hands

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Shanda

I snapped these frosty photos the other day. Down at the edge of the pond the grass and leaves had beautiful long lashes of frost.

Guess what our little artist, Sarah, has been doing these days?

The first time she tried tracing her own hand I told her it looked like the hand of a monster. I did most of the tracing but eventually I became reluctant about stopping my own projects to trace *yet another hand* for her, so she decided it was more time-efficient to do it herself.

‘Mom! I did it! And it doesn’t look like a Monster-hand!”

(it doesn’t?)

I taught her how to draw pretty jewelry, and fingernails, too.

This one doesn’t have fingernails. But it does have a ring on each finger.

All that is required is paper and colored pens/crayons. It kept Sarah busy for a long time and it gave her lots of practice with tracing, drawing, and designing.

lady-bugs

I traced two sets of hands on some of the pages, trying to save time and paper.

As you may have noticed, Billy-Cat came over to see what I was photographing.

He communicated to me that it was a much nicer idea to photograph a handsome cat.

*lick-lick making myself ready for my portrait*

*wait, let me pose first*

*this is my best pose*

*how’d it turn out?*

I have happy cats because Sarah and I went to the grocery store to buy them food. They ran out yesterday and had to gag down dog food. All four of them have full tummies and are in various places in the house, sleeping it off.

This is what our mantel looks like right now. Jacob did the painting. I love how the red in it matches the mushrooms. Grace and Dave went for a walk and brought me the piece of wood (to the left of the painting, it’s the same color as the rocks so hard to see), they called it an octopus and plan painting it purple (I admit it would be easier to see). My felt mushrooms are from the Masonville General Store in NY. I pulled up some greenery from the woods and added artificial flowers along the mantel, too. The “give thanks” banner is from Pottery Barn (last year). I love how if you take the “e” off the end of “give” and then next four letters from “thanks”, it spells my son Ethan’s name. Sometimes I move those letters to the middle just for fun.

fiestaware in the sunshine

Tonight, I’m making meatloaf for dinner, with spinach and mashed potatoes.

I’ve shared Sarah’s hands and now I will share her song:

Won’t you give her a hand?

{this moment}

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Shanda

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. CSC_2096 admiring the first snow of the winter
6:30 am

quotes about love with pictures of the kids

Posted on November 13, 2014 by Shanda

“Our days are happier when we give people a piece of our heart instead of a piece of our mind.” anonymous

Sarah is outside. She saw the frost on the grass and asked for boots. I keep looking out the door to check on her, in fact I just sat down after leaning outside and calling her name. “I’m right here,” she answered in her little girl voice. “Okay! What are you doing?” “I’m tasting frozen stuff,” she replied while taking long licks from a bark-less stick. “Tastes like sugar! Wanna taste?”

We are thankful that we don’t have to go anywhere today. On Monday, we took Caleb to his Doctor’s check up. On Tuesday, I took David to an orthodontist appointment. He will be getting braces soon. Yesterday, we went to Community Bible Study for the day. Tomorrow we are serving Rich’s team a lunch here at home and going to the hair salon. But today? Today is gloriously free. I like being busy, but I like having mornings in my pj’s, too, tip tapping on the old keyboard, saying hello to anyone who may stop by here today……..

Veteren’s Day was Tuesday and the children were home from school. In the afternoon, I took my camera outside.

I recently read a wonderful book titled, The Greatest Thing in the World, by Henry Drummond. It was a book from our bookshelf, but it’s also a free book on the kindle. I underlined quite a lot of quotes that I wanted to share with pretty pictures. (pretty pictures that capture moments, not an entire day, we were not without a few ugly moments, too, but all in all the day was a wonderful one…..I love having all the children home).

“Have you ever noticed how much of Christ’s life was spent
in doing kind things–in merely doing kind things? Run over it with
that in view and you will find that He spent a great proportion of His time simply in making
people happy, in doing good turns to people.”

