There are grumblings and complaints here because I don’t manage to create blog posts for every event anymore (edited to add–from my own children! Not any of you!) It’s not because I don’t wish to, it’s just that there are so many events and so little time. This post will serve as a little catch up and perhaps interest my children more than any of you. It’s been a busy month. Starting with the very end of October and probably my least favorite event, Halloween. I just can’t get excited about all that candy and I have a strong dislike for scary stuff. I do appreciate that Silas has worn the same costume for three years considering that I sewed that cape. He and Job both dressed as characters from a little known cartoon. Ambrose wore the tiger suit that my Aunt Genie made for her children over forty years ago. Cutest little tiger.
Next up, Job turned 10! Ten years since I gave birth to a darling ten pound+ baby and we both lived to tell the tale. His current obsession (alongside Silas) is skateboarding. The day before his birthday we visited our local skate shop for a new complete skateboard for Job. He and Silas both amaze me with all of their tricks. I’ll try to get some videos to share with you. They are incredible!
It’s funny the traditions that stick, like Jonny printing up a happy birthday sign and taping it together for everyone to decorate for each birthday. There is almost always a happy birthday sign tacked up over those sliding glass doors.
Job wanted brownies and ice cream for his birthday dessert, so that was quite easy. The only trouble we ran into was Ambrose wanting to blow out the candles. They were lit more than once to oblige him.
Next up, Elsie was baptized! She is such a sweet, content baby and I feel self conscious because whenever she’s in the room I can’t stop staring at her. One of our longtime family friends is Elsie’s godfather, and after the baptism he asked Seth and Phoebe what her birthday is and it was discovered that it’s the same as his! Don’t you love things like that?
(A couple of the only photos I have this month that aren’t of special events…)
Beatrix turned 15 and all she wanted for her birthday dessert was ice cream and of course Ambrose had to help blow out her candles. And now here we are a couple days after Thanksgiving and it’s almost time to plunge into Advent and then Christmas! Guys, how do we do it?
Finally, in response to some requests:
First, I am sorry I never posted wedding photos. I did mean to, but I truly don’t have time! What I can do is give you a little update on our three oldest kids since you don’t hear about them much anymore and some of you have asked how they are doing.
You all know that Seth (age 23) got married in December last year and he and his wife just had their first baby in late October. I don’t know if I have mentioned that they live on our property in a cabin that they built themselves (mainly from lumber they milled themselves) over the year before their marriage. It has electricity but not water, so they are in our house a good bit too. They thought they would buy a house last summer, but it just isn’t the right time for that for various reasons. Seth is in his third year of engineering school and we expect they may be with us until he graduates. Aren’t we lucky?
Gabriel (age 20) is also living at home, waiting until he gets his journeyman’s license to buy a house and move out (in about a year). He’s about to graduate from our local community college’s electricity program and has been working for the same company as an electrician for about two years. A few months ago he was promoted to driving his own van and training new apprentices. He’s one of the youngest employees at the company, and I suspect, one of their best.
Keats (age 20) is in his second year of college. I don’t think any of us have gotten used to him being gone for so much of the time. He is studying viola performance but is assistant principal violinist in his orchestra this year because that’s what they needed from him. He plays in multiple ensembles on both viola and violin. The truth is, he doesn’t like college, but he’s doing it and he’s doing well. He’s been home for few days for Thanksgiving and I get a lump in my throat when I think about him heading back to school. But Christmas break is almost here…
Thanks for this update. I love your family SO much, so seeing you post always makes me happy! But…no pressure whatsoever 🙂 Only post when you can!
I loved hearing what the older kids are up to. I work at a college and teens/adolescents are my favorite. It’s just exciting to see kids develop into adults with their own ideas, interests, and talents!
Also, I can’t believe Job is ten. What on earth? I started following your blog when he was a newborn! Ha.
Anyway, have a good week and a nice Advent, Ginny!
PS. Elsie is adorable!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy and prosperous New Year.
