Today I want to talk about audio! I LOVE anything audio and am a bit of a collector. You can throw a CD in the player on long car rides and the kids don't even know that they are learning! I also will let them listen to audios at night when in bed or during the day when they are done with their school work. We have taken the audios camping with us and spend hours listening to wonderful stories that build our faith. Here our some of our favorites:
1. Your Story Hour~ These are probably the tapes (now they have them on CD) that got us started. They are wonderful! Each volume has a different theme. There is one that is all bible stories called "Bible Comes Alive" you may be tired of hearing me say this but I have used this for Sunday school! The stories are told in a drama format. They are accurate and easy to listen to. You can facilitate a discussion after the story and then read it from the scriptures. Some of the other volumes that they sell are historical. They have stories about George Washington, Henry Ford, Fanny Crosby, and MORE. There are also stories that have to do with a character trait like honesty. I believe CBD (christian book distributors) sells this series.
2. Focus On the Family Radio Theater~ another wonderful theatrical audio. I pulled the Father Gilbert Mysteries series off my shelf. This particular series is a little scary but not at all inappropriate. It is a mystery that gets solved at the end and will keep you at the edge of your seat. They have many titles that you can choose from. Some of the ones we own and have listened to are Chronicles of Narnia, Bonhoeffer, The story of Anne Frank, and my favorite... Child Of Promise... which is a great story about the apostle Luke.
I am sure many of you are familiar with" Adventures in Odyssey." I believe this was Focus on the Families first audio series. They are excellent and even my older children enjoy pulling those out and listening to them. They are very much a charecter teaching series.
3. Jonathan Park~ This is our children's new favorite. It is the story of a family that learns about creation by experiencing many adventures! This is a great way for our children to learn about creation and also be able to refute evolution. You can get this from Vision Forum. or http://www.jonathanpark.com/
We have a lot more audios on our shelf but those are the top 3 that have really impacted my kids. Tomorrow I will talk about Video!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Resourses for family bible study and devotions~ Part 1
It was a pleasure to speak to the ladies at Calvary church this past week! I also had the priveledge of delivering my message to the women of my church on Sunday! I promised I would list some of the resources that we have used as a family for our times of family worship and bible study. My encouragement is to make it consistant and be creative.
Reading the bible is something I want my kids to learn to do on a daily basis. Family devotioanl time can be dad and/or mom reading a chapter of scripture and everyone discussing it. We have done this and continue to do it when we are not useing a devotional book. The first resource I am gonig to list is great for reading through the bible.
1. Balancing The Sword~ These book comes in two volumes. The books are designed to help you grasp the meaning of scripture by asking you questions about what you have read. Virtually all major points of the chapter are highlighted. The book also contains maps, tables, some pictures, and answer key. If you have never done family devotions this book is a great starting point to get you into Gods word for both children and adults. You can purchase this book from CBD for 54.49. that price includes both volumes.
Advice~ even if you do not homeschool go on line to CBD and look at their homeschool catolog. They have great selections for bible study.
2. Boyhood and Beyond, Created For Work, and Practical Happiness~( each title is a book) these are my FAVORITE devotional books. They are geared towards boys but they would be fine for a girl too. They are written by Bob Schultz. At the end of each little story are questions for you to ask and discuss with your kids.
3. Christian Manhood~ by Gary Maldaner. This is a great study to do together if you have a brood of boys like I do or each boy could do it on their own. You read sections and answer questions that are very practical, biblical and are great for helping your boys form their christian world view.
4. Jotham's Journey~ by Arnold Ytreeide This is a wonderful devotion for Christmas time. You start it on the first day of Advent and finish it up on christmas morning. It is a story that is fictional but is set in biblical times. The story leads up to the birth of Christ. This book will keep you at the edge of your seat! excellent! (there are a few books in the series but right now this was the only one I could find on my shelf...I think I lent out the other title but I seem to remember it being something like... Bartholomews ____???? )
5. Right Choices~by Kenneth N Taylor. a wonderful book for children 5 and under ( you could use it for older children too.. it really depends on the child) I have used this book for sunday school and also as a read a loud for my children when they were young. It helps children to start thinking about the choices that they make and teaches how to make biblilcal choices. Great book for charecter training.
6. Great Truths For Little Children~ this is a book I am reading with my 7 year old daughter right now. They are stories that have been reprinted from the 1800's. Good for children 3-6 years old. Full of great wisdom!
