Did you know that today is National Pancake day?

So, I suggest you get out your favorite pancake recipe and celebrate!

I made them for breakfast this morning. . . . . .

As usual, they were a big hit.  My kids L O V E their pancakes!

Caleb was the last one done.

Sometimes I use a mix, sometimes I make homemade buttermilk pancakes from scratch, sometimes buckwheat.  For texture, I might add a few tablespoons of cornmeal to the batter.  We like to sprinkle in blueberries that we picked last fall at Grandma’s house, and every once in a while I might surprise the kids with mini m n’ m’s.  We prefer real butter and real maple syrup on top, but we ran out of Grandpa’s syrup, and are waiting eagerly for our stock to get replenished this spring.  Aunt Jemima was a poor substitute, but good enough.

Cold milk or juice is a must during a pancake breakfast, and sausage or bacon on the side is even better!  The children were thankful, and they all ate like little piggies.  I doubled my recipe and there are only two leftover. 

Enjoy your pancakes!

Every day is a constant battle of my will to rededicate myself to God’s will for me.  My flesh wants to be selfish, my flesh wants to give in to the “grumps”.  I get tired, I get weak….both very good things that can/should be used to bring me to my knees, asking/begging God to give me a loving, servant’s heart toward my husband…..and children.

God bless you families that are seeking to glorify Him, I encourage you to keep on.  The days can be weary, it’s hard to stay on track, our minds wander off of our first love (Christ) and we stumble so often.  But, God’s love gently brings us back on course, pressing on.  It’s all good, it’s all worth it.

Those basic things a Mama does?  Laundry, meals, housework, smiles and hugs, encouragement, time to look her loved ones in the eyes…….not so basic, but actually good opportunities to show LOVE to God, and give Him the glory by serving her family with a grateful heart.

I guess what I’m trying to say is…..I’m tired today, and feeling a tad overwhelmed with my responsibilities.  However, at the same time, pulling me back in the other direction, is an awareness of God’s grace (like I wrote about on Friday) which will and does give me the strength to live for Him.  Not myself. 

Today was the first full day I had here with my six children.  It went surprisingly well and I just thank God for getting me through the day.  He has taken care of this little mama today, and I have this hymn running through my mind:

“He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.” 

“When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving has only begun.”

“His love has no limit;  His grace has no measure;
His power has no boundary known unto men.
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!”

~ Annie Johnson Flint

“He giveth more grace”  James 4:6

I believe it with all my heart, and thank God for His provision.  He gives more than we can imagine, and helps us in ways we don’t even recognize or fathom.  We thank and praise God NOW, but when we fully know, someday, what God really and truly has done for us, we will be singing His praise for all eternity.

My oldest and my youngest.  Jacob is 12 and Seth is almost 3 weeks old.  The little outfit that Seth has on was the one he came home in from the hospital.  I put it on him today and called him my little sausage, because I had to basically stuff him into it one last time.  Seth is sorry to be growing so fast and making his mama sad.

Grace and Ethan played Bananagrams together.

Poor Caleb spent his first night back home, throwing up.  Sorry, I don’t know any other way to describe it.  It all started at about 1am.  THANKFULLY, Rich got up with him through the night.  It’s our unspoken rule, that when I’m getting up with a newborn he gets up with Anyone Else.

Caleb’s sheets are still out on the porch, waiting for someone to shake them out.  Ew.

He had a nice hot bubble bath this morning, and of course he takes trains with him, the metal and plastic ones (the wooden ones lose their paint if they get wet).

The train under the white washcloth is Percy.  He was a ghost.  I kept hearing alarming ghostly sounds coming from the tub.

Caleb has a fascination with Seth’s diaper changes and likes to watch and observe the whole process.

If Grace ever becomes a nurse or caregiver, she’s going to need more practice.  I get pretty thirsty these days and there was a time today that I had to ask Grace to get me a drink of water.  She came right back with a TISSUE.  I told her to try again and she came back with a mug not even half way filled with water.  After I told her to fill it up and put ice in it, she came back with the mug filled to the uttermost tippy top of the mug and sloshed water into the chair when she handed it to me!  It was all fun. . . . .we all got some good laughter out of that episode.  It’s just a good thing that I personally did not get wet. 

We watched a movie . . . . . . .it was cozy.

These are the books I am reading, and I actually read a few pages today from The Prodigal God. 

