Car Ride

We spent the last few hours driving back and forth to Fayettville to pick up Hannah and take her home. I (being a first time mom) was expecting the worst I suppose as I imagine a screaming child who could not be consoled in the backseat. To my pleasant surprise Braden sat quietly without a peep for the entire ride. He was happy to have Hannah in the car, he kept smiling at her and dancing with her to the music. What a little cutie with an infectious laugh. I hope that never changes and I will do everything I know of to help him stay positive and love life.

Food Wise

Have wisdom in the process,
with wisdom in your heart,
Have wisdom in the choice you make,
each time you take a part.
Have wisdom for the lame,
who without you have no voice.
Have wisdom of the suffering,
Their life left to exploit.
Have wisdom in the money,
changing people into slaves.
Is convenience really worth it,
do we know the price we pay.
To live the Word of Wisdom,
there's a promise for our day.
When we live with Wise Traditions
healthy livings here to stay.

Kristen Davis 9/3/2010

I recently watched "Food Inc." which is a documentary about our food industry in America. I saw chickens in dark filthy chicken houses that completely lacked the strength to stand up due to the hormones they are given to speed up the growth of their breast meat. These hormones leave their other organs including their lungs underdeveloped. Most of the chickens only have energy to sit in their poop and struggle to breath. I know it's easy to say, "it's just a chicken" but I believe that everything on this earth was created by God and that we should have thanksgiving in all that we are given and treat everything with respect! I also saw cows being bull dosed with a tractor because their legs were so maimed from standing in one place they could no longer walk. I can help right now is to support the local farmers in our area and have started buying raw milk and eggs from this farmer. Since then I have also come across an organization called Weston A Price Foundation. I'm learning how to bring back the wise traditions of cooking the way our ancestors did, before all the industrialization and money became the driving force in our American food. I'm not going to change everything overnight and I know it's going to take time for me to break old habits. I'm taking it one step at a time and looking forward to being healthier and healing my body from chronic pain.

Food Production in America

I was introduced to raw milk by a friend in my ward at church. I never realized how bad the U.S food production methods are. The way we make food now is driven by money and doesn't consider the long term effects it has on our health. On the Oprah show recently she went to several farmers to ask if she could film their chicken farm. None of the farmers let her in except for one lady who said that she feels bad about how they are raised and wants to make a change. The scene was so horrible and sad, the poor chickens are fed so many steroids to make their breast bigger.. (because we all like to eat chicken breast) that they can't hold up their bodies. Their bones and other internal organs are under grown and so these chickens just sit there and struggle to breath! Over the past few months I have felt very compelled to eat better and to stay away from all this over produced, chemically enhanced junk that we call food in America. The Word of Wisdom is a food guideline for this very reason. Meat has become so cheap that we can eat it everyday, and we do. Chicken used to be a meal that one would have on Sunday or on a special occasion. The Word of Wisdom states that we should eat meat sparingly in times of famine. This makes more sense to me now, knowing how the meat is made. I read an article in the news paper yesterday about the city of Suwanee having a community organic garden. You can buy a plot of land for your garden for only $50-$100 a year depending on the size. Yeah.... I shouted, that's going to be awesome... then I read further which said all the plots of land are taken right now and there is a waiting list. :(( What a great idea though and I really want to grow my own food. There are a few organic farmers in the area that I'm going to visit, they say that when you drink raw milk and purchase direct from the farmers that you should visit the farm and make sure things look clean to your standards. Of course there are risk of raw milk but the benefits far out weigh the risk to your health. More on this topic as I learn more.

Boogie Time

Another indoor day due to icy roads and cold weather, I've had cabin fever for a week now. Braden and I danced around the upstairs while I was getting laundry done and cleaning the bedrooms. Braden LOVES to play vacuum. So much that I cringe when he walks over and points to the bedroom where the vacuum is. I guess there are worse things in life and at least the dog hair is not a problem anymore. He's really starting to communicate with me and I've been around him enough to know what he is saying even if it's bbllliiigggrrr llaaggeerr ggllluurrbb. I just love our conversations right now, he really thinks he is talking and he'll just go on and on.

