138–Tuesday, run errands

138

Hello!  I am going out for coffee today with a friend, and I’m hoping it really happens. We’ve been trying to get together for coffee for the past six (6! LOL!) weeks, but it just hasn’t worked out due to sick kids, work stuff, or volunteer commitments. I plan to savor every last drop in my cup!

We had shots yesterday, and the pediatrician reminded me about a massive Tylenol recall. If you happen to have any type of liquid Tylenol in the house, read this to make sure your batch isn’t on the list.

I hit a developmental milestone yesterday. I missed a field trip. I held my breath and waved cheerfully as my 8-year-old got into a girlfriend’s car and drove off to a working ranch for the class excursion, and then fought back tears. Thankfully I was wearing both a hat and sunglasses (I’m pretty classy in the mornings…) so only the baby knew I got choked up. I hate it how fast they grow. I really hate it.

Today:

get coffee with a friend (virtual coffee is okay, too. )

run errands

daily 7

windex all mirrors

yesterday: PROM the junk drawers (or the “drawer of useful stuff” thanks to Beth!)

A real friend is one who walks in when all the rest walk out –Anonymous

monday, the 137th day of the year

137

It’s Monday! I’ve got a 4-month-old well-baby check-up (that’s a lot of hyphens) to tackle today, and that’s about it. I’m not going to try to get any work done this afternoon—anything that gets accomplished is a bonus.  I’m going to try to quickly recover from our weekend in the early morning hours before the house awakens. I really like the 5′oclock hour where it’s just me, my thoughts, and the coffee pot.

What’s on your agenda today? What do you need to do this week? Write it all down–even the minuscule items.

Today:

daily 7

weekend recovery

PROM the kitchen junk drawer(s)

days 135 & 136: the weekend

135 & 136

Happy weekend to you! Anything big and exciting happening? We’ve got a few busy days, but are greatly looking forward to them. Lots of fun, birthday parties, softball, and family.

This weekend:

family meeting–meal plan for the upcoming week

go over the end-of-the-year school calendar. Who needs gifts? Who needs graduation clothes? When are the open houses, talent shows, and concerts?

play in the garden!

134–Friday? what?

134?

How on earth is it Friday already?

Quick! Do a quick company clean and start the weekend off on a good note. Walk around and put random stuff that finds it’s way out and about away. Fully away.

Wipe down the countertops while you’re waiting for your coffee to reheat. Sweep while on the phone. Clean out your purse while in the car line. You can accomplish so much in the hidden moments!

Today:

call a good friend and catch up

prepare for the weekend

daily 7

If you judge people, you have no time to love them. –Mother Teresa

133–clean the little appliances

133

Good morning!

I loved reading your emails yesterday—you are all wonderful. I wanted to make sure to point out that while my kids right now are okay in the car without a DVD player, that doesn’t mean that all kids are like that. Before having children of my own, I ran preschool centers. I definitely know that not all kids are wired alike! You’ve got to do what works for you, your family, and your own kids. Always. Definitely.

I realized yesterday when I pulled out the toaster that I should clean it. I think the spray of crumbs that came falling out was the trigger.

Today:

clean the microwave and toaster.

wipe down the fridge door, the gunk on the inner seal of the dishwasher, and wipe down any appliances you leave out on the contertop. I’ve got 4 crockpots on mine right now! (note to self: put crockpots away.))

daily 7

Wednesday, May 12

132!

I’ve been thinking all day about what tips I might have for traveling with little ones. My kids are currently 8, 5, and 4 months. We take long car rides (5-6 hours) about 4 times a year, and we’re getting pretty good at it. I have not flown with the kids–it’s too expensive right now.

packing:

I pack for the kids a few days before we leave, and hide the suitcases. I have let them pack for themselves for a weekend get-away, or for an overnight at Grandma’s, but they pretty much always forget something rather important. Like underwear. or a toothbrush.

