R E A D I N G
As a homeschooling mom of seven, I revel in the bits of calm that come my way during the day.
My life may be busy but thankfully it’s not too busy to enjoy my BOOKS. I’ve always been a reader, it’s in my heart, mind, and soul. It’s in my blood. I MUST read and I love a good book.
In the last month I read Mark Twain’s autobiography, V1.
Then, I got Circle of Friends out of the library, and read that.
Then I read The Light on the Island. It was a book written by the daughter of a lighthouse keeper. She was one of 13 children. It was a quick read but very entertaining.
I read Once Upon an Island next. This one was written by a man who, along with his wife, bought an island. The book covers the first year or so after moving from the city to their island, and all the ups and downs they went through to get settled.
Now that I’m done with that one, I am reading We Took to the Woods. This one is funny and tells little stories of a woman’s adventures, living in rural Maine with her husband. She even gives birth to their firstborn son in their cabin, and her husband delivered the baby. She takes only about 1 page to explain the birth but I chuckled all through it. The chapter I am on is about lumberjacks and she just finished up writing about gathering ice from the lake. There is lots to learn in her book.
I have three more books waiting for me: Three Men in a Boat, to say nothing of the Dog, Not my Will, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
These books are first-reads for me, except To Kill a Mockingbird. But I read that one in H.S. and I can’t remember it. I decided on these books from book lists and from wandering around on amazon.com with Christmas money in my pocket.
Rich is currently reading President George W. Bush’s autobiography, Decision Point.
So, my current routine is this: Work like a crazy whirlwind all morning. Then, after lunch, I send the children away to their rooms. Seth goes down for his nap, and Caleb also naps. The others are under strict orders to be quiet and I go to my room with Sarah. I leave my door open a crack but turn a fan on for white noise. I settle down in bed, read my book, and nurse Sarah away to dreamland. Then, if I don’t fall asleep, I slip out of bed to make a cup of coffee and bring it back to bed with me and my book.
And my sleeping baby.
I recently learned something very important and let me just say, in case you don’t know by now:
CHOCOLATE and COFFEE go together like…..like they were made FOR each other.
Savor a piece of chocolate in your mouth until it melts away, then sip down some hot, creamy, slightly bitter coffee, and it’s simply wonderful. But you probably already knew that. I’m just a little slow sometimes.
Are you laughing at my box of chocolates? As you can see, I lose self control when it comes to the filled chocolates. I simply MUST know what’s inside right away. I’m sure some of you can relate?
S E W I N G
This is a picture of dear Sarah’s foot, warmly covered with her new softshoe, made by yours truly.
This is the fourth pair that I’ve made. And guess what? I used two of her baby things that she grew out of. A pair of pj’s and a tiny pair of pants.
I cut the material out yesterday, after hunting and hunting for my wonderful sharp shears without success. I was stressed out about it. I had to use the children’s dull school scissors, but don’t worry I did find my shears today. Of course, I did not need them today but I’m happy I found them.
The moral of the story is: Do not hide things from your children. Keep things in plain sight, or in obvious places, and just train your children to leave them alone.
Anyway, the shoes. I sewed them up just this morning. Aren’t they darling? They are completely lined with the same dark pink material that you see on the heel, so they’re nice and thick.
It’s been s n o w i n g and snowing, since the middle of the night. Rich was so excited about the storm that he couldn’t sleep. He made me stay up until almost 11:30 last night and then he got up very early this morning. I got up at 6 to find him in front of the weather channel, with Sarah awake and sitting next to him like a tiny bundle on the couch, and she was watching him type on his laptop. So cute.
I thought I’d share a few pictures of the exciting weather:
SNOW:
SNOW and WINDY GUSTS
AND MORE SNOW, all the way past Jake’s knees so far!
Hope you’re having a happy Wednesday!
Good to be Home 
We have been having snow too ~ just lovin’ it ~
Thanks for more great book suggestions!! And I am very jealous of the snow!! We just got ice! I almost killed myself “ice – sledding” with the boys! Thankfully little man decided not to get on the sled! Gina G.
