Mother to six Little Women and Two Little Men. Married to a Happy Mortician. Caretaker to goats, chickens and many, MANY bunnies. Photographer. Homeschooler. Lover of Jesus, coffee & tea and all things pink & vintage.
“Labour, honest labour, is mighty and beautiful.
Luxuries and conquests are the result of labour; we can imagine nothing without it.
The noblest man of earth is he who puts his hands cheerfully and proudly to honest labour.
Labour is a business and ordinance of God. Labour pities you, proud fool,
and laughs you to scorn. You shall pass to dust, forgotten;
but labour will live on forever, glorious in its conquests and monuments.” – The Royal Path of Life
My boys tumbled down the stairs for breakfast, their hair tousled and their clothing wrinkled and sometimes backwards … sometimes without socks … but always ready for breakfast and always a bit louder than the rest of the family.
Breakfast is a fast and furiuos event in our household. There is much to accomplish in the morning and no one can slack on timing. As I take the dirty, used plates away from the table, it’s my time to remind my young songs of their chores which await.
We all have chores in the morning, I tell them …we all must do our part.
“Mommy, what’s my man chore today?” one boys asks, as he yanks up suspender strap that has fallen off his shoulders – those shoulders, not quite ready for true responsiblity of even a young boy, but willing to learn and follow his father’s example.
“Stack up the wood, Loyal, and then ask Daddy what he wants you to do,” I replied. The dishes were piling up faster than I wanted and I needed to get to my own chores. “Find out what your man chores are.”
Chores and work. Labour and toil. Our sons must learn that, even at young ages, they are not to slouch around. I am hoping a life filled with ‘farm’ chores will train them in the way they should go. I have heard someone say recently about ‘islanders’ from P.E.I. …
“They may not be fancy, but they sure are hard workers…”
That’s fine with me. In fact, that’s pretty much what we’re aiming for with our sons … time for man chores, my sons.
“Don’t live in hope with your arms folded; fortune smiles on those who roll up their sleeves,
and put their shoulders to the wheel. You cannot dream yourself into a character;
you must hammer and forge yourself one. To love and to labour is the sum of living,
and yet how many think they live who neither love nor labour.”
-The Royal Path of Life, 1886
Gigi–Laura Jeanne – I understand … I’ll be wiping my tears at that stage, as well!
November 7, 2021 - 4:39 am
Gigi–I know – isn’t that sad?! He’s growing too quickly!
November 6, 2021 - 3:32 pm
Ruthie –Wow! That’s your baby? He’s growing so quickly! Working with daddy doing ‘man chores’ just can’t be replaced. It’s like a little happy place for them.
November 5, 2021 - 12:33 pm
Laura Jeanne–So sweet…I teared up a little when I looked at the photo of your wee one in the overalls looking at the camera…he reminded me of my own little brown-eyed boy about, oh, 14 years ago…how time flies. I miss dressing him in tiny plaid shirts!
November 4, 2021 - 12:49 pm
Christina–Awww, that’s a cute way of putting it for little boys. Thanks for sharing.
November 4, 2021 - 11:12 am
Michelle –Another good reminder of what I should be and what I should be teaching my children!! Thank you, thank you!!
November 4, 2021 - 1:39 am
Regina–I remember doing chores when I was a child but for some reason I was terrified of the feather duster. I must have been around six years old and I just wouldn’t go near that thing!
“As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common,
everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful.
They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness —
just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breath it;
just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength;
the bright sunshine on a cold day; and a cool breeze when the day is warm.” ― Laura Ingalls Wilder
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Mommy, what are you passionate about?”
What an interesting question, I replied, as I folded my last item from the day’s load of laundry. Multiple piles of various clothing were stacked before me on the bedroom floor, waiting to be slipped into drawers or, shockingly, stuffed into the bottom of one’s closet (tisk, tisk).
“What does passionate mean?” asked another daughter, as she flopped onto her bed, and stared up at the ceiling of her bedroom.
Let’s see.
Passionate: strong emotions or beliefs, a feeling of intense enthusiasm towards or compelling desire for someone or something.
First off, let’s make sure we are passionate about living a life for God, I explained. Indeed, that should be top priority!
