summer toddler routine + free printables

 

The last day of school is a month away!

The Free household is very excited about this.

As the school year is wrapping up, and having an energetic 2 year old, I've begun thinking of fun plans for our family this summer.

One important thing, though I'm admittedly not the best at it, is keeping a routine.

Here is what we are striving for:

We have zoo passes, which we want to utilize.

Our PTA is also selling movie passes for our local theater for kid movies each week.

It comes out to $1 per person per movie.

We haven't taken Levi to the theater before, but I am wayyyy excited to try this.

He loves movies and I think he will just love the big screen.

Plus it'll be theater full of kids, which will help mama not worry about a wiggly toddler.

We also have great public libraries with a summer reading program where they can earn free books.

One of the local libraries has a children's area AND a coffee shop.

We've planned to make that a regular stop this summer with some friends.

Kansas City has great activities for kids.

I've kept Friday as time for special outings. 

(Saturday can be this as well)

This could be going to a local park, swimming at Grandma and Grandpa's pool or something from our "Summer Special Activities" list

I am so excited to spend some fun family time.

I am the type though that has to be careful not to try and do it all.

I love being out and about, but know Levi needs down time at home as well.

Here are some free printables you can customize for your own summer plans!

You can print them and write them in, or right-click and save and then edit it in picmonkey and add your text and print off!

Mamas and Kansas City peeps, any things you add or any tips for a memorable summer?

Please share!

keep em busy basket

I am loving toddlerhood, but it is kicking my butt.

I'm grateful to sleep through the night, but once we are up, it is full on energy. Everywhere I turn there is a new mess to clean up, Levi is climbing somewhere he shouldn't and I'm attempting to get regular clothes on or heaven forbid, take a shower.

One particularly stressful time of day is dinner prep time. Levi usually wants to help, which is awesome, but sometimes our tiny kitchen just doesn't accommodate. There are nights I simply need to get in there and whip dinner out ASAP. Any mamas relate?

Anyways, I decided to make a basket of special activities just for during that time. Here's what's currently in our basket:

We have color wonder paper & markers (can I get an AMEN on how awesome these are?! Levi's been experimenting in "graffiti" and with these there isn't a problem!)

Also stickers & a dishwasher basket hat we use to stuff Pom poms into for fine motor practice.

The basket is placed in our dining room next to his high chair so he can easily grab it.

I plan to rotate different items regularly to keep things interesting and keep his attention. This idea is also great for other hectic times, like attempting to get ready in the morning or if you are tending to another child. 

Ok mamas, what other awesome ideas do you have to keep little ones occupied when your attention is needed elsewhere?

motherhood: a reflection on the first two years

Life has been busy.

And this blog has been neglected. 

Sorry friends.

I thought, now that I've been a mama for a whopping two years, I'd give a check in on how things are going!

milestones

Levi is 2!

He is running, climbing, jumping, skateboarding, and tricycling

He has a HUGE vocabulary and is now putting together sentences

He can identify shapes, colors, some letters and can count

He is now in a big boy bed (sniff sniff)

He is now in the 30% for height and 24% for weight!!!! This is HUGE for us!!!!

feeding

Levi is the typical toddler. He'd rather play than eat.

He's not overly picky, which is fabulous.

He would love to have a diet consisting of chocolate milk, cookies and candy though (don't we all?!)

cloth diapering

2 years and still going!

We did have to switch to disposies overnight. The wet cloth on his skin for an extended time was causing rashes. Switching to overnight disposables cleared it up. 

Hoping to start potty training this summer when mommy and daddy are home!

work

I've still been blessed to teach part-time in the afternoons. I've loved our leisurely mornings together. This is when we do preschool time, play outside, prep for dinner or just watch a movie : )

what we love

being outside (I think we are going to basically live outside til October)

movies (this kid LOVES movies)

stuffed animals (he loves to play with them, make them walk, feed them, etc.)

toys (duh...what toddler doesn't love toys!)

random thoughts

so....infancy is exhausting. The whole living life in 3 hour chunks is brutal.

