Travel & Vacation: Swimming with the Stingrays, Grand Cayman Island
Our family holding a stingray, what a neat experience! He was a slippery guy!
After arriving at Grand Cayman Island and exploring a little bit we had a relaxing boat ride out to the reef. My Mom found a really AWESOME tour where we went on a boat out to a reef and swam with STINGRAYS!!! We could see the stingrays in the water even before the boat had anchored.
Pretty much any time you were looking down you could see a stingray swimming by. The stingrays were HUGE, most were several feet wide. It was pretty common for them to swim right underneath you and take you feet out from under you or you would feel one brushing up against you as they swam by. It was a really neat experience! Brina was a little scared at first because they were so big but she did warm up to them and even touched them several times. Karlie absolutely loved it and would giggle whenever one came next to her. This is one of my favorite activities we did on the trip!
This guy took the feet right out from under me while swimming. Can you see his little eye? I think his looking right at me, probably wondering why I didn’t hand him some food! Our guide was hand feeding them while we were in the water swimming with them.
This one’s coming right at Karlie (you can see her reaching her hand out to pet it as it glides by)!
Two stingrays swimming side by side right in front of me. The girls were absolutely fascinated at how clear the water was in Grand Cayman! They loved being able to look down and see everything, including fish, stingrays, and even people!
Brina up close and petting one of the stingrays. Glad she got to touch it but most of the time she was more content staying a safer distance away from them.
Stingray! The stingrays were a dark gray on the top with white and speckled gray on the under sides. Beautiful creatures, so cool watching them glide gracefully through the water!
Silly Karlie girl! This picture was taken underneath the water and looking up at Karlie. She is holding her nose and breathing through the snorkel. She has a grand time swimming around looking at the fish and stingrays. We even saw a HUGE fish, several feet long but wasn’t able to snap a picture in time!
Large stingray swimming by
Little Sis had an absolute BLAST swimming with the stingrays! Karlie LOVED it and probably could have stayed in even longer if she could!
Another huge one swam right under me, they literally rub up against you and take your feet out from underneath you! Such a cool experience!
Travel & Vacation: Wish You Were Here at Grand Cayman Island
Jojo & our tour boat for the day! The boat was named “Big John” and it had “Wish you were here” written on the back!
Once on Grand Cayman Island our tour guide Mario took us out on his boat “Big John” to swim with the stingrays! It was a beautiful trip out to the reef. The water was pretty and we got to see a lot of neat houses along the Grand Cayman canal. There was even a dolphin swimming around the docks as we were loading up the boat. Of course, I didn’t get my camera out in time to get a picture but the kids super excited to see a dolphin swimming right beside us as we were heading out.
Beautiful and peaceful in the docks at Grand Cayman
Brina and Karlie ready for the boat ride out to the stingrays
Beautiful house along the canal going out to the ocean near Grand Cayman
Cute row of houses along the Grand Cayman Canal
Watching a sailboat as we head out to the reef
B & B hanging out together on the boat ride….wide blowing through their hair.
Passing another boat coming from the reef
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: Visiting Grand Cayman Island
Look Out Grand Cayman…..ready or not here we come!!! All 15 of us riding the ferry boat over to Grand Cayman Island!
Our first stop on the cruise was Grand Cayman Island! The kids were so excited to visit Grand Cayman and were really looking forward to exploring and swimming. Our ship did not dock on the island so we had to take a ferry boat over to the island. We arrived at Grand Cayman a little early so everyone had some time to shop, relax, and explore before we headed out on our tour.
Karlie and Brina are ready to go swimming!
Zach’s ready to go too! Relaxing on the boat ride over!
We made it to Grand Cayman Island! Where should we go first?
Hey Brina and Karlie, have you seen any pirates on the island yet? 🙂
Brina and Karlie hanging out on Grand Cayman Island! Their favorite store was the candy store! They had giant sized gummy teddy bears, a huge box of nerds, and more (we didn’t buy anything but it was cool to see some of the neat stuff they had in the store).
Hanging out with my favorite chickies!
