in the meantime….

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Shanda

Isn’t the news depressing? It makes me long for Jesus and Home. I know the end of my story and it’s worth living in this wretched world for…..as a person who determines to look for beauty, it hurts to write “wretched” but what other word is there when you hear of all the terrible things happening in our country and around the world?

In the meantime, I’m determined to live my own ordinary, quiet, blessed life to the FULLEST. I’m going to say yes as much as possible, go to bed early and SLEEP the glorious sleep, read the books, dress the children, cook the food, laugh the laughs, light the candles, take pictures of the sunrise, help as many people as I can, smile the smiles, say NO to anything or anyone that drains the energy from me that I need for my family, hug the hugs, pet the cats, make the sacrifices……you get the idea. All the things that I like, that I need to do and want to do. I’m so thankful that I have the power and determination to live the life I want to live, regardless of outside circumstances. We all have that freedom to some extent.

I truly think it pleases and glorifies God when we know who we are and live the way He made us to live, according to each unique person’s story and personality. Praising, dancing, and yes, even mourning and crying in those times, too. Feeling all the emotions He made us to feel. Do you like to cook? Then COOK with abandon. Do you like nature? Then get outside! Do you like people? Then get out there BE WITH THEM. Do you like solitude? Then stay home and LET THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE COME TO YOU. Everyone is different and everyone has value. There is no shame.

My mom said this weekend, “I LOVE MY LIFE.” She read a story about a woman in her 90’s who still walks to work every day. She wants to be like that woman. Relishing her life and her work and never wanting it to end……..to keep going.

Ethan, Mitch, and Jacob went to the homecoming football game, and so did Caleb, who wanted to go so very much that the boys took him along.

The dog was at their feet in the photo….Parker the dog loves his boys. In his eyes, they can do no wrong and totally deserve 115% loyalty and love.

He’s RIGHT!

Grace was invited to the homecoming dance….and after I asked the brothers if he was a nice boy I said….”If you want to go, then I want you to go. Experience High School…all of it…and enjoy it!” And she was happy to say “yes” and go dress shopping.

We had a hallelujah fit in the mall when we got the text telling us the parade was cancelled that morning…..because we needed more time. This girl hardly has any free time and we shopped for her dress the morning of the dance!!!! It had to be purple, too. Thankfully, we had success at Macy’s. The dress fit her like it was made for her. Which is was. 🙂

We went from shopping to lunch with Grandma, Grandpa, and Abbie.

cousins!

Then we walked to the bookstore.

My dad with Caleb. And a lego mini figure that I bought for my boy.

My mom who loves life even though it’s very hard at times!

I fixed her hair, painted her nails, bought her dress, shoes, and necklace, let her borrow my earrings and dress coat (not pictured) and I was happy to do it all for my girl. It was exhausting, in a good way. That feeling when a plan comes together.

Aren’t they sharp? They had made a plan to dress alike, and they had success! Grace told me the next morning that she had a lot more fun than she thought she would. (She was a little nervous).

I wish I had a better photo of Jacob and Emily but I was so focused on Grace and these two LEFT the house in Jacob’s car before I could even think of getting a picture of them. Rich and I drove Grace and her date to the school and happened to see Jacob and Emily walking on the sidewalk. I took the picture out the truck window. It was freezing cold (in the 40s) so poor Emily was suffering. Jacob didn’t ask to be taken shopping….he simply raided his Dad’s closet.

Oh and in case you’re wondering…Ethan and his girlfriend didn’t go to the dance. They stayed at her house with her family and watched four Harry Potter movies.

The purpose of this photo is to show you my morning glories. They have vigorously produced more vine and leaf than flower. I’m enjoying each remaining day with them because when we have frost they will die. I loved watching them grow all summer long, waiting and waiting for the flowers to appear.

Yesterday evening we cleaned the chicken coop and put fresh new wood shavings down.

We found our first white egg ever!!

Rich took a couple pictures with me in them. And that’s Caleb helping, too.

Wooly Aphids are AMAZING gray bugs that have white wispy stuff (called honeydew) coming out of them. Blogged about last year.

