THAT Day Again!

You all know how I dislike MONDAYS remember?? Well today its that day again, but much to my surprise, Im not in agony or that upset over it! HALLELUJAH!!! Our weekend was great!! One of those weekends that you wanted to freeze time and never have it end.

Have you ever had weekends like that??

Well Thats exactly how it felt for me. So since its Monday and im still running s-l-o-w from our relaxing weekend, I will give you a quick run.

Saturday hubby woke up early and the assembly began of some of the furniture for the big girls. They used to have the BIG bonus room as their room back when we were a family of 7 but with the addition of Miss. P., some adjustments were needed. So they are in the smaller bedroom and the 2 little girls moved into the bigger bedroom. Much to my surprise, they were really happy about all of this and welcomed the cozier room. With the room came a promise of painted walls, new decor and new furniture...

Finally, its starting to happen!

The smaller girls (plus Penelope, once she sleeps thru the night) will all share the BIG bonus room. This works out great because it holds all of their toys, play kitchen, tents and anything else they have. Its no longer all over the house!!!

Noah has sleepovers in there almost every night even though he has his very own boy-cave.

That took up most of the day. Then once Hubby was done assembling, I came in to clean and re-organize and distribute... (which Im still doing) they got a new bookshelf and dresser so we are weeding out alot of non- essentials. So we were sooo happy to pack up our big black beast van and head just 1/2 mile down the road to M.'s house.

Our first ever on the road wing night!

You all know how I feel about wing night, so I was happy to take the night to her humungo  home. The couz was meeting us there as well.

We had such a great night laughing and chatting and stuffing our faces  eating those delicious crunchy wings.

All of our kids get along sooo well. You would never think 9 kids were there. They played and laughed and ran around and had fun...

But I think we had much more fun than them. Come 1 a.m., as we were still sitting around her table laughing, the texts started coming from my dear daughters..

"Moooooom... can we go now??"

And by daughters, I mean Hannah. She turns into a pumpkin if she is not in her pj's and in bed by 8. Really... You don't want to know her when she doesn't get exactly 10.5 hours sleep.

{shiver}

Emma was already fast asleep in the living room.

Abby and Angel-baby fell asleep in the family room

M's son put himself to bed somewhere between 11-12 midnight

and of course Molly, G, and Noah were still up and at'em.

By 2 a.m.  M's hubby started to fall asleep at the table... we all decided to go home...

We gathered up the kids and drove away.

What a fun evening... I was POOPED! and finally crawled into bed somewhere a little past 3...

I think by that time everyone decided church would not be happening, especially since we lost a dear, precious hour of sleep.

But we couldn't ask for a better day to re-coup from our day...

Around 11 a.m, the kids strolled down the stairs and hubs and I finally decided to venture out from under our covers. Penelope was SO kind to us and let us sleep (as long as I kept feeding her bottles..)

The sun streamed in and windows were thrown open.

We spent most of the day outdoors at our playground, soaking in the sun and actually sweating!! Gotta love the Carolina sun.

Dinner was served in our screen porch. The first meal of the new year outside. How awesome it was. Hubby and I sat back and digested as the kids wandered away from the table and scattered about playing.

Thats one of my favorite parts about the nice southern weather... NO mosquitoes and many meals outdoors. When we built our home, this porch was one of our favorite "extras" we paid for... What a blessing it has been...

We can't wait for many more meals around this table, outside. Smelling the summer air and hearing the sounds of the world.

Now do you understand why I didn't want it to end?? It was a good weekend.

How was yours???

Monday Monday....

Mondays are never met with much enthusiasm around here. I just don't like them. Getting into a routine after a really relaxing weekend is not something I like to do. The kids aren't feeling it either. I have to adjust to hubby going back to work and clean up the mess of a weekend house.

This monday it just seemed worse. Maybe due to the intense gray sky and rain we had consistently  all weekend... which resulted in me not leaving the house at all. Come to think of it, I have not left my abode since Friday and am quite content. That will change later today as I just got off the phone with my cousin and plans were made... But more on that later.

This past weekend consisted of 48 hours of nothing. Wonderful nothing. I snuggled my baby for as long as I wanted and didn't care about the results of said spoiling. Pj's were on till after lunch and time was spent with my dear family. Dare I say, time actually went by slow?? Sunday consisted of pretty much the same. The night before, My Hannah came down stairs with a bad belly ache and I quickly tucked her in on the couch (where all my kids prefer to be when sick.) A few hours later, Miss Molly had nightmares...( which is quite a common occurrence with her...) so a temporary bed was made in our room and sleep was had by all. By morning, when we noticed Hannah still asleep on the couch, our church plans were canceled and more nothing-ness happened.


So, here is Monday. The worst is almost over. Hubby is home today which made the transition into this dreaded day so much better. I got hot coffee and a hot shower in the morning... Those two things alone should brand this day as PERFECT! School was attempted and after some tears and fears of learning/teaching and trying Math with a 1st grader who just doesn't get the tens places.... I mean, what do you say to a strong headed girl who insists counting by 1's must be done before counting sets of tens????... totally defeating the purpose of counting by tens to begin with!!! Some tests were graded, new material introduced and I was saved by my phone....

