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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!

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June 21, 2019 By Melendy Johnson Leave a Comment

Snacks for Track – what we pack and why…

When we have a track meet – we always are careful to pack healthy, nutritious, and filling snacks. It took us a few years of trial and error to find the perfect balance. I thought I would share our list with you. Feel free to tweek it for your families needs, and share your list! I get the joy of being a mom and a coach . On the days before a big race – my mom hat makes sure that we are prepared – because my coach brain often forgets to eat!

1 – Hard boiled eggs. These are a quick punch of filling protein, easy to cook the day before. We started peeling them, and bagging them as two packs to allow each athlete to grab and go.

eggs for protein

2 – Cooked pasta. This is a quick carb grab. We find the athletes grab them around linch – or at the end of a long day. I pre-portion into quarter cups of cooked pasta. this keeps the amount they eat smaller – and allows us to know how much they ate.

3 – Cheese/Pepperoni/Cracker. Much like eggs and pasta – this is a quick hit of protein and carbs, and it allows an athlete (or a coach) to assemble a few – and walk away. I spend a little more and get the pre-sliced cheese just to make preparation a little smoother.

4 – Fruit and Veggies. I usually let the boys decide which they want. we try to have Apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, and then cucumbers, celery and carrots. These are great for fiber to keep them full- sugar for some natural energy – and the bananas add potassium for cramping.

veggies and fruit

5- Nuts/nut butter. another quick hit of protein to help give energy and maintain fullness. We are cautious to be aware of our athletes allergies – but – our athletes are aware that we have nuts in our bag – and also – that our bag is a community bag – so – we often leave with no food left!

Grab the Printable shopping list!

6 – Water. We all have reusable water bottles – but on a track meet daywear do bring a case of water bottles. We bring them home to recycle – but there is not always a place to refill water bottles. Also, many track meets underprepared their concession stands.

7 – Cookies. I know, I know…cookies are to healthy. HOWEVER – as a coach I really enjoy when at the end of a long day my athletes grab a cookie and smile. Whether they won, lost, had a personal best, or tripped – they worked hard. I believe that a little something sweet and the smile it brings is worth it! also – see – stopping the guilt.

cookies for fun

These are the snacks for track meets – specifically on long days/weekends. We pack all of this up into a few coolers, and grab bags of ice to keep it all cool. I bring a sharpie for labeling water bottles, a roll of paper towels, and a trash bag or two. This way when we leave – everything has a home.

What are your absolute favorites for sporting events that last all day?

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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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Christmas decor has been put away- but I love the Christmas decor has been put away- but I love the new look we have going on! #doglover #welcome #winterdecor #dauschundsofinstagram @ginger_the_dauschaund @sjohnson6579
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!
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