Gigi&#039;s Blog &raquo; Tales of the Mortician&#039;s Wife

January 20, 2023 - 3:35 pm

Gigi – Thank you, Mel!! So good to hear from you!

January 20, 2023 - 2:43 pm

Melanie Waldner – OMG Congrats!!! Baby #10! Amazing! She’s beautiful! All the best to you and your family Gillian! Give her a few extra cuddles!

January 19, 2023 - 1:02 am

Mom – One more person will be there soon, to cuddle Lariah! Can’t wait xo

My Ministry

Monday, January 2, 2023

“Would you love to be involved in a world-changing ministry?
Do you want to feel useful and do something that impacts society?

I want to encourage you, mother, that as you embrace your calling of motherhood to receive the babies
God wants to give you and raise them to contend for the faith and stand undaunted against the enemy,
that you are involved in a world-influencing ministry!

The greatest threat to the progressives and socialists are strong godly families who are raising children
who will stand unflinching against the devil’s deceptions.
They are a force to be reckoned with.
You will face disappointments and challenges, but never give up!
The cost is too great!
– Nancy Campbell

Ladies, I am truly savouring these early baby days … resting as much as I can, holding my baby close, breathing in her sweetness. With every new baby, I am amazed at how my heart can grow with more love. I would give up all worldly gain to embrace this role as a simple mother, backed by Heaven, training and raising up little ones for the Kingdom.

Never let the world convince you to follow its path. I have had many people question why we have had so many children – let’s just say these children are GIFTS from God and I do not take them for granted. I have had some suggest I am at a “good age” to stop having babies – how far we have come for the natural ways. When did it become so ‘strange’ to have a large family? And why? The world would have you stop having babies at a certain age and interrupt God’s plans for your family.

God’s ways are so much more rewarding!

And this little baby, my friends, is filling my heart with more joy than I can express …

He maketh the barren woman to keep house,
and to be a joyful mother of children.
Praise ye the Lord.
Psalm 113:9

Around the Home, Babies, Birth Photography, Large Family, personal

by Gigi

19 comments

January 13, 2023 - 2:52 pm

Michelle – Amen and Amen!! Thank you for sharing and your continuing encouragement! Beautiful family!

January 12, 2023 - 3:27 am

Linda – Congratulations Gigi and family, I heartily agree there is no greater joy than the gift of a child. Many blessings to you and your new little one ~ Linda

January 10, 2023 - 10:36 am

miriam stoltzfoos – I sure will!

January 9, 2023 - 3:31 pm

Gigi – Yes — Heaven! This world is only temporary …
I’d love to meet you! Let me know if you ever come this way. 🙂

January 9, 2023 - 9:06 am

miriam stoltzfoos – Thank you! Gigi. I feel like the Lord healed me from the pain and sorrow of loss and it’s made me long for heaven more, as I can’t wait to meet all of my children in heaven and hear all their stories.
It’s on my bucket list to visit Prince Edward Island sometime. If we do I’d love to meet you and your family. Your blog is one of my very favorites.

January 8, 2023 - 3:37 pm

Gigi – Miriam, your story really touched my heart; one of sadness and hope. I’m so glad to hear the Lord blessed you with your daughter, Tatiyana! And I’m so happy that you are living out motherhood with joy … it must have been heart breaking to have so many losses. I can only imagine how helpless you must have felt to lose so much …
My prayers are with you as you journey through motherhood!