My cousin called on his way back from Alabama.... He usually calls me to and from his long trips to visit his brother and family. Im glad he had a great time and I'm glad he is back. I missed him and his crazy humor. He filled me in on the events of his trip and I filled him in on the uneventful events of our Little Red House. By the time I got off the phone, A night out without the kids and with my hubby and couz was planned. Joe's Crab Shack it is and I can't wait.

In everything, God's timing is perfect. Time with my hubby is needed. Adult time is needed. At least in my life, at this time in my life. God has been revealing to me in the last few days that I need time. Time to love my children, Time to be a wife and time to be ME! I am all 3... all the time. Does this make sense?? I never want to be ME without being a wife. But sometimes I need to be a wife without being a mother.... = Date night!!! So, today, as plans were possibly being made, It was a reassurance to me that God has been screaming whispering in my ear that I need to have date nights.... and more than once a year. It does catch up to you.

Of course my fabulous Miss P. come with me because she is still to little to be left and I would miss her way too much.

So, I guess after proofreading this post I should say that this Monday isn't as bad as I thought it would be? As I dreaded it would be yesterday. Don't get me wrong, my kitchen still needs a good cleaning, my bed isn't made and I think... think... my oldest daughter might have... just might have dusted the laudry pile. But this should not be equated to a Monday...

Isn't that every day in my Little Red House???

Weekend *Recap*

Hey my friends!! I hope you all had just as wonderful a weekend as I did.
Down in my parts, the sun was shining and temps reached about 75.

I have had family visiting since Friday afternoon and we have had a BLAST!... As usual.

My kids love when Grandpa and Grandma visit. They know they will get 1 meal at their favorite fast food joint and one awesome meal at our favorite restaurant in the whole entire world...

LongHorns.

Do you know of it?

Well, I apologize if you don't.

Everyone orders rib-eyes....

Except me.

Im the smart one.

I order a full rack of ribs.

With Mashed potatoes and salad.

I only eat a quarter of it. I enjoy my salad and bread.

I take the rest home and put the kids to bed, change into my warm comfy pj's and lay on the couch.

I then heat up my delicious leftovers and enjoy the best bbq ribs I have ever had.

I plan it this way...

Every time they visit.

My Father in Law gets a kick out of it.

He laughs every time I happily ask for that to go box.

A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!

Im no fool.

Cutting/sorting/distributing all the kids food and dealing with a Sweet P. doesn't make for a super enjoyable meal.

but on my couch...

Perfect!

Tomorrow , my in-laws have an appointment with a Realtor and they brought their checkbook.

They too fell in love with my southern town.

One can only hope they make the smarter move....

Right now my laptop is out and we are all sitting at the table drinking our coffee and eating our biscotti.

Its delicious....

And discussing the 2 snowstorms headed to NY as I type this.

I think the new snow fall will make their decision easier...

Until then, we will continue to laugh around my table and enjoy the warmth that the south brings.

Saturday...

Its Saturday morning! Going to be 91 degrees today which means pool time very shortly.

We are awaiting some family to arrive and stay for a few days before they continue on to Alabama. They are moving to the deep south and can't wait. Another life change directed by Gods hand.

I have french toast sticks in the oven for breakfast. (I cheated and bought a boxful for the kids. Im pregnant, Im allowed to be lazy sometimes) and about every 2 minutes I am greeted with another..."Are they ready... Im hungry..."

My coffee is next to me hot and ready to be sipped. I need to get outside and check on my flowers. At Lowes yesterday, I found the clearance cart and bought more Shasta daisies and other pretty flowers for my garden. My clematis is a purple, beautiful blooming mess and my cone flowers are just starting to bloom. I love them all!!

Our vegetable garden in the back is doing much better this year, although improvement is still needed. The soil needs to be adjusted to get our tomatoes sky high... but right now they are big and super healthy and LOADED with green tomatoes. I can just taste those sandwiches already.

Every night we have been getting thunderstorms due to the heat during the day. Rolling thunder across the sky. I was on the phone with THE CHATTY MOMMY and we were talking about how all our kids still wake us up at night. I have 5 and she has 4... none which include newborns... so why is this happening?? My master bedroom is beginning to look like a camp ground with blankets and sleeping bags thrown on the floor at all times... most times I don't even bother to clean it up because I know the next night someone else will be down because of some reason or other and the spot will be taken.

If the thunderstorms come before bedtime... we don't even bother putting them to bed. Straight on the blankets they go. They get too scared. Last night was a good night actually, a sound slumber.... Praise God!

2 more days till the BIG sonogram!!! I can't wait to find out what this baby is.... even though I have STRONG feelings towards a boy. I have dreams its a boy and visions of a boy. I will be completely shocked (and elated) if its a girl. But in 48 hour we shall see so stay tuned... I will be sure to let you all know what we find out. =)) Hubby took off of work to come with me and share in the joy. Then later this week, we will take all the kids out to start shopping for the new baby. I will let them each pick out one gift to bring to the baby in the hospital.... like a pacifier and a blanket. Each one of my babies used both (and some still do) so picking out the perfect blankie is VERY important to us!!!

So, im off to begin our Saturday, I hope your weekend is wonderful as well.

Just Some Dribble....

I love 3 day weekends... but I dislike when they are over. We all miss hubby and am counting the days till friday afternoon hits again. I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial day. Over in my neck of the woods, we had severe rain and thunderstorms ALL weekend. Normally, I welcome the lightning and southern downpours but NOT on a holiday when we had big plans of swimming, sunning and grilling. My tan is fading. Being homebound for 3 days (minus running into church) left us a bit batty. We had a HUGE dose of cabin fever which gave me severe shopping-itis. Unfortunately, I could not remedy it as our budget is a bit tight right now... but I hope to fix that soon. Hee hee.

