football mama

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Shanda

My two youngest sons play football and they are both rookies this year.

Seth is 6 and Caleb is 10. They are both determined players but Caleb has a little extra advantage: PASSION….total and complete passion for anything that has to do with football. He collects the cards and organizes them carefully in binders, studies NFL teams and trivia using magazines and books, watches any football game on TV, and will happily talk nonstop to anyone who will listen to endless football conversation. This passion he has for the sport gives him an extra desire to play….to play hard with body AND heart.

Whoever gets to take Caleb to his first real college or NFL football game is one lucky person.

Rich gets excited watching Caleb play because he sees the potential. Rich loved playing football in school.

I don’t want to make it seem like Seth doesn’t have talent, because he does..he just misses that outside interest in the sport. He plays and then goes home to do other stuff. Caleb plays football and then goes home to play some more.

I even secretly think that he’s longing for a sports injury, just so he can be like all the other tough guys. Not anything major, mind you, but a nice little injury that doesn’t slow him down but gives him something to brag about. A little blood would be nice, and a few good bruises.

A couple weeks ago I took along my SLR to take some photos of the boys in action.

SETH’s team played first:

Okay, so the coaches are all awesome. I LOVE to see men working with boys, teaching them, yelling at them, caring for them.

Here is Seth (number 3) getting his helmet snapped in place by one of his coaches.

team talk before the game.

Seth is on the line.

A team mate running for a touchdown.

Our team won the game and afterwards celebrated with a bag of lollipops, which is what they are doing in the following picture: (grabbing lollipops) Seth is number three with his back to me.

Seth made his Dad buy him a FLAVORED mouth guard AND special gloves. He has to have the stuff to be cool, you know. Nothing gets by him.

Seth has gotten the “tuff guy” ball three times this year, which is awarded to the toughest boy after each practice.

CALEB’s team was next to play::

Here he is, number 54, getting ready to kick. He does great as kicker…and guess what? His dad was kicker on his team, too! Caleb was thrilled to make his dad proud of him by being chosen team kicker.

Caleb in action, running through two kids from the other team. He is the one running left in the photo. Caleb plays both defense and offense so he never comes off the field the whole game which makes me laugh. He gets good and sweaty but doesn’t tire out at all because he loves it.

They had their first win! Caleb took his helmet off, cheering with joy while the coaches clapped.

Caleb is a great motivator and never shuts up during the games (he is like that in baseball, too), he helps the team by using kind and encouraging words….what a gift he has! He was ready to pat everyone on the back and tell them how good they did after the win, too.

It was after this game that I went out and bought cowbells, to the annoyance of the whole family. They are soooo loud! After spending a few days in the house I put them in the back of my car to live.

This past weekend Rich went to the game without me so I could take the other kids to church (we hate that most of the games are on Sunday morning). Their teams both won again and Caleb played very well, sacking the quarterback twice causing him to fumble the ball, getting interceptions, and tackling people right and left. Rich texted me throughout to keep me posted.

I asked him if he was ringing the (annoying) bells for Caleb and he said, “No, they are all yours. I wouldn’t do that without you.”

This weekend Rich is teaching Sunday School so I will be taking the boys myself. It’s fun being a football mama.

heart-warming

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Shanda

(song that Grace played while on our road trip)

*****

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

Grace has been busy at school.

I was beginning to miss my daughter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We walked around the grounds together.

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

An appropriate message for the day.

I enjoyed a small coffee.

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

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

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

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

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

“N A T U R E”

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

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

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

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

a lovely family, part 2

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Shanda

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

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

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

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

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

“You do hate loud noises,” I agreed.

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And the rest of us went to the park.

Grace did some sketching.

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

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

Gracie

Grace took this one of the treetop.

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

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

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

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

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

I had this ice cream sundae.

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

we all wore the same dress

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Shanda

When I was a little girl, the same age as you, I went to school, too.

I started out in a Kindergarten class, just like you.

And do you know what?

My Mama made me a dress, she made it herself, a special little dress for me to wear to school.

“She did? Where is it?”

It’s right here, this is the very dress that I wore.

And do you know what?

Your sister Gracie wore this dress on her first day of school, too!

Let’s try it on you.

Oh Sarah, it looks so pretty!

Do you want to wear it for your first day of school, too? Just like Mama and Gracie?

“No.”

Why not?

“It’s itchy.”

It is? I can fix that. What if you wear this pair of soft shorts underneath? Is that better?

“Okay. Can I wear my new shoes?”

Yes.

Mama’s going to miss you but I know you’re going to have a fun day at your school.

I love you.

wild flowers

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Shanda

The Queen Anne’s lace is exceptionally tall this year.

{this moment}

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Shanda

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

lemon cupcakes

Posted on July 6, 2015 by Shanda

We used the spray-on sunscreen. I used it on David and I laughed hysterically yesterday when Rich showed me this picture he took of Dave’s back yesterday at the track:

I honestly thought I had covered him entirely!

On the fourth of July Rich took the kids to the playground so he could go running. I made macaroni salad (amish recipe) and looked forward to grilling for dinner.