Now that we are in toddlerhood, we sleep through the night (hallelujah!), but it is a whole different kind of exhausting.

My house is never picked up. Not that I don't try. Just as soon as everything is in it's place, Levi dumps his bowl full of cheerios on the floor and jumps on them. Then pulls out every sippy cup we own. Then takes all the towels out of the cabinet. You get the picture.

I love seeing his little personality emerge. I love talking with him and starting to see what goes on in that little noggin of his.

I love seeing him interact with others. Playing with his friends. Telling his family he loves them. Love it.

Motherhood requires a sense of humor. Otherwise you'll go insane.

Find Mommy friends. Luckily, my best friend has a son a few months younger than Levi. Together we can vent, laugh, cry and "get" each other. This motherhood stuff is tough but SO amazing.

The ULTIMATE List of Toddler Stocking Stuffers

                        

TOYS

Play Dough

Finger Puppets

Masks

Little People

Small Doll

Bubbles

Blocks

Bath Toys

Bath Crayons

Egg Shakers

Toy Balls

Matchbox Cars

Slinky

ENTERTAINMENT

Books

DVDs

CDs

Tickets to Local Event

ART SUPPLIES

Markers

Do A Dot Markers

Coloring Book

Crayons

Paintbrushes

Washable Paints

Art Smock

Stickers

PRACTICAL

Sippy cups

Utensils

Bibs

Fill Yourself Food Pouches

Bowls

Plates

Snack cups 

Stickers

Washcloths

Cloth Wipes

Bath Soap

Lotion

CLOTHING

Socks

Slippers

Scarves

Hats

Mittens

Tights

Leggings

Headbands

Festive cloth diaper

Play Jewelry

Play Purse

FOOD

Applesauce Pouches

Goldfish

Granola Bars

Dried fruit packets

Apple

Orange

Do you have anything you'd add to the list?

Home Preschool

For the time being, our family has decided to "home preschool".

Granted, our child is one.

But since Levi doesn't go to a daycare center and is with me most of the day, I knew I needed to start working on some of his academic skills.

And, I know I'm his Mama and I'm supposed to say this, but.... this kid has some smarts.

Must take after his daddy.

So after lots of research, we dove into the school year with our own little version of preschool.

Right now, at 20 months old, Levi's goals are:

Learning his colors

Learning shapes

Begin counting (he can count to 5!)

Begin identifying letters

Lots of reading together

Expand his vocabulary

LOTS of creative play

In our family room, I carved out a little area for his preschool things:

The key being that I wanted his items accessible, but organized.

Clearly labeled so that he can help in putting things back where they belong.

How I've structured our time is that we do mini-units every 2 weeks (give or take).

So for now, we are on "Fall".

We are still working on his general concepts (shapes, colors, etc.)

But through structured play that corresponds to the theme.

I've gathered a billion ideas from Pinterest, and organized them into a little binder so I can keep it all together.

 A fabulous blog to check out is 1 + 1+ 1= 1.

It is filled with everything you'd need to start Tot School inclduing free printables!

You can also follow my Preschool Pinterest board for ideas!

 Each week, on our book shelf is 3 baskets. 

Each basket has an activity or toy that goes with the theme.

They may be homemade stick puppets that go along with a book, blocks, toy animals, leaves, etc.

This helps keep toys fresh and interesting.

At Levi's age, with the attention span of an active one year old boy, we only do preschool for 20-30 minutes. Much of the time is lead by him. 

We usually have time for him to explore the activities in his basket, we then read a book that goes with the theme, then usually some type of art project.

Really? You can make it what works best for you and your little one.

This is meant to be intentional, fun learning.

To get started....here's items I recommend.

Laminator 

 I got this one at Target for $25.

You can get refill pouches for cheap on Amazon.

Definitely recommend this.

Velcro Dots

Work great when making puzzles or labels

Binder rings

For making your own books

Bookcase

So items are organized and accessible for little ones

Baskets

Lots and lots of baskets. Organization is key.

