Gigi's Blog bio picture
  • Welcome to the Gigi Blog!

    Mother to six Little Women and Two Little Men. Married to a Happy Mortician. Caretaker to goats, chickens and many, MANY bunnies. Photographer. Homeschooler.Β Lover of Jesus, coffee & tea and all things pink & vintage.

So this is Christmas – what have you done?

And so it begins … the Christmas season is upon us. Yahooooo! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Christmas – I love living in Ontario for Christmas … seeing the white fluffy snow fall … snuggling indoors with a warm fire and an old Christmas classic movie … family get-togethers and friends sharing the joy … oh, it’s just wonderful.

But it is at this delightful time of year that my heart turns towards those who are having a hard time finding joy this Christmas season. And for this moment, my heart is hurting for the women of La Tienda.

If you have been following this blog for a while, you will know all about La Tienda. If not, click here for a quick background

Today, I received an e-mail from Rachel Sticklee, the brains and complete awesomeness behind La Tienda, humbly asking for a little help – the truth of the matter is there is not enough money being made right now to pay the wages. Rachel is hoping things will pick up after January, but right now – this season – they are having very hard financial times.

The women are working very hard on their jewelry …

We just need to get some more funding over there and soon … of course, this low point direclty affects their children.

Basically, no wages = no food … and also means, no Christmas for these beautiful children.

Children who won’t be gettingΒ  a warm meal – let alone a toy or a gift – for Christmas on December 25th.

Out of all the children I have ever met, these are the children that most deserve and NEED some Christmas joy …

If you are like me, you have never had to go hungry – especially on Christmas Day – as a child, I’ve never woke up to find out that Christmas day was nothing special … no food, no toys, no joy …

I’ve been so blessed. My children have been blessed. And it’s time to spread that blessing to La Tienda.

How can you help? Take $10 from your Christmas budget and instead of buying Polly Pockets or Zhu Zhu pets or an extra set of Legos this Christmas, send the money to the women of La Tienda.

It’s very hard to ship supplies and items to them – the mail is not reliable … so the most direct, best way to suppor them right now is financially.
All you have to do is paypal $10 to La Tienda (send it to raquel@latienda.ca). Rachel has come up with a super cute idea of turning old ties into stuffed snakes … and with your donation, this will mean the children of their village will receive a snake for Christmas this year … their one and only present ….

Let’s spread a little Christmas joy to those who haven’t any in such a long, long time …

It’s really the least we could do right now.

November 12, 2010 - 10:13 pm

Connie My heart is with these beautiful babies and their families this season, thanks for the info..will dontate right away!!

November 12, 2010 - 1:33 pm

Sherri I’m sorry I couldn’t give more at this time, being unemployed since April, but I sent what I had saved in my PayPal account (was not sure what to spend it on so had just left it there). It’s not much, but I hope it will be of help to Rachel and the ladies. Thanks for reminding us of those with such great need.

November 12, 2010 - 11:39 am

Lori Thanks for reminding us of just how blessed we all are and how a little money will really help these families.
I hope my donation will help bring a smile to someone face on christmas morning.

November 12, 2010 - 10:39 am

Sarah So touching Gillian! Thank you for your heart warming blog and for sharing this! I have donated and spread the word! β™₯

November 12, 2010 - 10:38 am

Sarah So touching Gillian, thank you for your beautiful blog and for sharing this! I have donated and spread the word! β™₯

November 12, 2010 - 10:19 am

Ginger I found your site through a facebook mention by one of my friends. I was searching for a place to give this holiday season. Thank you for showing me…

November 12, 2010 - 9:47 am

Tabitha Oh Gillian – I used to work a lot in the Dominican Republic, and have seen this poverty first hand. We’re going to make this donation as a family, each of us giving $10 – thank you for such a touching and responsible post.

November 12, 2010 - 9:41 am

Samantha Fizzard This was so touching Gillian! I will be making a donation right now as well

November 12, 2010 - 8:56 am

Jen Thank you for sharing this story. I have donated as well.

November 12, 2010 - 12:36 am

Holly ohhhh tears pouring down my face makes it hard to type my paypal in! If those babies were our babies, if those mamas were our own mama, we would do sooo much greater than $10…thank you for sharing your heart and this need

November 12, 2010 - 12:35 am

Holly Ohhh tears pouring down my face, I cant see to type my paypal in! If those babies were our babies, if those mamas were our mamas, we would do so much more than $10…will be passing this on for sure to all our mamas! Thanks for sharing your heart

November 12, 2010 - 12:01 am

Mich Helping out La Tienda women and their families really is what the spirit of the season is all about. I am going to paypal right now to do my part. I pray others will be able to do so as well.

