Events & Holidays
Flashback Friday: First & Second Time at the Pool
Brina a little unsure about this whole “pool” idea
Today’s flashback Friday goes back about 10 years when the girls first were introduced to a pool. The first trip to the pool with the Greenville Mother’s of Multiples Club family party. We didn’t even have swimming suits for them yet so we took them in onesies and swimmer diapers. They were not to thrilled about the pool the first time around. Both were a little surprised and not overly excited about it. You would never know that now though!
The second time we went to a pool was about a week later with our friend Mike and Ashley. We had gotten the girls swimsuits in the meantime and they did a little better the second time around. Still not thrilled about it, but they tolerated it better.
Brina was a little surprised by the pool water.
Brina slowly getting used to the water on her feet while sitting in Daddy’s lap.
Brina standing up in the pool, still not sure about this whole pool thing.
Brina thinking about sitting down, but still disturbed by the pool.
Brina was very curious by all the other kids swimming around her. Why do they look like they are having so much fun!?
Karlie’s first dip into the pool. She was not happy!
Karlie’s thinking that maybe this isn’t too bad. Daddy seems to think it’s okay…
Jake sprinkled a little water over her head. She wasn’t entirely sure if she liked that.
Karlie sitting on Daddy’s lap talking with another twin. He wanted to know why she didn’t like playing in the pool, ha!
Karlie getting used to the water and she sits there for a minute.
Karlie looking at Mommy for help and confirmation that this pool thing was okay.
Karlie – “Can someone turn off the bright light overhead!” She was not a fan of the bright sunny day and if she was directly in the sun would just close her eyes and whimper. Poor baby girl.
Survived their first “pool swim” or should we say little dip! They were much more content to be back in the bassinet together.
Swimming at the pool was EXHAUSTING! They were out for a nap within a few minutes of drying off and getting into the bassinet. (Brina and Karlie)
Brina and Karlie got their cool new swimming suits and ready to go again. They think it’s funny now as they are at home sitting in the chair together….
Brina with Aunt Ashley at the pool. She is still not convinced that this is a good idea!
Mommy taking Brina and Karlie out into the pool. They were very intent on watching the pool water, like its going to get them or something.
Mommy with Karlie and Brina. They tolerated the pool better this time around with only a few tears. Thankfully it was a small quiet pool.
Brina all snuggled up in her dry towel. She is now ready for her nap.
Look at those pruney little tootsie toes! So cute!
Karlie is getting sleepy. Swimming is hard work Dad!
Travel & Vacation: Daniel Island Historical Markers & Bike Path (Daniel Island, SC)
Beautiful paved Daniel Island bike and walking path
We love visiting Daniel Island! Over the past few years we have been several times and it seems like every time we find something new to explore on this island on the outskirts of Charleston, SC. On one of our trips we took our bikes with us and found a lot of neat places to ride around town. The kids favorite place to ride their bikes was around the cement and paved path in Smythe Lake Park around a little lake in near the Pirates Cove Playground. The last time we brought our bikes we would ride around the lake, play for a little bit at the playground, and ride around the lake again.
The scenery around the lake is beautiful. On our first pass around the bike and walking trail we noticed Daniel Island Historical Markers along the way. It was a lot of fun to stop at each one and read about the history of Daniel Island. We saw some wildlife on our adventures too from alligators to ducks and more! We got our exercise and learn more about Daniel Island throughout our excursions that day.
Biking around the lake
On of the historical signs along the biking and walking path – “A Proprietary Governor“
“Slave Life on Daniel Island”
We had a friend sunning himself along the biking trail. Needless to say we didn’t stop to see if he wanted to play. Always best to leave the wildlife alone!
“Making Bricks”
“Tenants & Truck Farmers”
“Harry Frank Guggenheim”
Friendly ducks swimming and finding little fish to eat.
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!
Flashback Friday: Adding More Foods
Jake making the next days bottles!
Today’s flashback Friday is about 10 years ago when the girls were five months old. Every night right before Jake and I would go to bed we were make the girls bottles for the following day. At this point when I took the picture of Jake (above) we were down from making 16 bottles a day to 10 bottles a day. They no longer had to have any caffeine in their bottles and they were sleeping through the night consistently. Making the bottles the night before helped us be well prepared for the next day when the babies were hungry and ready to be fed.
It was this month after a routine Doctors check up with the girls that they suggested we start introducing them to rice cereal in place of a couple bottles a day. That was an adventure in itself. The girls were not too excited about it at first and would rub it all over their faces and heads as well as cry, but eventually they got used to it.
