I’ve taken a few days to get my thoughts in order about “why I blog”. . . .

I have discovered that I absolutely L O V E blogging, (which certainly is a good reason to do something!) and yet there is a nagging little voice in my mind that whispers things to me that make me hesitate in sharing so much of my life on here.  So, after some thinking, I came back again to the real reasons why I blog. . . . .

Why do I blog?  The main reason came to me last night, when I was going through old posts and I got up to show my husband some of it.  He sat down, and looked at a photo that I took of him and our two youngest sons, almost two years ago.  He looked, and then he sighed with tears in his eyes, and said, “It’s too sad to look at that picture, because they aren’t that little anymore!” 

“But, honey”, I replied, “Life does go by so fast, that’s why we want to make these beautiful memories.”

And, it’s also why I want to record them, too.

The Jacob, Ethan, Grace, David, and Caleb that I knew last year, are not the same children that I know and have this year. . .time marches on. . .I can see it clearly in my online journal.  All the little things in life that I do enjoy and value as a mother—baking, making crafts and homemade play dough, redecorating their bedrooms, the funny things they do and say, writing cute little stories for them, going for all those many many nature walks, apple picking together, the fair, Disney, the beach, first airplane rides, Grace missing her two front teeth, Caleb growing from a baby to a little boy, David starting Kindergarten, my adventures in homeschooling, Rich’s job changes, our move from our old house to this house, the death of my great-grandma, birthdays, adventures with good friends, the books I read, the recipes I love, our new baby on the way. . . . .IT’S ALL HERE. . . . .and those things represent a life that God gave me, a beautiful life that I love and value highly.  A life that should (and I pray it does) glorify a generous, loving, heavenly Father, who does all things well, who created a world and pronounced it “good”.  Who loves with an abundant love, and provides more than we need to get through this pilgrim journey.

Each day, each moment, counts for something.  My children will quickly grow and that’s okay.  But, while I have them here, under my roof, I want to devote myself to giving them the best life and upbringing that I possibly can.  I get tired and grouchy, and that’s part of it all. . . . .we have good days and bad days. . .but that’s the way it goes and that’s okay. 

So the reason why I blog is for myself and my family.  I’ve tried writing in journals long hand but I don’t record as much that way.  I don’t have time to scrapbook my photos.  I tend to blog here almost every day and it is so fun for me to click to “this day last year” and see what my little clan was up to on that day.  My blog makes me laugh and cry and sigh and thank God for my life. 

The reason why I blog and make it open, for all to read, is because I know for a fact, by all the emails and responses I have received, that “people out there” enjoy reading about a family that loves God.  In all the ugliness of the world, it’s nice to find families that have the same Christian values and beliefs, it’s encouraging to get to know other people who want to relish in the life God gave them.   Christians have a connection, and we are family, through Christ.  We can use our blogs to lift each other up and inspire one another to KEEP ON.  Just like I’m so very encouraged by many of the blogs I visit, I also hope and pray that mine, too, is a blessing and refreshment to others.  Some people can do those things, better, by “going out and being there”, such as a visit or a phone call.  My gifts involve writing, and the limited time I have, as a mother,  to “be there” makes it easier to sit at my computer desk, or by writing out a card for the mailbox, during a free half hour, to try to encourage some else.  I do so love to open my arms wide, and show God’s love to anyone who seeks it.  But, because of the stage of life that I am in, I am a “behind the scenes kind of girl”, so the computer is a perfect place for me to express myself, or encourage someone else.

Because I am a Christian, my soul is filled with Christ, and His beauty.  Anything, anything, ANYTHING you see or read here that is beautiful, that causes the tender heart to melt, IS FROM HIM, not me.  All good things come from above. 

But, of course I still wrestle with my flesh.  The bad days just show that we are all still human, “only a sinner, saved by grace”.  Even saved ones have struggles, sins, and problems.  I yell, I get mad at the kids, I am selfish, I fail as a wife and mother at times, my house is usually quite “lived in” and never ever spotless, I sometimes make unladylike noises that startle my husband, but I love my life and wouldn’t change a thing.  I wouldn’t trade the life (my family and my God) for a million dollars!

