Family
FREE Hot or Cold Beverage at Pilot & Flying J Travel Centers
Pilot Travel Centers has a coupon you can print on their Facebook Page for a Free 16 oz Hot Beverage or Free 32 oz Cold Beverage at Pilot and Flying J Centers .
- Go to Pilot Travel Centers Facebook Page
- Like their Facebook Page
- Click on the Coupon Section
- Print the Free Hot or Cold Beverage Coupon (the coupon is below the $1.00 off any large combo coupon and the “print” button is a link directly beneath the coupon)
- The coupon is good through August 31, 2012 .
If you are traveling soon or have a Pilot or Flying J Travel Center nearby this is a great deal. We used a couple of their coupons last month when we were traveling and plan to use some in on our upcoming trips this summer!
Travel & Vacation: Hanging Out on Daniel’s Island
One of our favorite places to visit….Daniel’s Island (near Charleston)!
Happy Brina Bee, she loves our trips to Daniel’s Island!
As I was going back over some of our pictures from the last several months I realized I didn’t share with you our winter trip to Daniel’s Island. The beautiful part about going to Daniel’s Island in the winter time is the weather is awesome. Majority of the time you don’t even need a jacket. The only thing the girls were disappointed about our winter visit is that the pool was closed (but that was only for a split moment)!
Karlie thrilled to be back in Daniel’s Island at the “turtle” park
Brina and Karlie hanging out in the white boat at the park
Oh boy……Karlie caught something and is bringing it over to show me, love the silly smile on her face as she brings the surprise!
Some serious discussions going on about how to take care of their big turtles
Brina and Karlie put together mini pizzas for our lunch together
Delicious Pizza! I snapped a picture before she wiped the pizza sauce off her face, but she’s all smiles after lunch!
Caught Brina doing twirls around the room after eating lunch….I think she’s ready for our next adventure!
Karlie loves spotting all the USA Flags. She insisted that I take a picture of the one flying over the tennis stadium.
Brina and Karlie standing in front of the “astronaut” in TGI Friday’s!
Brina played so hard today on Daniel’s Island she crashed instantly
Karlie is asleep with a smile on her face after a fun day
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!
Gift Giving: Kids Two Liter Surprise Gifts
Kids Two Liter Surprise Gifts
Are you looking for a unique birthday or fun gift for someone? These gifts were a big hit with our family! I had a blast brainstorming and coming up with these fun gifts for my nieces and nephews. I wanted something fun, unique, and easy to send in the mail. I recycled 2 liter bottles, stuffed them with all kinds of fun items as well as colorful shredded paper and mailed them! The kids absolutely LOVED them! 🙂
I was super excited to hear that my nieces and nephews overjoyed at getting these in the mail! I sent one 2 liter surprise gift to each family, so these four bottles were actually for 12 kids in all. This is a great way to get something special for a group of kids because they all have fun opening and discovering all the goodies in the bottle. Every bottle had a variety of items that all the kids would enjoy from candy to markers, erasers, glue sticks, paper clips, colored pencils, bouncy balls, stickers, and so much more!
View of the back of the bottles, you can see a lot of the fun items inside the bottles
I originally did these gifts for my nieces and nephews as their Christmas presents but since I have been asked by several people to duplicate these gifts I thought I would share them with you too. If you need to send a gift for an upcoming birthday, graduation, Christmas, congratulations, baby, wedding or for any occasion these would be fun to put together and bring a smile to the person receiving it! One lady in the post office wanted to know if I could put together one for each of her grandkids! 🙂 As you can see from the pictures above I did four at one time but it would be very easy to do one at a time too. The gift is unique, memorable, fun, and very affordable!
After cleaning out the 2 liter bottle I filled it with colorful shredded paper and all kinds of fun items then stuck bows to the lid, taped the address on the outside, and mailed them. They cost less postage then a box, were super fun to put together plus I got raving reviews from both those that seen them in transport and on the receiving end. I even had a postal worker from another office contact me to comment on the awesome gifts!