I recently discovered the store SWOOZIES!!! We have had one right down the road from me since we moved in and I just never went in... when I finally did, I was in HEAVEN. Monogramming galore, girly pink and green EVERYTHING, and personalized anything. It was awesome. Sadly, ALL the stores are going out of business and will shortly close its doors. I picked up cute pink tissues and some notepads and left.

BUT my love of all things monogrammed and personalized was cured when I found THIS website which has the CUTEST things at great prices. I have a few things on order... like these kitchen labels. (no, my name is NOT Pam Taylor for the record... or Jessica whatever...)
And my favorite home store KIRKLANDS is still in business and carries alot of my cute accessories that I love. I need to visit there soon....

on a brighter note, Hubby and I finally decided on a color for our master Bathroom. Our bedroom is a light sky sunny blue which I LOVE, I am accenting it all with black furniture and white accessories. Preferably white flowers... DAISIES!!! Something cool and crisp and soft to relax in. Our On suite will be a light grey-ish blue called Grey Horse. At first I was dead set against it but then once I saw the swatch on the walls, I fell in love. But I need to buy all new bathroom accessories. So I found the below shower curtain that would be perfect... with white bath mats and light white accessories.... PERFECT!! I can't wait. It will be a while before I get it all done but I will be SURE to post pics.

Along with drooling and window shopping on my mac this VERY rainy holiday weekend, I have been reading this book. I bought it during the Christmas season in a little bookstore in our mall. Its a series and I started with book #2 as they didn't have book 1. Oh well, The nice lady who worked there assured me it would not be a problem. It was about friendships that were made in a cul-de-sac... and all the problems that arise in each household. It has some drama but remains Christ centered... which is perfect... and as I live in a cul-de-sac... I felt drawn to the book and the friendships that were made. It has been great... a bit sad but great none the less.

I also have been in high stalk alert at IN A SHOE... Kim is in s-l-o-w labor with baby #10 (or #11??) I forget the number, but I enjoy her blog and am anticipating the home birth of her next baby... she updates frequently... check her out.

I am working on another post, much deeper than this shallow one. A missionary came to speak for just a bit this past Sunday morning and his video and testimony really touched my heart. It forever changed the way I look at sugar. When I take my cute little red and yellow sugar bowl over to my morning coffee and lift the lid, little do I realize the slave labor that is behind harvesting the sugar cane. I have been thinking about it ever since.... Praise God for Men and women like him and his wife who risk their lives to bring the gospel to these poor, depressed people.

I think I see the sun... OH MY!! Could it be?? That big yellow ball of heat has returned to the south??? Yikes, I spoke too soon... there it goes again....

Maybe I will run outside and plant my new SHASTA DAISIES and catch some vitamin d while I can. Did I mention DAISIES are my favorite flower?? I want to surround my mailbox with them... how beautiful that will look.

I hope you all have a GREAT tuesday. I have a very busy weekend coming up but it will be great fun! Today is our FIRST official day of summer vacation.... lets see how long we can hang in our pj's....=)))

Light...

Whew... yesterdays post was heavy!!! But Im glad I got it off my chest. It was something that was lingering in my head and I wrote it out several times as I was driving down the road or lying in bed at night. So, Im glad I was able to finally get it out!!!

Since yesterdays post was so heavy, I figure I would make todays post light.

I went to bed with a million ideas and inspirations for my 5 year old and her reading skills. My goal is to have her reading FULLY by the end of summer. Now that I am easing up school with the older ones, I can devote 100% of my time to her. I have Emma working with Noah on his pre-school activities as well.

The day started off productive. Everyone was dressed, fed and chores done at a reasonable time. Then off we went outside for some flower care and thats when my plans changed.

I tend to get dizzy and faint when im preggo. I know, lucky me!! Its happened since baby #1 and each time I hope I can outwit/outplay/outlast but I never do. It struck this morning and I quickly texted hubby to give him a heads up and let him know I had to lay down on the couch QUICK!... I didn't want to catch him off guard if my Hannah Banana had to call him at work because I was laid out on the floor.

But Thank goodness all was well. He came home from work within minutes and I was able to stay conscious and just rest. The feeling past and I nursed myself back to health while playing a phonics game with Molly and working on her sounds.

So, my day is all topsy turvy. I have enjoyed having hubby home and got more accomplished that I thought I ever would.

School was completed, house was cleaned and now I sit in front of the computer telling you all about my day! (complete with highlighter in my hair... hey if Im going to be faint then at least im going to be pretty right??=)

Tonight I will take it easy. Hubby will (hopefully) bring the kiddies to church and I will snuggle in bed. It will be a few days before I "feel safe" venturing out of the house by myself but I should be fine.

Well, my friends, that is my day in a nutshell. Isn't it exciting and grand?? Did I mention Im about to go sit outside and eat a popsicle?? Now THAT is exciting ;)

Just Some Rambles...

I was on the phone with my dear friend and another subject was brought up in our usual "theoretical" conversations. You can read about what was discussed last time we TALKED. Anyway, an interesting fact was brought up. Divorce. Not just divorce, but Christian divorce. The rates of Christian divorce was only about 2 percent LOWER than non-christian divorces.

