Family Outings

  • Travel & Vacation: Road Trip Entertainment

    I am so thankful that our girls travel really well.  Since they were little babies we have been doing road trips and they have been real troopers every time.  The longest road trip we took with them was 40 hours (round trip).  They have a blast hanging out together reading books, doing work books, playing games, talking, listening to audiobooks, and when we go on a long trip (5 hours or more) they get to watch a couple movies.  Here are some of the ways we stay entertained on road trips:

    Karlie lounging and talking on the phone as we were driving through Charleston.  They usually keep themselves busy reading, doing workbooks, playing games or resting.

    I hear giggling coming from the backseat….when I look back this is what I see….Brina practicing her flexibility.  Hey at least they are happy on road trips! Goofy girl!

    Karlie smiling as she works on a workbook in the car!

    Brina multi-tasking….snacking and reading a book at the same time while in the back seat of the car.  Thankfully she doesn’t get carsick as often anymore!

    On this trip we stuck the basket of books, workbooks, games, etc….in between the girls.  This was great because it provided accessible entertainment for both girls at the same time and kept them a little separated so they weren’t poking or messing with each other.  They didn’t get to watch a movie on this road trip because it was only 3 hours long, but they still had a lot of fun!

  • Travel & Vacation: Life Around the Kabini River, India

    Sign near the Kabini River.  Guess it probably won’t be a great idea to swim in the river….not a fan of swimming with crocodiles! Hmmm…let me think about it….No, thank you I would rather not swim with the crocodile! 🙂

    I absolutely LOVED going to India.  It was an amazing experience.  The people were awesome and I learned a lot about myself during the trip.  I have many things to be grateful for in my life yet so often I complain.  I don’t have to pump drinking water or live in a tarp yet how often I grumble with the inconveniences of my life.  I really do need to have a more thankful and giving heart because there a many people in this world that are content with far less.  May I never forget this trip or the many things India revealed to me.

    Filling her water jugs up to take back to her home.  Watching her pump the water makes me appreciate the running water we have in our home.  Sometimes I don’t realize how “convenient” life really is in the United States.  I don’t ever remember pumping and carrying my drinking water.

    Road full of goats!

    Family in a small village near the Kabini River! The little boy is so cute.

    Colorful houses near Kabini River

    Look out stand in the tree.  They use these look out to spot dangerous predators.

    People will set up tents near the fields that are ready to be harvested.  When the field is done they move to the next location and set up their tents.  Makes me feel so very blessed to have a nice home.  Even though its not perfect I don’t have to set up tarp tents near a jungle with lions and leopards in it.  I have so much to be grateful for in my life.

    Traveling through India was an eye opening experience for me.  I enjoyed meeting a lot of wonderful people.  Jake and I spent time exploring the area with Jake’s cousin Matt and his family.  Thankful for an opportunity to spend some time with their family.  We had a blast and hope we will be able to go back again some 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!

  • Travel & Vacation: Orange County Kabini, India

    Matt & Jake in an intense game of ping pong

    The kids taking an evening swim in the kids pool before heading back to the hut to crash.

    In the evening there is a tribal dance put on by people from the local village.  It was fascinating to watch them.  I was having a hard time getting a picture that wasn’t blurry.  Between the darkness, fire, and constant movement this was the best one I could get of the men who came to demonstrate their traditional tribal dance.

    Massive tree at the resort!  If you look closely you can see Jake and Matt standing in front of it.

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    I was able to get caught up on some stuff last week.  One of the girls decided she wanted to be up several times in the middle of the night so I was running on little sleep a couple nights but managed to get by.  Another one got sick so hopefully this week goes more smoothly.

