Fishing season has begun at our family ponds. Ethan bought himself a pole with his birthday money and has been fishing every day. Rich and I had quite a few heartwarming moments this weekend, watching the children fish together, standing quietly, watching and waiting for the fish to bite.
Ethan wore gloves to remove the hooks at first. Now he just does it bare-handed. Even if big Jake catches one, Ethan is called upon to remove the hook. No one else is willing to touch the fish, which always get thrown back.
We admire the colorings of the fish, so pretty, don’t you think?
My Dad and Mom drove out to see us on Friday and stayed until Saturday morning. We enjoyed the time together, visiting and talking. My mom helped me organize my sewing things, and she also ran a stuffed animal “clinic”….every time she comes here the children get her to repair their stuffed animals. Dad played air hockey with the boys. Mom and I made homemade meatballs together, for a big spaghetti dinner. On Saturday morning, I served them some of my chicken eggs for the first time and when they left, I sent them home with 2 dozen.
We went for a walk in the woods, so that the children could show Grandma and Grandpa their fort.
Ethan was perched up on a fallen tree, watching Grandpa throw pinecones at Jacob, who was hitting them away with his *play* sword.
Grace took this picture. I’m wearing a maternity shirt that I found on the Target clearance rack, which I absolutely LOVE. I’m in the last trimester, so it takes a shirt like this to make me feel even remotely cute. It’s stretchy, slimming on the top and roomy on the bottom and the shirt is snug around the hips rather than ballooning out like a skirt. I also found the perfect maternity tank top to wear under it. It actually feels supportive around my belly.
Random comment: Seth runs up to me and wants me to pick him up all the time, but before I do, he looks up and notices my tummy under my shirt….which makes him grab my shirt and look under it! It’s the cutest thing. He likes to poke my tummy, and the children say, “I don’t want him to hurt baby Sarah!”
I took this next picture on Saturday morning, before they left. The sun was already very bright. We have had such beautiful weather this weekend.
Jacob is as tall as my Dad now, and taller than my Mom.
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I feel like my blog is not very interesting lately…bear with me as I get through a blogging slump. I feel like I’ve written everything and said everything I could possibly want to say. I also feel like I am losing my uniqueness, I read a variety of other blogs and because I do, it makes it hard for me to stay true and passionate to my own personal thoughts and interests. And a lot of my personal interests have already been blogged about a bazzillion times here!
I blog for myself, yet I know that a lot of friends read, which makes me feel like I need to blog for others, and then I get confused because I start to try pleasing my blog visitors, rather than just simply blog with no thought of quality or content, by simply reflecting what’s in my heart lately. I’m starting, also, to judge my blog entries based on the number of comments I get, which is so stupid, but very tempting, and if I get a lot of comments I feel happy like I did a good job, but if I don’t, I wonder if I should stop blogging because maybe people are not interested in yet another and another and another blog post about my life….then, I hit myself because “oh yeah, I’m not supposed to ‘care’ because I’m blogging for myself/journaling my life for my family and the number of comments should never matter.”
Then, I think, is blogging really a healthy thing for me to be doing in the first place? You see these *other* blogs, the “popular” ones, and you know that the person is basically working part-time at BLOGGING. What is the benefit to the woman’s heart and soul who is DOING THE BLOGGING? There are a lot of blessings in blog-land, but it can also lead to pride, which is something I want to flee from……and it can also lead to unhealthy comparisons. For instance, I read some blogs and then feel insecure because they seem “better” than me spiritually, as a mother, as a wife, etc…..and THIS IS VERY WRONG because God gave us each unique lives that NO ONE ELSE CAN POSSIBLY IMITATE.
So I wonder, is it right to share the more intimate thoughts and feelings? Should I just simply post the outward facts and save the intimate stuff for my book journals?
And when we read and write blogs, where are we? In a room in front of a computer! Do I really want to BE HERE? LOL
To my regular readers: I honestly do think of you all as REAL FRIENDS, real and true, even though most of us have never met each other. I have shared so many things here from my heart and you have always accepted me, with love, for who I am. I honestly do value your sincere notes and comments, very much….because I love my friends and not because I am trying to get a certain number of comments. Thank you thank you thank you for taking even the remotest interest in what is going on in my life, because if I really stop to think about it, it’s quite amazing really. I’m just a very ordinary woman….wife and mother….just living life and having fun blogging about it (having fun, that is, until I start questioning myself!)
