Family Outings
Flashback Friday: First & Second Time at the Pool
Brina a little unsure about this whole “pool” idea
Today’s flashback Friday goes back about 10 years when the girls first were introduced to a pool. The first trip to the pool with the Greenville Mother’s of Multiples Club family party. We didn’t even have swimming suits for them yet so we took them in onesies and swimmer diapers. They were not to thrilled about the pool the first time around. Both were a little surprised and not overly excited about it. You would never know that now though!
The second time we went to a pool was about a week later with our friend Mike and Ashley. We had gotten the girls swimsuits in the meantime and they did a little better the second time around. Still not thrilled about it, but they tolerated it better.
Brina was a little surprised by the pool water.
Brina slowly getting used to the water on her feet while sitting in Daddy’s lap.
Brina standing up in the pool, still not sure about this whole pool thing.
Brina thinking about sitting down, but still disturbed by the pool.
Brina was very curious by all the other kids swimming around her. Why do they look like they are having so much fun!?
Karlie’s first dip into the pool. She was not happy!
Karlie’s thinking that maybe this isn’t too bad. Daddy seems to think it’s okay…
Jake sprinkled a little water over her head. She wasn’t entirely sure if she liked that.
Karlie sitting on Daddy’s lap talking with another twin. He wanted to know why she didn’t like playing in the pool, ha!
Karlie getting used to the water and she sits there for a minute.
Karlie looking at Mommy for help and confirmation that this pool thing was okay.
Karlie – “Can someone turn off the bright light overhead!” She was not a fan of the bright sunny day and if she was directly in the sun would just close her eyes and whimper. Poor baby girl.
Survived their first “pool swim” or should we say little dip! They were much more content to be back in the bassinet together.
Swimming at the pool was EXHAUSTING! They were out for a nap within a few minutes of drying off and getting into the bassinet. (Brina and Karlie)
Brina and Karlie got their cool new swimming suits and ready to go again. They think it’s funny now as they are at home sitting in the chair together….
Brina with Aunt Ashley at the pool. She is still not convinced that this is a good idea!
Mommy taking Brina and Karlie out into the pool. They were very intent on watching the pool water, like its going to get them or something.
Mommy with Karlie and Brina. They tolerated the pool better this time around with only a few tears. Thankfully it was a small quiet pool.
Brina all snuggled up in her dry towel. She is now ready for her nap.
Look at those pruney little tootsie toes! So cute!
Karlie is getting sleepy. Swimming is hard work Dad!
Travel & Vacation: Daniel Island Historical Markers & Bike Path (Daniel Island, SC)
Beautiful paved Daniel Island bike and walking path
We love visiting Daniel Island! Over the past few years we have been several times and it seems like every time we find something new to explore on this island on the outskirts of Charleston, SC. On one of our trips we took our bikes with us and found a lot of neat places to ride around town. The kids favorite place to ride their bikes was around the cement and paved path in Smythe Lake Park around a little lake in near the Pirates Cove Playground. The last time we brought our bikes we would ride around the lake, play for a little bit at the playground, and ride around the lake again.
The scenery around the lake is beautiful. On our first pass around the bike and walking trail we noticed Daniel Island Historical Markers along the way. It was a lot of fun to stop at each one and read about the history of Daniel Island. We saw some wildlife on our adventures too from alligators to ducks and more! We got our exercise and learn more about Daniel Island throughout our excursions that day.
Biking around the lake
On of the historical signs along the biking and walking path – “A Proprietary Governor“
“Slave Life on Daniel Island”
We had a friend sunning himself along the biking trail. Needless to say we didn’t stop to see if he wanted to play. Always best to leave the wildlife alone!
“Making Bricks”
“Tenants & Truck Farmers”
“Harry Frank Guggenheim”
Friendly ducks swimming and finding little fish to eat.
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!
Flashback Friday: Happy July 4th
Happy Independence Day from Brina and Karlie!!!
Today we are flashing back to July 4, 2005. It was the girls first July 4th Independence Day celebration! My Aunt gave the girls these adorable dresses to wear for the celebration.
