Last night I was home with Sarah and Caleb. Everyone else was out of the house doing their various activities. We were watching the Waltons and it just so happened it was the episode when John and Olivia were celebrating their 20 year wedding anniversary. John-Boy was busy driving back and forth to college, falling in love with a poet. The other kids were still going to the one room school house, and were painting a picture for their parents’ anniversary. The painting looked like the inside of a dollhouse, with each room painted in detail. Then, every person in the house, kids and grandparents, painted themselves into the picture.
John went shopping to buy his wife an elegant dress.
Olivia knitted John a sweater, using yarn from their seven children’s baby sweaters.
They renewed their vows in their living room, with only the children and grandparents in attendance and the local Preacher performing the ceremony.
It was heartwarming and so sweet. I couldn’t help but compare to my own life….because today Rich and I celebrate our 2oth anniversary. Our “John-Boy” is a college student now, and our “Elizabeth” is going along to school with the rest of the children. I’m Olivia Walton and my husband is John! This is mind-numbing….I grew up watching the show, pretending to be Mary Ellen or Erin, depending on my mood at the time.
And now I’m Olivia. I love Olivia. She’s always baking applesauce cakes to celebrate things.
True story, one of my ladies in my bible study class last year called me “Olivia”…..
*****
Rich had to go to work today but is taking tomorrow and Friday off. He’s having an adventure — a change in job title — makes him just a tad busier than usual.
But this morning as he ironed his pants he stopped to put his hands on my neck and say sweet things about how much he loves me and believe it or not, he loves me even more than when we were teenagers and so on….I started laughing, “Is this a canned message?” “No, I wrote it myself” he laughed back. A few minutes later Grace and I tiptoed back in the room. Ethan was talking to Rich all about his soccer game. Dave was playing the piano. I went over to give him a hug so Grace could take a picture of us, “Is this a canned hug, Shan?” Rich asked. Perfect comment….he got me.
Our kitten has a name. A perfect name.
I like to bring Grace’s rabbit inside to hop around and keep us company. The dog leaves her alone and so do the cats…it’s like peaceable kingdom in our house. She was nibbling an apple yesterday.
Sarah has had me worried sick for days and days. She finally got diagnosed with an UTI and has been on antibiotics for 2 days. She is beginning to perk up. The crying and feverish silence has turned back into chatting. The sleep and weakness is turning into quiet playing and coloring. The no appetite is turning into cravings for bacon. I’ll make her all the bacon she wants!
Yesterday I walked around with the camera. I was feeling anxious and weepy…but the eye for blessings (with help from the camera) always soothes and shows me there are an abundance of things to be grateful for, even in the midst of worry and very little sleep.
GENTLEMAN GRAY
Did you ever think, after 20 years, we would have a Seth and he would be our fifth son? What a dear boy he is, so bright and full of potential. He was playing a racing game with Jacob when I took this picture.
Did you think we would have a Dave? A boy so interesting and curious about life, who says thoughtful things every day to make me stop and think and laugh. He has an amazing mind.
This morning you lightheartedly called Grace “a product of our wonderfulness”. Can you imagine life without our Grace? Almost 16 years old, wise beyond those years, sweet and active, with a leadership potential that comes directly from you, her Dad.
And our Caleb….this morning he was spouting off football facts to you. He has a loving heart and notices the needs of others. He never goes to school or bed without giving out hugs.
Our Ethan…you still sometimes call him by the baby nickname we gave him…but he’s a SENIOR NOW…how did this happen? Our pride and joy, our second born son with his silent strength. Who would have guessed in 20 years, on our wedding anniversary, I would be picking this boy up from school so he could take his driver’s test?
Our college boy, learning and growing so much. Getting more independent. 20 years of marriage has produced an 18 year old son who is polite, kind, well-mannered, with a healthy dose of fun and silly, too. Isn’t he a wonderful big brother to our gang? And now…..he’s been so willing and helpful with his driving around picking up siblings after school.
