I know there are many that are down at this time of year.  We that live in the cold climates aren’t getting enough fresh air and sunshine.  There is lack of color outdoors.  We are spending too much time inside of buildings and too close to people, even our family seems annoying at times. . . .

So, take a deep deep breath, in and out. . . and remember, warmer weather is coming!  It’s going to take few months, but it is coming!  I hope you enjoy the photos and thoughts about spring and summer.

Swimming

having adventures in the woods

playing in the yard and climbing trees ~ Ethan

walking around barefoot

jumping on the trampoline

it’s warm

we can swim`Grace

playing war

mud fights

playing dogshow with Parker

going to the park

catching fish, frogs, tadpoles and turtles ~Jacob

eating ice cream and popcycles

open windows, healthy breezes

sandals and skirts

the smell of fresh grass~Me

going for walks

picking wildflowers

growing a garden

picnics~Me again

running in the rain

having a healthy glow from the sunshine

spending lots of time on the porch

projects outdoors~Me again

family vacations

swinging on swings

cartwheels

more sunshine and longer days

lemonade and iced tea

eating fresh food

reading in the hammock

tag sales

seeing more color

the beach

fresh air

birds flowers gardening walks

THE SUN, being warm

feeling healthier~Amanda, my sister, (by the way Weston is HOME!)

It’s spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you’ve got it, you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! 

~Mark Twain

Awake, thou wintry earth –
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!

~Thomas Blackburn, “An Easter Hymn”

  No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.  ~Proverb

 What do you love about spring and summer?

“‘What’s up, Ratty?” asked the Mole.

‘Snow is up,’ replied the Rat briefly; ‘or rather, down.  It’s snowing hard.’

The Mole came and crouched beside him, and looking, saw the wood that had been so dreadful to him in quite a changed aspect.  Holes, hollows, pools, pitfalls, and other black menaces to the wayfarer were vanishing fast, and a gleaming carpet of faery was springing up everywhere, that looked too delicate to be trodden upon by rough feet.  A fine powder filled the air and caressed the cheek with a tingle in it’s touch.”  from,  The Wind in the Willows

It was hard to know when to stop taking pictures this morning.  I went right outside at 7:30am, because I’m a morning person and I was excited about the snow fall we had in the night.  I went for a walk yesterday, too, and there was no snow except in the coldest parts, and today we have a big fluffy blanket of it.  Quite a transformation overnight! 

I had a good weekend.  On Saturday I went to the bookstore, then to the mall, and then to lunch–all by myself–just to try to get my mind off of being sick and tired out.  It did help a lot.  On Sunday we got up and noticed that the VAN has another flat!  After 4 brand new tires!  Rich and I were shocked.  The van will have to be picked up again today.

We went to church yesterday morning (in the truck) and it was wonderful to be back after missing quite a bit lately.  After my walk, I rested and talked to a xanga friend on the phone (which was a happy surprise!) and then made molasses cookies (using my Grandma’s recipe) and brownies.  Baked goods get gobbled up just like that in my house so I usually make a couple varieties of snacks since I have the oven on already.

I finally got a good night’s sleep last night and today I feel almost like my normal self!  Hurray!

Here are the pictures from my walk:

A look back to the house, the pond is barely noticeable because of the snow cover.

This picture is blurry, but fun, because I caught some snow falling off the tree. . . .

I like how there are “magical” spots in the woods. . especially with heavy snow like this, these branches bent over and looked like arches.  I saw a lot of dark, hidden places, as well.  The branches of the pine trees get loaded with snow and if you stand under them, you can feel the temperature change and it’s like being under a nice solid roof, out of the falling snowflakes and wind.  The chilly part is when the snow drops down on you, and down the back of your neck.  That happened to me this morning and I was so surprised, I laughed.

Getting close to home.. . . .

Parker was beside himself with excitement to be outside.  He was running around like his paws were aflame.  He’s so dark that it’s hard to get a good picture of him. . .he looks like a shadow in the above pic, but this one is nice.

Ethan came outside just in time to take my picture.  This is me with my morning face and  hair.  Snow fell on my head during my walk, so my hair is “nice” and flat.   I’m holding E’s mittens behind me. 

