Behold the goodness of the Lord:

Posted on January 23, 2008 by Shanda

Meet baby Weston

tiny boo-boos

He has lots of brown hair.

I will praise thee;

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvellous are thy works. . . .Psalm 139:14

little wrinkled hands

small bundle of joy

He felt so light in my arms.

As you may have guessed, I got to meet my newborn baby nephew today.

I braved major city traffic and everything! (a big deal for me)

I split the kids up between two friends, so I got to go alone.

I feel like I can finally relax and settle down now that I’ve spent time with the baby and my sister.

I’m so thankful for the way God has been answering prayer for Weston, he’s doing remarkably well.

In fact, he may get to go home on Friday!

Davy-Do skates and other photos

Posted on January 22, 2008 by Shanda

The ice was perfect for skating.

David had on 2 different mittens,

Grace’s hand-me-down snowpants,

and Caleb’s hat.

I love how his ear lobes are poking out of the hat, because it’s too small.

He is a good, fast little skater.

And he thinks it’s fun to fall down.

Grace had her Dad’s gloves on and Aunt Amanda’s hat.

She had Ethan’s coat on.

Caleb had to wear socks on his hands.

I laughed, because at one point they came off and I asked him, “Caleb where did your socks go?”

He froze and stood looking down at his feet.

I could just imagine his little mind wondering, “Where did my socks go?”

When I “corrected” myself and said, “mittens”, he knew right where they were.

We went down to the stream to see the water.

And Grace handed Caleb some ice to eat.

Yum.

If this tree could talk, I’m sure she would brag about her natural curls.

We came upon a flock of Robins in the woods.

We also saw a woodpecker. Here is Grace, watching the birds with me.

When we came inside again, I was sitting on the couch, deleting unwanted pictures from my camera.

The kids were watching tv and when I looked up,

I thought the boys looked so cozy–this is Jacob and David.

I love their relationship soooo much.

my new nephew

Posted on January 21, 2008 by Shanda

Shanda,

I’m writing this for Amanda, I just want everyone to know how great prayer is. When I got back from dropping some things off for Abbie, Amanda and I went down stairs to see Wes. When we got to his bed we were delighted to see that his stressful 100 breaths a minute had dropped to 50 calm breaths a minute. He is still on the machine but he looks so much better. His color is great and the doctors are positive. Tomorrow Amanda and I get to hold him (we only got to hold him for a minute when he was born) so we are excited…

-Jason-

I just added (tues. morning) that comment from my brother-in-law, he sent it last night. . .after I had written the following. So, thanks for praying, God is so good all the time. . .we’re thrilled that baby Weston is already impoving. Keep praying! Thank you so much.

I’ve been distracted since Saturday night! I’ve been pacing around my house all day, waiting for the phone to ring.

WHY, you ask? Because, my sister went into the hospital Saturday, one month before her due date and today she had her first little son. She didn’t have him until this afternoon, so it’s been a long weekend for them. She and her husband Jason are so proud but want prayer for their little boy. Because he is a month early, he is not breathing on his own yet and is in intensive care. So, will you all pray very hard that my new little nephew will learn to breath correctly very soon and that he will stay healthy?

His name is Weston.

He was born today and weighs 5 pounds, 4 ounces. He is 19 inches long.

I just talked to my sister on the phone for a while, and she sounds great. We just want this little guy to start breathing normally very soon.

Thanks for praying.

Congratulations on your new baby, Jason and Amanda! We’ll be praying for him and for you.

They sent me the pictures in an email. . . .

this that and the other (ramblings from a stay at home mom)

Posted on January 17, 2008 by Shanda

On the top bunk

Yesterday’s blog was so FUN that it’s hard to blog today. I guess I will post more photos that we took yesterday.

Today was good. As I type, I can hear the pounding of 10 feet. (5×2=10) I’m not sure what the children are playing, but it sure is exciting, whatever it is. It’s hard to be an energetic kid who can’t exercise as much during the winter. I should have made them go outside but it’s colder out today and somehow I just don’t want to deal with boots that are still wet from falling in the stream yesterday and missing mittens.

