bible study with a chicken!

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Shanda

As soon as the children left for school yesterday, and I had a good start on the household chores, I looked outside and thought, “What a gorgeous fall morning.”

I decided to go out in it and sit with the hens to have my Bible study time. As soon as I opened my Bible, my favorite chicken hopped up on my knee to join me. You might notice that I thought it was October 6th at first. “This all seems familiar,” I thought, and then realized it was now the 7th. Already!

Hi Chicken!

I had a notebook with me and a pencil stuck in my ponytail. The pencil didn’t stay there long, because very soon there were good things to scribble down to save and think about. The air was fresh and cool, the sounds of contented hens charming.

I want and long to read the Bible every day. I have found that for me, the best way to do this is to use a “One Year Bible”. (click here to see the one I use) In this Bible, there is a reading for each day of the year. I’ve used it for several years now. There are times when I miss a few days, maybe even a week or more, but I have found that if I try to catch up I get overwhelmed. So, I always skip those days because very soon (next year) I WILL get to those verses again. There is a portion of Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. Even though it is a structured, assigned portion of reading, there are ALWAYS words and truths that my heart and soul needed to hear again and again–never boring or dry. I usually keep paper nearby so that I can write down the verses that spoke to me that day. You see, the Bible is ALIVE for those who believe and love it. The words within it are useful in so many ways, and for Christians, it is like medicine for the soul. It’s like a food-craving you might get for, say, chocolate. You find yourself thinking about the Word during the day and wanting it. And when you get it, you are filled and satisfied.

Yesterday, I wrote these things down in my notebook (verses in quotes, my thoughts *not* in quotes)

~”An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.”

Always be honest in your questions and answers. Don’t “play games”, don’t pretend. Be sincere. It’s a beautiful way to live–so beautiful that your honest, truthful ways are just like friendship’s kisses.

~”This is what the Lord says: Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken.”

~”Your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”

~”Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshipping the things of this world.”

Teach the children about greed.

Greed-intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. A selfish and excessive desire for more of something than is needed.

~”Christ is all that matters and He lives in all of us.”
~”Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all richness, fill your lives.”

This is a wonderful set of verses to apply to my FAMILY.

~”Despite God’s wonders, they refused to trust Him.” —The next time you have some difficulty trusting God, think of as many of His wonders as you possibly can.

*****

I had no idea there was an app on my iPhone that shows all the steps I take in one day. I make sure I have it in my pocket now when I take my walks….it’s fun to see just how much I walk in a day as I go about my business. My mom does the same thing with her phone, and she is the one who taught me about the app. It came already installed on my phone and dummy me never knew it until last weekend.

I had it in my pocket when I went for a walk yesterday all alone because my children all go to school now (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I find myself MAKING REMARKS TO MYSELF OUT LOUD. I really need to stop because it’s starting to happen at the grocery store, too.

The birds are quite active at this time of year. This morning when I let out the dog I saw a cardinal and a blue jay right outside my house in the bushes. They were busy eating berries in the early morning sunshine. A blue jay scolded me yesterday from the treetops and I got this fun picture of it stretching to reach some food.

The colors of autumn dazzle the eye.

Adorable mushroom. I want to draw it. I like to imagine them slowly growing up through the sweet smelling leaves and eventually poking their heads up to the day.

Dappled sunlight in the woods.

Hickory nuts are dropping off the trees and oh how I wish I could get to them!! I want to climb and gather! But the tree is so very tall. I have an old schoolbook primer that has a story in it about a nutting party. (this blog post is similar) The neighborhood people would go gather nuts together. Why did that stop happening?? My mom and her family used to get nuts in the fall on their farm land. I need to ask her to tell me the stories again. I know of two hickory trees nearby. One is by the stream and one is up the road just a little ways on the right and it’s nuts drop on the edge of the street.

I walked toward the stream…..a golfball caught my eye so I went to pick it up and saw this sight-

“What in the world are they doing?”, I asked myself (out loud) and when I realized what was happening, I blushed deeply and hid my eyes.

