About Shanda

wife, mom of seven, friend, child of God

December memories, thus far. . . . .

Posted on December 12, 2007 by Shanda

(from the notes I’ve been taking during the day)

-finally finishing the CS lewis biography that I’ve been reading for weeks

-Caleb with his “baby”–Tiger–holding and carrying him around

-Caleb looking at his Thomas book

-walking away from the stress of putting together the gingerbread house, only to discover that they could do it just fine without me

-the dog following me outside, happy, as I decorated the porch and filled the bird freeder.

-the flock of bluebirds I saw on Dec. 6

-kids making tents in the livingroom and kitchen (remember doing that?)

-kids ice skating during the day, and at night with Rich, using the headlights from the truck to see

-all of a sudden being homesick for mom and dad

-the huge mess we made making cookies together

“Blend equal parts of Faith and Hope mixed well with Charity;
Stir in Good Will and Sweet Content and Precious Memory.
Add Kindness, Helpfulness and Joy; of Gratitude don’t spare;
Then drop by drop Love’s Essence sweet, and Praises freely share.
And don’t forget such spices rare as Laughter, Smiles and Fun,
Taste often for the best results, (‘Tis sweet to mince upon).
Now add a
Thankful Heart and then, the recipe’s complete,
Your ‘Merry Christmas’ all will like … so try the season’s treat.”

–Esther Lloyd Dauber (“Special Treat”)

-going Christmas shopping with Ethan, Grace, and Caleb

-Ethan holding the door open for an older lady who stopped in her tracks to praise him

-the funny thing Jacob said after eating a grapefruit, “Wow, Mom! This grapefruit is like sledding! It’s gone faster than it took to get ready for it!”

-standing in the bathroom one night, tired, yet content as I dried Grace’s hair and then braided it so it would be curly in the morning (always thinking of my mom, when she used to do the same for little me)

-reading Christmas books to the kids

-David making “hmmm” noices every time I read something that impresses him. (he doesn’t even know he does it)

-Caleb in his striped footie pj’s

-Rich loving my Christmas cookies (jam thumbprints and raspberry bars, so far)

-quiet lazy mornings

-feeing so sentimental. . .tears come so easily these days

-wrapping gifts (can’t ever keep track of the tape!)

-watching the martha stewart show every day

-making glittery pinecones all by myself, and feeling so content with the children just sitting around me, watching, and talking my ear off. I used to do the same thing to my mom when she was busy in the kitchen–perch on the counter and talk and talk . . . . . .

-drinking homemade hot chocolate

-decorating the trees

-Jacob dangling his army men from hooks to make ornaments

-the wonder on Caleb’s face

-hearing him say “Christmas tree” for the very first time

-the non stop motion

-fleeing the house for a walk one morning, calling behind me to the kids, “behave yourselves and put in a video for David and Caleb”

-completely enjoying my little walk and the beauty of God’s creation

“Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years… Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart.” — George Matthew Adams

couldn't resist. . . .hee hee hee. . . . .

Posted on December 8, 2007 by Shanda

Hey, I’m allowed to cheat now and then, right? I know I said I wouldn’t post until after Christmas but . . .but. . .

Out of about 150+ that I’ve taken all week, I’m pretty proud of myself for only posting two!

Posted on December 4, 2007 by Shanda

The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. Luke 2:9

The Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him. Isaiah 40:10

There was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God. Luke 2;13

The Lamb. . is Lord of lords, and King of Kings. Revelation 17:14

He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalm 95:6

When the wise men saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Matthew 2:10

And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at His birth. Luke 1:14

Unto you is born. . . a Savior. . Christ the Lord. . . wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:11-12

She brought forth her firstborn Son. . .and laid Him in a manger. Luke 2:7

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

The gospel shall be preached in the whole world. Matthew 26:13

Thou, Bethlehem. . out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be Ruler in Israel. Micah 5:2

And they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them. Luke 2:18

Cry out and shout. . for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. Isaiah 12:6

Now when Jesus was born. . there came wise men from the east. . to worship Him. Matthew 2:1-2

The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. Luke 2:9

My soul doth magnify the Lord,
and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
Luke 1:46-47

I hope and pray that each one of you has a blessed Christmas season. I will be taking a break from blogging (I will still visit your sites though and check messages), and will be back after the holidays are over. I hope that as you listen to “Silent Night” and look at the pictures that you will remember that you are special and loved very much. God gave His Son for you! Only true LOVE could do that. May you think of Jesus much during the next few weeks, and find some quiet moments to meditate on His earthly ministry and great sacrifice on the cross during the hustle and bustle of the season.

