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”
Category Archives: Backyard
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”
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”
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?”
Here’s to a Slow Summer
Hey Mama how’s your summer going? We are having a slow summer over here. We haven’t jumped back into all of our pre-pandemic activities just yet, although we are doing much more we did last year! We’ve been spending lots of time outside, and the kids have been enjoying the break from school and academics.Continue reading “Here’s to a Slow Summer”
Out of the Box Ideas for Getting Kids Outside
Hey Mama. Today is a “take your watercolors outside and paint rocks” type of day around here. How’s the weather where you live? While we’re all for active play outside, there are some breathtakingly beautiful days (like today!) that my kids have absolutely no desire to go outside. And I’ve come to realize that itContinue reading “Out of the Box Ideas for Getting Kids Outside”
Forge Your Own Path
Sometimes, Mama, you have to forgo the typical way of doing things and forge your own path. Maybe that’s doing schoolwork outside (or up a tree). Maybe it’s leaning on frozen food or paper plates instead of choosing between takeout and homemade. Maybe it’s napping on a Sunday afternoon—or sleeping late on a Saturday morning.Continue reading “Forge Your Own Path”
Embracing the Less Than Perfect
Shout out to all the Mama’s embracing the less than perfect. To the ones whose backyards are far from Instagram worthy (hello, fellow city dwellers!), but get daily use, making mud pies and staining knees, patchy grass and all. To the ones who don’t have the dreamiest toys, but whose kids’ imaginations have the freedomContinue reading “Embracing the Less Than Perfect”
Little Birdwatchers: A Nature Basket for Kids
Caught evidence of a little birdwatcher while tidying up yesterday afternoon. For years we’ve kept a “nature basket” (a “nature capsule”) easily accessible to any child (or adult!) who wants to observe, learn or sketch about nature. It holds a small assortment of field guides purchased used (birds, mammals, trees and rocks & minerals); someContinue reading “Little Birdwatchers: A Nature Basket for Kids”
Easter NextDoor to a Cemetery
Our home overlooks a cemetery. If you look closely, you can see the tombstones out through our kitchen window. We know a lot of folks buried there. My best friend is buried there. If you want to know people who are aware of their own mortality…it’s us. And YET… There is a transformation that occursContinue reading “Easter NextDoor to a Cemetery”
Next Door Hope 