your friend on a zip line

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Shanda

Rich and I went to Orlando with Caleb and Seth this summer. I have already blogged about the majority of our vacation except for the fact that we went zip lining. Gatorland doesn’t allow people to zip line with personal phones or cameras, so our group was photographed by a Gatorland photographer. We purchased the CD of all the photos, and I just got them saved to my computer this past weekend.

When Rich told me that the activity for our group was zip lining, I didn’t say anything. I was thinking that it would be a very easy thing for me to get out of. It was an activity primarily for him and his team (from work) and I imagined I would explore the rest of the park while they had their excitement, which to me sounded exactly like a panic attack waiting to happen.

But somehow, maybe it was peer pressure, I found myself being pulled along with the whole group, until I was in the building signing consent forms for myself and my two little boys, and then watching the educational video and listening to the bearded young men teasing us about what was about to happen.

I felt like I was going to faint or wet my pants or cry, and I looked at my excited sons’ faces and thought what kind of mother am I??

But still I kept going with it!! I didn’t want to make a scene, so perhaps it was pride that made me zip line that day.

I wasn’t the only one fearful, several of the others were obviously unsure of the whole thing, so that was one small comfort. However, the whole group loved having the boys with us, because they were so cute and truly inspired us scared adults. “IF THEY can do it I can do it!!”

“Clip in and ‘zip’ off on an exciting outdoor adventure with the all-new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland Your journey will take you along 1,200 feet of high flying, heart pounding adventure from some of the finest zip line towers in the world. Standing over seven stories tall, these amazing towers feature multilevel launch pads and breathtaking views from high above the treetops.” ~from the brochure

After walking up several flights of stairs we took turns getting hooked up and watching each other zip along….this is dear Caleb.

As a mother, it was hard for me to see them do this activity, but I was proud of them, and knew they were in good hands.

They will never forget this experience, I know.

Tiny Seth sometimes felt as though he wouldn’t make it to the other end, his body didn’t gain the speed necessary to go as fast as he wanted to.

He looked concerned.

Rich loved it.

I held on for dear life.

The worst thing was the bearded young men and their teasing. One time they got me hooked up, let me go off the platform, and as I zipped away, he leaned after me yelling, “No, WAIT!!” It took a moment to realize he was joking, and that moment was terrifying.

They took another group photo at the next platform. We’re all happy we survived the first run.

If you click on the photo, you can see it larger. These were the best photos of us…over the gators!

I’m thankful for Rich because if it weren’t for him I would not be having such an exciting life.

They were encouraging us all to let go and pose for the camera but I didn’t remember until I was almost to the end of the line.

There was a bearded young man waiting to catch me.

(they all had beards! LOL)

Click on this to see Caleb’s adorable face!! I asked him this morning if he would ever zip line again and he yelled “YES! OF COURSE I WOULD!”

My baby boy.

He waved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t stand the cuteness.

Seth going in for the landing…….after these two zip lines there were more to do but no more pictures were taken.

Just writing this post increased my heart rate.

*****

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain

There have been many times when I refused to do something because it was scary. I will never be a daring adventurous person, but it does feels good to say yes sometimes, experience something new, and have the joy of making a fantastic memory.

i see fire

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Shanda

It’s raining this morning, I love the sound and the smell! Caleb just got on the bus. Seth and Sarah are playing together for about 20 more minutes before Seth’s bus comes to get him for school.

The trees are colorful, I wonder if we are at peak fall beauty? God’s creation never ceases to amaze and delight!

I am leaving here soon for Community Bible Study. Our group is studying Romans and this morning we also have a brunch. I look forward to getting to know my ladies better today.

Last night the High School had a Variety show. Ethan and Grace sang a duet together. I was so proud of them! All the kids did so well, it made us smile no matter what the quality of performance is. As Jacob said afterwards, we clapped because they did awesome or we clapped because they were brave enough to perform.

They sang a rather dark song that had the phrase “I see fire” repeating in it enough that it also keeps going through my head all day, everyday (from hearing them practice). The song was from the Desolation of Smaug. I just looked it up, the title is not surprising, “I See Fire”.

Here’s the official music video from the movie:

Jacob taped their performance, and if i can figure out how to load it I will do so. They were so cute together up there.

At the end of the song, Grace gave E a cute look, like, “Wasn’t that fun?”

Our church youth group and leadership came out to support them, making the night even more fun! Thanks, guys!!

Want to hear something neat? Two of the Youth Group leaders are brother and sister…..and their names are Seth and Sara! So this is a picture of the four of them, big Seth with little Seth, and big Sara with little Sarah.

It was a great night.

davy’s birthday is today

Posted on September 27, 2014 by Shanda

Last night we had a house full of people for dinner and Bible study, so we decided to have David’s BIRTHDAY cake a day early.

Yes, 12 years ago today Rich and I welcomed our little David into our arms and lives.

Rich was gone this afternoon, watching Jacob and Ethan’s football game, so David and I went for a walk just the two of us.

A few weeks ago, he thoughtfully made me a detailed list for his birthday gifts. Everything was on amazon.com, and he even gave me the monetary total of all requested items.