A worm saw them and wriggled away fast.

Or was it me he was squirming from? Regardless, I once again spoke out loud, “That was a BIG worm!” I said.

I think I miss my children. I’m not used to having no one near.

It didn’t help that there were signs of them down by the stream.

I also found a sock.

This is not the sky, but a reflection of it in a still pool of water in the stream.

*****

Well, eventually the children DID come back home. I went for another little walk with David and Sarah. We collected acorns and more hickory nuts (just a couple). I wanted them all (greedy again?) David told me that HE could climb the tree. Humph.

I did all the talking I wanted to without feeling weird.

Soon it was time for Caleb and Seth to go to football practice. Grace had a variety show at the High School so we made an outing of it. Ethan, David, and Sarah came along as I dropped off the boys at the field. We had extra time so Ethan suggested the coffee shop downtown. Sarah had an apple juice and a bag of chips that she didn’t like (they had pepper on them.) David had a diet soda, Ethan and I had coffee. Ethan snap-chatted his friend who is a girl. (um)

We looked out the window and saw that in the park across the street a band was setting up. The concert was to start in 15 minutes and we still had time so Sarah and I went over to enjoy some great jazz music…

Is this quaint or what?? I loved every moment…there were people all around us, and more gathered in as time went on. I would love to go again with Rich. People had their lawn chairs, picnic foods, sweaters and blankets to keep warm, and a musical spirit…toe tapping, a little dancing, smiles on the faces…it was great.

The boys played down by the water and railroad tracks and could still hear all the songs.

We may not have nutting parties but we do have outdoor concerts!

After a quick trip to the library we headed to the HS. Grace was in the color guard Flag routine (she’s on the far left on the floor). She’s been twirling the flag for just a few months and did very well. It was fun to see all the kids do their various routines…dance, music, and what have you. Sarah ate two chocolate candy bars while she watched and we didn’t get home until 9:00pm.

It was a wonderful night being filled up with my children again after a lonesome-like afternoon.

Tonight Rich comes home. He’s been gone since Monday. It’s a long weekend for the kids–no school tomorrow or Monday!

football mama

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Shanda

My two youngest sons play football and they are both rookies this year.

Seth is 6 and Caleb is 10. They are both determined players but Caleb has a little extra advantage: PASSION….total and complete passion for anything that has to do with football. He collects the cards and organizes them carefully in binders, studies NFL teams and trivia using magazines and books, watches any football game on TV, and will happily talk nonstop to anyone who will listen to endless football conversation. This passion he has for the sport gives him an extra desire to play….to play hard with body AND heart.

Whoever gets to take Caleb to his first real college or NFL football game is one lucky person.

Rich gets excited watching Caleb play because he sees the potential. Rich loved playing football in school.

I don’t want to make it seem like Seth doesn’t have talent, because he does..he just misses that outside interest in the sport. He plays and then goes home to do other stuff. Caleb plays football and then goes home to play some more.

I even secretly think that he’s longing for a sports injury, just so he can be like all the other tough guys. Not anything major, mind you, but a nice little injury that doesn’t slow him down but gives him something to brag about. A little blood would be nice, and a few good bruises.

A couple weeks ago I took along my SLR to take some photos of the boys in action.

SETH’s team played first:

Okay, so the coaches are all awesome. I LOVE to see men working with boys, teaching them, yelling at them, caring for them.

Here is Seth (number 3) getting his helmet snapped in place by one of his coaches.

team talk before the game.

Seth is on the line.

A team mate running for a touchdown.

Our team won the game and afterwards celebrated with a bag of lollipops, which is what they are doing in the following picture: (grabbing lollipops) Seth is number three with his back to me.

Seth made his Dad buy him a FLAVORED mouth guard AND special gloves. He has to have the stuff to be cool, you know. Nothing gets by him.

Seth has gotten the “tuff guy” ball three times this year, which is awarded to the toughest boy after each practice.

