Pics

Keep in mind these pics were taken less than 24 hours apart!Molly loves driving ;)

Knox is always so much fun.
Mercy pulling up. You can get a nice view of some of her rolls.
Noah riding his bike. The boys were enjoying the lovely warm spring day.

Mercy showing off her new tricks. I was hoping you could see her blue eyes. Maybe if you squint.


Gracie's second tooth gone. Noah was playing with the camera and took this one o f me. Gracie drinking hot chocolate and marshmallows.
And now this is why we will have no Easter pics in the bluebonnets :)
Our first sad little snowman attempt. We quit early because we couldn't feel our fingers.
Now that's a decent snowman! Don't worry, Mercy was only out there hatless for a few seconds while we took this pic.

It's snowing!

That's right, it's snowing in Texas in April! I took pics but they look like our yard with blurry things flying around. I'll try and post some soon though. Right now we're watching Pooh's Heffalump movie for the second time and drinking hot chocolate while snuggling up :) Must go, many such pressing things to do with the most important people in the world. Bye!

Happenin's

Lots has been going on the last couple of months but I've had very little computer access so I haven't posted much. First Colin's had a young gentlemen apprenticing with him for Monstrous Regiment. He's using my computer so I've had to depend on the laptop whose battery died a sad, slow death right about the time he got here. I got this new one in the mail yesterday - can you say, "EXCITED!" I've been sitting here way too much today which I've managed to excuse because I was sitting with Knox who's sick. It's been a crazy two months including brand new floors being installed in the kitchen and den and a stomach virus that managed to take out all the adults at one time - not pretty.

The kids have been great. Gracie started taking piano lessons and has been filling the home with music while she practices on our new(to us) red piano! She's lost her second tooth now. Actually she literally lost it because as soon as it came out, it fell down the drain. Oh, well! Good thing we don't do the tooth fairy. Noah's learned how to ride his bike all on his own! Knox will be turning four next week. Noah's already said he wants all his presents :) I still haven't planned anything yet. Molly's decided she's a big girl in just about every way except going to the potty. She likes to tell people off by talking real loud and pointing at the palm of her hand with her other pointer finger. I'm not sure where she learned that. Mercy learned to crawl and pull up these last two weeks. I tell ya, when that girl makes her mind up, there's no stopping her. She's beautiful with blue eyes and possibly a little red to her hair. She's wonderful, sweet, fun, loves raspberries, her daddy, and NOT being tackled by her big brothers and sisters. I'm so glad God gave her to us. Pictures coming soon, and since Easter's this weekend, I'm hoping they'll be in bluebonnets.

Got video?

We're in search of a video of a 4D ultrasound to use in our Monstrous Regiment movie. Please email us or leave a comment on the movie webpage if you're willing to share your video. Thanks!

This was beautiful...

Go watch this video. This comment sums it up..."I stand in awe of parents who love and let go and continue to trust God."

Free Dyson Vacuum Giveaway!

I've been through almost as many vacuums in my marriage as I've had children. So, this last fall, hubby and I bit the bullet and bought a Dyson. It was expensive and so the tightwads that we are fought our way through it. But, I have no regrets so far. I love that it sucks up just about every ounce of dust in our house, and how you can empty the bin with one hand! Now here's your chance to get one too, but for free!

Works for me Wednesday

Okay, this isn't really a handy cooking or organization tip but it does help for a mama's sanity. I keep an open bag of dark chocolate chips in the freezer at all times in case of an emergency mommy moment... like when husband is out of town and you're potty-training a stubborn two year old and have used up all thirteen pairs of princess underwear in one day- hypothetically of course.

"Babies are like chocolate chips...So sweet and there can never be enough of them." ;)

BIG and small...

As we remember God's love today, let us be thankful for more ways He is faithful and loving even when we don't deserve it.

First, and more importantly for my friend Karen that the radiation has removed almost all signs of cancer -- PRAISE THE LORD!!! Five months ago, things looked very grim indeed for Karen and her family but God is restoring her to health and we thank Him mightily for this.

Secondly, I got a stomach bug a couple of weeks ago and I think it is safe to say - eighteen days later, that I was the only one in the family to get it - yes this is a miracle too although decidely smaller than the previous one. I hesitate to put something so seemingly minor with such a large blessing, but I think it's important to mention because it shows that God cares not only for the big concerns of ours, but also for the little ones. And anyone who has lots of small children will know how amazing this really is!

Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You. Psalm 5:11

Valentine's

Today is the day we focus on that thing called love. It's amazing the lack of attention that we devote to the author of Love today. Too many chocolates and candy hearts giving us brain fog I guess. Don't worry, I'm thinking mainly of my own failings on this, not yours. As we eat our homemade heart cookies with pink sprinkles or open our box of chocolates may we remember that they are a gift from our God who loves us dearly and loves to give us good things. He is the one, not our husbands, children, or friends, who really gives us these presents of love today and everyday. He is also faithful and will continue to bless even when we forget to remember Him in it all. Thank Him today for the loved ones you hold dear, for the chocolate that tastes so yummy and puts a smile in your heart and on your face, and most importantly for Christ who died for us. One day we will be with Him in heaven and will rejoice in that we finally truly, truly know LOVE

Marriage

Gavin Newsome apologizes for his affair with his campagin manager's wife?! I think that this is just sick. I cannot believe that this is the man who tried to put himself in charge of our nation's marriage morals while he is stealing another man's wife and taking her for his own. This poor man was working for his wife's adulterer and has now had to resign as a result. Losing wife and job to Mayor Morality!

Today I was out driving with all the kids. I pulled out of a parking lot and was trying to get into the middle turn lane. I had plenty of time except for the fact that some punk in a Mustang decided he wanted to be ahead of me at the red light and sped up at me. I had to quickly move out of the lane so that he wouldn't hit me. Nay, so that he wouldn't hit the van full of children I was driving! I pulled around him to the other side, rolled down my window, and said, "That was completely unnecessary!" To which he answers, "Okay!" in a very sarcastic way while he pushes the buttons on his flip phone. Who is this selfish brat?! And why did his parents raise him to be so spoiled?! Did they think they did a good job because they provided him with things while letting his personality become so vile?! He had a really trendy surfer hair cut that apparently the girls his age just love, and he's out talking on his cell phone while he drives his very fast sports car in reckless abandon for any concern about the others on the road. Hey, at least he's got his priorities straight, right?

I ask myself, are these two pitiful men what the world is offering up today as examples of manliness? How sad! I hope and I pray fervently that my boys will not be like this. I am so thankful that I have such a wonderful husband and father to be an example for my children. He doesn't sit around all day watching sports, nor chase after women, nor drive a flashy car to show off his manhood. But he is a hard worker, selfless, disciplined, faithful, and more to the point today, CAREFUL on the road! I thank God for him especially as it seems he was the last good one left!!

A happy ending...

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galations 6:7

Praise the Lord for justice on His enemies and mercy on His children.

Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. Isaiah 44:23

Anti-procrastination challenge

Mrs. Wilt has hosted a challenge to do things that we've been putting off. My plans were to finally organize the bathrooms last weekend, but thanks to my now intimate friend Mr. Stomach Bug, that got put off. However, I can still play because I'd also put off losing five pounds, but said friend helped me get that done in less than twenty-four hours - wahoo! Now, onto those bathrooms...

Happy Robert Burns Day!

Lest we forget that my husband is Scottish and therefore I am half Scottish :), let me just wish everybody, happy haggis eating, blessed imbibing, and rigorous reciting of poetry tonight!

HT: Keziah for reminding me what today is.

34 Years of death

Today is the 34ttfh anniversary of Roe vs. Wade and Carmon has challenged all those who those who are prolife tp take a stand on their blogs. I love a challenge so here is my stance. First of all, I believe abortion is wrong not just because life is a worthy cause, but because God has ordained that life is precious. This is a distinctly Christian moral and is not arbitarily founded.

Noah is FIVE!

Today we celebrated Noah's fifth birthday! He got a Lightening McQueen and Mr. The King cars which he has played with nonstop today. Tonight we'll have dinner out and come home for cake and ice cream. Noah is a great kid who loves all things boyish including, cars, bow and arrows, guns, light sabers, and my personal favorite - cuddling with mom :) He's super sweet and super strong as seen by the car door handle he pulled completely off with his bare hands last week. He also loves helping his dad around the house as seen by the big paint splotch in his hair :) Noah is a great young man and we are so blessed to have him!

Gracie

My oldest is becoming such a young lady! I've been having terrible back pain for the last couple of months. Some days it is worse than others and today was a bit of a bad one. Gracie worked really hard to help me out. She cleaned up underneath the kitchen table and helped me put away dishes. She also surprised me by cleaning her room up. Notice the great detail of the neatly placed shoes, the duck placed atop the pillows, and the book nicely displayed on the bedside table. She made up her little sister's bed too. She also made herself a snack of hot chocolate as you can see by her shirt :) That girl is something!

Homeschooling

Kendra posted this on Preschoolers and Peace. It was so right on! Judging by the comments, I'm not the only one who thought so. I especially liked #2 which explains why I get easily frustrated with cleaning a house which is constantly being messed up again! Just today, I've picked up, or rather made the kids pick up, our wooden puzzles at least five times. Somebody keeps thinking it's fun to carry all the pieces around in a basket like they're cookies or something!