WHAT???

What happened?

This subject has been discussed a lot between hubby and I. Why do people, christian and non christian, divorce?

Say what we want to say, bottom line is Satan loves to kill and destroy anything that is holy. What better way to destroy someone's life than to break up a Holy Sanctity such as marriage?

The sad thing is, we let him.

While I was eating my bagel and drinking my coffee this morning, I was skimming thru my facebook. One of my friends who I don't know as well as I would like to, asked a thought provoking question.

"Whats the 1 piece of marriage advice you would give out to someone who is about to get married?"

Hmm, 1 piece? Thats it? Well if you just want to give one piece, they won't get very far before harsh words are being thrown around and tears are produced.

See, thats the problem. Its something that needs to be seen. It needs to be heard. It needs to be felt.

It needs to surround that person like a blanket. Security.

Marriage is a lifestyle, not an act. Its life changing, its taught over years and years of seeing tender embraces. Its watched as mom cares and loves for dad and as dad comes home from work happy to see his family.

Its a precise circle of love that once gets on track runs as smooth as silk.

Unfortunately society has taught us, has brainwashed us, exactly how to avoid that track. In a world where the words I, Me and Mine have overcome the words... Till death do us part.

A world where respect and commitment have been replaced with self seeking desires and excuses.

As I sit here drinking my coffee, I hope and pray that hubby and I set a better example for our children. I pray we can be an example to other peoples children.

We don't have a perfect life. We fight, we yell, we (I) nag (just a bit ;) but at the end of the day we love.

But we refuse to let satan get a foothold of us.

Not today, not tomorrow. Not in our home.

Just some thoughts running thru my head on a saturday morning. Now to clean the bathroom...

Today's To-Do's...

We are back to our 7th heaven. All of our house guests have packed their bags and are now safe at home with the ones they hold dear. After church (and my Sunday nap) I started putting my house back together and re-adjusting to our small family of 7.

Are you ready for this week??? 5 days till CHRISTmas! The excitement has reached a whole other level in our home. School has been officially flung out the window along with everyones attention span.

I have forgotten all that needs to be done, so out comes my cute clipboard and let the lists begin. Order needs to take place in my head before I can set the stage for my home.

So, today with prayer and love I hope to get some of this accomplished. Being Monday, this will be a mix of the holiday week list and daily list. But after a jam-packed December filled with visitors and vacations, I vow to keep the reason for this season on the forefront of this week.I rebuke busyness and stress. I pray to have peace reign in my home and use every opportunity I can to reflect on a great year and teach my children the true meaning of Christmas. With careful planning and lots of prayer, I hope it can be accomplished.

1) Put all Laundry away

2) Clean Master bedroom/Bathroom

3) Re-organize Master bath linen closet =)

4) Work on reading with Molly

5) Begin to construct Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day feast menu!

6)Make final Christmas shopping list

7) Review New Years Eve Party invitation ( and think of outfit;)

8) Go to craft store for more Christmas lights

9) Wrap Wrap Wrap

10)Finish Christmas cards

Is it wrong that my to-do list consists on making long lists?? Yikes.

What is on your agenda for this Christmas week?

Rainy Days

Today my little Red House just might float away. Over 3 inches of rain will be falling over a 24 hour period in my neck of the woods. We are trapped inside with the glow of our newly decorated Christmas Tree to keep us comfy and warm.

My kids are dancing to jingle bells (for the millionth time) and my older girls are busy working on their studies. Hot chocolate is close at hand for sugary sips in between geography correction and spelling definitions.

As Emma said just minutes ago... it definitely feels like Christmas now.

Tonight I might convince my hubby for some new clothes and since he is such a sweet, generous, giving man... Im SURE he will agree (right hun?xoxo) nothing cures being trapped indoors on a rainy day then the smell of new clothes. My closet is lonely.... now that I think of it, so is my shoe rack...

Time to start cooking GapBoys favorite dinner ;)

My camera never turned up and all my precious memories of Thanksgiving 2009 are lost for good. I hi-jacked Emmas camera (much to her dismay) but promised she could have it when needed...just until we replace ours.

On another note... I LOST 5 lbs!! I was thrilled until my hypochondriac self took over and began rattling off scary medical reasons as to why the weight just suddenly fell. I was miraculously cured this week when I stepped on the scale and all 5 lbs are back =p. Oh well, Gotta love the holidays. I will work hard again to lose those precious pounds... until Christmas of coarse!

Oh Boy...

I have so much to do. The last of the Thanksgiving company just drove down the block. They embarked on their 10 hour journey home.

As much as I want to sit here and just veg... a much needed veg, I can't. There is so much to do...

clean the house

wash all the bedding

dishes, dishes and more dishes

vacuum

dust

homeschool the kids which include:

Hannahs spelling

Math review

Math lesson for Emma

reading lesson for Molly

read about Abraham Lincoln

Civil War lesson

feed the kids

Take down all Thanksgiving decorations

Pull out tree

Pull down all Christmas decor

re-arrange the Living Room for decorating fiasco...

and then start prepping and packing for a vacation that is coming all too soon...

I need more coffee.....

Week-end What Nots....

