Ministry of Mothering

There’s something so comforting about coming home from church to a warm, hearty soup waiting for you. This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Bacon has quickly become a favorite in our house — it’s simple to throw together, full of flavor, and perfect for busy Sundays when you want a home-cooked meal without a lot of fuss. Ingredients: 1 bag of split peas About 1 cup of real crumbled bacon 5 whole carrots, peeled and chopped 6 whole garlic cloves 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base 8 cups of water Instructions: Add all ingredients to your Instant Pot. Set to Pressure Cook for 1 hour . Allow pressure to naturally release when cooking is done. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. That’s it! Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day — without the extra effort. I love starting this recipe before church and coming home to the smell o...

  Last night, our church group set out on a little adventure to see the dinosaur tracks in Cedar Park, Texas—and it did not disappoint! It was a warm evening, but the excitement of spotting real dinosaur footprints kept our spirits high. The trail is rugged but manageable, with some fascinating spots along the creek. Be warned: some areas of the water are stagnant and, well… a little gross (nature isn’t always glamorous!). But there are also deeper, fast-moving parts of the creek that were so fun to explore and made the whole place feel a bit more wild and untamed. What impressed me most? Two of the sweet mamas in our group are pregnant , and they navigated the rocky terrain like champs! It’s not stroller-friendly, but definitely doable for most ages and stages with a little help and some good shoes. (Our whole family had Keens...they were PERFECT for this outing. Check it out and get yourself a pair. They are expensive but totally worth it. They have kids versions and you can ...

There’s something magical about discovering a local gem—especially when it involves fresh beignets and hot coffee. During our recent trip to Baton Rouge, we were on the hunt for a cozy spot near our hotel, and   Coffee Call   more than delivered. Honestly? It was a treasure and a goldmine. We walked in hoping for a quick snack and left with full hearts and powdered sugar smiles. The staff at Coffee Call were so kind and welcoming—genuine Southern hospitality at its best. The shop has that nostalgic, no-frills charm that makes you feel right at home, like you’ve stepped into a local favorite where everyone knows each other. And the  beignets ? Oh. My. Goodness. They hit the spot perfectly—warm, fluffy, and dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar. We ordered a big batch to share, and every bite was better than the last. My mom and sister also enjoyed a cup of coffee, and both said it was some of the best they’ve had in a long time. (Which is saying a lot—they kn...

If you’re ever in the Baton Rouge area with kids in tow, the   Knock Knock Children’s Museum   is a must-visit spot for hands-on fun, creativity, and imagination. We spent the entire day there—from opening at 10:00 a.m. to closing at 4:00 p.m.—and my kids were fully engaged every single minute. Yes, it’s a little bit on the pricey side, especially for larger families like ours, but there were several perks that helped balance it out. One of my favorite features? You can  bring your own food ! There’s a lovely  outdoor patio area  where you can take a break, eat lunch or snacks, and recharge before heading back in for more exploring. We packed our own snacks, which made the day more affordable and allowed us to enjoy the full experience without rushing. A Little Museum with a Big Mission The  Knock Knock Children’s Museum  opened its doors in 2017 after years of planning and fundraising. It was born from a dream to create a place where children could le...

  If you're ever in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and looking for a fun (and affordable!) family-friendly stop, the   Baton Rouge Zoo   is a great option—just be sure to bring your water bottles and a towel for the humidity. 😂 We visited in   June , and y’all… the humidity was next level. But despite the heat, we had such a sweet time exploring the zoo with my   mom, sister, and kids . It was the kind of memory-making day I’m so grateful for. 📍  Parking is FREE , which already felt like a win. Admission was very reasonable—about  $50 total for 4 adults and 2 kids . That’s hard to beat for a full afternoon of animal fun! 🛠️ The entrance is currently being  remodeled , but don’t let that deter you. Once you're inside, it's a great setup for families with littles—plenty of shade, clearly marked paths, and a good mix of animals to enjoy. 🚂 The train was a bit of a letdown, if I’m being honest. At  $3 a person , it didn’t go through any animal enclo...

We recently took a little getaway to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and it was such a sweet multigenerational trip! I traveled with my   mom, my sister, my grandma, and two of my little girls —and while not every moment was Pinterest-perfect, we made some beautiful memories and discovered several spots worth sharing with other moms planning a family adventure. So here’s a real mom’s review of Baton Rouge—complete with the highs, the so-so’s, and everything in between: (links for everything are included at the end of the post) Where We Stayed: Hampton Inn & Suites College Drive We usually love staying at Hilton properties, but this particular hotel was... meh. It’s in  dire need of a remodel  and didn’t have the usual Hilton polish we’re used to. That said, the location was super convenient for getting around Baton Rouge, which made exploring the city with little ones and older family members much easier. Where We Ate Curbside Burgers This spot had rave reviews from other blo...