I love our old-fashioned looking flag bunting for the porch and my dark blue hanging baskets.

After they came home the boys wouldn’t let Seth on the trampoline and he was sad. I was fine with it though because three boys on the trampoline is an accident waiting to happen.

He was still pouting. Some of us did manage to wear red/white/and blue. 🙂

A good mama.

When it was time to start the grill Rich said “oh shoot, I’m out of charcoal” and I almost threw away the meat. He went to the store and eventually we did eat our grilled beef kabobs, baked beans, macaroni salad, cantaloupe, and spice cake.

At our church those who are taking communion file up to the front to take the bread and then the cup, then going back to their seats to partake. Those who don’t take it are left in the pew to try to work their positions in order to be the one sitting next to MOM when she returns……the boys were silent but determined and my communion cup was jostled so that most of it dumped on my chest and lap. I just had to laugh because I know God understands how hard it is for me to stay focused in church these days, and He wants me to cherish the moments. I was in constant thoughts with God, and knew He was enjoying my situation just as much as I was. Rich took the picture after we had gotten back home.

Abbie spend the weekend with Grace. She is my sister’s oldest and the girls are one year apart, both born in November. Cousins and best friends.

On Sunday I had such fun taking them out to Starbucks.

And then shopping.

We spent most of our time in Sephora…..

They had a free mini makeover service and learned about conturing.

I let them each pick one item as a gift from me to them. Abbie chose purple mascara. “Do you think my Mom will let me wear it?” “Well, if not you could at least wear it at home!” And Grace picked out a new eye-liner pencil. I treated myself to a new lipstick.

Later that night they made lemon cupcakes and served me in bed while I was reading my latest book, Cold Mountain. Rich had one as well, as he read a book by Bill Piper (John Piper’s dad).

To be honest, I made Rich go out to the kitchen to get me a second one. They were so good!

2/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 2/3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
1 Tablespoon grated lemon peel

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Stir in lemon peel.

Bake in muffin cups at 350 for 20-24 minutes, and frost.

Rich woke me up at 2 in the morning yelling at the teenagers to go to bed. The girls were running up and down the stairs and the boys were playing video games. After which we had insomnia for over an hour. We tossed and turned. Ugh.

He’s at work now and I’m showered and dressed. I’m leaving here in about an hour to take the kids to the one dollar movie at the mall.

I don’t want to end this post without sharing a sweet compliment that my husband gave me. We were snuggling close in bed when he said, “Shan, I don’t ever remember a time in all the years we’ve been married that you’ve smelled bad.”

{this moment}

Posted on July 4, 2015 by Shanda

I remember the first time we took baby Sarah to the ocean. She crinkled up her eyes in disgust and would not put her hands down to touch the sand.

We took the children to the beach yesterday and five year old Sarah was busy enjoying herself the whole day long. Digging in the sand, collecting every shell in sight, swimming even though the water was cold, playing with nearby little girls, twirling her new hula hoop. We were there for six hours and she cried when we had to leave.

She loves the ocean.

grace’s new hair style

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Shanda

I’m sure you might feel the same as I do about Grace’s hair.

I loved it long, it was so beautiful. She got several compliments on it from random strangers in the days leading up to her appointment.

But, she’s had long hair for years and she was feeling a desire for a change. Also, her hair is fairly thin and to me it wasn’t looking as healthy as it used to.

She asked us if she could cut it and after thinking about it for at least a month or more, we agreed that it was time for her to chose a hair style and sit herself down in a hair salon.

Here is a “before” picture::

(the determined look)

The sweetest part of this story is that her Dad took her to the spa to get it done. She had to go twice, once for the cut and the second time for the color (done today) and he took her both times. He also made her an appointment to get her nails painted, too.

(He makes most of my hair appointments for me, as well, and loves it when I pamper myself. It’s one of the ways that he enjoys showing his love for his wife and daughters.)

He spent lots of money on her and then she came home and got upset about FISH! But it’s Rich’s fault entirely. You don’t buy 80 live silver shiners and then release them into the pond to get EATEN ALIVE by bass and catfish right in front of your tender hearted daughters and expect them to be happy about it.

We had to wait until after lunch cheered her up again before we could do our little photo shoot.

The cut looks so cute on her and I love the subtle ombre. She came up with this style on her own and it looks adorable. She’s 15 and this is just the right time to say “yes” to harmless changes!

i have a cheetah for a daughter. today is her birthday.

Posted on May 30, 2015 by Shanda

Sarah has been pretending to be a couple of different animals lately.

First she was a dog named Princess and I was her mother and our dog, Parker, was her father.

(She announces these things to me and then gets irritated when I can’t remember her name.)

Next it was, “Mom, I’m your cheetah and my name is Star.”

This last one has been going on for several days, I’m getting kind of used to her name being Star now.

I love how she naturally includes me in her land of make-believe, always. Always her mother.

We took the kids out to dinner last night and then Rich wanted to go in the Apple store so I went into Gap Kids and came across the perfect shirt for my cheetah daughter named Star.