This week my mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, and 3 nephews are coming to visit. We are so excited to have them with us, especially since this will be the first time their boys leave Texas, AND the first time they get to fly! Since my brother and sister-in-law don't have experience flying with kids and I have more than enough to go around, I keep thinking of tips for them to make sure things go smoothly. I have flown with my boys (but mostly without my husband) upwards of 20 times in the past 6 years so I definitely have a routine down. I finally decided to blog about what I have learned rather than constantly texting them. So here you go...how I like to pack and prepare to travel when flying with kids:
Before you get to the packing stage, you need to plan your trip and buy tickets. Some people like to fly late at night in hopes their kids will sleep, but once you get there you still have to get to the hotel or house where you're staying and, in that process, disturb their sleep big time. My preference is to fly during/around naptime. If your kid is under age 2, he or she can ride as a lap child. When Charlie, our first, was born, I insisted on his having a seat and dragging his car seat onto the plane. I finally realized that a car seat wouldn't exactly save him in a plane crash, and I'd want him in my arms if something happened anyway. If you do fly with a lap child, make sure you inform the airline ahead of time, and be prepared to show proof of their age at the ticket counter with either a copy of their birth certificate or shot record. In a pinch, an insurance card with their birthdate works too (or it has for me).
When it comes to packing suitcases, I have a few hard and fast rules. When I don't do these things I always regret it. Always pack pants and long sleeves for everyone. You never know when the weather will turn or you end up going to a restaurant that's chilly. I almost always wear mine rather than pack them, but I'll cover that in a minute. I always make sure to have enough diapers/Pull-ups to get us through traveling and into the next day, but I usually wait until we get to our destination to buy enough to get us through the rest of our time there. If you're lucky like me, you'll have someone like my mom and some of my good friends who buy them in advance. When it comes to pajamas, I pack either 2 pairs (minimum) or 1 pair and something like sweats that we can lounge in that can double as PJs. You just never know when a diaper will leak or your kid will get sick on you! I try to pack mix-and-match outfits for myself and my boys. Make sure to take accessories for the weather-hats, gloves and scarves for cold or sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen in summer. That's about it for suitcase packing rules for me. The actual traveling, however, is a different story...
I'm pretty picky about how I dress and pack for the plane. I usually wear long pants or capris, and I always wear/take a zip-up hoodie. It sounds extreme to be so particular and my mom actually laughed at me when I explained it to her, but she's never flown alone with kids so I'll forgive her for it! :) The pants are because I tend to get cold on planes, and the zip-up sweatshirt is because it works well as a pillow or blanket, and if your child falls asleep on your lap and you start burning up, you can actually take it off (unlike with a pull-over). I usually wear socks and tennis shoes rather than sandals or flip flops because my feet get cold and being warm and comfortable is worth the hassle of having to take your shoes off at security (in my opinion). My bangs usually get pinned back so they aren't in my face, but I don't wear a ponytail because it just hurts to put your head back against the head rest. I always make sure to have enough wipes and diapers and a change of clothes for the boys. It seems all sippy cups leak, but the disposable ones aren't usually as bad on planes as ones with stoppers, and if something happens and it gets gross you can throw it away without feeling guilty. I pack my glasses in my purse, mostly in case we get stuck somewhere on a layover or diverted due to weather. I guess this is where my being a military pilot's wife comes out and I think about the what-ifs. I always want to make sure we are prepared for things not going according to schedule and not having a chance to make a run to Target or Wal-Mart. On that note, I always pack my phone charger...I always take my Kindle, but since I can read books on my iPhone I don't necessarily worry about my Kindle charger in my carry-on. Lastly, I make sure I have my ID, cash and credit/debit card with me. This seems obvious, but it would be terrible to show up at the airport and not being able to check in because you don't have your ID.
Things to know before flying with kids include the following:
*You can check a booster/car seat with your luggage and the airline should give you a clear plastic bag to put it in to help protect it. You aren't allowed to put your kid in a booster seat on the plane because they aren't FAA approved. You can also purchase your own padded car seat bag. We had one that was really nice and had padded shoulder straps so we could use it as a backpack. It had enough room in it for us to pack a few other items as well and save suitcase space.
*When going through security, kids 12 and under don't have to take their shoes off. Everyone has to take off jackets/sweatshirts/sweaters. Kids about 4 or 5 and up can take responsibility for themselves at security. Charlie (6) knows to get a bucket and put his jacket (if he has one) and anything he's carrying in it. He has carried his own bag/backpack since he was about 2 through the airport, in which we put his nonny (taggy blanket he still sleeps with), books, and any toys, video games, or coloring items he chooses to take on the plane. I'm pretty sure we could drop Charlie off at the airport and he could check in, get his boarding pass and check his luggage, make it through security and onto his plane all by himself. Not only has he flown a lot, but I've taught him to pay attention at security and how to look for the right gate.
