About Shanda

wife, mom of seven, friend, child of God

with aunt colleen

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Shanda

We stayed at Aunt Colleen’s in-law’s house all last week. The best part about it was Aunt Colleen and Uncle Roger live right next door and we could visit every single day. Colleen is my Mom’s baby sister, which is how the two of us ended up less than two years apart in age.

These days it is a lot of fun to have our families together for visits. We can sit and talk while the children hang around us or run around playing.

I pulled in the driveway one evening and found them all sitting in front of the garage, talking and relaxing……it looked like a nice family time, “pretty as a picture”. ^^

(Colleen, Roger, and their oldest, Molly.) I just noticed Sarah is in the picture, on the swings in the background. She really liked their playset. It was the first thing she wanted to know about.

Between the two homes, there were five dogs. My children LOVE animals and enjoyed making new friends with the dogs. Seth had a great time throwing the tennis ball for Rusty.

Rusty could play fetch all day long and so could Seth.

When I aimed my big black camera at Maddie’s dog Jayda, she got nervous and shyly looked away. We made jokes about how I wasn’t going to “shoot” her, oh but wait…..I guess I was, in a way. 😉

After we sat and visited for a while we got up to walk the trail. They keep a walking path nicely mowed. It leads down through woods to the creek that changes every year in the spring water-rise (and sometimes, flood). The rocks were plentiful and the children promptly began throwing them. We were glad that no one got hurt, with six children throwing stones. Uncle Roger threw the dog’s bike tire into the water and it sunk before she could get it. Jayda was so funny sitting in the water looking for it, not able to reach. Roger had to get a stick to bring it back up. She happily ran off with it when it appeared again.

(Madelynn, Molly, Seth, Megan with Sarah, Colleen, and Roger.) A walk wouldn’t be proper without bringing something home from nature; Colleen had bark from a Sycamore tree. I brought some back with me, too. Apparently the Sycamore trees shed at this time of year.

Colleen and I prowled around this very old barn for antiques. This place is right down the road from her house. She hadn’t gone antiquing in the local places since the last time we were together (years) so we decided to keep that tradition. I bought the yoke from Sunday’s blog post at this barn. The barn was huge, quiet, and warm. The wood and rafters were beautiful.

I would have never imagined there were so many old dusty books in the back room. Books everywhere. (dreamy)

We both found some book-treasures to take home with us.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Her Life by Susan Hertog
Pilrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
Stillmeadow Cookbook by Gladys Taber
Tomorrow Will be Better by Betty Smith (she wrote A Tree Grows in Brooklyn)

We found fiestaware at the next shop. I bought some one dollar vintage bread plates on a different day, but not when I was with Colleen. I only took pictures. It was a little pricey for my mood (on the hunt for amazing deals).

It was a great week to catch up and visit with Colleen’s family. Love you all.

“The family is a haven in a heartless world.” Christopher Lasch

vacation Bible school

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Shanda

The children were taught to notice “God sightings”, specific times during the day when they were aware of God helping them, showing them something important, teaching them, or keeping them safe. Each footprint on the map represented one “God sighting”….and by the end of the week the footprints went all the way to the promise land.

Caleb is standing with his cousin, Makayla, my brother Nathan’s daughter.

This is Gregory (Makayla’s brother) with Seth. They are both starting Kindergarten this fall.

The leaders all dressed like the Biblical Israelites.

My Aunt Mary did the decoration design, and Aunt Colleen was on stage leading the songs, stories, and announcements.

Roger and Dawn are Colleen’s in-laws and I stayed at their place during the week; I have known them throughout my whole life.

“God saves us–so trust God!”

“God gives us strength–so trust God!”

“God guides us–so trust God!”

“God gives us what we need–so trust God!”

Roger and Dawn helped my cousin Katie’s boys with a tambourine craft.

Cousin Erika was in charge of the weaving…my Sarah is in the picture, in the pink shirt.

Pretty yarns and colors. Sarah asked me to help her finish one of her weavings and then proceeded to tell me I was doing it wrong.

