I just read a thought-provoking devotional by Oswald Chambers so I’m going to type the entire thing out because it was so helpful to me, maybe it will be a blessing to others, too.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”  1 Cor. 10:31

Beware of allowing yourself to think that the shallow concerns of life are not ordained of God; they are as much of God as the profound.

It is not your devotion to God that makes you refuse to be shallow, but your wish to impress other people with the fact that you are a spiritual prig. 

Be careful of the production of contempt in yourself, it always comes along this line, and causes you to go about as a walking rebuke to other people because they are more shallow than you are.

Beware of posing as a profound person; God became a Baby.

To be shallow is not a sign of being wicked, nor is shallowness a sign that there are no deeps:  the ocean has a shore.  The shallow amenities of life, eating and drinking, walking and talking, are all ordained by God.  These are the things in which Our Lord lived.  He lived in them as the Son of God, and He said that “the disciple is not above his Master.”

Our safeguard is in the shallow things.  We have to live the surface common-sense life in a common-sense way; when the deeper things come, God gives them to us apart from the shallow concerns. 

Never show the deeps to anyone but God.

We are so abominably serious, so desperately interested in our own characters, that we refuse to behave like Christians in the shallow concerns of life.

Determinedly take no one seriously but God, and the first person you find your have to leave severely alone as being the greatest fraud you have ever known, is yourself.

~My Utmost for His Highest, “Shallow and Profound”,  Oswald Chambers

This was such a blessing to me because I do have some spiritual pride inside of me that whispers that there is *something wrong* if I am not always walking around, meditating on, and learning great spiritual thoughts and truths.  How liberating to confess that, and embrace with open arms and a peaceful spirit the shallowness of life, which is also ordained by God, my loving Father.  Let’s face it, the deep spiritual part of life is not something most of us are able to keep up on a constant basis, and if we are trying to force it, than it’s not natural.   It’s okay to just live life, shallow parts and all, eating and drinking, and whatever we do, glorifies God, amazing!  So, today I am thankful for the deep spiritual life I have, and the shallow…..both are gifts from God.

*****************************************************

Grace is slowly getting better.  I didn’t have a chance to blog yesterday because I was so weary.  I actually had to sleep on the couch, for an hour, while the boys watched Seth for me, I just couldn’t bear staying awake.  The sleepy day meant that only the necessary parts of life were lived. 

I have been trying to take some pictures in the last few days, because I was missing the feeling that photography gives me, that my life does have portraits of joy and memorable moments, always, even the challenging days.

I’m not sure Seth wanted to go in the box;

How can babies sleep like this?

Ethan came home with this nest for me.  He said it was on the end of a long branch and if he had fallen he would have broken his neck.  He must love me, if he risked his life to collect this nature treasure:

Davy-do had a field trip at a Nature Center yesterday and I bundled him all up so he wouldn’t get cold.  He came home and said, “You made a terrible mistake, Mom.  The field trip was INDOORS.  I didn’t need all those clothes on.”

This morning, all five boys were hanging out together in the livingroom (David was waiting for the bus);

Caleb calls cider, “Apple Sodor”  (because Thomas the tank engine lives there, on the Island of Sodor)

Grace got some extra sleep this morning, I was so relieved (she’s not a sleeper);

After Grace woke up, she got back into her favorite spot, on the couch.  She’s kept her stuffed dog Sprocket with her all through her sickness, except for last night when he was washed and dried;

Rich, Jacob, and Ethan bought these roses for me last night, when they were on an errand;

I’m wondering if I should have taught Ethan how to light candles;

And that’s that!  It’s about 10 in the morning and we have no plans except to keep taking care of Grace.  Her stomach has settled down so that’s an improvement, but she’s still very weak and the fever comes back when the Motrin wears off.

Rich has tomorrow off and I can do whatever I want.  Any suggestions?  Here are some of my ideas:  mall, to shop.  bookstore, for quiet reading.  hair salon, for a little trim before Thanksgiving.  nail salon, for a pedicure.  library, for more quiet reading. 

The only thing is, I need energy for those things so we’ll see what happens.

Thanks again for praying for us!  I really appreciate it!

