Over the last month, I’ve taken some pictures that I now want to put on my blog, family photo album style. A hodge podge of moments and days….
Like when I caught David and Caleb naked down in the muddy (very muddy) part of the stream. They were having the time of their little lives. Pure messy joy!
Sarah’s chickie outfit inspired me for a little photoshoot. Someone from Rich’s work gave us this outfit, which I think is so sweet with all the ruffles going on…and the pink chick.
Uh OH….can you guess what’s coming?
Seth found some paint and painted himself. I was annoyed until I realized that he matched my pretty flowers. Then I rolled my eyes, said oh well, found my camera, and took a picture.
One of those unplanned moments when I realized that “someone HAD to take a picture of this”!!
I love my clean babies and the way Sethie is touching Mama’s pretty necklace.
A very joyful moment for me. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with how happy I am with my children.
Another sister picture. The other day I took Grace and Sarah out to lunch at McDonalds (Grace and I are trying to collect the dolls from the Happy Meals.) It felt so good to be with my GIRLS (plural!). Anyway…..just look at the darlins. We were upstairs in Grace’s room on this day…..
Rich and I were going stir crazy in the house one rainy weekend. Took Seth and an umbrella out for a little walk:
Then, I went for a walk on a chilly morning with Seth and Davy.
I love this picture of David. He was hitting trees and branches every moment with the stick he carried. I was scared. (not for him, for me and Seth!)
Seth saw me take the picture of David so he ran right over and sat himself down, too. SO adorable!!! There was no doubt in his mind that his turn was next.
I did a little holy tree bark graffiti while I waited for David to be done smashing tree branches.
We found a seat for Seth. This was the last picture I took before his incident at the hospital. So glad now that THAT’s over with!
This was taken yesterday. I sat on the couch reading up on homeschooling and let the kids watch a veggietales movie (The Pirates who Don’t do Anything)….they made themselves cozy, not on the couch, but IN LAUNDRY BASKETS lined with pillows.
Incidently, I read in my homeschooling book that the inventor of the television wouldn’t let his own children watch it. Then I felt really guilty. oooooo, but not enough to turn off our goofy movie!
I had an adventure today. A milestone, sorta. Rich and I have been completely buzzing the boys’ hair right off here at home for years. Jacob and Ethan have decided that they want to style their hair now. They’ve been growing it out and it was looking pretty shaggy. There is a teen activity at church tonight and suddenly I knew I had to take them someplace to get their hair trimmed up. They were so cute at the salon as they explained just what they wanted and marched (some more timid than others) over to the chair to get it cut by a complete STRANGER. I sat and patted Sarah, buckled Seth into Sarah’s carseat to keep him in one spot, and watched over everyone with a sleepy smile on my face.
They cleaned up so handsome. I’m downright proud.
Jacob, (13 years)
Ethan, (12 years)
Caleb got his cut, too. (5 years old)
My sister Amanda and her husband are in charge of the teen group at our church. Amanda came over to visit this afternoon and then took Jacob and Ethan back home with her so they can just ride along with them to the activity (bowling!). I took this picture of Aunt Amanda, with Sarah. This was right before Amanda was attacked by all the other children who wanted to tell her stuff and show her stuff and of course she could NOT leave without going outside to see the chickens! I sent her home with a dozen eggs.
And that’s that. We’re all caught up. Feels good. 
Now say hello, tell me your favorite picture and what’s on your mind, and have a wonderful evening!
(hugs) ~Shanda (who is sleep deprived and feeling sort of silly at the moment, better than crying like I was this morning, right?!)
Good to be Home 
Hello, Shanda! My favorite picture is the one of Seth in the woods in front of the triangular rock. I love his expression and little brown sweater. I love the setting- so green and peaceful. And I love that he KNEW it was his turn for a picture. What’s on my mind? Well, I’m excited to see my mom tomorrow night! We will have a busy evening- packing for our various trips. Beth and Rachel are going out hunting with daddy tomorrow after school, and the 3 “littles” are going with me to Anchorage. Going to see mom/grandma, and go to the state fair! Thanks for catching us up!
