Loving Life
Charleston: Historic Joseph Manigault House
Visiting Charleston’s Historic Joseph Manigault House!
Another neat Historical house we visited one time when we were in Charleston was the Joseph Manigault’s House! This was one of the few houses they allowed pictures inside the house so we have a few extra to share with you. We arrived a few minutes before the tour of the house started so we got a chance to explore the gardens and area around the house. We learned a lot about this house during the tour.
Joseph Manigault a French Huguenot descendent was the original owner of the Joseph Manigault House. He had this house built during the antebellum period in the lowcountry. Manigault was a rice plantation owner, businessman, and politician. His wealth was inherited from his grandpa, who gave him several rice plantations and more than 200 slaves. Joseph Manigault first married Maria Henrietta Middleton. Maria’s father was Arthur Middleton who was signed the Declaration of Independence. His second wife was Charlotte Drayton. Joseph and Charlotte had eight kids who spent time in this home.
Like a lot of the other houses we visited in downtown Charleston this was his city house. Although, during his time this house was considered to be located in the country because it was outside of downtown Charleston. Now it is considered downtown Charleston. The house contains a beautiful spiral staircase in the entryway with a gorgeous chandelier. The furniture is not from the original family, however, they have acquired pieces that fit that time period and the decorations as well as the paint match the original colors from that time period.
Outside they had the kitchen, slave quarters, stables, privy, and a gate temple. The outdoor buildings (with exception of the Gate Temple) have been taken down, but foundations can still be seen with signs describing what was once in the various spots around the yard. It is a beautiful yard to walk through on a nice day or to sit and relax on the porch. One side the house faces the Charleston Museum and the other side faces downtown Charleston.
The girls enjoyed visiting the various houses in Charleston.
Exploring the gardens around the Joseph Manigault house.
Hanging out in the shade at Gate Temple.
Spiral staircase and chandelier in the foyer of the house.
One of the circular side balconies faces the street. The balconies were often open allowing a nice breeze to flow throughout the house.
Charleston’s Historical Joseph Manigault House located at 350 Meeting Street.
Travel & Vacation: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – U.S.S. Laffey & U.S.S. Clamagore
After exploring the U.S.S. Yorktown we toured the U.S.S. Laffey and U.S.S. Clamagore (the submarine). We packed a lot of learning, exploring, and fun into one day while we were at Charleston. Thankful for the opportunity to learn little pieces of our country’s history and share the experience with our kids. It was a muggy and rainy day, but we had a great time. Although it poured when we were going between the Laffey and the Clamagore we just splashed through the puddles laughing the whole way (luckily there was no lightening since we were in between large hunks of metal conductors).
The U.S.S. Laffey was used back in the 1940’s. One of it’s biggest battles was off the shores of Okinawa when over 20 Japanese bombers and kamikazes attacked it. They have an actual place you can go into and “experience” what it was like for the men on that day. It was a rainy day so we only had to wait a couple minutes to get into the Mount 53 experience, it was really neat activity to do if you are ever on the U.S.S. Laffey!
Walking through the U.S.S. Laffey!
Neat model of the U.S.S. Laffey. It was hard getting a good picture with the on and off rain storms that day!
Brina’s in charge!
Both girls in the captain’s chair!
Brina hanging out with her Dad!
U.S.S. Clamagore Submarine!
All of us were completely soaked by the time we reached the Clamagore, Karlie was the first one to arrive safely!
A little wet and slightly cool, but ready to explore the Clamagore Submarine!
It was a fun day in Charleston despite getting a little wet!
After dinner we were going to go to Books A Million, but it was closed already so the girls found another way to stay entertained. Brina having fun!
Karlie’s flying now! Look out!
Travel & Vacation: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – U.S.S. Yorktown
Our family on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown!
