We have these “rules” hanging in the office and thought they applied nicely to marriage:

Always be honest    Proverbs 12:22

Count your blessings    Psalms 34:1-3

Bear each other’s burdens    Galatians 6:2

Forgive and forget    Micah 7:18

Be kind and tender hearted    Ephesians 4:32

Comfort one another    1 Thessalonians 4:16

Keep your promises    Romans 4:21

Be supportive of one another    Acts 20:35

Be true to each other    Revelation 15:3

Look after each other    Deuteronomy 15:11

Treat each other like you would treat your friends    Matthew 7:12

Love one another deeply from the heart    1 Peter 1:22

Our weekend

Rich and I left on Friday at about 6pm and stopped for Italian food on the way to our hotel.  Our room was nice and quiet, we were at the end of the hall and it was so peaceful.  We slept in.  Not really.  I was determined not to care about the clock and didn’t hardly ever know what time it was all weekend…..that first morning I thought for sure that I had slept in, I felt so good and rested….but when Rich had me guess the time on the way to breakfast it was just shortly after 7 am and I had already been awake for a while!

We ate breakfast at the hotel, at a pretty table by the window.  We talked and laughed together.  Those are my favorite times, when we both have things to say and we are having fun together.  It felt wonderful to be alone.

We had all day on Saturday to do whatever we wanted.  Rich has been running a lot for the past year and has really trimmed down and needed some clothes so we headed out shopping.  We found an outdoor shopping plaza that had a Barnes and Nobles and we sat there first, each with a big stack of books to look through.

After we did our shopping we ate a light lunch at Panera and then went back to our hotel to take a nap.  Rich wanted to go running but I begged him to stay with me, “I promise I just need a quick nap and I betcha you will be sleeping before I am!”, and I was right.  We both had a nice little mid-afternoon nap and it felt so good.

We went outside the hotel and found a loveseat, and sat down in the (hot) sunshine to read.  Very soon I had to relocate to the shade, I was way too warm.  I think we had record high temperatures this weekend in our area. 

We had our tank tops on so we could soak up the sun, and I am wore a cute headband that Rich gave me.   We took this picture with my camera’s self timer.

For dinner on Saturday evening we ate at a Seafood place that one of Rich’s coworkers thought we would like.  It’s the type of place that is very low-key and quaint, nice but not pretentious; a place that only the locals would know about.  I had shrimp stuffed with a seafood stuffing, and it was SO good that I barely ate anything else on my plate so that I could enjoy it all.  Yum.  Rich had a plate full of all different things…crab legs, lobster tail, clams and mussels, scallops and shrimp, all in a light broth.  It was a delicious dinner, and we ate early enough that we could walk off some of that full feeling afterwards.

(and we ate ice cream later on for dessert!)

On Sunday after breakfast we had to say goodbye to our lovely room, and after we checked out, we went to the bookstore again, to pick up some little things to give to Rich’s mom for being such a blessing during the week and weekend.  We wanted her to feel appreciated so we found a beautiful card and gave her a bag of goodies like a candle, a new journal, etc.

It was such a beautiful morning that we wanted to be outdoors so we found a nice park that had a lake.  We went for a little walk and then sat at a picnic table in the sun, watched the people, and read our books and magazines.  We were there for about an hour when I started to get grumpy from the heat.

It was nothing that a couple ice cold cups of water and an early lunch couldn’t fix.  We ate again at that Seafood place and I had a lobster roll. 

We were home again by about 4:30 feeling so rested and happy to have spent so much time alone together.  We were happy to see the children, too.  Rich’s Mom and the girls headed back home (after shedding lots of tears saying goodbye) and Rich finally got to go out for his weekend run, with Jacob and Ethan.

I sat on the porch with the little ones….and couldn’t resist taking this one picture of Davy, Grace, and Seth.

This picture makes me smile and smile.

Seth had his 15 month check up this morning and he finally weighs 20 pounds.  He had a great check up but we never ever like to get shots so that was a sad time for the little guy (he remembered and knew what was coming, too, and cried before the needle even got to his leg, poor boy).

