My trip to Virginia didn't happen like I had hoped. The night before I was to leave Abby went for her well baby check and got some shots. By the time we got home she was miserable! I ran out and got her tylenol which helped but because she was so fussy I was unable to pack and was worried that she would be miserable for the long car ride. I made the safe decision to not go.
My friend Jenni went and she was able to meet Michelle and Jim Bob! She got pictures with them and with some of their older girls. The cool thing was she video taped her conversation with Michelle. She told her about me and my family and how at the last minute I could not go. She told her about Abby being born to me in my forties and how my Oldest son and his wife had a baby 3 weeks after me. Of course, Michelle wad thrilled and praised God for the testimony. So.... Even though I was not there in person I was able to meet her .... Sort of!
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Saturday, October 29, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
I'm still here
Well, I'm still here. We finally got the desk top working and before I could post blog pictures it crashed again! Now, I am determined to get to the apple store next week ( hopefully) to get some help with up loading pictures to my I pad and then on to my blog.
I am really excited to be taking a trip next week to Virginia with my good friend Jenni. We will be visiting Liberty College. It is a school I am thinking Joe may want to transfer into eventually. It just so happens that while we are there they are hosting Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar!!! We will be able to sit in on their talk and hopefully I will be able to meet Michelle and have her sign my copy of her latest book.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I am really excited to be taking a trip next week to Virginia with my good friend Jenni. We will be visiting Liberty College. It is a school I am thinking Joe may want to transfer into eventually. It just so happens that while we are there they are hosting Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar!!! We will be able to sit in on their talk and hopefully I will be able to meet Michelle and have her sign my copy of her latest book.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The arrival of Abigail Grace Davis
I was hoping to post with pictures but our computer is down and I still can't post pictures from my I- pad! So, the pictures will have to wait until the next post.
The following is a condensed version of how my labor and delivery went. My C-section was due to Abigail not tolerating the contractions. Her heart wate dipped dangerously low. There was some talk that my uterus was in a weird position which could have led to the quality of contractions on my uterus not being effective which then caused me not to dilate past 3 cm. I've never had issues with dilating so, this theory makes the most sense to me. Here is a time table of how things went:
12:30 am 8/4: water breaks. I try and go back to sleep but am concerned that I will start labor and not make it in time to the hospital.
2:00 am. I write a few e mails asking for prayer. Wake Joey up to sleep in my bed in case Isabella should come into my room in the middle of the night. I grab some things and we head out to the hospital.
3:00 am. In my room. I am mildly contracting but it is nothing that is strong or consistent. They start an IV and ask me when I would like my epidural. I assume they will be giving me pitocin immediately and therefore tell them I will take the epidural as soon as possible. They were also giving me antibiotics for my strep b. I get my epidural
4:00 am doctor comes in and checks me. Nothing is really happening but they decide to hold off on the pit until 6 am- I'm not really concerned. Mark and I were both tired so we decide to take naps.
I am not sure what time the first episode of distress happened but at one point ( before the pitocin). I had three nurses run into my room and place me on my left side. They were about to give me oxygen when the heart beat came back up. I was told to lay on my left side from then on which I did. They also inserted an internal heart monitor into the baby's scalp.
9:00 am. I am starting to get concerned that they have not started the PIT. Doctor checks me and I am the same! She hangs first bag of Pit. My contractions do pick up and mark monitors them for me. He tells me how long they are lasting and if they are " good" ones or not.
1:00 (about) We notice some episodes of Abbys heart rate going down and I start to get really concerned.
1:30- Dr. Is also concerned about the dips in heart rate. She decides to try one last thing. She inserts a catheter inside of me. This catheter will be hooked up to an IV pump. They will be pumping fluid back into me in hopes that it will cause the cord to float. They were thinking that perhaps the cord was being compressed and causing Abbys heart rate to drop. The catheter will also monitor the strength of my contractions to see if they are adequate contractions - and therefore able to dilate the cervix.
2:00- no sooner did they get the catheter in and going when the dr came rushing back into my room. One look at her face and I knew things were not good. She didn't even have to say the words. I told her to take the baby now- I wasnt taking any more chances. Mark was out getting something from the car. I called his cell and told him things were not good and that he needed to get to my room fast.
It was at this point that things moved fast and I went into a bit of shock- for lack of better word. I didn't t have time to digest what was going on. They were trying to prep me for surgery fast. There was no time for questions. The anesthesiologist came in and began pumping drugs through my IV as they rolled me into the operating room.
Once on the table I kept wondering when they would make the first cut. I was feeling pain and they kept asking me if it was pressure. I said, "NO". It felt like I was being stabbed with a knife in my private area. This caused them pump me up with more drugs. Finally, I realized that they already had me opened! The assisting Doctor had to practically get on top of me in order to get the baby out. I thought I was living a nightmare! I finally heard Abby cry. I knew she was out and breathing. The pediatricians checked her out and then finally let Mark and I see her. Mark had decided earlier that he wanted to hold Abby and name her when the three of us were together.
