How old were you when you took off the training wheels? Do you remember the joy of that first solo bike ride? Parenting can be a lot like learning how to ride a bike. We see others doing it, and it looks easy. We have a baby, shiny and new, and we’re really really excitedContinue reading “Taking Off the Training Wheels”
Author Archives: nextdoorhope
Some thoughts about pots… (and pans)
This is probably one of the hardest working cabinets in our home. Those pots get used multiple times a day—today they made oatmeal for breakfast, and homemade Mac & cheese for lunch. They’ll boil water for afternoon tea, and get called into work again for rice, beans and tacos for dinner tonight. Those pots haveContinue reading “Some thoughts about pots… (and pans)”
They Keep Growing
They keep growing, Mama. One moment, you’re pushing them in a stroller, and the next, they’re walking beside you and almost (but not quite!) tall enough to reach the doorbell. I continue to marvel at the delights of each new stage with each child—what a blessing it is to walk alongside each of them andContinue reading “They Keep Growing”
Sowing Seeds
We tilled the soil and began planting our tiny backyard garden this week. And as I surveyed our hard work, looking like a barren patch of brown dirt, it hit me how much gardening exemplifies our work as parents. All we can do is plant and water the seeds, Mama. We’re gifted these tiny onesContinue reading “Sowing Seeds”
The Barren Places
Sometimes it’s the barren places that hold the most promise, friend. For days, my kids have been clearing the leaves from this patch of dirt in our backyard. Taking and turning the soil again and again. Carefully lining the outside with stones, to mark it’s borders to anyone who might not see it’s potential. TheyContinue reading “The Barren Places”
Friday Tidy
On Fridays, our family takes an hour or two to work together to tidy the house together so we are ready for weekend fun and adventures. Everyone pitches in to tidy up, vacuum, dust and pick up and put away things that have gotten out of place throughout the week. Now that we’ve been doingContinue reading “Friday Tidy”
Always Watching
You are an example, Mama. They’re watching you, and they want to be just like you. And that’s a good and beautiful thing—but it’s also a big responsibility. What are they seeing as they watch you throughout the ordinary days? What are your actions saying to them? What are your priorities, that may someday becomeContinue reading “Always Watching”
Breakfast Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated
Are you stuck in a breakfast rut, Mama? Do you dread figuring out breakfast every day? Are you weary of the same breakfasts day after day with your little ones? Making breakfast, and a variety of breakfasts that you enjoy, doesn’t have to be complicated! You can put your breakfast routine on auto-pilot AND stillContinue reading “Breakfast Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated”
A School Bus, Waiting & Contagious Joy
Every day, shortly after he wakes up, he takes his post at the window. He’s into trucks and police cars and ambulances and fire engines, but his current favorite is the “ding-ding bus”—the yellow school bus he sees stop near our house every morning. And when that bus finally pulls arrives, slows to a stop,Continue reading “A School Bus, Waiting & Contagious Joy”
He Chose You
Sometimes it feels like the people we follow have it all together, when we’re just trying to survive and make it till the kids go to bed. And sometimes, scrolling through the ‘gram can even make us doubt our skills as Mamas, because we aren’t doing it like SHE is. Consider this your friendly reminderContinue reading “He Chose You”
Next Door Hope 