My sweet family and I recently went on our first family vacation. We were blessed to be able to visit Marquette, Michigan. If you’ve never been to Marquette…BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW. The town is filled with beauty and adventure at every corner. Last year, we vacationed there when I was 20 weeks pregnant. Every mountain we hiked, beach we laid on, and restaurant we ate at, we talked about taking our baby to this magical place one day. It was an absolute dream to live out those conversations.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous for this first big adventure with our six month old. Would he sleep okay in the hotel room? Would he nap during the day? Would he like the longer hikes? These questions and many more ran through my mind as I was packing for the trip.

Our first vacation as a family of three had some learning curves. We are better prepared for next time. Most importantly – we had fun, made memories, and spent quality time together!

I am IN LOVE with the beach. I always have been. The water, the sand…the beach brings me a sense of peace. That is why our attempt at a beach day is rather comical in hindsight.

Picture this…beach tent, stroller, portable fan, diaper bag, towels, cooler, snacks, toys, play mat…all being lugged down to the beach. Marquette had an unusually hot week while we were there. So why not make our beach day the day that it was 90 degrees with no breeze?! Great idea, right?! Oh, I love those moments when life quickly reminds us that we are first time parents. We unloaded all of our things and set up the portable tent. We had big dreams of a relaxing day at the beach. As soon as I sat under the tent to give our boy a bottle, I knew this trip to the beach wasn’t going to be what we had envisioned. Lake Superior is beautiful, but the water is frigid this time of year. Far too cold for a baby to swim in. Between the intense heat on the beach and freezing water, there wasn’t a comfortable place for us or baby. Within fifteen minutes of being at the beach I packed up all of our things and high-tailed it out of there. Our fellow beach-goers must have thought we were insane. Back at the hotel our babe was able to get a great nap and mama enjoyed the cool air-conditioning. We went, we tried, we didn’t conquer. And guess what? That’s okay! We learned some tricks for our next beach adventure. We won’t let this one time discourage us from trying again.

Not everything is going to be exactly how you envisioned it on vacation. Things will constantly change depending on the stage of life you’re in. Don’t let it discourage you. Keep trying, keep learning and keep exploring with your little ones!

Here are some tricks we learned throughout our vacation…

🌿 Make ground rules. Is there a certain time you want your baby to be to bed by? (Remember, it’s okay to be a bit flexible, you are on vacation!) Is there a certain number of naps you want your baby to take in the hotel each day? What is your limit for waiting to be seated at a restaurant? How do you want to handle deciding where to go next during the day? Laying some ground rules for your family will make your time much more enjoyable. Being parents means you are forever on a team, and being on a team is easier when everyone is on the same page!

🌿 Bring the play mat EVERYWHERE. Unapologetically lay that thing in every park, outdoor restaurant and sidewalk you stop at. Your little one still needs to have space to move around. While stroller naps and walks are great, a balance makes for a happier babe. Honestly, if we would’ve had room in the car, I thought about bringing the activity center! It’s the same size as a high chair, why not? Happy baby, happy parents!

🌿 Pack EVERYTHING. It’s better to be overpacked than underprepared. The pictures below are the start of our packing process. We also had two huge suitcases with half our closets in them (my husband just goes along with it at this point, he’s a patient man). Whether it’s two nights or five we need the same amount of things. Tiny humans require a lot of stuff! That’s the season of life you might be in. One day, we will be able to stroll into a hotel with our two nicely packed suitcases. Today is not that day. Bring anything and everything you could possibly need. It just might save your sanity in a moment of chaos!

🌿 Make reservations. Breakfast, lunch or dinner…always try to call ahead and make a reservation! This is a must with little ones. Six month olds don’t have the patience to wait for a table. You need all the patience that they have for the actual meal!

🌿 Do whatever it takes. We usually don’t give our little guy his pacifier unless it’s bed time. On vacation, all rules go out the window. In the car, at a restaurant, anywhere else, do whatever it takes to keep your little one happy. It’s okay. They will adjust back into their normal routine once you’re home. But in these moments, on vacation, you want to have memories of talking to the family at the table next to you, reconnecting with your spouse, listening to music or baby laughs in the car…not…struggling to keep your baby happy when you could just given them a pacifier (or another calming item) for five minutes to reset their emotions.