Busy Grand Cayman street. Did you know that there are over 600 banks on the little Grand Cayman Island? Guess it is a popular place to have an “off-shore” bank account!
We found a great spot on a balcony to hang out for a few minutes together before going on the tour. You can see our ship from Grand Cayman Island, it is the one in the middle.
Dad and Jojo talking on the balcony. That huge boat on the left….yup that’s the one we went cruising on for a week!
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of February 6 – 12, 2013
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meat and Seafood
Boston Butt Roast – $1.49
Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs – $0.99 lb
Assorted Pork Chops – $1.89
Butterball Turkey Bacon or Bologna (6 – 12 oz) – $1.00
Carolina Ground Turkey (12 oz) – $1.00
Gwaltney Rolled Pork Sausage (12 oz) – $1.00
Hormel Sandwich Sliced Pepperoni or Hard Salami (3.5 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 1/20 Smart Source (Expires 3/18/13)
$0.50 each after couponHillshire Farms Smoked Sausage (12 oz) – $1.99
Use $0.55/1 coupon from insert 1/13 Red Plum (Expires 2/28/13)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 1/13 Red Plum (Expires 2/28/13)
As low as $1.44 each after couponSchooner Tilapia Fillets (32 oz) – $5.99
Oscar Mayers Wieners (16 oz) – $1.49
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 2/12 Smart Source (Expires 2/27/13)
$0.99 each after coupon*Pick 5 for $19.99 promotion on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more.
Fridge and Freezer
Pillsbury Grand Biscuit, Buttermilk or Flaky (16.3 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.40/3 coupon from insert 11/18 Smart Source (Expires 2/9/13)
Use $0.40/3 coupon from insert 12/2 Smart Source (Expires 2/23/13)
Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 12/2 Smart Source (Expires 3/2/13)
Use $0.40/3 coupon from insert 1/6 Smart Source (Expires 3/30/13)
As low as $0.85 each after couponTotino’s Pizza Rolls, Assorted Varieties (7.5 oz) – $1.00
Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza, Assorted Varieties (7 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 1/6 Smart Source (Expires 2/28/13)
$0.67 each after couponBanquet Dinners, Assorted Varieties (4 – 9 oz) – $1.00
Fairgrounds Corn Dogs (24 oz) – $2.99
Mantia’s Pizza, Assorted Varieties (20 – 21 oz) – $1.99
Signature Pick 5 Shrimp Poppers (24 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Redi-Serve Chicken Patties (35 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Signature Pick 5 Pizzas (26 – 28 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Redi-Serve Char-Broiled Rib Patties (26 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Signature Pick 5 Onion Rings (2 pounds) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Redi-Serve Chicken Nibblers (30 – 36 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Redi-Serve Chicken Strips (36 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Signature Pick 5 Sausage Biscuits (12 count) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Produce
Dole Iceberg Head Lettuce – $1.00
Yellow or Red Peppers – $1.00
Jumbo Grapefruit or Oranges – $1.00
Grape Tomatoes (1 pint) – $1.00
Red or Green Grapes – $1.49 lb
Russet Potatoes (15 pounds) – $3.99
Grocery
Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper Dinners, Assorted Varieties (5 – 8 oz) – $1.00
Save A Lot Today Soda (12 pack – 12 oz cans) – $2.89
Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta, Assorted Varieties (14 – 15 oz) – $1.00
Hunt’s Manwich Sloppy Joes Sauce (15 oz) – $1.00
Bugles, Assorted Varieties (6 – 7 oz) – $1.00
Progresso Vegetable Classic Soups, Assorted Varieties (19 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 1/6 Smart Source 2 (Expires 3/2/13)
Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 1/20 Smart Source (Expires 3/16/13)
$0.75 each after couponBetty Crocker Flavored Mashed Potatoes, Assorted Varieties (4 – 6 oz) – $1.00
Libby’s Country Sausage Gravy (15 oz) – $1.00
Hunt’s Ketchup (24 oz) – $1.00
Crystal 2.0 Purified Drinking Water (24 pack, 16.9 oz each) – $2.99
J. Higgs Potato Chips, Assorted Varieties (10 oz) – $1.69
Hills Bros High Yield Coffee (33 oz) – $5.99
Kellogg’s Cereal, Frosted Flakes, Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks, or Corn Pops (17 – 19 oz) – $2.99
Kraft Velveeta (32 oz) – $5.49
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends. For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list. Please make sure to check with your local Save A Lot store, the ads do vary per region.
