About Us
We live on a fifteen-acre farm in Southern New England. Our extended household is
comprised of Gavin and Sandi (parents), Stephen, TJ, Sarah, Josiah,
Jonathan, Sandi’s mother Bette, who lives in the other side of our rambling,
two-family farm house and with whom we are blessed to share ownership of our home,
Lacy (an appaloosa mare), Nelly (a buckskin mare), Flaming Arrow (Nelly's colt), a flock
of chickens, Dusty (a cat), Goober (a black lab mix), and the goats Onyx and Jake.
Gavin is the physical and spiritual head of our household. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and works as the Accounting Coordinator for an international non-profit corporation. He is an active leader in our church, serving as an Elder.
Sandi is privileged to stay at home with our children. She is still teaching them at home, serving as Nursery Coordinator, and as Church Clerk, and operates a home business called The Nesting Box. Now she makes and sells soaps in addition to her sewing and embroidery. Needless to say, she stays very busy!
Stephen, our oldest child, is a teenager now! How did that happen? We can hardly believe he’s thirteen already. He has had a blast this summer, participating in church youth group activities on almost a daily basis. He also completed the Red Cross Babysitting course this summer.
TJ is eight years old now. He still has a very quiet, sweet nature. He loves helping at the barn and around the house. He’s very interested in mechanical things, and often surprises his parents with the bits of wisdom which he espouses.
Sarah is six and a half going on ten. It’s hard to remember that she’s just a sensitive little girl. We’ve finally figured out her passion, though! She is just like Sandi in her love of projects, but with a strong dose of Gavin’s sensitivity. She loves making things, reading, and decorating the dinner table.
Josiah is four and a half. He says to tell you he likes camping. He can hardly wait until Labor Day weekend when we will go camping again in New Hampshire. He is still very much a daddy’s boy, and is ever-so-proud that Gavin is his middle name. In his opinion it is clearly proof of his superior status in our household.
Jonathan is a funny one. If you ask who he is, he will tell you “Jonathan.” If you ask him his name he will exclaim, “David Caldwell!” We’re still trying to clarify the difference between first, middle, and last names. He is approaching three years old already. He loves animals, trucks, and books. How many two year olds do you know that can distinguish between a hippopotamus and a rhinoceros? Jonathan can! Trips to the zoo are high on his list of terrific things to do. Of course, other trips are fun as well. When we went to Old Sturbridge Village in July he was completely absorbed by feeding worms to some baby chicks. After a loooong time we finally had to drag him off to another activity.
 | "On the Fence" What warm weather we're having! The temperature reached over 70 degrees this day. (L-R) Josiah, Sarah, TJ, Jonathan, and Stephen December 2001 |
 | Brrrr! At Mashamoquet Brook on a HOT early spring day. The water was cold but they had lots of fun. (L-R) Sarah, TJ, Stephen, and Josiah (in front) Spring 2001 |
 | Gavin & Sandi
This photo was taken by a friend at a birthday celebration at Applebees. October, 2001 |
 |
Jonathan's First Birthday Birthday Boy Jonathan "blows out" his candle with LOTS of help from the other children. Auntie Lori and Cousin Nathan can also be seen in the photograph. October, 2001 |
Additional Photos 1999, Flaming Arrow, Summer 2000, Introducing Jonathan, Christmas 2000, Fall and Winter 2000-2001, Summer 2001, Christmas 2001, Fall and Winter 2001-2002, Spring and Summer 2002, Spring and Summer 2003, The Funny Farm
The Hiding Place may be purchased on-line at Amazon.com.
Home Education Links:
Review Connecticut law with The Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers (T.E.A.C.H.).
Check out conference information from Massachusetts Homeschool Organization of Parent Educators (Mass HOPE).
Learn about current legislation from The Home School Legal Defense Association (H.S.L.D.A).
Just for Kids:
Play games at The Official Veggie Tales Home Page.
Crafts and Sewing:
Indulge yourself with Sew Beautiful Magazine.
Sew with Nancy at Nancy's Notions.
Learn to Smock.
Print out Free Smocking Plates.
Purchase patterns for nursing mothers from Elizabeth Lee Designs.
Download SmockSoft smocking software. (Developed by a friend!)
Other Great Sites:
Try out fun new recipes with Top Secret Recipes on the Web.
Read the latest messages from Focus on the Family.