Hannah Turns 17

Hannah (in the middle) on her 17th Birthday. We finally have a picture with Rachel in it too. She's back from school and will be leaving again in April.

Christmas 2009

This may have been the only picture I took this year with the Christmas tree. Camerone, Connor and Katelyn live dow the street and come over frequently to play with Braden. He has really grown to like them and is always so happy when them come to the door.

I had to act quick to get this photo and luckly I caught Braden with a bit of a smile.

Thanksgiving in North Carolina

We had a great time in North Carolina at the Zellers. Good to see Mom Davis too, she flew down from Mass. We were also able to see Gabe and Alejandras' new baby Gabriella.
I'm picking up tips from Susan on her table decorating skills... very nice!

trying to keep warm on the sideline, with a soccer ball. Braden, wishing he was big enough to play football with daddy

Time to burn off those Thanksgiving calories!

Halloween 2009

Nice Job!! and so scary

Carving the pumkin version of Harry Potters "lord Voldemort"

Braden as Winnie the Pooh 2009

Nathan, Seth and Braden. How cute can three boys be.

Rainy Visit

A break in the rain gave us a chance to visit the

home of "Gone With The Wind" Author Margrett Mitchell

Last year the news reporters spoke of a 3 year drought that had the lakes in Georgia all but dried up. After last week I'd say, "thank goodness". Georgia had more rain than I have witnessed in all my 37 years of life. Sadly 8 people lost their lives by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was also a good time to survey the leaks in the basement, which took me by surprise when I spotted not only water dripping through but an entire branch of a tree. "What"! I say, it even had leaves on it. "How is this possible"?? "A tree growing through my basement wall, this can't be good". Turns out, it was part of the ivy that's growing up the house and one of the vines found it's way into a crack in the wall. Sneaky little suckers!Mom just missed the flood but she had plenty of rain while she was here. How much fun can one have with buckets of rain and a tight budget. That leaves us with the Margret Mitchell House (author of Gone with The Wind) and the Cyclorama. The Cyclorama is a gy-normus painting of the civil war. Pretty awesome really but I did get dizzy on the turn about. Not sure if anyone else did and I didn't want to be a damper so I didn't say anything. Not to mention my little bundle of energy who has now mastered his outside voice in quiet settings. Now I know what it's like to be gawked at by piercing eyes who haven't been there and sympathised by those who know what I'm going through.

Bradens 1st Birthday / Part One

Just a little spoiled this day but that's what birthdays are for.

Someday you will love all this attention!!

Greg's brother Gerald and family came over to have a family birthday party for Braden. It's so great to have them close by for all the holidays!

Mommy and Braden admiring Nanny's one cake.

Braden with sister Emma

Bradens 1st Birthday / Part Two

We tried to get the boys to sit in front of the picture.... yeah right!

Two of Bradens best friends Seth and Nathan were at his birthday party.

Happy 1st Birthday boogie man. We love you so much!

Precious Moments

It used to be so easy
I’d get all that I need.

I didn’t have to wake up
until I felt complete.

Now is a different story,
there’s reason to arise.
He wakes me every morning,
with a sparkle in his eyes.

How can I be so grumpy
when I see his shining face.
A smile that melts my heart,
and puts me in my place.

So wipe away the sleepers,
this time is not my own.
These are the precious moments,
before my boy is grown.

By: Kristen Lorraine Davis
7/17/2009
I wrote this one morning as I was laying in bed trying to get a few more winks of sleep, while Braden was playing on the bedroom floor. Watching him play and roll around my heart melted knowing this is for such a limited time and soon he will grow and be on his way. We are truly blessed to have him in our home!

Fine Words

Hearing what sounds good,
where fine words take me away
will I still remember
when sorrow comes my way.

Give me hope … give me faith
just let me stay here in this place.
Tell me fine words that wont go away
So I can remember to act and to pray.

I have a dream of what I may be,
though who can say what His will is for me.
To know the end is not in the plan
to help me learn patience and know that He can.

So give me hope … give me faith
Life… will sure be better that way.
No matter what the end may be,
to know that He loves me is all that I need

Fine words I seek to lead the way …
and bring me through a sorrowful day.