The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller

The Power of Praying Through the Bible by Stormie Omartian

I was freaked out two times this morning.  Once was when Seth started crying and Ethan came carrying him to me.  The other time was when I went in the livingroom and found Grace with him in her arms.

Seth was wearing a onesie that says HEARTBREAKER on it.  Rich thinks he looks scared in this picture, but he wasn’t.  He was safe on my lap and sister was right next to him, too.  We were talking to him.  On second thought, maybe he WAS scared. 

Last but not least, my new sweater came today.  It is SO ME.  When I saw it I had to have it.  It’s my cheerful green sweater with cheerful white polka dots.  Love it!

Okay, that wraps up my day in photos.&nbs
p; Sethie woke up while I was finishing this up and Rich is walking around with him.  It’s time for his dinner. . . . .

HUGS and LOTSA love to you all!

~Shanda

I’ve got all my children home with me.  I’m so thankful that the Lord brought us back together again after almost two whole weeks of being apart. 

These are the first group Mama and children photos since Seth was born.  When I look at them I feel so content and grateful.

When Rich gets home from work then I’ll really be happy!

I wish I could write more but I have people who need me. . . especially Jacob, who is hungry and wants to talk to me all about his time with Grandma and Grandpa. 

Blessings to you this fine day~  Shanda

Just a quick post to put up a bunch of pictures that we (Grace and I) took yesterday and today. 

Things are still going well, but I find it hard to get things done.  That’s okay, I’d rather be on the couch holding baby anyway.

My sweet friend Joanna sent me a box of goodies yesterday in the mail, along with some awesome quotes and verses, and I thought I would share them with the pictures. 

Love, ~Shanda

Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply
to enjoy simply,
to think freely,
to risk life,
to be needed.

~Storm Jameson

Love can transform
The most commonplace
Into beauty and splendor
And sweetness and grace.

~Helen Steiner Rice

The consciousness of loving and being loved
brings a warmth and a richness to life
that nothing else can bring.

~Oscar Wilde

Be strong and take courage all you who HOPE
in the Lord.  Psalm 31:24

For you are my hope;  O Lord God.
You are my confidence from my youth.

Psalm 71:5

Enjoy the little things,
for one day you may look back and realize
they were the big things.  ~Robert Bravlt

Live and work
but do not forget to play,
to  have fun in life and really enjoy it.  ~ Eileen Caddy

Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops…..at all.

~Emily Dickinson

To enjoy life we must touch much of it lightly.  ~Voltaire

Enjoy:  To take pleasure or satisfaction in.

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy,
that makes happiness.  ~Spurgeon

People who enjoy what they are doing
invariably do it well.  ~Joe Gibbs

This last picture especially….is a snapshot of my life right now….baby in arms, camera in hand, kitchen table covered with a puzzle in progress, folded laundry, and daughter Grace being tortured with Math work. 

Tomorrow, oh tomorrow!  I can’t WAIT to see my boys again!  The next pictures you see, Lord willing, will be of all of us together again, all eight of us.  In the meantime, I’ll enjoy today as patiently as I can. 

Have a great day! 

I was talking to my Mom on the phone last week and told her that I was aching for fresh flowers.  So, when the doorbell rang on my birthday, and this big basket of blooms was handed to me, I felt like they were a gift not only from the friend who sent them *unknowingly*, but from my Father in Heaven. . . . .

The bouquet is full of all different happy flower faces; yellow roses and tulips, red carnations, bright sunflowers, mums, lilies, and others.  Each one different but amazingly beautiful. 

I find that when I am in the house so much, caring for my new baby, nice flowers and pretty candles become important bits of pleasure for me as I go about my day.  So, thank you, dear ol’ friend of mine, for this much appreciated gift.  I’m enjoying them so much.

Happy Valentine’s Day!  I had my sweet Grace take a few photos of my valentine and me on Saturday morning.  It’s sometimes hard to keep Rich my priority when in “baby land” but our marriage works during this time because of God’s grace and some constant give and take, awareness and understanding, on our part.  Rich is my High School sweetheart, we fell in love when I was 17 years old, and I’m so thankful that God gave us to one another. . . . . .it’s good to take time now and then to remember the story of our love and think about the way God has led us during the last 13 years of marriage.

Growing together in so many ways. . .in our love, in our relationships with the children and others, in maturity, in thankfulness.

And it’s just so great to be married to someone you can laugh with and have fun with!

