{picture from Friday, of the sweaters my Great Grandma made for E and G, that now fit S and S}
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It’s not quite 8am but it will be after 8 by the time I finish this, probably. So far I have nursed the baby, changed two stinky diapers, served a milk sippy cup to the toddler, fried 8 eggs for three of us, toasted english muffins, made my husband and myself our morning cup of coffee, rebandaged Seth’s cut finger, dressed Seth, checked out our sick Caleb, and ran the dishwasher.
Now I get to sit for a little bit, in the livingroom, as the little ones watch (it’s 8am now) “Curious George”. Sarah looks darling in her short little nightgown. I love seeing my babies’ bare toes.
New England is warming up. Saturday morning was nice enough that the whole family took Davy to his Little League practice down town. It was lovely.
Lovely.
Fresh air, the sounds of the birds singing, kids playing and running, coaches calling out directions, the ball slapping the glove, laughter on the playground…..a perfect morning. I love SPRING.
This is the very first organized sport our boys have participated in. WE LOVE IT. My brothers were all really good ball players. My Dad and husband both loved church softball and were great players. It’s been a part of my life, so I have this big smile on my face (and sometimes tears in my eyes) of joy, as I see my boys learning about the sport. And they are doing so good!
I had a private concern that the running around to practices would be too difficult on us. I have done some reading about women who opt out of extra activities for their children, because they feel that the lifestyle is too busy and ends up damaging the family. We will be careful about this and I know it won’t always be easy, but so far I can say that the change has been very good for us. We homeschool the children so we spend the majority of our lives AT HOME, and I have found that getting out has been WONDERFUL for the children. It has also been good for me because I am focusing on the activity, rather than always hanging around the house, cooking and cleaning, tending to brood about this and that (it’s a way that I am tempted now and then, BROODING and over-thinking about issues that I don’t need to think about)….it’s also been good because it is giving Rich and the boys a common interest. Rich loves this just as much as the boys. He takes them to practice and even COMES HOME EARLY to do it. Oh, I laugh and smile to see him enjoying himself. He is now helping to coach and the boys come home telling me stories about how “Dad was running around the bases so fast” or pitching for them, or demonstrating how to slide into base. Rich has been coming home with more dirt on him than the boys do.
J and E are on the same team, and then we have Davy on a different team for his age group.
On Saturday morning, I hung out at the playground (what a blessing that is for the little ones who are waiting for their big brothers to be done with practice!) with Grace, Caleb, Sethie, and Sarah. Rich played catch with Jacob and Ethan.
I spent my time keeping track of the children, watching Davy, and getting distracted by my gorgeous husband…oh yes, spring is in the air for sure.
David spends most of the time with a smile on his face. He is so thrilled to be a ball player. That’s what I say to him here at home, “Hi, ball player!” And he smiles in a shy, proud way.
The coach was batting to a line up of kids, they would catch and then throw it back to Davy. Then Davy would drop the ball by the coach and wait for the next one to come at him.
Rich asked Seth to retrieve a ball for him and Seth was just THRILLED and HONORED. He got it and held it and looked at it as he ran back to his Dad with it.
(As a side note: Seth is talking better now that we took away his pacifier a few weeks ago. He is by my side right now looking at the pictures and saying, “Oh, ball! Oh, that. Oh shoes! Oh Papa!” etc)
After practice we stopped at the library so I could pay my 20 dollar fine.
I was going to crop this so it looked better but Sarah was too cute.~
So, the nickname my Dad has called me by my entire life is Goon. It has an insulting meaning in the dictionary, but in our world it means “darling daughter whom I love more than words can say”. When I saw this book, I had Jacob take a picture, I thought Dad would get a kick out of it. But we did NOT check it out.
By the time we were done at the library, it was lunch time. We brought home subs and had our first picnic of the year outside on our lawn.
Caleb
The chickens free range and didn’t bother us at all as we ate (surprising, because they love treats).
David and Caleb chased one and caught it.
And then David caught Romeo, (our 2nd in command rooster.)
A couple random pictures:
This is my table center piece right now. I found the apple blossom sprig at Pottery Barn, and the darling bird candle holder was 60% off at PB, too. The vase is rose fiesta and belongs to Grace. It was a happy coincidence that Ethan was eating his french toast off a rose plate, too. My friend Kathy gave me the beeswax candles and tray for my birthday, I just started burning the candles this weekend.
And, our cat….last night Rich and I were watching TV when he jumped up on the couch with us. He was so funny…sat right up like he was going to watch, too. We gave him the remote. He’s even looking at the TV.
Well, I took a time out now and then from writing this, for half an hour I talked to my sister on the phone, too.
It’s 9:20am. Have a wonderful Monday!