Brina packed up in her carseat and ready to go to the Dr and on errands this morning.
Karlie doesn’t care if we run errands or go to the Dr as long as she can sleep peacefully in her carseat.
Brina’s first time trying rice cereal. She was ready for her bottle and instead got rice cereal. She NOT happy with me and cried through the whole feeding.
Karlie’s first try with the rice cereal. She was very upset and cried the entire time I fed her too. This picture was taken right before she burst into tears. After a couple minutes she closed her eyes and cried as I fed her the last few bites. Guess, she preferred getting her bottle over the rice cereal. Such a disappointed baby.
Later Jake attempted the second rice cereal feeding instead of the bottle. Karlie was not happy with Daddy either about him giving her rice cereal instead of her bottle. Poor baby….growing up is hard!
After awhile she gave up and began to enjoy it. In this picture she is babbling away as she gives in and eats the rice cereal for Daddy. Glad to see her smile starting to come back.
What a mess Brina! Sometimes we would let them attempt to feed themselves or if we were feeding them they would smear the food all over their faces with their hands. It never failed during this stage there was always a mess to clean up at the end of meal time.
Brina enjoying her morning bottle with Mommy. Loved holding them and talking with them first thing in the morning as they took their bottle. They were always great snugglers and gave me many sweet smiles.
Karlie enjoying her morning bottle. When they first started taking the bottles it would take them over an hour to drink an ounce or two. At this point they were guzzling down several ounces in a just a few minutes. How much they have grown. Loved hearing them drink their morning bottles and sigh with contentment. It was a great way to get the day started.
Travel & Vacation: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (Charleston, SC)
The sun is setting and birds are flying by as we go over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston
We typically go over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge as we head into downtown Charleston, SC. Usually if we are in the area for a few days we go over the bridge several times. My favorite time to go over the bridge is around sunset. It is beautiful and you get a great view of the sunset from the top of the bridge. We typically drive over the bridge, but there is a walkway where you can walk as well as a bicycle path over the bridge. We often see people walking, jogging, or biking across the bridge during the day or early in the evenings.
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge first opened its 8 lanes back in 2005. It is a cable bridge with two diamond shaped towers. It is lit up at night and you can see it for miles (it looks pretty neat). The bridge was built so that ocean freighters and other large boats could get into the Port of Charleston. Every Spring they have the Cooper River Bridge Run that crosses over this bridge. Back in 2013 Jake, the girls, and I were in town the day before the run so we did the Cooper River Bridge Kids Run together which was a lot of fun. Not only did they have the kids run, but a lot of great family friendly activities for the kids throughout the day. We haven’t timed it right to participate again, but maybe some day we’ll get the timing right.
If you have kids another cool thing about the bridge is the shaded playground directly under it. The playground is fenced and gated which makes it nice for the younger kids. The kids enjoy going to the playground, walking through the park, or swinging on the swings positioned along the pier under the bridge. The park and playground is called Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. It is one of the few playgrounds you can go to if it is a rainy day because it is almost completely covered. Also, on hot days it is a perfect place to find a shady place to play that has a little breeze. The Mount Pleasant Visitor’s Center is located at the front of the park where you can pick up tickets to a variety of activities in and around Charleston without having to go all the way to downtown Charleston’s Visitor Center. We typically go here if we want tickets to local events or tours because it is closer to where we are staying, faster (not as crowded with people or traffic), and the parking is free.
You will often encounter a fisherman on the pier too (usually they are very happy to show the kids their “catch” for the day). The pier was made from leftover pieces of the old Silas N. Pearman Bridge which was the bridge used prior to the building of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. There is the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop that sells souvenirs, fishing supplies, ice cream, and more. There are clean bathrooms and water fountains located near the Welcome Center and the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop. The park has always been very clean. Sometimes we’ll grab a pizza, eat it in the park, let the kids play for a little bit, then go for a nice walk before heading back to the hotel. During the summer months (a some other times of the year) they do special events in the park, like Movies in the Park, Music events, Fishing Tournaments, and more.
Crossing over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Big bridge
Passing directly under the first tower
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!
Flashback Friday: Sweet Babies
Silly sisters 5 months old
Today’s flashback Friday goes to July 2005 when the girls were 5 months old. We loved seeing their smiles and hearing their giggles at this age. They were on the move and starting to get into more stuff. Thankful for these two blessings.
Their pinchable cheeks are so cute. They could make each other laugh or cry. It was an adventure exploring new toys. They discovered that they could pull themselves up in the crib and look over the edge at us and the room around them.