I’ve seen all kinds of very nice blogs. . but mine is my life’s memory preserver/recorder because I want to remember this day. 

“The whole life of man is but a point of time; let us enjoy it. . .”  Plutarch

“Now’s the day, and now’s the hour. . .”  Robert Burns

“If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.”  Maria Edgeworth

“In the morning, I say: ‘What is my exciting thing for today?’. . .Don’t ask me about tomorrow.”  Barbara Jordan

“Every man should eat and drink and ENJOY the good of all his labor, it is the GIFT of God.”  Ecc. 3:13

Hold tight to the sound of the music of living,
Happy songs from the laughter of children at play;
Hold my hand as we run through the sweet fragrant meadows,
Making memories of what was today.

Tiny voice that I hear is my little girl calling
For Daddy to hear just what she has to say;
My little son running there by the hillside
May never be quite like today.

Tender words, gentle touch, and a good cup of coffee,
And someone that loves me and wants me to stay;
Hold them near while they’re here, and don’t wait for tomorrow,
To look back and wish for today.

Take the sky, and the green of the forest,
And the gold, and the brown of the freshly mown hay,
And the pale shades of spring, and the circus of autumn,
And weave you a lovely today.

We have this moment, to hold in our hands and to touch,
As it slips through our fingers like sand;
Yesterday’s gone, and tomorrow may never come,
But we have this moment, today.

~William Gaither

Rich felt the baby move yesterday morning!

~To all my friends who visit me here, thanks for coming along with me in my journey as a wife and mama, and friend.  I thank God for the old friends, and new friends, who keep in touch with me, and encourage me, through my online journal. 

Have a lovely, blessed day, oozing with the goodness of God!

~Shanda~

“Find yourself a home, make it the seat of your affections, respect it, cultivate it, appreciate it.  For in the spirit of home do you find all that is good and decent in life.  Homes build communities, communities make nations, nations of home-loving people make civilization!”  ~Sam Campbell, a Christian author of children’s nature and animal stories.

Rich and I, watching a movie with the kids Saturday night, after our company left.  Grace snuggled up to us, then David came along, so I asked Jacob to take a quick picture. 

Sunday morning, at the breakfast table.  I’ve been lighting candles in the morning, when I wake up.  They make the kitchen so cozy. . . .

After breakfast, Grace and I walked around the yard and ponds in our bare feet.  The grass was chilly and wet with dew.  Rich had just mowed the day before so we collected grass clippings on our feet as we walked.

What stood out to me that morning, was the sun shining on the dew, so prettily.

After church on Sunday, Rich and I bought things for a picnic and we took the children to a park by the river to eat.

Fage yogurt is the best I’ve ever tasted.  It’s our favorite by far.

I read Ecclesiastes this morning, by the light of the candles on the kitchen table.  I was up 45 minutes before the first child joined me.  I started a new journal, to write in as the Spirit leads me through my Bible reading, to fill with verses and thoughts pertaining to motherhood and homemaking.

What about Ecclesiastes 3:1-8?  (I just wrote down fragments, there is a lot more to the verses)

“A time to be born,
a time to plant, 
to heal,
build up,
laugh,
dance,
embrace,
a time to keep,
a time to sew, 
to keep silent,
to speak,
a time to love,
a time of peace.”  

A mother and homemaker can do and teach all those things, to the glory of God.

I also tinkered with Ecc. 3:13, and 14a, making it more personal for me, “Every woman should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of her labor, it is the gift of God.  Whatever God doeth, it shall last forever.”

The Lord establishes our homes, gives a woman to a man in marriage, and gives them children.  The homelife is a beautiful gift, and when done to the glory of God, the rewards will last all through time.  On earth, our children will be blessed, our children’s children will be blessed, and there is eternal value, as well. 

I wrote down one more from Ecclesiates.  In chapter 10 verse 18, it says, “By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idelness of hands the house droppeth through.”

How’s that for encouragement to work diligently!  When we work hard in our homes, we CAN enjoy the good of our labor.  We sure sleep better, too.    (Happy Labor Day, by the way, LOL). . . . . .

