9 easter ideas, won’t you add the 10th?

Posted on April 19, 2014 by Shanda

My friend Danielle posted the most adorable springtime portraits of her children on Facebook the other day and I asked her if I could please share them here on the blog. She graciously gave me permission. They are absolutely precious, and will bring a smile to your face.

I also thought I would also share some Easter ideas with you, and perhaps others (yes you, my friend) might enjoy sharing their traditions with us, too, in the comment section.

(a glad easter)

Resurrection Sunday has deep and beautiful meaning for all lovers of Jesus Christ. In fact, Easter is my own personal favorite holiday because of the joy I feel in my heart as I meditate on all my Lord and Savior has done in atoning for our sins on the cross and conquering death on the third day, when he rose up from the grave. This is why I believe, first and foremost, that telling the “old old story” to our children should be the highest priority on this important weekend. There are so many ways to make this a special weekend for them, but if I can only do one thing, I will share the gospel TRUTH at their own level here at home, and take my children to church. Soul-needs come first.

But what other things can we do to make this springtime celebration fun and memorable for our families? Here are some simple but lovely ideas:

1. Decorate eggs (bet you didn’t see that one coming!)

You can use vegetables to dye eggs, or kool aid, or regular food coloring. But however you do it, it is fun to afterwards rub each egg with a drop or two of vegetable or olive oil. In this way, your eggs will glow like polished marble.

2. Make an Easter Egg tree

I love seeing the colorful plastic eggs dangling from little trees or bushes outside in the neighbor’s lawn. At our house, we decorate an artificial indoor tree at every holiday. This morning Grace helped me hang it with eggs, ribbons, and green plastic grass. We put our tree on the table as a centerpiece.

3. Make hot cross buns for breakfast (served with an icing cross on top, these buns are “traditionally considered blessed and believed to impart powerful protection.” (quoted from the book Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions)

I am rather busy this year, so I bought mine from the grocery store. But if you would like to make them, here is the inspiring Tasha Tudor’s recipe, of which she always made “a large quantity to serve at tea on Good Friday and for breakfast on Easter Sunday.”

1 cup milk, warmed to 110 degrees
1 packet yeast
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups unbleached flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup currents
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

In a small mixing bowl, stir the milk into the yeast to dissolve, adding 1 tsp of the 1/2 cup sugar. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, the remaining sugar, the cinnamon, and the currants. Add the milk and yeast mixture and mix well. Cover with a warm towel, set aside, and allow to rise in a draft-free place for 30 minutes. Add the salt and melted butter, being sure that the butter is not too hot, so as not to destroy the live yeast. Knead the dough lightly on a generously floured surface, then place in mixing bowl, cover again, and let rise until double in size, 1 hour or so.

Shape the dough into 12 buns and place on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise until double in size, about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until nicely browned. Remove from the oven and cool on racks. When the buns are cool, make an X on top of each one with a tasty tube filled with a mixture of:

1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/8 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. light cream or milk, or enough to make the icing easy to spread.

4. Easter Basket or Nest for each child..

At our house, we have each child go outside in our woods and make their own little nest out of twigs and pine needles, leaves, and whatever else they can find, like charming, busy little birdies. Oh they have the grandest time, especially my older teenage boys (kidding). It’s all worth it on Sunday, when they troop back to the woods to discover all the wonderful goodies that the Easter bunny (me) has left them.

5. Egg hunt

I have heard they are great fun.

6. Living Easter basket

It’s too late for this year, but another idea is to take a basket, layer it with gravel and potting soil, and sprinkle fast-growing ryegrass seeds on the top. Keep the soil moist and place the basket in a warm, sunny spot. Once the grass is high enough, you can add little Easter toys and figures within it.

7. Do the chicken dance

repeatedly

8. New clothes

Use Easter Sunday as an excuse to freshen up the children’s spring/summer church clothes. I usually buy the boys each a new shirt and the girls each a new dress. I also buy snow white tights for Sarah (or ruffled bobby socks if the weather is warm) and proper footwear (pink glitter of course!) Don’t forget to buy yourself a new outfit, too, if needed.

9. Prepare a Feast

This year I am roasting a leg of lamb. I am also making a pan of apple crisp, a nice salad, mashed potatoes, and corn.

10. ?????

Leave a comment telling me what you or someone you know (like your grandmother) does for Easter!

This one gets me every time:

Utter adorableness!

Here is the link to my friend Danielle’s Photography Facebook Page: InJoy Photography

Happy Easter to my wonderful blog friends! xo

PS, most ideas were gathered from the book Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions, Reviving Victorian Family Celebrations of Comfort & Joy, by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Saturday to Tuesday

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Shanda

I cleaned the entire house all day on Friday.

On Saturday morning I woke up and we had four extra people in the house; our wonderful friend GB, with his three children. (Rich had stayed up to welcome them).

I made baked oatmeal and roasted sausages drizzled with maple syrup for breakfast.

Big Mike (Jacob’s buddy and our “8th child”) arrived with Cardell and Jimmy. Ethan S. arrived.

