Posted on September 17, 2008 by Shanda

I just sat and read all your notes, wishing Rich and me a Happy Anniversary~thank you! You are all so kind and sweet. We did have a nice day yesterday (only had a couple of minor tiffs, LOL) and thanks to my friend Karen, we even got to go on a date together.

We had a nice country-back roads drive to my favorite antique store, past lakes and beautiful houses, (and trees starting to turn colors). At the antique place, we browsed around and I ended up buying some old issues of Country Living magazine. I will enjoy looking through them over the next few days.

After that, we went out for lunch at a quaint local restaurant. They feature old fashioned, New England food on the menu. The staff treated us with extra kindness, because I told our waitress that it was our anniversary. She was an older lady, and told us that we must have been married in the 8th grade to have been together for 13 years. Made me laugh out loud.

The food was SO good, and it was nice to just sit and talk to each other and enjoy our food. We both had cups of creamy New England clam chowder, and salads. My salad was so good I just had to take a picture of it:

It was an heirloom tomato salad, drizzled with a balsamic vinegarette and surrounded by soft wedges of creamy mozzarella cheese.

For my main lunch plate, I had an open faced turkey sandwich served over a slice of cornbread, sausage cornbread stuffing, and gravy on top. There was a small cup of cranberry sauce on the side, fries AND coleslaw, and it was all very homemade and tasted SO good. I had to bring most of my lunch home so I could save room for dessert. We wanted to go downstairs, to the bake shop, for coffee and dessert, but before we knew it our waitress came out with this sweet treat:

Pretty, isn’t it?

We blew out the candle and each had one bite, then wrapped up the rest to bring home. Because, I’m tellin’ ya, that bake shop is “to die for”. And I had been craving a fig square for the last month or so. We paid our bill and headed down the stairs to the most wonderful little place around. I want to go back again soon, with my sister and girlfriends. (is anyone listening??) I told Rich my goal is to eventually try everything in the case.

We sipped our hot coffees, and shared this cream puff:

With full tummies and all that sugar, we got all happy and laughed a lot, and took a few pictures of each other:

We took two boxes of treats home with us, including cupcakes for the kids, a piece of carrot cake for Karen, and two fig squares to satisfy my craving. I’ve been nibbling on them, opening the fridge to take a bite now and then.

When we got home, I had a nice walk with Karen, through the woods, before she left. I had to try to burn off some of those calories! Plus, it was so nice to yak with a girlfriend, we talked almost nonstop, stopping the conversation once to just soak up the peace and quiet of the woods. We both came back with a handful of bits from the forest–pretty leaves, acorns, and flowers.

After Karen went home, Rich and I just basically hung around home, taking care of the kids. Rich took a little nap in his recliner while I made dinner and looked through one of my new/old magazines.

Before the day was done, I pulled my wedding dress out of the closet to admire it. I still love my dress, even after 13 years. I am so thankful that I was married at 19, I was so worry-free back then, and just full of excitement for my wedding and marriage to Rich. I had no zealous opinions about anything, just happy to go along, making plans. My mom and I shopped together for my dress, and I only remember trying on two dresses before we knew this was the one. . . . . .

(front)

(back)

I haven’t put it on since the day I was married. . . .. But, I did hold it up to myself yesterday. Remembering when I was a bride.

Requested photos from our wedding. . . . .

(In my opinion, this is one of the most romantic verses in the Bible):

“There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.”

Proverbs 30:18-19

Thanking God for thirteen beautiful years with my beloved.

Have a wonderful day, friends!

~Shanda~

(family adventure)

Posted on September 16, 2008 by Shanda

Yesterday, after school, Rich and I took the children to a local fair. It was a lot of walking around in the sun, but we had a great day. At times it was stressful, keeping track of the kids, but we kept reminding ourselves, “It’s worth it, we’re making memories. . . . .”

