The Blue Room....

***JOIN THE CHATTY MOMMY FOR HER FRIDAY FOLLOW***

I have been married for almost 15 years and we have lived in 7 different homes. The longest one was in NY. 8 years. Actually, it was 7 years and 8 months to be exact! It also was the smallest home and the one I dis-liked the most. But to be truthfully honest. Its the house where I grew the most as a woman/mom/christian/wife and shared many happy memories despite the problems that came with that little box!

Anyway, thru all of our moves within state and out of state there has been 1 teeny-tiny thing lacking.

REAL BEDROOM FURNITURE.

I mean, we have come a loong way since the hotel we lived in for a week right after we got married. The contents of our life was shoved in a small room in SC while we looked for a place to live right outside base. We thought we had it all till we realized we didn't have a bed to sleep on, couches to sit on, tables to eat on... but hey, we had pretty hand towels so we lived on L-U-V.

After a few months we decided love tasted much better on some kitchen tables and mattresses so we bought a few staple pieces to make our life feel better. One of them being our bed. (headboard/footboard)

Now fast-forward almost 15 years, 7 different houses, 2 states, 2 storage units and 6 kids and you will walk into my bedroom and still find the same exact headboard on my bed...

The last remaining piece of our "newlywed-ness..."

Our couches have changed, our decor completely changed and we have been thru several kitchen tables but for some reason our bedroom gets overlooked... No end tables, no dressers, no nada... EVER.

Until yesterday...

My hubs found a way to incorporate (almost) a whole bedroom set out of our tax refund. This is big people. Do y'all know how long I wanted end tables?? Sweet little end tables to put my books and bibles and empty bottles and dirty diapers on?? Oh you have no clue how I have dreamt and prayed and wished and thought about real bedroom furniture...

And NOW I don't have to. Some of the pieces started to arrive yesterday!!!

Of course, it couldn't be easy and hubs had to totally re-arrange our bedroom, move Miss P.'s crib around and temporarily store our back-up computer. But it was sooo worth it...

what a guy!

Before the legs are put on...

Now if only I can get my room in some kind of order. Shamefully, my bedroom is just in shambles. I don't mean it to be. My heart of hearts wants a perfectly ordered nest but with all the daily demands on my plate, my room kinda gets left in the dust. Im working on it though. I am barely keeping up with the housework, schooling, mothering,internet wasting  stuff as it is...

But its on my to-fix list. I could technically be in there now but the baby is sleeping so soundly and I much rather prefer relaxing on my couch in my silence, typing away. Today I got absolutely nothing done.Nada.Zero.Zip.Zilch.

And by nothing I mean the normal daily activities that make up my day (listed above.) I welcomed the change though and didn't mind the mixing up of my routine. Instead of schooling all day, we ended up shuffling around town picking up the furniture that we had ordered for the older girls room (Thank you taxes and site to store.) and picking up the paint to quickly finish painting their room before the furniture was put into place. Somewhere in between all of that, my van might or might not have stumbled into the Target parking lot for some unnecessary shopping. ( Just ask THE CHATTY MOMMY, I was on the phone with her when it happened.)

By the time we arrived back home and everyone was settled, order was restored and paint was thrown on the walls... dinner had to be quickly served. My cousin came over to help with the furniture moving/removing in exchange for a hot meal and good conversation. I love when he comes over. Our chatter quickly turned into a book review for "The Case For Faith and The Case For Christ..." More books on my to-do list. They sound fascinating and will most likely lead us into many late night theology debates. My Uncle also ended up showing up briefly ( the double bed was being moved to his house down the road.) and before I knew it more chaos and now quiet.

Except for the occasional Miss. P. cries. She is having a rough night and just won't settle in, I on the other hand want to settle in RIGHT NOW. Im beat. I have a headache that won't quit. But I don't want MY night to end. My glorious night of silence, writing, catch-up cleaning, t.v. watching, bible reading and anything else I can squeeze in night.

But if any night is a good night for rest, tonight is. Tomorrow is another busy day and will end with the celebration of a precious couple from our church getting married. I am looking forward to seeing them exchange vows and start their life together.

So Im off. GiGi signing out. Time to finish my last clean of the night and squeeze 10 million other things into my free time. and then my exhausted body will crawl into bed and I will enjoy...

 the new beauty of my REAL BEDROOM FURNITURE!