Love, Shan
PS, I’m attaching a link to a book that Grace just finished and she enjoyed it very much. She talked to me about it and I thought it sounded wonderful. It’s about a red hen and a dog who thinks he belongs to her.
Good to be Home 
How sweet. I can’t imagine it still being cold, though…it was 90 here yesterday!
Love this post. 🙂 It’s like we’re sitting and chatting over coffee or something. So cool that you’re boys love playing ball! My oldest wants to play too. He loves baseball. It seems like such a wholesome thing for boys to do, not to mention an all-American sport. 🙂 Love the pics of the kids and your kitty. Have a great Monday in the Lord!-Shannon
What a wonderful post!!! I LOVE all the little details and makes me want to spend time outside:) Your children are growing up so fast…grace has realy changed looks…she looks like a young woman now!
Loved all your pics,especially the ones with all your kiddos.(the cat is too cute!)
The sports sound like a wonderful experience! LOL on the cat, so cute. And wow, Grace has grown up since the last time I looked at a picture of her – she is beautiful!
Thanks for mentioning the book – I’ve never heard of it! I definitely want to check it out, since it’s a Newbery Honor book.I can’t believe how grown-up your oldest three now look! Grace especially looks like a young lady, so different from the little girly she was when I first began reading your blog. A whole new season of life for both of you!About the sports, I have had the same thoughts and concerns as you on the subject. I believe they are valid, as I have heard them also expressed by credible sources such as Focus on the Family and other Christian organizations; however, I don’t think it has to be an “all or nothing” deal. For a number of years now, my parents have had my siblings in upward basketball each spring. Two of my brothers also played football for a few years. For those who find it all-consuming to do sports year-round, I think it can be the best of both worlds to do it one season a year.Our house is actually directly across the street from beautiful playgrounds and ball fields where our community teams practice! So, is we are still living here when our boys are older, we can simply walk across the street if we want to do soccer, baseball, football, or a number of other sports. I like the idea of not having to get in the car and go somewhere for every practice!
Oh, I’m sure the boys love playing ball. I think if you make if a family outing, it will be great. Besides, it’s a great way to be a light to those around you!! Your children look so different on these current pictures. (Especially the littler boys.) Different as in they look so grown up.
Your joy shines brightly through your words — and it makes me smile super big on this here Monday morning! My husband and I, although we do not have children yet, can totally relate to the wrong implication that “sports” or enjoying life for that matter, is a waste of time. We held that worldview for a period years, and just like you we have graciously experienced the liberating freedom we have in Christ to live a well-rounded life. So glad your boys are able to play ball ~ and that it is being enjoyed together as a family. 🙂 The library and picnic sound fabulous (even the un-cropped Sarah). I love the picture of your seven sweet blessings sitting in a row. Couldn’t help but stare at it for a while and thank God for your family and your willingness to be an encouragement to us here in the blog-o-sphere. I hope you have an awesome day, Shanda!!! 🙂
So glad to hear you have your kiddos into sports. I believe it is a wonderful and valuable thing for kids to do. It’s good for fitness, friendships, coordination, cooperation, quick decision making, and lots more. Enjoy this beautiful time of the year “SPRING” :)The sun is shining here and I am about to be running off to work. I’ll have to enjoy the sunshine on my breaks to recharge me :){{{{{hugs}}}}}
sounds so wonderful.. i always have fines at the library! LOL
Lovely spring post. I liked your comment about being distracted by your husband, the apple blossom arrangement, the tv-watching kitty, and the pictures of your kids. Jacob is becoming the spitting image of his daddy, and Grace is getting so grown-up and her hair so long! Our “spring” was interrupted by 30 inches of snow on Thursday. Oh well, the sun is back, and the snow is melting once again. Ball hasn’t started here yet (for obvious reasons) and we haven’t decided if the kids are going to play nor not. With Ryan working week on, week off, we are gone camping every other week most of the summer. The kids would miss half of their games. They have participated in various sports and swimming lessons throughout the school-year, so I won’t feel too bad if we miss out on playing ball. Enjoy your Monday, busy mama!
Joys of Springtime. The sweaters on Seth and Sarah are darling. I had a big fine at the library when I returned from Colorado. I try to remember it is less than the cost of one book. I understand the balance needed with sports, and also the blessing they can be. Our boys enjoyed them, and learned so much from participating in them. I think they fill a need in our current day and age, as boys have less physical work to perform. I also needed the outlet, as did they, of getting out of the house. We did have standards that we set, that were different from others. We never missed Sunday service for a game, and were sad to see more and more games scheduled earlier on Sunday as the boys got older. Wonderful pictures from your picnic. They are all growing! Your table looks great. I have been attracted to all the blossomy decor this spring. I need to get out some more of mine before Easter! Funny Cat. Isn’t it nice when there are these little things to laugh at in everyday life?!
