We got our trees up this weekend!

Miss Grace, with her favorite Christmas ornament.  It’s always a special moment when we find her in the box.  We named her Charlotte this year (Grace might have guessed,  I chose the name with Laura Ingalls’ beloved rag doll in mind, those who have read the books know what I’m talking about)……

Here is a group photo of the gang, in front of their own tree.  We put it upstairs for them and let them hang whatever ornaments they have collected or made through the years.  I’m amazed by the strand of lights~ I’ve had them since I was a teenager….(my NY family might remember “Jamesway” which has been out of business for years, I bought them there and they are still working!)

Rich likes a neat and orderly Christmas tree and because he so rarely has an opinion about such things, I am more than happy to do things his way……he chose the colors, too….silver and blue with white lights.  I did ask for a big fat tree this year, and we love this one.  It’s a Douglas Fir and we bought it from the local fire department.

The tree is always magical in the dark.  I took this picture early this morning as I made Rich’s coffee and toast.

Can you believe it’s already December 15th? 

I hope you all have a blessed day,

full of the warmth of God’s love.

1 Timothy 2:2b

“…..that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty“

“Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide”  Genesis 24:63

“We should all know more, live nearer to God, and grow in grace, if we were more alone.  When Jesus is the theme, meditation is sweet indeed.”  ~C.H. Spurgeon

“This is an age of nerve tension, and the relaxation which comes from the comforting companionship found in woods and fields is, without doubt, the best remedy for this condition.”  ~Anna B. Comstock, 1911

“God is a geometrician.  He’s an artist!  How beautiful God is and how artistic and how poetic and how musical!”  ~A.W. Tozer

“Our real need is inward riches.  We need to learn to be still and know that God is God.  We need to ‘practice the presence of God’ till we take on something of the nobility of our divine Companion.  We need to cultivate silence and discover the riches of secret places.  We need to discover God in the deeps of our own souls.”  ~A.W. Tozer

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power:  for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”  Revelation 4:11

I have been able to spend the majority of this day alone.  These pictures, that I took today on a little walk by our stream,  represent to me the feelings of slowing down, and resting, that were given to me like a gift.  My mind feels peaceful again. 

That top verse, Mark 6:31, makes me chuckle a little, “for there were many people coming and going, and they (the disciples) did not even have time to eat”…..as a mother of five, I often feel that way.  Sometimes I don’t eat “lunch” until 2!

Anyway, it was a wonderful day….

Rich looks at me and says I’m cute.  I don’t know about that, but I am slowing down that’s for sure.  The couch is a happy place for me, when I can get there.  Cleaning is getting difficult–dropping things on the floor never made me more impatient, as I detest bending over to pick stuff up.  I’m quite uncomfortable and tired at times.  However, all things considered, I honestly feel much better than I thought I would at this point and am very happy and blessed to feel the baby growing and moving inside me.  I love it when he gets the hiccups.  He is more active in the evening and I love to put my hand on my tummy to enjoy the entertainment, and pray silent “thank you’s” over and over to God as I do.  My husband is starting to forget what it’s like for me NOT to be pregnant……Grace often comments in her dramatic way about how BIG my tummy’s getting, and we are all looking forward to seeing baby Seth.  Actually, I’m DYING to see him.  And sniff him, hold him, cuddle him, feed him, change his tiny diapers, wrap him in blankies, give him baths in the kitchen sink……..oh yes, all of that.  He won’t be out of my arms very much.  Nope.  Won’t share. 

Only 9 weeks until my due date.  And my own birthday, as a matter of fact.

Happy Friday to you!

     When Rich and I got out of bed this morning at 7, four of our children were already outside playing in our NEW FALLEN SNOW, which arrived overnight as a surprise.  There was enough of it this time to make snowballs, and to shovel, and sled-ride.  The kids were absolutely thrilled and I laughed as I watched them through the window.

Rich and I made breakfast for them as they played.  We made scrambled eggs, bacon, bagels, and homemade hot chocolate (because we had run out of mix)……after they ate Rich took them to church and I stayed home to rest.  I’m awfully tired today, which is to be expected I suppose.  I haven’t been sleeping well….I’m getting quite uncomfortable with this big belly. 

After they left, I did take a small walk around our property, though, enjoying the coolness on my cheeks, and the smell of fresh snow.

