Ahhhh, the simple pleasures of just a moment of time….like watching your little one eat a cupcake.

He even said, “hmmmmmmmmm” just like Mama does when she eats a treat.

All done!  He ate just the top and left the rest for someone else to eat.

We loved watching Sethie with his special cupcake…everyone else had one (or more), too.  They were a big hit~ a simple cake mix cake, decorated with whipped cream from a can, and a fresh strawberry on top.

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I read this quote just this morning, and thought I would share.  It’s from the book Belles on Their Toes, the sequal to Cheaper by the Dozen.  (wonderful books about a large, happy family with 12 children)

“Mother has a way of making each child know he means something very special to her.  Not just as one of the group, but as an individual person who has his own special claim on her heart.”

Saturday was such a beautiful day.  Rich was home with us, we were all together, and the weather was stunningly beautiful.  Everything is green now, and the wind was blowing through the trees.  (I love that sound.)

We had several things planned for Saturday.  Jacob, Ethan, and Grace each had a dress rehearsal from 10-12:30 and then Grace had a piano recital at the same concert hall, at 3:00.  I knew I could not do both, so I thought it would be nice to go out in the morning.  Rich and I dropped the three older children off and then we drove around talking and listening to music.  We found a library and stopped for a little while.  I was thrilled to be able to find a bunch of books off the reading list that I carry around with me (Honey for a Child’s Heart).  I got several for the little boys, and about 6 for the older ones to share back and forth, all lovely and good books.

Rich spent his library time looking up pizza places and so when I was done, we went out for a pizza lunch.

Rich took this picture while we were waiting for our pizza. 

We read one of our library books as we waited, too.  It was perfect for boys:  THE BRAVEST KNIGHT, by Mercer Mayer.

Well, we ate our pizza and then went to pick up the children and go home.

Rich was able to go running and then he left again to take Grace to her piano recital.

These are the books I picked out for Grace.  Have you read them?  She said that she had already read The Hundred Dresses.  I love picking out girly books for my daughter…the covers are even pretty.

While Grace was gone (and she did very well with her pieces.  She played “Castle Days” and the “Amen Corner” by memory), I took a couple of pictures of the boys.  It was such a beautiful day that I could not resist walking around with my camera.  I’m at a point in my pregnancy when I am supposed to be resting as much as possible, but it felt so good to be outside enjoying the nice day.

This is the stream by our house.  We were a little worried that Seth would fall off the rock, but he did just fine.

Jacob and I walked over to the chicken coop with Seth and found the chicken’s daily eggs and another chicken about to lay one.

Outside, Caleb started crying hysterically.  I don’t know what to do with that boy—any injury is cause (in his opinion) to howl and cry like he’s being killed.  He is like the boy who cried wolf.  I am trying to convince him to save the loud crying for serious injury, but so far it has not sunk in.  He is not tough.  He cried like his leg was mangled and this is what we found, a very tiny cut with a smear of blood. 

What was Davy doing during this time?  Getting ready to jump into the pond for the second time that day.  I made him strip his clothes off first, since he had already soaked one outfit earlier.

This picture says so much to me, and I am so thankful that the children get to grow up outdoors swallowing pond water.

David is a JOY.

I had to laugh later on, to find Seth like this.  I wondered if I should tell him that his wardrobe was malfunctioning?

Rich doesn’t get to play in the sunshine very often so as soon as he and Grace got home, they went right outside to play PIG.  Do you play PIG (I’ve heard some people call it HORSE)?  It’s a great game to play at the basketball hoop (the hoop was just given to us by one of Rich’s coworkers who has older boys)……Rich and the older children have played a lot and I can’t wait until I can play, too, in a few months. 

I sat in my chair and watched my family.

So that was Saturday.  I had happy tears in my eyes several times that day, it was a gift of a day, perfect!

THEN ON SUNDAY…………………….

Rich took the children to Sunday School while I stayed home as tired as a dog and tried to take care of Seth.

They came home with just enough time to eat lunch before going back to the concert hall for their LAST CHORAL CONCERT OF THE SEASON.  Rich tried to convince me to stay home because it was Seth’s nap time and I could rest….but after the whole school year of driving them to their singing group I felt that I just had to go.  It’s so rewarding to see the final performance.

It was not rewarding this year.