I was standing on the side of the road on Sunday when I took this picture. ^^ This morning I heard the dog barking and looked outside to see a car parked and running in the same spot. I put on my boots to run down and see if they were okay. And GUESS WHAT? This is so exiting. It was a lady trying to take pictures (with a Cannon SLR) of an Osprey sitting in our dead tree!!!!! (the dead tree pictured above). She and I visited on the side of the road, talking of nature and photography, and became friends this morning at 8am!!!!!!!!!!! That’s a God-moment for sure!

This morning’s sunrise. Sarah said, “Mom, come look at the sky!”

Happy is the Mom whose children show her sunrises.

Please please pray that Sarah’s UTI has cleared up. I have to take her tomorrow at 8:45 for a re-check. She’s certainly acting better, and had a great time eating chocolate covered strawberries yesterday after church.

Happy Monday, friends!

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6, 7 (I read this verse this morning and absolutely LOVED it. Amen!)

they shall be filled

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Shanda

Blueberry Coffee Cake

~very, very good family recipe~

1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup milk
2 cups blueberries (can use fresh or frozen)

Preheat oven to 350. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar together, add egg and beat until fluffy. Mix in the dry ingredients alternating with the milk. Spread in a greased and floured 11 by 7 inch pan or two 9 inch pans. Sprinkle the top with 2 cups blueberries

Crumb topping

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix together with a pastry blender or a fork until crumbly and sprinkle on top of the berries. Bake for 30-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

This morning has filled me up spiritually.

The verse “blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled” is in my mind, I’m meditating on it over and over and I think to myself that Righteousness is God, I hunger and thirst for Him, for Jesus, and He fills me up to overflowing with this lovely life of mine. Yes there are dry, exhausting, and difficult days but then another sort of day comes along like this one and the tears of gratitude are ever ready because I feel His restoring care in such a real and deep way.

It’s raining on and off outside which is just lovely, a visual for what is happening inside of me as well.

I’ve been watching Netflix’s Chef’s Table series and today was episode three (watched this morning as I matched socks and folded laundry) it was sooooooooooooo good! It did it’s part to fill me up, too. Wow. (episode one was the same way, #2 wasn’t as good IMO) People are so unique and there is so much to learn from another’s life.

The rabbit hopped around the living room and ate a pear under the coffee table. I put down newspapers because she loves to chew and shred them.

Small Gentleman Gray napped in the midst of my clothes piles, I would stop and pet him now and then.

I went outside to take the leftover breakfast milk and cereal, eggshells and crusts of bread to my hens. I spent some time cleaning the coop and peeked around the corner to slyly take a picture of a VERY skittish hen. She lays VERY small eggs. Really nothing to make such a fuss about.

I picked a small bunny salad to bring back in to Rabbit; mostly clover

The stream has filled up again, and I did a little wading in the cold water.

I came back inside and made a cup of coffee in my new sage fiesta mug. I took a picture of it but the colors of Fiesta can be hard to photograph, it looked much truer to color when I edited the photo to black and white. I dumped my coffee on the couch, and they were right….leather is MUCH easier to clean.

I’m sitting here blogging and also scratching like a maniac at a bee sting on my ankle which is still bothering me and I’m making it worse but it feels so good to scratch…..ahhhhh!!!…..so I better go make some more baking soda paste to rub into it.

Happy Wednesday, friends! You are loved.

“The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise Him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.” Isaiah 61:11

it’s the little things

Posted on September 29, 2015 by Shanda

Good morning friends of the blog,

Today is picture day at school for Sarah, Seth, and Caleb and boy do they look extra cute this morning.

Jacob is still asleep, and so is Mike who is not related by blood but has become a part of the family and spends almost every Sunday to Wednesday with us….

I’m still in my pajamas and just finished eating a lovely omelet made with 2 of our own chicken eggs, filled with mushrooms, onions, peppers, cheese, and spinach. I can’t start the day without a good breakfast, thanks to my mom and her good care of me growing up.