*If you are taking a stroller, you will have to take your child out of it and fold it up and place it on the conveyer belt to be x-rayed. Some TSA agents will even make you flip it over so the wheels aren't rolling on the belt. I'm not kidding. Apparently they don't realize how hard it is to keep track of a 6-year-old, hold a wild toddler and carry-ons, and fold up and pick up a stroller all at the same time.
*I like to get to the airport in time to go to the bathroom once last time, purchase a drink for myself in a bottle (less likely to spill), and buy something to eat if necessary. If it's going to be a meal-time while we're in the air, I will buy sandwiches or whatever. If not, I make sure I have plenty of snacks (which I usually buy ahead of time). I've learned special treats (like M&Ms for our 22-month-old, Will) doled out very slowly when he's ready to lose it on the plane tend to be very helpful.
*Download Kindle books and movies before you get on the plane-otherwise you'll be out of luck in most instances. Some airlines are starting to offer wi-fi, but most charge and I'm not willing to pay for it! If your kids will wear headphones, bring them-I try not to annoy those around us with Sesame Street when possible.
*Finally, most airplanes don't have a place for you to change diapers. I've mastered changing them in my lap. It's not ideal and you have to be especially careful when you're sitting next to a stranger, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! So suck it up and take care of your kid. Try to remember to bring some bags to put dirty/wet diapers in, or ask the flight attendants. They are usually more than happy to give you a trash bag. Sometimes I just get one from the get-go and keep it for all our trash until the end of the flight.
I hope this is helpful for someone out there! My husband is an excellent dad and does his best to help when he's able to fly places with us, but ironically I find his presence more disruptive to the flow of my routine. Of course it's more fun having him there on the plane to hold a squirmy Will, and once we get where we're going rather than having to miss having him there. Good luck and happy travels!
What are your helpful traveling hints?
Monday, June 24, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
His Brother's Lullaby
I'm pretty sure I have the two sweetest boys in the whole wide world. I know, I know, every mom thinks that about their kids. And they totally should. It's just that they're wrong and I'm right! I'm kidding, of course, but there are moments-tiny glimpses-when I think it must be true. That's usually the moment that reality comes crashing down around me, but for just awhile yesterday I was able to believe it.
My boys and I were in the car on the way home (from Target, of course, where my mom thinks I should have designated parking because I'm such a frequent shopper...and I agree). It was nearing Will's naptime and he was in his typical getting-ready-to-fall-asleep-in-the-car mode: pacifier in mouth with the handle flipped up so it rubs the tip of his nose (too cute, right?), arms straight down by his sides, and head on the side of the car seat with the thousand-yard stare. Out of nowhere, 6-year-old Charlie starts singing "Shoo Shoo" to Will. "Shoo Shoo" is the lullaby my mom sang to my brother and I when we were babies, and I sing to mine (she sings it to all her grandbabies, as well). It's her adaptation of a Peter, Paul and Mary song. I've successfully put both my children and many of my friends' kids to sleep singing it (only one friend's baby has ever been able to resist the sleep force of this song!) After a few rounds of "Shoo Shoo," Charlie started singing "Amazing Grace" to Will. This is my husband's lullaby of choice for our boys, and by age 3 Charlie knew 4 verses of it himself. I was so overwhelmed by this tender moment of my older son singer to my younger son about the Amazing Grace of our God; our son who has, in fact, been saved by that grace since he made the decision at age 3.
I prayed right then that Charlie would always be a shining example of God's grace to his little brother, that Will follows in Charlie's footsteps and accepts Christ as his Savior at a young age, and thanked Him that His promises are true. That if we teach our children about Him in all we do, that it will become part of who they are. I know there will be times when I almost can't see it, when I doubt whether our teachings have taken root, but those are the times I'll remind myself of when my baby was put to sleep by his brother's lullaby.