My poor son Jacob silently suffered during the last few songs, he was starting to get hot and starting to see white.  He decided to get through the very last song……and HE DID….but as we all clapped our final applause in the audience, to my horror, I saw Jacob sway,

AND FALL FLAT OFF THE VERY BACK OF THE RISERS.  They had all moved back a riser for the last song, and he was on the very uppermost riser and over he went.  I yelped, “Rich!  Jacob!  He fainted!”  Rich jumped up and ran to the stage (we were sitting in very back of the auditorium with the little boys) and I followed behind.

I was so so upset.  I got around the back of the bleachers and saw Jacob lying flat on his back, unconscious, and as pale as a ghost.  I yelped again, and started crying “Jacob!” and the director put her arm around me and quickly tried to reassure me, “This happens a lot, I’ve seen it happen all the time, he’s going to be okay, he’ll be fine!”  I couldn’t think or feel anything but shock and I got over to him and sat down, with Rich, and several other adults.  Jacob quickly woke up, and was sweating and so pale, but trying to laugh and be brave.  Someone asked him questions to make sure he knew where he was, how old he was, etc…and he answered everything fine.  Someone else brought cold water and an ice pack. 

Meanwhile the choir was dismissed, Grace came around to see Jacob, I was shaking like a leaf and on the verge of hysterics but keeping myself pulled together.  Rich was fine, cool and calm, and was never overly concerned.  I keep blaming my pregnancy hormones and over-tiredness for my reaction….honestly, Jacob was fine but it just hurt me as his mother to see him like that, you know?  I felt so sorry for him and kept seeing him fall in my mind.

Davy said, “I didn’t see anyone fall!  I just heard a BIG BOOM!”

People were so nice, I went back to the little boys and there was another mother there with them, and Ethan was there, too.  Ethan was sober and quiet and didn’t know what to think. 

We didn’t want to stay for cookies and punch…..we went home and Rich called the pediatrician.  We were concerned about a possible head injury.  Someone had reminded me of that woman who died after a head injury which did not help my fragile state of mind…..all I could think was that Jacob would all of a sudden get sick and start passing out again.

God is so merciful…he held Jacob in His hands as he fell, Jacob was fine all evening.  He had a little headache but that was it.  When I brought him a thermos of ice cold juice to the couch he said, “Thank you, Mama”……and when Ethan made him a sandwich he said, “Thank you, me lad.”  And we all sat together and watched old episodes of “Gomer Pyle” for the next two hours. 

Rich had to stay up and wake Jacob up in the night, to make sure he was okay.  And later on, it was my turn to wake him up.  He was fine both times and he is fine right now.  They are all playing monopoly together downstairs as I write for therapy up here in the office.  Seth is bothering them, and Caleb is watching “Little Bear”.

I had contractions ALL NIGHT LONG.  I had another night like that (last Wednesday, for two hours in the night) but last night was hard for me because the contractions lasted from 6:30-9:30pm.  I went to bed and fell asleep briefly and then woke back up at 1 with more contractions for several hours.  False labor?  I don’t know, I feel like any contraction is probably doing SOMETHING.  I had the light on briefly, Rich kept waking up and asking me how I was doing.  I had several painful ones, but all in all they did not steadily get more intense, they were just “there.”  I finally fell asleep toward morning and when I got up I had a few more and now I am feeling settled again. 

After hardly any sleep, I know I have to take it easy today but I also felt like I had to write everything out of my system….hopefully now that I’ve done so, my brain can rest somewhat.

I love my life, I love how God has us in His hands, I love my family……I’m so thankful for every day, even the crazy ones!

Rich kissed me goodbye this morning and is off on a short overnight business trip.  After he left I snoozed for another hour in bed.  I’m up now and have fed the children their breakfast, but am feeling sleepy and slow, so after getting Davy ready for school, I put in a science dvd and am spending time here sipping coffee in the office, still in my robe and messy pony tail.

When I look outside the window, my eyes are delighted in all the bright and dark shades of green that have developed so vibrantly in the last week.  The view from our front windows is one that I thank God for constantly.  His creation is marvelous; the sky, the clouds, the trees, and all the wildlife.  It is a softly rainy morning, and the air smells so clean and sweet. 

This morning I am thankful for my friends, and remembering the good time I had yesterday with my friend Tammy.  She was here yesterday afternoon to visit, and to help me with the children so that I could rest.  This sweet sister in Christ sacrificed an afternoon to be a blessing to me and my children and I am so humbled and grateful.