It all sounds quite lovely. I’m so glad that you are able to have that little quiet time each day. 🙂 And the little shoes for baby Sarah are adorable, not as adorable as her though. 🙂
“To Say Nothing of the Dog” is one of my favorite books. It is a very enjoyable read, makes me wish I was reading it for the first time too 🙂 Sarah’s booties turned out darling!
What a perfectly lovely post Shanda. So good to have some quiet time…I am the same in that need. And had mine to plan and dream this AM as David is sick and sleeping in. You make me smile and smile over your chocolate tastes! I need a new book to read, as I Have already read my two Christmas gifts. I think I will peruse my book shelves!David wants to make a pair of those shoes so bad for our upcoming baby. We need to do that one day! Great idea to form them from clothing. WOW, look at all that snow. Stay cozy.
Oh, my word, it’s BLIZZARDING where you live!!!! Hope you continue to be excited about it–did you Rich have to go to work? Driving might be a bit tricky!I have to have a book at all times, too. I get panicky if I am near the end of a book and don’t have something to begin. Frantic! And sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever have to be where I cannot have books–like stranded on a desert island or in a plane crash in the mountain wilderness and can’t get out for days and days….how would I survive? Forget food–just give me a book!And I love variety, too…all kinds of good reads. I loved We Took to the Woods! And the sequel, too–can’t remember the name of it. Another set of books about living way back was written by Helen Hoover–really, really good. The Gift of the Deer would be a good one for you to read with your children, a chapter at a time. It’s very, very special. I have Mark Twain’s autobiography on my bedside table–second book down.To Kill a Mockingbird–probably my fav of all time. I have this book in my head about Harper Lee and why she didn’t write another book.This is more than a comment–sorry–I get carried asway about books.
That sweet sleeping baby is truly one of life’s greatest joys! Wish that we still had one that age Reading is such a treat, especially when you spend most of your day with kids.That’s some seriously beautiful snow! Looks like a great day to test out those adorable, warm slippers Wishing you a cozy, warm day!
wow! your snow storm makes our’s look teeniney. =) talking about chocolate and coffee, I just got done drinking a new favorite hot drink that I discovered recently. I take a coffee cup and fill it about half full with milk and add some chocolate chips(just dump a few in) and microwave that till it’s good and hot, then fill it up with coffee and add a little bit of sugar….mmmm. and funny about your good scissors. mine have been missing too for a couple months, even went and bought another pair, but was still slightly annoyed that I had lost them, and here a couple nights ago I found them in my crochet bag. what a nice surprise! =)
@AmericanJanet – So fun that you mentioned Helen Hoover…I read her book A Place in the Woods over Christmas week…but I couldn’t remember the title as I wrote this post and was too lazy to go get my copy from the car (where I finished it during our trip to NY). I love that her husband illustrated the book. He was quite the artist. After I read it I wanted to read other books about people who were living self reliantly and that’s how I chose a couple of the other books I’m reading. I didn’t think your comment was too long, it was too short. LOL (hugs) yes, and it’s still blizzarding outside. Oh and no, Rich didn’t have to go to work. Unfortunately for him, he still has a laptop and blackberry to use here at home. 😛
@jgzifamily – Sledding on ice can be very dangerous! Glad you’re okay. I’m working on a letter for you! @Shayna – Thank you Shayna!@inanorchard – That’s encouraging to hear! I’m sure I will love it. It said on the back that it was regarded as one of the funniest books written in the English language!
@ABAHM – Do you have the pattern? There is a free one on the web if you don’t have it I’ll send you a link! Hope David feels better soon. I wish he could play in this crazy snow we’re getting with my boys!
I always split my chocolates in half to see what is inside!!! I have a box of candy split in two. Yum, they look so good!Super cute slippers. =)I love quiet reading time. I used to be very diligent with quiet time, and for some reason we have gotten out of the routine of it.Sunday night Jeff reinforced it, and it has been wonderful. An hour of dead silence in the house, everyone with their nose in a book!Now…to get to the library. I want to read Once Upon an Island. Thanks for sharing the books with us.I am jealous of your snow. We were supposed to have a big storm, but it went south and we only ended up with 2 inches. =(We had lots and lots of snow before Christmas, but it has all melted away.It’s only January though, I’m sure we’ll be seeing more before winter is over.
