Events & Holidays

  • Father’s Day Gifts: $25 Off Bosch Cordless Tools (Amazon)

    Amazon is offering $25 Off Bosch Cordless Tools now through June 20, 2011.  Are you looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift?  Many of the Bosch tools are on sale plus you can add the additional $25 savings at checkout.  Some items are more than 60% off prior to applying the additional $25!  Pictured above is the Bosch PS20-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Pocket Driver with 2 Batteries it is normally marked down to 66% off plus take an additional $25 off!

    I have “secretly” been looking for a new tool set for Jake, maybe he’ll get one for Father’s Day this year!  Shhhhh……don’t tell him!  To see the other Bosch tools that qualify for the $25 and more information on the Terms & Conditions please visit the $25 Off Bosch Cordless Tools page on Amazon!

    For additional savings use your Amazon Gift Certificates from Swagbucks to get this gift at a lower price or even free!!!

  • Teaching Our Children: Joy Of Sharing

    Jars of fresh Strawberry Jam / Jelly!

    One of the best parts about being a parent is teaching our children.  When you have opportunities to show them how them demonstrate positive characteristics it helps teach them valuable lessons plus it brings great joy seeing them get excited about sharing with others.  The best part is when they initiate the action on their own, that’s when you know they are “getting it”.  We have been teaching  new words that go along with positive qualities as a family.  One of the words we recently discussed with our girls was generosity.  The old saying “it is better to give then to receive” is true, but unless it is put into action in your life and with the kids will they truly believe it.  Part of our discussion involved finding ways to put the words, like generosity, into practical use.  Here are some of the activities we did with the girls to help them understand the Joy of Sharing:

    • Picking and giving away produce from our garden to every person on our street. The majority of the families on our street are retired, but they are unable to do a garden of their own this year.  Being generous with the neighbors and those in close proximity allowed the girls the opportunity to share and learn more about those who live on our street.  They had a lot of fun and told me that they were going to pray for the garden to grow really big so we can do it again.  Loved seeing their excitement!
    • Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. We had the girls pick out some of their favorite non-perishable food items to put in a bag and had them help carry the items out to our mailbox.  These activity provided us an opportunity to explain why we were giving the food away, who the food was going to, and to give praise that we had the extra blessings to share with those in our local community.
    • Sharing with Siblings & Friends – as a child (and sometimes as an adult) it can be hard to share.  Whether it is a toy, book, food, house or really anything.  We have been encouraging the girls to share with each other and friends.  For example, many times our neighbors grandkids will come over to our house to play after school.  One of the first things I do when the girls get home from school is give them a snack because they each lunch at school at 10:30 in the morning.  When their friends come over from the school bus they are hungry too and it is not polite to eat / drink in front of them.  Sharing their snacks and giving their friends drinks when they come to play is part of being generous.
    • Picking Strawberries & giving away Fresh Strawberry Jam – our family went strawberry picking one weekend.  The following week I made jam while the girls were at school.  They had a lot of fun giving the jars full of fresh strawberry jam to friends.

    One important lesson to be taught is to be generous with the best.  Do we hand our friends the half eaten loaf of bread or give them the freshly baked whole loaf?  Give them the fresh whole loaf.

  • Recipe: Liege Waffles (Gaufre de Liege)

    My cousin Renelle made these waffles a few weekends ago and they are AMAZING!!!!  You don’t even need to put syrup on the waffles!  I ate mine with blueberries on top.  Later that weekend I had them just plain and they were sweet and tasty. You may want to make these the night before if you are planning on an an early breakfast otherwise they would make a great brunch since the dough has to rise.  They are just as delicious reheated as well.  Renelle made deep Belgian waffles for everyone, thanks Renelle for sharing such an awesome recipe with us!!!

     

     

    Liege Waffles:

    Sponge –

    • 4 1/2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
    • 1 1/3 cups warm Milk
    • 1 3/4 cups Flour
    • 1 tablespoon granulated Sugar
    • 1 Egg, lightly beaten

    Batter –

    • 9 tablespoons unsalted Butter (room temperature)
    • 1/4 cup Flour
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
    • Pinch of Salt
    • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
    • 3/4 cup Pearl Sugar
    • Extra Flour (for sprinkling)

    Directions

    Sponge –

    1. In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast over the milk.  Add 1 tablespoon of flour and sugar; set aside for 5 minutes or until foamy.
    2. Sift remaining flour into a large mixing bowl.  Make a well in center and add yeast mixture and egg.  Stir well to make a smooth batter.
    3. Cover with plastic wrap; set aside in a warm place and let rise until doubled or tripled in bulk, about 2 hours.

