Welcome! I’m Jamie and this is the Harper family
I am a stereotypical stay-at-home mom of four kids. I do ‘loads’ of laundry, make home-cooked meals, drive to soccer and dance lessons.
My goals are to save money, eat healthy, work out, volunteer at the school and church, have play dates, go to the library, be close to God, family, and friends, and be the best mom I can be.
Usually, I feel I am failing in all areas simultaneously because I’m spread thin and I fly by the seat of our pants.
I love running, board games, racquetball, being social.
My favorite food is soups (all kinds) and cookies (all kinds).
Personal growth has always been my passion and recently I am learning thought-work to reach for my full potential.
One thing that makes me stand out as a stay-at-home mom is that I travel. With kids. A lot. We take 2-3 trips per month on average. I knew being a mom would be my most important calling and job in my life, but I never imagined it would include seeing the world while fulfilling my role.
Because my husband works for American Airlines, we travel standby (or Non-reservation or NonRev). This is amazing because we fly for free in the United States and for minimal cost internationally. However, it can be stressful and complicated.
Why I write a blog?
In the past, airplanes weren’t equipped with the instruments and functions that they now have. To fly, pilots had to steer by the feel in the ‘seat of their pants’. Thus, started the idiom that has come to define our family. We have to be totally flexible with our plans and destinations and make decisions on-the-fly.
After over 350 flights I’ve experienced most everything with my children. I started this blog to share what I’ve learned. Here’s what you can expect
- Travel Tips for airports, airplanes, and long car rides
- Non-rev Advice
- Budget-friendly travel
- Attraction reviews
- Must have products
- General parenting ideas
- Interesting and embarrassing stories
Meet the Man who makes it all possible
My husband is the best. We met on a blind date, set up by his ex-girlfriend. Six months later we were married. Our first 5 years of marriage were full of unemployment, getting a Masters degree and living off a part-time teacher salary and sometimes living at my parent’s house. Finances were tight, but because of those years, we still watch every penny by saving and spending wisely. My husband isn’t on any social media or blogs but supports me fully anyway.
Jackson, the Energizer Bunny
This boy is always bouncing off the walls with energy. He is creative, brilliant, pun-ny and kind. His heart is full of love and curiosity. Even if it comes out in being curious about pushing his sister’s buttons.
His best travel experience was going to Italy for a week with just mom and dad. See here.
Hallie, Sweet and Spunky
Hallie is a perfectionist who loves to be organized and to get things right. She loves reading, listening to audiobooks and movies.
She once watched 6 1/2 movies in a row on the way home from Paris.
Mariah, the Peacemaker
Mariah is easy going, up-for-anything and kind. She is fiercely loyal to her family. At 9-months-old she had traveled to 16 states including New York and Hawaii. She is a born traveler.
Whitney, the Giggler
Whitney is busy, busy, busy. She is always moving and exploring. Her smiles and laughs light up our world.
Traveling is so valuable for our children and our families. I want to show families that it can be done… quickly, easily, without too much work. It will create memories and connections forever. So, lets “fly by the seat of our pants” and make our family travels the best they can be!
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Please contact me at flybytheseatofoutpants @ gmail.com (remove spaces) for more information!