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”
Category Archives: Mom Truth
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”
Wanna See Inside My Fridge?
Hey Mama, Here’s a sneak peek of our fridge, and how it looks on a typical weekday. It’s almost 20 years old. It’s missing one of its fruit/vegetable drawers (see that blue basket on the bottom right?). It doesn’t have pretty transparent containers. And sometimes, (gasp!) when we have a lot of white rice leftover,Continue reading “Wanna See Inside My Fridge?”
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”
What They Really Need…is a Mud Kitchen?
You don’t need that fancy mud kitchen, Mama. They can love playing outside just as much with some old pots and pans. It’s true, we might someday purchase a mud kitchen. But right now, it’s not in the budget. Nor is a bigger backyard, or many of the other beautiful outdoor toys I see hearContinue reading “What They Really Need…is a Mud Kitchen?”
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 