Rich kissed me goodbye this morning and is off on a short overnight business trip. After he left I snoozed for another hour in bed. I’m up now and have fed the children their breakfast, but am feeling sleepy and slow, so after getting Davy ready for school, I put in a science dvd and am spending time here sipping coffee in the office, still in my robe and messy pony tail.
When I look outside the window, my eyes are delighted in all the bright and dark shades of green that have developed so vibrantly in the last week. The view from our front windows is one that I thank God for constantly. His creation is marvelous; the sky, the clouds, the trees, and all the wildlife. It is a softly rainy morning, and the air smells so clean and sweet.
This morning I am thankful for my friends, and remembering the good time I had yesterday with my friend Tammy. She was here yesterday afternoon to visit, and to help me with the children so that I could rest. This sweet sister in Christ sacrificed an afternoon to be a blessing to me and my children and I am so humbled and grateful.
She brought things for the children to make their own pizzas.
It was so fun. She bought small pizza crusts that were pre-made, and set out little bowls of hamburger, ham, pineapple, pepperoni, cheese, green peppers, and sauce. The table was busy, full with eight children, and it was very entertaining to listen to everyone laugh and talk all at once as they worked away on their own dinner.
At this moment, I have two funny little boys keeping me company. I have plans to do some reading with them and spending time with the older ones, doing some school work, too. I’m so thankful to be able to spend my days here at home, with my sweet children.
Books we are enjoying lately: The Little Critter books by Mercer Mayer. Caleb’s favorite one is titled, I was so Sick. My favorite is Just me in the Tub. My favorite line is, “If I forget a toy, I never bother Mom, I just go and get it.” (and he goes, all dripping wet, to another room for a toy—always makes me chuckle—.)
What I am reading lately: Sadly, nothing. I have started several books but haven’t gotten into them. I need a “too good to put down” book!
What I am making for dinner tonight: Chicken patties, and canned corn. (simple meal!)
What I would really like to do today if I can muster up enough energy: Go to the library (what better thing to do on a rainy day?)
What I am slowly working on organizing: Magazines! I have tons of back issues that I am going to get rid of.
What I am doing to prepare for baby: I washed up all my newborn things the other day. As I loaded the washer with sweet pink clothes, I was all of a sudden afraid, “What if she REALLY ISN’T A GIRL?!?!?” 
Needless to say, I’m keeping all the baby boy things, just in case.
Well, I suppose I should continue on with my day…..thanks for stopping by my blog today! I hope all of you have a great day~
Shanda
Good to be Home 
Yes,our God is an awesome creator! May is my favorite month with all the new life bursting forth.I’m also looking forward to a new grandbaby any day.May God bless your day!
I laughed at your sudden panic regarding baby clothes – Carl and I kept looking at each other and asking that same question, so many times throughout my last pregnancy. We would look at all this pink, ruffled stuff that we had, and shake our heads, saying “what if …” When Gracie came out, the first question we asked was “is it really a girl?”For a book that’s too good to put down, I recommend “North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell! In my opinion, Gaskell is an even better writer than Jane Austen. Or if you’re looking for something non-fiction, I find Jerry Bridges a riveting author. “Transforming Grace” is his classic, but when I read his more recent “Respectable Sins” I really couldn’t put it down! Ooh, also, if you happen to enjoy reading books on parenting, Carl and I both love “Parenting is Your Highest Calling: And Eight Other Myths That Trap Us in Worry and Guilt,” by Leslie Leyland Fields. Really long title, excellent book.I’ll stop now … in case you haven’t noticed already, once I start talking about books, I can continue for hours.The pizzas look great, and were very helpful for my barren brain for a supper idea! Homemade pizza it is tonight!
Shanda, I hope your coffee and computer time gave you a boost to get your through your morning. I agree on the many different shades of green. It’s amazing. Right now we have fully open darker leaves, newly opening pale ones…and everything in between. Plus a few red maples around and their contrast is lovely.
Individual pizzas! What a marvelous idea!I, too, have had problems finding a book that’s too good to put down.
