Family Fun
Travel & Vacation: Isle of Palms Beach (Charleston, SC)
Isle of Palms Beach
Our family enjoys going to the Isle of Palms Beach while we are in the Charleston, SC area. We don’t always get a chance to go to the beach, but when we do go we typically go to the Isle of Palms. It is a big beach, has public parking, restrooms nearby, a life guard near the entrance, and outside showers to rinse off the sand before heading back to the vehicle. Even with the showers somehow we always manage to bring home some sand with us, but we are getting better.
You can usually find a good spot to set up your tent, umbrella, or place your cooler. There is a lot of good sand for digging sand castles. You can usually find some nice sea shells. Plus there are usually some nice waves to enjoy a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean. It has always been a really clean beach too. We have been to a couple of the other beaches in the area, but since we are usually on the Isle of Palms side of Charleston and we enjoy going there we usually end up at this beach. If you are looking for a good, family friendly beach this is a great place to go.
Scampering quickly out of our way along the sand.
Waves are rolling in nice. Great day to go swimming.
Relaxing at Isle of Palms
Nice beach and pretty beach houses. There are a variety of stores and restaurants to go to while at Isle of Palms.
Waves continue rolling in peacefully as the day ends.
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!
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
Last week was a different kind of busy with Jake’s family in town. We had a lot of fun playing, catching up, and spending time together. The week went by really fast. 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 with finishing up cleaning, running errands, and putting away groceries. Jake’s sister and family arrived late in the afternoon and we had a relaxing evening with them.
Tuesday – Thankful that Nadia was able to get into the dentist today and fix her tooth. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins all morning. There were some big nerf wars going on throughout the house.
Wednesday – Thankful that we were able to go with Mirm and the kids to Otter’s Creek Water Park. The kids had a great time playing in the water, swimming, going down all the slides. We took a picnic lunch at a table next to the park then went back in to swim longer. All the kids crashed on the way back home from playing so hard at the water park.
Thursday – Thankful for a chance to host Mirm’s family as well as Jake’s cousins that live in the area for the evening. We had walking tacos, great food, fun games, and more that evening. The kids enjoyed some new water balloons that Mirm picked up for the kids. It was nice seeing everyone and spending the evening together.
Friday – Thankful that the girls got off to camp well. Jake got up early to head to Charleston for work and came back later that day. Jake and I had a fun time with Jake’s extended family at Luke & Kristen’s neighborhood pool for the evening. Good foo, fun, and fellowship. It was the last time everyone was able to get together before Mirm’s family left for their next destination.
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!
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.
Flashback Friday: First Father’s Day Celebration
Brina and Karlie laying in their on a sheet in the shape of a heart. Happy Father’s Day Dad!
Today we are flashing back to about 10 years ago for Jake’s first Father’s Day with the girls. It was wonderful to celebrate this special day with Jake and the girls. He is an awesome Dad to the girls. They love their Daddy very much. He took great care of me throughout the rough pregnancy,12 weeks of bedrest, followed by NICU, and sleepless nights helping with the kids.
Thankful for this amazing man to live life and raise our kids with. He is loving, kind, patient, generous, and so much more. Jake has always taken good care of us. He knows how to keep life exciting. Jake is always ready to give a hug, encouragement, or smile.
Brina gift. She wasn’t sure about the blue tissue paper stuffed into her pjs.
Brina in a gift bag with tissue paper. One of Daddy’s greatest gifts!
Karlie is a little concerned about being in a bag with tissue paper. Another one of Daddy’s sweet gifts!
Jake playing and talking with Brina.
Happy Father’s Day Daddy! We LOVE YOU!!!
Such a fun day everyone needed a little nap! Jake and his sweet little girls!
Organized Chaos: Kids Shoes
Organized Kids Shoes
We live in an older house. Most days it’s fine, but there are a few things (like any house) that we would love to change. The closets in this house are pretty small. When the girls shared a room their closet was full even though they were babies. All the closets had in them when we moved in was a small wooden shelf with one metal bar underneath to hang clothes on. We have slowly been converting the closets to a rack system* which allows us to use the space we have more efficiently.
The kids are now in their own rooms and we have updated both of their closets with the rack system. We decided to leave a space underneath the bottom rack for their shoes. They have enough space to stack both shoes from each set under their bottom rack and line them up.
The shoes that are stored in their closets are slippers, sandals, crocs, dress shoes, and ones they were for special occasions. The girls dirtier shoes like their school shoes, outside boots, and other outside shoes or sandals stay in a basket by the back door or the garage. It makes me happy when I look into their closets and see them neat with their shoes lined up.
Shoes lined up in the kids closet!
*If you are looking at converting your closets to a rack system you can locate them at Lowe’s, Home Depot, or another store.
3D Printed: EcoSphere Closed Aquatic Ecosystem Aquarium Stand
My EcoSphere Closed Aquatic Ecosystem Aquarium & New Stand
My handsome man made me a 3D printed stand for the EcoSphere Closed Aquatic Ecosystem Aquarium. The aquarium has been sitting on the dresser downstairs which has a glass top so it can easily slide. The stand helps it stay in place on the dresser. When you look through the aquarium at the stand the blue look like waves. Thankful for a thoughtful husband who uses his 3D printer to make items that can be used around the house.
