that he would have the boys clean while he was gone. I can hear the dear things whistling, as they work. I’m so thankful for their help! I’ll tell you, they definitely earn their weekly five dollar allowance!
It seems that this week I’ve poured all my energies into my family and home, leaving not enough brain power to get through journaling here. I enjoy sitting down, and trying to type out the happenings and goings on of my family, but the past few days I’ve been rather *dull-like*, not even really feeling the desire/energy to try to make sense. 
We’ve had such a nice week, though. My mornings are bright, busy affairs with pancakes or scrambled eggs for breakfast. Then, we see David off to school, waving him down the road after he gets on the bus. The children do their morning chores and then we begin our home schooling for the day. I’ve been doing a lot of reading out loud to them. They’ve written some nice papers, worked on Language Arts, Penmanship, Bible, and Math. Jacob even memorized a poem today. A good day of school leaves me feeling *very pleased*. Caleb is a dear and we always let him interrupt us, and keep him the priority. If he needs something, one of us gets up from the table to help him out.
The children have been spending some beautiful sunny afternoons outside, playing and/or walking the dog. I try to get out there as much as possible, but the past few days I’ve been happier in the house, puttering around and doing a lot of cooking and baking. I try to have a nice dinner for Rich when he gets home.
After dinner, we’ve been watching TV, all together as a family. We don’t do that very often, but it’s been nice the past few days, watching a “Road to Avonlea” episode, or the “Andy Griffith Show”.
Rich puts the children to bed, after reading them the Bible. I get steadily tired throughout the day, and end up falling asleep about 9pm, every night. (and usually awake the next morning at 5:30am).
And so, the days slip by. . . . . .
I love the old-fashioned, powder pink, of these zinnias
One of our monarchs has emerged, just this morning. David got to see it before he went to school.
The neighbor’s little cat, whom I call Boots (his real, ridiculous name, is “Ya-Ya”). Don’t you think he looks more like a Boots? He is a frisky little thing, and seems to prefer my house (his owners are gone all day long).
Daughter Grace, reading her book on the porch. You can’t see in this picture, but the front of her shirt says, “Sweet Pea”, in sparkles. It’s one of my favorites on her, she is my *Sweet Pea*.
Tonight’s specialty of the house:
Chicken Spinach Quiche
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 unbaked pastry shell
1 cup diced cooked chicken
1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup mayo (reduced fat and fat free mayo will not work)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese into the pastry shell. In a bowl, combine the chicken, 1/2 cup spinach, onion and remaining cheese (save remaining spinach for another use). Spoon into pastry shell. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, mayo, salt and pepper; pour over the chicken mixture.
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting. 6-8 servings.
Well, Rich is back home now, and it’s time to put the house to bed. . . .and guess what? I had to write this post two times, my computer closed down on me just as I finished writing the “first draft”. So, this came by blood, sweat, and tears. (Okay, maybe not that much drama). hee heeee heee
Sweet dreams to each and every friend who passes through here. . . . .
~Shanda~
Good to be Home 
Mmm that quiche looks amazing, I love quiche. Sounds like you’ve been super busy, but happy…I’m so glad to hear that. I hope you’re managing to get a little rest here and there, though. Glad to hear the kids are doing well with school, also. I hope you have an excellent Friday. Love you!
Oh that quiche looks so so yummy! I’m glad you had time to stop by. I’ve missed you. If you get a chance I would really love your input on my most recent post “I need your input”. I love you and I hope you have sweet dreams too!
Isn’t it a blessing to have children who can help out around the home? I love when we all work together to make it look better.
Love your banner ~
I love your new banner and the recipe looks yummy. I look forward to trying it. Have a blessed, peaceful night’s sleep.
LOVED your post. The quiche looks great, don’t know if my family will eat it, but I’ll give it a try. I have a great and wicked easy Chicken Pot pie recipe I’d be happy to share if you’re interested? I am interested in learning how to do a banner such as yours, was it difficult?
Today I cleaned off the dining room table, which was covered in magazines, work papers, etc etc. Now it’s nice and shiny and clean, and Jordan said it even helped her get her homework done faster and easier! WHY did it take me 4 months to do 45min work? And also, why is it that the cats gravitated towards the table top immediately??? Sigh!
Have a great day!
YUMMY, I think this will be one of the first things I cook when I get my oven back. Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful header! You have given me a new love….Fiestaware! I only have a few pieces, but thank you for helping me appreciate the little things and making sure I surround myself with things I love….
I know how it feels about putting your muddled thoughts down…just know we love hearing from you and miss you when you’re gone!
I’m sure you’re already sleeping the night away…but if not, I wish you wonderful, restful sleep!