Here are some of the pictures I took:

The giant slide was the first thing we did when we got there. Rich took the kids down, while Caleb and I waited below. Rich told me that Ethan almost didn’t go down. . .I think all of a sudden he decided that this huge slide was just not a smart idea. But, he went and was glad he did. His hat blew off half way down and the worker had to retrieve it for him.

At the petting zoo area, Caleb and the other children got to feed goats.

After seeing horses, and pigs, and rabbits and other animals, we made our way to the midway. This was the first time we had taken the kids to a fair and it was somewhat frustrating because of the P R I C E S. When you have five children, it all adds up so quickly. They went on a couple of rides and then we left to do other things.

Caleb’s very first amusement park ride, which he loved.

We walked around some State buildings and the children dressed up in these Police uniforms.

I don’t think these two would show mercy, do you?

After the fair, we came home and Rich had to leave again right away to take Jacob and Ethan to their music lessons. While they were gone, I gave David and Caleb hair cuts.

I may have gone a little too short this time.

They both look so so cute with no hair! I’ve been calling Caleb my little teddy bear this morning. He says he’s not a bear, but he does have teeth.

This is what they were doing the whole time I was trying to get just one decent head shot:

They were both wild after such a fun day. It took a long time before they could settle down to sleep. After being giggly, Caleb crashed and went off in the other direction, crying and having fits in his bed because he wanted a “certain car” to sleep with. I was glad that at that point, Rich was home to deal with him.

This morning I am going to buzz the two older boys. I just find it much easier to keep their hair short.

Also, today is Rich’s and my 13th wedding anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s a day of remembering our wedding and all the excitement we felt as we went through the ceremony and reception afterwards. My friend Karen offered to come over to babysit the kids and I am looking forward to spending a good chunk of the day alone with my husband. For breakfast this morning I made us delicious omelets. I’ve been making them every morning for the past 4 days. Mushroom, green pepper, tomato, cheese, and chives. YUM!

Rich is running the dog right now so I better get busy and make myself pretty. I’ll be posting pictures of our day, in honor of our anniversary, at some point (tonight or tomorrow).

Have a great day!

(abundant life in Christ)

Posted on September 15, 2008 by Shanda

(I just thought I would share a few thoughts that are running through my head and heart this morning. . . . .)

Abundance— an ample quantity, profusion, lavish expenditure, extravagance, exceeding the limits of reason or necessity, extremely or excessively elaborate. . . . .

I remember once, hearing a man try to explain God’s generosity as sort of like a “baker’s dozen”, when you ask for 12 but get 13. . . .I wonder how often we all get caught up in this human sort of thinking. We just cannot seem to fathom the abundance of God’s spiritual gifts to us, but the Bible is full of verses that prove God’s lavishishness.

The Holy Spirit has been giving me the desire to learn more about God’s abundance, and so this morning I sat on my porch and looked up verses that contained the word abundant. This is what I have found so far (there are a lot more verses that I didn’t have time to look up). . . .

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not.” 2 Cor. 4;15,16

“And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 1:14

God doesn’t just give us grace, He gives us ABUNDANT GRACE.

“How excellent is thy lovingkindness O God: therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.” Ps. 36:7-10

He doesn’t just satisfy our souls, He ABUNDANTLY SATISIFIES

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Is. 55:7

He doesn’t just forgive our sins, HE ABUNDANTLY PARDONS THEM.

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.” John 10:10, 11

He doesn’t just give us a new life in Him, HE GIVES US AN ABUNDANT LIFE.

The more I study these beautiful verses, and meditate on them, the more my heart is warmed and thrilled toward my Savior. He gives us everything we need, in abundance, because He loves us. Sometimes we try to earn His good gifts, but when we do that it takes away the overwhelming humility that we feel, when we realize that “I don’t deserve a single beautiful blessing from God’s hand, but look! He has given me so much, too much!” An attitude like that is lovely and deep. . . . .the kind of spirit which is broken and thankful and causes us to want to give our life to Jesus, and to love Him, and worship Him.