🌿 If it’s just NOT working. Abandon ship. Call it a day. Chalk it up as a loss and try again some other time. Stop what you’re doing and change plans. Example…our comical, yet pitiful, attempt at a beach day. That’s just how life goes sometimes.

One of my main love languages is quality time. (If you haven’t heard about the 5 love languages I highly recommended looking into it.) I thrive on vacation. Exploring with my family, learning through the chaos and making memories brings me an overwhelming amount of joy. Take a deep breath, soak in the little moments and ENJOY your vacations. My husband is the best advocate for this- kids can be flexible and are resilient. They will get back into routine. Make new norms for vacation and throw everything else out the window! They’re only little once. Embrace the season you’re in and EXPLORE! 🤍

Children learn through play. From very early on they are constantly taking in the world around them. Can you imagine? What if every smell, texture, taste, shadow, color, etc. was new to you? Although it might come with a mess at times…

Let them be little.

They’re exploring a whole new world.

One of my favorite things about being a mom is seeing the world through my son’s eyes.

🌿 Find places in your house that have shadows and reflections

🌿 Find water!! Whenever my little guy is having a fussy moment my first thought is; How can we explore water? Whether it’s an extra/early bath, water from the sink, water in a bowl, or the pool outside, it always calms him down!

🌿 Have you ever been at a restaurant with your little one and it’s just NOT working? You have a feeling that chaos is about to unfold. Then, you start sweating because your meal hasn’t even come yet. Yep, every parent has been there! It’s not always easy being out and about with children. Even if this trick only buys you two minutes- that’s two minutes less that you need to continue planning a quick escape in your head! Instead, it allows you two extra minutes of time with family or friends. Let your little one explore and feel the condensation on your glass! They will be amazed by the temperature and texture!

Here’s a great example of how personal anxieties can sometimes get in the way of letting your little explorer learn about new things in the world. My boy had his six month checkup today. Without realizing what a privilege it was I became far too accustomed to the quick in and out visit when he was just a newborn. I didn’t realize that once a child turns 6 months old they can wait at the doctors office like everyone else. I’m laughing out loud as I think about the hour and a half of our lives we just spent there. I’m also realizing that I am blessed with a VERY patient babe! Anyway, while sitting in the waiting room my busy boy discovered the paper on the table was rather fun to play with. In fact, he wanted to crinkle, hold and rip every corner of that paper. At first, I tried to distract him with other things. Then, I thought…why am I stopping him? He’s only playing with the corners, it’s keeping him interested and busy, he’s exploring a new texture and sound, plus…they have more paper!! A perfect example of my adult mindset getting in the way of his new discovery. Now, if he would’ve started to eat the paper or play with it in an unsafe way I would’ve had to intervene. Will there come a time when it’s not appropriate for him to tear the paper? Absolutely. But in that moment, I could not think of one solid reason that would have justified stopping his exploration. And guess what? That activity kept him engaged for 15 minutes! 15 minutes that I would’ve been struggling to keep him distracted.

My final piece of advice is this…

Playful learning can happen in the little moments, the mundane, and the chaos. We live in a beautiful world- full of spectacular things- just waiting to be discovered.

Is this the best way? Am I doing enough?

Could I be doing more?

How is this going to impact who they become?

These thoughts creep in from time to time. If you let them, they can make you question every decision you are faced with as a parent. Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever asked yourself if you’re doing the right thing? Are you making the right choice?

My life revolves around doing what is best for children. I pour my love into my students and my family every day. I don’t stop being a teacher when I get home and I don’t stop being a mom when I go to school. I am constantly thinking about how I am impacting my students AND my family. This can be a heavy weight to carry at times. It is easy for me to get caught up in my own insecurities. If you have ever felt this way, please know that you are not alone. Some seasons in life are more difficult than others. It is okay to not be okay. I want that to really set in…it is okay to not be okay. Identify the way you are feeling, express those feelings and then find a path back to joy.

