the ring, billy cat, someone growing, the ring again, and a quote from sarah

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Shanda

I woke right up this morning thinking about the ring. I fell asleep last night thinking about it, too. I’d rather not blog about it. Suffice it to say that I lost my Tiffany ring that Rich gave me for our anniversary a short 5 months ago. I have looked all over the house, cleaning as I go. If you ever want to get Spring Housecleaning done in February might I suggest losing something tiny and valuable in the house? It’s been remarkable how much I’ve found but mostly dirt and dust, about 1,000 marbles and legos, bobby pins, small change, pony tail holders, an earring that I thought was gone forever, a set of keys, crayons, pens, and pencils, but no ring, and oddly nothing belonging to my poor husband. Only crap that belongs to myself and the children.

This morning Sarah and I went to town. I had to go to the Post Office, which I don’t like doing, and I was struck once again by the cheerful attitude of my little girlie who doesn’t mind going out into the cold with Mama on a constant basis. She puts her hand in mine and we go. “Mom, remember. Cars go FAST.” she says as we cross the street. We bought a bag of books for 2 dollars at the thrift store. We went to the grocery store and then home again to read them.

The cats are always inside now that it’s been so cold. Billy amuses us all the time. Today he decided to get a drink from the kitchen sink.

I began taking way too many pictures of Billy drinking water from the faucet.

Then something caught his eye and he forgot all about the water.

What could it be? He stood up on tip toes.

And he pressed his orange head against the screen. His tail was twitching.

Birds. Lots and lots of birds. They were politely taking a seed and flying right by the kitchen window in front of the orange cat. He wanted so badly to go and catch one but I said no.

I poured my coffee and invited him to sit with me for a chat instead.

He had a hard time focusing after all the excitement of water and birds.

“I’d rather have bird.” he says. “Also I would rather scratch you.” he confesses.

Grace is shrinking. Either that or Davy is growing taller. I’m not sure.

She is 15 and he is 12. It’s an odd thing to see the little brother catch up in height. His feet are already bigger.

This was my napping buddy yesterday. The children had no school because it was (NOT A SNOW DAY –I know hard to believe!) President’s Day. I read Seth a chapter of Henry and Ribsy, by Beverly Cleary. And then we fell asleep back to back in the big bed. He’s the apple of my eye. Rich and I took him to his wrestling tournament (states!) on Sunday and he placed 5th.

Back to the Ring Saga:

Last night, Rich pulled the washer and dryer out to check for the ring. The boys were right there watching the entire time.

At dinner Rich prayed and thanked the Lord for the food. Before he forgot, I interjected, “And please, dear Lord, help me find my ring,” prompting Grace to groan aloud, “PLEASE!” “Amen” said Rich, and when we opened our eyes Jacob expected the ring to fall from the sky onto my plate. If only!

David read this in his book last night:

This picture does a good job at illustrating what’s been going on in my house. I’m the one in the long striped skirt.

******

In other news……..

Sarah watched “Finding Nemo” for the first time yesterday. When I tucked her into bed she asked, “Mom, can I watch ‘My Me Me Mo’ again tomorrow?”

why seth is home today (the very long version)

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Shanda

All is pearly blue, silver, and sunshine outside. It’s currently 8:17 in the morning, and 32 degrees. Seth and Sarah are watching a Christmas Thomas the Tank Engine show on Netflix while Mama (in her red robe) puts her feet up and tries to get some words out of her head, through her fingers, and onto a blog post…….

Why is Seth home from school, you ask?

Grace has needed to fill her prescription for much-needed new glasses for over a month. I had a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday and thought I would make use of the trip by taking her out of school to go to Lenscrafters. She also asked if she could get her hair trimmed. I was pleased to be able to take care of my beautiful, very busy daughter, but as soon as my doctor’s appointment was over, I had to take a phone call from the elementary school nurse. She told me that Seth wasn’t feeling well; he was complaining of a tummy ache.

