Oh how I love hearing from my bloggy/internet friends! Thanks for writing to me here, really, there is something in me that simply loves sharing this way….writing and photos….notes and comments. What a privilege it has been, to learn about my *sisters* all over the world, and become friends. God has showed me so much about the unity of believers through blogging! Love it.
Guess what? As most of you know, I live in the Northeast of the USA. And, typically it is quite cold and perhaps even snow-covered in my neck of the woods. However, today it in the 50’s, the sun is shining, and I have windows open. It is so important to get fresh air moving through our homes now and then, and it feels lovely to welcome the healthy winds blowing through. I can hear the busy birds at my feeders outside the kitchen windows as I type (do you feed the birds? It’s very rewarding to the whole family!)
I took Seth and Sarah outside for a while. You should have seen Sarah. She climbed the playset ladder for the first time today, over and over, and went down the big slide. Oh, she was thrilled with herself and got quite full of it, laughing and talking in her little way. (She talks!) One time I got too close to her as I guarded (making sure, if she fell, that I would catch her) and she shook her head and said, “No. Go away, mama!” to me! Can you believe it? She said it with the best of intentions, but still. My baby! And when she sat at the top if the slide (grunting, because it’s hard work to do all that with a big coat on) she would say, “Ready? Mama?” And at the end of the slide she would get up and say, “My turn!” because that’s how it went. First Seth, then Sarah. She’s a doll. They both are. Seth got a muddy face from helping me catch his sister at the end of the slide (a gentleman in training) and she accidently kicked him in the cheek (didn’t hurt, thankfully).
My older children are all doing well. The whole family is getting over a cold and we are all in various stages of it. (Airing out the house will help get rid of germies). They love school. Really, and truly. Jacob made honor roll and Grace & Ethan both improved their grades this term (they have 6 terms in middle school, with a report card sent home). They have about an 85-ish average. Nice to even see “90’s” in some classes. We are all proud. They are doing great at school, educationally and socially. (Thank you, God!) They have made friends with the children on the bus, too. I think it’s been nice for everyone. They are blooming and developing in a way that pleases me a great deal. Caleb is the one who is less thrilled, and has determined, most days, to try to “be sick” to see if I will let him stay home. But now that he has a REINDEER PARTY tomorrow, the thought of being sick is horrifying to him. LOL
(my Great Grandma, Alberta)
(photos curtesy of Aunt Barb’s facebook album)
I’ve been thinking about Great Grandma a lot the last few days. I think it’s because of Christmas, and because I have her handiwork all over my house. I see you crafters out there (Dawn, April, Erika, Janet, etc) and I think of Great Grandma because she would have had a very popular crafter’s blog if there was such a thing, years ago. She was always working on things. She also loved plants and gardening, and raised a big family almost like mine (she had 4 sons and 2 daughters). I admire her a great deal, but do not (so far) have much of her talent in the crafting areas.
So, in her honor, and for the amusement/enjoyment of all you crafty ones, I wanted to show you just one picture of something she made for me, years ago.
Can you guess what’s inside the towers of this green and red crocheted castle? Paper towel tubes! And the front section holds a old peanut can, for Christmas candy. I am sure she made several of these, because I believe I’ve seen other ones in my family’s homes.
Charming, yes?
Good to be Home 
Can’t believe your little princess is so big, climbing, and talking! I am sure she will be a capable girl with all those brothers, just as Grace is. LOL, that 50 is warm to you. We are cold when it is around 50 during the day. We even had some snow locally last week and everyone was shocked, and lots of frosty nights. But with the ocean our DIL tells us 50 is cold compared to in the 10-30’s in Colorado with the dryness. Glad you are having some sunshine!I sure can see that you resemble your Great-Grandmother in those pictures, especially the one where she is sitting on the porch. How fun is that? Love that you both had similar families. It is wonderful to have her handiwork. Your castle is so cheery and cute. I am sure some memories are made there when the children see it. I think Christmas does provoke memories. I have been thinking a lot of Bob’s parents, especially Nana, she was such a wonderful MIL and friend! It is good for me to think of her,and be fun and gracious as she was. The other morning Bob was late getting up for work, and I said, “you will have to get your rollerskates on!” That is something Nana would say, and sounds so much more fun than “hurry up”.my love to you!