Personally, I am feeling much (shall we say) BRIGHTER today and was “mean mommy” during school. Meaning,
“we did every single thing we were supposed to do and then some” for our school day. I floundered during the last few weeks, I’m amazed that we even got through the work while I was sick, but we did. Today felt normal. I felt like my normal self. Yes,–thanks to many of you prayer warriors here on xanga–and my other friends and family who were praying for me.

I was encouraged today because I got some tea in the mail (!!!) as a gift from my friend Christie. “Stash” is the brand name, and she sent a boxed variety and also a box of the creme caramel–which I tried this afternoon–and, it was very good. I loved it, actually. Tea has become Very Important in my life. Good to unwind with.

On the Bottom Bunk

Jacob was very upset today and confessed to me a sin that he committed. Oh my, well, I had to put my head down on the couch so he couldn’t see my face. I read somewhere that a mother shouldn’t laugh at something that her child is upset about. He was absolutely sick about this sin. Apparently, this summer, he had a pair of scissors and he went down to the pond and cut the tails off of two tadpoles. He is now feeling much remorse. Yes, it is sad if you think about it, the poor things were put back in the pond tail-less and probably did not grow properly. We all do dumb things as children, though, right AUNT COLLEEN? Don’t you dare tell everyone what I did to small amphibians when I was Jacob’s age! I told Jacob that everything was going to be okay and asked him to please not be cruel to God’s little creatures anymore. I suggested that he write a letter of apology to the tadpoles. He thought that was “sort of. . foolish.” I was just thinking it would be a good creative writing assignment. He is now out in the living room, humming away, as light hearted as he should be, now that he’s gotten that confession of his chest. He’s so sensitive, wonder where he got THAT from!?!?

Rich should be home soon. I didn’t see him much yesterday, he went straight to church from work and then had a deacon’s meeting and didn’t get home until 11:30 (the middle of the night, IMO). He’s been going off to work in the morning wearing a suit and tie. . . oh, so handsome. . . I just love seeing my husband dressed nice. He’s had to do presentations every day this week in front of about 200 people. I’ve been trying to be extra encouraging to him, partly out of guilt from being so sick and drained after Christmas. Girls, we have to take care of our men if we want them to last! He never said a word but I’m sure my evening “when are you coming home” calls on the phone were getting a little old!

In the Bathtub

I showed him the photos from yesterday and he loved them. He even had me email some of them to him so he could show people at work. . . .

I spent an hour and a half on the couch this afternoon. It was very hard to settle down but I finally did, and read a book that I’m giving Colleen for Christmas! LOL Don’t tell! She’ll understand when she sees it.

In other news, Grace has been training Parker just like he’s a horse. She even rides him when I’m not looking. They run in circles around the living room, with Grace holding his “bridle”. She’s having a wonderful time, although I do wonder what the dog is thinking.

Today Ethan was teaching himself how to play the piano using an old piano book of mine. He was also making up magic rhymes that do things when you say them. Like this one that sends you away at night: “Wolves that howl at the light, you’ll be sent on this scary night.” and, if you want a golden dove, “Doves which perch upon the rail turn into gold all avail” He has a whole list of them. We are all impressed.

Caleb got on the counter where there was an opened can of peaches (Jacob opened it) and ate them all. Also, when he gets into trouble with me, he wants to hug in a desperate sort of way. . .and his hugs are so great! He’s learned to squeeze with those little arms and make it a real hug! I just love it.

David asked me yesterday if I was married. Also, he combined sunscreen, bubble bath, and toothpaste on his race-car track in his room today. I also caught him scooping handfuls of sugar out of the canister and filling a bowl with it. There are hazards to letting your children in the kitchen while you bake. They get inspired.

I don’t have any of that stuff on my eyes today.

That’s about all, folks!

On the dresser

FUN

Posted on January 16, 2008 by Shanda

Alright. So. I put on make up today. Which is very very unusual these days. Joanna suggested bright pink lipstick and sent me a crazy photo of herself wearing some. . .which I can now use as blackmail. I don’t have bright pink ANYTHING, except for the tank I put under the green shirt I have on today. . . .so, that will have to do.