CALEB’s team was next to play::

Here he is, number 54, getting ready to kick. He does great as kicker…and guess what? His dad was kicker on his team, too! Caleb was thrilled to make his dad proud of him by being chosen team kicker.

Caleb in action, running through two kids from the other team. He is the one running left in the photo. Caleb plays both defense and offense so he never comes off the field the whole game which makes me laugh. He gets good and sweaty but doesn’t tire out at all because he loves it.

They had their first win! Caleb took his helmet off, cheering with joy while the coaches clapped.

Caleb is a great motivator and never shuts up during the games (he is like that in baseball, too), he helps the team by using kind and encouraging words….what a gift he has! He was ready to pat everyone on the back and tell them how good they did after the win, too.

It was after this game that I went out and bought cowbells, to the annoyance of the whole family. They are soooo loud! After spending a few days in the house I put them in the back of my car to live.

This past weekend Rich went to the game without me so I could take the other kids to church (we hate that most of the games are on Sunday morning). Their teams both won again and Caleb played very well, sacking the quarterback twice causing him to fumble the ball, getting interceptions, and tackling people right and left. Rich texted me throughout to keep me posted.

I asked him if he was ringing the (annoying) bells for Caleb and he said, “No, they are all yours. I wouldn’t do that without you.”

This weekend Rich is teaching Sunday School so I will be taking the boys myself. It’s fun being a football mama.

the rude bird

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Shanda

The rude bird sat in a dead tree and looked at the photographer…….

..when all of a sudden!!

Take that, Ms. Photographer!

in the meantime….

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Shanda

Isn’t the news depressing? It makes me long for Jesus and Home. I know the end of my story and it’s worth living in this wretched world for…..as a person who determines to look for beauty, it hurts to write “wretched” but what other word is there when you hear of all the terrible things happening in our country and around the world?

In the meantime, I’m determined to live my own ordinary, quiet, blessed life to the FULLEST. I’m going to say yes as much as possible, go to bed early and SLEEP the glorious sleep, read the books, dress the children, cook the food, laugh the laughs, light the candles, take pictures of the sunrise, help as many people as I can, smile the smiles, say NO to anything or anyone that drains the energy from me that I need for my family, hug the hugs, pet the cats, make the sacrifices……you get the idea. All the things that I like, that I need to do and want to do. I’m so thankful that I have the power and determination to live the life I want to live, regardless of outside circumstances. We all have that freedom to some extent.

I truly think it pleases and glorifies God when we know who we are and live the way He made us to live, according to each unique person’s story and personality. Praising, dancing, and yes, even mourning and crying in those times, too. Feeling all the emotions He made us to feel. Do you like to cook? Then COOK with abandon. Do you like nature? Then get outside! Do you like people? Then get out there BE WITH THEM. Do you like solitude? Then stay home and LET THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE COME TO YOU. Everyone is different and everyone has value. There is no shame.

My mom said this weekend, “I LOVE MY LIFE.” She read a story about a woman in her 90’s who still walks to work every day. She wants to be like that woman. Relishing her life and her work and never wanting it to end……..to keep going.

Ethan, Mitch, and Jacob went to the homecoming football game, and so did Caleb, who wanted to go so very much that the boys took him along.

The dog was at their feet in the photo….Parker the dog loves his boys. In his eyes, they can do no wrong and totally deserve 115% loyalty and love.

He’s RIGHT!

Grace was invited to the homecoming dance….and after I asked the brothers if he was a nice boy I said….”If you want to go, then I want you to go. Experience High School…all of it…and enjoy it!” And she was happy to say “yes” and go dress shopping.

We had a hallelujah fit in the mall when we got the text telling us the parade was cancelled that morning…..because we needed more time. This girl hardly has any free time and we shopped for her dress the morning of the dance!!!! It had to be purple, too. Thankfully, we had success at Macy’s. The dress fit her like it was made for her. Which is was. 🙂

We went from shopping to lunch with Grandma, Grandpa, and Abbie.

cousins!

Then we walked to the bookstore.

My dad with Caleb. And a lego mini figure that I bought for my boy.

