Intentional Living
FREE Kellogg’s Family Rewards Codes
Here are some October Free Kellogg’s Family Rewards Codes you can add to your account! All these free codes are one-time-use codes per account. You can also earn points by entering codes from most Kellogg’s brand boxes. With your points you can earn gift cards, games, books, magazine subscriptions, toys, coupons, sweepstakes entries, donate to a school or charity, and many more great rewards. Sometimes you can get free rewards from their email newsletters and facebook page too.
The codes listed below are worth anywhere from 20 to 100 points each which should help you rack up some points on your account and get you closer to earning your next reward! Enter the following Free Kellogg’s Family Rewards Codes:
-
FREEPOINTSFRENZY (100 points)
-
UGOTTALOVEABONUS (100 points)
-
WEHEARTSURPRISES (100 points)
-
3CHEERS4BONUSPTS (100 points)
-
HOORAYFORFREEPTS (100 points)
- KFRSHARETHANKS20 (100 points)
- Like their Facebook page (100 points – you should immediately receive a code at the top of the page after clicking the like button)
-
ELVESLOVEBONUSES (50 points)
-
BACKTOSCHOOL2014 (50 points)
-
NUTRITIONINABOWL (50 points)
-
EARNSWEETREWARDS (50 points)
- CEREALANDMILKABC (50 points)
-
EARNGREATREWARDS (20 points)
-
MAGICOFBREAKFAST (20 points)
-
GETFUELFORSCHOOL (20 points)
-
SPIDEYEXCITEMENT (20 points)
-
HOWITWORKS20PNTS (20 points)
Please comment and let me know if any of the above Free Kellogg’s Family Rewards Codes have expired or if you find new ones so I can update the list! Thanks! The only time you may lose any points is if you allow your account to go inactive for 90 consecutive days. Sign up today and start earning rewards now!
-
Order Will Be Restored in this House!
Either the girls forgot the house rules or got a little spoiled with all our traveling and busy summer! With everything going on this summer instead of waiting for them to pick up and turn their clothes right side out for laundry day I would just do it since I needed to repack the suitcase or wanted to get the house pick up. The beginning of the school year got off to a rough start in house department because they must of thought it was okay or normal to just throw their clothes on the bathroom floor before their showers, leave headbands on the sink, and other random items placed in odd spots through the house and their rooms.
After several days of being nice and reminding them to pick up after themselves I decided it was time to do something else to get their attention. On that particular night I had already wading through their piles of clothes on the bathroom floor, picked up pieces of confetti paper off the dining room floor, put away their library books, placed more items than their bar stools would hold to be put away, and more craziness. In my quest to pick of the house I found a piece of notebook paper on the kitchen floor and scribbled out my note. The deal was either you pick up your stuff or breakfast will not be served that morning (and yes it was a school morning). I let Jake read my note first just in case I was being too zealous with my request. My first comment to him was “Order will be restored in this house!” Jake thought it was hilarious!
Guess what!? IT WORKED!!! You should have seen the girls reactions when they came to breakfast and saw the note on the counter instead of their food. Too funny! The next few minutes were a whirlwind of them scurrying around the house to put all their stuff away. They got everything done and in record time too. They both even got to eat breakfast that morning! The biggest benefit though was that it reminded them of their responsibilities and while we to still have an off day once in a great while it has been MUCH better.
When everyone in the family works together to put away their items in the proper places the whole family can enjoy a much more livable house. I don’t mind cleaning, but really don’t want to be a full time personal maid when everyone is perfectly capable of helping out. No more wading through piles of clothes, tripping over shoes, washing my hands with headbands in the sink, or random items spread throughout the house!
Hopefully this will be the last time I have to remind them. It wasn’t a fancy note and it was done a little off the cuff, but hey the message got across and it served it’s purpose! I have debated back and forth whether or not to share this with you than decided that if I am going through this in my house it is probably happening in at least a couple other homes somewhere. Maybe?!
Kids Day at THE AG: Framers Who Were Farmers Constitution Day
The girls earned their Jr. Historian Badges for Framers Who Were Farmers – U.S. Constitution Event
On September 17th every year we celebrate Constitution Day! Back on September 17, 1787 a total of 42 of the 55 delegates held their final meeting at the Constitutional Convention. It was the day they signed the Constitution of the United States of America!