“. . .eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.” Song of Solomon 5:1

“Lord, I crawled across the barreness to You with my empty cup uncertain in asking any small drop of refreshment. If only I had known You better. . . .I’d have come running with a bucket.” Amy Carmicheal

(I don’t think God’s generosity is like a baker’s dozen….I think it’s dozens upon dozens of baker’s dozens!)

all better now. . . .

Posted on September 13, 2008 by Shanda

. . . .because he’s finally home! (after being away since Monday morning). . . . .

I can finally wear my happy shoes!

This is reality for us, with our small ones always about. Caleb is begging for blueberries, he took them from the freezer himself and then found us to get some help. He didn’t say anything, just stood there until we noticed. . .

(four months today)

Posted on September 12, 2008 by Shanda

I feel great! I love the 2nd trimester because I have all the joys of pregnancy ~ without being too uncomfortable.

(Jesus led me all the way)

Posted on September 11, 2008 by Shanda

Update on Pastor Steensma: My mom just called and said, “I have wonderful news! Pastor is off the respirator, sitting up, and eating!” I could tell by my mom’s voice how relieved and excited she was to hear this news. She called me as soon as she got the message.

Thank you to all who have prayed for him! It seems that God is answering in an amazing way. We truly have been uncertain as to whether he would survive. So far, so good! *THANK YOU *

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

Someday life’s journey will be o’er, And I will reach that distant shore;
I’ll sing while ent’ring heaven’s door, “Jesus led me all the way.”

If God should let me there review the winding paths of earth I knew;
It would be proven clear and true~ “Jesus led me all the way.”

And hitherto my Lord hath led, Today He guides each step I tread;
And soon in heav’n it will be said, “Jesus led me all the way.”

Jesus led me all the way,
Led me step by step each day;
I will tell the saints and angels as I lay my burdens down,
“Jesus led me all the way.”

~hymn written by John W. Peterson

Sometimes the Holy Spirit puts a specific song in my heart and this hymn is the one I’ve been playing on the piano and humming today. It seems like a fitting song for the day marked as “Patriot Day” on my calendar. The children and I watched the History Channel this morning, about 9/11, until my heart was so heavy that I turned it off. Why is it that they show those poor people jumping away from fire and death, to certain death below, on television? It seems disrespectful to me. Seeing the people running from burning buildings is bad enough, but at least we are seeing people who made it out alive and still had hope! There was no hope for those who jumped. The whole thing is heartbreaking.

That’s why, today, as I post all these pictures, I think about LIFE. The earth is full of the GOODNESS of the Lord. In the faces of our children, the bright blue sky, and all the millions of little things that he’s given us to cause us to wonder and praise Him; like wild apples, monarch caterpillars, rushing streams, brightly colored leaves, sunshine, wooly bears, even the spiders that the children and I saw. . . .

My family, and each day, is a gift from God. Today I took the children to the library. I had a 40 dollar fine to pay and it feels SO good to be “in the clear” again! I came home with some beautiful children’s books to read aloud to David and Caleb. I love it when they say, as I reach the last page of a particularly good book, “Read that one again, Mom! Please! Read it again!” I love seeing the older children curled up in various cozy spots, reading the books that they got to choose and bring home.

We also made cookies today. One small sentence, that to me means so much. The sounds, the smells, the joy of David and Caleb as they helped me dump in the ingredients, taste the vanilla (“it was bad,” said Caleb), and crack the eggs. The mess we left in the kitchen.

The sun is shining, it’s a beautiful day here in New England. My heart aches because of what happened seven years ago in our country. But I’m so glad that I have this moment, and that Jesus leads me, and will lead me safely through every day until I arrive to the final destination— Home, to heaven—to the BEGINNING (not the end!) of my real life, with Him. Like C.S. Lewis said, this earthly life of ours is only “the cover and title page” of the real story of our lives. And in Heaven, “each chapter is better than the one before.”

pictures of me with the children

Posted on September 9, 2008 by Shanda

It’s so touching, and meaningful, when God’s people pray for one another! As I sit and read through all of your names I cry, and thank God for His church. It’s overwhelming, how we are family and have love for one another, even if we haven’t even met. It’s God alone, Who knits us together and makes us one body.