~Shanda

Grace has the flu.  She has every symptom; sore throat, fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, and a cough.  She is a good patient and rarely complains or makes a peep.  She now believes it would be better to get a flu shot than to have the flu, she says it’s miserable and terrible.  She is downstairs on the couch right now, with a washcloth on her forehead, under a sheet (because a blanket makes her too hot), watching a cooking show.  I’ve been giving her motrin and making her drink as much as she can. 

Thanks for praying for us.  I still had a pounding headache in the night, but by the morning it was gone.  I woke up thanking God for that, and I actually felt like my old self for a little bit this morning!  Of course I took the opportunity to scrub the kitchen and do some laundry. 

I also gave Seth a bath in the sink, after I was done scrubbing it.  I took this picture last week, but this is what he looked like today, too.  I love making my baby clean and sweet again, especially now that he’s eating and getting crusties on his face, and crawling around on the floors.

He always enjoys his bath. 

I talked to Rich a little while ago and he should be home around 9:30 or so.  He said that the event went really well, (he was in Dallas, TX).  He sounded good, and told me he missed us.

The boys are all fine and dandy and seem extra loud now that we have someone in the house with a headache!

I spent Seth’s afternoon nap with Grace, on the couch.  I must admit, it is sorta kinda nice to have someone snuggling next to me as quiet as a kitten, although I would rather have my girl healthy than sick.

Well!  We made it to Friday by the grace of God!

Have I told you that we’ve had a cold going around and around my family since September?  Yesterday my heart sank when Jacob came to me and reported, “I have a sore throat”….by the time supper came he was in tears it hurt so bad.

I sent him to bed right after dinner with a new book on the ipod, Twenty-One Balloons.  Jacob got in bed and the other children gathered around him and they all listened to it together, and they loved it.  They aren’t quite done with it yet.

I crashed on the couch while they were busy listening to their story.  If I wasn’t pregnant I would seriously be thinking that I was suffering from disease, because I am so very tired.  Rich arrived home last night at 7 and found me in tears.  After a good night’s sleep I felt much better (still tired but happier).  My first prenatal appointment is scheduled for November 25, I still haven’t been to the doctor’s for this pregnancy.  I can’t wait to go, because they will do an ultrasound at the very first appointment.  I just want to know……that everything is okay at this point.

Today is the day the maids came (they come every other week) so we cleaned up all morning (yeah, we clean so the maids can clean!)  and then we left when they got here.  I took the kids through McDonald’s drive thru for some lunch and then we went the library, for the first time in about a month.  It felt so good to walk around with my favorite book list, Honey for a Child’s Heart, and also Honey for a Woman’s Heart, and pick out a big stack of nice books for all of us.

We got home about 2 hours later and the girls were still here, scrubbing away.  It feels so nice to have help with the housework.

Now that the maids are gone, I have the children all resting.  Grace and Ethan will be picked up soon, to go visit their friends and to have Art class.  Jacob usually goes, but I am taking him to the doctor’s, along with Caleb and David, so that they can get the H1N1 nasal vaccine.  I wasn’t planning on having them vaccinated, but when I took Grace for her check up a few days ago, the pediatrician highly recommended it.  There is a lot of flu going around.  I told myself a few weeks ago, that I would trust my pediatricians.  Seth has had the vaccine, too. 

That’s all the news here for the day. 

I do want to take the time to post some pictures from last Saturday.  Grace’s 10th birthday was last week and as a special treat, we took her (and “the brothers”) to the American Girl Place in Boston.   It was wonderful…the weather was nice so the drive was lovely.  Rich and the boys did great at the store, and we all walked around together, letting Grace look at everything.

Years ago, we had bought her Samantha doll at a tag sale of all places.  And last year we bought her Nellie, since she was being retired.  So Grace took those dolls with her.  Here she is, with all the boys behind her.  David is partially hidden, almost totally hidden, behind Grace.

She decided before we even got there that she wanted the Indian girl, Kaya.  She got the basic doll, along with the food set (it’s SO neat, the food looks real, and it came with a basket that the doll can wear) and the bedding set (with realistic furs).  Oh, Grace has been having the most wonderful, imaginative time with her.

Ethan came to me at one point and said quietly, “Mom.  Grace keeps trying to show me things!”  And I said, “Oh, E, let her show you!  Who else is she going to talk to and get excited with?”  So, he went back to her.  Of course, David and Caleb were the least shy about being interested in……dolls……

I think this picture is cute, Grace is talking to David about the doll display and Caleb is looking out the window, down to the parking lot below;

Grace and her Papa, after Mama decided just what we would purchase.  I just love seeing my husband father a daughter!  He grew up with just brothers, you know.  And he’s doing such a good job with Gracie.  He loves her so much.

