with 2 edits (so far). . . .

Posted on January 30, 2008 by Shanda

I was inspired by cerwindoris this week to get my speedlight out again. I’ve been scared of it. You see, I am not the type of person who feels comfortable with electronics. . .(is a speedlight an electronic?). . .whenever I have a piece of new equipment like my camera or the speedlight, my hands start to shake and I have the manual out and I have to do everything just so, feeling all the while like I’m certainly NOT doing it right. I get all worked up about it. So the speedlight was used ONE time and then back in the box in went until today!

So thanks, Doris, for the little push that you didn’t even know you gave me!

Here are the pictures I took with it this morning:

I interrupted their Bible reading to take this one. As you can see, our map has been covered up by my china cabinet. I keep meaning to take it down. . . There is still a Christmas wreath up behind Jacob, too. I like it there. Rich did the curtain rods for me as a surprise last year when I was away for a weekend (I think it’s time for another weekend getaway, btw)

And here is David with no shirt, and Caleb is next to him. They are playing a veggietales computer game in my room. You can see a mug from yesterday’s tea, a ponytail holder from me taking out my hair. See the small calender? The picture above it is a picture of me at about 4 years old, and I am holding a cat. I love looking at little me. . .I’ve always liked kitties. The quilt you see in the bottom right hand corner is something Rich’s Grandma made. I use it to cover the printer.

(oh my –at this moment, rain is coming down HARD, dark clouds are blowing across the sky and I can hear blustery wind. . .)

Here is a picture of part of our bedroom:

I wanted to show Aunt Mary the wall hanging that I bought at her party a while ago. We hung it up over my dresser. It’s supposed to have a pillar candle in it, but instead I put these in:

Cherries!

This picture is for roseteacup. When I was feeling bad a few weeks ago, she encouraged me to do something creative. I had some bulbs that I never got in the ground this fall, and they were beginning to sprout in the package. I had Jacob go in the woods to get me some nice dirt (it was the week of our Jan. thaw) and planted some in containers. Now, I get to watch them grow. I wish I could tell you what these are, I think they are crocus. I also planted mini-daffodils and tulips.

Last but not least, a picture of me and Grace. I think her ripped out jeans are so so so so cute!

I’m pretty blah today. I actually spent some time this morning in tears. . .I’m stressed out with my duties. I cannot understand how women homeschool multiple children, along with being mommy to preschoolers. I feel very very overwhelmed. Lately I haven’t been able to enjoy making dinners, the past 2 days we’ve had pasta w/hamburger spaghetti sauce. The dinner dishes are always left in the sink over night. The dishwasher is constantly running, or waiting to be emptied. There is always laundry going. I went through the motions this morning, getting more and more stressed out. I cannot let the house go, I have to have it halfway decent. . . .so I spend time cleaning only to have it messy again and again. Yes, the kids help but I’m in charge, ya know? Is this the constant lament of the homeschooling mother? I was making the kids their little game cards for their “Africa” geography game this morning, feeling actual ANGER that I didn’t even know how to pronounce most of the countries! How am I supposed to know? I frankly don’t even want to know! I’ve managed to survive the first 31 years of my life without knowing all the countries in Africa!!!!!

I have sick kids this week, too. Caleb woke up this morning with a fever and runny nose. . it’s the same thing that Jacob and Ethan are getting over. But that’s the life of a mother. . .we’re nurse and housecleaner and cook and and and and. . . . .

I was standing by the kitchen table earlier, ready to blow, just standing and staring. .frozen, when all of a sudden the phone rang. It was my friend Kathy. . . . .

boy did she get an earful! It’s nice to have a friend that can listen to it all. . and that was just what I needed, to talk it out.

So. We’ve done half a day of school and now is lunch time. After lunch we will finish school. The kids are thrilled because they read in my teacher’s manual that we get to make animals out of dough!!!!!!!! We have NO DOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t dash their hopes so I will be making the dough. HURRAY! Another pot to wash! LOL To say nothing of the dough animals. They’ll be hanging around for a few days, only to be tossed in the garbage.

I could go on but I won’t. . .

I need to spend a long time on my knees today. . . . .

EDIT–just want to say that the sun came out! I was so happy I yelled “look out the window!!”. . .also, I d
ecided to have some fun at some point today filling out my valentines. My party is Saturday!

