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DIY Car Wash Toy for Kids

March 7, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson 6 Comments

Make this easy DIY car wash toy for kids who love playing with toy cars.

  For any child who is a car lover, the imagination is limitless about where the cars drive and what they do. My son used to think cars got cold and needed a blanket...in his imagination, of course! He acted out the Cars movie (and Cars 2) while watching. This boy has loved them since he was 13 months old, and they are still not old yet. He is amazing at creating play … [Read more...]

Confessions and Clarifications of A Stay-at-Home Mom

March 6, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson 6 Comments

Let's clarify a few things about life as a stay-at-home mom. We SAHMs do not think we are perfect.

   I don’t write this blog because I think my life is perfect, or I am the  perfect wife, or perfect mother.  I write because despite all of my imperfections, I am happy, and will make every effort to be happy every day. I don’t always like  doing what I do each day: Who wants to drag a screaming, kicking almost-4-year old out of Library story time? Who wants to … [Read more...]

Turkey Burgers with Vegetables Inside

February 26, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson Leave a Comment

Picky eaters? Try these turkey burgers with vegetables hidden inside! My picky eaters loved them.

  Often when I set out to make dinner, I find that I am missing one or two items from the recipe list. Other time I have ground turkey versus tenderloins or some other variation that just doesn't quite match a recipe.  This scenario tends to help me create new recipes of my own through improvisation. (All the time I used to spend watching Food Network comes in … [Read more...]

Moms are Leaders

February 21, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson 2 Comments

Did you make the list of most powerful women this year? Do you consider yourself a leader? You are.

Did you make the list of most powerful women of the last year?   Every year Fortune magazine lists the 50 most powerful women, in business, but of course this is only one sector of powerful women. I noticed a blog out there that targets busy working moms also had their own list late last year. Women such as major cable channel news reporters were on it. Where is the … [Read more...]

Patterns for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool

February 6, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson 5 Comments

Creating patterns can be taught to infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Clapping your hands and encouraging your infant to mimic your claps is exposing him/her to patterns.  If your toddler falls down, stands up and does not cry, and you applaud them saying, "Yay!" (and they do it again to get the same response), they have recognized a pattern.  Children are never too young to … [Read more...]

Easy Art Exploration Tools for Kids

February 2, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson 1 Comment

easy art exploration tools for kids

Three simple art exploration tools you probably have at home spice up a kids art project. These are easy art exploration tools for kids from toddlers to preschoolers.   Kids love hands-on learning. Art is a great way to give children freedom to create and express themselves. You do not need to buy expensive art exploration tools. Use what you have at home to keep … [Read more...]

How Parents Teach Socialization

January 30, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson 17 Comments

  Socialization is the most over-used term in the parenting world-and early childhood education world-these days…and often the most misinterpreted. We stay-at-home moms are not depriving our children of proper socialization, we are actually providing the best form of it. The definition of socialization, from dictionary.reference.com is: … [Read more...]

Books on CD Recorded by You

January 23, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson 3 Comments

Record books on CD for your child with free download audio software,. Great for kids whose parents travel or as a family involvement activity in preschool.

My husband deployed for a year back when my oldest son was 6 months old. It was a job of mine to teach my son about his dad. Without the daily interactions of a parent and an infant, that memory of "dad" would not be established. It is a reality for families whose breadwinner travels a lot. Our solution was to do a few things to keep my husband present in our daily life and one … [Read more...]

DIY Sensory Bottles from Baby Bottles

January 18, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson 12 Comments

 {This activity was previously shared on the Infant Activities page in October 2011.}   I was first introduced to DIY sensory bottles when I worked in a daycare center. These sensory toys are very easy to make, are great for older kids to help make, and can be made in a variety of sizes.   If you do not drink bottled water, you can use baby bottles. I have both … [Read more...]

Bath Time Activities

January 7, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson Leave a Comment

Bath time activities for kids-toddlers, preschool and school age kids. Make bath time fun with these simple ways to entertain your child in the bath.

I have heard from some parents that the less toys they have in the tub the better they like it, because they just want baths to be quick.  I think giving kids some fun bath time activities can make bath time time that I get to sit for a bit. How often in your day do you get to take a load off while the kids stay busy?  In my house the second I sit, my kids have some radar … [Read more...]

Crash Course in Child Development: Toddlers

January 5, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson 16 Comments

Toddlers can seem tricky, but if we understand their development with this crash course in child development toddlers edition, we just may save our sanity through the toddler years...maybe!

We have made it through the sleepless nights of infancy, the milestones of crawling and first steps, and now, just as we have a nap schedule in place and a plan of attack for errands, the toddler stage begins! I know I needed a crash course in child development toddlers edition during the years of parenting toddlers. This was my least favorite age when I was taking care of … [Read more...]