****

“Where Love is, God is. He that dwelleth in Love dwelleth
in God. God is love. Therefore love. Without distinction,
without calculation, without procrastination, love.”

“The most obvious lesson in Christ’s teaching is that
there is not happiness in having and getting anything,
but only in giving.”

“It is better not to live
than not to love.”
(Luke 17:2)

Do not grudge the hand that is moulding the still too shapeless image
within you. It is growing more beautiful though you see it not, and
every touch of temptation may add to its perfection.
Therefore keep in the midst of life.
Do not isolate yourself.
Be among men, and among things, and among troubles,
and difficulties, and obstacles.”

“Talent develops itself in solitude, character in the stream of life.”

“We love Him; we love all men. We cannot help it. Because
He loved us, we love; we love everybody.
Contemplate the love of Christ, and you will love.
Stand before that mirror, reflect Christ’s character,
and you will be changed into the same image from tenderness to tenderness.”

“Now abideth faith, hope, love, but the greatest of these is love.”

“You will give yourselves to many things, give yourselves first to love.”

“You will find as you look back upon your life
that the moments that stand out,
the moments when you have really lived,
are the moments when you have done things
in a spirit of love.”

“The test of religion, the final test of religion,
is not religiousness, but Love….not what I have done,
not what I have believed, not what I have achieved,
but how I have discharged the common charities of life.”
(yes!)

***

It’s taken me hours to write this. Sarah came inside and we read some library books together. Now she is in the bath. I’m sitting cross legged on the closed toilet watching her play. Grace’s rabbit is in the bathroom with us enjoying some time out of her cage. She keeps trying to arrange a towel into a nest with her front paws and teeth.

The sun is shining and soon Sarah’s frost will be melted away.

fifteen

Posted on November 5, 2014 by Shanda

Grace had a birthday yesterday. She turned 15 and woke up early to hug her Dad before he went to work. None of the children had school yesterday which was a treat for her….to have the day to celebrate. Just after 9a.m. her big brothers finally woke up and she could open her stack of gifts that Seth and Sarah had helped me wrap.

She received a candle, three fabric mesh bags for treasures, a book on nail polish styles, socks, a sketch pad, an art book, and a necklace.

Then we sat around trying to figure out what to do. She wanted me to take her shopping so we decided Jacob and Ethan would stay home with Seth, David, and Caleb. Grace and I took Sarah and picked up Aunt Cassandra on the way to the mall. It was a beautiful day. After our day of ice we had a day of 65 degrees. Grace sketched in her new sketch pad and played tunes for us, as we drove along.

We ate a nice lunch at California Pizza Kitchen.

Sarah needed to use the bathroom and I surprised Grace by asking her (even though it was her birthday) to take her little sister to the restroom. While she was gone I took the opportunity to flag down our waiter (whom Grace was in love with) and order her a piece of chocolate cake for her birthday. The girlies came back and after a while, Grace was surprised with a piece of heavenly cake with ice cream on top, placed in front of her by the charming waiter.

When it was just the four of us again she asked, “How did he know it was my birthday? Did you tell him or did he overhear something?”

There were four long handled spoons so we could share and it was DIVINE. Cassandra only had one bite because she has been overindulging in leftover Halloween candy.

Grace bought herself a new ring and a belt with her birthday money and Aunt Cassandra bought her some thick comfy socks from GAP (Grace has a thing for nice socks).

We left the mall way too soon because the boys needed to be taken to practice and Grace needed to go to Drama rehearsal. Before we left the house for practices, I took a few “Look Who’s Fifteen Now” pictures to document her special day.

Aunt Cassandra helped me with the children at the playground so I could get my Bible study lesson done and then we headed home so I could start dinner and make some phone calls. I picked up the boys at 5:30 while the rest of the family watched Tangled with Aunt Cassandra. Back home again (busy day), I finished Grace’s special requested dinner, chicken Alfredo. Uncle Isaac arrived and Rich picked up Grace at 7:30. We were all singing a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday by 8pm.

It was a Reese’s peanut butter ice cream cake.

