Kids
Book: “Who Do You Love?” by Margaret Wang
Several years ago my parents gave the girls Who Do You Love? by Margaret Wang and they still love it. I have read the book to them many times and now they can read it on their own. The book is encouraging for the kids because it goes through the variety of people in their lives that love them. This is a terrific book especially for younger kids as they are learning about the family members, (including siblings, parents, and grandparents). When the girls were little after reading the book we would talk about their grandparents and share memories. It is now great seeing them read it together and share memories with each other.
Craft Activities: Time to Paint
The girls enjoy summer and all the fun activities that come along with it! One of the activities they insisted on doing regularly was painting. They have a blast doing it and I like that it helps them work on their hand eye coordination as well as creativity.
Karlie concentrating on her painting project! Karlie had so much fun coloring her craft that she used up almost all the paint that came with it. She was really good about rinsing out her brush!
Brina carefully painting her craft! She wanted the picture to be perfect! Brina had fun painting her pretty picture.
I am thrilled to see how much the girls enjoy crafts. It is neat seeing them take time to be creative, neat, and make the craft extra special. They are even getting better about not making such a huge mess (which is nice for Mommy too). My babies are growing up so quickly. I am thankful for our time together this summer and will be sad to see them go back to school soon.
Delicious Butterfly – White Chocolate Raspberry Pretzels
White Chocolate Raspberry Butterfly Pretzel As a special treat a this summer the girls picked out these White Chocolate Raspberry flavored Pretzels to share when they were on sale. They were delicious! As they were snacking on the goodies the Brina pulled out this one, the butterfly. They were super excited that there was a butterfly in their container of goodies. The butterfly came complete with “beautiful wings”. They told me that they next time with make chocolate pretzels they were going to make a lot of butterflies! Even a butterfly pretzel can be a true source of enjoyment for the kids. It is the little blessings that come in small packages that bring smiles.
Love It – Skippies (Water Toys)
Our Skippies after a fun weekend in the ocean, still with some sand on them! My girls picked out a pool toy, Skippies by Fluid, to give to Daddy for his birthday a couple weeks ago and we got to try them out on our recent trip to Charleston. It was a BLAST playing with these floating discs!!!! I have to admit I was thinking of using the Skippies mainly for time in the pool because I thought we would lose them in the ocean with the waves. Since we didn’t have the opportunity to use them at the pool first we decided to test them in the ocean anyway. The whole family had a lot of fun playing with the “Skippies”! They floated really well, were bright colors which made them easy to spot in the water, and light weight so if one managed to hit you it didn’t hurt (we tested that theory, Jake even managed to hit me on the forehead one time). Plus they were easy to grab and throw even for the kids.
Several people in the water near us stopped us to ask about them. I was impressed with how entertaining they were and how easy they were to use even for our girls. It is a great time of year to check out these neat pool toys as the summer season begins to wrap up. They are not expensive and can provide a lot of fun entertainment for your whole family. I found them on clearance at our local Sports Authority when they were closing down the store on Laurens Road. I am looking forward to trying them out at the pool now that we tested them successfully in the ocean! They come in a pack of 4 and measure 3 inch in diameter. You can find them at Toy Splash!
“Love It” is a series of posts on items that I use regularly or seasonally in my household that I love! There are some items in our daily lives that make life more enjoyable, efficient, or just plain fun. I will be sharing with you some of the products that have been given to us (or to me) that have made it to the top of my list. It’s my way of giving a huge thumbs up!
Book: “Heaven is For Real” by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent
A couple months ago my Mom left a book that she had recently finished for me to read called “Heaven is for Real” by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. “A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” retold by his family. Colton was a little boy when he under went several touch and go surgeries. For several months after his release from the hospital he revealed things he saw in heaven during his brief trip there, including descriptions of heaven, characteristics of God, he even met family members he never knew on earth and many more neat pieces of information regarding heaven. It was fascinating and encouraging to read the book. The book shows the real struggles families encounter when their are going through a tough time. The Burpos family had a tough few months with a miscarriage, broken leg, kidney stones, a child in the hospital and more challenges along the way. I appreciate the openness from the family as they share their story and glimpse of heaven in the book. If you want a short and positive book to read regarding heaven you may want to check this one out.
