Saturday was such a beautiful day. Rich was home with us, we were all together, and the weather was stunningly beautiful. Everything is green now, and the wind was blowing through the trees. (I love that sound.)
We had several things planned for Saturday. Jacob, Ethan, and Grace each had a dress rehearsal from 10-12:30 and then Grace had a piano recital at the same concert hall, at 3:00. I knew I could not do both, so I thought it would be nice to go out in the morning. Rich and I dropped the three older children off and then we drove around talking and listening to music. We found a library and stopped for a little while. I was thrilled to be able to find a bunch of books off the reading list that I carry around with me (Honey for a Child’s Heart). I got several for the little boys, and about 6 for the older ones to share back and forth, all lovely and good books.
Rich spent his library time looking up pizza places and so when I was done, we went out for a pizza lunch.
Rich took this picture while we were waiting for our pizza.
We read one of our library books as we waited, too. It was perfect for boys: THE BRAVEST KNIGHT, by Mercer Mayer.
Well, we ate our pizza and then went to pick up the children and go home.
Rich was able to go running and then he left again to take Grace to her piano recital.
These are the books I picked out for Grace. Have you read them? She said that she had already read The Hundred Dresses. I love picking out girly books for my daughter…the covers are even pretty.
While Grace was gone (and she did very well with her pieces. She played “Castle Days” and the “Amen Corner” by memory), I took a couple of pictures of the boys. It was such a beautiful day that I could not resist walking around with my camera. I’m at a point in my pregnancy when I am supposed to be resting as much as possible, but it felt so good to be outside enjoying the nice day.
This is the stream by our house. We were a little worried that Seth would fall off the rock, but he did just fine.
Jacob and I walked over to the chicken coop with Seth and found the chicken’s daily eggs and another chicken about to lay one.
Outside, Caleb started crying hysterically. I don’t know what to do with that boy—any injury is cause (in his opinion) to howl and cry like he’s being killed. He is like the boy who cried wolf. I am trying to convince him to save the loud crying for serious injury, but so far it has not sunk in. He is not tough. He cried like his leg was mangled and this is what we found, a very tiny cut with a smear of blood.
What was Davy doing during this time? Getting ready to jump into the pond for the second time that day. I made him strip his clothes off first, since he had already soaked one outfit earlier.
This picture says so much to me, and I am so thankful that the children get to grow up outdoors swallowing pond water.
David is a JOY.
I had to laugh later on, to find Seth like this. I wondered if I should tell him that his wardrobe was malfunctioning?
Rich doesn’t get to play in the sunshine very often so as soon as he and Grace got home, they went right outside to play PIG. Do you play PIG (I’ve heard some people call it HORSE)? It’s a great game to play at the basketball hoop (the hoop was just given to us by one of Rich’s coworkers who has older boys)……Rich and the older children have played a lot and I can’t wait until I can play, too, in a few months.
I sat in my chair and watched my family.
So that was Saturday. I had happy tears in my eyes several times that day, it was a gift of a day, perfect!
THEN ON SUNDAY…………………….
Rich took the children to Sunday School while I stayed home as tired as a dog and tried to take care of Seth.
They came home with just enough time to eat lunch before going back to the concert hall for their LAST CHORAL CONCERT OF THE SEASON. Rich tried to convince me to stay home because it was Seth’s nap time and I could rest….but after the whole school year of driving them to their singing group I felt that I just had to go. It’s so rewarding to see the final performance.
It was not rewarding this year.
My poor son Jacob silently suffered during the last few songs, he was starting to get hot and starting to see white. He decided to get through the very last song……and HE DID….but as we all clapped our final applause in the audience, to my horror, I saw Jacob sway,
AND FALL FLAT OFF THE VERY BACK OF THE RISERS. They had all moved back a riser for the last song, and he was on the very uppermost riser and over he went. I yelped, “Rich! Jacob! He fainted!” Rich jumped up and ran to the stage (we were sitting in very back of the auditorium with the little boys) and I followed behind.