Outside games.

Sarah told me (she remembered later on, in the bathroom) that they played a game with toilet paper, they put the toilet paper on their backs, so silly!

The children each had a bandana to wear. Seth wore his on his ears. I watched him concentrate on making a necklace. He strung beads and a bell on a string. Guess where it is now? Dangling from my rearview mirror….because he gave it to me. Thank you, Seth.

Seth is such a busy boy that it amuses me to see him still and quiet. Look at his crossed ankles….. and there’s Grandma Dawn again. I guess she helped out all over the place.

On the last day some men brought exotic animals to show the children. Caleb was thrilled.

He was thrilled because he got to touch a snake. He is passionate about snakes.

He stayed with the snake until he had to leave for another activity.

To say he was thrilled is putting it mildly.

Then, it was his turn to do some more weaving with Erika. Also pictured: my cousin Marissa in yellow, Erika’s son Jack, and my cousin Molly in the striped dress.

You can say that this VBS was a family affair. We got to spend time with Judy P, Mrs. Butler, Pastor and Mrs. P, Cassandra P (my future sister in law), Deb V, Candy L, Pam H, Uncle Rog, Aunt Carol, Carol A, Fran, Stacie and Jamie S, the Smiths, and so many other old friends! Oh it was wonderful.

The songs are always a highlight of Vacation Bible School. Seth (in striped shirt) did all the motions and dancing along with everyone else. The songs were played up on big movie screens so the children could watch them and do the motions along with the people in the video.

This one was my favorite::

Thank you to everyone who made the week a wonderful time for all! I spoke with Franny H and we both agreed it should last two weeks! 😉

leslie’s lilies

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Shanda

We surprised Rich’s Dad and step-Mom with an impromptu visit one day last week after Vacation Bible School. Leslie was busy moving furniture around, polishing her beautiful wooden floors when we knocked. Missy the dog welcomed us, too. The children love Grandma Leslie and running down to the barn to see the animals. We let them go while Leslie showed me her flower beds.

She has big bright lilies growing, all different kinds. We put Sarah in the middle of them for a picture.

Leslie has the most motherly instincts of anyone I know. She has one grown son, and when he was born he brought to fulness the maternal instinct in her heart which has blessed everyone in our family….she’s quiet and kind, lovely and caring. I looked at her as she described the spring in which she had a blue bird raise babies in a nest on the property, and how she herself “helped the mama bird take care of her babies”, and it just struck me again what a gift she is, and such a good example for me as a mother. After I spend time with her I remember to slow down and nurture life and all the living things that cross my path, whether my chickens, my pets, my flowers, or/and most of all– my children.

“See how the lilies grow….” Matthew 6:28

To Love the Flowers

Whilst I was ruminating about Leslie, and maternal instincts, and love and flowers….my darling daughter Grace spoke next to me on the couch. She was reading her summer book, Les Miserables, and wanted to share a part with me, and would you believe, it was about a colonel who loved the flowers;

“Under the Empire, between two wars, he had found time to marry Mademoiselle Gillernormand. The old bourgeois, thoroughly indignant at bottom, had given his concent with a sigh, saying: ‘The greatest families are forced into it.’ In 1815, Madame Pontmercy, an admirable woman in every sense, by the way, lofty in sentiment and rare, and worthy of her husband, died, leaving a child. This child had been the colonel’s joy in his solitude; but the grandfather had imperatively claimed his grandson, declaring that if the child were not given to him he would disinherit him. The father had yielded in the little one’s interest, and had transferred his love to the flowers.” page 385

“The plot of earth which he called his garden was celebrated in the town for the beauty of the flowers which he cultivated there. These flowers were his occupation.” pg. 383

“He was in his alleys from the break of day, in summer, planting, cutting, hoeing, watering, walking amid his flowers with an air of kindness, sadness, and sweetness, sometimes standing motionless and thoughtful for hours, listening to the song of a bird in the trees, the babble of a child in the house, or with his eyes fixed on a drop of dew at the tip of a spear of grass…….” pg. 384

Isn’t that inspiring? People are made to love and care for SOMETHING, ANYTHING. What a beautiful way to live.