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 3, 2007 by Shanda

Jacob and Grace joined a children’s choir in September and on Saturday we went to their very first concert. When I was in school, I had so much fun singing in our school chorus and learned so much from the experience, that it is really important to me to try to give my children the same opportunity. I love the fact that they have such a fun, understanding teacher and were able to learn quality songs. She managed to train them to sing so sweetly and beautifully.

The Jr. Trebles

Jacob and Grace are in the younger choir called “Jr. Trebles” and the older choir, which also performed on Saturday, is called “Treblemakers”. It is all through a local University’s Community services and it’s a half hour drive for us. Jacob’s violin lessons are also through them. In fact, because he is a violin student, he was able to join Jr. Trebles for free. We paid for Grace to join and in January when they resume classes, Ethan will get to join as well. (for free because he will be taking guitar lessons).

It was sort of a risk for me to enroll them and I held my breath hoping that they would get quality training and thankfully, they are. One of their songs was in German and one was in Latin! They also were able to sing along with the “University Collegium Musicum” for one piece, with stringed instruments. I was so happy for them, I feel it is important to get musical training and experience because it is something that will stay with them their whole entire lives.

I’m so thankful for my awesome zoom lens, we sat toward the back because of Caleb, and yet I was able to zoom in and take these photos, all w/out flash.

They sang: “Velvet Shoes”, “Vom Himmel”, and “In Dulci Jubilo”

“From high heaven I come. I bring you new tidings. I bring you so much good news that I want to say and sing it. To you is born today a little child, from a Virgin besides, a little child so sweet and fine that he should be your joy and wonder.” translation of “Von Himmel” lyrics that made me cry.

Singing “Von Himmel” with the stringed instruments and adult choir.

Jr. Trebles joined the Treblemaker’s choir for the last piece of the afternoon, “Snowflake Song”

Something funny: David (my five year old) was looking at all the people in the audience and he noticed a man with a beard. Rich laughed when he leaned over and whispered, “Remember Uncle David? He grew one of those big hair things on his chin, too!”

Something not as funny: We lost James the Red Engine at the concert. I think I was more sad than Caleb, because we have had that train for years, he was all chipped and old looking. I hope he’s having a good time, where ever he is. Maybe he’s still in the concert hall enjoying beautiful music.

Jacob, right in front of the Director in the first row

Group photo with both Directors and Pianist, the one with curly hair is the Jr. Treble’s Director (on far left)

Now we can’t wait to hear them in the Spring concert!

hour alone

Posted on December 1, 2007 by Shanda

This morning Rich took the children to McDonald’s for breakfast, leaving me alone in a quiet house. Just that fact alone (of quiet) brought tears to my eyes. I thoroughly love my children, but I admit I had moment of celebration as I watched the truck pull out of the driveway and then stand in my clean kitchen (so glad I cleaned it yesterday evening for a change!) to make myself some breakfast, knowing that no one would interrupt me and there was no one else I had to care for.

I turned on a favorite cd, then brought my fried eggs, buttered sourdough toast, and hot cup of coffee to the table. Then, still in my pj’s and sitting cross legged in my chair, I opened my Bible, my journal, and a commentary.

What a precious time it was to listen to some beautiful music and study. I had to get up to get tissues in order to dry the tears of gratitude .. . . .so I could see to write in my journal. Outside the sun was shining, but a cold wind and snow flurries made my kitchen table seem so cozy.

If I had quiet mornings every day I would not have enjoyed this one so much. It was like an unexpected perfect gift. I’m adding a link to the cd I listened to, it was so beautiful and the perfect cd to have on during devotions this morning.

I just had to take some pictures and add this moment to my site. I want to remember it.

studying Romans 5:1-5

cinnamon candle

my favorite quote of the morning, from the commentary

“Right here lies one of the distinctives of the Christian faith, in that

the believer is taught to glory and rejoice in the midst of

suffering rather than to sigh and submit to it

as necessary or inevitable evil.”

This post is not so much about me, but about God providing a need in my life–a need to be still and spend time with Him.

Happy first Day of December!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until Then (the hope of a Christian)

Posted on November 30, 2007 by Shanda

The words to this hymn are so beautiful. . and such a comfort to me!