For if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord;
therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
Romans 14:8
Then, following this, I suppose I’m passionate about making life pleasant with good, healthy memories … staying separate from the world, enjoying life one day at a time and seeing the simple but astounding beauty in nearly everything … sometimes, that is not easy, but it is indeed a passion of mine. With all the events of the past two years — in my mind, a quiet, strong war that we are fighting — it is even more important to make our homes sacred, safe and full of love, to give our children a childhood full of healthy memories and simple joys.
Living a quiet life, separate from the mad rush of a crazy world … baking homemade bread for dinner and preparing nourishing meals … having time to read story picture books to my children in the evenings or go on a country walk in the afternoon … tea sipped in teacups by the seashore or a restful nap under the gentle October sunshine by the pond … a life not rushed but filled with simple busy-ness that makes our family operate.
This doesn’t sound very grand to some – oh, indeed, when I was younger, I wished to be travelling to far off countries and helping feed orphans. I wanted to be a missionary and help children in Africa (I would still love to do that!) … then, as a college graduate, I was passionate about my journalism career …. after falling in love and getting married, I wanted to build my home based photography business so I could stay at home and be a mother to my future children … babies came and the Lord blessed our family with beautiful children …. and I realized, slowly but with conviction, that I cannot put my passion and time into outside work and still raise my children with my whole heart …
So right now, my mission and my passion is my home life.
And while it’s not award-winning or attention-receiving, it’s not exciting to some and perhaps mundane to others … it is humble, daily work that is rewarded in other ways – a huge from my smudge-cheeked sons, a smile from my older daughter as we bake in the kitchen together or a silly conversation with my little girl as we pull weeds in the back garden.
My family and our home – that is what I am passionate about.
Here is a little treat you can bake up for your family this Autumn …very simple and so pretty if you bake in a bundt cake pan (highly recommended)…
~Pumpkin Spice Cake ~
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger.
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, eggs, brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the pumpkin puree. Beat in the flour mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
Serve with a steaming pot of tea and a generous helping of vanilla ice cream!
Finally – a little song to send your way – one of my favourite singers and one of my favourite songs!
Michelle –Thank you once again for sharing your heart and lives with us. Your posts are ALWAYS encouraging for me as a wife and mother. My first job-a child of God, then my husband and children and my home should be my ministry. But I fail miserably. Thank you for reminding me of what and where I should be. You are such a blessing!!
November 2, 2021 - 2:40 pm
Monica–Hello, dear friend. I love this post. I’m passionate about the same! I think it’s very healthy and needful for us to step
Back and evaluate what are our passions every once in a while. Thanks for the reminder. Beautiful photos! I must try this cake. I have two pumpkins that need baking up this week as they are sure to go downhill before too long. Love to you! Monica
November 1, 2021 - 1:49 pm
Brenda (Gigi’s Momma) –And you are doing a great job of this, my sweet Gillian! You are a good momma to your children and they will have wonderful memories from their childhood. Love you and thanks for the recipe! xo
October 29, 2021 - 4:44 pm
Lynnea –This is such a balm to a weary soul….thank you!❤️
October 28, 2021 - 1:52 pm
Ruthie –I love what you’re passionate about! Thankyou for encouraging us to provide a peaceful, welcoming home for our families. It’s so important in today’s day and age. Looking forward to trying the recipe! Yum!
October 28, 2021 - 9:38 am
Debby in Kansas USA –For what it’s worth, I think you’re spending your time doing exactly what the Lord wants. Thank you for the lovely pictures that brought a big smile to my face and warmed the cockles of my heart!!
October 27, 2021 - 9:24 am
Danessa stride –Hello there! So glad you are enjoying the Island life! Having grown up around the water, having it literally in my backyard we tend to take it and all the beauty that comes with it that God as blessed us with for granted, so thank you for the reminder that we have so much to be thankful for We think it’s beautiful here, I can’t even fathom how beautiful heaven must be!
October 26, 2021 - 1:10 pm
kim –Thank you so much for this encouragement. It is at a time when I really need to hear these truths.