I texted Rich; he was busy at work and couldn’t get him. Time with Grace is very rare, so I decided that the glasses were of utmost importance. We went quickly to the mall to chose a pair. I told the man that I would pick them up the next day and we left. As soon as I got the girls back in the vehicle and turned on the car, Rich texted me back and said he could get Seth after all. This was happy news, so back into the mall we went and the girls both had hair cuts. And we had time to pick up the glasses, too.

I need to tell you that I found my jar of Vitamin B12 gummy vitamins in the bathroom later, with the top secure, and with only 2 left in it. I had a panic attack as I googled “Vitamin B12 overdose” into the computer, wondering if Seth had eaten them and was sick from them….there were about 35 missing and to this day NOT ONE CHILD IS ADMITTING to eating them!! (David said he ate one). I eventually discovered that overdose can result in panic attacks and heart palpitations, because the B12 is an “energy” vitamin. Seth was doing the opposite (sleeping in my bed). They are also water-soluble which means the excess gets urinated out rather quickly. But this experience added to the drama-trauma of the evening. I took the boys to wrestling practice and went back home to my sick child.

I let Community Bible Study know that there was a possibility that I wouldn’t make it the next morning to decorate my tables for brunch or facilitate my group. I was disappointed, but by the end of the evening Seth’s fever had broke and he was acting like his normal self. He slept good that night, so I sent him to school with a note and let Paula (from CBS) know I was able to attend after all.

I did all the one million small things to get ready by 8:15 am; loaded my little gifts for the ladies into the car along with a beautiful centerpiece for the tables, cut up a pineapple, packed up the creamers, sugar, tea, coffee carafe, and so one. I took my shower, put on make up, got Sarah dressed, started my car……

AND THE NURSE CALLED ME TO COME GET SETH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She said he couldn’t go back to school until his fever was gone for 24 hours.

I wasn’t going to study after all, but I couldn’t contact Paula.

Then, I thought, well…maybe my friend Caroline is available today. She usually has to work but after a text and a phone call, I found out that she was indeed home, waiting on a stove delivery. She agreed to take Seth, so I drove to school to get him, and drove to her house to leave him. Paula called me back and I told her I was running late……

I drove 40 minutes to the church, loaded my arms with all my stuff, rushed to the gym to my tables…and found that they were completely done and decorated. “Oh Shanda, I tried to call you back to let you know but you didn’t answer your phone!” My sub core leader got the message that I wasn’t coming and never got the message that I was coming, so she had decorated the tables. I felt like she was my Christmas Elf. Despite the frazzled morning I was glad to be there and the morning was a blessing to my heart and soul.

My bible study friend Lisa is a baker. She gave everyone in our group a delicious quick bread for Thanksgiving and yesterday she handed around small paper boxes decorated with glittery star stickers. She told me, “These are Homemade!” when she handed me my box.

Needless to say, after I was back home again with Seth and Sarah, I opened the little box, and almost cried. The box was filled with the most delightful darling chocolates. There were two generous layers of beautiful HOMEMADE chocolates. I squealed and exclaimed. I thought about the thank you card I would send. I couldn’t imagine the work it took to make them! I ate one; it was raspberry filled! I ate another; it was coconut! I gave one to Grace and Sarah and put the box on the bookshelf, my own personal little guilty-pleasure that I intended to savor and linger over the next few days.

entirely homemade and beautifully detailed

Eventually, David and Caleb were home, too, and it was time for me to make dinner. Rich and the boys were at wrestling practice and I had recently *dropped the ball* with dinners so I wanted to put some thought and care into the food. I roasted a chicken, filling it with three garlic cloves, salt, rosemary, and a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. I placed a sprig of rosemary on top and basted the chicken carefully every fifteen minutes. For a side dish, I made tomato rice; 2 cups of chopped onion, a chopped yellow pepper sautéed in olive oil. I added a cup of rice, a tin of whole tomatoes, and half a tin of water and let it simmer until the rice was creamy and perfect. With a salad and the pineapple I had cut up that morning, we had a lovely meal.

