Family Fun

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    Last week my Mom, Grandma, several Aunts, and cousin flew in from Kansas to South Carolina for a visit.  My Mom stayed with us the entire time and Grandma came the last half of their time in South Carolina to stay with us.  So thankful to have some time to catch up, get some projects done around the house, and have fun.  The girls loved having Grandma and Great Grandma stay with us.  A lot of great memories!  Jake was traveling for work for part of the week so it was nice having family to spend some time with me while he was away.  Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!

    Last week’s goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Spend extra time with Grandma, Great Grandma, and extended family

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week – only did three days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t count
    3. Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read) – almost done
    4. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – reading through it

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule – got a few extra projects done thanks to the help of my Mom and Grandma!
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts – had guests so took some time off last week
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Get caught up on 5 blog items – took time off with my Mom and Grandma here last week

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team Email
    4. Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure
    5. A Friend Challenged me to read through my Bible – since I am already through the majority of the year I am working on a plan where you can read through the Bible in 90 days by YouVersion – staying up to date

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van – working on it
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – moving forward

    My goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Attend Parent / Teacher Meetings for the Girls

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine
    4. Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)
    5. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
    6. Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team Email
    4. Community Group Camping Adventure

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)

    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.

  • Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals

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    School lunch is ready!

    Today the girls chalkboard note read “You’re the BEST!”  A lot of their lunches consist of leftovers from the evening meals together as our family.  They love it when they get a roast beef sandwich from the roast we had the night before or something similar.

    Lunch Box Meal:

    • Roast Beef & Mash Potato Sandwich
    • Fresh Grapes
    • Fresh Cherry Tomatoes
    • Cashews
    • Peach Yogurt
    • Chocolate & Vanilla Oreos
    • Teddy Grahams
    • Reduced Sugar Orange or Fruit Punch Juice

     

    P1390527c

    Fresh grapes, cherry tomatoes, roast beef sandwich and more!

    The girls really do eat most of the items in their lunch bags!  I have found that the food I pack them hold them longer than when they eat lunches at school.  Part of the reason may be because students that bring lunches get a few extra minutes to eat, plus they can eat any of the leftovers for a snack on the way to our after school activities.

    P1390525c

    Goodies are ready for the girls to packed up.

  • Guest “Welcome” Basket

    Welcome Basket

    Occasionally we have missionaries, family, or friends staying with us that have been or will be traveling.  When they stop by for a few days or weeks we try to make sure to have a “welcome” letter and basket full of goodies for them to use.  They can go through the basket and pick out any items that their family can use or take with them.  If there are some items that they won’t use they can give them away or leave them.

    One of the best parts about shopping the sales and using coupons is you have an opportunity to be a blessing to people that you meet.  I love being able to pack a basket full of products for our guests to pick out what they want or need.  It saves them a little cash plus they don’t need to make that extra trip to the store.

    Here are some of the items in the basket pictured above that was beside the guest bed for a family earlier this year:

    • Women’s Deodorant
    • Men’s Deodorant
    • Breathe Right Strips
    • Finger Nail Polish
    • Trident Gum
    • Adult Mouthwash
    • Kids Mouthwash
    • Floss – Adult & Kids
    • Sheets Energy Strips
    • Men’s Shaving Foam
    • Men’s Razors
    • Women’s Shaving Cream
    • Women’s Razors
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • New Toothbrushes (for adults & kids)
    • Antibacterial Bandaids
    • Eye Drops
    • Women’s Body Wash
    • Men’s Body Wash
    • Kids Kool Fever Busters
    • Chapstick
    • Lotion
    • Cologne
    • Perfume
    • Women’s Body Spray
    • Men’s Body Spray
    • Feminine Products
    • Adult Toothpaste
    • Kids Toothpaste
    • Contact Cleaning & Rinse Solution
    • Pens / Pencils
    • Paper
    • Kid’s Medicine
    • Adult Medicine
    • And More!!!!!

    Our family doesn’t have everything money can buy, but we have been richly blessed with many items so it is a real treat being able to share what we have with others.  If there is something specific I know a guest enjoys (food, products, or other items) I do my best to make sure it is available for them when they arrive.  I don’t always remember (or get it right) but I think it helps make your guests feel welcome when you have something to welcome them into your home.  If I don’t have a basket ready for them I try to put out a note or something little on the bed or in the guest bathroom for them.  How do you make your guests feel welcome when they come to stay in your home?