Our house:

The cat tails are usually dark brown and firm….now they are loosening up and look so interesting with their new shaggy coats and white caps of snow.  I’ve gotten out my nature journal again, and will attempt to draw this picture in it this evening, with the date and a caption.

This is my absolute favorite picture.  I love everything about it this scene…the calmness of the stream, the dark woods on the edges and the lighter brighter woods in the forward distance.  If only you could have stood there with me, hearing the sounds of the water and feeling the cold air.

Back inside, I went up to the freshly painted (as of yesterday) office and sat down to wrap some Christmas gifts.  With Josh Groban singing Christmas carols, a yummy evergreen scented candle, and lovely falling snow…..the mood was just right for carefully wrapping gifts.  I opened the window for some fresh air.

(I’ve mentioned the air one to many times…..I’m at that stage of pregnancy in which I am usually too hot, and find so much relief in opening a window or door to stick my face out for some deep inhales and exhales, I actually did that during breakfast this morning, much to my family’s amusement).

Back home from church~

After a quick lunch the children went right back out for more snow-play.

James 1:17

When you look at your life,

the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. 

~J. Brothers

My sister Amanda came over today with her three children and we made Christmas cookies together.  I know I’ve said this before, but with all the rest of my family living in NY, I am continually thankful that Amanda and her family live here in CT and we can see each other whenever we want to.  Just like Rich is the perfect husband for me, Amanda is the perfect sister for me….for example, one of the things I love about the two of us is that she is extroverted and I am introverted.  She gets me going and moving and having adventures when I would most likely be home in my own little world. 

Today was spent at home, yes, but it was her idea to get together to make cookies (and lunch, and snacks, and taking care of eight children, *including a 3 year old, 2 year old, and baby*) and it was quite something.  I think we were both exhausted when she left after four hours in the kitchen….but how fun it was and how wonderful it will be to look at these pictures a year from now and sigh over how much the children have grown! 

Okay, I admit it, Jacob does seem to be growing…….it’s just awful seeing him the same height as his Aunt, even if she is petite!

And my handsome Ethan Gregory, if you think of it, say a little prayer for him.  He’s feeling a bit under the weather today, and will be sooooo disappointed if he can’t perform his guitar pieces in his recital tomorrow.

I love my sweet E.

Naomi is such a joy…she’s two and my little friend already.  She was so happy to come to Aunt Shanda’s and did NOT want to go home.  Part of me does want to keep her.

And here is little Weston.  Some of you may remember praying for him last January, when he was born a month early and had to spend time in the NICU.  He’s a fine and dandy healthy little man now, and all too happy to eat any cookie that might come his way.  He looks just like his Daddy, Jason.

I love this next picture, because of lil’ Naomi…looking up with that bright little girl face.

Ethan and I were mixing up the dough for Russian teacakes and Amanda took the picture.  I have my elbow resting on the Crisco container and was leaning on my hand as we watched the dough go around, in case you’re wondering what’s up with the pose.

Grace helped form the Russian teacakes into balls.

And I love this next one, because of lil’ Weston crawling around under the table, never far from his Mama.

The kids all got to roll out sugar cookie dough and cut out the proper Christmassy shapes.

Here are Grace and Abbie, who are like two peas in a pod.  I thought I would take lots more pictures of the two of them together, but they were so busy playing that we rarely saw them.  Their favorite thing to do today?  Eat ice off the pond and jump on the trampoline!  And no, they did not call each other to coordinate their outfits, it just happened that way…..

Just some of our finished cookies:

My Russian Teacakes

And Amanda’s awesome Pea
nut Butter cookies, with mini Hershey Kisses on top.  They taste good warm from the oven, and at room temperature….I know, because I just ate *another* one.

Cookie(s), anyone?  With tea?  Or coffee?

“I love snow.  I love winter.  It’s such a nice, quiet time.  There isn’t the urgency of spring, summer, or fall to get the garden weeded or carrots put in the cellar.  It’s such a peaceful time.  No wonder animals hibernate, because I think I slightly hibernate in winter.  I get up much later in the winter than I do the rest of the year.”  ~ (the ever-quotable) Tasha Tudor

As I type, my children are galloping through the house with a Veggietales Christmas cd playing loudly….it’s far from peaceful here at this moment, but that’s life for me right now.  Despite the chaos, I’m trying to slow my thoughts, slow myself down and really get into a introspective way of thinking these days.  I want to appreciate the little things during the holiday season, savor (with all my senses) each moment the best I can.  Collect them in my heart, and record them here.