I came out of my room after applying the make-up, and Jacob looked at me and said, “Where are you going?” “No where,” I said.

“You don’t look like Mom with that stuff on your eyes.”

(that was a compliment, he just didn’t know it!)

We took some fun pictures. I got to use my Christmas tripod again. What an awesome tool!

And, you know what? I do feel much happier after doing this!

This was right before Caleb fell off the dresser. Oops.

I’m thinking about this quote that Joanna sent me years ago:

“When she was in her eighties, she told her

husband that the happiest time in her life was spent sitting at the round

kitchen table in their small house with all her children underfoot.” ~M. Stoddard

Even though Jacob is 11, he still has his “blue-blanket” and I love that!

a hodge podge of photos

Posted on January 6, 2008 by Shanda

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!

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

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

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

This picture makes me laugh:

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

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

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

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

My mom giving Caleb a taste from the bowl:

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

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

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

I’M SICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK, tired, and cold.

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

birthday snow

Posted on December 31, 2007 by Shanda

Look who has a birthday today!

Oops, sorry, wrong one. . .

I meant this young man:

Our firstborn, Jacob Richard

It just doesn’t seem. . . possible. . .that I could be a mom of an eleven year old. . . .it’s just crazy, that’s what!

*************************

We woke up to some beautiful birthday snow.

*********************************

It’s become, in the last few years, a tradition for me and Jacob to have our picture taken like this. We are documenting growth (on his part) and the aging process (on my part).

Last year:

This year:

We gave him his gifts. He got a big “Peanuts” book, a new watch, and a whole bunch

of office supplies. He’s at the table now, playing office. He has

a stapler, a label maker, pens, pencils, ruler, white out,

tape, a rubber band ball, paper clips, a white board,

envelopes, a pencil sharpener. . . . . .and 4 candy bars.

*********

I told Rich teasingly when I bought the candy, “Now, let’s see if he shares any

of this. . . .” We gave him one first thing this morning and he gave

most of it away, made us all take some to try it, not knowing that he

he had three more to come. . .it just about made me cry.

He’s such a good boy. A great big brother.

*********

We’re also going to look at pictures from when he was a little baby,

and look at his baby book.

“My first baby. I was so satisfied with you, so happy and so grateful.”
~something I wrote in Jacob’s babybook when he was born

trip to the library

Posted on December 29, 2007 by Shanda

Caleb is feeling better, I’m finally getting spunky again, it’s just Grace who is sick-ish now. But not too sick for a trip to the library! Rich and I took the kids there this morning and I took my camera along, just for the fun of it. It’s chilly out, but the sun is shining. It takes us about 10 minutes to drive to the library and I like it because it’s outside of town, it’s a nice little library. I usually take the kids myself during the week so it was a treat to have Rich come along this time. There weren’t too many people there today. Jacob, Ethan, and Grace each have their own special library bag. They have their own library cards, too, but no one could find them. But they did find and take along their stuffed animals!

I had to return a video that our VCR “ate”, I was wondering if I would have to buy it but I didn’t, thankfully. I’m so grateful that we have free public libraries, but Rich says that I ruin it for our family by paying a fine every time I go! Today I had to pay 4 dollars. Yikes!

Caleb always runs as fast as he can to his favorite spot, the train table!

Here’s Grace with her stuffed kitten, picking out books. She’s been reading all kinds of animal books lately.

Here is handsome E, choosing a book for himself, with his brother Jacob looking on in the background.

I found this handsome guy (my husband) . . . . .Rich ended up choosing and taking home two huge computer books.

David was thrilled when his Daddy agreed to play a game of checkers with him.

This is the only “staged” photo, of myself. My friend Hannah (thank you Hannah!!!) sent me some books to read, so today I only checked out cookbooks. (besides, I was hungry)

Then I found little Caleb on his tummy, looking at a Thomas book with faithful Percy by his side.

Jacob and Ethan got right down on the floor to look at a comic book. Are they cute, or what? I told them they looked like they were siamese twins. Hard to believe that Jacob will be 11 on Monday. . . . . . .