My mom who loves life even though it’s very hard at times!

I fixed her hair, painted her nails, bought her dress, shoes, and necklace, let her borrow my earrings and dress coat (not pictured) and I was happy to do it all for my girl. It was exhausting, in a good way. That feeling when a plan comes together.

Aren’t they sharp? They had made a plan to dress alike, and they had success! Grace told me the next morning that she had a lot more fun than she thought she would. (She was a little nervous).

I wish I had a better photo of Jacob and Emily but I was so focused on Grace and these two LEFT the house in Jacob’s car before I could even think of getting a picture of them. Rich and I drove Grace and her date to the school and happened to see Jacob and Emily walking on the sidewalk. I took the picture out the truck window. It was freezing cold (in the 40s) so poor Emily was suffering. Jacob didn’t ask to be taken shopping….he simply raided his Dad’s closet.

Oh and in case you’re wondering…Ethan and his girlfriend didn’t go to the dance. They stayed at her house with her family and watched four Harry Potter movies.

The purpose of this photo is to show you my morning glories. They have vigorously produced more vine and leaf than flower. I’m enjoying each remaining day with them because when we have frost they will die. I loved watching them grow all summer long, waiting and waiting for the flowers to appear.

Yesterday evening we cleaned the chicken coop and put fresh new wood shavings down.

We found our first white egg ever!!

Rich took a couple pictures with me in them. And that’s Caleb helping, too.

Wooly Aphids are AMAZING gray bugs that have white wispy stuff (called honeydew) coming out of them. Blogged about last year.

I was standing on the side of the road on Sunday when I took this picture. ^^ This morning I heard the dog barking and looked outside to see a car parked and running in the same spot. I put on my boots to run down and see if they were okay. And GUESS WHAT? This is so exiting. It was a lady trying to take pictures (with a Cannon SLR) of an Osprey sitting in our dead tree!!!!! (the dead tree pictured above). She and I visited on the side of the road, talking of nature and photography, and became friends this morning at 8am!!!!!!!!!!! That’s a God-moment for sure!

This morning’s sunrise. Sarah said, “Mom, come look at the sky!”

Happy is the Mom whose children show her sunrises.

Please please pray that Sarah’s UTI has cleared up. I have to take her tomorrow at 8:45 for a re-check. She’s certainly acting better, and had a great time eating chocolate covered strawberries yesterday after church.

Happy Monday, friends!

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6, 7 (I read this verse this morning and absolutely LOVED it. Amen!)

rich’s special night

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Shanda

“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough
to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles,
the character of an honest man.” –George Washington

On Tuesday, Rich was honored by the people in his office with a special dinner at a local restaurant. Very soon, he will be changing job positions and the people who have been working for him over the last several years wanted to have a chance to say “thank you” to him for all he has done. This was a very rewarding and satisfying night for my husband, who puts his hard work ethic, heart, and soul into his job. Everyone had such kind and respectful things to say.

When he was away on his latest business trip, one of the women called me to invite the children and I to attend the dinner. She requested that it be a complete surprise to Rich. I asked the older children to clear their schedules so that they could come along. Jacob was fine, Grace pushed back a little because she felt obligated to her music event after school that day, but after a discussion and a note written to her teacher, she was all set. Ethan refused to miss his soccer game so “fate” managed to make him cut his toe really bad and he was ~~able~~ forced to miss the game. All set! *whew*

I decided to go shopping and buy the kids all new clothes, which they needed anyway. (they really did!)

I thought it would be fun to dress each of the boys in a blue dress shirt because that is what Rich typically wears. He has always loved searching for the perfect blue dress shirts. I went to Old Navy for the purchases….new shirts for all the boys, plus new corduroys for the three younger boys, and a complete outfit for Sarah. Grace didn’t need anything, as I had taken her shopping the weekend we went to Stockbridge. I washed everything and ironed. I wanted everything perfect, which meant I did everything with just a tad touch of overzealousness. As for myself, I had a basic black dress already in my closet, but I did buy some new black pointed toe flats.

