today (so far)

Posted on March 29, 2008 by Shanda

What a week. Rich worked about 60 hours (72 considering travel time. He just figured these numbers out for me). He’s my emotion-regulator. For some reason, I need to spend a certain amount of time with him in the house for me to feel calm and secure. Yesterday was awful, I was crying and nervous most of the day. I’m not saying it was all because of Rich not being home much, poor guy, I just know that it did play a part. Sometimes I wonder just how I can survive mothering/homeschooling five children, keeping the housework together, and doing all the other 101 other things I do in a week. I’m not complaining, mind you, I totally love my life, and yet how can anyone keep on top of things all the time? Not possible. So yesterday was a crash day for me.

I am feeling much better today (except my eyes still feel funny from all the crying yesterday). It took the whole morning before I relaxed, though. Rich took us to Crackerbarrel for breakfast again. Thankfully the sun was shining, the sunlight being the only good thing about the weather—-it is SO SO COLD outside. We actually saw some snow flurries (very light). I denied it, but Jacob INSISTED that he saw them so I gave in and admitted it too.

We also went shopping. Rich was looking for shoes which came to nothing but of course I was able to find plenty of things to purchase, including a stack of books, a new camera, and some seeds. David had a craving for ice cream and looking into his big huge gorgeous eyes I could not say no. . .so that is what we had for a light lunch. Ice cream cones!

When we got home we went for a walk (the dog needed some exercise). There is a freezing cold wind today. Jacob made me laugh when after a while I said dramatically, “I’m TOO COLD” and turned around to go back to the house. He said to his Dad, “She’s a natural __________.” (my maiden name) “She sounded just like Grandma when she said that!”

It is cozy, so cozy in the house. We have a fire going in the livingroom but right now Rich and I are in our bedroom. David is snoring in our bed, Rich is sitting in the rocking chair and looking at stuff that has to do with the garage we want to build this spring, and I’m enjoying myself on the computer.

I took my camera along today. . . .

Big Daddy passing out candy . . . .I think David looks so handsome in his coat and hat. I call his coat the “puffy coat”. I think David is concerned here, about getting the exact piece of candy that he picked out in the store. Rich is probably saying something like, “You’ll get what I give you”. (don’t worry, he did get the right one eventually!)

All the candy sticks. Caleb had his hair buzzed (by mommy) last Friday. He’s got his baby face back. I like to kiss those cheeks.

Stuff to keep me busy in the van. The book is about homesteading, the Country Living magazine is an issue from 1989, and the cup has Crackerbarrel coffee it.

Back at home, on our walk. Jacob took these next two pictures.

Jacob, Grace, and Ethan couldn’t stay out of the pond. On the way home Grace asked if today could be the first day they went swimming. I was going to let her but Rich said no. LOL

Our biggest boy and our littlest boy. Jacob was helping Caleb along and found a ball for him in the bushes.

This is the last picture I took before I ran home because of the cold. Caleb is sitting on a little bridge that a road-biker-man made so that he could get up into the woods to ride his bike on the trails.

Rich brought me home these roses last night.

I plan on planting some seeds. Should I let the kids help? The thought sort of scares me. Maybe I’ll try to do it with one child at a time. It’ll take 5 times as long, but will be much more controlled.

My new camera! I bought this because I need a little one
for our vacation next month. I don’t want to carry Howard (my big camera is named Howard) around all over the place. . .he’s way too heavy, valuable, and cumbersome.

I love this little tiny Nikon! And IT’S PURPLE!!! Is that perfect for me, or what?

It’s about the size of a pack of cards!

This is an idea of a photo that I’ve been wanting to take for a few days. After the children’s maple syrup field trip on Thursday we went to Walmart and I bought them each a pair of these awesome rubber boots.

“If you want to feel rich,
just count all the things you have
that money can’t buy.”

Have a wonderful afternoon!

children, cats, and ducks

Posted on March 27, 2008 by Shanda

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. ~Nadine Stair

My babykins will never say that. . . . .they are already going barefoot as often as they are able.