She brought things for the children to make their own pizzas. 

It was so fun.  She bought small pizza crusts that were pre-made, and set out little bowls of hamburger, ham, pineapple, pepperoni, cheese, green peppers, and sauce.  The table was busy, full with eight children, and it was very entertaining to listen to everyone laugh and talk all at once as they worked away on their own dinner.

At this moment, I have two funny little boys keeping me company.  I have plans to do some reading with them and spending time with the older ones, doing some school work, too.  I’m so thankful to be able to spend my days here at home, with my sweet children.

Books we are enjoying lately:  The Little Critter books by Mercer Mayer.  Caleb’s favorite one is titled, I was so Sick.  My favorite is Just me in the Tub.  My favorite line is, “If I forget a toy, I never bother Mom, I just go and get it.”  (and he goes, all dripping wet, to another room for a toy—always makes me chuckle—.) 

What I am reading lately:  Sadly, nothing.  I have started several books but haven’t gotten into them.  I need a “too good to put down” book!

What I am making for dinner tonight:  Chicken patties, and canned corn.  (simple meal!)

What I would really like to do today if I can muster up enough energy:  Go to the library (what better thing to do on a rainy day?)

What I am slowly working on organizing:  Magazines!  I have tons of back issues that I am going to get rid of. 

What I am doing to prepare for baby:  I washed up all my newborn things the other day.  As I loaded the washer with sweet pink clothes, I was all of a sudden afraid, “What if she REALLY ISN’T A GIRL?!?!?”    Needless to say, I’m keeping all the baby boy things, just in case.

Well, I suppose I should continue on with my day…..thanks for stopping by my blog today!  I hope all of you have a great day~

Shanda

Patience is a virtue, but I have no patience for keeping a one year old from going down off the porch.  We’ve all learned that SAFETY is FIRST, and since the Lord helps those who help themselves, the best thing we’ve done so far to prepare for the warmer months…..was install baby gates across both porch entries.  We had some trouble finding just the right gates and had to go on repeated trips to”Babies R Us”.  But, the third time’s the charm, and now we can sit in our rocking chairs and let Seth play safely near us.  The gates also keep the chickens from wandering around on the porch, dropping droppings.  We’ve killed two birds with one stone, so to speak.

But of course, the grass is always greener on the other side. 

Hard to pick a favorite, isn’t it?

Let me know if you would like to hire my fabulous photographer. 

His techique?  Doesn’t say a word, and leaves everything to chance.

“All that that mother was—a refuge in every sorrow, an arbiter in every difficulty, a counselor in every perplexity, a soother in every grief, the center that seemed to unite and endear all the other sweet relations and associations of the domestic circle—God made her. She was but a dim reflection, an imperfect picture, a faint image of himself. All the loveliness, and all the grace, and all the wisdom, and all the sweet affection which she possessed and exemplified, was but an emanation of God.”  ~Octavious Winslow

On this Mother’s Day, my heart is amazed by God’s care, leadership, and example for mothers.  He created motherhood, and it is a role that He wills for me in this life.  I tremble and falter, I am afraid of my many failures, but I know that I can always fall on my knees in prayer, and flee to my Bible for His wise and perfect Word.  He promises the weak will be strong in Him and He will provide my every need.  He is an example for mothers, but also a mother for mothers.  “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you”  (Isaiah 66:13)  In a season of life in which I feel often feel worn and overwhelmed, it is a comfort to know that I am known, and being mothered by, my heavenly Father.

“He……shall gently lead
those that are with young.”  Isaiah 40:11

I don’t know how to be a good mother, but I do know where to learn to be a good mother:  from God Himself.  Oh, how I need His forgiveness and grace each day, and the discipline to tune my heart to Him alone.

Saying a prayer today, for all Christian mothers~
May God bless you and keep you and give you wisdom for the task, dear sisters!  Never doubt His love and care for you as you raise the little ones He has given to you, as precious gifts.

I ended up on the couch most of the day yesterday, so sleepy.  The children were put in charge of our dog’s birthday party. 

I almost gagged when I saw the cake Ethan made for his dog.