Good to be Home 
Ohhh I always love to read your blog. Your family looks so sweet and I love your family time. I have no children so reading about yours is a blessing to me. {{{{{hugs}}}}}}
I love your blog and that you love your life and don’t get the sense that you are comparing to anyone…but I know what you mean and I too often reevaluate why I even blog in the first place. the biggest reasons are preserving memoriesandFUN!have a blessed day!
I personally love your blog. Don’t change your openness and honesty. I know I glean so much from your honesty and simple beauty. I get the whole blog slump. I am in 1 myself. :)Just know that you are helping so many women just by being you. And we all love you!
I believe each blogger has at some time run those exact same thoughts through the mind, and questioned our reason’s for blogging. I enjoy your site/blog a lot and noted the adorable cute header as well. Cheers to bloggers. 🙂 Have a wonderful week!!
i love your blog. i know that i have struggled every year as to who i am blogging for. i know sometimes i go on a hiatus to figure it out….but i could never give up xanga. my friends are here…those i love and who i know love me. but i know that its hard when you sometimes come across some of the blogs that seem phenomenally done and then you wonder if you are writing anything. no matter what you write i always love it. even if you just have pictures…its always awesome to have a bit of a sight into your household and your lovely kids.
I have you in my feed reader and LOVE reading your blog and yet I have never commented. Please don’t stop blogging!!! If you are looking for ideas for what to blog about, anything you could share on how your family does every day stuff would be very interesting to anyone who has at least 3 kids. I have four kids and lots of fertile years left and I cannot tell you what an encouragement it is to know that there are other *real* moms out there who have ups and downs and keep on keepin’ on with their large family. Your honesty and transparency about the down times and struggles have been a particular blessing. We have the Duggar family on TLC to make us go “Are they even REAL?” We need *real* examples of large Christian families. For example, when I arrive at church feeling like I just survived a major earthquake (getting four little ones ready for service), I would like to know that I’m not the only one that goes through that. Any tips you can give on just doing normal life stuff with a lot of kids would be wonderful. Share what works and what doesn’t. But only if you’re interested in blogging a bit for others, and there is nothing wrong with just doing it for yourself. And you don’t have to pick one or the other, either. Some days do it just for you, and other days if you feel like you have something to say that could encourage or help someone else, then go for it! I’ll be here!
Beth
I so enjoy your blog and reading about your life and your daily struggles. You help me so much when you share of your struggles and how you turn to HIM for comfort and help. That’s what I find so special about your blog. You share your innermost pain and feelings and how you turn to His Word for guidence. As a newbie Christian you cannot imagine how wonderful this is for me. I have no children and get a lot of joy following the adventures of your little ones. Keep on blogging friend!! :). Blessings, Jill
Hugs. Not to mention all the hormones floating around, right? I think in general, if your comments/site visits have dropped, I think people are adjusting to the change in weather and the change in household stuff as a result. Also, it seems the women of God are under more attack than usual lately.
I have never read a boring blog post here. I look forward to each and every one of them. 🙂
I thoroughly enjoy your blogs…and pictures! You are so creative, talented with many God given gifts, and I thank you for sharing them and making my day brighter!
I really enjoy reading your blog! Your words are an inspiration to many. And thanks for sharing about the maternity tank top! My daughter is due in July and was just saying how she is on the search for a comfortable tank top, I will let her know.Have a happy and blessed week!
I love that red Target shirt! I had one or two outfits like that in my pregnancy, I would have worn them every day if I could because they were both comfortable and did the seemingly impossible—made a pregnant lady feel like she looked good!I understand the concerns when it comes to blogging. Some bloggers I know turned off the option to comment on their blogs just to stop that from being a distraction (although I don’t know if xanga has that as an option … I do know blogspot does), others take some time off to regain focus, some try doing a blog series of sorts …I’m never sure if I should make my blog more of a serious spiritual place, where I always talk about something theological or philosophical, or if I should make it more of a “mom blog” where I focus on my kids and surviving day-to-day life as a stay-at-home mom … in the end, I figure I like best to read blogs that are (like yours) a combination of everything, where we really get to see the person blogging, and so that’s what I stick with. Being a SAHM, with no car and (currently) no church, blogs are my way of connecting with the rest of the world, of making and maintaining friendships with other people, and my place to go to remind myself I’m not alone!I will also just say that in both my pregnancies, I got to the point about 3/4 of the way through where I got disgusted with blogging, facebook, even email, and ended up cutting almost everything technological out of my life. Then, about two months after the baby, I found myself missing it again and needing that connection. I’m not sure why it worked out that way, but maybe this sudden disconnect you’re feeling with blogging is you mentally and emotionally drawing in, preparing for the days ahead when your entire focus will be on little Sarah Joy!