November 11, 2010 - 11:07 pm

megan So true Gillian πŸ™‚ Going to my paypal account right now. Thanks for this beautiful reminder, it’s easy to forget how blessed we really are.

November 11, 2010 - 11:06 pm

Tonya Wow…I’ll spread the word. The pics are just so touching. Beautiful. I would frame some for my living room.

November 11, 2010 - 11:06 pm

Brenda (Gillian’s Mom) Oh Gillian, this is such a heart wrenching Blog!! You put it “straight up” – I am going right to La Tienda Pay Pal to give my share!! I hope and pray other readers will know that God wants us to share beyond what we are already sharing! I know some of us might say “I already support other causes” but really???? Just $10 and just once! This is an urgent plea and God will bless every giver!! Bless you Gillian for asking!!! xo

Four Weeks …

It feels like she’s been in my heart, in my arms … forever … not just four weeks … how we love you, Lovelyn! I literally miss her when I have to put her down to wipe a counter, vacuum a floor or fold a basket of laundry … I feel *very* blessed to have my four lovely ladies in my life and Lovelyn, to me, is the cherry on the top of a super, fun, pink-sprinkled, cherry ice cream sundae …

Happy Four Weeks!

Life is just oh so much more incredible with you in it …


P.S.Β  Winner of the DecalDude giveaway to be posted soon! πŸ˜€

November 12, 2010 - 12:32 pm

TracyKM She is gorgeous! But you know, you don’t have to put her down to wipe a counter or fold laundry! A sling is aweseome! Check out http://www.thebabywearer.com for lots of info. A sling pretty much saved my sanity with babe #3 (esp. the sling meant for use in the shower!)

November 10, 2010 - 7:57 pm

Tara Amazing! So much Love wrapped in a bowl.

November 10, 2010 - 11:31 am

Cathy She is so beautiful…You are truly blessed.

November 10, 2010 - 8:53 am

Nicole This is my favourite photo, of any of your work! Beautiful πŸ™‚

November 10, 2010 - 8:47 am

Brenda (Gillian’s Mom) Awh, this is one of the most precious pictures! Great photography, Gillian. Lovelyn’s name certainly suits her! <3

November 10, 2010 - 12:54 am

Tabitha Awwww, so beautiful Gillian!! And what a lucky young lady Miss Lovelyn is – your blog will leave her with such wonderful memories in the years to come β™₯

November 10, 2010 - 12:53 am

Tabitha So beautiful Gillian!!! And Lovelyn is such a lucky young lady – your blog will leave her wonderful memories in the years to come πŸ™‚

These Days.

These days.

They may be foggy. The nights … they are long …

A tired, but surreal bliss, hangs over my head … yes, the newborn-fog has hit me. I’m running on little sleep and yet I do not want to miss *anything* over the next few weeks or months … the next year …

We all know how fast the time flies with a newborn changing every. waking. second. of the day. Not to mention the days and details of each girl of mine … I don’t want to miss these days, no matter how stretched my body might feel.

My friend and I were chatting today about how sad we are when we hear others moms constantly complaining that they are tired, that life is too much, that it’s just overwhelming … I’m not saying I’m filled with an over-abundance of energy right now. I *am* tired. I am dragging … I have lost my cool with my husband and nagged him too many times over something as silly as the bedtime ritual … but I am working on it. I am working on being better. On realizing that this tired drag-your-feet stage is only a stage -just that – a mere chapter in time – and before I know it, the days will have turned into years and years into decades and I am not ready for that. It’s not easy though. {I’m preaching to the choir, right?!} Every day, I have to keep my attitude in check, to register my brain that this *is* the day that the Lord has given me and that, despite any frustrations I might be facing, I am to be thankful for the good. To embrace the positive.

I’ve joined a small group from my church where we are studying Motherhood. It’s been such an eye opener to me – to not just love being a mother, but to embrace motherhood and all of it’s calling. For me right now, that means being a human receiving blanket (Lovelyn is a puking machine!), reading three extra bedtime stories even though I feel like crawling into bed myself and sleeping and trying out that cookie recipe that just didn’t quite turn out right yesterday. {Seriously. Does this sound ridiculous to you? I’m just trying to do the best at what I am doing in this moment.} That’s where my heart is at right now …

Lovelyn is growing so fast – she’s up to 5’11 lbs and is such a sweet, sweet baby. She is always in my sling or in my arms or sleeping on my chest (where she is right now). I don’t mind one bit.

Lucia is adjusting and feeling a bit happier. That makes me happy.

Homeschooling is going well – although at times, it is definitely harder than I anticipated … but it’s coming and together, we’re slowly creating a routine, a system and I think we’ll be okay. Some days are better than others and some days are harder. But we’re getting there …

We’ve met a ton of amazing homeschooling families in our area and that has helped in so many ways … [so inspiring!]

