Cousin Abbie spent the weekend with us.  She and Grace had a nice time together, doing girl things.  But they weren’t always upstairs in Grace’s room, they went outside several times and did a lot of hanging around the brothers, too. 

Abbie is a year younger than Grace.  (12 and 13)

My sister and Abbie lived with us for about a year and half, way back when Abbie was two years old.  In some ways, they are more like sisters than cousins.

It was fun doing a little five minute photoshoot with them, in between the giggles.

There was no school again today.  We got so much snow during the blizzard that a lot of our town is still digging out.  Not only did we get all that snow, but today we are getting freezing rain on top of it.  Some of my children are predicting another snowday tomorrow and I wouldn’t be surprised.

We tidied up the house and I currently have lots of bread dough rising. 

Here is an update on each of the children:

Jacob–has been doing a lot of art lately, and just completed another painting.

Ethan–has a sore throat.

Grace–is very interested in all things “Sherlock Holmes”.

David and Caleb–have been searching the house and all the toy boxes for Lego man pieces and marbles.

Seth–loves having the siblings home during the day and is so much easier to handle when they are all here.

Sarah–got new pants and a new shirt yesterday and has been stylin’ all day in her sparkly shoes.  She sat on the counter while I mixed up the bread and begged for pieces of the dough to nibble on.

On Wednesday morning I went to Bible study and there was such a pretty snowfall in the night that I could not resist taking my camera out to the car with me, as I rushed to get going.

There was a dusting of fluffy snowflakes on everything; this snow was on the window.  The flakes were so big I could almost make out the pretty patterns.

On Thursday afternoon, I made pretty cookies using the Taste of Home baking cookbook that my dear Hannah gave me.  They were titled  “Sponge Cookies” and I was very pleased with them because they called for 8 eggs.  (I get almost a dozen a day from my flock so any recipe that uses up eggs is a treasure, in my book)  I frosted them with blue and dipped some in sprinkles and some in coconut.  When Sarah saw the coconut ones, she politely asked, “Is there cheese on them?”

On Friday morning, what fun, there was no school.  The whole state of Connecticut was preparing for the blizzard.  I made a double batch of cream waffles for the children’s breakfast and I say, they were very delicious.  Would anyone like the recipe?  There is nothing like a light, hot waffle with butter and real maple syrup (made by Grandpa).  The syrup soaks into the holes but the edges all still stay crispy.  I ate mine like a piece of toast, with buttery syrup dripping down my hand….lick, lick (there is no time for a plate when you’re trying to keep up with seven eaters).

It was just beginning to snow when I piled the children all into the vehicle after breakfast, to buzz to the bookstore.  They were pretty nervous that I would dare to venture out.  I chirped, “Snow is silly soft stuff.”  (Does anyone know where this quote came from??) 

I knew we would be just fine.  I’ve driven in much worse conditions in rural New York.

Anyway, on our way to the garage, Ethan said, “There is a cardinal in the pine tree.  It would be a nice picture.”  So I turned around back into the house for the camera.

@Fwren, @Cerwindoris, and @myhopeisinjesus, this one is for you:

We went to the bookstore and when we arrived back home again, Ethan went ice skating on the pond with three of his brothers.  I was quite impressed when he took his coat off.  I guess all the skating makes him work up a sweat in no time.  He is a good skater.

Isn’t Seth a doll?

I went and checked on the chickens.

This is my favorite hen.

The hens don’t like deep snow, but they will go out into shallow snow for a little while.  They will eat some and leave adorable footprints everywhere.

I went back inside and made a big, seven quart batch of homemade chicken noodle soup for lunch.

We brought home cousin Abbie after our bookstore trip, so I served eight children lunch.  We ate half the soup and a whole loaf of Italian bread. 

After lunch, David and I made chocolate chip cookies.  Guess what?  Because of a miscommunication, he tried putting in five cups of baking soda.  I caught him just as he poured in the first cup.  Thankfully, we were able to dump it out of the bowl and save the dough.  They turned out perfectly, regardless.

Last night we snuggled on the couch and watched Alice in Wonderland (the newer version).  By the time we went to bed, the blizzard was going full force.  We opened the door to watch, it was wild and beautiful outside and there was a part of me that wanted to dash right out into it.  The snow was pouring down from the sky in about a million directions, there were small flakes and big ones, too.  David saw a little bird try to get into the house downstairs, but it hit against the window and then flew away.  I thought about all the birds, holding on for dear life, in any sheltered spot they could find. 

We woke up to drifts of deep snow.  Sarah was all excited to show me her window.

