Travel & Vacation: Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center (Anchorage, Alaska)
Our family recently had the opportunity to travel to Alaska for our family vacation. We arrived in Anchorage in the middle of the night, slept a couple hours before getting up and heading out to explore Anchorage. One of the first stops we made was the Anchorage Museum at Ramuson Center, 625 C. Street, Anchorage, AK. The hotel driver dropped us off right outside the entrance of the museum.
The kids loved the opportunity to learn about Alaska – fFrom displays with the culture, life styles, people, and history of Alaska. The kids loved exploring the neat science and technology exhibits as well as watching the animal presentation! They had really cool boulder chairs and places for parents or grandparents to sit and relax in the common area which seemed popular for the adults! The kids loved it and it was entertaining for us as parents too.
If you have some extra time while in Anchorage and you’re traveling with your family you should check it out. If you want you can use a free locker to put your travel items in while going through the museum. Also, it is part of the Science Center Association so if you are a member of your local Science Center check to see if they are part of the Association and you will get into this museum for free! 🙂
We had a blast at this museum! They were not into the “art” gallery as much as the history, science and more kid focused rooms. They had a lot of neat history and culture regarding Alaska. It’s a great place to visit if you have kids and some time while in Anchorage, Alaska!
Karlie giggling as she tries to sneak up on me with her pillow boulder!
That’s a big pebble Brina!!!
Goof ball Karlie!
Brina and Jake checking out what will happen if an earthquake hits near a house….
Brina and Jake in the bubble ring
Now that’s a pretty shoe for you to wear! Brina loved it! Karlie said it didn’t look comfortable at all! It’s beautiful, but not sure I could stay upright in them.
Designer Paula Rasmus-Dede, Not Your Mama’s Mary Janes, 2003 (consists of glass beads, patent leather, and different colors of wire)
“I made this peice because I like Mary Janes. My grandmother made me wear orthopedic shoes when I was a child. I wasn’t allowed to wear black patent leather Mary Janes like all the popular schoolgirls. When I started making shoes I decided to make my own Mary Janes” – Paula Rasmus-Dede
I think Paula’s shoes may be a little bit fancier than just the average Mary Jane.
Brina and Karlie lifting Jake up. Testing the different types of pulleys
Karlie and Jake in a giant bubble!
There’s a bear behind you!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. 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!
Work & Family Event at Lake Keowee
This past weekend we had the opportunity to enjoy a Lake event with Bridgette’s co-workers at Lake Keowee! We had a blast! A huge thanks to Jeff and Sonya for their hospitality. They graciously shared their home, boat, kayaks, paddle board, life jackets, floats, and many other fun items with everyone. The girls had a grand time kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, and splashing around off the dock!
Thankful for an opportunity to relax and have fun with people at work. It was a great opportunity for Jake and the girls to meet some of the people I work alongside day to day. The weather was gorgeous, food was delicious, and the company was great too. Grateful for a chance to hang out at the Lake for a day – perfect way to spend a Saturday! The kids slept well that night after a fun day at the Lake Keowee with their friends!!!
The kids had a blast at Lake Keowee
Karlie enjoying the paddle board
Karlie and friends going for a ride on the tube!
Their expressions crack me up!
Go Faster!!!
Brina and friends going for a spin on the tube!
Cruising along!
Look out for that wake!
Karlie ready to get back in the water!
Beautiful day and gorgeous view of the lake from the house
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
I have to admit some days were just exhausting this week. Thankful for a family that loves me even when I am wiped out and pitches in when/where they can. The girls are doing well in school. Jake and I were able to get away for a little bit together and we had fun at a work event this weekend too. There was a lot of good blessings that surprised me this week, but thankful for them all the same.
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 that Jake drove the girls into school so I could leave for work and get my day started.
Tuesday – Thankful that the Hot Water Heater is NOW FIXED!!! After 2 weeks without a hot water heater you really do appreciate it! 🙂 I am grateful that it was the hot season when it decided to break down. The part was recalled so we had to wait for the company to order it before it could be repaired.
Wednesday – Thankful that for an opportunity to use my work skills and be part of a great team of professionals. Not everyday is perfect, but we are able to get a lot accomplished during our time at work and are continually learning from each other.
Thursday – Thankful for a chance to meet a friend and catch up over lunch!
Friday – Thankful that the girls had a fun game night with their church youth group and I got to go on a spontaneous DATE NIGHT with my Handsome Man!!!!!! 🙂 Love spending time with him!
