Mommy List #6: Vacation Packing List

My husband has done most of the planning for our upcoming summer vacation, but he asked me to contribute by making “lots of lists” — one for general packing, one for activities we want to do en route (and packing lists for each of those those), and a checklist for other things we need to do before we go (oil change for car etc.). Is this request merely a list-lover’s dream, or perhaps my husband just wants to be able to blame me for anything forgotten? Hmmm…

General Packing List (Adult)

Clothes

• Bras
• Underwear
• Socks
• Short/long sleeve shirts*
• Shorts/pants*
• Pajamas/robe
• Sweaters/jacket/coat*
• 1-2 pair “all-purpose” travel shoes (comfortable for driving, walking, etc.)
• Dirty clothes bag

Optional Clothing

• 1 dressy outfit
• 1 pair dress shoes
• Exercise clothes
• Activity specific shoes (hiking, water, etc.)
• Swim wear*
• Hat*
• Rain gear/umbrella*
• Jewelry/accessories

Toiletries (travel size when possible)

• Shampoo/conditioner
• Face/body wash
• Razor
• Comb/brush
• Face/body lotion
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush/paste/floss
• Lip balm
• Tampons/pads/liners
• Cotton balls/Q-tips
• Make-up

Medical

• Small first aid kit
• Tweezers
• Rx meds
• Vitamins
• Sunscreen*
• Bug repellent*
• Sea-sickness bands or pills*

Money & Docments

• Cash/cards/traveler’s checks
• Travel documents (passports, travel itinerary, tickets etc.)
• Photo ID/driver’s license/auto insurance card etc.
• Maps/directions
• Emergency numbers
• Pre-paid phone card
• Addresses book

Miscellaneous

• Cell phone & charger
• Camera/case/batteries
• Reading material/travel guides
• Notebook & pen
• Day pack or travel bag
• Sunglasses
• Sports gear

Other

• __________________
• __________________
• __________________

* depending on season/weather/location/activities

I feel like I’m forgetting something? Oh yes, I must pack for the kids as well…stay posted!

Mommy List #5: My Favorite Board Books

It’s hard to limit myself to my “Top Ten,” but here goes:

1. Snuggle Puppy! A Little Love Song, by Sandra Boynton. Boynton is probably one of the most prolific childrens’ author/illustrators of our time. This particular book is my daughter’s favorite by far though. The contrasts of silly and sweet, loud singing and whispered secrets were just enough to get her hooked.
2. Listen, Listen! by Phillis Gershator. Lyrical text and marvelous “crackle” illustrations to celebrate the sights, sounds, and wonders of all four seasons. Beautiful!
3. Ten Little Rabbits, by Virginia Grossman & Sylvia Long. My in-laws live in New Mexico and often send books celebrating Native American tradition. This is a beautiful counting book with stunning illustrations. Winner of multiple book awards.
4. Baby Loves, by Michael Lawrence. Baby loves a lot of things, but Mommy and Daddy love baby more than anything. Sweet text and charming illustrations. I really don’t mind reading this one over and over.
5. I Love Animals, by Flora McDonnell. As a former vegetarian, I have a special fondness for animal books. This one has really cute illustrations too. 
   

   I Love Animals by Flora McDonnell

6. Splash! by Flora McDonnell. A playful baby elephant saves the day! Adorable, bright illustrations. This book would make a particularly refreshing read for a hot, summer day.
7. Yummy Yucky, by Leslie Patricelli. ”Burgers are Yummy. Boogers are Yucky.” Hilarious introduction to opposites!!! Simple text and bold illustrations…very engaging for babies (and parents).
8. Baby Beluga, by Raffi. I love ALL of the Raffi board books (“Songs to Read” series), but this one is my favorite. I remember singing this song to my sisters when they were little, and now I get to share it with my children…”Baby beluga in the deep blue sea…swim so wild, and you swim so free…”
9. My Love For You, by Susan L. Roth. A counting book, an animal book, and a feel-good, lovey-dovey book all in one! The collage illustrations are nice too. Also available in Spanish.
10. I Howl, I Growl, by Marcia Vaughan. It’s a nature book/rhyming book/opposites book about desert critters with a cute (albeit stinky) ending. Another wonderful gift from my mother-in-law!

Notice: I reserve the right to update this list as new favorites are discovered.

 Happy Reading, 

Michelle

Mommy List #4

10 National Parks I want to see with my children 

#1 Acadia National Park, Maine

Why? There is something about the combination of coastal beauty, whale-watching, and afternoon tea that is calling to me… 

#2 Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Why? Having grown up in coastal Northern California, I would like to see the “other” coast with my children. 

#3 Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Why? Okay, I’m ashamed to admit it. I’ve never been there, even though it’s right here in my very own “backyard.” 

#4 Denali National Park, Alaska

Why? Who wouldn’t want to share the tallest peak in North America (Mt. McKinley) and “Wonder Lake” with their children? 

#5 Everglades National Park, Florida

Why? I want my children to see what the South Eastern U.S. looked like before it was settled by explorers. 

#6 Glacier National Park, Montana

Why? Who can resist names like “God’s Backyard” and “Going-to-the-Sun Road.” 

#7 Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Why? Mountains, sapphire-blue lakes, and wildflowers. Doesn’t that just sound heavenly? 

#8 Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Why? Because my daughter is currently intrigued by archeology. Enough said. 

#9 Yosemite National Park, California

Why? Because even though I grew up in California, I never got the chance to travel there.  

#10 Zion National Park, Utah

Why? Ooohhhh aaahhhh….the land of rainbow canyons!

 

Hope you will share your fav family travel destinations too. Please feel free to post your comments and resources for others to enjoy. 

