The Finished Garden

Click on pictures to see them up close. The sign on the swing says," Another Day In Paradise"

This is my little secret garden. I love the way it came out. It is in the perfect spot in our yard because no matter what time of day it is this area is always cool and shady. I plan to spend a lot of time here. I am also planning on expanding the garden but that is a secret!

My before pictures of Shabby Swing Garden

These are some "before" pictures of the garden that my good friend and gardening buddy-Debbie helped me to design. The rocks and swing were put in last year. The 3 bushy plants I bought this year as a start. Joey and Cristian painted the swing (it is only primed in these pictures. )

Joey is digging some holes for plants. It is super hard to get a hole in the ground because of tree roots!

Mateo and Jeremy helped haul excess dirt.

This last picture is the view from behind the swing.

Gardening with her aunt Katrina

I have two sisters and we all love to garden. My parents always had a garden growing up and love to landscape. I guess it is just in our blood. Unfortuantly, gardening does not come easy to me - I like instant gratification and when you have to wait for things to grow.....................

Isabella is "helping" my sister plant the impatients. My sister has the patience of a saint. I hope Isabella gets the gardening bug! This litte area is one of my favorite areas on the patio.

My favorite place

Last week I was able to sneak away to my favoite place on the earth! Teaberry's! It is located in Flemington NJ-(my old home town) a tea house situated in an old Victorian house on Main Street. I was able to sit and relax with my very good friend, who also shares my love for all things pink and rosey-Theresa.

Outside on the side of the victorian is this cut little are with tables set up. It was a perfect day to sit outside.
Me and my pal!

This is the entrance to the house! It has a big front porch. I almost stole the wire dress form. IS IT NOT ME!!!

Therapy

last night my good friend Debbie asked me if I needed some theropy (code word) for "Do you want to go to the Christmas Tree Shop" one of my favorite places to find bargains! The way I look at it, I could hire a thropist for 125.00 an hour OR I can go to my favorite store and spend the same amount but get to keep the "stuff"

I was looking for garden statues and such for my new garden (pictures yet to come) and though I did find a few things, when I came across these two canvas paintings and could not decide which one to buy- I bought them both! (they were only 5.99 each-how could you not! I am sure I will move them around but for now one of them is in my family room (on the white corner cabinet) and the other is in my kitchen.

More graduation pictures

my parents with their 2nd to the oldest grandchild.

The Davis family, my sister, and my parents.

Cristian and my oldest sister

Cristian and his buddies from Pennsylvania- Alex and Ben

My son with his goofy smile! THATS CRISTIAN!

Cristian graduates

Cristian graduated high school Friday night. It was a beautiful ceremony held out in Ocean Grove NJ. My heart is filled with so many emotions as I watch my oldest one complete his high school years and embark on a new journey. Do you ever stop worrying about your kids? I can still remember the day that I knew he was coming. Life was now complete for me. All I ever wanted was to be married to the man of my dreams and be a mom. It has been a joy and privledge to be Cristian's mom all these years. He will always be my little boy but I look forward to him growing up and having a family of his own. He loves the Lord and plans to (possibly) attend a biblical school next year. I pray that the Lord will lead his steps and guide his heart. What more can a mom ask for but to see her children grow up and walk with God. I love you Cristian- with all my heart and soul.

Dog wins!

I guess she wasnt cold- Must be nice to live a dogs life!

Sadie

This is our English Bulldog "Sadie" Isabella decided that Sadie looked cold so, she wrapped her in a blanket. Sadie sat with that blanket on her for a long time! Not sure if it is because she was just to lazy to take it off or if she really was cold! She is good with Isabella, letting her do just about anything to her.

Happy (belated) Birthday Mateo

Aunt Katrina and my mom (Bella) help wish Mateo a happy birthday!

Mateo turned 9 on May 12th! He is my youngest boy. The surprise baby that was born just 14 months after Toby! Mateo is my "matter of fact" son. His bluntness sometimes gets him trouble but if you want the truth he is the one to go to.

CHAP

CHAP was its usual large and overwhelming event. I was prepared to walk in there and begin to re-think every aspect of my curriculum. Yet, an awesome miracle occured - I did not feel the need to switch gears! It was such a blessing to feel at peace with our families decision to go the text book route. I will have to make some changes for 8-12th grade (not able to use BJU for those grades ) but I will continue to use textbooks for next year.

I was able to hear Doug Phillips speak (Carrie and I were able to sit right next to his family!-LOL-) talk about living in a fish bowl! I got to walk around and spend a little bit of money on the "fun" things that are not a really needed but soooooooooo wanted. It was worth the trip out there and I plan to go next year too with maybe a layover in Lancaster.

Camping!

Our youngest camper -Lilly is the youngest child of our friends- Scott and Tara Glossenger. It was so nice to finally get to meet her! I am so shocked that I got a picture of her not smiling because this little baby girl smiles constantly.

Our time away-bikes for everyone

Isabella on her new scooter without the pretty helmet and shin pads I bought her! Oh well!

Mateo took a few spills- some how I missed getting a picture of Toby on his bike.

It is nice to get back but I sure do wish we could have stayed away just a little bit longer. It took us over 4 hours to hook the camper up on Wednesday when we got to the camp ground! (looooong story) we had to order pizza the first night because by the time we got into the camper it was to late to cook outside plus it was pouring rain.

Thursday we took the kids to Wal Mart to get bikes. We tried to get them bikes at Christmas but there were none to be found so we gave the kids IOU's and finally bought them when we were away.

Isabella got a scooter because she could not peddle the big girl bikes. She was happy with her little scooter. Our kids have not had the chance to ride bikes a lot so there were many spills and moments when I thought we would end of in the ER but PTL- scratches were all they came home with

A little Vacation

Leaving for vacation! We have been preparing all day to go away for a few days. The family is headed for CHAP which is a big homeschool convention out in Pennsylvania. The convention is on Friday and Saturday but we will pulling out on Wednesday. Our plan is to stay at a camp ground that is within minutes of the convention. The kids will hang out at the camp ground while Mark and I reviw curriculum. I hope to attend a few of the seminars and renew my passion for homeschooling. See you when I get back!

PS- Mark found the missing chip!

Missing my Camera Chip

Well, some how my camera chip has disappeared. I have a feeling a little Davis girl-fairy got her tiny hands on it and has taken it to Never-Never land! I am so upset because all of my Christmas pictures (among other pictures) from last year were on it and I had not saved them to the computer yet. PLEASE pray that I find it.

Thanks!

Adrienne