Whenever we have an opportunity to go to Charleston we try to pick at least one historical adventure to go on as a family. One of our recent trips to Charleston we decided to spend a good chunk of the day at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum touring the U.S.S. Yorktown. When we got the tickets the day before they said to plan on being there at least 2 to 3 hours, we spent over 6 hours going through the U.S.S. Yorktown, U.S.S Laffey, and the U.S.S. Clamagore. The kids had a blast and it was a wonderful learning activity for all of us. Makes us appreciate the men and women who serve our country even more.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – U.S.S. Yorktown
Of course, they had to check out the cannon!
Ready to explore Patriots Point in Charleston
The day started off overcast and bright, but thankfully we were still able to do everything and were back inside the ship when it was pouring.
Brina in the cockpit!
Karlie ready to fly the plane!
Soaking it all in….
Big guns!
Anything relating to space captivates Karlie’s attention!
We all did the blast off to the Moon Simulation together, so much fun!
Learning more about D-Day
Pilots are ready for their orders and paying attention…..ha!
Karlie looking through the wing of the airplane!
Learning how to work the different pieces.
Karlie walking with Jake and asking him a bundle of questions about the various planes on the flight deck.
That blade is huge Brina!
Brina found a spot under the wing with a good breeze on the warm muggy day!
Checking out another plane!
Brina all smiles!
I think I recognize those two on the other side of the port hole!
Yes, they are sitting in the captains chair!
Look at that Handsome Man on the other side of the port hole!
Karlie giving out orders to the pilots. She looks like a tough commander!
Brina ringing the bell!
The Medal of Honor Museum was amazing! They had a cool interactive display as you walked in that lit up with a variety of shots from the wars (pictured above).
What the Army, Navy, and Air Force Medals of Honor look like. A Medal of Honor is given by the President, in the name of Congress, to a member of the military who distinguishes themselves by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of losing their own life. They go beyond the call of duty. The act must be one of bravery or self-sacrifice. The youngest person to ever receive a Medal of Honor was William Johnston, age 12. In 1862 during the Peninsula Campaign many men were taking off their equipment so they had less to carry and could retreat faster. William (also known as “Willie”) was the only drummer boy to bring his drum off the battlefield.
U.S.S. Yorktown
Living on a Budget: Creative Cash (September Update)
It’s been awhile since I have shared the Creative Cash report with everyone, but I made it happen this month! Honestly, I have not been as consistent these last couple months in finding creative ways to earn a little extra cash. It’s been busy, but that really isn’t a good excuse. It was brought to my attention recently that when I make a point to share this information with you it:
- Helps keep me accountable
- Gives me extra motivation to be creative
- Keeps me on track
- Reminds me of the goals we are trying to accomplish as a family
- Refreshes my memory on the importance of sharing with others
When you have the ability to share a piece of what you earn with others not only are you blessing their lives it makes your life richer and fuller too! I have made a few adjustments regarding my Creative Cash goals, but otherwise it is pretty similar to the report that I have shared with you in the past.
What is Creative Cash? My definition of Creative Cash means finding a variety of ways to make extra cash each month to put towards my family’s current financial goal as well as having a little extra to share with others.
Why do it? 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 not only important to save money for my family by using coupons and buying items on sale, but to earn a little money to help with the family finances and to share with others. The extra amount I bring in on top of work is what I call “Creative Cash” and it is made by finding ways to make money creatively or with items and talents I have already. As I continue to challenge myself to make my life more simplified as well as find ways to bless others I have made it my goal to remain accountable for the Creative Cash I bring in month to month. My family has faced many obstacles over the years, however, we are blessed and have a multitude of reasons to be grateful.
Explanation: The creative cash will be made throughout the entire calendar month through various endeavors. As Creative Cash arrives the money, gift cards, and other extras are entered into my Creative Cash worksheet. The cash, gift cards, and other items are stored in a specific Creative Cash folder or marked in the account as Creative Cash. At the end of the month the money will be split with part of it going towards the current financial goal my family is working on and the other part will be donated to someone or a group of people such as a charity. It is important for me to find ways to be a blessing to people outside of our immediate family.
