Raising Multiples

  • Book Set: Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder

    As a kid I read The Complete Little House Nine-Book Set by Laura Ingalls Wilder and loved it.  While going through our books the other day I came across my old set of Little House books that my parents gave me years ago.  The girls are enjoying our time reading together I think before long they may like reading these books as well.  I am excited about sharing these books with the girls and hope they love them as much as I did.

  • Teaching Our Children: Teamwork and Manners

    Playing outside with the neighbor kids. Karlie and Brina working together to push their friend up the driveway!

    Our neighborhood is pretty small and currently we are the only family on the street that is not retired.  I am thankful for our neighbors and we have grown to really enjoy them over the past few years.  A year ago another family lived on the street with kids about the same age as the girls and they would come over a couple times a week to play.  They only moved a few miles away and since their grandparents still live in our neighborhood they come over every couple weeks or so to play.

    If it is a nice day the kids have a blast outside running, swinging, riding bikes, and playing together.  I am thankful for the opportunity to spend a few minutes with our neighbor and the kids love being able to play with their friends.  The picture above was taken a few weeks ago when their friends come to play.  The kids took turns riding the “go cart” as the girls call it down the driveway and pushing each other back up the driveway.  As I was watching the kids play together I was reminded of the importance of having friends over to play.  There are many valuable learning benefits to having friends over to play, here’s just a few:

    • Taking Turns – it teaches the kids the importance of taking turns so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy playing.
    • Sharing – a toy may have been given to your child, however, when friends are over your child will learn how to share those toys and have fun.
    • Teamwork – when siblings or friends work together it is pretty amazing what they can do.  Even though this “go cart” is pretty heavy for one kid to push up the driveway when they work together they can get it up the driveway more quickly thus giving the kids more turns to ride the go cart.
    • Friendship – having guests over allows your kids to learn valuable characteristics in a friendship.
    • Conflict Resolution – When you have a group of kids for an extended period of time something is bound to happen (someone’s not taking turns, a child is losing a game, a toy gets broken, someone skins a knee, etc..)   Sometimes you need to step in and play referee during the event and other times it is best to speak with your child after the activities once the friends have gone home.  Life doesn’t always go perfectly which allows great teaching moments for children.

    Next time your children have friends over don’t worry about the mess, instead focus on making that time a learning opportunity for your children.  When everything goes well thank them for playing nicely, using their manners, and being a true friend while their guests were over.  If something happens (not taking turns, sharing, showing characteristics of a true friendship) take the opportunity to talk about what happened and how to do better next time.

    These activities with our children provide great reminders for us as parents as well.  Are we being a good friend / hostess to guests who come into our homes?  When our children see how we interact with our friends we are giving them an example of what manners and friendship characteristics are acceptable.  Our actions speak volumes to our children so make sure your are practicing the principles you want to your child to learn.

  • Family Activities: Bubble Trouble

    Brina blowing bubbles and Skipper chasing them across the front porch trying to pop them.

    One of the best parts about having a pet is the entertainment they provide the family.  Brina and Karlie LOVE blowing bubbles outside because Skipper has a blast chasing and popping the bubbles.  It is hilarious seeing Skipper twist, turn, and jump trying to pop the bubbles while hearing the girls giggle and blow more bubbles.  Thankful for two kiddos and one furry four legged puppy that bring laughter to the family.  She is a great dog and companion for the girls plus a good squirrel hunter and protector of the home front.

    Skipper popping bubbles from Brina and Karlie.

    Living in South Carolina has its perks too.  Even though our cooler winter months are in December, January, and February there are days when it is warm enough we can go outside and play.  There have already been several days in the 70s this winter.  I am  thankful for those days when we have beautiful weather so we can have fun outdoors.  The girls love playing outside with Skipper and I would rather have them playing outside getting some fresh air.

    Karlie in the midst of a sea of bubbles as she tries out her bubble blower.

    Even though we didn’t get a white Christmas, like last year, the girls are still hoping that we get a few days of snow this winter so they can play outside.  They have fun making snow angels, snowmen, sledding and all those fun activities too.  I am fine with having a mix of both warm and cool days because it makes the Winter months even more entertaining for the family!

  • Travel & Vacation: Carriage Tour in Charleston, SC

    Our family had the opportunity to go on a Carriage Tour through Charleston one of the weeks we were traveling in that area for work. The tour was packed full of amazing history of Charleston and all of us enjoyed it (including the girls).

    Carriage horse in Charleston

    Brina having fun saying “Hi” to all the horses in the carriage barn

    Karlie relaxing while waiting for our turn to ride the carriage!

    Going on a carriage tour of Charleston.  The girls LOVED riding in the front and watching the horse as well as soaking in all the history of Charleston.  Jake and I went on one of these rides before the girls were born.  It was a lot of fun and we learned more pieces of Charleston’s history!

    Beautiful iron work outside the front doors of one of the local churches.  The history of the many buildings along the ride was really neat.

    The architecture of the churchs and homes was pretty amazing.  I didn’t want to take a bunch of pictures into peoples personal homes so I snapped more of the churches during the tour.

