We had such a nice weekend, thankfully, because husband and I talked and resolved our issues on Friday night. So, Saturday morning we all got up with smiles on our faces and wondered what we would do for breakfast.
We decided to go to McDonald’s. McDonald’s always reminds me of my childhood. If my Dad’s parents, my Grandma and Grandpa B, weren’t at home, we would almost always find them sitting in McDonald’s drinking coffee and eating sandwiches together. My Mom’s mom, Grandma G, used to take me and Colleen there once in a while after a trip to the grocery store. It was a treat, you know? We didn’t go out much when I was growing up but we could afford a trip to McDonald’s every once in a while.
Ethan begged for coffee and so I let him order a small decaf.
We ordered breakfast sandwiches…and when we were done eating Grace and I were still hungry so we shared a big pancake breakfast. The pancakes were the best, light and fluffy with a good flavor, spread with real butter. I rolled mine up and dipped it into the open syrup packet and took bites with my eyes shut..yum.
McDonald’s is so casual and relaxed and we had a great time.
After breakfast we drove down the road to Agway. I’m like a kid in a candy store there. However, I didn’t even get to set foot in it this time. I wandered around for five minutes, collecting some lavender to plant in my garden, and some bright yellow pansies, and then the kids yelled out the window of the vehicle that “Seth was getting mad”. So, I handed my things to Rich and went to nurse the baby.
When Rich came back out with our purchases (my plants and a huge bag of sunflower seed for our bird feeders), he had a piece of paper in his hand. “What’s that?” I asked. “Oh, it’s just information about a motorcycle I want to buy”….(he’s been teasing me about buying one for over a month now)…”No! It’s not, is it?…give that to me!” And he handed me that paper and I was stunned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was ordering information for CHICKENS!
I was screaming and waving around the paper and saying all kinds of things like, “I’m going to have CHICKENS! I’m going to be a chicken farmer! We’ll have our own eggs!!! I’m so happeeeeeeeee!”
When Rich went back to Agway later on with the truck (he had to get a load of mulch, a wheelbarrow, and some bushes for me) he ordered my new babies…..the day old chicks will arrive in mid June, with just enough time for us to figure out what we need for them. We ordered the following chicks:
Red Star (3): “This breed is easy to raise, lay large brown eggs, and have a very good feed to egg conversion ratio. They will begin to lay approximately 22 weeks and will lay right through hot or cold weather.
Black Star (3): “An excellent large brown egg layer that will weigh a little over 5 pounds at maturity. An easy to raise very hardy variety. Like the Red Star it also has a very good feed to egg ratio.”
The “Easter Egg Chicken” Americana (3): “A special cross known for their ability to lay colored eggs of shades varying from turquoise to deep olive to shades of brown. A unique breed and great fun to have when the colored eggs start coming!”
Rhode Island Reds (3): “Through the years this breed has maintained its reputation as a dual purpose bird. A truly American breed known for its outstanding egg production. They are brown egg layers.”
I have wanted chickens since the day we found this house to live in and I can’t tell you how excited I am. Grace will be my sidekick and has been reading the Chicken book that I had bought 2 years ago, giving me random facts. She’s dreaming chicken…..we both are.
Rich worked so hard this weekend. He spread nice new mulch around the side and front of the house. We also planted 4 new bushes. A lilac went beneath the kitchen window, a yellow forsynthia went by the driveway, and 2 blueberry, which we planted down by the pond with the one wild bush that we have.
News from the garden: I have planted a small herb section by the porch. I have chives already up (the children are constantly eating them and getting onion breath) and I planted a pot of parsley. Yesterday I planted basil, too. Speaking of herbs, I planted 2 small pots for my kitchen windowsill and yesterday the cilantro and the dill both sprouted. Outside in the vegetable garden the lettuce is already coming up. We also planted beets, carrots, radishes, and peas. In the flower beds the daffodils are still fresh and pretty. My peonies are up and have buds on them (oh how I love the smell of peonies!). I have some bushes in the front of the house covered in purple blossoms. My itty bitty bleeding heart bush from my mom’s garden has one little bud on it. Some pansies have come up and blossomed. Lots of plants are up and it’s so nice to see their green leaves–lilies, lady’s mantle, mums, etc. I am going to buzz downtown later on and buy myself a spiral notebook so that I can keep track of things in the gardens and my chicken adventure.
Seth was a happy baby all weekend, and I am so deeply in love with him. I kept him with me as much as possible.
I got down next to him and looked up at the trees. It was a hot weekend, but we had such nice cool breezes and Seth enjoyed watching the branches sway and dance back and forth, better than any plastic baby mobile.
I read a book this weekend, on the porch, and held Seth as I rocked. So cozy. I love the smell of Seth’s head, and I would sniff sniff and kiss as I turned the pages of my book.
