Weston came for a visit

Posted on February 29, 2008 by Shanda

To all you moms out there. . .remember that “my baby is one month old and I’m in an under-water haze of exhaustion” feeling?

That’s how my sister Amanda woke up yesterday. . .after a month of little sleep. . .a newborn to take care of, a not-quite 2 year old, and an 8 year old. Her husband Jason was home for a few weeks but now she’s adjusting to him being back to work. It’s so hard to have a newborn! Yet, so delightful as well!

Anyway, she did the right thing yesterday and came to big sister’s house for the day. I was shocked when I was in taking a shower and David ran in yelling, “Aunt Amanda’s here!!!” and then ran right back out.

The kids and I were so happy to see her (and the 1 dozen dunkin donuts that she brought) and we all enjoyed holding Weston and spending time with Naomi. After we visited for a little bit, I sent Amanda to bed for a nap and I sat at the table with the new baby in my arms, 4 kids around the table, and 2 playing on the floor. Naomi made me smile a lot because she kept calling me “MOM”. Much easier than “Aunt Shanda”, I suppose.

Of course I took advantage of the day and took some more photos of the baby.

David was so quiet when he held Weston. He only used a whisper to talk and was very annoyed with Caleb and Naomi, who were as noisy as ever.

Grace was absolutely smitten.

Those arms just get me. The fists. The elbows. So darling.

Aunt Shanda made him have “tummy time” and isn’t he cute, this is as far up he could get his head. I love it! He was bobbing up and down and making those funny noises.

Grace took these:

He’s smiling in my arms. He thinks Aunt Shanda is funny.

He weighs over 7 pounds now!

weekend details

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Shanda

Good morning! Breakfast is over and the three older kids are in the basement. They made an office down there. They take down chocolate milk and pretend it’s coffee and I’m not sure what they are actually doing but I do know that they are listening to a Focus on the Family Radio Theatre cd.

I wanted to share a few photos from my weekend. Rich came home on Friday with roses for me and Grace, which was a great start, I thought. There was one for me and one for her of the darkest red. Very dazzling.

On Saturday, we went to the library. The kids checked out about 30 books, LOL, and I found 3 that I thought looked good. I already finished one of them and the link will be attached to this blog entry.

(I just had to get up to help David and Jacob was up getting another drink of milk so I asked them what they are doing downstairs. “Oh, we’re riding bikes. . . but, right now we’re trying to catch a mouse.” (said very casually) “Is there really a mouse down there?” I asked. “Yes! We all saw it!”) OH GREAT.

UPDATED February 3, 2013 (They just told me that they caught five on this day. There was a blind one. They found one in a shoe, & one in a Cheerio box. They said that the dog ran after them, stomped on them and ate them. David played hide and seek with the blind one, but it got away.)

Back to the weekend. Where was I? Oh yes, the library. I didn’t take any pictures of the library stop because there are already pictures here somewhere of the library. Our next stop was Panera. Rich’s idea. It was fun except don’t order their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for your 2 year old. We got that for Caleb and it oozed everywhere. Rich looked so handsome and I thought it was so funny to see our little messy Caleb sitting there next to his dapper Dad. Rich would flinch every time Caleb was about to touch him. And Panera also has those yogurts that you simply suck out of a tube. . . yeah, not so good for a toddler. But, he loved it. David sat next to me and wasn’t as messy. Jacob, Ethan, and Grace sat at their own table and guess what they did while they ate? Read books! I’m so proud of them, they are just like me when it comes to reading.

After lunch we went to the mall. I won’t get into too much description, I’ll just say that it was packed with people but we found some awesome sale prices on the Land’s End clothes for the kids at Sears. I’m so thankful, we bought 3 beautiful, well-made winter coats for E, J, and C for next winter. I bought Grace 3 prs. of pants, a jean skirt, and 3 dresses. I bought Caleb 3 shirts and J and E both got a new shirt. I bought G a pretty pink fleece blanket for her bed, perfect for a small girl to curl up under with a good book. All these things were on clearance, plus another 50 percent off!! After Sears we left the mall, we just didn’t have the desire to walk around with the kids, too hard to keep track of them all and push the stroller. LOL

As soon as we got home, I went for a walk. David was already outside. I guess we were both thinking the same thing, ENOUGH of crowds and shopping, let’s get outside! Everything was still covered in snow and it was icy snow, so hard that I had to be extra careful not to fall down. I could actually walk on top of it! Our house sits on the top of a hill and look what David was doing when I came out to join him. He could go fast!

