father and sons, etc

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Shanda

Rich and Ethan worked together on Sunday morning. But first, they gazed into the waters of the pond, longing to see their beloved fish. They saw three under the dock, two by the pipe, and one near the shore.

I spent the entire day on Saturday worried about Sarah because she was running a fever and complaining of a headache. After her surgery on the 3rd and her procedure on the 10th, everything in me wanted to rush her to the hospital for fear she had an infection, but logic and my husband held me back. Thankfully, on Sunday she woke up fine but pale so we stayed home from church to give her a day of rest. (Rich didn’t want to go without me because he’s going to be away half of this week on a business trip.)

The chicken coop needed its spring clean-out. Rich let Ethan drive the tractor for the first time and the two of them scraped all of the old bedding and hen droppings out of the coop and drove them in the bucket to the vegetable garden.

I watched from the porch as Rich coached Ethan VERY thoroughly in turning the tractor back around. I wondered why so much laughing was happening, and why Rich was so interested in Ethan turning around “just so” when Ethan has been driving for over a year now……

And why on earth Ethan found it all so very funny……and then…..I saw what was happening…….

Rich was instructing Ethan to back over my shoes which I had kicked off while cleaning up my flower beds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good boy, E, for not doing it!

After they got all the old bedding into the garden, Rich rototilled it all into the dirt. I asked him three times NOT to disturb my beloved rhubarb, and he asked me to come over and show him exactly where it was. And what did I see through the window when I was in the house making lunch? Something that very much looked like running over AND digging through the very spot I had showed him NOT to disturb. “Did you dig up my rhubarb?” I asked as soon as I got the chance. “I might have,” he said sorrowfully. I. could.not.believe.it. “Why did you ask me to show you where it was when you were just going to run it over anyway?” I cried. He said, “You are acting like I did it on purpose! I didn’t! I just forgot it was there!”

I cannot tell you how many times over the years that this man has forgotten “something was there” in the garden or lawn and ran it over, mowed it down, or dug it up. And then he wonders why I get upset. After all, it was only an innocent accident!

(You would think he would be more understanding when I ACCIDENTALLY put his clothes in his son’s dresser! )

David went to his favorite “junk” store downtown and bought an army jacket for 15 dollars. He said there was a name on it that the lady picked off with a seam ripper first, because the man didn’t want his name out in public. David had me wash and dry his jacket, although he did enjoy smelling like the store for a day. (aromatherapy)

David was instructed to prune back branches and briars from the edge of the property and guess what he did? Because he is his father’s son, he also cut down one of my favorite white birch trees! And then when I reprimanded him he got offended and hurt that I was upset and bringing it up repeatedly. He thought I had a mean expression on my face and was treating him unlovingly! Am I really expected to hold these men in my arms and soothe them by saying “there, there” when they accidentally destroy all my plants? He spent a bit of time with his friend Michael cleaning up the tree and all the many branches. There is a pile out by the driveway to be burned.

I didn’t get pictures of Grace’s first driving lesson. She drove my car (with her Dad in the passenger seat and Ethan in the back) from the top driveway to the lower driveway. Sarah and I leaned over the porch railing clutching our hearts and watching, running from railing to railing to keep an eye on her. When Grace got out, Sarah yelled “Good job, Grace! You only made two mistakes!” She was very proud of her sister. Ethan got out of the back with a look on his face that said, “Did you see that mom it was scary.” Grace had a bounce in her step and thought she did well. “Although I don’t think Dad realized at first that when he yelled at me to do something it would make me do it faster.” (like brake?)

Grace read her book all over the place. On couch, on porch, on patio, on swing. She was reading a Janette Oke book, remember those?

I began planting spring bulbs. I saw worms! I accidentally cut one in two, as a matter of fact.

Rich took me to admire the freshly cleaned chicken coop.

Caleb was coaching his friend Logan across the stream. Logan was yelling nervously, “Caleb! I’m on a wobbly rock!” Once he was safely to the other side, I heard Coach Caleb inform him that it had taken entirely too long.

