Events
Travel & Vacation: Heading Back to Bangalore
Look at all that scaffolding around the local water tower….
One of the best parts about driving through a chunk of India is we got to see a lot! Even though it has been several months since our last trip I still think about it often. Driving through India really made me appreciate all the many blessings I have in my life, including, food, shelter, and so much more. I really have more than I really need and somehow that is ok (and even expected) in our culture, yet it bothers me. I hope that I never take all the amazing blessings for granted and learn to share what I do have with others.
Look out shelter high up in the tree. It is used mostly to keep an eye out for wild animals and alert the people in the small villages of danger. As you may remember from an earlier post there are tigers and leopards that roam the jungle near them, see our boat safari and jeep safari.
Loaded down jeep….people hanging off of it and items stacked up high on it.
Large irrigation and water canal coming from the Kabini River and going to the local villages.
Kids playing on their bicycle
Brightly colored house in a nearby village. Many of the homes we seen were painted very bright and bold colors.
Colt walking on the street with all the cars, Mama horse was right in front of this little guy.
On the back of the truck we were following…”PLEASE SOUND HORN PLEASE” One thing about India is you hear a lot of horn honking!
A group of people waiting near the gas station for the public bus to arrive.
Mom and four kids waiting by the side of the road.
Jake relaxing on our ride back to Bangalore.
Now that’s a load full of goods.
People literally find spots on the sidewalk, benches or random places on the side of the road to sleep.
Recently, I read an article in the Bloomberg magazine about a group of people in India taking the food that was given to the poor and reselling it so they could pocket the money. This happened over several years and was several billion dollars worth of food. They had warehouses full of food that literally went moldy and was eaten by animals even though only a couple miles down the street people were starving. This article probably would have never had the impact if I had not gone to India. Several days after reading that article I was still thinking about it. We are very blessed to be living in the United States and have a home, food, and so much more.
Man sleeping on a cement slab outside a vacant building.
Standing room only in this auto rickshaw!
Multitasking…..talking on the phone while riding his bike.
Construction site in India, the wooden poles help hold up the levels of the building.
I was amazed at the amount of liter on the side of the road.
Tarp tents set up on the side of the road.
Family riding together on their motorcycle. It was common to see families on their motorcycles riding through town with a bunch of goods from the market on their laps.
Our trip to India was amazing, shocking, and life changing all wrapped up into one package. I hope I never forget some of the things that made such an impact on me during my time in India. May I appreciate the blessings in my life more and learn to be more generous with those around me.
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!
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 4 & 5)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 1
Who: Hair Stylist
I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon. My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist. I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her. She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6. For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.
Day 2
Who: My Spouse – Jake
I am so thankful for everything Jake does for our family. He works really hard, is an awesome Dad to our girls, and loves me. Jake is my best friend and I am very grateful for him. He takes good care of all of us and I don’t tell him “thanks” enough. Today I gave him a hand written thank you card and a bag of chocolate truffles.
Day 3
Who: Daughters – Brina & Karlie
I am very thankful for my two girls! They light up my world, make me laugh, and help build extra character in my life. It took many prayers and a few tears before God gave these two precious blessings in my life. You can read more about my journey with my Loosening My Grip: Why Can’t I Get Pregnant? series. As a way of saying thank you to the girls I gave them thank you notes and spent time reading some of our current book Little House in the Big Woods together.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
The girls have a four day weekend so I am enjoying a little extra time with them. YAY! Jake was on-call all weekend so we stayed close to home but were able to get some items done around the house. Glad we stayed close to home because he had a lot of calls and work items that needed his attention. Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily- we missed Halloween night because we were out celebrating
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPlan one special Activity with the FamilyCelebrate Halloween with the Family
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – missed a couple of days
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – working on it
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion – faithfully reading through it
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Project (Focus – Office / Garage) – made some headway, both were big projects!
Pay all upcoming billsFinishing cleaning up from Community Group Camp out- Put away all the Halloween Items – have everything picked up just need to put them in the container & into the attic
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming (November) blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Schedule November work dates – have a couple days left to put on the calendar
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Payoff the Van – was able to put a little extra on it this month
- 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.) – working on it (with paying off the van this isn’t our first priority but we are moving forward slowly).
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Spend extra time with the Girls since they have a couple days off school
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion
- Vote in the 2012 Election
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Projects (Focus – Office / Garage)
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Winterize the Garden
- Put printed pictures in the photo album
- Clean Out Fridge
- Recycle old Magazines & update with November editions
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Send out invoices
- Finish scheduling November work dates
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
- Re-organize the Alms & Legs Food Pantry
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- 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.
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 3)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 1
Who: Hair Stylist
I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon. My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist. I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her. She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6. For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.
Day 2
Who: My Spouse – Jake
I am so thankful for everything Jake does for our family. He works really hard, is an awesome Dad to our girls, and loves me. Jake is my best friend and I am very grateful for him. He takes good care of all of us and I don’t tell him “thanks” enough. Today I gave him a hand written thank you card and a bag of chocolate truffles.
Day 3
Who: Daughters – Brina & Karlie
I am very thankful for my two girls! They light up my world, make me laugh, and help build extra character in my life. It took many prayers and a few tears before God gave these two precious blessings in my life. You can read more about my journey with my Loosening My Grip: Why Can’t I Get Pregnant? series. As a way of saying thank you to the girls I gave them thank you notes and spent time reading some of our current book Little House in the Big Woods together.
