Jonny wanted to take one last fossil hunting trip as a family before Keats left for college. I wanted a photo of all of my kids together. I haven’t taken one since Ambrose was born. It’s rare that we are all in the same place at the same time these days. The older boys were asked to be available and everyone was warned that there would be a group photo taken. It’s funny, I’m a sort of professional photographer (or I used to be) but I am terrible at photographing my own family. I am better with candid shots. I lack the motivation to plan matching (or even cute) outfits and in the moment, I’m lucky to convince my kids to stand close to each other and look toward the camera.
We all had a wonderful time on this trip and I’m so glad Jonny made it a priority. I wouldn’t have had the energy to make it happen. Keats left the following week and while the younger boys had a hard time adjusting at first, I think we’ve all settled into the way things are. He’s only a train ride away (though it’s over 3 hours) and he’s come home twice already. Actually, three times. (I started writing this post weeks ago!) He’s here now on fall break.
Here at home, we have been busy. And I’m sorry to say, extremely stressed. I guess that’s why it’s been so long since I last posted. I have a hard time figuring out how much to write here, and how many details to share. Jonny took a risky job last spring and it turned out far worse than we could have imagined. I’m thankful that the worst went down after our fossil hunting trip so we didn’t have that stress overshadowing the day. We’re now in a position of trying to salvage both our finances and our mental health. We’re going to be okay, but it has been difficult.
We had a visit from my dad and his wife (the first in nearly six years) in September and of course, I got sick the first day and mostly hid in my room while they were here. But at least I got to see his face and hear his voice. He has started reading classic literature and it turns out that we have read some of the same books recently. How wonderful to have that to share with him.
We started homeschool co-op in September and I’m a high school chemistry teacher now. This occupies much of my free time, but I really enjoy it. I’m re-learning chemistry and learning how to teach at this level at the same time. Life has been so overwhelming for the past couple of years that I questioned myself about making this commitment. But, oftentimes having something challenging to do is just what I need to keep myself sane. I wouldn’t have predicted that chemistry would save my sanity during one of our hardest years. Rather than having a head filled with obsessive thoughts about stolen wages, I’m thinking about the science of light and pondering orbitals and significant figures. I’ve been knitting a bit too, and just finished a cardigan for Ambrose. Inspired by my recent chemistry lessons, I started listening to (affiliate link) All the Light We Cannot See while I knit in stolen moments here and there (they are few!) When I think about the absolute magnificence in both the seen and unseen in our world, it’s easier to trust that God has His hand in not only every gift but every hardship. One day, maybe I’ll be better at accepting the difficult times as gifts, trusting that He’s got this all under control so I don’t have to.
Soon I want to talk about knitting and books with you. I’ve read a lot lately that I haven’t shared. I will be glad to pop in next time to talk about the fun stuff!
p.s. In the midst of all the turmoil here I have been making soap and even, to my surprise, dyeing scarves! There is soap in my shop now (and there will be more), and I’ll let you know when the scarves are ready.
p.p.s. I wasn’t sure I’d share this photo, but it was such a happy day and I’m glad for a record of my presence. The photo is silly in general with my awkward arm and Beatrix attempting to include a naked Ambrose. Also, the contrast between Jonny’s ripped t-shirt and my nicest dress is a little glaring. I mostly wear dresses now, having gained weight rather than lost it since Ambrose was born. I’m not motivated to buy bigger pants and I find them uncomfortable anyway after my second c-section. Dresses it is!
Grateful for this photo…
Stacy says
Our second oldest moved to London for a six-month program with YWAM and I’ve been beside myself that I did not get a last group picture of our (six) kids before he left. I’m glad you made the day and the picture a priority! What a blessing.
Barbara B says
A beautiful family photo!
Laura says
I understand how hard it is having the first leave – my first left this fall as well! I can’t complain though as she is just over an hour away. That said, the first few weeks were so hard on my mama’s heart! Happy to hear that you’ve gotten to see Keats multiple times though – I am sure that is helpful.
I’ll be praying for your family and for all the hardship you are enduring right now! Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos once again. Oh, and I think you look beautiful in your dress – I love it!
Lisa Porch says
Praying for your whole family in this difficult financial time 🙏🏻
The first child to leave the nest is always soooo hard. Hoping you all adjust quickly ❤️
Dorina says
So wonderful and beautiful to see you all together. Sending you a big hug and lots of love!
xoxo, Dorina
Ashley says
“When I think about the absolute magnificence in both the seen and unseen in our world, it’s easier to trust that God has His hand in not only every gift but every hardship. One day, maybe I’ll be better at accepting the difficult times as gifts, trusting that He’s got this all under control so I don’t have to.”
These words you wrote were such an encouragement to me today! Thankyou!
Marion says
Hi Ginny;
Nice to read a lovely and newsy post from you. The trip was a wonderful one for all of the family. Thank you for sharing. Love the photo of all of the children. Wishing Keats a happy and successful college year.
We are decorated for Autumn and Halloween(nothing scary or creepy).
Have a wonderful week.