Once you get started and your creative juices get going the possibilities are endless with this two liter surprise gift. Here’s how I did it:
Empty and clean 2 liter bottle (I used clear and tinted bottles both worked well)
Everything you put into the bottle must got through the top opening where the cap screws onto the 2 liter. Put a little bit of colorful shredded paper in first to get some color and padding in the bottom of the 2 liter.
Gather a bunch of items that you think will fit through the 2 liter opening at the top. I like to have a lot of variety in my Two Liter Surprise Gift so here are some of the items that I put into mine. I used what I had in my stockpile from shopping sales, clearance racks, and using coupons so the entire gift was very affordable. Here are some of the items I used to get you started:
- Twist Lollipops
- Markers
- Glue Sticks
- Color Pencils
- Erasers
- Paper Clips
- Post-it Notes
- Crayons
- Highlighters
- Paint Brushes
- Mechanical Pencils
- Tattoos
- Pencils
- Stickers
- Magnets
- Balloons
- Ink Pens
- Binder Clips
- Bouncy Balls
- Small Toys
- Small Notebooks
- Decorative Bags
- And MORE!
Twist Lollipops were the surprise in the middle of the 2 liter bottle with all the other items and shredded paper packed in around them to protect them. I was glad to hear they did really well in shipping!
Filling the two liter bottle with surprises! The lollipops are wrapped inside the blue (with candy canes) tissue paper and put in the middle of the two liter for extra protection.
Packing the bottle full of goodies (another example). You can “stuff” a lot of fun items into a 2 liter bottle
I added the ribbon to the bottle and put a couple pieces of wrapping tape on it to help secure it to the lid. This bottle is a green Mountain Dew bottle with blue shredded paper in it.
Last step is to put on a label with your address and the recipents address and take it to the post office to mail out. (The addresses in the photo have been distorted on purpose for the protection of the kids to whom the gifts were sent to).
Every kid (who I am kidding every person, young & old) loves to get a special surprise in the mailbox. You will put a smile on the face of a family member or friend even though miles may separate you with this great, fun, and affordable gift!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Our family was able to spend some time in Florida, visiting friends and seeing the area! We got to go to Kennedy Space Center, Sea World, and Disney Magic Kingdom! We had a blast visiting the amazing places and spending time with our friends. Thankful for the awesome opportunities to create memories!
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
Connect with each family member at least once a day- Prep for Summer Break – working on it 🙂
- Read at least one book to the girls every day – didn’t do this every day we were on vacation
Listen to the girls read at least one book to me or Jake every dayPlan & go on at least one family Adventure– went on a adventure to Kennedy Space Center, Sea World, and Disney soooo much fun!Spend some extra time catching up with family and friends
Personal Goals
- Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week – almost made it
Review my upcoming goals- Finish reading Am I Messing Up My Kids by Lysa TerKeurst
Finish reading No One to Call Me Home by Rev James J. Close
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day- Work on Spring / Deep Cleaning the House – work in progress
- Weekly Dinner Menu & Schedule planned out for the week – didn’t get home until the middle of the week and with everything going on so didn’t get this done
Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention1o minutes a day Cleaning / Organizing my deskWork on upcoming speaking engagement
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchBe a blessing to a total stranger this weekEmail the updated praises, prayer requests, and schedule to our Community Group– emailed the updated schedule and information
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Emergency Fund – save 6 months worth of living expenses – working on it
- Save money for upcoming trips – starting it
- Put cash aside for 1 year of Jake’s College Classes – work in progress
- Save money for upcoming home projects – on hold temporarily
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Connect with each family member at least once a day
- Prep for Summer Break
- Read at least one book to the girls every day
- Listen to the girls read at least one book to me or Jake every day
- Attend the Girls First Grade Program
- Spend some extra time catching up with family and friends
- Swimming Lessons for the Kids
- Confirm the Schedule / Flights for upcoming Family Reunion
Personal Goals
- Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
- Update my goals
- Finish reading Am I Messing Up My Kids by Lysa TerKeurst
- Finish The Hunger Games by Susan Collins (recommended by several friends)
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu & Schedule planned out for the week
- Spend 30 minutes every day picking up & cleaning the house