Here is a picture of us, in the elevator.  It’s a family photo that makes me smile.  All you can see of Seth is his tiny fingers.  The weird lumpiness coming out of my stomach is mirror distortion, I can assure you.  Look at the faces of those dear children!  So cute, each of them.

I think my girl is as cute as a button.  Especially with those jeans, mary janes, and white socks!  I’m so glad we had this day together.  Who knows if we’ll be able to get the boys to go there again?

I had someone ask me about training children.  There have been books written on that topic, but I can tell you a few things that I believe.  First of all,  please, please, LOVE your children.  I would rather see parents concentrate on having a love-relationship with their little ones, than to focus too much on training.  Love comes first, then training IN LOVE.  The first thing you need to teach your child, is that they must obey right away.  No second chances.  They need to obey with a GOOD ATTITUDE.  The heart is what matters most of all.

Why do we train our children in proper behavior?  Because WE LOVE THEM SO MUCH.  They will be secure children, if they are happily obeying their parents.  We don’t train them to make ourselves look or feel good.  That’s pride….and God resists that. 

Praise your children. 

Enjoy your children.  Don’t groan when they get up in the morning, or from their naps.  (I remember God convicting me of that years ago!)  Smile and say something sweet to them, give them a snack.

Listen to your children.  They will want to tell you things, if you are a warm listener.

Read to them and snuggle as you do it.  Some of my happiest moments are when one of my children is listening to me read, and thoughtlessly playing with my hair or ear.     I’ve read the Beatrix Potter books constantly lately.  We love The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies.  You know, there are “six leetle rabbits” in that one.  And one of them gets hit by a flying rotten vegetable marrow.  And is quite hurt.  (sorry, I told you I’ve read it a lot lately!)

Say “Please”  “Thank you” “I love you”  “I’m proud of you” and “I’m sorry” to them.  They are learning manners by YOUR LIFE.

More is caught than taught.  You have to be what you want them to grow up to be.

Look at them when they talk to you.  Think about that nice man, Mr. Rogers (From “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” on PBS).  Read his biography and soak up some of his views on children and childhood.  Rich’s Grandma has that same spirit about her, you just KNOW she loves you and would listen to you even if your story took too long or you were stinky.

Teach them to wait their turn, to not interrupt while you are on the phone, and to clean up after themselves.

Don’t let them get in the habit of crying for what they want.  If they cry for something, don’t give it to them. 

Make your house a home FOR children…with good books, good art, good music, etc.

Teach them to ask nicely.  When Caleb says, “Give me a drink!”  He does not get it.

Love their Dad.

Teach your children to work.

Understand and study up on the uniqueness of little boys and little girls.  They are different!

Remember, you are the mom so act like it, but at the same time, it’s also okay to be their friend.  My children are my little buddies.  Do you know?  SETH MY PRECIOUS BABY MADE MUFFINS WITH ME.  I could cry just thinking about it.  My dearest memories are the little ones sitting on the counter, or standing on chairs, to help me cook.

Here are pictures~

Remember, God GAVE us our children as a gift!  What a wonderful gift-giver He is, to give children as GIFTS.  We are to accept them with a thankful heart, love them, nurture them and ENJOY them.  If you don’t enjoy your child there is something wrong.  As I wrote the other day, there are times when I don’t enjoy my children because I am having a bad day or don’t feel well, but IN GENERAL I would count a day lost if I didn’t spend it serving them in a loving way.  We have fun together.  When Rich is gone with them, I start to feel empty after a while.  There is no one to talk to or listen to.

God has taught me so much, by making me a mother.  I’m so thankful for this privilege. 

I wanted to update…….my spirit did quiet down yesterday and we had a nice normal day.  (Thank you, friends, for your understanding notes here, I very much enjoyed each and every one.)

The best part of the day, was that my husband was able to (guiltily) leave the conference early last night, and he surprised us by coming home at 7:10 pm. 

He watched us through the door for a few minutes before coming in and he told me this morning that he loved what he saw as he peeked, without us knowing……..