We spent the first part of the day as usual. Getting everybody up, fed, changed, and some play time. That evening we went over to a friends house to play games and celebrate. They were good sports and happy babies the whole evening.
Brina, Riley, and Karlie all coordinated for the July 4th Holiday!
So many reasons to celebrate this July 4th!
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
Thankful for spending the extra time with my girls. They were a huge help this week. Thankful for everything Jake does for our family. I am blessed. There was so much to be thankful for last week.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week. Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday – Thankful for the girls help organizing the items that need to be donated and sold. They organized, took pictures, packed up the items, and went with me to deliver everything.
Tuesday – Thankful that we were able to find some swimsuits for the girls. It’s a lot of work shopping and trying on clothes but they did a great job! Grateful that Jake was able to spend some time working on the tree house fort after work.
Wednesday – Thankful that the girls had a great attitude when the movie that we went to see was sold out.
Thursday – Thankful for the girls help in getting the house picked up, supper put together and more. They are great help and for the most part we have a grand time doing it together. Thankful for laughter and a chance to have some one-on-one chitchat time.
Friday – Thankful for an opportunity eat dinner with some of Jake’s co-workers and enjoy part of the Greenville Drive game against Charleston which eventually got canceled due to rain and lightening. We still had fun!
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week we were crazy busy, but were able to get a lot accomplished. The girls were a big help and were troopers throughout our entire week. Hoping that we will be able to have some more fun and get a lot done this week. We enjoyed spending an evening with Jake’s co-workers at the Greenville Drive game even though it got canceled due to rain and lightening on Friday night. Thankful for some extra time with the kids. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Finish reading Lightening’s Last Hope by Joanna Campbell book to the kids – the kids got a cold than I got a cold so didn’t read as much this past week. Hoping to be back up to my normal self soon.
Plan one special activity with the familyPlay a Game with the FamilySpend time working on Summer WorkbooksAttend Evening Activities & EventsLunch Bags Packed for Work & Errand / Outside ActivitiesPrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)Prep & Figure out Schedule for Summer Break- Ride Bikes with the Kids – it rained at the times when we could ride our bikes
Work on special projects with the kids– cleaned out, organized, and sold items with the online garage sale as well as other projects with the kidsHang out at a park with Kids– we met friends at the park to have a picnic and playGo to the Library- Find a new local place to visit or new activity to do with the Kids – we didn’t do this one with everything else going on this week
Attend an extra-curricular activity or event- Pick up Summer Clothes for the girls (Swim suit, shorts, sandals, pjs) – we are a little late getting swimsuits this year because the girls grew out of theirs, it was harder to find them, but we got them!
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Continue my YouVersion plan(s) – hoping to get this working on my new phone soon
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals – fell behind when I got the cold
Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily – a little behind
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekClean House (Focus – Post Items to Sale and Take Items to Donate)– we sold a lot of stuff with the online garage sale and made over $250 which we will put towards debt, took items to donate, and was able to get some items cleaned up around the house.- Organize Chaos (Focus – Girls Scrapbooks) – we have the items together, but hoping to start everything this week (the kids are looking forward to this project)
Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Seed Goat Pen)Pet Care (Focus – New Collar for Snowball, Hay, & Mineral Bucket)- Repairs – (Focus – Girls Necklace Hangers) – Jake is hoping to work on this soon
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clientsResearch and Plan Out Business GoalsPrep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it (should be making another payment this week)
- Payoff Medical Bills – paid some more
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt) – working on it
Pay Bills & File Paperwork- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget – I DID IT! 🙂 It was a busy week and we had run out of milk, but I made it to the store on Saturday!
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Lightening’s Last Hope by Joanna Campbell book to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Family
- Spend time working on Summer Workbooks (Week #4)
- Attend Evening Activities & Events
- Lunch Bags Packed for Work & Errand / Outside Activities
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for Remaining Summer Break
- Ride Bikes with the Kids
- Work on special projects with the kids
- Hang out at a park with Kids
- Have a picnic with the Kids
- Go to the Library
- Find a new local place to visit or new activity to do with the Kids
- Attend an extra-curricular activity or event
- Turn in our Summer Reading Logs
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – Living & Dining Room)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Girls Scrapbooks)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Work on the Tree House Fort )
- Pet Care (Focus – Clean Out the Goat House)
- Repairs – (Focus – Girls Necklace Hangers)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
- Research and Plan Out Business Goals
- Prep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Medical Bills
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt)
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within 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.