The Spiderman mask was one of his gifts. He also received an instant-appearing magic wand, magic balls, invisible thread, and a trick pen.

He said to me on our walk that he is gaining a reputation at school because of his magic tricks.

He says that soon he will be able to make about five dollars by performing them.

He’s currently playing with the Spiderman lego set that his best friend Ryan gave him.

After I took this picture we sat down and read books up on the mountain.

Happy 12th birthday, David!

love & best dishes

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Shanda

We have a terrible cold virus going through the whole family. In fact, three of the children have missed school in the last week. We had planned to go to NYC on our anniversary, but with the lack of sleep we decided to stay closer to home.

With a babysitter at home with Sarah, we went out to breakfast at a place about 45 minutes away. It was a first time visit for us and we were not disappointed. We ordered coffee and hot chocolate first, and the waitress brought me my mug with whipped cream sky high, and sprinkles, too. The mug was resting on a yellow fiestaware saucer. I collect fiesta dishes, so this was a thrill.

Then, we each ordered a version of eggs benedict. My eggs were on a split croissant with spinach and mushrooms. Rich’s were on an English muffin with corn beef hash.

And AGAIN, served on Fiestaware! It is not typical to see fiesta in restaurants, so it was a treat to see “my” dishes used in this cafe.

Well, it was time for the mall to open, so we meandered down the road to do a little shopping, happy to be together, alone.

He didn’t have to twist my arm to get me into Tiffany&Co, where he bought me this dainty platinum ring (set with tiny diamonds).

We wandered around the mall and had a snack at Starbucks, where I pointed to my new ring while eating a pumpkin muffin. Later on, I saw a display of candles; I love how our initials come together in the alphabet, Rich and Shanda.

After a while we left the mall and went to Barnes and Noble to sit and read. I worked on my Bible study lesson and Rich continued his “Holiness” study. I picked out a few books for the children and snapped some pictures of books that I thought looked interesting. (Yesterday, I ordered two of them from amazon.)

We began to feel hungry so we left to go eat an early dinner at a pasta place.

AND GUESS WHAT? Yet again our food was served on fiestaware. At least, it was very similar to fiesta and stamped with the HLC mark.

Our waitress stopped by just as I was taking a picture of my food and when she teased me I told her that I collected Fiestaware and that I didn’t have the certain bowl our pasta was served in. She seemed genuinely interested and asked several questions.

The next time she checked on us, she brought two clean bowls just like the ones we were eating from, and told us WE COULD HAVE THEM.

She didn’t even know it was our anniversary! I laughed and exclaimed; it was such a nice surprise and she received a nice tip to match.

The little bread plates were also made by Homer Laughlin China (company that makes fiesta).

I did some research on my bowls and I think they are from HLC’s Bosque line. It is not technically fiesta but very very similar. I love my new bowls and will treasure them, they are only for Rich and I to use (not the children).

It was a great way to celebrate 19 years of marriage.

We are so grateful for each other, our relationship, the family we’ve made together,

and a kitchen well-stocked with the best dishes. 😉

with my collection in 2008

gillette castle

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Shanda

My husband Rich took Monday and Tuesday off from work because our anniversary was Tuesday. We went to Gillette castle on Monday and I showed no restraint when it came to picture-taking so I have sixty-some pictures to share here today.

On the way there we stopped at this interesting little cafe for a bathroom break. It was called Two Wrasslin’ Cats and there were cat figurines and pictures everywhere. It was great. I had a lemon ginger scone, Sarah had a cookie, and Rich had a coffee.

As soon as we got out of the truck at Gillette castle, Rich told me to take a picture of this tree. ^^

You first have to go into the Visitor Center to buy a ticket (in order to see the inside of the Castle).

The bathrooms were clean and spacious and there were a lot of stalls, but the each toilet was like a portapotty…..sort of scary for Sarah. No flushing necessary. The sinks were normal, however.

William Gillette had the castle built for his home, he was a famous actor in his time best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.

We bought our tickets and then went into a room to watch a movie about William Gillette. He was the youngest of six children. He was so much younger than his siblings that he was often treated as an only child.

“William’s parents wanted him to follow a more dignified line of work, possibly the law or politics; something more suited to his family class and background. But William had his own thoughts.” Love it.

The saddest thing we learned about Gillette was that his wife, whom he loved deeply, died at the age of 28 from a ruptured appendix. He never married again.

His castle is noted for it’s creative doors. They are all hand-carved and no two are the same.

William was fond of the railroad and built his own three mile run for a small train on his property. Here, Sarah is sitting in one of the old cars. ^^

We learned that he generously gave rides to his guests, and Albert Einstein was most terrified when he was behind the wheel. LOL

Another amusing note about William Gillette and his wishes for his property after he died.

Rich and Sarah Joy next to Gillette’s engine.

The seat Gillette sat on to drive the train!

Behind the visitor’s center is a porch with a breathtaking view. Rich and I both said we would love to go back in a few weeks to see the fall colors.

We know nothing about the vegetable cellar but we were intrigued by it.

We were approached the castle on a nice path and stopped for a picture.