2. Unlike homes where the children are gone for eight straight hours, her home is in a constant state of activity. Her children are not only home, they are home making messes. All day long...

Snow!

I love winter!! We're having an arctic blast today and actually got real snow! The kids went outside for a while jumping up and down and sliding all around. Then they came in with pink cheeks and frozen hands :) We had so much fun snuggling up inside, drinking hot cocoa, and watching movies. What's your favorite thing to do on "iced in" days?

So much to say...

There's been lots of activity these last few weeks around here. We've had a whirlwind of a visit from my in-laws in which Colin and the three oldest visited Galveston, then he and his brother went to St. Louis, we began the kitchen redo, and all of us went to San Antonio for a visit. Oh, and Gracie got her first loose tooth! Tomorrow is back to the old routine for me and the kids and Colin goes back to work after a nice long vacation time. Here are some pics of our fun but crazy times. The first is Gracie wiggling her tooth for you in front of the old cabinets. Pic two is of the newly painted cabinets. We still have to finish putting the doors on, then we're going to tile the counter and backsplash and add a new sink and faucet. The last pic is of course Mercy - I don't think I can blog without showing her off at least once :) What a cutie and four months old already!

Testing, testing, 1,2, 3....

I switched over to Beta Blogger a few weeks ago and haven't been able to log in until now. I think it's working now!

Blankets, dresses, and heroes

Mercy being adorable on a blanket that was knitted for me when I was her age.



















Dresses my mom helped me make this week. I love this corduroy fabric that I got for a great deal at the fabric store - I never find great deals so that is really exciting for me :)















I needn't fear any bad guys with these two around! They are always practicing with their light sabers and Noah's getting really good at twirling his around as if he's been trained by a real Jedi. On the right is Annakin and on the left is Obi Wan Kenobi.

Overheard...

The boys were really rowdy this evening so I tried to calm them by teaching them a sit still game of thumb wrestling:

Mama - See you go like this...One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war.

Noah - Haha, mom. That's good. Umm, how about we just punch each other?...smile...

Ice storm

This is waaayy late but I thought it was good to keep for posterity's sake.

Last week we had our first real cold front come through and we got snow! Okay, it was ice, but the kids didn't know the difference and, let's face it, any cold weather here is really great.

The table is covered in ice!














The slide is iced too?! What will we slide on?















Icicles!!

Three month old

Mercy will be three months on Monday. Yesterday she started arching her back showing the beginnings of wanting to roll over. She's getting so big! I thought it was about time for some pictures. Here's Mercy with her brothers. She's warming up to the exersaucer but still needs watching closely because her head wobbles about and her arms easily get stuck in front of her leaving her face down sucking the toys instead of playing with them.














Here's a closeup.She was giving me this great dimpled grin, but everytime the camera flashed, she'd get scared and, well, what you see is what I got :) Still not bad, but not what I was going for.

Best Ever Pumpkin Bread Recipe

With a title like that, do I really need to explain? :) I got this recipe from my neighbor back in California, and it is without a doubt the best pumpkin bread I've ever had. Whenever I give it away as a present, I am always asked for the recipe, and believe me it's NOT because I'm just such a great cook. Just ask my family! This is a great seasonal dish, but I love it so much I make it year round.

2 cups pumpkin puree
3.5 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup oil
3.5 cups flour (I use whole wheat and it works great)
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. each - cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves

Mix together the first four ingredientsin a bowl. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, soda, salt, powder, and spices. Then mix together the wet and dry mixtures. Grease and sugar two loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for about an hour.

Enjoy!

T-shirt dresses

Kelly requested the instructions for the tshirt dresses I made. This really is a simple design and if I can make it work, anybody can! Trust me!

shirt of your choice
1 yard of fabric (for child's dress)
thread
fusible hem tape (optional: I don't use this. I just hem the dress but some people find the fusible hem tape to be easier)

Steps: Determine the waistline on the dress, and cut off the shirt 1/2-inch below that point. Sew a stay stich around the shirt bottom (making sure not to stretch the material). This will keep you shirt from stretching out when you are sewing the skirt on. Measure from the waistline to the middle of the wearer's knee (or however long your want the dress to be) to determine the length of the skirt. The width should be twice the width of shirt bottom. Cut 2 pieces of fabric using the length and width measurements. Sew skirt pieces together on sides (wrong side together). Fold the hem over fusible hem tape and iron it in place (or just sew a regular hem). For the gathered waistband, sew 2 running stitches around the side of the waist of the skirt. Pull the threads to gather the waistband until its circumference matches that of the shirt. Sew the right sides of the skirt and the shirt together using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. I sew over this again for additional strength.