The temperature is up 15 degrees from the other day because it’s cloudy and going to rain. The colors are coming out in the leaves beautifully and I’m a touch sad because I love fall and know it will pass quickly.

My favorite thing to drink these days is hot apple cider.

Gentleman Gray adds such joy to our family with his little kitten ways. He has such a loud and ready purr. He’s actually on my shoulder purring and falling asleep as I type, and Parker the dog is on the floor by my bed sleeping (I’m in bed).

I like to go down to the chicken coop and watch the hens. Even if I’m in a hurry I find myself slowing down to enjoy them. Yesterday I sat cross legged in the grass and they all (23 of them) gathered around. Several tried to bite my toenails off, several used my corduroy pants to wipe their beaks, and several kept snooping in my lap at the three eggs I was trying hide from them. I held one my lap for a while and admired it’s feather-dress. Would anyone be interested in an entire blog post about the chickens?

honeybee on goldenrod (my favorite color yellow) I took some other fun close ups a few weeks ago that I have to post soon.

Guess what? We swapped out our big fabric sectional for a leather one! We only had the fabric couch for 6 years but it was a mess, the cushions were ripping, the edging was tearing off it, and because it was fabric it was filthy. At least, that’s how I felt. I kept it washed and vacuumed as much as I could but with the family and pets on it all day every day it was time to go. This is our first leather couch. It smells so good. My only complaint is that Seth can’t control himself on it….when I try to sit and read to him he slides all over the place….he can’t seem to help it. At one point he was upside down with his feet in the air while I was reading a book about cats to him. I think the feel of the leather is too much for him. 😉

As you can see, we have a row of black bookcases behind the couch. This is so convenient because 1. we always need more room for books 2. we can reach back and put things on the top of it while we are sitting. 3. I fold the laundry and make my row of piles on it while watching TV. and 4. during parties it becomes another table, the kids sit on stools behind it.

Rich was sold by the fact that the back cushions do not come off. Only the seat cushions can be removed. I don’t mind the children making forts with the couch cushions but it is a pet-peeve of his (and wisely, too, because that’s probably part of the reason our other one got old so quickly).

The last thing I want to show you today is my kindle has returned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember I had lost it on vacation last month? Well, Rich made some phone calls and located it in one of the hotels and had them mail it back.

Happy Tuesday!!

how was the moon?

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Shanda

“It’s not what you look at that matters, but what you see.” Thoreau

My family, along with five friends, sat under the light of the moon last night to watch it turn from a light so bright it dazzled the eyes, into an orange-red shadow.

We had a fire and chairs pulled up all around it. One of the boys roasted a potato in the coals around the fire. I roasted a hot dog. We all had apple cider.

My little ones wriggled and adjusted themselves over and over next to me, sometimes exchanging “words” for “taking my spot!”

The first thing sleepy eyed daughter said to me this morning was “How was the moon?” because she had to go to bed at 9:30.

Toward the end of the night, the endless noise of talking, laughing, and music stopped, and we could hear coyotes and other sounds of the woods and the night, our faces upraised to the clear sky, eyes open wide, trying to take it all in.

As the moon became darker, the stars seemed brighter. The sky was gloriously full of them.

We thought about the people of the past, ancient Bible men and women, populations from other countries, our own Native Americans, even the heavenly beings, and the wonder of the connection we felt to them all as we sat under the very same moon they also observed and knew so well.

We praised the God who made it.

thirteen

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Shanda

Isn’t it beautiful to celebrate every child, each special, unique life?

To give birth to a son and watch him grow each and every day.

How thankful I am to have my son David in my life. Thirteen years ago, on an early fall, sunshiny day, he was born.

I experienced the miracle of new life…my third baby boy. I savored every minute of those baby days.

This morning I woke up at 7:30 and there was already a party going on. Dave had a friend spend the night and they were chasing each other around the house with toy weapons.

After church we had a big cheese pizza, a salad made with radishes, tomatoes, mushrooms, and Italian dressing, and fried chicken. He played the piano while we cleared the table and turned on the Sunday afternoon football game.