I was so so upset. I got around the back of the bleachers and saw Jacob lying flat on his back, unconscious, and as pale as a ghost. I yelped again, and started crying “Jacob!” and the director put her arm around me and quickly tried to reassure me, “This happens a lot, I’ve seen it happen all the time, he’s going to be okay, he’ll be fine!” I couldn’t think or feel anything but shock and I got over to him and sat down, with Rich, and several other adults. Jacob quickly woke up, and was sweating and so pale, but trying to laugh and be brave. Someone asked him questions to make sure he knew where he was, how old he was, etc…and he answered everything fine. Someone else brought cold water and an ice pack.
Meanwhile the choir was dismissed, Grace came around to see Jacob, I was shaking like a leaf and on the verge of hysterics but keeping myself pulled together. Rich was fine, cool and calm, and was never overly concerned. I keep blaming my pregnancy hormones and over-tiredness for my reaction….honestly, Jacob was fine but it just hurt me as his mother to see him like that, you know? I felt so sorry for him and kept seeing him fall in my mind.
Davy said, “I didn’t see anyone fall! I just heard a BIG BOOM!”
People were so nice, I went back to the little boys and there was another mother there with them, and Ethan was there, too. Ethan was sober and quiet and didn’t know what to think.
We didn’t want to stay for cookies and punch…..we went home and Rich called the pediatrician. We were concerned about a possible head injury. Someone had reminded me of that woman who died after a head injury which did not help my fragile state of mind…..all I could think was that Jacob would all of a sudden get sick and start passing out again.
God is so merciful…he held Jacob in His hands as he fell, Jacob was fine all evening. He had a little headache but that was it. When I brought him a thermos of ice cold juice to the couch he said, “Thank you, Mama”……and when Ethan made him a sandwich he said, “Thank you, me lad.” And we all sat together and watched old episodes of “Gomer Pyle” for the next two hours.
Rich had to stay up and wake Jacob up in the night, to make sure he was okay. And later on, it was my turn to wake him up. He was fine both times and he is fine right now. They are all playing monopoly together downstairs as I write for therapy up here in the office. Seth is bothering them, and Caleb is watching “Little Bear”.
I had contractions ALL NIGHT LONG. I had another night like that (last Wednesday, for two hours in the night) but last night was hard for me because the contractions lasted from 6:30-9:30pm. I went to bed and fell asleep briefly and then woke back up at 1 with more contractions for several hours. False labor? I don’t know, I feel like any contraction is probably doing SOMETHING. I had the light on briefly, Rich kept waking up and asking me how I was doing. I had several painful ones, but all in all they did not steadily get more intense, they were just “there.” I finally fell asleep toward morning and when I got up I had a few more and now I am feeling settled again.
After hardly any sleep, I know I have to take it easy today but I also felt like I had to write everything out of my system….hopefully now that I’ve done so, my brain can rest somewhat.
I love my life, I love how God has us in His hands, I love my family……I’m so thankful for every day, even the crazy ones!
Good to be Home 
My oldest daughter fainted a few times growing up. The first time was the scariest, I almost had the paramedics there… but did not in the end. Glad he is okay!
Fainting actually does happen all the time in choir stuff. (I work with a choir department and my mom’s been a middle school choir directer for like 30 years). Kids lock their knees when they are nervous and the blood flow slows down. I’m kinda laughing at the little girl on the front with her feet turned out and knees together. The way the kids are standing kinda makes me think that maybe the director hasn’t beaten into their heads about how to stand in a choir performance? This could really help reduce instances of fainting. The rest of your day looks lovely 🙂
phewww.. glad Jacob is okay. Mothers are suppose to panic when something wrong bad happened to their child, it’s okay!
Oh, Shanda. You are such a mothering mother. If you didn’t hold each one of your kids so tightly in your heart, you would miss so very much, but you would also not suffer so much. I would hate it terribly if you missed the wondrous joy you feel in each and every accomplishment, but you certainly didn’t need all the drama at this stage of your pregnancy when things went a little wrong. I’m glad he’s okay. God did hold him as he fell, and now you have this all written down and can get on with “resting” (Ha!). It won’t be much longer, Darlin’ and that little one will be here. What a day that will be! Thinking of you today.
