The sun is shining today and what I see through my windows is so pretty. Everything is coated with a crystal clear casing of ice. The trees are glimmering as they sway gently in the wind. There is enough warmth, now, to make things drip a little, but this morning when I went out it was hard and cold. So much so, that I could hear everything sharply and easily, as the many sounds bounced off hard surfaces. The sounds were strange, too. Once, I looked up searching, and saw the ice-covered leaves softly hitting into each other. I heard a bird peeping in a pine tree and I studied it until I recognized a cardinal hopping from branch to branch, coming back to life as the sun came up. I heard sounds like little animals scurrying about, but I did not see any.
I am taking deep breaths as I sit here.
My life is full.
As I perform one motherly duty, there are 4, 5, or 6 others developing around me at the same time.
I walk away from feeding Sarah her carrots, because someone needs me, and when I get back to her I find Seth feeding her.
I have 5 children working on school papers at once.
Hungry and thirsty.
A dog who steals food from the kitchen and tries to run out the door every time it opens.
A husband to care for, who needs me.
A toddler who sits on his sister any chance he gets, even though he loves her so much.
Loves her so much that he goes off to find her if she’s tucked away somewhere, napping. “Baby! Baby!” he says, as she wakes up too early from her nap. (again).
Little boys who need training.
Bigger boys and a bigger girl, who need a listening ear, and motherly council.
And my own self to take care of; spiritually thirsty, hungry, and not feeling very bright or attractive.
I’m tired.
So I’m taking a little break from blogging and internet.
I know I don’t even have to say a word. I could slip away and slip back, and my friends would still be here.
Friends need no explanations, because we love each other no matter what.
But I just wanted to let you know.
I’m praying for everyone—
and I need lots of God’s mercy and grace and strength, too.
Sarah Joy looked so bright and cheerful this morning as she played.
I put her baby-doll up like that so she would try to reach her.
But then she noticed Ethan coming downstairs and started to smile big, for him.
Then she saw me sitting on the floor, and starting crawling.
Later on, I was helping Caleb with his numbers worksheet and in came Grace, with her baby sister.
“Mom! She needs you!”
So Caleb’s paper still remains, only half done.
But I got to visit a little with my girls, and I got a few snapshots.
And Seth has kicked lil’ Sarah one too many times just now….so I really must be flying.
My babies need me.
See you soon, dear ones!
Good to be Home 
Sun – oh yea – wish it were out around here. -love the pictures.
((hugs)) You are such a wonderful, and I mean wonderful mommy and wife!!! I know you are bone tired, how could you not be? Take all the time you need to rest, refresh, and we will all be waiting for your return when you are ready!
As a former northerner, now living in the south, I really do miss the beauty of snow and ice! However, as age creeps on I am happy to live without the dangers they present and accept the dreary rainy days – which we have had plenty of lately!Your little Sarah is growing much too fast, but I love when you capture her expressions of delight! We’ll miss you but enjoy your time away from blogging for a while and revel in the delight your children bring.Blessings!
Bless you Shanda. I will be praying for God to give you rest,renewal, and grace in the midst of all your lovies. It is always a delight to see your children’s happy faces and hear all the doings around there, but come back when you are able. So sweet to see Sarah’s cute face breaking into smile. The ice pictures are beautiful, as were your descriptions of what it was like. Praying for Rich today, both health and work. Hugs to you all, Jenny
Silver and gold, just out your window for you to behold…but oh the treasures inside the Lord has blessed you with.May the Lord be you strength and grant you the wisdom you need,but most of all dear Shanda, trust in HIS abiding love for you.
I will miss you here on Xanga but I understand. Hope you can get some good R and R.Blessings to you and your family{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}
I will miss you Shanda but I understand 🙂 It’s great that you recognize when you need to step away! See you soon!
I completely understand…And will be praying for you as you take a break. That you will find rest, peace, contentment, spiritual refreshment and precious times with loved ones…I have been going through my own battle lately….I understand as I too am weary. But all of us moms understand!!! Like I said will be praying for you as the Lord places you on my mind and will look forward to “seeing you” when you come back. Love and prayers and a hug too, Erin
That first picture is just gorgeous! Hope you get the R&R that you need. I can understand the feelings you have and can only imagine that what I have felt must be magnified by like 10. 🙂 I’ll be praying for you!!
I’ll give you some {{HUGS}} too!I won’t pray for life to calm down, because it won’t! I’ll pray you get the rest and renewal that only God can give us busy Moms to deal with the busy lives we have! =)What a little sweetie you have there, she is just so, so Cute!!!Enjoyed seeing your ice pictures, very pretty.See you around soon. =)
Oh, I’ve been there too! Blessings to you. This season of life will pass oh too quickly.
Your family has been apart of our geography lesson. We read your blog together. I so much want my daughters to be great mamas and love thier children. Your example inspires us! We look at your pictures and all the love you share, then we get out a map and look up your state. After that we talk about the snow and the climate, which we do not have here in the desert….needless to say..you will be missed.May the Lord give you His rest and peace…we will be praying for Him to revive you every minute of your day.