It is the perfect weather to be outside because after a week of mild temps, the ground is not frozen solid.  The air is quite mild and I was nice and warm—if I didn’t have small children in the house I would have been out a lot longer.  I would have liked to just sit and listen in the woods for a while. . . .the snow falls so gently.  The quiet is so restful.

I was in areas of the woods that I k
now no one else will visit today.  I love how God’s glory is everywhere in his creation, even if no one sees it, it’s there shining brightly. . . . it was a privilage to be in these special places today, there was almost a holy atmosphere.  Sweet, quiet beauty.

There are two seasonal diversions that can

ease the bite of winter.

One is the January thaw.

The other is the seed catalogues.  Hal Borland

I am not looking at seed catalogues today.  However, we are enjoying a thaw. 

First of all, thank you all so much for caring about me!  All that xanga soup/love sure warmed me up.  I’m feeling somewhat better, but still very tired.  When I’m done writing, I’m going to go lay on the couch.  I did quite a bit this morning; school, dinner (beef stew in the crock pot), cleaning and laundry, and a trip outdoors.  We all went out together for the first time in weeks.

Just getting them out the door was exhausting.  David was flipping around on his head instead of looking for his other boot. . .Grace was shedding tears because the boys were already out and she had two more math problems to do. . .we had to convince Caleb that he really DID want to go out. . . .on and on. 

Eventually the math was done, Caleb was out with big brothers, the boot was found and we all were ready.

The first thing the kids did was run and/or sled right down to the trampoline and take everything off that they just put on; jackets, boots, and socks!  Caleb kept his shoes on, though.  And, he kept hold of Henry the entire time that he bounced. 

After watching them for a few minutes I went for a brief jaunt into the edge of the woods.

One of the things I admire in nature is the peeling bark of trees.  Some caught my eye today and I went over to look closer. . I love the colors, the iridescence, the papery-ness.  The kids know I love it, sometimes they come home with huge lengths of white birch for me. 

“Go–spend hours and days reading his creation!  Let your heart fill to the brim with wonder.  Let your mouth praise the glory of our Creator!”

“The heavens and the earth are given to lift our hearts out of our selfish perspectives and raise them to heights of praise for what our Creator is.”

“Don’t let this world around you squeeze you into buildings or books.  Buildings are good, books are good.  There are times to be in both.  But God created the heavens and the earth to be experienced. . .”

From a book I am reading out loud to Jacob, Boyhood and Beyond, by Bob Schultz

The sound of the stream was like music to my ears.  Last night, when Rich came home, I just had to get outside for some fresh air. . and, even though it was dark out, I made my way down the edge of the woods and just stood and listened to the water for a while.

I also love wind chimes.  I tie them up with bits of ribbon.  Quite often in the midst of my busy days, I go outside for one reason or another (to get the mail, tie up the dog, fill up the feeder, etc) and I hear them and smile.   It’s rewarding to hang up wind chimes.  All mine are down away from the house, because I prefer to hear them from a distance.

After my walk, I watched the kids play some more.  Caleb got too close to the edge of the pond and when Ethan pulled him away, his arm came out of his sleeve.  Then, when he was walking to the house, he slipped and got his hands cold. . . . . . .I noticed his train was missing. . . . .

I asked him, “Where’s Henry?” and he said, “Right there!” 

“Okay, you come with mamma and we’ll go get him and then go inside for some lunch. . . . .”

We held hands and walked off to find Henry together.

It’s a good thing I took him with me, because I don’t think I would have found him myself.

See what I mean? 

I hope you all have a wonderful afternoon! 

I took these photos at my parent’s house almost 2 months ago.  They keep a plate of birdseed on the porch because if the seed is in a feeder, a bear will come to eat it!  It’s relaxing to sit and rock on the porch and watch the bird activity.  These little creatures make me happy.

Sweet, sweet, sweet!  O happy that I am!

(Listen to the meadow-larks, across the fields that sing!)

Sweet, sweet, sweet!  O subtle breath of balm,

O winds that blow, O buds that grow, O rapture of the spring!

Sweet, sweet, sweet!  O happy world that is!

Dear heart, I hear across the fields my mateling pipe and call

Sweet, sweet, sweet!  O world so full of bliss,

For life is love, the world is love, and love is over all!