FaithFulness

I knew I had a busy day ahead of me. Gym class in the morning for 2 of my kids and another one had to be dropped off at a science field trip. I had 1 hour to kill in between both followed up by a bridal shower for the cutest couple getting married this Friday at my church and then topped off with my Revelation bible study. So, tuesday night as hubby and I sat in bed and watched the late night news, I didn't know what to do. The weather forecasted for wednesday was treacherous! 3 to 5 inches of rain falling in less than 12 hours... Um, that's ALOT! Flash flood warnings and river warnings were already in effect. All I could think about was hauling 6 kids in and out of the downpours all day long. Wet pants, cold shivers and soggy shoes make me cringe. I knew I had to pray. Only God could help me out of this one. I usually stay home in bad weather. Even the kids know that. But I just had to go to this shower Wednesday night.

I canceled the field trip and gym class much to my kids sadness. I prayed thru the day that this massive rain would cease! By noon (when I would have been out picking up kids) The water began to fall. I was happy to be indoors. We watched as on and off showers pounded on our windows.

The kids kept checking to see if it would lighten up. Nothing makes my heart swell with happiness than seeing my kids just begging to go to church. Too sweet for words.

I pretty much gave up for a few hours but then the rain lightened up to a slow steady. I figured, if it stayed this way then we could possibly pack up our van and head down. The streets would not be too flooded... hopefully!! I prepared as if we were going. Dinner in the oven by 3:45, hair done, socks and shoes put on and jammies laid out for when we returned home. Bags packed, diapers changed... and table set for dinner. We were ON schedule. Once we sat down to eat our meal (which I allotted 15 minutes for) Molly began to say Grace. I had asked her to also pray for God to hold back the rain for us so we could gather in His house for the shower and bible study.

The rain still stayed steady. Not too bad. We rushed and loaded up the van and pulled out of our driveway exactly 1 minute behind schedule. (for anyone that knows me, that in itself is a MIRACLE!!) We only got lightly rained on. Enough for it to not even phase me or get my perfectly wrapped Leopard bridal gift ruined. ( Isn't it so pretty!)

Chatter, music, songs, loud weird noises all emerged for our 20 minute carride. As we stopped at the top of the hill right before our church, I noticed something... I yelled out in delight...

"MOLLY LOOK! GOD ANSWERED YOUR PRAYER FROM DINNER. I HAVE NOT USED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SINCE WE PULLED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY."

We were so busily happy driving to church that we almost missed our coveted answer to prayer. We all cheered and were so happy. We also got a FRONT parking space... which is another miracle as our parking lot is very hilly and always full.

We were able to attend the lovely shower and see the precious couple open all their gifts. Now, our church has 2... TWO buildings which requires me to walk outside and drop some off here and some off there... which was another reason I stay home on rainy days.

But when I walked outside to drop off AND 2 hours later when I went to walk outside to pick up, the night was beautiful and not one drop of rain fell on my skin. As I walked thru the night I quietly Thanked God for His amazing attention to detail. MY INSIGNIFICANT detail. When so much hurt and evil and heartache is rising up before Him, He STILL answers my little meaningless prayer. Tonight, He was sooo faithful to me. As always. He taught my children of His faithfulness. He taught me more about faithfulness and a beautiful young couple was blessed by so many gifts because the weather let up and people came!... He works ALL things out for good.

Tuesday night the rain bands headed our way from the gulf were practically historic. Rain starting from the wee hours of Tuesday night till Thursday morning were expected.  Thunder, possible tornadoes and up to 5 inches of rain in some areas... But God saw fit that we make it to church...

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28

What We Love...

*** I double posted today so scroll down after reading this one. =)***

This casserole is our ALL TIME FAVORITE in our house. When I tell everyone we are having the "muenster cheese, chicken dish" Hubby gets really happy.

Its hearty and warm and served with warm biscuits.

After eating this meal, you know your belly is full, the kids are well fed and everyone is happy.

You can't tell by the picture but this dish just came out of the oven and was still bubbling....

Try It!!!

1 onion chopped

2 tbs butter

1/4 cup flour

1 1/2 cup chicken broth

3/4 cup milk

salt and pepper

egg noodles or any other type pasta

5 cups shredded cooked chicken

1 package broccoli florets

Lots of sliced muenster cheese.

Preheat oven to 400. Saute onion in butter over medium heat for 3 minutes. Mix in flour. Gradually stir in broth, combining well.