When Rich’s Dad got home he took Seth and Sarah down to the barn with him. They each got a tractor ride, too (see the tractor on the far left of the photo?)

Grandma Leslie gave Sarah a juicy peach after carefully washing it off for her……

*****

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. (including your children)
The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
make your requests known to God.
And the peace of God
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds (and linger in your homes)
in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-7

verse

Posted on August 3, 2014 by Shanda

I took Caleb, Seth, and Sarah back home to NY state this past week while Rich took our other children to Christian camp in New Hampshire.

While I was away, I did some antiquing with Aunt Colleen and found this small yoke for five dollars.

I looked up Bible verses that mention the word “yoke” and settled on the phrase “Christ has set us free.” from Galatians 5:1.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

This is what it looks like from a distance. I will enjoy looking at it and remembering the miraculous freedom Christ has provided for souls.

{this moment} and, a recipe

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Shanda

M O M E N T

A friday ritual. A single photo, capturing a moment of the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

********

M U F F I N S

I made muffins this morning for the children. Seth (in picture up there ^^) requested chocolate chip muffins. I typically don’t care for chocolate chips in breads or pancakes, but I mixed up a batch of muffins, making a few changes to a favorite recipe. They turned out chocolatey from the chips, but not too sweet. The whole family liked them, including Rich, so I thought I would share the recipe with you in case you want to make them for Saturday breakfast.

Summertime Chocolate Chip Breakfast Muffins (makes about 18, depending on how much you fill the cups)

4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425. Line muffin tins with paper liners. Add all dry ingredients into a bowl and whisk together. In a separate bowl, miss together the wet ingredients thoroughly. Dig a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the milk. Stir until just mixed and no more…..then, add one and a half cups chocolate chips (fold into batter gently). Place batter into muffin liners with an muffin scoop. Bake 20-25 minutes or until done. (firm to the touch, lightly browned around edges, or a clean tester inserted into middle of a muffin).

Let rest 10 minutes so the paper can be peeled off without sticking to muffin.

They were so good that I sent Caleb up to the neighbors with four in a brown paper bag, wrapped in paper towel and still warm from the oven.

having a lot of fun

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Shanda

We are having a good week…a perfect summertime week. Busy fun mornings, sleepy hot afternoons, good dinners, and evening walks.

On Tuesday morning I wanted to go thrifting and convinced the children to come along to play at the park while I did so. Jacob asked Emily, Ethan asked Zachary, and Grace asked Allie. Thinking back on it, I have this joyful image of my big vehicle driving down the road shaking with so much energy and noise within it. I stopped at Rite Aid to get drinks and 50% off summer toys, cheap plastic games just for a month or so of fun before they break.

When I got back to the park 45 minutes later they had red faces and were ready to go on to the next adventure: dollar sandwiches and 49 cent ice cream cones for anyone who wanted one (we bought 6 and 10).

The cool, quiet library was our next stop, with three of the boys grabbing their bag of soccer balls out of the back and heading over to the school field to practice.

Back at home, we were spent from our morning of activity and ready to play games and watch a movie.

Somehow, being at Steve and Joanna’s recharged me like I was not expecting. I have been “hostess” so much that I forgot the blessings of being a guest. It was a blessing to be waited upon, thought about, provided for, and to be able to sit and OBSERVE a wonderful family and it’s workings. Joanna in the kitchen, children playing, someone else’s baby in my arms……as I drove away on Sunday afternoon I was ready to do homemaker things again, for my own tribe. And yet I was so tired of it all the week before!

This morning, I woke up earlier than the children. Rich had already gone off to work after making me laugh because he said he liked the feel of my new organic tshirt (right). He looked fresh and handsome after a shower and his work clothes; a short sleeved navy dress shirt and dress pants. A kiss and a coffee. I got up, made our bed, puttered around the room, showered and dressed. By that time, Seth and Sarah were awake so I gave them their cheerios, let them watch Shaun the Sheep, and got busy making the real breakfast of hardboiled eggs, bacon, cut up cantaloupe, and pancakes.

