meeting together, a blog post of friendship

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Shanda

What do I look for in my friend?

Someone who can feel what I feel. or

Someone who doesn’t have as much emotion as I do, and can balance me out and tell me the logical facts, and calm me down. or

Someone who likes the same things I do, whether it be books, nature, fiestaware. maybe

Someone very similar to me. what about

Someone who tells me when they are hurting and struggling, so I can help.

Or, someone who is almost my opposite who can teach me things I never thought of before. perhaps

Someone older, someone younger.

A listener. A person with heart and soul. or

Someone who lets me love them.

A person who cares, loves, is kind and patient.

But most of all, the person I want for my dearest friend is a woman who has Jesus in her heart.

Not a pretender, not a “head knowledge” of truth, but the heart that is just like mine, a Jesus-heart.

In other words, I have found in my own experience of friendships, that there is no formula whatsoever but a foundation through Jesus Christ, for the purpose of “whatever reason”–that certain something she can give to me, or I can give to her to help us both be better people and keep pressing on the upward way. The Holy Spirit draws us together, He writes that woman’s name on my heart, or my name on her heart, and we have a relationship to enjoy for as long as we can.

God has put women in my life that I simply cannot forget and will not forget. We will be as loyal as the day is long. I know this because we annoy each other at one point or another – – but we can never do anything to cut the tie of friendship we feel is ours to keep.

I do have my own very priceless circle of friends that is written in stone, but there is room on the stone for more. I am always open for more kindred spirits. But I don’t go searching for them, God puts them in my path, whether at church or wherever.

Some of my friends even live “in the computer” and even if it sounds far-fetched, I know it’s true and I love it! I love that I have friends whom I have never seen face to face, yet can share common interests, encouragement, prayers, and so on.

Social media is the modern age’s pen pal system!

God’s people are everywhere and He can use all kinds of ways to draw us together. He wants us to have close relationships with others. It lifts my spirits to hear from my friends, and it’s wonderful to be a blessing to my friend, as well. I need it in order to live because life gets so heavy at times. The burdens are great. Things happen to shake me, and I can reach out to a friend and see how it is….she stops what she is doing and prays for me in love and concern.

It’s such a beautiful thing, I cry.

Anyway, one of these friends is someone I am blogging about today. Her name is Bridgette and we met years ago at church. Some of the fun things we have in common are the love we have for our families, pinterest, and fiestaware. We also have the foundation, which is Christ. Bridgette’s friendship humbles me because I can’t always see why she cares for me so much. I feel shy around her at times. I love that she encourages me by sending me happy emails of chickens wearing sweaters, or by sending a text message of a picture she took of a spider. She loves keeping up with me by reading my blog and she remembers things I wrote even a long time afterward and that means a lot to me.

We had years of time together as members of the same church, talking and visiting at those functions and also getting together, just the two of us. I remember one night after church we went to Crackerbarrel together and drank ice tea with our meal…I didn’t sleep a wink that night from the caffeine. Also, we were pregnant at the same time…several times..which was fun. And, when she and her family moved away I was heartbroken, as a matter of fact, I’m still sad about it. But such is life.

Mostly what I sense around this special woman is the quietness of a life lived close to God, and a heart warm and open to love anyone and everyone. She truly has a grace-filled heart for encouraging other people, and what a gift that is!

When Rich and I took the children to Georgia recently I was able to arrange a long-overdue visit with her. She was a lot more excited about it than I could have imagined. Thank you, B, for your faithful friendship to me. I love you and care about you and yours. I’m here for you anytime you need a friend, day or night.

We met at a pizza place. She has five children, one of the girls is hidden next to Sarah.

She talked about Sarah to her daughter so much that it was love at first sight.

