Creating a Packing List With Google Keep (Simplest Way EVER!)

If you read my series on switching to digital planning, then you know I have become obsessed with Google Keep. 

I'm continuously finding new ways for Google Keep to make my life easier. For instance, I have now made all of our travel lists digital. 

I have two separate labels for travel in my notes. One is for camping. The other is just "travel." 

In the travel section, I also have a list for emergencies (hospital stays). 

I'll go into organizing my camping lists in another post, but I just wanted to show that the lists can be created any way you want- I have them organized by container for camping. 

For this post, I'm going to focus on my "travel" section. I have a few notes "pinned" that are strictly prep lists and the emergency list. 

These are all the things I need to do before a trip and things I need to buy. If you'll notice, there is also a list of things to do in the morning before we leave and things to refill after a trip, like travel placemats and check the first aid kit. 

The unpinned notes are things that need to be packed, as well as some notes about when we have house guests. I'll probably move the house guests notes to a different section eventually. 

My lists are organized by what container/ bag it goes in. If it is just a weekend trip, which is what we usually do, we only have a cooler, a backpack for each person, and a large tote for family things like the first aid kit and snacks. 

You can organize this to what suits your family and situation the best. Creating the list is really simple once you know what to do. 

1. On the left side, click EDIT LABELS and add your travel label
2. Navigate to that TRAVEL label on the left side. 
3. At the top, click TAKE A NOTE and you will get the note box. 
4. You can title your note if you want. 
5. To get checkboxes, click the 3 dots on the bottom right of the note and click SHOW CHECKBOXES
6. To change the color, click the color palate and choose a color or image for the background. This is great for color coding by the person as well. 
7. IF you want to share this note with someone (sending my son's packing list to him), just click the person+ button and enter the email address. 
8. Click CLOSE and your note is saved. 

You can check items off as you go and there is even an option to check all boxes or uncheck all boxes. When I get finished with one list, I deselected all the boxes and archived them. Once I'm done with the trip, I go through and unarchive all those notes and I've got a fresh packing list. 

If you need certain things with one particular trip, it is easy to add a note and then delete it when you are finished. 

You can also add images and drawings. Want to save a picture of your hotel information? Just upload it at the TAKE A NOTE section. Taking a road trip and have how you are packing your car planned out? Draw that out right in Google Keep or upload the image. 

In our Camping section, I have a map of our favorite campground uploaded and circled our favorite sites for quick reference.

It is so much easier to edit these notes than to have to start fresh because you forgot to add something, scribble things, redraw, reprint, and all the other things that come with paper lists. 

My kids love digital tools, so they get excited when I send them a note through Google Keep for them to start packing. It is also fostering independence and showing them organizational skills first hand. 

Camping With Teens & Tweens

My husband and I have camped together since we started dating. Because we both grew up camping, it was natural for us. We always knew we would have little ones following us around the campsite one day and we did. Now, we have big ones that get tired of it quickly because they don't know what to do with themselves. 

While my husband and I love primitive camping, we usually stay in a campground with the kids. We've only done an overnight primitive camp with the kids. We like to take them to the local campground (not far from home) for at least a week at the beginning of June. We also like to squeeze in any other trips we can. 

With the kids being 10 and 13 this year, they get bored and whine much easier and it becomes much less enjoyable for mom. Plus, screens are only allowed at bedtime and on rainy days when we are camping. The only exception to this is they are allowed to take pictures and listen to music with their phones. 

This year, I've decided to be proactive and find things ahead of time to keep them out of my hair when they decide to teen/ tween whine at me. Luckily, they both still like Legos, so that is still an option and I will make sure they take some along. 

1. Last year, they forgot Nerf guns and light sabers and I definitely heard about it. This year, it is already on the list. They had better not forget them. They can shoot each other to their hearts' content. They just don't know that dad has one too that is small enough to fit in his pocket. [tip: buy cheap bright colored foam darts so that it isn't a big deal if they get lost, but they are also much easier to find]

2. I found a really cool selfie scavenger hung from Crazy Outdoor Mama that I have printed already and they will get in their "surprise" bags. 

3. In the past, we've gotten them a new toy or stuffie for the longer camping trips. We're doing it differently this year. I made surprise bags with the next book in the series they are each reading, fun light sticks, a craft for each, a small activity book, and NERDS. (Always the NERDS)

4. I also included a beach blanket/ tarp and paracord in their surprise bags and their dad has fire starters for them to practice with. They will be learning some survival skills this year. 

5. Does your teen eat every waking moment, or is that just mine? This year I made them a snack bag for each day. This is more for me than them- I don't have to make sure they aren't going through all the snacks in the first 2 days. They have plenty for the day in their bag and it is up to them to make sure it lasts. This is on top of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't worry- they run it off. 

6. We read for 20 minutes every day and have 1 hour of quiet time every day. They can fish, read a book, or play independently. What they can't do is bug mom. I usually read a book in the tent or take a nap. They know Dad is right there for them. 

7. We like to take walks and see what interesting things we can find. Sometimes it is a crane hunting his food and sometimes it is a funny sign at another campsite. It's always a good time. 