I love keeping a home for you.
I love all our moments together. You are my safety and my strength.
You were ironing your pants for work and looked at me as I came for another hug…so Grace could take pictures…Ethan was busy talking to you and Dave was playing piano. It was 6:30 in the morning.
And we hugged and you asked, “Is this a canned hug, Shan?” but it wasn’t. All our hugs are true.
We laughed. Our hearts are full of joy and thankfulness today…for 20 sweet years together.
THANK YOU, JESUS!
I have just enough time to go bake a cake. An applesauce cake.
***
Applesauce Cake for the modern Olivia Walton
1 spice cake mix 2 cups applesauce 1/4 cup oil 2 eggs 1/4 cup wheat germ (optional) frosting of your choice
Preheat oven to 350. Mix together cake mix, applesauce, oil, and eggs in large bowl. Mix in wheat germ, if desired. Pour mixture into a 9 by 13 cake pan.
Bake 35-40 minutes
Allow cake to cool and frost.
recipe source:: 101 Things to do with a Cake Mix by Stephanie Ashcraft
It’s going to take me a little while to get used to this.
Will I ever get used to it? Please tell me I will.
On this very morning, the last day of August, Jacob and I went to the car dealership to finalize the purchase of his very first car.
I sat in my vehicle as he pulled away, with a police car following him (it just so happened).
I felt extremely nervous for him, the same kind of nervousness I feel at every major event, and full of adrenaline…I know in my logical brain that all is well and that this day is not as shattering as I feel that it is. But there is a disconnect between my head and my heart. Or is it a battle– a battle that my heart ALWAYS wins in these situations?
I watched him drive away, slowly and carefully, with a police car right behind him and several more cars, too. They were all probably wishing he would go a little faster but it was his first drive in his own car. (other than the test drive)
He was on his way to his first day of college. English class started at 11 in the morning.
I went next door to the grocery store and picked up groceries feeling completely alone, with heart palpitations, shaky hands, and burning eyes. Thank goodness for Rich, who was texting me that he loved me and everything was going to be okay. I saw young moms with their small children in the carts and I couldn’t stand it……I wanted one or two of mine back……but then, think of all the many times I went grocery shopping wishing I could concentrate and just get it done without the little voices asking me for everything they saw or little feet trying to run away from me in the parking lot?
A few times I caught myself talking to myself out loud in the store.
I kept wondering if Jacob was getting into an accident. I know it sounds terrible, but he is a new driver and the roads can be so busy…he has to drive the highway every day, he has to merge and change lanes and …… (!!)……
There was nothing to be done but go on my merry way, trusting my Jesus, but feeling a little bit lost just the same.
I came home and put the groceries away, let out the chickens, changed into shorts, made salisbury steak in the crock pot.
I finished my book and ate Cinnamon Bun Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. I had to! It was therapy — and it was delicious.
I finished up my Bible reading for the day. I love the book of Job. I’m also reading 2 Corinthians. There were two verses that “jumped out” at me today (you know what I mean?)
“As God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving and God will receive more and more glory.” 2 Cor. 4:15 (*more and more* I love that!)
“For we live by believing and not by seeing.” 2 Cor. 5:7 (what an unusual way to live, a way that works only by the “magic” and power of God Himself, through faith and constant communication with Him. I love how life in Jesus is so strange and wonderful. Think about it, there are probably angels all around me, my family, your family at this very moment, and I know for a fact that God Himself is always always near!).
Jacob texted me at 12:15 to let me know that he had made it to school and had his first class. I was so relieved. His day is done at 2 (right about now!) and I will wait like Forrest Gump at the end of the movie until he pulls into the driveway. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
I am proud of myself because I didn’t let on one bit to Jacob that I was nervous for him. I didn’t want to be anything but supportive. So don’t tell, ‘k?