We made our way down past the ponds, looked at our flooded and rushing stream for a while, and then went into the woods. It was cold outside, but the dappled sunlight gave us moments of warmth. David found a fallen down tree and asked me to take a picture of him:

Just after taking his picture, I turned and saw some birds tucked away in the evergreens, I just love coming upon life in the woods. These birds, I believe, were cedar waxwings. There were about four of them together and they were eating berries. My picture isn’t very good, but you get the idea. I couldn’t get very close to them. It’s one thing to see a wild bird at a feeder, but quite another to see them in the woods, in their own “neighborhood”. This is quite close to the same part of the woods where I saw all that Robin activity a few weeks ago. I think I will call it the bird forest. Not very imaginative, but I’m not Anne of Green Gables. LOL

Okay, this next part is hard to explain. Near our house is what we call “the dam”, and it is a watershed area. These pictures will give you an idea what I mean. Here is David, walking up the big hill. (there is no water, just the stream, which goes through a tunnel under the hill). The dam was built just in case there is a major flood.

It’s probably about a 45 degree angle! This side gets more sun, there was no snow.

I must insert this picture of the dog, who enjoyed nibbling on some grass. It shows how BLUE the sky was.

When I got to the top of the hill, this is what David was doing, sliding fast down the hill! (the cold side was still covered with snow)

Before I knew it, I plopped down and tried it, too!
Like I said, the snow was hard as ice and we were able to “sled” right down the hill on our back-ends. LOL It was so very steep, quite exciting for me, I screamed and squealed all the way down. DAVID WAS VERY IMPRESSED. The only way back up was to dig our toes into the hill. Here I am, about to go back up! I went down a total of 3 times.

David went down and tried out another hill. I could not believe he was going down head first! Oh my!

After our sliding around, we walked over toward the woods again and we found some extremely slick ice. I love finding spots like this, I imagine that there are wood-fairies who enjoy ice skating in the moonlight on their very own lakes of ice. (I do have some “Anne” in me, as geidlbots pointed out, ) It was so so slippery, David fell down about 3 times. I thought we would get the chance to go back with skates, but we didn’t.

We came out of the woods and stood on the road to look at the stream. It was busy and noisy, glittery. ALIVE!

I read somewhere that if you don’t like New England weather, just wait 10 minutes. Isn’t that funny?

Today, outside my windows, I see this:

Bye-bye snow! I’m trying to convince myself that spring is here. Wishful thinking. (read quote about New England weather again.)

Yesterday morning I didn’t make it to church because our power went out. Once it came back on, there was only time for Rich to get his shower and get dressed. He went with Grace and Ethan. While they were gone I MADE HOMEMADE SOUP, SOUP, not SOAP, SOUP. LOL LOL. It was a Taste of Home 1st place recipe. It was a chicken soup with squash, carrots, onion, and kale in it. It made a HUGE pot and I’ll be eating it all week for lunch. We all went to church last night but I didn’t get to visit with any of my friends, except Tammy, because I was working in the toddler room (with Tammy).

I feel great today. I feel happy and content and ready to tackle the day. David doesn’t have speech because it’s a holiday and Rich is coming home in time to take Jacob and Ethan to their music lessons, so I don’t have to go anywhere. (I love not having to go anywhere, LOL)

SORRY THIS IS SO LONG!!!!

Have a wonderful day!

coffee in the mornings

Posted on February 14, 2008 by Shanda

“I like the color red. . . .but, not in this shape.” ~ Jacob, age 11

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Most mornings, I get right up and make coffee. I take Rich’s cup into our bedroom for him, for him to drink as he’s getting ready for work. He always says a sincere “Thank you” and maybe gives me a kiss. This is just one of the many many little, ordinary things that I love about married life.

What simple, ordinary things do you love about marriage?

or friendship?

or being a parent?

We aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow,

so tell the special people in your life

how much you care.

Better yet, DO something to SHOW them how much you care!

today (so far)

Posted on February 11, 2008 by Shanda

It’s sunny but very cold and windy.

David had speech therapy this morning and I got the giggles. . .again.

Ethan called “pepto bismol”. . .Pepto Dismal. . .

