Sometimes it’s the barren places that hold the most promise, friend. For days, my kids have been clearing the leaves from this patch of dirt in our backyard. Taking and turning the soil again and again. Carefully lining the outside with stones, to mark it’s borders to anyone who might not see it’s potential. TheyContinue reading “The Barren Places”
Category Archives: Outdoors
Look for the Gems
A city park—even a less than desirable one—can be just as fun a place to play as a beautiful natural outdoor setting. Look for the gems around you, Mama, and be content where He’s called you. In being thankful for the good gifts from His hand, you’re also teaching your little ones to be thankful.Continue reading “Look for the Gems”
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”
Contentment
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”
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?”
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”
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”
Out of the Box Ideas for Getting Kids Outside
Hey Mama. Today is a “take your watercolors outside and paint rocks” type of day around here. How’s the weather where you live? While we’re all for active play outside, there are some breathtakingly beautiful days (like today!) that my kids have absolutely no desire to go outside. And I’ve come to realize that itContinue reading “Out of the Box Ideas for Getting Kids Outside”
Forge Your Own Path
Sometimes, Mama, you have to forgo the typical way of doing things and forge your own path. Maybe that’s doing schoolwork outside (or up a tree). Maybe it’s leaning on frozen food or paper plates instead of choosing between takeout and homemade. Maybe it’s napping on a Sunday afternoon—or sleeping late on a Saturday morning.Continue reading “Forge Your Own Path”
Stop Watching & Start Living
Sometimes we spend so much time looking at what others are doing that we never get to the “living” ourselves. How’s your week going, Mama? Are you living the life you’re called to, or are you watching others live theirs while you scroll and wish things were different? Here’s a gentle nudge to start livingContinue reading “Stop Watching & Start Living”
Next Door Hope 