Lessons In MotherHood...

Hannah and Daddy at Sleepy Hollow

 The day I found out I was pregnant with SURPRISE baby #2, hubby assured me I was not!

I assured myself I was NOT...

But those little home pregnancy tests begged to differ.

I joined the ranks of a welcome home deployment pregnancy...

 Along with many other women who's husband came home from Italy in March of 1998 from the 78th Fighter squadron.

Hannah Winning her Women of the Old Testament trophy

8 months later came a determined bald ( my only bald)  little girl. I think God made her my only bald baby to tell me that she would be different. 1 out of 7 very hairy babies...

She definitely would defeat all odds.

Hannah and Daddy at her Honor Star crowning

Its amazing when you raise a child. You can pick out certain character traits as they are growing.

But it isn't until they become teenagers, do their personalities really bloom. You can see the person they will become. Raising turns into molding and life lessons begin to shape their character.

The girls Molly, Emma and Hannah

 As a child, Hannah tackled everything in dress up shoes and princess clothes. She was the girl on her pink bike with the flowing dress over the back wheel. Slides were climbed in marabou heels and when she would walk next door to her Nana's house, the clanking echoed down the block.

When there were just two....

She craved stability and security and loved her sister to pieces. As long as she had all three, her world was GOOD! The pets that we had became her soulmates. She cared for them and connected with them and shared her secrets with them. When we had to get rid of them, her world shattered. Her security was gone and for 6 months, she mourned... whole-heartedly.

She still is that way today. Link The Cat is her love... and the thought of anything happening to him can send her curled in the corner crying...

But make no mistake. Most people don't see that side of Hannah. She craves justice and has no problem sticking up for herself... (we are still refining that quality in her.)

Friends, neighbors, strangers... it doesn't matter who you are. She will defend herself and her loved ones. In any way necessary...

But its usually the ones with the tough exterior that are the sweetest...

And that is our Hannah.

 

Our Banana

 She loves children and babies and can't wait to have her own. Penelope and Hannah share a bond that goes deeper than deep... and I often worry that one day things might change and Hannah would never recover from that.

I pray it never does.

She loves to cook and bake and knit and crochet...Qualities most 14 year old girls spit at, let alone publicly admit to.

She is fiercely loyal and loves her Daddy.

First day of Kindergarten for our Hannah

 She is never ashamed to say how much she loves him to anyone or admit that her Daddy smells the best! She loves to use his pillow because it makes her feel like he is close to her, even when he is at work.

She has to kiss her Mom goodnight... every night... and never likes to stray too far from her Little Red Nest. She would be the happiest if we lived here forever...

Although lately I have been forcing her to spread her wings a bit. Embracing freedom is a good thing...

And when she is ready, the world is a wonderful place.

Halloween 2012

My sister and I always say that she will make some lucky guy so happy... whoever that may be. Although, no one will be good enough for our Hannah... will she know what a GEM she truly is?

OF course He will... because we will make sure he knows all.the.time.

Christmas Formal 2011

Her love of those dress up shoes and pretty dresses extended into her teenage years. She wants to major in Cosmotology. Im excited... Her natural ability for color and style will make her excel in life.

Looking back on that day in May of 1998...

God knew what He was doing when he destined her soul to enter this world. Although at the time, we saw it as a change in our plan, He saw it as one of the greatest blessings we will ever know.

A girl more beautiful and larger than life. That is changing the world by proving GOOD still exists. Its cool to LOVE your parents and FAMILY is above friends...

To our Banana... Gosh, we love you... seriously LOVE you...

and would be lost without your smile.

Xoxo,

GiGi

Happy *Fried*- Day

Two thumbs up for the weekend!! For us, the weekend technically starts on a Friday. Thursday is our last day of "in-house" school and early Friday morning, we pack up our big white van (and our neighbor) and head down some country roads to attend our weekly co-op. A whole day of fellowshipping with other home schooled families. Classes the kids take, and the parents teach, worship time, good food... you get the picture.

For some moms, (me) Its what keeps us sane . Knowing that on Friday, we can get together with other moms who are also on the verge of going insane, and re-charge... re-fuel and re-focus. Its awesome! Every week, I walk away amazed at how BLESSED I am to be surrounded by such awesome, like-minded families...

And as wonderful as a day it is, The day is also PURE EXHAUSTING!!! I mean seriously, collapsing on the couch, pajamas on at 4 pm kinda day.

I know, I know, before you start shouting WIMP... lets remember something. We chose homeschooling for the complete opposite . Home education, at our pace. Relaxed environment and pure flexibility. While the rest of the world is running like a scared chicken... we aren't.