The Gag-Inducing Birthday Cake

1 can of juicy dog food
2 raw hot dogs
5 cups of frosting
green sugar sprinkles

To make:  Dump can of dog food onto mother’s fiesta cake platter.  Use 1/4 of a cup of the five cups of frosting to drizzle over cake.  Leave remaining frosting, with dogfood swirls in it, on counter for mother to see later.  Place a raw hot dog on each side of cake.  Sprinkle with green sugar.  Serve.  Yield:  1 serving

At first, Davy and I were the only ones humble enough to serenade the dog…..so I stopped and we started over again after I insisted that they ALL sing, even Jacob, who had said importantly, “I am NOT SINGING Happy Birthday to the dog!”

They sang so nicely, but by that time I had an attack of laughter.

It was the grossest looking cake ever, but Parker seemed to enjoy it more that the raw meat cakes of the past.

He turned three yesterday (in human years). 

The 2009 celebration

The 2008 celebration

I am not a dog-lover, but I love my children and they love their dog. 

So, we celebrate and I sigh a little because right now we are a family of happily busy little ones, but the children are growing and will grow up eventually, and strangely enough, I miss these times.

I think it’s worthwhile to hold to an annual tradition, even if for one year *you are 8 months pregnant and are sick with heartburn and so tired you can barely keep your eyes open*.  It’s worth it to make a happy memory that lasts a lifetime. 

My doctors appointment was really encouraging yesterday.  My blood pressure was pretty much back to normal, which was a big relief.  I convinced my doctor not to make me go in next week, and she made me promise that I would call if I started feeling bad again…..so, it was a little bittersweet because it ended up being my last appointment there with her, since she has decided to leave her practice in that town.  Next time I go, I go to a new office with a new doctor, and we will be in the very last weeks of this pregnancy.  I am so excited.  Eager. 

Jacob and Ethan were a big help to me during my appointment.  I had Ethan watch Caleb, and Jacob watched Seth, here at home.  Grace stayed home, too (I did invite her along, though, but she didn’t want to go with me), so I went out by myself.  I left a detailed list of what I wanted them to do with the little boys while I was away.  I called home several times to make sure they were okay.  After my appointment, I went to the Hallmark store (Mother’s day is coming!) and to a children’s consignment shop for a few things.  (Okay, I admit, I got more clothes for Sarah.  LOL But I also got some needed items for Seth, too!)

Random pictures from yesterday:

This is a picture of the children’s art work that I finally got hung up in their bathroom.  I found these frames a couple months ago and inserted a piece of art from each child, including Seth.  They go in order of age, so in the first frame the top picture is Jacob’s, then the middle is Ethan’s, the bottom is Grace’s.  The second frame on top is Dave’s, then Caleb’s, then Seth’s.  I did his handprints and he painted the one streak down the middle.  Soooooo cute!.

Here’s Seth, wearing a new little t-shirt from the consignment store.  You can’t see, but he’s also wearing the cutest shorts.  I love it when I can see my toddler’s little bare legs and feet.

As I took his picture, he kept lifting his head and bonking it back on the bricks like a silly goose.

I did get some rest yesterday.  When Caleb woke up from his afternoon nap, he snuggled in next to me.  Seth is busy by us, too.

After dinner, Rich and I took the children to the big field by our house.  Rich carried my lawn chair so I could sit and watch them all run around and play.  It was a beautiful evening.  Grace took her kite.

Rich and the boys played with these big rings that they have….you throw them like a frisbee and they go a long way away.  Seth and Caleb ran around, enjoying perfect freedom.

This is Jacob, carrying Seth.  Jacob is devoted to lil’ Seth and is such a good brother.

Rich printed this next picture off last night and took it proudly to work with him this morning.  He said it was time to update the picture that he has hanging in his office, which doesn’t even have Seth in it.  We had to smile about the fact that by next month, when Sarah has arrived, this one will be outdated, too. 

It was actually pretty difficult to get this taken, I had to take several…the kids were all scratchy and itchy from all the rolling around and playing they did in the grass.

And one with Mama;

Today’s big event?  The dog’s birthday party…….stay tuned…….

Yesterday afternoon Jacob and Ethan came to me and said, “We’re going up the road to ask Mr. G if we can help him in his garden.  Dad told us to.”  They had even changed into clean clothes.  They looked healthy, happy, and handsome.  I said, “Okay!” and they went outside, opened up the garage, said, “See you later!” to Caleb, and rode off on their bikes.