~Thank you~ so much, for praying. My dad said to me today that Pastor Steensma is still about the same, maybe a little improved. The congregation is so sad, but with all the prayers there is also such peace, placing the ultimate course of things into God’s loving hands. I will certainly keep you all updated, as I hear news.

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

Last night, I took the two older boys to their music lessons. There is a big field nearby so I took my camera just in case I got in the mood to snap a few pictures. . . .it doesn’t take much to get me going, although most of these were taken by David or Grace! It was about 6:30 when we took them, the sun was going down and glowing so prettily.

Mama and Caleb, the best little three year old hugger anyone could wish for. Yesterday, he came to me as I was gripping my ankle in agony (after ramming it into my desk), and said, “Mama!!! Give me a big hug,” he began to squeeze, “so I can make you feel better!” More squeezing. *sigh of pleasure* What a nice boy.

Doin’ a little kissin’. . . I love the boy’s faces, David looks so content on my lap.

I’m sure someone*somewhere* could fix the little flash of gold on my forehead, but I don’t have the time!

Let’s just call it “pixie dust”. . .I love the picture anyhow! Me and my little Davy-do

And my girl of girls, I just couldn’t crop Caleb out. . .he’s Too Cute!

Oh, the delicious skin of a little child! I hope I can remember that their hearts, and souls are just as tender at this point in the game. . . .need to treat them gently. . . . mercifully. . . .

Verses from a wonderful time of Bible reading this morning, out on the porch while the children were still sound asleep—all from Psalms—

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He will strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

“The Lord is their strength, and He is the saving strength of His anointed.”

“O love the Lord, all ye His saints”

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”

“Thou art my hiding place”

“He that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous, and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.”

“. . the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” (FULL!!!)

“O taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”

It’s been raining here just about all day. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with the children this evening. I feel like I have to do something fun, to break up the time between now and bed.

Thanks again for your prayers! You all are wonderful!

Love ~Shanda~

(prayer request)

Posted on September 8, 2008 by Shanda

Dear Christian Friends,

Just a quick note, to ask you to pray for my Dad and Mom’s dear Pastor. His name is Pastor Steensma, and he is currently in critical condition with a kidney stone, pneumonia, and a possible heart attack. Pastor is a diabetic, which means that he has less strength and health to fight against these ailments. My mom told me tonight, to specifically pray that God will give him strength to heal.

(The Pastor’s pulpit, in a small country church)

I’ve been under his preaching just a handful of times but I can tell you that he is a bright light in his church, and community. He preaches the word of God in a genuine, loving way and is truly a shepherd to his people. Even his prayers during the church services have brought tears to my eyes, as I sat in my pew and listened. He is also a friend, to my Dad, a brother in Christ who has sharpened him and encouraged him in the Lord.

Please, please pray for his recovery. If the Lord takes him home, we will praise His name, but it won’t be because people did not pray for him to remain on earth, just a little longer. May God’s will be done!

Thank you so very much. This is a real burden of my heart tonight. If you pray for him, please leave a comment with your first name, and where you live (state, or country). I am sending out a card, and will list your names.

Love, from your friend, ~Shanda~

Posted on September 8, 2008 by Shanda

“While gentleness should always mark a husband’s bearing toward his wife, there are occasions which call for peculiar thoughtfulness and sympathetic expression. Sometimes she is very weary. The cares of the day have been unusually trying. Matters have not gone smoothly at home. Her quivering nerves have been sorely overtaxed. She has heard sad news. A child has been sick all day, or, worse still, has by some disobedience or some wrong-doing almost broken her heart. What is a husband’s part at such times? Surely if he is capable of tenderness he will allow it now. He will not utter a word to add to the load the overburdened spirit is already carrying. He will seek rather by every thoughtful help his love can give to lighten the burden, to quiet the trembling heart and to impart strength, and peace.” ~J.R. Miller