January 7, 2023 - 6:13 pm

miriam stoltzfoos – Your new baby is beautiful. Congratulations to you and your husband for having 10 children.
I was 28 when I got married and I knew I wanted at least 4 children. When I got pregnant the first time I was more excited about it then I had ever been about anything before. To my disappointment I soon miscarried. I grieved more for that baby then I expected. A few month later I got pregnant again. This time I wasn’t as excited though. At about 8 wks. I miscarried again. A few months later the same thing happened and so on for years. I took long breaks from trying to conceive because of it and studied on what could be the cause, had lots of prayer at church about it. My husband and I fasted and prayed about it many times. I did carry one baby 4 months and that one tested positive with a chromosome abnormality that’s not generational.
Finally at the age of 40 we decided to become foster parents and our first placement was a beautiful little 4lb. 10 oz. baby girl named Tatiyana and we ended up adopting her and she is now 6 yrs. old, Finally I feel like I’m living my dream of being a full time stay at home mom. She has brought so much joy to our family. Because of what I experienced I encourage anyone that can, to have a big family. I hope and pray that my daughter can marry a godly man fairly young and have a big family of her own.
It sounds like you embrace all your children to the fullest
which is great to hear. So many of my friends plan their babies for no reason other than, Convenience? So they have more time to enjoy each one? etc.

January 6, 2023 - 2:27 pm

Erin Lynn – People can be very unkind about new pregnancies with many children. I had many people act like they felt sorry for me or not say anything at all with my last little one in October. In fact, I began avoiding people at church, and would leave as soon as the closing prayer was said. I know this was not a healthy way to handle it, but I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t want to act defensive or sad about their response. Well, once the baby was born, everyone acted happy again, so the issue did resolve itself. Your new daughter is another beauty!!! I hope you are healing and enjoying the newborn days.

January 6, 2023 - 11:46 am

Gigi – Ruthie, I understand – the world, even the church’s view, is skewed when it comes to Biblical womanhood. We must keep our eyes on the Heavenly purpose and try to not become distracted or discouraged. {{Hugs!!}}

January 6, 2023 - 9:08 am

Ruthie – Just an afterthought… I love your contentment and commitment to motherhood. For those of us who are likeminded, it’s refreshing to have each other on this blog. I sometimes feel a bit battered with the ‘well intentioned’ things other people say about my choice to be a stay at home mother, even when my homeschooling years are done. They assume that I (and my daughter) will get jobs outside the home now. It doesn’t mean that we’re lazy or trying to be a burden to our menfolk, but there’s still much to be done in our home. (Plus, we’re praying about getting chickens. Eek!) So, I love coming here and reading about biblical womanhood. It’s very much appreciated.

January 6, 2023 - 3:05 am

Ruthie – Oh Gillian! Your beautiful new baby girl!(hugs) I am so thrilled for you and your family! Your 10th blessing from the Lord… Congratulations on a safe & happy delivery.
Love,
Ruthie

January 5, 2023 - 6:45 pm

Teresa – So, true my friend. Beautifully written and beautiful photos. I have cherished all my years as a stay at home mom. Yes,my children is my world. To raise them for the kingdom of heaven is our role as a parent. I recently shared with a young mom, one of the most important thing is to have home time, it is the best thing you can give your children. They needs home time to play with their toys, discover nature in their backyard, time in your lap with a good book to read,these are the best of time. To be careful not to drag them here and there all the time…HOME is the sweetest place to raise your children and in church of course. Hugs to you ~

January 5, 2023 - 12:15 pm

Kristal – This is so wise and encouraging. During my early twenties, I unfortunately fell under the wrong type of encouragement. The books I was consuming often talked about children being a blessing, but also “it’s ok to covet naptimes”, “it’s ok to need a mom timeout”, “it’s ok to put your kids in front of a screen for 30 minutes so you can have a rest”, and “it’s ok to hide in your bathroom to have a piece of chocolate”. While I won’t pretend motherhood is easy, children are sinners just like us, and need constant parenting. However, I feel like this instilled the wrong message inside of me. It made me to feel like young children are a burden and it’s ok to have pity on myself when I was tired. I noticed my conversations with other moms reflected that. The Lord moved in me quickly, but many years ago my heart changed. I never saw children as a burden, but I no longer talked as if my children were bothering me and I just needed time to myself. When my friends share their pregnancies with me, I let them know how wonderful it is, without chiming in with, oh another little one to be underfoot. We are moms, we already know this! What we need is more seasoned moms to share the joys of motherhood, even in the rough seasons. My oldest is turning 13, and I know just how quickly our times with our children slip by (as I know you do as well). I know with my own children I will encourage them to be parents and mothers and to enjoy all that the Lord gives them. Anyways, sorry for the winded message. Your post spoke to me. 🙂