I went outside yesterday *not barefoot* and decided to take some photos of Grace, my little girl who is growing and stretching out waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too fast for my liking. The four boys jumped on the trampoline while I asked Grace to sit still just for a moment (please).

I only got a couple pictures

bare feet

laughter

and then this happened

“Mom! Turn around and look! Take a picture, quick!”

We had a pair of mallard ducks on the pond. They came for a visit.

Here is Mr, sporting the classic orange footwear that seems to be the trademark for ducks.

Patches, our mighty female cat hunter, was quite provoked. I did a blog about her last summer, in which she actually was catching frogs out of the pond. Looks like she would like some duck, too.

Patches, they are as big as you, dear little cat!

But this is as far as she would go (haven’t seen her swim yet). . . . .

(Just a bit ago, Patches took a flying leap up to the computer desk and slammed into my camera. She’s so reckless. She just wanted to purr at me, “good morning”, now she’s curled up tight on the rocking chair. . . .my cat Spot is frisky, he’s batting at and rolling around with an easter egg.)

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

My husband is crazy-busy at work. I haven’t seen him much this week (he leaves for work before 6). Not sure when he’ll be back tonight, I don’t even ask. . .just expect a long day and if it happens to be short than I’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Today I am taking my children to a homeschooler’s outing. We’re going with a group from church, to a park, to see maple syrup being made.

On the way there, I’m going to treat myself to a Starbucks Honey Latte. I had a sip of my friend Karen’s the other day and it was yum. I have a gift card around here someplace for Starbucks.

Am I rambling?

Seems like I could share a quote or something more substantial. Hold on. Let me look.

How about a hymn? Thinking about spring makes me hum praise hymns to myself. Here’s an oldie ~~but~~ and very very beautiful:

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Join me in glad adoration!

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the Amen sound from His people again:
Gladly for aye we adore Him.

~Joachim Neander 1650-1680 (his heart must have been soaring when he penned this hymn, did y
ou notice all the exclamation points? What a beautiful testimony of praise!)

I hope you enjoyed the ducks. . .we sure did. Grace came downstairs this morning and immediately went out to see if they were still there—they are!

Grandpa’s barn

Posted on March 25, 2008 by Shanda

Rich’s Dad was almost killed in a farming accident involving a PTO shaft just before Thanksgiving. On Saturday I got to see him for the first time after the accident.

His personality is a little different now, in a good way. He’s more gentle and patient. He’s had a lot of tough times previously in his life which added a touch of sarcasm and bitterness to his personality, not a lot, just a touch. But, it’s gone now. He’s so thankful for his life and has seen the work of God (there are no doubts that it was God that saved him and healed him of his injuries). How can you feel anything but gratitude when you’ve seen God’s care so clearly?

Rich’s step-mom was away while we were there. I missed visiting with her, but if she had been there I would have stayed in the kitchen to talk to her and missed the barn.

Did you see the pig? We’re going to eat him. I had a fascinating talk with Dad about . . .well, pork. I was almost convinced that Rich and I would start raising a pig for family consumption until Dad said it would be too expensive for us, because we would have to buy the feed. Would we like half a pig when he has it butchered? After tasting Leslie’s leftover pork roast there was no doubt in my mind. Yes, we would!

I really love this picture of Caleb with his Grandpa. It’s going to be framed.

If Rich ever went into farming, I know who would be the most excited. Our daughter.

She was all over the place like she owned it. She is SO interesting to me, quite my opposite in many ways.

I wouldn’t mind having a small farm now, but I would not have been so excited about it at her age.

You know what she asked her Grandpa?

“Grandpa, can I ride a cow?”

“No, sweetie, we don’t have any tame enough for that.”

My reaction to the whole idea:

What a girl.

Here she is, longing to ride a cow. Grandpa doesn’t own a horse.

He has a whole little building for boiling sap. He’s got quite the small, “for family and friends only” little operation going. I walked into the sap house and it was warm and sweet. . .hmmm. . .smelled of wood and boiling sap.

He sent us home with 6 jugs of it. Apparently Rich and I have to share our jug?

