all the details

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Shanda

Yesterday I enjoyed a gift of a day with my three youngest children. Caleb was given a free pass to Six Flags for reading at school and I thought it would be nice to take him, Seth, and Sarah while their older brothers and sister were away at camp.

As I sit here on my couch, cross legged, in my pajamas, I’m filled with gratitude for this lovely life, through Christ alone, that I am experiencing. Each day is a gift.

Yes, there are tough days, yes there are lots of things I could complain about, yes I do complain and resort to survival sarcasm (sarcasm makes me laugh)…..for example….

The other night the boys had football practice and both of them needed help at the same time with their cleats, I was down on the floor in front of Seth, working on a stiff knot, while Caleb was saying Mom…Mom…Mom….I need some help here….Mom….

He could totally SEE what I was doing! The frustration welled within me and I cried, “I’ll help you when I’m done with your brother! Do you boys think I have four arms??”

Then I laughed all the way out the door because Caleb said in all seriousness. “Mom. You already said that. Years ago.”

I laughed because I didn’t remember saying it, and I laughed because he remembered everything. He said I wanted four arms: “One to hold Sarah, one to hold Seth, one to hold your cup of coffee, and one to hold your book.”

On the way to Six Flags Caleb wanted to listen to music. We like 93.1 (mix) but if it’s a song Caleb doesn’t approve of he switches it to 106.9 (K-LOVE, christian radio). In all that switching, his favorite song came on, “Best day of my Life” by American Authors. We sang loud.

On the way to Six Flags we passed Planned Parenthood and in the joy of taking a day off with my children, I imagined the souls of babies going up to heaven, my heart wept, I honked the horn encouragingly at the peaceful protestors who are typically there- this time it was two old ladies–simply standing on the sidewalk outside the office. I said my own words to Jesus–I don’t want to say judgmental things, I don’t want to get upset or angry. I’m sad, sad that our beloved women come to place where they believe abortion is the answer to a hard situation. And when they are at their lowest, saddest times, their babies are being “harvested”. It’s just incredibly wrong, a sadness deep down in my heart that will not go away that drives me to Jesus. And I believe He is listening and answering.

On the way to Six Flags we stopped to say a quick hello to Aunt Amanda, who was looking sharp at work, who hugged her niece and nephews and talked with them. As we left, I told the children, “Your Aunt Amanda is so sweet to you, she loves you so much and is always happy to see you.” I want them to know, she is always there for them.

On the way to Six Flags (can you tell we were running a little early?) we stopped at Barnes and Nobles ONLY because *I wanted an iced Caramel Macchiato* and figured they could look at books as I ordered. It was fun. My kids are being raised on coffee that I drink, and books for all.

THEN we were on our way to the gates. 25 dollars to park! 161 for tickets!

At these prices we going to stay all day long to get our money’s worth.

First up was the Merry-Go-Round and Sarah with her pigtails.

She was wearing one earring backwards because for some reason one of the holes is constantly shutting…I couldn’t get the earring in but from the back. I switched it around later (when she was getting dressed and her shirt pulled her earring out of her ear). If I could go back in time, I would never have gotten her ears pierced until she was much older, like I did with Grace.

By the way, selfie sticks are not allowed at Six Flags. I don’t have one, but thought the rule was interesting. So you can see my arm holding out the phone in my sunglasses. 😉

Caleb went on the bigger rides with Seth, who was mainly too small to go on them unless he was with an adult. It was a little hard to let them go off, just the two of them, these are my youngest children and in my mind not old enough. But they are. And they did great.

This is my favorite picture of the day. The two of them returning from an exciting ride.

We did some swimming, too. They swim almost every day so we didn’t stay long. They wanted to ride on the rides!

Seth was exploding with crazy-JOY. He expends twice as much energy as we do, I swear. One time he was dancing and did a happy twirl as we walked along and fell down right on the pavement. He showed me later his small scrape on his knee. “It wasn’t funny, Mom.”

The rides were shut down twice for weather issues. There were dark clouds in the sky. This ride opened and rain fell for about 10 minutes. It was nice, actually, to have the park cleared out of some of the people who gave up and went home…..we stayed…getting our money’s worth, don’t you know.

She was taking me to Frances. (FRANCE!LOL) “Mom, is Frances another planet?”

