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”
Category Archives: Family Fun
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Good Friday with Kids
It’s Good Friday. An important day. A solemn day. A day that forever changed our relationship with God. Our family will spend part of today reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. We’ll gather together, take out some paints, crayons, or pencils, and make art together while we listen to the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.Continue reading “Good Friday with Kids”
A Simple Family Easter Tradition
Hey Mama, it’s almost Easter weekend. How are you going to share the Good News with your children this weekend? In our family, we set a simple table for Easter morning breakfast that always points to Him and His story. Sometimes there’s candy. Sometimes not. There’s almost always a sign something like the one picturedContinue reading “A Simple Family Easter Tradition”
Next Door Hope 