*****

A daughter is a day brightener and a heart warmer. ~Author Unknown

Grace is an adorable, well adjusted 15 year old teenager who loves school, family & friends, sign language, reading, her pets, Jesus, singing & drama. She is a responsible and capable teacher’s assistant to her beloved chorus and drama teacher. She is in Honors English. She knows what she believes and she is not afraid to share her beliefs in a loving, respectful way. She has her tough days but has good friends to talk to. She is very loving and likes to give out hugs. She hates to see people she loves hurting and would do anything to help them. She likes texting, pinterest, and instagram (at home on the iPad). She is a jeans and cute/casual top, with sneakers or UGGS kind of girl. She has lovely long hair and pretty brown eyes.

I am thankful to have a daughter GRACE LILLIAN, watching her grow is a blessing and a joy.

She said when her Dad hugged her the morning of her birthday he called her a little girl about five times. She understood what he didn’t say, “I don’t want you to grow up too soon.”

three days in

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Shanda

It’s November 3rd and on my way back from the chicken coop I saw the first ice. It was on the patio in a plastic slide and I sighed because they were in school and would miss it. The first ice (and first snow) has always been so exciting for them. I made my way back into the house, ran Sarah her bath, cleaned her all up, dressed her, did some laundry and cleaning, and …… Sarah went outside to get a cat and discovered the ice all on her own. She giggled with joy and promptly ran inside to get socks, boots, coat, scarf, and mittens so she could COMPLETELY and THOROUGHLY enjoy it. She ate it, skated on it, insisted on sharing some with me (to eat), and because it was melting and her siblings were not at home, we bagged them each a piece. It’s waiting in the “white frozen refrigerator” (her words) for them as a surprise for later.

Despite freezing temperatures, there is still plenty of beautiful green parsley in the garden.

Seth is learning how to read and write by leaps and bounds in Kindergarten.

We just wish he would restrict himself to paper to practice on. He’s getting better about it now.

This artwork was done by Sarah Joy.

PUMPKIN COOKIES

1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup nuts (I didn’t add nuts)
1 cup chocolate chip (I used peanut butter chips)

Combine pumpkin, sugar, shortening and egg. Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together; add to pumpkin mixture alternately with baking powder, dissolved in milk. (I did not do this, I just mixed the wets and then added all the dry and mixed with the KitchenAid). Add vanilla and chocolate chips. Drop on greased cookie sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees.

This recipe is from a 1972 Pennsylvania State Grange cookbook. If you happen to have the same one, it’s on page 239. The cookies are a moist cake-like texture. I made them on Saturday and they are still fresh in a big ziplock bag on the counter. Unfortunately, the children don’t seem to like them……..I have to walk around and hand them out to get them consumed.

ramble

Image

“The day was beautiful and the way was beautiful.”
Anne of the Island, L.M. Montgomery

***

Late this morning I took little Sarah on a short walk through the woods and into the field, wandering about, going exactly where we wanted to go. Underneath our feet were brown pine needles and crispy leaves. The sun was shining. Everything was bright, fresh, and lovely. We ate a few wintergreen berries and Sarah talked about nothing and everything while I dutifully listened and took snapshots.

These three mushrooms were growing up from behind tree bark; bark which was hanging off an old fallen down log.

Thanks to Aunt Colleen’s inspiration, I am taking up crochet again. I recently made Jacob a pillow and am almost done with a red and black striped one for David. As I admired this tree lichen I dreamed of finding yarn in the same creamy mint color and crocheting a doily.

I asked Sarah if I could put her in a tree and she generously agreed.

We had found a turkey feather.

She ran ahead of me into the field and saw a man walking his dog. I had to laugh as I wondered what he must have thought to see a tiny girl emerging from the forest, talking and laughing. He told us that he walked there all the time and his dog, Bruno, used to be a bird dog. Bruno caught 101 birds but is now retired because he’s old and his hips are bad. Regardless, Bruno was having a great time wobbling around on his loose hips while his owner drank coffee from a plastic mug in one hand and carried a walking stick in the other.