“It was so peaceful and warm-looking.  There were little ones busy in the livingroom and you were sitting at the table feeding Seth in his highchair.  There were kids all around you.  Everyone looked happy.  It was like looking into a dream.”

He said that to me, this morning, at the kitchen table.  And I thought to myself, that was my Father above, who turned the ugly into beauty and let Rich see it, like a gift, and not only see it but REALLY SEE IT and notice it, and then show it back to me, the warmth and peace of home, the love of his very own family.

He walked in the door with a smile on his face.  He was hungry so Grace and I jumped right up to get him some dinner.  We had been talking about Christmas when he arrived, so he was just in time to find out that “all Ethan wants is one gift for Christmas, just one; a laptop.  And all Grace wants is a horse.”

Rich is very busy this week, with a conference for work.  He will be home late (after 9pm) every night and as you can imagine, it is quite the strain on me as I deal with homelife on my own.  I was a big grump all morning but after breakfast and a little cleaning up, things are looking slightly brighter.  I’m being “mean mom” and  “making” the children do what I want them to do….the little whippersnappers will not run wild….and right now they are playing “Shut the Box” at the kitchen table and listening to good music on the ipod.  The little boys are trying to find all the pieces to David’s marble run game so they can put that together.

I’m on edge this morning and want to say that we are all frail and sinfully human. I was irritated by some websites (not yours ) today that are a little too goody-goody spiritual for my taste, it makes me frustrated when I get all the good of someone’s life and not see any of the struggles.  I don’t want to do that here.  So brace yourself for some confessin’………

I was stern and grumpy at my kids this morning.  I think I may have given a few of them the “evil eye”.

I cried this morning, because I wanted my own way.

I wanted to give up on it all.  I wanted to not be a mother, I wanted to shut down my blog, I wanted to let the house fall to pieces, and I wanted to give up on training the children and doing my devotions.

I got mad at my poor husband, and resentful. 

I wished I could snap my fingers and make the children disappear for a while.

I haven’t showered or dressed yet and I look like a FRIGHT.

I don’t like the dog. 

I’m feeling selfish.

I lost my patience with Caleb….when will he learn to obey right away???

(Although, I admit, Seth is an attitude-saver.  I can’t stay grumpy with him in the room.)

Even though I didn’t kneel down and pray in a holy attitude, the Lord heard the prayers in my heart and accepted them for what they were…..little temper tantrums….and He still loves me and will help me get over this bad attitude.  Now, that totally amazes me.

Even though I wasn’t sweet to the children, they are still accepting of me, still want to be around me, and are still happy and laughing.  They don’t expect me to “be perfect” and I’m not going to try to be perfect in front of them.  Ever.  I’m about to go say “sorry that I was so grumpy this morning” and get on with my day.

“God is a sun ever-shining; He is manna always falling round the camp; He is a rock in the desert, ever sending out streams of life from His smitten side; the rain of His grace is always dropping; the river of His bounty is ever-flowing, and the well-spring of his love is constantly overflowing.”  Spurgeon

We were blessed yesterday afternoon by being a part of an event of nature.  I had just settled the children into their rooms for quiet time (that time of day I use the quiet to re-charge myself)…..I was puttering around with Seth, cleaning up a little, and I opened the front door and wondered…..what was that sound?  It took me a few seconds to realize that the air was filled, absolutely filled, with the sound of birds like I had never heard before.  I looked and found them in the near distance, in the tops of the trees of the forest.  There must have been thousands of them.

We figured out later that they were grackles.

Caleb was already sleeping, so I called the older children to come and see.

I grabbed my camera, Ethan grabbed Seth, and we tried to get a closer look.  We looked up and up the whole time, walking briskly up into the woods……..

It was a spectacle.  Birds were singing, moving, and flying constantly all above us, way up high.

Ethan and Grace climbed a big tall pine tree to get a bird’s eye view.

We ended up in a part of the woods that we don’t visit very often.  Looking down, I noticed baby Seth practically swimming in the dried oak leaves that were carpeting the forest floor.

“He who is a stranger to wonder is a stranger to God, for God is wonderful everyway,
and everywhere, and everyhow.”
*Charles Spurgeon

The air was mild and smelled sweet of autumn perfumes……….and I found myself praying, thanking God for the beautiful day, and His beautiful creation.  We were all happy and lighthearted.