I didn’t think David would look at a book without me telling him to, but he did! He looked at the same Thomas book that Caleb had found.

I just finished the most excellent book yesterday, I’ll attach the link below so you may order a copy. It’s written by John G Paton, who was a missionary in the mid 1800’s to cannibals. It’s 500 pages long but so good I wished that it was even longer than that. I tell you I laughed and cried through the whole thing, and my heart was so warmed by his amazing testimony. The book is crammed packed with glory to God. . . .very stirring words indeed. Please read it for yourself, you won’t be sorry.

The rest of my reading list:

The Twenty-fourth Of June, by Grace S. Richmond. This is a book that Hannah lent to me.

Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn. Another book from Hannah. (By the way, Hannah, I already read Stepping Heavenward, that’s why it’s not listed here.)

When People are Big, and God is Small, by Edward T. Welch. I have read most of this now, Joanna recently read it and recommended it.

T
he Puritan Family, by Edmund S. Morgan. From my Dad’s collection of books.

What about you? Do you like to read? What’s on your reading list these days?

Christmas magic, "Good-by, Sweet Day"

Posted on December 27, 2007 by Shanda

To a child, there is nothing quite like the night before Christmas. My oldest son, Jacob, said emphatically to me on Christmas Eve, “I am NOT going to be able to sleep tonight.” I remember feeling that same way when I was a child.

So, was Christmas as magical for me this year? I must admit, I was not feeling very well. I’m getting over a cold that “wiped” me right out. However, as Rich and I finally finished up the Christmas preparations on Christmas Eve, and started gently and carefully placing the gifts “just so” under the tree, I found myself smiling and getting excited. I put pretty shiny bows on everything and after we were done, the tree, with all the gifts around and under it, looked so beautiful. One of the things I love about my husband is the way he enjoys making Christmas special for the children. He is very generous, and wants them all to be thrilled when they get up on Christmas morning. Spending time with him in our living room, preparing for the next day, made me so happy, and I did actually have a hard time getting to sleep that night! I couldn’t wait to see Jacob’s face when he opened his castle, or Ethan opening his guitar, or Grace with her new cash register. And, who can forget my busy little Davy-do? He would get to open his very own tool box, complete with tools, and a pile of wood, just for him. Little Caleb only needs “choo-choo’s” to make him happy, and there were four for him under the tree.

The next morning, at 5:20, Jacob and Ethan woke us up as they came downstairs. Rich went out and wished them a “Merry Christmas” and sent them right back to bed for just one more hour. An “eternity” to two excited little boys. Eventually the time came for us, the parents, to get out of bed and call down our wide-awake little ones. Grace, Jacob, and Ethan came downstairs and sat on the couch to talk to each other about what they could see, and held their stockings in their laps. Rich and I made some coffee and sipped it from red and green fiesta mugs.

At 6:45, Rich went upstairs to wake up David and Caleb. We couldn’t believe that they “slept in” on the most exciting morning of the year! David came out of his room half asleep and scowling, but soon the scowl turned to a smile when he realized that Christmas was finally here!

It was so fun to watch them open their gifts, to see their eyes light up and hear the excitement in their voices. Caleb took all of his gifts to his Daddy to open, and he just loved all his new trains. I just kept taking pictures and thinking, “Enjoy it. Enjoy it. Christmas won’t be like this forever.” Like my header says, “These Truly are the Wonder Years”. . .yes, they are, and it’s the wonder of seeing the world, and the moments we have together, through the eyes of a child. One of the best parts of parenting, is getting to experience the early years all over again, watching our children enjoy their childhood, and remembering our own.

This Christmas, the children played non stop all day long. They loved the castle most of all. We bought it for Jacob, but told him that it was for them all to play with. David loved his tools and I laughed so much to see him wearing the big safety goggles as he hammered away. You have already seen the photos of lil’ Woody and lil’ Buzz. How cute they were in their costumes! Rich would say, “Hi, Woody!!” and Caleb would say, “NO! I CAY-YUB!” in his little voice. . .so dear and sweet.

Rich started picking up the wrapping paper just as soon as it was all over but I begged him to leave it as it was for a while. Once the papers and bows are gathered up to throw away, the morning would seem so final. I wanted to enjoy the mess for a change.