I tucked purple wild flowers and rose hips into Sarah’s ponytails.

She was so pleased with her turkey feather. In fact, as soon as her Dad came home from work she showed it to him. He said it was the nicest he’s ever seen.

While Sarah climbed a boulder, I admired a wavy, curly tree fungus. There were different sizes growing and I pulled a small one off. It was rubbery and strong, I could not tear it in half no matter how hard I tried.

We made our way back home by going down the trail a little ways and then through the woods to cross our stream onto our own property. On our way across, we saw a dear dear friend. I took pictures of Sarah’s face as she cooed motherly greetings at him……..

It was Billy-cat, coming to say hello to us.

After our walk I made Sarah eat ALL of her cheese sandwich including the crust, and then I gave her a chocolate pudding cup for dessert. She had a nice nap, and so did I.

****

We breathe below, but we live above; we walk on earth, but our conversation is in heaven. John Flavel

you are loved

gentle mothering, resting, & walking

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Shanda

Retire O my soul!

from the busy world,

and employ thyself about that

which thou wast created:

The contemplation of God.

Thomas Ken, 1637-1711

Being satisfied in God is our calling and our duty. ~Piper

Put the glory of Christ on display
by pursuing your JOY
in the HOLY JOY
of your beloved.
~Piper

…let me not wander…
…open my eyes…
…make me understand…
…incline my heart…
…turn my eyes…

from Psalm 119

Oh my friends, I have missed being here, I could have used my iPhone to post a note but I truly believed that the computer fix would only take a couple of days. Thankfully, it is has been repaired and my husband went to pick it up for me on Saturday.

How have you been? Here at our place we have been enjoying yet another beautiful autumn season, and the trees are almost bare. There are still bits of color, however, in the few remaining leaves and bright red berries.

Rich was gone the week after Aunt Colleen and Uncle Roger left and whether I was over tired or it was just the wrong time of the month, it was a tough week for me, I found myself a tad short tempered.

Finding myself being *a little too harsh* with a couple of the children that week convicted me once again of my firm belief in gentle mothering. It’s been a nice reminder to keep my eyes on my heavenly Father; he is kind, loving, patient, understanding, and a protector of the weak ones, and that is how I ought to be for my own children. I am thankful for forgiveness and the opportunity to continue nurturing my children, instead of using harsh words and being impatient. The reality is, we will all have tough days now and then, but in general a loving approach to motherhood is what we strive for.

Feeling so rushed and busy also got me to thinking about REST, and amazingly enough the Lord (gently) led me to a wonderful book that described rest, not only as mere contentment in a quiet place, stagnant, but contentment and calm IN THE MIDST OF STORMS because I trust God. This is completely possible in Christ and I think we all know of the supernatural calm in storms that we see in the believers around us who are in various trials.

“Two painters each painted a picture to illustrate his conception of rest. The first chose for his scene a still, lone
lake among the far off mountains. The second threw on his canvas a thundering waterfall, with a fragile
birch-tree bending over the foam; at the fork of a branch, almost wet with the cataract’s spray, a robin sat on its
nest. The first was only Stagnation; the other was Rest. For in rest there are always two elements–tranquility and energy,
silence and turbulence, creation and destruction, fearlessness and fearfulness. This it was in Christ.”
Henry Drummond

I read that quote on the way to church yesterday, and then the sermon that was preached was also greatly encouraging. The title was “Remembering God, or Regularly Scheduled Neglect of a belligerent World for the sake of our own Soul…..” and the main points were from Psalm 119, a long and complex musical poem written by a psalmist who spent much skill, time, and deep contemplation in writing it, by the inspiration of God. The angels long to understand the Scriptures, do I? Do I take the time in deep thought about my God and His Word?

“The Scriptures are to be treasured as from God.”

