phone pictures

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Shanda

One of my old blogging friends from xanga (where I used to blog) reminded me of the songs I used to play on my site. I haven’t figured out how to have music automatically play on wordpress yet, but here is one of my favorites….if you play the video you can listen to the song as you look at the little moments from life in the last few days from behind the phone (handy dandy camera that it is). I’m so thankful for an easy way to take pictures of things that make me smile, in the midst of daily living. In many ways, they are my favorite sort of pictures.

Seth discovered a genius way to eat celery. A line of whipped cream!

Jacob usually takes a long afternoon nap in the living room. These teenage boys get so tired (by staying up late and powering through the day) in the typical way of this age group.

On Saturday morning, Grace played her Dad a song on the iPad. She was reminded of it while she listened to his Bible study Friday night.

Michael took this picture of my whole family, plus Jimmy, on our first trip to the ice cream place of the season. I love Rich’s natural smile in this one.

David loves Calvin and Hobbes comics and thought he would like to try sewing himself a “Hobbes” stuffed animal. He had this shirt in mind, and I told him he could use it. (stay tuned for the finished project!) I see and tuck away all of David’s continuous creativity, in my heart, he’s a great kid.

Stopping to smell the roses outside the dentist office.

I took a screen shot of one of my favorite quotes, it describes my *needs* to a “T”. I sent it to Rich and he said as much, and asked if we could print it and hang it in the house.

I took this picture at the same time David was coming in and out of the room talking about his “Hobbes” sewing project. Parker had the rare, rare, very rare opportunity to jump up on my bed. Caleb loves his puppy.

Joanna gave me this “Homemade Summer” cookbook and I sent her this picture to show her the first recipe I was about to attempt in it. “Rhubarb pie with Almond Paste”, wow that title just made me laugh. It doesn’t SOUND good, but it sure tasted good (pie post to come eventually).

It was one of those evenings when we retreated to the car during a rain shower at a little league game. We took this “selfie” for Daddy.

This was Seth’s face across from the picnic table last night at the game (games or practice– every.single.night. That’s my life right now.)

A can of lemonade is 1.25 and has 40 grams of sugar per can, it is a infrequent “yes” from my lips. So why isn’t he smiling?

David’s game last night, they won. By the time we got home it was raining so so hard, we all came in the house wet. It’s the time of year for late afternoon showers.

Isn’t Sarah funny? She has changed so much in the last few months, now talking to all the other little kids at the playground without being shy. In fact, I was highly amused by her “daring tricks” on the monkey bars (hanging upside down) and by her saying to other little kids, “You can’t DO THISSSSSS!” in a very proud way. I had to talk to her several times about it. Guess who got a blister on her tender little palm and cried and shook over it? Yes, the brave monkey bar climber herself.

I leave you with the song that Grace played for Rich. The words are a comfort to anyone, anywhere. Have a blessed day, my friends.

for dave

Posted on May 23, 2014 by Shanda

His birthday is tomorrow.

He is a steady support in my life.

We text almost daily. We talk often.

He’s the the type that will fight for you, support you, do anything for you if you have a need.

I am beyond grateful for my family, and this brother has been there every step of the way.

Dave, I hope you enjoy this little slideshow I put together for you.

for dave

the easter seth was sick

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Shanda

**Happy Resurrection Sunday**

Easter morning. The family all got up and started getting ready for church and then Seth threw up.

I had a blessed day caring for my small son, but I did miss the church services….beautiful Easter morning, I love it and what it means to my soul.

Ethan and Jacob were feeling “off” as well, but they got dressed and went along to church with Rich and the other siblings.

Since I didn’t have to get myself prettied up, I had a few extra minutes to spend on the girls. I curled Sarah’s hair up (like a flip)…but since her hair is so straight it didn’t last long. Isn’t she a darling in her pink and gray dress? I’ve always loved the look of those two colors together and I was so pleased when I found this pretty dress for her.