Easy Dinner: Foil Packet Meal

January 4, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson 4 Comments

Easy dinner recipe: foil packet meals that are so easy to make!

Although meal time is not always stress-free in our house (reference the picky eaters posts), it is a time that we are all seated together, facing each other, without any distractions...except for the picky eaters! Make getting to the table together tonight simple with the easy dinner: foil packet meals. My husband learned this as a Boy Scout and shared it with me. Now make … [Read more...]

Moms Have Goals Too

January 2, 2012 by Jaimi Erickson 4 Comments

Ever feel like being a mom means people think you don't have goals? Have you stopped thinking about your personal goals since becoming a mom? It's time to remember that setting and achieving goals is important and you can make progress even during the motherhood stage of life.

When I say I am a stay-at-home mom, I get the feeling that people assume I have no skills. I remember sitting with some fellow military spouses before any of us had children. We were talking about our "work" experiences. Even though I and two other spouses had teaching experience, whenever I tried to add to the conversation the talking halted. I felt like I was being ushered … [Read more...]

7 Ways for Moms to Fit in Me Time

December 19, 2011 by Jaimi Erickson 7 Comments

Tough to get your me time mom? Fit in me time with these 7 me time ideas for moms. No babysitter needed!

Me time does not always look like I picture it in my head. Quiet hours with a book and a warm cup of coffee just do not happen in my season of life with young children. Many moms tell me it’s hard to find time alone to get some 'me time'.  It is hard to plan when we will get time kid-free.  I had to utilize creative ways to fit in my 'me time' when I was learning how to find … [Read more...]

Christmas Kids Activities & Homemade Gift Ideas

December 12, 2011 by Jaimi Erickson 1 Comment

Over 20 winter and Christmas kids activities for all ages and many can be turned into homemade gifts.

There are many Christmas Kids Activities that can be turned into Homemade Gift Ideas. I enjoy watching the kids complete art and craft projects that allow their creativity to show.  I put together a list of favorite Christmas kids activities and homemade gift ideas. These winter activities for kids are great learning activities and many can be turned into homemade gifts. … [Read more...]

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“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” - Audrey Hepburn

I spotted her just looking at our little seedlings. The peace of doing with our hands what we have learned with our mind is so satisfying. 

Tomorrow we can plant our first seeds in the outdoor garden beds. I am so excited for the simple task.

#gardenathome #athomegardening #athomefarm #homesteaddreams #learningtogarden #growingagreenthumb #hope #quote #quoteoftheday #familytime #outdoorswithkids #unschooling #learningaswego #peace #peaceathome #children #homeschool #homeschoolmom #homeschoolkids
Focus for art + dirty finger nails from playing in Focus for art + dirty finger nails from playing in the woods. 🎨 🌲 

 #wellrounded #myboys #boymom #raisingboys #momofsons #momof4 #homeschoolingboys #homeschoolingmom #artforkids #playtime #outdoorlife #outdoorkids
What are your plans for the weekend? #friyay We What are your plans for the weekend? #friyay 

We are having a few neighbors over tonight. (Obviously not locked down here. 👌) 

I am thankful for like minded people. 

I am thankful too for friends that are not always on the same page. 

I am thankful for God’s word that teaches us to create and build community in love. 

I am thankful for Fridays. 💗💗💗

What are you thankful for today? 

#gratitude #twoworlds #fridaynight #fridaywithfriends #fridayplans #livinglife #atpeace #gratitudepractice #momlife #momsintheneighborhood #eastnc #faithoverfear #faithlovehope
Today’s schooling looked a bit like this. 💕 L Today’s schooling looked a bit like this. 💕 Library, reading, painting the toy that came in the kids meal, reading time, and calm. 

When I think about my homeschool style (aka structure) it has definitely evolved over the years. I never really researched a style until today actually. 😂 What I found was, we started as Traditional - workbook-based learning. Then I added Unit Studies to our Traditional structure. Now we naturally have shifted to a more Charlotte Mason + Unit Study approach for some subjects and Traditional approach for a few subjects (math most specifically). 

Flexibility keeps our interest. Plus learning never stops.

Today our day began with a visit to our library. When we got home the kids all found a spot and were so quietly reading I did not want to shift gears! So I didn’t. 

There was reading, eating, drawing, painting, and so much quiet you guys I just had to let the kids go with this. My brain was soaking in the peacefulness.

When I started homeschooling, I would have never thought that a day like this would make me feel successful. It feels so good to have reached this point. 

