Set Free

The other day I found an article that brought together what Kindergarten teachers wish parents would focus on to get ready for school.  They prefer less academics prep and more basic life skills.  It's definitely realistic to think through these types of lists to prepare you and your child for school.  As we have our oldest go through school we are still learning some of the basics of prep for each grade.  I found this helpful for Kindergarten age.  We are now in first grade, and looking back I can agree to this list. Heres the article , and now I will break it down. 1. Zip and/or button their own pants I would think this was a given, but I guess it's still an issue for teachers.  I don't have my kids wear any clothing that takes extra work when it comes to bathroom needs.  I have even stayed away from one piece swim suits.  I do slip on pants, leggings, and simple shoes.  Think about what you purchase for their school clothes and stick to the tricky items for home. 

I wanted to make a post of all my favorite kid items to be reminded of my kid's favorite things and my own.   It will come in handy for gift giving.  I can also help spread the ideas around in case others are looking for ideas. The House that Lars Built (not my own pic) For baby showers I love to gift people swaddlers.  If I'm personally close to the new mom I also add in some TLC items for her.  The newborn stage I love the Swaddle Me swaddlers .  They are really easy to figure out and not super bulky to have on hand wherever you go.  I loved having at least three.  One was always used, one dirty (usually with poo), and one hanging up to dry or in the diaper bag. Swaddle Me The TLC items for mom usually include a soft lotion, water bottle, an organic natural nipple cream, gift card to a delivery food place, foot soak for those achy prego feet, my favorite nursing tanks , and/or a meal with disposable place settings. For the next stage of swaddling I loved

Birthday Questions Jayden turned three in March and I need to make a post for his birthday! We had terrible long illness in March and didn't get a party for him. Then I had hernia surgery.   I dont want to forget all the little details of our #BabyJay When Ellie turned four I did a questionnaire with her, with Jayden turning three I asked same questions but put in the real answers. ;) How old? 3 Favorite color: orange Favorite toy: car Favorite fruit: cantaloupe Favorite food: pb&j sandwich Favorite TV show: Paw Patrol Favorite outfit: fire truck jammies Favorite game: cars game Favorite snacks: granola bar Favorite animal: horse (I think because that's Ellies fav) Favorite book: Firetruck book Favorite breakfast: granola bar Favorite thing to do outside: ride bike, help Daddy Favorite drink: milk or water Favorite thing to have in bed with you: Lovie and pacifier Favorite supper: pizza What I want to be when I grow up: Big Best friend: Ellie

**TODDLER INTERVIEW - No coaching..** This is pretty funny. Asked Jayden on 1/4/2019 Some questions he didnt understand. Usually when we ask him a question we ask how old he is.... What’s your name?  Jayden How old are you? 2 How old is your mommy? 2 What’s your favorite color? umm Mommy! What’s your favorite food? Buh-ranch (sandwich) Who’s your best friend? Max (cousin) What’s your favorite song? No! What do you like to watch on tv? McQueen (Cars) What’s your favorite animal? 2 What are you scared of? WAAAH! What makes you happy? 😄 (showing me his happy face) Where’s your favorite place to go? Hmmm EAT What do you want to be when you grow up? Wanna eat What is love? Laughs. Who loves you the most? Mommy! Daddy!

As a Mom I have really had to take a step back and acknowledge who I am versus what the world tells me I should be.  It's so easy to start feeling guilty for not being who your kids want you to be in reality it's impossible to be everything for everyone.  I decided to sit down and ponder what I am versus what I am not to remind myself to take note of the blessings I have to offer as a parent. You probably wont find me hiking five miles with my little kids for the fun of it, BUT You can find me more often than not playing for hours of the same game to bring joy to my daughter during a toddler nap. You are more than likely never going to find me building something as a DIY. BUT I can turn a closet into an organized space and make it look pretty while doing it. It's very rare to find me in the kitchen making something I've never heard of or made before BUT You can usually find me using my laundry system that best fits my style. You will rarely ever find m