God Bless
Marion
Marilyn says
Hi Ginny, Thank you for the always enjoyable update. The children are getting so big. We have finally received a little fall like weather. The family outing looks like a good time for all. Wishing Keats a great college year. The photo of the children is lovely. Have a good week. God Bless.
Marilyn
Joan says
Hi Ginny;
Thank you for sharing your family trip. Wishing Keats a year of success and happiness in his College first year.
Happy Fall
Joan
Hannah Cousar says
Ginny, love, prayers, peace and comfort. As always, you all’s joy emanates even during hard times. That Mabel has your exact mouth! Gabe and his tenderness with small children is so touching. Each of you brings so much to this world. How can we help?
Jill says
God’s blessings to you all!
Donna says
Ginny
You truly touch the hearts of your readers. Your family is blessed! Wishing and praying for better days ahead for you.
Laura says
I really missed your posts, it’s ok to share even your hardships.Every mother can find herself in one of these situations.Looking forward to reading more about knitting, books and your stories.Greetings from Romania!
Laura
Andrea Hess says
The photo of your husband and you shows real life beauty! I prayed for you as I looked at it.
And how precious to have ALL your children in the photo! God has blessed you! May the righteousness of Christ strengthen and save you by faith!
sonrie says
I’ll just echo what everyone else has said 🙂
Barbara says
Oh Ginny, what a blessing you are to so many! Your posts are always so real and authentic, exactly what the Lord wants us to be. No one can relate to people who have “it” all together. Honesty is what we need even when it makes us uncomfortable. Thank you for always being transparent.
Your family is beautiful. Love your photography and especially the picture of you and Jonny. May the Lord bless your hearts with His peace.
Emily says
I’m sorry to hear you’ve been going through some tough times, Ginny. One foot in front of the other is all we can do! Best, Emily x
Melissa says
I’m sorry about your job worries, we’ve had a similar scare this fall when my husband’s employer switched him from salary to hourly. It turns out he’s making a bit more, the Lord will provide.
Also, I’ve worn only skirts and dresses for years. There’s something to be said about dresses camouflaging a middle aged woman’s mushy parts. 😊💗
Karen says
I’m adding you to my daily prayer list! My husband and I just went through the worst stress we’ve ever faced and when it was over (and it did!) the absence of the stress was truly a blessing. God is watching over you all, trust in that.
Lucy, Netley Abbey, Hampshire (England) says
Dear Ginny, I wish that I could tell you that it gets easier after your first fledgling flies the nest, it doesn’t but it does change with each one. As they grow in their new nests and in time make their own chicks that heartache does go as we see what a wonderful person we helped to nurture and watch them doing the same. I’m so sorry to that you are going through increased troubles because of others and I wish you well. All the photos are beautiful and so special right now when life is so crazy. Take care.
Lynette Pruett says
Ginny, whenever your posts come, however frequently or infrequently, they are always a joy. Please try to believe that.
I know that you know we all struggle, in every stage and at every age of life. Life simply is a struggle; I believe it’s because we have so much to learn to prepare us for that glorious Home Above!!! ☺️ I look forward to that time so much.
But until it is time for that next move, I’m here to tell you that you have a lovely family, a lovely life, and a lovely body. That’s a big one for women of all ages, as it’s so easy to fall prey to the falsehoods in our world about what we “should” weight, or how we “should” look, or even what we “should” be doing. I’m 71, kids long gone from home, but immensely blessed and grateful for a pair of 5-year-old boy-girl twin grandchildren who we never had reason to anticipate. But God is good, and He blessed our son and DIL after years of marriage with this pair, and the entire extended family as well.
Yes, God is good. Through the easy, but most often we see it best in the difficult.
(And you will LOVE “All the Light We Cannot See”!!! I read it this summer, and am happy to say I’m changed from the reading. Enjoy.)
Stephanie says
Thank you for sharing that Lynette.
Dawn says
Whatever you share, your posts are always filled with joy even if you don’t think so. You are the most honest and real blogger I have ever read and I am grateful to have known about this space for so many years. Peace and Blessings to you and yours.
Angela says
Dear Ginny,
your comments about the photo with your husband made me laugh out loud which is rare but feels so good.
We only have 5 kids but it seem to happen only every other year or so that we get to take a nice photo of all of us. And nice selfie with my husband is even more rare. 😉
I’m sorry to hear that you were and are having such a hard time. I pray for you guys. Thank you for sharing. Even tho I wish your life would be as idyllic as it looks in your photos, it helps me to see we’re not the only ones with hard times. Of course not, but especially online it can seem so. We’ve been moving twice within the last year, one time very last minute, and a bunch of other things that were just stressful.
I’m thankful for Jesus, my husband and 5 healthy kids.
The dress looks really good on you.
Blessings from Germany, Angela
olivia demkowicz says
Your dress is adorable! I am almost strictly on elastic waist skirts since my last c-section. Anything else just seems to irritate everything.
When we have gone through hard times I never worried. I was stressed and exhausted but not worried. God is faithful. All WILL be well.
May peace be with you.