Yes, it is charming, and your great grandmother looks like a lovely lady.
Huzzah for the good report on the big kids. The little ones seem quite busy too!
Love the photo of your grandmother.I have not seen a castle like this before!Very unique and Christmas-y!It is always gratifying to received good reports of one’s children.Even when they are grown as well.Thank you for stopping in.Appreciate your comments.There aren’t many of those at my place due to the busyness of the season.Three more days…can you believe it?My youngest grand arrives tomorrow…with her daddy and mama, of course.Fun days ahead.Catch you later, Shanda.D xo
So glad to hear the kids are adjusting well to the new schools! That’s a praise report- to be sure! Love the pics of your grandma and her crafts. My grandmother wasn’t real crafty- but she was definately a shopper- so I have a lot of her Christmas things here and there and it makes me feel like she’s a part of our daily lives. (Plus she and I both have December birthdays- so it was always a special time for us anyhow!)I LOVE CRAFTS- but I’m not a gifted crafter. At all. So, my things usually sit on the counter for a few days and then get tossed. LOL. But- the joy of the moment during the process of crafting is always fun! 🙂
Love seeing old pictures!! That castle IS charming. (but I will admit that I probably wouldn’t display it unless, like you, it came from a relative…LOL. It would have to have some sentimental value, I wouldn’t purchase one…Hee HEe). I love seeing what others make. My craft/creative mind is very lacking!!PS- drank a cup of tea today and thought of you. (Cranberry and ginseng herb plus from Bigelow…yum)
I have read your blog for quite a few years but very seldom comment. Your posts are always so beautiful and I feel like I have nothing much of worth to add to them. Today, however, I wanted to thank you. As you have opened up and been honest about your struggles the last few months, I so often find myself in tears as I read your posts. You are not alone dear friend… and knowing that I, too, am not alone gives me hope. Thank you for being willing to share about your struggles so that we know how to pray for you and that we can know that we aren’t alone in our own struggles.
I can’t believe your little girl is talking.
@Mommy_To_A_Prince – No, you are not alone and please write anytime! I remember you, you used to comment a lot more years ago! LOL Friends forever! Hope and pray you have a peaceful Christmas. ((hugs)) God loves you.
came here to take this all in…and just now the farmer is back downstairs and we are going to watch “it’s a wonderful life.”so much here to comment on…be back. 🙂
Shanda– love this post! and I cannot believe how much you look like your dear great grandma. her spirit (and beauty too) live on in you. I aspire to be like my grandmother someday. Isn’t it cool how God links us to the past, present, and future and our spirits live on in the hearts of those we love. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Oh, that is the SWEETEST thing…what a treasure!!! The picture of your g-grandma really indicates that she was a beautiful lady, inside and out,no doubt. You will have to pass this gem (the castle) along to one of your daughters some day….you’ll know the one who will take good care of it.Hoping you continue to have happy days, with lots of good play and light spirits, all through the season.
crazy… isn’t it? in a few short months *even with long days in there 😉 * they go from helpless lil infants in our arms to telling us…no. go away. my turn. :)she IS a doll! just kinda smiling here as i read about your kids, all of them, and dear caleb and his reindeer party! lol. can’t miss school THEN!the old photos are fascinating. i agree with the others, you do look related to your g-grandma! 🙂 and how fun to have something from her to share with your children!merry christmas to you and yours!
Oh my goodness that candy holder castle is just ~adorable~!!! As a avid crocheter and knitter I am in awe!!! I’m so happy to hear how well your children are adjusting to school. As a home schooler I always worry if we every have to switch and I have to send mine to school, if they will be ok. You give me hope!