We only had the time it took to eat the pizza, because we had such a long drive ahead of us. Bridgette and I would have liked to have a longer visit of course, but were thankful for what we managed to squeeze in. She sent me on my way with snacks, a journal, coffee, and chocolates, which I am still enjoying.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

“Dear Jesus, please bless any woman reading this today with friendships that will lift her spirits, make her laugh, and help her along in whatever plan you have for her life. Help her to be a good friend to others, too. Give her someone she can trust, in Your timing and in Your way. Help us to obey your prompting when you place someone on our heart. Thank you for supplying our every need. If we need a friend, you will give us one.”

so awesome

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Shanda

But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,
and through each night I sing his songs,
praying to God who gives me life. Psalm 42:8

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are like a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.

2 Corinthians 2:14-15

“Anne smiled and sighed. The seasons that seemed so long for baby Rilla were beginning to pass all too quickly for her. Another summer was ended, lighted out of life by the ageless gold of Lambardy torches. Soon….all too soon….the children of Ingleside would be children no longer. But they were still hers…hers to welcome when they came home at night…hers to fill life with wonder and delight…hers to love and cheer and scold…a little.” Anne of Ingleside, page 156

Yesterday was a big day in my life.

It was the first day of school and for the first time in over 18 years I have no babies home with me.

It’s a funny thing, though. My firstborn, Jacob, starts community college on Monday, so really I wasn’t home alone at all.

I’m right back where I started from, home with just Jacob.

Yesterday we went to Bible study and he drove me……

Today we are going to the college to purchase his last needed text books and we just might stop by Target, too.

*****

And by the way, little Sarah ran off the bus into my arms yesterday after school yelling, “That was so awesome!!!”

She was rather full of herself for the rest of the day.

dave gets hugged

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Shanda

This is another blog post dedicated to our vacation to Jekyll Island, Georgia.

These photos were all taken with my phone.

I had bought Crackerbarrel gift cards for Christmas presents for last Christmas…but never gave them out…so we used them ourselves for a nice breakfast. I do feel kind of bad about that.

There was a tiny baby at the Crackerbarrel sitting at the next table over. She was so little I wondered how she was going to sit with out falling forward and bumping the table. But she was strong and did great and was sooooooo cute. I watched her as she kept her eyes on the spoon her Dad was feeding her with. I ended up holding my own very big baby on my lap by the end of breakfast.

This is Caleb doing artwork and eating oreos during the trip.

Taking naps during the trip.

We finally arrived! Sarah was just so thrilled to be “in Georgia”.

This is me and my sister, with our girls Abbie and Grace.

Food at the Pier was amazing. It’s my favorite place to eat on Jekyll. I had the boiled shrimp and this is the plate of seafood that Jacob and David shared.

One morning I left the Sans Souci with just my little Seth (6 years old). We were the only ones awake out of my family. We snuck outdoors, holding hands, and went over to the main Jekyll Clubhouse to get my complimentary cup of coffee. On the way back we met Isaac and Cassandra about to go on a bike ride.

While all the men in our family went golfing, I took Caleb, Seth, and Sarah to the little shops by the Clubhouse. Seth quickly chose this dog puppet. He named it Jekyll. At the next shop, I had him sit on the bench outside and play my phone so I didn’t have to keep track of three small kids. Later I discovered that he had taken this picture of his new friend.

If you bought a soda you got free refills with your cup all day long. The kids all LOVED the Shirly Temples. We got them over and over. There is nothing like an ice cold soda on a hot day.

Amanda took this one of my mom and me walking with Cassandra and Maria.

Rich took Caleb, Seth, and Sarah biking.

Mom took Ethan and me to Brunswick to do a little shopping at some antique stores.

I took this picture for my son David because he collects Coke bottles. This purple one was purple, heavy and cost 40 dollars.

In Brunswick there was a park square every few blocks. Each one was named and had nice places to sit and relax next to flowers and fountains.

I took Grace to the shops. This is one of my favorite pictures. We were missing our own cats back at home and were happy to find and make friends with this nice big one outside of the bookstore.

My favorite stationary….curly girl design.

Grace lost her necklace on vacation. It was her favorite one, too. (she’s wearing it in the picture).

I lost my new kindle fire. (!!!!!!!!!!!) makes me ill.