“One of the purest and most innocent of joys, apart from spiritual things, in which a
man can indulge, is a joy in the works of God.”
*Charles Spurgeon

It was really really nice.

Another event of the day was a challenge for us.  Could we look all around and gather enough materials to make our very own wreaths using just treasures and bits from God’s nature, and some yarn?

Yes, we could!  We sat on a blanket on a far corner of the yard and worked together and yet separately, on our own creations.

Here is Jacob’s wreath.  We liked his because it smelled so good.  Like pine.  When we came back to the house, I added a ribbon.  It needed a ribbon.

And, here is the one I made.  I ransacked the chicken coop to get some choice feathers.  I used red leafed prickly vine from the ground, red rose hips, little pine cones, feathers, and brown yarn.

Friendship with my children, small little wreaths, birds, autumn leaves……and so much more besides,  to be thankful for.  I wonder what He’ll show us today?

Have a blessed day, friends!

I am currently reading a book titled Life in Jesus.  It is a book about a Christian woman, written after her death, by her son, Octavious.  He wrote his own thoughts about his mother, but he mostly used material from her correspondence and diary.   The book is not about Mary Winslow (who was born in 1774 and died in 1854) so much as it is about a personal relationship between a woman and her Savior, Jesus Christ.  For that, I am extremely thankful and encouraged.  It is a blessing to see such a biography, and by reading her private thoughts and letters, written by her without the slightest notion of “being published”, I am being taught by the example of another one’s humble life in Christ.  An abundant and deeply satisfying life in Him is available to all, and should be the desire of everyone who has accepted Him as Savior and Lord.

Gratitude

Yesterday Caleb woke up for the third morning in a row with yucky red eyes so I finally took him to the doctors.  He wore a bright red shiny super hero cape.

He was all stuffed up with a terrible sinus infection so he is on antibiotics now.

When we were waiting for the prescription to be done I took him to Panera.  He was still wearing his cape but I never thought anything of it except for now and then when I noticed some smiling looks from other people.

When he ate his cookie, he lifted his plate to lick it.

I held myself back from reprimanding him, he’s only four; and I actually, thank you Lord, felt honored when he held his plate out to me and said, “Taste my crumbs.”

I did.

I had left Seth home with Jacob.  He slept the entire time I was away.  As soon as I got home, I threw my coat on the couch and went in my room, where I had left him two hours earlier in his playpen, sleeping.  He was sitting up, silently.  Oh how my heart melted when he smiled at me and I scooped him up. 

Yesterday afternoon all the kids had dentist appointments.  Even though Caleb had his sick eyes, I still went so that the four other children could have their cleanings.  As we were waiting, I happened to notice David, with a chunk of hair missing, about the size of a silver dollar, off the top of his head.

“What happened?  Why did you do that?”

“I did it at school, with a pair of scissors.  No one noticed.  It was sticky, so I cut it off.”

When he came out from his teeth cleaning, the dental hygienist congratulated me on my pregnancy, she found out from David.  “When is she going to have the baby?”, she asked him.  “In two years.”  “Is she having a girl or a boy?”  “A girl.”  Bless his heart.

Ethan made a pillow this week.  He embroidered a house and a sun on a piece of felt, and then I sewed it into a pillow for him.  He is dying to crochet a blanket.  I am worried about what all this time spent with me is doing to my boys.  But then, after about a gazzillion swords made from all sorts of sticks and tin foil and cardboard, and lots of fighting and battling, I don’t worry anymore.

Last week,  I was hugging Caleb on the floor and I wasn’t going to stop until he said something.  He finally said, “Let. me. be. free.”  I chuckled over that one for days.

Grace has been busy cutting paper snow flakes and taping them all over every wall of her room.  She is also hanging paper chains across her windows.  She’s getting ready for Christmas.

Jacob is excited to help cook Thanksgiving dinner.  “You can sit on the couch, Mom.” 

Yesterday I gave Seth a frosted sugar cookie (store bought) in his car seat and he loved it, but when he was done he was absolutely covered everywhere with thousands of crumbs.

We watched the movie “Babe” the other day and when it was over, the kids all clapped and clapped.

I’m really sleepy today but I’m happy.  I love my life and am so grateful for each day.

My great Grandma made this sweater for ETHAN, 11 years ago.  She has since passed away but her handiwork continues to make my heart happy.  I have three of these sweaters for the little ones, and they’re so nice.  They have a zipper up the back.

