first morning in may

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Shanda

“Oh give us pleasure in the flowers today;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.”

Robert Frost

He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. Joel 2:23

It is the first morning of May 2014. Little Sarah went with me to the chicken coop wearing her pink water boots. Oh, we had a lovely time. There were plenty of clear, cold puddles for us to walk through, and a roaring stream to visit, too.

Grace had a dentist appointment at 10am. Our family dentist is right in town so these times are nice. I like to take the opportunity to spend quality time with whatever child has an appointment (last week it was Jacob). Grace has been working overtime in her High School musical, “Singing in the Rain”, the rehearsals are each afternoon until 8pm and opening night is tomorrow. I haven’t seen much of her lately because when she gets home she has to do homework and get to bed and sleep. We had a lovely visit today, she talked and talked to me after her appointment was over. She didn’t want to go right back to school so we went to the thrift store and then to the diner for lunch. I love looking at her pretty face and hair as she talks and laughs. She’s such a good girl, so level headed and secure in herself. She loves school and her *people* (the word she herself uses). I am just so proud of her and who she is becoming.

Meanwhile, Seth and Sarah were a terrible twosome and when I came home after dropping their big sister off I had to sit down and give them a little lecture. I can’t tolerate nonsense while shopping. I was at Rite Aid with them while Grace was getting her teeth cleaned and they would not stay with me and would not stop touching every interesting thing they saw. After about five minutes, I put them both in a cart and it still didn’t help, they were full of it. Oh well, it’s all part of the training we must do as mothers, but it does get old after a while. They seem to think going to Rite Aid is right up there with Six Flags. I plan on “practicing” with them here at home by taking their hands and walking around as I go on and on about Proper Shopping Behavior. They will love it, I’m sure.

It rained lightly all morning long, but it has stopped for the moment, the sky is pure white with clouds. The road is starting to dry. I wonder if the boys will have their little league games this evening?

It’s a laundry day and things are humming. I do love the smell of clean clothes.

I finally remembered to buy matches and I have some pretty candles lit in the kitchen.

For the moment it is quiet and peaceful, a nice beginning to this new month.

Happy May!

What would the world be, once bereft
Of wet and wildness? Let them be left,
O let them be left, wildness and wet,
Long live the weeds and the wildness yet.
~Gerard Manley Hopkins

*****

Lavender-Lemon Shortbread

3/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons dried lavender
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
3 tablespoons sugar

In a medium bowl, and using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until creamy.

In a separate medium bowl, sift together flour and salt. Slowly add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until combined. Fold in lavender and lemon zest.

Shape dough into a ball or disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Using a 2 inch cutter, cut cookies, re-rolling remaining dough only once. Place cookies on prepared sheet, and evenly sprinkle each with granulated sugar.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges of cookies are slightly browned. Cool on pan 1 minute; transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 36 cookies.

Recipe source: Victoria magazine, April/May 2008

springtime and baseball

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Shanda

It’s funny how the thoughts go back back back to childhood … today was opening day for little league (after church) and I couldn’t help but think so much about my own younger brothers and all the years of watching them play at the fields. Our sons Jacob and Ethan are too old for little league, today we concentrated on David and Caleb….Jake and E weren’t even with us. SO WEIRD. They are growing up and away, little by little. Yes, the older boys stayed after church for the fellowship lunch, and then Wally was going to go over some Javelin tips with Jacob again. Jacob throws for school, and with Wally’s help he beat his own personal record on Friday at the meet.

It’s quite chilly outside today so after several hours I asked my husband if he would drive me, Grace, and the little ones back home. I am currently and happily under a blanket with my feet on a warmed up corn bag with Seth at the end of the couch. Grace is on pinterest next to me and continuously laughing at someone’s “funny” board. Sarah Joy is sitting next to her, watching a movie. (“Once Upon a Forest”) Billy Cat is stretched out so softly next to my legs and Sherlock is curled in a ball by Sarah. We all have our pajamas on already.