After surgery I was in recovery for an hour. Then I went back up to the labor and delivery floor because they didn't have any rooms available on the post pard floor. They wheeled our baby in while we were waiting for a room to open up and I was so happy. Even though my arms felt numb and I was feeling very drugged I wanted to hold my baby in the worst way. I held her in my arms - she was perfect and the ordeal was over. Soon, a room opened up and the road to recovery was just beginning.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The following is a condensed version of how my labor and delivery went. My C-section was due to Abigail not tolerating the contractions. Her heart wate dipped dangerously low. There was some talk that my uterus was in a weird position which could have led to the quality of contractions on my uterus not being effective which then caused me not to dilate past 3 cm. I've never had issues with dilating so, this theory makes the most sense to me. Here is a time table of how things went:
12:30 am 8/4: water breaks. I try and go back to sleep but am concerned that I will start labor and not make it in time to the hospital.
2:00 am. I write a few e mails asking for prayer. Wake Joey up to sleep in my bed in case Isabella should come into my room in the middle of the night. I grab some things and we head out to the hospital.
3:00 am. In my room. I am mildly contracting but it is nothing that is strong or consistent. They start an IV and ask me when I would like my epidural. I assume they will be giving me pitocin immediately and therefore tell them I will take the epidural as soon as possible. They were also giving me antibiotics for my strep b. I get my epidural
4:00 am doctor comes in and checks me. Nothing is really happening but they decide to hold off on the pit until 6 am- I'm not really concerned. Mark and I were both tired so we decide to take naps.
I am not sure what time the first episode of distress happened but at one point ( before the pitocin). I had three nurses run into my room and place me on my left side. They were about to give me oxygen when the heart beat came back up. I was told to lay on my left side from then on which I did. They also inserted an internal heart monitor into the baby's scalp.
9:00 am. I am starting to get concerned that they have not started the PIT. Doctor checks me and I am the same! She hangs first bag of Pit. My contractions do pick up and mark monitors them for me. He tells me how long they are lasting and if they are " good" ones or not.
1:00 (about) We notice some episodes of Abbys heart rate going down and I start to get really concerned.
1:30- Dr. Is also concerned about the dips in heart rate. She decides to try one last thing. She inserts a catheter inside of me. This catheter will be hooked up to an IV pump. They will be pumping fluid back into me in hopes that it will cause the cord to float. They were thinking that perhaps the cord was being compressed and causing Abbys heart rate to drop. The catheter will also monitor the strength of my contractions to see if they are adequate contractions - and therefore able to dilate the cervix.
2:00- no sooner did they get the catheter in and going when the dr came rushing back into my room. One look at her face and I knew things were not good. She didn't even have to say the words. I told her to take the baby now- I wasnt taking any more chances. Mark was out getting something from the car. I called his cell and told him things were not good and that he needed to get to my room fast.
It was at this point that things moved fast and I went into a bit of shock- for lack of better word. I didn't t have time to digest what was going on. They were trying to prep me for surgery fast. There was no time for questions. The anesthesiologist came in and began pumping drugs through my IV as they rolled me into the operating room.
Once on the table I kept wondering when they would make the first cut. I was feeling pain and they kept asking me if it was pressure. I said, "NO". It felt like I was being stabbed with a knife in my private area. This caused them pump me up with more drugs. Finally, I realized that they already had me opened! The assisting Doctor had to practically get on top of me in order to get the baby out. I thought I was living a nightmare! I finally heard Abby cry. I knew she was out and breathing. The pediatricians checked her out and then finally let Mark and I see her. Mark had decided earlier that he wanted to hold Abby and name her when the three of us were together.
After surgery I was in recovery for an hour. Then I went back up to the labor and delivery floor because they didn't have any rooms available on the post pard floor. They wheeled our baby in while we were waiting for a room to open up and I was so happy. Even though my arms felt numb and I was feeling very drugged I wanted to hold my baby in the worst way. I held her in my arms - she was perfect and the ordeal was over. Soon, a room opened up and the road to recovery was just beginning.
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Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The count down- 39 weeks
Yesterday I went to the doctor. She did an exam and told me I was 80 percent effaced ( thinned out) and 1 cm dilated. I came home from the visit feeling yucky- I had cramps and was feeling a lot pressure down below. All good things but doesn't make for a very pleasant day. Did a SAMs run and a few other things and then got to bed early. ( though I did not sleep much)
Today, I am feeling pretty normal and hopeful that I can make it to the 9 th. I am to tired to really do anything so I've decided to school the kids from my comfy bed.
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Today, I am feeling pretty normal and hopeful that I can make it to the 9 th. I am to tired to really do anything so I've decided to school the kids from my comfy bed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, July 25, 2011
38 week update
I thought I would give an update on how things are going. I feel like I have been saying 2 weeks to go for the past 2 months! Why are these last 2 weeks dragging? Well......
1. My ankles and legs are looking more like tree trunks!
2. The temperature outside is enough to cook this baby a little faster- don't ya think?
3. My back is killing me.
4. Sleeping at night has become a major ordeal. I flip from side to side trying to relieve the numbness and back pain.
5. did I mention that I'm retaining water?? Yup, even my hands are bigger!!!
So, that is it. I feel like this has been the longest wait of all of my children. I don't remember the time going so slow with my other pregnancies. I am trying to keep my mind occupied but it's so hard when you just want labor and delivery over with.
My family has been so supportive. They don't complain that mommy hasn't cooked dinner in Probably two weeks! ( I'm not kidding) I spend a lot of time sitting with my legs propped up and they have taken over most household duties.