I drove the children to the restaurant and parked in an empty business lot next door so Rich wouldn’t see our car. When Ali texted me the “all clear” we drove over, parked, and walked inside. Ali met us at the hostess table and walked us to the room where everyone was waiting and chatting. Rich had his back turned away from us. Caleb reached him first, and tugged on his arm. Rich stopped his conversation and looked down and saw his son. It was such a special moment. I was beaming as I watched his eyes *bug out* in shock. He was so happy and it was such a surprise to see the two worlds he loves so much collide.

We were the center of attention. None of the people who worked for and with him had seen him surrounded by his all of his family at once. Everyone loved the children.

(Oh I forgot to say …. that morning as he was getting ready for work I was asleep in bed praying that he would choose a blue shirt that day…and he did!! )

As soon as we were there and the initial greetings were over, several people gave speeches in Rich’s honor, thanking him and telling funny stories. Of course Rich, who truly has a tender and sensitive heart, cried, and it was so good for the children and I to come to a better understanding of how much good Rich does for the company, and how much he is loved and appreciated. I was so proud to be standing by his side.

After the speeches there was a sweet slideshow and that was fun, too. The man who put it together gave me a copy to take home (on a flash drive). Rich was given a plaque and the whole family was given a nice wooden bench to put outside by our pond.

Then we ate dinner and socialized. The kids were great. The only embarrassing thing that happened was Seth drank and drank too many shirley temples and in a coughing fit at the table, he threw up a little. That was really embarrassing because I was talking to a nice lady with my back away from Seth and she was the one who alerted me to the problem. Oh and Sarah was kind of shy at first (would not make eye contact or speak) but she warmed up after a good dinner.

PICTURES:

Everyone you see in the pictures were part of the event…….

His picture was on the cake….

Caleb requested the piece with his Dad’s face. And he ate it, too!

Sarah made a connection with one of the ladies. Later one she offered to babysit Sarah if we ever needed one. 🙂

And this nice lady who is talking to Dave in the photo lives in the same town as the college Grace wants to attend in a couple years and offered to help her out at any time, and maybe even let her stay with her. (!!!!!!)

There were about 8 people in front of us, several of whom were taking photos. “Okay, you and your 80 children get ready for a picture” someone teased.

I love you, my husband and friend. I’m so glad the children and I were a part of your special night, as I know we are always a part of your life whether home or away. I’m happy to support you and share this busy but joyful journey of ups and downs with you. Always. Thank you for who you are and the work you do to support our family.

they shall be filled

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Shanda

Blueberry Coffee Cake

~very, very good family recipe~

1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup milk
2 cups blueberries (can use fresh or frozen)

Preheat oven to 350. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar together, add egg and beat until fluffy. Mix in the dry ingredients alternating with the milk. Spread in a greased and floured 11 by 7 inch pan or two 9 inch pans. Sprinkle the top with 2 cups blueberries

Crumb topping

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix together with a pastry blender or a fork until crumbly and sprinkle on top of the berries. Bake for 30-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

This morning has filled me up spiritually.

The verse “blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled” is in my mind, I’m meditating on it over and over and I think to myself that Righteousness is God, I hunger and thirst for Him, for Jesus, and He fills me up to overflowing with this lovely life of mine. Yes there are dry, exhausting, and difficult days but then another sort of day comes along like this one and the tears of gratitude are ever ready because I feel His restoring care in such a real and deep way.

It’s raining on and off outside which is just lovely, a visual for what is happening inside of me as well.

I’ve been watching Netflix’s Chef’s Table series and today was episode three (watched this morning as I matched socks and folded laundry) it was sooooooooooooo good! It did it’s part to fill me up, too. Wow. (episode one was the same way, #2 wasn’t as good IMO) People are so unique and there is so much to learn from another’s life.

The rabbit hopped around the living room and ate a pear under the coffee table. I put down newspapers because she loves to chew and shred them.

Small Gentleman Gray napped in the midst of my clothes piles, I would stop and pet him now and then.