Back in the house, and Grace begging to go back to the barn.

Look at her face, she’s so funny!

She got sent off by herself this time, with one main rule– stay out of the animal pens!

We’re having french toast this morning. With Grandpa’s maple syrup on top.

I really don’t mind the smell of a cow barn, I like it. For some reason I have an interest, a longing, for farming. I know it’s in my heritage. . .my grandpa on my mom’s side was a farmer. . .Rich has it in his blood, too. In any given time, I know God could push us in that direction. It’s interesting to me that my heart loves the idea of working so close to the earth. . . . . .and, after all, I have 4 boys. And a totally capable girl.

Even if we stayed here, I know we could handle a flock of chickens at least. I don’t know what else. We only have about 4 acres of land and no barn.

Did you ever live on a farm? Do you live one one now? Please leave me comment and tell me all about it. What do you love about farming? Do you have a small farm or a big one? What sort of animals did you keep? Does your husband have an outside job? Is there anything you don’t like? Imagine that I have an interest in having a small family farm. Would you try to talk me into it or out of it? Convince me!

I’m ordering a subscription to “Farm and Ranch” magazine today!

Easter Sunday 2008 (joyful and enjoyable)

Posted on March 24, 2008 by Shanda

My parents live about 3 1/2 to 4 hours away from us and they invited us to their place for Easter dinner this year. Rich and I left on Saturday morning, with our van FULL of children, luggage, and what-not. Saturday was spent with my husband’s dad. . .and I will write about that in the next day or so. . .

Yesterday, Easter Sunday, was spent with my family. We went to church with my parents. My brother Isaac was also there, and so were Amanda and Jason, with their family, and Nathan and Melissa were there with Makayla. We took up two pews in that little, but very warm with the spirit of God, country church.

Oh how I love church service on Easter Sunday. It is such a victorious day for believers. At the end of this post I will share some quotes from the sermon we heard preached.

Easter dinner was scrumptious. My mom was up so very early to prepare. I heard the time, “4 o’clock” at one point, and she may have been up even earlier for all I know. So, thank you Mother dear, for your excitement, your determination to get the family all together under your roof again, for the little special touches that you did–the beautiful punch bowl, the sweet decorations, the homemade food so lovingly prepared. Thank you.

We had ham (a local, farm-raised ham – the best I ever ate) ziti, corn, beans, applesauce, cottage cheese, rolls, a veggie platter, and scalloped potatoes. We also had pineapple punch.

A photo of “The Original Seven”:

Dad, Mom, David, Amanda, Shanda, Nathan, and Isaac

So very quickly we grew up, somehow we went from seven to . . . .

This large group.

Amanda with Weston, Jason with Naomi, Isaac, Mom, Dad, Shan, Rich,

Abbie, Nathan with Makayla, Melissa, Ethan, David, Maria,

Davy-do, Grace, Caleb, and Jacob

I love you all so much, I’m sitting here at my computer in my quiet early morning house, looking at all your bright faces. I feel so blessed. . .each one of you is a special gift from God. . .I have tears in my eyes as I look at this picture and my heart is full of happiness. Family is such a beautiful design of our Father in heaven. . . .each and every one of you is precious and valuable. We belong to each other.

I have to mention as well, it was also sister Amanda’s birthday. Happy Birthday Sissy!

Amanda, Mom, Shanda

Amanda and Jason, Abbie, Naomi, Weston

Nathan and Melissa, Makayla Lynn

Nathan and Melissa put together an Easter egg hunt for the kids. They all loved it, Abbie might not have loved it as much, because she fell into the crick and got her legs soaked. It was a wonder that the rest of them made it back in the house relatively clean.

Naomi and Makayla

All the candy and sugar made for One Very Happy family.

“We as believers, tend to focus of the death of Christ in our witness. . .we need to also speak of Christ’s resurrection.”

“He rose again for me!”

“He lives for me!”

“He’s coming back for me!”

“If we believe in the resurrection of Christ it causes us to be transformed.”

“Walk in the newness of life.”