Listening to the sermon made me think of the book I just read about Grandma Gatewood, a 67 year old mother of 11, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who walked the appalachian trail three times (at the age of 67 and older). In the book, the merits of long walks and hikes are explained. One of the benefits of walking is that it is good for mental health, and the fresh air and easy pace contribute to deep thinking and alone time…..Grandma Gatewood readily admitted that those long weeks of walking were among the very best weeks of her life. What better way to spend time alone with God, in walking outdoors in his very creation?

In short; I am currently enjoying: a renewed spirit within me, a desire to allow the Lord to keep my soul in rest even as I busily care for my family, and a determination TO WALK MORE.

On Saturday Rich and I took the children (Jacob, Grace, Caleb, Seth, and Sarah) on a four mile walk all the way to the local diner, over back roads. David was tired and Ethan had a report to write, so the two of them stayed at home.

It was a beautiful morning to walk and it took us a little over 2 hours.

a fun place to rest

happy little Seth

Caleb in the trees

someone’s pretty flowers by their mailbox

a bright red barn

cherries

bittersweet

cute pumpkin people on someone’s front steps

view from a small bridge

the prize was a nice big lunch at the diner

After Rich ate, he ran the 2 miles back home (on the main roads) to get the truck. The little ones didn’t have the strength to make another long walk back home.

In other news:

my son Jacob, and his girlfriend
at the homecoming dance on Saturday night.

*****

Have a wonderful day my friends!

“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.” Psalm 119:90

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our heats through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

you are loved.

{this moment} what a man

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Shanda

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo – “no words” – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

So my dearest is rarely home, works 12 hour days, goes on business trips….and surprise! he decided to work from home today….I was so happy, he was happy, we were all happy.

Yes, praise the Lord, and wow did he come in handy!

1. First, Jacob forgot his homework. Rich took it to school for him.
2. Then, for the first time in years, the dog busted through his hidden dog fence. twice. Rich went up the road to bring him back.
3. I had to do a huge Costco trip this morning. Rich came with me and did all (all) the loading and lifting.
4. We drove by our elderly neighbor’s house and saw him (80 years young) off his driveway, in the trees, lying helpless on the ground with his garbage cans tipped over next to him and his cane out of reach. Rich made an abrupt stop, parked the truck on the side of the road, ran to the man and helped him get his feet under him again. (he was okay, thankfully, but was so feeble, and had been there for a while trying to scoot to a tree so that he could use it to get up).

All these events occurred before 12:30 this afternoon.

He’s walking around the house like superman now, in my eyes. my hero.

*****

I was sitting on the tailgate of the truck, swinging my legs, watching him unload the cart when I took the picture.

young love

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Shanda

The Juniors go to Salem every year. Jacob went last year and he enjoyed it so much that when he had the opportunity to go again this year (with the Junior class), he was all for it. His brother Ethan is in the Junior class, and so is his girlfriend, Emily.

I picked them up after school yesterday; Jacob, Emily, Grace, and Ethan, and I immediately got an earful.

I was a tired mama at the wheel, smiling because I love them so much and listening to their chatter lifted my spirits.

“Mom Salem was SO fun”

“I had a caramel macchiato”

“hot or cold?”

“hot”

“I had a bubble tea, do you know what the bubbles are, Mom?”

“Oh is that the tea that has the chewy balls in it? I’m not sure what those are, maybe like a tapioca?”

“I need to look it up, I want to know.”

“Ethan wasn’t in our group. the dog.”

“I was with my own friends”

“Mom, since I won’t be in school next year will you and Dad take Emily and me to Salem? I won’t be able to legally drive her there myself yet.”

“Oh, can I go too?”

“Of course you can Grace, you can go with my brother Nathan.”

“Oh NO. I am NOT going on a date with Nathan. I like Nathan but he will never be my boyfriend.”

“Don’t start inviting everyone. If you do, I won’t go, it won’t be special.”

(long teasing argument about who can go with us, Jacob wants no one Emily wants everyone)

“Do we have to have an argument and discussion about something that’s not even written down yet?”