Shortly after Constitution Day we attended an event at the Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum. The event was called Kids Day at THE AG: Framers Who Were Farmers. It was for students in 4th to 7th grades. They had activities, role playing, field work, and discussions pertaining to the U. S. Constitution. They covered information such as:
- The Preamble
- Separation of Powers
- History, Framers, and Impact of the U.S. Constitution
- Declaration of Independence
- Articles of Confederation
- Bill of Rights
Staff dressed up as James Madison. Discussion on the U.S. Constitution.
The Founding Fathers used scientific inventions and various forms of farming techniques. Some of the men who signed the Constitution were farmers, a few of them were:
- George Washington
- James Madison
- Charles Pinckney
- Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
- Thomas Jefferson
- Benjamin Franklin
There were several things the farmers experienced such as depletion of soil nutrients, purchasing local produce and crops, local insects, trees, vegetation, and being self-supportive farms.
Some of the activities the kids did at the event were discussing the Constitution. Designing a poster. Experimenting with soil and the nutrients in it. Planting some seeds and recording their findings. The kids received a Jr. Historian Pin and a U.S. Constitution pocket guide. The girls had a lot of fun learning about the U.S. Constitution, activities, and experiments.
Timeline include French & Indian War, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, American Revolution, Constitutional Conventional, Bill of Rights, and more!
Brina’s poster!
The poster Karlie made at the event!
Greenville: Exploring the Children’s Museum of the Upstate
Karlie and Brina climbing the rock wall at the Children’s Museum of the Upstate!
We had some great opportunities to travel over the girls summer break so we didn’t get to do some of the fun activities in our local area. Whenever we had a chance we would look over our list of fun local activities and pick one to do together. The girls recently chose going to the Children’s Museum of the Upstate as one of their activities. The Upstate Children’s Museum is located in downtown Greenville and has many fun interactive activities for the kids. We had a great morning exploring and learning at the Children’s Museum. Thankful for such an awesome museum for kids in our area.
When you put your hands on the spots the drum mimics your heartbeat. Pretty cool! Two people can do it at the same time and hear the differences in their heartbeats.
They are smiling a lot for being on crutches! Hopefully we will avoid having family members on crutches.
Karlie pulling herself up!
Brina smiling as she pulls herself up. Testing the different ropes and pulleys.
Karlie at the bank getting some cash for her groceries.
That’s a lot of wind!
Construction crew making bricks!
Brina bringing over a wheelbarrow of bricks!
Karlie’s proud of her creation!
Making a cool structure!
Relaxing in the camping area!
The Light Waves Ahead display is always a fun one to use your creativity on too!
Fun times with the girls at the Children’s Museum!
Driving the recycling truck! Watch out!
Brina in a water bubble!
Karlie having a blast in the music room!
Brina loves hanging out at the Children’s Museum!
Going through the cool jungle gym area at the museum!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
I am hoping to get through a bunch of the tasks this week! There is a lot going on around here the next few weeks, but if I remain consistent I will still be able to get a lot accomplish. Looking forward to getting some items done.
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Read The Adventures of Robinhood by Howard Pyleto the kids – finished reading it and Brina has picked out our next chapter book to read togetherPlan one special activity with the family- Play a board or card game – we did not get our game in this week due to a lot of other activities that fell on the evenings and weekend
Prepare for Upcoming Fall EventsSpend time Monday – Friday helping the girls with HomeworkPrep for a big weekend- Ride Bikes with the kids – our week filled up too quickly we didn’t get to riding bikes
Go for a Walk with the Kids– on the nice non-rainy days this past week would went outside and walked while reviewing for their upcoming Science and Social Studies tests at school
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each dayContinue my YouVersion plan(s)
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – it was spread out over a couple days due to my husband having last minute work travel
Pay all upcoming billsWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch – had to reschedule due to other conflicts
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Outstanding Debt – made another payment this past week
Pay medical bills in full– finished paying off one of the big medical bills that we had been working on in awhile! WooHoo!