Family Recipe: Renelle’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
My cousin Renelle was the closest thing to a sister I had growing up. I grew up with three brothers so it was always a special treat to spend time with Renelle! We use to spend at least a week every summer hanging out together since I lived in Kansas and she lived in Colorado. She is an amazing cook and her Chocolate Chip Cookies are a favorite in our family! Hope you enjoy them as much we have over the years!
Renelle’s Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- 2/3 cup Margarine
- 2/3 cup Butter Flavored Crisco
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon imitation Rum Extract
- 3 cups Flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 package Chocolate Chips
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix the margarine, crisco, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, rum and eggs together. Then add the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking soda) and mix. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop by small spoonfuls onto the baking sheet. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes depending on the oven. Serves 3 to 4 dozen.
I use the same recipe when making M&M cookies as well!
Thanks Renelle for sharing your recipe and for being such a wonderful part of our lives. You are a true treasure, encouragement, and friend!!!
Photo by SeriousBri
Craft Activities: Silly Yard Animals
During the summer I came up with a variety of fun activities for the girls to enjoy. As I was going through the craft cabinet I pulled out google eyes, fuzzy sticks, pom poms, and glue! A lot of fun crafty ideas can happen with all these great items but I had a specific purpose in mind – Rock Animals! Rock Animals are always a huge hit and can occupy the girls for hours. Here is how to much Rock and other Nature Animals!
Step 1
Items for the craft – Google Eyes, Fuzzy Sticks, Pom Poms, Scissors and Glue
We are ready to get creative with Fuzzy Sticks, Glue, Google Eyes, and Pom Poms! Step 2
Have each child gather a pile of rocks, sticks, leaves, sea shells and other items from the yard. The kids are usually so excited to get started this step only takes a few minutes!
Karlie gathered some rocks, sticks and leaves to make into fun animals! Step 3
Once they have a pile of goodies from the yard help get them started on making their “animals”. I make sure the glue is ready to go, the craft is going smoothly, and answer any last minute questions before giving them the freedom to be creative!
Brina creating her leaf animal. Step 4
Let the kids imaginations go wild creating their own animals! Here are a few of the creations our girls came up with during their craft time!
Karlie made a rock replica of Daddy (love the green glasses)! I was thrilled to see them come up with “glasses” for their animals especially since our entire family (including the kids) wear glasses!
Brina's silly stick animal. Brina found several sticks and had a blast creating animals out of them!
Karlie's "scary" shark animal. She started out making the three eyed alien from “Toy Story” but decided it looked more like a shark, one of her favorite animals (she has been fascinated by sharks since she was 3 years old).
Brina found a brick in the rock garden and made a happy brick animal out of it (with glasses as well). I was excited to see them find and create a variety of different yard objects.
Cute rock with pretty purple hair. They found the various objects and were able to create the animals on their own. Although we went through A LOT of glue, so make sure to have plenty on hand! The rock animal craft kept our girls entertained for hours! It was so much fun checking out all their neat animals and hearing their stories behind each one. They left several of their treasures on the front porch to show their friends, family and neighbors. Skipper decided the pom poms were too irresistible and managed to remove a few from their animals so the girls spent the next day patching a few of their rock animals. The girls had a blast and it only cost me a couple dollars for all the supplies!
Blockbuster Express: Coupon Codes for FREE DVD Rentals
Are you looking for a fun way to relax with your family over the weekend? Blockbuster Express has three free rental codes available right now:
- 29BRAB6
- 22JEAH4
- 58PPLA7
Coupon Codes are good through midnight Monday, August 22, 2011.
More coupon codes:
- 27TGAF6 – Expires August 19
- 34BCRD4 – Expires August 19
- 62BRAB4 – Expires August 19
- 98ARDQ2 – Expires August 19
- 92JEAH8 – Expires August 19
- 29SGJC3 – Expires August 19
- 65PPLA8 – Expires August 19
- 68HLG3W – Expires August 20
The coupon codes can be used to get DVDs from your nearest Blockbuster Express kiosk. Some codes may only work online so make sure to reserve your rental before picking it up. A credit card required to rent. The codes are not valid on Blu-rays or new releases.
