Hospitality Amidst Holiday Craziness

Written by Jenn, Contributing Writer The holiday season is nearly upon us.  Soon our calendars will be brimming with family gatherings, travel plans, parties, and holiday feasts.  Shopping trips, family traditions, and December birthdays will abound. So with the busyness of this season could come the temptation to just tell friends and neighbors, “see you in January!” Certainly that would be easiest. But as a believer in the power of real hospitality to foster deep relationships, … [Read more...]

What’s So Great About a Household Notebook

Written by Jenn, Contributing Writer Several months ago, I came across a few blog posts and videos explaining how to set up a household notebook.  While hardly revolutionary, I had never heard of such a thing. Thank you, interwebs. Since then, I have adopted my own version and don’t know how I’d function without it.  Nearly every piece of paper I regularly need or receive can be contained in my cute little binder from Target. It helps me live more intentionally, be more organized, and … [Read more...]

Nature Notebook for Kids

Written by Jenn, Contributing Writer As the summer heat dies down and hints of fall are in the air, exploring the outdoors with the littles again becomes one of my favorite activities. The room to run and endless supply of objects to investigate always makes for a enjoyable outing. In a beloved book on education, the author remarks that as we explore the natural world, "we are observing God's handiwork. And it is spine-chillingly wonderful." This is the perspective I want to cultivate … [Read more...]

Preschooling at Home: Heart Issues and Practical Matters

Written by Jenn, Contributing Writer Sometimes big milestones just sneak up on me. Case in point: recently, it dawned on me that our little big girl is now old enough to go to preschool. I think that means I have to stop calling her a toddler and start calling her a preschooler. Weird. Then I thought, welp, better do something pre-K-ish this fall. Since we are planning to homeschool her come kindergarten, it didn’t seem to make much sense (to us) to send her someplace else for pre-K. … [Read more...]

Meals for the Lazy Days of Summer

Written by Jenn D, Contributing Writer Here in the Midwest, summer took its sweet time in coming. But we are now fully in the midst of it and I am loving the long days, slower pace, spontaneous day trips, and outdoor adventures. However, all of this frolicking about means that our usual rhythms have been a bit thrown; dinner, which usually began at 5:30 sharp, now happens…whenever. Meal planning has lately amounted to me checking the pantry in the morning and mentally piecing some … [Read more...]

A Practical Guide to {Enjoying} Traveling with Kids

photo credit Written by Jenn D, Contributing Writer Summertime is upon us and if your family is anything like mine, with the warm lazy days come day treks, weekend trips, and the possible week-long vacation. These trips are lovely, but I've learned a special blend of preparation and flexibility is required when traveling with children. Since my oldest was born, we have logged 16 flights, countless overnight visits, a two-day cross country move, and a couple 18 hour car rides, one of which … [Read more...]

Simple Ways to Garden with the Kids

Written by Jenn, Contributing Writer **note from Rachel: Please meet Jenn of A Simple Haven, a new monthly contributor here! Jenn is a mother, wife, baby wearer and has a desire to steward well the gifts God has given to her.  Last year I gave myself permission not to plant my first garden due to a recent cross-country move, the birth of our second baby, and my husband starting grad school. However, the dust in my life has since settled and this spring I’m joining the ranks of the … [Read more...]