I can only pic one? impossible!! Love muddy little boys, sisters, boys in the woods, ruffly babies, the whole crowd of kids…mine can and will break into those songs from veggie tales, new haircuts, and seeing Amanda holding her niece! Alright, the pics of Seth in the woods may be my favs! Off to shop for food for David’s BD! He wants Lasagna. He got a haircut yesterday…so I can see his eyes! I have got loads of pics to try and catch up with too. Glad to see you all. Hugs and love, Jenny
I think Seth in the sink is just perfect. I think he and Lucy would get into all sorts of trouble together. She keeps me on my toes!! I hate to wish my babies older, but I am ready for her to slow down a little bit and stop getting into the trash, fridge, cabinets, toilets, etc. 🙂
My favorite is the one of Seth in the woods in his little green pants. And the one of Grace and Sarah.
It’s a toss up between the paint and the mud for me! As much as I dislike messes… they just seem so cute covered in mess! And Sarah with the chick outfit and eggs all around her is just precious!!! All of them quietly watching tv is a nice one too. Interesting about the inventor not letting his children watch though. Off to look up if he gave a reason why.
Ah, Shanda, asking us to choose which picture we like best is sorta’ like when our kids ask us which one of them we like best. Can’t we just like them all??? I must say, though, that when it comes to professional looking photography the one of Seth on the tree stump would very likely take some sort of prize. Do you ever enter photography contests? You really should, you know!
Like everyone else, I love these all-your kids are adorable…I like the “God is abundantly good” one b/c He is indeed! I am hoping that this hurricane doesn’t cause havoc here in my state (RI). Have a great weekend!
Yes I too have to say I love all the photo’s you chose to post! But I must say I love the muddy little boys shot best simply because of the story behind it. Love how you take a OH NO moment into a beautiful Hallmark memory! LOL{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}} to you sleepy momma. Hope you get some rest tonight and are re-fueled for a new tomorrow!
Enjoyed all of your catching up. Love the umbrella picture. It is so gorgeous where you live! =)
I can’t choose just one. All of them are delightful.
I just think your litle sarah is too cute and squishy and I wat to hug her:) My kids liked th pic of Seth sitting on the tree trunk all by himself. Jonathan said “how did he get up there?” I very much enjoyed your random update and yes being silly is better than crying…trust me I would know:):)
All beautiful pictures. The one of the sisters is precious….little Sarah has the sweetest little cupid mouth, and Grace, who really looks nothing like her, obviously adores her baby sister. Your boys are clearly “all boy,” and that’s just how you want them! They are such good looking young men, from the oldest down to the youngest. What a wonderful family you have! And I do hope you get a good night’s rest tonight….the best thing a mama can have to help her through a busy day….and all yours are BUSY! 🙂
hi shanda…….i agree with everyone else. how can we only choose just one?! i love all the kids together, the writing on the tree, seth and the much bigger umbrella, chicks and eggs, muddy brothers….they’re all winners! i just love all the amazing photos you share with us.
and funny you’re reading that book. i just ordered a bunch of books from amazon (including the 2 bob schultz books you recommended) and received all but “educating the whole-hearted child” which was on backorder. but i just got an email yesterday saying it was shipped. yea! i’ll soon be reading it right along with you. and what’s on my mind? school! i’m feeling a little behind getting us all organized, as my kids and i all took turns getting sick last week. i know you can relate to that!!! it will all get done, though. it always does! and we’re looking forward to a nice labor day weekend with family and friends. now rest up, my friend.
My favorite is Seth on the stump…the boys look very handsome with their haircuts. Hope you had a lovely evening. ❤
Hi Shanda, thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures. I’ve been reading your blog everyday for a few months now, your posts touch my heart and encourages me spiritually. I’m in awe that you can find the time to blog with seven kids, but please keep it up! My fave pic is the one with the muddy boys.
Love all the pictures 🙂 The mud looks like fun!
Holy Tree Bark, Muddy boys, Sarah and Grace, and Amanda with Sarah—>in that order those are the pictures I really liked! I like them all of course but those take the cake! The boys look great with their hair cuts! How exciting 🙂 SO glad that things are getting back to “normal” at your place! I hope the sickies stay away!
I love them ALL! Sweet, nakie boys in the mud! Oh, my goodness! Seth and that HUGE umbrella! Wonderful! Your graffiti tree… good stuff! The sisters. So sweet. Sarah and the eggs. Beautiful. The guys and their new cuts. Handsome! Yep. I like them all!
