Local Activities
Trip to the Joe’s Place Book Store and Falls Park
My parents on the bridge over Reedy River at Falls Park
While my parents were in town we made a trip to downtown Greenville. We stopped first at Joe’s Place Book Store where my sister-in-law works. The book store is only a couple of blocks away from Falls Park so we decided to go through it on our way back to our cars.
I was so busy looking at books in the book store I didn’t even take a picture! Oops! We did have fun and got some good books. Guess we’ll have to go back again to snap a few shots at our next visit. I didn’t realize it was the first time my parents had seen the big suspension walking bridge over Reedy River. We went through the park and on a few scenic hiking trails before heading back to the vehicles.
It was a good walk, a beautiful day, and the kids were able to vent a little extra energy. Thankful for time with family.
Brina speed hiking through the side trail.
The kids loved these little side trails!
Nicko and Karlie heading up the trail.
Hiking Through the Woods
The girls love going for hikes in the woods!
Recently the girls and spent a couple hours outside having a picnic, hiking through the woods, climbing on trees, raking our campsite, playing with the animals, and more fun. Thankful for some quiet and relaxing time with them out in nature. They love spending time outside. Hiking through the woods is always an adventure with them!
Skipper is always willing to join us!
Karlie hanging out by the big tree!
Waiting patiently for us as the girls play around and climb a couple trees.
Enjoying our time outside!
Hiking deeper into the woods!
Raking and trimming the thorny bushes at our old campsite. The girls are ready to go camping again!
Brina having a blast!
Olive Garden Teams Up With My Gym for 2nd Annual Parents’ Night Out!
On Friday, Feb. 20, Olive Garden will break down the barriers to date night for parents through a national partnership with My Gym. Olive Garden will cover the cost for kids to have a fun-filled evening at My Gym while parents enjoy an affordable Four Course Festa Italiana dinner as part of its second annual Parents’ Night Out.
A recent survey found that the overall cost, including childcare and dining, combined with lack of trustworthy child supervision are the largest barriers to date night for nearly 75 percent of parents.* Parents’ Night Out is designed to solve this dilemma. Parents can enjoy quality time over an affordable and delicious meal at Olive Garden while their kids are entertained with games and activities in a safe environment.
Couples can participate in Parents’ Night Out by contacting their nearest My Gym location to confirm participation, obtain event details and register. Space is limited to approximately 30 kids at each of the 148 participating My Gym locations in the U.S. and Canada, and reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis (deposit required).
To help parents make the most of their evening, Olive Garden is offering its first-ever Four Course Festa Italiana starting at $12.99, featuring unlimited breadsticks and choice of homemade soup or famous house salad, and choice of small plate, entrée and decadent Dolcini mini dessert.
For more about the great deals at Olive Garden, visit www.olivegarden.com or connect with Olive Garden on social media atFacebook.com/OliveGarden, Twitter.com/OliveGarden and Instagram.com/OliveGarden.
First Lego League: Robotics STEM Competition – Solar SySTEM!
Very excited! Their team won a 1st place Trophy and a Gold Ticket to the SC State Robotics Competition!
The girls Solar SySTEM Lego Robotics STEM Club team went to the regional competitions this past weekend! It was a long and busy Saturday day. We left the house before sun up so we could be in Seneca by 7:20 am and didn’t get home until after 6 pm that night. The girls team had several rounds at the competition. They were scored in multiple areas and did well!
Three rounds of their robot completing tasks on the map which they scored pretty high on. Another part of the competition was their core values which is their team spirit and how they interact with the other teams. They have to give a presentation on this piece as well in front of the judges. Another piece of the competition was their research, project, and presentation which the kids presented in front of the judges on their own. They won the first place trophy in this category (on their research, project, and presentation).