Oh dearest Shanda,it’s time like these I wish Jenny and I lived closer, we’d come over and take care of you today, fixing you tea and making you rest while we handled teaching and caring for the little ones…David would probably come too, he’s a great help.Thankfully we are as close as a prayer!Dear Father, please meet all of Shanda’s needs today. Help this sweet mommy, organize her day with time for rest, comfort and strengthen her, be with her now and with her precious family in Jesus’ name, Amen
I would have been freaking out if one of my little ones had fainted too and I am wondering if that is why you were having the contactionc–>b/c of all the “excitement” of the day…I love the tank top you are wearing in the shot of you watching your family play B-ball (which is so, so cool) the color looks great on you! Have a fabulous day, I hope you get lots of rest!
OK, now back to your pictures…I love libraries and children’s books. We have a large college from Brianna’s childhood and I look forward to reading them to her children, God willing, one day.It’s hard to believe baby Seth is wearing big boy clothes and looks so grown up, I’m still trying to get use to Caleb being a big boy! And Davy-do always makes me smile…he is joy.”Watching my family” is just perfect..a moment in time saved to look back on
I’m glad that Jacob is OK. Raising kids is certainly not a job for the fainthearted. The picture of David jumping in the pond is great. I also like the one of seth and his droopy diaper.
Oh, Shanda! I’m so thankful Jacob is ok. I totally understand your reaction. I would have yelped too! Please try to get rest and take it easy today. Other than Jacob’s fall/fainting spell, your weekend sounds just lovely. I love the picture of Davy jumping in the pond!
How scary to see your son fall! PTL he is okay. 🙂 I think any mother would be upset by it, hormones or not.I always love seeing your pictures. They remind me of Norman Rockwell paintings…especially the one of David jumping into the pond in his undies. The one of Grace…her posture, her outfit, her hair also remind me of NR. I always love seeing your pictures. They are all works of art and capture so much more than just a picture.Hoping your day is filled with peace and rest today. 🙂
Today I’m catching up on your blog after not visiting for awhile! We finished up some very busy weeks recently. Summer is starting to settle in now, and I’m thankful for lots more free time….I have soooo much to do before the baby comes! I am feeling more tired though (I’m 25 weeks), which is frustrating me because there is just so much to do. Did I tell you I’m having a boy???Anyway, I LOVE the picture of Davy jumping into the lake, and little Seth with his diaper malfunction! haha! You look adorable. And I can SO relate on the crying for every little scratch thing…my 4 year old does that…and she’ll ask for a bandaid for every little microscopic ouchie. I would have totally freaked out too if my child fainted like that and fell so far down! Pregnancy no doubt makes that feeling of panic even worse. So glad he’s ok!
Your little Seth is just darling! His wardrobe malfunction was too cute! 🙂 Love those heartwarming moments! Btw, hang in there, your almost there! Little Sarah is on her way! 🙂 She is going to be VERY loved! Can’t wait to see her. I love your blog and am inspired by your life and honesty. Keep up your great testimony! 🙂
I am so glad that he is doing fine! What excitement!Coco and I want you to tell us about your bracelet that you are wearing in the pizza picture, we both like it! We also love gee’s cute outift in the second picture, the skirt is darling especially paired with the ribbons in her hair!Please do rest, the contractions are telling your body…STOP!!! REST!!!!
I’m glad Jacob is ok. My kids listened with wide eyes as I read the part about the concert out loud! How fun to have a pond to swim in anytime you want to. Your property is so pretty! I hope your contractions turn into something soon! Even though I don’t personally know you, I’m so excited for your baby to come! =)
being so tall i was often in the back row of choirs…and it was difficult sometimes to make a good exit when i wasn’t feeling well. i’ve felt like fainting but haven’t done it. i can’t imagine seeing him fall over. my heart would have felt like it stopped. so glad to hear that he’s okay. I’m gald also that rich was able to get up with him in the night to make sure he didn’t have a concussion. such a wonderful saturday you guys had. our friday was like that here. absolutely beautiful!!! i couldn’t get enough of it.