Oh Shanda, I love your blog. I find myself not having much computer time with all the household demands, but I do try to find time to read yours. I read yours because it is real, just a bit in your life. Here where I live, I feel so different than most of the women in our busy church. Our family is twice the size of the average family in our circle of friends. When I read what your blog it encourages me so many times. Stay true to who God has called you to be. Your are a light for Him! Reading your blog makes me wish you were my neighbor, and that we could sit and have coffee, watching the kids play, talking about the Lord. Praying this is a great week for your household!!! ~ Deborah
What your wrote, about blogging, I echo those sentiments almost to a “t” these last few weeks/months(?). Sometimes I expend a lot of time and energy into blogging but with the wrong motivation. Why must we feel we need to please others with it? Many of those part-time bloggers receive compensation from paid ads so it’s a source of a little extra income to them. I’m not doing this for income, but then I must think, WHY am I doing this? Everyday is the day I’m going to quit blogging and everyday is the day I realize how much joy I get from it. So, my friend, I’m with you on this one. If you can dig through what you’re feeling, share what you learn.
I enjoy reading your blogs (eventhough I don’t comment much). They make me feel all warm and fuzzy, that there are still nice wholesome families around. Peace.
I would be so sad if you would stop blogging. Some of my grandchildren look forward to your entries – so just keep being yourself.
Your everyday, ordinary life inspires me to be a better mother/wife. Just your thoughts on being there, being available and loving them in very simple ways(and sometimes not so simple–like those pies and brownies:)…….that is what you show alot of us how to be— a loving wife/mother. It helps me to know I don’t have to be spectacular/energy filled/ everyday day is a tremendous field trip (although your woods are a tremendous field trip:)– mom to be a loving/good mother.Thank you for taking the time to bless so many of us!I love the picture of your son fishing–it seems so peaceful.
Please dont stop blogging! I so much enjoy reading about the adventures of your sweet family. Alot of times I read what you have written and it was exactly what I needed to hear that day. Or the Lord uses what you have written to gently tell me something in my life needs some work. So Shanda, please keep doing what you do and keep writing about whatever it is that the Lord puts in your heart to share with us. -Cheryl
So you know, Yours is one of the few blogs that I read every day. Don’t judge based on comments! Many people (like me) who subscribe to you in their readers just don’t take the extra effort to click over to the site. I enjoy reading each one of your posts! -Karen
I always enjoy your posts — just keep being “you!”
You are such a breath of fresh air Shanda. I feel blessed to be a part of your families life through your blog. It is the sweetness of your life together, the beauty of where you live, your faith in our Lord…just keep doing what you do! You encourage me to live better. I often feel we have that chance to encourage one another here, even though miles apart. I never feel your blogs are boring! You look so darling in that red top. I love it. Nice to have something like that when pregnant, isn’t it? That first picture is perfect…a boy in jeans fishing! Glad you had your parents there this weekend! I knew they were coming and how much that would mean to you. Our Nick and Alicia are flying in Wed. night for a few days…so I am very excited to see them in a couple days!! love and hugs, Jenny
Well… I don’t know if this will be any encouragement or not, but your blog is absolutely my favorite. I have a lot of blogs that I love, but, yours is THE only one that I got to as soon as I see an update. You are so real, so honest, and so beautiful. Your are in INCREDIBLE example to be of a godly wife and mother. When you took a break around Christmas one year, and took “off” one summer, I think it was, I MISSED your blog, and kept wondering how you were doing and how big the kids were doing! When I switched over to a new xanga site, I had to come find yours again :)Oh, and I think your random comment was absolutely precious! Seth is so sweet, and I love to see the curiosity of little kids.