    See the oval sign under the light, it is a “fire insurance” sign.  After the great fires in Charleston if your house had one of these signs that specific fire company would come put out your fire.  Also, many of the Charleston homes have a “privacy” door on their porches as seen in the picture above to allow the families to cool down in privacy on their porches during the warmer months.  It wouldn’t be decent seeing a lady in her “under garments” as she cooled off on the porch therefore privacy doors became a popular addition to the homes.

    Beautiful houses in Charleston.  This house used to by at the waters edge and is now several blocks from the shore!  Charleston used to have “HAVE” and “HAVE NOT” sections of town, this house was in the “have” section. 


    On the left side of the picture you can see a brown brick building through the trees.  After the really devastating fires in Charleston many of the wealthy families built their kitchens and servants quarters in a separate building outside of the home to help prevent fires from engulfing the entire home which also allowed a little extra time for the fire company to arrive and put out the fire.

    Charleston’s old jail house.  Our guide had a lot of “interesting” stories about the old jail house.  Supposedly it is “haunted” and you can take tours during the day or a ghost tour at night through the old jail. 

    Many of the houses in Charleston are visibly leaning due to age and the variety of natural things including settling that have occurred over time.  Also, you’ll notice that a lot of the houses are narrow as you see in this picture.  Not much of a front or side yards with a street on three sides but the house has some history!

    It was beautiful and peaceful touring Charleston on a carriage.  If only I could remember ALL the cool pieces of history our guide shared with us that day!

    Daughters of Confederacy building in downtown Charleston.  This building is near the market area.

    Brina and Karlie saying goodbye, petting, and thanking the horse for the history tour of Charleston.  They really have a soft spot for animals and loved the long ride through Charleston just as much as we did.

    Jake and I were able to “surprise” the girls with this carriage tour.  I was able to get tickets at a discounted rate through Groupon, but the company we received the coupons for refused to accept the reservations because they were too “busy” that day.  Thankfully we were able to get another carriage company to basically accept their competitors coupon otherwise we would have had two very disappointed girls (and Momma). Even though it was a busy time, we had to switch carriage companies, and it was warm we had a BLAST touring the city and learning all the history.

    If you ever go to Charleston this is a wonderful activity to do with your family, just make sure to budget or plan ahead for the tour because without a coupon it could be a little pricey especially for a large family or group.  Even though the carriage rides are open pretty much year round if you are going in the summer and it gets above 94 degrees (or somewhere near that temperature) the carriage companies have to pull the horses off the street because it is too hot for them.  It was a great experience for all of us!

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  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.  Explore with a good attitude, look 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!

  • Pampers Gifts to Grow – 20 Free Points

    You can receive another 20 free points from Pampers with new Gifts to Grow codes!

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

    • Use Code:  FAC1211PPXHKHND  

    (Expires 12/31/11 at midnight CST)

    • Use Code:  FB2012NYAFJRYCN

    (Expires 1/6/12 at midnight CST)

    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!

  • Blessing Lives Everyday with Special Surprises (B.L.E.S.S.): 25 Days of Christmas Blessings (Week 4)

    We have finished our fourth and final week of our 25 Days of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. (Blessing Lives Everyday with Special Surprises).  It has been a real joy doing these fun events everyday.  In some cases we get to see who receives our B.L.E.S.S. gift and in other cases we will never know who is on the receiving end.  We pray that whoever receives or finds these gifts will experience joy during this Holiday Season.  Each night we take down the B.L.E.S.S. activity for the next day and read the verse and the activity then pray for those who have and will receive our little BLESS’ings.

    Here is what we did this week with a couple pictures to share of our adventures:

    Candy Cane left for the next person to enjoy at the gas pump.

    • Day 19 – Bought and donated canned goods for the Harvest Hope food drive that helps feed families in our local community.  The girls were so excited about helping fill up the barrel of food.  It reminded me of times that were tight in our lives and the many blessings we have including food to eat.
    • Day 20 – Left quarters taped to a local vending machine for the next person to enjoy a snack.  The girls had fun “guessing” what they thought the next person might get for their snack.
    • Day 21 – Taped a Candy Cane to the gas pump for the next person who fills up with fuel to enjoy.  The girls giggle at the thought of the next person pulling up and getting the special treat.  As we were pulling out of the gas station they started clapping and cheering as someone drove up to our pump! 🙂
    • Day 22 – Wrote a “Thank You” note and left goodies for the Hotel Maids who cleaned our room.  The neat part is one of the maids recognized us from an earlier trip this year and was excited to see the girls again.  It reminded me of the importance of leaving a positive impact on the lives of others no matter where you go, even when you are on vacation or a work trip (you never know who you may run into or see again).  We prayed for each person that was cleaning our hall at the hotel that day. 
    • Day 23 – Sharing special Christmas treats with a friend.  The girls were eating a snack while we were running errands when we ran into a friend and without hesitation they gave away the remaining goodies in their bag to their friend so that she could enjoy them.
    • Day 24 – Gave the extra cash we had leftover after paying for our purchase back to the cashier so she could apply it to the person’s purchase behind us in line at the store. 
    • Day 25 – Spread Christmas cheer to Family and Friends.  We did not go out on Christmas Day because we felt that it was important to spend time with our family that day so we decided to take the time to call, text, and talk to family and friends to wish them Merry Christmas and let them know that we love them.