We get in some good arguments now and then, too, and that’s okay.  We still have so much to learn. 

I do think it’s very romantic that we had a baby this year. 

So, how was everyone’s weekend?  Ours was extra special, because my parents came out to see and hold baby Seth for the first time.  My parents are so comfortable to be with and this visit was especially nice because the boys were still in NY with Rich’s parents.  They were supposed to come home but Rich’s mom really wanted them to stay a little bit longer (so, they’ll be back on Thursday of this week).  I miss them so much, but it has been nice to have a quieter and slower household and it wasn’t as chaotic and busy during Mom and Dad’s visit.  I actually felt like I got my fair share of attention this time!

Here is my Dad, with Davy and Seth on his lap.  He is so good with all of his grandchildren.  Seth is my Mom and Dad’s 10th grandchild.

My Mom and Dad gave me a necklace for my birthday, some “bling”, which is something else that lifts my spirits as a stay a home mom….a little something pretty around my neck.  I’m wearing my new necklace in this picture with my Mom. . . .

My mom had five babies of her own and whenever a new grandchild is born she cannot rest until she’s seen and held him or her.  She just loves her babies, all of us, from me (her biggest baby) on down to new baby Seth. 

Doesn’t he look so sweet and small snuggling with his Granny?  (Mom SO does not look like a “granny”.  LOL)

Mom and I share a lot of interests and I am so thankful for her influence in my life.  We are friends and enjoy each other’s company.  Since Seth was born, we’ve talked almost every single day on the phone.  It’s been like therapy to me, to tell her the details of my day.  No one on earth cares like she does.

I was so happy to have Mom here to help me give Seth his first bath. 

I really like Seth’s skin.  He’s not as red and bumpy as some of my other babies.  He is peeling a lot, though, so it was good to scrub him all over with one of my newly made washclothes.  And then rub him down with a fluffy clean towel and slather him with some sweet baby lotion.  Clean babies are such a delight.

Mom, Grace, David, and I all did some crochet this weekend, too.  My mom also did some knitting. 

The orange creation in her hands is a small blanket/super hero cape that Davy wanted for his brown bear, Charlie.

Grace is still working on her scarf project.

It’s amazing what you can do in one chair. 

Another picture of Dear Dad, with baby.  He was giving Seth a soft and gentle temple rub.

Too soon it was time to say goodbye and wave them out of sight.  What a nice time it was, talking and laughing, drinking coffee, playing Bananagrams (Mom and I each won 2 times—men did not win once), eating meals and birthday cake, watching TV, etc.  I hope they will come again soon.

A random photo of David, just because I thought he was cute:

These pictures are from yesterday afternoon:

Seth and I are both doing really well.  I can tell you honestly that I feel better than I ever have before as a new mama.  Seth is two weeks old today and I feel like my normal self, only *tireder*.  I repeat—I have never felt this good two weeks after having a baby!  I know it must be the prayers of all my friends and family.  To God be the glory for the peace and joy I feel in my heart.

Our days are filled with feedings and changes, and naps.  I clean when I can, and spend time with Grace and David.  I try to sit in the sunshine as it comes through the windows to light up the house, and I try to get outside for a walk when I can, too.  I’m looking forward to warmer days ahead, working on projects around and in the house, and enjoying life as much as possible.

Here is something I read yesterday about parenting, which I thought was interesting:

“When the disciples wanted to know who was greatest, Jesus called a little child, and took him on his knee.  The disciples were clustered around him, and saw what he did.  A little child in the midst is often used to teach great lessons to older people.  When a new baby comes into a home, God sets it in the midst of a family as a teacher.  Parents suppose they are training their children, but the children are also teaching and training them.

I learned more of the meaning of the fatherhood of God, and of the way he feels toward his children, in one week after the first baby came into my home, than I had learned from teachers and books, even from the Bible, in all the preceding years of my life.  Every child’s life is a book, a new page of which is turned over each day.

Children are not angels, and yet they bring from heaven to earth many fragments of loveliness.  Their influence in a home is a benediction.  They soften hearts and change the whole thought of life in their parents.  It is no more of self.  They begin to live for their children.    The children open love’s chambers.  They train their parents in patience, gentleness, thoughtfulness.  While a young child is in the home a school of heaven is set up there.  Sad is it for those within, if they miss the chance of learning such blessed lessons.”