My boys and I were in the car on the way home (from Target, of course, where my mom thinks I should have designated parking because I'm such a frequent shopper...and I agree). It was nearing Will's naptime and he was in his typical getting-ready-to-fall-asleep-in-the-car mode: pacifier in mouth with the handle flipped up so it rubs the tip of his nose (too cute, right?), arms straight down by his sides, and head on the side of the car seat with the thousand-yard stare. Out of nowhere, 6-year-old Charlie starts singing "Shoo Shoo" to Will. "Shoo Shoo" is the lullaby my mom sang to my brother and I when we were babies, and I sing to mine (she sings it to all her grandbabies, as well). It's her adaptation of a Peter, Paul and Mary song. I've successfully put both my children and many of my friends' kids to sleep singing it (only one friend's baby has ever been able to resist the sleep force of this song!) After a few rounds of "Shoo Shoo," Charlie started singing "Amazing Grace" to Will. This is my husband's lullaby of choice for our boys, and by age 3 Charlie knew 4 verses of it himself. I was so overwhelmed by this tender moment of my older son singer to my younger son about the Amazing Grace of our God; our son who has, in fact, been saved by that grace since he made the decision at age 3.
I prayed right then that Charlie would always be a shining example of God's grace to his little brother, that Will follows in Charlie's footsteps and accepts Christ as his Savior at a young age, and thanked Him that His promises are true. That if we teach our children about Him in all we do, that it will become part of who they are. I know there will be times when I almost can't see it, when I doubt whether our teachings have taken root, but those are the times I'll remind myself of when my baby was put to sleep by his brother's lullaby.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Best. Date. Ever
A few nights ago I went on the best date ever. I'm sure some of you have been on some really great- maybe even amazing- dates. But none of them can top mine. How do I know? I wasn't flown to Paris or taken on a shopping spree, but I WAS informed by my date MULTIPLE times that it was, in fact, "the best date ever." Who was this mystery date, you ask? It was my 6-year-old son, Charlie. Charlie is a logical thinker, insightful and discerning, a rule follower, and all-boy with a sensitive heart when it comes to both himself and others. I've done my best to pay special attention to him over the past nearly-2 years since his little brother was born, and my husband has taken him places (mostly Chipotle and The Home Depot) to be his "helper", which Charlie loves. But I didn't realize until Sunday night how much he's been craving some one-on-one time with his mommy, who he had 4 1/2 years with before Will came along.
Charlie picked out a Chili's gift card for me as part of my Mother's Day gift last month, and declared that it was for the 2 of us to go out by ourselves. I immediately agreed that would be an excellent idea and was regularly looking at our calendar for a time when we could make it happen. And Charlie certainly didn't forget. Like many 6-year-olds, his brain is a sponge, so once I told him we were on for a date, he wouldn't let me forget. We finally set a date and time (Sunday at 5 pm), and of course the destination had already been chosen.
Sunday morning came and our date was all Charlie could talk about! It was so cute seeing his excitement and anticipation over spending a few hours with just me. He's old enough to remember what life was like before Will, and to be honest, I figured he didn't miss it all that much. His intense love for and friendship with his little brother ("Mister" as Charlie calls him) in conjunction with my being there with him day in and day out led me to believe he gets enough of me as it is. Apparently I was wrong, and I'm so thankful I was. I'm also thankful he let me know just how wrong. All day, Charlie watched the clock and gave me updates on the time, or how much time left until our date began. We left the house a little later than expected, but come 5:30 we were finally out of there with Justin and Will heading inside for their own dinner.
The minute we got in the car, Charlie asked to play on my phone, which I figured was a bad sign, but I let him know it would be poor date etiquette, and that the purpose of a date is to spend time with someone else and get to know them better; I officially declared the evening a phone-free zone (aside from a few pictures I took). At Chili's, we discussed our orders together, went through the games on the kids' menu, and laughed over his drawing of himself fist-pumping (the directions were to draw yourself doing something you do well). I cracked up over that one, and I'm still sad 3 days later that I forgot to bring it home with me. I asked Charlie questions- nothing deep, just things like, "What's your favorite thing that mommy cooks?" (fishsticks and sandwiches...ugh!), and "What are you most looking forward to about going to first grade?" (making new friends). I gave him some basic advice about girls and dating (always treat every girl the same, no matter how others treat her or if you think she's pretty or mean; always open doors; get her home BEFORE her curfew, not right at it and certainly not after), but mostly we just talked and laughed. When I asked him if he could do anything what would it be, his response was, "Go on a date to Chili's with you." "No, seriously, if you could go anywhere? Like Hawai'i?" "Go on a date to Chili's with you in Hawai'i." I realize that today his answer to that question would probably be different than it was in that moment, but it was so special, so important, so consuming for him that evening, that it was all he wanted to do. He mentioned it no less than 20 times, and as soon as we got home he asked when we could do it again.
