And the list could go on

What I have learned as a mommy of 3.....

- Keep a small handheld vaccuum charged and ready to go at all times in the garage.

Pull the car in, perform a quick vaccuum job, get the kids out, and enjoy a clean car the next time you load everyone in. (Sure, you might have to do this everytime you get in and out, but there is something about getting into a clean car that brings about a calming affect).

- Keep snacks handy in the car...for some reason kids get extra hungry when riding in cars

- Keep toys and books on every floor. Easy access to complete entertainment and learning

- Keep diapers and wipes on every floor

- Use totes to organize toys....easy access, but more importantly easy cleanup

- I strongly suggest following some sort of schedule for your kids....we have an elementary age, toddler, and newborn and all three have a much smoother day when we follow a routine or schedule.....the key is to FOLLOW a schedule, but more importantly be FLEXIBLE when your schedule needs a change.

- If you are going to invest in one 'extra expense', I would suggest budgeting for a cleaning lady....it is such a huge stress reliever knowing that at least once a month the house

will get a deep clean, so it's ok if the house gets a little dirty one day, PLUS it allows

you to put that time towards playing with your kids which is priceless.

- Do NOT spend all your time and energy worrying that your kids are being too loud or wild when out in public. This is one area I really struggle with, but I am learning when you focus too much on the negative then you miss out on some pretty memorable moments with your kids. Nine times out of ten, as their mom, you worry more about how your kids are being perceived when in reality the public sees them simply as 'kids being kids'.....so my advice is to just enjoy every second with your kids no matter how crazy they seem

- Network with other moms as much as possible through play dates, mom's night out, church, sports, etc. ....I don't care how much of a super mom you are, you cannot do this parenting thing alone. There are just some things only other moms understand. It has been a HUGE blessing in my life to journey with other moms (who I now call some of my best friends) through the good and the hard times of motherhood.

- Do one thing every day just for YOU. Whether that is working out, putting makeup on, or

just taking a shower make time for yourself so that you have the

- Wake up before the kids. I know it is so tempting to savor every moment of sleep you can get, but it is amazing how more refreshed you will feel when you get a few minutes to your self to drink your coffee and gather your thoughts without little interruptions.

- Take time to read a book or play a board game with your child when they ask. I know how easy it is to say 'hold on one second' to get some chore done, but that one second very easily can turn into minutes, and days, and then before you know it you have a elementary child who you have to ask to play.....trust me, I know.

I am always trialing different ways to make our household run smoother, and I am always learning new life lessons about parenting. The one thing I know for sure is that there is no one right way to do things when it comes to parenting. You have to do what works for you and for your kids. Every family and every household is different, and this is just a small glimpse into ours:)