The work is done by the students from the logo design, research, development, presentations, and so much more! The team worked so well together and put in a lot of hours working on their research, development, robotics, and project. They do the majority of their work in front of the judges with no coaches or parents in the room (we can’t even watch, but thankfully they had it video taped). The only piece the parents and coaches can watch is the one when they do their robotic map missions otherwise they are on their own once in the room and in front of the judges.
The team pick a solar system theme. They named their team the Solar SySTEM and the catch phrase is “Stay in Orbit”! The research project they decided to do was to build a computer game that would help kids learn more about the solar system. They named their robot, SpaceBot!
It was a super busy and long day for the kids, but they were awesome. There were 21 teams competing that day so it was a real honor to win a trophy and get the opportunity to move forward. Their hard work really paid off with the trophy and qualifying for the SC Competition! WooHoo! Very proud of the girls and their team!
Playing a hangman game before competition starts!
Karlie all smiles after the first robotic map round when they scored all 100 points!
Their robot going through the tasks on the map!
Brina hanging up their spirit posters.
Their team going through the tasks on the robot map!
Watching carefully to make sure the robot goes through all its tasks!
Gathering some of the props for their presentation!
Karlie ready to go speak!
Coming back after their presentation! They rocked it and got the 1st place trophy!!!
Getting their trophy!
Karlie with Mrs. Johnson one of their coaches who also teaches STEM Lab and her GT class!
Solar SySTEM team and coaches! They did AWESOME!!!
Slumber Party Adventure With Cousins
Dinner time – kid friendly meal (chicken nuggets, mac-n-cheese, salad, blueberries, and oranges)
The kids were so EXCITED! We’ve been trying to get a slumber party on the calendar with their cousins for a few months now and we did it last weekend. The kids had a blast playing together – nerf, legos, relays, games, and so much more fun activities during their stay with us. Everyone was well behaved, full of energy, and went right to sleep as soon as they hit the sleeping bags that night. One of our girls got up a couple of times, but my nephews we never heard another peep out of them until after 7:30 the next morning!
After some play time the next day and breakfast we headed out on a science adventure. We went to Roper Mountain Science Center’s 2nd Saturday event on H2O Oceans which was a blast! The kids had a grand time together. Thankful for some fun with the kids.
Silly relay races….it was hard getting a clear picture with all the movement!
Lined up for their next relay round!
Lots of giggles and fun!
They played a few fun games while they were here. This was a favorite with the boys – Toy Story 3 Kerplunk game which they played well together!
Taking turns and helping each other!
Our living room was full of sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, and giggling kids. It only took them a few minutes to wind down and go to sleep!
Kiddos playing with cars, trucks, planes, race tracks, and legos while Jake and I make breakfast!
Cinnamon Crumble Breakfast Cake, Scrambled Eggs with Extra Cheese, Yogurt, Pears, and Chocolate Milk for breakfast! My sweet nephew asked my daughters several times as we were setting the table “Can we really eat the CAKE for breakfast!?” Why not, it’s not every weekend we have a slumber party and get cinnamon breakfast cake in the morning, ha! While he did eat his cake first that morning, he also ate most of his scrambled eggs and other goodies too!
Van full of kids!
My nephews were not sure about Karlie holding a huge snake! Although they were a little concerned at first they did eventually pet the snake, however, they did not want to hold it!
Riding the school bus between buildings at Roper Mountain!
So excited to ride a bus! Sometimes the little activities provide the most fun and biggest smiles!
Our troop at the Planetarium getting ready to watch the show! The lighting in the planetarium made it hard to get a clear picture.
My nephew was amazed….all the fish swimming around in every direction. It was almost more fun to watch his expressions and hear his comments!
Checking out the turtle! You mean we can touch it?!
Petting the animals!
The bunny was so soft!
This one always grosses me out…..baby mice…..however, the kids love holding the baby mice!
What’s this Aunt Bridgette!? Can I touch it!? Lots of questions and fun exploring all the cool animals!