In the past the donated amount has only gone to charity and was always 50% of whatever Creative Cash was made that month. After much thought and prayer I decided to change this part of my goal. I don’t want to limit myself to giving only 50% or only giving it to charity. There may be some months I feel led to give more than 50% and it may be to a specific cause, purpose, family, or charity. In order to keep me accountable I will be reporting my monthly total and who I will be sharing the Creative Cash with that month. If it is a specific family or cause I may or may not be able to give all the details due to the amount of privacy they may want, but I promise share any details I can.
Monthly Goal: It is my goal to make at least $100 extra Creative Cash a month to help with my family goals as well as share with others.
September was a wonderful month and I was able to accumulate more than anticipated! I will share with you the ways I did it so if you are looking for ways to make a little extra creative cash for your family hopefully it will be an inspiration in getting your creative juices flowing:
- $50.00 – Credit Card Bonus Rewards (if you are looking to earn interest both on your savings and checking accounts as well as rewards I recommend checking out Capital One 360)
- $116.68 – Google Ads payment
- $50.00 – Writing a review for a company
- $15.00 – Walmart Gift Card from SheSpeaks for sharing about the Febreze Fall Home Harvest Collection
September Creative Cash Total: $231.68
Current Family Goal: We are currently working to stay within our written budget and pay down debt (yes, exciting I know)! A couple months ago both our microwave and fridge bit the dust. Plus, we had some additional expenses and emergencies that have caused us to have a little extra debt that we would like to get paid off!
- $15 Walmart Gift Card is not cash nor could we pay down debt with it so we used it towards the vehicle maintenance budget. It was used to purchase oil change supplies for my car which came in handy this month after many miles of driving this summer. Thankful for a husband who can service the vehicles!
- $50 credit card bonus was put towards a debt we currently have on our credit card.
- Any remaining money that is not going to our Creative Cash Blessing Highlight that’s listed below will be applied towards paying down debt!
September Creative Cash Highlight: Our extra Creative Cash this month will be going to a very sweet family who is in the process of adopting a beautiful little girl named Annalise. We have known this family for many years and we are blessed to call these amazing people friends. As you may already know adoption can be a very long and expensive process. You can read more about their adoption story or give as they go through this awesome journey!
It was exciting to surge past the $100 goal!!! I know this will help us get a little closer to our goals as well as helps others along the way! A hundred dollars extra a month may not seem like a lot to some people, but every little bit helps! If I find that I am going over my goal every month (which would be awesome) I will make an adjustment. I have plan of action on ways to earn creative cash next month so stayed tuned, hopefully, it will be another great month of sharing. Each month I will do a variety activities to accomplish this goal, the items above are just the ones I did specifically this month. 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 my family as well as invest in the lives of others is important to me. I hope that I 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! If you know of another way to earn creative cash I would love to hear it! Feel free to comment on how you earned creative cash this month or post a picture or link to what you did!
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, wear clothes we find at garage sales, etc…however, if our family is taken care of and has love in our hearts for others we have more than all the riches in the world.
Heart Reflections: Raising My Girls
Sweet Brina Bee!
I am so thankful for my girls! They are growing up too quickly. It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago when they were little ones crawling around the house. God chose to bless us with these girls. It has been a fun adventure raising twins! Not everyday has been perfect, but we have so many reasons to be grateful for these two blessings. They have made me grow more as a person. They bring more love and laughter into my life than I ever realized was possible.
My sweet Karlie Kool Kat is always game for a road trip!
Both girls are very different, yet perfect and gifted in their own special ways. I pray that God will give us as parents the wisdom to raise them into amazing young women. I know I will make mistakes as their Mom along the way, but hopefully they will overlook those mistakes and know that I love them despite those not-so-good-moments. It is my prayer that they will seek God’s wisdom and direction in their lives.