“No, but it is another country.”

“I’m going to take you to Frances!”

I was lucky to take the picture in the split second that Seth looked normal!

I bought them each a necklace that had their name on it.

Adorable kids who have to check all day long to see if they are big enough.

Caleb is my #5 child and feels more comfortable as a younger sibling. But I have to say, and brag a little, that this boy of mine was a huge help to me all day long. He led the way for us, knew the layout of the park quite naturally, and kept an eye on Seth and Sarah. He took Seth along on the rides that Sarah could not go on….and did it all with a great attitude.

Caleb was even brave enough to go on several rides alone. Like the Thunderbolt! He truly did miss his old siblings, though, and saved some of the scariest rides to go on with them someday.

Toward the evening, Sarah began getting blisters and carrying her sandals, which is why they are on her arms in this “muscle” picture of my little superheroes. 🙂

By the way, Seth lost his shorts when he changed into his swimming trunks, they got left behind someplace. He wore his trunks the rest of the time.

I had to buy myself flip flops because my sneakers were soaked on the water-raft ride.

What’s kind of sad is he has no clue who these creatures are.

“A Bunny and a Skunk” is what he said when I asked him.

Sarah went on a few challenging, faster rides and I had to bribe her once. I hated to do it, but she was crying and saying “I HAVE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM” just as we were at the front of the line. And by that time I knew it was her coping mechanism and not true. She had already survived the ride once and wanted to go on it again, but just at the last second she panicked. I wasn’t going to let her. So I told her I would get her “a big lollipop” when it was over. She cried and had to go to the bathroom again at the Scrambler but we didn’t bribe her. We just said she would be fine and she was. She would cry until the ride started and then laugh the entire time. Silly Brave Sarah. She’s living life her way.

The boys rode the Pandemonium. “This is where I lost my hat last year” ~Caleb

My gentle-souled son.

Seth was leaping through this photo-attempt but we got it!

We left the park at 8:45 and headed home. My little kids have proved to me that they are strong— and capable of having an entire day of nonstop fun without melt downs from exhaustion! This is a milestone for my family.

I had to stop and get gas on the way home. It was 9:30 by the time we pulled in the driveway and as soon as I got out of the car I ran to the chicken coop using the flashlight on my phone. Thankfully, the chickens were all safe inside with no raccoons eating them, so I shut the windows and doors tightly and walked back to the house with two eggs in my pocket…..we had peanut butter sandwiches before bed, with promises of nice warm baths…tomorrow.

This morning I had a text message from my husband, telling me that our son David was saved at camp yesterday. “my heart gives grateful praise”

Today should be a quieter day. We’re going to have those baths, and watch a couple of movies.

Caleb is snuggling with the dog and I’m petting a rabbit. Seth is still asleep! And it’s after 8! Now I know what to do to make his sleep extra–take him to Six flags for the day!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

life in the sunshine

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Shanda

Cardinal flower, a wildflower that grows on the edges of the stream.

This sort of thing made lovely “flour” in my outdoor kitchens growing up.

The buds of a Cardinal Flower.

Arrowhead, an aquatic wildflower, according to the nature guide, “Beneath the muck, rhizomes produce edible, starchy tubers, utilized by ducks and muskrats and know as “duck potatoes.” Native Americans are said to have opened muskrat houses to get at their cache of tubers.”

I find this sort of thing utterly fascinating, do you?

I was walking through the stream in my flip flops and noticed reflections of cardinal flowers.

Checking on my three little human fishes.

Goldenrod, with lots of little bugs on it. “As suggested by their showy flowers, goldenrod are insect-pollinated.” You can always see some neat insects on a goldenrod.

Common Thread Waisted Wasp; more info here.

Queen Anne’s lace is everywhere. “it’s long, first year tap root can be cooked and eaten.”

hmmm, I should try it.

Daisy Fleabane, “the common name fleabane originated from a belief that the dried flower heads of these plants could rid a dwelling of fleas.”

Perhaps I should decorate my cats with them.

Cardinal flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and I caught a glimpse of two tiny birds becoming territorial over them…..so I sat on a large rock and waited for one to come back.

It’s a photo that I never did get to take….they won in the “patience game”.

I thought the shadows on my legs were pretty cool.

You don’t see the hummingbird moth everyday. They are so neat!