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read A Horse Called Wonder by Joanna Campbell (Book #1 of the Thoroughbred Series) to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Prepare for Upcoming Fall Events & Trips
- Spend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with Homework
- Attend After School Activities
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Ride Bikes with the kids
- Go for a Walk with the Kids
- Attend School Board Meeting
- Give Jake a haircut
- Make Toffee per girls requests
- Cook up Ground Hamburger and Freeze for future meals
- Make and freeze Spinach Cubes for Smoothies
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Exercise at least 5 times this week
- Pedicure – my toenails could use a fresh coat of polish
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
- Freezer Meals Prepped for future meals
- Clean out & Organize Refrigerator / Freezer
- Clean House including all 3 bathrooms, dusting, floors, and bedrooms
- Put Fall/Winter Clothes in Closets and dressers and put Spring/Summer Clothes in the Attic
- Refill kids vitamin container
- Refill Baggie Drawer and Lunch Box Container
- Pool taken down and put away
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Outstanding Debt – we recently had to buy a new microwave and refrigerator
- Pay October Bills
- Recent Receipts Basket Cleaned Out, Organized, & Receipts Filed
- File Paperwork
- Earn some Creative Cash
- 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.
Watching the Total Lunar Eclipse – Blood Moon
Watching the Total Lunar Eclipse – Blood Moon
Earlier this week on Wednesday, October 8th we had a Total Lunar Eclipse – Blood Moon. Since we have one child who really wanted to see the Eclipse I got up at 4 am in to check the weather, scope out a good location to set up the telescope, and check on the eclipse. I woke the girls up a few minutes before 6 am. We were able to watch the final few stages of the Total Lunar Eclipse that we could see from South Carolina. The girls were very excited to watch it through the monocular and telescope. It was neat to see the eclipse. The weather was foggy during the eclipse in our area so it was difficult to see the Blood Moon, but they were thrilled with what they could see.
What is a Total Lunar Eclipse? A total lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow.
What is a Blood Moon? When the total lunar eclipse causes the moon to turn a red, orange, and brown color from the glow and reflection of all the sunrises from the Earth’s surface it is considered a Blood Moon.
Karlie looking through the telescope!
Brina looking through the monocular at the Total Lunar Eclipse!
The sunrise after the Total Lunar Eclipse – Blood Moon! For more information on the Total Lunar Eclipse – Blood Moon check out Space.com
Family Time in Downtown Charleston
Riding the trolley with the girls in Downtown Charleston.
Charleston is a great town to explore a variety of history. One of the neat perks of Charleston is you can park you car somewhere (if you can find parking) and ride the free trolley around the town. When it is just the girls and I we usually park in the parking garage near the Charleston Visitors Center and grab the trolley right there so it is easy to get around town. The trolley takes you right near almost all the historical places so you only have to walk a few blocks here and there. The trolley’s come by every 10 to 15 minutes so you rarely have to wait very long. Just look for the bus stops or trolley signs to catch a nearby trolley ride.
We met up with Jake and ate at the Noisy Oyster in downtown Charleston. Pictured above is what I had for dinner the Noisy Oyster’s Grilled Salmon BLT sandwich. It was delicious!
Brina all smiles as Karlie checks out the traffic downtown Charleston. The horse carriages always tend to get her attention.
We took a walk through downtown Charleston after dinner. The interactive water fountain in Waterfront Park is always a hit with the kids.
Hanging out by the fountain and “trying” to not too wet!
Walking through Waterfront Park in Charleston.
Hanging out with Daddy near the Pineapple Water Fountain in downtown Charleston!
Well, “Hello Friend” found this little guy scurrying across the path in front of me on our walk.
When we walked down the Waterfront Pier we noticed that the dolphins were out swimming in the harbor. It was getting dark by this time, but it was beautiful watching them glide through the water in front of us.
Jake and his girls at the pier watching the dolphins swim.
Hanging out with my girls in Charleston!
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Patriots Point all lit up at night across the harbor.
A relaxing evening swinging on the pier swings!
Wrapping up a fun and busy day in Charleston! Time to walk back to the car! Charleston is a great town to walk through at night with all the things to see, do, and it is usually bustling with people, horse carriages, bike tours, and more.
Travel & Vacation: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – U.S.S. Laffey & U.S.S. Clamagore
After exploring the U.S.S. Yorktown we toured the U.S.S. Laffey and U.S.S. Clamagore (the submarine). We packed a lot of learning, exploring, and fun into one day while we were at Charleston. Thankful for the opportunity to learn little pieces of our country’s history and share the experience with our kids. It was a muggy and rainy day, but we had a great time. Although it poured when we were going between the Laffey and the Clamagore we just splashed through the puddles laughing the whole way (luckily there was no lightening since we were in between large hunks of metal conductors).