Edit #2– Friends, I just had something so sweet happened! I just went to get the mail and there was a card for “Grace and Family” from a strange address. I could not believe my eyes when she opened the card! A few years ago, when we sold our previous home, we also had a litter of kittens we were desperately trying to find homes for. Grace was 6 at the time, and helped give one away. Listen to this card:

“Dear Grace and family,

I’m not sure if you remember me but I was a real estate appraiser that came to your home in 2006. I remember Grace as an amazing and persuasive child who made sure I took home a kitten named ‘Daisy’. We renamed her in honor of Grace and my daughter’s middle name. This beautiful feline has blessed our family in so many ways. My husband became gravely ill shortly after we met and that little kitten has been such a wonderful cuddle shoulder for my kids. We are all well now but I did want to thank you and let you know what an impact that day had on our family. God bless.”

Amazing Grace!

what we love about spring and summer

Posted on January 29, 2008 by Shanda

I know there are many that are down at this time of year. We that live in the cold climates aren’t getting enough fresh air and sunshine. There is lack of color outdoors. We are spending too much time inside of buildings and too close to people, even our family seems annoying at times. . . .

So, take a deep deep breath, in and out. . . and remember, warmer weather is coming! It’s going to take few months, but it is coming! I hope you enjoy the photos and thoughts about spring and summer.

Swimming

having adventures in the woods

playing in the yard and climbing trees ~ Ethan

walking around barefoot

jumping on the trampoline

it’s warm

we can swim`Grace

playing war

mud fights

playing dogshow with Parker

going to the park

catching fish, frogs, tadpoles and turtles ~Jacob

eating ice cream and popcycles

open windows, healthy breezes

sandals and skirts

the smell of fresh grass~Me

going for walks

picking wildflowers

growing a garden

picnics~Me again

running in the rain

having a healthy glow from the sunshine

spending lots of time on the porch

projects outdoors~Me again

family vacations

swinging on swings

cartwheels

more sunshine and longer days

lemonade and iced tea

eating fresh food

reading in the hammock

tag sales

seeing more color

the beach

fresh air

birds flowers gardening walks

THE SUN, being warm

feeling healthier~Amanda, my sister, (by the way Weston is HOME!)

It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!

~Mark Twain

Awake, thou wintry earth –
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!

~Thomas Blackburn, “An Easter Hymn”

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

What do you love about spring and summer?

my husband. . . .

Posted on January 26, 2008 by Shanda

My husband and I met in High School. He pursued me. . .started talking to my brother about me, and then David would come home and tell me about it. The memory still makes me giggle like a school-girl when I think about it.

Our first date was a double date to the movies, and then to Pizza Hut.

Pizza Hut continued to be a favorite place to go~ we always ordered the same thing:

Cheese Lover’s plus with ham and pepperoni. (!!!!) I don’t think either of us would be that eager to have a piece of it today!

I was 17 and he was 19 when we started “going out”. . .I was a senior in H.S.

Two years later, we were married on September 16, 1995.

I was 19 and he was 21. Our honeymoon was in Virginia.

Our first house was a 3-bedroom ranch. We lived there for about 3 years.

We moved around for a little bit before finally settling down in our current home.

We have five children: Jacob, Ethan, Grace, David, and Caleb. We think having children is fun but hard work.

We are best friends. We can get each other laughing so so hard.

Rich is a very hard worker and is good at just about everything he does. I mean, really, sitting here I can’t think of anything he has failed at. He as a zest for life–he’s raced cars and played semiprofessional football since we were married. That was a few years ago. Now our hobby is our family.

He is a great Dad. I do the little things and he does all the big things with the kids. He also does some little things, like changing diapers and putting the kids to bed at night.

He’s my rock. He’s stable. He balances me and my emotions out so well. He protects me and loves me.

He is proud of the fact that he is a country boy at heart. He grew up on the farm and could do all the chores, including driving the tractors, at a young age.

I think the first time I knew he was the one, was on our first date. He was driving me home and started singing along to the radio–my heart skipped a beat–he had a nice voice and wasn’t afraid to sing! We are constantly humming/singing/whistling together, in a absent, “don’t really know we’re doing it” sort of way.

He has climbed the corporate ladder aggressively and is now at the point where he is content. He loves his job, He is the Vice President and chief claims officer of an insurance company. We don’t have any worries financially but we’ve had many years of living paycheck to paycheck. He loves being the provider in our family. He loves being able to spoil me, like when he bought me my piano for Christmas this year.