But Jacob and Ethan didn’t come home. They had Subway and went back to school for the basketball game.

We have a housefly problem in the house. As I made dinner I concentrated on killing flies. My son David advised me to aim cleaning spray on them to render their wings useless; so I did that and then stepped on them. I hate the dirty flies; I am becoming obsessed with them…I imagine maggots….I MUST GET RID OF THE FLIES….I was getting up and down from a stool, bending, spraying, cleaning, killing…..

After serving the little ones their dinner (Seth had five bowls of salad and nothing else, weirdly) I was simply done with it all…done with the day…tired…head was buzzing…I collapsed on the couch with my kindle and let the kids watch a Phineas and Ferb Christmas special. When Rich came home at 7pm, he found a tired mama and five (never ever tired) children. He did enjoy my dinner, which was nice, but still I wondered, was all the fuss worth it?

I went to get a chocolate; I couldn’t find them. I looked all over the place. Nothing. I asked the family. Nothing.

I wanted one of my special, homemade chocolates. I deserved it!!

You’ll never believe.

I found the box.

I found the wrappers.

They were on the floor.

Behind the bookcase.

Every chocolate.

GONE.

I screamed.

I asked the children; their dear little faces looked at me in blank innocence.

When I showed the box to the dog he wouldn’t look at it. He wouldn’t look at me. He went straight to the door to be let out.

“I won’t make eye contact with my mom because I ate all her homemade chocolates.”

I will never get over it.

At six this morning I stumbled out of bed and came out to the living room to ask if the Dog was still alive. I’ve read everywhere that chocolate kills dogs.

He was fine.

But Seth had just thrown up.

And that is why Seth is home today.

tasting goodness

Posted on November 29, 2014 by Shanda

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8

Enough snow fell on the day before Thanksgiving that the children have been able to go outside and play with their snow boards and sleds. The sunshine was so bright yesterday that it hurt my eyes.

Still, it is a pleasure to feel the cold on my face, and to breath in the fresh air.

I cautioned the children way too many times to steer AWAY from the trees and pond and road.

David lined his boots with garbage bags.

Our house sits on a hill, a hill steep enough for the children to go down……such a joy for them.

Seth threw a snow ball at his Mama.

He had gloves on that were way to big. In this family, they just grab anything and hope for the best.

Hats, mittens, and gloves stress me out.

We went for a walk around and said hello to the hens.

The children slid down the rock like it was a slide and then I think the chicken tried it, too.

David chased Billy up a tree. Billy went carefully and silently around and around to find the best way to get back down.

He is a smart cat.

Thanksgiving 2014

I planned, I shopped, I fussed, I baked, I did a hundred little things, and then…….it was over.

I am a little tired and blue today, so I decided to blog about our wonderful day, to cheer myself up.

The Lord is good.

My sister said that her heart was warmed, as David gently stirred the pot with her and talked about things.

Later, Jason told me he thought David was so smart and had an engineering type of mind.

My niece Abigail peeled potatoes with Grace. 10 pounds of potatoes.

With a cup of cheer in my hand and my handsome husband. I am so thankful for Rich. Today he caught me before I fell on the ice outside…it took me a few steps to gather my balance and he made me laugh by staying strong and saying dryly, “You okay? This is just like walking with a newborn calf that can’t get his legs under himself!”

On Thanksgiving Day, Abbie turned fourteen.

Grace and Naomi played with their Bitty Babies. Sarah’s room is still a total disaster from all the playing (searching for the doll stuff). Aren’t they adorable? I love everything about this picture.

Handsome brother Isaac, and son Jacob.

Michael came over, too, and there was a game of Monopoly that lasted for hours.

Abbie and Cassandra

My beautiful daughter Grace.

Grace practiced her french braiding skills on Aunt Cassandra.

Rich fell asleep after dinner and clean up. Jason fell asleep in the recliner, too. It’s the smart thing to do on Thanksgiving day.

The children colored with the smelly markers.