The U.S.S. Laffey was used back in the 1940’s. One of it’s biggest battles was off the shores of Okinawa when over 20 Japanese bombers and kamikazes attacked it. They have an actual place you can go into and “experience” what it was like for the men on that day. It was a rainy day so we only had to wait a couple minutes to get into the Mount 53 experience, it was really neat activity to do if you are ever on the U.S.S. Laffey!
Walking through the U.S.S. Laffey!
Neat model of the U.S.S. Laffey. It was hard getting a good picture with the on and off rain storms that day!
Brina’s in charge!
Both girls in the captain’s chair!
Brina hanging out with her Dad!
U.S.S. Clamagore Submarine!
All of us were completely soaked by the time we reached the Clamagore, Karlie was the first one to arrive safely!
A little wet and slightly cool, but ready to explore the Clamagore Submarine!
It was a fun day in Charleston despite getting a little wet!
After dinner we were going to go to Books A Million, but it was closed already so the girls found another way to stay entertained. Brina having fun!
Karlie’s flying now! Look out!
Travel & Vacation: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – U.S.S. Yorktown
Our family on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown!
Whenever we have an opportunity to go to Charleston we try to pick at least one historical adventure to go on as a family. One of our recent trips to Charleston we decided to spend a good chunk of the day at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum touring the U.S.S. Yorktown. When we got the tickets the day before they said to plan on being there at least 2 to 3 hours, we spent over 6 hours going through the U.S.S. Yorktown, U.S.S Laffey, and the U.S.S. Clamagore. The kids had a blast and it was a wonderful learning activity for all of us. Makes us appreciate the men and women who serve our country even more.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – U.S.S. Yorktown
Of course, they had to check out the cannon!
Ready to explore Patriots Point in Charleston
The day started off overcast and bright, but thankfully we were still able to do everything and were back inside the ship when it was pouring.
Brina in the cockpit!
Karlie ready to fly the plane!
Soaking it all in….
Big guns!
Anything relating to space captivates Karlie’s attention!
We all did the blast off to the Moon Simulation together, so much fun!
Learning more about D-Day
Pilots are ready for their orders and paying attention…..ha!
Karlie looking through the wing of the airplane!
Learning how to work the different pieces.
Karlie walking with Jake and asking him a bundle of questions about the various planes on the flight deck.
That blade is huge Brina!
Brina found a spot under the wing with a good breeze on the warm muggy day!
Checking out another plane!
Brina all smiles!
I think I recognize those two on the other side of the port hole!
Yes, they are sitting in the captains chair!
Look at that Handsome Man on the other side of the port hole!
Karlie giving out orders to the pilots. She looks like a tough commander!
Brina ringing the bell!
The Medal of Honor Museum was amazing! They had a cool interactive display as you walked in that lit up with a variety of shots from the wars (pictured above).
What the Army, Navy, and Air Force Medals of Honor look like. A Medal of Honor is given by the President, in the name of Congress, to a member of the military who distinguishes themselves by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of losing their own life. They go beyond the call of duty. The act must be one of bravery or self-sacrifice. The youngest person to ever receive a Medal of Honor was William Johnston, age 12. In 1862 during the Peninsula Campaign many men were taking off their equipment so they had less to carry and could retreat faster. William (also known as “Willie”) was the only drummer boy to bring his drum off the battlefield.
U.S.S. Yorktown
Living on a Budget: Creative Cash (September Update)
It’s been awhile since I have shared the Creative Cash report with everyone, but I made it happen this month! Honestly, I have not been as consistent these last couple months in finding creative ways to earn a little extra cash. It’s been busy, but that really isn’t a good excuse. It was brought to my attention recently that when I make a point to share this information with you it:
- Helps keep me accountable
- Gives me extra motivation to be creative
- Keeps me on track
- Reminds me of the goals we are trying to accomplish as a family
- Refreshes my memory on the importance of sharing with others
When you have the ability to share a piece of what you earn with others not only are you blessing their lives it makes your life richer and fuller too! I have made a few adjustments regarding my Creative Cash goals, but otherwise it is pretty similar to the report that I have shared with you in the past.
What is Creative Cash? My definition of Creative Cash means finding a variety of ways to make extra cash each month to put towards my family’s current financial goal as well as having a little extra to share with others.