HT: to Heather from MOMYS. These are actually her instructions. I'm not near creative enough to figure this out on my own ;)

Strength

What kind of woman can endure radiation therapy everyday and still keep a smile on her face? What kind of woman can still find the joy when she suffers constant nausea, a painful sore throat, the loss of her hair, not to mention the difficulties associated with finding out you have a brain and spinal tumor? I know I'm not that strong, that's for sure. Please continue to pray for my dear friend, Karen whose faith during this time is inspiring to say the least.

Celebrities

I had the coolest day yesterday! First of all, Colin and I were planning for a normal day of getting chores done when we got a phone call from some of our friends back in California saying they were in the area. You might remember Pastor Dave Bush from Colin's movie Shaky Town. He and his wife Jennifer and their five kids met with us in Hillsboro at a Starbucks while all our kids played in the outdoor patio there. Now if that wasn't random enough for ya, I'm sitting there looking through photos and chatting with Jen and having a great time, when I see a lady pass by that looks really familiar. On a whim I excuse myself and run up to her and say, "Excuse me, I'm EmilyG aren't you KimC?" To which she of all things replies, "Yes, I am. Oh, aren't you the DuchessofFife?" I couldn't believe it! I ran into Life in a Shoe in Hillsboro, and she actually knew who I was! It was such fun. She and her husband and eight kids were so sweet and stayed talking with us for a while. So, in some random Starbucks along the highway, I had coffee with two celebrities! Then we rush from there to our dear friends' 25th wedding celebration/ball - yes there was Victorian dancing there! - and I run into a soon-to-be-celebrity DanaF from Colin's next movie Monstrous Regiment. We get to talking and she starts telling me about a new friend of hers and I immediately say, "You mean TW?! She's been one of my best friends for ten years!" Well after all those wonderful coincidences I was exhausted but so thankful to God for giving me such wonderful gifts this Thanksgiving weekend. I wound up being so encouraged and happy from all the great fellowship. What a generous, loving, and merciful Father to bless me so!

The Blessing of Children follow up

Here is another article by Mr. Wait in regards to adoption of children. As always, it is eloquent and thorough. I've often wondered about adoption being compulsory since the thought of adopting children overwhelmed me in an already fruitful marriage. So, I particularly like this excerpt as a clarification on the subject:

...the concept of adoption is a Biblical idea but it is only explicitly
found in the New Testament. But the only sense that Scripture speaks explicitly
of adoption is the spiritual adoption of believers as the children of God. From
the doctrine of adoption we see that it is by free choice rather than
compulsion. So, perhaps we can say that we are free to adopt children who
otherwise would be outside of the covenant, but we are not required to do
so.

The Blessing of Children

Our good friend Erik Wait has posted a very thoughtful and eloquent article on his website covering the issue of children as blessings. Erik is a friend and was a fellow elder at our church back in California. He was also our neighbor in the duplex which we nicknamed Elder Row. His duplex was closer to the street than ours so he would trap all the Jehovah's Witness' in arguments before they had a chance to get to our door. They would be stumped in their defense of their faith after about two minutes talking with Elder Erik. After he moved in I never worried about being bugged by these persistent visitors :) Erik is very, very well educated in many theological issues as well as he is a savy wine enthusiast. Have a go-see on his site and look around a while.

Film festival

Colin got back late last night from the film festival and was very encouraged if not completely exhausted. We both find being around so many wonderful families completely invigorating to our spirits. I stayed home this year so that I could tend to the little ones and especially our newest little one. I was hoping to attend and bring the kids and maybe my niece to help, but my mom ended up having surgery last week and all available hands are on deck with her trying to help her recuperate from an unusually difficult time of it right now. So, I will have to wait until next year. Colin had a great time talking with folks and getting to know many new faces. In fact he has so much fun he forgot to take photos of any of them :) So if you'd like to see the happenings of the event, go visit Doug Phillip's blog or The Rebelution gentlemen or maybe even Kim's Life in a Shoe. :)

In the mean time, how about a memory of film festivals past...

Are you tired of baby pictures yet?

Okay, that's the last one for now. I'm trying to learn to sew. These are t-shirt dresses my mom helped me with. I think they'll fit better come next spring. Not bad for a first attempt at sewing ever!

How 'bout...

a Daddy pic?














There's not much cuter than a sleeping baby!

Vision Forum Contest!

Love the Vision Forum catalog? Wish you could buy everything in it? Here's a fabulous contest hosted by Kim at Life in a Shoe where you can win 700 bucks worth of merchandise from VF! Oh, boy, I hope I win!

The infamous playscape...

Colin works harder than just about anyone I know. Here is the playscape that he sacrificed time, energy, and a healthy knee for. The kids love it and I love him for working so hard on something for the family.

