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July 27, 2019 By Melendy Johnson Leave a Comment

How I organize the Chaos at home when My Husband Travels for work

Organize your days

Organizing – If you are like me – you are a mom, and you have someone in your life whom you raise the children with. If you don’t – you may not need this post – but I welcome any advice you can offer.

I find that often when my Husband travels the house turns into Chaos. It has been several years – and we have learned a thing or two, so I thought I would share these tips with you!

1. Set expectations

I always make sure that before my husband or I leave for a trip – there is a conversation with the children Where we are going, how long we will be gone, and what we are traveling for. Honesty is always a good policy – and when the boys know what to expect there is less chaos.

2. Organize using lists

Packing lists
schedule lists
to do lists
I find that especially over the summer – if there is a “to do” list for the boys, then I can leave before they wake up to go to work, and they know what is expected. the lists include: chores, small tasks, personal goals, reading, instrument practice, walking the dog, and eating. yes – eating. Because their clocks get off during the summer, and they often forget to eat.

3. Lower your Expectations

I can remember when we were younger and Steve would travel for work. My mental health would take a huge hit. I would set self imposed goals of – the house will look 100% different, we will have cleaned everything top to bottom, and the boys will have twelve course meals three times a day…
Those things never happened of course – and I always felt like a failure.
Here is what mattered – The children were fed, all schedules were kept, and no-one was lost or injured. I started to realize that my self imposed check lists were too demanding of my mental and physical health.

the boys love to make rock towers at the ocean

4. Have fun

When my husband travels it means I am doing the things I do – and the things he does. This means always going – and I realized that these “mom only” moments were fleeting, and I needed to capitalize on time with my children. I started to make time for video games, favorite foods, or just conversations. organize a list of things your children want to do with you. This way, when one of you is away – the other knows how to heighten engagement without overwhelming yourself.

5. Shop before – and organize your meals

No one wants to go to the grocery store with one, two, or three kids. (ok – some do – but, I like to stroll and look for the exact thing) If you do – please know – I envy you!
I write out a loose plan of meals before a work trip – three to four meals and all of the ingredients – plus breakfast and lunch supplies. Organizing a list makes having all of it on hand before the trip means that the at home parent has what they need – and can prepare when the time allows. I love to use Pinterest to find new recipes for these times! Also – planning ahead prevents eating “whatever” is in the house, and helps you stay on budget. We also plan a “takeout” night to allow for the fun factor.

6. Relax

Always make sure that the things are done early so that you can have an hour to yourself a day. When you are the sole caretaker who is used to a partner in life – it can be hard to remember to breathe. There is no one to tag you out – no one to talk to the child who is back talking – no one to confide in. Take the time – before they wake – after they sleep – take the time. It isn’t selfish – it is necessary.

7. Plan time together when the trip is over

When you are used to two people running a household, doing it alone can feel completely overwhelming. I have been doing this for over 10 years, but – that doesn’t mean it is easy. SO – we are sure to organize our schedules and plan time before and after a work trip. Time alone, or with friends, or together – but we plan it in. This way there is no excuse not to do it!

racing together is a forced pause

So – How do you organize your time apart? Share your tips here!

This post may contain affiliate links. Find more information here

July 15, 2019 By Melendy Johnson 1 Comment

Beach Day Quotes – My favorite phrases about my favorite place

Beach Day Quotes

My favorite place is the beach. I love to sit, watch the waves, talk with friends and family. I love the feel of the waves on the toes, and the pull of the current as the waves roll in. Words also have a very strong pull on me, and quotes especially are a huge part of my calmness of my soul. I wanted to share some of my favorite beach day quotes with you.

the sea casts its spell
The spell of the sea is all encompassing. It helps you to calm, to remember your youth, and to feel like you are a part of something.
Do you ever have moments where you are afraid to just dive in?
don’t we all!? But the ocean has a way of pulling you in to a new adventure.
seas the day on the water
Watching the sunrise on the ocean is a sight that just makes my soul stop and breathe.
the day has not yet begun – and the energy of the world comes alive as the sky fills with color.
lead me to the beach
When I have a day that seems to never end, I always want to be near the water.
When I have a day near the water, I want it to never end.
take your own sunshine wherever you go!
The sun rises and sets over the water, but you can always have that sunshine in your heart.

