A Must-Have

I saw this shirt ages ago and laughed and laughed. Its sitting in my "cart" and the moment I am able to... I will hit purchase. Isn't it the funniest??? The great thing is, I really believe that is my motto...GASP! (hee hee)

XoxoGapGirl...

Whats Missing?

Little Miss Molly finally lost her very 1st tooth Sunday... in church! Thus began her long obsession with the tooth fairy.

"How big is she...?"

"Does she lift the pillow?"

"Do I have to be asleep?"

"Will I wake up?"

"When does she come...?"

"How does she know I lost a tooth..?"

"Where does the tooth go?"

"Where does she live?"

"Will she wake up Abby?"

"If Abby wakes up can you come get her?"

"Can I sleep in your bed?"

"Will you leave the door open?"

Whoever said these cute little traditions were so nice, obviously didn't have an overly anxious little girl.

The next morning, the dollar was carried proudly through the house. All day! To the store, to the bathroom, at the dinner table. It never left her little hands. I guess the questions were worth it. ;)

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

Preacher Molly

So sweet. My #3 was preaching the word of God to #4 and #5. Hubby and I were chatting in the kitchen and #2 was in our room using our computer (nothing is sacred anymore=p.) Im not sure where numero uno was but anyway, we heard a very loud authoritative voice. We peeked around the corner and their she was... telling the littles all about Jesus and how He grew up. She held a small pocket bible in her hand and flipped thu it and "read" several passages from it. Hubby and I tried to contain our laughter. It was hysterical... and precious all at the same time. Its so nice to see God in the hearts of our children.

From Created To Be His Help-Meet

" The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God not be blasphemed"

Titus 2:3-5

Over the last several years I have asked hundreds of women, "can you tell me the eight things God requires of a woman, which if she does not obey she will be guilty of blaspheming God's Word"? Most women responded with a blank look, not having a clue as to the answer.

God told the Older women to teach only one message. It is found in Titus 2. The next section of this book covers these eight important things.

Taken from the book "Created To Be His Help-Meet" By Debi Pearl

An amazing book...

Fun Times...

Im trying to teach my 5 yo the days of the week, not just repeating them but knowing their placement on a calendar. After many many recommends from friends, I made it to the teacher store near me. First, let me just tell you I was overwhelmed... and second.. it was awesome!!! Anything a teacher could want, they have. Of coarse, me being a small homeschooling family of 7, most of the packages and pretties were just not practical for our little red house. For once small split tiny minute second, I wished I had a "classroom" for my kids to decorate. Thankfully that feeling passed and I was able to look around with new eyes. (i'll get into my big anti-creating a classroom in the home theory another time...)

I did manage to buy a great removable calendar for right underneath our wipe off board. Molly was so thrilled to help me set it up tonight. All of the 3 littles were... but Molly, being the "big girl" actually got to help me punch out the million little cards. The calendar was quickly assembled and ready. With my help, she filled out the today chart ( the day of the week and the weather for today) and off to bed they went. While walking with hubby up the stairs, I heard her say...

" Daddy, I can't wait for tomorrow..."

"Why? because you want to fill out your today chart again..." said Hubby...

"YUP" replied Molly with such assurance in her voice!

I plan on going back for more charts and maps as soon as our lessons call for them. I might even revise my chore chart with a pre-printed one. All in due time, my chore chart has worked so well, im not sure change would be good!

In the meantime, I will continue working with Molly while she learns her days of the week and months of the year. This wall chart will help so much and will provide many mornings of fun.... if only I can keep other tiny hands off of it. Perhaps a trip to my office supply store is close at hand. Lamination and velcro is in my future!

My Long Awaited Book Review

A few months ago, I blogged about finding THIS incredible book at my favorite HS country book store... "Created To Be His Help Meet" by Debi Pearl. Since my finding, I have casually blogged about the book and sang its praises. (You can read my other writings about this book under the book topics in my sidebar.)

Finally, I am done! I am able to give my review. Actually, I cringe at saying Im done, because technically I am not! This is a book I will forever reference to and forever read. I don't think I can ever be done. This book has left an impression on my heart and in my marriage that I will never forget.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is married, getting married or know someone who is engaged. In todays "All about me" society, this book is a bitter pill to swallow. In the current days of roaring women who demand to be heard and rule, this book will be nothing but a hard slap in the face. But beneath the cover of this book lies basic biblical principles on a fulfilling marriage and a glorious Christ centered life.

Sometimes some things were hard to read. I grew up in an age where women should have everything, do nothing and rule. A generation of confusing, twisted and soul wrecking advice which now leaves thousands of women in unhappy marriages. Our souls fight with our God given desires and decades of deceiving wisdom.

Although, I have always considered myself an "old fashioned" kinda wife, I was still able to learn so much from Debi's honest advice. I cringed when I read many mistakes I was guilty of. I took note of them and will pray until I change.

I loved her description of Adam and Eve and the roles they were designed for. So beautiful and TRUE!

No one sex was demeaned or exalted but showed Gods perfect design during creation

Sin of coarse came in and threw a wrench in the plan, but with prayer, Godly submission and throwing out all the junk this world fed you ll your life, true freedom can be established.

I have learned that loving my husband and family is the upmost important role I could ever have. I have re-kindled the love I have for my home. I have committed to being a keeper at home, filling my walls with love and prayer. In my eyes, nothing compared to my husband. He is praised at the gates of his home, even in his faults, my children will see me love him.