To say the least, I was honored. Overwhelmed. Flattered. I was also learning. Learning the importance of that time, not just stealing a few moments during Will's nap or in the car on the way to AWANA, but time that was scheduled in advance, set aside just for him and me, so he KNEW that it was my focus and plan rather than an afterthought. After dinner that night I took him to get ice cream and we walked around the outdoor shopping center, just having a conversation. He's such a big boy, so smart, and with so many thoughts and ideas in his head. He's trying to figure the world out and place all this information that's coming into his mind in the right mental categories, and I need to make an effort to help him make sense of it all. And I also need to allow him to figure some of them out on his own. But if I don't take the time to listen to him and talk with (rather than AT) him, he'll go somewhere else for that help.
So mothers, date your sons. Fathers, date your daughters. Parents, spend time with your kids one-on-one. I know you've heard it many times from many people, but I'm telling you now it's true. It's so important and you will never regret it. It'll be your best date ever.
Charlie picked out a Chili's gift card for me as part of my Mother's Day gift last month, and declared that it was for the 2 of us to go out by ourselves. I immediately agreed that would be an excellent idea and was regularly looking at our calendar for a time when we could make it happen. And Charlie certainly didn't forget. Like many 6-year-olds, his brain is a sponge, so once I told him we were on for a date, he wouldn't let me forget. We finally set a date and time (Sunday at 5 pm), and of course the destination had already been chosen.
Sunday morning came and our date was all Charlie could talk about! It was so cute seeing his excitement and anticipation over spending a few hours with just me. He's old enough to remember what life was like before Will, and to be honest, I figured he didn't miss it all that much. His intense love for and friendship with his little brother ("Mister" as Charlie calls him) in conjunction with my being there with him day in and day out led me to believe he gets enough of me as it is. Apparently I was wrong, and I'm so thankful I was. I'm also thankful he let me know just how wrong. All day, Charlie watched the clock and gave me updates on the time, or how much time left until our date began. We left the house a little later than expected, but come 5:30 we were finally out of there with Justin and Will heading inside for their own dinner.
The minute we got in the car, Charlie asked to play on my phone, which I figured was a bad sign, but I let him know it would be poor date etiquette, and that the purpose of a date is to spend time with someone else and get to know them better; I officially declared the evening a phone-free zone (aside from a few pictures I took). At Chili's, we discussed our orders together, went through the games on the kids' menu, and laughed over his drawing of himself fist-pumping (the directions were to draw yourself doing something you do well). I cracked up over that one, and I'm still sad 3 days later that I forgot to bring it home with me. I asked Charlie questions- nothing deep, just things like, "What's your favorite thing that mommy cooks?" (fishsticks and sandwiches...ugh!), and "What are you most looking forward to about going to first grade?" (making new friends). I gave him some basic advice about girls and dating (always treat every girl the same, no matter how others treat her or if you think she's pretty or mean; always open doors; get her home BEFORE her curfew, not right at it and certainly not after), but mostly we just talked and laughed. When I asked him if he could do anything what would it be, his response was, "Go on a date to Chili's with you." "No, seriously, if you could go anywhere? Like Hawai'i?" "Go on a date to Chili's with you in Hawai'i." I realize that today his answer to that question would probably be different than it was in that moment, but it was so special, so important, so consuming for him that evening, that it was all he wanted to do. He mentioned it no less than 20 times, and as soon as we got home he asked when we could do it again.
To say the least, I was honored. Overwhelmed. Flattered. I was also learning. Learning the importance of that time, not just stealing a few moments during Will's nap or in the car on the way to AWANA, but time that was scheduled in advance, set aside just for him and me, so he KNEW that it was my focus and plan rather than an afterthought. After dinner that night I took him to get ice cream and we walked around the outdoor shopping center, just having a conversation. He's such a big boy, so smart, and with so many thoughts and ideas in his head. He's trying to figure the world out and place all this information that's coming into his mind in the right mental categories, and I need to make an effort to help him make sense of it all. And I also need to allow him to figure some of them out on his own. But if I don't take the time to listen to him and talk with (rather than AT) him, he'll go somewhere else for that help.
So mothers, date your sons. Fathers, date your daughters. Parents, spend time with your kids one-on-one. I know you've heard it many times from many people, but I'm telling you now it's true. It's so important and you will never regret it. It'll be your best date ever.
Friday, June 7, 2013
WATERMARK Plot Reveal!