“Christians ought to be the most joyful and enjoyable people on earth (because we believe in the resurrection)”

(note to self: Am I enjoyable?)

“Too many people stop at the cross. I see too many crosses with Jesus still on it. The Christian symbol should be the empty tomb”

“Why does anyone believe in the resurrection? (really truly believe) We believe because of special revelation from God. The Lord opens the heart through His Word and the preaching of His Word..”

“. . .flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee,

but my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17)

“What do you do if you hear the preaching of the Word yet feel nothing in your heart? Cry out to God. . .pray to Him. . .and He will save you“

“The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in his works. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” (Ps. 145:17-19)

“My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord:

and let all flesh bless his holy name FOREVER AND EVER.”

Psalm 145:21

God's love

Posted on March 21, 2008 by Shanda

There is a lot to do today. I have errands to run (with five precious ones in tow), school to teach, and the van to pack. We are leaving tomorrow to go see family. We will visit Rich’s family tomorrrow and have Easter dinner at my parent’s house on Sunday.

Today is Good Friday. A day in which my spirit is meditating on the death of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I was reading Spurgeon this morning and thought I would share this quote:

We never should have known

Christ’s love in all its heights and depths

if He had not died;

nor could we guess the Father’s deep affection

if He had not given His Son to die.

The common mercies we enjoy all sing of love,

just as the sea-shell, when we put it to our ears,

whispers of the deep sea whence in came;

but if we desire to hear the ocean itself,

we must not look at every-day blessings,

but at the transaction of the crucifixion.

He who would know love,

let him retire to Calvary and see the Man of sorrows die.

~Spurgeon

“Herein is love! and truly it is love that ‘passeth knowledge.’

O let this love fill our hearts with adoring gratitude,

and lead us to practical manifestations of its power.”

~Spurgeon

“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

God’s love

Posted on March 21, 2008 by Shanda

Today is Good Friday. A day in which my spirit is meditating on the death of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I was reading Spurgeon this morning and thought I would share this quote:

We never should have known

Christ’s love in all its heights and depths

if He had not died;

nor could we guess the Father’s deep affection

if He had not given His Son to die.

The common mercies we enjoy all sing of love,

just as the sea-shell, when we put it to our ears,

whispers of the deep sea whence in came;

but if we desire to hear the ocean itself,

we must not look at every-day blessings,

but at the transaction of the crucifixion.

He who would know love,

let him retire to Calvary and see the Man of sorrows die.

~Spurgeon

“Herein is love! and truly it is love that ‘passeth knowledge.’

O let this love fill our hearts with adoring gratitude,

and lead us to practical manifestations of its power.”

~Spurgeon

“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

(welcome spring, 2008)

Posted on March 20, 2008 by Shanda

Happy First day of Spring

Posted on March 19, 2008 by Shanda

Grace helped fold all these clothes.

At the dinner table, she was complaining that “I used to like folding clothes but now I don’t. I’m going to try to avoid it every chance I can.”

To which wise Mommy replied, “You’re going to have to learn to enjoy work. Work makes life worth living.”

Ethan immediately said, unemotionally, as he continued to chew his dinner, “What about food?”

Every time I say something that I think will boggle their minds, they come up with something that boggles mine.

Truly, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

And that includes the small men in the family.

Needless to say, I didn’t win any hearts with last night’s meal of boiled dinner.

Now, where’s my book?

(a re-posting from last Easter, with additional thoughts)

Posted on March 18, 2008 by Shanda

Meditate-to focus one’s thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over

“If I have observed anything by experience, it is this: a man may take the measure of his growth and decay in grace according to his thoughts and meditations upon the person of Christ, and the glory of Christ’s Kingdom, and of His love.” John Owen

“Meditation is like the charging of a piece, and prayer the discharging of it.” George Swinnock

“Meditation is the best beginning of prayer, and prayer is the best conclusion of meditation.” G. Swinnock

“There are two things that make meditation hard. The one is, because men are not used thereunto. . .and another is, because they do not love God enough. Everything is hard at the first: writing is hard at the first, painting hard at the first. . .meditation will be hard at the first. There is nothing hard to those that love, love makes all things easy. Is it a hard thing for a lover to think or meditate on the person loved?” William Bridge

Meditate on these words. . think about them until you feel them. . .think about Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, see the love in His eyes for you! Think about His abundant grace and mercy and let your heart soar with gratitude.