I keep hearing the boys rattle and shoot their guns that they got from my parents this weekend.

David played with blocks by himself upstairs and I could hear him singing, “Bob the Builder” to himself.

The dog stole Caleb’s cheese stick, and Caleb said, “HE. took. my. CHEESE. STICK!!” (why is my baby talking??)

David found his tooth that the tooth fairy accidently left on the washing machine and now it’s right back under his pillow.

My sister called and we are going to start sewing together. (she just got her first sewing machine)

I’m sleepy and I want to take a nap.

The house is a mess.

I just took these pictures:

How’s your day going?

Posted on February 10, 2008 by Shanda

Hello friends! It’s Sunday afternoon, I should be napping, right? Rich and David are out in the livingroom sleeping on the couches. Grace, Jacob, Ethan, and Caleb are all upstairs in their beds. Somehow, I feel cozy and contented enough just sitting at my desk, in a quiet house, knowing my loved ones are all around me– no nap today. I like to look out the windows as I sit here. We had snow fall yesterday, just a few inches, but with today’s sunshine, it is heavy now, and very wet. The roof is dripping water. There isn’t much wind, the trees are still, just the tops are gently swaying back and forth.

On Friday, I had a quick trip to the doctor. My sister and her family live in the same town, so I had Weston’s baby pictures developed and the kids and I took them over to her after my appointment. To our surprise (not a big surprise, though, because I knew they would show up sooner or later) my mom and dad were at her house (they live about 4 hours from us, in another state). It was so fun to drop by and see them there. We sat around the table and I took a couple pictures of Weston and his family. I got to hold him for a little while, he is so small and dear. I called him a little bean. I love that little baby so much, and look forward to watching him grow. I just know he is going to have a lot of fun with my four boys. I wish you could have seen Caleb’s bright eyes as he stood and looked at his new cousin for the first time.

On the way home, I was talking to Caleb about “Aunt Amanda’s new baby, named Weston” when David sighed deeply and said, “I know, I thought they were going to name him David. But they didn’t.” I guess we all know who David’s favorite person is? He is so so precious.

On Saturday, Mom and Dad came to our house. As soon as they arrived, we immedietly opened Christmas gifts. We just couldn’t wait another moment! They gave me a beautiful scarlet fiesta casserole (9 by 13) — I was completely shocked, I hadn’t even held one in my hands before. My mom bought me a scarlet one so I could use it for my Valentine’s parties, isn’t that thoughtful? They also gave me a book and some happy pig knick-knacks. They had a gift for me from Aunt Mary, some of her homemade soaps, and a gift from my brother and his wife–a place setting of “evergreen” fiestaware!

I thought my mom was going to cry when she opened her gift: a signed Tasha Tudor print (of the Secret Garden) and 2 packs of seeds from Tasha’s garden! She was so happy and that was a thrill for me. We gave my dad the PBS documentary of The Civil War, he loves that series and was very happy to have his own copy of it.

Here is a photo of my dad and the boys playing with Jacob’s new army men. They were on 2 teams, shooting rubberbands at the opposite team’s men, to knock them down. All of them laughed a lot.

My favorite part of their visit was being able to play the piano for my parents for the first time in YEARS. Rich gave me a new piano for Christmas and this was the first time my parents heard it. My dad sat on the couch with a hymn book, and I had my own, and he called out hymn numbers for me to play. His favorites are the ones written by Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley. His all-time favorite is the William Cowper hymn, “God Moves in a Mysterious Way”. I probably played about 10-15 hymns for him. We also played “Heart and Soul” together, “just like the olden days”.

For dinner I made a new recipe. It turned out quite tasty, and the kids liked it, so here is the recipe:

Pork Chops in Bean Sauce (made in the crock pot)

6 pork chops
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp pepper
28 oz can baked beans
1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce
13 1/2 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
1/3 cup chili sauce

1. Brown pork chops on each side. Place in slow cooker.
2. Saute onion in skillet in meat juices, spread over pork.
3. Sprinkle w/salt, garlic, and pepper
4. Combine beans and hot sauce, pour over chops.
5. Combine pineapple and chili sauce, spread over beans.
6. Cover. Cook low 7-8 hours, high 3-4 hours.