Swallowtail butterfly.

The thing is, if you just slowly walk near tall wild grasses, through fields, through any wild place, or even in the city…look carefully at the leaves and flowers of any plant you see…it will be such a interesting experience for anyone. I took most of these pictures within one hour of time, and I saw many more insects and birds that I wasn’t able to get photographs of; grasshoppers, hummingbirds, the caroline wren (a sweet little bird), and others. Then, there are caterpillars, so many different ones, and all so interesting.

Yesterday the children and I walked around with Sarah’s little bug container and we caught a ladybug which she named Red, a small butterfly which she named Orange (it was….orange), and a grasshopper she named Grass. We put a head of goldenrod in it. It had such tiny black bugs on it that they were able to escape through the mesh of her container. She kept these little pets for a couple hours, and then released them again.

“Out here you can hear the rhythmic hum of silence. Listen, there’s music in the grass.”

I think the music comes from all the little insects and butterflies, and our hearts as we enjoy making wondrous discoveries.

Nature-Love (my board on pinterest)

little things

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Shanda

The four older children are away at camp!

Suddenly, life has slowed way down.

Naturally, I started playing with my house, not unlike playing with a dollhouse only in real life proportions.

Ethan made the decorative shelf in 8th grade. I put the things on top of it and they’ve been there for a very long time. Because no one and I mean no one even thinks about redecorating a shelf when they’re super busy.

But I did it! On Saturday evening when for some strange reason I felt physically lethargic and sad with the shock of losing four very active and time-consuming teens for a week, I had to do something, anything! I redecorated the shelf.

1. pinecone from Florida vacation 2. small old books 3. beaded frame with a picture of my brother and me from childhood 4. small peacock fiesta canister with nothing in it (potential). 5. a reading girl 6. a light for her to read by 7. small black photo book filled with my phone pictures 8. wooden mushroom.

Moving on to another surface. The children decorated this one.

I wanted to take down the painting that Jacob did, but then I realized that the reason I hated it was because it had a thin piece of wood going down the exact center of the canvas, making it impossible to hang straight. It’s always half a centimeter crooked! I took a clear thumb tack and pushed it in the wall for the lower right corner to rest on. It is now perfectly straight.

I should have taken a “before” picture of the inside of the armoire. Just imagine someone taking a big armful of papers, throwing them in, and shutting the doors. After I was done with it on Saturday it was completely organized.

1. a large basket full of photo albums 2. a tiny bear (whimsy) 3. a box full of extra pens and pencils 4. These red books are special to me. My Grandmother had the whole set and I loved reading them when I was a little girl. I still have one of the copies from her house. The other three I have picked up from second hand stores. The books are full of short stories and excerpted chapters of children’s books. 5. Last but not least, an old jar full of pinecones from the woods by our house.

I love my ultra-busy life. But this week, while I have the chance, I’m going to try to be more mindful. Mindfulness is next to impossible for busy mothers.

via pinterest.

“I suppose I am a sparrow. A stay-at-home bird.” Gladys Taber

seth wants to know

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Shanda

Do you remember your first wriggly tooth?

How did it fall out?

another summer day

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Shanda

Currently, Caleb and Seth are playing with the dog. Sarah is pretending to be “an angel wolf named Angel but she doesn’t have any wings.” Grace is getting ready for the dentist.

I woke up this morning at 6:30 and couldn’t sleep anymore. I quietly opened the door to our bedroom and saw that there were no teenage boys sleeping on the couch. How nice it was to be the first one up. (Rich had already left for work). I got out the thick yellow “Life is Good” mug and made a cup of coffee, ignoring the very messy kitchen.

I went outside with my cup. One of the things I love to do is walk around looking at my gardens.

This summer has been such a joy. I think I’ve mentioned this before, but with Sarah now five, my body has been free from the demands of pregnancy and nursing for 3 1/2 years now. I feel better than I have in almost 20 years! I loved being a mom of preschoolers so much and God’s grace has always been abundantly enough for that stage of life, but I’m still honestly thrilled to be moving out of those years….enjoying the seven children I have….and having a little extra time these days to enjoy other things, as well.

Nothing important, really, just quiet simple living. Gardening, reading to myself and the kids, spending time with friends and family, learning more and more about Jesus and His life-freeing ways, stumbling along daily in need of His grace….free from guilt and condemnation. Yes, it’s been a wonderful summer.

