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. Lover of Jesus, coffee & tea and all things pink & vintage.

A Great Work

          “Your children are the greatest gift God will give you and
their souls the heaviest responsibility he will place in your hands.
Take time with them,
and teach them to have faith in God.
Be a person in whom they can have faith.
When you are old, nothing else you’ve done will have mattered as much.”
 ~ L. Wingate

 

If you would have told me twenty years ago, that my husband and I would have ten children, I would have laughed! Not out of disbelief, but out of joy … to think that the Lord has given us 10 opportunities to raise children for the Kingdom of Heaven humbles me and brings tears to my eyes. I cannot say that parenthood is an easy career – for it is certainly a career – a career for the King. However,  knowing the ultimate goal is to raise little ones that will love and serve the Lord assists in creating a clear, daily vision.

One thing I will never ever regret is having my children — and staying home with each and every one of them.
I love each and every child that the Lord has given me with my entire heart.

There was a short season where I was driven for another career or worldly aspirations – but the Lord quickly worked in my life through older mentors and Biblical teaching. It was not long before I realized my Biblical place and calling was with my children and in the home. I do not regret leaving the world behind for a single moment. Young ladies everywhere – Christian ladies, in particular, need to be taught that the Lord will use them if only they will accept – in their role as future mothers. There is something so significant in being a mother, raising children for the Kingdom of Heaven!

 

“And then she realized she was replaceable in every area of her life except her home.
So she invested her time, her energy and her wisely”
Jillian Benefield

Let the world’s enticements fall away, let your daily vision be Heaven set, let your content heart be centred on what is good and true and kind … let motherhood be the journey you never regret and fully enjoy.

 

 

The most implant work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.
– Harold B Lee

{These photos were done this summer, as my daughters and I worked on photography project we hope to turn into a little book. I will share more photos over time … we had such fun working together… this beach, in particular, is just down our road. I feel so blessed to live on this beautiful island!}

October 25, 2023 - 4:27 am

Gigi Rachel, thank you for your encouragement. Yes, in these dark times, we all need to shine brighter for God!

October 24, 2023 - 10:32 pm

Rachel Thank you for being a light in the darkness to remind us of the important things in life – in this very distractible world we live in. Investing in eternity is the best expenditure of time.

A book might be coming?!?!?! Thank you and will watch for information regarding that.
Blessings!

October 24, 2023 - 3:57 pm

Michelle Hello Gigi!! I am ALWAYS inspired and encouraged when I read your posts! Thank you so much for sharing what you share! It is encouraging to me as a wife, mother, keeper of my home and home school teacher. I would love to live a more “simpler” life!
Thank you!!

October 23, 2023 - 4:25 am

Gigi Anna, it sounds like you are a very blessed lady … what a heritage you have with so many grand children — and soon, great grandchildren! God bless you! Thank you for taking the time to send me a note. 🙂

October 23, 2023 - 4:24 am

Gigi HELLO GIGI: WHAT BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS AND YOUR LITTLE LITTLE GIRL IS GROWING UP VERY FAST, HOW TIME FALLS!!! IT HAPPENS TO ME WITH MY SONS AND DAUGHTERS, SOME OF THEM ARE ALREADY MARRIED, THEY HAVE CHILDREN, I AM A GRANDMOTHER OF 14 GRANDCHILDREN AND I WILL BE A GREAT GRANDMOTHER FOR THE FIRST NEXT YEAR, IT SEEMS A LIE THAT MY FIRST GRANDSON IS GOING TO BE A DAD, THIS IS LIFE, WE MUST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY MOMENT WITH THE FAMILY WITH THE LOVED ONES, DEDICATE TIME TO RAISING THE CHILDREN AND ALSO HELP A LITTLE WITH THE PARENTING OF THE GRANDCHILDREN, I LOVE THE PLACE THAT GOD GAVE ME AND I WOULD NOT CHANGE IT FOR ANYTHING IN THE WORLD, I AM 63 YEARS OLD AND GOD BLESSED ME WITH MANY BIOLOGICAL AND HEART CHILDREN, MY LIFE IS MY HOME AND MY FAMILY, I AM ALWAYS THERE FOR WHAT THAT THEY NEED ME. I REALLY LIKE YOUR BLOG AND WATCHING YOUR SWEET FAMILY GROW, BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOURS GIGI.

October 23, 2023 - 4:23 am

Gigi Hello Amy, some of them are working for some local businesses, taking some further educational courses and pursuing their music aspirations. Life in our little home is always busy and there is never any dull moments for anyone. 🙂 We shall see what the Lord has planned for their future.