Vacation & Travel: Exploring Vermont
After our adventures in Boston we had the opportunity to head up to Vermont and spend a few days with Jake’s grandparents. We had a blast hanging out with them and the girls had a chance to experience Vermont. They thought the river was a neat place to explore!
Exploring Vermont Taking a hike with Daddy!
Down by the river! The girls were excited to see the river near Nana and PopPop’s house. They loved hearing Daddy’s stories of camping and having fun in Vermont.
Wild strawberries growing along the trail in Vermont Brina and Karlie enjoyed seeing the different trees, fruits, flowers and fun items along the hiking trail. They pointed out several wild strawberry patches!
Vermont wildflower boutique made by Brina and Karlie They made a cute little boutique out of the wildflowers they picked along our hike (and a pine cone)!
Karlie being silly at the Cabot store! We went to the Antique Mall and the little shops in the area. The girls had a blast tasting several of the Cabot cheeses!
Exploring Quechee Gorge in Vermont! Quechee Gorge was fun to look at and see with the girls. They thought it was a LONG ways down!
Karlie enjoying a popsicle at Nana and PopPop's Karlie thought it was so cool Nana got “rocket” popsicles!
Brina thinks the popsicles are delicious! Dessert after supper – a colorful popsicle (what a perfect treat)!
Karlie having fun in Vermont! Playing in their new garage!
I followed the girls and Daddy down to the river. While Daddy was cutting a tree that was in the path I startled the girls! They didn’t hear me over the chain saw running, this was Brina’s expression! Guess next time I should announce my arrival.
PopPop and Daddy splitting some wood. Daddy and PopPop got through the stack of would they had to split while we were there that week. The girls found the splitter fascinating to watch and even did one themselves.
Karlie and Brina blowing bubbles. Blowing bubbles, always a fun summer time activity!
Brina and Karlie hanging out with Nana! The girls enjoyed their time hanging out with Nana and PopPop!
Ready for a swim in the river! Who is ready for an ice cold swim in the river!?
Brina found a stick in the river The water was pretty chilly but that didn’t bother Brina! The girls had a blast finding sticks, building a dam and splashing around in the river.
Daddy and Karlie heading to the river On the way to the river. It was so much in Vermont, the river was a favorite!
Sunning themselves on the rock! They were perfectly warm playing in the water but when it was time to come back up to the house they suddenly got cold! This was their solution to sit / lay on the big rock in the yard to warm back up. It only took them a couple minutes (if that) and they were back up playing again!
Having the kids makes every activity an adventure. The girls loved their time with Nana and PopPop in Vermont. We are thankful for the opportunity to spend a few days with them. A lot of great memories that the girls will treasure from that time with Nana and PopPop!
“A Vacation To Remember” series is a reflection on our recent trip and ways we relaxed. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Go with a good attitude and looking for fun and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Clamming and Playing at the Beach!
We had an amazing trip up north to see family in the New England area. Our family were blessed to have an opportunity to spend a few days with Jake’s cousin and his family! It was a wonderful weekend full of awesome memories and fun times together. Thanks Matt and Jen for sharing your family with us! We went clamming for the first time ever!!!
Clamming near Boston! During low tide we all went to the beach to go clamming! What a fun gooey adventure – Karlie’s explanation of clamming!
They found one - Daddy and Karlie digging up a clam! Daddy and Karlie found a clam and are digging it out of the mud!
Such a great adventure, searching for clams! We walked around barefoot in the sticky mud looking for clams. When your feet hit something hard (like a rock) you would reach down in the mud and pick up the clam. In less than 30 minutes we had a basket full of fresh clams for our evening meal.
Got another CLAM! YAY!!! Daddy and Karlie got another clam, oh boy! This is FUN!