    One of our favorite verses this week went along with our Day 21  activity. 

    Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. – Hebrews 13:16

     

    Thank you note written from the girls to the hotel staff.  “Thank you for cleaning our room!” (with lots of hearts)

    I was not able to snap as many pictures as we were doing the activities this week with the traveling and I felt like it was more important to participate in the activities then to get the “perfect” picture.  The main purpose of this activity is to teach our family the joy of giving and sharing to those around us.

    My favorite day was Day 22 because the girls really did do most of it on their own.  I asked if they would like to leave a special treat for the hotel staff and they went to work writing notes and coming up with ways to spread Christmas cheer.  It was so amazing to see not only their excitement to do the activity but to hear them praying for the staff that would find the little treats and notes that they had left out for them.  Since the items were left on the table as we left the hotel it was the easiest one to capture pictures of as well.  I am thankful for the opportunity to do these wonderful activities with the family.

    This activity has taught our family a lot this year about the joy of giving to others.  It has been fun taking time every day to spread Christmas cheer and to pray for those who have received our goodies.  Sometimes it’s the little stuff that can make the most positive impact.  This may become a tradition in our family for future years as well because it was such a great way to make ourselves specifically think about, pray for, and do something for others each day during a busy time of year.  I would love to hear the ways you spread Christmas cheer this Holiday Season.

    Karlie’s “1st Poem” written specifically for the hotel staff (the girls gave them a fish sticker).  The note said – “A fun fish for you for fun.  I love people.”

    To learn more about our 25 Days of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activity and what we have done far check out the links below:

     

    The girls came up with most of this idea, love that they are putting together B.L.E.S.S. activities pretty much on their own.

    I have been asked by a number of people for a printable version of the 25 Days of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activities, verses, and sheets to handout so here they are for your family to enjoy as well:

  • Travel & Vacation: Isle of Palms Beach

    On our way to the beach!

    One of the benefits of traveling with the family is we get to enjoy some pretty amazing scenery.  When we travel together for work we try to squeeze some fun activities in as well.  I am thankful for the great memories and fun times together with my family this year.  Charleston is one of the locations we have been multiple times over the last several months.  Here are some pictures and memories from one of our trips together.

    Isle of Palms Beach!

    One of our favorite spots to go is the Isle of Palms near Charleston.  They have a great beach area with life guards.  The girls always love our trips to the beach.

    Karlie is ready to head to the beach! She is waiting patiently as we get everything out of the van.

    Brina is ready for our family beach day!

    Heading into the water!  (Karlie, Daddy and Brina)

    Splashing around in the water, the girls can stay at the beach for hours.

    Two little chickies buried in the hot beach sand.  They were really still until we were done burying them.

    After several hours of splashing in the water, digging in the sand, and collecting sea shells the girls were still going but we took a break for a snack and a little quiet time in the shade before heading back out for more fun.  The girls have a blast at the beach.  We saw dolphins several times while we were swimming and playing in the sand at Isle of Palms.  It was wonderful having some extra time to relax and spend time together.

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  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.  Explore with a good attitude, look 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!

  • Gift Giving: Breakfast in Bed

    Occasionally for a birthday or Holiday I create Gift Coupons for the girls (or Jake) for their present.  The gift coupons include a variety of fun activities – get out of one chore, breakfast in bed, one big bear hug, and more.  The girls will sometimes save their coupons for months before redeeming them.  It is so sweet to see them cherish the little things like fun coupons I created just for them.  I have learned that when the coupon is redeemed to just stamp the back with the date stamp and let them keep it. Sometimes they will redeem the coupons simultaneously and other times they do it separately.  The breakfast in bed coupon is always a huge hit with the girls!

    I managed to sneak in a take a picture of them eating breakfast in bed, both of them were chatting away and enjoying their yogurt!

    Enjoying breakfast in bed

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    Our family had a wonderful Christmas together.   The girls are out of school this week I want to make sure to spend any “extra” time with them.  I am going to try to keep it short again this week for that reason.

    Here is the update on last weeks goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Do the 25 Day of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activities with the girls this week
    4. Spend extra time with my family while the girls are on Christmas Break!

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week – not quite every day
    2. Listen to Dave Ramsey’s Dumping Debt audiobook

    Home Management Goals

    1. Get suitcase packed for our business / family trip
    2. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    3. Wrap all the Christmas Gifts

    Business Goals

    1. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    2. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Pay off remaining debt – still working on this one

    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. Spend extra time with my family while the girls are on Christmas Break!

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
    2. Listen to The Prodigal Son audiobook from Denise

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day

    Business Goals

    1. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    2. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Pay off remaining debt

    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