January 4, 2023 - 6:56 am

Gigi – Cathy, so good to hear from you! I hope you are doing well. Monica, yes, I agree with everything you said … {hugs!}

January 3, 2023 - 11:20 pm

Mom – Oh my heart xo I will be there soon to hold Loriah and enjoy her newborns. Love you xo

January 3, 2023 - 5:40 pm

Monica – Lovely, both of you! ❤️ Yes, we have come so far from what is natural and good and pure and a BLESSING. Even my SIL (who is not religious) who is an OB said you are only too old to have children when your body quits having them. Just a nice perspective to have. My worst baby “congratulations” is when people ask if we are done. As if, “this baby is nice and all but don’t you think this should be it?” Maybe some don’t mean that but it seems to be the “going comment”.

One of the best comments I’ve ever received was, “you and Bradley should have more children. The world needs more children like yours in it.” Praise the Lord for comments like that! If Christian people had not quit having children then no doubt our world would be exploding for Christ.

I do feel compassion for the mothers who can’t have more but want more. I do believe there is a peace from the Lord for them that He is able to give. Usually those women are extra special blessings to moms of many children in so many ways! They have the hearts of large family mothers.

Love to you, Gillian and Lariah!

January 3, 2023 - 4:15 pm

Cathy Bray – She is so beautiful! Congratulations 🙂

January 2, 2023 - 6:15 pm

Gigi – Regina, I am so sorry – I know you love your children and being a mother and wife! God bless you!

January 2, 2023 - 4:35 pm

Regina Shea – Amen! I would give anything to be able to birth more babies but a possibly unnecessary hysterectomy when I was 41 took away that chance.

A Heritage from the Lord

Saturday, December 31, 2022

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

Whilst the world tumbles between holidays and the new year, my days are quiet (quiet as they can be with 12 people in the house!) and restful … filled with precious newborn sighs, squeaks and tiny cries. Snuggled in my arms, our newest baby, Lariah, fills my heart with complete joy. To be blessed again with a baby from the Lord, this gift, I will never for granted.

I’m so thankful for the day the Lord opened my eyes to what it really means to say “Children are blessing from the Lord.”

Abby & I are blessed.

Not in worldly ways, not in personal gain, but in the children that the Lord has given us.

Tomorrow is Sunday, the first day of 2023. I begin a new year with 10 beautiful children and a husband that loves me. What more could I ask for?

I am hoping to post a little story about her birth soon. There are little snippets of time in which I can write down some details. I will share soon.

Around the Home, Babies

by Gigi

7 comments

January 2, 2023 - 3:24 am

Rebecca – Oh my goodness I missed this!! I kept checking your blog but I got busy the week of Christmas! Congratulations!!! Can’t wait to hear more about her arrival! Another girl, so fun!!!

January 2, 2023 - 12:47 am

Regina Shea – She has the most kissable cheeks!

January 1, 2023 - 5:56 am

Gigi – Thank you, Robyn!

January 1, 2023 - 5:55 am

Gigi – Thank you, Teresa! You are so sweet! Happy New Year!

January 1, 2023 - 3:55 am

Robyne Puckridge – Bliss!! Congratulations to you and your precious ones.

January 1, 2023 - 12:03 am

Teresa – What a wonderful Christmas you had holding a new baby girl- she is just perfect! So, happy for you all! I so enjoyed your blog – keep writing , for you are an encouragement to us all! Hugs!