The kitchen and living room was filled with boys checking airsoft guns and ammo.

Trying on safety gear.

LOTS of teasing, talking, and laughing.

The 8 of them ran off into the woods, including Rich and Seth.

I saw Cardell and Seth, after a while, team up …. Cardell even picked him up in order to run faster into the woods. So cute.

I went to go get Davy from his friend’s house, to take him to baseball practice. I left him there to go back home.

In due time, I went back to the field to get him (15 minutes away) and took Seth with me.

Came back home…..for lunch that day we had sandwiches.

I put dinner in the crock pot; 2 pork tenderloins, a sliced onion, a sliced green pepper, and BBQ sauce.

Left at 1:30 with 8 year old Caleb. He was going to a birthday party. We went to the mall to get a gift and I dropped him off at the party.

I GOT TO SPEND ALMOST 2 HOURS ALONE AT THE BOOKSTORE….

While I was gone, the girls joined the guys for another airsoft battle.

GB left to take Myriah to her friend’s house.

I picked up Caleb, went to grocery store, went back home.

Meanwhile, Rich left to take Davy to a second ball practice.

I finished up dinner. We had bbq pork sandwiches, cole slaw, and I can’t remember what else.

Mike made gallons of lemonade. Jimmy took out the garbage.

GB got back in time for leftover dinner and then he got to work in the kitchen. He made 2 lasagnas and a pan of ziti for us to eat after church on Sunday.

Billy-Cat kept trying to jump on the counter.

GB talked to me all about his new girlfriend. (they are both christians) He has a great testimony.

All the kids hung out together…Dave was home again and in his pj’s in the rocking chair.

Everyone colored with little Sarah, including me. I love coloring. We had like six hands working on the same page.

Happy music was playing, we hummed or sang or whistled along.

I went to bed at about 9:30 and that was Saturday.

*****

On Sunday we all got up and got ready for church.

GB sang a solo (what an amazing voice he has!!) and gave his testimony.

After church we came home to warm up dinner and tidy up the house.

Rich left to take Seth to his little league meet and greet.

Mike was here for dinner.

GB’s salad was made extra special with avocado, strawberries, and goat cheese. It was delicious.

He had a job as a cook in his younger days.

He was in the Coast Guard, too. This guy has lots of great stories.

The kids adore him from their camp in the summer. Rich met him last year and they became good friends.

Sunday evening we had bible study. I made a pan of brownies, a crumb cake, and a spinach-dip bread bowl.

The dog ran through the study and then Billy Cat jumped up on Gary’s lap (the pastor leading the study).

David and Daniel had made a big triple batch of Davy’s special pretzels and he begged to bake them up.

It was about 8:00 pm when we got started, everyone around made a pretzel. I just had to laugh.

You roll out a gob of dough into a three foot long rope and then twist it into a big pretzel. Then, you dip the raw pretzel into a baking soda bath, and bake it in the oven. When they come out you brush melted butter on top. YUM, SO SO GOOD!!! The triple batch was entirely gone in no time.

GB played the camp video from last year.

Kids made a fire outside in the fire pit.

They had music playing outside and all the fellowship between them was so precious to hear….so much fun.

I went to bed around 10:30. Ethan S and Caleb S spent the night; the kids all stayed up really really late. I heard stories of Grace and Ethan S jumping in the pond at 10:30……and Myriah fell over wood while running in the dark and hurt her leg. They were playing manhunt.

Yesterday, (MONDAY) GB left to go stay with Gary (our pastor and his good friend of 18 years) and his kids stayed here. My own children have spring break.

They all spent a lot of time outside; the weather was GORGEOUS. Davy caught tadpoles, crawfish, frog eggs.

I did my nails on the porch with kids surrounding me. It was fun to have them here….we love to talk and laugh.

I feel like my brain is fried. In a good way. (I truly love these days)

Jacob had a track meet at 1.

I went grocery shopping, sipping an iced coffee as I shopped; the sugar and caffeine pepped me up.

Ethan had practice at 2:30. His first after recovering from his yucky bronchitis/pneumonia type sickness (whatever it was)….

Grace had music at 1.

I took Emily with me to watch the meet and Myriah watched the other kids. (thank you, m!!)

Rich came home at 5 to take Caleb and Seth to practice.

We had leftover pasta for dinner.

There was a lot of jumping on the trampoline.

I love this picture of Emily and the dog…..she was so good to him and he adored her.

Grace and I had to take Sammie to the vet’s this morning (TUESDAY) for her surgery. She was supposed to go last week but we could not find her. Rich has nicknamed her “Slinkie” for a reason-this morning she ran away from us AGAIN and got into her favorite hiding spot; the drop ceiling downstairs. Jacob had to wake up and help us. We disarranged the ceiling until we grabbed her. We drove through the rain with tired eyes to the vet……..I got Grace a sandwich at McDonalds and we had a sweet time together first thing in the morning.

When we got back home I made scrambled eggs with cheese, ham, and toast for breakfast for the rest of us.