Having conversations with no one at the grocery store AND the blog today….I’m getting scared now. LOL
2011 VW Jetta TDI and my grown up son…
Simply trusting every day;
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting Him, whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Singing if my way be clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth is past,
Till His gracious advent call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,
and through each night I sing his songs,
praying to God who gives me life. Psalm 42:8
But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are like a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15
“Anne smiled and sighed. The seasons that seemed so long for baby Rilla were beginning to pass all too quickly for her. Another summer was ended, lighted out of life by the ageless gold of Lambardy torches. Soon….all too soon….the children of Ingleside would be children no longer. But they were still hers…hers to welcome when they came home at night…hers to fill life with wonder and delight…hers to love and cheer and scold…a little.” Anne of Ingleside, page 156
Yesterday was a big day in my life.
It was the first day of school and for the first time in over 18 years I have no babies home with me.
It’s a funny thing, though. My firstborn, Jacob, starts community college on Monday, so really I wasn’t home alone at all.
I’m right back where I started from, home with just Jacob.
Yesterday we went to Bible study and he drove me……
Today we are going to the college to purchase his last needed text books and we just might stop by Target, too.
*****
And by the way, little Sarah ran off the bus into my arms yesterday after school yelling, “That was so awesome!!!”
She was rather full of herself for the rest of the day.
We are leaving on Friday to go on a nine day vacation.
I am busy organizing, packing 72 complete outfits in 72 large ziplock bags, and preparing food. The house is in an uproar.
Three children had dentist appointments this morning.
Also, Jacob took his driver’s test today.
While I was waiting for him to be done (there were three kids ahead of him) I nervously drove to Goodwill and found……six sage green fiesta teacups…..making me even more excited with life in general!
Naturally when we got home I took a couple of pictures.
Sage is a brand-new fiesta color. Why anyone would want to donate Sage fiestaware is beyond me.
My guess is that they came in boxed place settings and maybe the person decided they would never use them, so they gave the teacups to Goodwill and kept everything else?
Regardless, it will be a pleasure to use them and they look so pretty on the shelf.
Yesterday I enjoyed a gift of a day with my three youngest children. Caleb was given a free pass to Six Flags for reading at school and I thought it would be nice to take him, Seth, and Sarah while their older brothers and sister were away at camp.
As I sit here on my couch, cross legged, in my pajamas, I’m filled with gratitude for this lovely life, through Christ alone, that I am experiencing. Each day is a gift.
Yes, there are tough days, yes there are lots of things I could complain about, yes I do complain and resort to survival sarcasm (sarcasm makes me laugh)…..for example….
The other night the boys had football practice and both of them needed help at the same time with their cleats, I was down on the floor in front of Seth, working on a stiff knot, while Caleb was saying Mom…Mom…Mom….I need some help here….Mom….
He could totally SEE what I was doing! The frustration welled within me and I cried, “I’ll help you when I’m done with your brother! Do you boys think I have four arms??”
Then I laughed all the way out the door because Caleb said in all seriousness. “Mom. You already said that. Years ago.”
I laughed because I didn’t remember saying it, and I laughed because he remembered everything. He said I wanted four arms: “One to hold Sarah, one to hold Seth, one to hold your cup of coffee, and one to hold your book.”
On the way to Six Flags Caleb wanted to listen to music. We like 93.1 (mix) but if it’s a song Caleb doesn’t approve of he switches it to 106.9 (K-LOVE, christian radio). In all that switching, his favorite song came on, “Best day of my Life” by American Authors. We sang loud.
On the way to Six Flags we passed Planned Parenthood and in the joy of taking a day off with my children, I imagined the souls of babies going up to heaven, my heart wept, I honked the horn encouragingly at the peaceful protestors who are typically there- this time it was two old ladies–simply standing on the sidewalk outside the office. I said my own words to Jesus–I don’t want to say judgmental things, I don’t want to get upset or angry. I’m sad, sad that our beloved women come to place where they believe abortion is the answer to a hard situation. And when they are at their lowest, saddest times, their babies are being “harvested”. It’s just incredibly wrong, a sadness deep down in my heart that will not go away that drives me to Jesus. And I believe He is listening and answering.
