Loving Life

  • Magazine: “Fun for Kidz”

    Our girls love getting magazines and goodies in the mail.  My parents ordered the Fun for Kidz magazine for the girls a few months ago and they always look forward to getting it in the mail.  The magazine has a variety of stories, puzzles, crafts, recipes, science experiments, and fun stuff for the kids to try.

    This week we did a couple of the science experiments / activities that were listed in one of the magazines.  We made homemade “telephones” for the girls that they were reading about in the magazine.  Another fun activity we did was cut a hole in a piece of 8×11 paper that was big enough that we could fit through (even Daddy could fit through the 8×11 piece of paper once it was cut, pretty funny).  They thought it was hilarious and once again they had a blast doing some of the activities in the magazine.

    The magazine is great for either boys or girls ages 5 to 13 years old.  It becomes even more fun as they learn to read and are able to do some of the activities, puzzles, and silly stories or jokes on their own.  The magazine is smaller than a regular magazine although it is more like a pamphlet / book with heavier pages.  There isn’t a huge amount of colorful pictures but it is packed full of fun information and activities that the kids will enjoy.  A subscription would be a great birthday, Holiday or just for fun gift for kids.

    The best price I have found for the Fun for Kidz magazine is through Ebates.

    • Login or open an account for Ebates
    • Search for ValueMags
    • Click on the ValueMags discount link (currently offering 51% back on magazine subscriptions)
    • Once you are on ValueMags website search for Fun for Kidz
    • Order your subscription and you’ll receive your 51% back Ebates check in the mail

    Ebates has always been really good about sending our rebate checks.  It is like a traditional rebate but you don’t have to send in a form and it is automatically done online through their website when you order.  You can get Ebates on many other online retailers.  If you are shopping for Holiday, Birthday, or other gifts check to see if you can get extra money back by shopping through Ebates.

     

  • Pampers Gifts to Grow – 20 Free Points

    Receive another 2 codes for 10 free points from Pampers with the a new Gifts to Grow!

    These codes are different from the previous codes I have given.

    Use Code:  CABRANDSVRNOV11

    Use Code:  FAC1011PR46DYHD

    The codes didn’t have an expiration date but they usually expire in a few days so be sure to add it to your account soon!

    You can save up the rewards to purchase gifts!

    For more information about the Pampers Gift to Grow Program and how you can start earning Pampers “Gifts to Grow” Rewards for your family go to Pampers Gifts to Grow!

  • Teaching Our Children: How to Roller Blade

    A few weeks ago we purchased Roller Blades ($11) for the girls at a store closing sale.  They had a handful of roller blades left and actually had the girls sizes.  They didn’t get any fancy colors but I was pleased with the two that we found in their size, one blue and one red set.  One relaxing family evening we decided to open the roller blade boxes and try them out.  It was fun watching them try to learn how to balance and move.  We started them on the carpet instead of the tile or sidewalk in case they bit the dust.  It would be better to let them get a handle on it before breaking an arm or leg.  Here is a few snapshots of them trying out the roller blades:

    Daddy getting the roller blade ready for the girls

    Brina’s waiting for her roller blade to go on…..is it ready yet Daddy?  Karlie is busy unpacking and checking out her cool blue roller blades.

    Brina figuring out how to roller blade.

    It was neat seeing the girls get the hang of using the roller blades.  Before long I could see lines on the carpet from them going in circles from the kitchen to the hallway to the living and dining room.

    Brina and Karlie roller blading in the living room

    They went slow at first but got more speed as they did it more.  Probably one of the hardest things for them to figure out was once they fall down how do you get back up without rolling away, pretty comical to watch.

    Karlie concentrating on roller blading

    Karlie was so focused on roller blading I never got a picture of her actually looking at the camera.  I guess it isn’t as easy to turn and face the camera when your wearing “shoes on wheels”!

    One observation I had about the roller blades was the girls were a few inches taller.  They were investigating stuff on the tops of the cabinets and counter tops that never caught their attention before.  Also, I had to make a rule that if Mom or Dad was in the kitchen cooking they could only go on one side of the kitchen with roller blades otherwise I was getting my toes ran over or grabbed as they were passing me in the kitchen while I was making dinner.  It was fun to see them try them out and watch them learn how to move.  I was thrilled that they enjoyed learning new skills.

  • Heart Reflections: Is Anyone Cheerful?

    A few weeks ago I read a verse that stuck in my head.  The verse reminded me of the importance of praying for others and giving thanks not only for what is happening in our immediate families but for the lives of those we touch everyday.

    Is anyone among you suffering?

    There are people around you everyday that are suffering.  Some days you may be suffering as well.  When you meet with a friend, family member, or acquaintance that is going through a tough time what do you do?  It is wonderful to take time to listen and encourage.   What does the Bible say about those who are suffering?  The answer “let him pray”.  The best thing you can do when you are going through a trial or you know of someone who is suffering is to pray.

    Is anyone cheerful?