The many sounds of “home”.

Isn’t it a marvel how God makes a family? To put a husband and wife together, giving them children to raise? Each life has a purpose, each life is a gift.

Thirteen is the age of rapid growing, the beginnings of manhood. Long legs and arms, his voice cracking and deepening. But still so much the child remains.

Some of David’s quotable quotes:

“I really don’t like j’s. Why can’t they all just be g’s?”

***

“is it Monet or Monae?”

“It’s Monet.”

“YES!! I love silent t’s.”

***

“I feel like I just had a genius idea. But I forgot what it was.”

***

“I dreamt that I was grown up and I was skydiving……I was probably smiling in my sleep. And then Santa skydived.”

***

“There is not a SINGLE movie where love isn’t involved.”

“Love is a wonderful thing, Dave.”

“NOT when it keeps happening.”

Home is where we wrap the presents, secretly in the other room, at the last minute.

Letting little sister help.

Leaving them in a stack for the birthday boy to find.

Home is an empty couch filled with pillows one minute, full of boys the next.

Home is the sound of guesses, ripping wrapping paper, and surprises.

Shamrock fiesta mugs and nerf guns.

batman and superman

The wonder of a tiny microscope, books, legos, and a 2 dollar bill.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to spend this!”

“Why did you put tape?…….oh” … “Did you really put tape over every time it says that in the book? I bet you forgot at least one.”

Home is cherishing every moment.

And eating cheesecake.

It might even be homemade (it’s not).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID LLOYD, you are a wonderful son. I love you so much.

Ephesians 4:1-6

Posted on September 26, 2015 by Shanda

I beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

Always be humble and gentle.

Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love.

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

For there is one body and one Spirit, just has you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

Ephesians 4:1-6

Milkweed pods are crispy dry and opening, spilling their soft warm seeds into the air, waiting for a breeze to carry them away.

Ferns are turning yellow and brown.

There are many variety of wild berries and it’s a good time of year to be a bird-watcher.

There are raccoon tracks in the mud by the solitary beaver pond.

A late blooming wild cardinal flower, found in a hidden spot. It’s hard to hide completely when you’re such a red.

acorn-triplets

Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Psalm 68:19

heart-warming

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Shanda

(song that Grace played while on our road trip)

*****

The Norman Rockwell Museum is one and a half hours away from our house, the perfect distance for a little road trip with Grace.

Grace has been busy at school.

I was beginning to miss my daughter.

Getting in the car and driving away from it all was the perfect solution.

We hit a detour which turned out to be pleasant because it took us right past a wonderful apple place, all situated on someone’s private property with a big old white house with mossy steps, dark red barns and charming little out buildings. One building was a bakery and we each picked out a pastry and hot apple cider.

Another small building contained for-sale items like crafts and antiques.

There were apples, pumpkins and fall decorations. There was also an ice cream window and charming places to sit all over the place, with homemade benches by the trees.

Less than fifteen minutes from our house, we wouldn’t have made this discovery without the “inconvenience” of a detour.

After a stop at the outlets, where Grace bought a purple dress and this sweater, we headed on down to Stockbridge, MA for the museum and oh my, what a lovely day we had for it. An early fall day, the air was clear and warm and scented with the smells of late-season trees, grasses, flowers, and acorns. I drank in the breeze like fine medicine.

Studying Norman Rockwell’s paintings never fails to warm my heart. I just love the stories he told in his work, simple sweet stories that he observed from small town life. The paintings are set within his time period, but still hold the familiar messages and tug on the heart-strings.

We began our visit by watching an educational video, much to Grace’s alarm because it was rather too much like school. But I think she enjoyed it nonetheless. The video was narrated by Norman’s son, Peter, which we thought was special. It was shown in a room filled with all the covers NR painted for The Saturday Evening Post.

After the video, we slowly walked through the gallery, studying each painting and looking at some of the pieces under glass, like Rockwell’s paint sets.