Don’t question yourself…I love your blog! Your family feels like old friends and I love hearing about what you are up to! I find your blog quite interesting, encouraging and real!
please dont stop blogging i look forward to your site every day my lifewould be so empty without you
I like your blogs, I enjoy your blogs…. from the simple ones to the Spiritual ones, to what you are doing ones, to whatever ones… Just keep doing what you are doing. I love to hear what is going on and see your pix. I love seeing your tummy grow and your kids… I just love you for who you are my dear friend! I miss you. I feel like I am still apart of your life b/c of your blog. Pride always creeps in b/c of our flesh and sinful nature and it is good to keep it in check just be humble about it and caste the rest of the doubtful thoughts away. all my love to you-B
It’s funny you would post about your blog not being interesting, because honestly yours keeps me coming back here to Xanga…yours is the one I look for first! I’m always in awe of how simply interesting your blogs are and wonder how I can be so too. My boys just finished dinner and ran outside and as I was sitting in the kitchen by myself I thought of your blog…it’s like reading a magazine I look forward to. Thanks for sharing your family…and don’t feel like you have to try so hard.
You are the only Mom blog I read anymore, because I felt like some of the others I was reading WERE starting to only write for their readers. I RSS and don’t click into your page or comment often, b/c that feels a little like stopping by the house of someone I don’t know — or at least someone who doesn’t know me. I feel like i know you pretty well by now. Anyway, the reason I keep reading is b/c you are a Mom who loves God and loves her family. You love life and creation… and you are humble, real, and creative. Many of the qualities I look for in my close friends. You have a perspective toward life and parenting that has inspired me to see my own children with a sense of deepened gratitude and joy. I hope you’ll keep blogging, but only if it isn’t taking away from your greater priorities!Thanks!Kristi
I enjoy reading your blog! (And listening to your music, and picking out songs I want.. in case you wonder why I am on your site for a long time today:) I just got home from work and am currently listening to Butterfly Waltz.. it’s beautiful.. and very relaxing music.
the thing that has always drawn me to your blog has been your honesty, Shanda~ you say what most others only THINK! 🙂 i like people like that. because i think at the core we’re all the same.. struggling with similar things – whether it’s balancing all the hats we wear as moms or being the helpmeet to our husbands we should be or yes, looking to blogging or ANYTHING to fill our cup where only Jesus can satisfy. but that happens to be one of my favorite things of all about blogging.. realizing i’m not alone. i’m pretty “normal” 😉 and that the Lord uses people {even ones we’ve never met} to encourage us on our journey and help point us to the well where Living Water is found!! another beautiful real life post, my dear~ why most of your readers keep comin back!! =)
Shanda, You are such a blessing to me. No matter if you are inspiring, down in the dumps, pregnant, sick, baking, sewing, walking through the woods…..all of it is a blessing~I too consider us “friends” even though we’ve never met. I’ll tell my husband or one of the children about your children and when they ask “who is that?” I tell them “it’s one of my bloggy friends” and you are Of course my husband will forever know you are the “chicken house lady” because of the post of when you got your chicken house. He took one look at it and said “her chicken house is nicer than our house” hee hee. We had a good laugh over that!”And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:7Many blessings to you sweet friend~ Cinnamon
Shanda…. I so much enjoy reading your blog. You just seem like a normal mother/wife that loves her family and the Lord. When I read your blog , I can tell it’s from your heart and that says a lot about a person. It just makes me smile.
It’s funny how sometimes when you talk about things,I know exactly how you feel and I am one child behind you.Not to mention I like keeping in touch with my family and watching it grow. (thats what I like most about your blog) Maybe I’ll get to meet Seth and Sarah soon?Caleb was Seths age when I last saw you,please keep up the blogging..i love your pictures in the woods too!(I was going to get chickens when you did,but i ended up with rabbits instead.I have a plan for a pair of ducklings this spring,possibly a goat,we’ll see if I can handle the ducks and rabbits with all the kids first!)
I wrote a long comment, it took me half an hour to write, and then my internet crashed and erased it. I was so dissapointed that I walked away and did not come back for hours. So now that I am back and you have more comments I see that others are saying just what I wanted to say and I feel better knowing that you are getting such great encouragement!Lots of love, keep on blogging we all love you!
shanda, i think i wrote this once before, but your blog is my very favorite!! there are a few blogs i read because they follow the same healthy lifestyle i do, one is of a personal friend of mine who lives out of state, and the other 8 or 9 are generally christian moms who homeschool and love to create and take care of their homes. all of these moms are a blessing to me, but yours stands out somehow. i think it’s because you are just being you and showing your life as it is. it’s comfortable and familiar, yet you are able to inspire through all those seemingly simple and ordinary things. i am mostly inspired when you are able to seek God to help you through something or take a step back and reflect. it’s a great reminder for me to do the same. i may never have met you, but i do consider you a friend. i hope you keep blogging, and i hope you never change how you do it.