Caleb is still very much Mama’s boy as well and is near my side quite often.
The older children spent a lot of time walking up and down the stream, in it of course. I need to get them some water shoes, I am afraid they will step on glass or something…however, they had a wonderful time. In this picture, Ethan is holding up a crawfish that he found. I was going to get a better picture of it but it pinched E and he put it back.
This was a weekend of firsts….I found the first violets growing outside (I always look for them because they are my birth flower). And, it was the first time we went out for ice cream down town.
The children always get cones with sprinkles, and so does their dad. I always get a strawberry sundae. It’s healthier. (ha ha)
Even Seth had a teeny taste of cream….the tip of his tongue went out and in, and he smiled.
I was tired and somewhat grumpy when we left for our ice cream trip. I had secretly thought about NOT going so I could go to bed and rest. However, when Rich told me yesterday morning that it was one of his favorite memories of the weekend, I was so glad I had gone along. It was just another one of those small sacrifices that are good for me to make as wife and mom. I really concentrated on GIVING during the weekend, especially giving to my husband, rather than thinking of ways he could give to me. The Lord is the only one who can change a heart from one of selfishness, to one of generosity. And I found, that the more I let God make my heart gentle and generous, the happier I became, and full of peace. It’s entirely an ATTITUDE thing…. I could give STUFF with a stinky attitude all day long, however, it’s the heart that counts, as always.
This became “my verse” this weekend: “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured unto you again.” Luke 6:38
And, this one. “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6
It was also the first time of the season that the children caught turtles.
We saw the first butterflies and first bumble bees, the nice fat black ones that buzz so loudly.
Seth slept through the night for the first time. It made me sad.
We saw the first toads.
Grace and her brothers all got pink and brown from the sun. They spent the majority of their time outside. I think they get such a healthy look to them during the spring and summer months.
I am really tired this morning but I must get busy. Seth is sleeping on my bed and I want to water the plants before the heat of the sun. It’s supposed to get close to 90 degrees here today. Rich took the children to the library last night so they are all busy reading their books.
Thanks for stopping by my site this morning. These weekend posts end up being quite long, don’t they?
If any of you have any chicken advice please let me know! Thanks.
Love, Shanda
Good to be Home 
Beautiful pictures. I love the one of you reading and holding Seth the best.
That sweet chubby baby of yours is adorable. And the simplicity of your one beautiful daughter is refreshing. Just love where you live too. Beautiful springtime. blessings~
Chickens!! Aaahh!! My friend the chicken farmer, I’m so happy for you. Your weekend sounds splendid although I was a little apprehensive to click over here given the small detail you gave on your last post I didn’t really want any highlights from your “hot weekend”. : ) I’m glad your weekend was great. It’s hard to believe you packed so much in just two days!
Grace is such a beautiful mix of you and your husband. I loved your post, dear friend. Blessings abundant to you and those you love.
Thanks for the great update! I’m so glad you were able to make the most of your weekend family time. I would recommend Lands End water shoes for the kids – I bought some for the girls last year and they have been very durable! They are even able to wear them this year since they run large in size. And not bad in price since they last so long.
We will have to talk again soon…love you!
I am so jealous of your warmer weather!!! I want so badly to go outside and start planting and watering and keeping windows open……..!!! A few couple of more weeks for us!
Congratulations on your new baby chicks! My parents have raised all sorts of chickens for the past 14 years. My mom would have lots of advice for you if you need or want it! Here’s her site. http://abidingonthevine.xanga.com/ I have my youngest daughter on my lap while reading your post, and she keeps asking me to go back to the first picture of Seth. She keeps giggling at it. He is so cute. Have a great Tuesday!
this post makes me want to get out with my family and just enjoy nature.. maybe the rain will hold off for a while 😉
God Bless
Kimberly
Chickens. I like the eggs but have a phobia about the chickens. The children love taking care of them and so far I haven’t had to actually touch one.
Good for you and your dreams.
Shanda, I LOVE reading your posts! I used xanga for a while, but now I’m over on blogger which I love! Your “realness” and openness are refreshing and inspiring. My hubby and I want a large family and your adventures are so wonderful! We just had our first baby. He’s 15 weeks today! He and Seth aren’t too far apart! The mother thing is amazingly wonderful, but it’s definitely a challenge to balance motherhood and wifehood and all the other hats we wear each day!! Anyway, just wanted to say hi! My blog is http://www.happyhousewifelivinglife.blogspot.com. I’m on facebook too, are you? Blessings!
I’m glad y’all had a great weekend!! =) That’s awesome that you’re going to have chickens soon- I’m so excited for you!! Last Saturday my family got some chickens too- and I wish they can stay little forever…they all are so cute! But now our chickens are growing and they’re getting feathers. =( But I don’t mind. Hope your week goes well!
yay! chickens sound GREAT! i love the looks of your property too…ver y inviting looking! have a lovely spring day!