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- 1o minutes a day Cleaning / Organizing my desk
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Email the updated praises, prayer requests, and schedule to our Community Group
- Feed & Serve Homeless – 1 John Ministry
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Emergency Fund – save 6 months worth of living expenses
- Save money for upcoming trips
- Put cash aside for 1 year of Jake’s College Classes
- Save money for upcoming home projects
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
Book: “No One to Call Me Home” by James Close
As I was going through a stack a books we had in the house and trying to decide which ones to keep, sale, giveaway, or donate I came across this book. I cannot remember where it came from and hadn’t read it before but it captivated my attention so I decided to read it. The book is called No One To Call Me Home by Reverend James J. Close and it is about Reverend Close’s ministry at the Mercy Boys Home in Chicago. His ministry provides a home, meals, clothing, and a loving environment for homeless teenage boys. The boys typically range between 14 to 18 years old (sometimes they take in younger siblings). There is also a Mercy Girls Home but Reverend Close lived and worked at the Boys Home so the majority of the book discussed not only the lives of the kids he impacted but some of their struggles as well as successes.
Some of the stories he told brought tears to my eyes…..stories of some of the obstacles small children and teenagers had to face such as starvation, stealing, crime, abuse, drugs, alcohol, neglect and so much more. None of these children asked to grow up in these families. The Mercy Home has reached out to many of these hurt teenagers and provided them a safe and healthy environment in hopes that they will be able to encourage the kids to heal and become successful adults.
As a parent this book made me not only appreciate the stable (although not perfect) home environment I was raised in and motivates me to pray for wisdom as I raise my kids as well as find ways to make a positive impact on the lives of other children. The book is short and a quick read but touches on many areas of the heart. Although I don’t have all the same religious beliefs as Reverend Close I think he is on the right track with providing a safe, stable environment for these teenagers. Not every story he has is successful but it is encouraging to know that through their ministry they are making a wonderful impact on many individuals and families. It really makes you think about the ways you can make a positive impact on the lives of others.
A few quotes that made an impact on me:
The Mercy kids are some of the most courageous and extraordinary persons I have ever met. Many have overcome immense odds to succeed in life. Others were not so fortunate. But each of them taught me about life and made me grateful for the simple blessings to be found in each day.
Our street was as big as the universe to me…..when it started getting dark, the other kids’ moms would lean out the windows and start calling to their kids – it’s time to come home. I would stay out there and keep playing until I was alone. I was always the last one to come home. I always had to decide when to go in. There was never anyone to call me in – to call me home.
Our kids have so few of the simple family experiences that most kids have growing up, it nearly boggles the mind. I’m not talking about ritzy family vacations and Christmas Eve around the fireplace. I’m talking about food in the refrigerator and the same bed every night.
If all you’ve known is disappointment, if all you’ve been told is what a loser you are, if all you’ve seen is poverty and life on the other side of the law – it is hard to believe things can ever change for someone like you.
I’m a strong believer in the power of prayer combined with effort and love.
They are just kids. They need a place to live and someone to love them unconditionally.
Free Audio Book: “Hearing God” by Dallas Willard
For the month of June Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book . This month the audio book is Hearing God by Dallas Willard.
Being close to God means communicating with him–telling him what is on our hearts in prayer and hearing and understanding what he is saying to us. It is this second half of our conversation with God that is so important but that can also be so difficult. How do we hear his voice? How can we be sure that what we think we hear is not our own subconscious? What role does the Bible play? What if what God says to us is not clear? (information from Christian Audio)
If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in June. Make sure to submit your order by June 30, 2012 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
New Upromise eCoupons for June 2012
Upromise has posted their new eCoupons for the month of June 2012. Remember to activate your eCoupons to get additional savings. If you have not yet signed up for Upromise you can get more information regarding on our experience or directly at the Upromise website.