You are so lucky to have Seth and his little family nearby. But of course, its not luck, its family, and yours has always been one where your children find refuge rather than wanting to flee. It makes sense that a few of them will want to stay close. I love that your children are so independant and also flourishing in their own ways. Not cookie cutter, but still thriving. Amazing. Such an example to those around you. Congratulations, Ginny….I pray that you and your growing family continue to be blessed and thrive.
Peace be with you,
Olivia
Gosh, Ginny. I just can’t believe how time has flown when I remember your babies being born! I remember reading those posts on baby Job and being so in awe of your perspective on motherhood and birth. Your family is so wonderful, may God continue to bless you all, I just love it!
Don’t apologize for the stretches of time between posts. Each post is a gift and surely we don’t expect gifts every month! We are happy that you still have time to post at all. Your children are all wonderful and it is a blessing that they are all doing well. Someday you will have lots of time to post. And we will be still be interested. Have a great holiday season with them all!
I loved reading this. I am so happy that your family exists – glory to God! Love, love, love.
What a lovely post, Ginny. Thank you — given the full nature of your life it is perfectly understandable why time passes without the writing! I am sorry to hear people have been moaning at you, tho’. Happy birthday wishes to all of the birthday people. And oh, what a sweet baby blessing you all have been gifted with! What joy, pure joy. Wishing you happy Thanksgiving, and a glorious Advent season to come🕊
No wonder you don’t have time to post as you have life events daily. Thanks for this lovely post and catching us up with the older kids. They are all so amazing!
No wonder you don’t have time to post as you have life events daily. Thanks for this lovely post and catching us up with the older kids. They are all so amazing!
A lovely update – thank you for sharing all of the news, Ginny! x
Lovely post Ginny. Thanks for the update on your three oldest…time truly does fly! Your granddaughter looks precious as I know she is for all. Enjoy each day as it brings a blessing and joy for your hearts. God bless your family.
Oh, Ginny – you are lucky! I am fortunate to have babies in the house, too. But, I can’t imagine a more picturesque and lovely beginning-to-married-life than the one you describe Seth and Phoebe sharing. My Sergei is a journeyman electrician, as well.
I love your posts, and wish I still had some connection to Virginia.
I have lumps in my throat on a daily basis when I’m swallowing back tears. Our 6th child just flew the nest last week. Flew from our home in England back to America. It’s never easy, no matter how many are still at home or how many leave. Each one adds so much to the family that when they leave it changes the dynamics of the home. We have to get used to a house without them, and an adjustment to a smaller family of five. It’s so difficult. I miss each of my children as if I’ve been punched in the gut and the air has left my body; my heart is barely there, save for the small percentage remaining, belonging to the last three still home.
Thanks for the beautiful update on your family! Elise will so enjoy having her aunts and uncles being fairly close to her age . . . . . one of my uncles is four years older than I and it was always a gift to me. My youngest siblings are not too terribly much older than my eldest daughters. They are now all good friends. A great blessing, for sure.
Don’t be too hard on yourself in keeping us in your “loop”. Know that we send you blessings and good wishes, always!
What a nice update on the family. The children are a delight. I always enjoy your posts. Have a good week. God Bless.
Marilyn
Ginny I really appreciate you updating the happenings of your children I enjoy reading of their activities. It seems Ambrose will only want a bunch of candles to blow out for his birthday.
Have a happy and blessed week.
Marion
Thank You for the update on your beautiful family. They are a delightful bunch.
Happy Week-End
Joan
I feel the same way about my nieces–I just like to *look* at them. 🙂 so you’re not alone, Ginny! 🙂
wow! so many exciting things! this is a great season of life! <3
Your posts are always a treat. Thank you for taking the time to write them as often as you do. ❤️
We love that cartoon in our house!
I’ve been following for years, love your posts, love your photography. Thanks for the update on your beautiful family!
I always look forward to your posts. I know how busy you must be, so thank you for making time to share your life with us💗
Wonderful update and beautiful photos! And, we LOVE Over the Garden Wall over here! Little known indeed. 😁
Ginny, isn’t having a granddaughter the best? I have two, 12 and 1 and love them dearly! Your life is so full, enjoy every moment, time has a way of flying by.
So Beautiful. !!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Much to be thankful for !!!