The Obvious Information We Frequently Overlook ...

Mom Tip ~ The obvious information we need to have at our fingertips is sometimes the most frequently overlooked. Most of us wouldn't think of our address as being a critical piece of information ... it just seems so obvious that someone in our home should know where we live.

However, we often forget that a new babysitter will not automatically know our address if he / she had to call 911 to report an emergency. He / She may not even know your spouse's name.

Additionally, if a neighbor had to come into our home to assist in an emergency, he / she may not know our critical phone numbers. Or, if your child needed to call your spouse at work, would she know the number?

A great way to keep all of this information available at all times is to keep a laminated sheet by your phone that has the following critical information:

1. Your Names
2. Home Address
3. Home Phone Number
4. Your Cell Numbers
5. Work Number / Spouse's Work Number
6. Work Fax Number / Spouse's Fax Number
7. 911
8. Poison Control
9. Phone Number for Your Alarm Company
10. Primary Physician's Phone Number
11. Veterinarian (if you have a pet)
12. A list of all allergies, prior surgeries, and current medications for each family member.

If you have a family handbook, all of this information should be kept in the "emergency section." Make sure all of your family members are familiar with the location of this critical information.

Customized Week at a Glance Journals ~ Priceless

Journaling the "Crazy Moments" of Mommyhood Provides Laughs & Perspective.

It has been awhile since I have updated my blog with the latest happenings of the "Mo-Nado" aka our "Molly Tornado." She is now 2 1/2 years old and is still reinventing the phrase "busy toddler." The photo attached is how she greeted me the other morning at 6:30am ~ yes, that is a blue ball point pen she used to draw a "Rudolph nose" and "mustache" on herself (she told me herself - proudly).

I just had to photograph the moment before I searched the house for the other "remnants" of her "pen destruction." Luckily, she managed to avoid marking up the furniture & walls too. This photo now graces the page of January 14th in my "Mommy Journal."

My New Years Resolution was to "look for the good" in each of my children every day ~ despite the tough day to day challenge parenthood can "feel" like at times. To help remind me of their precious childhood qualities (these years are much to short) during the frustrating "ball point pen moments" I have started a mommy journal.

It is a simple "week at a glance" calendar I keep by my bedside table. Each evening I document one silly, sassy or even frustrating moment for each of my children. I journal how the moment shows their "personality," "good intentions" or "growing pains." It is something I re-read the next evening and end up laughing hysterically at how they each brighten my day ~ even in the crazy moments.

For your "week at a glance" customized mommy journal ~ email thepurplemartin@bellsouth.net or call (704) 724-9108 ~ cost is $45

Mom's Pick Their Style ~ Your Children Provide The Inspiration! Nothing replaces your hand-written record of your children's funniest moments!



All the best ~
Lori Martin