Our biggest problems result in the fact that we are both firstborn. We can both be opinionated and I can hold my own in a debate with him. I admit, it’s fun to banter back and forth at times. It adds spice to life. I am very stubborn. I’m afraid I am not submissive all the time. But, he doesn’t mind.

Sometimes I get jealous of his work, and start getting moody about that. I call his blackberry, “Ms. Blackberry” as a joke. I miss him during the long days. If I go for a walk, I think, “I wish Rich was here right now.” But, I know that he loves us more than any job on earth. . . . .

Rich is a go-getter. I would be content if things never changed. He adds so much to my life because he pushes me to get out of my comfort zone at times. I never dreamed that I would have such a full life!

My favorite outfit on him is his dark jeans and gray sweater. He also looks really good in a suit and tie.

His favorite meal is pasta. Spaghetti, lasagna, etc. He would rather me not make baked goods, because he tries not to eat that stuff~but, he loves my chocolate chip cookies and I always save some of the dough for him, too.

He does a good job instilling a solid work ethic in the kids. You should see him get the kids to clean the house, it’s amazing. He has them running all over the place! And they never seem to mind it.

In the evenings, after the kids go to bed, we like to sit on the couch together and watch tv. The show we watch most often is the Andy Griffeth show! LOL Most of the time he rubs my feet. The best times for us is at night, when we finally get into bed and snuggle under our fluffy down comforter. I always smile into the dark and think, “oh, if only I could freeze this moment”. It’s so warm and safe in his arms.

By the way, he can sleep anytime anywhere and that is something about him that really bugs me. I’m jealous, actually. I can only sleep under precise circumstances!

We’ve been married for 12 years. I don’t feel worthy of the man God has given me as my husband. But, I am so grateful and happy. I love my life, I love being Rich’s wife.

I did this post because I had someone kindly ask about my husband. I don’t normally write much about him because he is so close to my heart. Please know that after my relationship w/God, Rich is my “everything else”, I love him so much. The best part of the day is when he gets home. The best day of the week is Saturday, because we can spend the entire day together, doing whatever we want. . . . . .

feeling like seamist green. . . .

Posted on January 25, 2008 by Shanda

Something amused me this afternoon. And it’s quirky enough that it makes it to the blog.

I bought myself a new shirt yesterday at Costco and I wore it today. When I made myself tea a few hours ago, I picked out a fiesta mug to put it in, and sat down in the livingroom with it. I was about half way done when I realized that the mug WAS THE SAME EXACT COLOR AS MY SHIRT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The exact same color, I say!

It’s seamist green! Seamist! Lea Ann (my friend who also collects fiestaware) gave me the mug years ago, it’s a retired color now and the mug is the only piece I have in that color. And now I have a shirt to match it! Out of about 15 different mugs, I think it’s funny that I choose that one today.

I guess I’m feeling like seamist green. . . .

(Yes, I am rather over tired, LOL)

bright red lipstick

Posted on January 24, 2008 by Shanda

I had a busy busy day. I’m sooooooooooooo glad that I am “normal” energetic Shanda again because I’ve had to have it today–the energy, I mean–. Lots to do! Lots!

Anyway, I just wanted to share a few things about today.

First of all, the house was silent this morning after breakfast. The homeschooled kids like to disappear so that I don’t see them and remember to start school. I am suspicious of silence, so I went upstairs and opened the boy’s door to see what was going on. The boys (all four) were playing legos and Grace was doing this:

Apparently it’s much more comfy up there, even if there is a big chair in the room.

Then, during school time, I had a “oh, that’s so cute” moment and ran to get the camera. My 2 year old, if Mommy is unavailable, always always chooses Brother Ethan as his comforter. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy homeschooling. . . .I get to see love. . . .

But, the following episode takes the cake. The lipstick, actually.

If you have small children in the room, you might want to read the rest of this later.

It all started when Davy-do made himself some superhero wings.

I guess, when you are 5 years old, the next logical step, after the wings, is to . . . .well . . . .

. . . .change colors?

This all comes from watching too much “Toy Story”. . . .

And, from leaving lipstick unguarded.

And, from having so many children/things to do, that you lose track of one for too long.