Kid size work space

A little table and chair are great for them to do reading or art

Magnet Board

Great for kids to manipulate items and practice storytelling

Paint Dot Markers

These are washable and fabulous for little hands!

And to help you get started, just right-click and download these labels I made in organizing your own preschool area!

Just print, laminate and attach to your baskets!

And for us, teaching Levi the Gospel is the center of our day.

I pray and strive to show Christ-like patience and love to him.

We look at the wonders outside and how our Creator made them.

We practice saying sorry and forgiving.

We read Bible stories and try to recall the characters.

We pray for those around us.

God has entrusted Levi's precious mind and soul to me to mold and shape and I pray daily for His wisdom.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Is anyone else a "home preschooler"?

Have any great tips or resources?

Thankful

Today is Pregnancy & Baby Loss Remembrance Day.

A day I wish didn't exist.

I wish every positive pregnancy test ensured a healthy baby.

That pregnancy would be full of joy and anticipation.

That all baby's are born healthy and get to live a happy life.

But many of us know the cruel reality.

The dropping HCG levels.

The silent face of the technician during a sonogram.

The many heavy decisions to make.

The calls of telling loved ones the terrible news.

The sleepless night sobbing and wondering what could've been.

The feeling of helplessness.

The disappointment in your own body.

The surgeries.

The doctor's appointments.

The tucking away of cute baby things that bring too much sorrow to look at.

I also know we have a loving God. A Father who loves us.

That we do not know the plans He has for us. And for our children as well.

The year that we lost 3 pregnancies and underwent infertility testing and treatments were the darkest months I have yet to encounter.

I felt so alone. So isolated.

I felt incredible sorrow and jealousy.

I felt doubt and confusion.

But through it all...though I did not understand, I knew God was good and He had a plan.

That was my rock that kept me going.

It's been nearly 3 years since that very dark time.

The Lord has since blessed me with my sweet little boy.

I am thankful each and every day to have experienced a healthy pregnancy and getting to mother my son.

Motherhood is the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

It has grown me in so many ways.

I am not the same woman I was prior.

But I am thankful.

I am thankful that no matter where my life would be now,

whether I would still have empty arms and a broken heart,

or a home full of children.

My God is good.

And for that I am thankful.

diy kids art display

Our home will never look like a magazine.

I've made peace with that.

Our home is where we live.

Our home contains a child and animals.

I want it to be comfortable for them.

And part of that, includes showing off their creations!

Levi is just now getting the hang of making art (as opposed to eating it!) and I wanted a place to show it off!

Here's what you need:

A yard stick ($2.99 at Hobby Lobby)

Clips ($2.80 at Hobby Lobby)

Hot glue gun

Command hook strips

(optional)

clipboard

color printer

card stock

First

Decide how many clips you'd like and how far apart.

The beauty of using a ruler, is the measurements are right there!

Simple hot glue the flat back part of the clip to the front of the ruler.

Allow to dry.

 Use command strips (or double sided tape) and attach to wall using level.

There it is!

{Isn't my child a brilliant artist?!}

To add a little extra pizazz, I made this printable and simply printed it and put it on a clipboard I hung right above it.

I love this quote.

{right-click and save and/or print this image for yourself!}

 There it is! A great, cheap naptime craft project!

How do you display kids art work?

Are you a fridge family? Make an album or binder for each child?

Frame special pieces?

learning to live life unplugged

So, this post is written to me.

If you happen to glean anything from it, that's just a bonus.

Background:

I love technology.

(but not as much as you, you see).

But seriously. 

I love me some gadgets.

I love my iPhone.

I love my iPad.

I love my Macbook.

iHeart them.

But....it's becoming a problem.

I'm always on my phone.

There is always someone to text, a facebook status to write, a pin to "pin" and a blog to write.

I love current events, socializing and learning new things.

And my phone helps me do that to the max.

I love it for that.

It records videos of my sweet little boy.