Water Bottle Treats
The girls love it when I put something special in their lunches! One of their favorite surprises in their lunch box is when I make a water bottle container full goodies. The one pictured above was done on their last day of school last year as a way to celebrate the special day with them. Since they were in the same class last year I just sent one to share. This one is full of chocolate and vanilla oreos, but you could put anything in the water bottle container (fruit, veggies, crackers, etc…). I was super excited to hear they ended up sharing the cookies with their friends sitting next to them at lunch! 🙂
It is super easy to do and the kids will love it! Take two empty water bottles and cut the bottles in half (I pinched the bottle together and used scissors to cut the bottle in half). Wash out the bottles and make sure they are dry before filling with the treat. After putting the food into both halves of the bottle, push the two bottles together, and place a piece of decorative tape around the middle to hold the two bottles together. Write a note to your little one, put a hole punch in the middle, and tie it on with a ribbon. Stick it in their lunch box and wait to hear how excited they were when they opened up their lunch box!
Life Simplified: No Grocery Shopping (Week 5)
Our family finished week 5 of our no grocery shopping goal. Every new year we set goals, challenge ourselves to reach new heights, and to focus on what’s really important in life. I have made it a goal to simplify my life more by enjoying the blessings and not wasting what God has given me. One of the ways I did this was by going through several No Grocery Shopping weeks, picking up only necessities while trying to use the items we already had in our fridge, freezer, and pantry.
When I did it this 2011 it was my intention to go 1 month, but I made it 8 weeks (with only a few hiccups). It is my plan to do this again with the hope of making it at least through the month of January. I will be sharing with you the successes and challenges on those specific areas in my life as I go through them.
Life Simplified Goal:
- No Grocery Shopping (except for necessities) in the month of January.
Explanation of the Goal: My goal during the month of January is to not shop for groceries other than necessities (milk, eggs, bread). Our freezer is full of meat, produce from our garden this summer, fruit, and other great items. Our pantry is also overflowing with all the great deals that we have picked up over the past few months. One of the reason for the goal is that I want to use the items I have and not waste them. Stockpiling is wonderful but there may come a point when we need to eat through that stockpile before it expires, save the extra money to work on a financial goal, and be creative with what we have at home. I have been thinking about this challenge for several weeks over the Holidays. Over the past few months (including our experience traveling to India) it has really hit me that we have been really blessed yet there are children and families that content with a lot less. Menu planning may take a little extra creative thinking on my part but I think I can do it. If I do purchase something it needs to meet one of the following criteria:
- FREE – I don’t want to waste free grocery coupons that my family will use while doing this goal
- Necessity – Milk, Eggs, Bread, etc…
- For Someone Else outside of my household. For example I make meals for new Moms in our church and if I need to pick up an item for them on the way to deliver a meal that will be an exception.
What Happened this week?
I finished the fifth week of this goal! I have to admit this was the easiest week so far! 🙂 It was a great week for us and I didn’t have to purchase anything for groceries this week mainly because our family was away on vacation with extended family. The best part is I didn’t have to cook or clean for a whole week while cruising with my family……it was AWESOME! So thankful for an opportunity to spend some extra time creating memories with family. The freezer and pantry are starting to show dents in them, but I am planning on continuing this goal at least for the next couple weeks of February.
It takes a little more time and focus to come up with a menu but everyone seems to be doing pretty well. The real challenge will come at the end of the month when we are getting low in the pantry and when we host guests!
I will share with you the challenges, successes and what I had to purchase so you can keep me accountable or even go through the journey with me by participating and sharing your story. I would love to extend this goal into February if I can make our pantry stretch!