What wonderful books you chose. I loved C is for Cupcake as a child. My favorite by Carolyn Haywood is Snowbound with Betsy. Has Grace read it? Every year until I graduated, beginning in 2nd grade,I would check it out of my school library right before Christmas break. My sister, God bless her, took it out and never returned it. Not something I recommend, but she gave it to me for my 30th birthday. I was in tears! She loved the book too and I was able to pick up a copy for her at our library sale. Thank you for that memory :)Praise God Jacob is all right. I think I would have fainted right along with him. Caleb sounds a lot like my Sean. Unfortunately it can lead me to ignore real issues. He complained his knee hurt for awhile, I’m enbarrassed to admit how long, before I took him to have it checked. Low and behold, he is in a brace for the second time in 3 months. We are having an MRI done tonight and will have the results Friday. I’m fervently praying it is nothing major. I will be praying about your contractions and that you can rest as much as you need. As anxious as we all are to meed your precious daughter, let’s have her stay put for just a few more weeks.Goodness, sorry to ramble on..Have a blessed day,Shanda!
I love the picture of your family playing together. Makes me smile. You look very beautiful in your chair! 🙂 So glad that Jacob is ok!!
Oh Shanda! How scary that was on Sunday. I am thankful that he is okay and hopefully back to his normal self today. I hope that the chance for some rest comes to you, although I know that isn’t always the case in with the kids about. I also know that “rest” comes in various forms though, and sometimes sitting on a blanket watching the kids play is just as restful as a nap. Then again, sometimes nothing but sleep will do. Huh? Confused? I blame it on my pregnancy hormones, lol.I do believe that the book you mentioned (about books for kids) will make it to my amazon wish list.
Looks like you had a busy weekend! I love the pictures outside. My kids play PIG to. Glad to hear Jacob is ok.
I was so relieved to see a post from you today. I had a feeling (a Holy Spirit feeling) as I prayed for you yesterday and woke up and prayed for you today. Isn’t that neat to know God is always there with you?!I think God balances us out in the reaction department. I have all the mommy feelings and would have yelped too. My husband would have been so calm. It actually sends a shooting pain up inside me when I see a child get hurt, doesn’t even have to be mine. So so glad Jacob is alright. I love how he and E call each other “melad”. Do rest as much as possible. I know those contractions are tiring even without the extra family goings on. I had a lot the last two weeks with David. I agree with Mary, wishing we could come love you all up!!Seth sure looks like “one of the boys” in that picture on the rock. The one with his diaper sagging is so funny and cute. I love the pictures you paint of the fun family time together. Yes, we used to play horse and such. My hubby loves basket ball. The boys liked to play games like that, but preferred soccer as a sport. You look so darling in your green tank top, and your photo from down there with all your family in it is great! Hugs to you! Jenny
Wow what an ending to a concert! Ended in a big bang, literally. So glad Jacob came out safe and sound. That must have been a scare though; wacky hormones or not! :)I am glad you had such a wonderful saturday with the family all together. Love the little jumping swimmer shot! So cute. {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}
Oh Shanda, how scary! I fainted a few times when I was a teenager; the first time it happened was at a girl’s retreat and it nearly gave my sister a heart attack. My mom was always calm about it, because she was anemic as a teen, and so she fainted a lot, too, and learned to just take it in stride. I can’t imagine watching your kid go down like that, though! I’m so glad Jacob’s okay now.On a happier note, your Saturday sounds lovely. That black&white shot of your boys is just priceless. Seth is such an adorable little man! I remember reading about his birth just a few months before my Gracie came along, and now he’s over a year, and she’s almost a year, and where did the time go?Like everyone else mentioned, do try to rest and relax, listen to what your body is telling you and don’t push yourself too hard!
