With 6 boys involved in a multidtude of activities (baseball, football, wrestling, skiing, tae kwan do, and acting) as well as juggling my own life on the city council and finishing up my Master's degree (not to mention hubby's work schedule) it seems that somedays we LIVE in our car. Over the years I have learned a few tricks of the trade for making life work a little easier when you are always on the go.
1. Mobile Office - Keep a small box of office supplies such as pens, paper, envelopes, paper clips, bank deposit slips, stamps, etc. Having supplies handy has helped me to multi-task while I am waiting on the boys. I have paid bills, written grocery lists, developed lesson plans, finished my own school assignments, and more while on the go.
2. Easy Snacking - With 6 growing boys, I have become accustomed to the dreaded sentence, "Mom, I'm hungry!"By stocking up on easy to pack snacks such as bottled water, carrot sticks, apples and peanut butter, etc. I can throw a few in a backpack for those sudden hunger attacks without breaking the bank or our busy schedule.
3. Pack it up the night before - The day of a big event is stressful enough without the added burden of having to remember if we packed the uniforms, or sports equipment. We try to pack the car up the night before to save on last minute morning scrambles.
4. Lots and lots of trash bags - My boys never cease to amaze me with their ability to make a mess. From motion sickness accidents to spilled ice-cream, our van has seen it all! I make sure to bring extra trash bags, wipes, and paper towels for all those just in case messies.
5. Boredom Busters - The invention of the ipod has been a wonder for keeping the boys busy during long car trips or days filled with errands. The boys can listen to music, play games, use some of their learning apps and more. Books, magazines, and portable games are another great option.
6. Combining Activities - Because we live about 30 minutes from town, I try to plan errands around my children's schedules and activities. For example, after Tyler's baseball camp, we ran to Staples for school supplies, PetSmart for crickets for our pet gecko, and the mall to pick up a present for my hubby's birthday on Saturday.
7. Pack extra - For some reason we always need an extra something. When the boys were younger that was usually diapers or wipes, but even with bigger kids it seems we often need a change of clothes after a messy experience with some ice cream, a slider into home base, or just because of an activity change.
8. Enlist technology - Where oh where would I be without my iphone! I not only can make calls with it, but it also keeps my calendar, my to do list, and my shopping list and also functions as a GPS, clock, calculator, and more.
9. Learn to say no - As much as we hate to admit it, moms really aren't super heroes who can do everything. Sometimes you need to focus on only the important things.
10. Don't forget about Mom! - It is so easy to get wrapped up in taking care of everyone else, that you forget about yourself. Bring along one of your favorite beverages (like iced tea or coffee) for a quick pick me up, play some tunes that you love on the radio, and relish in the wonder of those little ones who are keeping you busy!
Seattle's Best coffee is making it a little easier for you to take care of you with this coupon for $1.50 off a 4 pack of canned lattes - perfect for the on the go mom!
It’s low calorie: Just 130 calories per can.
It’s affordable: A premium latte for just $1.49? And a 4-pack is an even better deal, at just $4.99.
It’s everywhere: Available in major grocery, convenience and other retail stores.
About Seattle’s Best Coffee
"As coffee blenders and roasters since 1970, we’ve seen a lot come and go. We went from a tiny shop on the Seattle waterfront to being declared Seattle’s Best Coffee in a local competition. In 2003, we joined the Starbucks family which has allowed us to place more resources into further honing our special way of crafting delicious, impossibly smooth coffee. Every step of the process, from coffee cherry to your cup, is managed to fit our exacting standards and our premium approach to coffee. Now, we’re making it easier to find your perfect coffee with our new Level System.
More info on Seattle’s Best Coffee: http://www.seattlesbest.com/
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I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seattle’s Best Coffee blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
I love this post. Even though our kids are still quite little (3&1) on the go can be difficult sometimes.
ReplyDelete#2-is a definite-my son never seems to stop eating. I swear it think he's going through a growth spurt every 2 weeks.
#6-we try to do this, but do not have a very well routine/schedule planned out-so most days it's "ohh shoot, we forgot this-can you go get it?"
#8-all I can say is because of prices and job loss we had to downgrade plans and Man oh Man-I miss my android phone. :(
#10-I like this one...not used very often at all.
Thank you for the tips-will keep all in mind when on the go. :)