Finding a path back to joy…

I had a wonderful realization a few days ago. My sweet boy woke up from his nap and I brought him downstairs. After every nap we sit on the couch and he lays his head on my shoulder for a few extra snuggles. I whispered in his ear, “I love you to the moon and back, and back again.” A phrase I repeat often. Then, it hit me.

What matters most is that he goes to bed every night knowing that he is LOVED.

Loved unconditionally

Loved by me

Loved by his father

Loved by his family

Loved by God

LOVED

It is the same for my children at school. I want them to be collaborative, creative, critical thinkers, forgiving, compassionate and loving citizens of the world.

What matters most is that they go to bed every night knowing that they are LOVED.

Loved unconditionally

Loved by their teacher

Loved by their school community

Loved by their friends

Loved and accepted for who they are

Loved for what they believe

LOVED

Being a parent is not always easy. There will be heartache, worry and sadness. That is only because you care so deeply for the life that you created. You only want what is best for them. Make every decision in LOVE and be confident that you are making the right choice.

If you’re Type A, like me, your house was most likely organized, decluttered and clean more times than not…pre-baby. I had a nice little cleaning schedule while I was on maternity leave. Oh how I miss those days…vacuum during nap on Monday, clean bathrooms on Tuesday, laundry on Wednesday, you get it. When I went back to work that all went out the window. My main focus while I’m at home is spending quality time with our little guy! With that being said, it doesn’t make it any easier for my Type A personality. In this season of life I’m just simply not able to take care of my house like I used to. I’ve found a way to bring some calm to the chaos.

Make a space (or a few, whatever works best for you!) Commit to cleaning up this space every night before bed. Making a space for your child to explore and play will…

🌱 Help keep your house organized

🌱 Ensure your child is playing in a safe place. They can explore anything they want in this area without damaging other household items or accidentally hurting themselves.

🌱 Allow your child to have ownership over their space, giving them a place where they feel comfortable to make mistakes, learn and grow

🌱 Teach your child “clean up” and lifelong organization skills

🤍 Your child’s “space” can grow and change with them. Our little ones play area had a baby swing to start! We’ve now replaced that with his activity center. This space will change periodically to allow for new explorations and learning!

🤍 Mamas, don’t forget about you! Set up an area in your house that’s yours! Maybe it’s your favorite cozy chair with a few good books in a basket next to it. It might be an organized nightstand with a diffuser to bring a sense of peace at the end of the day! You might set up an outdoor oasis to relax and recharge. Find a spot that brings YOU joy.

Play is the work of the child.

Maria Montessori

If you want to do something nice for a child, give them an environment where they can touch as many things as they want.

Buckminster Fuller

Comment below with a picture of your “spaces.” I would love to see them! 🤍

Like this post? There will be more to come! I’ll be sharing tips for setting up a play space!

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My god is greater than anything I’m going through in life. If I didn’t believe that I don’t know how I would have made it this far. We are in a season of life that can be busy, stressful and chaotic at times. Yet, my faith has never been stronger. Because I am also a daughter of the KING. Mamas, pray about everything.

Not just the bad things. Not just sending up a Hail Mary in the middle of the night, “Please God, let this child sleep.” (Even though we have all been there) Here’s a funny story for you…

I went into labor at 10:30 p.m. on a Monday night, we went to the hospital at 4:00 a.m. I had our sweet boy at 12:09 p.m. on Tuesday. Therefore, I didn’t get very much sleep the night before. After I had our babe the nurse said, “Babies usually sleep a lot in the first 24 hours.” I can’t help but laugh looking back at that moment. I thought, “Wow, that’s awesome, I’ll be able to rest a bit and have some energy when we get home.” I was so optimistic, bless my first time mama heart. My little angel wanted to nurse, for what felt like, every 45 minutes ALL. NIGHT. LONG. The nurse came in the next day and said, “Oh, that is more second night behavior.” We are finding that our little one likes to be busy and ahead of the game when it comes to most things now. I would be lying if I didn’t send up a prayer for sleep, even if it was just an hour. I remember thinking, “He has to sleep eventually, right?!” or “This won’t break me, I will sleep one day, I can do this.” or “He likes sleeping during the day, I just have to make it until 4 am and then he will sleep.” And yes, I did survive. No, I wouldn’t have traded that sleep-less night for the world because I was absolutely in awe of the amazing little person God gave us. But it made me realize, am I only praying when things get bad? That’s not anyway to build a relationship. I want my relationship with God to include the good, bad, and everything in between.