    Batter –

    1. Place butter, flour, vanilla, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and pearl sugar into a bowl and work with back of a wooden spoon to form a paste.
    2. Work butter mixture into a sponge mixture until well combined.  Cover, and set aside for 10 minutes
    3. With floured hands, shape dough into 10 balls.  Flatten one slightly and dust it with flour.  If dough seems too wet to handle, just pour the batter directly onto the waffle iron.
    4. Heat a waffle iron until medium hot.  Place a flattened ball in the middle of the iron; close top.  Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.  If waffle iron is too hot, sugar will burn.  Continue baking until all the waffles are done.  Waffles may be kept warm in a 200 degree oven until ready to serve.

    Yields:  10 Waffles

    Photo by EvinDC

  • Twice As Nice: Proud of My Girls

    I love those moments when your heart bursts with joy at seeing your kids demonstrate wonderful positive characteristics that make them stand out among the crowd.  As a parent it is essential that I continue to teach my children about life.   I catch them (and yes I am bias) showing these positive characteristics as they continue to mature but sometimes I wonder if anyone else sees these precious moments in their lives as well.

    Throughout the school year Brina and Karlie get random “rewards” for being a good example.  One of my favorite ones to see come home in their book bags is the one that gets awarded when a student shows positive characteristics when the other students are disobeying the rules.  It is nice to know that they can be polite and respectful even when their sister (in many cases) and friends are not.  The coupon is for a Free Chick-fil-A Kid’s Meal and is awarded when a student shows on of the following Core Essentials:

    • Respect
    • Initiative
    • Uniqueness
    • Joy
    • Determination
    • Kindness
    • Courage
    • Humility
    • Forgiveness

    There is no such thing as a perfect parent (or a perfect person for that matter) so when I catch my girls doing right, it truly makes me proud.  Nothing I do will force them to be good, kind, or considerate, however, the words I speak (and more importantly) my actions are showing the girls what is expected.  I cannot count the number of times, even in the last week, how they can innocently ask me a question that really makes me think about my actions and in many cases the questions can be quite convicting.

    For example, not long ago I was driving with the girls in the van when another car cut in front of us nearly side swiping our van which resulted in a honk from me……from the back seat I hear Brina say “Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little ears what you hear for the Father Up Above is Looking Down…….”  Wow, even though in my mind I was “justified” by making the car aware of our presence through the honk, but having her say those words made me really think about how I was reacting in a tense situation.  There is a great responsibility when you children daily watching your words and actions.  I know I cannot do it in my own strength which makes me even more grateful for a heavenly Father who helps guide and direct not only my steps but my kids as well.  They know I am not perfect, but thankfully they do know someone who is and He is much better example of how we should live.

    Twice as Fun is a series on raising Twins and all the joy that comes with it.  We have been richly blessed to have twin daughters in our lives and want to share with you our thoughts, challenges, wisdom and love for raising multiples.  Our girls have different interests and hobbies but they both know how to add excitement to our lives and make us chuckle.

  • Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive with United States Postal Services (Sat, May 14)

    You can help food for families in your local community who are in need of food.  All you have to do is leave a bag of food at your mailbox and it will be delivered to your local food bank. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is another great opportunity that allows you to demonstrate to your kids what it looks like to share with others and be generous, better yet have them pick out their favorite non-perishable items to put in a bag and have them help you carry it to the mailbox.

    Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Details:

    • Date: Saturday, May 14, 2001
    • What: Bag of Non-Perishable Food Items (Can and Boxed Goods)
    • How: Leave your bag at the mailbox for pickup by your mail carrier
    • Where Does it Go? The USPS will deliver your Food Items to your local Food Bank to benefit people in your community
    • More Information: Stamp Out Hunger

    We are blessed as a family.  Yes we have a family budget, use coupons, and shop clearance racks or buy used items but by being smart with our money it allows us the opportunity to share what we have with others.  The girls love participating in this event and I am thankful they enjoy giving to those within our community.

  • Family Outings: FREE Downtown Greenville Activities (Weekly)

    We live in an area with a beautiful downtown and plenty of fun free family activities.  Below are some weekly free family activities you can enjoy.

