{this moment}

Posted on October 19, 2012 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.

Even in the little things, he’s a good dad. heart

good things

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Shanda

Our chicks are almost five months old now and love drinking from puddles in their yard. We can’t wait to get the first egg from this flock!

The children have a fort made with this fallen down pine tree. We were visiting there last week and I noticed that clumps of mushrooms were growing out of every single crack in the bark.

These leaves, a soft tree fungus, and the wintergreen, all came home with me in my pocket.

(After a while, the fungus got wormy and I threw it out yesterday)

I called the winter green “leaf gum” so that Sarah and Seth would chew on the leaf I gave them. They made funny faces and I laughed when they bent over to spit it. I love the pinkness of the berries….so pretty.

This small, feathery light mushroom had a tiny slug under it.

And this purple mushroom cap was slick and slimy.

Someone picked a teeny bouquet of flowers and I inserted them into a small dish from Sarah’s tea set.

The big kids, doing their homework in the evening. I think Grace keeps things quiet. (is this a future librarian?)

I made a big batch of Grandma’s dinner rolls for church.

I replaced the “crappity crap” white cabinet with this piece from Pottery barn. Better? Yes.

What’s happening?

The other evening there was a scuffle on the porch when a raccoon became Daring and tried to visit (in order to steal dogfood). The cat and dog when berserk and the children fled to the window, where they remained, watching this raccoon until he got brave enough to come down out of what he mistakenly thought was a “tree”. Look at those fingers!

It was interesting to see the reactions in the children. They immediately got a chair. Seth ran to get my phone and promptly took 84 pictures. David opened the top window and started throwing things. I didn’t know until I heard him say “I hit it!” and then I made him stop. Rich and Ethan ran for their guns and would have shot it if I didn’t intervene.

An American raccoon. I daresay he won’t be back.

I buzzed Seth’s hair yesterday. He ran to look in the mirror. “Do I look just like Weston?” he asked. (Weston’s his best buddy-and cousin–)

I took this at the end of our road at 8:30 this morning…..on my way to Dunkin’ Donuts, my sister, and Bible Study.

The leaves are so stunning.

I found this run-over snake in the road for my snake lover, Caleb. He gazed at it and said, “If it were alive it would be my pet right now.”

He even dreams of snakes. Last night he dreamed he had a big huge water snake. But, he says, he doesn’t love snakes the best. He loves the Bible and God more. I told him I was sure God was smiling right then, to hear it. How very precious indeed, are the words that come out of a child’s mouth about God.

My favorite verse for the week:

“When you give it to them, they gather it up. When you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.”

{this moment}

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Shanda

A Friday ritual. A single photo – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. (inspired by soulemama)

This week, it isn’t so much the picture but what she said before she got on my back.

Sweetly, so sweetly, she asked “Can I get on your horsie head?”

kids pics

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Shanda

First off, I want to say I like you guys!

I’m so thankful for my online friends! heart

I went Bible study this morning. We discussed Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding feast. His wine was far better than was served at the beginning of the feast. Jesus was no kill-joy, He provided what was needed for a joyful celebration. He will provide what we need, too. He cares about what happens in the home and in our communities. Hospitality at home is a sacred calling. It is my sacred calling to treat my children, and especially my husband, with hospitality and respect. (that’s the lesson, in a nutty nutshell). I met the most encouraging group of ladies. They all nod their heads in understanding as they listen to each other speak. And they were so sweet to me! (my first class there). I loved it.

I also started going to an evening Bible study at our church, where we are studying the book of Phillippians. I’m so thankful to get to know my sisters in Christ. It is such an encouragment and like a shot of joy in the arm.

It’s a rainy day here.

I had a new coffee today on my way to Bible study. I ordered a caramel coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts, with cream (no sugar). It was DELICIOUS.

I had to go to Costco after the study. Seth and Sarah were so good. I gave them a hot dog to share and we got through the store just fine. I’m making their stuffed salmon for dinner tonight.

Everything is put away now, I had a cup of soup for lunch and here I am, popping in to say HELLO and to share some current pictures of the kids.

First off, Sarah in the leaves. I have a little pair of boots that were Sethie’s that she’s been wearing outside lately. Too cute.