Joanna gave me this long tie-around-the-waist apron which I wore for the first time as I did the kitchen dance. It’s the longest one I’ve owned and it proved to be useful. Not only did it give me an extra dose of “Susie Homemaker-ish” feelings, but it was also the perfect length to serve as a potholder and a way for me to open the dishwasher with a dirty hand.

As I popped cubes of melon in my mouth, I praised God for the morning and remembered again the delightful addictive feeling of satisfaction in serving my family.

They liked the breakfast, no one touched the eggs however.

This picture is from about a month ago, when Emily came over (for the first time, I think) and we went for a walk. It’s so funny to see your son become someone he never was before – namely, a boyfriend. He seems pretty good at it so far. Emily is a sweet, fun girl and even went with us on a trip to NY two weeks ago. She’s easygoing and not shy at all, makes me laugh, and has a ready laugh of her own. She’s so good with all of Jacob’s siblings. She and Grace went shopping the other day, she teases Ethan, Caleb, and David, and helps keep Seth and Sarah in line. She’s going to camp with my children (and Rich) on Saturday.

The grass was taller than Sarah’s head in some places; Grace had to help her.

And then carry her. My flowers amongst the flowers.

The boys were getting soaked in the stream and after a while, caught up with us again. Seth got a ride on Ethan’s strong shoulders.

I LOVE TO SEE LOVE LIKE THIS between the children!

See how wet to the skin they are? I bet that water felt good, I remember what a hot and humid day this was.

Seth and Sarah continue to enjoy their new two-wheelers, which have been the best summer entertainment for them of the year. In fact, Seth’s training wheels are off and he’s doing very well on his own bike. I love Sarah’s face in this picture (and the fact that her hair is actually fixed).

This is Joanna’s little girlie who is the same age as Sarah. I showed Tsega a picture of my children and she looked, considered, and pointed to Sarah. “I like her.” she said, like she was choosing a new dress or something.

Do you grow your own herbs? I have parsley and basil in my garden, and a pot of parsley on my kitchen windowsill. Joanna has a garden and took a little basket out to gather herbs for a recipe. We felt organic. (see, gardening is satisfying and addictive, too). I have such a small one that it’s actually FUN to weed it. The other day David panicked and told me to get outside and plant cucumbers because “you forgot, MOM!!!!” “HOW will we make pickles?” Laughing, I told him it was much too late to plant but we would get some at a stand when they are ready.

This morning’s adventure was the mall for a hair cut for Jacob and Seth. Sarah went along, too. We ate at Sonic for lunch. Seth and Sarah both warned me that they did not want chicken fingers. I ordered them Corn Dogs. They both couldn’t believe it when they still got Chicken Fingers. It turned out that “Chicken Fingers” meant “Tater Tots”. So confusing.

We had a downpour last night and the weather is clearer today, not as oppressive. It feels nice to have the windows open and not be sticky. Jacob is busy cleaning the porch and the boys are finishing up a movie. I’m making “Cincinnati chili” over spaghetti for dinner tonight. Tomorrow continues the busyness of getting ready for camp. The children are all packed, tomorrow we will have guests spending the night and they will all leave bright and early Saturday morning for a week of Christian camping in New Hampshire. As for me, I am going back home with the three younger children for a week of VBS at my old church.

***

“A life of peace gives life to the body……” Proverbs 14:30a

“For you created my utmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 138:13, 14

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

“Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

stay

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Shanda

“Stay is a charming word in a friend’s vocabulary.” Louisa May Alcott

I drove alone to her house on a Friday morning and stayed until Sunday.

We’ve been friends for 20 years, through Bible college, snail mail letters (fat was good), emails, phone calls, visits few and far between.

There is something special about long distance friendships….the heart comes through so much easier in letters and emails, a closeness is gained when hiding behind a pen.