By: Kristen Lorraine Davis
1/20/2008

I had just confirmed that I was pregnant when I wrote this. I was filled with worry because of my previous complication with getting pregnant and keeping the pregnancy. My greatest desire was to be a mother but time was slipping by and hope was hard to hold on to. For a week I had the impression to call brother Johnston in our ward for a Priesthood blessing. Finally I made the call and when I hung up the phone it was as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders and that everything was going to be all right. He came over and gave me a blessing that told me that I would carry this baby to full term. Looking back I should have been more at peace and had faith in the blessing but I was still very worried for the next few months.

Important

Be important, don’t throw it away.
Find out what it takes,
for you to mark your stay.

What have you to give,
what have you to say?
If it's not important then just go away.

Be important, don’t throw it away,
Living life so smartly, every single day.
If your not important and have nothing cool to say.
Why are you still standing here your getting in my way.

If you ever wonder,
why you’re born that way.

Don’t let yourself give into it
its only called mind-play!


By: Kristen Lorraine Davis
1/20/2008


I wrote this over a year ago so it’s hard to remember what exactly was going through my mind at the time. I think I was being facetious at the way people like to think that they are so much better than other people. On the other hand, I could look at this now and see that we are important and the way we live our life is very important too. So this poem can have two very different meanings depending on how you look at it at the time.

Hilton Head

In hopes of having summer fun,
We drove all day to see the sun.

A new island to explore,
We spent most the day on the shore.

Nice place, I must say.
Only watch for the bikers,
They get in the way.

First time surfing a wave,
No fear at all, the boy is brave.

Keeping the sand out of his hand,
A few shells made it to never-land.

Sisters helping keep the peace,
Surely put my mind at ease.

Movie night with anticipation,
Harry Potters a hit to top our vacation

On the road heading home,
With sand in our hair and wearing sea-foam

We sang and we ate and had a good time,
We thank you to dad and his magical dime!


By: Kristen Lorraine Davis
7/16/2009

I wrote this on the car drive home from our vacation. Just wanting something to do, I thought I would write down what we did in rhymes.

Who Knew

One…. One …. One …. One …..
Count the days till life begun.
Sitting on my ….. who knew it was up to me.
Who knew about victory….

Awake now and Im understanding,
theres a bigger life for demanding.
Or what the heck is all this for.
It's time to fix the score,

cuz I am walking through the door.
Who knew it was up to me….
Who knew … now I see.

Choices…. each day ….. how big …. no one can say.
Only one way to find the truth, am I effecting my youth
Be like a child …. they say… innocence is the way.
Who knew …. it was up to me
Who knew about victory.

Awake now and I’m understanding,
there’s a bigger life for demanding.
Who knew it was up to me…
Who knew it was up to me….
My life…. has possibility…
Because I decide that it’s up to me…


By: Kristen Lorraine Davis
1/19/2008

This was my first attempt at writing something. Not really sure what it is, song/poem but I think the point is pretty clear. I was inspired to write something after talking to my brother Steve and he was talking about his music. I thought “I want to write something too”

He's a Walking Boy

It's been almost a year now and Braden is growing so big. On July 5th (10months) he took his first steps to Greg and I and his sisters Emma and Hannah. He's feeling more and more confident on his feet but he's had quite a few spills too. Charlie (our dog) is having to move quicker to get away from him now.

Gardening Woes

So I went on vacation to Hilton Head South Carolina and when I returned my garden was in total ruin. Something went to town on all the ripe okra and green beans. Such a disappointment to see all my work go to the birds. I bet they're just sitting up in the trees saying "wow she's doing a great job this year, we're gonna have a feast". Next year I'm getting a Scare Crow!

Hilton Head SC

In hopes of having summer fun,

we drove all day to see the sun.

A new island to explore,

we spent most the day on the shore.

Nice place, I must say,

only watch of the bikers, they get in the way.

First time surfing a wave,

no fear at all the boy is brave.

Keeping the sand out of his hand,

a few shells made it to never-land.

Sisters helping keep the peace,

surley put my mind at ease.

Movie night with anticipation,

Harry Potters a hit, to top our vacation.

On the road heading home with sand in hair and wearing sea-foam.

We sang, we ate and had a good time,

we thank you to dad and his magical dime!