For a side dish, my mom and I chunked up some veggies–red pototoes, a red onion, carrots, and a squash, tossed them in olive oil, salt and pepper, and roasted them in a 400 degree oven on cookie sheets. They were so good! We also had a nice tossed salad.

After dinner we ate chocolates. I bought a box of Russell Stover and a box of Whitman’s. We did a taste testing of them and we all (except Ethan and David) thought that Russell Stover was the best.

Mom and Dad had to leave at 7pm and as usual, we were all sad to see them go. It was a wonderful time together. I love my parents SO much and it feels so good to have them visit, enjoying my family and my home.

This morning we went to church, Rich and me, with our five children. . .finally all together again after several Sundays of sickness in the family. I love sitting by my husband and holding his hand during the sermons. Every once in a while I’ll look at the children next to me and we’ll smile at each other. Today Jacob was by my side, then E, and then Grace. The service was wonderful, the hymns we sang were so edifying and Pastor’s sermon was all about how God chooses and uses ordinary people–he preached from Luke’s account of Jesus calling H
is 12 disciples.

I hope all of you are having a wonderful weekend! I’m attaching the link to the book I am reading, it is so good!

“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen” Ephesians 6:23, 24

take time to pray. . . . .

Posted on February 6, 2008 by Shanda

“We are, most of us, parents. That includes weighty responsibilities. But we are also children. We need to remember that we are not only teachers, but also students. God, who commands that we call him Father, is our teacher. But unlike us, our Father is perfect in every way.

He never grows weary.

He never errs.

He never thinks the devil’s thoughts.

Rather, our Father leads us in the good way.

He not only leads us beside still waters, but also leads us in the paths of righteousness. He likewise empowers us to grow in grace and obedience. As we come to this duty, this obligation, this challenge from God, ask him as your Father for grace,

strength,

power,

patience.

Ask him (who when we ask for bread will not give us a stone) to turn our hearts back to our children.

He delights to answer our prayers.

He is a gracious Father, who has adopted us into his family. He loves us as his children, perfectly. And he does indeed teach us. May he likwise stiffen our backbones and strengthen our hearts, that we might run well the race he has set before us, that we might not grow weary in doing good, that in turn we might honor him.”

RC Sproul Jr. in When You Rise up, A Covenantal Approach to Homeschooling

(photos from a family walk on Sunday afternoon)

“Although he was not book-learned, it was knee-work, knee-work, knee-work with him.” ~ Harvey Leigh, writing of John Oxtoby, a man known for his prayers.

Although I work hard at motherhood and life, I often neglect the most important duty of all: PRAYER. I must remember the knee-work.

Isn’t it wonderful that we can pray at any time, and any where?

Ethan is sick (the boy in the last picture). . .he was throwing up all night long. This family has been sick since Christmas!

I’m tired. But happy in Jesus.

Speech with Mrs. L

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Shanda

If you care for and help my child, I’ll love you forever!

After David’s 5yr. check up in September, with the advice of our pediatrician, I finally took the plunge and began pursuing speech therapy for him. It was time to get the little guy some help. Strangers could hardly make out his speech, and even Rich and I had trouble at times.

Because David was 5, I had to go to the public school for help (instead of the “birth to 3” program). I didn’t mind working with them, but they seemed surprised that a homeschooling mom would want their services. I spoke to the ones in charge there at the local elementary school and we finally arranged a time for David to begin. My friend Caroline generously agreed to watch my other 4 children during the sessions.

We meet every Monday at 10:30 with a wonderful lady named Mrs. L, who obviously likes her job and enjoys David. Last week when we got there, she was ready and waiting for us in her small room, with a cheerful “Hello, friend!” for David.

I have had the privilege of just sitting and watching the two of them work together. And work it is, Mrs. L. made that clear from the beginning, David was there to work hard. She makes me laugh to myself when she helps David along with promptings to sit still, “When we want to learn in here, we need to keep our bottoms in a chair, okay David?” and to keep his fingers out of his nose. (for example). Anyway, I enjoy watching her work with David, her eyes light up every time he does something right. She’s excited with his progress.

She and David sit at a little table together and I sit off to the side. She talks to him and explains the sounds very carefully, with cue words and hand motions. She uses charts, beads, small flat circles, etc, to keep him interested.

Before we go, I make sure to have him run up and down the stairs to get the energy out, and make him go potty so he can sit still. Today we forgot to brush his teeth. Oh well. But we did take her a couple of roses that were still left from my party.