This month they have 41 coupons you can activate for bonus savings. Once you activate your eCoupons all you have to do is scan your rewards card or purchase the items at the store and the cash will be added to your account. You don’t even have to carry any coupons to get the rewards!
You can go to their website for more information on the Upromise program, it’s free to join.
Kids in the Kitchen: Ham & Pasta Casserole Recipe
The girls made dinner for us this week. They wanted to try a casserole so Jake found a recipe from Better Homes & Garden and adapted it for the girls. They got the items out of the fridge and pantry, measured, and added them to the casserole. I did help with getting it in and out of the oven but otherwise they put the casserole together on their own. It turned out really well!
Ham & Pasta Casserole:
- 1 1/2 cups Milk
- 1 can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (10 3/4 oz)
- 2 cups diced cooked Ham
- 1 cup dried Elbow Macaroni
- 1 can sliced Mushrooms (4 oz)
- 1/2 cup chopped Onions
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
Grease a 8 x 8 pyrex dish and preheat oven for 375 degrees. Mix the milk and cream of chicken soup. Stir in the ham, macaroni, mushrooms, and onions. Cover the casserole and bake for 40 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Sprinkle the cheese over the top of the casserole and bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes prior to serving.
Our Black Lab – Skipper
Skipper – “What! Can I help you?!”
As I was thinking about summer and all the outdoor activities we have planned I decided to share a post and a few pictures about one of the girls best friends and playmates….Skipper.We are thankful for our sweet black lab puppy. Well….I guess she is really not considered a puppy anymore since she is over a year old now. We got her when she was a puppy, the first weekend we had her it rained all weekend and she had a blast splashing from puddle to puddle thus her name, Puddle Skipper Hayes. She is always ready to play and there to greet you when you come home or outside. The girls love playing outside with her and even though she is a fairly big dog she is really gentle with the kids. I know she’ll be excited to have the girls home more often when school is out for summer break.
Skipper, our sweet black lab
Skipper can be found running around the yard, chasing squirrels (or any other animal that comes into our yard), and swimming in the creek. Winter or summer….rain or snow……she will be swimming in the creek. She is willing to do almost any outdoor activity from popping bubbles that the girls blow, to walking with me down to the compost, playing fetch, or taking a nap in the jungle gym. Skipper is the only dog that we have had that will literally climb the ladder to play with the kids in the jungle gym, she’ll even sleep in the jungle gym sometimes.
On guard and watching for any squirrels or other wildlife
When she is not swimming, playing, or chasing the animals in the yard she’s chewing on something, one of her favorite chew toys is my garden hose (not sure how many patches it has in it at this point). She’s a great watch dog too (although she’d lick you before biting you) but she has deterred several “sales” people from coming into the yard! It is amazing how quickly pets, like Skipper, become such a wonderful part of the family.
Creative Kids: Toy Bucket Ride
Brina and Karlie emptied the toy buckets and took them for a spin around the room
Life is never boring with kids around. While playing they often come up with some creative ways to find a little extra entertainment. The other day as I was busy getting some stuff done around the house I heard a bunch of giggles. As I go to check out what they are up to I found that they had emptied their toy buckets and were rolling around the room in them.
Karlie giggling and spinning in circles in the toy bucket
It was pretty funny watching them spin in circles around the room all tucked up in the buckets. Their hair was completely crazy with static and there were plenty of giggling going on too. It is amazing how something so simple can entertain the kids for a long time.
Brina with very static hair but having a blast rolling around in the empty toy bucket
This fun activity entertained the kids for quite some time. After their adventure of rolling around in the buckets they put the toys back into the buckets. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to tuck our bodies in a bucket and spin around the room!
Karlie having a blast rolling around in the empty toy bucket
Sometimes it is the simplest things in life that can provide the most enjoyment and you probably have the items right in your house. I love it when the girls use their imagination and come up with fun activities on their own. Life is short and sweet so why not have a little fun too! What creative entertainment have your kids come up with recently?