October 26, 2021 - 12:50 pm
Christina–That is a sweet song. Yes, I am also passionate about home and family. I am a bit further down the lane than you, but the passion remains fiercely lit. I enjoy your calm blog. A rare gem in this day. Thank you for sharing that cake recipe. I need to now put the ingredients that I am missing onto the shopping list. (Thankfully it is just eggs and vanilla.)
October 25, 2021 - 6:03 pm
Erin Lynn –So lovely! Thank you for this beautiful post!
October 24, 2021 - 11:02 pm
Teresa–I too share your heart of home and family, this is the highest and greatest calling on a mama’s life. These little gifts are from God above ~ What a lovely post! Teresa
October 24, 2021 - 11:27 am
Laura Jeanne–I am passionate about the same things you are, Gillian! Thank you for this lovely post and for the recipe too. One of my boys just loves anything pumpkin spice and I’m sure he would be so happy if I made this cake!
Also, what a great song! I’d never heard it before.
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD,
as the waters cover the sea.”
Habukkuk 2:14
As most Autumn months go, it has been very busy around our little home and garden life. I do hope to get back to my writing shortly, to find a little break in time as our days are filled with farm chores, birthday celebrations, household work, home education and tiny, short day trips around our pretty little island.
We are constantly in awe of God’s handiwork around the oceansides … it is just such a lovely sight and always impressive to visit the ocean …
This particular rock formation is said to look like a teacup or teapot – either way, it was wonderful to view at this lovely beach.
When nature declares the glory of the Lord, it humbles and quiets my spirit …
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; The God of glory thunders, The Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful, The voice of the Lord is majestic. Psalm 29:3-8
P.S. Many updates are needed for this little blog – we have found a small family business idea and I’ll write about that soon. We have so many lovely little details happening during our day. I hope to find more time to write and share photos. Thank you for staying with me!
Teresa–Friend, I so look forward to your post! I find such encouragement in each post. Hugs Teresa
October 22, 2021 - 1:42 pm
Diane –Wow! GiGi! I have to say yours is the most beautiful blog I have ever seen! Gorgeous! Such a treat to read and enjoy the pics.
October 21, 2021 - 11:55 am
Lori Speare –Hello sweet friend. I have emailed you twice now and I’m not sure if you’re getting them? I’m not sure if I’ve sent them to and email you don’t check. Would love to hear from you.
October 20, 2021 - 5:16 pm
Julie –Enjoy seeing your family and the lovely adventures you all experience. I have always loved Anne of Green Gables and your post are like a real life look into the beauty of the books. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to the next post.
October 19, 2021 - 1:28 pm
Lynnea –So happy to read your lovely post and see the beautiful pictures!
Thankful that all is well with you and your family and that you are enjoying your new home!
It’s always a pleasure to visit! Thank you!
~Lynnea
Ruthie –I simply cannot pick my favorite out of these photos! They are all amazing. I like when you said …. when nature declares the glory of the Lord, it humbles and quiets my spirit. Thankyou for sharing.
October 13, 2021 - 6:21 pm
Laura Jeanne–What a beautiful beach! The voice of the Lord is indeed majestic. Thank you for sharing.
October 13, 2021 - 11:45 am
gramma Cardinal –So happy that you love your new home! kiddies seem thrilled with their ocean views!
October 13, 2021 - 8:45 am
Gigi–Regina, thank you! Lots to share, but God is good and taking care of us. I am so thankful.
October 13, 2021 - 8:45 am
Gigi–Christina, it really is quite beautiful. I am so delighted to live near such beautiful scenery! I am looking forward to sharing more about our adventures on our little island!
October 12, 2021 - 2:50 pm
Christina–It is so beautiful around there! I can’t wait to read about more adventures and your new idea! We just left the beach and I feel as though I should move closer to it!
October 12, 2021 - 2:32 pm
Regina–I can’t wait to hear what’s happening in your family.
“A home without children! It is like a lantern and no candle;
a garden and no flowers; a vine and no grapes;
a brook and no water gurgling and gushing in its channel …
Children are more easily led to be good by examples of loving kindness, and tales of well-doing in others, than threatened into obedience by records of sin, crime and punishment.
Then, on the infant mind impress sincerity, truth, honesty benevolence and their kindred virtues,
and the welfare of your child will be insured not only during this life, but the life to come.
