Hey Mama, Want to know a secret? We RARELY, if ever, eat out anymore. Or do takeout. Perhaps once a month, if that. But it never used to be like that around here. We would go out or order in at least once a week or more. It was really hard on our budget—and onContinue reading “Weekly Meal Rhythm”
Author Archives: nextdoorhope
What They Really Need…is a Mud Kitchen?
You don’t need that fancy mud kitchen, Mama. They can love playing outside just as much with some old pots and pans. It’s true, we might someday purchase a mud kitchen. But right now, it’s not in the budget. Nor is a bigger backyard, or many of the other beautiful outdoor toys I see hearContinue reading “What They Really Need…is a Mud Kitchen?”
Gathering ‘Round the Table
Who’s gathering around your table today, Mama? More important than decorations, or perfectly matching cups and dishes, are the souls that gather there. What kinds of words are being spoken? What stories are being told? Who among those gathered there needs a word of encouragement that only your lips can provide? Who needs to knowContinue reading “Gathering ‘Round the Table”
Surprisingly Simple
Alphabet Magnet Boards for the win over here. What surprisingly simple toy keeps your kids engaged for more time than you ever thought it would? #Simplify #Simplicity #Toys #LearningToys #Alphabet #Homeschool #UrbanHomeschool #ParentingTips
Simple Valentines Celebration with Kids
Hey Mama, We had a simple Valentine’s breakfast this morning. Steve and I gave each kid a new (to them) book, and the kids gave valentines to each other (and gave each other long envied Pokémon cards from each other’s collections—now THAT’S love). Breakfast was food we had on hand. Bananas. Walnuts. Chocolate croissants fromContinue reading “Simple Valentines Celebration with Kids”
February Picnics
Hey Mama, Yesterday and today the temperature is in the 60’s—almost unheard of here in mid-February in Northeastern NJ. And so we put some of the chores aside to make time for a picnic (the first of 2022!) and lots of outside play in the sunshine. Remember why you do what you do—and take timeContinue reading “February Picnics”
Perfectly Imperfect
Your house doesn’t have to be perfect, Mama. Neither does your kitchen. It doesn’t have to have the latest appliances, or granite counters, or fancy coffee pots. It doesn’t have to have new flooring, or fresh paint, or impeccable decorating. It’s what you can’t see that counts, Mama. Is it full of love? Is itContinue reading “Perfectly Imperfect”
Elevate the Everyday
Want an easy win, Mama? Invite your kid(s) to a homemade sundae bar. Fill a muffin tin with whatever leftover odds and ends you have on hand. (I used crushed cookies, mini marshmallows, M & Ms, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips and broken pretzels). Scoop some ice cream into mason jars or drinking glasses,Continue reading “Elevate the Everyday”
Point Them To Him
Did you take the opportunity to point them to Jesus today, Mama? This time of year is so very busy—there’s only 4 days until Christmas! But in the midst of all the busyness—the presents to wrap, food to prepare, last minute shopping and cleaning and tidying–I’m here to gently encourage you…take a few quiet momentsContinue reading “Point Them To Him”
Slow Afternoons
Hey Mama. How are you doing as we head into the colder months? Here’s a gentle reminder that some days are for finishing All. The. Things…and some days, it’s ok to snuggle on the couch and just read aloud The Grouchy Ladybug or whatever your family’s current favorite is. Because some days, they need snugglingContinue reading “Slow Afternoons”
Next Door Hope 