What started out as just a pile of lumber...

Started taking shape...














And soon became taller than our house :)















With lots of sweat in 100 degree August, and a lot of suncreen.















The kids can now enjoy the fruit of Daddy's hard work.

Mercy pictures

I have been very blessed this last week to have my sister visiting and practically doing all the cleaning and taking care of the kids. It's also helped to have her wonderful company through this sometimes difficult time of being house bound. The only bad thing is that I've been distracted so that I've neglected posting any pictures of our newest beautiful daughter. Here she is in her pink glory and also with first time big sister Molly who has been great in this adjustment.
P.S. Please don't forget to pray for Karen. The discovery of her tumor has helped me to be all the more grateful for the blessing of my daughter Mercy and is a reminder to us all not to take these moments for granted.

My friend Karen

When I first moved out to California with Colin back in 2000, I was seven months pregnant with my first child, very lonely, and petrified of starting a new life so far away from friends and family. We got to our new church that first Sunday and a friendly lady about my age come up to me and greeted me with one of the warmest smiles I'd ever seen in my life. I immediately felt like we were good friends and like I was at home in this new church. In the five years that we lived there, those feelings were only confirmed and she has proven to be a lifelong friend who has never let me down once as a friend. Last Thursday, her six year old son found her unconscious and she was immediately rushed to a hospital. A tumor was discovered and after surgery on Saturday, it was found to be malignant. She will begin treatment soon as the surgeons were not able to remove the whole of the tumor. I ask for everyone's prayer for Karen, her husband, and their three young children who are the same ages as Grace, Noah, and Molly. They are headed for a struggle, so we ask God for much grace, mercy, healing, and strength to be added to them at this time. Karen is, by God's grace, one of the strongest women I know. God has taught me much about patience, graciousness, friendship, and being a good wife and mom through Karen and I pray that He will heal her so that many others can be blessed through her as I have been.

Visit www.welovekaren.blogspot.com to get more up to date and accurate information or go to www.homeschoolblogger.com/preschoolersandpeace where her friend Kendra has posted some great college pics of Karen.

Introducing.... Mercy Lael Gunn

It's a done deal!

Both mother and child doing well! A girl - 9lbs 3oz. - name still being debated! Thanks for all your prayers!

Col

Update

Thank you all for your kind and thoughtful notes, phone calls, and prayers. Colin is feeling much better and was able to walk on crutches after the first two days. He went in to the doctor's this morning and the preliminary check looks good. He'll go see a radiologist and orthopedist later just to make sure there are no ligament tears or misplaced bones :( But we think everything is alright now. He'll have to wear a splint for awhile and has limited mobility because of it, but at least it's nothing more serious. The hardest part for me has been the taking care of all things by myself, but this goes to Colin's credit that I was so used to his constant help with the kids and the house that it is so hard to do without him :) As for baby, no signs of an appearance yet. I did have a doctor appointment today but I ended up waiting to be seen for an hour and eventually had to leave without being seen at all so that I could get back home to watch the kids before Colin's meeting started. I'll try and get back over there in the next couple of days, but really I'm hoping to go into labor on my own so that's not a problem. My mom's hoping for the baby to come on Thursday which is her birthday, and the thought appeals to me too if for no other reason than one less date to remember :)

Once again, thank you for your love and support everyone! I hope my next communique is baby news.

Today is my due date. This morning Colin fell off the playscape he is building for the kids and dislocated his knee. He's in a lot of pain and laid up on the couch. Now that Colin's out of commission I'm not sure how I can handle taking care of all the kids, a wounded hubby, the house, and baby preparations.Please pray for us as things are a bit stressed right now.

My little pony- tail that is

Okay, so today was the first time Molly has let me put her hair in a ponytail without immediately pulling it back out. I thought she looked so much like Gracie at this age.

FROOOOOOOG!!!

The kids were playing outside today in the waterhose and were surprised by this little guy trying to join in their fun. Poor thing, I bet he didn't plan on this kind of party! He probably just thought God was finally sending him some rain. Well, the kids had a blast even if he didn't.

Helper

Last night, I decided I was not going to wake up to the dirty refrigerator again- can you say, "nesting?" So after all the other kids were put to bed, Gracie and I got to work cleaning it out. At first I employed her help just for practice, but in the end she was an actual help to me! We got the whole thing done in under half an hour. The whole thing was a pleasure to me, but more so than seeing the sparkling white interior, was the joy of working with my daughter. I must admit, I heard this day would one day come, but I never actually believed it would! Thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness in His promises, for this encouragement, and for giving us both the ability to accomplish such a task - that's no small thing for me at almost nine months prego!

Seven fun things

This weekend was full of special occurrences.