Except for Fried-days.

So every Friday for us ( and lets remember 9 of us...) is kinda like how it feels to return to your crazy schedule after a long vacation...

week after week after week.... Kinda like Groundhogs day ( the movie)

I LOVE that movie...

So thats why I gloriously call it my FRIED-day. And I wouldn't change it for the world.

So, what do we do? A bunch of things...What do we teach? Everything...

Too much to explain everything in one post. But I will tell you what I do.

Every week is slightly different. Yesterday, I spent the morning rocking this guy. Which kinda worked out good for me... but not for the other helpers in the nursery who found me completely useless because I was rocking him.

It seems like there was an influx of baby boys last year. Us moms were poppin them out like crazy... it reminded me of the story of Noahs Ark... When Genesis says the waters came from above and below and all over... thats how it was with our co-op babies. They came from everywhere... current members, new members, foster families, adoptions... and before long, we had enough coo-ing to fill an ark!!!

And just when I had enough screaming little ones for one day, my replacement came... and I happily tossed handed my sweet boy over and ran down to my favorite class of the day...

My teen girls bible study class...

This is my second semester teaching the girls and I just love it. I love them. I love to be able to get them to think, pick their brain and challenge them. I insist on honesty and participation in the class and want to hear what they really think verses what they think I want to hear... and some of them are at the age where its important to know why they believe what they do... and not just believe it because its what they were raised on. This is the age they begin to spread their wings and I l just love it. Speaking just a little piece into their lives is a privilege.... Im not after friendships with them... I'm after mentorship.

 

Anyway, after that class, I help out in cooking and then off to lunch.

 

I have a love/hate relationship with lunch hour.

 

Just imagine 5 kids under 9. Hungry.Hyper.Excited.

 

Times 1000 other kids feeling the same way. In the same room. WITH their parents trying to shove food at them like birds in a nest. Then throw about 60 teenagers in the room running amuck and bugging the parents as well.

 

It makes me understand why animals eat their young

Ok, thats mean. Im just kidding...maybe...

But usually, by the last 10 minutes of lunch, most of the kids have either run to the gym to play or are outside running rapid and that's when I herd over to the other moms for some adult time.

By the time lunch is over, I'm over the day and have to motivate myself for the last class... and all I'm gonna say about that is 6 tweens, a crochet hook and blank faces. 'Nough said.

Then clean-up and rounding 8+ (whoever comes home with us that day. Friday's kid total equaled 9) kids back in the big white van and we head home...

but not without a stop at the grocery store or other stores for errands.

Dinner is casual and quick. This past friday, I helped another mom with her daughters 13th surprise party, so once dinner was swallowed, back in the van I went for party drop off/sleepover.

Needless to say, I collapsed in bed exhausted. House was left a mess and I didn't give a flying hoot. I'll leave you a picture of how I shamelessly left my kitchen before turning in for the night.

And the dishwasher may have been full too... and possibly the counters.

But it was Fried-day. Co-op day... the day I LOVE with all of my heart...with the people I love... teaching what I love.

I think that is worth a few dirty , crusty dishes... don't you?

Xoxo,

GiGi

Oopps

Alright, so I don't believe this picture has anything to do with this post... but its been a while since you have seen all seven of my beauties...

And I didn't want you to think I was fibbing about having all my offspring...

So, here they are in all their glory! This was the Christmas photo I had sent out to about 5 lucky recipients. WITH a Christmas letter. I was very proud of the letter, it was something I had ALWAYS wanted to do. So, this year, I assembled everyone by the tree and made them smile real big. I typed the letter and hand addressed every single awesome Leopard Christmas card.

( Im totally serious. The cards were an awesome leopard print.)

And mailed out 5.

Just 5.

I found the others last week... at the bottom of my diaper bag.

I know what your thinking and YES!! It is that big.

Come on.... have you seen the size of my purse???

So, I still have the cards. For the Aunts and cousins and dear Grandmas of the family... Not sure on whether I should send them or hide them in shame. Any ideas?

Anyway, these are my 7 pride and joys.

For those that are new to my blog, let me get a few questions out of the way...

I delivered them all, they have ONE daddy, I homeschool them. No, Im NOT supermom, I DON'T wear long skirts ( ok, I do on occasion. but I also wear short skirts and JEANS too!) My hair is NOT long. I LOVE make-up and sparkly jewelry and wear them often and YES I know what causes them...Har Har Har...

