My name is Kimberly and I am a second generation homeschooling mom. I have been married to my amazingly patient husband, Mark who also happens to be the best ever father, for 14 years and God has blessed us with 9 children and 1 grafted daughter. Our primary goal in life is to glorify God and to raise our children to do the same. To that purpose, we attempt to examine every decision that we make in light of God’s word and so many of the decisions that we make seem strange to the world and we are good with that.
We are a reformed Christian, Jesus loving, homeschooling, wheat grinding, bread baking, from scratch cooking, child loving, game playing, cross country running (well most of us), baby wearing, cloth diapering, early rising, music making, money saving, amazingly blessed large family of 11.
Our oldest daughter Amber (13) is diligent, a great cook and takes initiative to help with just about every chore around the house. She is our current breakfast an lunch menu planner.
Kaitlin (11) is every one’s friend and is one of the most generous and giving people that I know. Kaitlin always has an encouraging word and is a deep thinker.
Matthew (10) is always smiling and wants to be a missionary to India when he grows up. (Thanks to reading about and praying for the homeless street children in India when he was 4 years old.) He is constantly striving to work hard “just like Daddy.”
We praise God everyday for His mercy in giving Alyssa to us, in spite of our lack of faith. Our first 3 children were born in 2 1/2 years. I was tired, overwhelmed and scared about having anymore. We decided that we needed a space between our children. After a few weeks neither Mark or I felt comfortable with taking our “family planning” away from our sovereign God who loves us even more than we love ourselves. We trusted Him. This was our shortest space between children (14 months), BUT it was my only pregnancy with no trace of morning sickness and Alyssa was an angel baby. God knows and does what is best for us and sometimes it is different than what we think. Praise God for giving us this child, even when we thought that we didn’t want her.
We call Alyssa (9) our sunshine, she brightens our days and I can’t imagine not having her as part of our family.
Steady is the word that comes to mind when I think of Carter (7). He loves people, snuggling and is always aware when I need cheering up. Yesterday he told me that I was beautiful. Read Carter’s story and how God preserved Carter’s life.
Sadie (6) is a bit of a loner but still loves to snuggle occasionally. She does an amazing job at whatever she sets her mind to, probably because she is such a hard, patient worker.
Savannah (4) is our compliant child, a complete people pleaser, loving to snuggle and passing out compliments all ’round. She will most likely grow up to be a princess, probably Belle.
I have never seen or met a child who is more strong willed or active than Colby (3). He is also one of the most charming children and is helping me learn to be more consistent and patient.
Nicholas (18 months) is a sweet, fun-loving little fellow, who has an opinion and knows how to get what he wants in our full house.
Sweet, tiny, loved and wanted baby number 10 – expected July 2010.
Suzanne (19) is our temporary daughter, living with us while she is going to college. Suzanne is very thoughtful and giving and she knows and understands people.
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neat!!! Carter is just like my brother!
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I loved reading about your family – I look forward to exploring your website more as I have time. Thanks for your example in allowing the Lord to plan your family. Your family is beautiful!!!
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The faceless name…sounds kinda scary…
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What a beautiful looking family you are! Thank you for your honesty and openness about your fourth pregnancy, you have encouraged me to talk with my husband and rethink our decision for future pregnancies. You have described exactly where I am now. Our son Judah was 14 months when our twin girls Ariel and Zara where born (prem at 28 weeks). It is a difficult road, but the Lord knows exactly what we need and provides the perfect amount of grace. Thank you.
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What a BEAUTIFUL family you are!
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Awww, how sweet was this post?! I loved getting to know a little about each of your children!
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HI there! Glad I found your blog. Havent gotten to explore too much of it but loved reading about your family members individually. We also have a Savannah who is 4! What a coincidence!
I plan to read your blog regularly!
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Wow – I will be celebrating my 15th year of marriage and we only have two kids-planned that way. I could not find the courage to have more. You are a strong woman and it looks like you have a strong family. Keep up the great work!
Best Wishes
Jenny
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Raising Olives Reply:
May 18th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Thanks Jenny, your comments are very kind. I want to dispel a myth. I’m not a particularly strong women and I struggle with all of the same failings that others struggle with, but God has been very gracious to us through our family. In my post Why So Many Children? I link to a post that explains better what I mean.