So, with that in mind, I thought I would take the time the time this afternoon to share some photos of what I’ve been seeing and experiencing these days…….

The yearly gingerbread house construction took place on Tuesday.  The older and more numerous the children, the harder it gets.  There is not enough candy, so we get all possessive over it, there are too many hands and the house is so small, everyone wants to do something until all of a sudden (in the twinkling of an eye) we have a “mess”….oh my, but I reminded myself afterward, as I looked at our sagging creation, that I would rather have this one, than the neat and tidy one that I would have if my life was empty of children………

Grace is nine years old now.  I was reading my blog from two years ago and started to cry a little, thinking of how much she has grown in that time.  This morning I handed her a freshly dried and folded red dress to put on, brushed her hair, and helped her find some pretty earrings.  I plan on doing her nails soon, too.  Red toes seem festive, don’t they?  Anyway, I took this quick photo of her this morning.  My Christmas girl.

Every day the topic of snow comes up.  The frost is so pretty, but we want snow!  (please?)

I started making Christmas cookies yesterday.  These are Chocolate Crinkles, and the rest of the batch was popped into the freezer to await Christmas Eve.

Did anyone else watch Rudolph?  It was on from 8-9pm last night.  As soon as we realized it was coming on, Rich went downtown to get party food for the kids:  chocolate covered donuts and hot chocolate.  The kids camped out in the livingroom.  I remember how excited I felt, as a child, when the Christmas specials came on TV.

As some of you requested, here is a photo of me in my “Mrs. Claus” pajamas ~ I stayed in them until 9 this morning, it was so relaxing puttering around in my slippers, getting the children’s breakfast, cleaning up, drinking hot coffee and looking at Tasha Tudor’s Christmas book……a slow morning is a must now and then.

I went for a walk with Jacob and Caleb this morning, too.  While we were out, we picked a bouquet of evergreens and red berries, for my kitchen windowsill.  They look so pretty in a medium sized tin can (with the label removed, of course!)

I brought in, from the porch, these things from nature to decorate the house with.  How I love seeing these little bits of gatherings from all of our walks this summer and
fall.

Homemade Christmas ornaments are the best.  Thank you for these, dear one.

I’m finally drinking loose tea, so satisfying!  My friend Christie sent a “happy third trimester” gift of some tea, this darling cup, and a strainer.  What a precious gift, not only to enjoy the tea, but to enjoy just a few more moments in my day, of putting my feet up and relaxing.

 steaming tea time

The house is quiet now, as I’ve gotten up numerous times throughout this blogging, to take care of children and send them off to bed one by one.  It’s time for some rest before we get busy again (Art class, and a meeting with Davy-do’s teacher).  Thank you for your kindness here, for loving my family and encouraging me in my daily life as wife and mama.  I hope that each of you has had a wonderful week and that the weekend to come is a time of blessings and fun with your loved ones.

~Shanda~

(the cloudy sky, reflected off the pond)

Yesterday, after we somehow survived a morning of home-school, and David got home from Kindergarten, the weather was so nice that we all went outside.  We went for a short walk together, for the first time in quite a while.  It’s been too cold for me to want to be outside, and it is also hunting season….our property borders state forest but we do have a section of our own land that is wooded so we headed there.

The boys brought along the dog.  David had his coat on wrong-side out….

When I think about it now, I laugh, but at the time I was sort of frazzled.  Really, it was a walk that I wanted to enjoy in a thoughtful way, I planned to notice little things, the partially hidden pieces of nature that you have to really look for in order to see and enjoy.  Instead, I spent most of my time feeling like I was in the middle of a whirlwind.  There was never a dull moment with the children and the dog……the mud, the burping.

Yes, burping.

I was hearing these little short burping noises, almost like hiccups, coming from Jacob, Ethan, Grace, and David.  What in the world?   “We know how to burp now!”  We stayed up last night burping!”  “It’s fun!  Even Grace knows how to do it!”  “When we get home, we’re going to go downstairs and have a contest!”

I grew up with three brothers and I remember them doing the same type things, but MY BOYS?  Ha ha, the joke’s on me—- just because I  homeschool my kids doesn’t mean they won’t figure out how to do gross boy things.  My only question is, did they have to teach their sister?

I put an END to the burping during nature walks……it was making me sick to my stomach.

