Motherhood

Sometimes I forget the value of a mother... this makes you proud to be a mother right now...

McCall can Move!

Here's a blip of McCall in her Jazz Class. They put together a quick dance with the Dad's for "Bring Your Dad to Dance" Week at the Pointe (Erik couldn't participate due to his recent surgery but he better be practicing up for next year - McCall and Elizabeth are so excited for it!)
I am horrible at bringing my camera anymore, it's always too much trouble, and isn't it John Meyer who sings "I left my camera... I want to see the world with my own eyes." Anyway I had to borrow this from the studio, but those of you out of state/country can see a little of what she's up to. She is taking 2 hrs of ballet, 1 hr of Jazz and 1 hr of Funk (Hip Hop). Elizabeth takes a 1 hr combo class -- I've got to pull the clip of her at Christmas (IN MY OPINION) she steals the show.

My Pack

So I thought today I would share my pack with you. Underneath a bench seat in my Yukon I have a small size backpack which I picked up on sale at Target for a couple of dollars. It is my emergency kit.

In it I have...

• 4 water bottles


• zip lock with two diapers and wipes for baby


• change of underwear for each child


• change of pants for the little ones(soft knit pants you can pick up at Target for $4)


• change of socks for the little ones


• (when I have a baby I have a knit one piece out fit)


• (when I have a baby I have bottle/2 sticks of formula - the ones you get free at the hospital and a small thing of baby food/spoon)


• 3 Hard granola bars(chewy have to be replaced more often)


• 3 Fruit snacks (they will melt sometimes in hot weather)


• Collection of Suckers and smarties (they last forever in there)


• Sippy cup for those who can't drink well from a water bottle


• Lemonade packs(the ones you dump into a water bottle)


• Couple band aids


• Small notebook with small pack of crayons


• small toy/doll


• $5-20 cash


• small blanket rolled up

All of these items are stuffed in this bag. The diapers and small thing of wipes are in a zip lock pressed tight, along with another zip lock pressed as air tight as I can with the clothes/underwear/socks in it.

I keep this bag shoved under a seat so it isn't in the way. Under the seat next to the pack, I also have a fleece blanket we picked up on one of our ER visits with Elizabeth, which is rolled up and stored.

We also carry in the back of the car a large picnic blanket which is super compact, small fire extinguisher, a full size emergency kit, which I added bug spray and sunscreen to the kit, rain poncho, along with a few other things.

In the middle console I always carry anti bacteria wipes, napkins, a few snacks/treats, flashlight and our collection of sunglasses.

When I pull something out from my pack I always try to replace it immediately and take that time to update as needed.

So this is my bag, and it has come in so handy. I try not to count on it but if I am in a total hurry to get someone to dance I know it is there. When I grab the diaper bag and it only has 1 diaper in it or it's missing a sippy cup, I know I always have backup. I don't get stuck because someone peed there pants or spilled, and I have to leave or run to a store. And if we are stuck in traffic and kids get anxious, if there is nothing else, I have the bag with water and snacks to calm them down. If I made it out the door without my purse I have backup $$ if I really need to stop at a store or get fuel.

I just thought I'd share my pack, it helps make me calm and I always feel somewhat prepared.

Spreading Sunshine (from Amy)

The first three people to respond to this post will get something made by me! Made with tons of love just for you! It might be a fun sewing project, a sweet letter to you from me, or some yummy goodies, you might be surprised what you get! Give it a try! The catch? You must re -post this on your blog and offer the same. The first people to do so and leave a comment, win a lovely little treat for themselves! Have Fun! Ready........Set............Go!

I started my project and it takes about an hour each so I had to shrink it down to three!