Then gradually add milk. Cook, stirring continually, until thickened. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.

Boil the pasta and drain well. Spread noodles in casserole dish/ Place chicken and broccoli over noodles. Pour sauce over everything. Sprinkle cheese on top and cook for 20 minutes or until cheese melts.

My Variations...

I double the recipe to feed my crew. I also use sliced cheese and layer the bottom AND top for more cheesy goodness. I don't follow the recipe to a t and it still comes out great. I season the meat before I cook it. and use a lot of salt and pepper. Im all about FLAVOR!!

Let me know how you like it!!!

WIWW

I have been meaning to do WHAT I WORE WEDNESDAY for some time now and I always forget to take pictures of myself.

Well, truthfully, up until 2 weeks ago, I had NO FULL LENGTH MIRROR!!

For Shame, I know... but every one I saw was either too expensive OR was a fat mirror...

you know those types. Cheap fun house mirrors.

But Alas, Kirklands never ever fails me. I found the perfect one I wanted for just a few dollars. Isn't it purdy??

No more standing on the tub to see over the sink mirror.

Ha!

Bible Study Day!

Red polk-a-dot shirtdress: Ross

Black T- Old Navy

Jeans: Marshall's

Bejeweled Bling sandals: Targ-ee

Double pearl Earrings: Old Navy

Red Flower Hair Clip: Forever 21

So, you know Im a BIG believer in keeping it real, so this was my lounge/no make-up/ I have 6 kids look:

Shirt and Comfy pants: Old Navy

Sunglasses: Old Navy

Slipper boots: Ummm Guess... Old Navy!

Girl's Night Out Whoo Hoo...

Ruffled Flower Tank: Old Navy

Brown Skirt: Old Navy

Brown Heel Boots: Mandee

3 Strand black bead necklace: Old Navy

Black Earrings: Target

My hair style is called... Right out of the shower/towel dried look. I had no time. I was Running really late as always!

Whew, I am so glad THAT is over... Its a lot of pressure folks, to make sure you remember to take pics and then remember where you bought everything??!! But Im so glad I did it. I can't wait to post again next week But thats it for me, I have SOOOO much to do today, I will be sure to fill you all in tomorrow and friday. Chat with ya then.

Xoxo

GiGi

Not So Monday After All...

Well, Its Monday night at 10:30 p.m and we just got back a bit ago from our spontaneous night out. I know your probably wondering "what the heck is the big deal??" REALLY??!! do you have to ask? I am a stay at home/ homeschooling MOM OF 6!! So nights out at the drop of a hat do not happen....

I was giddy ALL NIGHT! Really I was. But before I could even remotely think of that evening, I had to get thru the rest of the day. So I did what a mommy should do and did a reading lesson with my Molly. She did wonderful. Some house cleaning came next and I laid out all of the little ones pajamas. I was so thankful that I recently cleaned out my fridge and had room to save one of our families FAVORITE casseroles .( recipe coming wednesday so stay tuned!) That would make a perfect, quick dinner re-heat. The older girls wanted something different and they are at the age where they love to create something for themselves, so I let them do just that (with a promise to clean the mess they made.) Penelope was dressed in a brand new "My First Easter" outfit but before you even think about reminding me that Easter is in April this year, the outfit was just too cute to pass up.

Good ol cuz picked us up in his car, kisses were handed out, instructions were gone over and my aunt and uncle were on cell phone alert 5 houses down. Off we were....

I felt like a kid again. Not because we were out, but because I was sitting in the backseat. I haven't been in the backseat of a car in a loong time. I was immediately bored. ( I told you I have adult add) . I drank my cup of coffee ( cause you KNOW I took a cup with me) and I sifted thru my bottomless purse and pull out my devotional book by Beth Moore. It was a $5 doorbuster and the best thing I ever could have bought. ( To Live Is Christ)

WHAT???

You mean you don't carry around devotional books in your purse?? I thought everyone did. I started to read about Paul and Silas and had to stop because I got car sick after sentence 2, so I put the book away and started to pray. A Mom takes any chance she gets to pray cause we don't get many at all, but all I could focus on was the fact that I was car sick and could not concentrate on a gosh darn thing. Oh well... good thing we pulled into :

Like always, we ate with joy and laughed at everyone everything we could think of. This was my first time at this joint and I almost died when the servers came out and danced to the Macarena . I sooo wanted to get up and join them but the girl in the bright pink boa was celebrating her 22nd birthday and I didn't want to steal her thunder you know..