Next week is Thanksgiving!!! My Little Red House has been just buzzing with activity. Not only are we getting ready for our favorite holiday but we will be welcoming company that will be arriving sometime wednesday! The great news was just found out 2 days ago and there is so much to do, cleaning the dusty corners and washing all the bed linens. Next week will be busy busy busy! But as all you know, Im happiest when my Little Red House is busting at the seams.

I have also had a lot of time to reflect on this past year. It seems that as each year passes, the time speeds up just a bit more. We will end the year healthy, happy and with a job! Always a great thing. Not all goals were met, no all expectations were fulfilled and we even had a surprise or two along the way.

This weekend, as we prepare our home for the Holiday, I will give Thanks. I have so much to be Thankful for. I will pray that I will not let the Martha in me take over and pray that the Mary stays at the forefront. This coming week as I prepare our huge Turkey, I will give Thanks for the food that we are so blessed to have... and never take one bite for granted.

There is a lot to do this weekend, but most importantly, I will give Thanks!

Where Oh Where Have I been???

I must admit, I have been a bit on a blog-cation. Not on purpose mind you, My mind has just been on other things... solely focused (obsessed perhaps) and my mind does not allow me to multi-task sometimes. Perhaps its the over-flow of coffee in my system or the very wet,cold rainy day we are having today? Whatever the reasons are, I assure you, I will return soon. With happy posts, cheerful news and all the latest happenings in our Little Red House. In the meantime, I will continue to pick out paint colors for the downstairs powder room and the upstairs BIG girls room. I plan on having the "hot pink" portion of their room painted this weekend. We have a big camping trip coming up for my oldest, her dad and the entire youth group. Up to the mountains they will go! Hiking, fire-starting and bear watching. I, of coarse, will be happily left at home in my warm bed, modern appliances and yummy food. I will look forward to their return, their stories, pictures and dirty laundry.

Our church pig-picking is coming up soon. I will happily feast on delicious pork and my kids will run amuck on the inflatables that will be there. The holidays are around the corner, and our big surprise vacation is also coming up faster than we can imagine. Our lips are still sealed until the big day. I will sure to be posting along the way with clues, give-aways and contests. Perhaps a game of "where in the world is GapGirl" will be played!!! Lots of ideas roaming thru my head. Until then, I hope the fog lifts from my brain, prayers are answered, the sun returns and Fall is welcomed with open arms. Until next time...

Xoxo GapGirl

Oh Happy Fall...

Oh how Im loving this fall weather. It has not been above 80 all week, the breeze is abundant and my central air is OFF!!! The nights are chilly, yes, I said chilly!! and the mornings are very very crisp. This week, we will be blessed to have a few days of 60's outside. I will buy more hot chocolate and prepare to make warm and hearty dinners for my family.

As my sunday spagetti sauce simmers on the stove for our "Sunday Sauce" dinner, I am trying to make a list in my head of what all needs to be done to prepare for the coming weeks. My HS planner is in desperate need of attention. Its been 3 days since I have entered information and tests scores. I also need to prepare for the coming week ahead. One day this week will be another "field trip" for us... where we go, only I know ;)!

HDTV has entered our home. Anyone that follows me on facebook or twitter has seen my statuses and knows just what I mean. Not only were we blessed (for free) with HDTV but we also upgraded our dvr to an HD-DVR and moved our former DVR to our bedroom (Oh sweet heaven. Now I can watch my favs AND knit!) Since friday afternoon he has been drilling holes, re-arranging mounts, numbering wires, running up to wal-mart for more wires and playing with the tv. Once an hour you can hear certain phrases such as..." can you believe this picture?" , "I can see the hairs on their legs...", " Oh I can't take this..." and so forth. I will admit HD does have a remarkable quality!

Friday morning the older kids and I had a hands on science lesson by my lab tech who ever so graciously blew/collapsed my left vein. The girls kept me company at my ob/gyn (in the waiting room only!) while I went for some more check-ups and then off we went downstairs to the lab.

The girls insisted on watching and squealed and shrieked as little girls do when they are totally grossed out. I believe Hannah even broke out in sweats a few times and Emma's legs actually got physically weak (they take after me). The kind ( clumsy) woman explained how veins work and what happens when they COLLAPSE! Then patiently explained the process on healing ... something of which my arm needs alot of.

I left with some more pills... prenatals actually. And for the first time ever in any of my pregnancies, I am happily taking them. I usually get too sick to swallow pills and supplement in other ways but since Im NOT pregnant yet, I will happily dose myself up. My other pink pills, I will take at a later time... we will see what happens!

Last night we went to our friends house, fellow GAMECOCK fans.( and Emma's youth workers/drama teachers) We mingled with other GAMECOCK lovers from our church and had the most delicious Taco buffet. A bunch of mexican goodness! My favorite. The football game was on and despite some technical difficulties with ESPN, we WON!! In the meantine we chatted about our children who are all the same ages and set up dowries... Um I mean just talked. Yes, we just talked ;)

By the end of the evening, Emma received permission to go on the youth camping trip up in the mountains and Hubby was persuaded to go to help and have fun. Im looking forward to the pictures. Camping in tents and bears DOES NOT count as fun in my book!

Im looking forward to this week and all that it holds. God has been revealing some really important lessons in my life. I have been committing more time to prayer and bible reading and am enjoying its benefits. I will continue to trust and pray and wait in anticipation for what will be revealed. Until next time...

XoxoGapGirl

How Time Flies..