I love the verses you shared… such a good reminder for my own heart. And I’m so glad you had such a good time together as a family. I know how life can look so much better and look much more manageable when everyone is in harmony… Wishing you another happy day of selfless giving. I think you do so well with that.
Your yard must be looking very pretty with all the new spring growth coming up. Rich really does love you…choosing chickens over a motorcycle. 🙂 Have fun and enjoy some good eating with all those eggs coming your way.
Sounds like a wonderful weekend! I don’t know a thing about chickens, being a city girl and all…
I read Abby’s comment above and agree with her – Grace is beautiful, but what is really refreshing is her innocent simplicity. Hopefully that will last for a long, long time!Your comment about feeling sad that Seth slept through the night made me laugh out loud and shake my head. If he was up through the night many more weeks and months, I think you would not be sad at all! LOL No, I understand what you meant – it is like a milestone that he is getting older and moving out of that precious NEW newborn stage. I am enjoying Lee’s current stage – he is so interactive, expressive, and FUN! When Terry returns home from work, he smells Lee’s head and says, “He smells sweaty, like a LITTLE BOY!” I loved reading about your weekend, and viewing pictures of your family and outings makes me look forward (even more) to having more children, should God bless us with them!
I have an aunt who knows a good bit about chickens. Her and her husband raise some. Would you like me to see if I can get you her email address? Just let me know.
So happy things went so well, and you had so many firsts this weekend. Thanks so much for sharing! God has blessed you with a good family. 🙂
With Love,
~*Akarui Mitsukai*~
I do love chickens, although I’ve never had them ~ still have fond memories of gathering eggs at our cousins’ when I was a girl.
Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend! I want to get out this weekend & plant my garden and do some herbs to. There’s nothing like fresh herbs and to have them in your yard to pick is even better:) I enjoyed reading your post, so inspiring. I need to work on serving my husband as well and not worring about me. Your kids are beautiful!
I loved this post it was so happy, full of great memories being together as a family. I can’t wait to get out there to see all your new garden additions and the chickens. I miss and love you all…have a great day!
Your life is so full of nature! All the new growth of spring, turtles, ponds, streams, crawfish, flowers, and now chickens! I know you all will have so much fun with those. I think the boys will “get into them” too, and you probably will appreciate their help. Are you building a coop? Mmmm the breeze through the pine trees sounds wonderful, and brings back so many memories of swinging under the pines. Beautiful pictures of all the family. Many favorites there…Seth under the trees, you in the rocker with the two little guys, Grace and her icecream, and in the stream. blessings, Jenny
I loved hearing about your weekend! You guys did so much. My grandparents had chickens for several years–I’m not sure what type they had. I have fond memories of looking in the chicken coop and finding the eggs. The eggs taste better too!
Sprinkles always make ice cream taste better. Although where I’m from in MA we call them “jimmies” .
Have a good one
I really loved hearing about your weekend and seeing your pictures. It makes me feel like I was there with y’all!I WANT CHICKENS! We buy our free roaming chicken eggs from a lady who buys them directly from a farm. They are so much better and different than store-bought eggs. The yellows are REALLY yellow (and packed with vitamins) and the yolks almost never break when you fry them. The shells are so tough and don’t break near as easily. I hope you enjoy your chickens to the fullest and I can’t wait to follow along with you through your blog. :)Seth is getting so big! I can’t get over how fast he is changing.
My kids have been DYING to come and visit you all, and now that you are going to have chickens, well, let’s just say that their desire has increased dramatically!! Love all the pictures. Seth is getting so big and cuddly. My kids really enjoyed the turtle pictures too. Glad that you had such a wonderful weekend! Let us know when Rich does get his motorcyle (wink, wink)!! Enjoy your hot day!
loved your “long” post:) and now I want some sprinkled ice cream!!!!Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!
I’m so glad you had such a lovely weekend! The chickens and the ice cream both made me smile!
All I’m going to attempt to plant this year is basil (and lots of them) in pots. I don’t want the responsibility of cherry tomatoes or anything else. We have a rotten backyard for growing things because it floods when it rains.If you’ll message me, I’ll send you my chicken books. I bought them from eBay when I thought we were moving to a large piece of property, but it didn’t work out. Now I’m VERY glad I don’t have that additional maintenance!!!