Again thank you for your kind comment.
Blessings,
Kimberly
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I just wanted to say that although I do not personally know your family, I’ve fallen in love with you guys! I love everything that I read on your blog! You’re so inspiring!
God is certainly blessing you and your family!
I strive to be more like you and your family.
Warmly,
Erica
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Raising Olives Reply:
May 23rd, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Erica,
Thank you. I pray that God will use this site to bring honor to Himself and encouragement to His people and I’m thankful that you have been inspired. I pray that God will continue to work in our lives to make us more like Him.
If you have any questions or ideas for the blog, please feel free to email and that goes for anyone else too.
Blessings,
Kimberly
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A beautiful family. What a wonderful Blessing the Lord has given you. I love the family photo at the top best. God BLESS-Big Hugs
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Katherine,
I’m amazed at your faith. Praise God that He has been all that you need and that you know that He will provide. I pray that He will give you wisdom, peace and strength as you journey down the road that He has ordained for you.
Blessings,
Kimberly
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Thanks for visiting my blog. You have a beautiful family.
I can relate to the spacing issue with your first 3! My two oldest are 11 1/2 months apart, followed by my third 13 months later. It was a hard row to hoe when they were all tiny and there was nothing but diapers, laundry and feeding.
Now that they are older, they are so helpful with the younger ones. And, I am rarely without a babysitter so trips to the grocery store can be done all by myself if I so choose.
Happy homeschooling & happy day!
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I just found your website and love it! I am also a 2nd generation homeschooler. I also have a Nicholas! We use homemade laundry soap, cloth napkins (sometimes) and I’m ready to go no-poo! My dad (who is still a hippie!) did that 2 years ago and his hair looks great, so now I’m ready to try. I’ll add you to my blog roll and spread the fun!
Nicki in TX
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I really am enjoying your blog and especially meeting your children. I am a homeschool mother of 8 with #9 due in October. They are very close in age also as we allow the Lord to be our family planner. Thank you for taking the time to share. God bless,
Carlee, NC
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Hi i found your website through happy housewife and am enjoying it more as I explored it is a great site and keep up the great work.
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I enjoyed reading your website. To be truethful I was wondering on the internet today looking for something…. I have become a large family of 5 and I know that it was always Gods plan. Since I started homeschooling 9 years ago I have had the oppurtunity to meet large families and for the longest time I wanted what they had. Now I have a large family (the newest baby is 10 months, the oldest are 16). I am really struggling with being tired (even though the baby is sleeping now) and just not being able to get up and get things done. I know how I would like to live and Handle my day. We have recently made a great schedule (that I haven’t done yet). I have read all the neat helps and organizing tips, but I am in a real funk. I don’t know where to get started, to get more engaged and to be a better mother. Thanks again for your website.
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Hi Kimberly! I’m so glad I finally got a chance to get onto your site. It’s very impressive and I am really looking forward to reading more from it. I’m sure you know all kinds of smart tricks I can learn about dealing with money and children(even though Jonathan is the only child I’m taking care of right now!).
I love all the pictures and descriptions of your kids. They are just as cute as ever! Please tell them that Uncle Jonathan and I love and miss them. We hope you are doing well and I really hope since now we have a computer that we can keep in better touch.
<3 Kansas
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Raising Olives Reply:
July 20th, 2009 at 6:28 am
Kansas,
I hope that you and Jonathan are settling in. Make sure you keep you eyes open over there on the other side of the continent.
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Nice to meet you! We are also a reformed homeschooling family, though I’m not second generation. Most of us swim, and only one of us runs:)
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You have a beautiful family.
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Wow! I feel so honored to even be able to view this blog. You have a beautiful family. I am from a family of 11 children and have 53 nieces and nephews so far. Although I always thought growing up I would have a large family – that was not to be. I have been richly blessed with 2 children and am so thankful for them. I have already read some great tips on your blog, and I know I will be checking in quite often here in the future. Thank you for sharing!
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beautiful family!
We are 11 person too! Congratulation! My biggest sister is 27 years old and my smallest brother is 14 years old! It’s beatutiful have all of this brothers!!
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I’ve just seen your bit at the bottom… new baby July 2010… early days but I assume Congratulations are in order!
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Congratulations!
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