Rich has the driveways plowed and currently the snow has stopped and the sun is breaking out.  It’s been such a fun couple of days, of snow and food.

Maryland Cream Waffles, from Gooseberry Patch “Blue Plate Specials” cookbook

2. cups flour
4 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 T. sugar
1 3/4 cup milk
2 eggs, separated and beaten
1/2 cup butter, melted

Mix dry ingredients together; add milk and egg yolks.  Blend in melted butter; gently fold in stiffly beaten egg whites.  Lightly grease a heated waffle iron; add batter and heat according to waffle iron’s instructions.  Makes 4 to 5 servings. 

Note:  I had to double this one, and I decided to use half unsalted butter and half oil.  We did end up with leftovers.  I have found that the best way to keep leftover waffles is to bag them and put them into the freezer.  In this way, a child can grab a couple and put them into the toaster to re-heat.  They come out just as good as before.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. psalm 37:4

My Mom and Dad were here on Saturday.  We celebrated Seth’s birthday and Christmas, because my family was sick for the majority of December, and January was too full of other things.  How fun to be still Christmasing!  Jacob was given new gloves, Ethan a new shirt.  Grace a journal and a bookmark, David got stacking cups, Caleb got pretend snakes and a book about snakes, Seth received trains and a train carrier, and Sarah was happy with her Princess dishes and trains, too.  Rich and I had a bag of goodies to share and that is what we gave to my parents, too.  It’s fun to just fill a gift bag up with little things you know that person will enjoy. 

For his birthday, dear Seth received a new game from his grandma and grandpa.  It’s so cute.  It’s called “Where is the Sock Monkey”.  It came with a little sock monkey that one person hides somewhere in the house, and a game board with cards that give hints about where it could be hiding.  There is a timer to flip over when it’s time to “Go Look”.  Seth loved it, but could not let anyone find the monkey when it was his turn to hide it.  He gave it away every time, in his great excitement.

One of the things the boys really wanted to do with Grandpa was play basketball, so even though it was quite cold outside, Dad went out to shoot some hoops.

He also spent a lot of time with Jacob, outside in the garage, drumming.  It is an interest they both share and it was good for Jacob to have personal “Gramps Time.”

I baked Seth’s birthday cake and Mom did the frosting and decorating entirely herself.  It turned out marvelously.

Mom and I took Grace downtown to visit some shops, which was a lot of fun.  So we girls also had some time to enjoy each other’s company.

They had to leave Sunday morning.  (They live about 3 and a half hours away)  We hope to get together again soon.

Sarah has been sick with a fever and very, very cranky and needy.  I took her to the Doctor’s on Friday and her ears were fine (always check those, right?) but had a scratchy throat and post nasal drip (but oddly enough, I never had to actually wipe her nose) so Doc said it was a cold-thing (my translation).  The fever took days to break and today has been the first day she hasn’t had it.  But still, so very grumpy at times.  She is also cutting molars.  (ugh)  I do enjoy the snuggling, but at times when I cannot hold her she is left on her own and gets rapidly more and more demanding and weepy.  She needed this.  She needed that.  Today’s traumatic experience was THE WASHING OF THE BLANKIE.  Even Seth knows she isn’t the same without it.  They were playing together earlier, and he came to me to ask, “MOM, Sarah’s CRYING….is her BLANKIE DONE YET?”  (so sweet)

It is easiest to deal with the little ones if they are given undivided attention, so I sat on the floor upstairs and we read and sang together for a long time.

It’s the dearest little song book from the 1950’s with music notes for each song’s melody.  How thankful I am for my “sight-singing” training I received in High School chorus.

“Our home is such a happy place, we’re busy all the day,
There’s so much work for us to do, so many games to play.

Our house is such a happy place, the nicest place I know,
We work together every day, to help to make it so.”

Some of our favorites:

Yesterday, Seth found a Bible story book for children and asked, “Is this the Nothing but the Blood of Jesus book?”

(Nothing but the Blood of Jesus is his favorite song right now, is that just too much or what?!)

It wasn’t, it was a book about Kings.  So then he asked, “Is the Lord’s army in it?” 

I made my daily morning trek to the chicken coop, with a bowl of kitchen scraps.

They all seemed to enjoy the old cantaloupe/milk/breakfast cereal/old bread combination this morning.

It’s funny to watch them.  Some get all possessive of their piece of food and run off with it to hide and eat it alone.  Several hens raced by me to get away from the others.