Where does the time go? And why has it been days since my last blog? Shame on me!!! The weather has been rainy and gray for days, its making my brain a bit soggy.

Its Sunday once again. The start of a new week, new lessons and new challenges. IM half ready. I have tests to grade, my homeschool planner to fill out and pages to grade. Perhaps I should be doing that instead of typing away...

The weather has turned just a bit in the south. The mornings and evenings are crisp and breezy. The afternoons are just perfect. My windows and doors remained open to give my AC unit a break. The fresh air smells nice flowing thru my home. Its time to start ripping out and "winter-izing" my front flower bed. My butterfly bush and my morning glories are tired! They will be replaced by tall cornstalks and mums. Some of my outdoor plants came in. The cool fall night might be too much for them. They found new homes above my kitchen cabinet, they look beautiful and green! Just the splash of color my kitchen needed. My home is cozy and warm, just how I like it to be.

My knitting is not going as fast as I hoped but its still there. I enjoy every second and try to steal moments away. Abby-girl took my hooks out and after I almost threw up from freaking out, I took a deep breath and was able to slowly thread my hook back inside. Not too much damage was done but it definitely looks "home-made." Oh well, she is cute, what can I say?

So far no baby #6 but we are still going forth full force! I have a great feeling for October and pray this is the month our little blessing will travel down to earth to start her/his life with us. Say a quick prayer if you can, it will be a long prayerful road for us... either way. Im excited nonetheless. Just the thought of a new soft bundle gets me giggly. I miss having a baby around and hearing the coos and the cries. I know the kids would just adore the baby and he will never be put down. Talk about being loved???

This week will be a light week. Tomorrow I will focus on learning all letter recognition with Molly. She needs to master that sooner than later. She is determined to learn so she can play her computer game..."all by myself..." I want to make that happen for her. The girls will do some Social Studies to complete American History and some light spelling. Then reading comprehension. Done! A nice way to ease into a monday. EMma has a day off for math says her program and Hannah will review division on the computer. An area she needs to really focus on!!

Well I must go, its been a slow weekend thus a slow post. Im sure the house will be full of life tomorrow, when the sun will shine again.

Sunday

Sundays have always been special. Our routines are different and a sense of relaxation invades us. Today just the children and I went to church. Much to my sadness hubby was called into work. Amazingly we had a hot breakfast of pancakes and orange juice and still made it to church on time. Off to the classrooms the 3 little ones went and the older girls and I headed up to the balcony. Today was family Sunday... a day where kids and parents get to worship together. While I was reading the notes for todays sermon, I came across a few sentences that spoke directly to my heart.

" We live in a day of divine rebuilding." Let this be an encouragement to you when you feel ruined and fallen and broken down like a booth in the wilderness.

Speak to yourself from this scripture that this is a day of repair and a day of rebuilding.

God is in the process of repairing and rebuilding our lives by His grace.

This was taken from reading Acts 15:16,17

Last night I was just discussing with Hubby that I know God has so much to do in me. Im so happy He can change all those horrible traits that I can't stand having. In doing so, I look forward to seeing how those changes will benefit my family.
I almost didn't go to church today. The Mr. had work and sometimes hauling all 5 kids shiny and dressed in their Sunday best is hard work, But Im so thankful I did! I would have missed these very important words that spoke directly to my heart.
Tonight we go back to church for a connection dinner. Its our 3rd one since we moved down here... its starting to feel like tradition and that feels nice.
Today my heart yearns for snow??? Really strange since I live in the south... but it just means that for me, summer is coming to an end. Cool days are ahead, hot chocolate and warm soups on the menu and snuggles by the fireplace are sure to follow. Until then, I will enjoy these warm sunday afternoons, take our Sunday "rests" and just be.

Our Sunday Sabbath

Our Sundays are vastly different than any other day in the week yet still hold routine. Sabbath routine I guess! The day starts with the Tv turned OFF! (I really do hate that thing.) and dressing begins. Church is bright and early and we slip into our Sunday best and off we go.
Today Jason and I taught the 3 year olds. It was a small group this week and they thoroughly enjoyed the new playground assembled by some really awesome people!
On the way home, we chat about church,lunch and what we will do.
Today was a quick BBQ burgers and dogs, a side of fries,onion rings and LEMONADE! Lots of Lemonade. We go thru a pitcher a day. (Is that bad??) It such a staple of summer and tastes so good.
The next few hours are up in the air. We lounge around and just enjoy being still. An occasional nap is taken. I try desperately to not let the kids fight and busywork takes place. Today it was puzzles. We had some new ones and the kids dove in. Molly quickly assembled hers and Emma worked diligently on her 500 fall piece. Hannah happily played on a computer game. (internet is strictly monitored.) The dolls were brought out and dressed in some leftover newborn dresses. Noah stayed and played with his Mickey Mouse puzzle for hours. He loves anything with pieces!!
Dinner is the same every week. Homemade Sunday sauce. It was a staple on sundays in my home growing up and its one of the few things I carried over from my upbringing.
Following dinner is MOVIE NIGHT!!! Daddy makes home made popcorn sprinkled with m&m's and they claim a chair in the living room and settle in. Tonight "Chicken Little" is playing on the big screen.The house is quiet except for the crunching of snacks. An occasional giggle escapes and reminders for Hannah are repeated to "Shhh..." (she is an avid gabber!)
I will browse the internet, catch up on emails and go water some very thirsty flowers. I will contemplate on the week ahead and update my calendar. Family friends will be driving down from NY on Saturday and I can't wait. A lot needs to be done by them and my new goals begin... but until then I will enjoy this Sabbath that is so different from all the rest. And for that.. I love it!