I wish I had the nerve to post some pictures but my profile is........ BIG!!!! And I'm not sure I want the memory of it!
Hopefully, my next post will be of the baby and not me complaining about how hard it is to wait for D day.
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1. My ankles and legs are looking more like tree trunks!
2. The temperature outside is enough to cook this baby a little faster- don't ya think?
3. My back is killing me.
4. Sleeping at night has become a major ordeal. I flip from side to side trying to relieve the numbness and back pain.
5. did I mention that I'm retaining water?? Yup, even my hands are bigger!!!
So, that is it. I feel like this has been the longest wait of all of my children. I don't remember the time going so slow with my other pregnancies. I am trying to keep my mind occupied but it's so hard when you just want labor and delivery over with.
My family has been so supportive. They don't complain that mommy hasn't cooked dinner in Probably two weeks! ( I'm not kidding) I spend a lot of time sitting with my legs propped up and they have taken over most household duties.
I wish I had the nerve to post some pictures but my profile is........ BIG!!!! And I'm not sure I want the memory of it!
Hopefully, my next post will be of the baby and not me complaining about how hard it is to wait for D day.
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Part 2 of Baby shower
I had to put the shower pictures in two posts. For some reason my pictures were not downloading and I had to fool with it just to get these pictures posted! Here is the future happy momma. 
I have to add my little frugal story here. The container above was picked up at a thrift store for 1$! The polka dot table cloth is actually a shower curtain that I picked up at another thrift store for 2.99!!!! The favor bags were on clearance at Michael's because they were an Easter item. I think I paid about 4$ for all of the them! Oh! and the lollipop cakes are from Starbucks. Joey was able to get them for me dirt cheap with his discount! AND they are soooooo yummy!
The theme was "Vintage baby with pink polka dots" Since the shower was on a Friday night I decided to do finger foods. It rained all week making it impossible to have the shower outside not to mention it was hot and humid! She received beautiful gifts and was able to put a lot of it in her extra suitcase to take home. Her mom will be bringing the rest home when she goes to NC for the birth. 
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Pregnancy update
I am a few days away from 34 weeks. We are counting down the weeks and at times it feels like it is going fast and yet there are days when it's not going fast enough!
Right now, my biggest issues are sleeping, back pain, and calf pain. I am up A LOT at night to go to the bathroom. My back and calves become sore which makes even walking to the bathroom painful.
I'm anticipating labor and delivery, wondering if this baby will come like the last three or will it be a totally different experience. My last three were fast and fairly easy. It's been 6 years since I have given birth so I do not have grand ideas of "easy".
Life is full! We are busy, busy, busy, with preparations for our new baby and trying to make this a great summer for the other children. We just got back from a short camping trip with Marks brother and his family.
I am NESTING big time! I want to clean and re- arrange. I am driving hubby crazy! I am looking forward to family coming this weekend for my daughter in laws baby showers! It will be fun to spend time with family again as they have been gone for a few weeks vacationing.
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Right now, my biggest issues are sleeping, back pain, and calf pain. I am up A LOT at night to go to the bathroom. My back and calves become sore which makes even walking to the bathroom painful.
I'm anticipating labor and delivery, wondering if this baby will come like the last three or will it be a totally different experience. My last three were fast and fairly easy. It's been 6 years since I have given birth so I do not have grand ideas of "easy".
Life is full! We are busy, busy, busy, with preparations for our new baby and trying to make this a great summer for the other children. We just got back from a short camping trip with Marks brother and his family.
I am NESTING big time! I want to clean and re- arrange. I am driving hubby crazy! I am looking forward to family coming this weekend for my daughter in laws baby showers! It will be fun to spend time with family again as they have been gone for a few weeks vacationing.
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Saturday, June 11, 2011
3d ultrasound
Our 3 d ultrasound was a total bust. The baby was bent in half with her feet right in front of her face! They had me walk around for a bit but that didn't work so they told me to come back in two weeks. After some thought I decided to not go back. In two weeks it will only be 5 more weeks until my due date in which we get to meet her in person!
From the little that we saw, I think she is going to look like Isabella. But I could totally be wrong.
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Cute Hair Bow Storage
I wish I could take credit for this idea but I cant. I don't even remember which blog I saw it on! The containers are oatmeal and bread crumb containers. I covered them in cute girly paper. I made sure the lids were clear so that I could add decorative paper to it (and a little embellishment)
The outside of the container is for headbands and the inside hold all loose barrettes and pony tail holders. I made one for each little girl in my life. Thursday, June 2, 2011
Our baby girls name
That is the big question. I am not sure why but we have struggled with a name this go around. Everything I like daddy doesn't ! How we named 6 children I do not know!
We think we have narrowed it down to two names. I have scheduled a 4d ultrasound on Saturday the 11th of June. It will just be a fun time for our family to take a peek at little Miss. Maybe, that will be the day we finally say, " She definitely looks like a ---------- that is what we will name her". Or maybe we will have to wait until she makes her grand entrance!
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We think we have narrowed it down to two names. I have scheduled a 4d ultrasound on Saturday the 11th of June. It will just be a fun time for our family to take a peek at little Miss. Maybe, that will be the day we finally say, " She definitely looks like a ---------- that is what we will name her". Or maybe we will have to wait until she makes her grand entrance!