first of all, a huge smile on my face thinking of your boys being sooo excited and proud to be part of the baseball teams. it just makes my heart sooo happy. i’m so excited that you could go and watch them as well. and that your hubby can get involved…so awesome to have their dad to look up to for the boys…not that they don’t already! i’m sure he’s having a blast running around playing ball and getting some dirt on his clothes.the picture of all your kids made me laugh because dear little Seth has such a woeful expression on his face. goodness your kids are getting so big, i see it most in the two middle boys who are just growing up and the maturity i’m seeing in grace as she matures into a beautiful young woman (you and rich are going to have to keep an eye on the boys around her soon 😉 love you Shanda.
wow girl! you’ve done half a days work before i’m even out of bed. 😉 yay for the boys playing sports. we miss that as a family w/ ben. hopefully we can get involved again here~ i understand what you’re saying about not doing them for years… my brothers always played sports growing up but the home school program we were involved in frowned on that sort of thing so i know my parents struggled w/ others making them feel they were doing something “wrong.” but each family has to do what’s best for them and what they feel peace from God about.. sports are alot of fun and provide some great learning tools for the kids practically AND spiritually, imo. 🙂 neat to see our husbands enjoying that aspect w/ their sons too. fun pictures. the cat! ha. love the top one. super sweet. have a great week~
Oh how I just love visiting your blog. =)Ok…so I’m not the only one with library fines. I am going to have to show my husband this post. He often jokes that I should just ask the library for their electric bill each month!What a lovely weekend you had…I am so happy to have spring!!!Happy Monday to you.
I LOVE that your boys are playing baseball. I played softball for nine years, among other sports, and thoe are some of my best memories from my childhood. I enjoyed looking at your pictures and all the evidence of Spring in your neck of the woods. Have a wonderful rest of your day 🙂
I’m thinking your children are growing by leaps and bounds!! Especially David. Well, especially ALL of them really. I enjoyed this “catching up” with you. I’m glad the boys and Rich are enjoying their time together so much. Love you friend!
YIKES – your oldest is practically a MAN!! I almost didn’t recognize him. LOL! Yay, for spring and baseball! How bout them Red Sox, eh?
What fun! Enjoy the outdoor time Shanda!
I loved reading this post of yours.Lovely photos. My children are involved in sport and it has been really great. We live in town and the sports field is only a couple of minutes away. I also had been concerned over the years (I also tend to overthink things too much) about more of the negatives about sports but we have found it beneficial for us. I think having open communication with your kids helps deal with issues that possibly could come about. My older boy at times had been a little obsessed and we just talked (and prayed) about it to put things in their rightful place.My younger son has been playing tennis once a week and he just loved it and fitted in really well. Its so nice to see children enjoying themselves and doing something different and meeting new people.Enjoy the springtime, we’re heading into colder weather here (downunder).Blessings, Angela
Hi there,I was enjoying our photo album from when our Nicky was born, 25 years back. Daniel was just 20 months older. Great times. Jen and I looked much younger. er, I mean, less distinguished. Any rate, a picture had our good friend Essell holding Daniel. Essell now owns a specialty bakery in Rosendale, NY. Between the goodies he makes, where he now lives, and the photos of Jenny and I making cookies and pies with the younguns, of course, I thought of you all.We are enjoying being grandparents.Thank you for enhancing and adding to our memories.Love always,Bob
I do SO enjoying reading about your family. I appreciate your thoughts and choices, and seeing the children and hearing about all they are doing is a joy. I feel like if we ever met, we would just KNOW each other! I picture myself giving you a big hug — sitting on your lovely porch and having tea from Fiesta cups while we watched the little ones playing. LOL! Thank you for being on Xanga. Thank you for sharing your life — all the ups and downs, frustrations and joys. Love you!
LOVED this post and I am also so happy for you and the children getting out and about with sports an dother activities how fun! It is so much easier to want to do things in the spring and summer I am feeling like each day is easier now with the longer days and warmer weather 🙂 Have a wonderful day xo
The cat (Spot) was so cute on the couch. We gave him the remote and said he was changing the channel. He wanted to watch the animal channel……….Grace
These are my favorite kind of posts full of all sorts of bits and pieces from your life! So glad to hear the boys are enjoying sports I remember when my mom wanted us as kids to get into sports so so badly because she knew it would be good for us. Your little Spring comment was almost worse than the frogs! Tsk tsk Shanda! :)Great finds at PB I bet that candle smells great! You have the best stores near you!I always love looking at the photos you post of all the kids, I always ALWAYS count them, I don’t know why, I mean I KNOW how many kids you have but still I count them all just the same. Then I go back and look at each face and see how they are growing, and usually I can imagine your voice saying something funny to the kids to get them all to smile and look your way!