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”
Category Archives: Intentional Motherhood
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”
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”
Simple Lunch Routine
Hey Mama. It’s summertime. How’s your lunch routine going? We eat a lot around here. With 5 kids someone is always hungry. While I’ve had dinners figured out for awhile, lunch somehow always got to me. I wouldn’t think about it until someone was STARVING, and then the mad dash to throw something together wouldContinue reading “Simple Lunch Routine”
The Last Cookie
Just a little PSA…if there’s only one homemade chocolate chip cookie left, it’s ok if you eat it, Mama. And it’s even ok if they see you doing it. Some days, you need to take care of you. They see your sacrifice day after day…it’s ok to model self care. Even if that means takingContinue reading “The Last Cookie”
A Gentle Reminder To Feed Your Soul
How are you feeding your soul this week, Mama? Is there a book that’s challenging you? Music that’s captured your heart? Scripture that sets your soul singing? A podcast that sheds light on an area you’re struggling through? Motherhood, womanhood, is not for the faint of heart. It’s deep important work you’re doing, work thatContinue reading “A Gentle Reminder To Feed Your Soul”
Next Door Hope 