It’s been raining all day and the kids have watched two movies. We watched Secondhand Lion while I folded socks, and they watched Spiderman while I finished up my bible study lesson and took a catnap in my room.

Myriah slept until 12 today….she was exhausted….the sweet girl needed some good sleep.

We had mozzarella sticks and melon for lunch, some of us had pb and j.

In a few hours our guests will be going to Youth Group with Jacob and Ethan and our visit with these delightful kids will be over.

Tonight another guest arrives; Erinn is spending the night with Grace here at our place.

I have to pick up the cat at 6:30.

*****

THEIR FAVORITE THINGS:

GRACE: it was either airsoft or watching our movie. that movie was fun.
JACOB: it was probably airsoft. either airsoft or manhunt
DAVE: shrugs shoulders. has nothing to say.
ETHAN: taking a walk at 3 in the morning. playing apples to apples.
CALEB: when we got to play airsoft
SETH: my first baseball practice
DANIEL: playing airsoft
EMILY: playing manhunt
SARAH: playing in the bath with my ponies and these.
MYRIAH: playing airsoft. when i was president, that was the best. people were trying to assassinate me. and other people were trying to protect me. staying up until 2:30

*****

“I don’t wanna leave! I don’t wanna go to NY!!” Myriah

“I hate how when we get down to the last couple of hours we get desperate when we don’t know what to do.” Jacob

“This game is addicting.” Jacob, playing a new app

“Did someone say they had an addiction?” Mother

“I’m addicted to breathing. Every time I try to stop my head gets really light.” Grace offered.

*****

I had to write all this down so that someday when my life is slow again I can look back on it and laugh.

being a mama

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Shanda

“the way the ice melted (down the middle)”

The beautiful spring came;
and when nature resumes her loveliness,
the human soul is apt to revive also.
Harriet Ann Jacobs

April hath put
a spirit of youth
in everything.
William Shakespeare

“Grace and David climbing a tree”

Spring’s greatest joy
beyond a doubt
is when it brings
the children out.
Edgar Guest

“going on an adventure”

“looking for the fish”

I’ve been a stay at home mom for 17 years and here in the Northeast, the arrival of blessed spring time is always whole heartedly welcomed by myself and the children. It’s been a cold spring so far this year but little by little we are spending more time outdoors. It is almost impossible to keep socks and shoes on the children, and jackets, too. They are so full of energy and joy in being outside again. They love the ponds, the stream. The dog likes to scratch rocks out of the edge of the pond and run off with them. We haven’t seen a turtle yet, but we’ve seen fish and some bullfrog tadpoles that woke up from their winter sleep. We are starting to hear the spring peepers and frogs in the distance, too.

As for myself, I am feeling content, even if a little frazzled. I have no anxiety, just the feeling of needing to take one section of a day at a time. Ethan has been sick over the weekend and through this week, with *either* bronchitis or pneumonia, we are not exactly sure which. I took him to a walk in clinic on Sunday and he was put on antibiotics, but as of this morning he was not perking up like he should so I took him to his own pediatrician for more advice. Good ol’ Doctor P helped him out and reaffirmed my instincts that he wasn’t shaking the illness like he should. He sent us home with things for breathing treatments and a list of things to do for him like; motrin (for a sore back), vicks (for the cough), probiotics (to use with the antibiotics), lots of fluids (soup and gatorade), saline (for his sinuses), and of course plenty of tissues and motherly TLC. I have the couch made up with a clean sheet and blankets for him to lay on, and a nice clean pillowcase for his pillow. He sleeps and rests. Right now he is watching Duck Dynasty. I hope and pray he feels better soon, he’s been pretty low for about 2 weeks, but like his Dad does, he has been trying to tough it out, only to have his body crash “enough is enough”. He won’t be able to go back to school this week, doctor’s orders.

It is sort of fun to have someone to fuss over. 🙂

Every afternoon I have Jacob to pick up from track practice at 4:30 and Grace to pick up from music at 6:30. David and Caleb also have little league practices, too.

A word of advice for (oftentimes distracted) moms of many: don’t forget to nurture your children. I feel bad because Ethan has been complaining of a backache for 2 days and I never even touched his back or looked at it…..at the doctor’s office the doc had me feel his muscles….on one side of his spine the muscles were relaxed and normal, on the other side (lower back) his poor muscles were so tight, it was completely obvious! If only I had done this simple thing at home, I could have helped him much sooner with a massage. Just because I have seven children doesn’t mean I can skimp on attention and nurturing each and every one of them. I have a responsibility to care for them all, not “over the top” spoiling, but simple, practical, loving care and attention. THEY didn’t ask to be born into a big family, it was my choice, and the sacrifice of time and energy is something I MUST give to them as they grow……..this is something I have been convicted of. A mom MUST sacrifice and do her best to take care of her children …. and the more children she has the more time it will take. There is so much satisfaction in doing our very best with our families, caring for them.