I had to run quickly through this post, I wasn’t able to enjoy it like I normally do, because just as I sat down Rich came in and said, “Let’s take the children to the beach today.”   As I type, my family is buzzing about, getting their things together.  I’m looking forward to a day in the sun, watching the kids play, with Rich by my side.  Maybe I’ll get some reading in, and journal writing.

I hope you all have a blessed day today with your loved ones.  E
njoy it, as the gift of God that it is.

Love, ~Shanda~

(something I read this morning):

“Your description of the caterpillar fits my family perfectly.  We live an exhausting lifestyle but just can’t seem to find a way to slow down.  I am even depressed at times about how hard we work and how little time we have for ourselves.  Do you have any word of advice for us?

Let me share something that may help you and your husband make the tough choices on which a slower lifestyle could depend.  Do you remember Vince Foster, who reportedly committed suicide during the early days of the Clinton administration?  He was deputy counsel to the president before that tragic night of his death on July 20, 1993.  Just eight weeks earlier, Foster had been asked to speak to students graduating from the University of Arkansas School of Law.  This is what he told the students on that occasion:

A word about family.  You have amply demonstrated that you are achievers willing to work hard, long hours and set aside your personal lives.  But it reminds me of that observation that no one was ever heard to say on a deathbed, I wish I had spent more time at the office.  Balance wisely your professional life and your family life.  If you are fortunate to have children, your parents will warn you that your children will grow up and be gone before you know it.  I can testify that it is true.  God only allows us so many opportunities with our children to read a story, go fishing, play catch and say our prayers together.  Try not to miss a one of them.

 

 

Vince Foster’s words now echo back to us from eternity.  While you’re climbing the ladder of success, don’t forget your own family.  Those years with your children at home will be gone in a heartbeat.  Do whatever is necessary to grab those precious moments, whether it requires changing jobs, getting a smaller house, or turning down lucrative and exciting opportunities.  Nothing is worth losing your kids.  Nothing!” 

~from Bringing up Boys, Dr. James Dobson

Replacing valuable family time with crazy busyness can be done in many ways.  For example, I’ve seen church people do and do and do “for the Lord” when really they are falling into man-pleasing service while their family is going down the drain.  

The Holy Spirit within you will caution you when you are going too far in your church/work activities, and He will fill your heart with peace and contentment when you are unified with your spouse and children.

I am passionate about the family.  I personally see nothing wrong with placing my family in the position of highest priority here on earth. . . .God designed the family, He wants us to glorify Him with it, out of our love for Him.  Does it glorify God when we are so involved in our hobbies, passions, work, and desires, that we neglect the most important responsibility He gave us?  Some families seem to know how to do this naturally, but most of us wrestle with balancing homelife with work and church ministry.

If you don’t know where to start, hold a family brainstorming session!  Pray!

“What do you children want to do today?”  Have fun!

We want our children’s hearts!

“Let us therefore follow after the things

that make for peace,

and things wherewith

one may edify another”  Romans 14:19

(I think we will make this our family verse)

That Little Child of Mine

Two eyes that shine so bright
Two lips that kiss goodnight
Two arms that hold me tight
That little child of mine

No one could ever know how much
your coming has meant.
Because I love you so,
You’re something Heaven has sent.

You’re all the world to me,
You climb upon my knee.
To me you’ll always be,
That little child of mine.

Rich’s Dad was almost killed in a farming accident involving a PTO shaft just before Thanksgiving.  On Saturday I got to see him for the first time after the accident.

His personality is a little different now, in a good way.  He’s more gentle and patient.  He’s had a lot of tough times previously in his life which added a touch of sarcasm and bitterness to his personality, not a lot, just a touch.  But, it’s gone now.  He’s so thankful for his life and has seen the work of God (there are no doubts that it was God that saved him and healed him of his injuries).  How can you feel anything but gratitude when you’ve seen God’s care so clearly? 

Rich’s step-mom was away while we were there.  I missed visiting with her, but if she had been there I would have stayed in the kitchen to talk to her and missed the barn.

