Archive for Holidays
January 3, 2007· Filed under Family, Holidays, Parenting, Working from Home
Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to school they go! I just couldn’t resist. We had a wonderful holiday, recharged our inner batteries, and enjoyed lots of quality time with each other. But like all good things, it’s not meant to last. The kids were getting bored - I could tell that even they crave the structure and predictability of their normal lives.
So off they went on the bus today (well, I have to take one to preschool this afternoon), ready to get back to their school work, friends and activities.
Did I mention that this mommy is ready for life to return to its’ normal schedule, too? All I have left to do is take down the tree and the holidays will officially be over.
December 23, 2006· Filed under Family, Holidays, Reflections
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even MY mouse.
And since I still have a bit of shopping to do, gifts to wrap, and a house to prepare for guests, I had better put my Mommy hat back on!
I am so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to read my blog, leave comments, and egg me on in this blogging journey. I know that the coming year will be one for even more learning, conversations, and successes thanks in part to all of you.
I’ll leave the nightlight on in case you want to stop in and leave me a note (and knowing me, I’ll sneak back in for a peek or two) over the next few days. Until then…
Merry Christmas to all!
December 21, 2006· Filed under Family, Holidays, Organizing, Parenting, Travel
Over the years we have done our fair share of travelling with our three kids. It is always a challenge to get everything packed and organized before you go, but the following three tips are a MUST for me.
Gallon Zip-top Bags - This is my #1 tip and one that has made the difference between sanity and insanity when travelling with my crew. I place each outfit, complete with socks, undies, and accessories in a separate zip top bag and label it with the child’s name. I make a separate bag with jammies and spares. Each bag is rolled slightly to remove excess air and then sealed. ADVANTAGES: The bags take up less space than the loose clothes; the outfits are ready to grab and go (helpful for Daddies, Grandparents and other helpers); and you have a container to put wet, soiled or stinky items in while you are at your destination.
Laundry Basket - If you are travelling by car, place a plastic laundry basket in the back to hold the smaller, loose items you are taking like shoes, back packs, portable electronics, gifts, etc. ADVANTAGES: It makes it easier to transport these items in and out of the car and you have somewhere to put your dirty laundry while at your destination.
Emergency Bag - A few years back someone gave me a red Clinique make up bag that is about 6″x9″. It is flat when empty and has a zipper top. I keep this bag with me just about anywhere we go and the kids know it is the emergency bag. In this bag I keep bandaids, travel pack of wipes, flat packs of chewable children’s pain reliever, the Triaminic cold/cough strips, my daughter’s Lactaid tablets, hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, a comb, a few ponytails, tissues, and a few mommy essentials. ADVANTAGES: Red equals emergency and I have trained my kids to know what and where this bag is at all times. You just never know when you may need these things!
As we enter this holiday travel week, please stay safe! And, if you have a tip for travelling with kids, share it with us.
From our sponsor: You might want to also consider bring along some activities for kids as well. You will find resources on riddles and brain teasers, arts and crafts or puzzles and coloring pages at Learninghaven.com.
December 20, 2006· Filed under Family, Holidays, Parenting, Puzzles
Yes, I know the kids are going to be getting plenty of sugar, presents and free time over the next two weeks, but I am also betting I will hear, “Mom, I’m Bored” multiple times a day. I am making a list of ways to combat this - I’d love your ideas too. Submit them to me and I’ll add them to the list along with some link love.
This should get us started! Now send me your ideas and links and let’s get this vacation started.
December 20, 2006· Filed under Family, Holidays, Parenting, Working from Home
The kids are so pumped! They have two more days of school (today and tomorrow) and then they are free for almost two weeks. Now I know they have visions of sleeping in, computer time, playdates and non-stop fun, but I see it differently. I see it as a dry run for summer vacation!
What my kids don’t know is that the pseudo-routine of summer break that includes an expanded chore list, and limited technology time is what awaits them. Sure, I’ll let them coast for a day or so, but it won’t be a free for all complete with Mommy doing all the work.
What do you have planned for the break? Any coping strategies, words of wisdom, or thoughts you wish to share? Jump right in - I’d love to hear it!
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