Ever wonder what was on the other side of the river? If you grew up going to camp every summer in Alto Frio, Texas, I know you have. You and your friends came up with wild stories about an old man who would shoot you dead if he caught you on his land. And because you were in Texas, you knew your crazy story wasn't really all that crazy. The waiver all the campers had to sign saying they wouldn't touch the land on the other side of the Alto Frio River also lent credibility to your outrageous imaginations. Well, if you're still wondering what's really over there you clearly haven't been reading the PHANTOM ISLAND series by Krissi Dallas. Because she answers the question campers have been asking for decades: What really is on the other side of the river?
Krissi Dallas is a long-time friend of mine (we met when we both started attending Castle Hills First Baptist School as eighth graders) who also grew up going to summer camp at Alto Frio. Krissi is a smart, sassy, fun, beautiful, Godly woman who has an imagination just as wild, if not wilder than, anyone I know who's had the pleasure of spending a week each summer in Leakey, Texas. In the first PHANTOM ISLAND book, WINDCHASER, I was completely shocked by the twist this young adult book takes when some campers and counselors defy camp rules and cross to the other side of the river and end up someplace they didn't know existed. By the third book, WATERCROSSING, I realized Krissi had completely hit her stride in writing the series when I was so engrossed in the story line that I had completely forgotten who it was written by. This is an amazing feat since Krissi bases the series' main character, Whitnee, on herself, and I can hear my friend's voice saying each of Whitnee's lines.
Join the rest of those who know what the White Island is, discover which Island Tribe you belong to here, and start reading the Phantom Island series! Keep reading to see what you're missing...
<a id="rc-6d6ed20" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6d6ed20/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Krissi Dallas is a long-time friend of mine (we met when we both started attending Castle Hills First Baptist School as eighth graders) who also grew up going to summer camp at Alto Frio. Krissi is a smart, sassy, fun, beautiful, Godly woman who has an imagination just as wild, if not wilder than, anyone I know who's had the pleasure of spending a week each summer in Leakey, Texas. In the first PHANTOM ISLAND book, WINDCHASER, I was completely shocked by the twist this young adult book takes when some campers and counselors defy camp rules and cross to the other side of the river and end up someplace they didn't know existed. By the third book, WATERCROSSING, I realized Krissi had completely hit her stride in writing the series when I was so engrossed in the story line that I had completely forgotten who it was written by. This is an amazing feat since Krissi bases the series' main character, Whitnee, on herself, and I can hear my friend's voice saying each of Whitnee's lines.
***Excerpt:
I stared at her in frustration. “What is with you?!” I exploded. She was not acting like my best friend.
Like my Morgan. “You’ve been so
different this summer, and I don’t get it!”
“Well, you’ve been different too! People change, you know,” she
snapped back.
“If I’ve changed, fine. But at least I’m still honest with you.
You, however, have turned into a liar! If we don’t have trust between us, then
what do we have, Morgan?”
Join the rest of those who know what the White Island is, discover which Island Tribe you belong to here, and start reading the Phantom Island series! Keep reading to see what you're missing...
***Plot Synopsis:
Relationships on the White Island are
volatile and Whitnee, Morgan, and Caleb aren’t sure who they can trust—even
each other. Politicians are lying, history is being rewritten, and motives are
questionable. Whitnee sets out with Gabriel and a band of rebel spies to take
back the enemy's biggest weapon—Whitnee's father. However, a shocking turn of
events proves once again that the Island's secrets have the power to destroy
more than just the truth. Separated from her friends, Whitnee battles her own
fears in order to survive and protect the ones she loves. But when Morgan's
illness finally comes to light, Whitnee faces a decision that could alter her
future—and Morgan’s—forever. And whether she ultimately stays on the Island or
leaves might not be her choice, after all.
“…[An] earnest tale of magic and romance that
deals with the great distance between pain and recovery.” –Kirkus Reviews
(Windchaser, Phantom Island Book 1)
***Meet the Author:
Krissi Dallas loves pop music,
mismatched socks, and fried chicken. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her
youth minister husband, Sam, and their two wicked Yorkies, Elphie and Luna.
Krissi enjoys hanging out with her quirky middle school students and building
the dramatic, magical, and mysterious world that makes up the Phantom Island
series. Be sure to check out Windchaser, Windfall, and Watercrossing. Krissi loves connecting with teens, as well as readers and
writers of all ages! You can stalk her online at www.KrissiDallas.com.
If you like free stuff (and really, who doesn't?!?) you can enter to win the first three books in the PHANTOM ISLAND series, the new WATERMARK book, a t-shirt, or an autographed copy of THE COLLECTOR by Tori Scott. By doing the tribe quiz, you automatically get an extra entry in the giveaway! Enter here:
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