Good Afternoon, Mama. One of the most beloved “traditions” in our home is our holiday books. We have a few books for each of the major holidays kept in a small tote in a closet, and we pull them out the week of the holiday. Traditions don’t have to be elaborate. Or expensive. Or evenContinue reading “Simple Traditions”
Category Archives: Motherhood
Stay the Course
Good Morning, Mama. Are you still in the joyful yet exhausting days of littles who depend on you to meet all their needs, both during the day and through the night? Me too. And YET…the other morning, after being up most of the night with a teething baby, I came downstairs just in time toContinue reading “Stay the Course”
A Different Thanksgiving
How are you feeling about this week, Mama? Thanksgiving will be different this year. It feels like everything is different this year. Have you given yourself space to grieve the differences? Our Thanksgiving with a new baby will be nothing at all like I envisioned…and YET… He is still faithful. The King is still onContinue reading “A Different Thanksgiving”
Up Against a Wall?
Hey, Mama. Do you ever feel like you’re up against a wall in your motherhood? Like there’s a challenge that you just can’t overcome, a task that you just can’t complete? You’re stuck? When entire days and weeks begin to feel like that, it’s a cue to pause. To take time to reflect, and problemContinue reading “Up Against a Wall?”
Good Enough
Hey, Mama. Have you ever wanted something that’s simply beyond your means? For years, I’ve wanted a mud kitchen for our backyard. A little wooden stand with a basin and a counter, and metal pots and pans for making mud pies. It’s simply beyond our means. It’s not something we will budget or even saveContinue reading “Good Enough”
15 Minute Connection
Good Morning, Mama. It’s really true what they say, the days are long but the years are short. 4 years ago, it was her in the crib. Now she stands tall beside it. One month ago, he couldn’t pull up at all. Now he greets me proud and tall, holding onto the top rail. WhateverContinue reading “15 Minute Connection”
Why You Need to Try the 3 Marker Challenge
Hey, Mama. Want a simple, easy way to spend some quality time with your kids? We celebrated my daughter’s 5th birthday yesterday—and one of the ways we celebrated was with a family style “3 Marker Challenge”. You pick a picture to color (we often like to do it around a “theme”—for this we did “Birthday”!Continue reading “Why You Need to Try the 3 Marker Challenge”
Out of the Ordinary Days
I woke up later than usual today, and so did the kids. Breakfast was late. And leisurely. We lingered and talked, and I had a second cup of coffee. Our morning routines are behind; although they are slowly getting finished. There have been several quiet moments like this (pic above) as the bigger kids haveContinue reading “Out of the Ordinary Days”
All About Groceries
Curious how we grocery shop and meal plan? Once a month, we place an order for grocery delivery from our local warehouse store. The order we place is all the food that our family of 7 will eat for the next 4 weeks. Since all of our meals use the same base ingredients, we alwaysContinue reading “All About Groceries”
How Candles Can Change Your Mornings
Good Morning, Mama. How do you start your mornings as a family? Our breakfast table often looks like this; as sleepy children wander in to the kitchen, they’re greeted with candles glowing and glasses of cold water waiting at their places. It’s amazing how candlelight can transform the mood of the morning! As we gatherContinue reading “How Candles Can Change Your Mornings”
Next Door Hope 