By: Kristen Davis

Squeaky

Do you feel proud that you squeak when you walk.
Is this how you like to live, to cheap to hear me talk.

You have all the answers to your master plan,
How can I measure up to the cards in your hand.

Is this why you came here, to grind us with your feet,
A land of new beginnings as long as it is cheap.

I should have seen this coming when a contract there was none,
I should have been more watchful at the figures to be spun.

Another lesson learned but likely not the last,
It’s time to carry on and put the squeaker in the past!!!

By: Kristen Lorraine Davis
7/19/2009

Fathers Day

Emma and Hannah made a nice dinner and coconut cake for desert.

Braden and Daddy on their first fathers day.

Braves-V-Yankees

First baseball game.... Go Braves!

Bradens' first bike ride

This video is so cute because clearly Braden is too young to be on a bike at only 8 months. Greg is always so excited to introduce him to new things that sometimes we jump the gun as we did here.

Intervention

The power that you hold is stronger than my own.
You are the great divide between the actions that I’ve sewn.

How did I let you in you creep just like a snake.
My life is set aside for these drugs I must take.

If only for a moment you take me from this place.
I give you all my power to free me from disgrace.

A solitary world the days turn into years.
The lines I see before me exposing all my fears.

To find a higher ground where I can spread my wings.
This is my only option if I'm to do great things.

Now is my intervention and there’s power on my side.
These comrades in my life won’t let me go without a fight!


By: Kristen Lorraine Davis

I don’t have a drug problem if you are wondering. I wrote this after watching the show “Intervention” on A&E. This is a reality show that follows a person who is addicted to alcohol or drugs. You can see the horrible affect that this addiction has on their life. These people are usually on the edge of death and must have an intervention from loved ones to save them. But with all that the family does to help, it’s ultimately up to them to change their life.

My First Born Birth Story

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? Yes, for several years but didn't happen until I wasn't expecting it.
2. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? I knew within a few days from the symptoms and I wanted to tell everyone but I had to keep quiet for several months because of previous miscarriage.
3.
4. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 36
5. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? I just knew but I took a pregnancy test to confirm.
6. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Greg
7. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? Yes, I wanted to get the nursery ready.
8. DUE DATE? September 5 2008
9. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN? September 5 2008 3am
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? No, maybe a little in the beginning but I was too excited to notice.
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? I ate a lot of grapefruit, apples, and Ice Cream
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? Random things would set me off... Greg took the brunt of my short temperedness and he was really good about it. He told me I need to be nice or the baby is going to come out with frown lines between his eyes. Well, thats exactly what happened. Braden scowled at everyone for the first month and a half.
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? Male
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? No, Greg always wanted a boy so I was happy for him, but I would like a girl too... we'll see.
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? 50 big ones.
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Yes, one from Gregs work and one from friends at church.
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? I knew.
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? No complications, but the last few months were very difficult with the summer heat and feeling huge.
19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Johns Creek Emory Hospital, GA
20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? I remember the exact moment when I felt my first real contraction, but I wont be going into that. Labor started Wed 11pm and we drove to the hospital at 4am only to be told to go home until the contractions were 5min apart for 1/2 hour. By 1pm the next day, the pain in my back was so intense and would not go away so the Dr told me to come on in. Greg got stuck behind every slow driver on the road and as greg was pushing me in a wheel chair through the doors of the Emergency Room I had to tell a 90 year old couple to move to the side so Greg can get me through the door. I wasn't in a very good mood to say the least. After all that I didn't get my epideral for another 4 hours, right before my parents showed up at 5pm. Greg and my parents went to dinner at Chilies (thanks a lot guys : ) ) and I rested. I stopped dialating at 8cm and Bradens heart rate was droping to the 50s when I had a contraction but luckly would always come back up. I had to wear an oxygen mask which made my mouth sooo dry. I was finally ready to start pushing at 1am Friday morning and Braden was born at 3am...yeah
21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? Greg
22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Greg and my Mom, my Dad couldn't watch and went to the waiting room..
23. WAS IT VAGINAL OR C-SECTION? Vaginal
24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? Yes, that was very weird to not feel my legs after the delivery but it made my long labor so much better.
25. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 8lbs 8oz
26. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Braden Christopher Davis