This month the girls were strong enough and growing well we got to take them off the heart & apnea monitors. It was a blessing having them, but it was sure nice to get rid of all the wires and monitors. We always had extra stuff to carry anywhere we went whether at home, errands, or anywhere else. Thankful that they are growing and starting to really take off.
Brina is unsure about what to do regarding Karlie’s crying!
They loved watching their mobile above their crib – Brina and Karlie
Brina and Karlie giggles
Brina relaxing on the couch
Happy Karlie
Brina talking with Daddy!
Grandpa Russell swinging Brina as Karlie swings in her swing.
Karlie all smiles!
Happy Babies
Karlie sucking her thumb and napping in the bassinet with her feet up
Their first bumper cars
Sweet girls
All dressed up in their silky Sunday dresses!
Laughing – Brina and Karlie
Brina laughing and playing with Mr. Octopus
Karlie having fun!
Karlie is ready to eat!
We came back in to check on the girls a little while after putting them to bed. Brina is still wanting to play, but Karlie has crashed.
Having too much fun at bed time.
Brina hanging out on the couch
Karlie laughing, talking, and giggling when she is suppose to be sleeping
The heart apnea monitors are officially going back today! WooHoo!!! They are almost 6 months old and no longer need them. Thankful for the opportunity to have these medical devices home with us for so long as they were growing and getting stronger. Glad the girls are doing so much better..
Karlie’s excited and talking away!
Shhh….Karlie has a secret to tell Brina!
Sit up straight solider B!
Flashback Friday: Happy July 4th
Happy Independence Day from Brina and Karlie!!!
Today we are flashing back to July 4, 2005. It was the girls first July 4th Independence Day celebration! My Aunt gave the girls these adorable dresses to wear for the celebration.
We spent the first part of the day as usual. Getting everybody up, fed, changed, and some play time. That evening we went over to a friends house to play games and celebrate. They were good sports and happy babies the whole evening.
Brina, Riley, and Karlie all coordinated for the July 4th Holiday!
So many reasons to celebrate this July 4th!
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
Thankful for spending the extra time with my girls. They were a huge help this week. Thankful for everything Jake does for our family. I am blessed. There was so much to be thankful for last week.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week. Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday – Thankful for the girls help organizing the items that need to be donated and sold. They organized, took pictures, packed up the items, and went with me to deliver everything.
Tuesday – Thankful that we were able to find some swimsuits for the girls. It’s a lot of work shopping and trying on clothes but they did a great job! Grateful that Jake was able to spend some time working on the tree house fort after work.
Wednesday – Thankful that the girls had a great attitude when the movie that we went to see was sold out.
Thursday – Thankful for the girls help in getting the house picked up, supper put together and more. They are great help and for the most part we have a grand time doing it together. Thankful for laughter and a chance to have some one-on-one chitchat time.
Friday – Thankful for an opportunity eat dinner with some of Jake’s co-workers and enjoy part of the Greenville Drive game against Charleston which eventually got canceled due to rain and lightening. We still had fun!
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!
Flashback Friday: First Summer
Brina completely folded in half and sleeping
This flashback Friday bounces us back to June 2005. The girls first summer! They were continuing to grow. It was amazing to see them start to learn more and change. They still could go to sleep in the most unusual (and what looked like uncomfortable) positions. Their smiles and little giggles made our days so much brighter. They put up with our silliness as parents and we had a lot of fun learning together.
We were home for the majority of the month of June. At their regular Doctors appointment they were growing and looking healthy, however, on Brina’s apnea monitor her heart rate was showing unusually high numbers so we had to go into a specialists office to get her hooked up to an EKG. We also had to bring her home on a portable EKG for a couple days to see if there were any complications. Thankfully she was fine, she just has a faster heartbeat than other kids at her age.
Karlie was our thumb sucker. She is enjoying her thumb as she falls asleep.
Snuggle bugs
Looks like mischief!
Karlie giggling as she attacks Tigger!
Karlie fast asleep with a decorative gift bow on her forehead…..she has no idea!
Love seeing those pudgy cheeks!
Brina having the EKG test done. She is not very happy with us right now.
Back home with all the EKG wires attached to her. She was more content once we were back home and didn’t seem to mind the extra wires until we pulled them off 2 days later and she had a bunch of red spots all over her belly.
Hanging out!
Silly ducks….Brina – “What are you guys looking at?” while Karlie snoozes away completely unaware of the duck on her head.
Karlie tolerated our silliness. As long as she was fed, changed, and got to play she was a happy baby.