My friend Alyssa is so good about joining her children in their activities and fun. I thought of her when I went swimming in the pond yesterday. Why don’t I jump in more often? It’s not that I don’t like ponds….it’s just that I guess as MOM I feel like I’m better off on the sidelines as Watcher of the Children. Of course, I’m not really the athletic type, either. I’m just not. I don’t like running or spending time deliberately exercising. The only sport I ever really loved was gymnastics. So I do continue to turn those cartwheels. But I really do admire my running friends! (and husband)

The water was like bathwater on top. I swam along the top of the water, noticing the little water bugs skimming along on their magic legs, smelling that pond smell that will always remind me of my childhood.

*A Little Walk*

It was an Evening of Toads….during our walk we saw about 10 of them, all in various sizes. The spring away quickly, making us laugh, but we always catch them and say hello.

all those bare feet

********

Pictures I Took This Morning While Drinking my Coffee

I love this spot in my flower beds, especially the morning glories which are now in bloom just underneath the sunflowers.

I’ve never grown a watermelon before. It gets bigger every day, we (the whole family) love to look at it. Pat it like a baby. It’s going to be strange to eat it later on this summer.

ANOTHER!

basil

Seth woke up. And then I had a friend to walk with.

Together, we thought about how the older kids were going to camp soon, and the funny ways of our dear departed Billy-Cat, and then we saw our cat Sam. We thought about church and I told him why I love to go. (because I love to be around people who love Jesus just like I do) He doesn’t like church because it’s too long. We watered some of my plants together, made up silly songs, and he let me join him on the swing. We saw a spider and watched it work on it’s web. I thought of knitting needles and zip lining but the spider is an expert.

Baby boy was holding a cat. He said he’s not a baby. But I said he was my baby. “I’m not your baby anymore.” Suddenly I felt like writing a sad country song. I’m sure it would be a big hit.

******

“Don’t wish me happiness. I don’t expect to be happy all the time……it’s gotten beyond that somehow. Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor. I will need them all.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh

books, a carrot, friends, spiders, a flower, bugs, and gifts

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Shanda

Yesterday the dollar movie was Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days so I made the kids go in without me. I walked the mall and went to Target. While I was in Target I browsed the books and wrote the titles of some that looked interesting. After the movie was over we went to Taco Bell and then to the library and I checked out all the books I had written down.

Uncle Dave, do you like Dave’s shirt? He loves the solar system and deep space just like you. And he harvested his first carrot from the garden. He could hardly wait for me to take the picture before he ate it.

The best thing happened. My dear forever friend Christie came for an overnight visit on her way to Canada. I love her so much, we’ve been friends for 15 years! We hadn’t seen each other in six years but we have kept in constant contact.

This is her daughter with my Sarah.

The kids were looking for fishing bait this morning and found this mama spider. Do you see all the little babies she is carrying on her back? Emily brought me to the rock they found her under. Emily was scared, she said the spider knows what she looks like and will come to find her. But I was thankful she was brave enough to show me. There was a bright orange slug next to it. Visiting? Or about to become dinner?

This photo was taken at 10 o’clock this morning right before Christie left with her three children. Oh it was just so good to catch up with them.

As soon as we waved them out of sight I went back to see the spider again. (morbid curiosity) and guess what???? The slug was completely gone and there was another spider there. I’m assuming it is the baby-daddy. Caleb said to me, “If it bites me you better take me straight to the doctor’s.” We came away unscathed.

There was another happy couple on a Queen Anne’s lace flower.

Little gifts from my friend. Maple Syrup from Michigan, tea, and irresistible chocolate biscuits from Australia (she wrote an amazing blog about her experience living there). She also gave me the dangly earrings in picture #3.

blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Shanda

For the beauty of the earth
for the glory of the skies
for the love that from our birth
over and around us lies
Lord of all to Thee we raise
this our song of grateful praise.

Seth caught two tiny fish, and by tiny I mean approximately one centimeter and as thin as a wire. One for him and one for his sister. Sarah’s face says “oh, it’s so cute!!!” –painfully cute. She loves babies.

Good morning my friends. Today is Monday. It’s sunny outside and I just got home from taking my oldest daughter to her babysitting job.