I go from one thing to another, yes, but nothing is more important than the children (and husband, too, of course). The cooking and cleaning can wait. Today for lunch I gave Seth and Sarah a piece of bread with peanut butter and a glass of milk. Simplify when in times of sickness or trial. Give up a clean house, give up the more complex meals, in order to redeem the time for the child who needs extra care. And even on “normal days” a family of seven children still needs a lot of time to be invested in each child; checking on them, talking to them, clipping the nails, checking the ears, going over clothes to be sure they are fit to be worn to school, NURTURE, NURTURE, NURTURE………….they cannot be left to themselves when they are so young. They need Mom. Those little extra things like a massage, or essential oils, or brushing my daughter’s hair for 20 minutes, these things don’t always come to my mind, but it is something I want to improve on in my mothering. (any tips)

Yesterday I sat next to Caleb, checking him all out (he’s 8) and he finally said, “Are you done checking me like I am an ape?” LOL

*******

Seth and Sarah and I went to the thrift store last week and got all this for 2 dollars and fifty cents. A 5 by 7 frame, two Easter baskets, 3 stuffed bunnies, four books, and a wooden “chicken/egg” decoration. Sarah also got a plastic snow globe. It was fun. We like to walk there after I get my Post Office business done.

This is our new boy, Billy-Cat. We love him. He is soft and interesting. When we pick him up we never know if he will nonchalantly bite us. David made this toy mouse for him by hand. I just had to tie the knot on his threads.

Snickers is the only one who will tolerate Billy-Cat. Billy is so new that the other 2 cats run away from him, yowling loudly.

I’m turning into a crazy cat lady!!!!! We have four now. 🙂

And of course, the chickens. I sat outside and watched them enjoy the sunshine. They settle down into the leaves, lift up their wings, roll around, they just love being outside in the sun. We get about 5 eggs a day, which is a nice amount. We have just enough so I don’t have to worry about what to bake in order to use up 3 dozen eggs! LOL

Rich had a business meeting here at our place on Friday and one of the men brought me this beautiful bouquet of flowers.

I made a nice lunch for everyone.

1. Deli platter from grocery store
2. homemade buns (these were a BIG hit)
3. sliced tomato, seasoned with salt and pepper (for sandwiches)
4. mayo, pesto mayo, mustard
5. tossed salad
6. jello salad
7. pretzels
8. boiled baby potatoes, with plenty of butter, salt, and pepper

For dessert I bought 3 dozen baby cupcakes from the bakery.

And that is all the news from our place. How are you doing? I hope you are well and enjoying these early spring days. xo
“You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.” Psalm 16:11

day 5: driftwood beach

Posted on April 3, 2014 by Shanda

Last day on Jekyll.

Driftwood beach.

Mom, Dad, and I drove around and parked at one of the trails for a nice, long walk. Cameras and binoculors ’round our necks.

ripples of clouds in the sky

ripples of sand under our toes

old trees left standing the way the wind blew as they grew

along the beach are huge fallen trees, like a nature playground

the roots upended and weathered by salt water and time

at times it seemed we could go no further, but there was always a way (under, around, through, over)

glittering ocean foam

drips and drops leaving perfect circles

message in the sand; thinking of my love

parents

*****

path to the shops

I endeavored to find a little something for each child; a tiny harmonica, shark tooth necklace, books, little tokens, for them to know “Mama thought of you.”

baby palms

bamboo

lovely pottery shop

so much beauty in green and brown and pink

hanging spanish moss

last meal together before I had to go to the airport ~ with my dear Dad ~

the lovebirds

****

I am home-sweet-home again and Jekyll was last week’s memory. I had such a refreshing vacation; I came back moving and thinking much slower, a good indication to me that the trip away was needed for my well-being. It was my second visit to this place, and I understand, now, why my parents keep going back. If you go once, more than likely you will feel the need to return, and I miss it today. There is a lot to do on Jekyll for activities, but it’s also a good place to relax in nature, too. I hope to go with my family someday, I know they will love it, too.

click here for more information on JEKYLL ISLAND

****

thought for today:

“This is my person, now indwell by the living Spirit of the living God. I shall not permit it to be cramped and contaminated by exposing it to such dusty trivia as newspaper propaganda, pornography, cheap debasing literature, hours of low caliber television programs, or rubbish from the mass media. Instead, God’s Spirit will lead me to expose myself to the finest art, literature, and music. He will put me in situations where my mind can be improved and my soul stimulated with that which is beautiful and noble and lofty. I can and will become a person of broad interests, noble aspirations, and enormous enthusiasm because I belong to Him and He wishes to put me out into wide fields of fruitful and useful endeavor ….”

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

what day are we on now? Day 4

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Shanda

Nothing is worth more than this day. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We are at the end of day four and this is my last night here on Jekyll Island so I am a tiny bit sad.

I am a little sad, but mostly content, though, because we three are having such a great time….today was manicure and pedicure day for Mom and me.

Dad dropped us off at the Jekyll Island club and we walked around a little before we went to our appointment at the spa there.

There were tall stemmed poppies in bloom, bright orange and white ones, a feast for the eyes.

Mother in the poppies, looking like a poppy in her yellow sweater.