October 22, 2023 - 9:21 pm

Ana HOLA GIGI: QUE HERMOSAS FOTOS Y TU PEQUEÑITA ESTA CRECIENDO MUY RAPIDO, COMO PASA EL TIEMPO¡¡¡¡ A MI ME PASA CON MIS HIJOS E HIJAS, YA ALGUNOS ESTAN CASADOS, TIENEN HIJOS, SOY ABUELA DE 14 NIETOS Y SERE BISABUELA POR PRIMERA VEZ EL AÑO QUE VIENE, PARECE MENTIRA QUE MI PRIMER NIETO VA A SER PAPA, ASI ES LA VIDA, DEBEMOS APROVECHAR CADA MOMENTO CON LA FAMILIA CON LOS SERES AMADOS, DEDICARLE TIEMPO A LA CRIANZA DE LOS HIJOS Y AYUDAR TAMBIEN UN POCO EN LA CRIANZA DE LOS NIETOS, AMO EL LUGAR QUE DIOS ME DIO Y NO LO CAMBIARIA POR NADA EN EL MUNDO, TENGO 63 AÑOS Y DIOS ME BENDIJO CON MUCHOS HIJOS BIOLOGICOS Y DEL CORAZON, MI VIDA ES MI HOGAR Y MI FAMILIA, SIEMPRE ESTOY AHI PARA LO QUE ME NECESITEN. ME GUSTA MUCHO TU BLOG Y VER CRECER A TU DULCE FAMILIA, BENDICIONES PARA TI Y LOS TUYOS GIGI.

October 22, 2023 - 7:23 pm

Amy What are your older girl’s plans since they are finishing homeschooling? Are they looking at Bible school? College?

October 22, 2023 - 6:43 am

Mrs. White The photographs are so beautiful and peaceful. Your words of wisdom and gratefulness are lovely to read. God bless you and your family!

October 20, 2023 - 1:43 pm

Gigi Thanks, mom. Yes, a lovely beach!

October 20, 2023 - 11:32 am

Mom (Gigi’s Momma) Beautiful, as always. I recognize that beach xoxo

Autumn’s Smile

“Oh, Marilla,” she exclaimed one Saturday morning,
coming dancing in with her arms full of gorgeous boughs,
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.
It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn’t it?
Look at these maple branches. Don’t they give you a thrill—several thrills?
I’m going to decorate my room with them.”
-Anne of Green Gables

 

 

Autumn has slowly changed our daily routines and lifestyle into a new season… this, my friends, is my favourite time of year … Autumn. The hard work of summer is nearly over – we still are harvesting form the garden, but the end is in sight. The air is cooler, the skies are clear and azure blue one day and cloudy and moody the next …  and the Autumn breeze seems so fresh and clear from the seashore.

Recently, our family went to the most beautiful orchard in the hills of our little island to pick apples for winter eating. It has become a tradition to go apple picking every year. Last year, we picked apples within a few hours of the threatening hurricane – and that was a rush job to get the apples picked and home before we all battened up the hatches, so to speak. This year, it was much more relaxing.

Baby Lariah, who is growing ever so quickly with all the fresh air and sunshine, just loved exploring the orchard with her big sisters.

 

 

It is a joy to work together as a family and appreciate each season, gather the fruits of the month and enjoy what the Good Lord has given us. We, of course, read all the Jonny Appleseed books we have in our library and eat as many apples as we can in a day! 

At the end of our work, there is always a reward .. apple pies!

The little girls were so happy to don an apron and  be in our warm kitchen to make a pie for their daddy.

The pie was enjoyed so quickly that we did not get a finished product picture … proof that the pie was just as delicious as we anticipated!

What Autumn traditions do you and your family have? I’m so glad that on my journey of motherhood, some of our every day, regular routines have turned into traditions — such as picking apples together. Something so simple can create such beautiful memories.

 

“Autumn… the year’s last, loveliest smile.” 
~ William Cullen Bryant
October 16, 2023 - 11:53 am

Gigi Monica, can you believe we found them at Walmart? They are Canadian sweaters. We love them.

October 16, 2023 - 11:53 am

Gigi Mrs. White, I agree!

October 16, 2023 - 11:45 am

Mrs. White Such beautiful scenery. The children look so precious. Homemaking with children all around is an incredible blessing. God bless you!

October 16, 2023 - 8:32 am

Monica I love every photo. I love these Little Women and Men. 🙂 Autumn is truly a treat from the Lord. God is sooo good to us! PS. I love the girls’ sweaters!