Grace wore an ankle length black skirt and simple gray sweater, with my cross necklace. I curled her hair a little, too, for soft waves.

I feel sad when I look at this picture because Seth was so deflated and ill…..but I still think he’s a beautiful little boy and I love this picture of Caleb and Seth, they are good brothers to each other. They fight over legos but have the best times together playing and jumping on the trampoline.

This was the best we could do for a group picture.

Ethan and Jacob both threw up during church.

While they were gone at church with their Dad, Seth was sick about 10 times. He was so comforted by me patting his back over the toilet and I would look away and wait until he was done (he was a very violent and thorough throw-upper), wipe off his face, and tuck him back onto the couch. It was a beautiful day and at one point he said, “Maybe the air would feel me better”, which translated means: “I need to go outside.” So, I spread a thick blanket on the grass and we went outside, where he promptly fell asleep under his blanket (I was worried he would get burned so I put the blanket over his head).

(Hours later, after everyone was home and it was late afternoon, Seth again got up off the couch with his blanket without a word and proceeded outside to sleep. So dear.)

While Seth slept I went into the forest to work on the Easter nests. I gave each child 7 eggs with candy inside, a chocolate bunny, a big glitter egg with candy, easter goldfish crackers, and a little gift just for them. David and Ethan got fishing stuff, Jake and Grace received art supplies, Sarah a “my little pony”, Seth a Spiderman ball, and Caleb legos.

On my way to the house, I stopped by the chicken coop and gave the hens some colored paper grass for their nesting box. 🙂

I have to say……by yesterday he was all better and was twice as mischievous and busy as usual….Rich and I both thought that maybe he was making up for the day of sleeping on Sunday. I’m thankful it was just a 24 hour bug. Jacob and Ethan went to school on Monday but didn’t eat. After a good night’s sleep they are feeling much better this morning.

Easter dinner was delicious but the boys were sad because they couldn’t eat with us. Ethan missed the mashed potatoes and Jacob missed trying the lamb. Yesterday evening I fried up some leftover mashed potato patties in butter for them and their tummies appreciated it (comfort food).

I set the table with pretty tablecloths (I even had the time to iron them, and I hate ironing), our easter egg tree, and pastel fiestaware. We had roast lamb, apple crisp, salad, and fluffy mashed potatoes. Rich loved the meal and ate a lot of lamb. It was the first time I made it and we liked it.

This poor daffodil has been frozen several times since it first grew. Still pretty, even with a few rough edges.

The first violet of spring; February’s birth flower, for THIA, and all my February sisters. 🙂

They are growing along the pathway to our side steps.

9 easter ideas, won’t you add the 10th?

Posted on April 19, 2014 by Shanda

My friend Danielle posted the most adorable springtime portraits of her children on Facebook the other day and I asked her if I could please share them here on the blog. She graciously gave me permission. They are absolutely precious, and will bring a smile to your face.

I also thought I would also share some Easter ideas with you, and perhaps others (yes you, my friend) might enjoy sharing their traditions with us, too, in the comment section.

(a glad easter)

Resurrection Sunday has deep and beautiful meaning for all lovers of Jesus Christ. In fact, Easter is my own personal favorite holiday because of the joy I feel in my heart as I meditate on all my Lord and Savior has done in atoning for our sins on the cross and conquering death on the third day, when he rose up from the grave. This is why I believe, first and foremost, that telling the “old old story” to our children should be the highest priority on this important weekend. There are so many ways to make this a special weekend for them, but if I can only do one thing, I will share the gospel TRUTH at their own level here at home, and take my children to church. Soul-needs come first.

But what other things can we do to make this springtime celebration fun and memorable for our families? Here are some simple but lovely ideas:

1. Decorate eggs (bet you didn’t see that one coming!)

You can use vegetables to dye eggs, or kool aid, or regular food coloring. But however you do it, it is fun to afterwards rub each egg with a drop or two of vegetable or olive oil. In this way, your eggs will glow like polished marble.