  • Travel & Vacation: Beautiful Orange County Kabini, India

    Brilliant bright orange -red flowers found near our hut at the Orange County Kabini Resort

    Orange County Kabini captivated my attention with the all the beauty around us.  Even though there were a number of families staying on the resort it always seemed peaceful and relaxing.  Whether you were walking along the cobblestone paths lined with beautiful flowers, going for a swim, or mesmerized by the colorful sunsets there was plenty to see.

     

     At Kabini there was a kid pool and an adult pool!  The adult pool was right next to a huge tree and it looked out over the Kabini River.

    View from the other side of the pool. It was a peaceful place to swim.

    Funky tree stump by the Kabini River.

    Massive ant hill!  Now that is one you don’t want to step into, although it was fascinating to see!

    Want to relax in a hammock under a huge tree?  You can relax in the hammock as you watch the kids swimming in the pool.

    Pretty lavender colored flower at Kabini.  Not sure what it is called but it reminds me of a small thistle.

    Swimming in the pool and watching the boats cruise by on the Kabini River.

    Sunset at Kabini

    Calm, peaceful and beautiful sunset

    Enjoying the last few minutes of the sunset at Kabini

    Orange County Kabini was a beautiful place.  There were plenty of fun activities as well as ways to relax.  It was great having a chance to soak in all the amazing things at Kabini from a relaxing swim to a brilliant colored flower to an amazing sunset.  What a wonderful place to visit on our trip to India.

    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!

  • FREE Military stay at Bed & Breakfasts in North America on November 11, 2012

    Inns and Bed & Breakfast’s throughout North America will open their doors to active and retired military and vets plus one guest on Sunday, November 11, 2012.  As a way to say thank you for your service 217 (and counting) Inns and Bed & Breakfast’s are offering a free room to those who’ve served in the military.

    The rooms are offered on a space available basis, and there are far more deserving vets than B&B space allows.   Offers are updated daily and may be sorted by state (or province), so check back often and scroll down for participating inns and Bed &Breakfast’s.

    Click here to learn more about how to find a participating inn or B&B and more details about the requirements to participate.

    Click here to learn about Canadian B&Bs for Vets offers from BBCanada. Look what’s in store.

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    One of the best parts about writing down my goals is it gives me a chance to review them weekly, however, it can be quite convicting if it is a rough week.  I was able to get some of the items on my list done this week.  Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!

    Last week’s goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily – there were a couple nights late nights that I didn’t have a chance to read to the girls
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Go on a Field Trip with the Girls Classes – went with Karlie’s class to the Fire Station

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week – almost made it, did 4 days out of the 5
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read) – working on it
    4. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – reading through it

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule – making some progress on it
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Get caught up on 5 blog items – got caught up some items
    4. Complete the Website Blog Update

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure – need to work out the last few details
    4. A Friend Challenged me to read through my Bible – since I am already through the majority of the year I am working on a plan where you can read through the Bible in 90 days by YouVersion – working faithfully through it

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – went over this week
    2. Payoff the Van – working on it
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – moving forward slowly

    My goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Spend extra time with Grandma, Great Grandma, and extended family

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)
    4. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Get caught up on 5 blog items

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team Email
    4. Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure
    5. A Friend Challenged me to read through my Bible – since I am already through the majority of the year I am working on a plan where you can read through the Bible in 90 days by YouVersion

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)

    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.

  • Book: “VeggieTales Family Devotional” by Cindy Kenney and Doug Peterson

    Our family has recently finished the Veggie Tales Family Devotional by Cindy Kenney and Doug Peterson.  The subtitle to this book is “connecting to a powerful relationship with God.”  The book has several familiar Veggie Tale characters in it that you kids will recognize if they have ever seen any of the Veggie Tale videos.  The book is divided up into 7 parts.

