Steady Mom

3 Steps to Help You Get Out of the House

This post was originally published November 2, 2009.

Photo by Mrs. Flinger

All mothers know that leaving home when you have small children can take an act of God as well as the patience of Job. For those of us who struggle at times finding either, take heart (& take a few notes on this post!).

Here's a three step process to getting out of your house:

1. Have your bag ready the night before.

No, I'm not talking about going into labor here. Actually, preparing for childbirth was probably a breeze compared to trying to leave home with a preschooler and infant in tow.

So you need to be prepared. Keep your diaper bag stocked at all times - ready and waiting for you to grab and go.

Here's what to include:

- diapers and wipes
- empty plastic bags (for diaper changes)
- handkerchiefs (for wiping noses and other baby parts!)
- water bottle/sippy cup
- snacks for the little ones (our standby - rice cakes)
- change of clothes for kids (I usually go for undies and pants)
- your wallet
- cell phone
- hand sanitizer
- two small toys (matchbox cars don't take up much space!)

Home for the Holidays: A Week of Awesome Giveaways

Tis the season for giveaways, you know!

Come join me over on Simple Homeschool this week as I join with the other ladies of Simple Living Media for five days of incredible giveaways on all five channels - that means 25 prizes total!

You can follow along with as the week progresses on our landing page. Each giveaway is open for only 24 hours so make sure you come by and enter each day. (Trust me, these prizes would look pretty incredible under your tree.)

See you there!

This Moment :: Giving Thanks

Historical legend has it that during the Pilgrims' first long winter they were awaiting ships from England to restock supplies. Food stores dwindled rapidly and heavy rationing began. They were down to three kernels of corn per person when the awaited ships were finally sighted in the harbor. Everyone gave thanks that food had arrived just in time.

For the past two years we've brought this idea into our Thanksgiving by placing three corn kernels on each plate. Before we eat everyone mentions three blessings and places their kernels in a bowl to pass to the next person.

Thankful for You

Written by Steady Mom contributor Hillary of Infinitely Learning

Being a Steady Mom is not easy. There are blood, sweat and tears on a regular basis.

You can't punch out and go home to get some rest and relaxation, and when you're having a bad day the kids still need to eat and hear stories and be loved.

Providing a steady rhythm for your children requires an infinite amount of energy, patience, resolve and determination.

Thank you.

Thank you for waking up everyday and doing what you do. Thank you for breakfast. Thank for lunch and thank you for dinner. Thank you for singing and playing.