December 31, 2022 - 11:55 pm

Teresa – Aw, she is beautiful, congratulations to all of you! Children are a blessing and a gift from our Lord; indeed! I am so very happy for all of you! Rest my friend!

💖💖💖💖Our 10th Baby!💖💖💖💖💖💖

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

We would be so proud to introduce you to the newest member of the our family … oh, this just thrills my heart to let you know we have had our baby … the Lord is good and faithful to take care of all the details (which I will share later).

Lariah Mabel Pearl
5 lbs. 5 oz.
December 23, 2022
11:30 p.m.

{born at home}

We are settling in nicely and I plan to post more details soon. I am still in awe that we have had 10 babies given to us, but I am so thankful and blessed … thank you for sharing in our joy …

“There is not a child in any true home so small as to have no influence.
There is not even a baby that does not unconsciously affect all the home-life by its coming.
Indeed, every bar is an emperor, with crown and sceptre,
and from its thorn on the mother’s bosom it rules all the house.
The father, out at work in the busy world, has a lighter, warmer heart because he is thinking of that baby at home. The mother gets through all her work more easily
because her baby is sleeping in its crib or kicking up its heels beside her.
The boys and girls are gentler, more quiet and more thoughtful since Baby come.
No one can say that any child is too small to have a part in making the home-life.”
– Home-Making, The Children’s Part

Around the Home, Babies

by Gigi

25 comments

January 2, 2023 - 12:44 am

Regina Shea – She’s gorgeous! Congratulations Gigi and family!

January 1, 2023 - 5:56 am

Gigi – Thank you, Monica – I think she looks like quite a few girls; I can’t seem to decide … at first, Lyla, but now maybe more towards Lucia or Lacey … Lavender was in a category all her own with a head full of black hair and big fat baby cheeks. 🙂 It’s a wonder how each child looks a little like their siblings, but yet a whole new person!

December 31, 2022 - 11:58 pm

Teresa – Aw, she is beautiful- just like her mama! What a beautiful name! Indeed, children are a gift from our Lord! I am so happy for all of you!

December 31, 2022 - 4:21 pm

Monica – She is so precious and does indeed remind me of a pearl! So white and satin, delicate. Which baby does she remind you the most of? Maybe Lacey? Enjoy your baby moon. Treasure the snuggles and baby smells…ah!!!

December 31, 2022 - 3:10 pm

Gigi – Thank you, Kristal! Yes, there is much excitement indeed! 🙂

December 31, 2022 - 1:22 pm

Kristal – Congratulations Gigi and the entire family! So precious. I’m sure there is much excitement over little Lariah. I hope you are recovering well.

December 31, 2022 - 9:26 am

Gigi – Thank you, Bobbie!!

December 31, 2022 - 9:02 am

HomeofManyBlessings – Omgoodness,how sweet she is!Congrats!!!

December 31, 2022 - 6:21 am

Gigi – Hello Jen, thank you! Yes, so sweet to hold another baby! It’s so lovely to hear from you! I hope you and your family are doing well!

December 30, 2022 - 8:29 pm

Jen – Congratulations on the safe arrival of Lariah!!! She’s so beautiful!! So thrilled you have another girl to hold!!

December 30, 2022 - 12:25 pm

Gigi – Erin, congratulations on your Malachi! What a great name …
And thank you for the sweet welcome for Lariah!

December 30, 2022 - 12:19 pm

Erin Lynn – So very precious! And tiny! My little Malachi, born in October, was 5lb14oz, so tiny and sweet. Welcome to the world, lovely little lady.

December 30, 2022 - 12:35 am

Rachel – Congratulations!!! So appreciate you and your precious family and your encouraging and inspiring presence on the Internet.

December 29, 2022 - 9:07 am

Michelle – Congratulations and what a BLESSING! So much excitement for your family I’m sure! She is beautiful but you and your family are all beautiful…Thank you for being such a witness for the Lord and letting your lights shine so others can see Him in and through you! I appreciate your writings so much!! Very encouraging and helpful as a wife, mother, keeper of my home and teacher. You and your family are a blessing!! Enjoy this new chapter in your life!!