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.
Travel & Vacation: Isle of Palms Beach (Charleston, SC)
Isle of Palms Beach
Our family enjoys going to the Isle of Palms Beach while we are in the Charleston, SC area. We don’t always get a chance to go to the beach, but when we do go we typically go to the Isle of Palms. It is a big beach, has public parking, restrooms nearby, a life guard near the entrance, and outside showers to rinse off the sand before heading back to the vehicle. Even with the showers somehow we always manage to bring home some sand with us, but we are getting better.
You can usually find a good spot to set up your tent, umbrella, or place your cooler. There is a lot of good sand for digging sand castles. You can usually find some nice sea shells. Plus there are usually some nice waves to enjoy a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean. It has always been a really clean beach too. We have been to a couple of the other beaches in the area, but since we are usually on the Isle of Palms side of Charleston and we enjoy going there we usually end up at this beach. If you are looking for a good, family friendly beach this is a great place to go.
Scampering quickly out of our way along the sand.
Waves are rolling in nice. Great day to go swimming.
Relaxing at Isle of Palms
Nice beach and pretty beach houses. There are a variety of stores and restaurants to go to while at Isle of Palms.
Waves continue rolling in peacefully as the day ends.
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!
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
Last week was a different kind of busy with Jake’s family in town. We had a lot of fun playing, catching up, and spending time together. The week went by really fast. I am blessed. There was so much to be thankful for last week.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week. Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday – Thankful for the girls help with finishing up cleaning, running errands, and putting away groceries. Jake’s sister and family arrived late in the afternoon and we had a relaxing evening with them.
Tuesday – Thankful that Nadia was able to get into the dentist today and fix her tooth. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins all morning. There were some big nerf wars going on throughout the house.
Wednesday – Thankful that we were able to go with Mirm and the kids to Otter’s Creek Water Park. The kids had a great time playing in the water, swimming, going down all the slides. We took a picnic lunch at a table next to the park then went back in to swim longer. All the kids crashed on the way back home from playing so hard at the water park.
Thursday – Thankful for a chance to host Mirm’s family as well as Jake’s cousins that live in the area for the evening. We had walking tacos, great food, fun games, and more that evening. The kids enjoyed some new water balloons that Mirm picked up for the kids. It was nice seeing everyone and spending the evening together.
Friday – Thankful that the girls got off to camp well. Jake got up early to head to Charleston for work and came back later that day. Jake and I had a fun time with Jake’s extended family at Luke & Kristen’s neighborhood pool for the evening. Good foo, fun, and fellowship. It was the last time everyone was able to get together before Mirm’s family left for their next destination.
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week Jake’s sister family spent the week with us. The week went by quickly and we packed in a lot of activities during their stay. It was fun spending some extra time and catching up with them as well as the rest of the family in the area the last few days. On Friday the girls went to church camp for the weekend. The house was really quiet after everyone left! We celebrated Father’s Day last weekend since the girls were away at camp for a good part of Father’s Day. Jake was super sweet and helped get our large pile of laundry started while the girls were away. He also made the most amazing apricot and salmon recipe that I will be sharing in a few days. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Finish reading Romona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary book to the kidsPlan one special activity with the family– went to Otters Creek Water Park with Mirm’s familyPlay a Game with the Family– played several this weekPrepare for Upcoming Spring Events– Spring is done and now we are enjoying summerSpend time working on Summer WorkbooksAttend Evening Activities & EventsSpend Extra Time with Extended FamilyLunch Bags Packed for Work & Errand / Outside ActivitiesPrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)- Prep & Figure out Schedule for Summer Break – wrapping up some later details
Ride Bikes with the KidsWork on special projects with the kidsHang out at a park with KidsGo to the Library- Find a new local place to visit or new activity to do with the Kids – we went to places we already visited before
Attend an extra-curricular activity or eventGet kids packed and sent off to Church CampCelebrate Father’s Day
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Continue my YouVersion plan(s) – running a little behind
Keep up with my FitBit GoalsGo to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this weekUpdate Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekClean House (Focus – Vacuum & Dust)Organize Chaos (Focus – Refrigerator)- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Treehouse Fort) – working on it