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Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Butterfly Blessings ~ My baby shower
I was totally shocked when my sisters and friends threw me a baby shower! I was so blessed and recieved such beautiful gifts.
This is my Niece's daughter! 
A diaper cake made by my neice. Everything on it can be used!
My sister- She is pinning a coursage on Isabella. (she made all of the coursages out of baby socks and ribbons!)
My two beautiful sisters! It was awesome to have my sister Katrina at the shower. She lives in California most of the time and so it was so cool that she could make the shower!
I was totally shocked! My sister Katrina took me to the mall that morning to get me out of the house! I HATE the mall but she needed to get some things and so of course I could not say no. 
My cute Coursage!
At 42 I think you should be able to NOT have to put on the silly hat made out of the ribbons and bows!
Isnt this wreath beautiful! It was made by my friend Chris. She made it out of Onesies!
Baby Girls Rocker Outfit!!!!! It was given to me by Dani (Joeys girlfriend) 
The cake! A big thanks to all my family and friends who made this day so special for me! I will always treasure the memory of it.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Jumper re~do
I lost the original picture I had of this jumper. It was a very basic jumper that I bought at the thrift store. I thought I would be able to wear it pregnant but it was a bit tight. So, I took the jumper and cut it in half! The top part I am adding some fabric to to make a jumper dress and the bottom portion I turned into a skirt by adding some elastic. 
Here it is! The slits on the side are a bit to high so, I have to sew them up a bit. other than that it came out fine and is very comfy! I think I paid about 2.00 for the jumper and got two outfits out of it! 
I haven't sewed the dress (top part) yet. I have the material cut out but just haven't had time to put it all together. The nice part of all of this is that I have two outfits and since they are not "maternity" looking. I will be able to wear them after the baby comes. Saturday, May 28, 2011
It's all done!
Thanks to my son and very talented daughter in law my blog got a face lift! Now, if I can just figure out how to down load pictures on my i-pad I will be in business!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Prom
Going to the Prom! 
Joe posing with his mom who is sporting her baby belly
My handsome boy!
Joe had a really great time at the homeschool prom with his girl. I hope to get some pictures of them together soon.
Joe posing with his mom who is sporting her baby belly
My handsome boy!
Joe had a really great time at the homeschool prom with his girl. I hope to get some pictures of them together soon. Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I'm working on it!
I haven't posted in a while. I have not lost interest in my blog but feel it needs a face lift. My son will be helping me to do this.
Many changes are happening in our home. Seems like every day I am experiencing something new and different. When you have children that range from 21 to 6 ( and a newborn coming) life is never dull and change is unavoidable.
Here are just a few updates:
1. Clothing wars with the 6 year old girl are a new experience!
2. Homeschooling through high school is challenging.
3. Being a pastor's family is hard.
4. Spring is wonderful! I look forward to summer camping- cook outs and picnics make me giddy.
5. Family is awesome. Praise God for loving and supportive parents.
6. God is good and meets our every need.
7. Pregnant at 42 has been a joy! And not as hard as I thought it was going to be.
8. Being a grandma while pregnant doesn't make you feel old. It makes you feel alive and grateful.
9. Watching your kids grow is a wonder. Mistakes are made but God uses those mistakes- they are not wasted.
10. Peace is worth striving for and is attainable.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Many changes are happening in our home. Seems like every day I am experiencing something new and different. When you have children that range from 21 to 6 ( and a newborn coming) life is never dull and change is unavoidable.
Here are just a few updates:
1. Clothing wars with the 6 year old girl are a new experience!
2. Homeschooling through high school is challenging.
3. Being a pastor's family is hard.
4. Spring is wonderful! I look forward to summer camping- cook outs and picnics make me giddy.
5. Family is awesome. Praise God for loving and supportive parents.
6. God is good and meets our every need.
7. Pregnant at 42 has been a joy! And not as hard as I thought it was going to be.
8. Being a grandma while pregnant doesn't make you feel old. It makes you feel alive and grateful.
9. Watching your kids grow is a wonder. Mistakes are made but God uses those mistakes- they are not wasted.
10. Peace is worth striving for and is attainable.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Family
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Happy Birthday Toby
Today Toby turned 12! He is my sweet, lovin boy. He wanted fried chicken, mashed potatoes, texas toast and grahm cracker cake for his birthday!Thursday, March 17, 2011
Never thought " Daughters" would be in my vocabulary
It's a Girl! Mark and I just got back from our 20 week ultrasound. We were able to get some really great pictures of the baby. A technician did the first series of looking and then the doctor came in to take a peek. He assured us that all was well and that baby Girl Davis is healthy and right on target. I have to admit that I breathed a sigh of relief.
The funny part of the ultrasound was when the doctor got a shot of the baby holding up her index finger as if to say, " I am number one!". The doctor knowing she is going to be the youngest of seven the said, ". I believe this little girl already knows her place in the family and it's not number 7". He then took a picture and gave it to us.
We are so thankful that baby girl Davis is healthy and right on track. We know that can change in an instant and so we continue to ask for your prayers that she would continue to develop and that this pregnancy would go full term.