I sat on the back of the truck and watched the birds come to the feeder which I hung in the bushes by the driveway. They were chirping and peeping and fluttering all over the place. It was quite dizzying. As soon as one took a seed, it flew to a branch to eat it while another bird quickly took it’s place at the feeder to do the same, and over and over they took turns.

There was a male cardinal moving about in the leaves underneath. I did so want a photo– but they all looked like this:

FINALLY, after much patience on my part, the cardinal went into an open space:

I LOVE THIS PICTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The neatest thing happened while I was watching. All of a sudden, another cardinal way off in the distance called, and this one IMMEDIATELY without hesitation flew away to see what it wanted. I wish my kids were like that. 😉

something to remember

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Shanda

an early morning conversation while the kids waited for the bus

Me: “I think I’ll put a picture of my hot husband on the blog today considering it’s February now and the *month of love*.”

Dave: “Um. Mom just used the word hot. Does anyone else think that’s a problem?”

Me: “What? Dave, I am human you know, not just a MOM.”

{this moment}

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Shanda

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

this was a good idea

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Shanda

Last night four of our seven children were away. Two of them went to youth group and two of them went to see the movie “The Martian”. Rich and I found ourselves at home with the three youngest ones, and as we worked on putting them to bed I started looking forward to some peace and quiet with my husband watching TV. This thought naturally led to a craving for ice cream but alas, we didn’t have any. As we passed each other on the stairs I may or may not have batted my eyes at him. “Do you want to go downtown and get us some ice cream? You don’t have to, but we don’t have any in the freezer and wouldn’t it be nice…..?”

Although he did make eye contact and listen to my request, he didn’t reply, only sneezed violently. But as I tucked Sarah into bed and gave her a pillowcase with a soft tag, a drink of water, and a hug and kiss, I heard the front door open and shut and he was gone.

I didn’t have the chance to tell him exactly what kind of ice cream I was craving but I wasn’t worried, I assumed he would get a nice half gallon of whatever–cookie dough, maybe.

I tucked myself up into the corner of the couch with a blanket and the TV remote and in no time at all, in he walked with a weather report, “It’s COLD outside!” and his offerings. Bending over the back of the couch, he reached into his shopping bag and handed me……a bunch of bananas…..which I immediately rejected.

But wait, there was more. He next offered……..a container of Ben and Jerry’s, my favorite!

And then, another.

And another.

He exceeded my wildest dreams.

the always important little things……

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Shanda

Good morning and happy Monday, friends!

I made this wreath! About a month ago I went for a walk in the woods and came across a convenient grape vine to pull down. It was thin and pliable, not like the ones that grow so thick that the only part I can reach is as big around as a small tree with the rest of the vine grown far up into the tree tops. I pulled the little grapevine down and wound it up into a circle the best I could. And there it hang, back at home, outside on a nail for a month until I got ” a round tuit”, which was Saturday afternoon. I went outside with scissors and cut some evergreens (some still had tiny pinecones on them) and wild berries. I already had the dry grass (the tops look and feel as soft as down) in the house –I picked it from the side of the beaver pond. I used forest green yarn to tie everything together and a brown ribbon on the bottom, tied in a bow. I’m way too proud of it.

I also made a jello cake from my new favorite cookbook. It was amazing. In fact……

As soon as it was done, we ate it all. (after I took the picture, Ethan ate the last piece).

It wasn’t hard to eat it all in one go because we had a house FULL. In this picture there are 10 teenagers, 2 big dogs, and a small gray cat. There are two kids not in the picture, plus Rich and I.

Allie

Zak, Parker-the-dog, and Ethan

David made a Harry Potter wand all by himself out of a small tree he cut down in the woods. Then he carved it up and shellacked it. Sarah made turkeys out of her handprints. The Cook’s County cookbook is the one I got the jello cake from. Today I’m making a raspberry chiffon pie!

But mainly this post is about the love of my life-Richard Charles-who was gone all last week but is now home again and the part of my heart that needs *my husband around all the time* is at peace. From Monday-Wednesday he was in TX for work and then Thurs-through Saturday afternoon he was finishing up his coaching medical class that he was able to take so he can be the head coach for wrestling at our local HS this year. He was the assistant last year. He is going to LOVE coaching….he can’t wait to get started.