My babies are six and five years old and are currently watching “The Boxcar Children” on netflix. The rabbit is in the living room in her cage and Parker the dog is staring at the children as they eat breakfast…bread and cheese, blueberries and milk. A breakfast inspired by their favorite story.

We finished reading the book on Saturday.

I took three pages of notes at Bible study on Thursday, given by a dear older woman of faith who recently lost her beloved grown daughter. Her heart spoke and filled my own heart and soul so that the tears flowed…..I read over her words in my journal and find so much truth and so much Jesus in them.

I thank God for her, please pray for His grace to continue to fill her as she grieves.

With her reminder, I kept an open heart and said “yes” to my husband more than usual this weekend.

“I need fruit. Do you want to go to Costco with me?” yes
“Shan. Let’s sneak down to the diner for breakfast together.” yes

Those were two times I would have typically said “no”. Costco is too far for fruit. I’m too tired and just woke up and am not hungry enough for breakfast just yet.

Putting aside the excuses and selfishness meant more fun and closeness with this man of mine.

My 17 year old’s morning hair.

We went to the diner two times this weekend. These are the times I will always remember. When the children are grown and gone and we go to the diner again we will think of them always. The laughter, teasing, spills, eyes too big for the tummies.

The chicks have turned into chickens.

We spent several hours outside on the lawn Saturday afternoon. With blankets, books, and towels we rested in the glorious sun…Rich and I…and whatever children came along.

Samantha-Cat caught a frog. I held it in my hand & it’s little body pressed anxiously into my palm. I checked it all over and there were no mortal wounds — so back into the pond it went.

The pretty-pretty beans are close to producing. I’ve finally found little white flowers in the vines. We’ve been eating peas and watching the watermelon grow bigger every day. Tomatoes are beginning to ripen and sunflowers growing tall.

Today’s Feats

Posted on July 25, 2015 by Shanda

Hello!

As many of you know on Fridays my mother posts one picture called “this moment”. However, today we’re doing something a little different.

My name is Grace and many of you have watched me grow up over the years. I am now 15 and this is my first blog post. in the future I hope to maybe start a blog of my own. First let’s see how I do with this one.

When I woke up this morning the first thing I realized was that the house was quiet. Very quiet. I walked around to find my mother, Seth, and Sarah outside reading and I was promptly informed that today was to be a day of NO ELECTRONICS. “So if you need to text any of your friends to let them know you’re not available do it now.” (David just now sat down next to me “what are you doing?” “I’m writing a blog” “YOU??” he says)

Soon after Emily came over we all packed books and games and everything we deemed necessary and set off for a neighboring park.

As we arrived mom told all of us to sit down in front of a tree saying that she, “wants to take a selfie.” This was met by a chorus of, “it’s not called a selfie!” “It’s called a groupie,” Jacob explained.

Yes, David is wearing a hat. There is a section in the park for skateboarding and Dave brought his scooter so he could do tricks. Mom told him that he must wear a helmet for such dangerous activity. Apparently we have no helmets and so mom settled for this winter hat. He says it made him feel weird but at least he didn’t get a concussion.

Right after taking this “groupie” I left the group with Sarah as a little tag along. We walked together until I started climbing trees and then she lost interest.

I love exploring.

I walked around the old abandoned high school that is now used for drills by the fire department. There were trees and stone walls and fences to climb and a river to follow. I found a waterfall just past the road and settled down to sketch it with my charcoals.

I was content.

Luke 12:27 – Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

When I finished I noticed that over an hour had passed since the group had last seen me and I made the decision to head back in case they were concerned.

They were not.

“What do you want to do when you grow up and when were you saved?” Emily asked me when I walked up. “I’m pursuing a career in deaf education and I was four.” “Oh, I asked all the others as well. We were talking about it.” Everyone was lying on a blanket except mom and Sarah and I asked where they were.

No one knew. Oh joy.

When they did appear (I think they went to look at the shops… I still don’t know). Mom started helping Seth and Sarah with the cartwheels.

When mom was my age she had the natural ability for gymnastics although she didn’t have professional training. She could do everything but backflips which she would only do when someone was spotting her. One time her gym teacher told her that she landed lighter than anyone he had ever seen. Her feet never made a sound.

Emily and I felt put to shame as we watched her on the other side of the field demonstrate a perfect roundoff but we soon were distracted by other things.

