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: Outside
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?”
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”
Embracing the Less Than Perfect
Shout out to all the Mama’s embracing the less than perfect. To the ones whose backyards are far from Instagram worthy (hello, fellow city dwellers!), but get daily use, making mud pies and staining knees, patchy grass and all. To the ones who don’t have the dreamiest toys, but whose kids’ imaginations have the freedomContinue reading “Embracing the Less Than Perfect”
Little Birdwatchers: A Nature Basket for Kids
Caught evidence of a little birdwatcher while tidying up yesterday afternoon. For years we’ve kept a “nature basket” (a “nature capsule”) easily accessible to any child (or adult!) who wants to observe, learn or sketch about nature. It holds a small assortment of field guides purchased used (birds, mammals, trees and rocks & minerals); someContinue reading “Little Birdwatchers: A Nature Basket for Kids”
Next Door Hope 