I was on pinterest and somehow got to thinking about Trailing Arbutus. Do you know that lovely wild flower? I remember my Grandmother liking it, and it grew in the woods near our home when I was a child. It grows close to the ground, but getting down into the forest leaves to smell it is worth it. It smells wonderful, better than apple blossoms even. I haven’t seen the flower in years and years. There were pictures of it on pinterest so I pinned one and then thought about Yellow Violets. As a child, I remember finding them just one time. I had walked deeply into the woods on Grandpa’s property and was thrilled to discover a bunch of yellow violets…at that time I had not known there was such a flower. I picked one and added it to my bouquet. On the way back home I stopped and showed it to Grandma and she smiled. She knew exactly where I had been. It is a nice memory for me, I felt that we shared a secret delight together. I learned a lot about the flowers and things from my mother, who in turn had learned them from her Mama. And now, when I go for walks I cannot help but point things out and tell my own children about them. Beauty from God.

We spent time outside on Friday. It was a beautiful day. I found the children up on the hill behind the house exploring, and then Sammy jumped up on the fence from the neighbor’s side. She was exploring, too. Isn’t she pretty against the bluest of blue skies?

Daffodils are in bloom and the fuzzy buzzy bumble bees love them.

I am amused by the lengths a bee will go in order to collect pollen.

When we walk by the edge of the smaller pond, hundreds of bullfrog tadpoles ripple away, out of the shallow water. Going up closer to investigate will scare the last brave ones from the edge. Once they swim into the deeper water, it’s funny to stay and watch them go up to the surface to breath. There are SO MANY, if they all develop into full grown frogs I am afraid we will have a Biblical proportion of them (like a plague). Parker the dog enjoys the challenge of catching one in his front teeth. He does not let the tadpole touch his lips at all, just the teeth.

He detests bullfrog tadpoles.

After he brings one back into the grass and lays it gently down, he gags in deep hisses.

He can’t resist the urge to pick it up again with quivering lips and dainty teeth.

He plays with it a minute, rolls on it, and then goes back to get another.

No, he can’t bring himself to do it twice. Once is enough.

Tadpoles are cold and slimy, and they disgust him.

We look at wild flowers next.

Sarah likes to ask me if she can pick one. I say “yes”.

Seth goes across the monkey bars and I ask him if he can go all the way. He has to work, and I marvel at the bodies of young children, so light and mobile and strong.

I tried to help him once but he panted, “I want to do it by myself!”

He made it across and was proud of himself.

After throwing tiny pinecones into the long pond and watching the fish grab them and pop them back out of their mouths, we headed to the stream.

A hen came over to see what was up. So very nosey! What a busy-body!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The next day, Saturday, it rained and rained all day. The boy’s Little League Opening day was cancelled.

It was today instead. We went to church, came home to quickly change, and then headed to the park.

It was a big to-do with “thank you’s”, dedication of benches (in memory of those who passed away over the last year), trophies, a presentation of the banner for last year’s winners, etc, etc, National Anthem sung, players name’s announced (including our Davy’s) and then….finally….the first games of the season.

Caleb

David. Please keep me in your thoughts as I try to keep these pants white all season.

Sarah had a ring pop.

The movie is over, it is time for me to serve a little something for dinner. It will be an early bedtime for Seth and Sarah tonight.

Have a blessed evening, my friends.

You are loved.

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

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.

Calm my Anxious Heart (notes from chapters 2 and 3)

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Shanda

Two women looked
through prison bars
One saw mud,
the other saw stars.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. Philippians 4:6 TLB

Learning to be content is a heart choice-a choice to pray rather than be anxious.

When confronted with negative circumstances we have a choice: will we pray about the problem or will we worry about it?

Ultimately, contentment is more a shift in attitude than a change in circumstances.

“Lord, don’t let my pain be wasted. Use it to conform me to your image. Use it to teach me about how to be content.”

Too often in our lives, accomplishment and doing overshadow growth and becoming.

Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:3-4

On her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31

*Taken from the book: Calm My Anxious Heart, A Woman’s Guide to Finding Contentment by Linda Dillow.

*****

About the pictures: Before Christmas, I was walking outside and decided to cut a bouquet of winterberry branches for the kitchen windowsill. The branches were covered in bright red berries, and a favorite way of mine to bring nature into the winter house to decorate. There they sat, and sat, and sat upon the window, for over a month. After a time, the water turned moldy, every time I bumped into it a shriveled berry fell, and there were little wisps of cobwebs growing, too. I distinctly remember thinking, “It’s about time I take that jar out to the porch and dump it over the railing.” But, of course it didn’t happen. Last week, on a particular bluesy-blue day, I was standing at the sink drying tears off my face and getting a glass of water. With a startle, I noticed that the dead and shriveled branches had a surprise in store for me. They were growing, with tiny, gloriously green leaves popping out, almost like magic. I almost didn’t believe my eyes. It wasn’t magic though, it was God showing me truth through his creation: He makes things new. He makes things grow.