2. Make an Easter Egg tree

I love seeing the colorful plastic eggs dangling from little trees or bushes outside in the neighbor’s lawn. At our house, we decorate an artificial indoor tree at every holiday. This morning Grace helped me hang it with eggs, ribbons, and green plastic grass. We put our tree on the table as a centerpiece.

3. Make hot cross buns for breakfast (served with an icing cross on top, these buns are “traditionally considered blessed and believed to impart powerful protection.” (quoted from the book Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions)

I am rather busy this year, so I bought mine from the grocery store. But if you would like to make them, here is the inspiring Tasha Tudor’s recipe, of which she always made “a large quantity to serve at tea on Good Friday and for breakfast on Easter Sunday.”

1 cup milk, warmed to 110 degrees
1 packet yeast
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups unbleached flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup currents
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

In a small mixing bowl, stir the milk into the yeast to dissolve, adding 1 tsp of the 1/2 cup sugar. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, the remaining sugar, the cinnamon, and the currants. Add the milk and yeast mixture and mix well. Cover with a warm towel, set aside, and allow to rise in a draft-free place for 30 minutes. Add the salt and melted butter, being sure that the butter is not too hot, so as not to destroy the live yeast. Knead the dough lightly on a generously floured surface, then place in mixing bowl, cover again, and let rise until double in size, 1 hour or so.

Shape the dough into 12 buns and place on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise until double in size, about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until nicely browned. Remove from the oven and cool on racks. When the buns are cool, make an X on top of each one with a tasty tube filled with a mixture of:

1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/8 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. light cream or milk, or enough to make the icing easy to spread.

4. Easter Basket or Nest for each child..

At our house, we have each child go outside in our woods and make their own little nest out of twigs and pine needles, leaves, and whatever else they can find, like charming, busy little birdies. Oh they have the grandest time, especially my older teenage boys (kidding). It’s all worth it on Sunday, when they troop back to the woods to discover all the wonderful goodies that the Easter bunny (me) has left them.

5. Egg hunt

I have heard they are great fun.

6. Living Easter basket

It’s too late for this year, but another idea is to take a basket, layer it with gravel and potting soil, and sprinkle fast-growing ryegrass seeds on the top. Keep the soil moist and place the basket in a warm, sunny spot. Once the grass is high enough, you can add little Easter toys and figures within it.

7. Do the chicken dance

repeatedly

8. New clothes

Use Easter Sunday as an excuse to freshen up the children’s spring/summer church clothes. I usually buy the boys each a new shirt and the girls each a new dress. I also buy snow white tights for Sarah (or ruffled bobby socks if the weather is warm) and proper footwear (pink glitter of course!) Don’t forget to buy yourself a new outfit, too, if needed.

9. Prepare a Feast

This year I am roasting a leg of lamb. I am also making a pan of apple crisp, a nice salad, mashed potatoes, and corn.

10. ?????

Leave a comment telling me what you or someone you know (like your grandmother) does for Easter!

This one gets me every time:

Utter adorableness!

Here is the link to my friend Danielle’s Photography Facebook Page: InJoy Photography

Happy Easter to my wonderful blog friends! xo

PS, most ideas were gathered from the book Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions, Reviving Victorian Family Celebrations of Comfort & Joy, by Sarah Ban Breathnach

{this moment} my husband

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Shanda

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

at the end of the day.

happy birthday, rich

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Shanda

I love you.

***

You and I have settled down in our relationship, into something that is steady and true. We know each other. I know that you will say and do things that shock me at times; like that time you bought a motorcycle without saying a word to me about it. I found it in the garage one day. And that other time when you traded in the Lexus for a truck. I still really miss that car, but I have to admit the truck is more “you”.

You have stayed in the insurance business for the last 16 years but you have never let go of your dreams….you’ve done it all in your dreams….police officer, football player, race car driver, evangelist, homesteader, farmer, truck driver, there is still so much to do.