It contains my recipes that I use often.

It tracks my weight watcher points.

It gives me directions to a new place.

It tells me anything I need to know via Google.

But it's a time waster.

It's a life sucker.

Have you had those moments where you are driving somewhere and realized you left your phone at home?

And you panicked?

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?

Yeah, I've had those.

And miraciously, I survived to tell about it.

But as I strive to live simpler, and enjoy a more quality life, I've realized I have to unplug.

Multi-tasking with my technology in hand is robbing with of the true moment.

I am now putting some restricitons on my technology time.

They include:

 

 Because it's at the point, that I think if Levi were to draw a picture of his Mama, it would include a phone in her hand.

Not cool, mama.

So I have to remind myself

 So I am vowing to unplug just a bit.

Technlogoy is a part of our everyday life, but in order to live my life to its fullest and most joyfyl, I have to learn to unplug.

 Is anyone with me?

Anyone else addicted to the iLife? (phones, ipads, laptops)

How have you beaten the technology addiction?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

books to grow as a christian woman, wife & mother

I'm a reader...but a very particular reader.

I only like to read non-fiction.

Particularly non-fiction that benefits myself, my family or my home.

I like to learn.

I like to better myself.

So for Mother's Day, Mr. Free & Levi gave me a big ol' stack of books.

I've started most of them so thought I would pass along some recommendations.

I am also going to recommend some tried and true books I have loved and read over the years.

All of these books are encouraging in my walk with the Lord and are applicable to whatever season of life God may have you in.

We read through this while we were engaged.

A good read understanding how you feel loved, and if you are in a relationship, how your partner feels loved.

A good, eye-opening read on relationships.

I love this book.

It isn't a christian book, however, so note that as you read.

But the basis of this book is fantastic.

I loved the tips that are shared on how we all need to slow down and simplify our lives with our children.

I highly recommend it...just be forewarned on the worldly view that it is evident during some parts of the book.

I fell in love with this book in college.

I was (is) obsessed with Mrs. Proverbs 31 and this book breaks down each verse.

It is daunting, and at times may seem unrealistic, but it is fabulous.

I was unmarried at the time and gleaned so much.

I have re-read it many times during changing seasons and find new application.

I love anything by Elizabeth George.
Many of her books have a similar theme, but are grounded in scripture.

This book is great on prioritizing what is important during busy seasons of life.

I read this book while really struggling with anxiety.

It is a great, encouraging read whenever life is a bit challenging.

 This book is very similar to Beautiful in God's Eyes, but with a different format.

It isn't solely based on Proverbs 31, rather using the entire Bible for helpful insight on what it means to be a godly woman.

 OK, I may be tarred and feathered, but this book isn't my favorite.

People are in LOVE with this book, but I can't say that I am.

I am, however, in love with her insight.

I just found the book to be a bit too detailed and wordy.

I love her premise of looking for the blessings in each day and to be grateful for all life's simple gifts.

This book is divided into 40 tiny chapters.

Perfect to read one a day before bed or with your daily devotional.

This is a very practical, easy read on how to make each day flow and be intentional as you raise your children for the Lord and manage your home.

Love this.

 This book is amazing.

My favorite mothering book by far.

Sally Clarkson has such an amazing heart for motherhood, that it is completely contagious.

The way she describes this important role of mothering completely affects your outlook on even the littlest tasks in child rearing.

It is convicting and inspiring.

Definitely read this.

This book is interesting.

It is about how our homes are the most important place on earth.

How they should minister to our family, brothers and sisters in Christ and the community.

The truly interesting thing about this is that it is written by a man.

He talks a lot about his childhood home and how it was a loving, nurturing place.

He takes those memories and applies them to his own home and how we can as well.

This book is a must-read no matter what season of life you are in.

I wish I would've read it sooner.

If you are in a relationship, read it together.

Make financial commitments together.

It truly makes a huge difference in your overall well-being.

So that's my list.

What would you add to your must-have books to help you grow?