• Organized Chaos: Kid’s Closets

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     What a mess!

    We live in a home with imperfect people.  Life has a way of getting messy.  Over time the busy messiness of life over spills into other areas such as our closets.  It happens to all of us, including our kids.

    On this particular day when I opened the closet I noticed several things out of place – clothes out of their specific baskets, shoes not lined up, headbands askew, and the hair accessories organizer not even hung up, hang up clothes in the wrong spots, crafts all out of sorts, and more disorganization.

    Thankfully with the system we have in place it usually doesn’t take too long to get everything back in shape and looking good again.  The kids are not always “excited” about cleaning out their closets, but they do enjoy it once it is done.  It does look much better to Momma too!

    Here are some closet organizational systems we already have in place that make the closet clean up easier:

    Once all the items listed above are checked, organized, and put back into their proper places there is only one thing left to do.  Make sure all the hanging clothes are properly on the hangers and put them in their correct places.  For our family we switch out cold and hot weather clothes depending on the season.  In South Carolina we typically have a longer warm season then some other places so we are a little heavier on the short sleeve shirts and tank tops than on the heavier winter long sleeves and sweaters.

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     I used a picture from the colder season (the long sleeves show the different sections better than pictures with tank tops).  As you can see her long sleeves / vests are on the left side of her closet with her short sleeve shirts in the middle and her dresses on the right side.  In the summer her tank tops would be on the left where her long sleeve shirts / vests are located in this picture.  We do pull out the kids winter dresses and replace them with summer dresses as well.

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     Looks so much better with everything put away and organized nicely!

  • Song: Overwhelmed by Big Daddy Weave

    If we stop and think about all that He has created it truly is amazing.  He created us and the world around us.  It is wonderful knowing that we serve a God who has the power to create so many awesome things that we get to interact with every day.  Take time to today to thank Him for this wonderful world we live in.

    I see the work of Your Hands
    Galaxies spin in a Heavenly dance oh God
    All that You are is so overwhelming

    I hear the sound of Your Voice
    All at once it’s a gentle and thundering noise oh God
    All that You are is so overwhelming
    I delight myself in You
    Captivated by Your beauty
    I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

    God, I run into Your arms
    Unashamed because of mercy
    I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

    I know the power of Your Cross
    Forgiven and free forever You’ll be my God

    All that You’ve done is so overwhelming
    I delight myself in You
    In the Glory of Your Presence
    I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

    You are Beautiful, You are Wonderful, You are Glorious

     

  • Travel & Vacation: Look Out the Car Window (Charleston, SC)

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     Through the leaves in the blue sky and you’ll see a plane coming into Charleston

    Whether you are flying into Charleston, SC or driving there is always plenty to see.  Our family always sees something new or different every time we go to Charleston.  There are a lot of learning and teaching opportunities if you just look out your car window while going down the roads.  Sometimes we take the little stuff for granted.  When the kids see something they will often ask about it.

    I did not grow up near the ocean or port so I learned about more of these things later in life.  The first time I saw the ocean was when I got engaged to my sweetheart.  Yes, that’s what happens when you grow up in Kansas (the middle of the 48 states) and about as far away from the ocean as you can get.

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    Some really nice private boats are docked in one of the inlets nearby

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     We usually see this factory when driving to and from Charleston.  You can tell when they are doing certain things because there will be a faint “wet paper” odor in the air.  Usually that smell will be coming from KapStone Kraft Paper Corporation in North Charleston.  It’s not a bad smell just unique which peaks the curiosity of the kids riding in the car with you.

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     The kids are always on the lookout for the cargo containers being moved around.  If you time it just right you can see the huge crane picking up cargo containers and loading (or unloading) them from the ships.  They think it is neat to watch.

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    One of the cargo ships coming as we cross over the bridge.

    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!

  • Recipes: Cheesy Bacon Potatoes Bites

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    Cheesy Bacon Potato Bites

    I try to keep potatoes on hand for a variety of family recipes.  It is fun to try out some new recipes with the potatoes too.  The Cheesy Bacon Potato Bites is one we tried a few months ago and our family liked it so much we have added several variations to this recipe.  If we need to use up some potatoes or a simple side dish this is a good one for family meals.

    Part of this recipe is with regular dairy cheese and the another part using soy cheese (dairy free cheese).  If you have someone in your family that has a dairy allergy you could use this recipe to do the whole pan dairy free or part of it like we did for our family (depending on the intensity of the dairy reaction).  It is a simple recipe that you can alter to suit your family.