Here is Miss Tender and Delicate, who prefers only Mama, and adores me so.  I also adore her and am thankful for a little one who loves to be in my lap.  Or in my bed.  Or in my bathroom watching me put on make up, or in the kitchen perched on the counter watching me bake.  (yes, she is where I am and goeth where I goeth).

I recently discovered that she and Seth call this shirt her “Jesus Shirt”.  I am not sure why, as when I ask I am only answered with complete SILENCE.  (Like, “It’s too obvious, do you really need to ask?”)

She asked to wear her Jesus Shirt today.

I am working on a new journal page in my Daybook.  See the magazine snippet with the words, “the art of delight”?  I found a perfect verse to put in that blank spot next to them.

“But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” Psalm 37:11  (can’t wait for that day)

I wrote on myself today, as a reminder.  “Quietly” definitely does have spiritual meaning to me personally, but it also reminds me to keep my voice low (my throat hurts). 

Not always an easy thing to do around here. 

Isn’t it a wonderful thing that Jesus understands us?  I find that so comforting.  I have been working on my Bible Study lesson and this verse stood out:  “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.”  Hebrew 4:15

it reminded me of this other favorite:

“For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.”  Psalm 103:14

These are verses that comfort me when I fall short of what I so truly want to be, as His child. 

HE UNDERSTANDS!  and forgives.

Have a wonderful Tuesday, my friends! 

((you are loved))

Today is Seth’s birthday.

He was born at 9:20 pm and was 6 pounds, 9 ounces.

Four years just flew by.

Hello from the zoo!

I mean, from my house!

The children were all home today because there was such wind last night that there were power outages.  Thankfully, we never lost power here and it was a gorgeous day outside, a splendid and unexpected treat to have a day off from school.  A gift, really.

My thoughts were to try and keep them doing constructive things and not allow them to spend too much time in front of the TV or computer.

It was a verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry busy day, full to the brim.

I had a lot of fun photographing some of the best moments. 

They played baseball.

painted pictures

David baked a chocolate cake.

We all ate the cake.

listened to music

did french homework

took a nap (Parker LOVES stuffed animals)

David made a jump rope.

the sun actually came out

Jacob played his drums.

The boys fought with light sabors.

And pretended to die.

Sarah didn’t approve of lunch.

The stream is overflowing.

gathered eggs

Caleb found a dead bird and wanted me to see it so I let him take my camera to photograph it.  (anyone know what kind of bird this is??)

Grace is reading Sherlock Holmes.

We got the bikes out.

Guess what Caleb is yelling?

(MOM!!!!!!!)

Seth had the best day ever, with so many brothers at home and such a nice weather day.

The older three played basketball. 

The UPS man dropped off a big box, containing a new whisk and pans!  I am especially looking forward to using my new sandwich bread pan.

There was an immediate fight over the box.  Seth won.

Caleb and yours truly

Guess what?  I hung clothes on the line!  (two loads!)

Grace and I had tea with organic honey.

We tried watching a movie but half way through the disc wouldn’t work.  David was VERY disappointed and wouldn’t get over it til I made him to go bed.

There were many problems brought to me involving not sharing, or wanting a turn, or someone getting hurt by someone else, or what have you. 

Non stop noise and chaos, messes everywhere.

Sarah needing more snuggles than usual and hating the wind outside.

Problems with attitude and obedience.  Many opportunities to teach, correct, train.

No time to do anything but be available to the children, or clean, or laundry.

The hours flew by.

They say that someday I’ll miss these days.

I’m certain I will.

Yesterday afternoon was dreadfully sad, Grace and I took our sick cat Spot to the vet and ended up having to put him to sleep.  We both held him, petted him, and cried as we said our goodbye.  I’ve never had to put an animal to sleep before and it was awful, but there is some small relief in knowing he is no longer suffering.  We brought him home in a white box, all curled up pretty, like he really was just sleeping.  Rich buried Spot in the yard here at home, where he loved to be, and loved to catch all sorts of tasty, furry creatures.  He was a good hunter and used to come home meowing with his mouth full of mouse, so I could properly praise him.  I am especially sad because my Grandfather, who has since passed away, gave me Spot.  He is a kitten from the farm, from “up on the hill” where I grew up. 

Rich came home from work last night with two bouquets of carnations in his arms.  One for me and one for Grace.

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

This morning, Ethan had an orthodontist appointment at the unusual hour of 8 am.  (He makes his own appointments).  After his appointment I went to Target and left him in the car with Seth and Sarah so I could run in and get Seth’s birthday presents.  He turns four on Saturday.  He turns four on Saturday.  I got him an Edward train, a basketball, a soccer ball, and a Frisbee.  He delights in anyting sports related, and requested Edward specifically, so I think he will be very happy.  I even remembered wrapping paper.