    Last week’s goals

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily – one of the girls wasn’t feeling well and we had extra activities in the evenings too
    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. Finish Decorating for Christmas – most of the decorating is done but need to put the storage bins and items away
    7. Work on Christmas List – working on it

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week – a sick kid and interrupted sleep didn’t help this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – working on it
    4. Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion – caught up and staying on track after last week being off

    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. Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Projects
    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 – met a friend
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email – it was late (Wed) but I got it out

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – stayed within budget, but didn’t get pictures
    2. Payoff the Van – made an extra payment on the van this past week
    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.) – working on it
    4. Stay within Christmas Budget – keeping track

    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. Finish Decorating  & Putting up Christmas Bins
    7. Work on Christmas List
    8. Blessing Lives Everyday with Special Surprises (B.L.E.S.S.): 25 Days of Christmas Blessings
    9. Date Night with my Man

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
    4. Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion
    5. Make my first fresh Wreath at a Wreath Party with Friends

    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. Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Projects
    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. Community Group Christmas Social at our House

    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.)
    4. Stay within Christmas Budget

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

  • Squeezing in a Little Fun

    Sometimes we need to get out for a little bit and have fun!  Our family loves our time at home and on road trips but every once in awhile it is nice going out for a special treat.  On this particular day the girls were being troopers while we were on a short road trip so we decided to stop for a few minutes for a quit treat at McDonald’s.

    While Jake ordered the girls and I headed to the play area.  The girls burned off some extra energy for a few minutes.  They were all smiles when we returned to the van.  Thankfully the girls travel well and were content spending only a few moments playing. Even though the difference between going through the drive through and walking into the restaurant probably only was a few minutes (if that) it was worth it to allow our girls some time to run around.

  • Family Fun: Our Cousins Came for a Visit

    Nano bugs play time

    Earlier this year Jake’s sister and her family came to visit us.  We had a blast spending some extra time with them.  The kids played well together and we were able to squeeze in a lot of fun activities.  Thankful for time spent with family.

    Going for a ride on the go cart or “green monster” as the girls like to call it

    It takes a team to change a baby doll diaper! 🙂

    Yes, that is a snake in his hands!

    Making litter bugs at Roper Mountain Science Center

    Trying out a new game

    A full hammock

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 20)

    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.

    Note: Thanksgiving week I had to group a couple items together into one day since we had a full schedule and we were seeing some of the people we want to thank on the same day.  Although in the list they will be separate.  Thanks!

    Day 20

    Who:   Tutor

    As you have seen from previous days we have a little one that has some challenges due to dyslexia, therefore, we have been going to a tutor.  Her tutor is awesome! She takes the time to not only work with her one-on-one and give us ways that we can help here as well but she finds ways to motivate her.  Our kids love animals and she takes the time to share about her pets too.  Some days we even have enough time for the girls to give her horses a treat.  They always love getting a chance to spend a few extra minutes with animals.  Today, we gave our tutor a bag of carrots and a thank you note.  After lessons today we brought some carrots out so the horses could have a treat.

    Day 19

    Who: School Teachers

    Since they only have a couple days of school this week with the Thanksgiving Holiday the girls delivered their Thanksgiving gifts to their teachers today (Monday).  The girls took thank you cards and some sweet treats to give to their teachers today.

    Day 18

    Who:  Awana Leaders

    The girls go to Awana on Sunday evenings when Jake & I go to Community Group.  Our church does the Awana program at our local school.  Brina and Karlie are in the Sparks right now.  They have been learning various verses, books of the bible and more recently.  As a way to say thank you to their Sparks Leaders on Sunday we sent a thank you card and some goodies to give to their leaders.

  • Travel & Vacation: Seeing the Countryside of Bangalore, India

    You never know what you will see driving down the road….pretty sure the people hanging off the vehicle are not wearing their seat belts!

    We had a great time with Jake’s cousin Matt and his family while we were in India.  India had a lot of agricultural areas near Bangalore too.  It was neat seeing all the fields, produce, people, farmers market, small villages and more.  No matter where you travel in India there is always a ton to look at and soak in as you are driven to your destination.

    Notice the fence….in the United States we make most of our fences out of wood or metal posts with wire in between.  In India it is common to see slabs of rock, cement, marble, or whatever they can find in the area for a fence around their home, livestock, and fields.  I am sure those pieces are very heavy to move too!

    Tropical fruit orchard near Bangalore, India (these look like bananas)

    Outside farmers market on the way to the airport

    A field of grapes!