Spanish moss is so fascinating and pretty to look at~

three little birds

a quick little snack before our pampering–

Mom got a french mani and pedi and I got a regular mani and a polish change on the toes. There was only one nail professional working so we sat through each other’s treatments. It was quiet and nice and no one else was around but the owner and she was fun and easy to talk to. The woman doing our nails was only 22, and calm and capable. My polish was OPI’s “Miami Beet” (such a fun name!)

After our nails dried and we met back up with Dad, we went to the Rah Bar on a pier by the water. We had the most wonderful shrimp, I had a half pound of them with some red potatoes, and ice sweet tea.

Then we headed back to the club for dessert at the cafe. They had Dad’s favorite black bottom muffins and because he had given us gifts, (as you will see in a moment) Mom and I bought him two muffins. I had one, as well (a dense chocolate muffin with a little scoop of cheesecake topping and chocolate chips in the cake) and Mother had a big oatmeal cookie with dried cranberries.

See my pretty nails?

Mom and Dad swam in the hotel pool while I read my book and then the three of us got into the hot tub.

My handsome Dad wearing his new hat that he got for himself.

So when Dad met up with us at the spa he was carrying a bag. He had gone shopping and of course we wanted to know right away what he had. But he wouldn’t show us and told us to stop snooping and trying to know his business. Once we got to the Rah Bar for our shrimp we were still curious and he said, “Oh all right, I’ll show you what I have.” and he pulled out a gift for each of us; a canvas bag with a soy candle inside. He had chosen each thing carefully.

My bag is the one with the books and CS Lewis quote, and my candle is “Celtic Moonspice”. I wonder if I’ll ever burn it. Dad gave it to me!

I am currently watching American Idol, on the bed with Mom, while Dad is in the other room learning new drumming techniques on his computer.

day 2

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Shanda

Last night we were still out to dinner, but this evening we decided to stay in and have a light meal in the room. It’s been a relaxing afternoon, we did our adventuring this morning by going back over the bridge to Brunswick for shopping. Dad dropped Mom and I off and we meandered through places that we especially thought looked interesting~

I have to say that this was the most darling shop for little girl’s clothes, I could have dressed Sarah in a wardrobe entirely from this place. I did come away with three dresses and a skirt, which I will do a post about at a later date, when Sarah can model them.

I went in and the owner said, “I would have stood in the window and posed for you!” He saw me taking the picture. We were also greeted by the dog, Mr Wriggles, who, after a silent hello, wandered away again. The owner’s wife kept coughing but assured us she was on antibiotics. Wouldn’t it be fun to own a nice little book shop with your significant other?

*cookbook all about biscuits and my bag of dresses for Sarah Joy*

We can now heartily recommend Arte Pizza on 1518 Newcastle Street in Brunswick, GA. I had the house salad and a meatball sandwich, made with thick slices of meatball, lightly sauced with a wonderful tomato sauce, with a basil leaf. It was served steaming hot on an artisan roll.

Dad met us back at the pizza place for lunch; he had two slices of cheese pizza (thin crust).

Mom had a caesar salad and a pasta dish.

We sat at a tall round table right by the window, on stools. We were cozy, watching the traffic go by and enjoying our food.

Then, we had cupcakes for dessert. (see why we needed a light dinner?)

we had wedding cake, ice cream sundae, and lemon ones

They were made by this lady, who has won awards for her cupcakes and isn’t shy to let people know that “God Did This”. Wouldn’t it be nice to make a sign like that and hang it up in your house or around your child’s neck like a necklace? I love it.

*****

ALSO:

we went out to the pool
read books
walked along the beach
watched a cooking show
drank coffee
what else? I guess that’s about it.

I admit, I do miss my husband and children. They are doing fine, though. They adopted a new cat named Billy.

vacation day 1

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Shanda

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

Rich drove me to the airport when the stars were still out and the moon was bright and beautiful. It was 15 degrees. My love and I shivered until the heat warmed up the vehicle……he left me with kisses and a wave at the airport and I was on my way.

The first flight into Atlanta, GA was uneventful. I was in the very last seat in the back of the plane, without even a window. A young woman sat beside me and promptly fell asleep. I read from the book Beth recommended to me, The Deed of Paksenarrion, by Elizabeth Moon. I also read As a Man Thinketh (an old purchase on my kindle). I had forgotten my Bible and needed something for my soul and if you are interested in a good application of Phillipians 4:8, this is highly worth reading. I jotted down quotes in my journal. Here is one:

There is no physician
like cheerful thought
for dissipating
the ills of the body.

James Allen

At the Atlanta airport, I scurried to gate 26D to catch my next flight to Bruswick, GA. This was an “up and down flight” meaning, just as soon as we were up, we were coming down. A nice, short flight in a little plane. I worked on my crochet and did some more reading.

The view from my window~pretty fluff clouds~

By 11:30 in the morning, I had arrived safely to spend the week (until Friday) with my parents on Jekyll Island. I gave Dad a quick call and they came to pick me up at the airport. I was ready, standing outside, to get a picture as they drove up. I love Mom’s happy smile.