Today Mrs. L. told David stories and then had him tell the story back to her. Each story was full of the certain sounds he was working on (“s” “f” and “t”) David liked that.

Here they are, practicing the angry cat “F” sound:

Mrs. L uses a big mirror. She and David look into it, and David always becomes very animated, making the most fantastic faces that I can hardly control myself with laughter in my corner of the room.

Today David learned the hard “G” sound and the “K” sound. Here she is, demonstrating the sound:

And then David tried it, and succeeded! We were so happy!

He looked right at me, with the proudest look on his face like, “Did you hear that, Mommy?”

I love how he leans into her. He must trust her.

I just want to say, if you work with little children and you do it out of love and joy of teaching or serving, than I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You make a mother so encouraged when you help her with her babies. Sunday school teacher, Doctor, Dentist, Speech Therapist, Music teacher, librarian, babysitter, whoever you are. . . .

THANK YOU! You are so special and what you do makes a difference. Keep up the good work!

with 2 edits (so far). . . .

Posted on January 30, 2008 by Shanda

I was inspired by cerwindoris this week to get my speedlight out again. I’ve been scared of it. You see, I am not the type of person who feels comfortable with electronics. . .(is a speedlight an electronic?). . .whenever I have a piece of new equipment like my camera or the speedlight, my hands start to shake and I have the manual out and I have to do everything just so, feeling all the while like I’m certainly NOT doing it right. I get all worked up about it. So the speedlight was used ONE time and then back in the box in went until today!

So thanks, Doris, for the little push that you didn’t even know you gave me!

Here are the pictures I took with it this morning:

I interrupted their Bible reading to take this one. As you can see, our map has been covered up by my china cabinet. I keep meaning to take it down. . . There is still a Christmas wreath up behind Jacob, too. I like it there. Rich did the curtain rods for me as a surprise last year when I was away for a weekend (I think it’s time for another weekend getaway, btw)

And here is David with no shirt, and Caleb is next to him. They are playing a veggietales computer game in my room. You can see a mug from yesterday’s tea, a ponytail holder from me taking out my hair. See the small calender? The picture above it is a picture of me at about 4 years old, and I am holding a cat. I love looking at little me. . .I’ve always liked kitties. The quilt you see in the bottom right hand corner is something Rich’s Grandma made. I use it to cover the printer.

(oh my –at this moment, rain is coming down HARD, dark clouds are blowing across the sky and I can hear blustery wind. . .)

Here is a picture of part of our bedroom:

I wanted to show Aunt Mary the wall hanging that I bought at her party a while ago. We hung it up over my dresser. It’s supposed to have a pillar candle in it, but instead I put these in:

Cherries!

This picture is for roseteacup. When I was feeling bad a few weeks ago, she encouraged me to do something creative. I had some bulbs that I never got in the ground this fall, and they were beginning to sprout in the package. I had Jacob go in the woods to get me some nice dirt (it was the week of our Jan. thaw) and planted some in containers. Now, I get to watch them grow. I wish I could tell you what these are, I think they are crocus. I also planted mini-daffodils and tulips.

Last but not least, a picture of me and Grace. I think her ripped out jeans are so so so so cute!

I’m pretty blah today. I actually spent some time this morning in tears. . .I’m stressed out with my duties. I cannot understand how women homeschool multiple children, along with being mommy to preschoolers. I feel very very overwhelmed. Lately I haven’t been able to enjoy making dinners, the past 2 days we’ve had pasta w/hamburger spaghetti sauce. The dinner dishes are always left in the sink over night. The dishwasher is constantly running, or waiting to be emptied. There is always laundry going. I went through the motions this morning, getting more and more stressed out. I cannot let the house go, I have to have it halfway decent. . . .so I spend time cleaning only to have it messy again and again. Yes, the kids help but I’m in charge, ya know? Is this the constant lament of the homeschooling mother? I was making the kids their little game cards for their “Africa” geography game this morning, feeling actual ANGER that I didn’t even know how to pronounce most of the countries! How am I supposed to know? I frankly don’t even want to know! I’ve managed to survive the first 31 years of my life without knowing all the countries in Africa!!!!!