Happy Travels,

Michelle

 

References:

1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler’s Life List by Patricia Schultz

United States National Park Service

 Additional Family Travel Resources:

Travel with Your Kids.com

Parents’ Choice Family Adventures

Savvy Mommy Family Travel

 

Mommy List # 3: When You Feel Like “Losing It”

10 Things To Try Instead

1. Ask for support. Call a friend or, better yet, tell your spouse, “Tag, You’re It!”

2. Get on the “same team” with your child. (“You don’t like cleaning up. I don’t really like cleaning up either. What can we do to make this more fun?”)

3.  Location, location, location. Tell your child, “If you want to (fill in the blank), that’s okay, but you’ll have to go to (fill in the blank) to do that.” 

4. Take a break. Tell your child that YOU need a “time out”…and then take one.

5. Take a breather. Inhale deeply…and breathe out LOUDLY.

6. Be a good role-model. Tell your child how you are feeling and how you are going to cope with your feelings (“I am really, really, frustrated, and I’m going to take a walk around the block until I feel better.”)

7. Offer to help your child. Tell your child, “As soon as you (calm down/be quiet/give the toy back/etc.), I can help you (figure this out/solve the problem/find something else fun to do/etc.).

8. Tell your child a funny story…”Once upon a time, there was a very naughty princess who would never listen to her Mommy…”

9. Offer two alternatives. “No, you can’t have cookies for dinner. You can have mac & cheese with peas or a PBJ sandwich with carrots”

10. Go ahead and lose it….sort of. PRETEND to throw a fit. Stomp your feet, cross your arms, pout, and shriek “wah wah, boo hoo, no one is listening to Mommy…that’s not fair…” and so on. Be sure to exaggerate your motions and words so your child can tell you are pretending. 

 

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Mommy List #2

Hello Spring! The air is warmer, the breeze is fresher, and the birds are singing…

It must be time to whip out my Super-Duper Spring Cleaning Checklist (or should I say, “wish list”)…

 

Get Organized

1. Pick up and eliminate clutter in each room before you start cleaning.
2. Donate old books, magazines, toys, clothes and other items that you don’t need to charity. My personal guideline: “If it hasn’t been used in a year, it probably will never be used again.”
3. Pack away winter clothing items and unpack spring/summer clothing.

 

Kitchen

1. De-clutter and organize pantry, kitchen cabinets, and drawers.
2. Discard stale or expired foods, such as old spices or baking supplies.
3. Wipe out and install fresh shelf paper.
4. Wipe down exterior of cabinets (and polish if appropriate).
5. Clean the refrigerator and other major appliances inside and out.

 

Bathrooms

1. Thoroughly clean and de-clutter bathrooms.
2. Clean out medicine cabinets and safely discard any expired products.
3. Replace worn bath mats, shower curtains, and liners, or wash and dry shower curtains and liners.

 

Bedrooms

1. Rotate and flip mattresses.
2. Wash blankets or comforters or take them to be cleaned.
3. Wash mattress pad and bed skirt.
4. Replace old pillows.

 

Floors

1. Deep clean carpets or have them professional cleaned.
2. Wash or dry clean rugs.
3. Wash and/or wax floors, depending on their material.
4. Wash baseboards.

 

Furniture and Upholstery

1. Dust and wax wood furniture.
2. Flip sofa and chair cushions.
3. Vacuum upholstery (clean and treat leather upholstery as appropriate).

 

Windows and Window Treatments

1. Wash all windows inside and outside.
2. Wipe down window sills and frames.
3. Dust or wash window blinds, and replace bent or worn mini-blinds.
4. Vacuum draperies or have them cleaned.
5. Wash and iron curtains or have them cleaned.

 

Miscellaneous

1. Clean all light fixtures, ceiling fans, and mirrors.
2. Dust knick-knacks, doodads, artwork, picture frames, etc.
3. This is a great time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test detectors and install new ones if needed.
4. Check your fire extinguisher(s) (you know where they are, right?) and make sure your family knows where they are and how to use them. 

(I think I may need to take a vacation now!)

Mommy List #1

I admit it. I am a list maker. I once intended to write a book, “The Virgo’s Book of Lists” (because Virgos are very practical, you know?). Alas, I somehow got side-tracked by life and the book never came to fruition. The least I can do is offer up my Type A tendencies to any of you who may be in need of a good list. In keeping with this truly altruistic motive, here is the first “Mommy List” from this Ordinary Devoted Mother:

“The Diaper Bag List”

 10 Essentials:

1. Diapers (of course)
2. Diaper wipes (or washcloths)
3. Changing pad (or small towel)
4. Waterproof bag (for dirties)
5. Extra change of clothes for baby
6. Hand sanitizer (or hand soap). Psst…I like EO Organic Sanitizing Hand Wipes available at Smallflower (see “Good Stuff”)
7. Water (for drinking or washing hands/face, “just in case” there’s no source of clean water available)
8. Bottle or Sippy cup for baby (BPA-free, of course!)
9. Cell phone (or change for payphone)
10. Emergency contact information

 Also Nice to Have:

1. Diaper cream
2. Baby lotion
3. Snacks/beverages for baby (plus bib, spoon, etc.)
4. Blanket for baby
5. Toys and/or books for baby

 Luxury Items:

1. Snack/beverage for Mommy (when Mommy’s grumpy…no one is happy!)
2. Reading material for Mommy (you never know!)
3. Personal care items for Mommy (lip balm, hand cream, etc.)
4. A good sense of humor

 Hint #1: Keep a copy of this list in your diaper bag for future reference.

 Hint #2: Remind Daddy that there is a copy of this list in the diaper bag for future reference.