Commonplaces never become tiresome. It is we who become tired when we cease to be curious and appreciative. Norman Rockwell

Without thinking too much about it in specific terms, I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed. My fundamental purpose is to interpret the typical American. I am a story teller. Norman Rockwell

We walked down to his last art studio, which was moved from Rockwell’s private home through the streets of Stockbridge, to it’s place on the museum property.

We stood in a group of people, listening to a lady speak informatively and fascinating about Norman and the things in the studio. For instance, he was a workaholic. There was a green sofa in the studio that he took naps on when he finally got too tired to continue painting. There were scratch marks in the wood floor from him cutting his canvasses. He loved drinking Coca-Cola and would have served you some if you stopped by to say hello…….

We walked around the grounds together.

There was a small self-serve refreshment area with drinks and snacks for sale, so she got a lemonade.

An appropriate message for the day.

I enjoyed a small coffee.

When we paid for admission to the museum, they gave us a little clip to wear on our shirt.

…my favorite part of the day is so simple yet always a delight to my heart….this quiet girl who doesn’t talk much to me at home (perhaps because there is so much competition for my attention from 6 siblings) opens up and talks and talks in the car when we are alone. There is nothing in the world like it. Listening to the stories as we travel along, just the two of us. And by the time we headed home the words were all used up and she played us songs from youtube, played on my phone through the speakers in the car and we sang….”Stand by Me” “Under the Boardwalk” “I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)” “The Wind beneath my Wings” “Count on Me” “Delilah” and so on…..

We left the museum and parked on the side of main street in Stockbridge to explore the town.

Our favorite place (you’ll never guess) was a little used book store/coffee shop. Grace never wanted to leave.

She quickly found a book and sat down to read while I browsed the titles.

“N A T U R E”

We left with tea in our hands and a bag of books.

The one I am reading now is almost impossible to put down. It’s a memoir entitled The Tender Bar, written by J.R. Moehringer.

A magical day, one I will not soon forget. We headed back toward home, stopping at Costco on the way, listening to Grace’s songs.

And all of us who turn our eyes away from what we have are missing life. Norman Rockwell

20 years later

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Shanda

Last night I was home with Sarah and Caleb. Everyone else was out of the house doing their various activities. We were watching the Waltons and it just so happened it was the episode when John and Olivia were celebrating their 20 year wedding anniversary. John-Boy was busy driving back and forth to college, falling in love with a poet. The other kids were still going to the one room school house, and were painting a picture for their parents’ anniversary. The painting looked like the inside of a dollhouse, with each room painted in detail. Then, every person in the house, kids and grandparents, painted themselves into the picture.

John went shopping to buy his wife an elegant dress.

Olivia knitted John a sweater, using yarn from their seven children’s baby sweaters.

They renewed their vows in their living room, with only the children and grandparents in attendance and the local Preacher performing the ceremony.

It was heartwarming and so sweet. I couldn’t help but compare to my own life….because today Rich and I celebrate our 2oth anniversary. Our “John-Boy” is a college student now, and our “Elizabeth” is going along to school with the rest of the children. I’m Olivia Walton and my husband is John! This is mind-numbing….I grew up watching the show, pretending to be Mary Ellen or Erin, depending on my mood at the time.

And now I’m Olivia. I love Olivia. She’s always baking applesauce cakes to celebrate things.

True story, one of my ladies in my bible study class last year called me “Olivia”…..

*****

Rich had to go to work today but is taking tomorrow and Friday off. He’s having an adventure — a change in job title — makes him just a tad busier than usual.

But this morning as he ironed his pants he stopped to put his hands on my neck and say sweet things about how much he loves me and believe it or not, he loves me even more than when we were teenagers and so on….I started laughing, “Is this a canned message?” “No, I wrote it myself” he laughed back. A few minutes later Grace and I tiptoed back in the room. Ethan was talking to Rich all about his soccer game. Dave was playing the piano. I went over to give him a hug so Grace could take a picture of us, “Is this a canned hug, Shan?” Rich asked. Perfect comment….he got me.

Our kitten has a name. A perfect name.