Let the beach inspire you!

For me the water and sun are my inspiration!
Sitting in the ocean, and feeling the waves pull you out, and then crash against and over you – there is nothing like it.
The sun on your face as you close your eyes and breathe in the air is so refreshing. The inspiration I leave the beach with lasts the days until I return.
It is my favorite way to slow down.
How do you let the beach inspire you?
If you are looking for more inspiration – come check out my Pinterest board filed with ocean inspiration!

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Hello!

AvatarWelcome! I am so excited to share all things life with you! Recipes, fashion, workouts, relaxation, packing lists - you name it - I love it! I am a mom to three teenage boys, and a wife to my best friend. I coach youth track and field, and teach preschool. Life is always busy, and always fun here! Join in and share the fun!
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Yesterday, our family expanded by four paws, Cocoa Yesterday, our family expanded by four paws, Cocoa is her name- miniature Dachshund is her game, and while Ginger is not too sure what is happening- they are starting to get along. Ginger has shown Cocoa where to sleep, where to eat, and how to take walks with mom. The boys, Steve, and I are so excited to give Ginger a playmate, and to relearn having a puppy!
Good morning... every new day is a day to start an Good morning... every new day is a day to start anew. Today I pray that you will have a blessed day!
Grateful for a wonderful anniversary dinner with m Grateful for a wonderful anniversary dinner with my love!
When the leaves fall- and take their base color- t When the leaves fall- and take their base color- the earth gets a blanket of color- and we are reminded that change can be good. Grateful for the cooler air.
Grateful to be on the ballot! The Rhode Island Co Grateful to be on the ballot! 
The Rhode Island College Chorus was added to the official ballot of this years Grammy’s in two categories! Best pop duo/group, and Best Music Video! It is an honor! The link is in my bio to hear the song/watch the video! Tag yourself friends! 
#music #musicmakers #vote #grateful #blessed #lifetime #whatanhonor
Enjoying some outdoor time with @sjohnson6579 - ~ Enjoying some outdoor time with @sjohnson6579
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 #lifestyle #inspiration #selfacceptance #youareenough #beyourself #bekind #bebrave #positivemind #loveyourself #takeabreak #outside #create #createthifeyouwant #creatives #blessothers
Love a day with my feet by the ocean! Sandy toes a Love a day with my feet by the ocean! Sandy toes and salty air are my therapy! #beachdays #therapy #sunkissed #inlove @sand_cloud @finalstraw #relaxandrecharge #love #create #createthifeyouwant #creatives #blessothers
Cheers to trying something new... exploring the po Cheers to trying something new... exploring the possibilities... believing in yourself... and working hard. May life always give you these opportunities! #lifestyle #inspiration #selfacceptance #youareenough #beyourself #bekind #bebrave #positivemind #loveyourself #cheers #create #createthifeyouwant #creatives #blessothers
At my age- I should know this- but you know what- At my age- I should know this- but you know what- I don’t. Or at least not yet- but it is something I am learning. No one in this word can give me permission to make myself happy- only I can do that. I had a conversation with someone today whom I admire- she is a strong woman, and a mentor. In discussing my career choices, and my mental space around it she said, “do the thing that makes you happy- the thing that even through a pandemic you are willing to fight for it- because that is the thing that makes you the happiest.” 
My road ahead is a little different than I thought- but- my happiness is back in my view. I am excited for the road ahead- and when I look back- the road behind has some beautiful turns that landed me here, I don’t regret any of it! 
#alwaysmakingmusic #musician #geography #decisionsarenteasy #lifestyle #inspiration #selfacceptance #youareenough #beyourself #bekind #bebrave #positivemind #loveyourself #ichoosejoy #imakemyhappiness #igettodecide
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