Pet Care (Focus – Treat Yard for Mosquitoes / Flies)- Repairs – (Focus – Girls Necklace Hangers) – hoping to get it done soon
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Work completed for clients – another project to be done soon
Research and pursue career goalsPrep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Medical Bills – paid more on a couple this week
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt) – working on it
Pay Bills & File Paperwork- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget – went over budget with the grocery budget
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Lightening’s Last Hope by Joanna Campbell book to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Family
- Spend time working on Summer Workbooks
- Attend Evening Activities & Events
- Lunch Bags Packed for Work & Errand / Outside Activities
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for Summer Break
- Ride Bikes with the Kids
- Work on special projects with the kids
- Hang out at a park with Kids
- Go to the Library
- Find a new local place to visit or new activity to do with the Kids
- Attend an extra-curricular activity or event
- Pick up Summer Clothes for the girls (Swim suit, shorts, sandals, pjs)
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – Post Items to Sale and Take Items to Donate)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Girls Scrapbooks)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Seed Goat Pen)
- Pet Care (Focus – New Collar for Snowball, Hay, & Mineral Bucket)
- Repairs – (Focus – Girls Necklace Hangers)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
- Research and Plan Out Business Goals
- Prep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Medical Bills
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt)
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within 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.
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.
Travel & Vacation: Beautiful Charleston Sunsets (Charleston, SC)
Beautiful sunset
There is something peaceful about sitting on a swing next to the ocean watching the sunset. A light breeze and the sound of the ocean waves hitting the shore. Some of the parks in Charleston have swings or benches you can sit on and watch the sun set in the sky. Our family has enjoyed several of the Charleston sunsets. If you are in Charleston and have the time to relax for a few minutes you may be blessed by a beautiful sunset too.
Watching the sunset over the dock area where they bring the huge cargo barges.
This one was taken from under the big Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Our family decided to take a walk after dinner around the park and were able to catch the sunset.
The sun has set and the moon is out over Charleston. You can see the small sliver of the moon between the Palm Trees against the dark blue sky. This picture was taken at Battery Park.
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!
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
It was the kids first full week of summer break. We packed in a lot of fun activities and projects. It has been fun spending the extra time with them. Thankful for the opportunity to spend time hanging out with my girls. Jake has busy working on building them a tree-house fort in the woods with some leftover wood we had around. The kids are VERY EXCITED and have been helping haul wood, tools, and other items back and forth. I am blessed. There was so much to be thankful for last week.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week. Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday – Thankful for the opportunity to go for a bike ride, play a game, and hike through the woods with the girls today.
Tuesday – Thankful that we were able to get into the dentist this morning to fix Brina’s braces. Grateful that the girls and I were able to go to the Free Movie, a park, and run some errands. The girls were a huge help in sorting and carrying a pile of wood down to the area next to their treehouse fort so Jake can have it the next time he gets a chance to work on it. Jake was sweet today and picked up an organizer for the girls robotic project this summer so we were able to get it off the table.
Wednesday – Thankful for kids who enjoy spending time with me. We spent the day at home, but the activities they choose to do included reading, building items with legos, games, and more fun! Tonight we had our Kid Date Night. Jake went with Brina to Frozen Disney on Ice and had a wonderful time. I went with Karlie to Frankie’s Fun Park and out to dinner, she loved trying out laser tag for the first time.
Thursday – Thankful for a chance to run errands with the kids today. It was nice having them with me to talk to and help carry in and put away the groceries. We even squeezed an activity at the library and got drenched running to the car afterward. It poured at home too, but after Jake got home we all spent some time working on the treehouse fort.
Friday – Thankful Jake’s thoughtfulness. My computer was slowing down so he ordered and installed additional ram for me. He did this without mentioning anything it to me until he was putting it into my laptop. Love how thoughtful he is. He always takes such good care of me.
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!