December 29, 2022 - 5:44 am

Gigi – Thank you, Mrs. White! Keep writing – I do love reading your blog. You are an encouragement to me.

December 29, 2022 - 5:44 am

Gigi – We did have a bad storm, but nowhere near as bad as that hurricane a few months ago – just a typical PEI storm … I will write more about it … we did lose power but that only added to the adventure of the birth. 🙂

December 29, 2022 - 5:43 am

Gigi – Laura, thank you! How funny about the weight! P.S. I mailed you a letter last week. xo

December 29, 2022 - 5:43 am

Gigi – Thank you, Elizabeth!

December 29, 2022 - 5:43 am

Gigi – Emily, wow, your first baby! I will be praying for you as you prepare the wonders of motherhood! Thank you for being a faithful reader. I wish I could meet you in person. Thank you for your warm wishes!

December 29, 2022 - 12:25 am

Emily Robinson – Congratulations!! I have read your blog since I was 13 years old. I am now 21 and expecting my first baby in 3 weeks time! She is gorgeous

December 28, 2022 - 9:52 pm

Elizabeth Humphrey – Congratulations! She’s a doll!

December 28, 2022 - 8:33 pm

Laura Jeanne – How wonderful! Praise God. My first baby was also 5 lbs 5 oz…and she looked just the same, like a tiny, perfect angel. Congratulations, Gillian! You are richly blessed indeed!

December 28, 2022 - 8:31 pm

Robyne Puckridge – Oh I am so glad to hear your new baby has arrived safely! I have been concerned for you after hearing about the terrible storms across the U.S and Canada. Praise to our God! Regards Robyn

December 28, 2022 - 8:08 pm

Mrs. White – She is such a little treasure! Her name is also lovely! I am delighted for you and your family! God bless you all!

December 28, 2022 - 2:44 pm

Nancy – Warmest congratulations to you and your family on the safe arrival of your 10th blessing! What wonderful news to read! You have rightly included Pearl in her name, for she is as beautiful and luminous as one. Thank you for allowing us to share in the news of this wonderful gift, and I look forward to learning more about her arrival when you’re able. Blessings to you all!

Real Comfort is at Home

Monday, December 12, 2022

“Ah, there’s nothing like staying home for real comfort!”
– Jane Austen

The month of December, despite a few birthdays and invites out, is always a blissful month for our family. We gave up going here and there for fancy Christmas celebrations a few years for personal reasons and I have never been more grateful – instead of rushing about and feeling stress and anxiety of keeping up with schedules and what to attend or what to mail to whom … we are snuggled in our cozy home, finding moments for family games together around the kitchen table, movie nights on dark evenings, baking yummy treats in the warm kitchen to share with friends, listening to sermons from our favourite pastor (John MacArthur) and gentle non-demanding household chores that need to be attended.

It’s a rather peaceful time for us as a family of 11 – for which, I am so grateful.

We are also awaiting the new sweet baby – as quickly as this pregnancy has flown! I cannot imagine having 10 babies, but here we are, on the brink of a new chapter yet again. We have just a few weeks left before the baby will meet our family, Lord willing, and we will transition into a family of 12. A few more weeks of Luther being the baby (although not quite a baby anymore, as you can tell) and a few more weeks of anticipation.

Tonight, the weather report has forecasted our first December winter storm – I hope we are ready. Storms are a new thing for me – something we did not experience in Ontario (yes, we received a lot of snow, but not necessarily an Atlantic storm full to the brim with snow and high winds). I pray I have sufficiently covered my rose bushes, that the animals are adequately warm in their barn and hope for a healthy vibrant spring after this blanket of snow for the next few months … winter has arrived.

How is your December coming along?

Around the Home

by Gigi

6 comments