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”
Category Archives: Intentional Motherhood
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”
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”
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!)”
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”
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?”
Weekly Meal Rhythm
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”
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”
Next Door Hope 