Saturday – Thankful for a chance to hang out with my family and co-workers at the lake. Grateful to Jeff and his family for their gracious hosting of the whole group at their beautiful place!
Sunday – Thankful for some relaxing time with my family before we hit the super busy week ahead. It was good to recharge and hang out together!
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.
Date Night with My Man
The girls had a church Youth Group event on Friday night so Jake and I were able to get away for a couple hours together. LOVE spending time with Jake. Always enjoy a date night when we can relax, talk as a couple, laugh, and catch up with each other for a little bit.
I dropped off the girls at church and met Jake at Los Amigos restaurant in Powdersville. He already had a table saved for us! When I arrived I found a beautiful rose laying on the table waiting for me! Love his thoughtfulness and the way he makes me feel appreciated.
We had an enjoyable dinner, other than we probably ate too much, ha! We didn’t have a whole lot of time after dinner before we had to pick the girls up from the church event so we headed over to Walmart to pick up a couple of items that we needed and to stretch our legs after a big dinner.
We picked up the girls and headed home. Once the kids were showered and tucked into bed we headed back downstairs for an at home movie night together. It was wonderful spending the evening with my Handsome Man! Always enjoy these moments together even when they are more spontaneous. It has been very busy lately so it is nice to be intentional and carve out time when we can relax together as a couple.
I love you Jacob Wesley Hayes! Thanks for everything you do for me!!! You’re the best!!! XOXO
Love my beautiful rose! Thanks Handsome!
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
We are starting to establish more of a school and work routine. I would be lying if I said everything has gone completely smoothly, ha! A couple of nights this past week after a full day at work, picking up the kids so we can do homework, dinner, get everyone settled into bed, I was exhausted and ready to go to bed as well. Typically, I am good staying up late and love getting up early, but with the transition I have had to go to bed around 9 or 10 at night (for those who know me that is early)!
Thankfully we are getting settled into the routine. I think this week will be easier now. This week I have some special events going on and I need to utilize the items in my pantry. Trying to keep it healthy, yet simple since several nights we are tighter on time. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Beef, Tomato and Noodle Soup, French Bread
- Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree): Baja Fish Tacos, Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Sweet & Spicy Teriyaki Chicken, Steamed Rice
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): BLT Sandwiches, Pasta Salad
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
We are off to a great start of the school year! Now if only I can get fully caught up on all the fun projects I have going on at home. Thankful for an opportunity to work, but always enjoy some time to refocus, spend time with family & friends, run errands, and tackle projects around the house. There is always more to do then time allows, but I am super excited about some of the fun stuff in store the remainder of the 2016 year!!!
In case you haven’t already noticed I am a goal oriented, list driven, and more of a type A personality. I LOVE learning new things, but also enjoy the comfort of the normal everyday treasures in each day as well. When I take a moment to soak in what is around me I remember that I take too much for granted and that I am blessed beyond measure (which I don’t deserve).
The time I have with my family is a priority to me. I absolutely LOVE hanging out with my husband, the girls are growing up way too fast and it is always a joy sharing a special moment with them, it is refreshing to catch up with a dear friend, and mentally stimulating to balance a work, school, family, life, and everything else schedule….. I get more wrong then I get right, but thankfully I have a forgiving and gracious Heavenly Father and people who are not afraid to speak truth into my life.
One of my big goals this week is to start sharing with you a “taste” of the adventures our family enjoyed over the summer break. We were able to catch up with people we love and experience some amazing memories together. As I gear up for another busy week I am trying to not over committed myself, but want to stay on track. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Pick out a new Chapter book to read to the girls and start reading it– It is one I got as a girl when I was in 6th grade and read many times (the girls think it is awesome that I am reading a book to them that I received when I was their age). They love their reading time and I hope to more time reading with them this week!
Read 7 more Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids.All of Alan Zull’s “Bad Pets” short stories books have been a big hit with our kids!- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids. – working through them
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids. – continuing to learn along with the girls on this one too!
Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night. – love this one-on-one quiet time with each girl…the only problem this week I was so relaxed talking with that a couple of times I fell asleep at the foot of their beds as I was chatting and either they or Jake had to wake me up, ha! Obviously, I was relaxing a little too much!Plan one special activity with the family– we have planned some super fun day or weekend activities this fall (I can’t share yet….they sometimes read my blog…..shhh…..)Play a Game with the KidsCreate Memories with the FamilySpend Quality time with each family memberDo a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week
Kid Goals
Do Homework Monday – FridayPack Lunches and Prep for the next daySpend one-on-one time with kids each day
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water- Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day) – wasn’t the best week I have had….