I’ll never forget the time you came home from work looking a lot more dazed than usual. You were the first on the scene of a horrible accident and had to pull a trapped man from a burning vehicle; he had already been terribly burned. You stayed with him until help came. The man died but he died in a hospital bed and not in a burning vehicle, because of your bravery.

You cry during sad movies.

You love your children deeply, in ways I am just beginning to understand as I see the genuine heartache and tears at the thought of our oldest boy soon to leave the nest.

You are an excellent father.

You are disciplined and like to see things done right.

You respect the men in your family; grandfather, uncles, father, are so important to you. You try to make them proud and I know that they are so very proud of who you have become.

You love the Lord and are passionate about teaching and preaching the Bible. In the last few years I have seen you grow and develop in ways I never thought I would see; as a missionary in Jamaica, and as a helper at the teen camp this past fall. You teach Bible study and Sunday School. You preach sermons. I’ve never seen you work so hard as when you have a message to say about God. You study all night in order to prepare.

You are teaching Ethan to drive.

You stocked the pond with fish for our boys.

You are building a treehouse with them.

You have learned to fix your little daughters’ hair.

You love to run. (you are downstairs running on the treadmill as I type this, I can hear the pounding rhythm of your feet)

Another favorite memory is from when we were first married and you couldn’t get the coal fire started downstairs as fast as you’d like; so you poured gasoline on it. The boom from upstairs startled me in the kitchen, and the look on your face when you walked into the room! You looked like someone who had a narrow escape from death, and the hair on and around your face was all twisted up and burnt.

More recently was when you blew up the kids’ basketball so hard that as soon as you touched it it exploded and tore your fingernail right backwards. That was another loud sound from your direction.

You’ve gotten your fair share of speeding tickets.

It seems you do things in big ways; big family, big job, big dreams, big home projects……..I LOVE YOU……

I love how you sometimes kiss my feet because you love me so much.

You’re an honest lover.

You hang my pictures on the wall for me.

You are generous with your money and never complain about my shopping trips, and you send me away on adventures with joy. (oh, wait a sec’…LOL)

You are the one who has the heart to heart talks with our older children, because you have the wisdom and words necessary for the task.

You are worthy of my respect and love; and you have it, with all my heart.

We are one.

It was fun to have babies with you and watch you with them as they grew.

You make me laugh.

You are silent most of the time. You take forever to answer a simple question. Sometimes I say “SPEAK!!!” and then you let out a little “woof” just to make me laugh.

I have a carrot cake in the oven for you because that is what you requested.

You leave your hat on the top of the lamp in our room and it used to bother me; but now I just leave it. I have come to love the sight of it there.

You have twice as many pairs of shoes that I do; but you also wear them out faster. You have things to do and places to go and miles to run~

Thank you for letting me have cats and chickens.

Thank you for overlooking my own many faults.

Thank you for being a good man, not a perfect man, but a good one, with strong character and a hard work ethic.

Thank you for being a provider.

Thank you for keeping yourself in good shape.

Thank you for leading.

Thank you for being fun.

Thank you for marrying me.

Thank you for never keeping your hands to yourself and making me laugh.

Thank you for telling me I am beautiful.

Thank you for who you are.

Happy Birthday, husband.

Day 3

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Shanda

After a gorgeous sunrise this morning on Jekyll, we headed out the door and drove to sunny (but chilly) Florida!

We had cups of icy cold orange juice at the welcome center.

Dad and Mom held hands…they didn’t know I was taking this picture from the back seat (I was reading my book).

After arriving in St. Augustine, FL, we had a delicious breakfast. Mom and I had sweet potato waffles with bananas, pecans, and caramel syrup.

Everything around me was so beautiful, and the city was bustling today.

We rode on the trolley tour, and got off for a while to do some walking and shopping.

We enjoyed (part of) a free organ recital at one of the big churches.

(we didn’t stay for the whole thing)

We went on a history tour, which was very interesting. This young lady did a very good job at explaining historical facts of Florida and St. Augustine.