The Offending Lipstick. At least it was a tube that I never wore. I mean, come ON! TOO RED!

A mirror (dirty mirror) picture. Doesn’t David look industrious.

Look in his mouth. Even his teeth are red.

(And no, I did not use “color booster”. . . .)

The strange thing is, his siblings were not surprised! Caleb stared with an impressed smile, but all Jacob said was, “He looks TERRIBLE!!!!” like he thought I did it to him!

This is the point when he started to tell me that his face was itchy.

Keep that in mind in case you ever decide to try it.

Lipstick makes your face itch.

He kind of reminded me of an “oompa loompa” from the old version of “Willie Wonka”. But I think they were orange.

Then it was time for a bath. I thought it was so cute that he looked at himself in the faucet to wash. Does anyone know how to get lipstick off my white sweater, my gray pants, my wall, my white shower curtain, Dave’s clothes, a washcloth, and the bathtub? He left a bright red ring around the tub.

And I didn’t even mention the trip to Costco. Yep, those free samples will be the death of me yet. I can’t keep David by my side when he’s on the look out for free samples. I was twitching by the time we left.

However, while at Costco I did have the brief presence of mind to grab a couple new magazines. So, I’m off to enjoy a nice hot, long, bubblebath. . . . .

Behold the goodness of the Lord:

Posted on January 23, 2008 by Shanda

Meet baby Weston

tiny boo-boos

He has lots of brown hair.

I will praise thee;

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvellous are thy works. . . .Psalm 139:14

little wrinkled hands

small bundle of joy

He felt so light in my arms.

As you may have guessed, I got to meet my newborn baby nephew today.

I braved major city traffic and everything! (a big deal for me)

I split the kids up between two friends, so I got to go alone.

I feel like I can finally relax and settle down now that I’ve spent time with the baby and my sister.

I’m so thankful for the way God has been answering prayer for Weston, he’s doing remarkably well.

In fact, he may get to go home on Friday!

Davy-Do skates and other photos

Posted on January 22, 2008 by Shanda

The ice was perfect for skating.

David had on 2 different mittens,

Grace’s hand-me-down snowpants,

and Caleb’s hat.

I love how his ear lobes are poking out of the hat, because it’s too small.

He is a good, fast little skater.

And he thinks it’s fun to fall down.

Grace had her Dad’s gloves on and Aunt Amanda’s hat.

She had Ethan’s coat on.

Caleb had to wear socks on his hands.

I laughed, because at one point they came off and I asked him, “Caleb where did your socks go?”

He froze and stood looking down at his feet.

I could just imagine his little mind wondering, “Where did my socks go?”

When I “corrected” myself and said, “mittens”, he knew right where they were.

We went down to the stream to see the water.

And Grace handed Caleb some ice to eat.

Yum.

If this tree could talk, I’m sure she would brag about her natural curls.

We came upon a flock of Robins in the woods.

We also saw a woodpecker. Here is Grace, watching the birds with me.

When we came inside again, I was sitting on the couch, deleting unwanted pictures from my camera.

The kids were watching tv and when I looked up,

I thought the boys looked so cozy–this is Jacob and David.

I love their relationship soooo much.

my new nephew

Posted on January 21, 2008 by Shanda

Shanda,

I’m writing this for Amanda, I just want everyone to know how great prayer is. When I got back from dropping some things off for Abbie, Amanda and I went down stairs to see Wes. When we got to his bed we were delighted to see that his stressful 100 breaths a minute had dropped to 50 calm breaths a minute. He is still on the machine but he looks so much better. His color is great and the doctors are positive. Tomorrow Amanda and I get to hold him (we only got to hold him for a minute when he was born) so we are excited…

-Jason-

I just added (tues. morning) that comment from my brother-in-law, he sent it last night. . .after I had written the following. So, thanks for praying, God is so good all the time. . .we’re thrilled that baby Weston is already impoving. Keep praying! Thank you so much.

I’ve been distracted since Saturday night! I’ve been pacing around my house all day, waiting for the phone to ring.

WHY, you ask? Because, my sister went into the hospital Saturday, one month before her due date and today she had her first little son. She didn’t have him until this afternoon, so it’s been a long weekend for them. She and her husband Jason are so proud but want prayer for their little boy. Because he is a month early, he is not breathing on his own yet and is in intensive care. So, will you all pray very hard that my new little nephew will learn to breath correctly very soon and that he will stay healthy?