Rich’s flight leaves at 8 this morning, so I’ve already been up for a while, spending time with him as he got ready to leave on a business trip. He is flying to California today, and will be gone until Friday. Rich works a lot, and gets home around 6:30 or 7 (sometimes later) every night. I think I have probably mentioned before, that I need him near me for a certain amount of time in order to feel strong and secure. I am not an independant woman, I need my husband’s love and protection a great deal. Sometimes the fact that he works so much causes friction between us and I start thinking of his job as “The Enemy”, rather than a blessing from God (which it is). Rich’s job, and his work ethic is a gift which enables me to be a stay at home Mom, and he provides the extra money to be able to do things that “once upon a time” we couldn’t do (like nice vacations, buying groceries with confidence *there is enough money in our checking account*, nice day-trips with the kids, going out to eat, new maternity clothes, etc).

So, our marriage is a give and take, there is a constant tension *not a bad thing*, because tension makes us work harder at finding that balance, making sure we nurture our relationship.

Rich is an encouragment to me. He is not a big talker, but his silent strength is encouragment enough. He never complains about anything that I do, but if the house is especially nice he will always mention it. A good meal never fails to bring words of praise. (*smile*) He never ever worries about the children, or checks up on me to makes sure I am doing what I’m supposed to do with them! I find that amazing. It’s not that he doesn’t care, he just knows that I’ll take care of them. Wow, thinking about this is making me feel so humbled, and motivating me to do better and try harder!

I think the best thing that Rich does for me these days, which are full of mothering-tasks, is allowing me to rest and take breaks when I need to. In fact, there are many times that he encourages me to go out in the evenings–and I don’t take him up on it! (too tired, really). But, if I need a break, or some quiet, some time alone, he is always more than willing to let me go and do what I need to do.

Yesterday, after church and after lunch, I went to Barnes and Noble for H-O-U-R-S. I picked out a pile of books, sat myself down in a chair, and just leafed through books. It was very refreshing, to say the least!

When I got home, the house was clean.

I’m so thankful for my husband. Sure, we have our ups and downs, just like any other couple. There are times when we don’t understand each other at.all. But, generally speaking, the Lord has given us a beautiful marriage, one that I can rest in, and feel protected and secure in. I trust Rich with my life, with everything.

Yesterday evening, after I got back from the bookstore, I sat on the porch and watched the family play football. I took some pictures, and when I look at them, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my life, the way it is, right now.

“It is a happy art, the art of living together in tender love.” ~J.R. Miller~

Have a great day, everyone!

I’m off, to go get a small boy ready for a day of Kindergarten. . . . . .

Love ~Shanda~

PS. I just had to hop back on to record this memory—Today was the very first morning that David waved and waved to me, keeping his eyes on me, until he was out of sight, through the bus window. His face looked so cheerful and small, I almost started crying. What a wonderful boy. I’m glad I made him his requested breakfast—scrambled eggs w/cheese. The rest of the children had french toast.

Posted on September 6, 2008 by Shanda

I was just thinking the other day, that I haven’t seen the children swimming in our pond since we came home from vacation almost two months ago. So, I took a few pictures yesterday when they all took a dip. David was the one who came up with the idea, and before anyone could do anything, lil’ Caleb stood on the yard, took every stitch of clothing off by himself, and ran down the hill after his brother as naked as a jaybird. I grabbed his undies and his life-jacket, and one by one the rest of the children joined us down at the pond.

Grace practiced her dives off the jumping rock:

Jacob helped keep an eye on his little brother:

David was as happy as a fishy, in this picture you will see the same face he makes as we go up the escalator at the mall. He reminds me, constantly, how to really enjoy life with all I’ve got!

He spent some time, floating:

Will this be the last swim of the season? We’ll see!