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The funny part of the ultrasound was when the doctor got a shot of the baby holding up her index finger as if to say, " I am number one!". The doctor knowing she is going to be the youngest of seven the said, ". I believe this little girl already knows her place in the family and it's not number 7". He then took a picture and gave it to us.
We are so thankful that baby girl Davis is healthy and right on track. We know that can change in an instant and so we continue to ask for your prayers that she would continue to develop and that this pregnancy would go full term.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Family
Monday, March 14, 2011
whats in your library
I don't know of many home schooler's who don't love books. I am not one to feel like making multiple trips to the library so that means I have to have a collection of books at home. With a growing family but limited space I have learned that I have to be choosy about what I keep in the house. No room for twaddle as Charlotte Mason would say.
Hubby is a pastor and loves to collect books. He has a book case at the church office full of books and then there are the ones that he has at home that have not ma
de it to the office! I store all of my books on a few book shelves in the craft room that hubby and I share. Here is some of what I collect:
Sewing, crafting, parenting, decorating, homeschooling, historical fiction, gardening, cookbooks and spiritual. I also have a collection of audios and DVD's that pertain to the above categories.
For the children I mostly collect classical literature. I also have a collection of children's audio books, DVD's, drawing books, and art books. Poetry and nature books are also a must. I even have a set of encyclopedias, but not sure for how much longer I will keep them since they are getting old. Picture books are kept to a minimum and only the ones that are classics and have great illustrations. A bi-monthly trip to the library keeps us happy with a nice selection of picture books for my youngest.
I have collected over the years alphabet books but not just any alphabet books but ones that are unique. Today I picked up one at Borders that centered around the Von Trapp family! Not only is the content wonderful but the illustrations are beautiful.
I also have a small collection of Tasha Tudor books and Landmark books. Of course we have lots of educational books that we use when we need to look up certain information but for the most part google is our best friend to save on space.
Last but not least is our collection of bibles. We have a lot! I can't resist purchasing a bible when I see it at a good price. We also have our share of bible commentaries and studies.
I am in the process of finding a bible on CD that I think I will enjoy for those days when I am busy in the kitchen.
I am sure I haven't listed everything but this is the bulk of what we collect in order to have books at home and save trips to the libray. I also collect a few magazines but recently have decided to only renew two of the 4 that I subscribe to.
So... what do you collect?
Hubby is a pastor and loves to collect books. He has a book case at the church office full of books and then there are the ones that he has at home that have not made it to the office! I store all of my books on a few book shelves in the craft room that hubby and I share. Here is some of what I collect:Sewing, crafting, parenting, decorating, homeschooling, historical fiction, gardening, cookbooks and spiritual. I also have a collection of audios and DVD's that pertain to the above categories.
For the children I mostly collect classical literature. I also have a collection of children's audio books, DVD's, drawing books, and art books. Poetry and nature books are also a must. I even have a set of encyclopedias, but not sure for how much longer I will keep them since they are getting old. Picture books are kept to a minimum and only the ones that are classics and have great illustrations. A bi-monthly trip to the library keeps us happy with a nice selection of picture books for my youngest.
I have collected over the years alphabet books but not just any alphabet books but ones that are unique. Today I picked up one at Borders that centered around the Von Trapp family! Not only is the content wonderful but the illustrations are beautiful.
I also have a small collection of Tasha Tudor books and Landmark books. Of course we have lots of educational books that we use when we need to look up certain information but for the most part google is our best friend to save on space.
Last but not least is our collection of bibles. We have a lot! I can't resist purchasing a bible when I see it at a good price. We also have our share of bible commentaries and studies.
I am in the process of finding a bible on CD that I think I will enjoy for those days when I am busy in the kitchen.
I am sure I haven't listed everything but this is the bulk of what we collect in order to have books at home and save trips to the libray. I also collect a few magazines but recently have decided to only renew two of the 4 that I subscribe to.
So... what do you collect?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Some thoughts
I have been MIA with the blog for some time. Mostly because I still have not figured out how to down load pictures to my I- pad. I really need to take a trip to the apple store but just have not had time form that.
As winter lingers my patience seems to running thin. I am trying hard to keep the kids on course but it is hard when we are all tired of the same old same old.
Here are some things I have been working on:
1. Sticking to our home school schedule. This includes the grading and assessing of skills that need improvement.
2. De- cluttering the school room. Getting together all the things I will sell at the curriculum fair and purchasing and researching curriculum for next year.
3. Trying to sew myself a maternity dress. A work that has been slow in progress!
4. Planning out the summer. As the calendar starts to fill up I have to decide what we should be doing vs. what we would like to do.
5. fixing the home pc so that I can blog with pictures again!
6. Plan some improvement projects- shelves for the school room. Paint for the master bedroom and hallway upstairs. New doors for upstairs or at least paint the old ones and lastly do something about the master bath that has needed a total gut since we moved into the parsonage.
Lastly, I am working on a notebook To keep all my lists, goals, calendar etc.... More on that later.
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As winter lingers my patience seems to running thin. I am trying hard to keep the kids on course but it is hard when we are all tired of the same old same old.
Here are some things I have been working on:
1. Sticking to our home school schedule. This includes the grading and assessing of skills that need improvement.
2. De- cluttering the school room. Getting together all the things I will sell at the curriculum fair and purchasing and researching curriculum for next year.