I am so blessed by healthy, active, Christian parents.

They had scoped out Brunswick that morning, and found a few antique shops to take me to. But first, we enjoyed lunch at the Golden Corral and then picked up rejuvinating coffees from Mickie D’s.

ANTIQUING IN GEORGIA

Can you believe it, fiesta lovers? The first place we visited had a mess of vintage fiestaware. It was lovely to see, upstairs, tucked away and scattered about a small room.

I bought a forest green saucer, shiny and small, easy to take home. It will be a nice addition to my display of green in the dining room.

for my boys to see

a page from a handmade cookbook with a wallpaper cover

“Friendship consists in forgetting what one gives, and remembering what one receives.”

I bought this book, all about African Violets. It is filled with line illustrations and it makes me smile. I admire the art of houseplants and this book does a good job at instilling a respect for learning about plants….a whole book all about the humble African Violet!

“Through the neighborly exchange of leaves
or the reciprocal mailing of them
to unmet but not unknown distant “violet friends”
almost every desired variety may be acquired
and the windows of a house soon filled
with oncoming youngsters.”

Helen Van Pelt Wilson

Isn’t that a great quote? I love it. I copied it into my journal along with a sketch of the flowers..

At the last place I found Kangaroos that reminded me of my dear friend Christie, who is about to move back to the USA after living in Australia for three years.

A kangaroo collection? How fun!

AND……

I didn’t buy them but I probably should have: A Millie and a Willie penguin!

Rich’s DAD’s name is Willie, and Willie has a sister named Millie!!!!!! It’s Dad and Aunt Millie as penguins!

Sitting in the same glass case as Millie and Willie were these beautiful fiesta serving utensils, I think they were 168.00, and a vintage tumbler.

Done with our afternoon of antiquing we drove over the bridge and got settled into the hotel room.

Mom and I then went for a Very Windy Walk…it was about 54 degrees and perhaps about 40 with the wind.

shells in our hand, sand on our feet, brought back to the room.

For dinner we went to the Driftwood Bistro where Dad got to laughing (a laughing fit) as we waited half an hour for a table.

I had a grilled chicken tenderloin dinner with sweet potato soufflé and green beans, with peach cobbler for dessert.

Indeed, I went to bed with a full stomach and slept so good after a wonderful vacation day 1.

****

Day 2 is beginning by yours truly tip tapping out a blog post from the hotel pull out sofa bed in my PJ’s next to a view of the ocean. Mom and Dad are out walking, and we look forward to warmer temperatures today.

Mom gave me a cup of coffee before they left and when the get back we shall have breakfast.

****

(((much love)))) to you, my friends, and God bless you.

Shanda

PS, my side of the suite

today we had chicken and biscuits for dinner

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Shanda

The cooking onions think it’s springtime and are growing!

2 organic chickens, 8 cups of stock, 3 onions, 6 carrots, and 2 bay leaves

My son is like I was at 16 years old. As soon as spring was in the air and the ground becomes mud, I wanted to be in it. I remember one spring when I rubbed mud from the dirt road on my face (I was so weird when I was 16) and guess what happened? My face turned sore from the road salt in the mud.

ETHAN was outside with his little brothers. They started out on the trampoline, but as I drove off to pick up Jacob from school, I saw the four of them tramping off into the woods, all in BARE FEET. Mind you, there is still quite a bit of snow and was only 46 degrees. They were all thrilled to do it, and Ethan was kind enough to carry Seth part of the way. I wish I had a picture of them disappearing into the trees as a clump of happy, joyful country boys. They told me later it was a “barefoot adventure”.

I had to get some groceries after I picked up Jake and there were flowers 75 percent off. I bought 2 bouquets of roses for 5 dollars.

Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity. John Ruskin

I love having flowers and plants in the house.

While I worked on dinner, Seth, David, Sherlock the cat, Caleb, Sammy the cat, and Sarah watched a Winnie the Pooh movie. (the one from 2011, I love it, it’s such a cute movie).

They looked so cozy that I had to take a couple pictures. I adore how they snuggle up together.

I had to laugh when I looked down at the dog while I was taking pictures of the children, he was waiting for his turn.

He even brought his own prop to the photo shoot.

What he really wanted all along was chicken bits. 🙂

I left Jacob (my hardworking helper) to dice the cooked chicken and veggies while I once again drove to school, this time to get Grace.

As soon as I got home, we finished everything up.

veggies, chicken, and gravy; right before I put the biscuits on top

The children were all eager for it to get DONE. I made a double batch — a big lasagna pan and a 9 by 13 pan.

Comfort food

I’m hoping that if you want the recipe, you will click on the photo and it will enlarge enough for you to read it, as it is quite a bit of typing. I remember when I started making this dish almost 20 years ago. It was a recipe I found in a Taste of Home magazine. Rich’s grandma used to renew my subscription every year and I enjoyed studying each issue. I wasn’t used to cooking or baking when I got married and I found this recipe laborious. It is still time consuming, but much easier to put together. Rest assured, with practice, working in the kitchen gets more enjoyable every year. It just goes to show that if you stick with something you WILL get good at it!

