Teaching Children To GIVE Back!

I have been giving a lot of  focus this year to making sure my family know the importance of giving and being a blessing to others. At least once a month, I let them pick an activity to do in the community that consist of giving back. This particular one was at St. James Church at a event they hold every weekend called "The Gathering", where they feed over 300 people. The boys prepared Blessing Bags that contained care items and snacks to give to out. It was so awesome to see them give and be happy to do it. They used their manners and were so polite. This is one we will definitely do again!

The Blessing Bags the boys put together.

On their way to pass out the bags at St. James Church.

My young men of God ready o serve!

One of the organizers of The Gathering!

The boys in action helping make care bags at the church.

Disconnect to Reconnect: Take the Pledge!

Our world is so fast-paced. Our days are literally gogogo. Work, school, church, basketball, grocery store, post office, doctor’s offices, and so on. Not to mention the electronics. You barely see more than people’s foreheads these days! People are entranced by their smartphones and tablets and video games! It would do everyone so much good to stop and really focus on one another.

One of our favorite ways to do this and one of our favorite things to do together as a family is to share a meal. It doesn't have to be fancy. It can be as simple as sitting at the kitchen table or a picnic at the park or at one of our favorite local restaurants.

It really isn't about where; it’s about who we’re with. It’s about disconnecting from the computer, iPhones, iPads…the crazy outside world and reconnecting with the people I love.

It’s during these meal times that I am able to hear about my family’s day. The Children tells us about what they learned at school. The fun things they played on the playground with their friends.

It’s honestly our daily exhale.

That’s why I love the Disconnect to Reconnect initiative, which is challenging families to take the pledge and put the electronics away during meal times and focus on one another for at least one meal per week. Disconnect to Reconnect!

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Free and Inexpensive Fun on a Budget

Free and inexpensive Fun on a Budget activities are easier to find than you think. The local newspaper will be your friend when you’re looking for things to enjoy.

In nearly every paper there are listings of upcoming community events and activities. Nearly every day there will be some kind of street festival, movie night, parade, or other free activities for the kids in your surrounding neighborhood. Take advantage of these events. Not only are they fun they can expand your exposure to different music and cultures. You can also pick up local magazines (especially kid centered ones) and do searches on Google, such as “Free Things to do in ____________________ (fill in your city)”.

One thing to remember: food at these types of events can be expensive so make sure to bring your own brown bag lunches, as long as it’s allowed.

And don’t forget picnics in local parks and walks along the beach to hunt for shells aren't advertised and are often forgotten forms of entertainment. So are quiet strolls around hiking trails or a day at a nature preserve or animal sanctuary.

All of these kinds of activities can be very rewarding for just about everyone in your family, and they can get you thinking about other activities you’d like to try. You could even wrap up your adventure by planning the next one.

Now you might live in a small or rural area, but don’t give up on finding fun things to do on a budget. You can camp out in your backyard or have a movie night where you rent some movies (or watch on Netflix) and make popcorn with some fancy new toppings. Plus, there are always family get-togethers, day-trips, board games, and other fun activities to keep you busy.

Truly, the most important thing is that you spend some time having fun with the people you love. It won’t matter how little money you spend, but the memories  and relationship building will be cherished your whole life.

$10 Date Night

It was a BEAUTIFUL day yesterday & it was also Date Night! On a $10 budget & some gas in the tank, we had a phenomenal, if not one of the best dates ever.
My husband & I toured some of the city's beautiful spots, enjoyed  a romantic picnic & cooled off with Ice Cream... 
We refused to complain about what we could not do & enjoy the things we could.

Looking Fabulous for the hubby as we head on our journey for the day:)

Walking on Lake Dr. Claiming our future home:)

One of the many Beautiful homes we saw. Talked to some of the homeowners & they were really friendly.

He was enjoying the beautiful view while I'm snapping pictures lol

Our footprints in the sand. He thought it was corny, I think it's cool:)

Couple doing yoga at the lake. I thought it was pretty cool.

The simple things in Life

Picnic in the Park

He loved my little creation

Our awesome lunch. It was so delicious!

Ist activity on our picnic was to write down 3 things we want our spouse to do that they are not or that we want them to do more of. Very interesting yet fun.

2nd activity was called Love Quest. We learned more about each other & had an awesome conversation.

Somebody didn't want to be in the picture

Who doesn't LOVE Ice Cream:)

Ended our outings at Klutch Park enjoying the waterfall. One of our favorite hideouts.