Well, I made him a nice “honey-do” list yesterday afternoon when he started hinting at going out for a run (which takes hours)…and he got right to work. So I thought I would show you some of the other little things we have done around the house lately……..

He put fresh lightbulbs in the ceiling fan on our cathedral ceiling.

While the ladder was out, Seth and Sarah decided to climb it.

(by the way, Seth trimmed his own bangs…he’s such a helpful child!)

Turns out Sarah is afraid of heights. I say this because she was only about two feet off the ground and beginning to shake like a leaf.

He changed out this outlet. It used to be a plain old outlet but it was loose in the wall and nothing would stay plugged into it, the cords would just fall out. It’s an important outlet because it’s on the wall at the end of the couch and we like to plug in the electric blanket and phones there. Consequently, while he was at it, he bought an outlet that has two slots for phone chargers, too. Very convenient. It’s amazing how such a small change can lift one’s spirits.

I bought this plastic bag holder a few months ago. It came with sticky strips on the top and bottom but the thing would NOT stay on the wall using just the strips. So it had to be put away until yesterday when I got Rich to hang it back up, using screws. (in the pantry)

This is our toilet paper dispenser. Rich actually hung these up a few weeks ago. We bought one for each the downstairs and upstairs bathrooms because the bathrooms are used so much that we were going through rolls and rolls of toilet paper and the rolls were all over the place. I love this dispenser because it’s clean, it’s locked, and it holds a large roll of paper. Half the kids thought it looked too “public bathroom” but I just don’t care…..I can’t tell you how many toilet paper holders have fallen off the walls, it’s nice to know this is here to stay. Michael says they were hung too low but he’s over 6 feet tall and we were thinking of our small kids at the time……

I love my new garbage can. We needed one for our dining room and this one is beautiful. It also has an open top (flip lids are an extra step) to “make baskets” into. Sarah can look right inside the top and see her papers from school that I throw away. Then she can get them right back out again.

Well, that’s about it as far as small home improvements. Rich also rehung the towel rack in our bathroom but I didn’t take a picture of that……(small mercies, right?)

These two little boys were stuck to their dad like glue yesterday watching everything he did and talking to him about football. It was precious to see.

“The small things of life were often so much bigger than the great things . . . the trivial pleasures like cooking, one’s home, little poems especially sad ones, solitary walks, funny things seen and overheard.” Barbara Pym

he’s home again

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Shanda

Last night I woke up at 12:30 a.m. to my husband getting into bed after being gone on a business trip. He wasn’t away for very long – Monday through Thursday – but it felt much longer to me, I missed him terribly and welcomed him with open arms.

This morning we slept until 8…the children didn’t have school…I regretted teaching Seth my cell phone number because he kept calling it from the living room, basically right outside our door.

“What is taking too long for you to come out?” he asked in his wee small voice.

We eventually emerged and I got to work making sausage and pancakes for Ethan and his friend Mitch, and Grace, David, Caleb, Seth, Sarah, and Rich. Jacob was already up and out of the house. Did I tell you that he has his FIRST REAL JOB? He’s working at Dick’s Clothing and Sporting Goods as a shoe person. He’s going to be great.

I made blueberry pancakes and fried some eggs. Mitch ate his first fried egg from a family chicken rather than a grocery store carton.

By the time our slow relaxing morning and breakfast was over, it was 10. I needed to get some things at Costco so I asked “who wants to go with me” and soon we were leaving….me, Grace, Caleb, Seth, and Sarah.

I bought our needed supplies plus a big pumpkin for the front porch. David needed some duct tape in order to make a sheath for his new cold steel sword so after Costco we went to Target and Grace and I got matching flannel shirts.

It’s a PERFECT fall day, there is a touch of warmth and humidity in the air, it’s windy and the leaves look so pretty swirling down.

We gathered five eggs from the coop. Soon we will have too many to use up ourselves and I will give some away to my friends.

rich’s special night

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Shanda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PICTURES:

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

His picture was on the cake….