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

What I see, besides children, when I look at this picture, is the wonderful dappled sunlight.  I notice the woods on the other side of the stream, and the pockets of black and brown, in the water.

I love this next picture because Jacob looks so happy…he and Ethan are such friends.  Ethan just got a “light saber” this weekend and they’ve been playing Star Wars….they have never seen the movie but have somehow learned enough about it to use their imagination.

I spent a lot of time encouraging Caleb along and caring and not caring about him getting his feet all wet and mud.  How is this possible?  Easy.  If Caleb accidently steps in mud=mama doesn’t care.  But, when Caleb deliberately, on purpose, runs back and forth through mud (which did happen)=mama cares Very Much.  He doesn’t have boots yet for winter.

Our tall, tall, pine trees offer a moment of peace.

This is a place that the kids play often.  They call it “Pride Rock” after Lion King.  I am almost positive Grace is thinking about Lion King as she stands up straight and tall like this.  I like this picture because all of the children are in it, and they are so very busy.  It’s a wonder no one fell….David especially was leaping from rock to rock with no fear.

Then I was hearing, “Mom, come this way!  You have to see this it’s one of our favorite spots where we pretend that we are going through the wardrobe door into Narnia mom are you coming?  This way!”

I dared to stop for two seconds to take these pictures:……… I just love the white bark…..

Going through the wardrobe door, of course, involved bending way over…”you children have no mercy”, as I put Ethan in charge of getting Caleb through, and inched and groaned my own way. 

It really was beautiful and I managed to quickly snap this picture of the entrance into Narnia:

It was a short walk, and when all is said and done, I honestly loved it, I love my life with excited crazy little children who still want to tell me things and want to share their world with me.  I love that David kept trying to take his shoes off, and wore his coat wrong side out, I love that Caleb enjoyed the mud and didn’t fuss because of it, I love the way Grace is sweet as sugar one moment and bossy the next, I love how Jacob is starting to get all independent and tries telling me what he’s going to do, like a test, I love how happy Ethan is, and hearing him laugh out loud, I love how baby Seth is in the way,
getting so big in my tummy that I have had to slow way down and be extra careful………..

We are a happy gang. 

Not much color here in New England any more, and these red berries were all I could find that were bright-looking:

David began lifting up big rocks, trying to find a worm….

He found one.  “I think it’s dead” he said. 

I sat down by the pond for a few minutes while David played behind me.  The water seemed so pretty to me.  The wind was making it ripple, and the trees reflected off it, so beautiful that it made me stare.  I always think of water-color paintings when I look at the pond like this.

Then, I made my way to the hammock to sit and swing (very relaxing).  Soon, Caleb appeared with a broken truck.

“Can you FIX THIS?”  he asked me.

“Um.  No.  But, I’m honored that you really think I could!”  LOL

Hours later, when the children were all in bed reading or napping, I had a chance to sit with some of my Christmas magazines.  Here are a few pictures that I liked:

And amazingly beautiful apple wreath.

I love garlands like this pine-cone one.  I also saw one made of acorns, and one made of dried apples.

Cookies.  I can’t wait to fill my thumbprint cookies with my own homemade jam that I made this summer.

A short-armed gingerbread cookie, with pretty paper wings, tied up with a bow of twine.  Love it.

Last year I glittered things.  This year I think I’ll hang pinecones on the tree without glitter.  I’m partial to the natural look.  I gravitated toward anything old-fashioned in my magazines yesterday, oranges stuck with cloves, brown baskets filled to the brim with nuts or pinecones, evergreens with a simple ribbon or bow, cinnamon sticks tied with raffia, bowls of fruit, candles everywhere………and the recipes, which mean good smells of cookies and gingerbread coming from the kitchen.

Jacob and I sang through “Who is He in Yonder Stall” yesterday.  He sang melody, and I sang alto.  How wonderful to have a child who can hold a part!

“Who is He in yonder stall at whose feel the shepherds fall?

Tis the Lord!  O wondrous story!  Tis the Lord!  the King of glory!

At His feet we humbly fall, Crown Him!  crown Him, Lord of all!”

In the busyness of the season, I pray that Jesus is never far from my mind.  He truly is the reason we celebrate, and worship in such a meaningful way, at Christmastime.  I’m so utterly thankful that I know Him, my precious Savior.  “And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at His birth.”  Luke 1:14