8. They fish, bodyboard, ride scooters, and look forward to meeting new friends. 

It isn't hard to camp with teens and tweens, it just takes some prep in this digitally-driven age. It doesn't have to be expensive to find activities to keep them busy or cost anything at all. Everything can come from home. This is just what we do. It is also helping to teach them to prepare themselves- I include their input in packing and require them to pack their own backpacks (I just give them a list). 

Take those kids camping and have fun! 

Tween Summer Must-Haves + Mom's Suggestions

These are seriously the things my daughter loves for the summer or has been begging for. No affiliate links or sponsored links. 

I'm ready for summer and so is the beach bum of the family. We never stop learning, our learning venue does. We'll soon be camping for almost 2 weeks right on the lake (seriously the most beautiful lakefront campsite ever) and it cannot be soon enough. My summer girl is excited beyond belief. In honor of her excitement, love of the water, and all-around beach bumminess, I wanted to share these tween must-haves for the summer inspired by my 10-year-old Snapper. 

1. My kids have these walkie-talkies and even the 13-year-old loves them. They're small and lightweight. We love that they are bright and rechargeable. The extra color plates are wonderful as well. We have 2 pink and 2 green. Each kid has one at home and one in their travel bag. Fun everywhere. Find here

2. These are the most fun Nerf Darts. You can write a secret message and shoot it at your sibling. We've bought several of these packs just because they are so fun. They may be the "girl" line, but even the boy likes them. (Extra points for easy to find outside). Find here

3. We are definitely a Blistex family and keep it everywhere. I find it stashed all over the place. The medicated is my go-to but what tween girl doesn't love a fruit-flavored smoothie- especially one that is constantly dreaming of being in Hawaii. Find here 

4 Snapper is dying for a packable waist bag so that she's never without one and doesn't forget to pack it. This one from 4monster is a decent price and has fun colors. Find here

5. Snapper got a glitter ponytail trucker hat as her Easter basket and loves it. It's the first hat she'll willingly wear- even in the sunshine. This sequin one is fun too. Find here

6. This is the best travel pillow. Both kids have one and Snapper loves her unicorn one. It is super easy to blow up without a pump and even has a cushion so you aren't sleeping on and hearing the squeak of the plastic. We've tried many for them and these are the first that they actually like. Find here

7. Since I don't let her draw on herself with Sharpies (how rude of me) Snapper wants these temporary tattoo markers from Bic. Yes, I would let her use these. Find here

8. We love hair chalk in the summer and I was surprised at how easy it is to wash out of Snapper's curly hair. I love the colors included in this set. Find here

9. She saw this Mermaid highlights book (loves hidden pictures) and loved the bright colors. She doesn't know yet that I've included it in her camping surprise bag. Find here

10. Snapper isn't ready for a scooter upgrade yet (she still loves hers with the doll carrier) but she will be soon. We will get her this one because her brother has the camo version and it has lasted longer than any other scooter we've bought and we've bought a lot. It is sturdy enough for adults to use and the big wheels make it perfect for gravel and grass/ dirt. They always take scooters to the campground and this one is easy to travel with. It folds up nicely. Find here

I'm not going to add two things to the list.

1. Cooling blanket (snapper has this one)- the one the kids have is cooling on one side but it is like a regular thin blanket on the other side making it perfect for camping and travel. It is lightweight and we even have a couple for the dogs. 

2. Junk Journal/ Smash book. Snapper has just started her journey with these because she loves to keep moments and I was tired of them ending up everywhere, so we came to an agreement. It has to fit between the pages of a journal. She has this zip-around cover that we've added pockets and paper to. The zipper allows her to put things inside to keep up with until she makes a page and also allows her to keep her supplies inside. A mini thermal sticker printer (like this one) is a fun addition.

What is your tween into? What adventures are they looking forward to?

5 Easy End-of-Year Celebrations for Homeschoolers

We have just a few days left of our "regular" school year and then we take a break for camping. After our break, we have simple summer studies, basically reviews on the computer. Like others, our learning never actually stops. We just like to have a clear end-of-year for our "formal" (as formal as they get) studies. 

We like to celebrate. However, I like to keep it much simpler than our back-to-school celebration. I don't want my kids to associate being done with school with celebrating. I want them to celebrate life, which is why we celebrate everything- even the end of a "formal" school year and the beginning. 

Here are some ideas for simple celebrations- to mark the milestones, yet not go overboard, so we recognize that learning happens everywhere and anytime. 

1. S'mores and sparklers in the driveway. I mentioned that we love to celebrate life. Well, part of that is that we keep s'mores fixin' and sparklers on hand just because they are fun. If a kid accomplishes something they have worked hard towards, bring them out. Did mom get a new client? Bring them out. Do we just need a pick-me-up? S'mores and sparklers to the rescue. We like to do this in the driveway so the kids' great-grandmother can join in. 

2. Donuts for breakfast the first "non-school" morning. Well, we like to do pop-tarts because the kids are rarely allowed them for breakfast because there is so much sugar in them. (they are allowed on very special occasions- the first day of summer, birthdays, camping, and traveling). 