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

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

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

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

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

20 years later

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Shanda

Last night I was home with Sarah and Caleb. Everyone else was out of the house doing their various activities. We were watching the Waltons and it just so happened it was the episode when John and Olivia were celebrating their 20 year wedding anniversary. John-Boy was busy driving back and forth to college, falling in love with a poet. The other kids were still going to the one room school house, and were painting a picture for their parents’ anniversary. The painting looked like the inside of a dollhouse, with each room painted in detail. Then, every person in the house, kids and grandparents, painted themselves into the picture.

John went shopping to buy his wife an elegant dress.

Olivia knitted John a sweater, using yarn from their seven children’s baby sweaters.

They renewed their vows in their living room, with only the children and grandparents in attendance and the local Preacher performing the ceremony.

It was heartwarming and so sweet. I couldn’t help but compare to my own life….because today Rich and I celebrate our 2oth anniversary. Our “John-Boy” is a college student now, and our “Elizabeth” is going along to school with the rest of the children. I’m Olivia Walton and my husband is John! This is mind-numbing….I grew up watching the show, pretending to be Mary Ellen or Erin, depending on my mood at the time.

And now I’m Olivia. I love Olivia. She’s always baking applesauce cakes to celebrate things.

True story, one of my ladies in my bible study class last year called me “Olivia”…..

*****

Rich had to go to work today but is taking tomorrow and Friday off. He’s having an adventure — a change in job title — makes him just a tad busier than usual.

But this morning as he ironed his pants he stopped to put his hands on my neck and say sweet things about how much he loves me and believe it or not, he loves me even more than when we were teenagers and so on….I started laughing, “Is this a canned message?” “No, I wrote it myself” he laughed back. A few minutes later Grace and I tiptoed back in the room. Ethan was talking to Rich all about his soccer game. Dave was playing the piano. I went over to give him a hug so Grace could take a picture of us, “Is this a canned hug, Shan?” Rich asked. Perfect comment….he got me.

Our kitten has a name. A perfect name.

I like to bring Grace’s rabbit inside to hop around and keep us company. The dog leaves her alone and so do the cats…it’s like peaceable kingdom in our house. She was nibbling an apple yesterday.

Sarah has had me worried sick for days and days. She finally got diagnosed with an UTI and has been on antibiotics for 2 days. She is beginning to perk up. The crying and feverish silence has turned back into chatting. The sleep and weakness is turning into quiet playing and coloring. The no appetite is turning into cravings for bacon. I’ll make her all the bacon she wants!

Yesterday I walked around with the camera. I was feeling anxious and weepy…but the eye for blessings (with help from the camera) always soothes and shows me there are an abundance of things to be grateful for, even in the midst of worry and very little sleep.

GENTLEMAN GRAY

Did you ever think, after 20 years, we would have a Seth and he would be our fifth son? What a dear boy he is, so bright and full of potential. He was playing a racing game with Jacob when I took this picture.

Did you think we would have a Dave? A boy so interesting and curious about life, who says thoughtful things every day to make me stop and think and laugh. He has an amazing mind.

This morning you lightheartedly called Grace “a product of our wonderfulness”. Can you imagine life without our Grace? Almost 16 years old, wise beyond those years, sweet and active, with a leadership potential that comes directly from you, her Dad.

And our Caleb….this morning he was spouting off football facts to you. He has a loving heart and notices the needs of others. He never goes to school or bed without giving out hugs.

Our Ethan…you still sometimes call him by the baby nickname we gave him…but he’s a SENIOR NOW…how did this happen? Our pride and joy, our second born son with his silent strength. Who would have guessed in 20 years, on our wedding anniversary, I would be picking this boy up from school so he could take his driver’s test?

Our college boy, learning and growing so much. Getting more independent. 20 years of marriage has produced an 18 year old son who is polite, kind, well-mannered, with a healthy dose of fun and silly, too. Isn’t he a wonderful big brother to our gang? And now…..he’s been so willing and helpful with his driving around picking up siblings after school.

I love keeping a home for you.

I love all our moments together. You are my safety and my strength.

