Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Our Deck Renovation

Since my hand is out of commission and I don't enjoy the chicken pecking, I figured I would post a picture gallery of the before and after of our latest deck renovation project.

The deck was one of the selling features in our home but definitely needed a face lift. Some of the top boards were rotted and ready to put a foot through. We started by replacing those boards and were relieved to find a perfectly nice deck foundation.

I do have a funny story about when we power washed our deck, both a flood and a fire in one day! I will leave that for next time:)

 This was a weekend in itself!
 Sand off the peeling paint.
 Switched out our flood lights for these babies! The motion sensor was so off and would drive me nuts. Yes, it lacks a bit of security but I'm not a fan of flood lights.

 Two coats of a chocolate solid stain and a pinto white solid stain.
It took us a total of 3 weekends... including the weekend of flood and fire, which was kind of a wash.

What do ya think?

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My Hand Is Out Sick

My hand recently locked up over the weekend and has made it impossible to type. I have limited function. Hope to get better soon!

Monday, April 14, 2014

Magical Mondays: Disney Resort Review


Magical Mondays

Being an avid Disney vacationer, a former Disney College Program Cast Member and graduate, and daughter to vacation club members.... We travel to Disney World.... A LOT!

I've been blessed to have experienced such amazing resorts in our travels to the vacation spot that is practically a city in itself.

For countdown to our next Disney Vacation this September 2014, I thought I start my very first series to celebrate one of my favorite places in the world.

Resorts that I have experienced in the Walt Disney World Resort

  • Coronado Springs
  • Old Key West
  • Saratoga Springs
  • Port Orleans
  • All Stars Resorts
  • The Beach Club
  • Board Walk
  • Animal Kingdom

I feel like I'm missing some, seeing as how the number of Resorts Disney offers seems endless! Keep in mind, the Villas at each resort is only available to DVC (Disney Vacation Club) Members.

My favorite stays would have to be....
  • Saratoga Springs Tree House Villas
  • Animal Kingdom Kadani Villas
  • The Beach Club Villas.


Today I would like share the experience of the...
Disney's Beach Club Resort

Location
Epcot's backyard!

The Beach Club Resort is located in a prime area around the Crescent Lake. Within this resort area there is a short walk around the lake to the Board Walk Resort, The Yacht Club, and The Swan and Dolphin. It's also a short walk to the back entrance to Epcot where you will enter right in the heart of the World Showcase. This would be ideal if you just wanted to bop on by one of the amazing restaurants for an evening meal. There is also a short boat trip that will take you to Hollywood Studios! This location is my absolute favorite and offers many entertaining options outside of the Resort.
  • Walk to Boardwalk & Jellyrolls
  • Walk to Epcot's backdoor
  • Boat ride to Hollywood Studios
  • Crescent Lake-water activities

The Pools
Sandy Beach Pool!

One of the best things about this resort is the pool!! Stormalong Bay is a playground of water activities for both child and adult. It is the only pool that offers a sandy beach where young children can hang out and build sandcastles. My girls enjoyed this pool so much and still talk about it to this day.

Picture found here

  • Sandy Beach
  • Life-size ship wreck water slide
  • Lazy River
  • 3 hot tub spas
Sandy beach @ Stormalong Bay pool

The Digs
Character Breakfast Buffet to die for!

Character breakfast anyone? Instead of having to travel to find one of these Disney vacation musts, you can have the option of walking to one in your own Resort!! Cape May Cafe is a fantastic restaurant that offers the Famous Character Breakfast buffet with options for any picky eater, including the Mickey Waffles! You will want to make advanced reservations for this one.

  • Cape May Cafe
  • Hurricane Hanna's Bar and Grill
  • Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
  • Martha's Vineyard
  • Endless supply of dining options through Epcot and the other resorts and restaurants located on Crescent Lake.
Cape May Character Breakfast Buffet!


The Room
We had the luxury of experiencing the one bedroom villa suite with a garden view. The Villa's are offered to the Vacation Club members and they are fantastic. The whirlpool tub and bathroom were huge and the villa resembled that of a beach home. The general area included a couch with a sitting area and TV, a dining area with a full kitchen. A full kitchen is great if you are staying a couple days and don't want to spend all of your money vacation money on food. You can have a service deliver groceries and stock up on late night snacks and easy meals.