Did you see the pig?  We’re going to eat him.  I had a fascinating talk with Dad about . . .well, pork.  I was almost convinced that Rich and I would start raising a pig for family consumption until Dad said it would be too expensive for us, because we would have to buy the feed.   Would we like half a pig when he has it butchered?  After tasting Leslie’s leftover pork roast there was no doubt in my mind.  Yes, we would!

I really love this picture of Caleb with his Grandpa.  It’s going to be framed.

If Rich ever went into farming, I know who would be the most excited.  Our daughter.

She was all over the place like she owned it.  She is SO interesting to me, quite my opposite in many ways.

I wouldn’t mind having a small farm now, but I would not have been so excited about it at her age.

You know what she asked her Grandpa? 

“Grandpa, can I ride a cow?”

“No, sweetie, we don’t have any tame enough for that.”

My reaction to the whole idea: 

What a girl.

Here she is, longing to ride a cow.  Grandpa doesn’t own a horse.

He has a whole little building for boiling sap.  He’s got quite the small, “for family and friends only” little operation going.  I walked into the sap house and it was warm and sweet. . .hmmm. . .smelled of wood and boiling sap.

He sent us home with 6 jugs of it.  Apparently Rich and I have to share our jug?

Back in the house, and Grace begging to go back to the barn.

Look at her face, she’s so funny!

She got sent off by herself this time, with one main rule– stay out of the animal pens!

We’re having french toast this morning.  With Grandpa’s maple syrup on top.

I really don’t mind the smell of a cow barn, I like it.  For some reason I have an interest, a longing, for farming.  I know it’s in my heritage. . .my grandpa on my mom’s side was a farmer. . .Rich has it in his blood, too.  In any given time, I know God could push us in that direction.  It’s interesting to me that my heart loves the idea of working so close to the earth. . . . . .and, after all, I have 4 boys.  And a totally capable girl.

Even if we stayed here, I know we could handle a flock of chickens at least.  I don’t know what else.  We only have about 4 acres of land and no barn.

Did you ever live on a farm?  Do you live one one now?  Please leave me comment and tell me all about it.  What do you love about farming?  Do you have a small farm or a big one?  What sort of animals did you keep?  Does your husband have an outside job?  Is there anything you don’t like?  Imagine that I have an interest in having a small family farm.  Would you try to talk me into it or out of it?  Convince me!

I’m ordering a subscription to “Farm and Ranch” magazine today!

I thought I was putting the kids to bed early but I just discovered that one of them (I’m sure it was David) set the livingroom clock back one hour at some point today.  I put them to bed, all happy-like because it was early in the evening, came in my room, shut the door, and realized that it’s 8pm right now and not 7pm.  (!!!!!)

I. Am. Tired. very. tired.

Caleb is upstairs crying. . . . . .hold on a sec. . . . .

Okay, I’m back.  Rich isn’t home.  He had to go straight to church after work for a deacon’s meeting.  So, here I am holding down the fort.  It’s been a very nice day, actually.  We did our homeschooling and other than that my major personal accomplishment was mopping (down on my hands and knees) the kitchen floor.  I did it this morning while the children were doing a word search about China.  I overheard this conversation:

Grace, thoughtfully:  “I wouldn’t want to live in China. . . . .unless I was the first one born and I was a boy.”

Jacob, excitedly:  “Then you would be ME!”

Ethan, to Grace, questioningly:  “Would you really want to be a boy?”

Grace, matter of factly:  “If I was in China.  If I was here, I would want to be a girl.  It depends on where I am.”

Me (couldn’t resist) –from under the table, scrubbing:  “What if you were under your bed?”

ALL:  Loud and long laughter.  “Ha Ha Ha!!”

Jacob, knowingly:  “She would want to be a kitten!”

We all agreed with that.

The weather was crazy today.  We had sun.  We had rain.  We had clouds.  We had snow.  At one point Jacob said, “It’s coming down in TORRENTS out there!!”  And I had that feeling of warmth that I get now and then as a Mother.  A surprised sort of pride, this time it came from hearing that word come from my 11 year old.  He’s a smart one, that boy of mine. 

