GO MOM GO!

As a busy mom, it seems that I am always struggling to get out the door with the kids and be where I need to be on time. I've come up with a few ideas that have helped me and I hope that you will add your tips as well. These are in no particular order but the key for me is to prepare the night before.

1. Lay out your kids clothes the night before. In extreme cases, (like when I have to leave the house at 4:00a.m. or something) I will put my toddler to bed in the clothes that he will wear the following day. It might sound crazy but I can do a quick diaper change and carry him directly to his car seat with a blanket and pillow and with the car already warmed up and it still dark outside, I can drive away with a sleeping, fully dressed child.
2. Keep your diaper bag packed at all times! This makes it easy to leave on short notice. I keep a small storage bin in my vehicle with backup diapers and wipes for times that your in such a hurry that you forget the diaper bag all together.
3. Fill sippy cups and water bottles the night before so you can grab those before you go and they will already be cold. I also keep a small ice chest in my vehicle that will keep things cool for longer if you grab an icepack to add to it. This also works for keeping your groceries such as meat and other perishables safe in the summer heat. (Especially for those of us that live in the Valley and find our best deals in the Tri-Cities or Yakima)
4. Anything that you know you will need and don't want to forget to take with you either put in the car ahead of time or put it in front of the door so that you will practically trip over it to get out the door. You won't forget!
5. LET THE KIDS SLEEP! Try to get up before they do so that you can do what you need to uninterrupted,(every mom deserves more 'me time') then have getting the kiddos ready, be the last thing.
6. Buy breakfast bars in abundance! There are a lot of really nutritious ones out there and my kids love them. Its a fast and easy way to get out the door quick.
7. Set the timer to go off 10-15 minutes before you really need to leave. That lets you know that your running out of time and you better hustle!
8. Take advantage of the features that your phone has and put your grocery list and other memos on it, then you'll never forget your list at home.
9. If your gonna be gone for along day be sure to pack snacks. Try doing a Pb & j picnic instead of going out to lunch. Its cheaper and it will break up a long day for a child, while letting them run off some energy you'd rather avoid in a store.
10. Use a stretchy coil cord on your key chain. I got mine for free about 12 years ago and it's still working to keep my hands free while loading up.