I have sick kids this week, too. Caleb woke up this morning with a fever and runny nose. . it’s the same thing that Jacob and Ethan are getting over. But that’s the life of a mother. . .we’re nurse and housecleaner and cook and and and and. . . . .

I was standing by the kitchen table earlier, ready to blow, just standing and staring. .frozen, when all of a sudden the phone rang. It was my friend Kathy. . . . .

boy did she get an earful! It’s nice to have a friend that can listen to it all. . and that was just what I needed, to talk it out.

So. We’ve done half a day of school and now is lunch time. After lunch we will finish school. The kids are thrilled because they read in my teacher’s manual that we get to make animals out of dough!!!!!!!! We have NO DOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t dash their hopes so I will be making the dough. HURRAY! Another pot to wash! LOL To say nothing of the dough animals. They’ll be hanging around for a few days, only to be tossed in the garbage.

I could go on but I won’t. . .

I need to spend a long time on my knees today. . . . .

EDIT–just want to say that the sun came out! I was so happy I yelled “look out the window!!”. . .also, I d
ecided to have some fun at some point today filling out my valentines. My party is Saturday!

Edit #2– Friends, I just had something so sweet happened! I just went to get the mail and there was a card for “Grace and Family” from a strange address. I could not believe my eyes when she opened the card! A few years ago, when we sold our previous home, we also had a litter of kittens we were desperately trying to find homes for. Grace was 6 at the time, and helped give one away. Listen to this card:

“Dear Grace and family,

I’m not sure if you remember me but I was a real estate appraiser that came to your home in 2006. I remember Grace as an amazing and persuasive child who made sure I took home a kitten named ‘Daisy’. We renamed her in honor of Grace and my daughter’s middle name. This beautiful feline has blessed our family in so many ways. My husband became gravely ill shortly after we met and that little kitten has been such a wonderful cuddle shoulder for my kids. We are all well now but I did want to thank you and let you know what an impact that day had on our family. God bless.”

Amazing Grace!

my husband. . . .

Posted on January 26, 2008 by Shanda

My husband and I met in High School. He pursued me. . .started talking to my brother about me, and then David would come home and tell me about it. The memory still makes me giggle like a school-girl when I think about it.

Our first date was a double date to the movies, and then to Pizza Hut.

Pizza Hut continued to be a favorite place to go~ we always ordered the same thing:

Cheese Lover’s plus with ham and pepperoni. (!!!!) I don’t think either of us would be that eager to have a piece of it today!

I was 17 and he was 19 when we started “going out”. . .I was a senior in H.S.

Two years later, we were married on September 16, 1995.

I was 19 and he was 21. Our honeymoon was in Virginia.

Our first house was a 3-bedroom ranch. We lived there for about 3 years.

We moved around for a little bit before finally settling down in our current home.

We have five children: Jacob, Ethan, Grace, David, and Caleb. We think having children is fun but hard work.

We are best friends. We can get each other laughing so so hard.

Rich is a very hard worker and is good at just about everything he does. I mean, really, sitting here I can’t think of anything he has failed at. He as a zest for life–he’s raced cars and played semiprofessional football since we were married. That was a few years ago. Now our hobby is our family.

He is a great Dad. I do the little things and he does all the big things with the kids. He also does some little things, like changing diapers and putting the kids to bed at night.

He’s my rock. He’s stable. He balances me and my emotions out so well. He protects me and loves me.

He is proud of the fact that he is a country boy at heart. He grew up on the farm and could do all the chores, including driving the tractors, at a young age.

I think the first time I knew he was the one, was on our first date. He was driving me home and started singing along to the radio–my heart skipped a beat–he had a nice voice and wasn’t afraid to sing! We are constantly humming/singing/whistling together, in a absent, “don’t really know we’re doing it” sort of way.

He has climbed the corporate ladder aggressively and is now at the point where he is content. He loves his job, He is the Vice President and chief claims officer of an insurance company. We don’t have any worries financially but we’ve had many years of living paycheck to paycheck. He loves being the provider in our family. He loves being able to spoil me, like when he bought me my piano for Christmas this year.

Our biggest problems result in the fact that we are both firstborn. We can both be opinionated and I can hold my own in a debate with him. I admit, it’s fun to banter back and forth at times. It adds spice to life. I am very stubborn. I’m afraid I am not submissive all the time. But, he doesn’t mind.