How fun.. it is always fun with Tammy! I am jealous 😉 But happy for you! 🙂 Looks like a great time!I just started a book called Ashamed of the Gospel by John MacArthur last night. I only read the first chapter but learned much from it! Trying to get back to reading again too. I am sure you will find something soon to devour! If not it is ok… the end is in sight for baby to arrive and get ready for her arrival. Glad you can relax a bit.
i love the Little Critter books. i used to read them over and over!!! those ‘personal pizza’s are always a fun time..and super good for the kids to pic out what they want. hope you are doing well Shanda. praying for your health and Sarah’s as the days approach for her to be revealed to the world.
We make those pizzas alot in our house:) The kids love making their own. I just read that book Just me in the Tub to Matt’s preschool class. I had to keep saying but remember we ask Mom & Dad for help:) Hope you have a great day!
I love the individual pizza idea. Do I dare try that for Cousin’s Week this summer?
Coco would have only cheese on hers I am sure! LOL! Jeff would want every single topping offered!Your view is a gift, I imagine the Lord delights in you appreciating it!So nice of your friend to come and take care of you like that!
God’s creation never ceases to amaze and delight me- especially living here. It is so beautiful! We also enjoy Little Critter books. The little pizzas are a fun idea. We like to make homemade pizza, but usually just regular size ones. Take it easy and get some rest today. I will be praying for you as Rich is away. Love you!
Love, love, love this post! I can totally relate to feeling humbled by a friend giving up her afternoon to minister to my family. When I was pregnant with Timmy I was put on bedrest for the last 6 weeks. I was not allowed to get out of bed (or off the couch) except to shower or use the bathroom. It was a humbling time yet such a blessing to see the people who cared so much & came to minister to the kids & take care of me, do laundry, clean our home etc. I had a 1 & 2 year old in cloth diapers, so we had lots of laundry & it was so hard to just be still and let people help. I enjoyed the fellowship so much, though. I ended up having him 3 weeks early, so the bed rest didn’t last as long as we thought it would.Those pizzas look yummy. What a fun time for the children! Your friend is very creative.:) The description of your day today sounds wonderful & I love the picture of your kids at the top of your site. So adorable!Blessings to y ou, Shanda! Thanks for sharing your life with us.
The green leaves and view must be lovely! I am happy you are having a cozy morning. I laughed when I heard you had two funny little boys keeping you company. I can just imagine those two. Lord bless you today and tonight dear Shanda.
What a sweet friend you have in Tammy! I just love her idea of bringing pizza fixings – it was dinner, plus an activity for all the kids, “two birds in one shot!” I hope I can remember that and do it for a friend and her kids someday.I grew up on Mercer Mayer too! It brings a smile to my face, just thinking of those funny little illustrations. About the “favorite line” you referenced – oh how thoughtful of the little guy to not bother his mom! LOL!I have some magazine organization to do as well! Fortunately, most of it is pages I tore from magazines that I already threw out, but I didn’t keep up with the filing of the pages (three ring binder with clear sleeves is my system). Good luck with that!
Just finished Julia Child’s memoir. Loved it, I recommend! 🙂
I love the pizza idea…might have to steal that one!:)Have a wonderful day!!!!!!
Friends are such sweet blessings from God!!! We have made those pizzas too and it so fun and good! I made a trip to the library today, Cole just loves it.
I remember going to a birthday party as a kid where we made ind. pizza’s. I didn’t like pizza sauce so wanted mine plain. The mother kept saying you have to have it on the dough to make a pizza. I stood my ground and won! LOL
My kids love to make their own pizzas too! 🙂 It makes a mess, but they love it! :)So glad to hear you are doing better. ~hugs~Lanitha
I just found a book by Judith Viorst in Danish! It is Alexander’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Do you know it? I was tickled to find it in the second hand here in Denmark. My kids always enjoyed that book. I’m glad you have people who are blessing you and you are able to rest. Not much longer now til we welcome your LITTLE GIRL! LOL! I sure hope we have that right!
i bet Grace will love the canned corn…
I’m reading North and South right now as well. I noticed someone else mentioned it above. The Count of Monte Cristo is long, but you can’t put it down. It is SO good. I have been trying to convince Joanna to read it. 🙂 I hope you have a nice evening relaxing!
Right now I am reading lots of books about raising a puppy since we just got our new Lab pup and I am also reading books about raising chickens. My friend bought me some Polish hens and they are a riot. Have you ever seen what they look like? Google them for fun and a good laugh. I do not have the chickens here at home, they live with my friend. I don’t want my pup to learn to retrieve using them. I always wonder how your lab does with the chickens around him. Have a wonderful day.