I ran (waddled) through the rain into the grocery store on the way home for a few groceries.

It’s good to be home all together again.  Rich doesn’t have to travel again until next week.  (LOL) But thankfully, it is not a “flying far away” trip…..it is a local trip and he only has to be gone for one night.  So, we are looking forward to settling down this month and preparing for the new baby.

I am supposed to be on bed rest, and I do need to rest, but I am feeling better than last week and know that I can handle doing some light chores.  I have the children helping out a lot; at this moment Jacob is making some BBQ sauce to go with chicken.  Grace has watched Seth for me today at times, and helped with laundry.  Ethan was a big help because he came with us to the doctor’s and carried Seth and watched over him when I needed to go in the store.  They have been loading up the dishwasher and emptying the garbage, too.

It’s a rainy day today but after two hot days, it feels so refreshing.  I spent some time out on the porch this morning, drinking my coffee and listening to the rain and the birds.  The leaves are all growing on the trees and look so tender and green.  It’s such a beautiful day.

This is probably going to sound sappy but I am sitting here thinking about the weekend and I am remembering my favorite moment with Rich.  We had gone for a little walk outside our hotel and he left me outside on a bench to go back to our room and grab my purse so we could leave.  He came back out another door, closer to the car, and headed toward it to get in.   When I saw him, I got up to join him (the car was about a small parking lot length away) and he called over to me in such a sweet caring tone, “I’ll come get you!” and when I heard him I turned around and sat back down, and watched with tears in my eyes as my handsome man drove over to pick me up.  I don’t know, for some reason, it just really struck me how much I love him and he loves me and that he cares about me so very much.  I just loved watching him drive over to me, and getting in the car with him like I have for the last 15 years, my husband and friend.

Rich got home safely at about 1:00am last night.  Thankfully, He did get to stay home later in this morning (until about 7:30) so that he could see all of the children when they woke up.  Grace almost missed him, but came out on the porch just as he was getting into his vehicle to leave for work.  He saw her and got right back out, to give her a kiss as she leaned over the porch railing.  So sweet.

I’m feeling more tired than usual today and got grumpy this morning.  I outright yelled at Jacob.  The dog was barking and when I told him to go walk him, he complained, “I already walked him this morning” (meaning, “Ask Ethan, it’s HIS turn”).  Well, I can’t keep track of who does what and I got mad and yelled, “I DON’T CARE JUST DO IT!”  and dear mom in law was cleaning up in the kitchen and heard it.  Oh, I’m laughing about it now, but I was embarrassed at myself when it happened.  I also lost it with Caleb when he shot Grandma in the back with his nerf gun.  I spoke sternly to him, “DO NOT SHOOT PEOPLE ESPECIALLY NOT GRANDMA….OR MAMA!” and took the gun away.

Grandma said, “Are you tired, Shanda?”, gently, and I said, “I’m not feeling well this morning.”  I felt tired, weak, and shaky.

So she left (they already had plans to go out) with the children at 10, to go to the library with them and I stayed home.  It’s about 2 now.  I watched TV and read my book, and took a little nap.

I’m hoping and praying that when Rich gets home I’ll be sweet and calm again because TONIGHT IS WHEN WE LEAVE FOR OUR WEEKEND AWAY.  He called me not long ago, to tell me that he is looking forward to it.  Poor guy, he’s been living out of a suitcase all week but this will be different because I will be with him.

Can I just say, I CANNOT WAIT TO HAVE THIS BABY.  Sometimes I feel so impatient about it.  4-6 weeks seems like forever at the moment.  All women who have had babies know exactly what I am talking about here.  Not only am I tired of being round, I am also not looking forward to the labor and delivery.  at.  all.  I think about all of my other six experiences and just don’t wanna do it.  I feel like a rebel 2 year old that wants to refuse to do what she has to do.  Ha.  Thankfully, I know the Lord will give me grace to be strong when I have to be.  Please Lord, don’t let it hurt. 

I found this picture in my files the other day and it made me laugh.  It’s Seth, last year at this time.  He was placed into sister’s doll carrier.