So for now, I just want to encourage you to be the best that you can be wherever you are, doing whatever you are doing. It’s too easy to do things half-heartedly and to just get by. Whether or not it’s mothering many little ones …

or educating older ones or working a career … we are called to do our best. And to stop complaining, to see the good and to LOVE what you are called to do.

[Sorry – I know this blog post is all over the place – my brain is like this right now …]

Speaking of many little ones … is this not the cutest car decal ever?!

(Oh, and no, hubby does not have a motorcycle – this Harley Davidson symbol is probably just a harsh reality check reminder of his one day mid-life-goal of finally owning a Harley again!)

I just got it this sticker for our car last week and have had so many compliments on it … so many that I e-mailed the shop where I bought the decal and asked if they would do a giveaway for one of the blog readers – and they said yes!

I KNOW you want one for your car/van/bus/suburban/truck/etc. …. I just know it …

This darling deco was purchased from the Decal Dude on Etsy … go check out their cute, online store and see what suits your family best …Stick Figure Family Style no 1 you pick up to 6 figures

You can choose up to eight family members and have it personalized with dogs, cats, etc.

Now I won’t lose my truck in a parking lot (not that I could lost My Beast of a Suburban if I tried) ….!!!

All you have to do is leave a comment on the blog and your name will be entered to win a family decal – sweet!

For everyone else, DecalDude is offering you a 10% discount on your purchase if you mention the Gigi Photogrpahy blog when checking out with your purchase.

{Wouldn’t these make a cute stocking stuffer for Christmas?!}


P.S. There’s snow in the forecast for us on Friday! Yeah!!!


November 10, 2010 - 9:19 am

Heather Awww love the shot of Lucia and Lovelyn !!! I would love
one of these decals, they are the cutest !!!

November 9, 2010 - 5:15 pm

Jane Love the decal! Great for a stocking stuffer!

November 9, 2010 - 5:03 pm

Kim B. I’ve finally had a moment to catch up on your blog and what a great post for me to read right now. Your life, while crazy, sounds wonderful and full of love. You inspire others/me to be a better mother/person and to let go of the craziness. Lovelyn is one lucky girl to have such a wonderful family to love her (and glad to hear Lucia is adjusting well too.) All the best!

November 8, 2010 - 8:36 pm

Chelsey I hope I didn’t miss the giveaway! Beautiful post Gigi … you really hit home xoxo

November 6, 2010 - 3:50 pm

Kate Hi Gillian
Congrations on your beautiful baby. Its my first time on the blog since you have had her and it was so nice to see the pics!
She is very sweet. The family decals for the car are too cute also!!

November 6, 2010 - 2:48 pm

Lucia Hey Gillian! Congrats again on baby Lovelyn! She’s beautiful, just like all your girls. Love the decals as well, super cute! Take care.

November 6, 2010 - 12:00 pm

Carry Gillian, I love and appreciate how very real you are…..have a great weekend and enjoy decorating for Christmas!

November 5, 2010 - 9:23 pm

Jenn Love the blog, pics and the decals they are a great idea for gifts. Thanks!

November 5, 2010 - 9:16 pm

Becki Thanks for the reminder to remember that each day with our children is a blessing!! (mom of 4 children 9, 7,6,and 3)

November 5, 2010 - 8:24 pm

Kim Gillian – your blog post was just what I needed today. Thank you for sharing.

November 5, 2010 - 8:06 pm

CorrieT So true it’s just a stage… enjoy it! Praying for rest in abundance for each of you.

November 5, 2010 - 5:46 pm

Mandey I love checking out your beautiful pictures but most importantly your take on life…as a mommy of 4 I truly loved reading this! Thanks…I totally need one of those decal’s for my amazing van…of which I call my LIMO! ; }

November 5, 2010 - 5:44 pm

Mandey I love reading your blog & your insite on life! Truly inspiring…as a mommy of 4 myself some days just get plain crazy at our home! But I LOVE every minute of it! I totally need one of these decal’s for my van…which I call my LIMO! ; } Happy thoughts to you!

November 5, 2010 - 4:55 pm

Samantha Fizzard soo glad that everything is starting to settle down for you! Even super busy your photos are amazing! Love the new decals for the car too! soo cute! πŸ˜€

November 5, 2010 - 3:02 pm

Stephanie Thanks for the reminder! I needed one today πŸ˜‰

November 5, 2010 - 2:47 pm

lita Nice pictures and how cute are those decals!! Nice to see the girls enjoying their baby sister πŸ™‚

November 5, 2010 - 2:24 pm

Meghan Great blog post. Thanks for the link for the decal, I have been wanting one like this for awhile and didn’t know where to look.