Freezing orange juice in cups, with a spoon, was all the rage here lately.  Caleb made his own and said, “Mom!  I can spill my own juice in a cup now!”  Every time I turned around, he was checking to see if it had frozen yet. 

We found an empty bee’s nest on a low branch and I took pictures of it.  The next day, Ethan brought it to me, branch and all, so we hung it in the office.

I found Seth picking garbage.  This is the reason why the can is up on the counter most of the time now.

I took this picture last week when I was too tired to make dinner and Ethan made it.  He still needed my coaching though (he made homemade sausage and gravy) so I brought my rocking chair and sat while he cooked.  At one point all the boys were around me so I snapped their picture.

One morning Seth woke up early and after breakfast, he fell back to sleep with his Papa.

It’s sunny but chilly outside today.  I’ve been cozy in the house, spending time with the children.  We are looking forward to a lovely weekend and tomorrow we have a special outing planned, which is Grace’s birthday gift from us this year.  The days are flying by so quickly and so many things happen that it’s hard to keep track of it all.  I just wanted to sit and type some little things out today, to help me remember.

Gratitude ought to be, and I believe it is, in the heart the most powerful force in
human motive.  ~Charles Spurgeon

{Today Grace, my only daughter amongst five sons, turns 10 years old.  As I thought about this milestone day, I decided I would write up a blog for her using words and quotes from a book (by Carol Fiddler) that I bought a while ago, a book that I plan on going through and studying with her over and over.  I also took some pictures of her, and of a few of her favorite things.  This blog is dedicated to my 10 year old daughter, and anyone else who may read this.  We all remember what it was like, how exciting it was, to turn 10.}

Character Building

Good character is something you build.  It is not given to you in the same way as, say, a new pair of shoes is given to you to wear.  Character is developed by the decisions and choices you make each day.  Godly character is pure and is a treasure to be desired, sought after with determination and worked at with all your energy.  The best result of having good character is that your life brings glory to God.

Sunshine-Makers

A girl who is a sunshine maker–quick to smile, quick to find good in any situation and quick to ignore hurtful things–is a blessing to many people.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Sincerity

Everyone wants friends they can trust to be honest and true.  A true friend does not treat you nicely and then say hurtful things about you when you are not there.  To be sincere is to be real.  This means you must be honest with yourself and with others not just in the things you say, but also in the things you do.  When you help another person, it should come from pure motives.  To be sincere is to be straightforward, not pretending to be something you are not.

Careful Words

You will be known by the words that you speak, whether they are kind, thoughtful and caring, or proud, self-seeking and drawing attention to yourself.  More than the stylish clothes you wear, more than the fancy way your hair is done, you will be remembered by the words you have spoken.  The words you speak tell others what kind of girl you are.

“Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  Proverbs 16:23-24

Keeping Confidences

Often a girl who busies herself to find out lots of information about other people is one who breaks confidences–that is, she shares what one girl has told her with another girl or group of girls.  That is not right.  When a friend shares her ideas, hopes or dreams with you, she is trusting you with something very special to her.  Your friend would be hurt to find out that you told other people what she told you.  

“A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.”  Proverbs 11:13 

A Sense of Purpose

A strong sense of purpose, or reason for living, is what motivates and keeps you going toward your goals.  The highest goal or purpose is to live for Jesus and have Him show through your life.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Proverbs 31:30

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”  Hebrews 10:24

Meditation

You will begin to see that you will benefit from time alone with God every day.  You grow in wisdom as you spend more time with God.  There also will be times when you need to pull away for additional reflection and comfort, such as when you feel uncertain, angry, frustrated, jealous or depressed.  These will become great times of closeness with Jesus, times of sensing His heart of love and purpose for your life. 

“Grow

in the

grace

and knowledge

of our Lord”

Happy Birthday, Grace Lillian!

My baby boy Seth turned nine months old yesterday and so I decided to take a *nice* portrait of him.  It ended up being a pretty funny experience, because the little guy would not sit still!  He’s busy, so very busy, and can’t be bothered to look at mama hiding behind that familiar but off limits “black thing”.

I sat him on the couch and he kept instantaneously leaning forward and I would gently push him back up to sitting position, which would make him lose his balance and backward he would go;

IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED………..