3. Trying to sew myself a maternity dress. A work that has been slow in progress!
4. Planning out the summer. As the calendar starts to fill up I have to decide what we should be doing vs. what we would like to do.
5. fixing the home pc so that I can blog with pictures again!
6. Plan some improvement projects- shelves for the school room. Paint for the master bedroom and hallway upstairs. New doors for upstairs or at least paint the old ones and lastly do something about the master bath that has needed a total gut since we moved into the parsonage.
Lastly, I am working on a notebook To keep all my lists, goals, calendar etc.... More on that later.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Laundry and the Large Family
Laundry has always been an issue. We are a family of 8 with a baby due this summer. Gone are the days when I could fit clothing for all of my small children in a few loads. Those small children have grown up to be teens and adults!
I do laundry every day. (3-4) loads depending on what is going on. My laundry room is the smallest I have ever had. I can hardly fit myself in the room with the two appliances! Therefore, as soon a load is don't it gets taken out of the room and folded. The basket then taken up by one of the younger kids to be sorted and put away.
Here are some things have done to make this task easier:
1. Do not wash sheets weekly- I only wash them when necessary.
2. Keep clothes to a minimum. The more you have the more laundry you will create. My kids have 2-3 pair of pants, 4-5 shirts and a few outfits for church. That is it! My daughter has a little more but for the most part she too is kept to a minimum.
3. If you have the room create a family closet. I didn't have the room to do this but I was able to turn a hall closet upstairs into a useful family closet. I bought a metal rack from Home Depot and then some sturdy bins from Wal Mart. The bottom two bins hold towels for bathing, middle bins hold socks for all male teens and adults, and moms sleep ware and some under garments. Top shelf holds underwear for male adult teens and boys, underwear for mom, and socks and stockings for mom. The very top shelf is to low for bins so I keep all of my husbands summer shorts and t- shirts on it.
Next to my metal rack is an Ikea piece of furniture that has 8 small drawers. This is where I keep the undergarments for the little boys along with belts, plastic bags, and soap.
I have the same system in my young boys room. Each one of them have 2 bins each and there are a few extra bins for sweat shirts and church clothes. This keeps clothes to a minimum. Summer items are kept on the very top rack (not in bins). or up in the crawl space.
Why am I talking about the family closet? Because part of doing laundry is getting it put away. This system works better than dressers that take up valuable floor space and do not hold as much as the bins.
4. Plan to wash clothes everyday. If you just accept it then it becomes second nature. In between schooling the kids I change loads over and fold. At night, before bed everyone helps put it away.
5. The best idea I have heard for socks is to train kids to put them in a mesh bad so that they stay together. I am looking for small mesh bags but haven't come up with any as of yet but I hope to implement this idea some day.
Carrie @ Our Full House
Elizabeth @ Yes They’re All Ours
Kathy @ Kathy Mom of Many
Kristy @ Homemaker's Cottage
Lori @ Happy Busy Mama
Monica @ Natural Mama
Renee @ Bakers Dozen
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPa
I do laundry every day. (3-4) loads depending on what is going on. My laundry room is the smallest I have ever had. I can hardly fit myself in the room with the two appliances! Therefore, as soon a load is don't it gets taken out of the room and folded. The basket then taken up by one of the younger kids to be sorted and put away.
Here are some things have done to make this task easier:
1. Do not wash sheets weekly- I only wash them when necessary.
2. Keep clothes to a minimum. The more you have the more laundry you will create. My kids have 2-3 pair of pants, 4-5 shirts and a few outfits for church. That is it! My daughter has a little more but for the most part she too is kept to a minimum.
3. If you have the room create a family closet. I didn't have the room to do this but I was able to turn a hall closet upstairs into a useful family closet. I bought a metal rack from Home Depot and then some sturdy bins from Wal Mart. The bottom two bins hold towels for bathing, middle bins hold socks for all male teens and adults, and moms sleep ware and some under garments. Top shelf holds underwear for male adult teens and boys, underwear for mom, and socks and stockings for mom. The very top shelf is to low for bins so I keep all of my husbands summer shorts and t- shirts on it.
Next to my metal rack is an Ikea piece of furniture that has 8 small drawers. This is where I keep the undergarments for the little boys along with belts, plastic bags, and soap.
I have the same system in my young boys room. Each one of them have 2 bins each and there are a few extra bins for sweat shirts and church clothes. This keeps clothes to a minimum. Summer items are kept on the very top rack (not in bins). or up in the crawl space.
Why am I talking about the family closet? Because part of doing laundry is getting it put away. This system works better than dressers that take up valuable floor space and do not hold as much as the bins.
4. Plan to wash clothes everyday. If you just accept it then it becomes second nature. In between schooling the kids I change loads over and fold. At night, before bed everyone helps put it away.
5. The best idea I have heard for socks is to train kids to put them in a mesh bad so that they stay together. I am looking for small mesh bags but haven't come up with any as of yet but I hope to implement this idea some day.
Carrie @ Our Full House
Elizabeth @ Yes They’re All Ours
Kathy @ Kathy Mom of Many
Kristy @ Homemaker's Cottage
Lori @ Happy Busy Mama
Monica @ Natural Mama
Renee @ Bakers Dozen
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPa
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Food shopping for a large family
I have tried many different things. Certain things work for a while and then our family dynamic changes and it seems like things have to be changed.