Then, it was time for birthday cake. I’m so thankful that we were able to spend the day with Abbie. She’s a beautiful young lady and we are proud of her. It was a blessing to end Thanksgiving day with birthday cake.

also remembering….

early morning phone call from brother Dave
weston got wet in the pond
we took family portraits for christmas cards
sarah wore a red ribbon
i burnt the rolls
but the pies were to die for
we lost sarah outside; it turned out she was with her brother E
aunt amanda made ethan proud of his muscles
laughing over the Andy Griffeth show
we cheered up aunt cassandra because she was sad and missing her family
rich was quiet all day until 9pm. then he went for a run and then wanted to take me out shopping. (no)
jacob dressed up in a tie
food was wonderfully good, so was the drink
seth was especially energetic and was the child most likely to get reprimanded
ending the day with a nice phone conversation with mom and dad

*****

Thanks for stopping by the blog today, friends!
You are loved.

“The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation.” Psalm 18:46

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness….” Psalm 25:10

{this moment}

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Shanda

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

pink cat

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Shanda

{this moment} goodbye, old friend

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Shanda

A Friday ritual.

A single photo.

Capturing a moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

Our pets show love and devotion and win our hearts without ever speaking a single word.

Brutus was a black and white puppy that my brother Dave adopted in 1999. Brutus lived with Dave a few years and then spent the rest of his life at my parent’s house and was a constant companion to Dad and Mom. Part of the fun for my children in going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house was visiting with Brutus. They all have grown up with this special dog. My son David’s team won their baseball game yesterday but David said the joy of victory was spoiled for him when he learned of Brutus’ death. He was truly a family pet and we are all sad.

The beautiful picture is of my Dad and Brutus from a few years ago.

He died at home yesterday, looking into Dave’s eyes. He was a good dog and had a good life.

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.

{this moment} two cats & a girlie

Image

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

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

the dog had a problem and was possibly bleeding

Posted on February 22, 2014 by Shanda

I talk to him when I’m lonesome like;
and I’m sure he understands.
When he looks at me so attentively,
and gently licks my hands;
then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes,
but I never say naught thereat.
For the good Lord knows
I can buy more clothes,
but never a friend like that.
~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

I just downloaded some photos to my computer while sitting in the living room with Rich, David, Caleb, Seth, Sarah, and Grace. Our dog, Parker, was at my feet but I didn’t notice him at all. He is always there. The kids were watching Phineas and Ferb and I needed to think so I could write this blog post so I got up to go to our new addition. As soon as I stood up, Parker did too, and he is the only one who followed me into the room. He is lying at my feet again, oblivious, as I type this post all about him.

We got him when he was a puppy and he is almost 7 years old now. After he grew up out of puppydom, I was so very busy with homeschooling and having Seth and Sarah that he was tied up outside at a doghouse, and left there. That sounds bad. Really, the issue was that if he was ever free, he would run away immediately, up the road, to visit people. It was terrible. We would try to let him in the house with us but if we were not careful, he would literally bolt out the door *like the house was on fire* every time it opened. Consequently, he was tied up at his doghouse more often than not. He had daily walks, many of them, probably four or five a day (or more). We all walked the dog, and Rich took him running. He had plenty of exercise but he was sad, for he was a family dog and wanted to be with his people all the time.

One time I took him for a walk with Sarah in the stroller (not my smartest decision). It was fine until he all of a sudden bolted and tipped Sarah over into the ditch. She survived it, but the dog almost didn’t.

Another time I tried walking him and he was so excited he started racing as fast as he could down the hill. I was so scared (determined not to lose him by letting go of his leash) that I w#t my pants.

He ran up the road and the neighbors called animal control and he was impounded. (two or three times)

He ran up the road and got into another person’s house and tracked mud on her carpet. She came down and yelled at me. I offered to pay to get it cleaned but she just wanted to yell.

One time he got loose when the little boys were getting on the bus and he went right on the bus with them. I could not get him off it (in my pjs of course) until the driver opened the back. I cried all morning, so upset, thinking of the lawsuits that could have happened. Yes, I can laugh about it now but at the time I was thinking about slipping sedative drugs into his dogfood.