Jacob and his sister, watching TV. He was holding her in his lap but told me that “her hair smelled like the chicken coop”. I gave her a bath right away.

I think I told you that the older boys are running cross country. They are both doing very well in their first school sport ever! Rich is especially proud of them. This is a sweet picture of him and Ethan, talking through E’s race that he just completed.

And this is Jacob. Look at that interesting man in the background with the red plaid beanie and the curling mustache. Love it.

He was running with over 300 boys!

So, they were running at a big park and as we waited for the boys Rich and I walked through the gardens and I saw this bush…….

Does anyone know what it is? I love the berries. I have never seen berries this color.

Rich pushed Seth on the swings at the park. Later on, I was pushing him and he fell off. I was pushing Sarah on the swing next to him and she fell off her’s at the same time. It was a first for me, losing both children at the same time like that. Thank goodness they were okay.

David decided to teach Seth to do the monkey bars (at our place)….

He was doing so well. David clapped for him.

But as I got near, I could see the distress in his eyes.

But he kept trying.

No.

He and David decided to try again when he’s four.

Eating outside. They were all in the dirt in no time.

David (green shirt) Sarah, Seth, and Caleb (red shirt)

Jacob, my firstborn

Jacob, photo bombing his sister (photo bombing is when you ruin someone else’s picture, but doing it all innocent-like, like it was an “accident”)

Grace

Grace quote of the day, “I want to find someone that I can’t annoy by talking too much.”

This was taken yesterday when we were playing in the woods. I read the first chapter of The Bad Beginning out loud to Caleb and Grace out there. By the way, Lemony Snicket is at it again, working on a new series called “All the Wrong Questions”. The first book is Who Could that be at This Hour? You can read the first chapter here. I read it to the kids yesterday and now we are looking forward to it coming out at the end of the month.

Grace took this one.

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These muffins were a big hit with the ladies this morning:

Delightful Apple Spice Muffins (adapted from allrecipes.com)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup applesauce

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degree F
In a large bowl, cream together the oil and sugar. Add eggs, and beat until smooth. Blend in cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and baking soda. Alternately add in a half cup of applesauce, one cup of flour, remaining applesauce, and remaining flour. Stir until just blended together. Pour batter into muffin cups 2/3’s of the way full.
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 17 minutes.

I used a mini muffin tin (greased), and when they were done, I dipped the tops in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar. They were soft and delicious, sort of like donut holes. (good with that afternoon cup of coffee). Makes 12 regular sized muffins

Have a wonderful day, friends!

celebrating the season

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Shanda

Give a nature lover a camera in New England and that person will take endless photos.

I have a lot of pictures to share with you today; hoping that the very small glory of them will grow into a deeper delight into the very magestic glory of our awesome God-creator of all.

My friend Mary takes myriads of photos of the California sea, each one breathtaking.

From the other side of the USA, I will show you pictures of the leaves. heart

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” l.m. montgomery, in anne of green gables

On Friday, I met my friend Kathy at Old Sturbridge Village (a history reenactment place). The drive there was pleasantly distracting. After days of rain, on this morning the sun was out beautifully. By the time we arrived, I was seriously craving a hot apple cider.

With hot drinks in hand, we strolled through the village chasing our toddlers over carpets of crunchy leaves.

“The leaves are all falling, and they’re falling like
they’re falling in love with the ground.” A. Gibson

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When we got back home, I put Seth and Sarah to bed for naps and went outside.

I sat by the pond and enjoyed a pumpkin muffin and pumpkin spice coffee with my new friend crawling around in the leaves under the picnic table.

Celebrating the season with books;

Even my chickens have beautiful red leaves to look at.

At this moment, they were more interested in the prospect of a treat. Alas, I don’t share coffee or muffins.

(A glimpse of our house)

Ordinary riches can be stolen,

real riches cannot.

In your soul are infinitely precious things

that cannot be taken from you.

Oscar Wilde

My children have another day off from school today. If it’s anything like yesterday we will be eating apples, tossing the football around, baking cookies, digging in dirt, hanging off the monkey bars, collecting leaves, drinking hot chocolate, and playing games. All with just enough sibling rivalry to keep things interesting.