🌱 Pray about the good things. The things that you are blessed with in this life.

🌱 Pray for others, as we are all doing the best we can in this life on Earth.

🌱 It is easy to assume the worst of others. Assume the best of others and it will change your entire life. Start your day with this phrase, “Everyone is just trying their best.”

🌱 Take time during your day to breath and pray.

🌱 Make a gratitude list once a week. Making one with your spouse or kids is even better!

🌱 Control what you can and give the rest to God. He’s in control of it all anyway.

But the lord stood with me and gave me strength. 🤍

2 Timothy 4:17

You know those days? The ones where you get home late, the house is a mess and you have a million things on your to-do list? Try this…stop, breathe and reset. Here’s how my reset usually goes…

Go upstairs, change into comfy clothes, throw my hair up, wash my face, go back downstairs, ignore the mess and the list, breathe and find something that brings me joy.

Trust me, I know it is easier said than done. Try to stay present in the moment. Forget about what happened throughout the day or what you need to do tomorrow. There will ALWAYS be more to do tomorrow. There is something about seeing the world through your child’s eyes that brings peace and joy.

Here’s a sensory activity for your babe that only takes a couple of seconds to prep!

1. Put ice in ziploc bag

2. Let your babe explore the ice while sitting up or doing tummy time

It truly doesn’t get much easier than that! Our little one loved this activity. I will never grow tired of seeing the curiosity in his eyes!

🤍 10-15 minutes of play

Other ideas:

🌱 Explore ice in different ways (partially melted or crushed)

🌱 For older kiddos use crushed ice and let them build

🌱 Extend with a winter book or book about states of matter

Enjoy mamas!

Did you know babies can paint? Well, not really. But let me tell you…when your little one is in elementary school and you show them the “painting” they made as an infant they are going to think they’re pretty awesome! Here’s a quick and fun painting sensory activity that we did with our little guy for Earth Day! 🌎 I found small bottles of washable paint at the Dollar Store and also snagged a pack of construction paper. We are currently in the “everything goes right to my mouth” phase. I wanted to find a fun way for our babe to safely explore paint! This is also a great activity if you don’t have time for a big mess! Here’s how it works…

1. Put a few dabs of paint on a cut out piece of construction paper

2. Place the construction paper with the paint in a plastic ziploc bag and close tightly

3. Let your sweet baby explore moving the paint around while sitting in a high chair, sitting on the floor or doing tummy time. If you have a little one that is on the move they can even try moving the paint with their feet!

4. Carefully cut and peel away the ziploc bag and lay the artwork out to dry

Other ideas:

🌱 Adjust the activity for any holiday/season

🌱 Let older kiddos draw or cut out their own shape!

🌱 Use different materials (canvas, fabric, etc.)

🌱 Extend the activity with a book!

🤍 5 minutes to prep

🤍 10-15 minutes of exploring

Enjoy mamas!

If you try this activity leave a comment or a like below. I would love to hear how it goes! ⬇️

Why start a blog? Why now? I don’t have a lot of “free time” these days. I go from teacher mode during the day to mom mode at night. Our weekends are packed with adventures, friends and family. And yet, I’m on fire. On fire to share simple ideas to help mamas take control of the mundane and thrive in the chaos. On fire to inspire and help others in this beautiful journey we call motherhood.

I was lucky enough to call the hardest working woman I’ve ever met my grandma. God called her home in September of 2020 at the age of 84. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her and what a wonderful great-grandma she would’ve been to our sweet boy. Friends, this woman was ALWAYS on fire. Whether it was working the night shift and raising 5 kids, running her own business, caring for her grandchildren or walking at her favorite park, this woman gave her whole heart. She is my why. She spread grace, love, encouragement and joy to everyone around her. We sing her favorite song every day.

‘Cause I love you a bushel and a peck

Becoming a mom and learning what it’s like to live with your heart outside of your body isn’t easy. But we can do it together mamas!