3. Take treats to the library. Why not let your kids treat the librarians who have helped them all year. I'm sure those at the local library would love to celebrate with your kids and it is a great way to thank them for their hard work. 

4. On the same note, a service project is a great way to celebrate the end of the school year. We like to gather blankets, clothing, and books we no longer need, as well as surplus toiletries. We take them to our local homeless shelter. Items for children are in high demand because many people don't think about kids being in a homeless shelter. It is also a great way to teach kids to be thankful. (Note: our local homeless shelter does not allow anyone in besides residents and there is a big privacy fence around the playground. I understand the reason for this, but the kids don't actually see who they help. However, the director always comes out and talks with them and lets them know how much it is appreciated.)

5. Spend the day together laughing and having fun. Nothing special has to happen. Your kids are going to remember the laughs and the silliness more than anything. A movie day, a day at the park, a day outside together, and a walk through the woods are all ways that my kids enjoy celebrating. They like the idea of having mom (and dad) to themselves without having to complete a list of things. 

Keep that in mind when planning celebrations. Your kids are going to remember your time together more than anything. Enjoy your kids- that is the best way to celebrate. 

Kids and Their Dreams

Growing up, my mom always told me: "If your dreams don't scare you, you aren't dreaming big enough." I really believe that. From a very young age and even though my dreams and goals changed, we would discuss how to accomplish them and what I could do then to work towards those dreams. She would sign me up for certain classes at the camp I went to, find classes at school that would help me, and even go to workshops together that were related to my dreams. 

I try to do the same with my own kids. 

Both of my kids have huge dreams. Snapper is 10 and dreams of being a marine biologist who not only educates people on misunderstood animals like pangolins and invents things to help animals. 

Tbomb is 13 and he dreams of being a paleontologist and adventurer. He wants to travel the world hiking and camping while looking for dinosaur bones and bigfoot. He wants to develop games in his travel time. 

These dreams may seem big, but that's a good thing. Why can't they both accomplish those things? 

I realized that Tbomb only has 5 more summers before he is an adult. He could be hiking the Appalachian trail in just 5 years. That is not that far off. 

I decided that since he will be starting 8th grade this year, we will also be working towards goals. He'll start learning different survival and hiking skills. He's already asked for a Hammock and trekking poles for his birthday in September. He's excited because he can actually try out gear on our property. He can hike all over the place and try things out. 

At the same time, he will be learning first aid, firemaking, shelter building, and whatever else he shows an interest in. This summer, he will be focusing on navigation because he received a nice compass for his watch in his easter basket. 

I'll be happy to share the journey here and hope you follow along. 

10 Things To Do Before Summer Break

I may be with my kids all the time since I homeschool them, but I look forward to our summers together just like other moms. I want to make the most of our summers together. After all, they don't last forever. 

There are a few things that I do every year before we end our school year so that we can have the most fun with our time and spend as much time together as possible. 

1. Finish projects. I always try to finish up any projects I'm working on.  This year, I actually finished planning our 2024-2025 school year so that I do not have to do it this summer when I could be outside enjoying my family. I also try to finish up any organizational projects I'm working on. 

2. Get the kids organized. We spend the last couple of weekends before we finish school purging bedrooms and making sure the systems in place work. That way, the rooms do not get out of hand over the summer. While you are doing this, make sure you are caught up on laundry (my nemesis) and try to do laundry whenever there is a full load over the summer. 

3. Get an "adventure bag" ready. While my kids' travel backpacks stay packed and they just have to add a few things in for travel and day trips, mom is a little different. I just get what I need. This year, I'm changing that. I have a bag ready for myself that I can grab and go- with a picnic blanket, small first aid kit, sunscreen, hat, towel (you never know when those kids will find a creek), and other things I may need on crazy adventures. When we went to the drive-in, it was the perfect time to test my bag and the kids' bags. Just make sure you leave room for snacks and cool sticks they may find.

4. Have quick recipes on hand. Make a list of 10 or so easy dinner recipes that you can use throughout the summer, along with your normal quick meals. Although it is fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids, who wants to spend all summer in the kitchen?!

5. Get all the outdoor fun ready- Clean the fire pit, get your outdoor seating done, and get the s'mores basket ready. All that stuff. Have it ready for the fun to begin. 

6. Get the dogs' vet visits done. Now, you can take Rover with you on all your adventures with no worries. 

7. Don't forget to get your car serviced, cleaned, and stocked for summer fun. New hand sanitizer, tissues, and organized for family fun. 

8. Get a list of ideas and supplies ready for fun at home. Maybe you need to get some work done or maybe you just want to spend the day in the house. That's ok too. Some ideas of fun things to do (can be as simple as a coloring book) can help you when trying to come up with something on the spot. 

9. Look at your calendar. Go ahead and mark the days that you have to do things and then look at your community calendar. Pencil in some events that you might be interested in taking the kids to. It's always nice to have options. 

10. Get excited! Seriously. Are there any better humans on this planet than your kids and spouse? Get excited about all the fun times you will have together and make every day an adventure- at home or on the go!