So good to see all so bright again..hope you are finally too. All kidds, animals, ladies and dad…wow…and the forest will be getting so beautiful in a short while….don’t forget to rest a lot “in-betweens”so you can always enjoy as much as you do …and sent us “Gods abundantly goodness ” ….beautifully done..Lieve groetenGodeliva van Ariadone
I love the picture of Grace and Sarah! And all of them in the laundry baskets would be my second favorite – I love creating little “nests” to sit in to read or watch movies, and it always tickles me to see others do the same!Silly is always better than crying, that’s for certain!
My favorite is the one of David. He looks just like his Daddy there. You can see so much of both of you in your children! My second favorite is of the girls! I hope you got rest.
All your children are beautiful, but seth is a very handsome, cutie he just blends in with the woods love him on the stump grace and sarah are beauties. love the ruffle dress.do u think her a seth look alike ?
Hello Shanda! You have so many cute pictures, I cannot decide which I like best. The mud one is an awesome memory for you to have to remind the boys oneday how much fun they had together. The ones of Seth in the woods are priceless, but the big ‘ole umbrella one is also precious. Grace and Sarah are precious, and love the outfit Sarah has on. I also love the last picture with Sarah and your sister. It shows how chubby Sarah is getting…too precious! You have a great way of capturing your beautiful family. I have tried to start blogging here on xanga. Stop by sometime. Hope you all have a great day. ~ Deborah
You’re so sweet, Shanda! I’m grateful to God that the season of sickness has passed. All the pictures make me smile, but if I must choose a favorite … Little Seth with the umbrella and your tree art!! 🙂 We’re having company over tonight, so I’ve been busily preparing for that this morning. I already have the mexican lasagna all put together, ready to the pop in the oven. And the peach’s have been sliced for cobbler. Now it’s time to tackle some cleaning and laundry. That is after I finish drinking my pineapple banana smoothie. 🙂
ohhh i will have to look into that book you are reading, that definately looks like something that I would desire at a future teacher. i believe very strongly in homeschooling even though I’m going to be a certified teacher. i don’t think that one way is better then the other, and in most school systems with the limitations put on teachers i think that sometimes a better education is achieved by homeschooling mama’s of their children. keep up the great work!i love that the boys are swimming in the mud. what a glorious time..and the one of seth with the umbrella was phenomenal. glad to hear of your journeys lately with the family…also loved the pic of the girls 😉
Hi!!! I love the pictures of Seth in the woods! Thanks for the catch up. Love you , Lish
Two are my favorite-Seth with his umbrella (because I can picture Nathanael doing the same thing) and Sarah surrounded by eggs (because it is just too cute). The news here–we are trying to get our condo ready to seel (it goes on the market on September 9th). We are going to need lots more room with two boys on the way. 🙂 Love you, Shanda. Hopefully I’ll see you on Sunday.
What a wonderful post! I love hearing about all of your family outings and what the kids are up to!
Wow where to start on what picture is the best. You have so many good ones. I love the boys haircuts.
I love all the pictures! And I couldn’t HELP but notice the purple hymn book behind you in the picture of you and the clean babies. So Grace is working on her chords now! That is great! I always felt SO good when my students made it to that point, and that purple book was one of my favorites to use in my teaching.That book looks really interesting! Amazing to see sweaters in some of these pictures. Can you believe, after this HOT summer, that fall is finally just around the corner?!
Madison and I enjoyed looking at your pictures..priceless moments…
Hey Shanda! All your pictures are so adorable…how could I pick??? But, I’ll have to say the one of all the children watching their VeggieTale movie was a favorite!!! Your little Sarah looks so cuddly in the ruffly outfit….just makes you want to pick her up and spoil! Thank you for sharing! It’s such a day BRIGHTENER for me as I’m in my own little season of adjustment…..my youngest just moved into her own apartment last week….the time came so fast! She is getting married this November 20!!!!! Time has certainly marched on….Have a blessed day!
love these last two posts and the pics too. God is abundantly good indeed. ~ 🙂 adorable little lion and piggy
LOVE the umbrella shot!
Saying Hello, a little late… I am apparently behind on my blog reading… Xanga must not be sending me emails anymore!! There are too many pictures I love to pic just one!Sarah w/ eggs, Seth w/ umbrella, Seth in the woods, and in the tree… so precious!!Also love all the kids watching TV (it helps ease my guilt of letting my kids watch TV)Hope you are having a fantastic weekend!