My role as a help-meet is not considered work, but a privilege handed to me. I will bring up my children the same way. My home is our haven, a safe place from the world where warmth, love and food can be found.

My home is a refuge for my husband and my children. My heart is fixed in my home. I have re-committed being a keeper here, not just abiding here but making it a home.

I re-committed my help-meet role to my husband. He leads our family and I am his "advisor." I seek to help him guide our family and will respect him in that position. I am privileged to find protection under his shield and no one else's. My eyes are turned towards my responsibilities instead of wandering aimlessly around. Idleness is not found in our home. My trust is in my God and my husband. My life is found in His, his dreams have become mine. His goals and plans for the future are what I will strive for. Two became one, and one cannot be separated. There is no "I" in we and no "me" in us.

" A Home is not a home unless the lady is there making it a home..."

When people pass my home on the street, I want them to know that love abides there... I want them to see the love emanating from the windows and doors.

Look up these verses for great Biblical references used in this book:

Colossians 3:18

Titus 2:3-5 (these passages alone are taught in several chapters of the book. So important)

Proverbs 31:10-31

1 Timothy 5:14

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

Welcome Fall

We welcomed the cool weather last week by having a field trip to a different playground. My kids had never been to this one before but when our big black van pulled up... we invaded!

Its a great "old fashioned" wooden playground that is meant to really spark a childs imagination. Its HUGE! It has secret passages, towers and more towers, stairs, bridges, swings, tires, monkey bars... you name it. All 5 of my kids ran around playing games, making up characters and just being kids. It was great to watch (and join in) I found myself climbing the high towers and overlooking the "kingdom."

Once I was able to coax them across the way, they performed a wonderful hand puppet show for me in the little theatre and played with the musical instruments there.

Pretty soon it was time to pack up our big black van and head back to our little red house. The groans and moans could be heard for miles. I promised them we would return, in the meantime they still chat about the wonderful day they had!

I Remember...

Abby, Me and Baby B.

Apple Picking 2008

Today I remember. It has been one year since we lost Baby B. He wasn't the first baby I lost and he wasn't the last but he was special. He was loved by his family. He was sang to and kissed and rubbed. We loved him for the 14 weeks I carried him.

It was unexpected and shocking. It was sad for everyone. Not a day goes by that I don't think about how old he would have been. 6 months to be exact. He would be smiling, clapping, laughing at his silly siblings and rolling over. We would be buying 8 pumpkins this year instead of 7. We would be hanging one more stocking by the fireplace and I would be changing one more tiny tooshie.

When he left this earth, he took a piece of my heart with him. All my babies did but his piece was a bit bigger.

Thru it all God is good! He got us thru that hard time and continues to carry me thru sad times. I happily know that their will be a huge reunion in heaven. I can't imagine that day. God says there will be no more tears... the happiness must be immeasurable.

I have only one picture of me pregnant with Baby B. I don't like pictures of me pregnant... and have very few of all my pregnancies. That will change. I carry Baby B's ultrasound picture with me. Its in a special place and take it out on occasion but not often.

This picture was taken while Apple Picking in the mountains. It was a happy day. One week before the bad news came.

On the sonogram picture, they said baby B. passed away on this same day.

The staff at the doctors office were wonderful. Remarkable. Sweet. Kind. I was alone. I thought it was just another appointment. They let me stay past closing. I could tell they didn't know what to do.

The nurse from the hospital was great. Her name was Cindy, just like my Sissy. She was funny and great. She was from NY!! We exchanged stories and I thanked God for being so good, even in the little things.

I woke up crying. In a matter of 24 hours I wasn't pregnant anymore. Just the other night we were eating dinner around the table laughing and joking and voting on baby names. It didn't register. How quickly life can change for you.

A few days later I named him. He deserved that. He was a little soul that did live for a brief time. I keep the name to myself and hubby.

For a long while I could not hear a baby cry. I would have to physically stop myself from going up to another woman's crying baby and want to pick her up and rock her. The sound would hurt my soul so deep. Sometimes I would just have to get up and leave.

One year has past but my heart still hurts from the loss. Life goes on and we are again stepping out in faith, praying that God will gracefully bless us with another healthy baby. I smile at people who never know the pain of losing a baby, I pray they never will. I congratulate them. For me, a heartbeat will never be looked at the same. A sonogram means nothing. God alone knows our future. He alone can give us peace.

How silly I was all those years before. Taking for granted the 5 healthy non-complicated pregnancies I had. How fast everything can change. How quickly things can be gone. It was a hard lesson learned!!

I now fall into a category no one understands. I have children, I want more but I can't. I should be happy for what I have. My pain isn't as great as someone who never had a child. I have no reasons for this. How silly those people are.

I read about Hannah in the book of Samuel. I study it, I have books on it. I know the pain she felt as she cried at the temple. I know if Hannah were living today, we would be friends. If she only knew how her life and hurt encourages me centuries later.

So, I will go on and I will be strong. I study the bible, pray for answers and a miracle. I know God has a reason for everything and as much as I would love to know the reasons for these, I just have to trust. This earth is not the end. One day, in heaven, we will all be together again. One B-I-G happy family. My heart will be whole and I will get to know all my children that left me way too soon.

Baby B announcement

One Year Ago

Thank You