Right now, we are ordering a months worth of food from "Angel Food Ministries". I am not sure I will do this forever but for now it is filling our freezer and lasting us the month. I still have to get milk, bread, and cereal on a weekly basis. I also have to go out when we have people over for dinner or there is a special occasion.
I have 5 adult eaters in the house. It makes a big difference when you are feeding adults as opposed to toddlers or tweeners. And when all of those adult eaters are men that can really put a strain on your budget!
I try to only shop when I must. I have been known to go into a food store for one item and leave with a cart full! Stick to what you came in for and avoid going to the food store at all cost.
I have written menus and that works well. To save money I to not be brand loyal and look for the best deals. I don't usually do coupons. I find loss leaders to be the better way to save. If you have a coupon to go with a loss leader product then you are really doing great!
Carrie @ Our Full House
Elizabeth @ Yes They’re All Ours
Kathy @ Kathy Mom of Many
Kristy @ Homemaker's Cottage
Lori @ Happy Busy Mama
Monica @ Natural Mama
Renee @ Bakers Dozen
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Right now, we are ordering a months worth of food from "Angel Food Ministries". I am not sure I will do this forever but for now it is filling our freezer and lasting us the month. I still have to get milk, bread, and cereal on a weekly basis. I also have to go out when we have people over for dinner or there is a special occasion.
I have 5 adult eaters in the house. It makes a big difference when you are feeding adults as opposed to toddlers or tweeners. And when all of those adult eaters are men that can really put a strain on your budget!
I try to only shop when I must. I have been known to go into a food store for one item and leave with a cart full! Stick to what you came in for and avoid going to the food store at all cost.
I have written menus and that works well. To save money I to not be brand loyal and look for the best deals. I don't usually do coupons. I find loss leaders to be the better way to save. If you have a coupon to go with a loss leader product then you are really doing great!
Carrie @ Our Full House
Elizabeth @ Yes They’re All Ours
Kathy @ Kathy Mom of Many
Kristy @ Homemaker's Cottage
Lori @ Happy Busy Mama
Monica @ Natural Mama
Renee @ Bakers Dozen
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Linking up with other large families.
Hi,
My name is Adrienne and I am the mother to six children with another due in August.
I have been married to my high school sweet heart for 22 years. My husband pastors a small church here in Freehold NJ.
Let me introduce you to my family:
Cristian is 20. He just got married in January to his home school sweet heart- Victoria. They are in the process of re-locating to North Carolina.
Joseph is 18. He is currently enrolled in College Plus and plans to study psychology and ministry. He plays guitar and leads our worship team.
Jeremy is 15. He is a home schooled freshman that loves to write music and direct his own movies He is learning how to play the piano.
Toby is 11. He is my sweet sensitive boy and loves a good mystery.
Mateo is 10. He was born 14 months after Toby. He loves to draw.
Isabella is 6. So far she is our only girl and a girly girl at that. She is really
Praying hard that mommy has a little sister for her.
A typical day for us starts off at 9 am with family bible study. We school until about 2:00. We use mostly BJU and Switched On School House.
Our afternoons are spent cooking, cleaning, and running errands. We are a camping family. A few years back we invested in a 33 ft. camper and love it. Making great memories it what we do best
I enjoy decorating, sewing and gardening. At 42 being pregnant has proven to be challenging but a real blessing. I hope to be transparent and not just give you a bunch of fluff. Raising children in this day and age is not easy no matter how many you have. Home schooling has never been something I have been very confident about (trying to keep it real). But with the Lord all things are possible. I hope to share some wisdom from all my years of being a stay at home- home schooling mom.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope to learn from other large families as we all share our lives with one another.
Carrie @ Our Full House
Elizabeth @ Yes They’re All Ours
Kathy @ Kathy Mom of many
Kristy @ Homemaker's Cottage
Lori @ Happy Busy Mama
Monica @ Natural Mama
Renee @ Bakers Dozen
My name is Adrienne and I am the mother to six children with another due in August.
I have been married to my high school sweet heart for 22 years. My husband pastors a small church here in Freehold NJ.
Let me introduce you to my family:
Cristian is 20. He just got married in January to his home school sweet heart- Victoria. They are in the process of re-locating to North Carolina.
Joseph is 18. He is currently enrolled in College Plus and plans to study psychology and ministry. He plays guitar and leads our worship team.
Jeremy is 15. He is a home schooled freshman that loves to write music and direct his own movies He is learning how to play the piano.
Toby is 11. He is my sweet sensitive boy and loves a good mystery.
Mateo is 10. He was born 14 months after Toby. He loves to draw.
Isabella is 6. So far she is our only girl and a girly girl at that. She is really
Praying hard that mommy has a little sister for her.
A typical day for us starts off at 9 am with family bible study. We school until about 2:00. We use mostly BJU and Switched On School House.
Our afternoons are spent cooking, cleaning, and running errands. We are a camping family. A few years back we invested in a 33 ft. camper and love it. Making great memories it what we do best
I enjoy decorating, sewing and gardening. At 42 being pregnant has proven to be challenging but a real blessing. I hope to be transparent and not just give you a bunch of fluff. Raising children in this day and age is not easy no matter how many you have. Home schooling has never been something I have been very confident about (trying to keep it real). But with the Lord all things are possible. I hope to share some wisdom from all my years of being a stay at home- home schooling mom.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope to learn from other large families as we all share our lives with one another.