Please don’t stop. I always enjoy your blog…. love your honesty and I love the way you embrace motherhood. You write about interesting things and I have learned a lot from you. Thanks for sharing your world with us.
I love the Target Clearance rack, ESPECIALLY for maternity clothes! I love the top, too. And Sethy is too cute! He’s not going to know what to do with baby Sarah!
I kinda know how you’re feeling…I was in a blogging slump for awhile, and then now I just haven’t made time to really write much lately. I think sometimes for me, I just have to take a break and realize blogging isn’t all there is to life 😛 Looks like y’all had a fun and happy Easter. From the pictures it looks like it was perfect weather and just as warm as it was down here in Texas
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Then even your blog will shine brighter. You have an awesome ministry to your growing family, helping to lead them in the truth. But you labor for more yet, with a ministry of grace and (yes) energy. Continue to love and enjoy the blessings of the simple joys of marriage, children and nature. We love and pray for you all. A lot! You’ll make a great, encouraging Grandma.
I understand your feelings toward blogging. I go through it as well. I just wanted to let you know that even though I don’t comment a lot I read your blog everytime you write. I love your writing and how eloquently you journal your life. You inspire with each post to be a better mother and a better Christian.
Love you!
what beth said:)
I have enjoyed seeing your wonderful family grow up…I am encouraged by your journey in your faith, and your journey as a wife and mother…I am loving seeing how your children change as the years go by…
I hope you will continue to share your thoughts, your life, your gift of photography with us. You are unique, and that is what I enjoy about you. Please don’t ever feel the pressure to be anyone else, or to try to please us. You are pleasing because you are YOU! I know it is easy to start analyzing things. I try not to notice how many comments I get, but I do! I try to tell myself that what I write is what I feel inspired to write, and I pray that I will just obey God, and let Him bring the people by who need to read. If only one person is uplifted and ministered to, it’s worth it, right? I think you are an inspiration to young moms. I know my daughter reads you, but I don’t think she comments. I look forward to coming to your page and seeing and hearing what you and your family are doing. Be blessed!
I check your blog first every morning to see if you written a new post. I love that your blog is not “professional” like so many of the others. Sure I like to see fancy photography and all that but what encourages me most in my day to day life as a wife and mother is another normal woman going through the ups and downs of life with her family. My favorite posts are when you just tell what you did that day, what you made for dinner, how you walked with the kids, etc… What sets your blog apart is that you are yourself on your blog- real and sincere. That is beautiful! Please keep blogging. 🙂 -Maria
I love checking your blog everyday for updates!It’s inspiring to me. So many great thoughts and life experiences.
Oh Shanda, if there was ever a time for me to stop commenting again, it must be now! I was shocked that you felt your blogging has not been interesting, because lately I have been enjoying your posts more than ever! From the cleaning of your refrigerator, to your efforts to put Scripture in each room of your home, your little field trip to Sturbridge, and your parents’ visit…every detail is absolutely delightful! I love the above comment by dmhalejr, especially what she mentioned about your blog not being “professional.” What she said sums up word for word how I feel about your blog, with just one more thing added – I know your life and walk with the Lord have increased my desire and love for Him, and your example challenges me to be a better follower of Christ, a better wife, a better mom, and a better friend (and better gardener, cook, and seamstress… ) every day. I love you!!!
*correction: I meant, if there was ever a time for me to START commenting…
I have to admit that i rarely comment but i read everything that you post. I love hearing about your family and the pictures you post are just beautiful. To be able to have a snapshot peak into your life has been a blessing to me. It’s so easy to try and write to receive comments. I try to look at blogging as if i am writting a letter. Maybe it’s a letter to a friend, or a family member, but usually i tell myself i’m writting a letter to my future self. It’s a letter i write now so that a year or so from now i’ll have that to help me remember. and letters don’t have to have a reply. =)
Yours is my must-read blog! You inspire and encourage me so many times Shanda.
When I moved to Blogger, I lost most of the comments I was getting. At first, I was irritated, but now I don’t expect it so much! More than anything, I wonder if people are reading what I write. But you’re so right, I do blog for me, but I do it for other people too. I really feel like it is an extension of my ministry here at home. I love to equip and encourage women, and I feel it is a great outlet for doing so. I love your blog, but I love you more. 🙂