On the way to Six Flags we stopped to say a quick hello to Aunt Amanda, who was looking sharp at work, who hugged her niece and nephews and talked with them. As we left, I told the children, “Your Aunt Amanda is so sweet to you, she loves you so much and is always happy to see you.” I want them to know, she is always there for them.
On the way to Six Flags (can you tell we were running a little early?) we stopped at Barnes and Nobles ONLY because *I wanted an iced Caramel Macchiato* and figured they could look at books as I ordered. It was fun. My kids are being raised on coffee that I drink, and books for all.
THEN we were on our way to the gates. 25 dollars to park! 161 for tickets!
At these prices we going to stay all day long to get our money’s worth.
First up was the Merry-Go-Round and Sarah with her pigtails.
She was wearing one earring backwards because for some reason one of the holes is constantly shutting…I couldn’t get the earring in but from the back. I switched it around later (when she was getting dressed and her shirt pulled her earring out of her ear). If I could go back in time, I would never have gotten her ears pierced until she was much older, like I did with Grace.
By the way, selfie sticks are not allowed at Six Flags. I don’t have one, but thought the rule was interesting. So you can see my arm holding out the phone in my sunglasses. 😉
Caleb went on the bigger rides with Seth, who was mainly too small to go on them unless he was with an adult. It was a little hard to let them go off, just the two of them, these are my youngest children and in my mind not old enough. But they are. And they did great.
This is my favorite picture of the day. The two of them returning from an exciting ride.
We did some swimming, too. They swim almost every day so we didn’t stay long. They wanted to ride on the rides!
Seth was exploding with crazy-JOY. He expends twice as much energy as we do, I swear. One time he was dancing and did a happy twirl as we walked along and fell down right on the pavement. He showed me later his small scrape on his knee. “It wasn’t funny, Mom.”
The rides were shut down twice for weather issues. There were dark clouds in the sky. This ride opened and rain fell for about 10 minutes. It was nice, actually, to have the park cleared out of some of the people who gave up and went home…..we stayed…getting our money’s worth, don’t you know.
She was taking me to Frances. (FRANCE!LOL) “Mom, is Frances another planet?”
“No, but it is another country.”
“I’m going to take you to Frances!”
I was lucky to take the picture in the split second that Seth looked normal!
I bought them each a necklace that had their name on it.
Adorable kids who have to check all day long to see if they are big enough.
Caleb is my #5 child and feels more comfortable as a younger sibling. But I have to say, and brag a little, that this boy of mine was a huge help to me all day long. He led the way for us, knew the layout of the park quite naturally, and kept an eye on Seth and Sarah. He took Seth along on the rides that Sarah could not go on….and did it all with a great attitude.
Caleb was even brave enough to go on several rides alone. Like the Thunderbolt! He truly did miss his old siblings, though, and saved some of the scariest rides to go on with them someday.
Toward the evening, Sarah began getting blisters and carrying her sandals, which is why they are on her arms in this “muscle” picture of my little superheroes. 🙂
By the way, Seth lost his shorts when he changed into his swimming trunks, they got left behind someplace. He wore his trunks the rest of the time.
I had to buy myself flip flops because my sneakers were soaked on the water-raft ride.
What’s kind of sad is he has no clue who these creatures are.
“A Bunny and a Skunk” is what he said when I asked him.
Sarah went on a few challenging, faster rides and I had to bribe her once. I hated to do it, but she was crying and saying “I HAVE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM” just as we were at the front of the line. And by that time I knew it was her coping mechanism and not true. She had already survived the ride once and wanted to go on it again, but just at the last second she panicked. I wasn’t going to let her. So I told her I would get her “a big lollipop” when it was over. She cried and had to go to the bathroom again at the Scrambler but we didn’t bribe her. We just said she would be fine and she was. She would cry until the ride started and then laugh the entire time. Silly Brave Sarah. She’s living life her way.