1. First we had a guest preacher at church on Sunday. When he got up to preach I got excited because he had a British accent and I thought how fun for Colin to have someone from the mother land to talk to. Afterwards, Colin did get a chance to talk with him. Turns out he hails from Houston of all places and got his accent from diction lessons! Well, I thought it was a little too weird to have a British, reformed, Woody Allen impersonator preaching at our church. Too many distincitves and it just gets plain creepy. :)

2. We drove down to Redeemer OPC in Pflugerville Sunday evening to hear the great 81 year old G.I. Williamson preach. He was sharp as a tack and his preaching was fantastic!

3. On the way home we HAD to stop for some gas (part of the problem with spontaneous road trips on Sunday). Anyway, the gas station was in front of a field, and while we sat there we saw skydivers swarming the skies right in front of us. Turns out that field is where the Skydivers Temple land. They were swooping in and out - we were so excited to be treated to an unexpected show!

4. This is out of order chronologically, but sobeit! Anyway, last week Colin bought me a laptop that my sister had found and picked up for us. It was a great deal and it has been so nice to be able to be mobile while on the computer. It also helps because I can sit on something soft and cushy so my pelvic bones don't hurt so bad.

5. I'm thirty-four weeks now. Baby's heart rate was in the 150's. Hmmm....

6. There's not much to say here , but I want to get to number seven because....

7. Monday was our seventh year anniversary!! My mom came over to babysit and even cleaned house as a surprise for me while we were gone. Colin and I had a nice time going out to eat then out to Barnes and Noble. It was so relaxing and we laughed a lot and got to talk a lot - how wonderful :)

Pregnancy Psychosis

Okay, it's official...I'm entering into third trimester pregnancy induced psychosis. I am crying at anything, griping about everything, and comfortable in nothing. Please pray for my poor family who has to endure such a mom/wife. Today Colin made me cry for commenting that my legs looked like tree trunks due to the pitting edema. It's actually completely true, and doesn't really hurt my feelings because I know it will go away within a few days of giving birth, but I cried anyway because the swelling just makes me feel so uncomfortable. It's somewhere in the 100's outside today. Depending upon who you ask it got up to somewhere between 103 and 107. I don't think the a/c is working properly. Also, I don't think the refrigerator is properly cooling the water. It still feels just lukewarm to me. I cried twice at church on Sunday. Why do I do that? I hate it when I do that! Unfortunately, I'm learning that this is all a part of the joys of the last few months of pregnancy for me. Not everyone acts like this, I know it's true. I'm not trying to make excuses, just giving reasons. Really, just consider this your public service announcement. "We interrupt this regularly scheduled personality to fine tune the body of the next coming Gunn child. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please stand by..." (really loud annoying beep - actually that's the sound of me whining about the heat)

I thought I'd give an update on the pregnancy and the household happenings. Knox pottytrained himself completely a few weeks ago. We celebrated by going to see Cars at the the theater. It was fun but would've probably been more fun just to rent a movie at home - not to mention cheaper :) Gracie turned six this last week. We'll have a party tomorrow night with the family. I've got just over seven weeks to go in this pregnancy which is great, except that it's 100 degrees outside with no sign of letting up. Sigh... the thought of being pregnant during August makes me want to take a long nap. The upside is that the baby is kicking away, and I'm getting very excited to meet him/her. Did I mention that the heartrate was in the 170's this week? Me thinks it's a her :) but we shall see...

Joy

One of the things I struggle with in life is finding joy in the everyday. God is showing me in many humbling ways that while I may say that the biblical way of living is the only path to true happiness, it is rare that I show that in the way I act. Particularly in regards to children. Sure I may say that God is true and that children are in fact blessings rather than curses, but so many times, my countenance, words, and attitude reflect a heart that doesn't really believe it. Here is an excerpt from an interesting article

In our society parents do a wonderful job of portraying the difficulties of
having children: the financial burdens, the time drain, the guilt, the
exhaustion. But we do a lousy job of getting across something else about
parenthood: It's fun! When you are experiencing parenthood from the inside,
there is an overwhelming pleasure in the funny, fascinating things your
children
do. When my daughter was 2, she put her arms around me as I was
kissing her
goodnight and said to me, "Mommy, you're a wonderful husband."
That was better
than any of the movies I hadn't been to since she was born.

I don't know much about the author, but she, who has only one child, is showing that she has found joy in the blessings of children. Whereas I, who am expecting my fifth reward from God, hardly ever do. I realize that I can easily excuse away these sins in the world's eyes. After all, who wouldn't blame someone who's in pain or exhausted with pregnancy for being grumpy with their kids. But the truth is that this is a heart issue and it involves my willingness to believe, trust, and honor God in all circumstances. It is always one thing to say it in your head, it's another thing to believe it in your heart and practice it throughout your day. When I walk around the grocery store annoyed, when I sigh at having to clean up the spilled milk under the table, when I'd rather let the kids watch a video than interact with them, I'm showing that I don't really believe God.

