The Big White Farmhouse

Day four: a Sunday filled with a Solemn High Mass, lazy family time and lots of chickens!

Look for the Gifts

The Epistle this week included this verse from James: Dearly beloved, every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change nor shadow of alteration. (James 1:17)  One silly, but perfect gift I noticed today is the arrival of these beautiful California poppies in my wildflower garden beds.  I thought they were goners after Lucy plowed through them last spring, but they came back…and with even more blooms than last year! So, so beautiful.  Our God is such a generous Creator.

My April Phenology Wheel (Almost Finished!)

I finished up the last few sections of my phenology wheel for April and love how it turned out.  Look at all of those sunny days!  I have a few sticky note reminders about some of the nature-y things I saw/experienced over the month, so hopefully I’ll be able to draw those in around the edges later this week.  (I used this printable for the phenology wheel, in case you want to make one yourself.)

Four Super Random Decluttered Items

Oh man.  I am loving this daily decluttering so far!  I have definitely gotten out of practice since my challenge ended, but the momentum’s returning.  I can feel it!  Here’s what I found today:

• An outgrown pair of sneakers // They are still in decent shape, so I’m going to see if I can wash them really well and use a Magic Eraser around the soles to freshen them up.  I’ll then add them to a bunch of Sophie’s outgrown clothes to list on Trash Nothing.
• A brand new potty seat // We bought this for our youngest, took it out of the packaging, and he never used it!  I may try to sell it on ebay if I can find a big enough box.
• A tile sample from Sophie’s bathroom renovation  // I hate to toss it, but can’t come up with any other use for it.
• A really old free sample //  I think I tried this primer once when I received it, but ultimately went back to my preferred makeup.  This is years old, so headed for the trash.

Day three.  The wind yesterday evening was wild!  Thankfully, we only lost power for a few minutes.  We spent the morning picking up the aftermath: moving back the trampoline, reattaching the fallen squash tunnel (note to self: secure better before planting!), and picking up random sticks and branches all over the yard.

DIY Taco Seasoning

Tacos are on the menu this upcoming week, so I quickly made some homemade taco seasoning.  I used this recipe from Little Spice Jar and it should be enough for about eight pounds of meat.  (If I had had more chili powder, I would have doubled the recipe.)  This led me down the rabbit hole of “Maybe I should start buying my spices in bulk?” and a quick search brought up two options: Olam Spices (which looks to be for commercial use) and Mountain Rose Herbs.  I’m sure there are other options out there – I need some recommendations!

I Made a Sale!

Poshmark has been hit or miss for me lately.  Sometimes I get multiple sales in a row, sometimes I hear crickets for a week.  Today was a good day: I sold a dress that was too big, I made a little bit of money, and there’s one less item taking space in my closet!

#28things7days Challenge, Day Three

Today’s three items: an old Johnny’s catalog from 2020 and two sets of markers that were given to me but I’ve never used.  I tossed the catalog in the recycling bin – easy!  For the markers, I think I’ll put them in a gallon bag and continue to fill it with random craft supplies before donating.

Pizza Night

Another delicious dinner made by my twelve-year-old pizza maker.