~ J.R. Miller

It is true, I have found a richness and value in life that I never expected, all because God made me a Mama.

God is good to all:  and His tender mercies are all over His works.  Ps. 145:9

Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:39

The Lord God is a sun and shield:  the Lord will give grace and glory.  Psalm 84:11

God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  1 John 4:16

God. . . .great things doeth He which we cannot comprehend.  Job 37:5

I hope all of you have a wonderful day! 

Love  ~Shanda

P.S.  While I was writing all this, Grace and David worked together to make a paper airplane.  They taped papers together until it was about 12 feet long!  They have been such good company for each other during this time when their brothers are away.

Can it be?

She’s 33!

I admit, I still take a childlike pleasure in my own birthday!  It’s just such a fun day to ENJOY life and thank God for all His many blessings.  Today I have my very own birthday-baby in my arms to be thankful for. 

My husband is working from home this morning as a gift to me.  This afternoon, we take Seth out for the first time for his doctor’s appointment and a quick trip to Costco to pick up his birth announcements.

I took a bunch of pictures yesterday because we had such a gorgeous FEBRUARY THAW.  The air was warm, the spring birds were chirping, and the sun was gentle and bright. 

Davy-do missed the bus yesterday, and it provoked me to tears, but ended up being a blessing because he and Grace had such fun outside together jumping on the trampoline and enjoying the weather.  After a while, and after changing my sandals into boots, I went out for a little walk, and made them join me. 

We headed for the stream right away.  I grew up with a stream to explore, and it was always a magical place for me in the winter with the different echoing sounds, and beautiful icy wonderlands.  The thoughts of white and silver ice fairies and secret fairy castles and caves under the banks of shiny ice-creations always drifted through my mind—and they still do. 

David really liked exploring the stream yesterday, too.

Isn’t it beautiful with the sunshine?

The ice lays like a blanket over the water, but with enough space for the water to flow underneath without touching the bottom of it.  David had fun throwing down bits of bark, to watch them travel under the ice-bridges.  He actually laughed with glee.

The sound of the water is music to my ears.

A classic little boy photo—shoes on the wrong feet, tongue poking out the side of his mouth. . . .cold and pink hands from playing in the water. . . . .

David even got to go barefoot! 

Dancing a joyful spring-fling. . . . .

. . .and running over the snow in bare feet!

(David also had a lot of fun yesterday sprinkling salt on the snow to watch it melt. . . .)

I got to go outside two times, and it felt great.

I was able to get some rest, too, with this little man. . . . .

Reading Proverbs in bed with a newborn is one of motherhood’s many pleasures. . . . .

Later on that evening, when Rich came home, I just had to take this picture of him.  A Dad always has a different way with the children, which I think is very normal and healthy.  Although, I did see Seth as a little sack of ‘taters when he was being held like this:

Grace took the top picture of me with Seth, this morning on my birthday.  After taking a bunch of photos and adjusting baby this way and that, Seth got woozy and promptly spit up all over himself and my shirt.  It gave me an excuse to give him a sponge bath.  After I was done, and Seth was dry and warm, we spent some time rocking.  He was alert and happy.  I think he liked being clean and sweet.

Daddy took some pictures and then it was his turn to admire the clean baby.

Last night was the best night I’ve had since Seth was born.  It was the first night that I was was not nervous and slept peacefully secure, knowing God would watch over His little lamb(s).  Seth slept from 10 to 2:30 and then from 3 to 6.  (found this verse yesterday and it was MINE….“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid:  yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”  Proverbs 3:24)

I hope all of you are enjoying this day!  You are loved

Shanda

“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor.”  Proverbs 21:21

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”  Pr. 22:1

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life.”  Pr. 22:4

“Train up a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  Pr. 22:6

“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice:  and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.  Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.  My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.”  Pr. 23:24-26

Edit……

Seth weighs 6 lbs and 13 oz and had a great check up!

Also, look what I just discovered….totally exciting!

I NEED SOME SQUARE FIESTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today was a good day.  I didn’t cry a bit.  I felt tired but good.  As of today, Rich is officially back to work, and I was surprised how fast the hours flew by. 

I admit I am not sure how I’m going to do all this next week, along with three more children AND homeschooling, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

Seth’s skin is peeling a little bit.  Davy doesn’t like Seth’s cord and wants me to pull it off.  (made me laugh)  I told him, “I can’t PULL if off, it will fall off by itself and leave a belly button like yours.”