Then thriller played.Loud.

My hands shot up before I could control them and I was about to start re-enacting the dance. I mean, its thriller for heavens sake... who the heck wants to sit with their hands folded in their lap for THRILLER...

But in order not to embarrass myself my hubby, I refrained and began sipping my diet coke. I enjoyed the evening and Lil Miss Sunshine was excellent! She didn't cry or whimper or anything!! Very impressed we were. I think our Stay-cation we want to plan soon just might be possible!!

We made friends with our server, sang happy birthday to the big table next to us and ate a sick amount of food. Joe's Crab Shack is a happy place. A fun place. A Place I would go back to for another wacky time. But this wacky time had ended and I was ready to return to my nest.

So here I sit at my computer... In my jammies and all my kiddies are fast asleep. Well 4 of them are, my older ones are upstairs in their beds reading. My house is as clean as its going to get for the night. Dishwasher is loaded and ready for the nightly wash. I love the silence. The t.v. is off and the only sound I hear is the ticking of the clock and the movement of my hubby. Our monday is over. It was a GOOD day. A GOOD monday and it makes me feel silly for dreading it so much yesterday.

I've had a bit of a bad attitude the last few days. I want to chalk it up to PMS but either way, it has to end. I need to throw myself in the word more and devote more time (other than carsick rides) to prayer. I think that has been what is lacking the most. But no matter how I fail, my God is always so faithful to me. He shows me glimmers and gleams and gently nudges me back to HIM. Then I feel so guilty for ever thinking I can get by, even one day, on my own. He shows me how much I need Him to get thru life's day to day's... no matter how mundane they seem to be.

So tonight I will end the night with a song on my heart and with whispers of praise on my lips because when I fail God, He never fails me. He gives me exactly what I need to get me thru another day,

And that, my dear friends was an impromptu night at Joe's!

Xoxo

GiGi

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???

Girls Night Out

 This past Friday night my favorite Italian came and picked me up for a GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!! 

Just so you know, Her lovely name is Michelle and YES, I have permission to call her that.

Anyway, her church AND our local Christian radio Station sponsored a great girls evening starring the AMAZING Anita Renfroe and Mandisa.

Who are they? Are you kidding? Have you lived in a hole?

No JUST PLAYIN WITH YOU... maybe.

Anita is a woman after my own heart. Hearing her talk and perform was like hearing me chat with my friend. She is such a talented Christian comedian who says what everyone else thinks...

sound familiar????

And Mandisa... well... You all know her success on American Idol.

No, she didn't win but God has made her career more blessed than those judges ever could. Her testimony was awe inspiring and her new songs left goose bumps on my arms.

Here we are before the show began.. chattin it up. I was starving!!! By the time Michelle picked me up, I was running around like a chicken without a head on and totally forgot to eat dinner BUT I remembered my coffee.

Or I would be Zzzz in the seat!

So I was a bunch of nervous energy... hungry energy and OD'd on breath mints. Really.

( Im not weird Michelle, I PROMISE!!)

The show sold out just a few weeks after tickets went up for sale.

Michelles church is H-U-G-E to say the least. But they know how to throw a party.

Here is Anita making us pee in our skirts!

Mandisa came out next and rocked the place out!!

She can DANCE!! 

I can't.

Im totally white in that department...

And I can't jump either...

We had a great night and had some great laughs.

I'll have to tell you the story about how M. and I became friends one day. Its quite interesting...

but...

By the time we left... I had a feeling she would totally drive the white bronco!! ;)

I got home to some anxious kids still up and waiting for me.

They missed me (said the 100,000 texts I got throughout the night...)

I missed them too.

Hubs was playing Black Ops and my lil baby girl was fast asleep.

I was ready to go home to her. My homing pigeon came out in me and I was just a bit anxious to kiss her head and smell her sweet scent.

The next day, I held her for hours. Really...

We gazed into each others eyes and napped on the couch together while the house caved in around me. 

I didn't care.

I think she missed me too.

I do love that little baby girl of mine...

Xoxo

GiGi

The Singer-nator

Even though I bought this beauty over a week ago, she has remained in her box tucked away in my bedroom.