    There is so much negativity that surrounds us every day that it can sometimes be more difficult finding people who are cheerful.  Are we focusing on the positive blessings in our life everyday?  How are we encouraging those around us?  Is cheerfulness seen in your life?  The Bible says to “let him sing praise.”   When you are cheerful you may find yourself singing praises!

    Is anyone among you sick?

    It doesn’t take long to hear about someone who is going through an illness or suffering from an unknown sickness.  When you have a friend or family member with an illness it is important to pray for them and have others pray as well.  You may never know how much of an encouragement your prayers may be to those going through the sickness.  God can work miracles and bring healing through your prayers.

    Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.  Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. – James 5:13-14

    Photo by Candie_N

  • New Upromise eCoupons for November 2011

    Upromise has posted their new eCoupons for the month of November 2011. Remember to activate your eCoupons to get additional savings. If you have not yet signed up for Upromise you can get more information regarding on our experience or directly at the Upromise website.

    This month they have 29 coupons you can activate for bonus savings. Once you activate your eCoupons all you have to do is scan your rewards card or purchase the items at the store and the cash will be added to your account. You don’t even have to carry any coupons to get the rewards!

    You can go to their website for more information on the Upromise program, it’s free to join.

  • Living on a Budget: Creative Cash (October Update)

    October is my ninth month tracking my Creative Cash.  What is Creative Cash?  Creative Cash is finding ways to come up with extra cash to share with others as well as work on our current goal.  I am working part time, a stay at home Mom, and wear many other hats from day to day, however, I feel that it is important to save money for our family by using coupons and buying items on sale but to earn a little money to help with the extra expenses and to share with others.  The extra amount I bring in on top of the work is what I call “Creative Cash” which means finding ways to make money creatively or with items and talents I have already.  I plan to continue this goal for the remaining months of the year.  Despite the many financial obstacles that we have faced as a family we have been blessed with so much.  My husband and I believe it is important to be accountable with our finances and give to others.

    Explanation: The creative cash will be made throughout the entire month through various endeavors.  As it comes in the money is placed into our savings account and withdrawn at the end of the month so it can be split.  It is my goal to make at least $100 extra a month to help with our goals as well as share with others.  At the end of the month the money will be split 50 / 50 with half going towards our current goal we are working on (which at the moment is paying down debt) and the other half going to charity.

    To be honest October was not as great of a month as I hoped it would be, however, it was better then September.    Although life is still busy we are at least home more now giving me the flexibility to focus on this goal as well as other ones.  I anticipate November being another busy month with upcoming Holidays and I hope to come closer to meeting this goal.  Thankfully I was able to save some extra cash even though I did not reach my my goal of $100.  I want to share with you the ways we did it so if you are looking for ways to make a little extra creative cash for your family hopefully we can be an inspiration in getting your creative juices flowing:

    • $13.19 – Items sold on Ebay (after fees):   The all the items sold were coupons.  I encourage you to look around at some of the coupons you get the mail, newspapers, magazines, in your stockpile, or other places and if you will not have the opportunity to use them then consider selling them for a little extra creative cash.
    • $6.59 – Recycled Items taken to the scrap metal company
    • $28.99 – Other miscellaneous amounts earned  (rebates, returns, cash back,  extra money, etc…) that was added to my stash for the month.

    It was a harder month to set the extra aside because it was very busy and I was not able to participate in as many extra creative cash activities.  The good news is despite the crazy schedule I was able to get a few dollars of creative cash and almost met at least half of my goal.  October’s “Creative Cash” total was $48.77 which means $24.38 extra that goes towards our current goal (saving for 3 to 6 month Emergency Fund) and $24.39 goes towards charity.  Although I didn’t hit my $100 goal this month I am happy that I was able to contribute something this month and every little bit helps us get a little closer to our goals as well as helps others along the way.  I have a plan of action on ways to earn creative cash in November so stayed tuned, hopefully, it will be another month where we can get closer to our goal and share with others.  Each month I do a variety activities to accomplish this goal, the items above are just the ones I did specifically in October.  I look forward to sharing more of the things that work well for our family as I do them in the upcoming months.

    I will share with you the challenges, successes, and updates as I go through this journey so you can keep me accountable or even go through it with me by participating  and sharing your story. Taking the extra time to find ways to help our family as well as invest in the lives of others is important to us.  I hope that we have been able to encourage you to find ways to come up with some creative cash for your household as well.  Obviously, each situation and family is unique so decide what works for you and go for it!  Do you know of another way to earn creative cash?   I would love to hear your ideas!

    Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances.  Life doesn’t always go as planned.  We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given.  Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life.  A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others.  There is so much more to life than having all the stuff.  We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.