Karlie covered in mud but so proud of the clam she found all on her own! A child’s dream event…..walking around in sticky mud in search for dinner! Karlie had a blast finding clams and was so excited to get a chance to eat the food she caught! It was a neat experience and gave us an opportunity to explain a little bit more about the ocean, high & low tides, and clams. Brina chose to stay on shore, she wasn’t into the sticky muddy mess!
Basket full of delicious clams! Matt made two amazing clam recipes for dinner that night – one dish was baked clams and the other was fried. His homemade tartar sauce was out of this world!!!
Every kids dream (at least kids like Karlie) mud, digging for clams, low tide, and fun at the beach! Karlie thought it was the best adventure! She just giggled at the muddy mess and had a blast trying her hand a clamming! I didn’t get as many pictures of Brina because she decided clamming wasn’t something she wanted to do (all the sticky mud didn’t appeal to her I guess) and since the rest of the family was out clamming I was able to get a couple pictures of Karlie and Daddy splashing around in the mud.
Most unusual door handle for a gate! There was a race in town so we had to stop a few minutes by a bridge to let the joggers pass. As were were stopped we had a chance to check out the town a little bit. We were next to a nice house with this cool outside gate that lead into their yard, it is an arm holding a hammer, the girls thought it was hilarious. Pretty creative!
Brina having fun in the sand at our "private" beach! Matt found a super cool beach area that we had to ourselves. There was water, sand, and plenty of fun for all the kids! Brina thought it was pretty cool sitting on the “island” (or sand bar in the middle) and playing in the sand.
Floating along together! Super fun! The kiddos had a blast floating on their boogie boards! It was low tide when we arrived and as we swim, grilled out and played the tide slowly kept coming back up. The kids discovered that they could get on the boards and the current would take them away. Sometimes they would race each other and other times they would link together so they could float along as one big team.
Our own private beach area! Perfect spot for the kids to play, have a BBQ, and relax! Our “private” beach, it really was a neat place to play! See our pile of shoes, line of beach chairs, water to splash in and sand to play around on. The sand in the middle was a sand bar with water flowing on either side making it a little island for everyone to enjoy (or at least until the tide rose high enough to cover the entire sand bar)! We had a super fun time exploring and playing with cousins!
Tide is moving in and covering the sandy island, Brina and Karlie are having a blast digging in the sand as the water continues to rise! The girls love a chance to play in the water and sand! As the tide was rising and the current was picking up they decided to spend some time digging on their island to help make the water goes faster!
Neat little town on the island! We could see this cute little town and light house on the island from where we were swimming! The island is so tiny they don’t have running water or electricity (even in the winter)!
Karlie with a full dump truck of sand, life at the beach is so much fun! Digging up the sand to fill up the dump truck! It is amazing how entertaining a toy can be on the beach!
Brina digging in the sand at the beach! Brina built a few good moats and dug some big holes on the beach! One hole was so big that if you weren’t careful it could wipe you out going through it (you don’t expect for the ground to drop several inches on shore).
She cracks me up! Karlie thought it was hilarious when the waves flipped her dump truck full of sand! Karlie tickled silly by the dump truck being tipped over with the waves. Fun times at the beach!
Brina building up her castle moat! It takes some serious concentration to build a castle and moat, however it can entertain for hours!
The girls had so much fun with their cousins and friends at the beach! Fun time at the beach with their cousins and friends. You never know who you might run into while playing at the beach!
We are thankful for the amazing opportunity to spend a few days with extended family! We truly are blessed with a wonderful family. The cousins played together so well and had a blast. It became obvious that Jen and I hit the same sales during Vacation Bible School week because we managed to buy the exact same swimsuits for the girls. All four girls had matching suits and we didn’t realize it until we were pulling them out for the kids to wear!
We started out that morning clamming followed by swimming and playing so we had a chance to explore three different beaches near Boston all the same day! Thanks Matt and Jen for showing us how to gather clams and for a fun day at the beach! What great memories!
“A Vacation To Remember” series is a reflection on our recent trip and ways we relaxed. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Go with a good attitude and looking for fun and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