The boys rode the Pandemonium. “This is where I lost my hat last year” ~Caleb
My gentle-souled son.
Seth was leaping through this photo-attempt but we got it!
We left the park at 8:45 and headed home. My little kids have proved to me that they are strong— and capable of having an entire day of nonstop fun without melt downs from exhaustion! This is a milestone for my family.
I had to stop and get gas on the way home. It was 9:30 by the time we pulled in the driveway and as soon as I got out of the car I ran to the chicken coop using the flashlight on my phone. Thankfully, the chickens were all safe inside with no raccoons eating them, so I shut the windows and doors tightly and walked back to the house with two eggs in my pocket…..we had peanut butter sandwiches before bed, with promises of nice warm baths…tomorrow.
This morning I had a text message from my husband, telling me that our son David was saved at camp yesterday. “my heart gives grateful praise”
Today should be a quieter day. We’re going to have those baths, and watch a couple of movies.
Caleb is snuggling with the dog and I’m petting a rabbit. Seth is still asleep! And it’s after 8! Now I know what to do to make his sleep extra–take him to Six flags for the day!
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 am this sentimental about all seven of my babies, mark my words, but as this is the Week of Jacob, he is constantly on my mind.
I spent hours and hours at the end of our first hand-me-down couch with my first born baby. I remember those hours like they were yesterday. Most of the time he had my undivided attention, but sometimes I would watch TV as I held him. Other times I would read a book. There was very often a cat snuggled with us. We were cuddled under a quilt made by my husband’s grandmother and I would put a glass of water up on the top of the couch. All day long, whenever it was time to eat, we were there, no hurries, no worries. In the evenings my husband sat with us, too.
He was born the very last day of 1996 and we had one solitary year together before his beautiful baby brother joined us. Everything our baby did was amazing to us, my husband and I were both so proud. As he said recently, every parent thinks their child is someone extra special and it is the same for us. What a cherished gift children are and worthy to be given everything they need to grow and learn.
My friends and I used to remind each other now and then about how quickly our children would grow and leave us. Those crazy days when we had a bunch of little ones, healthy, busy, impossible to predict, we were exhausted trying to keep up. “Soon they will be gone” was our mantra to get us through those days but we said it with a laugh because it still seemed so far off.
We had plenty of time.
Last night at 5:30, the family–all 10 of us–were dressed up and in the vehicle, driving to the little league field to drop off Caleb for a game, and then heading for the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in town for the Senior Baccalaureate Service of Evening Prayer.
I sat on the end so I could lean over into the aisle…all the better to see our boy. Although their handsome Dad did his best to keep them in their seats, by the last hymn my two youngest were hanging off my back. Sarah’s soft hands holding my arm, Seth twirling my pony tail.
Our Jacob was one of the students selected to read Scripture.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11
The service had a special meaning for me personally because I have chosen the word “light” as my word of the year and it was the theme of the service. In fact, as we opened with Versicles, the whole room was saying these words together:
Jesus Christ is the light of the world,
The light no darkness can overcome.
Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening,
And the day is almost over.
For with you is the fountain of life,
And in your light we see light.
It touched me to the depths of my soul. Thank you, Jesus.
Do you remember that part in the movie “Anne of Avonlea” when Diana is about to get married and Mrs Barry is carrying on because she’s “losing her firstborn forever”. Aunt Josephine, in her typical bluntly comforting way quickly says, “Don’t get all sentimental, you still have Minnie May”…..that’s what I think of when I see this picture of me and my Minnie-Sarah.
After the service we all went downstairs for refreshments. Seth, the one who is just victoriously finishing up Kindergarten, had two buttered rolls, bypassed the pasta and salad, and then ate four cupcakes. The people of the church were all so kind and thoughtful, and happy to serve the community and class of 2015 in this way.
“You’ve been a blessing from the start,
I love you, my son, with all my heart.”
So thankful for these wonderful, priceless moments!
Good to be Home 