Oh, what a responsibility to form a creature, the frailest and feeblest that heaven has made, into the intelligent and fearless sovereign of the whole animated creation … they will not trouble you long.
Children grow up– nothing on earth grows so fast as children. It was but yesterday, and that lad was playing with tops, a buoyant boy. He is a man now, and gone!
Woe to him who smiles not over a cradle, and weeps not over a tomb. He who has never tried the companionship of a little child, has carelessly passed by one of the greatest pleasures of life, as one passes a rare flower without plucking it or knowing its value.”
-The Royal Path of Life, Children, 1908
Teresa–Such truth! He has gotten so big, what a handsome little man! Have a blessed weekend!
August 28, 2021 - 9:37 am
Laura Jeanne–*wipes away a tear* So lovely, Gillian. Thank you for these beautiful words and photography. Children are indeed the greatest treasure here on Earth. I have been struggling with grief lately knowing that I won’t be having any more now. Next week is my 43rd birthday! It’s been so many years since I’ve had a baby to hold, my arms are aching for that!
“A home without children! It is like a lantern and no candle;
a garden and no flowers; a vine and no grapes;
a brook and no water gurgling and gushing in its channel …
Children are more easily led to be good by examples of loving kindness, and tales of well-doing in others, than threatened into obedience by records of sin, crime and punishment.
Then, on the infant mind impress sincerity, truth, honesty benevolence and their kindred virtues,
and the welfare of your child will be insured not only during this life, but the life to come.
Oh, what a responsibility to form a creature, the frailest and feeblest that heaven has made, into the intelligent and fearless sovereign of the whole animated creation … they will not trouble you long.
Children grow up– nothing on earth grows so fast as children. It was but yesterday, and that lad was playing with tops, a buoyant boy. He is a man now, and gone!
Woe to him who smiles not over a cradle, and weeps not over a tomb. He who has never tried the companionship of a little child, has carelessly passed by one of the greatest pleasures of life, as one passes a rare flower without plucking it or knowing its value.”
-The Royal Path of Life, Children, 1908
Lynnea –I love seeing the rooms in your garden ~ so lush and green with pretty pops of colorful flowers. I also love how you designed your family name in lettuces and made the “Sunflower Walkway”. Creativity galore!
We planted a variety of colorful snapdragons along with some dusty miller in our large oak barrels again this year. The deer avoid eating them and they do well in our hot, dry summer climate. Also, our tiny hummingbird friends like to dip into the flowers of the “snaps”, which is always fun to see. 🙂 ~ Lynnea
August 7, 2021 - 10:34 pm
Tara –Amazing!!!! My veggie garden is very very small but it brings me such joy! Also, I cannot believe that your oldest is 17!!! Wow! Time really does fly!
August 7, 2021 - 8:11 pm
Faye Henry–Good Evening High! So happy to read your blog and see that you are established in hour new Island home! Every thing is beautiful! Amazing how well your gardens are doing! I expect you having a wonderful time getting to know your new province.
We are heading to The Island for a couple of days in the near future. Just far a little getaway! Take care dear and God bless!! Xoxo
August 5, 2021 - 9:20 pm
Teresa SF–Oh friend, what a beautiful garden. I look forward to many harvest and pantry post! I agree the garden is so peaceful, I visit my small garden daily! Hugs sweet friend
August 4, 2021 - 7:50 pm
Diane –Wow! That’s just beautiful. You did all that while moving and getting settled! Amazing woman you are! We took a break this year and only planted watermelon and pumpkins. I also did 8 tomato plants in the rock garden. I am having some health issues so I am glad I don’t have all the canning. Nothing super serious just time consuming physical therapy. Love your dress and apron by the way!
August 3, 2021 - 8:02 pm
Laura Jeanne–Wow! I am in awe of what you all have accomplished in so short a time. Beautiful!
August 3, 2021 - 1:42 am
Brenda Clair (Gigi’s Mom) –WOW!!! AMAZING job, what a garden to be proud of xoxo
August 2, 2021 - 4:03 pm
Christina–It is indeed a beautiful garden. Thank you for sharing it with us. It does feel wonderful to provide for the family in lean times or even stressful times.
by Gigi
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