A few weeks ago, I challenged myself to spend no more than £30 on my daughter's 2nd birthday party - a dollies' tea-party. We recently held a robot-themed party for Mister's 4th birthday and, again, I wanted to see if I could do it for less than £30. (A small aside: what a cool theme for a … [Read more...] about HOW TO PLAN A ROBOT PARTY FOR £30
HOW TO PLAN A DOLL-THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR £30
It’s all Kate’s fault. My friend Kate, mum extraordinaire, just happened to drop into conversation one day that she sets each of her oldest three kids a £30 budget for their birthday parties. £30??!! She makes them a cake outside this budget, but everything else (food, entertainment, decorations) … [Read more...] about HOW TO PLAN A DOLL-THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR £30
CREATION SONG FOR KIDS
I struggle to find Christian songs which are easy for pre-school kids to sing and remember. Most Christian kids' songs have far too many words for tiny ones, and are clearly geared towards primary-age children. So my preference, where possible, is to re-word a nursery rhyme or popular tune with some … [Read more...] about CREATION SONG FOR KIDS
HOW TO MAKE ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL (AN IDIOT’S GUIDE)
Considering its popularity, I'm amazed that so few people make their own elderflower cordial. It really is incredibly easy to make, and is one of my favourite early summer traditions (check out 100 Free or Cheap Summer Activities for Kids for more ideas!) My guess, though, is that there … [Read more...] about HOW TO MAKE ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL (AN IDIOT’S GUIDE)
PARENTHOOD AND MINISTRY: SERVING WHEN YOU’RE EXHAUSTED
Having written about the challenges of prayer, Bible reading, meeting together and hospitality as a parent, I'm now going to focus on share something a bit personal to me: how do we find opportunities to 'minister' as parents? The pear orchard A year ago, my friend was praying and had a very clear, … [Read more...] about PARENTHOOD AND MINISTRY: SERVING WHEN YOU’RE EXHAUSTED
STAY-AT-HOME PARENTING: WHERE’S THE INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION?
This is not an advert for stay-at-home parenting. It is, however, an honest reflection on my 3.5 years of being a SAHM, designed for those who might be wondering about leaving their jobs to care for their kids full-time or most-time. Because while I don't think for one moment that this is the … [Read more...] about STAY-AT-HOME PARENTING: WHERE’S THE INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION?
PARENTHOOD AND CHURCH: IS IT WORTH IT WHEN IT’S SO HARD?
This is part of a mini-series on various aspects of discipleship as a parent. I've written about the challenges of prayer, Bible reading, meeting together and offering hospitality once parenthood descends - and today I'm writing about church. Where do I start on this one? Perhaps by acknowledging … [Read more...] about PARENTHOOD AND CHURCH: IS IT WORTH IT WHEN IT’S SO HARD?
EASTER BELLS – AN EASTER SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS
If you have a tiny child in your life and you're looking for a way to sing them the Easter story, and don't mind high levels of cheese, then you're in the right place. I think there's a lack of really simple Easter songs for preschoolers and, while I know a few general worship songs which are simple … [Read more...] about EASTER BELLS – AN EASTER SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS
PARENTHOOD AND HOSPITALITY: HOW DOES GOD BLESS OTHERS THROUGH OUR MESS?
When I contemplate how different my discipleship looks now compared with before I had children, it's easy to feel a little frustrated that some areas are not as substantial as they were. My prayer life as a parent is hard work, and finding time to read the Bible with kids around is about as easy as … [Read more...] about PARENTHOOD AND HOSPITALITY: HOW DOES GOD BLESS OTHERS THROUGH OUR MESS?