I wrote a post for NotSoFastBook.com about a recent afternoon spent wading in a creek with friends. Well, the kids did the wading.Anyway, can we live slow enough to encourage outdoor free play?Please join me there... Don’t miss a word:Subscribe to annkroeker.com updates via email or RSS feed.Join Mega Memory Month for the month of July!Check out today's Progress Reports … [Read more...]
Rip Current Hero
This man, Garrett, brought his son and a friend along for a few days at the beach. We noticed him because he was the only one on the beach with a surfboard. Actually, he rented two: a large one for himself and a smaller one for his son. A novice, Garrett told us he has only been out surfboarding four times. He was taking a break on the beach, chatting with his … [Read more...]
Creative, Creation-Lovin' Kids
Many of these ideas complement topics in a message I gave to a MOPS group a few weeks ago about getting kids out in God's creation and encouraging creativity. I offered this for their newsletter, and now I offer it to you.Inspiring creativity and a love of God's creation in kids doesn’t mean you have to move to a ten-acre farm in the country and raise goats. This summer … [Read more...]
Stick of Renown
We went for a walk at a nearby park. As always, the kids spread out in search of sticks.One of the girls found this one. For a small person, it could serve as a staff. She used her staff to steady her step while walking on slippery stones in the creek. She leaned on it as she climbed up the bank, pushing against it for stability. It was straight, strong, and just the … [Read more...]
Mother's Day: Takin' It Slow
It's evening of Mother's Day here in the midwest United States, and I just want to share with you how my day began:And although I shared with the Belgian Wonder and kids a few crazy moments during food preparation, the meal itself was relaxing.Late afternoon, I even enjoyed this moment:Before heading into the work week, it's nice to take it slow.As I wrote over at … [Read more...]
Rainy Days and Wednesdays
On Thursday morning I'm speaking at a local MOPS group about getting kids outdoors in nature, enjoying God's creation.When I awoke this morning, the gloomy skies were dribbling down rain on our already drenched lawn. I wasn't particularly motivated to work on my talk and stated as much on Facebook.Immediately two friends responded. One pointed me to photos of her daughter … [Read more...]
Calvin College & Grand Rapids
Greetings from Grand Rapids!We're on a short trip to Grand Rapids to visit the Belgian Wonder's nephew, who is attending Calvin College. I meant to tell you on Thursday, but instead I pulled together a Food on Fridays post, packed, and hopped in the car to drive up here.Here's a little photo log of our visit thus far.On the bridge that passes over a four-lane highway, I … [Read more...]
Walking in the Truth
In our Sunday morning class at church, we're studying the little books of the New Testament. Last week was Philemon; this week, Third John, which contains the following verse:I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (v. 4). Ah, yes. This is my hope, my prayer, my joy—that my children are walking in the truth.And I myself want to walk in … [Read more...]
Monday Afternoon: Light on Water and a Heavy Tool
The fountain, where we found a quarter on the road and tossed a penny in the water.My daughter noticed the delicate dance of light on water, while I stood staring, distracted, at the blue sky.Feathery patterns, shimmering in the spring sun.Lingering near this spot where the water cascades down, we could hardly hear each other for the noise. On the path home, so peaceful, … [Read more...]
Bike Lock Debacle
As you now know from the title of my forthcoming book, we seek to live a slower life—a "not so fast" life. Plenty of people are living far simpler and slower lives than we are, but we're making choices that do set us apart in our suburban area. One simple choice is to use our bikes as often as possible.When my four kids and I head out through the neighborhood on bikes, we … [Read more...]
Through the Garage Door
Three first-time guests were coming to my house for a women's ministry planning meeting.Before their arrival, the kids and I scooped up clothes to hurl into the laundry room and tossed toys into hiding.I'd shove stacks of papers and boxes of books into the kids' arms."Take this to the garage," I'd instruct. "We'll hide it there.""Where?" they'd ask."It doesn't matter. … [Read more...]
The Mother Letter Project
By now you've surely heard of The Mother Letter Project?In case you haven't, here's the skinny:Inspired by the Advent Conspiracy, husband and wife agree to create presents for each other instead of buying gifts, and donate the difference to help others. The husband, God bless his creative, thoughtful soul, decides to collect a series of “open letters” from mothers, to … [Read more...]
The Big Advent Collection
I'm a little late, as we're already in the midst of the Advent season, but I've had fun searching the Internet for useful, Advent-themed links to collect in one place and share with you. And it's not too late! You can jump in on the countdown ideas, Advent wreath or Jesse Tree. Just start where we are in the month and take it from here.A word of caution: don't get … [Read more...]
Wordless Wednesday…on Monday
I couldn't wait until Wednesday to post this photo. … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Preview
L.L. Barkat issued an invitation to her place for Thanksgiving!I'm so totally there to see what she can whip up for us...Guess what? You're invited, too!Here's the official invite, straight from the source:You are cordially invited by L.L. Barkat to join a Thanksgiving Celebration. Just post about a Thanksgiving memory, something you are thankful for this year, a special … [Read more...]
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