October 16, 2023 - 4:41 am

Gigi Ana, thank you for your sweet comment … yes, all those things you described are my reasons for loving the colder seasons, as well. ((hugs))

October 16, 2023 - 4:40 am

Gigi HELLO GIGI, HOW BEAUTIFUL YOUR CHILDREN ARE GROWING UP, AND WHAT HELPS THEY ARE, YOU HAVE MANY HANDS TO HELP YOU AT HOME! MY FAVORITE SEASON IS WINTER, I LOVE THE COLD, KNITTING NEAR THE WOOD-BURNING STOVE, MAKING APPLE CAKE WHICH ARE MY FAVORITE AND MY FAMILY LOVES IT, DRINK HOT CHOCOLATE, MAKE DELICIOUS SOUPS AND STEWS, A DELIGHT. WE ARE IN SPRING AND SUMMER IS INEXORABLY CLOSING, I TRY TO TAKE IT EASY SINCE I DO NOT LIKE THE HEAT AT ALL AND HERE IN BUENOS AIRES, THERE IS A LOT OF HUMIDITY AND THE HEAT IS FELT A LOT FROM MID-NOVEMBER TO APRIL, WITH TEMPERATURES THAT VARY FROM 32 TO 42 CENTIGRADES CELSIUS, AN OVEN! WE MELTED, BUT GOD CREATED EITHER AND THE OTHER, SO WE TRY TO HAVE THE BEST TIME WE CAN. I SEND YOU A HUG FROM A DISTANCE AND MAY GOD CONTINUE BLESSING YOU.

October 15, 2023 - 9:19 pm

Ana HOLA GIGI, QUE HERMOSOS ESTAN CRECIENDO TUS HIJOS, Y QUE AYUDANTES SON, TIENES MUCHAS MANOS QUE AYUDARTE EN EL HOGAR¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ MI ESTACION FAVORITA ES EL INVIERNO, AMO EL FRIO, TEJER CERCA DE LA ESTUFA A LEÑA, HACER TARTA DE MANZANA QUE SON MIS PREFERIDAS Y A MI FAMILIA LES ENCANTA, TOMAR CHOCOLATE CALIENTE, HACER RICAS SOPAS Y GUISOS BIEN SUSTANCIOSOS, UNA DELICIA. ESTAMOS EN PRIMAVERA Y EL VERANO SE ACERCA INEXORABLEMENTE, TRATO DE TOMARLO CON CALMA YA QUE NO ME GUSTA PARA NADA EL CALOR Y AQUI EN BUENOS AIRES, HAY MUCHA HUMEDAD Y EL CALOR SE SIENTE MUCHISIMO DESDE MEDIADOS DE NOVIEMBRE HASTA ABRIL, CON TEMPERATURAS QUE VAN DESDE LOS 32 HASTA LOS 42 CENTIGRADOS CELSIUS, UN HORNO¡¡¡ NOS DERRETIMOS, PERO DIOS CREO LO UNO Y LO OTRO, ASI QUE TRATAMOS DE PASARLO LO MEJOR QUE PODEMOS. TE ENVIO UN ABRAZO A LA DISTANCIA Y QUE DIOS LOS SIGA BENDICIENDO.

Beauty of the Soul

“A desire to be beautiful is not unwomanly.
A woman who is not beautiful cannot properly fill her place.
But, mark you, true beauty is not of the face,
but of the soul.
There is a beauty so deep and lasting that it will shine out of the homeliest face and make it comely. 

This is the beauty to be first sought and admired.
It is a quality of the mind and heart and is manifested in word and deed.

 

 

 

 

No character is built good and true if the builder has not in her mind a picture of the woman she wants to be.
And the pattern for a good character must be chosen carefully.
The carpenter will not undertake a pretty cottage from the print of a barn, nor can a girl build a good,
true character if she patterns after those whose lives are not good and true.

 

 

 

 

She who has an ideal character is first of all pure and true, then earnest and sincere, patient and gentle,
and more ready to serve than to be served. It is easier to build a bad than a good character.
One can always go downhill with less difficulty than up, and glide with the current than row against it,
and it is easier to drift with the crowd than to stand for the right.”


– Beautiful Girlhood, Mabel Hale

September 28, 2023 - 5:11 pm

Lynnea Such a lovely graceful young lady seated with her harp and holding her horses. It’s a blessing to see…and these words are food for the heart and soul. Thank you!

September 25, 2023 - 9:09 pm

Mom (Gigi’s Momma) Oh Lacey!! I love you so much, you are such a beautiful woman who exudes the grace and love of Jesus. xoxoxo

A Boy & His Dog

A boy and his dog make a glorious pair:
No better friendship is found anywhere,
For they talk and they walk and they run and they play,
And they have their deep secrets for many a day;
And that boy has a comrade who thinks and who feels,
Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.