Enjoy the weather. We had close to 90 yesterday and this morning it was warm. That has given way to 60’s this afternoon…with pouring rain! Needless to say, that put a halt to the work on the dawdi haus.Tomorrow is another day.Glad for your sweet weekend! God is good! …and chickens?!?!?!? I have wanted to do chickens for awhile. Maybe after “the project” is completed, we can seriously consider it. Your flowers sound so far ahead than ours. I can hardly wait for the peonies! I have a bunch of white ones and one little plant of them with dark pink. I held my breath when our enthusiastic excavator started working. The little pink is still there.Whew! However, we did have to sacrifice half of my flower garden. We moved as many plants as we could….shrubs, etc. Not so many foxgloves this year.:( I have memories of Micky D’s with my kids. It was the only place we could afford to take all the littles when they were growing up. I can remember people looking at us like we had fifteen kids…and asking…”Are these ALL yours?” Oy..My guys loved coffee at Ethan’s age. Only one of the three regularly drinks coffee now.Better traipse.Enjoy the day.Every.Single.Minute.xo
Sounds like a lovely weekend! We just put up a chicken coop on Friday and are getting ready to get chickens ourselves. We all are excited! and now I want an egg mcmuffin lol
I love that you said that Seth slept through the night and it made you sad. Isn’t that the way it is? You want them to and then when they do things like this you feel less needed and a little sad. I can relate so well!
This was THE best post ever!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful weekend with us 😀
How awesome that you’re getting chickens…that will be so fun to read about. I’m glad to hear you had a lovely weekend, and the pictures were wonderful, as always.
oh how fun, chickens! We’ve been enjoying our little “farm”, well, most of the time….=) I picked up a bunch of piggy meat yesterday, and so far what we’ve had has been very good! I tried a recipe making bologna out of some unseasoned ground pork….we just ate some for an after school snack, and it seemed to be a hit……
What a nice post — with great pictures. My husband often talks about the bantam chickens he raised as a boy. We had chickens when I was young but all I remember is how much I disliked feeding them before I went to school!! It’s so wonderful that you encourage your children to read and have fun in God’s great outdoors.
Grace seems so old in that last picture. Sigh.
I found violets over the weekend too! As you know, they are very special to me. I wasn’t sure if we’d have any here as it’s our first summer in this house. I know the yard was torn up just a few years ago, so I didn’t know if it’d be all grass and nothing else. Well, there’s lots of “else” including violets! Praise the Lord!
Thank you for sharing your weekend. Oh..I don’t have the chicken bug, but my husband is starting to get it….
So many wonderful 1sts! THANK you for sharing this wonderful weekend with us.
I love those chicken eggs that are NOT white. The shades of green are neat and I love brown eggs:). iI am eager to hear about your adventure with the chickens. Your weekend sounds lovely.
I am so happy for you for the warmth of your weekend!!! the children look to have had such fun as well ~ what a Godsend to you all! Beautiful place and family and baby too 🙂 Hoping for a good week for you and yours ~ the creek/turtles/and such would go over well here w/ my crew as well :)blessingsalyssa
It is nice to stop by again and see all your family’s doings. What a great time you all have been having. If you have time, stop in and see pictures of my new grandson. He is delicious!
SHANDA! How exciting!! I can’t wait to see pictures of the chicks!! Very cool! I love your very long posts–they are never long enough!
I am totally new to this site and blogging but I love your page and your family is adorble!!!
Beautiful pictures. Your life looks so content and joyous! Blessings, Erin
I love the picture of you rocking in your chair with your little snuggle bug wrapped around you. It’s in these little moments that we find God’s true blessings. Chickens! Yay! I would love to get chickens too. We have a lot of bear, fox and other wild dogs around here, so I’d have to hire a shepherd. -or just build a good shed, I guess. :o) Can’t wait to see posts about your OTHER cute chicks. :o)LOVE, LOVE Seth’s grin!!!!!! Soooooooooooooooo cute! This blog is chuck-full of family moments. You’ll be glad some day. Even, now I like to go back and read. I forget too quickly all the little things that God has taught me and the funny stories about the children. That’s why I love blogging.
You already know how I feel about the chickens you lucky dog!
Seth with the ice cream is too cute! Your kids are all look way too old!!!! How did this happen!? The turtles are adorable, I bought Janet a pet turtle once but one caught in the “wild” is just so much better! So true about the trees being better than a mobile, your descritption made me want to lay down alongside him as well!
wonderfully fun filled post!the chickens sound like a great new adventure ~ i’ve had several friends that have raised them. have gotten spoiled on fresh eggs and pure grain fed chickens~ they taste so much better! but i’m not sure i could raise something, then kill it for meat. i get too attached. 🙂
Shots are never fun……my daughter needed one every month (ceniges) up to her 2rd year because she was preemie and it got to where we went into the doctors and she would start crying. Even that young, they know. It made me cry too. So here the doctor is wiping up two sets of tears! LOL
Seth is getting big! He has the cutest little smile.
I love the photo of Grace. She is such a beautiful girl. She looks very pretty in green. : )
Sounds like a wonderful weekend you had. I love when the flowers start coming to life as they bloom. I love color!
Hope you have another great weekend coming up here! Now that it’s rained in Ohio for the last 3 days, I’m looking forward to greener and more colorful plants/flowers/trees/grass!!