Seth and Sarah grew. I had some time to think and solve Parker’s problem. The family (I think it was my sister) encouraged me to look into getting a hidden fence and I finally made some calls and Linda saved Parker’s life from one of boredom to one of luxury. Parker soon grew fat from stealing pizza and butter out of the kitchen at every opportunity.

Training him to obey the hidden fence wasn’t hard once Rich convinced the trainer that he needed to simply be run into it a few times. After he understood his boundaries, life (cue music) was grand again. The guilt I had felt for so long over this animal was gone. Parker was no longer tied down at his dog house or terrorizing the neighborhood.

Truly, he is all reckless love, and never hurt anyone, but his great adoration of humans made him desire freedom and visits at all costs.

He has been a house dog, a true family dog, for a few years now but can go outside any time he wants. He scratches the heck out of the front door whenever he wants to come in.

He is Ethan’s dog. I cannot understand his devotion to me. I don’t snuggle with him or coo at him like his boy. But he is always there. Always by my side. Have I ever told you that I prefer cats? I don’t like dogs, especially big ones? But this dog…..(do I dare say?) has pretty much won my heart.

He loves stuffed animals and has bitten the eyes out of almost all of them. The kids LOVE their animals and never throw them away so we have quite the menagerie of eye-less stuffed animals in this house.

Another thing he enjoys doing with “his” stuffed creatures is burying them outside. I am always startled when I finally notice him silently standing by the door waiting for me to let him out (he sometimes has to wait a while).

It is an event, and it usually takes some time for him to settle on the most perfect spot to bury it.

This is one that the kids rediscovered and brought inside to show me. See Parker’s paw? He wants it back I bet.

Playing memory.

Being a foot rest.

Showing me his special eye-glowing trick while being Too Close to Cat for Comfort.

Making sure everyone is okay.

He loves to go to the coop with me and always begs for a nice fresh egg. If I give him one, he carries it in his mouth gently until we get to the driveway and then he lets it drop (gently) so the egg cracks and he can lap up the goods.

I was treating my puffy eyes with tea bags with kids all over me, and a cat, and still. … he was there.

Being a good armrest.

Yesterday, Parker was bleeding from the mouth and I did not know why. He was lying on the floor just like you see in that picture, only he was on the hard wood in my room next to me while Seth and I were busy sewing a pillow. He made a whining noise and when he got up I noticed two small puddles of watery blood on the floor right where his nose/lips had been. My heart lurched as I touched it, believing perhaps it was just a dried up dirty spot that I hadn’t cleaned up yet (because I keep my floors oh so spotless). No, indeed the spot was wet and slimy. I immediately told Seth to wait a minute so I could look into Parker’s mouth.

(reenactment)

I didn’t see any cut but when I looked at my fingers they were red. He definitely had some sort of bleeding, and I guessed it was internal.

My dog was sick. My dog had a problem.

(dramatization)

I was uneasy for hours, keeping an eye on him. Every time he plopped on the floor to rest I thought he was getting worse. I knew I would have to call the vet if he continued to “suffer”.

UNTIL. Later on, I walked through my room and noticed THIS:

And I knew.

He had eaten a marker in his spare time. I asked him about it later and he said nothing. But his eyes said, “They are irresistible, can I have it back, pleeeeeeeese?”

In my utter relief, I was proud of him for using such a big word and being so polite about it. I also realized once again that in this house I am usually the only one with problems!

***

This is the pillow Seth made.

This is Seth.

And this is an early spring day.

Jacob and Ethan are at wrestling, the rest of us are home but Grace has a singing event later. I have a hair appointment at 3:30 and I can’t wait. I think I will get there early so I can sit in the fireplace room and read fashion magazines (not my typical reading material). Seriously, we have about 12 inches of deep snow but the sun is shining and the birds are all singing deep in the woods and around the house, they are happy and I take my cue from nature: SPRING IS COMING! Thank you, God.