And last but not least...YES I am done. But not by choice. To make a long story short... Drs orders. Do or die... meaning if I do go ahead with more, I most likely will die... and seeing as we KNOW what causes them, we ALSO know what prevents them and chose wisdom. Im sad but Im learning to get over it. On really bad days retail therapy helps... followed by lots of prayer (for forgiveness on the retail therapy) and faith... I have LOTS of faith... that this happened for a reason. I don't know it but im gonna stick to my faith.

But here they are. A complete family photo. Seven faces that make me beam with pride and amazed to call my own.

You know, sometimes I think I really have the best family in the world.

(ok, I really think that all the time...)

I do! And the best hubby in the world.

Even when days get crazy... I wonder... how did I ever survive without my 7 wonders of the world?

And Link the Cat.

How can I forget Link the Cat. 18 pounds of cat-dog luuuvvvv... who needs a blog himself, just to keep track of his shinanigans.

All living within the walls of a little red house...

Sounds kinda nice doesn't it?

Xoxo,

GiGi

P.s. I guess the picture does have something to do with this post...

We are SOOOO Happy!

I give up! I wave my white (stained) flag and fully surrender to the Gods of a clean house.

Alright, calm down all you Jesus freaks. I don't really believe in other Gods... especially ones who specialize and grant wishes answer prayers about clean houses...

(Um...if there is such a thing please feel free to private message me k?)

But I do surrender. Fully. Totally. And with a defeated heart.

And a part of me doesn't.Give.A.Darn.

Its me against 7. 14 little hands to outdo anything my big 2 hands can put together.

No sleep due to the 5 month old and his obsession with his momma...

Mt. Laundry that I have chosen to dust rather than fold...

Cluttered counters and dried soaking dishes...

A cat drinking out of the toilet because someone didn't do their chores...

(and a wet toilet seat)

And if I trip over ONE MORE TOY... 

Can I get an AMEN from all you mothers out there?

Oh, I KNOW your out there...

I see your pictures on facebook...

But thats ok. Im gritting my teeth learning to accept my new normal. Biting my lip embracing the dirt and praising the Lord remembering that my kids will only be little for eternity a moment...

No, seriously...

I plead 7. And learning a BIG lesson that houses don't have to be perfectly clean at all times of the day. And going to bed with work still to be done is fine... after all, I can bet my five cents life savings it WILL be there in the morning...

And like the saying goes...

My kids are hopefully happy!

Trouble is our favorite family game.

We know what Link The Cat's lost whiskers fur looks like under the microscope.

Digger wasps can be identified and promptly killed.

Play-doh does come out of carpets.

Heat Changes things...fire is bad...BAD!

And:

And we, my dear friends....

are seriously delirious...

Have a GREAT day!!!

Xoxo,

GiGi

In With The Same...

Wow.... another year, another blog post. I still can't believe im writing 2013 on all of our papers...

We ended last year with an amazing BANG! Penelope made sure we will forever remember 2012 with a 3 day hospital stay from severe dehydration. It was serious at the time, im glad the result was a quick fix and by discharge she was 100 percent healthy. although I might always be remembered as the mom who threatened to handcuff herself to the chair if I wasn't granted the proper tests I wanted when I wanted them...

Did I get them??

Of course...

Did I say it with a sweet southern smile...

Exactly...

But regardless, I meant business.

We ushered in the New Year with family and great friends... but sometimes that line gets blurred. Especially since they live across the street. All of us, same neighborhood, same house and same life motto.

God first and family above all.

It was a GOOD night. A GOOD way to bring in this year. Another year full of fresh beginnings and promise.

I didn't make resolutions like I usually do. I usually break them by February...

Instead I want to refine what I am focused on.

Not commit any more than I already am, but absorb what I am already in.

We are planning a BIG family vacation and are thrilled to go. Don't misunderstand me... not to Europe or a world tour... but for a family of 9... anything is B-I-G... But I will write more about that at another time.

Soon...

Because blogging is what I do... for almost 5 years and I DID say I would refocus...

and my blog is something I missed...

But more about that as well.

Gotta run. Kids beckon, family calls and life goes on..

Xoxo

GiGi

A Season Of Thanks...

I can't believe its been almost 2 weeks since I have blogged last! It seems to be true... the older you get, the faster time goes.

Especially around the holidays. I know this time next month, I will be ripping down taking down the ornaments from our tree wondering where the heck Christmas went. Thats why I am taking the time to enjoy it now. After a very hectic trimming day, our beautiful tree stands tall in our living room... but more on that later. First I want to share how our wonderful Thanksgiving WEEK went. 

Yes, I said week. What usually is one day of thanks and gathering for most, turned into an awesome almost week long time to enjoy each others company and anticipate the holiday.