Seth is a very bright and content baby….and hardly cries at all. 

I hold him every chance I get.  How can I stay away from a face this cute?

Rich is out on the couch with Seth and it’s time to watch our favorite program on TV….the Andy Griffeth Show. 

Just wanted to stop by quick and tell you I had a good day.

((HUGS)) ~Shanda

Last week at this time I was in the hospital.  I went in at about 5pm, having very early labor pains.  My doctor was quite insistent about me getting to the hospital sooner rather than later so I wasn’t very far along when I got there.

The I.V. was placed, I was hooked to monitors and then we waited.  After a while, Rich and I walked the halls with the I.V. pole.  I was the only woman giving birth that night (and I remained the only woman there the whole time).  So I had the undivided attention of the nurses. 

After a while, as we walked and walked, the labor got more painful, and I did decide to have an epidural. 

The  anesthesiologist came with the medicine, and before I knew it, I was all tucked in bed at 8:30pm, relieved that the epidural was in place and that I could rest.  My doctor came in at that moment to see me, said I was at 5cms and broke my water.  Then she and the nurse cheerfully left and Rich cheerfully settled in the corner with a book.  I closed my eyes to rest…….all was quiet and calm.

Oh my goodness, the next contraction was terrible!  Only about 10 minutes had gone by and I frantically called the nurse with the handy little button on my bed.  She came in and patiently told me that “blah, blah, blah, the doctor said it would be impossible for you to be ready to push already, blah, blah”  (something was said about the epidural, can’t remember what).  Out she went again, on her merry way.

The next contraction came and I felt like I was being torn asunder!  I frantically paged the nurse again as Rich got up and quickly came to my side.  The nurse and doctor came together, running, and sure enough…..in just 20 minutes it was time to deliver a baby……

And what a painful experience it was! 

A couple things make me laugh now, when I think about them.

The first was The Washcloth.  My thoughtful doctor asked for a cool washcloth to be placed on my forehead.  I kid you not…..I remember it being placed on my head and then I remember no more.  I wonder if I threw it?  I asked Rich but he doesn’t remember either.

The other was The White Socks.  As I was in the clutches of merciless pain, my thoughtful doctor and nurse both kept asking me if I wanted my nice white socks removed…….I couldn’t answer at first, but I finally yelled

“I don’t care about the socks!”

Truthfully, the whole delivery did not take THAT long.  He was born at 9:20…..but it was the longest and most painful delivery of all of my children.  My sixth little wonder came down with his head a tad crooked, giving me the agonizing experience I never wanted.  I was in so much pain that I cried for help and accepted the offer to have him suctioned out.  So, my dear baby boy was born with not only a cone shaped head but also a bruise in the shape of a circle.

Thankfully I can report that his head is perfectly round now, and the bruise is gone.

Another thing makes me laugh.  When it was all over and I was shivering uncontrollably under heavy blankets my doctor came to my side and said,

“Oh Shanda!  I’m SO SORRY the epidural didn’t work for you!”

What can a woman say to that?  Honestly?  I just had to laugh.

They left Seth right on me and I got to keep him and hold him for a little while after he was born, as long as I wanted.  I felt no great emotion at his birth, just “um um um” (yes, that’s exactly how I felt)……..sort of shocked, I guess.  Like, “What in the world just happened here?”  As I perked up I got more and more happy.  Of course I counted his hands, feet, fingers, toes, and I did notice that he was crying sort of lamb-like…..”whimper whimper whimper” and then “bAAAAAAAA!”  So cute.

Then Rich held him.  Rich was some what traumatized by the birth, and I think even a little scared because he knew that all my other deliveries were almost effortless…..so, he felt that something wasn’t quite right this time, and was very relieved to have it all over and done with.

After Rich held him, the nurse weighed him and gave Seth his first bath right there in the room, with him in the baby bed under the warmer.  Rich took pictures as I shivered in the bed watching.

Oh my goodness!  I’ll never forget the sight!  His little feet waving at me, up and down!  I couldn’t see anything but the cutest dearest little feet!  That was when I asked Rich for the camera and I took my very first photo of my new baby boy Seth.

Come on now, does this not make you smile? 

And now, I just want to thank you again….so very very much….for praying for us.  