Olivia
Andrea Topinková says
You have a beautiful family and these photos are proof of real life. Overly decorated photos often lie. I wish you strength and courage for every day, even if it is difficult. Andrea Czech rebulika
Rosie says
I’m sorry for the difficult and stressful times. I will pray for you! I love the candid photos, and find them much easier to take of my own family as well. But how marvelous to get all your beautiful children lined up in one frame like that – what riches!
Carolyn Svellinger says
Oh Ginny I will be praying for your enduring fortitude and for bountiful consolations. I love both photos of your kids and you and your husband! Candids are my favorite and easiest as well, but there’s nothing like a portrait for a mother. If our children only knew what they do for a mother’s heart when they pay the smallest moment just to stand still together and rest their gaze on the lens, they would gather with urgency! But alas, they won’t know until they themselves become parents.
Elizabeth says
Lovely photo of your children as well as of you and your husband with Beatrix photobombing! Shows both the love and laughter in your life! 🥰
Lou says
You are truly SO beautiful—inside and out! I love the photos, especially the one of you and your husband. I’m so glad someone else’s husband likes to wear ripped shirts. 😂 The true nature and realness of your life comes through in these photos. The children all together is wonderful and will be a treasured photo. Love reading your posts and will keep you all close in prayers and thoughts. We all have “stuff” and it takes courage to share on this kind of platform. Thank you.
Barbara says
I could see the worry on both faces on the Insta pic. Prayers for you and your beloved. I’ve been there, unfortunately, for years. I’ve clearly missed some important posts, especially since I don’t use a blog reader and instead am at the mercy of insta’s algorithm to let me know what’s new, but where is Seth these days?
Barbara says
PS Gabe and Keats are such handsome men!
Penelope says
I’m so sorry to hear about the job/financial woes. Ergh. I hope and pray all will be well, and soon! So lovely to have a post, and I’m looking forward to a books post 🤗📖 And: lovely lovely family snaps — I’ve been used to the older set, but now your middle ones look so big, too! Time. Crazy! How blessed to have a baby!!
Renee S says
Ginny, I became an empty nester last year as my sixth child left the nest for college. It is has been an interesting and sometimes difficult transition for me. I love being a Mom (I know I’m still their Mom 💕 they just don’t live at home and they are adults!) My kids aged me out of my most favorite job! I loved your post today! Days like your fossil hunting day become cherished moments in your memory! Don’t worry one bit if every photo isn’t perfection! The important thing is you are together!❤️ Each of these photos is a treasure and each is beautiful and each photo shows their personalities at that moment in time! I loved every phot. You and Jonny make a handsome couple, you have such a beautiful family! God is good and i know you know you how blessed you are❤️ I’m so sorry about the stressful times you are going through! May the Lord send His peace to you and your family during your time of trials. I admire your courage and honesty to share the good and the hard times. That is truly the stuff life is made of! Sending love and gratitude that you let us tag along ❤️❤️
Heidi says
The portrayal of you & Jonny & photo bombed baby is the best. Sums up my husband and I perfectly too.
I’m so glad you had a beautiful day to reminisce on rather than nastiness. This has been a trying year so far but hopefully good things are on the way for you & your beautiful family.❤️❤️
Megan says
Your posts are like little gifts – thank for for sharing, especially amidst the hardship.
Your family is so beautiful – but I need a name map for the photo! Everyone is so grownup now! Praying for you and your family💕
Lisa G. says
I like the photo of you and Jonny, and the ripped t-shirt on his side, and nice dress on yours seems to me to illustrate a meaningful life lived with another person – oh, I don’t know how to say it, but it’s just lovely, and natural. 🙂
Laura in Ontario says
I think the photo of you and your husband is real and charming. It shows you both as you are. And the naked baby in the background is hilarious! That’s a photo you’ll laugh heartily at when you see it again 10 years from now.
On a more serious note, I’m sorry to hear of the stress you’ve been experiencing. Ah, life. Jesus really meant it when he said “You will have troubles in this world,” didn’t He? Good thing he followed it up with “But take heart. I have overcome the world.” I would be a wreck myself, without knowing that I can take my troubles to the Lord.
God bless you Ginny. Your family is so beautiful and so are you.
Bee says
First of all, I’m sorry that it’s been such a hard few months (hard year?) for you guys. I can only imagine how stressful and scary that must have felt, or perhaps still feels. You will get through, Ginny. I know you will. Sending good thoughts and strength your way.
Second…there’s so much I love about this post:
– All your big kids in one photo! They’re all big to me, except for Ambrose;
– That picture of you and Jonny;
– The fact that Gabe always seems so game to have his picture taken;
– Related to the above: the picture of Gabe walking after Mabel in the water, both smiling. So sweet.
Thanks for sharing. All the best to all of you 🙂
Kate says
Thank you for sharing even through the stress. I have found dresses to be way more comfortable all the time especially compared to Jean’s.
I will so my best to remember you in my prayers. Take care!
Kate
Danae says
I am so sorry that you have been going through stressful times, and esp financial stress. I will add you to my prayers. I think that dress is beautiful even if it didn’t match your husband. Where do you find your dresses? I look forward to hearing about what you have been reading. Thank you for posting during hard times because your posts always provide a bright light!