7. The Big Book Of Questions and Answers About Jesus by Sinclair B Ferguson~ this book is a favorite of mine. I have used it to teach sunday school to elementry age children. It is so practical. Children will have a great understanding of Jesus when they finish this book.
8. Children Bible Basics: What Happens When You Die, The Holy Spirit In Me, Who is Jesus, What is a Christian, What is Prayer, Who is God. Each title is a short book. Excellent for teaching little ones these spiritual truths. My father~ in~ law bought these books for my oldest son and I have used them for all 5 boys and even for Sunday school. They are wonderful. Next year I will start them with my 7 year old daughter. They are published by Moody Press.
9. Thoughts For Young Men~ by JC Ryle If you go through the Davis Home School Academy this is a must read prior to graduation. I have my boys read this book in 9th grade. It teaches boys great truths on how to become men of God.
10. Hero Tales~ by Dave and Neta Jackson~ This is another book I have used for Sunday school. It will teach your chidren about the great Heros of our faith. Heros like Gladys Aylward, Amy Carmichael, Martin Luther, John Wesley, and MANY more! Excellent.
OK.. that is part one of resources. Tomorrow I will discuss some of our favorite Audio materials that we have used.
Reading the bible is something I want my kids to learn to do on a daily basis. Family devotioanl time can be dad and/or mom reading a chapter of scripture and everyone discussing it. We have done this and continue to do it when we are not useing a devotional book. The first resource I am gonig to list is great for reading through the bible.
1. Balancing The Sword~ These book comes in two volumes. The books are designed to help you grasp the meaning of scripture by asking you questions about what you have read. Virtually all major points of the chapter are highlighted. The book also contains maps, tables, some pictures, and answer key. If you have never done family devotions this book is a great starting point to get you into Gods word for both children and adults. You can purchase this book from CBD for 54.49. that price includes both volumes.
Advice~ even if you do not homeschool go on line to CBD and look at their homeschool catolog. They have great selections for bible study.
2. Boyhood and Beyond, Created For Work, and Practical Happiness~( each title is a book) these are my FAVORITE devotional books. They are geared towards boys but they would be fine for a girl too. They are written by Bob Schultz. At the end of each little story are questions for you to ask and discuss with your kids.
3. Christian Manhood~ by Gary Maldaner. This is a great study to do together if you have a brood of boys like I do or each boy could do it on their own. You read sections and answer questions that are very practical, biblical and are great for helping your boys form their christian world view.
4. Jotham's Journey~ by Arnold Ytreeide This is a wonderful devotion for Christmas time. You start it on the first day of Advent and finish it up on christmas morning. It is a story that is fictional but is set in biblical times. The story leads up to the birth of Christ. This book will keep you at the edge of your seat! excellent! (there are a few books in the series but right now this was the only one I could find on my shelf...I think I lent out the other title but I seem to remember it being something like... Bartholomews ____???? )
5. Right Choices~by Kenneth N Taylor. a wonderful book for children 5 and under ( you could use it for older children too.. it really depends on the child) I have used this book for sunday school and also as a read a loud for my children when they were young. It helps children to start thinking about the choices that they make and teaches how to make biblilcal choices. Great book for charecter training.
6. Great Truths For Little Children~ this is a book I am reading with my 7 year old daughter right now. They are stories that have been reprinted from the 1800's. Good for children 3-6 years old. Full of great wisdom!
7. The Big Book Of Questions and Answers About Jesus by Sinclair B Ferguson~ this book is a favorite of mine. I have used it to teach sunday school to elementry age children. It is so practical. Children will have a great understanding of Jesus when they finish this book.
8. Children Bible Basics: What Happens When You Die, The Holy Spirit In Me, Who is Jesus, What is a Christian, What is Prayer, Who is God. Each title is a short book. Excellent for teaching little ones these spiritual truths. My father~ in~ law bought these books for my oldest son and I have used them for all 5 boys and even for Sunday school. They are wonderful. Next year I will start them with my 7 year old daughter. They are published by Moody Press.
9. Thoughts For Young Men~ by JC Ryle If you go through the Davis Home School Academy this is a must read prior to graduation. I have my boys read this book in 9th grade. It teaches boys great truths on how to become men of God.
10. Hero Tales~ by Dave and Neta Jackson~ This is another book I have used for Sunday school. It will teach your chidren about the great Heros of our faith. Heros like Gladys Aylward, Amy Carmichael, Martin Luther, John Wesley, and MANY more! Excellent.
OK.. that is part one of resources. Tomorrow I will discuss some of our favorite Audio materials that we have used.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Trip to VA
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!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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