November 5, 2010 - 1:50 pm

Lori Gillian, I totally agree with you! You sometimes have to sit back and let it go! I struggle with that. Love the pics – super cute!

November 5, 2010 - 1:26 pm

shelleyk what a sweet blog post πŸ™‚ (and I have that same grey sweater you are wearing in the shot with the baby wrap, love it cause it’s nice and long, hehe) thanks for the little encouraging message that touched my heart today πŸ™‚ let’s all do our best, right where we are.

November 5, 2010 - 12:38 pm

Sonya I’m feeling everything you’re saying … happy to see that Lovelyn has gained so much weight as well!!! Always remembering to take one day at a time and enjoy what each day brings (it always helps to have a coffee in hand too πŸ™‚

November 5, 2010 - 11:11 am

Colleen Costigan What a very honest and true blog!!!! Life is too short and every minute counts, your children are too cute. Its always comforting to know other people feel the same way I do!

C.AD. Days.

“Everyone wants to be appreciated,

so if you appreciate someone, don’t keep it a secret. ”

– Mary Kay Ash

G.A.D. days.

I remember them well.

When I was little, our family would take one day every so often and make it an appreciation day.
So if it were my turn, it would be “G.A.D. Day”Β  – Gillian Appreciation Day. (Yes, I know there is an extra ‘d’ – never quite figured out why… let’s just leave it at that …)

If it were my sister’s turn, it would be an A.D.D. day – Angela Appreciation Day. (I think you get the picture…)

Sometimes, on “our” day, we were allowed to skip chores, a cake was baked in our honor or we were allowed to go on a date with mommy or daddy.

Lately – well, actually, even since Lovelyn was born – I’ve noticed that Lucia has been off – she’s not been herself. She loves the baby and is happy to have a little sister in the house … but she is also crying lots, whining & and just seemed out of sorts.

I decided it was time for a L.A.D. Day.

Date time with mommy. Some alone time. Some togetherness with just Lucia & mommy.

So after church on Sunday, we went out together – first stop: the local bookstore to pick out a new book.

She was so ‘tickled pink’ to choose her very own special book to buy …

Then, we stopped at the local ice cream store for some delicious hand-made ice-cream ….

Lucia’s heart was happy when we got home – it’s amazing what a difference a few hours can make … I love that little girl of mine!

When I got home, Daddy was a bit, um, frazzled as Lovelyn was crying “the whole time” … so we switched places. I stayed home with the little Ls and the two older girls opted to go together on their dates. I instructed daddy to take pictures, but that didn’t happen [smile] … I guessed that would be the case so I took one quick one before they left together …

{ I think next up should be a DAD day …. (Daddy Appreciation Day) …. I bet he would love that! Maybe after I get four hours of sleep straight, though.}

As much as I appreciate my children (even when they are driving me nuts and I’m super tired and just want to go to bed!) ….I also appreciate my clients and friends!! And I wanted to do something that would be a thank you for all of you who have been coming to Gigi Photography for photos for years or months or possibly are newer clients. You guys really do make my ‘job’ amazing! I love working with you all!
So to say thank you – to show my appreciate to you – from now till the end of the year I’m offering 25% off all gallery wrapped canvases – all you have to do is e-mail me for the code andΒ  use it when ordering online and voila, big savings! Gallery wrapped canvases are AMAZING … I have so many in my home and LOVE them to PIECES! Seriously. They are worth the investment.
So, there is it: C.A.D. days. Client Appreciation Day.


I really do appreciate you all!! πŸ˜€ {{hugs}}

Kindness – sunshine for the soul.

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
~James Matthew Barrie

Kindness.

It’s definitely a character trait that society lacks, it seems … but step into Rebecca’s life and your hope in humanity would be quickly revived. Her heart is bursting with love and it shows right down to her family life! Several times, Rebecca has blessed my family with kindness … THANK YOU, Rebecca!! You are a true sweetheart!

[Rebecca’s session took place just before Lovelyn was born so as you can see, I’m still catching up. ;)]


And another note – time to pick the winner of the Sassy Sweet Pea giveaway! [the cutest hair accessories ever!] A big THANK YOU to Keri, the owner of Sassy Sweet Pea, for offering up such a great giveaway prize here on the blog. πŸ™‚ You can see all the lovely products here on facebook …
Using random.org, …… the winning commenter is ……

#76 – Tracy R

Congratulations, Tracy!!! E-mail me (gillian@gigiphotography.com) and I’ll hook you up with your winning gift certificate!!! You will love the sweet bows and hair accessories!