Have questions? Get answers:
I started a discussion in my BlogFrog Community where I open up the floor for your questions about our large, homeschooling family. I know you have them feel free to ask away and I will answer to the best of my ability.
There are already some interesting questions and answers (like wondering about the noise level) posted. Also feel free to leave questions in the comments.
A Peak into our Background:
A while ago I did an interview about our family with Shiloah @ Homemaking Cottage. She posted the interview which includes why we decided to have a large family, knowledge that has helped us along our journey, funny stories, favorite recipes and on her blog and you may read it here.
Blog Awards from my friends:
Thank you to my friends who wished to give these awards to Raising Olives.
Dawn at Just Call Me Woman thinks that Raising Olives is “Over the Top!”
Thank you Dawn.
Mama Mirage at Every~Precious~Joy gave me the “Mom with a Mission” award. 
“This award is presented to a Mommy blogger who is on a mission! So tell us, why do you blog and what do you love about it?”
I began this blog with the purpose of encouraging other moms who desire to walk a similar path and who feel alone or overwhelmed. I wanted to share the joys and blessings of homeschooling and walking in the blessed path of motherhood. I love getting emails and comments from you letting me know that this blog is a blessing in your life.
Lauren at Home with Olivia thought that this was “One Lovely Blog”.
Thank you Lauren.
Jessica at Jumping Waves and Heather at It’s Twinsanity both gave me the Lemonade award. 
I’m supposed to tell you five things about me that you don’t already know or I’m supposed to tell you ten things that make me happy. I’m going for a combination, five things that you don’t know about me that also make me happy.
- I love to sit down and have a cup of hot tea, but if I’m with a friend I will happily drink coffee. (Hubby hates the smell of coffee, so I rarely drink it at home.)
- I love snow and whenever there is even a sprinkling on the ground I let the children have the day off of school and play in the snow all day long, or until they get cold. They make snow cones and I am sure that there is plenty of hot chocolate to warm them up. I often let them go out before breakfast and then allow them to eat outside because snow here in Knoxville is a rare and fleeting gift.
- Our family loves the Summer Olympics, especially gymnastics. I was the Tennessee State Gymnastic Champion for two years in a row. The third year I broke my wrist and was unable to compete.
- I love it when our kids come and get in bed with us, so long as it’s closer to morning than night. I love that special snuggle time.
- We’ve never carried any debt outside of our mortgage.
Now click over and read the interview and then ask some questions about what it’s really like living with a husband and 9 children.
You may also enjoy:
I’m new to your blog and I LOOOVE it. So while I’ve poked around through your archives just a bit, I may have missed these things:
- Back up in your memory just a bit. Way back to when you had a few little ones and no big ones. Was it harder to handle back then? Right now I have a 1-year-old and that’s it, and I’m nervous about more kids, though I do want them.
- Any advice for turning a night owl (me) into a morning glory?
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Kimberly @ Raising Olives Reply:
January 11th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
In many ways it was harder back then, physically harder. I was completely exhausted at the end of each day and I hadn’t accomplished anything beyond the necessities.
Now we accomplish a lot more and I have companionship during the day. There are still challenges, but it’s a different kind of busy.
If God made you a night owl enjoy it. I have a good friend and she gets so much done after her kids are in bed. She cleans the house, paints rooms, and sews all sorts of beautiful things.
Of course there is balance in everything, but I think that people are just wired differently.
If you really think you need to change. Set a bed time and stick with it, even if you don’t fall asleep go get in bed and read or relax. Then get up at the same time each morning. Your body will eventually adjust.
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I nominated you for a blog award here:
http://ourbusyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunshinetwo-blog-awards.html
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Those are such lovely things to enjoy! If you are ever this way I will have a cup of coffee here for you!
Have a great weekend with your lovely family!
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Kimberly @ Raising Olives Reply:
January 11th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Oh wouldn’t that be fun. Thanks for the invite and the same for you, if you’re ever in Knoxville. We always have coffee in the house, just for guests.
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I just read your interview at the Homemaking Cottage…beautiful testimony! I loved reading about your mom and how she has survived cancer. What a testimony!!
I’m going to check the forum
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