Discovering the Stories Behind Beloved Hymns: Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan I recently came across a treasure on Amazon that I just had to share— Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan. With over one million copies sold, this book offers something truly special: the incredible stories behind some of the most beloved traditional hymns of the Christian faith. Growing up, the music pastor at my church would often share the rich history behind the hymns we sang. Those stories brought the songs to life in a way that helped me connect more deeply with the words and the worship. But nowadays, I’ve noticed that many of these classic hymns aren’t sung as often in church services. I didn’t want my children to miss out on this beautiful heritage of faith, so I decided to take it upon myself to teach these hymns to my kids at home. If I don’t already know a hymn, I either play it on the piano for them or find a performance on YouTube to share...

Keep Your Food Deliciously Hot with This Amazing Warming Mat! If you’ve ever hosted a party, baby shower, or buffet-style meal, you know the struggle of keeping food warm without drying it out or having to constantly reheat. That’s why I’m so excited to share about this new warming mat I picked up from Amazon — and let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer! The product is called the Warming Mat for Food — a portable, fast, and even-heating thickened silicone mat that acts as a roll-up electric warming tray or hot plate. It’s super versatile and perfect for home use, parties, buffets, and even travel. I originally bought this warming mat to keep some delicious quiches warm during a baby shower I was helping to host. Honestly, I was just looking for a good excuse to get one after I saw a friend using it, and now I’m so glad I did! It’s easy to roll up and store, heats evenly so no more cold spots, and keeps food at just the right temperature for hours. Whether you’re serving a...

  🌞 Summer Read-Aloud Checklist: Charlotte Mason Living Books ✅ Nature & Adventure ☐ The Burgess Animal Book for Children – Thornton W. Burgess (Grades 1–4) ☐ Swallows and Amazons – Arthur Ransome (Grades 4–8) ☐ The Railway Children – Edith Nesbit (Grades 3–7) ☐ Paddle-to-the-Sea – Holling C. Holling (Grades 2–6) ✅ Historical & Noble Themes ☐ Children of the New Forest – Frederick Marryat (Grades 5–8) ☐ Carry On, Mr. Bowditch – Jean Lee Latham (Grades 5–9) ☐ The Bronze Bow – Elizabeth George Speare (Grades 6–9) ☐ Amos Fortune, Free Man – Elizabeth Yates (Grades 5–8) ✅ Wholesome Family Stories ☐ Understood Betsy – Dorothy Canfield Fisher (Grades 3–6) ☐ All-of-a-Kind Family – Sydney Taylor (Grades 2–5) ☐ The Family Under the Bridge – Natalie Savage Carlson (Grades 3–6) ☐ Miracles on Maple Hill – Virginia Sorensen (Grades 4–7) ✅ Imaginative & Moral-Rich ☐ The Princess and the Goblin – George MacDonald (Grades 3–6) ☐ At the Back of the Nor...

If there’s one thing I never leave behind during our busy summer days—park meetups, co-op outings, road trips, and field days—it’s my trusty Stanley Adventure 2 Gallon Fast Flow Water Jug . I have it in the prettiest shade of Rose Quartz , and let me tell you, it is not just cute—it’s a total game changer . I first bought this jug because I was tired of constantly refilling small water bottles for my crew. With four thirsty kids (and a husband who drinks like a camel), I needed something that could keep up with us. The Stanley delivers. It's insulated , easy to carry , and the fast-flow spigot is a dream—no drips, no waiting, just cold water on demand. This thing is a summer mom’s dream. It holds 2 gallons of ice water and keeps it cold for hours on even the hottest Texas days. The foam-insulated lid latches tight (no spills in the van!), and the wide mouth makes it easy to fill and clean. I set it up in the back of the van or at our picnic table, and everyone refills their ...

  A delicious way to use up garden zucchini and sourdough starter—without wasting a thing! If you're like me, summer means an explosion of zucchini from the garden or farmers market. And if you're also baking with sourdough, there's probably a jar of discard sitting in your fridge, waiting for a purpose. These  extra moist zucchini muffins  are the perfect solution! They're lightly spiced, naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, and get a boost of flavor and tenderness from the sourdough discard. I made a batch using  four whole zucchinis  and you’d never know it—the muffins turned out fluffy, moist, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. Plus, they freeze beautifully and make a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack. 🥒 Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis (3.5–4 cups shredded and squeezed dry) 3 large eggs 7/8 cup oil (vegetable or melted coconut oil) 1 3/4 cups coconut sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed is fine) 1 1/2 ...

  ☀️ 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...