I pray you enjoy some rest. I am glad you spoke because we will not worry (much) as opposed to sudden silence which would concern your friends greatly. Be blessed Shanda.
I came upon your blog 2 weeks ago. . . . .lovely, blessed, beautiful family. Thanks for sharing your heart for God, husband and children. I have been encouraged and this southern gal has loved the glimpse of northern life. Beautiful pictures of God’s winter wonder land! REST and enjoy this season of life. God’s continued blessings. . . . . . . . .
I will miss you so much – but understand. Love and blessings.
I pray that God will refresh you and strengthen you.
Blessings to you Shanda as you step back for a time. You will be missed…you have the gift of encouragement!! What a blessing and testimony you and your family are! Keep shining for Jesus and rest under the shadow of HIS wings as He continues to give you all the grace and strength you need for each day.
Dear Shanda. You will be missed but we all understand. I feel like what you describe….often. God bless you and fill your every need!
Dear Shanda……A Huge piece of Sunshine will disappear from my life whilst you are gone…..Everyday your blog gives me enormous joy…..thanks so much for every blog….the music attached….and sharing your wonderful life…..I get exhausted reading about what you do in a day and I so wish and Pray that you come back soon when you feel rested and more able to cope…..You are a blessing to everyone that comes across you……Take your time and I will look in from to time to see if my bit of Sunshine has returned…..Blessings to you all……Thank You…….Brenda
yes.. you do need a nice break.. i am here for you and we all are here for you.. love you Shanda!
I love the pictures of the two sisters. You will be missed.
I too will miss your posts and pictures but understand your need for a break — blessings to you and your lovely family!
May you get the rest you desire…you will be missed for a season…but I look forward to your return when you are ready. Love and miss you lots!
hi shanda…….you are a beautiful inspiration to me, always reminding me to live in the moment with my children, make my house a home, and enjoy God’s wonderment all around us. thank you for that. oh dear, i miss you already!!
I’ll miss your blog while you’re taking a break, my faraway friend, but I totally understand. May our good Father bless you and refresh your spirit and give you renewed energy and joy!
{{{hugs}}} You are so wise to listen to the Holy Spirit guide you back to your family. You are so right they do need you more so than any one here. Although I will miss you Your pictures are beautiful. Trees are clinking here too with layers of ice and snow abounds. Such a pretty sight to take in.The children looks wonderful. Such happy smiles.{{{hugs}}} sweet friend~ Cinnamon
Oh, I will miss you and reading about your adventures. You have encouraged me so much, I am truly grateful to know you. I love Sarah’s little chubby cheeks, she is getting so big.Like you said, your friends will be waiting here and look forward to seeing more of you and your beautiful family. You are so blessed! Praying for you.
Everyone, even the busiest of mommies (especially them!), needs a vacation now and then! And if you can’t take a literal one, I hope you find the way to a spiritual, emotional and mental one. And I hope it turns out to be just what you need, whatever that is. You have such a following–it probably begins to feel like a bit of a weight on your shoulders, as you imagine all these readers just waiting to hear about your latest adventures in mothering. Well, let us pull back a bit and give you room to breathe!!!! 🙂
Oh my goodness! LOVE the pics of outdoors. God’s creation is beautiful 🙂 thanks for sharing pictures with us! We’ll miss you. I’ll be praying for you and your family!! Sarah Joy looks cute as always 🙂
love you Shanda. i totally hear you on taking some time and just revisiting and clarifying life. you do have a busy household full of so many wonderful children and things to do…i pray that time will continue to happen for you to have a bit of a breather ever now and again. the other day when i was at a retreat, there were ‘snow crystals’ in the air falling through a sunbeam and they were glistening and all i could think of it was kisses of beauty from God. i tried to let some of them rest on my cheeks and revel in that glory. i always love to see the handiwork of God in nature, but ice on stuff is always sooo fascinating to me, what it chooses to obscure and reveal about what its on.my you be blessed! what a beautiful little lady Sarah is. such a blessing!!! (as are all your children!)
I completely understand about EVERYTHING you just said. I’ll be thinking of you! I’ll take you up on that play date for the babes next time your in town!
I am going to miss your posts dear friend, I hope that you come back rested, Spring is just around the corner!I love Sarah’s smile!
Take all the time you need. Enjoy your family and don’t worry if everything doesn’t get done. May God grant you peace and rest.
I will soo miss your posts, your pictures, your poetry, your wisdom! However, I love that you know when to step away… we will be waiting for your return!! Prayers…
Look forward to seeing you back on here will be praying for you as you take care of that wonderful family and yourself You are special to all that have gotten to know you Take care and we will see you when you get back
miss you friend~ but so understand that need to step back. thinking of you… and stopping right now to whisper a prayer that God would refuel and refresh you, and just pour out His grace in bucket loads all around you. much love, amber.