Sometimes I get jealous of his work, and start getting moody about that. I call his blackberry, “Ms. Blackberry” as a joke. I miss him during the long days. If I go for a walk, I think, “I wish Rich was here right now.” But, I know that he loves us more than any job on earth. . . . .

Rich is a go-getter. I would be content if things never changed. He adds so much to my life because he pushes me to get out of my comfort zone at times. I never dreamed that I would have such a full life!

My favorite outfit on him is his dark jeans and gray sweater. He also looks really good in a suit and tie.

His favorite meal is pasta. Spaghetti, lasagna, etc. He would rather me not make baked goods, because he tries not to eat that stuff~but, he loves my chocolate chip cookies and I always save some of the dough for him, too.

He does a good job instilling a solid work ethic in the kids. You should see him get the kids to clean the house, it’s amazing. He has them running all over the place! And they never seem to mind it.

In the evenings, after the kids go to bed, we like to sit on the couch together and watch tv. The show we watch most often is the Andy Griffeth show! LOL Most of the time he rubs my feet. The best times for us is at night, when we finally get into bed and snuggle under our fluffy down comforter. I always smile into the dark and think, “oh, if only I could freeze this moment”. It’s so warm and safe in his arms.

By the way, he can sleep anytime anywhere and that is something about him that really bugs me. I’m jealous, actually. I can only sleep under precise circumstances!

We’ve been married for 12 years. I don’t feel worthy of the man God has given me as my husband. But, I am so grateful and happy. I love my life, I love being Rich’s wife.

I did this post because I had someone kindly ask about my husband. I don’t normally write much about him because he is so close to my heart. Please know that after my relationship w/God, Rich is my “everything else”, I love him so much. The best part of the day is when he gets home. The best day of the week is Saturday, because we can spend the entire day together, doing whatever we want. . . . . .

bright red lipstick

Posted on January 24, 2008 by Shanda

I had a busy busy day. I’m sooooooooooooo glad that I am “normal” energetic Shanda again because I’ve had to have it today–the energy, I mean–. Lots to do! Lots!

Anyway, I just wanted to share a few things about today.

First of all, the house was silent this morning after breakfast. The homeschooled kids like to disappear so that I don’t see them and remember to start school. I am suspicious of silence, so I went upstairs and opened the boy’s door to see what was going on. The boys (all four) were playing legos and Grace was doing this:

Apparently it’s much more comfy up there, even if there is a big chair in the room.

Then, during school time, I had a “oh, that’s so cute” moment and ran to get the camera. My 2 year old, if Mommy is unavailable, always always chooses Brother Ethan as his comforter. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy homeschooling. . . .I get to see love. . . .

But, the following episode takes the cake. The lipstick, actually.

If you have small children in the room, you might want to read the rest of this later.

It all started when Davy-do made himself some superhero wings.

I guess, when you are 5 years old, the next logical step, after the wings, is to . . . .well . . . .

. . . .change colors?

This all comes from watching too much “Toy Story”. . . .

And, from leaving lipstick unguarded.

And, from having so many children/things to do, that you lose track of one for too long.

The Offending Lipstick. At least it was a tube that I never wore. I mean, come ON! TOO RED!

A mirror (dirty mirror) picture. Doesn’t David look industrious.

Look in his mouth. Even his teeth are red.

(And no, I did not use “color booster”. . . .)

The strange thing is, his siblings were not surprised! Caleb stared with an impressed smile, but all Jacob said was, “He looks TERRIBLE!!!!” like he thought I did it to him!

This is the point when he started to tell me that his face was itchy.

Keep that in mind in case you ever decide to try it.

Lipstick makes your face itch.

He kind of reminded me of an “oompa loompa” from the old version of “Willie Wonka”. But I think they were orange.

Then it was time for a bath. I thought it was so cute that he looked at himself in the faucet to wash. Does anyone know how to get lipstick off my white sweater, my gray pants, my wall, my white shower curtain, Dave’s clothes, a washcloth, and the bathtub? He left a bright red ring around the tub.

And I didn’t even mention the trip to Costco. Yep, those free samples will be the death of me yet. I can’t keep David by my side when he’s on the look out for free samples. I was twitching by the time we left.

However, while at Costco I did have the brief presence of mind to grab a couple new magazines. So, I’m off to enjoy a nice hot, long, bubblebath. . . . .