I want to go through life focusing more on the good memories and letting go of the little things that get my feathers ruffled. Life is too short to not have fun, smile, and enjoy the blessings God gives us everyday. For those of you who are new to my blog these two girls were the inspiration for my blog, Blessings Multiplied. They continue to amaze me with their creativity, learning, talents, and their love for life! I look forward to many more awesome memories with these two sweet girls and seeing how God uses them to make an impact in the lives around them.
House Building, Ice Cream Floats, Birds, Cats, and Crab Apples!
Fluff was such a good sport and let Brina carry her around!
We had a grand time in Kansas visiting family. Our time went by too quickly, but we were able to pack in a lot during our time in the area. We spent time with Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and more. Thankful for family and the moments we get to share.
We brought ice cream floats to the guys who were working on my brother Josh’s house! Ice cream floats are a rare treat for the girls since we have one that has a dairy allergy so they were very excited!
Karlie enjoying her ice cream float!
Brina relaxing and sipping her float!
My brother is currently building a house so we got to watch the process and help carry a few boards. He is getting married later this year so he has a deadline! It will be a nice place for the new couple!
Checking out Great Grandpa Verlyn’s birds!
They always love going out to see Grandpa’s birds!
Some of the chickens!
And a turkey!
The girls wanted to help Grandpa collect the eggs, he had already done it that morning, but they had laid some more!
A few more eggs, some big ones too!
Grandpa Verlyn gave the girls some of his Crab Apples! He warned them that they were tart, but they insisted that they wanted to try them anyway!
Karlie thought the crab apples were great!
Brina loved the crab apples too! I thought the crab apples were a little too tart, but they both thought they were awesome! There are very few food items especially fruits and vegetables that they don’t like!
Pampers Gifts to Grow – 50 Free Points
You can receive another 50 free points from Pampers with a new Gifts to Grow code!
This code is different from the previous codes I have given.
- Use Code: 50WICFSCL201415
(Did not see an expiration date, but I would enter this big one as soon as possible!)
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!
Travel & Vacation: Red Rocks Overlook Trail & Amphitheater
My cousin Renelle and her husband Eric took the girls and I to see the Red Rocks!
While we were in Colorado a few weeks ago we got to go for a hike up the Red Rocks Overlook and check out their Amphitheater! The red rocks were huge, beautiful boulders on the side of the mountain. It would have been neat to see them right after a rain storm, they probably look gorgeous! In the Red Rocks Amphitheater they hold many concerts. The Red Rocks are on over 800 acres of land and at about 6,500 feet above sea level.
The Red Rocks Amphitheater was formed naturally. The way the rocks line up provides an amazing acoustic setting for concerts. There is a museum at the Red Rocks Amphitheater were you can see all the musicians who have performed. The had all kinds of artists and groups including Bon Jovi, The Beatles, Sting, Opera Singers, and many more!
The red rock boulders were huge!
Brina hiking up to the top of the Red Rocks Overlook Trail.
Cool Red Rock boulders lined the hiking trail!
Brina taking a moment to sit down while Karlie thinks about how cool it would be to have one of those big rocks at her house (no I wouldn’t let her take one home on the plane, ha)!
Uncle Eric, Brina, and Karlie hiking up the trail!
Looking at the Red Rocks Amphitheater and parking lot below!
Just as long as they piece on top doesn’t roll my direction….
A view of the Red Rocks Amphitheater from the top of the Red Rocks Overlook Trail! They were getting ready for a concert that evening!
Karlie and Brina enjoying their time exploring the Red Rocks!
What goes up….must come down! Walking back down the trail with Aunt Renelle!
Brina pausing to let me take a quick picture!
A view of the Red Rocks Amphitheater from the top railing. It seats about 10,000 people. I bet it looks amazing at night during a concert!
The girls had to run down all the stairs of the amphitheater! At least they were able to get in a little extra exercise!