Oh but the visits are the icing on the cake.

God is so good to give us our people. The ones to share a life with.

Joanna is a beautiful soul. She is creative and her home oozes with her ideas. She and her husband Steve have a relationship of closeness and understanding; he cleared up time for her, by taking on household chores, caring for the children, making meals, so that the two of us could visit.

a few memories::

We played games as a family with so much laughter.

Eti on his pogo stick.

Coco with the shower cap that I gave her from my hotel bathroom.

browsing beautiful shops (we found an old Gladys Taber book)

Dunkin donuts

bic macs

opening gifts

that strange bug

monkey man

Because of Winn Dixie

the bluebird of happiness

herbs from the garden

pinky ring

smell of skunk

a lived in home

recipes

a lost My Little Pony book

race to the bathroom, with a shoulder injury

she let me take her picture

She has a five month old baby boy. He was good natured and sweet.

we did each other’s nails

She did the coolest thing with me on Saturday. Steve came up with the idea that she do a “Tour of Joanna”, inspired by an old Seinfeld episode where Kramer drives a bus around and does his crazy Peterman reality tours.

Jo has lived in the same area her whole life so I got to hear fabulous stories and see places from her whole life.

***

back home again……..

I gave the kids pixie sticks.

We worked on scrapbook pages at the outside table. She let me look through old illustration books to cut and use.

she gave me her drawing and I glued it in my book

selfie in the bird room

church on Sunday

After church we went back to the house for lunch.

Eti (12 years old) made this grenade out of an empty lemon juice bottle.

While waiting for dinner I sat on the couch, looking at one of Jo’s library books, with Tsega at the other end.

After delicious African chicken stew, we played a few rounds of a fun game together before I had to leave for the long drive back home.

It hurt to leave. I had a lovely time with my friend.

Friendship

isn’t about who came first

or who you’ve known the longest.

It’s about who came

and never left.

~anonymous

for Greg and Cindy

Video

My dear Father requested and helped me choose the photos contained within this beautiful slideshow, for the occasion of his 39th wedding anniversary. Yes, on a beautiful summer day long ago, my young parents were married, surrounded by singing birds and all of their loved ones. It was a lovely outdoor wedding, located on the family farmland of upstate New York.

Through the years, the family has grown, and more importantly, so has their love for one another.

Gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life

Free picture slideshow personalized with Smilebox

another summer day

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Shanda

I’m getting ready to go to Joanna’s for the weekend. I am not taking any of the children with me and I am looking forward to a road trip by myself.

Poor David ended up with the stomach bug after our “Christmas in July” party. He was sick all night long but felt better the next morning, although weak.

The older children have been involved in evening Vacation Bible school and David was craving beef stew so I took the little ones out yesterday and got groceries and a sub for my dinner. And beef stew.

In the evening we all went outside. It seems like all day long I’m telling them to go outside and play, but the evenings are the only time they WANT to be out, as long as I’ll let them, to avoid bedtime. I gathered eggs from the coop and turned a few cartwheels in the freshly mowed grass. Sarah jumped on the trampoline. David and Caleb brought back two cups of wild but beautiful juicy raspberries from up the road and begged me to make muffins.

Caleb made good choices with his birthday money. His box came today (thank goodness) after he asked me all morning if I thought it would arrive soon. I was like, “I sure hope so!”, I smiled big watching him meet the UPS man.

He ordered a NERF battle axe and a cool bow and arrow set that all the boys want to play with, even the big ones.

(Shaun the Sheep was on TV when the box came). Great show, BTW.

All the action at my feet. I tried to get a shot of the toys but Parker the dog came over just in time to block everything.

Our day began with the delivery of Grace’s new bed. We are in the process of redoing her bedroom. Her walls have been painted and her big queen sized bed was taken down, to make room for this twin sized white day bed, with a trundle underneath for sleepovers or stormy nights (when scared Sarah gets to sleep with her sister).

She was in her room today ALL DAY LONG. If we wanted “Grace time” we had to go visit her. She hung out with everyone up there today, but she is gone now with Jacob and Mike at VBS.