Look at that cute milk belly! Such a huge change since her surgery the month before when she couldn’t keep anything down. Thankful for the doctors and a healthy baby.
Brina is excited about picking out gifts in the Cheaper Than Dirt Catalog…..makes Daddy so proud!
Brina showing off her fancy “pant” hat. She is not very impressed.
Karlie is not overly excited by her hat either. She is ready for her nap!
Happy Brina Bee!
Summer Reading Program – Swim Into Reading
Swim into Reading Summer Reading Theme
For many years I did a Summer Reading program at home with the girls. Each year I would come up with a fun theme and make a large display for them to see. Every time they read a book they would get to write it down and hang it up for everyone to see. This was awesome especially when the kids younger.
Our kids have always love reading as well as listening to me, my husband, or anyone read books. Audiobooks captivate their attention. We make it a regular habit to read every day to our girls and we encourage them to read as well.
Now that they are a little older we don’t do as elaborate of themes because they don’t need that visual motivate as much. I came across one of the summer themes I did not that long ago that we had a lot of fun with and wanted to share it with you. The theme we used was Swim into Reading. All the members of the family had a different color of fish and when someone finished a book they filled out their filled and hung it in the fish tank. The kids loved it.
I made our reading fish tank out of a table a light blue disposable table cloth hung on the wall. Over the blue table cloth I hung dark blue and green crepe paper.
All set up and ready for the fish from reading books to be added.
Starting to see some different colored books being added to the reading fish tank
The kids are loading up the fish tank with their different color of fish from all their reading. I wish I had taken a picture at the end of the summer. They did so well. Whenever the fan was on or when someone walked by the reading fish tank the crepe paper would move like the fish were swimming. Thankful for kids who love to read.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week Jake’s sister family spent the week with us. The week went by quickly and we packed in a lot of activities during their stay. It was fun spending some extra time and catching up with them as well as the rest of the family in the area the last few days. On Friday the girls went to church camp for the weekend. The house was really quiet after everyone left! We celebrated Father’s Day last weekend since the girls were away at camp for a good part of Father’s Day. Jake was super sweet and helped get our large pile of laundry started while the girls were away. He also made the most amazing apricot and salmon recipe that I will be sharing in a few days. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Finish reading Romona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary book to the kidsPlan one special activity with the family– went to Otters Creek Water Park with Mirm’s familyPlay a Game with the Family– played several this weekPrepare for Upcoming Spring Events– Spring is done and now we are enjoying summerSpend time working on Summer WorkbooksAttend Evening Activities & EventsSpend Extra Time with Extended FamilyLunch Bags Packed for Work & Errand / Outside ActivitiesPrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)- Prep & Figure out Schedule for Summer Break – wrapping up some later details
Ride Bikes with the KidsWork on special projects with the kidsHang out at a park with KidsGo to the Library- Find a new local place to visit or new activity to do with the Kids – we went to places we already visited before
Attend an extra-curricular activity or eventGet kids packed and sent off to Church CampCelebrate Father’s Day
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Continue my YouVersion plan(s) – running a little behind
Keep up with my FitBit GoalsGo to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this weekUpdate Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekClean House (Focus – Vacuum & Dust)Organize Chaos (Focus – Refrigerator)- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Treehouse Fort) – working on it
Pet Care (Focus – Treat Yard for Mosquitoes / Flies)- Repairs – (Focus – Girls Necklace Hangers) – hoping to get it done soon
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Work completed for clients – another project to be done soon
Research and pursue career goalsPrep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Medical Bills – paid more on a couple this week
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, 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 over budget with the grocery budget
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Lightening’s Last Hope by Joanna Campbell book to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Family
- Spend time working on Summer Workbooks
- Attend Evening Activities & Events
- Lunch Bags Packed for Work & Errand / Outside Activities
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for Summer Break
- Ride Bikes with the Kids
- Work on special projects with the kids
- Hang out at a park with Kids
- Go to the Library
- Find a new local place to visit or new activity to do with the Kids
- Attend an extra-curricular activity or event
- Pick up Summer Clothes for the girls (Swim suit, shorts, sandals, pjs)
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
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 – Post Items to Sale and Take Items to Donate)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Girls Scrapbooks)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Seed Goat Pen)
- Pet Care (Focus – New Collar for Snowball, Hay, & Mineral Bucket)
- Repairs – (Focus – Girls Necklace Hangers)
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
- Research and Plan Out Business Goals
- Prep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Medical Bills
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, 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.
