Posted on November 10, 2006 by Shanda

Laughter the Best Medicine: Well, I figured I would surprise everyone with PEANUTS today. Variety is the SPICE of life, after all! Enjoy the laughs, I sure did. I was reading the kid’s PEANUT comic book all during quiet time.

Those of you who know me REALLY well (my family and Joanna), know that I used to be obsessed w/watching GYMNASTICS and I used to tape every single competition that was on TV. As a young teen, I used to watch my gymnastics tapes all the time, then go out on the lawn and practice my cartwheels (and backhandsprings, and walkovers, and leaps, etc). . . . .I guess that’s why I liked this one:

Laugh A Lot

Something that made me laugh in real life today: I called Jacob, Ethan, and David to the livingroom to pick up their sneakers and take care of them. All 3 pairs were in the way!
I must’ve gotten distracted because hours later, when the kids were all in bed having quiet time, I finally noticed.
David had picked his sneakers up and put them on the coffee table.
I’m sure part of the reason that I thought it was cute was because he was sleeping like an angel in the other room, and all that I had of him was the sight of his little shoes left behind.

A New Look for Grace:

Posted on November 9, 2006 by Shanda

Look who lost a tooth!

I have a feeling she’ll lose the other one soon and then we can all sing, “All I want for Christmas is my TWO FRONT TEETH!”

Posted on November 8, 2006 by Shanda

Blueberry Pie: Mix blueberries, lemon zest and juice, honey, cinnamon, and flour (for thickening). Fill an unbaked butter pastry shell, top with more pastry. Bake at 375 for about an hour.

Posted on November 7, 2006 by Shanda

Christmas thoughts inspired us to make a
paper chain yesterday.
We needed 50 chains. Each day we will tear a link off.
As of this morning, there are 49 days left until Christmas!

I knew the kids made chains for their rooms, but this was a surprise that
made me smile:

“. . .the gloom of the world is but a shadow;
behind it, yet within our reach is joy.
Take Joy!”
Fra Giovanni

Posted on November 6, 2006 by Shanda

Caleb’s First Hair cut and Other Pictures . . .

I gave the boys each a buzz cut today. I decided I might as well give Caleb one, too. He was so cute–he laughed the entire time because the clippers were tickling him. I saved his hair, it’s only a small little bit, because his hair is so baby-fine. Jacob took the pictures.

my four boys

they look so handsome

It’s gorgeous outside. The sun is bright and the air is clean and cool. The tent is still up from “fun fun friday” and the kids are busy playing. They asked me to start the fire again, but I refused. I am sleepy today and hoping to have a low-key day. When I was outside with them, I couldn’t resist taking a few pictures of David.

((turning cartwheels)
“Happiness,. . .not in another place but this place,
not for another hour
but this hour”
walt whitman

Posted on November 5, 2006 by Shanda

On our way to church.

Grace Grows

Posted on November 4, 2006 by Shanda

November 4, 1999

November 4, 2006

“There. Now. I’m gonna write I love you. . . like I do all my notes. It’s a very happy ending.” (Grace was writing a letter when I heard her say this to herself.)

Happy 7th Birthday to my daughter Grace

What a Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted on November 3, 2006 by Shanda

It’s Fun Fun Friday

We are done with school for the day. The kids and I decided that today was going to be extra fun and so we set up the tent outside. The sun is shining but it is very cold. We are now going to the bookstore so we can get books to read in the tent. We also have to go to the grocery store for the ingredients to make the best birthday cake ever. The ingredients for SMORES would be nice, too. After all, what’s a camp without a fire and some food?

UPDATE (hours have gone by):

Bookstore Pictures:

I love seeing my children reading. . . . .

Now it’s time for the CAMPFIRE:

We were proud of Ethan–for being the best at producing charcoal!

Jacob is showing Ethan how to toast a marshmallow without any BLACK.

Ummmm, David? I don’t THINK that’s going to work. Look how much he’s concentrating!

Fun Fun Fun

"JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE"

Posted on November 1, 2006 by Shanda

The little cares that fretted me
I lost them yesterday
Among the fields, above the sea,
Among the winds at play,
Among the lowing of the herds,
The rustling of the trees,
Among the singing of the birds,
The humming of the bees.

The foolish fears of what might happen,
I cast them all away,
Among the clover-scented grass,
Among the new-mown hay,
Among the husking of the corn,
Where drowsy poppies nod,
Where ill thoughts die and good are born–
Out in the fields with God.
Anonymous

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,