TRY TRY AGAIN………..(he is actually SINGING in this picture, the stinker!)

And this next picture was the best one.  I think I was making ridiculous sounds or something (to get him to freeze for a moment).

I like this picture not only because of Seth’s adorable cuteness, but because of the onesie.  It was made by Grandma Leslie, for baby Caleb.  And now Seth wears it.  Is the free hand embroidered bear SWEET or what? 

I specifically wanted Seth’s bare hands and feet in the picture, too.

He was sitting in my rocking chair for this one, and quickly figured out how to move it back and forth, to rock himself.

Seth had his nine month check up today.  He has gained 2 pounds and grown 2 inches since his six month appointment…..he is in the 25% for his height and (drum roll please) the 3rd % for his weight.

He’s a little bitty busy boy! 

He can open and shut drawers and cupboards now.  Today he was caught in the kitchen with the big plastic jug of vinegar.  Thankfully it did not spill.  Sometimes he ends up IN a cupboard, and has to cry for help.

He can wriggle and inch his way backward off the couch.  The look on his face as he does it is SO precious, “is the floor there?  is the floor there?  It IS!!!!  I’m DOWN!!!”

When he sits in my lap or in the high chair, he deliberately drops things to see them fall.  It’s so funny to see him peer down at his lost objects.

He crawls very fast.  He fell down the stairs last week.

He stands up everywhere.  Like in shopping carts.  So I always have to buckle him in tightly.

He loves sharing people’s ice cream and pudding and yogurt. 

He can suck from a straw.

He is now nursing and drinking artificial mama’s milk (my funny way of saying “formula”) from a bottle.  He is just starting to accept the bottle, and his protests against it were quite sad.  He loves to nurse but I’m afraid I simply don’t have enough for him and I’m hoping that I won’t be quite as tired and hungry (I’m about 8 weeks pregnant now) if I’m not nursing as much.  I am content because I did the best I could and we still nurse morning and night.

He eats all kinds of table and baby foods.

Favorite things:  bathtime, fooling around and playing with siblings, music, going for walks outside, the kitty, and putting small objects like legos into his mouth.  Also, he loves the dishwasher.  Whenever he hears someone loading or unloading it, he comes crawling to try to get in it and pull out the knives, forks, and spoons (of course we keep him away from the sharp things, but he does try).  Oh, and he’s also discovered the water in the toilet.  He keeps me hoppin’.

After his doctor’s appointment, I ran to Costco and then came home.  My friend Kathy came over with her five children and we had a good time visiting and catching up with each other.

I made a big spaghetti lunch.  The visiting children were fascinated with my grinding Seth’s up for him. 

The kids mostly played outside.  It was a beautiful day, a sunny cool fall day.  They jumped on the trampoline and played on the swingset.  Emily strung pretty leaves on a needle and thread and Kaitlyn tied long pieces of wide grass together to make a garland (it was SO pretty, I wish I had taken a picture of it)…..they also collected berries and other bits from nature.  Grace found a mushroom.  The boys played “sword fight” with sticks and played near the stream.

Jacob is the oldest of the happy gang, 12 years old, Ethan is 11, Kevin is 9.

They’ve grown together and are such good buddies.

Kathy and I went for a short walk with our babies.  Bethany Grace and Seth William both fell sound asleep, to the tune of their mama’s voices and the movement of our walking………we both enjoyed sniffing and kissing our baby’s heads.  We both agreed, it’s so lovely to have babies.

When we got back, we sat on the porch and talked and looked at books and magazines.  Soon five year old Emily wandered over to us…she’s as cute as can be, and Davy-do’s side kick.  They even have similar expressions.

David confessed to me that he and Emily got in trouble at church together on Sunday.

How can this girl EVER get in trouble, I ask you?

(can’t you see a little bit of Davy’s look in her eyes?????)

She was collecting pretty leaves for her garland.  She was a beautiful sight as she walked around, in her own little world.

I’ve been enjoying Sethie’s little outfit all day…it used to be Davy’s.  I love the baby blue and the white onesie underneath.

It’s so fun to dress our real dolls, isn’t it girls?

And my little lady Grace…I plan on having fun with her tomorrow, it is her 10th birthday.  Be prepared for more pictures comin’ from my way………..

Prayers for much love, peace, and grace to you all (because God gives GENEROUSLY)~

Love, Shanda