I went outside to take the leftover breakfast milk and cereal, eggshells and crusts of bread to my hens. I spent some time cleaning the coop and peeked around the corner to slyly take a picture of a VERY skittish hen. She lays VERY small eggs. Really nothing to make such a fuss about.

I picked a small bunny salad to bring back in to Rabbit; mostly clover

The stream has filled up again, and I did a little wading in the cold water.

I came back inside and made a cup of coffee in my new sage fiesta mug. I took a picture of it but the colors of Fiesta can be hard to photograph, it looked much truer to color when I edited the photo to black and white. I dumped my coffee on the couch, and they were right….leather is MUCH easier to clean.

I’m sitting here blogging and also scratching like a maniac at a bee sting on my ankle which is still bothering me and I’m making it worse but it feels so good to scratch…..ahhhhh!!!…..so I better go make some more baking soda paste to rub into it.

Happy Wednesday, friends! You are loved.

“The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise Him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.” Isaiah 61:11

it’s the little things

Posted on September 29, 2015 by Shanda

Good morning friends of the blog,

Today is picture day at school for Sarah, Seth, and Caleb and boy do they look extra cute this morning.

Jacob is still asleep, and so is Mike who is not related by blood but has become a part of the family and spends almost every Sunday to Wednesday with us….

I’m still in my pajamas and just finished eating a lovely omelet made with 2 of our own chicken eggs, filled with mushrooms, onions, peppers, cheese, and spinach. I can’t start the day without a good breakfast, thanks to my mom and her good care of me growing up.

The temperature is up 15 degrees from the other day because it’s cloudy and going to rain. The colors are coming out in the leaves beautifully and I’m a touch sad because I love fall and know it will pass quickly.

My favorite thing to drink these days is hot apple cider.

Gentleman Gray adds such joy to our family with his little kitten ways. He has such a loud and ready purr. He’s actually on my shoulder purring and falling asleep as I type, and Parker the dog is on the floor by my bed sleeping (I’m in bed).

I like to go down to the chicken coop and watch the hens. Even if I’m in a hurry I find myself slowing down to enjoy them. Yesterday I sat cross legged in the grass and they all (23 of them) gathered around. Several tried to bite my toenails off, several used my corduroy pants to wipe their beaks, and several kept snooping in my lap at the three eggs I was trying hide from them. I held one my lap for a while and admired it’s feather-dress. Would anyone be interested in an entire blog post about the chickens?

honeybee on goldenrod (my favorite color yellow) I took some other fun close ups a few weeks ago that I have to post soon.

Guess what? We swapped out our big fabric sectional for a leather one! We only had the fabric couch for 6 years but it was a mess, the cushions were ripping, the edging was tearing off it, and because it was fabric it was filthy. At least, that’s how I felt. I kept it washed and vacuumed as much as I could but with the family and pets on it all day every day it was time to go. This is our first leather couch. It smells so good. My only complaint is that Seth can’t control himself on it….when I try to sit and read to him he slides all over the place….he can’t seem to help it. At one point he was upside down with his feet in the air while I was reading a book about cats to him. I think the feel of the leather is too much for him. 😉

As you can see, we have a row of black bookcases behind the couch. This is so convenient because 1. we always need more room for books 2. we can reach back and put things on the top of it while we are sitting. 3. I fold the laundry and make my row of piles on it while watching TV. and 4. during parties it becomes another table, the kids sit on stools behind it.

Rich was sold by the fact that the back cushions do not come off. Only the seat cushions can be removed. I don’t mind the children making forts with the couch cushions but it is a pet-peeve of his (and wisely, too, because that’s probably part of the reason our other one got old so quickly).

The last thing I want to show you today is my kindle has returned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember I had lost it on vacation last month? Well, Rich made some phone calls and located it in one of the hotels and had them mail it back.

Happy Tuesday!!

how was the moon?

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Shanda

“It’s not what you look at that matters, but what you see.” Thoreau

My family, along with five friends, sat under the light of the moon last night to watch it turn from a light so bright it dazzled the eyes, into an orange-red shadow.