I like to bring Grace’s rabbit inside to hop around and keep us company. The dog leaves her alone and so do the cats…it’s like peaceable kingdom in our house. She was nibbling an apple yesterday.

Sarah has had me worried sick for days and days. She finally got diagnosed with an UTI and has been on antibiotics for 2 days. She is beginning to perk up. The crying and feverish silence has turned back into chatting. The sleep and weakness is turning into quiet playing and coloring. The no appetite is turning into cravings for bacon. I’ll make her all the bacon she wants!

Yesterday I walked around with the camera. I was feeling anxious and weepy…but the eye for blessings (with help from the camera) always soothes and shows me there are an abundance of things to be grateful for, even in the midst of worry and very little sleep.

GENTLEMAN GRAY

Did you ever think, after 20 years, we would have a Seth and he would be our fifth son? What a dear boy he is, so bright and full of potential. He was playing a racing game with Jacob when I took this picture.

Did you think we would have a Dave? A boy so interesting and curious about life, who says thoughtful things every day to make me stop and think and laugh. He has an amazing mind.

This morning you lightheartedly called Grace “a product of our wonderfulness”. Can you imagine life without our Grace? Almost 16 years old, wise beyond those years, sweet and active, with a leadership potential that comes directly from you, her Dad.

And our Caleb….this morning he was spouting off football facts to you. He has a loving heart and notices the needs of others. He never goes to school or bed without giving out hugs.

Our Ethan…you still sometimes call him by the baby nickname we gave him…but he’s a SENIOR NOW…how did this happen? Our pride and joy, our second born son with his silent strength. Who would have guessed in 20 years, on our wedding anniversary, I would be picking this boy up from school so he could take his driver’s test?

Our college boy, learning and growing so much. Getting more independent. 20 years of marriage has produced an 18 year old son who is polite, kind, well-mannered, with a healthy dose of fun and silly, too. Isn’t he a wonderful big brother to our gang? And now…..he’s been so willing and helpful with his driving around picking up siblings after school.

I love keeping a home for you.

I love all our moments together. You are my safety and my strength.

You were ironing your pants for work and looked at me as I came for another hug…so Grace could take pictures…Ethan was busy talking to you and Dave was playing piano. It was 6:30 in the morning.

And we hugged and you asked, “Is this a canned hug, Shan?” but it wasn’t. All our hugs are true.

We laughed. Our hearts are full of joy and thankfulness today…for 20 sweet years together.

THANK YOU, JESUS!

I have just enough time to go bake a cake. An applesauce cake.

***

Applesauce Cake for the modern Olivia Walton

1 spice cake mix
2 cups applesauce
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs
1/4 cup wheat germ (optional)
frosting of your choice

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix together cake mix, applesauce, oil, and eggs in large bowl. Mix in wheat germ, if desired. Pour mixture into a 9 by 13 cake pan.

Bake 35-40 minutes

Allow cake to cool and frost.

recipe source:: 101 Things to do with a Cake Mix by Stephanie Ashcraft

fiestaware at brimfield.

Posted on September 12, 2015 by Shanda

I’m very disappointed that Sarah, after feeling better for two days, is back to being sick. She is not a person who is calm during sickness, either.

That’s why I have the extra time to do this blog post on a Saturday morning. She is sick in bed next to me and if I leave she gets all upset. She needs me. She is currently sound asleep after being awake most of the night. When she stirs, she immediately whimpers and fusses, because her stomach hurts. I pat her and get her what she needs. (a very tiny sip of water, tea she refused to drink, and syrup from a jar of peaches, of which she had a small amount). Mostly she just wants Mama.

Rich is gone with Caleb (10) and Seth (6), who needed to be weighed for football and get their pictures taken. Tomorrow morning is their first game (of four). He is stopping to get Pepto Bismal for Sarah when they are done. I hope and pray it helps.

The kitten is still unnamed. He doesn’t like to be left alone, the older cats won’t have anything to do with him, the dog is harmless but scary, and consequently he adores his humans. As soon as we touch him, he purrs loud like a little motor. He is curled up in the wrinkles of my down comforter right next to Sarah’s leg.