He may go where he will and his dog will be there,
May revel in mud and his dog will not care;
Faithful he’ll stay for the slightest command
And bark with delight at the touch of his hand;
Oh, he owns a treasure which nobody steals,
Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.

No other can lure him away from his side;
He’s proof against riches and station and pride;
Fine dress does not charm him, and flattery’s breath
Is lost on the dog, for he’s faithful to death;
He sees the great soul which the body conceals—
Oh, it’s great to be young with a dog at your heels!
-Edgar A. Guest

       

August 24, 2023 - 7:22 pm

Regina Shea Oh what a precious photo! It warms my heart!

August 24, 2023 - 3:05 pm

Gigi Monica, yes, you were so sweet to Luther! He is still talking about you! xoxoxoxox

August 24, 2023 - 8:08 am

Monica The boy AND the dog stole our hearts! ❤️

Now Is the Time – Get Your House in Order

“It has occurred to me that I am only doing what every housewife did as a matter of course only a generation or two ago.
She always preserved food for the coming year as it came into season and bulk-purchased staples such as sugar and vinegar.
Our grandmothers did this not because they were paranoid, isolated survivalists,
but rather because they had learned from experience that blizzards, crop failures, and epidemics happened. The prudent, prepared household prevailed.
Others did not.
As the winter storms howl outside my window and the political, economic, and ecological news goes from bad to worse, I sleep well, knowing I can care for my family during times of plenty and times of want.”
by Kathy Harrison

 

The weather was cooler this week, topped with many rainy days — thus giving us Gauthier girls a chance to dust off the pressure canning and begin our stock up for the Provision Room.

If you have been reading this blog for a while, you will know that every summer and fall, the girls and I work together to fill our pantry and Provision Room. We grow a large garden all summer long and preserve as much as possible. We still make mistakes and are learning but we’re definitely becoming accustomed to what is needed to feed our family throughout the year.

{Our 2023 garden}

{We planted twice as much corn as last year}

{adding fruit bushes to the property}

 

We raise our own meat birds (chicken) for the freezer and we have a cow we grow out for beef. We have a dairy cow, which is amazing and one of the biggest blessings to our little homestead. We have fresh milk every day, butter and more. We have our garden full of vegetables and we work hard to fill our Provision Room, limited the need for the grocery store throughout the year. Yes, we do still buy from the grocery stores, but with our gardens and home grown meats, we are certainly requiring the store less than a regular family.

 

This week, we pressure canned beef chilli, chicken chilli and spiced chicken, along with making dilly beans, Dill pickles, bread and butter pickles and blueberry jam.

If we have learned anything over the past few years with the state of the world, we cannot depend on anyone else – the stores, the farmers, the government –  to feed our family.  Being prepared is a necessity for us. The words “food shortages” are not something I thought I would ever hear in my parenting journey but they certainly were something we did see over the past two years.  If you do not have the feeling to get your house in order right now, then you are asleep!

Every day, there is a new topic under world events that could make you shiver.

However, we are not to live in fear – but to live in faith and to be wise. And to teach our children so they will one day have the same skills …

 

“Go to the ant, you sluggard;
    consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
    no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
    and gathers its food at harvest.

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
    When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest—
11 and poverty will come on you like a thief
    and scarcity like an armed man.”
~ Proverbs

[My children and I have this passage of Scripture memorized and we recite it to each other, if ever feel lazy and not willing to work hard during the daytime. 🙂 ]

It’s very easy to say, “Oh, well, it’s all too much work, I can just buy it at the store, buy it from the market, etc. ” However, we’re missing out on a few facts … 1) it’s healthier grown at home 2) you are learning a skill and teaching it to your children and 3) it is providing food security that you cannot receive elsewhere.

I do remember my grandma, who is currently 85, telling me “Anyone can grow potatoes! Just stick it in the ground and it will grow!” and she was truly right. There’s no excuse to not at least try to grown some food. And if you do not have the energy to grow too much, you will need to find an organic farmer that you can rely on to provide your food for your own provision room.

And then get preserving, stocking up, filling your freezing and learn how to can! We are so blessed to have an organic farmer down the road from us, who has indeed helped us with many things – eggs when our chickens would not lay and meat when we ran out – but we still work on raising and providing our own food, as much as possible.

 

 

Stock up. Now is the time. As I have heard it said:

Pray up and prep up.

“Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.”
~ Proverbs 31:25
August 21, 2023 - 12:56 pm

Gigi You are so blessed to have a double harvest, Monica! I know it is a lot of work but a great asset! Yes, the produce is a busy time right now! 🙂

August 21, 2023 - 11:20 am

Monica Hello, friend…this is a very good blog post and so important for us to do what it says. I’ve purposed to plant something every day. Put some kind of seeds in the ground somewhere. This is a nice challenge for me and very doable. Looks like the harvest has exploded, right after our visit. Love, Monica

August 21, 2023 - 6:54 am

Gigi You can do raw meat, if you want, but I often cook it. The vegetables can be cooked or raw, as well! Easy!

August 21, 2023 - 6:36 am

Ruthie Hi again Yes, we would love to come for a visit to see you all! Thankyou
Apple season isn’t here for us either. We just noticed a tree that was already dropping apples. We cut one open, saw it had black seeds, and decided to use them.
I do need to learn how to make those delicious looking soups! Are your meats and veggies cooked or raw before you put them in the canner?

August 19, 2023 - 7:22 pm

Gigi Hello Ruthie, so good to hear from you!
That is great that you are canning apple pie filling. Are you in apple season already? We are not quite there yet, but it’s one of my favourite seasons!
You are so right – they were truly hard workers. I have high admiration for those amazing ladies!
P.S. (We were hoping you could visit sometime! Hugs to you!

August 19, 2023 - 2:39 pm

Ruthie Hello Gigi! As Megan & I were trying to can apple pie filling, a new recipe for us, we were talking about something very similar. The ladies in the olden days must have had really good knife skills for all the preserving they had to do. Her thoughts tended toward how hard their lives must have been, especially without bags of flour and even the most basic of things we take for granted.
We harvested our garlic late & after a wet summer, found unwanted guests. We still have some, but not as much as we had hoped. Still learning & trying new things.
Always love seeing & hearing about your family.
❤️ Ruthie

August 18, 2023 - 11:51 am

Gigi Ana, yes you are right – God gives us wisdom, and we need to apply it. I hope things are going well with your garden. I am happy to hear from you!

August 18, 2023 - 11:50 am

Gigi HI GIGI: WE REALLY LIVE IN DIFFICULT TIMES WHERE THERE ARE SHORTAGES OF FOOD EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD, PRICES INCREASE EVERY WEEK, AND THAT MEANS THAT SOMETIMES THINGS DO NOT GO AS YOU WANT, IN MY COUNTRY THERE IS A BIG PROBLEM OF INFLATION AND FOOD PRICES ARE CONSTANTLY INCREASING, GOD GIVES US THE ABILITY AND WISDOM IN KNOWING HOW TO MANAGE OUR MONEY, BUY ONLY WHAT IS NECESSARY, LEARN MANY SKILLS: SEWING AND MAKING CLOTHES, KNITTING, EMBROIDERY, COOKING FROM SCRATCH, ALL THIS I HAVE LEARNED THROUGHOUT MY 45 YEARS OF MARRIAGE AND 12 CHILDREN WITH MY HUSBAND, BUT I WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING, START WITH A SMALL GARDEN AND I HOPE SOON OF MANY FRUITS. BLESSINGS FROM BUENOS AIRES AND I HOPE YOU TAKE A TOUR OF MY BLOG.

August 17, 2023 - 10:02 pm

Ana HI GIGI: REALMENTE VIVIMOS EN TIEMPOS DIFICILES DONDE HAY ESCASES DE ALIMENTOS EN TODOS LADOS DEL MUNDO, LOS PRECIOS AUMENTAN CADA SEMANA, Y ESO HACE QUE A VECES LAS COSAS NO SALGAN COMO UNO QUIERE, EN MI PAIS HAY UN GRAN PROBLEMA DE INFLACION Y LOS PRECIOS DE LOS ALIMENTOS AUMENTAN CONSTANTEMENTE, DIOS NOS DA LA CAPACIDAD Y SABIDURIA EN SABER ADMINISTRAR NUESTRO DINERO, COMPRAR SOLO LO NECESARIO, APRENDER MUCHAS HABILIDADES: COSER Y HACER ROPA, TEJER, BORDAR, COCINAR DESDE CERO, TODO ESTO LO HE APRENDIDO A LO LARGO DE MIS 45 AÑOS DE CASADA Y 12 HIJOS JUNTO A MI ESPOSO,PERO QUIERO SEGUIR APRENDIENDO,COMENCE CON UNA PEQUEÑA HUERTA Y ESPERO QUE PRONTO DE MUCHOS FRUTOS. BENDICIONES DESDE BUENOS AIRES Y ESPERO QUE TE DES UNA VUELTA POR MI BLOG.