The First Day of School!

Today was a day of firsts in the Davis household! It was Gabby's first day of Kindergarten. She has been chomping at the bit to get started for several months now. So, she was up at the crack of dawn, greeted Daddy in his office and said she was ready to hit the books.

For some odd reason I had to keep suppressing those first day jitters and butterflies that were building in my stomach as we went to the kitchen table to get started with Kindergarten. I kept having to remind myself that the kitchen table was the ultimate destination and that she wasn't going to have to put on her new spotless white sneakers or board the school bus.

Greg and I have prayed and talked through this decsion to homeschool our children since Gabby was a baby. It's hard to believe that after almost six years, we're starting our first born's formal education.

I am thrilled to be teaching all of the wonderful and interesting subjects to Gabby (Matthew & Alex) and to lead her in showing how God's hand is at the root of every subject. We are so fortunate to have her home and to educate her in this fashion. I am blessed to be able to stay at home with our children and now to remain their primary source of formal education. Greg is also looking forward to taking on some teaching as we progress through the year and in years to come. We covet your prayers as we embark on this new journey. We sense that this is the Lord's calling for us and our family and ask that you pray with us for time management, patience and to teach Gabby (Matthew & Alex) a love for learning.

I am so thankful for the homeschooling moms and teachers who have answered so many of my questions and who have encouraged me numerous times. I appreciate each of you and thank you for your words of wisdoms, helpful tips and borrowed curriculum. I hope to one day pay it forward.

Above are pictures of Gabby that we took today. I had Gabby draw a picture about the first day of Kindergarten and this was her picture drawn in her typical birds-eye-view fashion. The girl with the E1 above her head is Mommy, it is supposed to be my age (31) and we're seated at the table. The little girl with the 5 above her head is Gabby. There is an airplane at the top and down below is another table and chair with a computer set on top. This isn't a bad view to have!

The Big Yellow Bus!

Today the kids were able to get on a school bus. The bus driver was kind enough to allow them to sit in the driver's seat and honk the horn. Then they walked to the back of the bus (where Daddy used to sit!) to check out the student seats. Gabby has always wanted to scope out the inside of a authentic yellow dog. With homeschooling starting up soon, she unfortunately will not get the opportunity to ride in one regularly so today was a real treat for her.

Alex Part 2

Here is Alex multi-tasking as he crawls around the house!

Alex

Lately, I have been giving Alex slices of apple in this fresh food feeder (green mesh thing). He just loves it! On our way home today he was chewing happily on his apple. When I turned around to check on him I found him fast asleep with the fresh food feeder still in his mouth. I was driving and decided to snap a picture, which I would not suggest you do, but I had to get a picture before it fell out. This would explain why it is not the greatest shot, but you get the idea. Too Cute!

Special Visitors!

Today was a special day for all of us, but especially for Alex. Friends from Jacksonville, Chuck and Jean Belcher along with Jean's sister Marianne, came not only to see us but to worship with us at church this morning. The Belchers have been good friends of ours since before Gabriella was born.

Jean is a "Master Sewer" and while she has taught me so much about sewing and quilting this craft has allowed our friendship to grow. She's also helped me appreciate trying to create beautiful and yet practical things. I've had some memorable moments with Jean such as the time we quilted an over sized lap quilt for my Grandmother's 90th birthday in one day! Sadly, we haven't spent time together since last summer when I was pregnant with Alex and she taught me how to make a simple baby blanket. Since then I have made this style of blanket for my children and several of our friends who have had newborns. Unfortunately, with three children my sewing has been, well lets just say non-existent, but I still admire those who create such beautiful things.

Jean has made a quilt or blanket for each of our children and today Alex received his. Actually, this was the first time Chuck, Jean and Marianne got to see Alex. Jean took to Alex like she does with all of our children, like a loving Grandmother. Both Chuck and Jean have such a heart for young families and give of themselves wholeheartedly to helping and encouraging them any way they can.

Thank you Jean for the beautiful quilt! I know Alex will treasure it always.

8.8.08

To commemorate the Olympics Opening Ceremony, I had the kids pose for a picture. Matthew wore his Gold Medal. After taking the picture I realized they were wearing red, white and blue. So patriotic! The Olympics has always been one of my favorite things to watch. I am especially excited about it this year, because Gabby and Matthew will be able to watch and enjoy it with Greg and I. I look forward to seeing their reactions and answering their questions about the different sporting events they will be witnessing for the first time. They were allowed to stay up and watch some of the opening ceremony. Matthew really liked all the fireworks. Gabby got into the thousands of people performing and all the amazing things they were doing. We hope you enjoy watching the Olympic games. Go USA!

Hot Summer Days!

The last couple of days have been really HOT! So, we have stayed indoors and are enjoying the AC. Here are some pics of the kids playing, smiling and crawling around.

Going on a Sa-WHAT!

Last night while cleaning his room, Matthew had his hat and binoculars on. When Daddy asked what he was doing, Matthew said he was going on a "SAFAIRY!" Oh! Well, this morning Matthew came out of his room wearing PJ's, "SAFAIRY" hat and binoculars. I had to take a picture to share with all of you.

We're Here!

Here we are! We have now started "blogging". We are looking forward to posting all the Davis happenings, the good, the bad and the ugly. We hope you enjoy our adventures as much as we do.