We had a fire and chairs pulled up all around it. One of the boys roasted a potato in the coals around the fire. I roasted a hot dog. We all had apple cider.

My little ones wriggled and adjusted themselves over and over next to me, sometimes exchanging “words” for “taking my spot!”

The first thing sleepy eyed daughter said to me this morning was “How was the moon?” because she had to go to bed at 9:30.

Toward the end of the night, the endless noise of talking, laughing, and music stopped, and we could hear coyotes and other sounds of the woods and the night, our faces upraised to the clear sky, eyes open wide, trying to take it all in.

As the moon became darker, the stars seemed brighter. The sky was gloriously full of them.

We thought about the people of the past, ancient Bible men and women, populations from other countries, our own Native Americans, even the heavenly beings, and the wonder of the connection we felt to them all as we sat under the very same moon they also observed and knew so well.

We praised the God who made it.

thirteen

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Shanda

Isn’t it beautiful to celebrate every child, each special, unique life?

To give birth to a son and watch him grow each and every day.

How thankful I am to have my son David in my life. Thirteen years ago, on an early fall, sunshiny day, he was born.

I experienced the miracle of new life…my third baby boy. I savored every minute of those baby days.

This morning I woke up at 7:30 and there was already a party going on. Dave had a friend spend the night and they were chasing each other around the house with toy weapons.

After church we had a big cheese pizza, a salad made with radishes, tomatoes, mushrooms, and Italian dressing, and fried chicken. He played the piano while we cleared the table and turned on the Sunday afternoon football game.

The many sounds of “home”.

Isn’t it a marvel how God makes a family? To put a husband and wife together, giving them children to raise? Each life has a purpose, each life is a gift.

Thirteen is the age of rapid growing, the beginnings of manhood. Long legs and arms, his voice cracking and deepening. But still so much the child remains.

Some of David’s quotable quotes:

“I really don’t like j’s. Why can’t they all just be g’s?”

***

“is it Monet or Monae?”

“It’s Monet.”

“YES!! I love silent t’s.”

***

“I feel like I just had a genius idea. But I forgot what it was.”

***

“I dreamt that I was grown up and I was skydiving……I was probably smiling in my sleep. And then Santa skydived.”

***

“There is not a SINGLE movie where love isn’t involved.”

“Love is a wonderful thing, Dave.”

“NOT when it keeps happening.”

Home is where we wrap the presents, secretly in the other room, at the last minute.

Letting little sister help.

Leaving them in a stack for the birthday boy to find.

Home is an empty couch filled with pillows one minute, full of boys the next.

Home is the sound of guesses, ripping wrapping paper, and surprises.

Shamrock fiesta mugs and nerf guns.

batman and superman

The wonder of a tiny microscope, books, legos, and a 2 dollar bill.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to spend this!”

“Why did you put tape?…….oh” … “Did you really put tape over every time it says that in the book? I bet you forgot at least one.”

Home is cherishing every moment.

And eating cheesecake.

It might even be homemade (it’s not).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID LLOYD, you are a wonderful son. I love you so much.

Ephesians 4:1-6

Posted on September 26, 2015 by Shanda

I beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

Always be humble and gentle.

Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love.

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

For there is one body and one Spirit, just has you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

Ephesians 4:1-6

Milkweed pods are crispy dry and opening, spilling their soft warm seeds into the air, waiting for a breeze to carry them away.

Ferns are turning yellow and brown.

There are many variety of wild berries and it’s a good time of year to be a bird-watcher.

There are raccoon tracks in the mud by the solitary beaver pond.

A late blooming wild cardinal flower, found in a hidden spot. It’s hard to hide completely when you’re such a red.

acorn-triplets

Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Psalm 68:19

Good to be Home

"It is a happy art, the art of living together in tender love." JRM

bible study with a chicken!

football mama

the rude bird

in the meantime….

rich’s special night

they shall be filled

it’s the little things

how was the moon?

thirteen

Ephesians 4:1-6