Ethan was on top of the dugout.

Immediately everyone else wanted to be up there too. Mom gave consent to everyone but Sarah. Sarah didn’t mind. She didn’t want to be up on that high high thing anyway. Then began the difficulty of how to get everyone up.

Jacob, for he is rather tall, handed Seth up to Ethan and then gave Emily a leg up. He jumped up himself and from there gave a hand to David and me. Problem solved.

“Okay, Jacob,” Mom called from below, “Now one without the pose.”

David began worrying about how he was going to get DOWN now that he was UP. Mom told us to relax and stay up there. She pretended to get ready to drive away. We were not very amused. One by one they all dropped down until it was just me reading and Seth as happy as he could be.

Down below we observed mom photographing David’s new talent.

Isn’t he something?

We tricked you! You see, those two feet actually belong to Caleb who is lying on D’s back. Mom took a similar photo years ago with Jacob and Ethan.

After Seth and I got down (with much help again from big brother Jay) we began on the next feat (pun not intended but now I’m amused) of the day. I’m not sure who’s idea this was…

After asking for permission, David, Caleb, and I set off to look around the shops. We went into the thrift store and Rustology, a store dedicated to old and rusty objects. David loves this store. He bought a coke bottle from 1923 that he wanted to add to his collection.

The store I wanted to go to was on the other side of the road and we spotted Jacob and Emily sitting together on a bench. “Be safe!” Jacob called across the street to us as we crossed traffic. What a fine young chap.

I bought an antique pair of twin candle sticks and the lady gave us all a seashell. Mom picked us up at the coffee shop.

We are now sitting in the living room. Dad is home on the couch and listening to a sermon. David is looking at cars and J and E are playing a video game. Mom is in her room. She has told me that she needs to read what I wrote before I can publish it.

So long, friends! Thanks for reading.

short but sweet

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Shanda

This is why Colleen and I are at home at each other’s houses. Because we have a touch of the crazy in us, and so do our husbands and children. Crazy good times happen.

Colleen is my Aunt and we grew up together as next door neighbors on a quiet farm road in New York. We went to the same school and the same church. Like all good family, she is a lifelong gift from God. She and her husband have four girls who are about the same ages as my children and what a fun time it is when we can get together.

The kids really want to be with us most of the time, but once in a while we can convince them to run off to swim or jump on the trampoline or what-have-you.

Rich and I live four hours from our families and honestly, I was feeling quite lonesome and homesick for “my people” the other day. I am very content being here in Connecticut but there comes a time when a woman just needs to be with her mom….or, an aunt. To sit and visit, talk about all the memories, relax, forget the housework, and be together again.

Colleen’s visit this week came at just the right time. Uncle Roger was on a business trip so she came to see us.

She and the girls arrived yesterday and we sat and talked on the porch, made dinner together, sang hymns, and watched a little TV. Today we talked on the porch, went downtown to the coffee shop and thrift store, had lunch, visited some more, and then she and the girls left for home again. It was a short but very sweet visit.

(We missed her daughter, Madelynn. She was busy doing her summer missionary work with children. My Jacob isn’t in the pictures, either, because he was sick.)

Molly’s shirt says, “Bacon: just another reason why I know Jesus loves me.”

They brought their little chihuahua dog, Reese, with them. Seth, Sarah, and David could not leave the dog alone, they fell right in love with him. He was such a good and patient dog.

(day one)

(day two)

Dave was a good boy, talking to Aunt Colleen all about turtles and the fact that on September 27 he has a birthday and wants his parents to get him a tortoise. “Once you see a tortoise eating a strawberry, you’ll want one, too” he assured us. He came to the porch with a female garter snake. He has Aunt Colleen convinced he will be working in a zoo one day.

Dave was trying hard to get Reese to love him so he put peanut butter on the bottom of a glass.

My aunt brought me some homemade blueberry jam made from Candy L’s berries, and some bread n butter pickles, too.

She gave me this pretty painting that she did of “my peaceful place”. I told her that Rich would be finding me in front of it very often.

The flowers looked so pretty in the early morning sun as I left to take Grace to her babysitting job this morning at 7 a.m. On the way home I picked up 2 dozen donuts to go with breakfast. Okay, I admit they WERE breakfast.