“I have it written down in MY book.”

“It’s written down in my heart.”

“I love Salem. We should live there,” says Jacob to Emily.

“Ok,” she says.

BE STILL MY HEART. Did I really just hear that?

As soon as we got home, Jacob didn’t take a shower. He didn’t eat. He sat on the couch because he wanted to show me all his pictures.

He took a picture of everything, his coffee, their lunch food (“She ordered a bagel sandwich because she wanted bacon. Ironically my sandwich also had bacon on it.”), them kissing (he flipped through those faster), Emily throwing leaves, Emily smiling, Emily this Emily that.

THEY ARE SO SO stinkin’ CUTE!

I never dreamed seeing my son in love would warm my heart so much.

the bubble tea

“She made me, mom, that’s why I have that expression on my face.”

J plus E

After they got up and left he turned around and took several pictures of the empty table & chairs.

He posted this picture on his Facebook page.

“I love her so much. She’s so cheerful and happy all the time and she’s all my world. Baby girl you’re the best ever.”

NOTE: I asked for and received Jacob’s permission to post these pictures. xo

PS. I was right. “Tapioca balls (boba) are the prevailing chewy tidbits in bubble tea, but a wide range of other options can be used to add similar texture to the drink. Green pearls have a small hint of green tea flavor and are chewier than the traditional tapioca balls.” ~wiki

for my friends

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Shanda

thank you

for calling me
thank you for praying with me
for sharing the things that hurt you,

because then I remember that I can be brave with my hurt, too.
thank you for laughing with me so much
Thank you for those journal bits you send in the mail.

thank you for traveling so far to spend time with me

thank you for loving my children

thank you for understanding

for being gentle

for the blanket you crocheted for me

the scarf you crocheted

the potholder you crocheted

For watching Mr. Rogers with me.

for teaching my daughter sign language

thank you for letting your children visit my family

for the letters

for the gifts

for spoiling me

for being yourself around me

snickerdoodles

for being warm and friendly so I know you truly care

making me forget about my phone

for not noticing my faults

for noticing my faults and being amused by them

for noticing things I didn’t think anyone saw

for leaving a comment on my blog every single time

hugs

giving my daughter essential oils for her headaches

forgiving me when I cancel our coffee date, again

talking nonstop

letting me cry it out

making me pee my pants

memories

thank you for the fabric napkins you made me

thank you for the quilts you made my babies

for being faithful

for telling me your morbid stories

for telling me when you wear the earrings I gave you

Thank you for teasing me.

Thank you for not pushing me too hard.
for knowing I love cherries, and owls, and cats.

for those pins you send me on pinterest

for the encouraging texts

being real

inspiring me

letting me in

inviting me over

letting me hold your baby

being quiet with me

singing with me

thank you for the vintage cookbooks

all those emails when I needed your guidance and experience

sharing your favorite people with me

sharing your favorite books with me

for saying yes

for being the one to pay for dinner

for making apple pies with me

for making my daughter that purse and filling it with goodies

for thinking of my son when you see something about snakes

the lilac disc pitcher

for all those long walks outside up on the hill

for all the random information about Norway because you know I want to go there

for finding me on Facebook so we can reconnect

Thank you for continuing to love me, and for not treating me any differently, even though I started going to another church.

Thank you for the poem, drawing and bag of truffles you left on my doorknob when I was away.

for the meals you cooked when I had a baby

for the recipes and tips for depression because you know I get that way sometimes.

***

Thank you for showing me GRACE

I don’t deserve you.

I can’t ever repay you.

But I want to love you back.

And be your friend, too.

This post is for all my friends,

and the pictures are from a day this summer when Joanna drove miles and miles to meet me at a park.

Good to be Home

"It is a happy art, the art of living together in tender love." JRM

Category Archives: a simply lovely life

hands

{this moment}

quotes about love with pictures of the kids

fifteen

three days in

ramble

Image

gentle mothering, resting, & walking

{this moment} what a man

young love

for my friends