First, the Monday before Thanksgiving, my father in law and step-mother -in-law arrived. Not for a visit... They MOVED here!! Finally, after years of talking and planning, the deed was done! They arrived just in time for a crazy, little red holiday. Our days were spent helping them settle in and all eating dinner together as a family. 

Wednesday, my friend Michelle had to work, so I watched her kids and baked and cooked and baked some more. I was getting ready for a pre-thanksgiving party at my house. Not sure how it started but sloppy joes were on the menu and dessert was planned. Basically, we all hung out and laughed. The kids played outside till an adult realized that it was way to cold to still be outside and we laughed some more.

Twas the night before Thanksgiving...

@PureGuile and me Xoxo

 Our guests arrived around noon and the eating began. It basically didn't stop till we all went to bed. Appetizers, snacks, turkey, pies,cookies....

We ate ourselves sick.

The kids played and played and played some more...

And us adults just kept on eating and laughing. Isn't that how its supposed to be???

The men-folk carved the two turkeys. Between the 4 of them, some meat managed to actually make it on the table.

(Although I think my father-in-law was full before we sat down...)

The Men

The kid table...

Michelle, Jenn (cuncles wife) and I

After dessert, we hung out and relaxed. The kids were on their 10th wind of energy, and some of us may have gotten the giggles... 

 They know who they are!!!

A certain someone(s) Michelle got a crazy idea to saran wrap my cousins car and another someone me might have eagerly agreed...

 

The victim and Caleb

 So while he innocently rocked the baby and sang really weird versions of our Christmas classics, out...

10 OF US slipped...

Unnoticed! 

(Hey, I never said he was the smartest victim ;)

Our neighbor/other daughter/permanent fixture in the house Beth and Hannah

My firstborn and Michelle BEFORE the BIG seran wrap scandal of 2012

 Saturday night we piled all the kids in one house (we have kids old enough to babysit) and climbed in our big white bus ( to the next block) and had a not so impromptu wing night at the Cuncle's house. The big Gamecock/Clemson game was on and what better excuse to get together and have a great time?!

 Wings, Taco soup and grandmas pecan pie were consumed and victoriously the GAMECOCKS won....

AGAIN!!!!

 So, Thanksgiving 2012 goes down in the books as a success. Surrounded by people we love and are so very Thankful for. With full bellies and bursting hearts....

And now 'tis the season is officially here. Our tree is up and is beautiful.

I am trying to enjoy every cozy night...

But certain things Link The Cat make it hard...

But more on that later...

Oh yeah, I have a LOT to say about that!

 

Xoxo

GiGi

Thoughts As I decorate...

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week. The Official kickoff of the holiday season. Usually my FAVORITE holiday...

Until the next one comes along. Then that one easily becomes my new favorite.

This year I am hosting Thanksgiving and I can't wait. My cousin and his wife, my friend Michelle and her family will also be joining us... along with my Father in-law and his wife.

18 people gathered to celebrate being Thankful. Its going to be FABULOUS!

This week I have been spending free time getting my Thanksgiving table ready. I waited until last minute (of course) to perfect the decor. Luckily my Hobby Lobby had 80% off Fall harvest decorations.

My chandelier is halfway done. I posted a picture of the base with the garland around it. Lots more *Bling* and sparkly will be added. I just need to make another quick stop to pick up something else...

Don't worry, I'll be sure to post a picture of the finished product. I still need to iron the table cloth, find my chargers and goblets and candlesticks. I can't wait to get it on my table.

The baking has already begun. Michelle and I are each making a turkey to combine at dinner...  and of course, one of every pie will be present at desert.

The kids table will extend out into our living room and a special thanksgiving craft will be found on each kids plate.

I can't wait!

My older girls had a babysitting job today. and my littles were on the computer reading books. The house was abnormally quiet as I wrestled wrapped the garland of leaves around my light fixture. Thanksgiving thoughts started entering my head and I really was humbled by all I can give thanks for. 

No, seriously... Think about it. Of course everyone has the basics of health, happiness blah blah blah but recently my eyes have been opened to a whole world of crazy.

Crazy homes, crazy families and crazy lives. Its really getting overwhelming sometimes.  It makes me thankful that I protect my kids from the craziness this world holds and that I guard who enters their life fiercely.

It makes me thankful that within the walls of my little red house, we can provide a shelter from the storm. A safe haven for our children...

Im thankful for the friends we have, even if they are few... they are good! Im Thankful for the family we are surrounded by and those that are near in our heart.

And most of all, Im thankful for our boring and traditional life.

Get Up and Vote!

