Turning a corner

Yesterday marks a new era in the Gunn household. Gracie learned how to put sheets on a bed all by herself! She worked so hard for an hour and then called me in to surprise me. I was so thrilled to see her try so hard. The girls beds are particularly difficult because you can't pull them out from the wall. Even I have a hard time getting the corners all the way down. She is becoming such a wonderful helper and companion to me.

In other news, we are thrilled to announce that we expecting a new little one sometime next June! So far so good with the morning sickness, but I'm losing my taste for chocolate :(

BTW- my other computer had a nasty virus on it, so I've switched to another one for awhile. This unfortunately makes me lose access to my pictures so none to post right now. I will try to figure out how to do them on this machine soon.

New

I've updated my profile pic!  

Sabbath rest

21 But there the majestic LORD will be for us
A place of broad rivers and streams,
In which no galley with oars will sail,
Nor majestic ships pass by
22 (For the LORD is our Judge,
The LORD is our Lawgiver,
The LORD is our King;
He will save us);

Isaiah 33

Dresses, movies, and new friends

I promised a while back to post some pics of Gracie in her party dress, but one of her brothers decided to erase them so that he could take pictures of his Spiderman shoes. We finally got some more pictures, and although these didn't turn out as good as the first ones, she still looks beautiful. :)
Last night, we drove to Dallas to a movie premiere! It was a wonderful Christian movie done by the Heumoore team. We really loved this film and can't wait to get our own copy. These are the same men who made the famous Bubble Trouble movie which is one of my kids' favorites. The boys got to meet their hero Gator and Gracie got to meet Reagan. They were beyond thrilled. Noah kept saying, "Mom, I didn't know the people in the movie were REAL!" The viewing was held at the Faith Prebyterian Church where we got to fellowship with some wonderful new friends. Colin made his rounds with the men and I met in particular a couple of beautiful sisters that were so sweet. They are stay-at-home-daughters and are becoming so skilled in the arts of homemaking. They are where I wish I was when I got married. No - they are where I wish I would be now! The Heumoore boys and the Reins sisters are such inspirations to me as I seek to raise my children to be godly men and women. They are proof that with God's grace, it can be done!

Another post about 8

Happy 8 years to Colin and me!

Random 8

Thanks to Amy over at Moms3Psalms! I think this is the first meme I've actually done. Let's see if I can do find 8 whole facts to tell.

First, the rules are to post 8 facts about yourself, then tag 8 people when you're done.

So.....(cue drum roll)
1. I sometimes imagine I can sing like Celine Dion. Usually in the car when I'm by myself. I love, love, love singing really loud but I'll only do it when I'm by myself, or with Gracie - looks like she inherited this from me! :)

2. I am officially at the same weight I was when I got married, exactly eight years ago today! This is also the lowest I've been since I got pregnant the first time.

3. I'm very, very introverted but have learned to enjoy being in social situations thanks to God's grace and some pushing from my hubby.

4. One of the reasons I hate being in social situations is because I end up really, really, really regretting something I said - either it was inadvertently rude, or just plain embarrassing.

5. I am often inadvertently rude. If I've done this to you, chances are, that I realized it later and then have deeply regretted it but was too embarrassed to apologize to you. So, for the record, I'm sorry!!

6. My pet peeve is people who are fake. I would rather deal with rude than insincere any day.

7. I admire, in probably an unhealthy way, the Duggar family.

8. I'm secretly very, very sad that I don't know anyone else IRL that isn't quiverfull minded. If I meet someone with several kids, I'll try to find out where they stand on the issue. I think people might take this like I'm passing judgments, when in reality I just want someone I can relate to and talk with on this subject.

Okay, so enough about me. Anyone else wanna play? Tag! You're it!

Tunnel of love

FYI - Every time I try and leave a comment on a blogger site, my computer does this weird thing and the page freezes up. I just didn't want anyone thinking I was ignoring them!

Weeeeee!

Music time

It's amazing how quickly dancing and singing....

degenerates into tackling and wrestling.

BTW- Molly managed to lodge our cable for the camera deeply into a hole on the computer so I can't upload any pics of Gracie in her beautiful new party dress she got from Grandma and Grandpa Gunn today. But she L-O-V-E-S it and all her other clothes and presents as well! In the mean time, the above pics are from yesterday with Gracie in one of the other pretty dresses. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa Gunn!! She's really had a blast with all the packages coming her way :)

A walk on the wild side

That's right! She's officially making her way across rooms. And she's getting her first teeth, a full two months ahead of the rest of the kids. I thank God for these great blessings and mercies!

Ballantyne Books

I apologize for being so terrible at updating this blog lately. I keep trying to remember to take pictures of the kids so I can have something to put on here, but it somehow keeps slipping my mind. I'm also trying to find time to update my profile pic by getting a decent family photo of us since Mercy's arrival - wow she's already nine months old (blink, blink)!

Anyway, the purpose of this post is to let any readers out there that are left :) of a great giveaway:

Life in a Shoe is hosting a giveaway of Vision Forum's exciting new adventure series, Ballantyne Books.

The sleeping house

Okay, I know she's not actually sleeping but she is wearing her nightgown, and she just looked so cute!

Luuuke who's One!!

Win a new header!

Did I mention I love contests? Being a competetive person by nature, I like to win just about anything, but I'd really like this new prize. Everyday mommy is offering a new blog design. But if you don't want to enter that's fine by me. More chances for me to win ;)

On pizza and cuteness...

We got pizza this week from Pizza Patron as a little treat and we made up a little jingle that went, cleverly, "Pizza, Pizza Patron! Ahh, aahh, ahhh." Molly must have really liked it because she's gone around the house singing it to herself the last couple of days. Mercy has also started babbling and saying, "mama, dada" and now funnily enough, "'ahhh, ahhh, ahhh" just like in our jingle :)

Commuting

To all my Bay area friends, I offer my utmost sympathy. I feel your pain.

Yep, they're mine alright

The kids took a tub of chocolate icing and four spoons out to the back yard today. When caught, they explained, "It's okay , Mom. We're pretending we're feasting in heaven with God." Chocolate as a feast?! I'd say my genes are definitely dominant :)

The Gunn Clan

Here we are in Texas this past January! I've been wanting to get a group photo for a while now, but it's not very easy to get everybody in the same place at the same time. How cool is this?! :)

Did you know..

that Nancy Wilson has a blog now? It's about time. :)

Birthday boy

This last weekend was Knox's fourth birthday. The camera ate the pictures. That could've been my fault. He got lots of toys from Grandparents all of which he promptly shared with his brothers and sisters - I take no credit here or I'll have to also take credit for the boy/girl who tried to get the grandparents to buy presents for Knox that he/she wanted. He also got a birthday card that sang "Happy Birthday" with a British accent when you opened it up. You should have seen the look on his face - it was like he'd just won the lottery. Then he played with that card for the rest of the day, even taking it to bed with him. I couldn't say enough wonderful things about this kid. He always has a very sweet and jovial take on things. Like laughing after falling down and scraping his knee, or asking for kisses and hugs instead of just plain begging and whining when he's trying to get out of going to bed. I admit I'm a sucker for that last one :) I thought you might like to hear a couple of quotes from the little guy.

In church last week, referring to the big stain glass window at the front: "Mom I can see God from here."

Said everyday since Mercy was born, and with the same level of excitement every time: "Mom, can I hold Mercy? Look she's smiling out me! Look Mercy likes me!"

Said to the Rescue Hero in the bathtub: "Here you can stand on these bubbles like they're the ground. Oh, no it's quicksand! AAAGGGHHHHH!"

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!