You are an example, Mama. They’re watching you, and they want to be just like you. And that’s a good and beautiful thing—but it’s also a big responsibility. What are they seeing as they watch you throughout the ordinary days? What are your actions saying to them? What are your priorities, that may someday becomeContinue reading “Always Watching”
Category Archives: Intentional Parenting
A School Bus, Waiting & Contagious Joy
Every day, shortly after he wakes up, he takes his post at the window. He’s into trucks and police cars and ambulances and fire engines, but his current favorite is the “ding-ding bus”—the yellow school bus he sees stop near our house every morning. And when that bus finally pulls arrives, slows to a stop,Continue reading “A School Bus, Waiting & Contagious Joy”
What Season Are You In?
What season are you in, Mama? Sunday evenings at our house look like dessert (in this case, homemade brownies a la mode) for 6, plus a toddler portion in a bowl alongside. But now, instead of me making dessert, my oldest makes it, sometimes consulting me on technique, sometimes doing it all by himself. ThereContinue reading “What Season Are You In?”
Daily Disciplines for a Life Well-Lived
What are you working on this season, Mama? Sometimes, it’s less about the victories, and more about the daily disciplines. Whether it be writing cursive, learning the multiplication tables, having a daily time with the Lord or washing the dishes, there are some things that simply need to be practiced daily, whether we feel likeContinue reading “Daily Disciplines for a Life Well-Lived”
Celebrating Kids’ Birthdays
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”
Tweens & Teens
Celebrating my second oldest turning 12 today—he’s 10 years older than the “baby” and it’s hard to believe how quickly the years have passed. It seems such a short time ago that he was the one sleepily snuggled on my lap, and suddenly, I blinked and he’s almost a teen. It’s really true, Mama, theContinue reading “Tweens & Teens”
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”
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!)”
Next Door Hope 