Pack Light & Pack Right!

Hey!!!

Hope you are doing well!  Looks like some funny business happened with my last post because my original disappeared!  Oh well, here we are again. :0)

Although it's a cloudy day today, I hope you're finding some sunshine in your life.  I know for me it's been a long week mentally and physically, so sunshine would be the cure. Lucky for me, we're going on a family mini-cation this weekend!

As excited as I am, one of the most difficult parts of going away is getting packed.  It is a process trying to get your life packed in a bag,  especially when you still have a million other things to do!  So, over the years and with having children I have learned the best way to eliminate or more realistically calm down the stress is to be PRE-pared.  I have created a little list I use to make sure I pack what I need! Here's a sample of my list and sometimes it does get tweaked based on location, person, or place, but you'll get an idea....

Mrs. B's Packing List for a Summer Mini-Cation

Clothes

Underclothes - 4 to 5 pair (extras are always good.,,.just in case!)

2 pairs of socks

4 shirts/tanks/blouses

2 pairs of jeans

2 pairs of shorts/skirts

1 sundress

bathing suit

slippers/slipper socks

1 pair of sandals

1 pair of flip flops

1 pair of tennis shoes/closed-toe shoes

Pj’s – 2 – 3 pair (gown/short sleeved pajamas/long sleeved)

Jewelry (few earrings/rings/necklaces)

light jacket/sweater

Necessities

Deodorant

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Washcloth/Bath Towel (if you're not into using hotel's)

Beach Towel

Lotion/Body Oil

Hair Supplies (brush, comb, hair oils and ties, shampoo and conditioner)

Prescribed Medicine/vitamins

Extras

Lysol

Wipes

Bug repellent

Sun screen

Adult/children's Medicine (allergy, pain, cough, upset stomach, etc.)

Snacks for car/room (crackers, fruit, etc.)

Tablets/iPods

Chargers for ALL electronic devices

Extra Extras

Plasticware (spoons/forks)

Straws

small toys

books

Whoo!  Was that a lot?!  I know it looks like it but trust me it's not; especially if you're traveling with a tribe like me. I use this mainly for myself and the girls.  Hubby is a big boy so he does his own, but most of the clothes/necessities are about the same. You may be looking at my list wondering what are some of the “extras” for.  Well for me I think it makes for a better trip to have what you need. Sometimes you don't have time to find a local drug store or Wal-mart to get what you need, so I like have things handy.  But, if you're all for the adventure, then have fun with it!  

But, truthfully I like to focus on the mission at hand….my family.  What I really love about vacations with the family is that it's an opportunity to be together.  It's a time to reconnect and enjoy each other without all of the disruptions in the world.  We never really think just how much our work, activities, school or whatever else we have going on takes away time from the ones we love. Im order to truly love and enjoy each other it’s important to remember to leave the unnecessary baggage at home!

Before going on a trip together, it’s important to leave the issues at home and more importantly resolve them before you step foot out of that door!  Work together to get through the tension of personal issues, bills, or miscommunication.  It’s not worth packing that mess to weigh you down in another location! So pack right and pack light!  Enjoy yourself and enjoy each other!

As we leave on our journey, pray for us and we’ll pray for you….and enjoy the rest of your summer too!

Ephesians 4:31-32 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.