Happy day, friends!

conquering her fears

Posted on October 7, 2012 by Shanda

In the past, Sarah went flying off the end of the slide one too many times, landing in a heap. She got tired of it and decided not to go down slides again, it was way too scary. It’s been months and months of playground play without sliding….until this weekend.

I’m so proud of her. She finally got brave enough to go. Once she did it, she wouldn’t stop; up and down, over and over, saying “weeeeeeeeeee”. It made me smile every time. Watching her was also a nice little reminder to not let fear stop me from living a full and happy life.

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Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears. ~A. Koestler

Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death. ~Author Unknown

{this moment}

Posted on October 5, 2012 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

hello on a wednesday

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Shanda

H E L L O

1. The colors are bright and beautiful here. I’m pretty sure we are at peak now, color-wise. It is sad to think that very soon the trees will be bare, so we are taking every opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beauty while it lasts. I love this time of year. The colors are my favorites; eggplant purple, dark blue, pumpkin orange, dark red. A wardrobe in these colors, please.

2. A picture of Sarah Joy, from a year ago.

3. Thousands of leaves in the woods; this one got photographed.

4. I went to a new Bible study this morning. IT WAS AWESOME, and I thank my sister for inviting me. I can’t wait to go again next week. If you are looking for a group to join, you can click the link to see if there is a Community Bible Study meeting near you.

5. Last year, I was walking constantly, trying to rid myself of an awful depression that had taken hold. On one of those many walks, I noticed a big leaf falling from the sky and impulsively tried to catch it, and did! It felt so good to do something playful. I think it was the first leaf I ever caught from the sky.

6. Anthropologie display picture; I loved the children’s chalkboard (by the arm chair)…this store is full of eye candy.

7. Anthropologie is selling a new style egg crate; look at those colors! I’m looking forward to when my flock of hens starts to lay eggs for me. I miss fresh eggs. Also, I looked through the cookbook and would like to get it someday.

8. Sweet, quirky fun for Seinfeld fans. click here

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This old hymn is in my heart today:

“I’ve Found a Friend”

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love, and thus He bound me to Him;
And round my heart still closely twine those ties which naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine, forever and forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! He bled, He died to save me;
And not alone the gift of life, but His own Self He gave me!
Naught that I have mine own I call, I’ll hold it for the Giver,
My heart, my strength, my life, my all are His, and His forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! All pow’r to Him is given,
To guard me on my onward course, and bring me safe to heaven.
The eternal glories gleam afar, to nerve my faint endeavor;
So now to watch, to work, to war, and then to rest forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! So kind and true and tender,
So wise a Counselor and Guide, so mighty a Defender!
From Him who loves me now so well what power my soul can sever?
Shall life or death, shall earth or hell? No! I am His forever.

-James Small, 1863

little acts of kindness

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Shanda

Rainy afternoon here. The window is open a crack and little Sarah is watching the birds at the feeder and putting her hands out to get sprinkles of rain on them. She feels motherly toward the birds….calling them babies.

I have BBQ pork chops in the crock pot for later, and a peach pie in the oven. Rich is working late but I still have big and little children to feed and they sure do appreciate a good dinner.

I watched a documentary this afternoon during the S’s naptime. It’s on instant play (Netflix) and is called “Happy”. I’m so glad I watched….scribbled down notes, even wiped away tears at times (watching inspiring stories of people from around the world who are living a “poorer”, yet very rich in joy, lifestyle.)

One of the points brought out in the film was that “acts of kindness” toward others produces happy feelings.

Made me think of the last few days, when I was touched by some acts of sweet kindness in the children.

1. Caleb (7 years old) got “student of the week” and a pencil. Why? “A girl in my class wouldn’t pick up her mess so I did it for her.”

2. On Sunday, we were in a hurry to get out the door and I asked Rich to wet Sarah’s hair down and brush it. He forgot and buckled her in the car seat with messy head. I went out and sat in the passenger seat, just in time to see Jacob (15 years) get carefully back in the car with wet hands to smooth down his sister’s hair. He didn’t know anything about the conversation between Rich and I. He just saw that she had messy hair and dealt with it himself. “I’m not sure how to do these hair clips” he said, awkwardly putting it in her hair. So I re-clipped.

3. On Sunday evening, Rich and I were out on our date and the children saw a double rainbow. When Ethan (14) saw it, he got the camera.