Inside the Red Rocks Museum they had a wall listing all the years, dates, and musicians that have performed in the amphitheater. They also had several other cool rooms to go through and explore. It was a pretty neat adventure for the kids. My cousin Renelle had been at a concert there a few years ago and said it was awesome!!!
Travel & Vacation: Colorado Wildlife
Yes, there are bears near Estes Park! We were driving and saw this guy across the river from us.
We went on a road trip through the Rocky Mountains. On our adventures we saw several animals. The girls were thrilled to see so many neat animals that we don’t see everyday in South Carolina. We went up through Estes Park, Colorado and made several stops throughout the day. Thankful for some fun with family.
Caught a quick picture of these critters as we were driving past. Love that they are munching right off the road and hanging out near a patch of beautiful wild sunflowers.
We drove past a field full of goats. The girls were fascinated and excited! They thought it was so cool that someone had so many goats.
The brown speckled goat in the picture is not eating, she is checking out her newly born twin baby goats. We could see glimpses of the baby goats, but I couldn’t get a close picture of the twin baby goats because their was an electric fence and the grass was too high. They were tiny and adorable trying to stand up on their own. The really cool part is that while we were there with our twin girls there was another set of twins watching twin goats being born on National Twin Day. What is the likelihood that would happen, ha!
Brina really wanted to take this little chipmunk home with her. It may look cute….
Ducks swimming around on the lake!
The girls thought the ducks with the blue feathers were super cute!
This little guy can up to say “hi” to me. I think he was hoping for a treat!
Hummingbirds are always fascinating to watch!
This one about landed on my Dad’s finger. So cool seeing their wings fluttering so quickly.
Our wild bear! The girls were super excited to see the bear!
Munching on berries and relaxing on the rock.
Travel & Vacation: Rocky Mountains, Glen Haven General Store, & Baldpate Inn
Hanging out in Colorado for a few days!
The girls and I had the opportunity to travel out to Colorado recently to visit family. My parents drove out with us and my cousin graciously let the three of us crash at her house and my parents stayed with my Aunt and Uncle. Thankful for some time to catch up with family and explore the area! We had a blast in Colorado.
We drove up by Estes Park, it was completely changed since our trip in July 2012 due to the massive flooding they had back in September 2013. The river, rocks, and roads were totally different. It was quite sad to see some of the damage as well as many homes and businesses that were destroyed. We stopped at one point to get out and stretch our legs. The girls took an opportunity to check out some cool Colorado rocks near the river. They were still cleaning up the area, repairing the roads, homes, businesses, and bridges.
Showing Aunt Renelle some cool stones they found.
Looking at some stones they discovered with Grandma and Grandpa.
When we stopped at Glen Haven two years ago and there was a strip of stores next to the Glen Haven General Store (now it is the only one left on that side of the road). We ate their delicious and huge homemade cinnamon rolls! Thanks Renelle for sharing!
Renelle showing the Brina a cool goodie she got up for them!
Anyone want to eat a bag of rocks?! How about chocolate rocks? Funky, but yummy!
We made a stop at The Baldpate Inn for some coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. The girls relaxing on the Baldpate Inn’s cool porch swing!
Karlie checking out all the keys! Inside the Baldpate Inn they had a room full of keys hanging on the walls and ceiling from all over the world. They even had a key from Hilter’s house, one from a bank Jesse and Frank James robbed, and many other really neat ones!
We finally found the stash of South Carolina keys. They had so many keys you could look them up by name, location, or a number of other details.
Another favorite spot Karlie found…..they had a library, music, and game room at Baldpate Inn. She was content to sit and read!
Relaxing on the porch at the Baldpate Inn!
Enjoying the beautiful view as we sip our hot coffee and chocolate!
Brina mesmerized by the hummingbirds!
The girls and I shared a cup of hot chocolate at Baldpate Inn, delicious!
If you are near Estes Park the Baldpate Inn is a fun place to stop by for a treat, meal, or you can stay overnight too!
Back at Uncle Rick and Aunt Mary Ann’s sharing stories and laughs!