The children all liked the meal, I think, although Seth did object to carrots. “Don’t you remember, I throw up when I eat these?” And I know for a fact that Caleb didn’t appreciate the mushrooms because he had to tell me; “I LOVE the mushrooms, MOM.” So I wouldn’t feel bad because I’m a mind reader and know that he doesn’t like them. David simply said nothing and left all his mushrooms in his bowl. I ate them later on. Jacob asked me if we could add flour to the gravy to make it thicker even though it was already completely baked. Rich said, “mmmmmm”.

If you have read a book that is impossible to put down because it is so well-written and fascinating, I would be grateful for the title. I’m getting ready to go on vacation on Monday and I need a few books on my kindle. I’m reluctantly leaving War and Peace at home because it weights so much. thx

st patrick’s day

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Shanda

“I arise today through the mighty strength of the Lord of creation.” St Patrick

I just ate two perfectly fried eggs from my own backyard hens. Delicious.

I’m still in my pj’s and big red fluffy robe. (my little seth and sarah call it a “rope” by mistake–so dear).

The sky is clear and blue, the sun is shining but it is only 19 degrees outside. Inside it is cozy and warm because of the sunshine. Seth and Sarah are watching Winnie the Pooh. Sarah didn’t sleep well last night, she had a nightmare and ended up in Grace’s bed with her for the night. Both my girlies will be tired out today but I loved seeing the love and care that Grace showed for her sister.

Yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day and I am not Irish, however, I very much admire St. Patrick and honoring him with his own day. I wore green and went to a brunch with the CBS leadership in the morning. We had coffee, tea, and coffeecake, then a time of prayer and devotion, and then Carol taught us an Irish dance, which filled the room with Irish music and lots of laughter. I absolutely love all these women. We enjoyed organic pizza and salad for lunch.

Afterwards, I went to the grocery store with Seth and Sarah so we could pick up supplies for our suitable dinner.

I had wanted to decorate my tree for St Patrick’s Day but didn’t figure out the best way to do it until Saturday, when I noticed at the thrift store downtown someone had decorated a tree in the window with green gumdrops. How easy and fun, I thought.

I got two bags of store-brand wintergreen gum drops for 99 cents a bag, and then a box of large paperclips for 2.50. For less than five dollars I was able to do a theme for our tree and Seth and Sarah had such a fun time helping me. We sat cross-legged on the floor as we worked.

sweet and simple

While they took their little afternoon catnaps, I mixed up a batch of brownies. After they cooled, I frosted them and sprinkled a bag of mint M n M’s over the top.

When David got home from school, he ate a big piece, with joy.

I drove down to school to pick up Grace and drop off a bag dinner for Jacob, who decided to stay after until the variety show at 7pm.

When we got back home, I started making dinner~ corned beef and cabbage (a boiled dinner).

It takes a good three or more hours, so we had time to go outside for some fresh air.

While the boys jumped on the trampoline, I visited the chicken coop……

This funny hen was curious and brave, and pecked at my hand and ring.

The stream is melted, all except the edge, where I found thin, delicate and beautiful ice.

I broke off a piece to hold it up like rippled glass.

This section was so thin and intricate, it was formed to the edge of the bank and the water was running underneath, leaving a space of about 4 inches.

Like spun sugar.

I called Caleb over to show him, too.

He ate quite a bit.

I ran back up to the house, freezing cold, and found my husband home early at 4:30. The funny thing was, I had run right past his truck without even noticing it. He was on a conference call in the kitchen. I squealed with joy to see him.

St Patrick’s Day table with my green fiesta dishes and gumdrop tree to tempt the children.

Irish soda bread with raisins and caraway seeds (store bought).

cabbage for the pot

Caleb was the only school child who wanted to wear green for the day.

boiled vegetables with a drizzle of mustard glaze

platter of corned beef with the pitcher of glaze.

Caleb took one look and said horrified, “Is it RAW?” (I haven’t made this dish in years)

I wasn’t sure how the kids would like it but they did rather well with it. Seth did throw up his last bit of veggies, but he was fine.

They all got a gumdrop (or 2, or 3) for dessert.

Looking at these pictures makes me want to go warm up some leftovers and eat them for breakfast.

After dinner, I took Grace and Ethan to school and we watched the Variety show. It was such a fun night, the kids all did so well, with singing and playing of instruments, and dancing, too. We have some talented kids in our town! I loved it all and it was a special night to be out with my teenagers.

***

Today is a day with no plans or appointments. I think I’m going to go turn off that noisy TV and invest some time into my little ones…maybe give some bubble baths, vacuum their rooms, read books, snuggle, sing, listen to music, color. All nice preschooler things to do.

Another lovely quote from Patrick:
“Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.” —Saint Patrick

You are loved, my friends. God is very near. Enjoy Him today as you work and go about your day.

full and busy

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Shanda

As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world. ~Terri Guillemets

It’s 7:30pm and dark outside. I can hear water running off the roof and this evening before the sun went down there was a thick, white fog. They say this rain will turn to snow later on toward morning.