This was a highlight for my nephews! They loved digging around in the sand and water creating various lakes, rivers, dams, and more!
Building another one together!
Testing the items that they built to see how many golf balls they will hold before sinking!
Saying “Hi” to the animals!
Checking out the sting ray!
STEM Robotics Club Co-Opertition Event
The kids robot performing its first tasks!
Recently the kids STEM Robotics team had their Co-Opertition Event to test their robot. They had two practice rounds to see how their robot performed on the new map for the upcoming competition. The first tasks went smoothly, but they had a hang-up on one of the targets towards the end. It was a good trial run to see what areas they need to work on for their robot. The team did really well and had a good turn out. They have learned a lot through their STEM Club.
In between sessions the leaders of the group brought a bunch of cool activities for the kids to do to pass the time (crossword puzzles, photos to cut out, poster boards to make, coloring books, puzzles, crafts, blocks, and more fun stuff). The kids had a blast and the time between sessions flew by quickly with them doing the various fun activities! Good Job Teachers for thinking ahead! The teachers also brought fresh fruit, nuts, and bottled water as a snack for the kids.
Thankful for the teachers and volunteers who invest so much time and energy into the kids and STEM Club. They really are outstanding and foster a true love of learning. STEM Club has been a truly amazing learning, team building, and educational experience for both of our kids. The first thing the leaders said when joining the team is “It will be the hardest fun you will ever have!” They expect all the team members to work hard, but they have fun learning together!
Easley Baptist Hospital Festival of Trees
Around the world….loved the globe on top of the tree!
Every year during Christmas Season the girls and I try to swing by our local Easley Baptist Hospital to look at the Festival of Trees. They have the main hall packed with a variety of trees. The trees are sponsored by local businesses and people in the Easley community. Some of the trees are decorated by the same businesses while others are decorated by somebody else. It is a neat way to get in the Holiday spirit, see some beautiful trees, and have a fun adventure with your kids. The amount of trees is not too massive so it is easy get through the whole section in 20 to 40 minutes. The girls look forward to it every year.
Standing in front of the tree their school decorated!
SeaLevel Systems sponsored the tree that the Crosswell Art Students decorated!
Frosty the Snowman, simple yet beautifully done!
Baby Jesus in a manger!
The “I Promise….” Tree, neat concept. You could write on a card something you promise to do in 2015 and hang it up on the tree.
Some of the “I Promise” cards hanging on the tree.
Brina made an I Promise card too!
Loved the possum up on top of this tree! Creative!
Simply, beautiful, and true message!
Thought this one was pretty cool and patriotic!
Lovely!
The manger scene above the reception desk to the hospital!
Brina checking out the tree!
Awesome clock made from old license plates!
Karlie really liked the “clock” tree!
“For God So Loved the World…..”
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
I was able to accomplish a good bit of items the first half of the week! On Wednesday I got my second epidural steriod shot for my herniated disc so I was not able to do as much after that day. Thankfully, this time around I bounced back much quicker and did better. By the end of the week I was up and going again with some extra soreness and stiffness, but otherwise doing better. Hoping that this week with be even better. I am looking forward to spending extra time with the kids now that they are out of school for the Christmas Holidays.
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Read the book The Cat Who Came For Christmas by Cleveland Amory to the kids– decided to switch to a different Christmas bookPlan one special activity with the familyPrepare for Upcoming Holiday EventsSpend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with HomeworkAttend After School ActivitiesLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before- Play a Game with the Kids – we weren’t not able to do this one due to the extra time of healing
Take the Kids to the Library to pick out books to read over the Holidays- Send out Christmas Cards – this is the first year in a LONG time I did not send out Christmas Cards, at first I felt really guilty about it (and still do some days), but Jake told me that with everything that has been going on these past couple of months I need to just let some things go because I cannot do it all, unfortunately this was one item I did not get done (my apologies to family and friends), hopefully next year we will be able to get back in the Christmas card groove again.