I feel terrible when I realize this because not only does it mean I'm dishonoring God, but I'm also presenting a lie to the world. They see me saying that we believe children are a blessing but acting like they're not, and what do you think they'll believe? What an awful witness for the Lord I am. I really need to practice what I preach in the everyday, the nitty gritty, the mundane. Then and only then, will my life start reflecting God's truth instead of my sin and lies. May God forgive me and grant me the wisdom and the ability to find joy in the everday. And may you all find it too :)

Winners

I won! I won! I won! Okay, I LOVE competition and thanks to Moms4Psalms, I won her competition and a prize! I got my free Mary Kay eye makeup remover in the mail today and am very excited to try it out. Thanks again, Moms!

Another winner is a site my sister sent me today. It's a menu planner for mothers and even included grocery lists! Sounds like fun to me!

And then we can all be winners by staying out of debt :) Here's a neat new site for that.

My sister finally called and asked when I was going to update my blog, so I guess I'd better! Bottom line is, it's hot. The last three days have seen temps at or above 100 degrees. Now as awful as that sounds, it really hasn't been too terrible. Thanks to our God for the mercies of air conditioning and swimming pools, we've managed to stay pretty comfortable. And there's a bonus in that, the kids are so worn out from the heat and all the swimming that they are sleeping like 12 1/2 hours every night! Now, if only I'd go to bed as soon as they do... Still I am getting like nine hours a night, which you'd think was more than enough. Somehow though I'm still exhausted.

I'm officially in my last trimester, yahoo! Only twelve plus weeks to go - why does that feel like much longer than the 28 weeks I've already been through? Anyway, my old friend SPD has reared its ugly head again and this time has spread down my thighs and in my groin muscles. Who knew that could happen?! So, I can't walk much more than just around the house and even that gets pretty uncomfortable fast. Dearest hubby is helping lots by taking over the grocery shopping, doing as much lifting of fat Molly as he can, buying me lots of chocolate :), and today he let me get the maid in! Truth is, he's been offering to get a maid for a while, but cheap and proud me wouldn't let him - I know, I know...

June looks like it might be a pretty busy month with five family birthdays. I've also got to get busy planning Gracie's party. She's only been talking about it since January. You should have heard her after Noah's party back then, "How long until my birthday? Six months!! Oh, no that's going to be forever! Can I have a swimming party with my cousins? No, wait! I have an idea! Let's have a swimming PRINCESS party! Oh, that'll be so great!" I still have no idea where she gets her dramatic side from - probably her dad ;) Anyway, all those birthdays will be a great distraction from the much awaited birthday of this newest little one on or around September 2nd.

So, that's the highlights I guess. Hope to post more soon.

Mother's

There are so many amazing things about being a mother. First of all I never knew how amazingly strong your love for your child would be. Second of all, I never would have guessed the millions of ways that God shows forth His truth that children are blessings. I'm not just blessed because I have the children, I'm blessed in the way they make me view God and the world, the way they sanctify me constantly, and the way they make me think about things I wouldn't normally on my own.

For instance, tonight at dinner, Colin takes one of the kids off for a spanking and Gracie asks me, "What would happen if I took the spanking for ___? Would that be like what Jesus did for me?" I was so preoccupied with the interruption of the child getting disciplined that I was glossing over one of the main reasons we discipline in the first place. Without spankings we wouldn't know the significance of someone else's sacrifice for us. If said child had never known how awful it was to get spanked, what would they care if one of their brothers or sisters took over that spanking? And second of all, the selflessness and love of Jesus to do that for us is an act that was so generous and wonderful. Why would we be so grateful for someone to take our earthly punishment and so negligent to be grateful to our Christ who took our eternal punishment for us?

Part of the joy of this situation was also seeing one of my kids being blessed with a believing mind through faith. Affirmation of the covenant that He gave to us so long ago. Knowing that this is a gift from God above alone for this child that I love so dearly is such an amazing gift to me as well. This gift for this child that I would do just about anything to spare from pain or misery from God who willingly gave His Son into pain and misery so that my child and I could share in this gift.... it truly boggles the mind!

Another added blessing today came via my sons. There was some jealousy over a toy car today that was really upsetting one brother. The other brother came over on his own accord and freely and joyfully offerred up this car to his sad brother! It was so sweet to see him share and love his brother in such a way. Then later, Noah said out of the blue to his daddy, "Would you please read to me a story about Jesus? Read to us about God's love." A heart that loves God and longs to hear more about Him?! What better gift could a mother ask for on such a day?!