Sarah is wearing a sweater made by her Great Great Grandmother.

The castle; and the interesting walkway with rock walls.

We were greeted by an elderly lady, who took our tickets and let us in the castle. The first picture I took from within was this window latch.

We were told that this narrow door was used by Gillette to take a peek at his guests….if he didn’t want to see them he snuck away….if he did, he jumped out to surprise them.

Tiffany light fixture.

The first room we went to was the great room (living room area).

I love the fire place and the way the wood was kept on a convenient rolling cart…..

William Gillette owned four pet frogs (no longer, of course, in existence) and he had this fountain and greenhouse full of plants for them to enjoy.

This is a display of coins from around the world which have been thrown into the fountain.

A tour guide talked about this door, and how Gillette thoughtfully had it cut away to give it room to open around the corner chair.

He had an inventive nature and I had the feeling that he completely enjoyed his creation (which was the entire Castle).

Sarah enjoyed trying the handles of every door.

William Gillette loved his cats.

He had a lot of books, which are still all in his bookshelves. We enjoyed leaning over the ropes to read the titles.

The office; notice the chair on the rollers.

The owls in the fire place have glass eyes that glow when a fire is lit behind them. I want them so much!!

kitchen area

A Wonderful old stove, I think it would be fun to use one of these for a month or so. Then, I would like my modern one back.

I love every kitchen I see!

After we explored the downstairs, we moved up a level, to the bedrooms.

Sarah and I looked out the window.

I noticed the wood work.

While she noticed the boat!

More of the *47* gorgeous doors.

He had cat figurines throughout the house.

For a time, he lived in a houseboat called “Aunt Polly” which was named for an elderly lady who nursed him back to health after a bout with tuberculosis. It was from this boat that he saw the site which later became his castle property. In one of the rooms there were museum pieces of some of the remains of the Aunt Polly (which accidentally burnt and is no more).

(His bedroom)

The door to his bedroom.

The lamp in his bedroom. He could reach up and adjust it for reading in bed.

View of the downstairs from the balcony.

Then, we were on the third level, where there was a nice art display and more of his books and letters.

We exited the castle and meandered our way back to the visitor’s center for a bathroom break. Then, we got our books out of the truck and went back to read, sitting on the benches outside the castle with a view of the river. Sarah played with a few little toys that she brought with her.

The property is a State Park and we would love to go back to explore some more.

*All information in this post is to the best of my own sometimes faulty recollections. For more information click here.

Thank you for visiting the blog today, my friends!

exciting day for the children

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Shanda

Seems like just a month ago, this little guy was a baby (that’s him in my lap, 5 years ago^^) –and now here he is going to Kindergarten!

We went to the school yesterday, his hand in mine, to see his classroom. He has the very same teacher that his big brother David did for Kindergarten. It’s fun because she and I both remember when I took newborn Seth into the school during a parent teacher conference-they already knew each other-!

He’s been wanting to go to school for a long time now. I have no doubt that he is ready, but I’m going to miss him during the days so much. My baby boy.

At the orientation he had to paint his handprint.

He got to see the gym. If he’s anything like his brothers, this will be his favorite place.

So yes, I had to struggle to keep from crying right there at the school yesterday. Thankfully I held it together, for Seth’s sake. I got to see my friend Heather, and also as a happy surprise, another friend of mine’s son is in the same class as Seth. Actually, her daughter went with my son Jacob to the prom this spring. We both have a Senior and a Kindergartener in the same school year.

Seth’s teacher gave him a bag of Lucky Charms cereal with a note on it that said, “I’m lucky to be your teacher”. She also gave him a paper book to read before bedtime. It was tied with a ribbon, and was a story about being too excited to sleep. There was a small baggie of confetti taped inside with the promise that if he sprinkled it under his pillow he would fall right to sleep. It also said that Teacher would do the same thing, because she was so excited, too. It was precious, I was putting his clothes out as Rich read it to him last night.

Right away this morning the dog was sad. He knew just what was happening. His boys and girl were going to school and he would be stuck home all day with MOM!

“Looking at Mom”

Another change for us is that our DAVY is a middle schooler and is now riding the early bus with the big kids.

Grace is a sophomore, Jacob is a senior, and Ethan is a junior.

I just sat here smiling over this picture for a while. I love how Jacob is wearing casual and Ethan is more dressy….and Grace is wearing Emily’s shirt with her new ankle boots from Target that I bought her last week. From what Grace told me, Emily is wearing one of Grace’s shirts today, they had it all planned out. (Emily is Jacob’s girlfriend).

They got on the bus at 6:30 this morning and will come home at 2:30 if they don’t have to stay after school, (which, 3 of them do today).

NEXT?

Time for Caleb to get on his bus and travel to 4th grade!

And then it was time for Seth to wait for the bus. He had a couple of wet spots on his shirt from brushing his teeth, but he loves this shirt, he mentioned it several times…..he calls it his soccer ball shirt. When Rich woke him up this morning he said, “But I’m still tired!” He had a hard time eating breakfast, he’s not the type that’s hungry first thing in the morning. He got down part of a bagel and a bunch of grapes.