I hide the suitcases because they start taking things out and playing around with the contents. I figure it’s better for now for me to be in charge. (funny aside: once I pulled the suitcase out from under the bed that had the kid clothes (they were 5 and 2 at the time) a little too late.  Adam had already packed the van and didn’t go back into the bedroom to see the last case on the bed. We didn’t know until we arrived at our destination and the kids stripped to go swimming that they didn’t have any clothes. We spent the first hour of our vacation at Walmart. )

I usually over-pack for the kids, and limit what I bring for myself. I make sure the kids have layers of clothing and choices. I do rinse/wash clothing in the sink or tub while we’re away if needed.

when camping, I put together complete outfits and put the entire outfit into a ziplock bag. The kids tend to yank stuff out of their cases so quickly that dirt and tanbark ends up in the clothes if they aren’t sealed. I label the bags with the kid name, and the day of the week. I reuse the bags—they live in the suitcases when not in use.

in the car:

I’m a DVD player in the car hold out. We don’t have one yet, and when this van finally gives up the ghost, I would really prefer to not have this option. I know that I’m not of the norm in this instance (well, probably in a lot of instances!), but I love that the kids have the opportunity to talk, sing, play car bingo, and get bored. I truly believe some of the best creativity comes from being just a tiny bit bored. I also appreciate the opportunity to practice patience and delayed gratification.

sometimes they fight, though.

and sometimes they cry.

and sometimes I need to take Advil.

but all in all they are great travelers, and I treasure the time we have together in the car—-it’s so easy to do your own thing at home, and I like the “being stuck” togetherness car travel provides.

I’ll think of some more for tomorrow!

Today:

daily 7

errands

speed dust and vacuum

131–Tuesday!

131

I’m exhausted! LOL.

no tips today. no anything.

I’ve got laundry and hopefully a nap in my very near future. Play amongst yourselves!

Today:

catch up.

breathe deeply.

day 130–Monday, the crazy day

130

Welcome to another brand new week! I hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day. I certainly did.

We’re traveling home from our Disneyland vacation today, where I did a few demos at the Food and Wine Festival. Everything went very well, and I’m so happy to have been involved in this event. I’m also really thankful to have met so many wonderful and real people. It still blows my mind that real, everyday, normal people read my writing and I’m not just spitting words out aimlessly into cyberspace.

I have a new review for Powerade Play drink over at Totally Together Reviews. This was a drink that I had never before heard of, and now that I know about it, I’ll be buying. Weird how that works out.   There is also a chance for you to win $125 towards your child’s sports endeavors, so you should go check it out.

Today:

weekend recovery

daily 7

enter to win $125 for your child’s sports team

share your favorite tips for traveling with little kids. I’ll share mine tomorrow!

(or the next day. we’ll see how the drive home goes…)

128 & 129—yay, it’s the weekend!

128 & 129

You made it through another week, congratulations! Remember to keep up with the Daily 7 as much as you can today and tomorrow—don’t go overboard, just try to pick up after yourselves so it’s not overwhelming on Monday morning.

Sunday is Mother’s Day! Have a wonderful day, and soak it all in. They grow terribly quickly.

Meal plan for the week. If you haven’t started to jot down breakfasts and snacks, give it a try. It’s mind-boggling to me how the kids won’t argue with what’s written on a piece of paper!

This weekend:

daily 7

meal plan

Enjoy your Mother’s Day! Remember to keep a thankful heart.

that’s it!

xxoox

day 127–Friday Fun Day

127

Happy Friday! I’m writing from Anaheim, at the Disney California Food and Wine Festival. The ride down was uneventful—and as I type the kids are pool-hopping. The weather is gorgeous, and I’m happy and thankful to be here.

Today:

remember that patience is a virtue

daily 7 (I’m on vacation, so for me that means really just means the last 1: tidy up after yourself, and help others do the same.)

While I do let the kids throw wet towels on the floor while we’re away, I am a stickler for putting clothes back into suit cases, and I don’t let the kids leave toys all over the place.

But we do jump on the beds, A LOT.

They also quickly help me to wipe down the phone, door handles, and tv remote with clorox wipes. yes, I travel with clorox wipes.

Have a happy day!

xoxo

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