 Election day sure has changed for me over the years. I went from placing my vote in my teens and early 20's and always voting my line. I was a 3rd generation im not tellin. My vote was easy and simple.

But as I got older, earned a higher degree in Life and common sense, Its now months of following the campaign trail. Visiting local rallies, and indoctrinating informing my children on how important it is to remain on the line we run.

Every 4 years it gets a little more intense.

This year is no different. My girls are teenagers. For my Emma, this is her last year NOT voting. She will be free to vote as she chooses. She will be a fresh young victim of this world to brainwash and pollute. Im using this last election, and these next 4 years to teach her what a huge impact 1 vote can have.

And even if it didn't have an impact...

Voting shows where this country's heart lies. What our main concerns are and what we really feel is important to us.

Thats how I vote. I can't be enticed by money or fancy words. My loyalty to my God runs deep and no tax cut can ever compare to turning my back...

Or helping my country turn my back on him!

Hubby and I just after we voted.

So, like a good little girl and boy, we trekked down the old country road where our polling place is and casted our vote.

Our polling place is an old country church down a small winding road. The cemetery resides next to the parking lot, full of past members of the community. Probably most of the community.

We go there quite often, the smell of the old church brings back many other voting days gone by.

I predict one day far from now, my wrinkly old hand will pull on the door of the church and with one whiff, I will be brought back to my "younger" years when I would drag the babies down to the voting polls.

I took a picture of me "casting" my vote but hubby kindly informed me that it was illegal. Darn it!

But our small voting place ran out of stickers.

Really??

REALLY!!!!

Its the only reason I DO vote! 

Not really, but I do get giddy when I DO get to put one on.

I walked out pouting. I wasn't a happy camper...

Until I went to Bi-Lo

Hey, Im a loyal customer. I deserved something tonight..

Didn't I?

XoXo,

GiGi

#Instabusy

A Month Of Thanks

I love this time of year. Its a time that all day, every day we are meditating on all things #Thankful. #ThisNovember I am participating on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 30 day challenges.

With so much going on all over the world, this should be a piece of cake.

With praises of Thanksgiving being confessed from our minds, lips and fingers, perhaps our complaints will be quieted.

Follow me on Twitter

And on Facebook.

Join me in publicly proclaiming each day all the blessings we are surrounded by...

And most of all, pray for all those still devastated by Superhurricane Sandy.

XoXo,

GiGI

In Which We Said Yes...

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2012

First, let me say... for reasons I will keep to myself, we opted to stay home this year from our churchs festival and allow the kids to go tick or treating around our neighborhood. We don't normally let them...

Sorry to be so vague. It had nothing to do with our church themselves so please don't get the wrong idea. Im just not sharing because I can! And since this is my blog, I call the shots. ;)

Anywho... the excitement level in our home was beyond anything humanly normal. Schooling was almost impossible and punishments were threatened to no avail.

But soon enough it was time to gather our awesome friends, who also happen to live all on our block and get as much candy as possible!

Here we are right before we attacked Aunt Diana....
She chased the kids down the driveway. Rumor has it, she eats little children for dinner....

Like a pack of wolves, they ravished the neighborhood. Running over anyone that got in the way...

Along our journey, we ran into the cutest little bunny:

our neighbor Ashlyn

She was sweet and kind and happily handed out candy to all children.

 And then we came upon a magical dwarf in a white castle who gave us candy...

CUNCLE Neal

Twice!

Along the way, we saw this little poor pregnant lady about to give birth right on the sidewalk...

Michelle's son John

She was quite cranky... but then again, I remember all too well how much of a hassle it is to carry around that baby belly...

But she must have had the baby. I believe I saw her get in the car as skinny as could be... and much darker hair...

 And a schoolbag?????

Oh boy...

Down by the pool, the cutest little birdy fell into my stroller. He needed a mommy bird to hug and kiss him and rock him to sleep... So, I scooped him up and took him home with me. Hubby let me keep him cause he kinda looks like him.

What a nice guy.

As the sun began to set and the moon came out from behind the clouds, the night time began to feel eerie.

Goblins and ghouls scattered from door to door asking for candy. We heard giggles and howls...

and before I knew it THE WOLFMAN CAME OUT TO ATTACK US...

AHHHHHH :

HUBBY AND I

Naa, just my hairy hubby who has been celebrating NO SHAVE NOVEMBER since last year.

We had a great time. The kids ate too much candy and I yelled at the mess more than once. Penelope will now NOT stop eating lollipops which results in sticky everything...

Another Halloween that will now live in the past.

XoXo, 

GiGi