nextdoorhope

What Season Are You In?

What season are you in, Mama? Sunday evenings at our house look like dessert (in this case, homemade brownies a la mode) for 6, plus a toddler portion in a bowl alongside. But now, instead of me making dessert, my oldest makes it, sometimes consulting me on technique, sometimes doing it all by himself. ThereContinue reading “What Season Are You In?”

Saturday Baking

Happy Saturday, Mama. On Saturdays I rise early and bake for breakfast; and I always double the recipe so that we can have a baked treat with our eggs and potatoes on Sunday morning. Today was Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Muffins—our absolute FAVORITE way to use up mushy, over ripe bananas. And because it’s Saturday,Continue reading “Saturday Baking”

Daily Disciplines for a Life Well-Lived

What are you working on this season, Mama? Sometimes, it’s less about the victories, and more about the daily disciplines. Whether it be writing cursive, learning the multiplication tables, having a daily time with the Lord or washing the dishes, there are some things that simply need to be practiced daily, whether we feel likeContinue reading “Daily Disciplines for a Life Well-Lived”

English Muffin Pizzas for the Win!

Need an easy meal that’s good for picky eaters? Need a meal that your kids can make themselves? Need a meal that you can keep the ingredients on hand to have ready whenever you need something quick and you’re tempted to order takeout? English Muffin Pizzas to the rescue! My six year old made theseContinue reading “English Muffin Pizzas for the Win!”

Celebrating Kids’ Birthdays

Let’s talk birthdays, Mama. I used to do it all. The big celebration for each child. A themed party, complete with food, games, activities or art, and of course, goodie bags. Those were fun years…and my kids still talk about some of their favorite parties: the Ninja Warrior one, the Painting Canvas one, the OlympicsContinue reading “Celebrating Kids’ Birthdays”

Tweens & Teens

Celebrating my second oldest turning 12 today—he’s 10 years older than the “baby” and it’s hard to believe how quickly the years have passed. It seems such a short time ago that he was the one sleepily snuggled on my lap, and suddenly, I blinked and he’s almost a teen. It’s really true, Mama, theContinue reading “Tweens & Teens”

Look for the Gems

A city park—even a less than desirable one—can be just as fun a place to play as a beautiful natural outdoor setting. Look for the gems around you, Mama, and be content where He’s called you. In being thankful for the good gifts from His hand, you’re also teaching your little ones to be thankful.Continue reading “Look for the Gems”

Rough Day Reset

Hi Mama, Don’t let the picture fool you. It was a gulp down the coffee cold after it was almost spilled several times type of morning around here. Have you had one of those days? Our morning time of reading together was punctuated by screaming and crying. Lunchtime was chaotic. And naptime was a battle.Continue reading “Rough Day Reset”

Snowy Saturday

It’s a windy, snowy, stormy Saturday here in the Northeast, Mama, and we are sorting socks, straightening art supplies and dreaming of all things Spring. We started our day making waffles, and the kids are playing games while the littlest one naps. We will probably do some Spring Art together (3 crayon or marker challenge?)Continue reading “Snowy Saturday”

Friday Tidy

On Fridays, we tidy as a family. “Friday Tidy” is what we call it, and we take an hour or two as a family to get the house “ready for weekend fun”. It’s been almost two years that we’ve had this routine, and the kids (though they still complain from time to time—they’re kids!) haveContinue reading “Friday Tidy”