    Someone has to ride in the back of the truck in case the merchandise decides to fall out.

    After growing up on a farm it was interesting seeing how they farm in India.  Even though they do some things differently with their crops, they have delicious food!  It was great having the opportunity to go to India.  Thankful for the amazing time we had and hope that we will be able to make another trip someday.  The people were very hospitable and I learned a lot not only about the area, but about myself.

    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

    Last week did….not…go…as planned (ever have weeks that go like that, ha)?!  Jake was in Charleston for work, one of the girls got really sick, Skipper was barking all the time (even in the middle of the night), unexpected activities, time spent in the Urgent Care, last minute stuff, doctor visits and more in between all the normal weekly activities so many of the items on my list this week are still leftover from last week.  Hopefully this week will (go as planned or at least some what “normal”) and 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 the Girls since they have a couple days off school

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week – with a couple nights without sleep with a sick little one and a barking dog this wasn’t my top priority
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day – all the doctor appointments and extra activities so I didn’t stay on top of how much I was drinking
    3. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – still reading
    4. Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion – staying on track and continuing to listen faithfully
    5. Vote in the 2012 Election – voted! 🙂

    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. Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Projects (Focus – Office / Garage) – got some stuff done but with all the unexpected items I wasn’t able to get these two completed (I did make a little headway though)
    4. Pay all upcoming bills – have a couple that I need to pay this week
    5. Winterize the Garden – didn’t get it done
    6. Put printed pictures in the photo album – got the ones I had at home put into the albums and ordered another set
    7. Clean Out Fridge – cleaned out the fridge and freezer, something I been wanting to do for 2 weeks now! Yay, for small victories! 🙂 
    8. Recycle old Magazines & update with November editions

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention – I missed a few items with all the unexpected items but hopefully I can pick up the slack this week
    3. Send out invoices
    4. Finish scheduling November work dates

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Re-organize the Alms & Legs Food Pantry – the girls helped me clean out, organize the pantry, and donate a bunch of items to PERC (Piedmont Emergency Relief Center).  They were a HUGE help and doing this together gave us a lot of opportunities to talk about the many amazing blessings in our lives.

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van – working on putting extra money aside
    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.) – putting a little bit aside

    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

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
    4. 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. Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Projects (Focus – Office / Garage)
    4. Pay all upcoming bills
    5. Winterize the Garden
    6. Put any new printed pictures that we receive this week in the photo album

    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. Send out the Alms & Legs Food Meeting Reminder to the Team Members

    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.)
    4. Stay within Christmas Budget

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

  • Travel & Vacation: Leela Palace – Bangalore, India

    The Leela Palace in Bangalore, India

    Matt and Jen took us to the Leela Palace on the last day we were in Bangalore.  You know how sometimes you save the best for last…..well this was it.  The Leela Palace was AMAZING!  They had every kind of food you could think of to eat from Indian Curry, to Roast, Pasta Bar, Salad Bar, Cheese Bar, Breads, rows of Desserts and so much more.  Some of the best food I have eaten, it was delicious and the palace was beautiful.  If you are in Bangalore I highly recommend that you check the Leela Palace out!

    They had row after row of desserts.  It was difficult picking the ones you wanted to try because all of them looked AMAZING!

    Yes, that huge beautiful artistic piece in the middle is made up of………..chocolate!

    They had a separate supervised play area for the kids.  The kids could play, watch a movie, eat, read, run around, play a game or many other awesome activities.

     

    Gorgeous Birds of Paradise flower in their garden.

    Even the bugs in India cannot resist a pretty flower!

    The Leela Palace such a beautiful place to visit in Bangalore, India

    Jake & I in front of the gold elephant on the garden gate at the Leela Palace

     

    One of the large entryways.

    It almost looked too pretty to eat…….but I did it anyway and it tasted awesome!

    Jake and I were thrilled that we had the opportunity to come visit his cousin Matt and his family while we were in India.  It was wonderful meeting many awesome people and eating their tasty food.  A lot of great memories were made on the trip.  Hopefully, some day in the future we will have the chance to bring the girls with us.  I know they would love the adventure!

    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!