Soli Deo Gloria

Stacy McDonald update

Yea!!! I just read this update on James McDonald's blog. Praise God for healing this mother on this Lord's day that some like to also call Mother's Day :)

Prayers for Stacy McDonald

I just saw this on one of the bulletin boards I frequent. Colin got to spend a day with this lovely family not to long ago when he interviewed Stacy for his upcoming movie. Please pray for this family!

Emergency Prayer Request May 6 Friends and Families, I am typing this note while sitting in an ER in southern Wisconsin. We have been on the road for three and a half weeks, speaking at New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Michigan, as well as ministering at churches along the way. But an emergency has come up. As background, my wife Stacy, mother of 10, has no feeling in her left foot. Over a month ago, she injured her foot, but did not notice it until it became infected. Our doctor in Houston cleared out the area and prescribed an antibiotic. We noticed the infection returning Thursday evening while at the INCH conference. Stacy's podiatrist called in a prescription of antibiotics Friday. At the Michigan conference Saturday, we met with a homeschooling mother who was also an ER doctor who doubled the antibiotics and told us to watch the infection. Today, while visiting with the Erber family, it looked worse than ever, which brought us here to the hospital. The doctor here believes Stacy's foot infection has entered into her bone. She has recommended we return to Houston as soon as possible. Stacy is now receiving a shot of antibiotics. We will then plan the fastest route to get her home. This condition is quite serious, but we are trusting in the Lord and His Sovereignty. We ask for your prayers. Feel free to forward this request to any who may be able to offer prayer. In His Service, James James M McDonald

The Tempest

This last weekend was full of excitment. It started Friday when we had a tornado hit our humble little town. It didn't cause any damage to any of our family's houses and thankfully no one at all was injured. My mom's neighborhood got it pretty bad where tree after tree was uprooted - quite an amazing sight really! As my little family huddled in our shower underneath a mattress we found a good opportunity to share with the kids about God's power and His sovereignty when they asked, "Why did God make the tornado?"

Another bit of news is that my sister had her baby this weekend! As she described to me the whirlwind that was her labor and birth (which I unfortunately missed) I found myself dreading and fearing my own upcoming labor and not wanting to go through it at all. I am providentially faced with God's answer to my fears through the twister that my city went through. It is God who brings the storm, it is God who sees us through, and it is God who uses the storm for our good. If we go through life with all sunny days and no pain, we might never see how truly reliant upon Him we are for our needs and even our next breath. So I repent of my fears, and I thank Him for the storm and I ask Him for the grace and wisdom to remember these truths when I am in the next one.

They're back!

I am so thankful to report that everyone made it home safely from their trek across the ocean! I don't think they had the best of times due to a bout with the flu, but they managed to squeeze in some laughs along the way. Colin says the kids did great on the plane and we're complimented on every leg about how well behaved they were :) They're all getting back into the routine except for the going to bed at 7 and waking up at 6am thing - I'll be glad when that goes back to normal again. Here's some pics from the sojourn.

Gracie and Noah on the first plane.Gracie on a canon in EdinburghNoah shooting a toy gun. Seriously, 90% of his pictures on the trip were of him in this pose. Should I tell him guns are illegal in Scotland?Grandma and Grandpa celebrating 60 year birthdays.

Sick and Away

Colin, Grace, and Noah have all been away to Scotland this last week. They left here Friday morning and got there Saturday morning. Unfortunately that's also the day that their Grandma and Grandpa got the flu. Mrs. Gunn took it especially hard and had to be taken to the hospital via ambulance. She's doing better and is expected home later today. Mr. Gunn is back to normal as well. The kids got it a couple of days ago and are starting to get back up and around again. I think Colin is starting to feel sick now. It's so sad really, I wanted them to miss me but not like this! As Gracie was lying in bed all day yesterday she told her Grandpa that she liked Texas better - awww! Who wouldn't under those conditions?! I really hope they can salvage some of their trip the next several days. I want them to love Scotland - after all this is an important place to her daddy and me. Things around here are good if not a little lonely. I try to stay out of the house and busy if I can and we're eating a lot of chocolate too :) The weather's been great with a cold front today that actually had the kids in long pants again! I didn't think that would happen again until November. Well, see ya next time - same blog time, same blog channel!

On the other hand...

There has been much activity around the blogs the last few months regarding R.C. Sproul and his defrocking. Much of it has been venomous and even gleefully so. For the most part, those who defend R.C. and the elders there have remained silent in an effort, I believe, to keep the heresay to a minimum. Here is one man who is standing for that other half. I think it is, at the least, enlightening to hear another side of the story.