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand-
The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noon-tide heat, And the burden of the day.

Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart with tears two wonders I confess-
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

written by Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830-1869

This year, during the Easter season, I am praying constantly that God will give me the grace to stay focused on Christ and to remember His death, burial, and resurrection. This is the week, dear ones, that He paid the ultimate sacrifice to save our souls. “What wondrous love is this, Oh my soul?”

“And He bearing His cross went forth unto. . .Golgotha: Where they crucified Him.” John 19:17-18

“Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” Isaiah 53:5

“The soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on His head.” John 19:2

“He. . .became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8

“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Galations 6:14

more new dishes

Posted on March 17, 2008 by Shanda

We are done with school for today. The kids sang their hymn and copied down their memory verse for the week. They all did language and math. They read their reading assignments. David did some coloring and tracing.

I made some homemade pizza for lunch. It is easy and the kids ate it all up. I put fresh sliced mushrooms on mine. Yum.

Now they are watching “I Love Lucy” and eating popcycles. It’s sunny out today but chilly.

We did go to Crackerbarrel on Saturday, as planned. Rich and I talked on the way, and I took the picture of him. He dressed nice for me. I did not wear those boots. LOL I love Saturdays, because of him.

At the Crackerbarrel, I had what I always have–an egg sandwich on white sourdough toast. It has fresh tomato on it, and I ordered mine with a slice of swiss cheese. I had a side of hashbrown casserole, too. The kids all ordered pancakes/french toast/eggs. . .except David. He always gets cold cereal because he loves the little boxes that it comes in, the cereal and the milk. . .all for him.

After breakfast, I asked Rich if he would take me to my favorite antique store and he agreed. He dropped me off and took the children to get new shoes (white dress shoes for Grace for Easter, new sneakers for David and Caleb, and new black church shoes for Jacob).

I had a great time prowling around, looking at things. . .doilies, old clothes, dishes, jewelry, books, baskets, vases, etc. I found a stack of Country Living magazines from 1989 and I bought those. I’ve had fun looking at them. I also bought a pretty set of Homer Laughlin China.

It’s the “Virginia Rose Colonial Kitchen” pattern. The pictures make the dishes look too yellow, they are really a light, creamy yellow. They have gold edges. There are 8 dinner plates, 8 soup bowls, 8 bread plates/saucers (not sure which, they don’t have the circle indentation in the middle) and 8 dessert plates. Also a covered sugar and creamer (which I will no doubt serve maple syrup in!), a serving bowl, a serving platter, and one lone teacup.

This pattern is SO homey. I really like it a lot.

Not that I needed more dishes. But it’s fun to set a table. And, I have dreams of a spring picnic in the woods, by the stream. I want to pack a basket for 2, and use real china. Maybe Rich and I will go with the kids, but feed the kids first and then watch them play while we eat our lunch by the stream. Then I’ll rinse the dishes off in the running water and imagine I am a pioneer woman.

I took this picture of Ethan, ~~our 9 year old~~, oops, I mean 10 year old, this morning. He’s the family guitarist. He came downstairs with his instrument to play for me, “Lightly Row” is the song he is practicing this week. He’s still in his pj’s.

Handsome. Let me just sit here and gaze for a minute or two. . . .

Okay. Now. I know there are some of you who cannot stand looking at a Super Mess. Well, believe me this was NOT fun to clean up. But, what can I do? I at least have to grab the camera and get some small particle of enjoyment from this kind of thing! When I took my shower this morning, I left Caleb with his brothers. They were all building with legos. It would have been fine, if Caleb hadn’t gotten away. . . .

After I was dressed, I sat in the livingroom to read my devotions. Not for long, because up came Caleb, from the basement, looking like this: