photos from my little walk yesterday morning

Posted on January 10, 2008 by Shanda

I’m still not feeling well. I do hope that soon I will have more energy. The weather was so nice yesterday that I did go out and drink my coffee by the side of the stream.

Spent the majority of the rest of the day on the couch.

My spirits have been low, but I am leaning on Christ at this time (and all times), knowing that my body needs rest and time to heal from the stress and busyness of the holidays and being sick.

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. Is. 44:3

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. Is. 12:3

“Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of HIM, and he would have given thee living water.”

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in droughts, and make fat thy bones: and thou shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Is. 58:11

It’s been so warm that the ponds have water on top, I thought it was so pretty how the wind was making ripples in the water.

I thought the underside of this tree fungus so lovely–the design and the color–

some red in my pocket. . .to take back home with me

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Later on in the day, I tried out my new tripod:

“Oft I tell Him I am weary, and I fain would be at rest;

That I’m daily, hourly, longing to repose upon His breast;

And He answers me so kindly, in the tenderest tones of love,

I am coming soon to take thee to my happy home above.”

Posted on January 8, 2008 by Shanda

There are two seasonal diversions that can

ease the bite of winter.

One is the January thaw.

The other is the seed catalogues. Hal Borland

I am not looking at seed catalogues today. However, we are enjoying a thaw.

First of all, thank you all so much for caring about me! All that xanga soup/love sure warmed me up. I’m feeling somewhat better, but still very tired. When I’m done writing, I’m going to go lay on the couch. I did quite a bit this morning; school, dinner (beef stew in the crock pot), cleaning and laundry, and a trip outdoors. We all went out together for the first time in weeks.

Just getting them out the door was exhausting. David was flipping around on his head instead of looking for his other boot. . .Grace was shedding tears because the boys were already out and she had two more math problems to do. . .we had to convince Caleb that he really DID want to go out. . . .on and on.

Eventually the math was done, Caleb was out with big brothers, the boot was found and we all were ready.

The first thing the kids did was run and/or sled right down to the trampoline and take everything off that they just put on; jackets, boots, and socks! Caleb kept his shoes on, though. And, he kept hold of Henry the entire time that he bounced.

After watching them for a few minutes I went for a brief jaunt into the edge of the woods.

One of the things I admire in nature is the peeling bark of trees. Some caught my eye today and I went over to look closer. . I love the colors, the iridescence, the papery-ness. The kids know I love it, sometimes they come home with huge lengths of white birch for me.

“Go–spend hours and days reading his creation! Let your heart fill to the brim with wonder. Let your mouth praise the glory of our Creator!”

“The heavens and the earth are given to lift our hearts out of our selfish perspectives and raise them to heights of praise for what our Creator is.”

“Don’t let this world around you squeeze you into buildings or books. Buildings are good, books are good. There are times to be in both. But God created the heavens and the earth to be experienced. . .”

From a book I am reading out loud to Jacob, Boyhood and Beyond, by Bob Schultz

The sound of the stream was like music to my ears. Last night, when Rich came home, I just had to get outside for some fresh air. . and, even though it was dark out, I made my way down the edge of the woods and just stood and listened to the water for a while.

I also love wind chimes. I tie them up with bits of ribbon. Quite often in the midst of my busy days, I go outside for one reason or another (to get the mail, tie up the dog, fill up the feeder, etc) and I hear them and smile. It’s rewarding to hang up wind chimes. All mine are down away from the house, because I prefer to hear them from a distance.

After my walk, I watched the kids play some more. Caleb got too close to the edge of the pond and when Ethan pulled him away, his arm came out of his sleeve. Then, when he was walking to the house, he slipped and got his hands cold. . . . . . .I noticed his train was missing. . . . .

I asked him, “Where’s Henry?” and he said, “Right there!”

“Okay, you come with mamma and we’ll go get him and then go inside for some lunch. . . . .”

We held hands and walked off to find Henry together.

It’s a good thing I took him with me, because I don’t think I would have found him myself.

See what I mean?

I hope you all have a wonderful afternoon!

a hodge podge of photos

Posted on January 6, 2008 by Shanda

Well, would you believe I am sick? I don’t even know what I am doing on the computer.

Rich and I both started getting sick yesterday. It’s a cold only worse, because we feel completely exhausted, it’s almost like some kind of weird flu. I didn’t sleep well last night and we’ve been laying around all day. I guess we ARE RESTING . . . . .

Oh well, the kids have been fine all day and I managed to make some homemade chicken noodle soup, so I can’t complain.

I just had fun looking through some photos that I never put on my site. Thought you might like to see them, too.

Enjoy!

This is one that Jacob took of me this summer w/my little digital camera. . .I’m at my parent’s house.

And this one was taken a few months ago, at my parent’s house. Not the greatest photo, but I like it because I have my big camera with me, and my mom’s coat on, and I’m walking on the road I grew up on.

The kids and me, all ready to sing for Christmas at church:

This picture makes me laugh:

Rich reading to Caleb. . .another “foot picture” which I know at least one of you looks for!

Mischief-Maker, I still can’t figure out how he made such a mess with just 1/4 of a cup of flour!

David fishing this summer, with a stick and a piece of red yarn. He really truly believed it would work, that’s why I love the photo so much:

Something’s not right if your baby falls asleep before eating his cookie!

My mom giving Caleb a taste from the bowl:

Just hangin’ around (Caleb waiting for someone to come along and help him)

Me and my Sister in law, Melissa, and our 2 girls:

Rich and the gang, it makes me laugh now, but at the time I wasn’t pleased with how it turned out. Ethan looks like he’s seconds away from falling, but don’t worry, he didn’t fall. . . . .Jacob looks so NOT thrilled.

I’M SICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK, tired, and cold.

so, good night! Time for warm pj’s and a trip back to the couch.

Posted on January 5, 2008 by Shanda

“My friend, if you think of your Christian

life in any shape or form with a

sense of grudge, or as a wearisome task or duty,

I tell you to go back to the beginning of your life,

retrace your steps to the wicket gate through which you passed.

Look at the world in its evil and sin,

look at the hell in which it was leading you,

and then look forward and realize that you are set

in the midst of the most glorious campaign

into which a man could ever enter,

and that you are on the most noblest road

that the world has ever known.”

~D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

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I came across the quote this morning (as I sat on the bathroom floor, reading, while Caleb had a bath) and it was like a breath of fresh air to me! I hope that you are blessed by it as well. I was saved when I was 6 years old, and I would love to read your testimony, it’s so encouraging to read how God works in lives. . . . . .

Today is Saturday, and like I mentioned last week, my goal for Saturday is to PREPARE the house and family for a God-glorifying Sunday. Some of you said you would pray for me in this endeavor and I do covet those prayers today! Thank you friends!

Much love, Shanda

getting excited about the little things

Posted on January 4, 2008 by Shanda

Jacob had a powerful hunger yesterday.

I took pity on him, and

so we made some cake and cookies.

I kept bumping into children every which way I turned.

It was fun.

David helped crack an egg into a bowl and when he finally got it open,

(“Put your two thumbs in, and open it like a door!” I always say)

He said in his dramatic way, “YUCK!!! This one’s covered in egg juice!”

Jacob and I laughed and laughed.

As we mixed up the cake, I had the dishwasher running.

Soon, millions of soap suds started oozing onto the floor.

Someone ran to get a towel.

Jacob dropped down on the floor to play “fight the soapsuds”.

All in a day’s work, right?

I had Jacob beside me, and David standing on a big heavy kitchen chair,

and Caleb in his high chair. Grace and Ethan came and went.

We were all busy in the kitchen and it did not take long to mix up that cake!

Caleb got to lick and beater and boy, did he enjoy it!

I found myself standing and watching him,

with a smile on my face.

So, I had to run get the camera. As I took his pictures,

I realized I was enjoying it just as much as he was.

“Get excited about the little things. The big things don’t come along that often. Enjoy the beauty of the day, the perfectness of God’s creation. Take pleasure in each little accomplishment; there are many each day. A letter well written, a clean, shining room, a beautiful casserole, a lesson well taught, a sale completed. There is a wall motto that says, ‘Take time to smell the flowers.’ I guess that is what I am trying to say.”

~ quote from a little booklet Colleen gave me called “Claire’s Corner” by Claire Killman, April 1979

today’s the day I got my first flat tire

Posted on January 3, 2008 by Shanda

All I wanted to do was get out of the house and go to Kmart. It is very very cold here so I went out to start the van at like 8:40am . . . . .scraped ice off the windshield with the broom handle, and got the kids in the van. I noticed that my light was on in the van telling me I was on “empty”. . already I’m nervous, I HATE having that little light on. Then, when I put the van in drive this alarming buzzing sound went off. It was happening because the automatic side door wasn’t exactly shut. . .so I pushed “open. . shut” “open. . .shut” over and over, got out, pushed on the door, it wouldn’t really budge, it was frozen I think. . .finally, the buzzing stopped. At this point I’m wondering why I’m going to all the effort. Then, I couldn’t drive out of the driveway because of the icy snow under the tires. . for a split second I “peeled a little rubber” spinning the tires on ice. . I finally got the van turned around inch by inch and then backed out. A feeling of dread was upon me, but I kept going. . praying my way to the gas station with my gloves gripping the steering wheel tightly. I got there and then the little gas door would not open. Another heart palpitation. . .finally I grabbed the keys from the van and propped it open with them. . .pumped my gas (over fifty dollars worth!!) and got on my way.

Just miles down the road, over the sound of the kids’ music tape singing loudly about “why I love my mommy”, I start hearing this incredible noise. . .at first I’m thinking, “hmmm, van must be cold and upset from sitting in the driveway for days. . .” The noise didn’t stop and I started really getting alarmed so I pulled off the road and up into a driveway to a *cemetery* (of all places!), got out and realized I had a

FLAT TIRE

which has never happened to me before in my life. I had to call my friend Caroline to come rescue me, which she did, graciously, and still in her pajamas. It was such an surreal moment to be driving right on through the cemetery with her at like 9:30 in the morning.

We got back home, safe and sound. Aren’t you glad I didn’t get the flat tire while I was on the highway? I am! Caroline came in for coffee and we had a nice chat while our kids played, anyway.

I took a picture of the flat tire with my cell phone:

Rich called and had the van taken to a garage for new tires.

On a side note, guess who just came in my room and got in my lap? Guess whose soft, cool little cheek I just kissed 6 times in a row? Guess who has Percy the train in his little paw? Yes, it’s my small son Caleb, just awake from his nap, still with yawns and sleepy eyes. Caleb did something so dear today. When Caroline came to the *cemetery* to pick me up, I got out and started loading the kids in her van. When it was Caleb’s turn he got a little weepy and said to me, “I want. YOU” “I want. You” Oh, he was so precious, and I told him, “Mommy’s not leaving you! I’m coming, too.” He didn’t quite believe it until I got in and the doors were all shut. Then he smiled.

It’s nice to be needed. But, even nicer to be WANTED.

(after I typed all this we took a picture)

PS, I just did “spell check” and do you know, that “hmmm” is spelled wrong? And, at the top of the list for suggestions, is “MOM”? Interesting.

today's the day I got my first flat tire

Posted on January 3, 2008 by Shanda

FLAT TIRE

We got back home, safe and sound. Aren’t you glad I didn’t get the flat tire while I was on the highway? I am! Caroline came in for coffee and we had a nice chat while our kids played, anyway.

I took a picture of the flat tire with my cell phone:

Rich called and had the van taken to a garage for new tires.

It’s nice to be needed. But, even nicer to be WANTED.

(after I typed all this we took a picture)

PS, I just did “spell check” and do you know, that “hmmm” is spelled wrong? And, at the top of the list for suggestions, is “MOM”? Interesting.

sledding

Posted on January 2, 2008 by Shanda

outside for hours

a cold wind, they don’t even notice

non stop smiles

will their faces hurt from the chilly air or all the grinning?

lost the sled

my heart warms with pride as I watch them together, a perfect threesome

off to their other “sled run”

they begged me to come, but I had to get back inside to the littles

one last look back

this is what a I love about my life

I get to be a recorder of memories

Home Peace

Posted on January 2, 2008 by Shanda

The following list is something I read recently and found convicting.

Cultivating Home Peace

Begin each day by taking note of, and appreciating, the blessings that are currently in your life. (I love this idea, and at times I do write in my journal “things I am thankful for”)

Be the guardian of your words. Words are powerful and can destroy in seconds what may have taken years to cultivate. (ouch! very convicting! and, very true!)

