nextdoorhope

Contentment

The other day, that beautiful Spring-like day, everyone went outside. The big kids headed to the driveway to shoot hoops. The little guy and I stayed in our fenced backyard. My littlest one LOVES the backyard (which he charmingly refers to as “the garden”). It doesn’t matter the weather, his daily request is always theContinue reading “Contentment”

Transformer Explosions & Slow Days

During last night’s wind storm, a transformer blew right next to our house, causing a fire by the telephone pole as well as multiple “explosion” pops and blinding white light right outside our windows. We got the kids out of bed and to the basement while we waited for the wind to die down, theContinue reading “Transformer Explosions & Slow Days”

Seasonal Housekeeping

Cleaning, decluttering and re-arranging our home today, as we slowly shake off the shadows of winter and turn our sights toward longer days outdoors and warmer weather adventures beyond these walls. Spring cleaning and simplifying lay the foundation for easier homekeeping; so we can spend more time loving the community He’s called us too. HowContinue reading “Seasonal Housekeeping”

Giving & Receiving

I talk a lot about giving here. Giving meals to those in your circle who could use an extra hand, giving away what you aren’t using to bless those in your community, giving your time to the things that have eternal value. I’ve also discovered, as I’ve gotten older, that there is joy in receiving.Continue reading “Giving & Receiving”

Pokémon Cards & Lent

It’s Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. There are 40 days from today until Easter (not counting Sundays). 40 days during which Jesus walked toward the cross, laying down His life for you and me. In our family, we try to mark these 40 days of Lent in ways which help bring us andContinue reading “Pokémon Cards & Lent”

Read Aloud to Your Kids (even your tweens & teens!)

Our home is a home in which we read aloud. Every day. Even to the teens and tweens. It wasn’t always this way. In fact, there was a time in my parenthood where I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to read aloud to a teenager. After all, they could just read the bookContinue reading “Read Aloud to Your Kids (even your tweens & teens!)”

Saturday Morning Baking

Before I was a mom, I thought that when I had kids, I’d bake all the time for them. And then…I had kids. And I realized that I was only baking on birthdays and holidays. It felt like there was never time and space to make it part of our regular rhythm. But as weContinue reading “Saturday Morning Baking”

Screen Time & Little Ones

We really don’t watch much tv around here, but every once in a while, when I need 20 minutes to start or finish a task, I’ll put on Daniel Tiger for the little ones. If you’re looking for a slow paced, wholesome show that gently teaches kids how to handle big feelings, explore what itContinue reading “Screen Time & Little Ones”

Wanna See Inside My Fridge?

Hey Mama, Here’s a sneak peek of our fridge, and how it looks on a typical weekday. It’s almost 20 years old. It’s missing one of its fruit/vegetable drawers (see that blue basket on the bottom right?). It doesn’t have pretty transparent containers. And sometimes, (gasp!) when we have a lot of white rice leftover,Continue reading “Wanna See Inside My Fridge?”

Playing With Your Kids?

Here’s a secret, Mama. It’s ok letting them play on their own sometimes. You don’t have to feel guilty sitting next to them and reading a book or doing a handicraft or drinking a hot cup of tea while they play—you’re actually modeling ways to engage the world (reading, crafting, reflecting) as they grow up.Continue reading “Playing With Your Kids?”