Grace’s claim to fame today was that she accidently used my expensive bath oil as shampoo (she was using my big tub).  I was too tired to make her go try again, so she’s looking rather greasy.  I guess her hair will be nice and soft when she washes it tomorrow.  Poor girl, I love her to bits, but when I tucked her in tonight, I was so appalled by her room that I told her not to come down for breakfast until it was clean.  “If you don’t work, you don’t eat”. 

Something relatively exciting happened today.  The long pond is half thawed and Jacob, Ethan, and David went outside and caught tadpoles for the first time since fall.  Of course they just had to bring them to Mommy so I could take a picture.

Come on now, aren’t you excited for me?  For the children?  For boys everywhere?

By the way, did you know, I can’t even sit on the couch and eat a bowl of soup without my little ones climbing all over me???  It’s so lovely to be loved.  We watched the end of Anne of Green Gables this evening and David climbed on my lap after Matthew died.  Wanting to know “why?” and “Did he go to heaven?”  I took the opportunity to tell him that everyone who loves Jesus and has asked Him to forgive their sins and be their Savior will go to Heaven.  I said, “Mommy is going to heaven someday!”  “Why?”  “Because I love Jesus so much, and I asked Him to forgive my bad sins, and He did, He saved me.”  David is not saved yet, and that is okay, but I still pray and talk to him about it, in a natural (not pushy) way, whenever the Holy Spirit moves in him or me.  I love to hear the questions about heaven from him, it assures me that he is thinking about it all.  So, he sat quietly processing the thought in my lap until I said,  “Um.  David?  How can I eat my soup with one arm?”  And off he went, after Mommy kissed him a few times on the face.

Jacob was a goof ball while watching Anne.  I think the sentiment was a bit much for him. 

I love that movie.  Guess what?  This was the first time I watched it and thought that Anne and Diana looked so young, like kids, does that mean I’m getting older??  Hmmmmm. . . . . .

I ate 2 pieces of that cake today and I’m about to have another. 

Lunch time has been good the past few days.  Today I didn’t call anyone to the table until it was set, with paper plates and plastic cups. . .tuna sandwiches, pickles, and olives.  Then I sat with Caleb in my lap and called down the others.  With me sitting right there with them, they knew they could not go crazy.  LOL  They all got a nice piece of cake for dessert. 

Caleb got cleaned up nice for Mommy today.  I think he has such a sweet smile.  The lip to teeth ratio is perfect!

I stood here and folded laundry for a while. . .look at the nice clean floor!  I was all over every inch, just a scrubbin’ away!  And, yes the clothes are STILL on the table.  I have run out of energy.

Here is picture of Caleb and Mommy (to update the one from yesterday)

Either he’s bigger or I’m smaller.

Here is a picture of my goofy yet ever-loveable bunch of children.   I had just said, “Okay!!! Everyone give me their most HANDSOME SMILE!!”

And this is what I get:

Care to guess who’s the ham in this group?

Okay.  That’s enough for today. 

Time for cake and bed and watching tv.  I’ll try not to get too many crumbs in the bedding.  And hopefully my handsome man will be home soon! 

Jacob, Ethan, and Grace have been outside almost all day.  They even ate lunch out there.  I’m looking out the window right now and I see Grace and Jacob riding their bikes back from the dam and Ethan running with their bag of picnic food.  The picnic is over, apparently.  It’s a springlike day with bright sunshine.

I went out for a little bit with David and Caleb.  I have struggles when I take them out; keeping track of David is tough, he goes all over the place, and at 5 years old, is still not able to be sensible when it comes to danger.  His biggest fault is disappearing back into the house without me seeing him go.  Very Irritating indeed.  Caleb needs constant help, so I am usually holding his hand and yelling to David to either wait up or catch up.

Today we looked at the stream for a while.  By the way, when I was growing up we called it a “creek” –pronounced “crick”.  Does anyone else pronounce it that way?  I live in a different area now, and no one, that I know of, says “crick” so  we say “stream” to be on the safe side.  After we watched the water for a while (and Grace surprised me by asking if she could go swimming in it!!!!) we decided to go for a walk to the dam.  David brought along a ball and bat.