His name is Weston.

He was born today and weighs 5 pounds, 4 ounces. He is 19 inches long.

I just talked to my sister on the phone for a while, and she sounds great. We just want this little guy to start breathing normally very soon.

Thanks for praying.

Congratulations on your new baby, Jason and Amanda! We’ll be praying for him and for you.

They sent me the pictures in an email. . . .

I love Saturdays!

Posted on January 19, 2008 by Shanda

We just took this picture about–10 minutes ago–Caleb was acting like a small growling vicious bear cub so Rich made him sit on his lap and oh, about 5 minutes later he was sound asleep. By the way, I can’t hardly believe my baby is 2 and a half now. He said, “oh man” this morning. (he was copying someone) (me)

The excitement of the day was getting my annual Christmas box in the mail from Joanna. We’ve been exchanging gifts every Christmas for YEARS and years. I can’t even remember when we started. Do you, Jo? Probably about 10 years ago? Around there.

Anyway, the box came today right as we were about to go to the library. I sat right on the livingroom floor and opened it with the kids huddled around me. Here are some of my favorites. I took the photos myself by aiming the camera into a mirror.

A hat! (guest bathroom mirror)

fingerless gloves! For outdoor photography in the winter! (mirror in my bathroom)

and a BEE U TIFUL skirt that fits perfectly! I can’t wait to wear it with some little white sandals this spring! (another mirror in my bathroom)

I know, I’m nuts when it comes to photos! It’s fun though!

The gifts were great, thank you Joanna!

The 3 older boys got hair cuts today. Right now Jacob, Ethan, and Grace are playing outside. Rich is sitting on the couch w/Caleb still, studying for his Sunday School lesson that he’s teaching tomorrow.

For those of you who enjoy hearing about mischief–today Caleb shook and shook Comet into my bathtub, and when I sent him and David upstairs to play they went right up, straight into the bathroom, and started running water. I ran up and caught them both standing in the tub and D was completely w/out clothes. All in about 3 minutes time.

Well, I’m going to go out w/Rich and read my library books.

How’s your Saturday going?

My Spiritual Journal (to encourage you)

Posted on January 18, 2008 by Shanda

I am an introvert all the way–I love quiet things–I never thought of myself as a “writer” but I suppose in a basic, unprofessional sort of way, I must be. I’ve been writing in diaries since I was 12 years old. When Rich and I were in our early years as a married couple I started writing in a journal just to keep track of my devotions and prayers.

My current journal I call my “Spiritual Journal” and Rich bought it for me for Christmas 4 years ago. It’s only about half full–which is important–if you start a journal don’t ever feel guilty if a month goes by without any new entries. About this particular one, I like it because it lays flat on the table when I write in it.

Why do I write in my journal? I write in it because it forces me to concentrate on what matters most: the lessons God is teaching me through life. I try to take any situation and learn something about God with it. “All things work for good for them that love God”–sometimes we don’t see that happening because we forget things! If I write them down, I will look back and remember. I will see the path that God is leading me on and be filled with gratitude and thankfulness.

What do I write about? I write all sorts of things. I record my own pain. . .and, when I go through another valley, I look back and read that I’ve been there before and God got me through. . and, He will get me through it again.

I do word studies. There are certain spiritual words that really touch my soul, like GRACE, MERCY, LOVE, WATER, HOPE, etc. If I find a verse in my Bible that has to do with one of those words, I write it down in my journal.

I write out prayers.

I write out poems, hymns, Bible verses, book reviews, quotes, and “ah-ha” moments (when something finally “clicks” and makes sense–don’t you love it when that happens?)

I have no rules for myself when it comes to form (how to do it)–only that my journal be a true reflection of what God is doing in my heart. My heart. MINE. “Guard your heart” is other verse from the Bible, well, how can I do that if I’m not even searching it?

My journal has made me look deeper into my soul. And, after looking, I always, always come to the same conclusion: I NEED CHRIST. . .I AM NOTHING WITHOUT HIM. “I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord” (from a hymn). . .

Here is a peak into my journal:

Names for Christ:

Confess sin:

write out verses:

Sometimes I write out a verses and insert my own name into them. Don’t be afraid to draw pictures in your journal. God is a creative God, and so I try to be creative, too.