On Friday night we played beach volleyball.

It’s amazing to have a family big enough to have a game, and it was so much fun.

When we hit it out of bounds someone would say “Look out for the alligators!” or, “Look out for the rattle snakes!”

I was supposed to be playing my position but still managed to get some good photos!

Sunset making the road look like it was on fire…….

On Saturday morning it was time to say our goodbyes and travel back home. I love this sister-pic of Maria, Cassandra, Melissa, Amanda, and Shanda (yours truly). I love how all our names end in “a”, the “uh” sound. I especially loved visiting with Maria and Melissa because I don’t get to see them as much as I would like. I’m so blessed to have the best sisters.

Aunt Amanda, Uncle Jason, Grandma, and Grandpa leaned into the van to say goodbye to the children.

But one was missing!

It was Dave.

He had ran over to the pool to try to find his flip-flops (another thing lost..ugh)

So Rich and I hopped in the van, ready to leave, and watched as the family gave Dave lots of hugs. And he’s the type that gets shy with too much public attention! It was the best little moment……

He’s in there! Surrounded by his adoring family.

Look at that face!

goodbye, goodbye!

God be with you ’til we meet again.

“You can kiss your family and friends goodbye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you.” Frederick Buechner

rich takes a nap

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Shanda

“We’ve been hugging each other for over twenty years now,” she said.

“And it never, ever, ever gets old,” he replied.

finding

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Shanda

And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13

They didn’t know I was taking a picture with my phone.

Dave could not find his shoes and had to wear his Dad’s big white size 13s into the store.

We stopped at Barnes and Noble at about 7:30, on our long-long drive home from Georgia.

Rich and I lined them up on the curb so we could give instructions and information to everyone at once, rather than 6 times (forgetting the seventh, which is typical–SOMEONE gets missed!oops).

The instructions were: 1. Everyone needed to use the bathroom. 2. Everyone may pick out something to read.

The news was: 1. We were driving all the way home without stopping at a hotel to sleep.

We arrived home early this morning at 4:30.

My favorite memory of traveling was at about 2 in the morning when they had taken little naps, gotten over the grumps, and had a second wind of cheer. Singing to the radio, telling funny stories to classical music, watching a video. At 2 a.m.!! Such good little travelers.

Rich singing every hymn he could think of to himself while flying down the highway in the fast lane……me half enjoying it and half plugging my ears so I could concentrate on my new cheap paperback. Hanging on and whispering prayers.

Rich, by the grace of God, is raising up some good young men. This is our Ethan. He loves Jesus, being active, sports. He doesn’t talk much. He can dance some cool moves. He is confident, respectful, honest, and doesn’t take any slack from his younger siblings. My favorite memories of Ethan from vacation are 1. When he pulled himself up over a high wall to retrieve the volleyball we had hit way out of bounds. and 2. When he walked out of McDonalds holding Seth’s hand on one side and Sarah’s on the other. Be still my heart.

My mom loved vacationing with all of her children and grandchildren, but she was itching to get back to her garden.

I’m just like her. My garden is much smaller but the first thing I did today after I woke up at 11am was go outside with my cup of coffee.

I knew where to find some treasures. Some were obvious, like the bright red tomatoes. But others, like the cucumbers and green beans, were hidden and had to be searched out.

For brunch I made a quiche.

chopped bacon fried with a section of minced onion and one green pepper

added to 8 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup milk

2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar

1/4 tsp pepper, a few nice healthy grinds of salt from salt-grinder

all leaves from the two beets I harvested (can substitute 3 cups chopped lightly packed fresh spinach)

fresh basil, chopped (about 1/3 cup)

about 1/3 cup tomato

Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until set.

I served it with the rest of the garden tomato, mixed with salt, olive oil, onion, and basil.

***

I almost shrieked when Tessa told me school started this Thursday. I thought I had one more solid week with the children. My heart aches because Sarah Joy is going off for her first day of Kindergarten. Mothers understand what I mean….I’m happy for her, I know she’s ready, but as a mom I feel that small sad-like feeling of letting go. Rich read Seth and Sarah letters from their teachers, which were in the mailbox when we got home from vacation. Their little faces were seriously listening to every word. They have homework to do, and a meet and greet on Wednesday. I don’t quite feel ready, but I’m thankful for this journey with my children and that little by little they grow up, not all at once. Thankful for Jesus and for my husband making it easier.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

“I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.” Proverbs 8:17

gifts-peace-love-seeking and finding the greatest treasure–HIM

of two days on Jekyll Island

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Shanda

We took all of these photos on Wednesday and Thursday. Tomorrow morning we start heading home.

no charmed life, but many charmed moments

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Shanda

“Not a day goes by that I don’t still need to remind myself that my life is not just what’s handed to me, nor is it my list of obligations, my accomplishments or failures, or what my family is up to, but rather it is what I choose, day in and day out, to make of it all. When I am able simply to be with things as they are, able to accept the day’s challenges without judging, reaching, or wishing for something else, I feel as if I am receiving the privilege, coming a step closer to being myself. It’s when I get lost in the day’s details, or so caught up in worries about what might be, that I miss the beauty of what is.” Katrina Kenison

Today I decide to walk around with my camera to see what I am most grateful for.

Seth sneaks up behind me to steal a hug and as I turn to put my arm around him I catch our reflection in the mirror. I feel his smooth skin under my hand and see how dark he’s gotten this summer spending so much time outside, just like mine used to when I was small.

Later on, I crop my head out of the photo because I don’t like the way I look, I am ashamed of my double chin and poor posture and can’t bear to leave the photo the way it is.

He sees what I am doing and makes a face. He has football practice later and has to rest for a little while so I leave him cuddling up into my down comforter. Soon he is sound asleep.

My friend Joanna sends me a letter with photographs that she has taken. I love seeing her handwriting on the pages. I am thankful for the last 20 years of writing back and forth with my friend. She sees beauty all around her and I spend time on my bed putting some of her beauty-pictures in a frame.

Earlier in the morning I had opened up my Bible and read from Ezra about the time of the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. I read 1 Corinthians and out loud I read from Psalms. Sarah listens, curled up with her head in my lap. She wants Fruit Loops for breakfast.

Later I spend time looking through old catalogues. I am working on a piece of mail to send to my friend. I tear out a couple of pages to send along with a note and an article. As soon as I open the door to mail it I see my neighbor on the porch about to knock, so we sit down and visit for a while together.

Our dogs have a playdate and we laugh at her dog meeting our rabbit. We talk about our children and Caleb talks about Star Wars. She says she will lend him the movies she has and he squeals with joy.

It’s a beautiful day and we keep seeing hummingbirds.

I say goodbye to my neighbor and tuck Sarah into bed for her quiet time. She doesn’t sleep, and I can hear her talking, singing, and making play sounds. I love to hear them. Soon she appears downstairs again and I take the coloring books and crayons out of the cupboard for her to draw with.

I clean my bathroom.

I go outside to see the gardens. I have small gardens but they bring me so much joy. After months of making vines and more vines, morning glory blossoms are starting to open.

My cat Snickers sees me and comes over to rub against my legs. I sit on the grass for a while and pet him. His purrs are loud and there is fur floating around me and sticking to my lap. I tell him he is my good kitty. I pick him up and press my ear to his side to feel and hear him purring.

We get the mail together; but the box is empty today.

I see a peach with an open bruised spot on the side so I pick it. The other side was smooth and clean so I took a bite. I am surprised by the juicy taste of perfect peach and assume that they are ready to eat. I pick three flawless looking peaches but when the children try to bite them they are too hard and I have to throw them away.

I laugh when I see Sherlock. He tries to get my attention. I am thankful to have the time today to stroke his fur and show him I love him.

“…there is no such thing as a charmed life, not for any of us, no matter where we live or how mindfully we attend to the tasks at hand. But there are charmed moments, all the time, in every life and in every day, if we are only awake enough to experience them when they come and wise enough to appreciate them.” Katrina Kenison

As I am blogging, the plumber comes to fix the dishwasher. While he works, I put away my computer and fold the laundry. I finish my cup of coffee and hang up a load of towels to dry on the clothesline. Caleb works on a crossword puzzle and Sarah colors in her book.

The sun is shining but there are clouds, too, and I can’t ignore the anticipation of knowing that my husband and teenagers will be coming home again tomorrow, after being away for a week.

I love these ordinary moments and days the most.

all the details

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Shanda

Yesterday I enjoyed a gift of a day with my three youngest children. Caleb was given a free pass to Six Flags for reading at school and I thought it would be nice to take him, Seth, and Sarah while their older brothers and sister were away at camp.

As I sit here on my couch, cross legged, in my pajamas, I’m filled with gratitude for this lovely life, through Christ alone, that I am experiencing. Each day is a gift.

Yes, there are tough days, yes there are lots of things I could complain about, yes I do complain and resort to survival sarcasm (sarcasm makes me laugh)…..for example….

The other night the boys had football practice and both of them needed help at the same time with their cleats, I was down on the floor in front of Seth, working on a stiff knot, while Caleb was saying Mom…Mom…Mom….I need some help here….Mom….

He could totally SEE what I was doing! The frustration welled within me and I cried, “I’ll help you when I’m done with your brother! Do you boys think I have four arms??”

Then I laughed all the way out the door because Caleb said in all seriousness. “Mom. You already said that. Years ago.”

I laughed because I didn’t remember saying it, and I laughed because he remembered everything. He said I wanted four arms: “One to hold Sarah, one to hold Seth, one to hold your cup of coffee, and one to hold your book.”

On the way to Six Flags Caleb wanted to listen to music. We like 93.1 (mix) but if it’s a song Caleb doesn’t approve of he switches it to 106.9 (K-LOVE, christian radio). In all that switching, his favorite song came on, “Best day of my Life” by American Authors. We sang loud.

On the way to Six Flags we passed Planned Parenthood and in the joy of taking a day off with my children, I imagined the souls of babies going up to heaven, my heart wept, I honked the horn encouragingly at the peaceful protestors who are typically there- this time it was two old ladies–simply standing on the sidewalk outside the office. I said my own words to Jesus–I don’t want to say judgmental things, I don’t want to get upset or angry. I’m sad, sad that our beloved women come to place where they believe abortion is the answer to a hard situation. And when they are at their lowest, saddest times, their babies are being “harvested”. It’s just incredibly wrong, a sadness deep down in my heart that will not go away that drives me to Jesus. And I believe He is listening and answering.

On the way to Six Flags we stopped to say a quick hello to Aunt Amanda, who was looking sharp at work, who hugged her niece and nephews and talked with them. As we left, I told the children, “Your Aunt Amanda is so sweet to you, she loves you so much and is always happy to see you.” I want them to know, she is always there for them.

On the way to Six Flags (can you tell we were running a little early?) we stopped at Barnes and Nobles ONLY because *I wanted an iced Caramel Macchiato* and figured they could look at books as I ordered. It was fun. My kids are being raised on coffee that I drink, and books for all.

THEN we were on our way to the gates. 25 dollars to park! 161 for tickets!

At these prices we going to stay all day long to get our money’s worth.

First up was the Merry-Go-Round and Sarah with her pigtails.

She was wearing one earring backwards because for some reason one of the holes is constantly shutting…I couldn’t get the earring in but from the back. I switched it around later (when she was getting dressed and her shirt pulled her earring out of her ear). If I could go back in time, I would never have gotten her ears pierced until she was much older, like I did with Grace.

By the way, selfie sticks are not allowed at Six Flags. I don’t have one, but thought the rule was interesting. So you can see my arm holding out the phone in my sunglasses. 😉

Caleb went on the bigger rides with Seth, who was mainly too small to go on them unless he was with an adult. It was a little hard to let them go off, just the two of them, these are my youngest children and in my mind not old enough. But they are. And they did great.

This is my favorite picture of the day. The two of them returning from an exciting ride.

We did some swimming, too. They swim almost every day so we didn’t stay long. They wanted to ride on the rides!

Seth was exploding with crazy-JOY. He expends twice as much energy as we do, I swear. One time he was dancing and did a happy twirl as we walked along and fell down right on the pavement. He showed me later his small scrape on his knee. “It wasn’t funny, Mom.”

The rides were shut down twice for weather issues. There were dark clouds in the sky. This ride opened and rain fell for about 10 minutes. It was nice, actually, to have the park cleared out of some of the people who gave up and went home…..we stayed…getting our money’s worth, don’t you know.

She was taking me to Frances. (FRANCE!LOL) “Mom, is Frances another planet?”

“No, but it is another country.”

“I’m going to take you to Frances!”

I was lucky to take the picture in the split second that Seth looked normal!

I bought them each a necklace that had their name on it.

Adorable kids who have to check all day long to see if they are big enough.

Caleb is my #5 child and feels more comfortable as a younger sibling. But I have to say, and brag a little, that this boy of mine was a huge help to me all day long. He led the way for us, knew the layout of the park quite naturally, and kept an eye on Seth and Sarah. He took Seth along on the rides that Sarah could not go on….and did it all with a great attitude.

Caleb was even brave enough to go on several rides alone. Like the Thunderbolt! He truly did miss his old siblings, though, and saved some of the scariest rides to go on with them someday.

Toward the evening, Sarah began getting blisters and carrying her sandals, which is why they are on her arms in this “muscle” picture of my little superheroes. 🙂

By the way, Seth lost his shorts when he changed into his swimming trunks, they got left behind someplace. He wore his trunks the rest of the time.

I had to buy myself flip flops because my sneakers were soaked on the water-raft ride.

What’s kind of sad is he has no clue who these creatures are.

“A Bunny and a Skunk” is what he said when I asked him.

Sarah went on a few challenging, faster rides and I had to bribe her once. I hated to do it, but she was crying and saying “I HAVE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM” just as we were at the front of the line. And by that time I knew it was her coping mechanism and not true. She had already survived the ride once and wanted to go on it again, but just at the last second she panicked. I wasn’t going to let her. So I told her I would get her “a big lollipop” when it was over. She cried and had to go to the bathroom again at the Scrambler but we didn’t bribe her. We just said she would be fine and she was. She would cry until the ride started and then laugh the entire time. Silly Brave Sarah. She’s living life her way.

The boys rode the Pandemonium. “This is where I lost my hat last year” ~Caleb

My gentle-souled son.

Seth was leaping through this photo-attempt but we got it!

We left the park at 8:45 and headed home. My little kids have proved to me that they are strong— and capable of having an entire day of nonstop fun without melt downs from exhaustion! This is a milestone for my family.

I had to stop and get gas on the way home. It was 9:30 by the time we pulled in the driveway and as soon as I got out of the car I ran to the chicken coop using the flashlight on my phone. Thankfully, the chickens were all safe inside with no raccoons eating them, so I shut the windows and doors tightly and walked back to the house with two eggs in my pocket…..we had peanut butter sandwiches before bed, with promises of nice warm baths…tomorrow.

This morning I had a text message from my husband, telling me that our son David was saved at camp yesterday. “my heart gives grateful praise”

Today should be a quieter day. We’re going to have those baths, and watch a couple of movies.

Caleb is snuggling with the dog and I’m petting a rabbit. Seth is still asleep! And it’s after 8! Now I know what to do to make his sleep extra–take him to Six flags for the day!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

life in the sunshine

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Shanda

Cardinal flower, a wildflower that grows on the edges of the stream.

This sort of thing made lovely “flour” in my outdoor kitchens growing up.

The buds of a Cardinal Flower.

Arrowhead, an aquatic wildflower, according to the nature guide, “Beneath the muck, rhizomes produce edible, starchy tubers, utilized by ducks and muskrats and know as “duck potatoes.” Native Americans are said to have opened muskrat houses to get at their cache of tubers.”

I find this sort of thing utterly fascinating, do you?

I was walking through the stream in my flip flops and noticed reflections of cardinal flowers.

Checking on my three little human fishes.

Goldenrod, with lots of little bugs on it. “As suggested by their showy flowers, goldenrod are insect-pollinated.” You can always see some neat insects on a goldenrod.

Common Thread Waisted Wasp; more info here.

Queen Anne’s lace is everywhere. “it’s long, first year tap root can be cooked and eaten.”

hmmm, I should try it.

Daisy Fleabane, “the common name fleabane originated from a belief that the dried flower heads of these plants could rid a dwelling of fleas.”

Perhaps I should decorate my cats with them.

Cardinal flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and I caught a glimpse of two tiny birds becoming territorial over them…..so I sat on a large rock and waited for one to come back.

It’s a photo that I never did get to take….they won in the “patience game”.

I thought the shadows on my legs were pretty cool.

You don’t see the hummingbird moth everyday. They are so neat!

Swallowtail butterfly.

The thing is, if you just slowly walk near tall wild grasses, through fields, through any wild place, or even in the city…look carefully at the leaves and flowers of any plant you see…it will be such a interesting experience for anyone. I took most of these pictures within one hour of time, and I saw many more insects and birds that I wasn’t able to get photographs of; grasshoppers, hummingbirds, the caroline wren (a sweet little bird), and others. Then, there are caterpillars, so many different ones, and all so interesting.

Yesterday the children and I walked around with Sarah’s little bug container and we caught a ladybug which she named Red, a small butterfly which she named Orange (it was….orange), and a grasshopper she named Grass. We put a head of goldenrod in it. It had such tiny black bugs on it that they were able to escape through the mesh of her container. She kept these little pets for a couple hours, and then released them again.

“Out here you can hear the rhythmic hum of silence. Listen, there’s music in the grass.”

I think the music comes from all the little insects and butterflies, and our hearts as we enjoy making wondrous discoveries.

Nature-Love (my board on pinterest)

little things

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Shanda

The four older children are away at camp!

Suddenly, life has slowed way down.

Naturally, I started playing with my house, not unlike playing with a dollhouse only in real life proportions.

Ethan made the decorative shelf in 8th grade. I put the things on top of it and they’ve been there for a very long time. Because no one and I mean no one even thinks about redecorating a shelf when they’re super busy.

But I did it! On Saturday evening when for some strange reason I felt physically lethargic and sad with the shock of losing four very active and time-consuming teens for a week, I had to do something, anything! I redecorated the shelf.

1. pinecone from Florida vacation 2. small old books 3. beaded frame with a picture of my brother and me from childhood 4. small peacock fiesta canister with nothing in it (potential). 5. a reading girl 6. a light for her to read by 7. small black photo book filled with my phone pictures 8. wooden mushroom.

Moving on to another surface. The children decorated this one.

I wanted to take down the painting that Jacob did, but then I realized that the reason I hated it was because it had a thin piece of wood going down the exact center of the canvas, making it impossible to hang straight. It’s always half a centimeter crooked! I took a clear thumb tack and pushed it in the wall for the lower right corner to rest on. It is now perfectly straight.

I should have taken a “before” picture of the inside of the armoire. Just imagine someone taking a big armful of papers, throwing them in, and shutting the doors. After I was done with it on Saturday it was completely organized.

1. a large basket full of photo albums 2. a tiny bear (whimsy) 3. a box full of extra pens and pencils 4. These red books are special to me. My Grandmother had the whole set and I loved reading them when I was a little girl. I still have one of the copies from her house. The other three I have picked up from second hand stores. The books are full of short stories and excerpted chapters of children’s books. 5. Last but not least, an old jar full of pinecones from the woods by our house.

I love my ultra-busy life. But this week, while I have the chance, I’m going to try to be more mindful. Mindfulness is next to impossible for busy mothers.