@Byers7 – I know I’ll miss my baby when she grows out of this stage. I hope you’re having a great day!@chambray7 – Yes, this is a big snow storm this time. We’re really enjoying it, but I’m staying inside for now. Glad you found your scissors, too. Isn’t it funny how that happens? (well, not really, but you know)….. 🙂 Oh and thanks for the drink recipe. I’ll have to try it when our box of a gazzillion cocoa mix envelopes from Costco is gone. LOL
@purpleamethyst76 – David looked up various things on the web, but that was a while ago… if you want to send it to me that would be great!I wish he could too! I would join you for coffee and chocolate I have been wanting to go to the local mountains…we have snow. But between my knee and Bob being so extra busy with things with his parents estate, we will have to wait.
Shanda you’re a hoot! I just chuckled over your chocolates:) I do the same thing and my chocolate box is a mess! But hey….this insures that noone else will want any! More for me:)Its snowed here all night too and we just came inside after our snowman and sled ride and walk. Bread is now baking in the oven…….stop by my blog later for the pics and stories of our snow day! (I will upload them tonight)So the question is….did Rich go to work? oh and your routine sounds lovely!!!see you later friend….
Wow! That’s a lot of snow!! When we get 3 inches it seems like a lot but yours puts ours into perspective. Great book choices, they all look like something I’d pick off the shelf. And your afternoon with coffee, chocolate, books, and warm baby sounds absolutely DIVINE!!
Do you remember all the fun we used to have in the snow? I loved the big snow mounds that my dad would create when he cleared the driveways with the tractor. And the snow tunnels we used to make…both in the snow mounds and the really deep snow after the sun had melted the top layer and then it refroze. We would make a whole and then try and keep the top crust intact and “tunnel” as far as we could without breaking the crust. The sledding in the pastures and fields. The wonder of the frozen creeks with all the paterns in the ice. These are all the great memories I have…plus I was thinking today of when my mom would have us wear bread wrappers over our socks to keep our feet from getting wet and cold. The weird memories that I have…but I’m glad I got to create them with me.
Oh Shanda, I loved all the cozyness of this post! I think I’ll have to order that book We Took To The Woods as we may be delivering out own little rascal here. Plus it sounds funny I ordered my husband George Bush’s book and sent it to him in Afghanistan.
I liked some of your other books too. I think I’ll order the lighthouse one. That sounds like a good read to for the kids.
Those little shoes you make Sarah and that you made Seth are soooo cute. I wish I could make them. I know you’re saying they’re easy but I’m not sure I’m up for any sewing right now….. 25 days left to go till baby #10 comes.
Thank you for the reviews and little glimpses into your sweet days~
~Cinnamon
I love to read too!! (my husband doesn’t quite get it =) How do you choose the books you read? Is there a method to the madness?I LOOOOve those little shoes. They look warm and snuggly. I love the fact that you “recycled” old clothing for this. Oh, the chocolate and coffee thing…yes, I’ve discovered it already =).
@colleena146 – Absolutely I remember all those wonderful things. The most vivid today is the memories I have of walking along the crick during the winter. With the beautiful ice, and the water still moving underneath, and the nooks and crannies along the edges that looked like fairy homes, it really did seem magical. I always think of you when I walk along the crick. Also…funny you mention the bags on the feet, I had to have Grace do that today. It’s a great trick for wet boots! Love you.
I ADORE Not my Will. Have read it over and over through the years. Have a blessed day!
Dear Sweet Shanda, I just read your comment. It made me cry. Yes those pregnancy hormones are flowing The kindness of fellow bloggers just overwhelms me at times.
Yes Cinnamon is my real name. I forget how different my name sounds as I’ve kind of gotten use to it over the years. Of course when I was younger I would have changed my name to Mary in a heartbeat!
