Family Activities
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:
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Women’s Deodorant
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Men’s Deodorant
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Breathe Right Strips
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Finger Nail Polish
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Trident Gum
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Adult Mouthwash
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Kids Mouthwash
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Floss – Adult & Kids
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Sheets Energy Strips
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Men’s Shaving Foam
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Men’s Razors
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Women’s Shaving Cream
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Women’s Razors
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Hand Sanitizer
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New Toothbrushes (for adults & kids)
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Antibacterial Bandaids
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Eye Drops
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Women’s Body Wash
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Men’s Body Wash
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Kids Kool Fever Busters
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Chapstick
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Lotion
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Cologne
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Perfume
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Women’s Body Spray
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Men’s Body Spray
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Feminine Products
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Adult Toothpaste
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Kids Toothpaste
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Contact Cleaning & Rinse Solution
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Pens / Pencils
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Paper
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Kid’s Medicine
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Adult Medicine
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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?
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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
- 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
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPlan one special Activity with the FamilyGo on a Field Trip with the Girls Classes– went with Karlie’s class to the Fire Station
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – almost made it, did 4 days out of the 5
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read) – working on it
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – 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 weekStart tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule– making some progress on itPay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Get caught up on 5 blog items – got caught up some items
Complete the Website Blog Update
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group Email- Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure – need to work out the last few details
- 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
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – went over this week
- Payoff the Van – working on it
- 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
- 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 Grandma, Great Grandma, and extended family
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Get caught up on 5 blog items
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
- Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team Email
- Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure
- 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
- 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.
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.
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!
Travel & Vacation: Charleston History & Sites to See (part 2)
Checking out a more modern one….some serious discussions are taking place.
This post is in addition from our post earlier today on Travel & Vacation: Charleston History & Sites to See. At least one night every time we go with Jake to Charleston we spend some time in walking through Battery Park looking at all the monuments, reading them and talking about history. You would think by now the girls have this park memorized and would be tired of it, but they request to go here every time we are in the Charleston area. The pictures of Battery Park are a little darker because we went at night. Plus you’ll see some other great items to look out for on your road trip to Charleston (at least if you are heading to Charleston from the same direction we go).
The girls always request a trip to battery park when we are in Charleston
A large monument in Battery Park, the girls want us to read the monument then they have fun seeing how many different states they can find etched on the stones.
Exploring the cannons at Battery Park
This tree’s looking a little spooky at night in battery park. Still haven’t figured out the meaning behind the white feathers from an earlier trip Travel & Vacation: Fun in Charleston. If you know the reason I would love to find out!
Mommy and girls in the giant gazebo at Battery Park
Karlie especially gets excited when we pass the “rocket” because she loves rockets. Brina gets excited because she knows that we are almost to Daniel’s Island! 🙂
Another favorite sight on our trip to and from Charleston! The girls always love seeing the USA Flag and on the other side of the road is a huge smiley face!
While Battery Park is one of the kids favorite places to visit it is only one of the many great historical sites to see while in Charleston. You can take a tour of Fort Sumter or Fort Moultrie or take a ride on a horse drawn carriage through Charleston as they share history and facts with you or many more wonderful activities. Battery Park is an easy one because it is free (as long as you can find parking). What are some other great historical or fun places to visit in the Charleston area?
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!
Travel & Vacation: Charleston History & Sites to See
Karlie and Brina standing at the pier with Patriots Point and USS Yorktown in the background.
Brina and Karlie love going to Charleston with us. One of their favorite things to do in Charleston is to explore and learn tidbits of history. Charleston has a lot of history so it has provided many opportunities for us to learn and appreciate our country’s history. We always visit Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant whenever we go to Charleston. Near the pier is an area with a fountain, monuments, and plaques honoring our military. You can also see the USS Yorktown from that area too (see picture above). There are other areas in Mount Pleasant, Daniel’s Island and Charleston with a lot of history as well. Here is a few we enjoy visiting when we are in the area.
A sign near the monument
Monument….”on behalf of a grateful nation”
Department of Army (1775) monument
Throwing their coins into the fountain.
United States Coast Guard (1790)
South Carolina state flag flying in the wind next to the monuments
United States Air Force
Fountain near waterfront park
Department of the Navy – United State of America
This one is on Daniel’s Island and says “By 1680, Charleston had moved to its present location and was growing rapidly. It attracted French Huguenots and others drawn by the promise of religious tolerance and available land.”
Department of Navy – United States Marine Corps
In Peace and War – United States Merchant Marine (1775)
The neat part about reading these monuments with the girls is that it gives us an opportunity to discuss our country, its history, and show appreciation for the men and women who have served and those who are currently serving. We have many amazing blessings living in the United States. No country is perfect, but we have a lot of great things to celebrate in our history.
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!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
I was able to tackle some of my goals for last week. Although it was busy and a few extra activities were added to my list I made some head way. 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 dailyLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School Activities- Plan one special Activity with the Family – we took some time to rest & recharge as a family
Go on a Field Trip with the Girls Classes– we went Hartwell Dam and a Sailboat Educational Field Trip
Personal Goals
Exercise at least 5 days this weekDrink 8 glasses of water each day- Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read) – didn’t have as much time to read this week
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – wasn’t able to finish it
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekStart tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule– got a little bit done this past weekPay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionGet caught up on 5 blog items- Complete the Website Blog Update – working out the last few glitches, so thankful for all my husbands hard work on the website! 🙂
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group Email- Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure – made a few calls last week
- A Friend Challenged me to read / listen through the entire 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 – been faithful to listen to my chapters everyday
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – stayed within budget this week
- Payoff the Van – putting any extra money towards paying it off
- 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
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
- Go on a Field Trip with the Girls Classes
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Get caught up on 5 blog items
- Complete the Website Blog Update
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
- Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure
- 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
- 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.