Make it a habit to look for and praise positive behavior and attitudes of your family members. By recognizing and building up the positive traits, they become stronger, leaving less room (and little time) for negative qualities to take root. (I love this idea! So often I nit-pick my husband or my kids)

When your partner and /or children are speaking to you, look up from what you are doing and offer your full attention to their words. (I practiced this as I typed, David brought me something that he found and I looked right at him while he told me all about it. He didn’t seem too startled, LOL)

Make every effort to master a quick temper. Seek to consciously check anger and impatience in yourself, as these are the streams from which negative words flow. (Amen!)

Keep in mind that bad moods are contagious. Try to differentiate between a sour mood and a true dilemma (your own as well as others’).

Never underestimate the power of an apology. Be prepared to look at yourself with complete honesty and admit and apologize when you have snapped unnecessarily. (I try to make sure I do this w/the children during the day, too)

Pride and stubbornness are inhibitors to happiness and will negatively influence your life. Always accept a sincere apology, avoiding the habit of unforgiveness. (ooooh, ouch! thank you Lord, for showing me why it’s hard to accept apology at times. . .because of my own pride and stubbornness!!)

The human family is a precious thing. In is within the family circle that we conduct our apprenticeship to life and make our first social contact. Each of us is alive for a purpose. It is our responsibility to find the gifts that were bestowed upon us. Once found, it is our joy–as well as our obligation–to cultivate and make use of them. (so so true)

~Tracey McBride, in Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons

(Spot was in a box this morning, playing, so I took his picture. Cats make me feel peaceful)

“God the Father is called the ‘God of peace’ (Hebrews 13:20).
God the Son, the ‘Prince of peace’ (Isaiah 9:6).
God the Holy Ghost the ‘Spirit. . .of peace’ (Ephesians 4:30)”
Thomas Watson

“. . . .seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14

Thoughts on New Years Day. . . .

Posted on January 1, 2008 by Shanda

Happy New Year! I looked up some verses on being “new” and thought I would share some. As Christians, we have the glorious privilege of becoming NEW when God saves us. It’s a great day to remember that, don’t you think? (If you don’t know if you are a Christian, please message me and I will help you the best I can, but reading the gospel of John, particularly the 3rd chapter, would be a good place to start).

This is just a small sampling of the many verses I copied down in my journal this morning.

Revelation 21:5 (this one brought tears to my eyes)

“And He (Jesus) who sat upon the throne said,

Behold, I make all things new.

And He said unto me,

Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

New~ Different from one of the same

which existed before; made fresh.

11 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold all things are become new.”

Galatians 6:15

“For in Christ neither circumcision

availeth anything; nor uncircumcision,

but a new creature.”

(“It is easy to get caught up in the externals. Beware of those who emphasize actions we should or should not do, with no concern for the inward condition of the heart. Living a “good” life without an inward change leads to a spiritual life that is shallow and empty, What matters to God is that we be completely changed from the inside out.” ~Life Application Study Bible)

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We had such a fun time last night. Amanda and Jason came over with the girls and stayed until about 9. We had dinner and then Rich and Jason took the kids out to go sledding in the dark (using the headlights of the 4-wheeler to see). They had to walk on a trail through the woods to get to the hill, and I stood on the porch, smiling as I listened to them laugh and talk as they walked along with a flashlight. When they came back the kids watched part of a movie (The Incredible Journey) while the adults sat at the table and talked. Then, we had cake and ice cream to celebrate Jacob’s birthday. After Jason and Amanda left, Rich stayed up with Jacob and Ethan to “watch the ball drop.” I had absolutely no desire to join them, so I went to bed to curl up in the covers and read a book. Rich told me this morning that Ethan gave up at 11 and went to bed but that Jacob would have stayed up all night if he let him.

It’s become a tradition for Rich to take Jacob, Ethan, and Grace to his office on New Year’s Day. So, that is where they are now. The kids love to go, no one else will be there, and Rich likes to rearrange his office, clean, and organize for the New Year.

Caleb is napping and David is impatiently waiting for his turn at the computer. And I am in the midst of doing a mountain of laundry. . but, going to go eat lunch now before I continue with that project.

And, by the way, it’s snowing! I look out the windows and feel like I’m in a giant snow globe!

Have a great day, friends, and a very Blessed and Happy New Year. . . .