Do Yoga at least 5 times this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- Give Skipper a bath this week – will need to do it next week, other outside items took priority
Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night
Business Goals
Update Work Notes- Get caught up on blog posts – hoping to gain more momentum this week!!!
- Work on a few special projects – got a couple gearing up….
Ministry Goals
Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friendCounting my blessings journal
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor – really need to buckle down and get this on our schedule soon
- Get our finances and budget back on track – doing better now that we are in a more set routine
- Pay down debt we owe – made extra payments again this week
- Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home) – better, but not within our target range
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read the book Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry (I had this book, an 1954 version, when I was in 6th grade and it takes place near White River Junction, Vermont near where Jake’s grandparents and Mom live so the girls know the area fairly well)
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
- Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Create Memories with the Family
- Spend Quality time with each family member
- Do a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week
Kid Goals
- Do Homework Monday – Friday
- Pack Lunches and Prep for the next day
- Spend one-on-one time with kids each day
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water
- Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day)
- Do Yoga at least 5 times this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- Household Cleaning / Organization – Pantry de-cluttered and organized
- Plan out the Menu for the Week
- Give Skipper a bath this week
- Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night
Business Goals
- Update Work Notes
- Get caught up on blog posts
- Work on a few special projects
- Update my LinkedIn Profile
- Research a couple of items in regards to the blog
- Confirm the tasks my plate as I transition to a new team
Ministry Goals
- Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
- Counting my blessings journal
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor
- Get our finances and budget back on track
- Pay down debt we owe
- Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home)
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
Sometimes You Will Never Know …
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
It was a crazy fun week as we spent fun time with friends visiting from Maine, the girls starting Middle School, and adjusting to the new work schedule. Thankful for the amazing blessings in my life. You don’t have to look very far or hard to find something to be grateful for in your life. It can be a simple smile from a stranger to sharing laughter with a friend or spending quality time with someone you love.
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 day off work and spend the morning with our friends from Maine. In the afternoon I was able to hang out with the girls and have fun on their last day of summer.
Tuesday – Thankful that Jake went with me to take the girls to their first day of Middle School. Glad that their first day went smoothly for them.
Wednesday – Thankful that when Jake travels he takes the time to talk with me and catch up. It’s not the same as having him at home, but it is always great hearing his voice and chatting about our days.
Thursday – Thankful picked up the girls right when school got out and went “clothes” shopping for new school shorts. Grateful they are growing, but it doesn’t take long for them to grown out of their shorts.
Friday – Thankful for safety as we traveled, it was rainy and was slowed down multiple times by car accidents, but everyone arrived back home safely.
Saturday – Thankful for a quiet and productive day at home and around town with the family (first Saturday in a long time that we were not traveling or running around with a lot of activities going on).
Sunday – Thankful for a husband who enjoys and is a great cook. Love it when he pitches in around the kitchen and house. I am one spoiled chick with him around.
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.
Tuna & Spinach Salad Made with Love
A few days ago Karlie was in charge of making the family meal. She made a super delicious meal. For my meal she put together a Tuna, Spinach & Tomato Salad. When I sat down for dinner this beauty greeted me.
I love how she displayed the tomatoes around the edges of the salad and the 1 spinach leaf on the top of the tuna fish salad mix she put together on her own. It was amazing! Thankful for a thoughtful and sweet kid who made a delicious and healthy meal.
She made tuna fish sandwiches for the rest of the family, which based on their reactions turned out really tasty as well. Thanks Karlie for a great meal! Love you kiddos!
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
It has been a whirlwind of activities around our house this past week with getting back from Alaska, work, transitioning the kids to a new school, friends visiting, and a large amount of other fun activities going on. Thankful to be back home again and getting started on a more consistently (and somewhat) normal school again.
Since this week we have a mix of activities on the agenda including school and work we’ll make it simple and easy. I based our menu off some items that we need to use up from our pantry. Hopefully once we get into our new regular routine I will be able to catch up on more long term projects around the house and yard again. Our menu is going to be simple and easy. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Beef Pasta Casserole, Steamed Vegetables
- Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree): Homemade Individual Pizzas, Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken Vindaloo, Homemade Naan Bread
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Pork & Vegetable Stir Fry, Udon Noodles
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