When days happen like today, it feels pretty much like magic. 

What is your style if you homeschool? If not, what style would most appeal to your family?
#homeschoollife #homeschoolmom #homeschooljoy #homeschoollearning #homeschoolday #perfectday #homeschoolinglife #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolingmoms #homeschoolingstyle #kidslearningathome #charlottemason #unitstudy #traditionalhome #stayathomemom #momsathome #homeschoolreallife #eastnc #readingwithkids #learningtoread #librarytime #peacefulday #moms #momswhopray
You know what’s funny? I took this pic not even You know what’s funny? I took this pic not even noticing what random things were out of place. 😅 Perfect for this post today. 👇

Motherhood is a juggling act. We try to seek balance and be joyful, but kids, husband, house, our needs and wants all pull us in different directions.

We worry that if we drop one ball they all will come crashing down! We are busy, yet not feeling productive many days. The line between needs and wants become blurred.

Attempting to keep it all organized is overwhelming. 

We tend to define balance with images in magazines, snapshots of other moms who are
having a together day when we are not, or elaborate spring cleaning tasks that sound great and get pinned but ultimately leave us feeling even deeper in frustration when we do not complete them.

*****
Balance is not a place where you go and never ever again feel a bump in the road.

Balance is an on-going, always changing, never finished job. 

*****

If you feel out of balance today, you are just in the process of working your way back to it. 

If today was a great day, prepare yourself now because the scale may tilt and things may feel out of your control tomorrow. #reallife

It is not easy to cut things from our calendars or limit our focus each day. I feel that struggle so much. My whole family needs and deserves my time and attention. I am constantly in a state of re-balance, and making attempts to re-organize, as I attempt to balance four children and a husband.

That requires a lot of humility, prayers for God’s peace in my life, and relieving myself of any guilt for not doing it all every day.

Do you see the items out of place in this pic or are you focused on the beauty within it? 😉💕

#motherhoodinspired #motherhoodthroughinstagram #mothersunite #mamahood #grow #momtribe #momsunite #womensupportingwomen #motherhood #mamassupportingmamas #momlife #motherhoodrising #realmotherhood #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodunited #mommymoments #lifeasamama #honestmommin #motherhoodisdarling #simplymamahood #thatmomlife #motherhoodunfiltered #momstofollow #motherhoodunplugged #honestmotherhood
#homeschooling
#homeschoolinglife
#AD Today was hard! School took longer than expect #AD Today was hard! School took longer than expected, grocery shopping got pushed back, and I am soaking up my time to get quiet and pray it all away. 

I have discovered simple, quick ways to feel refreshed staying at home. With four kids, homeschooling and military life I can not just get a break when I feel I need it. 

These ideas have helped me feel rejuvenated in small moments even when I can not get out of the house to have a break.

One of the simplest ways to recharge is with a good old hot shower. I think it pretty much cures mom overwhelm and stress. I always planned my showers around the kids’ quiet times. That way I could take my time.

Choosing hair care products that are really special make it even better. @hairmayraki has natural repairing shampoos, hair growth kits and weightless moisture shampoo that feeds moisture into your hair so it feels and looks amazing even if you have to air dry!

**Use code JAIMI20 to save 20% on your Mayraki hair care products!**

As we get older our hormones shift, so hair loss can be a problem. Just like after having a baby!

Using Mayraki Hair growth and anti hair loss products helps me maintain full, healthy hair. It smells so nice and makes my hair feel moisturized and completely clean.

I put together a helpful list of ways to help us moms feel refreshed.

They are simple actions we can take to care for ourselves each day. I even have some ideas from my friends here on Instagram too! 

Check out the tips from my friends on the blog (via link in bio):

@thewholeparenting

@brandyintheatl 

@joqueen_and_family 

@coffeechaosandcuddles 

@pnicole_05 

What are your favorite hair, skin or spa products to make your pamper time feel special?

#momtime #goodhairday #selfcare #metime #quiettime #naturalhaircare #quiettimeformoms #momneedsabreak #mommytimealone #mommytimenow #momsgetabreaktoo #haircare #reenergizeyourbody #mentalbreak #momlife #mommylife #sahmlife #sahmproblems #sahmlifestyle #sahmmom #sahm #moms #blogger #momblogger
I spy two creatures who naturally love nature, wat I spy two creatures who naturally love nature, water and most of all dirt. 😍

Are your kids the outdoorsy, adventurous types? Anyone just over having clean floors with all the wet boots and feet going in and out like me? 🙋‍♀️🤦‍♀️

I can handle dirty floors for all this nature play without a doubt. 