He makes beautiful things, out of dust.

a thoughtful hello

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Shanda

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, we took naps. My mind was hazy (I called Seth “Caleb” three times and didn’t even know it until the family corrected me), football was on TV, we were all together, I was thinking about nothing.

Sitting on the couch next to my husband, I leaned my head back against the cushions and saw through the window above, a familiar friend!

“You didn’t get outside for a walk like you wanted to. I just wanted to say hello,” the moon remarked.

frozen

Image

I took these photographs last weekend, in the early morning. The sun was on it’s way up and shining through the woods. I glanced out the window, and glanced again. Everything was sparkling and glitter, from the tree tops to the snow on the ground. I had to get out–I put my snow stuff on and tromped into the bitter air, carrying my camera. Branches were covered with an icy frost and as I got closer, the details were stunning. The stream was beautifully ice-covered, and then I saw tracks and someone’s house. Are you a rabbit? It’s nice to know we have animal neighbors.

“All this he saw, for one moment breathless and intense, vivid on the morning sky; and still, as he looked, he lived; and still, as he lived, he wondered.” The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame

ice and rain and orchids in january

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Shanda

In January
its so nice
while slipping
on the sliding ice
to sip hot chicken soup
with rice. Maurice Sendak

So far in this month of newness, we have had deep freezing temperatures suited for ice skating, snow to make us stay at home, and now…..rain.

January is a time to rest after the holidays, and a time to talk about the weather.

Sarah herself says that today is a fine day and I quite agree. When we went out to the chicken coop we were quite happy to get rained upon. It was ridiculous and made us laugh. Rain in January?

In other news, we have orchids blooming in my bathroom. Rich bought me these last year and I am just thrilled that they grew new branches and blossomed. There are five big magenta blooms and it amazed me to see them uncurl from their buds. Imagine trying to fold them back in? God is truly a master designer, my son David works so hard to make an origami masterpiece out of a flat sheet of paper…..God takes a seed, which grows into a green leaf and stalk, and a bud, and the flower UNFOLDS ITSELF from it just perfectly! And that’s just the basic explanation, there is much more to it as we all learned so well, in science class.

Yesterday morning’s frosty ice.

“Hast thou entered into the treasure of the snow?” book of Job

It was so beautiful by the stream, doesn’t this look like melting candles flowing into a wax puddle? or a cow udder?

I saw this beautiful bare foot sight this weekend….Grace was playing songs for the little ones on the computer, songs from the movie “Frozen” that Rich and I took the girls to see.

Sarah’s been wearing her fanciest dresses at home and I say, “yes”, because life is short and tiny girls grow out of little fancy dresses eventually.

I love feathering my nest……

I found this tea towel yesterday. It’s just right.

My ring came back today!!!!!!! ( from Rich for Christmas, I had to get a smaller size)

My pantry.

“You overflow my cup.” lyric from a worship song by Audrey Assad.

My darlings painted the most beautiful pictures this morning.

Sarah played on my bed with the new bunnies.

She wanted to keep them but I said these bunnies live on mommy’s bed, this is their country, but you can visit them.

Hot chicken and noodles, a wonderful dinner for a January evening.

Candlelight.

I absolutely positively cannot believe it’s raining today!

Quote from today: “Seth I just burped, did you hear that Seth, I burped.” ~Sarah, who thought he would be proud.

“glad and golden hours”

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Shanda

“And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at His birth.” Luke 1:14

Every morning I dread getting my winter things on to walk through the frozen snow to the chicken coop.

But each day I’m glad that I went.

The fresh air is restorative, and I see things.

Recently, I was walking from the coop to the stream to get water and I startled an entire flock of mourning doves out of a tall pine tree next to the pond, they make sounds when they fly off with a flapping of wings and incessant coos of alarm. I was sorry I disturbed them, the sun was shining into that pine tree and I think they were cozy on the branches together, in it.

(I just looked out the window and saw a scarlet cardinal sitting in a leafless bush.)

Another day, I was trudging back to the house and stopped in my tracks to watch honking geese fly overhead. There were four in front, then the typical v-formation, followed by some stragglers. They flew beautifully low over the house. Oh how I wished I had my camera.