    • Part One – Faith
    • Part Two – Communication
    • Part Three – Love
    • Part Four – Trust
    • Part Five – Time
    • Part Six – Joy
    • Part Seven – Holidays

    The devotional is for ages 4 to 10.  There are 52 devotionals in the book.  The book has colorful pictures for the kids to look at while listening.  Each devotional has the following:

    • Story
    • God Connection
    • What Does the Bible Say?
    • Family Fun Connection
    • Cucumber Connection
    • Bible Verse
    • Think – Link – Act

    Our girls loved this devotional book.  There were several lessons that inspired more conversations about God, prayer, salvation and more.  I know that it is tough with life’s busy schedule to take the extra time to have devotions with our children, but it is my hope and prayer that these lessons and time together will have a lasting impact on the hearts and lives of my children.  I can’t say that we do devotions every single night (we are FAR from perfect parents), however, it is something we really try to do with our girls as often as possible because we believe it is important.  If you are looking for a new devotional book this is one you might want to check out.

  • Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals

    Getting the school lunches ready

    The biggest challenge for me when making and prepping the school lunches is finding a good variety of items for the girls to take to school.  Thankfully they eat almost everything (they don’t like liver) so that makes it easier for me.  Although I do have one that if she gets the same item in the lunch several days in a row she’ll stop eating it, guess she needs a little food variety to keep her excited!

    Lunch Box Meal:

    • Beef & Bean Burrito
    • Fresh Banana
    • Fresh Broccoli
    • Batman Fruit Snacks
    • Red & Blue Tortilla Chips
    • Strawberry  & Lemon Circle Crisps
    • Chex Mix or Animal Crackers
    • Jelly Beans
    • Fruit Punch Juice

    Fresh banana, broccoli, burrito and more!

    The girls really do eat most of the items in their lunch bags!  I have found that the food I pack them hold them longer than when they eat lunches at school.  Part of the reason may be because students that bring lunches get a few extra minutes to eat, plus they can eat any of the leftovers for a snack on the way to our after school activities.

  • Kids “Welcome” Buckets

    Goodies for the kids (nieces, nephew, and our girls)

    I love having family come visit us!  🙂  Earlier this year Jake’s sister and her family came to stay with us for a couple weeks.  The kids LOVED having extra time playing together.

    Before they arrived I picked out some buckets for the kids, put their names on it, and had them ready for their arrival.  Every day all five kids got a little toy, items, candy, etc…. in their buckets.  As you can see from the picture the first day the kids got their buckets, a new water bottle with their names on it, and marshmallow twist candy.

    The kids had a blast checking their buckets every day.  Before long the buckets were overflowing with goodies.  I had a lot of fun putting together the treats for the kids too!

    I am thankful for the opportunity to spend a little extra time with family.  It is always fun being able to “spoil” my nieces and nephews for a few days.  A lot of great memories were made during their time at our house!

  • Travel & Vacation: Elephant Ride (Orange County Kabini, India)

    Jake & I on our first elephant ride

    Elephants are amazing creatures!   If you would have told me at the beginning of 2012 that I would be traveling to India and taking a ride on an elephant I am not sure I would have believed you.  Boy, how a few busy months can change and new adventures happen right before our very own eyes.

    It was an awesome opportunity to travel to India earlier this year.  Jake and I not only got to see elephants up close our both of our Boat Safari and Jeep Safari, we got to touch one, take a ride on an elephant, and give an elephant a bath!  How COOL IS THAT?!!!

    The kids and Matt going for a ride on the elephant.

    Taking the elephant to the water for her bath.  Bathing an elephant is a new experience for all of us.

    Whose ready to help give the elephant a bath?

    How often do you see a sitting elephant?

    The workers are getting the elephant to sit then lay down in the water so we can help give her a bath.

    Splashing water on the elephant to rinse her off.  She seemed to really enjoy the bath.  I bet it felt great to have the cool water splashed on her after giving everyone a ride.

    This was the best part of the bath!  The workers asked to see if anyone wanted to get up on the elephant one last time at the end of her bath.  Of course the kids volunteered! Right after they got onto the elephant she reached her trunk down into the water and flung it up over her head spraying them with water.  The first time it took all of us by surprise, but before long everyone was wanting a turn.  This picture of Erica and Michael getting sprayed by the elephant

    Rachel & David getting sprayed by the elephant

    It was so neat being able to touch, ride, and interact with an elephant up close.  The elephant was big, gentle, and well behaved.  I wonder what it would be like to have a “pet” elephant (I know the girls would love it)!   Thanks Matt and Jen for showing us amazing place and sharing this experience with us.   Hopefully, we’ll get a chance to take the girls for a ride on  an elephant someday.

    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!