#outdoorkids #freerangekids #natureplay #natureschool #siblingplay #siblinglove #kidled #kidlearning #homeschoollife #letthembelittle #freeplay #instakids #saturday
#AD Yesterday we had some talks. Things got a litt #AD Yesterday we had some talks. Things got a little tense. There were tears because she was embarrassed about what she did and said. 

I made sure to go to her room after things cooled down (where she was sent for her behavior) and ask why, talk about my reason why, and then she decided to come down and eat her dinner. (The whole issue was that dinner included a green vegetable...😅😂)

Everything returned to contentment. We all smiled. This is real life and real parenting. Our emotions clashed but calm logic brought things back in focus.

Today we can laugh and be silly thinking about it. 

What is the most recent heated or challenging moment you’ve experienced with your kids lately? Did things get resolved? 

***Sweatshirt: @choseninchrist 
Get it: Use code jaimi for 15% off...Link in bio.***

#realmotherhood #motherhood101 #logicalparenting #realisticmotherhood #motheranddaughter #kidsneedconsequences #learningtoobey #logicwins #greenvegetablesaregoodforyou #momwin #parentingtruths #parentinglife #stayathomemom #sahmlife #sahmgoals #raisingarrows #healthyeating #momblogger #bloggerlife #momlife
How have you been taking time to recharge while st How have you been taking time to recharge while staying at home? Making my list of favorite ways to refresh ‘cause moms with full schedules from morning to night need some simple ideas to get in quiet time. 👏 Do you need recharge time?

I like keeping it simple. 👌 Luxurious shampoo and body butter to maximize the spa feel after a hot shower, Bible study in the morning with my coffee, walking the dog solo are just a few of my break ideas. (I think hot showers are a cure all for a lot of stress! Time to think, feeling the strain wash away...all good things.) What do you think?

Since I have been a #stayathomemom for 13 years now, my kids have always been around and my time has been devoted to home and family. But I NEED time to have quiet and just be alone too. 

That means I have to squeeze in my recharge time in creative, simple ways. 

I am going to finish up this blog post and share it all with you. Share what you do too! I would love to give you a  mention you in the post. 👩🏼‍💻 💕

#inspiredmotherhood #foodforthought #bloggercommunity #instablogger #blogging #motherhoodinspired #motherhoodthroughinstagram #mothersunite #mamahood #connect #momtribe #momsunite #womensupportingwomen #motherhood #mamassupportingmamas #momlife #motherhoodrising #realmotherhood #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodunited #mommymoments #lifeasamama #honestmommin #simplymamahood #thatmomlife #motherhoodunfiltered #momstofollow #motherhoodunplugged #honestmotherhood
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When you really focus on fear, isn’t it pretty s When you really focus on fear, isn’t it pretty silly how much we let it run our lives? 

Anyone who knows my 7 year old daughter knows she has a “no fear” spirit. She can be a bit of an adrenaline junkie. She is always moving, seeking out fun and not intimidated by the unknown.

As a parent I both admire and cringe. 😅 

I find that I have to suppress my fear when it comes to her adventurous spirit so I do not diminish her true nature. I also have to be on the ball from a parenting perspective to talk through being smart while having fun. 

It is not as if we can ever see the results from the actions before we act though. 

Remembering myself how I truly only know what I see and what faith teaches me allows me to focus on eliminating fear from ruling.

For many years I was the opposite of my wild child. I was always thinking too far ahead to see what potential pain may come. That suppressed my nature. I see my kids so social, so eager to try new things and it energizes me to set that example too. 

Fear is not a worthwhile debate partner. 

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” ~Proverbs 31:25, NIV

Do you wrestle with fear in parenting and life in general or are you more of the no fear type?

#nofear #resistfear #faithandlogic #adventurousspirit #truenature #enneagram #enneagramparenting #personalitytypes #wildchild #wildandfreechildren #freerangeparenting #freerangeparents #instakids #instamom #instablogger #parentingmindset #goexplore #explorenature #natureschool #sahmsg #easternnc #eastnc #camplejeunelife #militarykids #militarylife #godledmotherhood #godledhomeschool #motherhoodsocial
Everything is better with people who are genuine, Everything is better with people who are genuine, content, loving and honest. 

Mardi Gras lunch (yesterday) with a great group was food for the soul. Belly laughs, ear to ear smiles and beignets made the day. 

#FatTuesday #MardiGrad #lunchbunch #osccamplejeune #camplejeunelife #mykindofmasks #goodfood #goodfun #goodpeople #realpeople #strongwomen #militarylife #militaryspouse #millife #milworld #eastnc #nclife #thegoodlife #blessedlife #motherhood #asiturn40 #momlife #momsdayout #motherhoodsocial
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