your morning cup of moJO

I don't know about you --- but, I feel like I blinked and the summer flashed before my eyes. If you're like me, you may be welcoming the routine back to everyone's daily grind. 🙋

Life with children keeps things interesting. Especially in the mornings (and evenings). Well, anytime in general. :) One of my favorite parts of my mornings is when our 2.5 year old wakes up and exclaims 'good morning!' He then insists on singing 'you are my sunshine' at the top of his lungs and giving hugs and kisses to 'his babies' --- as he likes to call them. It honestly is the best way to start the day. Full of smiles and happiness.

Through the hustle of the morning, it's easy to lose sight of these special moments, memories in the making if you will. It's so easy to just go through the motions and not allow yourself to take it all in.

Go mode.

Raising four kids under 5, we've quickly found some things that help our mornings run a little smoother, so that we can enjoy the little things and not feel so rushed or frustrated in the mornings. Don't get me wrong-- we all have our moments, but if the good outweighs the sometimes overwhelming moments, that is what matters, right?

1. Lay out your clothes and your kids' clothes the night before.
Not sure about you, but I have a 5 year old that thinks she's 15 and insists on being the best dressed child in her class. We spend A LOT of time preparing her outfit for the day --- accessories and all. This really helps eliminate unnecessary stress. I know that when I ask her to get dressed for the day, there will be no arguments or time spent deciding, because we've already spent that time together the night before. Not to mention, having my own clothes out, makes things go quicker. Even Preston enjoys picking his clothes out and surprising us by dressing himself.

2. Shower the night before.
I used to say that I could't wake up in the mornings if I didn't take a shower. THAT was before I had four kids and had to get out the door in the mornings to drop off at three different locations. Now, I find that if I shower at night, I'm able to get around much quicker and it just makes me feel more prepared in the mornings.

3. Meal prep!
I like to spend my weekends preparing our meals for the week. This could be as simple as writing down your menu for the week. OR, take it a step further and make up a few menu items. I like to prepare my overnight oats for the week so that all I have to do is grab it out of the fridge for breakfast in the mornings. I also like to make a "sheet pan" meal that can be divided up for lunches for the week. This makes it super easy for me to grab and go, and prevents eating out.

I'll blog a little more later about more details on meal prep.

4. Pack your bags.
Lunch? Laptop? Kids homework? Forms need signed? Pack it all up the night before. Don't wait for the morning. By preparing yourself for the upcoming day, you're setting yourself up for a calm, stress-free morning. I pack up everyone's bags and have them easily accessible to grab by the garage door (or in the fridge). Then as I am walking out the door, I grab and go!

5. Wake up before your kids.
With littles this can be easier said than done sometimes. However, getting a jump start on the day before little hands and feet are up helps.so.much! Sometimes I treat my mornings like a checklist--- how much can I get done before the kids wake up?! Makeup✔ Teeth Brushed✔ Hair ✔✔✔

A common theme resonates with all of these.

Be prepared.

By spending a little extra time prep time in the evenings getting things ready, your mornings end up being stress-free and enjoyable. Maybe, just maybe, you'll have a few extra minutes to sit and enjoy a cup of (mo)jo and watch your kids play before the day gets going. After all, isn't that how we all want to start our day?

F O U R tips to make your travel run smooth(er)

I have this conversation with my mom almost daily. Life is backwards.

We should really be retired from about 30-50 years of age. While we’re raising our kids. Sometimes, missing milestones we would rather be in person for, as opposed to getting a picture or video on our phone of our sweet littles; taking their first step, being cute, or ornery.

Fortunately, or unfortunately --- it’s 2017. And that just isn’t always possible. I’d love to be a stay-at-home mom. However, I do enjoy working, and the hubby says I need a job too. :)

I’m fortunate to have had a job that allows me to work from home. However, I find myself hopping on a plane every month. As a mom, this could be stressful for some. So today, I’m giving you my top F O U R tips to make your travel experience run smooth.

1   1. Shower the night before.
Waking up bright and early for a 6:30 AM flight is hard enough. I literally shave about 25 minutes off my “getting ready” routine in the morning by doing this. Sleep or shower, wash and dry your hair? I choose sleep. I also lay out my clothes that I plan to wear for the day, as well as my makeup --- making everything easily accessible. If possible, have your suitcase in your car and your laptop bag on the kitchen counter, ready to grab on your way out the door. Anyway you can prepare in advance makes your morning run smoother!

    2. Find the family restroom.

Are you a pumping momma? Find the family restroom. Most airports, unfortunately, do not have special pumping rooms. And those that do, are typically located on the complete opposite end of the airport that I need to be on. Tip – find the family restroom. You can use the changing table to set yourself up, plug your pump/phone, etc. in and it’s typically MUCH cleaner than the floor of a public restroom.

3. Travel light. 

I don’t know about you, but when I get back from wherever I’ve gone, I am just READY to be home. Like, now. Who has time, or wants to spend the time waiting at baggage claim? I swear it adds another 30 minutes to my time from getting home. Master packing exactly what you need, so a carry on is sufficient to your travel. Then, you’re walking off your plane and getting to your car in no time!  -- some tips to travel light? Rewear pants and shoes! This really cuts down on what you need to pack! A lot of times I will only bring the shoes that are on my feet!

4. What happens with dad stays with dad.

I’ve learned that things always go smoothly when I just live and let go. Sometimes, that means the kids may be eating a Happy Meal (or two) while I’m away. You know what? That’s perfectly fine. As long as the kids are safe and happy, THAT is all that matters. In the end, when I let dad do things the way he naturally would, everything seems to run SO.MUCH.BETTER! Although my super type-A self would love to be in control of every situation, I do smile at the fact that my husband is fully capable and totally rocks Mr. Mom from time to time.  

Remember, at the end of the day, you're not in this alone. Whether you're a working momma, a work-from home momma or a stay-at-home momma --- we all at some point or another have to travel from time to time. Relax, and enjoy. Things like FaceTime and camera phones make the time away go faster and a little easier!