Pregnacy and Parenting : Hey Monday, teaching social justice to kids, ultimate fall bucket list

Time to hit the ground running on another Monday Morning.

I hope you start your week with as much fierceness as my nephew has trying to conquer that apple.

Sometimes I think that I am one of the few people out there that doesn't hate Mondays. I mean I know that I actually am not alone, but sometimes all I hear is moans and groans as Monday approaches. Don't misunderstand, I get it. It is back to school and back to work and back to the daily grind if you have a Monday thru Friday lifestyle.

I work from the confines of home a lot of the time and when I am out photographing I often work evenings and weekends, so I don't have a typical schedule. I still try to view Mondays the way I view every new month and every new year. It is a chance to get a little bit more accomplished, conquer and create some new goals and get a handle on all the things that have potentially been holding me back.

That isn't intended to be obnoxiously optimistic. Just like everyone else, I often hold myself back. I struggle with autoimmune disease which can derail my plans without much warning. I know that life often gets in our way. But the more opportunities we find to push ahead, the farther ahead we will actually get.

Hope everyone has a great start to the week!

-JESSI

For so many reasons, this article really spoke to me this week. On the way to and from school we often pass more than a few people panhandling. I strive everyday to teach empathy for others and kindness towards everyone to my 6-year-old son. I always struggle to try to explain to him exactly what those panhandlers are doing and how we could help them. It is absolutely my job to teach my child about social justice and this article really helps give some great ideas for a good foundation.

"What's wrong with that man? What does his sign say?" I hear this at least twice a day from my 3 year old. "Panhandling" has become such a reality in our day-to-day that we see at least 15-20 people in need between our home and my daughter's school. My response is usually "that person is hungry and they don't have any food or money. Maybe we can say a prayer for them?" What else can I say?

Hello fall! Most of the country is currently being graced with beautiful weather. There are so many amazing activities to get out and do with your family from apple picking and hayrides to bonfires and corn mazes and everything in between. Don't miss out this year, check out our ultimate bucket list!

Did you know that 100 BILLION plastic bags are used by Americans every year? Tied together, they would reach around the Earth's equator 773 times! There are many ways that we can work together to eliminate how much plastic we use. (READ MORE)

As someone who loves to read, I love the idea of a book nook! I also love the idea of creating one for my son who is currently learning to read and starting to spend more time looking at books on his own. (READ MORE)

Children need upper body strength and endurance! Are your kids active enough and developing enough of it? Here you will find some fun ideas to increase your child's upper body strength through play. (READ MORE)

Free Halloween Candy? Yes please! This Halloween, Sour Punch® has come out with some fun shapes for your trick-or-treating stash.

September and child safety passenger month are coming to a close. Daily Mom loves to partner with brands working to ensure that you are keeping you kids as safe as possible while traveling. Just a couple of days left to enter to win a Bubblegum booster seat to help ensure that your child is safe in a booster seat at all times, no matter what the situation.

What did you miss this week on Social Media? Oh, just some more gorgeous photos and hilarious memes.... Following us on Instagram? If not, what are you waiting for?