I bought a few little things at this lovely shop. Owl earrings!

We enjoyed the stained glass windows in this old church.

Mom and I toured some very old houses, and of course I took a lot of photos here.

I loved every part of prowling around the old grounds and houses.

Isn’t this old ceiling light gorgeous?

This is some kind of old handiwork. I would love to know more about this craft! Dawn, you could bring it back!

Mama

I love this picture, with the big plant, RED windows, brick, and green chair

pink building, roses

blue wall, yellow, old sofa, painting

“The Oldest House”

Palm tree like fireworks.

After a delicious dinner, we drove back to the island and arrived at about 9-something tonight. Going to read my book now and get some sleep.

News from back home: my son Ethan got his drivers permit!

Thankful for another day. ~

{this moment}

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Shanda

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week.
A simple, special, extraordinary moment.
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
inspired by soulemama

with my baby

sisters at the spa

Image

“Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.” Carol Saline

“And I felt closer to you. Because you knew me so much better than I’d realized – and still loved me.” Rosamund Lupton

***

Amanda has had a challenging winter season this year. She and her husband have three children and all five of them have been getting sick on and off, together and/or separately for months. They just got over the latest stomach bug and Amanda was feeling very anxious from the stress of it all. She decided to go to the spa but she didn’t want to go alone. Who did she call? Her awesome sister, of course, and her awesome sister said “yes” right away.

We are all pretty awesome so don’t you think it’s time to take a trip to the nearest spa for some TLC?

When you get there, they will give you a cozy robe and some rubber slippers. They will give you a locker, and you can immediately change into your bathing suit and put on your robe. Then, you will sit in a relaxation room and sip water or juice while you wait for your name to be called. When your name is called, you take a quick trip to the bathroom and then follow your lady to the salt treatment room. It’s dark and peaceful in there. You take off your suit and slide between warm towels and the lady rubs your skin with delicious salts. A ceiling shower is moved over you and all the salt is rinsed away under a drenching shower while you think, “I could stay under here for hours……..” You are gently dried and left to rest and then put your robe back on. It feels so good to be pampered and cared for.

Next, you are taken to another dimly lit room, for a one hour massage. And even if you think that a massage is just not your thing, you will enjoy it. The tension is worked out of every muscle as the pretty music plays softly and a waterfall trickles nearby. The lady won’t talk to you, except to give simple instructions. You don’t have to talk, you don’t even have to open your eyes. Most of the time they are covered with a warm towel, anyway. You turn your mind off and rest and breathe.

When the massage is over, you are warm and feel as if every limb is heavy. You look as relaxed as if you just woke up from a 10 hour deep sleep. Your skin is completely moisturized. You forget that your family was sick this winter and that you spent way too much time cleaning up those messes while trying to be a most excellent mama, and wife, and also work full time for the Eye Doctor.

You feel like yourself again.

You have time to eat lunch and read by the pool while you wait for your pedicure. You have fast conversations with your sister in whispers. You close your eyes for a little cat nap.

You go in the whirlpool, and the steam room. You take a hot shower (with multiple heads) and dry off with a warm towel. Oh, it’s bliss.

After your pedicure, you sit and wait for the toes to dry.

While admiring the sunset.

You are relaxed for the first time in a while, and are ready to face your responsibilities again.

Isn’t a day at the spa worth a little time and money?

We think so!

my dear friend’s new baby

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Shanda

When Joanna came to visit me this summer she didn’t tell me that she was having a baby! She had just found out and it was still secret. I love looking back on those photos from the visit, knowing now that a new little someone was growing and planning on making an appearance eight months later, just hours before “Aunt Shanda’s” birthday!

It’s hard to be over four hours away because I would be there in a heartbeat to hold him, little Josiah, a most darling and precious gift from God. He was born last Tuesday. Look at him! I asked Jo if I could share her pictures from Facebook on my blog and she generously agreed. 🙂