You know that BOYS are on my mind these days, so I couldn’t help but admire all the pictures of your sons! In the first one, you look so pretty, flanked by your adorable little sons; in the second group picture of all the boys, Seth looks UNSPEAKABLY PRECIOUS, surrounded by his older brothers. Shanda, you make me hope for a whole household of boys! That picture of poor, poor Caleb with his knee injury is too much! I had to stifle a howl of my own (laughter – sorry Caleb)!We used to play PIG/HORSE too, when I was growing up! I just love that picture of Rich and all the kids around the basketball goal. So much like scenes from my childhood. Also, I think I recognize your cute red earrings – the ones Rich recently bought for you, right?I am so sorry to hear about Jacob. Poor big guy! Fainting is not uncommon in choral situations, as I am sure you know from your experience, but it must have been very traumatic to sit there and watch your own child fall backwards like that!!! I am glad he is okay. I once participated in an intense three-week music course that involved constant work from dawn to night, and included at least 2 hours (straight) of choir practice each afternoon. I remember times of feeling faint and totally depleted of energy. My position in the choir was on the back riser, like Jacob, and once I just discreetly stepped off and out of sight, and sat down to get my bearings behind the choir. One of the backstage assistants found me there and I remember being so embarrassed! I hope very much that, in these final days and weeks before Sarah Joy comes, that you will be able to get some good rest and sleep. That sure is easier said than done. I have just begun my third trimester and suddenly started having heartburn issues and difficulty sleeping again. The other night I awoke around 1 AM and could not get back to sleep until 5 AM, so exasperating when one is tired and wanting to sleep! But it means we are closer to the time of holding our new baby. I can’t wait for that!
I loved all of the family photos WITH Rich in them!With my medical background, I would have bolted (just like you) if my child had fainted on stage. I don’t think that is EVER something that a mother can get used to!BTW: What became of the 23 eggs you found under your porch?Praying for you through out each of my days. Aren’t you due in a couple of weeks?
Shanda, what an active weekend!! I am happy to hear that Jacob is fine. Yes, it is scary for us moms to see those things happen to our kids. God protected him! you continue to rest and relax… i am praying for you.
you are in my thoughts and prayers!!! I think you are due a couple of weeks after me, but it sounds like we are both feeling about the same… I havent had bed rest and some of that but i have had a long week of lots of contractions… it gets a bit exhausting after awhile… I am due on the 24th of this month. We are in the midst of getting ready to put our house on the market… packing, painting, craziness lots of craziness, and somewhere in all of this a baby???? Its our 8th and I am always amazed at how not one pregnancy has been the same… and we have all girls. Anyway, i will continue to pray for you and your little one… I look forward to hearing how all will go! :)Blessings!
Mercy, girl! You have been through it! Hope you can rest now and that things will settle down awhile before baby arrives. Take care ~
Wow, what a weekend. I would be quite alarmed too! Glad he was okay.I can so relate to the “false labor”, seemed with each one the more I had. Praying that things go well for you~
Wow! Lots of excitement and memories being made around there. It is never dull around a family with lots of precious children. Praying the Lord strengthen you and be with you, and that His peace cover your home today. ~ Deborah
I remember several choral concerts I was in where someone “took a dive” off the risers. It does get so HOT under the lights, and when you are a little nervous it doesn’t help. I never stood in the back, because I was always the shortest in my class and had to be in front. (UGH!) I am glad Jacob is OK, but I would have done exactly as you — pregnant or not — it has got to be horrid seeing your boy keel over like that! I hope you did spend Sunday resting and resting and resting! Maybe Sara Joy is the impatient type and will arrive a bit early! ~~ My oldest daughter was like Caleb is with boo boos. Goodness! I think she had more nerve endings than most people or something! Every scrape and bump was a major thing. Now she is all grown up and has been through child birth. I honestly wondered how she would handle that, but I had the joy of being with her the whole time, and she was a trooper! LOL!