Thank you also, for praying for me specifically yesterday, regarding my anxious emotions.  I tell you the truth, I FELT THOSE PRAYERS all day yesterday, and smiled and trusted God and thought to myself every time I read through my comments and received the Scriptures and encouragement from you all — that surely God would answer the prayers of so many lovely people.  THANK YOU.

Today, I admit, was a rough day for me.  I didn’t get much sleep last night, but I did sleep.  The #1 sign for me, with the PPD, was sleeplessness.  With depression I CAN NOT SLEEP ONE WINK.  So, it is a relief for me if I fall asleep for even 3 hours, which was the longest solid stretch I got last night.

Rich went to work for half the day today and then he was home working for the rest of the day.

He is now warming up one of the many frozen meals that our dear church family have provided for us.

He is also trying to keep Seth awake for a little while.  He has been so sleepy all afternoon. 

Jacob, Ethan, and Caleb are in NY with their Grandparents.  Grace and David remain with us, and it’s been nice to focus on just three children, rather than SIX.  SIX!!!!!!!!

I’m getting used to that number now…….. well, I’m trying anyway.  I think about six children and I laugh!  Can I tell you something?  In my Senior year of H.S. it was predicted in the year book that Rich and I would eventually get married, live in the South, in a house with a white picket fence…and that we would have six children.  We don’t live in the South, we don’t have the white picket fence, but we have the best prediction of all……half a dozen offspring! 

So little Seth is a week old today.  I thank God for bringing us safely through the first seven days in such a tender and gentle way.  There have been ups and downs, but Seth is pure pleasure to take care of, and I am enjoying his newborn sweetness so much. 

Here are some photos of him that I took this morning:

“He truly is a miracle from God.  Only God could form those fi
ngers, and the perfect little nose, and that beating heart.”  ~from a letter that I received from a dear friend today, which made me cry as I read it. . . . . .

Love, Shan

Yesterday was a rough day for me emotionally….lots of tears…panic…anxiety…upset.  (deep sigh)  

I had post partum depression after three of my babies (Ethan, Grace, and David) and so now that is an ever-present thought in the back of my mind.  If I have a crying spell (like yesterday), I fear that I am going through depression again (even though I know the crying is normal for a new mommy).  So please just cover me with prayer right now, that God will settle my fears and fill me with His peace and warm love.  And that I won’t get depressed!

Baby is doing great.  He slept last night from 8:30 to 1:30, a five hour stretch!  I wish I could say that I slept as peacefully.  I was awake almost every hour wondering if I should wake him up and feed him. 

Rich has been a solid rock for me and really came through last night, taking charge of me and telling me what to do (I need him to do that, because I get so wishy washy and indecisive).  He made up the bed at about 7:30, put some music on in my room, and sat by me, holding my hand, and listened to all my thoughts and feelings.  It was comforting, to have that feeling of understanding between us.

I know that after having a baby there are a lot of emotional ups and downs, right?  It would comfort me to know that I’m not the only one giggling over a cute newborn one minute and overwhelmed with anxious thoughts the next.

(deep sigh again)

Ummmm.  Oh yes.  Listen to this!  Rich’s mom is coming today to pick up three of the children to spend the entire week with her.  I was too afraid of being alone to let them all go (she wanted them all)…so Rich decided that Grace and David would stay home with me and that Jacob, Ethan, and Caleb should go to NY and spend time with their grandparents. 

Also, David is sick and on antibiotics for an ear infection.  Caleb was checked during the same appointment and he had strep throat.  They’ve been on meds for over 24 hours now but the fact that they were/are sick added to my worries.  Ethan has a bad cold and Jacob is also looking run down and getting over a cold, too.

I’ve been asking Rich to fly me to sunny Florida.  (obviously, it’s just a dream)  We need some sunshine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Right now the children are all watching Tom and Jerry on TV.  Rich just left to get some things at the pharmacy downtown and Seth is sleeping.  It’s a mild day, weather-wise, and I ask you to pray that it will be a mild day for my emotions, too.  Thanks a bunch.

Love, Shan

Pictures……….

Seth’s first full day home

Seth in his new swing, which I love, the cover is as soft as a cloud

Seth on the quilt that Hannah made and sent to him.  It is beautiful!

Rich brought home the Toyota yesterday afternoon….and asked me to go for a short drive with the family.

Our six precious passangers (Caleb was sound asleep and slumped over)

In an attempt to cheer myself up yesterday, I went for a short walk…..it was so nice to see the woods again.