You were ironing your pants for work and looked at me as I came for another hug…so Grace could take pictures…Ethan was busy talking to you and Dave was playing piano. It was 6:30 in the morning.

And we hugged and you asked, “Is this a canned hug, Shan?” but it wasn’t. All our hugs are true.

We laughed. Our hearts are full of joy and thankfulness today…for 20 sweet years together.

THANK YOU, JESUS!

I have just enough time to go bake a cake. An applesauce cake.

***

Applesauce Cake for the modern Olivia Walton

1 spice cake mix
2 cups applesauce
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs
1/4 cup wheat germ (optional)
frosting of your choice

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix together cake mix, applesauce, oil, and eggs in large bowl. Mix in wheat germ, if desired. Pour mixture into a 9 by 13 cake pan.

Bake 35-40 minutes

Allow cake to cool and frost.

recipe source:: 101 Things to do with a Cake Mix by Stephanie Ashcraft

a loving family, part 1

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Shanda

***

Yesterday was a nonblogging day because I had some intestinal issues and debit card woes. I also had a little girl home from school with a fever and vomiting. I was also distracted by a new kitten. Also, Rich worked late. I had laundry to do, a kitchen to scrub, floors to vacuum, a book to read, seven children to take care of…..and so, the day passed away and before I knew it I was falling asleep and it was *today*.

Wednesday.

It will be another hot day here in New England, everything is dry, plants and humans alike. I’m so sick of keeping my hanging baskets alive. Consequently they are dead now and will be pitched into the trash. There are schools in part of Connecticut which are closing early because of the heat. Our school is not one of them and the boys still have football practice later. I’m all for it.

Before we left for our trip on Friday I took a selfie with my dog. He wasn’t too thrilled. He feels very uncomfortable with getting his photo taken.

Did I mention that Sarah is home from school again today? Her stomach is better but she still feels hot and has no energy. She’s leaning on my arm watching Aristocats as I type.

The first thing we do when we drive back home to New York is go straight to Grandes. My brother Dave, holding his motorcycle helmet, met us there.

Grace took this photo of the discussion Sarah and Uncle Dave were having about school.

Soon we were eating three large pizzas, the best pizza in the world as far as we are concerned.

After dinner we went to our hotel and the next morning was the family reunion for Rich’s side of the family.

I count my many blessings that I married into such a warm, down to earth, loving family. I’m forever thankful to be born into a wonderful family, and to be married into another one. Truly truly grateful.

It was the best day of letting the children run around with cousins as we sat and visited with everyone and ate good food, too.

Uncle Ed grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.

Mom Leslie brought her family favorite couscous salad.

We had baked beans, plums right off someone’s tree, all kinds of salads, watermelon, cake, all the good picnic foods.

Grace took this one, too.

We had the picnic at a beautiful quiet park.

Here is a nice picture of Dad with some of his many boys….son Jason, grandsons Ethan, Taevan, Noah, and Austin.

Dad’s sister Phyllis, (the quintessential aunt) with Sarah and me…..I think Sarah looks so much like her.

I didn’t get pictures of everyone. Uncle Bob and Aunt LouAnn were there, Roberta, Marcie, Uncle John and Aunt Edith, and so many others.

little nephew, Austin.

collecting acorns

Three of Jason and Mary’s four children. It’s a joy to see Rich’s brothers as family men….they married good women and are good husbands and fathers.

The kids had lots of fun on this slide all day long.

cousins

Aunt Phyllis had my iPhone and took about 35 pictures without ever being convinced she was doing it right. It was fun.

Rich’s Dad Willie and step-Mom Leslie (mom of our hearts) with their children….Rich, Dan, and Jason, daughters in law, and grandchildren.

The addition of Uncle Ed (in the hat) and Aunt Phyllis was made possible by a nice young lady that came over and offered to take a photo for us. I love how Aunt Phyllis and Dad are at each end…sister and brother…

I posted this picture on FB and caught Rich studying it for a long time and finally saying, “I really love this picture, Shan.”

It’s sometimes a pain to get everyone together for a portrait but it’s so worth it. Family is a treasure and each photo-reminder brings a softening to the heart with thankfulness to God for each adventure together.