Yesterday morning, the sky caught my attention.

It was baby blue, a baby baby blue.

I went back to the house with a frozen egg, and a good egg, put them away, and took my camera outside for a small walk in the 19 degree morning; the children all had a two hour delay and I had already made *a blueberry pancake and bacon* breakfast.

(The pond is hidden under the snow.)

(The sun was just about to come up, making a beautiful sky.)

(snow covered road that always makes me think of donuts; my pj’s and boots)

(red berries)

“Nobody was awake so early and I had all the great hill to myself, and it was so beautiful that I could have thrown myself down and kissed the earth itself. Oh, sweet and good and loving Mother Nature! I choose you for my own. I will be your little lady-love. I will hunt you out whenever you hide, and you shall comfort me when I am sad, and laugh with me when I’m merry, and take me by the hand and lead me onward and upward till the image of the heavenly forceth out that of the earthly from my whole heart and soul. Oh how I prayed for a holy heart on that hillside and how sure I am that I shall grow better! And what companionable thoughts I’ve had all day for that blessed walk!”

The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss

(winter stream)

I’m always thankful that our house faces directly toward the morning sun.

(Sherlock enjoying the morning sun.)

Cornbags are a simple comfort and a joy during these freezing cold days. I went to Agway to get more dried corn, and when Grace said, “I need a corn bag!” I was able to jump up and say “Let’s go make one!” They only take a few minutes to make and become an important warming device for cold toes. I sat down and made one, then Grace made one all on her own (so proud). We used thick, warm flannel that I bought last year when Hannah was visiting.

I did a post a few years back on how to make one, if you’re interested click HERE

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Psalm 95:6

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

“And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps, and slow,
Look now! For glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing.”

Edmund H. Sears, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

w.a. (kinda gross)

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Shanda

I’ll fix the title to this post eventually but I didn’t want to give away the name of my nature discovery too soon.

I was outside on Friday, keeping an eye on the children as they jumped on the trampoline, and as I wandered over to the stream I noticed what I thought was white fungus growing on a slender trunk of a bush. I was curious about it so I walked over to take a closer look. It was like cotton, with pure bright white wisps of it gently waving. I noticed a couple of ants and thought how strange….ants tend to be attracted to sweetness. I got closer and closer, making up my mind that it probably was not a fungus. Not like any fungus I had ever seen before (I haven’t seen much, I admit).

It was wrapped right around the branch, and when I touched it with my fingertip it felt squishy and alive.

I bent the stick down to look at the other side.

And I realized that underneath all that whiteness was filled, FILLED with tiny little bugs. Some were as tiny as lice, and others were about the size of a radish seed. All of them were soft and gray with little legs. They moved! A creepy, itching feeling came over me (all in my mind), I kept studying the thing, like I couldn’t stay away!

I went into the house to Google, not really believing it would be a quick answer, but I had to know the name of what I discovered.

I typed in: “looks like cotton on a tree branch but it is really bugs” and the very first link that popped up was about Woolly Aphids.

WOOLLY APHIDS!

(David was close! He said they were “cotton bugs”)

(yes, I showed all the children, too)

Woolly aphids are so weird! They are (and I quote) a sucking insect that lives on plant fluids and produces a filamentous waxy white covering which resembles cotton or wool. The adults are winged and move to new locations where they lay egg masses. – Wikipedia.

What I discovered were little baby woolly aphids, clumped together as a safety precaution. The white stuff was a wax that they produce as a camouflage. But get this! They secrete something sweet called HONEYDEW, which is what was attracting the ants. I can’t get over it! HONEYDEW! God is amazing. God is creative. God is fun!

My family is so obliging and when I asked them, “Do you want to see the Woolly Aphids?” they all came along to see. They didn’t really say yes with enthusiasm, but still, they came.

Ants trying to find some sweet honeydew.

One of the larger aphids, with it’s waxy strands coming out the end. On Grace’s fingertip.

I did wonder if they were harmful, should I destroy them? But from what I read online, they are not a cause of great concern, so I left them be. They were outside on the wild bushes by the wild stream and doing no one any harm, so they could stay. They will grow up and turn into little tiny flying bugs.

I knocked a couple off the branch when I was showing them to Grace and she felt sorry for them, but that was taking “nature love” a little too far, I thought.

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