Carrie @ Our Full House
Elizabeth @ Yes They’re All Ours
Kathy @ Kathy Mom of many
Kristy @ Homemaker's Cottage
Lori @ Happy Busy Mama
Monica @ Natural Mama
Renee @ Bakers Dozen
Friday, January 28, 2011
A moms heart
This is Cristian and Theresa. She has known him since he was about 6 years old - she has been a second mom to him and a treasured best friend to me for long time. The night before the wedding all the grooms men and groom slept at her house! The next morning she sent them off to the church with full stomachs!
I just love this picture of the two of them. Between the two of us we have 12 children and I look forward to them all growing up and seeing what the Lord has planned for them.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Some favorite family pictures
This is my mom and I. Doesn't she look great! I love her so much!
My immediate family. Izzy snuck in the picture.
My sister snuck into the back room to see the groom before the wedding.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
I Love this recipe for oatmeal cookies. It is so forgiving! I have changed out ingredients here and there and they always come out great. For those of you who are trying to elimanate sugar from your diet or cut down this is an easy recipe and very yummy (even my kids like it)
Here is what you will need:
1/2 cup of oil ( use what you like but I used coconut oil )
1/2 cp of brown rice syrup (you can find this at the health food store or use honey if you like)
1 egg
1/4 cup of water
1 tsp of vanilla
1 cup of whole wheat flour or regular white flour
1 cup of dry milk
1/4 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
2 cups of rolled oats
1 cup of wheat germ (optional)
you can also add raisons or nuts if you like. If you are useing coconut oil place it in the microwave for a few second to soften it up. Makes it easier to stir in the other ingredients.
mix the oil, brown rice syrup, egg, water, and vanilla together. Then add your flour, dry milk, salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon and stir it up. Next put in your oats and anything else you would like. Spoon on to greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes.
Do not over bake. Once you see the bottoms getting a little brown pull them out and let them finish hardening up on a cooling rack.
Enjoy! These are great for diabetics because the brown rice syrup does not raise the glycemic index of the body. Remember if you use honey you are useing sugar and it will not be as healthy as the brown rice syrup.
Here is what you will need:1/2 cup of oil ( use what you like but I used coconut oil )
1/2 cp of brown rice syrup (you can find this at the health food store or use honey if you like)
1 egg
1/4 cup of water
1 tsp of vanilla
1 cup of whole wheat flour or regular white flour
1 cup of dry milk
1/4 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
2 cups of rolled oats
1 cup of wheat germ (optional)
you can also add raisons or nuts if you like. If you are useing coconut oil place it in the microwave for a few second to soften it up. Makes it easier to stir in the other ingredients.
mix the oil, brown rice syrup, egg, water, and vanilla together. Then add your flour, dry milk, salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon and stir it up. Next put in your oats and anything else you would like. Spoon on to greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes.
Do not over bake. Once you see the bottoms getting a little brown pull them out and let them finish hardening up on a cooling rack.
Enjoy! These are great for diabetics because the brown rice syrup does not raise the glycemic index of the body. Remember if you use honey you are useing sugar and it will not be as healthy as the brown rice syrup.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Number 7 on the way!
After 5 years it is still hard for me to believe that there is another Davis on the way. I have so many things going through my mind. Lets face it... I am no spring chicken yet, while wating in the Wal Mart check out line, People magazine had a picture of Kelly Preston on the cover with her new baby. She is 48! I am 6 years younger!
I am still facing some fears- fears I did not experiece with my other children. I have had 2 ultrasounds so far and hearing the heart beat is music to my ears. My all day morning sickness has been relentless but I am grateful for it because it means that all is going well.
I look at each passing day as a day closer to the goal. Is being pregnant at 42 different than when I was 21? You better believe it! More on that in a future post. For now I rest in the Lord. He is my rock.
I am still facing some fears- fears I did not experiece with my other children. I have had 2 ultrasounds so far and hearing the heart beat is music to my ears. My all day morning sickness has been relentless but I am grateful for it because it means that all is going well.I look at each passing day as a day closer to the goal. Is being pregnant at 42 different than when I was 21? You better believe it! More on that in a future post. For now I rest in the Lord. He is my rock.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Getting Organized in the New Year.
There is something about a new year that makes me want to get my house in order. After a long Christmas break I long for structure and schedule. There have been so many changes lately in our house (more on that later) that right now, I am feeling a bit tossed about. So, I set a goal for myself. (Notice I did not say new years resolution) My plan is to simplify all aspects of my life. Over the summer I did a huge clean up. I called a donation center and donated boxes upon boxes of STUFF. That was round one. As I look around my house I realize that there needs to be a round two.
I am planning to change some of how I decorate and so that will involve much hard core resolve to part with some items I have loved over the years.
I also plan to clean out my craft room. I am only keeping that which I really feel will turn into a finished item. I have been collecting for so long and I really need to de-clutter. I used to scrap book all the time but haven't for many years. I keep saying that I will get back to it some day but I have to face the fact that I have lost interest in it and my blog has re-placed it.
Come back and join me as I journey through some tough times a head yet looking forward to a more simple life.
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