Here We Go!

Today, my husband and I were on a date for lunch, We take every advantage to spend time alone with each other. As we were driving, my creative husband had a great idea. That's all it took to get my creative juices flowing! Like I needed one more project! I am very excited about this and can't wait to see how it turns out.


So, here begins The Great Big Family Project!

We would like to hear how other big families save money, have fun, develop character in their children, and grow in the Lord. We would like to compile some of your adventures, both spiritual and mundane. Post your stories in our comment section,click on the word comment just below this post, and share so others can benefit from your experiences. You can also email me with your comments, please put The Great Family Project in the subject line. We look forward to laughing and learning with you.


Our story: Kelley and I have been married nearly 25 blessed years. We have 9 of the most awesome children any two people could ask for. Our older two are boys and then we had seven girls! All nine still live at home. The older three are in college, one graduates this spring, two others are in public school and three at home. We have home schooled all of them for some parts of their education.

Early in our marriage, money was very tight. We had four kids in five years and three were in diapers at the same time. We were constantly looking for ways to save money, time, and sanity. Feeding, clothing, and nurturing our children took some real creative thinking. I always found family and friends willing to give us ideas for saving money and time. Sharing ideas to help make living this life easier and cheaper is my idea of true love. We have had so many things shared with us over the years. Some ideas were great and some were just plain crazy. Now, we can laugh about it.

My husband's parents lived during the depression and world war II. Mrs. Holcombe was a wise woman. Along with Kelley's dad, they raised 9 wonderful children. We did have the privilege to live with them a couple of times in the early years of our wedded bliss. During that time, I had the honor to glean some truth from my mother in law. They passed away several years ago and we miss them very much. I especially miss having someone who knew and understood what I was experiencing as a mom to many.

My family was much smaller. I was the first born. I grew up with two sisters and my mom and dad. When I was thirteen, my dad was killed in an automobile accident. My mom later remarried. I then became the fourth of seven kids. My mother taught me about the love of Christ and what it means to really follow Him. For me, choosing and following Jesus is how I find my peace in everyday living. My wonderful mom taught me to sew as a young child. She always made us beautiful clothes. Craftiness runs in my family and I guess I inherited some of the creativity. It has helped us because I have been able to sell my creations to garner some extra dollars. Thanks mom!

In all the phases of life, our relatives have been a major influence in how we have raised our very large family. We think that we have done more than just survive. We have been blessed and would like to bless others the way our folks have blessed us.

Our hope is that The Great Big Family Project will at some point be a tool for anyone to use in raising their great big family and for those who are thinking about having a large family!



Thanks so much,
Kelley and Karen....and all 9 Holcombe Kids!