The strong and manly football player. 😉

Jacob is looking for a job but for now he has Fridays free (no college classes). So he and I went to the Brimfield Antique show yesterday. We left the house at about 9 in the morning and came back home around 1:30.

Jacob loves Army related items from all eras, but especially the American Revolution time period, guns and other weapons, stones, and tools.

I like all the suzy-homemaker type of stuff…..and fiestware dishes.

Right away I bought these two chop plates. Chop plates are a little bit bigger than a dinner plate. The bottom one is vintage light green and the top is Post-86 retired yellow.

The prices at Brimfield are somewhat on the high end and I usually take photos of things more than buy them. This is a harlequin milk pitcher that the seller was asking 45 dollars for. Harlequin is not Fiesta, but was made by the same company. A lot of collectors of fiesta end up collecting Harlequin as well but so far I have not branched out.

The weather was gorgeous. It started out cool and misty but then slowly cleared (but stayed cool). By the time we left the sun was beginning to blaze again. I wore a shirt over a sleeveless shirt so I could take it off and tie it around my waist if necessary.

I also enjoy taking photos of things that I know my friends and family would like. (my son Caleb loves the Patriots).

My friend B and I both love vintage Strawberry Shortcake.

My boys all love Batman.

This reminded me of Uncle Rog

For all of us who miss the Farm.

My mom in in the process of furnishing a dollhouse. I probably should have bought these. They were so heavy, I have to believe they were just as fine of quality as real, full sized kitchen things. Imagine baking tiny cakes. The lady was asking 45 dollars for them.

I asked the mommy if I could take a picture of her dogs. Are they adorable or what?

I looked through this very old diary and was immediately pulled back into the past. I adore this sort of thing…the penmanship, the history, and just by chance I opened it right up on my birthday…77 years before my actual birth.

“Snowed all day. Did not go to church. Moss-sick with a cold. Mr. Miller preached his first sermon.”

Jacob with a gun made out of rubber.

little cups I liked

we took a lunch break

the food is especially delicious

Jacob’s fries were handmade and covered with made-from-scratch bacon alfredo cheese sauce.

I had a lobster sandwich, fruited cole slaw, and boiled red potatoes.

and Jacob’s fries

Jacob spent most of his money on stones, which is loves to study and collect. He has a shelf in his room for them.

It takes a very long time to decide, I was amused watching him. And the lady told him lots of cool information. He also looked things up on his phone to learn even more. Part of what makes life so interesting is when you take a topic and study it for yourself, because you want to and not because you have to.

These are some of the things he purchased.

But now….I have saved the best for last!

I probably would not be as excited about Brimfield if the fiestaware lady wasn’t there with her 1,000s of pieces. A lot of her things are “seconds” (second rate fiesta, with tiny imperfections) but if you take your time and look at things carefully you can find some good pieces. Regardless, it’s fun to see so much of it in one place and to see some items you may not see in the local stores.

I tried taking a selfie with my son but as you can see he was bored out of his mind. He will not be getting any fiestaware when I die. He told me he was tired of it!

I made a couple selections which I will show you at the end of the post.

But first, here are some vintage pieces from another booth.

Jacob manhandled everything and when I made him stop, he left the tent. *sighs with relief*

The same vintage seller also had a set of lilac (limited run).

I bought nothing from the vintage seller. But it sure was excited to see it all.

These were my purchases. I brought them home and washed it all. I put them on my dining room table, which was spread with a Fiesta tablecloth.

2 chop plates, a new Lapis vase which will look beautiful with wild flowers in it, a shamrock soap dish, and a lollipop box which I love and already put lollipops in.

a lovely family, part 2

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Shanda

Sarah went to school today so I was left alone again, back to those sad weird feelings of motherhood with nobody around because they are all at school. I left a note for Jacob and headed out. I had a doctor’s appointment at 10 so I went to the Bookstore until it was time and then after the appointment I had my oil changed and light replaced in my car. Then to Kohl’s to use my Kohl’s cash. I bought a Scarlet fiesta mug for 2.77. After that I went to Target to fill a prescription and use my coupons. I had Chickfila drive through for lunch and came home and watched part of a movie.

