I joked in a previous post about the Doom’s day kits that I often see on Pintrest and how really what the world (at least the world of young families with children) needs are stomach bug preparedness kits. Laugh now folks. Moving beyond the joke….you know you want one! {and dad, just because this seems atrocious that your daughter would write on the world wide web about something like throwing up, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t share….I would hate to keep such a treasure a secret! It would just be wrong}

After each and every family member took their turn on the stomach bug this winter I grew weary of the running around the house to each closet to get this or that, all while trying to get back to my patient before the next round began.

My sister-in-law Sara made us an emergency kit for Christmas complete with collapsible water jugs, special granola bars, matches, etc. It lives down in the laundry room and is handy in the event that we might need it in an emergency or times when the power is out for long periods of time due to storms. And now, residing just next to it is…

Neat sheets- I have been on the hunt for these for a while. I used to see them at Target and Walmart. I found these similar sheets at Michael’s for $6. They are basically waterproof, thick sheets for picnics, etc. Easy to wash and happen to not be towels. Not sure about any of you but I got soooo tired of washing load after load of towels.  My plan when the bug strikes next year is to whip these puppies out and layer them. When one bites the dust it will go straight into the washer….leaving the next neat sheet ready to go. They are big enough to cover the boys beds which means I won’t be layering up loads of towels to cover every inch. And I imagine they will be quieter than making the kids sleep on trash bags!!

Cheap blankets- walmart and target are marking down blankets right now as the seasons change. Grab a few super cheap blankets. When the bug hits take off your kiddos bedding and replace with these. That way your good stuff won’t get ruined and you won’t be running to the laundromat. I speak from experience on this. When Jackson got the bug I actually went up to Owen’s bed and pulled off his comforter. After 4 days I figured he was in the clear and gave the poor boy back his comforter…guess who got the bug that night?! huh?!

Clorox wipes- obviously you will need to do big time cleaning but in those wee hours of the morning and middle of the night you need something disinfecting that is handy and can be thrown straight into the trash.

Pedialyte packs- I love these, I normally don’t go for all of the individual packets because they are pricier but these are worth the cost. I don’t know about now but it used to be that pedialyte in the bottle had to be thrown away after like 24 hours. These packets allow you to mix them with water just what you need, as you need it!

Straw cups- our kids have accumulated these at every party. They don’t fit well in my cabinet but instead of throwing them away I keep a few for “special occasions”. Who knew the stomach bug could be considered a special occasion?! Anyhow, with sick kiddos it’s nice to have cups that close securely and have a straw so they can keep hydrated in bed or wrapped up on the couch without the risk of spilling.

Bucket or bowl- let’s face it, who wants to reuse the bucket or bowl for anything else once it’s been used for major sickness so just buy a cheapo bucket and throw all of your “kit” into it. Then you can sterilize it and use it again.

Garbage bags- in the middle of the night when the washer is already working away and you have more loads incoming, toss them into a trash bag while they wait to spare everything around them getting “the bug”.

Something bubbly- not of the alcoholic variety, although that will be helpful for you as the parents once this all passes!! Something more along the lines of gingerale or sprite to settle tummies. If this is stored upstairs its gone and not ready to go. Stash a bottle with your kit so it’s available!

Now don’t be deceived these items are not propped nicely out of a bucket down in my cabinet….this little display is especially for you my wonderful readers. And while it looks colorful and cheerful I advise you not give these as gifts to friends. They might thank you someday but most likely they will think you are wishing the bug on her and not be so thankful. Just a wee bit of advice!!

I hope none of you EVER need a kit like this!!! Feel free to pin it if you think you might! People might laugh but they will be so jealous when they know you are rockin’ the kit while they run frantically for all of the necessities!!

Dear February…you do it to me every. single. year.  Each year as the busyness of the Christmas season passes I long to savor the cozy, cold winter months. You included. I wish for snowflakes and fires. Pots of wholesome soup bubbling on the stove and friends gathered around…making the most of the frigid time.  It’s all fun and games until the last of the Christmas glitter reluctantly makes it’s way into the vacuum cleaner and the gym has emptied out from those who have dropped the new years resolutions and given up on the losing of pounds. Many of your days are gloomy February, but then to make matters more complicated, you tempt us with sunshine, that from the inside makes the outside look welcoming. But then there is your wind, and your chill, and your unpredictability. Oh yes, and the flu. Contrasted with the daffodil shoots brand new. We grow antsy for Spring.  There’s this inner conflict. The reluctancy (this isn’t really a word but roll with it) to let go of the cozy, hibernation for the sanity! I choose sanity! These little boys need to run and play and this momma needs a normal day. So February, as you finish your thing please, please give us something. Give us some sunshine and some warmth, give us some healthy days and give us March!

And to you my lovely readers, aren’t you just so ready for Spring? I mean, maybe it’s just me. I’m ready for the winter blues to fly out the window and for Spring fever to hit. This week we have been hit with the second round of the stomach bug. First was Jackson last week and just when we thought Owen had dodged the bullet Owen started up last night. I know on pintrest some are marketing dooms day kits but I am angling to market stomach bug kits. Speaking of stomach bug survival kids, I had just packed our stack of towels, trash bags and clorox wipes away YESTERDAY. And after 4 days of having Owen’s comforter pulled back just in case I had made his bed up again and tucked him in all snug as a bug in a rug….just before it all went south! The bads news is I have cleaned the house top to bottom twice in 5 days, the good news is I have cleaned the house twice in 5 days!

I’ve decided that this wacky weather will take the hint when I gather up my winter decor. Certainly the sled on the front door step is giving mixed signals. And the print of cozy boys in snowy gear. And the evergreen on the mantel. Out with you winter. Bring on Spring!  Tulips and lemons and garden planning and walks outside and boys that smell of fresh air at bath time. It’s coming! I can feel it. I just have to be patient.  Until then I will attempt to savor this season.