"By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from His work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done."
Genesis 2:2

Monday Ramblings...

Our Little Red House is in full party mode!! This wednesday #3 turns the big #5!! And in true GapGirl fashion we party in style! Bright and early this morning the gang headed towards our favorite party store and stocked up on all necessary supplies!!! Bubbles, Confetti poppers,hats,trick candles and table wear all were tossed into our cart. Noah and Molly ran thru the aisles staring at all the multi-colored surprises.

I also managed to toss in a box full of these really pretty pink party glasses I have been wanting for ages!! This week I am also hosting a Pampered Chef party. What a great way to celebrate our girl-hood then a pink and green theme food fiesta!! Im hunting down a great NON-alcoholic beverage to make to fill these pretty babies. I might even make my friends infamous "Kathleen Salad" to go along with my menu. My ideas are endless... even though my budget isn't=(

Anyway, needless to say our house is hopping!

We also have a church softball game this week, An Mpact girls tea party to dress for AND out of town company arriving next week. Whew... a girls work is never done!

I also have been breathlessly reading my newest book by Debi Pearl. How awesome it is! I also have been researching some of the negative comments by readers just so I could have a clearer view as to why this book is hated by some.

As I continued reading and sharing with hubby, I began to see why they reacted so negatively...NOT THAT I AGREE. I am very supportive of this book and plan on practicing lots of her advice but being an ex-feminist and an ex-"I demand my rights and certain treatment." I could understand why they were so up in arms. Unfortunately society has blinded so many... Christian women included! Worldly non biblical views have seeped into so many minds that many women of all religions have no clue how far from the truth they are.

I do believe first and foremost women were created to be mans help meet. Period. End of story. Read Genesis. Even the heathens know the story of dam and Eve. Its quite simple. Now, here comes the "big" question...

Well what about women who choose not to marry but are Christians...?

Hmm, thats a good one and speaking just on MY OPINION.... I believe Gods will for women first and foremost is to be a help meet for man. Somewhere along the way the plan was not fulfilled so of coarse God can make this new path of singleness great for His ultimate purpose and kingdom. After all God is great! But first and foremost I believe His ultimate will for women is to be a man's help-meet. If not the case, marriage would have fizzled out eons ago.....

Again, this is my opinion and my blog and my ramblings. Im not looking for a debate, argument, enlightenment or changing of my mind. If you know me at all im extremely stubborn and it takes an act of God to convince me otherwise ;) So please refrain from negative comments or posts. All will be deleted and NON will be entertained.

Anywho... Im off to eat some yummy leftover eggplant parm. It always tastes better the 2nd day!

Who Ever Said Change Is Good????

As I was outside tending to my sweet roses, my sister-in-law pointed out..."Hey Gapgirl..they sold the lot next to your house."

I nearly dropped my pruning shears. Much to my dismay, as I lifted my head, I saw the dreaded SOLD sign. It was sticking out like a sore thumb. I quickly stood in the street and stared at the lot that was now taken. Megan and Gapboy joined me....

Me: "When did this happen??"

Gapboy: "Wow, their going to start building soon..."

Me: "But why did they choose THIS lot... right next to my house??? Why not another lot, we have plenty... why HERE."

Before long a small crowd of neighbors came out to see what all the hoop-la was about. We all just stared in dis-belief. The peace and quiet of our Court was now going to be smashed to bits by strangers,lumber and banging. New people will be moving in and invading our territory.

A year ago I would have been elated at the news. Our subdivision is only half finished and was left abandoned by the builders. The economy was droopy and the lots became overgrown. Many worried about house value, neighborhood safety and if any contractor would want to come back and love us again. During these times we began to get used to the silence. The kids had free roam of all the extra land. Forts were built, backyards became bigger and neighbors became closer.

My court especially. I tend to brag that we have the best neighbors in the whole neighborhood. (and the best block) We are in the back and forgotten by most, but we often have the best times. Our kids are watched by everyone thru their windows,kids run and play freely,new babies are welcomed and evening chats on the sidewalk are not uncommon....

But pretty soon our little warm world will be shaken once again. Am I exaggerating?? Of coarse. We all know Gapgirl DOES NOT LIKE CHANGE. And we all know change is constant. Im not welcoming of the noise. Kids will remain inside and behind our gates until the strangers and their big trucks leave. In a few months from now new people will happily stroll next to my little red house pretending they own the place...(ok, they actually will...) I will send the neighborhood kids out to get the "scoop" on them and then let the information process. New people to include in the Easter Egg hunt, new people to wave to when Im pruning my butterfly bush and perhaps new people to invite to my big harvest party.

But of coarse, even though I can't handle change, I will slip a welcome card in their mailbox and introduce myself. I will smile and try to make friends. We will see how that goes. I just have 2 things to say...

They better have kids and they better be nice ;)

Hee hee

A Few Of My Favorite Things...