It’s actually raining!!!!!!! Soooooo happy. (Grace and I love to say that just like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday).

David came home from school and threw a pink paper at me that has the schedule for open house tonight. It’s not something I’m looking forward to, but I’m going to do it because it’s my motherly duty. As an introvert, it is not fun for me to go to any school functions whatsoever.

David said that he told the assistant principal today about the girl who has been bullying him for almost 2 years. She’s been calling him a terrorist because he sometimes wears a black hooded zip up jacket. She is now accompanying her remarks with stabbing him in the neck with a pencil. Hmmmmm, wonder who the little terrorist is??? Dave wasn’t planning on this being the day he told someone about his woes with the girl, but as he was called down to the office he began to stare at a paper that said, “Have a problem? We will help you.” The assistant principal was meeting with all the students one by one to ask how they were enjoying seventh grade so far and noticed David’s fascination with the paper offering help, so she conscientiously talked to him.

“She said she was going to talk to the girl.” Dave told me. “I just hope when the girl finds out she doesn’t scream at me.”

“You do hate loud noises,” I agreed.

“Especially when they come from girls.” he said.

***

So after the family picnic Rich and I went to the mall with the kids. It was the very mall we went to all through our growing up years, teenage years, and early marriage and parenthood years. I hadn’t been there in a long time and the thing that struck me the most was the smell of cinnabons. It took me right back. Sarah had two dollars so I took her to the Hallmark store with Grace while the boys went off on their own. While we looked at the things Sarah said, “I need to go the bathroom!!” And when Sarah says she needs to go to the bathroom, you better listen…..so I grabbed her hand and took off running for JC Penny with Grace close behind. As we ran past the Verizon store, we saw James and Janice and the boys. (our dear dear friends) I couldn’t stop so Grace stayed behind and I called, “We’ll be right back!”

Eventually we all decided to eat at Ruby Tuesdays together and it was such fun, such a nice gift, especially since that very morning I had told Rich that I was thinking about Janice a lot.

Sunday morning we had a very lazy morning. Rich took the kids to breakfast and then to the pool. I had a hard time getting out of bed.

See the photo above Dave’s bed? That’s the building my Mom works in every day.

I asked the hotel if they had any copies of the picture but they didn’t. I would have loved one for my house.

Jacob was snoring so loud I asked E, “Doesn’t that bother you?” but he said “no”.

I met Rich and the kids downstairs and they said, “Didn’t you notice that this is fiestaware?” to me. And I hadn’t!

The hotel had cereal bowls, luncheon plates, and mugs, all in white.

Rich threatened to drive us all home that morning so I pushed aside my exhaustion and said that he just needed fresh air and exercise. So we went to the bookstore where Dave found some things that he would like for his birthday.

Jacob and Ethan went to my parent’s house. It was such a thrill for them to drive there all on their own, for the first time.

And the rest of us went to the park.

Grace did some sketching.

Rich and I rested on a blanket while the kids played on the big playground.

They threw things at a squirrel way up in a tree, and made up games with other children…….

Gracie

Grace took this one of the treetop.

After his nap, Rich went for a long run and then he felt much better about things. This is a man who needs to move around.

When he came back I was still in the same place. 🙂

Then I asked him if he would please please take me to Boscov’s and he agreed. This was another store that I remember my mom taking me to when I was a little girl. I just love going back home, we both do (Rich is from the same place).

I bought an egg plate what was on clearance, some silicone trivets, two bowls in lapis blue, and a poppy java mug.

AND THEN….we went to Humdingers ice cream for cones and slushies.

I had this ice cream sundae.

We got up early Monday morning and left for home. It was a very nice weekend even if Sarah did get sick that very night and was sick for the next two days, poor thing. She’s better now and will be getting home from school soon, along with Caleb and Seth. I have to leave in an hour and a half to take the boys to practice, pick up Grace, and go to the Middle school open house.