My heart can sing when I pause to remember
A heartache here is but a stepping stone
Along a trail that’s winding always upward,
This troubled world is not my final home.

But until then my heart will go on singing,
Until then with joy I’ll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the city,
Until the day God calls me home.

The things of earth will dim and lose their value
If we recall they’re borrowed for awhile;
And things of earth that cause the heart to tremble,
Remembered there will only bring a smile.

But until then my heart will go on singing,
Until then with joy I’ll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the city,
Until the day God calls me home.

This weary world with all its toil and struggle
May take its toll of misery and strife;
The soul of man is like a waiting falcon;
When it’s released, it’s destined for the skies.

But until then my heart will go on singing,
Until then with joy I’ll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the city,
Until the day God calls me home.

Written by Stuart Hamblen, 1908-1989

“In hope of eternal life, which God. . .promised before the

world began” Titus 1:2

An uninvited guest to tea

Posted on November 29, 2007 by Shanda

Yesterday, Grace had a tea party. . . .

and, had an uninvited guest join her. . . . .

who knew dogs liked tea?

Grace’s tea set is called “My First Fiesta” and it’s made by Homer Laughlin China Co. I collect fiestaware and when Grace was about 5 she got enough birthday money to order her very own set. It came in a special box that I kept, it is collectible ( will maintain or increase it’s value) and I hope that she will have it and keep it her whole life. I’m not sure if HLC still make the tea sets, we ordered her’s through JC Penney but it was a few years ago. Needless to say, I did NOT want the dog running around with the teacup, which is what he did as soon as he saw me jump toward him to take it from him! We had to chase him around the livingroom to get him to drop it. No pictures of that, thankfully!

Good Afternoon

Posted on November 27, 2007 by Shanda

I just got the kids in bed. Every day the older ones read in bed for an hour or two so that I can have some quiet. David basically rolls around in my bed and sometimes sleeps. Right now he is burping. (don’t ask, it’s a “talent” that he has discovered) Caleb is the only one who actually still sleeps every day.

Anyway, I enjoyed reading what was left for me after my last post. So many comforting words, and so many who understand a bluesie sort of day. Thank you. I still feel on edge today, but not as bad as yesterday, thankfully.

This morning I had to get outside. The kids were all watching a morning show on TV so I took my cup of hot (instant again, though–we ran out–) coffee and went outside for a quick walk up the road and back. . was only out for about 10 minutes. . the wind was whipping around the trees, I half expected to see some branches fly off . I noticed some chickadees on the neighbor’s bird-feeder. . a whole group of them. Such cheerful birds.

Guess what else I saw? The kids showed this to me!

A dead fish on the porch! We think Patches caught it. Oh, how I would love to see her do it again! Do you remember the post I did this summer, with pictures of her catching a frog? Never did I dream of a cat leaving a fish on my front porch! How in the world did she do it? Then she had to carry it up to the porch in her mouth! That is one funny cat!

After my little walk, I went inside and made the kids all come out with me. I grabbed my camera, too.

Grace was so sweet, still in her robe, she was so protective of Caleb. . .kept her eye on him the whole time we were outside. By the way, Caleb’s sweater is handmade by my late Great Grandmother. She made it for Jacob and all the boys have worn it. It zips up the back.

Here is Jacob. He and Ethan were busy forming little islands–they made a “Little Bahamas”, a “Little Jamaica” and a “Little Tobago”. (all that geography is paying off!)

Later on, when we were back inside I told Jacob that I loved seeing them make their pretend islands. He immediately said very seriously, “NO, they aren’t pretend, Mom! They’re REAL, they are REAL little islands.”

Grace said, “Isn’t this nice? It’s like being at the beach!”

(ummmmm, it was a stretch for MY imagination, but I thought she was cute)

My little mother’s helper, finding rocks for Caleb to throw. I like how the boys are on the other side of the pond. They are all in the picture.

They saw something in the pond, David makes me laugh in this one:

They waved me over to see, (“MOM!! Come ON MOM!!”). . . . it was “two big catfish”.

Can you see them? Ethan wished he had a fishing pole.

The sky was so lovely

This is the view from my porch. I love watching the sky. Right now, as I type, it is robin’s egg blue, with some fluffy gray clouds. Every once in a while, the sun comes out.

After I took the above photo, I looked at Parker and took one of him, too. He had his eye on me!