Ina Coolbrith

We are schooling this morning.  The children have been so productive that they’re having a little break while I write.  Jacob is playing with Caleb and the other three are outside.  Ethan recently came in and gave me a beautiful fall bouquet of goldenrod and other fall flowers.  He said that he almost was stung as he picked them.  I love it when the children pick me flowers and always take time to sincerely thank them and put them in a pretty vase.

I think fall cleaning is in my blood because I have an uncontrollable urge to sort and organize.  I started on David and Caleb’s room this morning, although it does make me sad to fold away little clothes that don’t fit “the baby” anymore.  I filled up one big bag to give away.  Also, what to do with all the baby blankets?  Most of them are handmade.  Well, Grace’s room is next.  Then Jacob and Ethan’s room. 

Also, most of the toys in this house have to go.  If we had less, I would spend less time cleaning (and the children would have less time cleaning).  It’s hard to get rid of toys, but we have so much that it has become necessary.  Please hold me accountable!  Give me a week. 

I wish you could see the view from my porch in real life.  The leaves are turning brilliantly red and orange.  It reminds me of a little song that I was taught in Kindergarten.  My dad still remembers it.  I think he must have thought it was cute when he heard me sing it for the first time so many years ago.

Leaves are falling gently

to the ground.

Red and orange and yellow

falling falling down.

 See, just a small little song, but part of me!  I sing it to the children every fall.

Thank you for your kindness to me here.  Enjoy the beauty of your day–

Well, yesterday went by like a runaway train.  And today just might be the same if I’m not careful!  My friend Bridgette is coming (with her 3 kids) at 10-ish so I thought I would take a few moments to post a couple pictures of a praying mantis.  The boys found it when the were outside in the bushes hunting for their arrows (they shoot bow with Rich).  Rich held the bug while I took it’s picture:

While looking this insect up on the internet, I found this amazing story.

Come on back and comment when you’re done reading it!

And, thanks so much for the comments on Grace’s post and for the Happy Anniversary wishes.  You all are so sweet! 

Have a great day!

PS—-It’s now about 10:00 and Grace is sick w/a fever.  No company today. 

Bees

  & Knees

Our lawn is covered (and I mean covered) with clover.  When you’re outside you can hear the “buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz” of hundreds of bees.  It was fun to trying to get photos of them, harder than you might think, and just challenging enough to keep me going for a while.  It would have been funny to have meanderings or broncomom get a snapshot of me crawling around on the yard with my face down in my camera, pursuing bees!  Or, come to think of it, perhaps that is one picture better left to the imagination?

I’m thinking Clover Hill would be a good name for my place, what about you?

This is my Father’s world, And to my listening ears,
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world,  I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas-
His hand the wonders wrought.

Shanda and Kathy              June 16, 2006

The ocean displays the glory of God: 
“Fear ye not me?  saith the Lord:  will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree,
that it cannot pass it:
and though the waves thereof toss themselves,
yet can they not prevail;
though they roar,
yet can they not pass over it?”                          Jeremiah 5:22

Davy and Emmy

“Can I take a picture of your shells, Caitlyn?”

Suddenly, the words “to the oceans white with foam”, from the song “God Bless America”, became clear to David.  And he sang them with gusto.  I asked David if he liked going to the ocean and he said, “Yeah. . .  . . . .I want to go there again sometime.”

I noticed this elderly lady standing and looking out over the ocean.  She stood there for so long, I wondered what she was thinking about.  She even ventured out into the waves for a few minutes, then turned around and slowly made her way back to her friend.  The sandy hill was too steep for her to walk up. . . . .she had to walk down the beach a little to find a way.  Part of me was sad watching her, but part of me thought—what a woman!  I hope I’m as brave and interested in God’s creation when I’m her age. . . . . . .

Jacob

For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
over and around us lies:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

“What in the world IS this stuff?”  ~Caleb

Ethan

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
and were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
and every man on earth a scribe by trade;
TO WRITE THE LOVE OF GOD ABOVE
WOULD DRAIN THE OCEAN DRY;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Tho’ stretched from sky to sky.

Lilly

“What manner of man (Jesus Christ) is this, that even the WIND AND THE SEA OBEY HIM?”      Mark 4:41