The Not Too Shabby Mom

  You likely do most of these items with the little ones in your family. But, here is our list to help keep you on track this season! Help each child pick out a gift for the other, wrap and place under the tree. (Get a gift for daddy as well.) Bake and decorate Christmas cookies or decorate a gingerbread house. Deliver Christmas cards and baked goods or candy to each neighbor on our street. Trips to the library to check out Christmas movies and books. Visit Santa and take an annual picture. Take in a Christmas parade. Watch multiple holiday movies at home (with cocoa and various treats). Make a holiday craft or two (for ideas check out my Pinterest board, Christmas Crafts for Kids ). As a family take a drive and enjoy the Christmas lights. Write a letter to Santa. Decorate the tree as a family. Move the Christmas countdown marker each morning. (My 3 year old's favorite) Open and hang up the holiday cards the family receives. Wear our C...

If there ever was a day to load the kids up, head to Target, give the kids a cart full of snacks and wander aimlessly with a Starbucks in hand, today would be that day. But, my son has a head cold and when I mentioned going to the grocery store or anywhere for staples he said he just wanted to stay home. I get it. When I am sick I just want to stay in my pjs and watch tv; not be forced out and about. But, every ounce of my being wants to leave the house. Because last week both my babies had a stomach bug. Even if it means loading up the double stroller, packing a bag, dressing 2 little ones, grabbing hats and hoodies for both. Planning an outing around naps and potty trips. You see it has been weeks since I have left the house by myself, so at this point I would do whatever. Going somewhere by myself is not asking someone if they are ok, not checking a diaper, not peering into the backseat at every stop and not keeping a death grip on my cart for fear a child abductor is watching my f...