School is now in session!

Does anyone else think of the Billy Madison's "Back to School" song when they start seeing school buses, backpacks, and lunchboxes? Maybe it's just me, but either way, it's fun to see all the Facebook pictures of kid's first day of school. There is so much excitement in the air for knowledge, or maybe it's to show off their cool new starter jacket, Doc Martins, and shirt they tried on in front of the mirror seventeen times. Oh wait...maybe, that was my childhood. I digress. 

The first day is always so thrilling in anything - you feel energized and excited. It could be a new job, a new class, a new diet, first day of school, etc. Well, school is in session, but nobody is in school at our house, but I can feel the energetic pulse regardless. So with that said, I used that energy to get the house in order, spend quality time with my kids, and fit in some education with them while I was at it.

Day 1: kitchen cleaned, living area cleaned, 2 loads of laundry done, brushed the dog, checked emails, went to the library, read a ton of books to my kids, the kids colored pictures for my husband for work, we did a letter B craft, made chili for dinner, and dehydrated apples.

So like I said...it was Day 1. Excitement, motivation, energy...insert other positive words. You get the idea.

As a full-time mom I struggle daily to find balance in keeping the sanity in my house (dishes, laundry, Legos and tiny itty-bitty toys off the floor, etc), educational/social opportunities for my kids, and time for myself. These are my struggles as a full-time mom, but as humans we ALL struggle to stay on track with our goals, and there is comfort in knowing that.

In an effort to find that "perfect" balance as a full-time mom. I found a routine that works for us (when the stars align)

A Full-Time Mom's Schedule (wishful thinking):
Breakfast - at the table, no TV, just talking and waking up
Morning Cartoons - on the couch or they can play in the livingroom, and I get a minute to enjoy some coffee
Let the day begin - Playing, outings, outside, craft, preschool type learning, reading, etc.
Snack
Playtime/Pickup toys before lunch
Lunch
Naps/quiet time
I work on one or some of the following: dinner, clean, shower, blog, bills, etc.
Snack
Playtime
Pick-up
Dinner

Let's be honest, my days don't usually look like this, but I TRY, and if you are trying you at least have a goal. So if you are trying to get back into a routine, exercise more, eat less, be more financially responsible...whatever your new journey might be, good luck to you! School is now in session!

Camping with Toddlers & Camping Craft

This last weekend we went camping for the first time as a family of 4 in Wisconsin. We had a great time and am happy to announce it was a success! Yes, we went camping with a 2 year old and a 1 year old and survived. Yes, it was in a tent, but we also like a few luxuries when we camp...air mattresses, 1-minute easy set up Coleman tent and we have a battery operated fan. For Logan  (1yr) we brought his pack n' play and for Roman (2 yr) we used a twin air mattress.

Tips for camping with little ones:
* Prep all food and make foods that are easy to prepare -think pasta salads, sandwiches, hot dogs
* Bring lots of snacks
* Accept that your kids will be up later than normal
* Bring a bucket - have them collect different things (like a scavenger hunt).
* Bring all their favorites - blankie, beloved stuffed animal, etc.
* Bring a travel high chair - this was great for eating
   and confinement when you no longer want to chase!
* Bring long pants, long shirt, socks (so at dusk you
   can change them to help prevent mosquitoes)
* Bring a flashlight/lantern - kids love to play with it and great for bedtime

It was such a success that we are already planning our next camping trip. Roman hasn't stopped talking about it. This morning I asked him what he wanted to do today and he said "go camping!" So I told him we coudln't go camping today, but we could pretend. I helped him make a tent, sleeping bag, and trail mix.



CAMPING CRAFT:

Supplies:

Construction Paper

Felt

Stapler

Popcicle sticks

Stickers/Photo's to use for heads

Stickers/Markers/Crayons to decorate tent

Scissors

Double sided tape

We needed to refuel after all that crafty fun, so we made some trail mix.

Olaf (from Frozen) Paper Plate Puppet Pinterest Success!

I had a stack of regular paper plates on hand so I decided to find a quick craft I could make with the boys. I came across this paper plate Olaf (from the movie Frozen) puppet. Roman loves Frozen and loves Olaf...so this was a great kid craft find. My 2.5 year old couldn't help much on this one besides putting the glue on the popcicle stick, but he was extremely excited with the outcome after I had completed it.

Pinterest Success or fail: Success!
Prep: 5-10 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy 
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What you need:

* White paper plate

* Black marker

* Orange marker

* Black paper

* Popsicle stick

* Elmer's glue

 

Pinterest find....my model

My copy! Ok, mine is a little more frightening,
but I didn't think it was too bad considering it
was my first attempt.

My Pinterest Try With Cloud Dough

I had to try it. I've been seeing it around Pinterest and thought it might be fun.

Pinterest Success or fail: Success!
Prep: 5 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy
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What is it? 
Flour + Baby Oil = A fun sensory experience that you can mold, and it's fun to play in. My 2.5 year old played for about 45 minutes straight!

How to make it:
1. In a large mixing bowl mix 8 cups flour with 1 cup baby oil
2. Get your hands dirty and mix it with your hands...much easier
    and your hands will be soft afterwards
3. Put it in a cake pan, bin or box
4. Add a few washable toys, cups, etc.

Insider Tips:

* Best to do it outside or in a bathtub, as it can get messy

* Next time I think I'll try vegetable oil and see how that turns out

* You can seal it up in a bag or container when you are done to use another time