For those of you that know me... and I mean really really know me, knows my loves. They know my obsession with big hats, big sunglasses,big bags and big pearls. I don't keep that a secret. I have faux pearls in all shapes and sizes. Whenever a situation allows, pearls are worn. The bigger the better. As a matter of fact, Im wearing them now. Big pearl studs. I have been wearing pearls since as far back as I can remember. I always had a few in my draw. My mom started me young with the real thing and gave me quite a collection. Unfortunately a thousand moves,5 kids and a few dogs have left me real-pearl-less. But have no fear. I found Faux and continued my obsession.(I vowed to not buy any more real till we own our home.hmmm...)

I wore pearls on my wedding.My Emma and Hannah's first pair of earrings were pearls.I have a whole drawer in my bathroom full of costume jewelry... majority are pearls!

The same goes with sunglasses and hats. As a matter of fact I have a beautiful Coco brown straw sun hat just sitting At Ann Taylor Loft with MY name on it (literally) It will soon be mine and stake its claim as my biggest... for now.

I thank my inspiration from these two women. I have loved these graceful classy gals since the start of time. While most of my friends were dressing like trendy hooker-chic, I was picking out dresses only Jackie-O would be proud of!

Breakfast At Tiffany's is not my most proudful movie I watch, but those sparkling diamonds and pearls are the only thing capturing my attention.

As for Jackie... well, there is only one word for her... Grace. Yes, she has her downfalls as all do (being and marrying a democrat is her biggest=p) she handled all situations accordingly and kindly left her stamp.

I have read all of her books, seen her extensive collections at the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC) and have been by her 5th avenue apartment numerous times.

A few months before her death I was carousing around NYC with a few girls of mine and stopped to take a picture. A kind bystander took it for us (yes, Ny'ers are one of the kindest people around... people just don't get us and take it as rude...)unfortunately someone walked right in front of the camera as the shutter was pressed. As I sat in my darkroom the next day developing my film I saw it... It was HER!!! Yes my friends. I had been elbow to elbow with the woman I Loved!!! She was wearing her classic scarf and sunglasses. It was a cold day and she was bundled. It was her!!! Right on fifth avenue (with me) I have that picture somewhere in my garage. It should be framed. Perhaps when I find it I will share my precious jewel.

The day she passed away I wore black. Grace was gone. Never to return. No matter what anyone says or who takes office, no one can be as elegant and simple as her. Cindy McCain comes close... too bad. A classy woman is needed in the white house.

Anyway, my mind is drifting, time to refocus and close this entry. I hope you enjoy these pictures and I hope I can carry just a touch of grace and class as these beautiful women!

Psst_ My hubby and I have a few songs...one of them being BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S. So fitting for us. Click on the link and listen. Oh the memories...

Monday Mumbles...

Its already mid-June?? Yes, I asked that as a question... not a statement. Where, may I ask did this month go? Just the other day I twittered (very confused BTW) on how I had not realized it was already the 10th. I was tucked in my bed watching my traditional Seinfeld and BAM half the month almost slipped past me.

Anyway despite the weekend going by way too fast, it was quite enjoyable! 5 days until the next one but who is counting??

My garden is FLOURISHING!!! I just planted my blue lace delphiniums this morning and can't wait till they grow big and bloom! 6ft to be exact. My sunflowers have been a bit beaten by a few evening thunderstorms that "blew" thru. By blew, I mean 60 mph wind gusts. I have supported some with stakes and the blooming continues, so all might be saved. Ya!

My pink clematis BLOOMED!! Im so excited. She has other buds on her and pretty soon my mailbox will have a pink explosion climbing on her.

I fertilized my other beauties and they too are double the size now. Next week I will post more pictures.

Our veggie garden is happy as well. We have several peppers,tomatoes, eggplant and abundant herbs. Of coarse these veggies are not ready for picking but they are so beautiful to look at. My romas got off to a bad start so they are a bit behind in growth but they are catching up and thriving. In just a couple of short weeks you will never have known they were "behind."

Our strawberries and raspberries are also doing wonderful. We stopped the flowering as to promote root growth and a huge plant next season. It seems to be working and the plants are dark green and full.

I have a beautiful unidentified climbing vine thriving on my back porch trellis. Its in a patch of dirt that gets only a few hours of late afternoon sun. Since I have lived here I have planted several things in that spot. Some are Hostas, climbing black eyed Susans and Clematis. None have took very well.... until now. Suddenly, out of the ground strange growth started to occur... in several spots. 3 areas look the same and one is totally different. They are not weeds. I do believe after 2 dormant seasons a very small hosta is growing... thanks to a pretty princess, she now only has one leaf left but is still going strong.

The other 2 are identical climbing vines. Im praying its my clematis. Time will tell in a few weeks when it starts to flower. Im excited!! What a nice surprise.

I actually was smart this week and decided not to over schedule. Thanks to some threats of rain I de-cluttered my calendar and am enjoying free moments. I am hosting the Social committee for my neighborhood tomorrow night. We have another meeting and I offered up my home. Its easier for me with the kids and gives me a home-field advantage if I feel like running my mouth.. ops, I mean share my thoughts! =o.

Thursday is Emmas drama team pool party at my home. She is excited about this and I am excited about seeing her have fun with friends.

Besides that and church its free time! More time for me to think of ways of expanding my wardrobe... a task never completed. I have my show and tell all ready for Friday so stay tuned!!

Until then I will butter up Gapboy so perhaps a few things at Ann Taylor Loft will be adopted by Muah! After all, a girl has to look good while tending to her flowers...;)