On My Bedside Table:

The top book is an old black photo album that I bought at an antique store and filled up with printed phone pictures.

The Magic of Ordinary Days is a sweet, slow book.

The Book of Idle Pleasures is full of thoughtful little essays.

Long long ago, I remember sitting by the side of my Mother as she read Little House on the Prairie out loud to us. My brother David was on the other side. We sat on the couch and listened intently to the stories. Now I am doing the same (again) with Caleb. In the photo you see his legs and my hand, with our book. Little House has become our daily special time together, he and I snuggled on the couch as I read. Today I read one chapter. He slipped away, and I turned over and curled up with a blanket and slept for over an hour. (I yawned all through the reading). Reading out loud is a great way to get extra sleepy.

This was my napping spot. Children ran through the room now and then but I still managed a great nap. Can you tell this was a big deal to me? I rarely relax enough to give way to drifting along into sleepy-land. What a blessing to do so, today.

I try not to over indulge but these muffins were so moist and good, I have had three today. My mom makes the same recipe. HERE.

Laughter is good.

Boys on the porch. I took this picture out the window, the screen is out and the cats and dog jump through the window to get in the house. Sounds terrible but it’s awful convenient.

Jacob’s friend Mike brought over a watermelon that I’m convinced he just didn’t want to deal with. He said he can’t eat it all himself but when I cut it up could I please save him some of it to take with him later?

Another notable occurrence from today was that I vacuumed the floor in the living room, every inch, I even pulled away the couches. There were a lot of little lost things under there, but no money.

I can’t wait til tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come back to the blog tomorrow, I have a beautiful slide show to present.

Happy Thursday, my friends.

we had a small party

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Shanda

“….if ever families needed warmth, advice, nurturing, ideas, and inspiration, it is today.” ~Victorian Family Celebrations, by Sarah Ban Breathnach

I bought a big stack of books from our recent town library book sale and the above mentioned book was one that I discovered. I was already familiar with Breathnach’s work in Simple Abundance, a Daybook of Comfort and Joy, and was eager to learn more of her gentle and wise advise.

Victorian Family Celebrations is “a month to month guide to creating seasonal feasts, traditional crafts, and the little daily rituals that make a house a home.” I turned to the chapter of ideas for the month of July, thinking the author would probably have ideas for a “Christmas in July” type of party for the children. I assumed it would take place on the 25th (the six month mark for the real Christmas) but was surprised to read that July 15th was also an option, as it is the birthday of the poet who wrote “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Planning a little party was just the thing for Grace and I to do together — we promptly sent the little ones to their rooms for rest time.

We did a little bit of decorating, made a cake, went on a quick trip to the Dollar Store and in just over an hour we had everything ready for the children.

“Observing Christmas in July was the custom of resourceful Victorian mothers who started thinking about Christmas long before Thanksgiving. This is because a century ago we made the majority of our gifts. By the end of the summer, Victorian families were almost done with their holiday gift making……”

~Sarah Ban Breathnach, page 144

Caleb was surprised and delighted with the tree, and the star on top that he said he remembered.

We lit the candles on the cake and turned off the lights.

It was Grace’s idea to sing “Silent Night” and as soon as the song was over, all five of the children helped to blow out the candles.

While we ate our cake and drank our milk, Grace read aloud the poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas” in honor of the Reverend Clement Clark Moore’s birthday.

The cake was a boxed mix, using melted butter instead of oil, and frosted with a simple thin layer of homemade green icing. I decorated it with red sugar sprinkles and snowflakes (leftover from last Christmas).

While I threw away the napkins and plastic silverware, Caleb and Sarah made snow angels. (note:Dave isn’t feeling well this afternoon).

We passed out the small gifts and watched each other open them.

Sarah got flip flops
Caleb got army men
Seth got a whoopee cushion
Grace got a rabbit figurine
I got a framed Bible verse
and David got a flashlight, all from the dollar store.

It was such fun!

Merry Christmas!