After our outing, we took Ethan to school and came home and it was still only 9:45.

I did something fun yesterday.  I read about this winter project in a magazine and decided to try it. 

You take an old plastic tray (this one held mushrooms) and fill it half way with water, decorate it with *whatever* (I used fruit) and then freeze it with a ribbon on top, to hang outside.

It’s like a pretty stained glass window.  I hung it outside with the birdfeeders. 

It’s a drippy, foggy, wet, slushy day today.

Yes, the snow is melting a lot and the chickens ventured outside their coop.  (I gathered eight eggs yesterday!) When I walk down later I will have to wear my rubber boots.

I read these two books to Seth and Sarah before their naptime.

“Mrs. Tittlemouse was a most terribly tidy particular little mouse, always sweeping and dusting the soft sandy floors.”  The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse

“Mrs. Tabitha Twitchit came down the garden and found her kittens on the wall with no clothes on.”  The Tale of Tom Kitten

Children’s literature at it’s very finest!

They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.  Psalm 34:10b

(so thankful for spot’s last picture::I love it)

“Peace – that was the other name for home.” ~Kathleen Norris

We had some snow yesterday afternoon and the children all came home early from school.  Jacob took the opportunity to take a long nap on the couch, I wondered how he could sleep with friend Dog so close?

And then, later on, the boys called to me to “come quick! and bring your camera!” 

They had found our cat, Spot, curled up in the sink.  He loves to drink water from the faucet and sometimes gets tired while waiting for someone to turn it on a trickle.

This poor boy cat has an appointment with the Vet this afternoon.  He’s been getting so thin, yet eats and drinks like he can’t get enough.  I’m concerned, and hope to get some advice today.

O U R   M O R N I N G

After the children left for school, Seth and Sarah played with homemade playdough.  I helped them roll it out flat so they could draw and make designs.

Then, Seth asked if he could take a bath in my deeper bathtub.  He filled it with bubbles and kept busy with an empty plastic bottle. 

I took the opportunity to snap a couple pictures of Sarah, because she was having a good hair day.  (it might be her very first)

Her front hair is almost long enough to stay tucked behind her ears. 

She ends up wearing crazy matched clothes because she’s being potty trained.  Sometimes she has an accident and runs upstairs to her room to take care of herself so I don’t notice.  It ALMOST works, but the clothes she puts on give her away.

She begged to wear one of my necklaces, and this one is just costume jewelry so I put it on her. 

I pulled out my STASH OF PRETTY from under the bed.

A “stash of pretty” begins with an empty box, drawer, basket, or what have you.  Then, throughout the year as I open packages and things, I put any ribbons (often used as bag handles–I cut them off and save them), tags, stickers, pretty papers, all together in one place.  This way the children and I always have little bits ready to play with, and be creative with.

I keep glitters and ink pads in the box, too. 

I got it out today, thinking about Valentine’s Day. 

I’m hoping to make some small cards for some of the people I care about. 

I like to cover old clothes-tags with designs or quotes, too.  They make nice little things to tuck away into letters.

But, even if I don’t get abundantly creative making cards or tags, it’s still nice to have a stash of pretty…..for the girls’ hair….

This brown bow came from a Stonewall Kitchen candy bag! 

Also this morning, we read books, they played with toys, raced around the house, Seth went outside, and we also mixed up a big bowl of Buckeyegirlie’s hot chocolate mix.

Sarah is wearing some of the powdered sugar (thanks, Seth).

Now we have enough mix for another month or more. 

I’m currently reading both Anna Karenina AND Charles Dickens’ BLEAK HOUSE, but I still couldn’t resist ordering these two books.  In Bible Study last week, our speaker mentioned a few testimonies from the book Miraculous Movements, and then this other one (I Dared to call Him Father) was recommended to me, as well.  I think they will prove to be very spiritually uplifting.

I currently have the dishwasher going, a fire in the fire place, dinner in the crock pot, a cup of hot coffee next to me, the dog curled up on the other end of the couch, and the small ones napping.

I think I’ll get busy reading, and rest up for another crazy and busy afternoon (life really picks up when the other five get home from school…I love it!). 

“I no longer feel that life is ordinary.  Every day is filled with mystery.  The things we know are only a small part of the things we cannot know but can only glimpse.  Yet even the smallest of glimpses can sustain us.”  Naomi Remen, M.D.

“It is so essential for us to be mindful of the humble and deep rather than the flashy and the superficial.”  Fred Rogers