Woof, Woof. (Yes, David, I did let him eat that candy apple. He made a mess with it. )

The rest of the morning was spent on schoolwork, laundry, cleaning, giving the littles a bath, talking on the phone with Joanna (we usually have a big marathon conversation about once a month to catch up) and then my friend Kathy called me, I ate a piece of cheesecake. . . . . . . .it’s been a nice day.

Happy 7th Birthday to my niece, Abigail! She is my sister’s oldest child and I am so blessed that they live nearby. She is the closest thing Grace has to a sister. Lots of times, when people comment on Grace being the only girl, I mention Abbie. . and I say, “Well, she does have a cousin who is just a year younger than she is!” They are like two peas in a pod.

This picture was taken on Thanksgiving day of Grace and Abbie. Are they sweet or what?

Have a wonderful afternoon, all!

hope

Posted on November 26, 2007 by Shanda

Anyone else tired and blah today? Anyone else blue?

I am tired out. . and when I get over tired I start to think negative thoughts. I start complaining about myself in my mind, “I’m getting old” “If this is what I am like as a 31 year old, what on earth will I be like when I’m **?” “My back hurts. Will my back ever feel better again?” “My shoulder is aching, too. I guess I’ll probably end up with arthritis soon” “So I have aches and pains? I’m sure even WORSE things will happen at some point.” “You are so terrible! There are so many other people out there who have worse things going on in their lives. So you’re tired and achy, get over it!!!!”

On and on. This is my struggle. Lack of faith, lack of love for God. I say that, because, when I focus my energies on thinking of MYSELF, I am not looking at God. . .I’m being SELFISH and self centered.

Then I started thinking about Rich’s Grandma. Remember I did a post about her giving away her dishes? I thought, here is a woman, a Christian Woman, an OLD lady (she’s 90-something), and she never seems to have any struggles with her attitude. I compared (bad to compare, very unwise!) myself to her. I saw myself today as someone who has a great potential to grow old in a very cantankerous way. Or, perhaps, giving up the fight. Like, “ouch my back hurts I guess I’ll just stay in bed today and make everyone wait on me hand and foot.”

“I’ll never be able to grow old gracefully like Grandma.”

I’m in the midst of a big pity party when I go get the mail–and low and behold, a letter from Grandma. The kids were all in bed so I dove into my own bed to read it. Right off the bat she mentions the essay I wrote about her for my blog:

Dear Shanda–

I can’t believe you put that out on Internet! You make one sound so good . Just remember I am a sinner just like the worst of them. . . . . .

She wrote more but that was the part that stood out to me. “I am a sinner just like the worst of them”. Friends, I cried when I read that! Did I think she was “perfect”? I guess, in a way, I did. Naive of me, because of course she has struggles and problems, I see that now but, . . . . . .I still believe there is something about old age’s wisdom. What is different about her? What do I see in her that I don’t see in myself?

I could very well be wrong, but I think it’s patience. I think it’s acceptance and trust in God. Waiting. The wisdom of knowing what life on earth is. It’s growing old. It’s good and it’s bad. It’s easy and yet hard. You need to be brave and fight, and yet you need to trust like a little child. It’s going through trials without having a fit. . .it’s about letting go of my “control” and letting my life be held in God’s hands. It’s knowing that I will never be perfect on earth, (and neither will Grandma.) “I’m only a sinner, saved by grace!” And, according to Romans, patience leads to HOPE. . .now there’s a word to meditate on!

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

By whom also we have access by faith
into this grace wherein we stand,
and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience:

And patience, experience;

And experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed;
because the love of God is shed abroad
in our hearts by the Holy Ghost
which is given unto us.

Romans 5:1-5

Rich took the photos of me and Caleb on Saturday night when we were getting ready for our “before bed” snack.

Posted on November 25, 2007 by Shanda

Hello Friends~

Rich and I took the kids to Crackerbarrel for lunch. . .consequently I have a short time at home today before going back to church to choir practice. However, I wanted to share the lyrics to a hymn we sang this morning during the service. It’s an oldie but goodie.

“Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty”
Based on Psalm 103
Joachim Neander, 1680
Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1863

Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near,
join me in glad adoration.

Praise ye the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,
shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e’er have been
granted in what he ordaineth?

Praise ye the Lord, who with marvelous wisdom hath made thee,
decked thee with health, and with loving hand guided and stayed thee.
How oft in grief hath not he brought thee relief,
spreading his wings to o’er shade thee!

Praise ye the Lord, O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the amen sound from his people again;
gladly for aye we adore him.