Life Simplified is a series on getting rid of the extras in our life while learning how to enjoy what God has given us so we can continue to be a blessing to others. Our homes can quickly start are bursting with “stuff” and if you are like us we just have too much. I am doing a series on ways we are learning to simplifying our food, homes, and lives. When our hearts, lives, and homes get too cluttered we may start missing out on opportunities to serve and bless the people around us.
Born for This (Esther) by Mandisa
Feels like I’ve been holding my breath, trying to still my restless heart
Everything hangs on my next step, finding my nerve, playing my part
I found shelter underneath His crown, found favor inside His eyes
Rock this boat, and I just might drown, honesty seems to come with a price
There’s a time to hold your tongue, time to keep your head down
There’s a time but it’s not nowSometimes you gotta go, uninvited
Sometimes you gotta speak when you don’t have the floor
Sometimes you gotta move, when everybody else says you should stay
No way, no, not today
You gotta ask, if you want an answer
Sometimes you gotta stand apart from the crowd
Long before your heart could run the risk
You were born for this
You were born for thisI’m leaning on the ones before me, my father’s father’s dreams
I’m standing on the top of their shoulders calling the One delivering me
There’s a time to hold your tongue, time to keep your head down
There’s a time but it’s not nowOne step, one move.
Born to trust You.
Made to lay my
Life before YouWhat’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
Honestly, one of the best perks about going on a cruise vacation is that Mommy gets a break from cooking and cleaning which allows for some extra time relaxing and playing with the family. Last week we enjoyed delicious food on Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas as well as a lot of fun adventures with our extended family. Now that I am back from vacation and full swing into our normal schedule its time to plan our weekly menu again. This week will consists of easy meals because I have a lot of unpacking, laundry, cleaning, work, and other activities to do. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Beef & Bean Chili, Cornbread
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Kid’s Choice Pizza, Fresh Vegetables
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken Noodle & Vegetable Soup, Fresh Fruit
- Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree): Poor Man’s Pasta, Steamed Vegetables
- 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 seafood 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
Our family had a BLAST last week with extended family! We went on a cruise with Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas. We started at Fort Lauderdale, Florida and went to Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Haiti. It was an amazing week full of awesome memories. The kids were really wanting to keep on cruising…..somehow the appeal of chores and schools didn’t sound like as much fun!
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Read On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder to the girls – still reading it to the girls
- Read the first book of the Imagination Station set Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker to the girls – decided to read a Flat Stanley book first
Spend quality time with my family and extended family– spent a lot of time with family and extended family on the cruise! YAY!
Take extra pictures so we can remember our time togetherPlan a special activityPlay at least one game
Personal Goals
Exercise at least 5 days this week- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t keep track of how much I was drinking with all the activities
- Continue reading my YouVersion plan(s) – I did not have phone access while on the boat so catching up this week
- Finish reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp – got some reading done on the plane, but still not completed (stayed pretty busy with the family and kids)
- Finish reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan – got through more of the book
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – was on a cruise so there was more laundry (swimsuits, formals, summer clothes, etc…) so it took more than one day since I was not able to start until the weekend
- Pay all upcoming bills – a weeks worth of mail was delivered on Saturday so have everything ready to be paid this week
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
For my January Grocery Budget I am replacing my typical Groceries $40 for 4 with my Life Simplified: No Grocery Shopping in order to use up some extra items in my fridge, freezer, and pantry.– this week was easy since we weren’t home- Payoff the Van – working on it
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses – was on hold this past week
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder to the girls
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Unpack & put everything away from the Cruise Vacation
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Start with my new YouVersion plan(s)
- Finish reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
- Finish reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan- going through this book with a group of friends
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- For my January Grocery Budget I am replacing my typical Groceries $40 for 4 with my Life Simplified: No Grocery Shopping in order to use up some extra items in my fridge, freezer, and pantry.
- Payoff the Van
- Pay medical bills in full
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.
Hugs Were Invented…
