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”
Category Archives: Intentional Parenting
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”
Simple Valentines Celebration with Kids
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”
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”
Next Door Hope 