- Complete Our Christmas Shopping – still working on it, hoping to be done before Christmas if not I guess we’ll just spread it out a little bit more
- Finish Wrapping Gifts – working on it, Jake has pitched in and helped too (thanks Handsome)
Ship Out Grandparents GiftsDeliver Neighbor Gifts– the girls helped make the gifts and delivered them all to each of the neighbors, thankful for all their help this year! Even though we live on a small street we still have 7 neighbors (all who are related except us) plus our mailman!
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each dayContinue my YouVersion plan(s)– almost done with my 2014 bible reading plans!Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – still haven’t been able to complete everything in one day, but I am getting closer!
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekClean House (Focus – At least 15 minute daily “pick up” to keep the house clean as we prepped for the Holidays)- Organize Chaos (Focus – Get Gifts Wrapped, Mailed, or Ready to put under Christmas Tree) – getting closer
- Yard Cleanup (Focus – Leaves) – my handsome man worked on this for us! Isn’t he AWESOME! There are still some on the side yard, but at least the front and back are done now!
- Pet Care (Focus – Skipper a Bath) – she has managed to escape a bath with the cooler weather!
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails – need to focus more on this specific task
Keep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clients
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt) – working on it
Pay Bills & File Paperwork- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget – went only 1 day, but went to 2 stores and went over the budget
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read a variety of Christmas and Library Books my Kids Picked Out from Home and the local Library
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Prepare for Upcoming Holiday Events
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Spend Extra Time with the Kids
- Complete Our Christmas Shopping
- Finish Wrapping Gifts
- Celebrate our Family Christmas
- Make Cookies and Goodies with the Kids
- Do a craft with the kids
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – At least 15 minute daily “pick up” to keep the house clean as we prepped for the Holidays)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Get Gifts Wrapped, Mailed, or Ready to put under Christmas Tree)
- Yard Cleanup (Focus – Finish Leaves)
- Pet Care (Focus – Skipper Dog Food Bought & Bin Refilled / Snowball’s Collar Battery Changed)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt)
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results.
Greenville: Journey to Bethlehem Event
Roman Solider on the outside of the gate to Bethlehem
We went to the Journey to Bethlehem Event with Jake’s cousins family a couple weeks ago. It was a really neat event by the Greenville Nazarene church. When you arrived you signed in and received a token to pay your taxes to the Roman soldiers once you arrived at the city of Bethlehem. Before going into the city you watched a short video sharing the history behind the event and preparing you for what will happen once inside the city. The event is free and well worth going through with your family. They do it every year.
They had about 12 booths that you could go to each one doing something different. At each booth you got a treat (like bread that would be eaten during that time) or bead to put onto your necklace or you made something (like a toy from that era). There were animals you could pet, hot chocolate, a manger scene, and so much more. We have wanted to attend this event for the past few years, but always had a conflict on the weekend they did it. Thanks Luke and Kristen for inviting us to come with you. We had a great time and it was a wonderful learning experience for the kids too! It was really nice to attend an event that reflected on the original meaning of Christmas. This event had to take a lot of time and energy from many people to make happen. Thank You!
Eating a homemade cookie and listening to the lady tell a story!
Making a toy out of wood and string – fascinating!
As always the animals were a hit with the girls!
Angels making the announcement to the shepherds.
A live camel, the girls really wanted to go for a ride or at least pet it!
Barnes & Noble Kids Event: Click, Clack, Boo! Halloween Storytime on Saturday, October 25th
Barnes & Noble Storytime Children’s Event Details and Participating Locations:
Barnes and Noble locations will be hosting a Kids Storytime Special Event featuring the new title Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat by Doreen Cronin on Saturday, October 25, 2014.
Head over to your local Barnes & Noble for this Halloween Storytime with fun giveaways and activities. Trick-or-treat? Be sure to wear your costume for trick-or-treating throughout the store. Check for times and locations near you.
