Ministry of Mothering

  ☀️ My Summer Must-Haves for Fun in the Sun at Home Affiliate links included. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There’s something beautiful about slowing down and savoring summer at home. With a few simple items, your backyard can become the most joyful “staycation” spot your kids could dream of. Here are our family’s top summer must-haves for fun in the sun at home —all tried, tested, and mom-approved! 💦 1. Foldable Dog Pool (Not Just for Dogs!) 👉 Check it out on Amazon Okay, hear me out—this is technically a dog pool, but it’s one of our best summer hacks ! We use it to refill water balloons, soak water guns, and even for quick cool-down foot soaks between backyard games. It's super sturdy, folds up easily for storage, and has held up beautifully to all the summer chaos. Bonus: no inflating required! 🔫 2. Water Guns (Backyard Battle Ready!) 👉 See it here These water guns have been a huge hit with my crew this summer! They're easy to fill...

What I Keep in the Back of My Van for a Smoother Summer with Kids Because motherhood is mobile—and a little preparation goes a long way! Summer in our household is full of park days, field trips, homeschool meetups, and spontaneous adventures. And with four kids in tow, I've learned the hard way that a well-stocked van can be the difference between a meltdown (theirs… or mine!) and a smooth day out. Over the years, I’ve developed a “summer survival station” in the back of our van. It’s not fancy, but it’s so practical. Today I’m sharing what I keep on hand to make our busy summer days easier, cleaner, and less chaotic. I’ve included Amazon Associate links to some of my favorite or similar items to help you build your own stash! Portable Picnic Blanket We’re often eating lunch outside—whether it’s a park bench, the grass, or the back of the van. I keep a foldable picnic blanket in the trunk at all times. I found mine at Costco, but this one is super similar and easy to clea...

Must-Read Books for New (or Curious) Homeschool Moms Thinking about homeschooling your kids? Feeling overwhelmed with where to start, what to teach, or how to shift your mindset from traditional education to a thriving homeschool life? Friend, you’re not alone—and the good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. Over the years, I’ve found certain books that have deeply encouraged and equipped me on this journey. Whether you're just exploring homeschooling or about to dive in, these books will help lay a strong foundation for your heart, your home, and your homeschool. 📚 Here are my current top recommendations: 1. Battle for the American Mind by Pete Hegseth If you’re wondering why a traditional education system isn’t working—or why so many families are choosing a different path—this book is a must-read. It dives into how our schools have drifted from their original purpose and how parents can reclaim their children's education with intention and truth...

  How We Keep the Kids Busy and Having Fun All Summer Long Summer break is here, and with four kids at home, I’ve learned that simple water fun can go a long way! Instead of over-scheduling or running around town every day, I like to keep things low-key but exciting right in our own backyard. This year, I stocked up on a few budget-friendly items that have already brought tons of laughter and joy to our summer days. Here’s what we’re using for easy, screen-free fun: 💦 Two Dog Pools – These are the perfect size for splashing, soaking, and even using as a mini splash pad. They're durable and fold up for easy storage! 🎈 Reusable Water Balloons – These are a game-changer ! No more bits of balloon all over the yard. Just dunk, throw, and repeat! 🚀 Water Shooters – The kids love chasing each other with these, and I love how easy they are to refill. 🪣 Collapsible Buckets – Great for scooping water, carrying supplies, or even washing off muddy feet. 🛠 Sand  Shovels – ...

  Bathtime Color Science: A Fun and Messy Way to Teach Color Mixing If your kids are anything like mine, they love any excuse to put on their bathing suits—even if there’s no pool involved! And if you’re anything like me, you love when fun and learning go hand in hand. This washable paint and water color combining activity was a huge hit at our house—and it’s perfect for kids of all ages. What You’ll Need: Washable Paints – I used Crayola Washable Paints in eight different colors! Small measuring cups – I grabbed mine from Walmart, but here’s a similar set online . Clear plastic cups or bowls (for visibility while mixing) Whisk or spoon A bowl or tub of clean water for rinsing Bathing suits – because yes, they will get wet! Outdoor space – driveway, backyard, or patio What We Did: Before the kids came outside, I filled eight small containers with water and added a different washable paint color to each one. I whisked each color into the water to...

  Exploring Bandelier National Monument with Kids: History, Hiking, and a Camp Stove Hack Our family recently visited Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, and it was one of those trips that checked all the homeschool mom boxes— history, nature, hands-on learning, and memories made . If you're looking for a destination that combines ancient Native American culture, beautiful trails, and interactive experiences for kids, this one’s a must. First Stop: The Visitor Center We began our adventure at the Bandelier Visitor Center , where the rangers were welcoming and full of helpful information. Two of our daughters jumped right into the Junior Ranger program , which was the perfect way to engage them in the history and natural beauty of the area. The activity booklets were age-appropriate, and the sense of accomplishment when they received their badges was priceless! Hiking to the Ancestral Puebloan Homes From the Visitor Center, we followed the Main Loop Trail , which is an...

  Visiting White Sands Missile Range with Kids: A Homeschooling Adventure As a homeschool mom always on the lookout for unique educational experiences, visiting White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in southern New Mexico was an unforgettable highlight. Not only does this military base offer a fascinating peek into U.S. missile and rocket history, but it also turned into a hands-on science and history lesson for our whole family. What is White Sands Missile Range? WSMR is an active military installation where the U.S. tests missiles, rockets, and other weapons systems. But it’s also home to the White Sands Missile Range Museum , which is open to the public and family-friendly. The museum includes indoor exhibits, outdoor displays of missiles and rockets, and fascinating stories about the Manhattan Project and early space testing. What to Know Before You Go Because WSMR is a military base , there are a few steps you’ll need to take in order to gain access: 1. Bring Valid ID for Ev...