~Jill
That does look delicious. I think I will try it. I like the sun flowers up top. Happy Friday to you.
But it was so worth it I am glad you did not give up, I really enjoy reading the details.
You reading to the kids must be one of the best things about teaching them at home!
I would rebel and call him Boots as well, and since you are kinda’ adopting him you have a right to!
Your days sound busy, but nice. I can understand why you are so tired. That recipe sounds wonderful! I will have to try it.
sounds of wonderful day(s) with family. your quiche looks wonderful. i look forward to trying the recipe. sorry no caps– typing with baby in hands is difficult.
love your new header, and thanks for sharing that recipe, I think I’ll try that out, too….just curious, was one enough for your family?
Such a simple, lovely, everyday post. I’m glad all is well with your family.HUGS
What a sweet post……….goodnight to you too!!
I love the quilt behind “Boots”. I am definitely in the mood for quilts. Next week is the quilt festival, and I am so excited to be participating in it- with my MOM!! Ryan left for moose hunting this morning, so I am especially glad to have my Mom here right now. I’m off to read in bed!
The “tired” phase of pregnancy will pass. You seem to get a lot done despite it. I definately know the “I’ve had it” feeling at the end of the day when you just need to get away. Your children sound like they are a great help. (more asset than liability, one of my cousins told me LOL).
Have a blessed day.
Your days sound lovely. *sign* Can I come over? LOL (Would be a long trip!)
I love the beautiful new header with the flowers in your Fiesta ware pitcher! I always enjoy your photos so much. I’m glad you are asleep by 9. Your days are enormously busy! My daughter is due in March, and she is back to school teaching now. She comes home and falls into bed for an hour before she can even think about making dinner!
I love your new banner!!! It’s so vibrant! Please let me come stay at your house someday and see all your pretty flowers and fiestaware! š Samuel and Maryn were both writing letters (alphabet letters, not letters to grandma) yesterday of their own initiative! So, today, I’m going to print off some penmanship paper and put them into plastic sleeves (for easy cleanup!) so they can practice their “L”s, “O”s, and “M”s. I’m never going to say “never” about homeschooling! LOL…I hope your day is beautiful. Ours is foggy and quiet…well as quiet as it can be with a 3 yo and a 2 yo! Time for coffee and breakfast for me! God bless you today, Shanda.
I love your new header and the quiche looks yummy!
I’m glad to know someone else thinks penmanship is important!!!! Some people, when they find out that’s one of our school subjects, look at me like I’ve grown a second head! ~ I enjoy some of the same TV shows as you and Rich. ~ Zinnias . . . aren’t they ALL pretty and a hearty little flower? ~ Another reader asked, but I’m wondering too, how many quiches did you have to make to feed your large family? I don’t think one would be enough around here. I’m glad you posted the recipe!Take care, dear friend!
Just delicious! All of it. I expected that more time would go by between posts when you told us all you were pregnant. Holding God’s life within you is exhausting!
Hugs.
Actually “Boots” looks just like Muffy, the cat that Beth had for 14 years. Quiche (!) I love it> try it with some grated potatoes (squeeze the juice out of them as well) rather than the spinach. Try sprinkling a bit of parmesan on the crust before you pour everything in. and try some swiss cheese with the potato version and a bit of garlic (It is called an AuGratin Quiche and one of our favs.) I don’t put mayo in mine, I will have to give it a try, HMMM sounds good for dinner tonight! I also love the new header. I wish I knew how to do all of this stuff. hugs honey pie.
Yummy looking quiche! You have such homey wonderful posts…thanks for persevering! Yes, that little kitty doesn look like a boots Hope you are well rested….you are doing great….growing a baby takes so much energy. Sounds like a wonderful week. blessings, Jenny
Hi Shanda, Just wanted to tell you that I tried your recipe out tonight, and it was over the top!! Definitely a keeper, thanks!
LOVE the butterfly shot~ what lens do you use dear.. you get some amazing close ups. is it a macro? your days sound busy with all the best kind of busyness there is~ i think “Boots” soots Ya-Ya much better too ~ the quiche looks wonderful! one of my favorite things to make – – – i’ll copy this one down and give it a try. i love dinners that are all in ONE dish! need to get back into cooking more ~ seems every night we are running, especially w/ Ben playing football – – didn’t realize little ones needed so much practice for just one game!! =D and since you’ve been looooong in bed by this time (and where i should be!) i’ll say – sweet dreams shanda-friend. sleep well! loves~
Shanda, I have to tell you I made your quiche last night and it was really good! The only thing I did differently was use onion powder instead of onion (I realized after I started that I didn’t have any on hand) and it turned out great. I think the mayo made all the difference, just that hint of creaminess, and it wasn’t dry in the least.
Thanks so much for sharing that one!