    Free Wednesday Night Activity

    Last week I introduced the Moonlight Movie series they are doing downtown Greenville throughout the month of May. If you are looking for a fun family activity tonight and you live near Greenville, SC?  The “Moonlight Movies” Series is at The Peace Center Amphitheater on Wednesday nights sponsored by Fidelity Investments!

    Event Details:
    • When – 8:00 PM (at sundown) on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
    • Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater & Wyche Pavilion (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
    • What’s Showing – “Batman”
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity (movies will be rated G or PG or family friendly Not Rated)
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or you can buy a wristband
    • What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
    • For More Information – Greenville Moonlight Movies / Phone:  864-467-5741

    If you cannot make it out to the movie tonight there will be more “Moonlight Movies” events coming!

    Future “Moonlight Movies”:

    • Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:00 PM – “Winchester”
    • Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 8:00 PM – Viewer’s Choice

    Even if you do not live in the Greenville area I encourage you to check out events in your local city.  Many towns offer free events that your family can enjoy.

    Free Wednesday Night Activity

     

    Bring your family and a picnic while listening to music on the Reedy River on Wednesday nights starting June 1st through August 31, 2011.

    Event Details:
    • When – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM starting Wednesday, June 1st to August 31st
    • Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
    • What Type of Music – A Variety (Jazz, Country, Patriotic, Rock & Roll, Blues, Reggae)
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food
    • What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Reedy River Concerts / Phone:  864-467-5741

    Free Thursday Night Activity

    On Thursday nights starting in March through August Greenville has Downtown Alive featuring live music.
    Event Details:
    • When – starting Thursday, March 17 to August 25
    • Where – Downtown Main Street
    • What Type of Music – A Variety (Rock & Roll, Blues, Funk and Cover Bands) Local, Regional and National Bands
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or Buy a Wrist Band
    • What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Downtown Alive / Phone:  864-467-5741

    Free Friday Night Activity

    Bring your family to Downtown Greenville for Main Street Fridays featuring music, children’s activities and other special activities throughout the season.  Main Street Fridays start in March and goes through September.  Enjoy a meal at one of Greenville’s downtown restaurants, take a walk and enjoy the entertainment.

    Event Details:
    • When – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM starting Friday, March 18 to September 30, 2011
    • Where – Downtown Main Street
    • What Type of Music – A Variety (Jazz, Blues, Oldies, and Soul)
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or Buy a Wrist Band
    • What to Bring – Your Family
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Main Street Fridays / Phone:  864-467-5741

     

    Free Week Day & Weekend Activity

    Shakespeare in the Park

    Upstate Shakespeare Festival Events

    Bring your family and a picnic to Shakespeare in the Park at The Carolina First Amphitheater starting in May.  The plays are presented by Warehouse Theatre and Greenville City Parks & Recreation.

    May through August
    The Carolina First Amphitheater in Falls Park
    The Upstate Shakespeare Festival (USF) celebrates its eleventh summer of presenting free productions of Shakespeare’s classic plays in beautiful Falls Park. These imaginative stagings exhibit the best of regional talent in productions that entertain the entire family. Bring a picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy exciting theater under the stars. USF is presented by the Warehouse Theatre and Greenville City Parks and Recreation

    Event Details:
    • When – 7:00 PM Thursday – Sunday
    • Where – Falls Park at The Carolina First Amphitheater
    • What Type Plays – Shakespeare Plays
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food
    • What to Bring – Your Family, a Picnic,  Lawn Chair, Food, Drinks & Snacks
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Upstate Shakespeare Festivals / Phone:  864-467-5741

    Upcoming Events:

    • May 26 – 29: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • June 2 – 5: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • June 9 – 12: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • June 16, 18, 19: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan (NOTE: no performance on June 17th)
    • July 14 – 17: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • July 21 – 24: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • July 28 – 31: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • August 4 – 7: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan

    Downtown Greenville has a lot of other great activities going on throughout the week and weekend.  If you are looking for a fresh produce and homemade goods you should check out their Saturday Farmers Market.

  • Teaching Our Children: One Word A Day

    We have recently begun teaching our girls “One Word A Day”.  The words we pick are ones that we believe will help them expand their vocabulary and provide a foundation for building healthy characteristics.  At dinner time we announce the new word for the upcoming day and discuss the words that we have been learning throughout the week.  We talk about the words meanings plus allow everyone to give examples of how we effectively used or demonstrated the meaning of that word. Even though this is a recent activity we have begun consistently with the girls it has always been our desire to broaden our children’s vocabulary while teaching them healthy qualities that are practical for the rest of their lives.