Not too far into the walk, Caleb got ahead of me and walked into some mud.  Ethan tried to help him, got his feet stuck, dropped Caleb, and lost his shoes.  Caleb was so mad.  He was covered from the backside down with black icy cold mud.  I had all the kids around me and we all wondered what to do?  I ended up running back to the house to get a new pair of pants for him, socks, and a pair of Grace’s old boots.  Ethan had to come as well, to get some dry boots on.  I think his sneakers are still in the black mud. 

Here I am, changing Caleb’s pants, socks, and shoes.  Jacob took the picture.

These are the moments (I’ve had lots and lots like this) that have made me a “for the most part” patient mommy. 

He did a good job at holding onto his sticks during the wardrobe change.  LOL

It took me a while to get the boots on his feet!  Isn’t he cute? 

Eventually we got him all set (his dirty pants and shoes are still in the woods, oops) and arrived at the dam.

The boys played some ball.

I joined in.

And Grace aired out her wet boots and curled up in the sunshine.  She was listening to the birds.

Now that I’m back inside (and the 4 older kids are jumping on the trampoline) I am going to continue with laundry and cleaning.  I also wanted to write a few letters.  Caleb is watching a Thomas video and looking sleepier and sleepier.  Rich is coming home early so that he can take me to the DMV to renew my driver’s license.  I still intend to teach the kids school, too.  I’ve been so busy lately, it’s no wonder I’m usually sound asleep by 9:30.  Last night I fell asleep on the couch before 9.  Busy days full of all kinds of adventure! 

Today is special because it feels like spring.  We’ve been pretty much stuck in the house and it felt good to get outside.  Makes me look forward to when warm weather comes to stay. 

I just checked on the little one and he was doing this:

Naptime!

10 years ago I gave birth to my 2nd son

Yep!  Ethan is 10 years old today.

10

10

10

I’m having a hard time processing that number.

I have two children in double digits now.

Ethan’s personality is pure sweetness.  He’s so sweet I worry about him. LOL

This morning, I gave him a long hug and his hands pat pat patted my back the whole time.

We gave him a huge “lego police station” set and he’s been at work putting it together for several hours.

I did drag him away for a few photos, however.

Ethan was born at 6:48pm

He was 6 pounds and 7 oz, 19 inches long

His first 10 years went by so fast.  I suppose his next 10 years will, too.

I’m just along for the ride, and I like it.  I enjoy watching Ethan grow.

Ethan’s Special Mashed Potatoes

5 pounds pototoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup sour cream
2 pkgs (3 oz each) cream cheese, softened
3 T. butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp onion salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Boil potatoes 20-25 minutes, until very tender, drain.
In large mixing bowl, mash potatoes.  Add sour cream, cream cheese,
butter, salt, onion salt, and pepper; beat until fluffy.

Transfer to a greased 2 quart baking dish.  Dot with butter.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Yield:  8 servings

Edit (more pictures)

Well, I took E to the store to pick out junk food.  Then, we came home and invited friends over.  It was quite a fun day.  We even all went outside.  It’s almost 8pm now, and I just put the kids to bed full of cookies, candy, soda, chips, ice cream, and cake.  Oh yeah, they had dinner, too.  Rich wasn’t here for the candles, which is so sad, but he was here for breakfast.  He has a meeting tonight after church and will be home later.  He wants Ethan to wait up for him so they can spend time together.  So, after I get done here, I will be going to the livingroom to hang out with my new 10 year old.

If you go back to last year’s post you will see the same group of kids.  Fun to see how much they grow in a year.   Grace is WILD here, and Caleb is pant-less.

Without my husband at cake time, I had to delegate jobs to the kids.   Jacob was in charge of candles.

When I looked at the pictures after we were all done with cake, I noticed that Ethan ended up with 11 candles instead of 10.  The perfectionist in me feels uncomfortable with that.  LOL

11 candles!

Time for pj’s and tv with Ethan.  Good night all!