We have the gift of today, and there’s no sense in fretting about childbirth.  The family just got home so I think I’ll go see what everyone picked out at the library.  I sure missed going this time! 

Then I’m going to pack and I’m going to dress nice and I’m going to be confident and sexy even though I don’t FEEL it at the moment!  Jewelry, perfume, pretty sandels, my nicest maternity clothes, smiles, and even some make-up.  Stay tuned for the report on Monday.  I’ll share everything I tastefully can. 

Have a great weekend!  (hugs)  ~Shanda

(Grandma and the gang; my six, and her two girls.)

(Seth and his Grandma, who is spoiling him with lots and lots of lovin’.)

(Yours truly, looking a little more perky?)

Hello my dear lovelies~  It has been a strange experience to be resting so much, but I cannot describe the good it has done for my body, soul, and mind.  I highly recommend the REST CURE for any and all frazzled women.  What a lesson this has been for me.  It’s one thing to know rest is important, it’s quite another thing to be forced to actually do it and see the results!

On Monday, my mother in law took all of the children with her to Jacob, Ethan, and Grace’s music lessons.  They left at 3:30 and didn’t get home again until 8:30.  They went to music, the grocery store, and to McDonald’s for dinner.

Sethie came home bright eyed, smiling, in Grandma’s arms, with dried ketchup around his mouth.  He got to dip his fries for the first time.

My favorite memory of being alone during that time was sitting on my porch, reading, listing to the peepers sing, petting my cat, and enjoying the fresh air.

Tuesday evening she took them all out again, for Ethan’s lesson and a “car party” while they waited for him to get done.  A car party involves stopping at the store on the way to buy treats and then eating them up.  Crackers, fruit snacks, juice boxes and other such things.

Today she had them running races outside, and she wrote up a scavenger hunt list for tomorrow.  She has been reading to them, making the school kids do their work, and she’s done TONS of laundry.  She’s made every meal. 

I have been doing no housework at all.

No laundry.

No dirty diapers.

Well, I did change one dirty diaper.  Just one.

Honestly, I have found myself several times just sitting or just curled up in bed, happily wide awake, doing NOTHING!  What an unusual sensation! 

What a blessing that Rich has had safety in traveling.  We have talked on the phone several times a day.  We are looking forward to this weekend.  His mom offered to stay through the weekend so that we could go away together. 

We are staying in a lovely, local hotel.  Just the two of us. 

While we are gone, there are plans here at home for a bonfire (to roast hot dogs and marshmallows) and a slumber party (in the living room). 

Of course I have continued reading and have enjoyed the extra time to get through a few books.  I’ve been reading Martyn Lloyd Jones (Studies in the Sermon on the Mount), and my forever favorite Corrie Ten Boom (In My Father’s House, and Tramp for the Lord.)

Also, I’ve looked through Mary Jane Butter’s book about the outdoors, and a bunch of magazines.

I had a doctor’s appointment this afternoon.  My blood pressure was lower and my doctor was pleased.  Then, she told me that she was leaving her practice in May and that I would have to choose another doctor, she gave me some options and I was clear headed enough to make a decision right away.  She will see me again next week and the week after, and then I will be going to a male doctor that Rich and I met in the hospital when I had Seth.   A week ago, I am sure that this news (that my doctor was leaving) would have really bothered me, but today in my rather calm state of mind I think to myself;  God knows what is best and He is in control. 

I am 34 weeks pregnant with a little girl, and I just can’t wait to see her.  When I think about seeing her for the first time I get teary eyed.  I still can’t hardly fathom the gift of a new baby daughter.

Spiritually, the Lord is ever near to my heart, and there are no heavy burdens.  There are also no exciting revelations, either.  Just a calm, contented flowing stream of life moving at a calm pace for a change.

Thank you for the warm thoughts coming my way.  Thank you for the prayers.  This week is going so well.  The children are enjoying every minute with Grandma, and Grandma has been such a God-send.  We are all thanking God for the way He has provided our needs once again.  How everlastingly faithful He is.