No we do not know what baby #10 is. My husband thinks BOY but of course we won’t know till that special day, Feb 6th.
You are welcome to email me and I can give you our address. I am not sure if it shows up on this post or not but it’s on the sidebar of our blog.
You have made me both cry and smile today! hugs~ Cinnamon
p.s I ordered some of the books you suggested. Thank you! I cannot wait to get them.
I think Not My Will is the only one of your books that I’ve read and I actually can’t remember what it’s about. I would have to jar my memory. I totally crave quiet time in the afternoon! Lately I’ve been just reading my Bible though. But I was reading Lynn Austin’s series Gods and Kings. It’s really good! Love your chocolates. My mother in law pokes all of hers to see what’s inside. 🙂 The baby shoes are adorable! They look so cute and comfy too. And, that’s a LOT of snow. I have my house all opened up today because it’s quite pleasantly warm and sunny. But I do enjoy LOOKING at your snow. ; )
hi shanda…….i’m so glad you have a chance to carve out some reading time for yourself. i try to as well. is your husband liking george bush’s book? i have that one on hold at our library so we should get it soon. i read laura bush’s book last fall (i think it’s called “from the heart”?) and i loved it. if you’re interested, get the cd’s of the book. laura does the reading herself and it’s such a treat listening to her charming texas accent!! she is such a lovely, caring, down-to-earth lady.
and those softshoes for sarah – LOVE them!
and the snow – very pretty! i live in wisconsin, so we certainly have our share of snow here, too, although we had a thaw in late december that melted everything and now we have maybe 2 inches here right now. not good for letting my boys sled, but it’s still cold enough for ice skating on the lake at least!
@JsSteph7 – Thanks for the book recommendation! I’ve been reading my Bible, too, my “read the Bible through in a year Bible”. Your warm sunny weather sounds nice….
@srheam – I chose my books through recommendations from friends and family. I also love book lists from the internet or “Honey for a Woman’s Heart”.
@connie – I’ll have to try Mrs. Bush’s book, I hadn’t realized that she also wrote one. I would love to read it or listen to it. Yes, Rich is really enjoying the book…he supposedly has the same brain type as him (have you ever done those brain type tests? R had to do one for work). Anyway, he loves reading it b/c President Bush has such great leadership qualities and R admires that a lot. Thanks for stopping by, Connie!
Great job on the little booties 🙂 Very cute!! And they look so warm.
I love that you find ways to tuck little bits of quite time into your crazy busy day… you always have little lessons like these in your posts, many of which I now carry in my own heart! I know that they will make a big impact down the road when I am a mommy someday.
@purpleamethyst76 – I’m actually working on getting thru my Bible in 90 days, which is why I’m still reading it in the afternoon and not just the morning. It’s a lot of reading, but it’s good for me. I’m seeing things differently already. Hopefully I can get the hang of it and still be able to do recreational reading too. : ) You amaze me with all the things you accomplish with 7 kids. I’m sure you hear it all the time, but I mean it in a good way. ; )
Hey Shanda!Nice post!We got plastered with the white stuff, too!!!So c-c-c-cold…BrrrrrHow funny…the scissors thing. I could not locate my scissors when I was ready to cut my little baby shoes. (Could not blame the kids) Looked everywhere and finally located them in one of the many bags with Christmas project materials. Yay!Made two more pair. Instant gratification, you know?:)I was talking to an old friend this morning and she said I absolutely HAVE to read Laura Bush’s book. Calling the library to reserve it. I really want to read President Bush’s book, too. I also have a thing for the Amish books by Beverly Lewis. Quick reads.(I think it is due to living close to our local Amish community. I do my shopping for staples like spices and such at an Amish store in the basement of one of the homes. Fabrics, too.)Stay warm and cozy…Drink an extra cuppa & think of me.D ox
I LOVE reading too but I have SUCH a hard time putting a good book down so I won’t start a book unless I have PLENTY of free time, which is never 🙂 LOL How exciting to be snowed in!