Why do it? I am working part time, a stay at home Mom, and wear many other hats from day to day, however, I feel that it is not only important to save money for my family by using coupons and buying items on sale, but to earn a little money to help with the family finances and to share with others. The extra amount I bring in on top of work is what I call “Creative Cash” and it is made by finding ways to make money creatively or with items and talents I have already. As I continue to challenge myself to make my life more simplified as well as find ways to bless others I have made it my goal to remain accountable for the Creative Cash I bring in month to month. My family has faced many obstacles over the years, however, we are blessed and have a multitude of reasons to be grateful.
Explanation: The creative cash will be made throughout the entire calendar month through various endeavors. As Creative Cash arrives the money, gift cards, and other extras are entered into my Creative Cash worksheet. The cash, gift cards, and other items are stored in a specific Creative Cash folder or marked in the account as Creative Cash. At the end of the month the money will be split with part of it going towards the current financial goal my family is working on and the other part will be donated to someone or a group of people such as a charity. It is important for me to find ways to be a blessing to people outside of our immediate family.
In the past the donated amount has only gone to charity and was always 50% of whatever Creative Cash was made that month. After much thought and prayer I decided to change this part of my goal. I don’t want to limit myself to giving only 50% or only giving it to charity. There may be some months I feel led to give more than 50% and it may be to a specific cause, purpose, family, or charity. In order to keep me accountable I will be reporting my monthly total and who I will be sharing the Creative Cash with that month. If it is a specific family or cause I may or may not be able to give all the details due to the amount of privacy they may want, but I promise share any details I can.
Monthly Goal: It is my goal to make at least $100 extra Creative Cash a month to help with my family goals as well as share with others.
September was a wonderful month and I was able to accumulate more than anticipated! I will share with you the ways I did it so if you are looking for ways to make a little extra creative cash for your family hopefully it will be an inspiration in getting your creative juices flowing:
- $50.00 – Credit Card Bonus Rewards (if you are looking to earn interest both on your savings and checking accounts as well as rewards I recommend checking out Capital One 360)
- $116.68 – Google Ads payment
- $50.00 – Writing a review for a company
- $15.00 – Walmart Gift Card from SheSpeaks for sharing about the Febreze Fall Home Harvest Collection
September Creative Cash Total: $231.68
Current Family Goal: We are currently working to stay within our written budget and pay down debt (yes, exciting I know)! A couple months ago both our microwave and fridge bit the dust. Plus, we had some additional expenses and emergencies that have caused us to have a little extra debt that we would like to get paid off!
- $15 Walmart Gift Card is not cash nor could we pay down debt with it so we used it towards the vehicle maintenance budget. It was used to purchase oil change supplies for my car which came in handy this month after many miles of driving this summer. Thankful for a husband who can service the vehicles!
- $50 credit card bonus was put towards a debt we currently have on our credit card.
- Any remaining money that is not going to our Creative Cash Blessing Highlight that’s listed below will be applied towards paying down debt!
September Creative Cash Highlight: Our extra Creative Cash this month will be going to a very sweet family who is in the process of adopting a beautiful little girl named Annalise. We have known this family for many years and we are blessed to call these amazing people friends. As you may already know adoption can be a very long and expensive process. You can read more about their adoption story or give as they go through this awesome journey!
It was exciting to surge past the $100 goal!!! I know this will help us get a little closer to our goals as well as helps others along the way! A hundred dollars extra a month may not seem like a lot to some people, but every little bit helps! If I find that I am going over my goal every month (which would be awesome) I will make an adjustment. I have plan of action on ways to earn creative cash next month so stayed tuned, hopefully, it will be another great month of sharing. Each month I will do a variety activities to accomplish this goal, the items above are just the ones I did specifically this month. I look forward to sharing more of the things that work well for our family as I do them in the upcoming months.
I will share with you the challenges, successes, and updates as I go through this journey so you can keep me accountable or even go through it with me by participating and sharing your story. Taking the extra time to find ways to help my family as well as invest in the lives of others is important to me. I hope that I have been able to encourage you to find ways to come up with some creative cash for your household as well. Obviously, each situation and family is unique so decide what works for you and go for it! If you know of another way to earn creative cash I would love to hear it! Feel free to comment on how you earned creative cash this month or post a picture or link to what you did!
Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances. Life doesn’t always go as planned. We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given. Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life. A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others. There is so much more to life than having all the stuff! We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, wear clothes we find at garage sales, etc…however, if our family is taken care of and has love in our hearts for others we have more than all the riches in the world.
