The Pouch: tools of the motherhood trade

I have a small bag I carry in my backpack (I've never been a pocketbook kinda gal) for "emergencies."

It's full of random stuff, including some first aid kit type things, that have often helped me "fix "something for the kids while we were out and about during our every day life (not to be confused with our hiking first aid kit, which is a whole lot more comprehensive in the first aid department and a totally different story).

These are the tools of my trade as a mother.

The keeper of the peace.

The insurance policy.

The lifeline to sanity via a 7" by 4" zipper bag (with carrying strap).

"The Pouch" is also an evolving thing. Items are swapped in and out for the crisis triggers that change as my daughters grow.

And the truth is, I've used nearly every single item in The Pouch in the last year.

The needle from the sewing kit to pick out a splinter in the McDonald's parking lot that had to be taken care of at that exact moment.

The scissors to open a new toy in the car with so much plastic packaging it took nearly an entire trash bag to dispose of when we got home.

The band aids and antibiotic cream for the tiny, minuscule cuts the girls get that require attention immediately. (And I've learned to pack a few different styles and sizes because not just any band aid will do.)

The gum that helps calm my girls down when they get anxious. And for when the bigger accidents (like the trip to the ER for an x-ray last year) that require chewing to keep mouths busy while mom deals with the situation.

The tweezers for the ticks we seem to pick up walking around in random places - like from the library to the car in the parking lot.

The measuring tape to find a certain size picture frame while we are at a second-hand store and the selection and prices are amazingly good that day.

The little white eyeglass screwdriver that not only fixes G.'s glasses but help a co-worker fix at clock at the office.

The emery board and nail clippers for the hang nail that someone in the car has to dwell on at the start of an hour-long car ride.

The paper clips and safety pins because honest to pete I've found 1,001 different ways to fix something with those.

The hair elastics for the last minute pony tails that are needed when the wind kicks up and someone wore their hair down that day.

The pair of underwear and pad (not pictured) that have recently been added to The Pouch and saved the day (and much embarrassment) for the girls' friend who came on an adventure with us recently.

And the old expired BJs card because it earned its place after that day at the river.