That must be so fun to have just an hr or two just to chill and recharge in the afternoon. I remember growing up my mom did that too, but she’d usually end up cleaning up the house instead of chilling.
What a wonderful white and blustery day! I’ll admit I wish we had some snow where we are in CA. My grandparents live in MA and they got a hammered with snow too. You’ll have to make snow ice cream. When I was growing up my mom always made special sugar donuts every time it snowed. I’m so glad you post your book rec.’s…I just ordered We Took to the Woods. I’m always on the lookout for good books.
our snow disappeared here in Germany…much to the despair of my German Shepherd…she LOVES the snow…loves to run and jump into it…
I kept hovering by the windows yesterday, gleefully watching the snow pour down. I said that if we could just ignore the houses, road, and telephone poles, it would look just like a Jan Brett illustration! Both Carl and I love this kind of weather – we like our winters to feel like winters. Our Joy seems to love it, too, but Gracie screams if she comes within a foot of the white stuff! Crazy kid.I remember seeing We Took To The Woods on my mother’s bookshelf when I was younger, and thinking it looked incredibly boring. Of course, at the time I also thought the Miss Read books were dull, and now I can’t get enough of them, so I think my taste in books has probably matured. Which is to say, I might have to borrow that one from my mom the next time I’m home!
I am going to have to make a book list for this year, I think. My pastor mentioned that something like 90% of college graduates never read a book after they graduate. May be I’m thankful I have yet to finish college because I so love to read! I am working on 2 books now, Becoming a Woman of Simplicity for my Sunday School class and an Elizabeth George study on 1 Timothy for bible study. Sarah’s booties are so cute! Way to go mommy!! I have misplaced my sewing scissors. They are super sharp but have a spring in them that I’m not thrilled with. They do certainly make cutting much easier though and one day, like you mentioned wneh they are the last thing I need, they will certainly turn up.We got about 6 inches of snow. The storm sure took off once it left NJ. School was cancelled which, of course, thrilled my children. I worked on my cross stitching, a very relaxing pursuit, I must admit ~smile~.Enjoy all the snow!!
That is some serious snow. I hope Rich gets to work from home!
Oh I’m so happy to read what you’re reading!! I am a big lover of books too, often on my blog I’ll write about what I’m reading – or what is stacked in the kitchen, family room, office, computer room, bedroom . . etc. Ha ha. WOW that’s some snow!!! How fun for the kids!
I forgot to say that I also lost my shears – so I loaded up 6 of the kids and went to Hancock Fabrics to buy a new pair. Guess what I found this morning? Yep ☺ my shears! Oh well, now I have 2 pair!
Wow you guys have gotten alot of snow. Our 6+ inches are nothing on you guys:)
Hi Shanda—I tried to get Katie to read Not My Will over Christmas because I found my old copy at my parents’ house. I read and reread that one through the years. I think I need to get her a newer looking copy like yours. I am also very grateful for all the book ideas—I will be putting several on my Kindle! As for chocolate and coffee, I always have a bag of Lindor chocolate stashed in a hidden place for an afternoon treat.
I have been wanting to get to my list of books I read this past year, it was fun to read what you have been reading! I thought it was the kids who bit the chocolate! LOL!!! What about the gold wrapper, you are not curious what treasure is hiding there?! 🙂 So interesting to hear when you read, I almost never read in the afternoon, it is early in the morning and just before I fall asleep at night, and sometimes while I am eating breakfast, for me!Love the booties, I remember when you made that very first pair!You got more snow than we did, Jeff went out with a ruler and measured seven inches which is not really that much, but enough to keep them outside most of the afternoon sledding and getting their cheeks all chapped!
I’ve been gone a week and am just now catching up . . . 1) If you take a hot chocolate mix (we use “Swiss Miss”) and mix it with coffee (instead of using water) it’s decadently rich, but also very fattening. D.E.licious!2) Thanks for taking time to list your books. You are one of my “sources” for finding reading material. We have similar taste in books! ;)3) Your snowfall is just beautiful. We are still waiting for our first “real” snow. So, do your children have to “walk to school in the snow (all up hill)???” LOL!