~Shanda

Well, my time on the couch is going nicely!  I think I can get used to this.  One thing that surprises me is how utterly exhausted I feel.  I’m resting, shouldn’t I feel even slightly energetic yet?  I actually feel MORE tired than ever.  My nurse says, “No, do not expect energy–not until about 4 months after the baby is born….”  I just had to laugh.  But, really, the bed rest is going well and I’m enjoying it.  I’ve held Seth three times so far and had him fall asleep snuggled up next to me.  I love that.  We’ve all been reading books together, playing little games, watching TV.  That’s about it.  My brain can’t handle much more than that.

These are the books I have right by the couch next to my favorite spot.  The top one is my journal.  I opened it up yesterday and wrote the date.  That was it. 

Grace took this picture earlier today.  I don’t feel well but the pretty necklace helps!  Isn’t Seth adorable?

Seth loves getting his picture taken and then looking at it on my camera.

Here are some older pictures from last week that I didn’t get a chance to post:

I put that chicken waterer from the antique store in my garden.  It works just fine!  I love the look of it out there.

This is a picture from the last walk I went on, with Rich and the children (last week).

I love Grace’s shirt, it’s bright and has cherries on it and it says, “Sunny Days are Here”.

Seth reading a book:

These were taken this morning.  Davy took this one:

So guess what?  Rich was able to take the day off today.  He is going to take the children out soon, to the library.

He still has to go on his business trip next week but guess what?  His mom is coming here to help me all week long.  She was thrilled to be asked to help and is so excited.  She was willing to do anything that we wanted.  So, she’s arriving on Sunday night and will probably stay the whole week.  I’m just so thankful for the way God has worked things out.

That’s my little update.  I’m utterly exhausted so back to bed I go.

Thanks for the prayers and the helpful words on the last post!

~Shanda

I haven’t been feeling like myself for a few weeks now.  Stressed out and tired, I guess. 

My doctor is concerned about the increase in my blood pressure over this month, and put me on bed rest yesterday.  How this is going to be possible, I don’t know.  I plan on resting as much as I can, and trusting God to take care of me when I have to be up and about. 

I had blood work done yesterday to make sure that I wasn’t getting preeclampsia.  The lab results were fine, thankfully.  The pregnancy is going well, baby is actively moving; it’s just Mama who is tired.

One of the things that is making me feel upset is knowing that my husband will be gone again next week on a business trip; from Monday to Thursday night.  This is something that I am praying about because I am not sure how I will manage (for instance, music lessons are Monday and Tuesday evenings and if we don’t go the money is wasted).

This morning I plan on making a list of things that I can do from the couch; happy things.  Any suggestions? 

Little Seth is a dear, and sticks by me so faithfully.  He is my littlest buddy and even looked through a Tasha Tudor garden book with me this morning, while pointing at the pretty pictures, and making his little conversational noises.

I know God has everything under control and what a comfort it is to trust Him. 

When I was growing up attending public school, I fell in love with singing in chorus.  I sang alto, I sang in a trio with two of my girl friends (we even sang “Going to the Chapel” at my wedding reception in 3 part harmony)….I went to all-state, all-county chorus groups, sang in swing choir, and also sang in my church choir.  I sang several (judged) NYSSMA solos, and in my senior year I received the highest score of my school (on my solo) and had the honor of singing at the end of the year banquet.  Oh how I loved it all.  It was many years ago now, but I have such good memories of those times.  Music programs for children are such a blessing!

When we began homeschooling our children, my heart ached because I didn’t think it see how it would be possible to get them involved in a good music program.

Thankfully, God had a plan.  He led me to a brochure at our local library advertising a community school of the arts program, and after making some phone calls I was able to get them into music lessons…..and also an excellent choral program.

As parents, yes, it has been somewhat of a sacrifice on our part, but Rich and I both have been rewarded over and over by the experience.  The children have their practice every Monday night throughout the school year and have already had several beautiful concerts.  We sit and listen so full of joy that they could have such experiences. 

This past Saturday the children were involved in a concert and were able to sing with the University of Connecticut Collegium Musicum.  The front of the program said, “J.S. Bach and the German Choral Heritage, Sacred and Secular Music that Influenced the Baroque Master, works by J. Micheal Bach, J.S. Bach, Hassler, Isaac, Praetorius, Scheidt, and Schutz”. 