What to do!
The Beach Club is packed with activities and areas for all ages. It really is a resort for anyone.

  • Sandcastle Club (ages 3-12)
  • Movies under the stars on the beach ( this was a family favorite!)
  • Campfire on the Beach - Sing along and yummy snacks
  • Boat and Bike rentals
  • Volleyball court
  • Spa and Health Club
Highlights...
  • Location
  • Stormalong Bay Pool
  • Cape May Cafe - Character Breakfast
  • The Villa's
  • The activities 
I hope you enjoyed this weeks Magical Monday's! This review expresses my personal experience at The Disney Beach Club Resort and Villa. I was not compensated for this post, I was just so impressed with the resort that I had to share.

Have a Magical Monday everyone!

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Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Preparing for Easter

Not too long ago, I purchased The Beginner's Bible for my girls. They're very interested with the stories and graphics and it has been a great introduction into teaching them about Christ.

This Easter I plan on pulling stories from the bible to help explain the meaning of Easter and why we celebrate. Easter has always been Bella's favorite holiday! Perhaps it's the fun pastel colors, pretty dress up, or the fuzzy little bunny.





We are very excited to coloring eggs this year and I'm trying a more natural method that you will have to check back and see!

Additional Resources and Suggestions




06515X: Resurrection Eggs - 2014 updated editionResurrection Eggs - 2014 updated edition

By Familylife


Crack open the glorious story of Jesus' resurrection! Stored in a plastic carton, a dozen rainbow-hued eggs are filled with surprises. Pop them open and find miniature symbols of Easter inside! An updated companion booklet in English and Spanish features illustrated Bible stories explaining the significance of each object. Includes decorative stickers! Ages 5 and up.




730724: God Gave Us EasterGod Gave Us Easter

By Lisa Tawn Bergren / WaterBrook Press


Curious Little Cub loved learning about Christmas. Now she's wondering about Easter---and peppering Papa polar bear with questions. Why do we celebrate Easter? What happened on that day? What does it mean for our faith? With simple words and easy-to-understand biblical insights, Papa explains the meaning of Jesus' death and resurrection. Ages 3 to 8. 40 pages, hardcover from Waterbrook.



709628: The Beginner"s Bible: Timeless Children"s StoriesThe Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories


Introduce children to the stories and characters of the Bible with this best-loved Bible storybook. Now updated with vibrant new art, text and stories, more than 90 favorite Bible stories come to life, making The Beginner's Bible the perfect starting point for children. They will enjoy the fun illustrations of Noah helping the elephant onto the ark, Jonah praying inside the fish, and more, as they discover The Beginner's Bible just like millions of children before. Recommended for ages 4-8.

*This post contains my affiliate link that helps support my family.

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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

She Talks To Angels

Her guardian angel that is....

Do you ever reach out and talk to your angel? Do you believe you have one?

I often find comfort in talking with and journaling to my angel. Wouldn't you want to communicate with something that watches over you or your children? Last summer we were in the process of buying a home and my guardian angel received plenty of letters. Letters of hope and asking favors.  I truly believe they were listening because miracles were made.

I often wonder if they are lonely and eager for us to reach out. I want to hug them and sit down on a sunny afternoon and have coffee with them. I want to thank them for keeping an eye out for my little girls. I want to buy them a gift on during the holidays, like we do our teachers and childcare givers.

Each night I lay my daughters down for bed and I ask "who should we pray to tonight:" Bella usually responds with "Jesus!" Last night she replied with our guardian angels. It touched my heart as she was thoughtfully thanking and sending her prayers to them that evening.

 My daughter painted this picture with watercolors, she's not a fan of crayons. Originally it was suppose to be a flower, but when I look closer it reminded me of an ANGEL. Do you see it?

Our Guardian Angel Prayer 
Angel of God
My guardian dear
To Whom His love
Commits me here
Ever this day
Be at my side
To light and guard
To rule and guide.
Amen

Sharing with... Raising Arrows

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