Rich surprised me with a few more gifts — some Godiva chocolates (my favorite), two pairs of black gloves (he couldn’t decide so he bought both), and a tripod for my camera.

The day was a happy one, I loved this Christmas.

Our house, on Christmas Eve. I went for a walk….the ice on the ponds was so pretty.

Our five, in new jammies, on Christmas Eve. My heart skips a beat when I see this photo. David is getting taller! He’s almost as tall as Grace! How did that happen? Grace has a new nightgown on, and she has her Bitty Baby doll, who has a nightgown just like her “mommy”.

Christmas morning, I like how Rich and I are reflected in the window. (We’re standing in the kitchen.)

Christmas morning coffee

Davy-do’s smile when he sees the tree and all the presents.

Our firstborn, emptying his stocking, and finding a grenade!

Did anyone else run out of wrapping paper? I did, but Caleb was so happy to see the Thomas rug, which was one of his gifts. He loves pushing his trains around on it.

The boys busy getting their toys out of the boxes. It’s not easy. They had me help now and then. Rich is in the background, with Caleb in his lap.

Caleb, dressed up in his Woody costume, looking at his new Thomas book.

Ethan was thrilled with his new guitar and unwrapped the big box so excitedly. It’s one of my favorite moments of the entire day, seeing him tear the paper off and throw it behind him, smiling so big!

The most beautiful mess of all. . .the papers and bows from unwrapped Christmas gifts.

Little David, busy making “an airplane” with his new wood, hammer, and nails.

David joining his little brother for some choo-choo play.

Setting up the castle. I love their bright, happy faces.

In this photo, the children are all opening cards from their Uncle David. Look at Grace’s face. They each got 15 dollars. They acted like it was a million. Well, except for Caleb. He threw his card and slid down to the floor, back to his trains.

Rich is home all this week, taking a much needed vacation. I am still so very tired from this cold. . .in fact, this morning I went back to bed at 9am! I’ve been just sort of hanging around, doing a little here, a little there, trying to avoid all heavy work, LOL. Rich has been doing most of the kitchen work, either that or making the children do it! He even scrubbed the bathroom shower stall this morning! I asked him, teasingly, if he was going to potty train Caleb, too, during his vacation, but he said no. Today we had to go to the grocery store, but other than that we’ve been pretty low-key all week long. I can’t believe that tomorrow is Friday already. Caleb has my sickness now, and is absolutely miserable. Grace says she’s feeling funny, too. We were planning on driving to NY this weekend but all signs say “NO” at this point. . .

And, yes, I’ve been enjoying my new piano so very much. I’m able to play everything that I could play before (it’s been 8 years since I last played) and it’s so so good to do it again.

Thank you all for your kindness to me here, and your friendship. I had a box come from a dear xanga friend in Alaska, with lovely gifts inside, and several Christmas cards from some of you! I just shake my head in wonder, and in awe over the way God has blessed us with such sweet Christian fellowship, in which we can be so close, and even love, our sisters in Christ whom we have never seen face to face! I just love that! We truly have a wonderful heavenly Father. . . . .

Merry Christmas once again to you all! I’ll leave you with a dear little poem I read today.

“Good-by, Sweet Day”

Good-by, sweet day, good-by!
I have so loved thee, but I cannot keep thee.
Departing like a dream, the shadows fold thee;
Slowly thy perfect beauty fades away.
Good-by, sweet day!

Good-by, sweet day, good-by!
Dear were thy golden hours of tranquil splendor;
Sadly thou yieldest to the evening tender,
Who wert so fair from thy first morning ray;
Good-by, sweet day!

Good-by, sweet day, good-by!
Thy glow and charm, thy smiles and tones and glances
Vanish at last, and solemn night advances;
Ah, couldst thou yet a little longer stay!
Good-by, sweet day!

Good-by, sweet day, good-by!
All thy rich gifts my grateful heart remembers,
The while I watch thy sunset’s smoldering embers
Die in the west beneath the twilight gray.
Good-by, sweet day!

~Celia Thaxter