    Cheesy Baked Potatoes:

    • 4 Potatoes (we used red potatoes this time)
    • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
    • 1 tablespoon Garlic Salt (we like Lawry’s)
    • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
    • 1 cup Shredded Cheese (we used Colby Jack and the orange cheese the right of the picture is actually Soy Cheese)
    • 1/4 cup of Bacon Bits

    1.  Rinse the potatoes.

    2.  Slice the potatoes into 1/2 inch slices.

    3.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

    4.  Spray the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.

    5.  Place the potatoes in a single layer in your 9×13 dish.  Brush each potato with olive oil.

    6.  Sprinkle the tops of the potatoes with garlic salt and black pepper.  Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.

    7.  Pull the potatoes out of the oven.  Add the cheese and bacon to the tops of the potatoes.  Bake for an additional 5 minutes.

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    Potatoes sliced, oiled, seasoned, and ready to go into the oven

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     Potatoes after being baked for 25 minutes.  Time to add the toppings – cheese & bacon!

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     Cheese has been added and already melting because the potatoes are so hot!  Next comes a layer of bacon, five more minutes in the oven, and it’s ready!  As you can see from the picture you could make this a “dairy free” recipe if you use dairy free cheese such as soy.

  • Flashback Friday: Happy July 4th

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     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.

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     Brina, Riley, and Karlie all coordinated for the July 4th Holiday!

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    So many reasons to celebrate this July 4th!

  • Organized Chaos: Kids Crafts & Activities

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     Kids crafts

    Our kids love doing a variety of crafts and fun activities.  Anything from artwork to bead work to pottery and so much more!   A lot of times for their birthdays or Christmas they will get some neat crafts and activities gifts to do.

    We wanted to find a convenient place to store them until they had time to do the craft. Originally, we had all the craft items stored together in one general location, but not in their room(s).  As the girls got older we had to start putting names on the boxes or items so each one knew which ones were theirs when they went looking for a craft to do.  Since they are twins it is important as parents to make sure that each child has some items that are specifically for them. We felt like this was something easy to do regarding their crafts and it has worked out well for our family.

    Once the kids moved into their own rooms we decided to put their individual crafts on one of their higher shelves in their closets.  Each kid has their own individual craft or activity shelf so they can pick out their specific item whenever they want to do a craft.  Some of the crafts on their shelves are the same while some are completely different.  They can easily get a chair or step stool when they want to pick out a craft to do, but with the crafts being on a higher shelf it isn’t as accessible so when we have younger kids visiting the crafts stay in place and don’t get all spread out.

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     Crafts lined up, visible, and ready to be used.

  • Song: Multiplied by Need To Breathe

    To have a love that is described “like radiant diamonds” is amazing.  He loves us so very much.  He is worthy of our love and worship.

    Your love is like radiant diamonds
    Bursting inside us we cannot contain
    Your love will surely come find us
    Like blazing wild fires singing Your name

    God of mercy sweet love of mine
    I have surrendered to Your design
    May this offering stretch across the skies
    And these Halleluiahs be multiplied

  • Travel & Vacation: Noisy Oyster Seafood Restaurant (Charleston, SC)

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    Noisy Oyster Restaurant

    When we are traveling to various places we enjoy trying out a couple of the local restaurants.  We’ve been to Charleston several times and have found some ones that we really like.  Since Charleston is so close to the Atlantic Ocean we like to try different seafood places occasionally when we are in the area.  Our family has eaten at both of the Noisy Oyster locations, one in North Charleston and the other one in Downtown Charleston.

    Both Noisy Oyster restaurants have great food and a unique atmosphere that is fun for the whole family.  The one in Downtown Charleston is right along Market St and it has open windows so you can enjoy your dinner while watching the various activities going on downtown.  It is pretty common to see horse drawn carriages or pedicabs (or bike taxi) during your meal.  After you eat you can take a stroll through the Charleston’s City Market or browse through one of the many neat shops nearby to find a unique souvenir.

    The Noisy Oyster in North Charleston has a different setting, but still great food.  It is in a little quieter part of town and doesn’t have the open windows.  It looks more like a traditional seafood restaurant.  If you want to relax or stretch your legs after dinner you can go to Barnes & Noble or the local mall nearby.

    If you are looking for a good family restaurant that serves seafood in the Charleston area you should check out Noisy Oyster.  We have always enjoyed the food and atmosphere.    Sometimes its fun to try something new when you are on vacation!

    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

    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!