The pieces were wonderfully God-honoring and beautiful~the kind of music that makes you close your eyes and soak it in.  My favorite was when the youth choir sang “A Mighty Fortress is our God” in English, and the college choir sang the same song in German from up above in the balconies.  The acoustics were exquisite in the church they were performing in.

(random comment:  When the youth choir director began training the children in “A Mighty Fortress” she asked the students if anyone knew who Martin Luther was and what he was famous for, Jacob knew the answer and spoke up in class.  Yes, I’m proud of him but…it was also affirmation that homeschooling is working for us!)

The children sang in Latin!

(another random comment:  The program included this note: “The ensembles kindly request that you silence all electronic noisemakers for the duration of the concert.”  This makes me chuckle because SETH is not an electronic noisemaker, but he IS a noisemaker and Rich had to kindly silence him.  He spent the entire program standing in the back with him, while I sat in the audience with Caleb and David, who had their own struggles.)

Yes, we all felt quite cultured after the evening was over (all but Seth).  The director did such a wonderful job at writing up an informative program, and taking the time to explain the meaning and history of the songs.

Here is a little video of one of the pieces.   Enjoy!  And thanks for stopping by my blog today!  xoxox, Shanda

My friend Kathy and I went out for breakfast this morning, and when we were done we had some extra time to stop by an antique store.  It was a lot of fun to wander around, talking and looking at things.

I came away with a chicken waterer.  The base was missing, so they had it paired with an old tin pie plate instead.  I really like the country rustic look to it and plan on using it for my chickens.

The little, heavy (sand filled?) satin pin holder called my name, and so did the wooden tulips for my garden.

My favorite find was an old quilt.  I absolutely love it….whoever made it used such bright and beautiful fabrics and obviously had a substantial stash of well-chosen material to create with.

The quilt is full-sized and the top and back are a light, cool cotton.  On the next hot day I plan on washing it gently in my washer, and laying it outside in the grass to dry in the sunshine.

I can picture us cuddling on the couch, or outside in the hammock with it. 

We will take it along on adventures;  a few family summertime picnics will be all the more glorious with this feast for our eyes.

We had a busy morning here at home, and then out and about—to the library, to the doctor’s, and to the store.  It was a relief to get home.  Jacob went out to get the mail and to my surprise, he came back with a couple of boxes for me, and a letter.  I sat on the couch with Caleb and Seth, who were excitedly watching my every move. 

The first box I opened was from my friend Dawn.  Out came a handmade smocked baby bonnet (“IT’S CURTAINS, MOM!” ~ Caleb, thrilled, at first glance).  There was also a tiny pair of white lace socks.  Ruffles and ribbons and lace, white with a little bit of pink.  When I saw these lovely creations, knowing the time and thought that went into them, I felt so touched and happy, even if dear Caleb was a little confused (we are used to baby BOYS around here!)

The other box, from my friend Angie, had in it a handmade blanket.  The blanket is thick and soft, and Angie crocheted an edge around it (her grandma taught her how).  It is dainty and beautiful and my heart aches to see Sarah gently wrapped in it, while wearing her bonnet and lace socks.  Tucked inside the box, there was also sent a lovely lilac candle, a baby bib, a beautiful card and letter, and some wheat flour that she had ground herself.

Another friend of mine mailed me the sweetest note, letting me know that she loved me and thought of me often. 

All these things made me cry (I am crying as I type) happy and thankful tears.  It’s been a blessing today, to be on the receiving end of so much love and encouragement from dear friends. 

After breakfast this morning, I was sitting on the couch reading.  However, I got distracted by Seth, who was sitting quietly on the livingroom floor playing *and looking so sweet* that I had Jacob get me the camera.  I aimed at him and said, “Seth!”.  When he looked up he gave me this big gift of a grin. 

He is 14 months old now and quite the boy.  He adds so much joy and laughter to our lives with his little ways.

I think it is safe to say that Sarah Joy is bigger than a clementine orange.

photos by grace lillian