    Photo by StopNLook

  • Song: “Fall Apart” by Josh Wilson

    Sometimes it is easier to see the blessings and good in life when things are going well.  The tough times can be difficult, however, in those times we may see greater healing, a deeper trust, and a stronger commitment to the one who holds our life in his hands.  I heard this song several weeks ago and it has really made me think.  Do I only worship and sing praises when my life it good?  Or do I give Him all the glory even when I feel like my life is falling apart around me?  He longs to hear from you both in the good and the difficult times.  If you are going through a tough time right now I hope these words will be an encouragement to you:

    Why in the world did I think I could
    Only get to know You when my life was good?
    When everything just falls in place
    The easiest thing is to give You praise
    Now it all seems upside down

    ‘Cause my whole world is caving in
    But I feel You now more than I did then
    How can I come to the end of me
    And somehow still have all I need?
    God, I want to know You more
    Maybe this is how it starts
    I find You when I fall apart

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    After much thought I have decided to share my weekly goals with you.  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.

    Here are my goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Have the girls read 1 book to me 5 days this week
    4. Do devotions with the girls every night (sometimes it gets late and we rush to get them into bed)
    5. Schedule a Date Night with Jake
    6. Schedule a Date Night with each child

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
    2. Finish reading  The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman
    3. Listen to The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
    4. Go to bed by 10:30 or earlier on Monday through Thursday

    Home Management Goals

    1. Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
    2. Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
    3. Dinner on the table by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday)
    4. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    5. Summer clothes pulled out of the main part of the closet and put away (it’s getting chilly and we are not wearing them as much now)
    6. Pick the fresh vegetables that are ready and start preparing the garden for the first freeze.

    Business Goals

    1. Spend 10 minutes cleaning and organizing my desk (somehow everyone stacks stuff on my desk, myself included, and within a day I have a pile sometimes piles)
    2. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    3. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    4. Research ways to create more residual income

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
    2. Alms & Legs Ministry – Email upcoming meeting reminder to members, write and print the meeting agenda
    3. Meet a friend for Breakfast or Lunch
    4. Pack our Operation Christmas Child boxes

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Pay off remaining debt
    3. Emergency Fund – save 6 months worth of living expenses

    I am striving to live intentionally so I have the ability to give my time, talents, and resources more generously to family, friends, and those who my life touches.  Please feel free to share or link your list of goals in the comments below.  Let’s help each other be accountable for the goals we set for ourselves.

    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

    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

  • Book: “Bob Books Sight Words Collection” by Bobby Lynn Maslen

    My parents gave the girls this set of books “Bob Books Sight Words Collection – Kindergarten and First Grade” by Bobby Lynn Maslen when they were just starting  to read.  What I really enjoyed about these books is that they were “simple” from the words to the pictures.  The words were easy for them to sound out as they were beginning to read and the pictures were captivating enough to get their attention but were not so amazing that they couldn’t focus on the words.   As the girls were learning to read it was great pulling out the books and having them read because they were so excited to read a big book all by themselves.  This set of books are for Kindergarten and First Grade.  The  first few books are pretty easy and gradually get harder as they go through them.  I think our girls have gone through them several times now.  If you have a child who is just learning how to read these books are short, easy, and give them a quick reading accomplishment victory.

  • Raising Twins: Multiples Party at Shipwreck Cove

    As I was going back through some of the pictures the last several months I realized I never posted anything about this great event (better late than never right!?).  I have the privilege of being a part of the Upstate Mother’s of Multiples Club.  It is a great group of Moms and families that have been supportive from the days when I was on bedrest and beyond.  Once a season we get together with the families (Moms, Dads, and all the kids) and enjoy some fun activities.  Here is a little taste of our adventure at Shipwreck Cove in Duncan, South Carolina:

    Karlie ready to go down the slide.

     The girls love pools, water parks, and the beach (really anything with water, including splashing around in the tub).  They had a blast swimming, sliding and tubing at Shipwreck Cove.

    Mommy had a blast too!

    Honestly I am not sure had more fun….the little kids or the big kids!  I enjoyed the many trips down the big slides, catching up with friends, floating along on the lazy river and swimming just as much as the girls did.

    View from the top of the big slides (part of Shipwreck Cove Waterpark).

    When we first arrived at the water park it was pretty quiet other than our groups munchkins running and swimming around.  As the day got later more people arrived, but we still had a blast.

    Karlie going down the big slide all by herself.

    So proud of the girls for going down the big kid slides.  I had a mixture of excitement and sadness to see how much they had grown up over the last few years.  It was a wonderful day of memories for the whole family.

    Brina going down the red slide again.

    Glad to see them having a blast at the water park!  Brina’s favorite slide was the big red one that was open at the top, but she did try both slides.

    Karlie getting sprayed by a water canon while floating on the lazy river.

    Karlie thought it was hilarious when she got sprayed by the canons as she was floating by.  We went around the lazy river several times that day.

    Brina waiting to go down the slide.

    This slide was on the “palm tree island” and a favorite to play on in between going down the big slides and floating along on the lazy river.

    Karlie waiting for another turn on the big slides.

    The slides were a HUGE hit with Karlie girl!  She didn’t mind standing in line to go down the slides again and again and again and again.

    Brina enjoying the water jets.

    The water park was really nice.  It did surprise us to find out the that water was “salt” water not fresh water.

    Having fun in the water.

    Brina enjoying her time at the water park.

    Pausing for a moment to let me take a picture.

     Glad for those quick pauses to take  pictures.

    Thankful for a great time playing with my family!