    Here are a few of the recent words we have been teaching and discussing in our family:

    • Initiative
    • Responsibility
    • Moderation
    • Efficiency
    • Focus
    • Generosity
    • Compassion
    • Hospitality

    You can do this starting with a toddler up to teenager (or older).  Make sure to pick words that expand their vocabulary and understanding, however, ones that they can pronounce.  Encourage them to use those words or demonstrate by their actions throughout the day and week. We strive to chose words that continue to develop positive characteristics in our children.  As a parent we need to be good examples of the characteristics we are teaching our children, we have all heard the phrase “actions speak louder than words”.

    Photo by ToolStop

  • Celebrating with a Friend!

    Our pedicures!!!

    A great friend, Ashley with Reflecting on the Simple Things in Life, is expecting her first baby soon so we decided to celebrate and spend some girl time together before life gets even busier for her.  We enjoyed a fun Girls Morning Out getting a Pedicure / Manicure, talking, and eating a late brunch!

    Our morning Activities:

    • Pedicure / Manicure at Nguyen Hands & Feet on Woodruff Road.  We got a great deal on a Pedicure / Manicure through Living Social (we paid $16 plus tip to have both our hands and feet done).  If you are looking to do something special with a friend or date night with your man I highly recommend you check out Living Social in your area.  Ashley got a pretty pink color on her toe nails and clear on her finger nails.  I got blue & green on my toe nails and light pink on my finger nails.
    • Late Brunch at Panera Bread – we each got a bagel and Panera’s and a amazing Frozen Mocha, one of the best Chocolate Mocha’s!   Thanks Ash for introducing me to something delicious and addicting!

    I am thankful for friends and the many blessings that come along with having them in my life!  I look forward to meeting Mike and Ashley’s new little boy in just a few weeks.  I know Baby G will be well loved by his great parents.

    Side Story: When the girls came home from school it didn’t take them long to figure out that I had gotten a pedicure / manicure (the last time was in 2010).

    • Brina’s first comment was “Do I get to go next time?”
    • Karlie’s first comment was “Silly Mommy, you picked a color pattern with sparkles!”

    Both comments fit their personalities to perfectly.

  • Family Celebrations: Happy Mother’s Day

    Relaxing in the Hammock with my girls!

    Jake got me a hammock for Mother’s Day.  The girls and I enjoyed some time relaxing, laughing, talking and reading stories together in the hammock on Sunday.

    Karlie told me “Mom, I think you’ll have a lot of fun relaxing in your hammock, you can read a book or read the Bible and talk to God outside now!”

    Brina caught a couple little ladybugs to take on the hammock with us “They like to relax and swing too Mom!”

    I am blessed with two beautiful thoughtful girls and a sweet husband.  This year the girls planned Mothers Day from Breakfast in Bed to the gifts and activities.  It was a fun, memorable and relaxing day with the family. My cup truly runeth over….there was a time in my life when I wondered if I would ever have kids and a family of my own.  Thankful that God chose to bless me with these two wonderful daughters.  Being a Mom brings so many precious rewards, fun, and laughter.

    • Breakfast in Bed – Brina and Karlie brought me Cinnamon Raisin Toast, Fresh Fruit (Strawberries, Pineapple, Cantelope, Honeydew, Mango, & Grapes) and a Strawberry Lemonade Fruit Slushy, delicious!  (sorry no pictures of the breakfast in bed)

     

    Sweet Mother's Day Cards the girls made at school!

    The girls had fun “surprising” me with their goodies!  Their cards were so cute!

    Mother's Day Picture Frames Brina and Karlie made in Sunday School!

    The girls were so excited to make these special picture frames in Sunday School.

    Brina and Karlie having fun relaxing on the wooden swing Jake made me several years ago! Thanks Handsome!

    After church we came home and spent time relaxing together.  We enjoyed the beautiful day outside in the yard!

    Freshly picked bouquet of dandelions "lions" and clover compliments of Karlie!

    After lunch Karlie went outside to get a special Mother’s Day surprise for me.  She came back in with a handful of freshly picked dandelions and clover.

    Mother's Day gift from the girls!

    It is the gifts from the heart – the hug, kind word, and thoughtfulness that mean the world to me!  At the same time as I celebrate this amazing day with my family my heart and prayers go out to those who have lost their Moms or who are unable to have children.  Every life is a gift and every day is a treasure from above.   I am thankful for the many blessings (both family and friends) in my life.