People appreciate sincere thanks. I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As I share my 30-30-30 challenge with you I hope it will spark your imagination and encourage you to share your story too.
In everything give thanks!
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Have a Thankful……
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 2)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 1
Who: Hair Stylist
I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon. My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist. I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her. She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6. For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.
Day 2
Who: My Spouse – Jake
I am so thankful for everything Jake does for our family. He works really hard, is an awesome Dad to our girls, and loves me. Jake is my best friend and I am very grateful for him. He takes good care of all of us and I don’t tell him “thanks” enough. Today I gave him a hand written thank you card and a bag of chocolate truffles.
People appreciate sincere thanks. I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As I share my 30-30-30 challenge with you I hope it will spark your imagination and encourage you to share your story too.
In everything give thanks!
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
A Spooktacular Halloween
Monster bags, note, and goodies on their bar stools at breakfast. They were excited to see a little treat waiting for them at breakfast. These bags were too cute, the package came with a variety of eyes and mouths that you could put together in any combination.
Here is a picture of one of the pancake, sausage and bacon Halloween monsters the girls ate for breakfast.
Jake even got festive Halloween sprinkles on his toast!
Karlie’s goody bags to share with her class are all packed and ready to distribute!
Brina’s Halloween class goodies are packed and ready to go!
Teacher Halloween Gifts
A monster and note waiting on Karlie’s seat when I picked her up from school.
Brina had an orange monster and note waiting on her seat in the van when I picked her up from school.
Our little Dancer and Superwoman!
The girls were super excited to have the opportunity to meet up with their cousins (we were able to capture a picture of the adorable blue crayon….there was also a cute little monkey that joined us that evening)!
Every day for the month of October the girls got a little treat in their pumpkins (if they did well at school, after school activities, and at home). On Halloween Day they got their last little goodies. Some of the items they received were Halloween socks, Halloween Underwear, books, glow sticks, crafts, and more!
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 1)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 1
Who: Hair Stylist
I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon. My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist. I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her. She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6. For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.
People appreciate sincere thanks. I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As I share my 30-30-30 challenge with you I hope it will spark your imagination and encourage you to share your story too.
In everything give thanks!
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Giveaway & Review: “Say Anything” Game by North Star Games
I am thrilled to announce a new giveaway on Blessings Multiplied! The winner of this giveaway will receive a Say Anything Family Game by North Star Games! As a Mom, wife and friend I am always looking for ways to entertain my family and guests. After playing Wits & Wagers (see my review) and Wits & Wagers Family (see my review) both are from North Star Games I received Say Anything to check out. My family gives Say Anything game a big thumbs up! I know you will enjoy this one! This game has become a favorite with our family.
Enter the Giveaway (up to 4 entries per person)!
- Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied. Put a separate comment for each way you follow Blessings Multiplied (Email, Twitter, or Facebook) plus an extra entry for your bonus answer! Each comment counts as an entry into the giveaway.
- Sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email
- Follow on Twitter – @BlessMultiplied
- Like us on Facebook – BlessingsMultiplied
- BONUS – you can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing what types of game you enjoy playing.
All comments must be made by November 30th at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.
More information about “Say Anything” game:
Say Anything is a great party game to play with your family and friends! You will find yourself laughing as you read the wide variety of answers to each question. The game is made for 3 to 8 players and takes about 30 minutes to play. I would recommend if younger kids are playing that they are able to read and write answers independently (otherwise they may need additional help). The game is recommended for ages 10 and up.
- Ask any question from the card you draw, such as “What’s the best movie of all time?” or “If I could have a BIG anything, what would it be?”
- Everyone else writes an answer and turns it face-up.
- Secretly choose your favorite of these answers. Then everyone tries to guess which one you picked.
Where do I purchase “Say Anything” for myself or as a gift?
This game would be a perfect game to play during the upcoming Holidays or to give as a gift to family and friends! You can purchase this game on Amazon or at major retailers like Books-A-Million, Target, or local game stores found on North Star Games retailer locator. To learn more about the game and those who created it you can visit North Star Games website. You can get the most update to date information on North Star Games by following them Facebook and Twitter.
*A special thanks to North Star Games, specifically Dominic Crapuchettes and Luke Warren, for the providing this game for the giveaway!
Halloween Candy Buy Back Programs
Hope everyone had an amazing Holiday. Halloween is a great time to create memories with your family. The Fall Festivals, pumpkin carving, hayrides, dressing up and candy…..sometimes too much candy. Every wonder if you’ll be able to eat, share, or giveaway all the candy before the next Halloween hits!
Dentists all over the country are participating in a Halloween Candy Buy Back Program. They buy the kids Halloween candy then donate it to the groups that send it to those in Military Service.
- Example: Holly Tree Pediatric Dentistry in our area (1334 South Hwy 14, Simpsonville, SC 29681 / Phone: 864-297-5585) is Buying Back Halloween Candy and giving the kids $1 per pound ($5 max per child) and a Treat bag. All the candy will be donated to our Troops Overseas.
If it is something you interested in participating in you can read more about on the FAQ page and search for locations near you!
Photo by Rochelle