They came back a little bit later.  “He told us to come back in half an hour.  He’s eating lunch right now.”

Grace overheard and INSISTED that she was going, too.

Mr. G is our neighbor up the road and he is a tall, lean, spry older man.  (I know that he has great grandchildren but I am not sure how old he really is.  I’m guessing mid to late 60’s).  He and his wife go to Florida all winter long and recently came back.  Every year Mr. G plants a big garden and sells the produce.  Last year my children helped him for the first time and have such good memories.

In due time, the three of them rode off again, and about an hour and a half later, I heard them come back and we all went out on the porch, and leaned over the railing to watch the chickens as they excitedly talked about their time in the garden.

“Mr. G has a planter now, it looks sort of like a bicycle and it plants peas.  We just had to cover them up with dirt.”

“We planted 2 long rows of onions!”

“We saw a toad.  Mr. G said he likes having toads in his garden because they eat the bugs.  We named him Onion.  Mr. G liked that name.”

“Mr. G says Holy Mackerel.  While we were there he said, ‘Holy Mackerel you have all grown so tall!'”

“We told him that you were having another baby and he asked if it would be a girl and we said yes and he was happy.”

“He told us that it would have taken him 3 hours to plant all these onions.  He said the older you get the harder the work is.  In two weeks it will be time to plant A LOT more stuff and he wants us to come back.”

While they were all happily talking and chattering they sipped on ice cold Pepsi that Mr. G had given them after their work.  Jacob told me that at first,  Mr. G had handed him a Bud Light.  Jacob looked at it and said, “Is this a Pepsi?”  Mr. G did a double take and said, “Holy Mackerel!  I would be in a big trouble if I let you have that!”  From what I understand, the cans were similar.  Oh, we laughed and laughed when Jacob told us about it.

They came back with a big bag of nice rhubarb for me and I clapped my hands.  I love rosy red rhubarb in the springtime and using those certain recipes that only get used once a year. 

I dug out a community cookbook (from the Hospital Guild) that Rich’s Grandma gave me years ago and started looking through it.  I found a recipe that I had not tried before:  Easy Rhubarb Pie, and I had all the ingredients for it.  Then I noticed that it was the recipe that Rich’s own Grandma had submitted.  It was fun making something that I knew was a family recipe.

Easy Rhubarb Pie

Crust: 

1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 T. butter, chilled
1 egg, beaten
2 T. milk

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease a 9 inch pie plate.  Sift flour, salt and baking powder together. (I did not sift).  Cut in butter.  Add egg and milk and mix thoroughly.  This makes the crust.  Press onto bottom and sides of the pie plate.

Filling:

4 cups diced rhubarb
1 (3 oz) strawberry jello

Arrange rhubarb in pie shell.  Sprinkle with the Jello.

Crumb topping:

1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter

Mix together, sprinkle over top of pie.  Bake for 50 minutes or until rhubarb is tender.

I made two pies and we ate one whole pie after dinner last night.  All EIGHT of us liked it and that is unusual!  So, I know it’s a keeper.

Just a couple more pictures:

George, our rooster, makes us laugh.  He stands tall and proud and watches over his flock so attentively.  Yesterday they were digging and taking dustbaths under George’s supervision.  He paced one way.

And then the other way.

And then he moved on behind and got dust in his face.

The children cleaned out the coop yesterday and took the ipod with them.  They said that the chickens loved the music, especially one certain song that they apparently played over and over.

Also, yesterday, I received a lovely gift:

I was sitting on the porch with the children and Ethan came out with chocolate covered strawberries for me that he made himself with melted chocolate chips.  They were finger lickin’ good and I felt loved.

Well, my blogging time is up.  My children are all awake and it’s time for breakfast now, and then a trip to the OB later on…….

Enjoy your day!

Love~Shanda

What a fun boy to have around…he’s all action, energy, running, arguing, fussing, loving (a great hugger when he doesn’t bowl me over!), talking, smiling, laughing, eating, demanding, and bright–just what a four year old little boy should be.  When I watch him sleeping, I am filled with wonder that oh my, he actually DOES slow down…and just look at that sweet face, the crazy hair, and those dirty feet.  He had to have a bath yesterday all because of his two dirty feet.  He plays hard, is afraid of the rooster and getting slivers, and has his Mama and Papa wrapped around his little finger.

We thank God over and over for our son Caleb.