I know, I know... for shame!! I waited SO LONG to own one of these. But today was the day!! Our Saturday consisted of gray skies and rain. Lots.Of.Rain. This morning was a slow start. 3 of my kids went to a friends house and I sat on the couch with my Miss.P. and snuggled and napped for about 3 hours. Last night I went out with a friend to an AWESOME event (more on that later...) and I missed her terribly. I made up for lost time with my sweet baby by smelling her and just cuddling her all morning. Pure heaven. My home was in desperate need of some TLC but my baby will only be this tiny today!!!

Anyway, after we both were getting antsy, I decided to break open the box.

I pulled her out totally intimidated.

But isn't she a beauty?? I pressed all of the buttons... and I started to get flashbacks of 8th grade home-ec class...

(personally, I don't think the machine ever quite recovered from my wrath...)

But I was determined NOT to break any needles or rip fabric from its grip. NOT this time...

*** I still stand on the fact that my Owl project was supposed to be slightly crooked and 1 eyed.***

Anyway...

I opened the manuel and began my training...

 Miss P. sat on the couch next to me looking cute and making sure I was at the top of my game...

You know, interrupting  every ten seconds and all!

But I went slow. Page by page and read ever word. 

It promised me that this will be the easiest machine I ever used...

I sure hope they are right...

Its dinnertime now...

But once the house is quiet and my belly is full of wings..

Did y'all really think I would forfeit wing night to sew????

I will be playing with my new friend till the wee hours of the morning. I can't wait...

Wait?? WHAT??

Oh. I was waiting for that question...

What am I going to make??

Anything. I have nothing specific in mind and I have no intentions (yet) of learning to make money. But I do have 6 kids. 5 being girls, and although I have no intentions of making their clothing...

I have every intention of making all sorts of cute accessories, hair items, scarves, clutches and anything else I can learn for them.

After all, isn't it all about the accessories anyway??

LOL

Xoxo

GiGi

Little Bunny FuFu...

Bunnies.

That is the topic of todays "interesting parental conversations with your kids.."

My (at the time) 11 year old and I were at ROSS shopping for new purses and pretty things. She loves all things cute and sparkly just like her Momma...

" MOM, Look how PRECIOUS this purse is. and LOOK it even has a cute little BUNNY ON IT!!! "

My eyes quickly locked on that bunny that she so lovingly fell in love with.

I didn't know whether to laugh out loud or grab the purse out of her hands and throw it as far away from us as possible.

"Hannah.. Do you know what that bunny represents??"

She looked at me kinda strange... I loved her innocence.

Right there in the aisle, I had to give her a quick lesson on "Bunnies.."

It was quick. But the look of horror on her face was priceless...

" MOM, WHY would ANYONE DO THAT!!!???"

She really could not comprehend.

She really was shocked...

My reply??...

In typical GiGi style..

"If I've told you once... I've told you a thousand times.... The world is made up of complete IDIOTS... and those girls, my dear Hannah, are top of the list."

She looked at me for a second as it all sunk in....

And HER reply...

"No joke Ma..."

And the purse fell to the floor and we walked away...

A quick lesson on morals can take place at any time, anywhere and most certainly when you LEAST expect it.

It wasn't my most shining moment with my daughter. Perhaps my Mother of the Year award will get lost in the mail again...

Perhaps I could have explained how they were lost and needed Jesus... which of course is all true...

But 

Sometimes the truth comes out in ways we never quite plan...

Regardless... My daughter got the point... and knowing her Mother so well, she knew exactly what I meant by that comment.

And that my dear readers is 

all that matters! 

XoXo

GiGi

My Homeschooling Goodies...

On Monday, I packed up my kiddos...and off we went to the country to my FAVORITE homeschool book store... Remember that place???

The dusty warehouse thats dark and has cats roaming around?? Sounds scary, I know. But its SOOOO not.

I spent way too much. 

The kids ran amuck looked around while I shopped.

Aisles and Aisles of wonderful books.

 I LOVE everything I bought.

And can't wait to start using them all.

What did I buy??

Horizons Math set Grade 1

Explode the Code book 1 1/2 and Get Ready For the code

Plus both teacher editions

Maps for 1st grade

Spelling and the teachers addition.

LOTS of Math manipulatives...

Plus a great book for me which tells the story of 21 homeschooling families.

Such inspiration for me. 

What have you bought recently for Homeschooling??