3D Printed Stand for my Aquarium!
The aquarium looks pretty cool with its new blue 3D printed stand!
Travel & Vacation: Beautiful Charleston Sunsets (Charleston, SC)
Beautiful sunset
There is something peaceful about sitting on a swing next to the ocean watching the sunset. A light breeze and the sound of the ocean waves hitting the shore. Some of the parks in Charleston have swings or benches you can sit on and watch the sun set in the sky. Our family has enjoyed several of the Charleston sunsets. If you are in Charleston and have the time to relax for a few minutes you may be blessed by a beautiful sunset too.
Watching the sunset over the dock area where they bring the huge cargo barges.
This one was taken from under the big Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Our family decided to take a walk after dinner around the park and were able to catch the sunset.
The sun has set and the moon is out over Charleston. You can see the small sliver of the moon between the Palm Trees against the dark blue sky. This picture was taken at Battery Park.
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!
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
It was the kids first full week of summer break. We packed in a lot of fun activities and projects. It has been fun spending the extra time with them. Thankful for the opportunity to spend time hanging out with my girls. Jake has busy working on building them a tree-house fort in the woods with some leftover wood we had around. The kids are VERY EXCITED and have been helping haul wood, tools, and other items back and forth. 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 opportunity to go for a bike ride, play a game, and hike through the woods with the girls today.
Tuesday – Thankful that we were able to get into the dentist this morning to fix Brina’s braces. Grateful that the girls and I were able to go to the Free Movie, a park, and run some errands. The girls were a huge help in sorting and carrying a pile of wood down to the area next to their treehouse fort so Jake can have it the next time he gets a chance to work on it. Jake was sweet today and picked up an organizer for the girls robotic project this summer so we were able to get it off the table.
Wednesday – Thankful for kids who enjoy spending time with me. We spent the day at home, but the activities they choose to do included reading, building items with legos, games, and more fun! Tonight we had our Kid Date Night. Jake went with Brina to Frozen Disney on Ice and had a wonderful time. I went with Karlie to Frankie’s Fun Park and out to dinner, she loved trying out laser tag for the first time.
Thursday – Thankful for a chance to run errands with the kids today. It was nice having them with me to talk to and help carry in and put away the groceries. We even squeezed an activity at the library and got drenched running to the car afterward. It poured at home too, but after Jake got home we all spent some time working on the treehouse fort.
Friday – Thankful Jake’s thoughtfulness. My computer was slowing down so he ordered and installed additional ram for me. He did this without mentioning anything it to me until he was putting it into my laptop. Love how thoughtful he is. He always takes such good care of me.
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!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was super fun with the girls home now on summer break. We packed in a lot of neat activities and got some projects done this week too. The girls have been consistent on working on their summer workbooks and reading. Thankful for extra time with the kids and a chance to do some exciting events together. Jake has been busy with work and working on a big project for the girls in his free time at home. He is such a great Daddy to his girls and comes up with neat activities for them from robotics to building items together and more! This week Jake’s sister and her family are visiting us in South Carolina so the week will be a little different as we focus on spending time with them. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Finish reading School’s Out by Ken Brynildsen book to the kids(it’s an older book & couldn’t find it on Amazon) –
finished it (the girls enjoyed the adventures in the book) and started on the next one that Karlie picked out- Plan one special activity with the family
Play a Game with the Family– taught the girls Hand & Foot, played Golf, and morePrepare for Upcoming Spring EventsSpend time working on Summer WorkbooksAttend Evening Activities & EventsLunch Bags Packed for Work & Errand / Outside Activities– packed Jake’s work lunch and we had 2 days with picnic lunches when we were out and aboutPrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)Prep & Figure out Schedule for Summer BreakRide Bikes with the KidsWork on special projects with the kidsHang out at a park with KidsGo to the LibraryFind a new local place to visit or new activity to do with the Kids– went to Frankie’s Fun Park and went to the Candy Land Game Activity at the libraryAttend an extra-curricular activity or event– went to the Free Movies with the KidsDate Night with the Kids– I went with Karlie and Jake went with Brina
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Continue my YouVersion plan(s) – need to catch up
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 day– the girls are getting fasterWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekClean House (Focus – 3 Bathrooms)Organize Chaos (Focus – Kids Rooms)- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Mow)
- Pet Care (Focus – Mix Extra Vitamins in Goat Food)
- Repairs – (Focus – Girls Necklace Hangers)
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clientsPrep, 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 – working on it
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt) – working on it
Pay Bills & File PaperworkGo grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Romona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary book to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Family
- Prepare for Upcoming Spring Events
- Spend time working on Summer Workbooks
- Attend Evening Activities & Events
- Spend Extra Time with Extended Family
- 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
- Get kids packed and sent off to Church Camp
- Celebrate Father’s Day
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 – Vacuum & Dust)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Refrigerator)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Treehouse Fort)
- Pet Care (Focus – Treat Yard for Mosquitoes / Flies)
- 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 pursue career 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.
Flashback Friday: 4 Months Old
Brina and Karlie at 4 months old
Today were are flashing back to when the girls were only 4 months old. They were starting to move a lot more and explore at this age. It was amazing how much they changed from month to month. Looking back it is neat to see that their individual personalities were starting to come through even at four months old! Although, they have changed a little since this stage!