The time change has been throwing me a bit of kilter……sleeping a little bit too late into the mornings and a general feeling of being “off” with the clock.

Yesterday the temperature reached the mid 50’s. We spent as much time outside as possible and I even fell–right into the stream.

Today has been full and busy with Community Bible Study and then a trip to Costco. When I got home Ethan, David, and Caleb were already home so they helped put away the groceries. I put a chicken pot pie in the oven and then I went right back out to pick up Jacob from track, and go to the elementary school to meet with 2 teachers.

The parent teacher meetings went well. Generally speaking, I have two smart boys capable of making A+ grades but lacking the drive to achieve them. We all wish we could find a way to “turn them on” to doing their very best all the time.

Since I have some extra time tonight, only because I told my husband I was going to bed and left him alone with the kids, I thought I would post some pictures of the last few days………

On Monday, the little ones went outside to enjoy the snow.

On Tuesday, Ethan and David shot their bows (into a target set up in front of a snowbank).

It’s always fun to be outside in “warm” enough weather for no coat, yet still have snow on the ground

During the children’s nap time yesterday, I went for a little walk on our property, into the woods. I noticed a lot of deer tracks and droppings. There was an actual deer path to the stream.

I followed the path (like a deer) but didn’t drink any water. I walked next to the stream back toward home. It breaks off into different directions and was frozen over with snow on top so I unknowingly walked right over the ice.

I fell right in. I fell in and said out loud, “I just fell in!” No one was around to hear me but I laughed, “I can’t believe I just did that!” I scratched my way back up to solid ground and looked back. Would you believe an egg had fallen out of my pocket! I wanted it so bad but there was no way to reach it without falling back in, and my boots were already so filled with water. I knew I had to just go home.

I had been having a rather dull and blah day mentally (darn time change!) but this little experience perked me right up. I took a dip into a frozen stream and survived, with pride. Like a wild adventurer.

My boots are still upside down on the porch, drying.

Me and my Caleb, or “club” as I sometimes call him, or “clubby”. I love this boy.so.so.much.

I noticed Sarah reading a book to our cat through the window and grabbed the camera……so cute!

making friends

Seth looks so tiny on his Dad’s lap, listening to Little Pilgrim’s Progress. My baby boy (five years old).

Seth requested spaghetti with meatballs for dinner.

After they were cooked through, I put them in the crock pot with this 6 pound can of tomato sauce, to simmer until it was time to cook the pasta.

I also made a big tossed salad with real greens not from a bag. Washing lettuce is such a pain but OH so much better than the (very convenient) bagged stuff. I also added tomatoes, onion, cubed mozzarella, grated carrot, and a shaking of dried oregano.

It was a youth group night so the older kids didn’t eat nearly as much as they usually do and there was a ton of leftovers. *sigh*

But everything was delicious. I love cooking for my family.

When I told Seth to smile he thought I was video-recording him. He leaned forward and said to the phone, “My mom won’t let me have a soda.”

I bought myself some beautiful wild looking flowers, on tall stalks. Little purple flowers, just the prettiest things.

I didn’t get a chance to put them in a vase until I got home from the school and I was rushing, trying to do many things at once. You know how the flowers come with a packet of powdered preservative? Well, I opened the packet up, sprinkled half of it in a vase, and put half the flowers in the vase. I put them in the bathroom. Then, I got a glass pitcher to put the rest of the flowers in and added what I thought was the rest of the packet of powdered preservative. I dumped it all in, used the flower stems to stir it up…..it looked strange…..I grabbed the packet to discover:

I had used the rest of a package of Emergen-C. (the first vase was correct, the second was a completely different packet, I tell you I am going nutso) I burst out laughing and Jacob wanted to know what was funny so I told him. “Well, those are gonna die,” he remarked. “They might live longer!” I replied. I’ll let you know.

Pretty flowers in a pitcher of Emergen-C. I’ll never get over it.

Catnap

All together, all but Grace (who got home at 6). This was taken tonight.

I have to put Grace in this post so here is an old picture of her from December:

She’s wearing make up. She just came in my room a minute ago and asked me to start pinning to her board on pinterest. She and I want to redecorate her bedroom next month, we are collecting ideas. Yes, she is on pinterest and I can’t believe how she’s taken to it. (((I love having a teenage daughter!!)))

I bought this book at Costco today. I love Susan Branch and the inside of this book is all handwritten with illustrations. It’s pretty and fun, like reading her real journal. I always forget that she has a blog, I need to go check it out. I’ve liked her for years– ever since I got married, and someone gave me one of her cookbooks. I also have a Country Living magazine still in it’s bag that I need to read. I got it last week, but in this full and busy season of life there is hardly time to focus on my magazines.

Before I go to sleep at night I read a few pages of War and Peace.

I wanted so much to tell you about Thelma and her eyes but I guess I’ll have to save that for another day.