The leaves are slowing changing colors:

TODAY, Rich reminded me that he leaves on Monday to go on a three day business trip. As Caleb would say, “I not like that.” We had a nice morning together and then he got restless and wanted to go out (he can rarely spend an entire day at home) so we headed out to eat for lunch, and then the mall (of all places). I haven’t been to the mall with all the children in a while and I left convinced it is a crazy place. It was so crowded, full of people spending money right and left. And. Yes. I did, too. I bought myself some maternity clothes. You would think I would be all set in that department, but I gave them all away and have NOTHING. Well, now I have some things, but I had to start from scratch again. At JC Penney, I bought a cute sweater, a pair of pants, and ummmmmmm, oh yes, a pair of those dressy sorts of capris that you can wear with heels. They are black and cute. At least, I hope they are. I’ll have to wait until my fashion consultant tells me they are (my sister, Amanda).

On the way to the mall I had Rich stop at a thrift store. He hates thrift stores, but I love them. Today all I found was a couple of books, but one of them was this:

A 1937 copy of On the Banks of Plum Creek! It’s an ex-library book, with a tape on the binding, but the binding is solid and the book opens so nicely in my hands. I love it, absolutely love it. It’s the best 50 cents I spent all day long. The illustrations are so dear:

This one is for my aunt Colleen, we used to play in hay together, too. This is the part in the story when Laura and Mary cannot resist sliding down Pa’s freshly stacked hay. They sure get in trouble, but “they never had so much fun.”

I used to imagine I was Laura, but look! I’m just like Ma Ingalls now!

And here is the happy little family, on their way to town. Birds and butterflies surround them, Ma looks so serene with baby Carrie on her lap, and the girls are so spotless, pretty, and clean! It’s a beautiful day on the prairie~

I can’t wait to read this copy out loud to the children, they will love it. Who doesn’t love the Little House books??

When we got home, I took a couple of pictures of my doodle-bug, Grace. She’s got her balloon from the restaurant, an apple from a farm stand that we stopped at on the way home, her book, and Sprocket. Remember, he was at the beach with us on Monday, too. I guess they’re attached.

Remember last week? I ordered my happy shoes (which STILL haven’t arriv
ed)?

Well, today I bought Grace her own pair of happy shoes. My friend Lea Ann would love these. Of course, they have no high heel, but still. They are red.

So now it’s about 6ish and it’s raining outside. Jake and E are playing Yahzee, Grace is pretending to be a horse on the porch, Caleb is on the porch, too, and I just heard him say to Grace, “Get it, Horse!” Rich is watching football and David is eating chips and cookies (we already at a pot roast dinner).

Ever since we got home from shopping I’ve been trying to avoid the children. Do you want to know how I know I’m popular? Because they find me wherever I am! I talked to my mom for a while, and they kept a comin’ —I’m trying to sit here and type, and they keep a comin’. I just had to tell Grace NOT to come in through my window! I thought, since Rich was going to be gone for THREE DAYS, that I could at least have two hours of quiet, but no. I just have to laugh. My children love me, what can I say?

Can you believe, in two weeks, I’ll be half done with this pregnancy???? Keep praying for me, and for the baby, that everything goes well, and I would greatly appreciate it. I can’t tell you how excited I am, for this baby to be in my arms. When I wake up in the middle of the night, I think and dream about him/her.

Jacob just called from the kitchen, “MOM! I GOT A YAHZEE!” Is that cute or what? I’m in my room with the door shut, but he still assumes I would want to know/or, wants me to call out, “Good job, Jake!” Which *is what I did.*

I hope all of you are having a great Saturday. I’m thinking of all my far-away friends and family and sending out warm wishes, hugs, and smiles. And, the same goes to my xanga pals as well. I’m quite excited to know, if one of you *Angie* has finally had her baby boy?

God bless and keep you all!

Love ~Shanda~

PS, all the exclamation points=Starbucks cinnamon dolce latte, which I am not used to drinking at this time of day.