The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

No.81: Our Farmhouse Schoolhouse in Photos (Weeks 21&22)

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Two weeks of ordinary school days.  Throughout the year, there seem to be weeks of input and weeks of output.  Some weeks, we’re cranking out art projects and paragraphs and activities.  Other weeks, we’re just listening to pages and pages of books and having heartfelt conversations.  The past two weeks were the latter.  While it seems like we don’t have much to “show” for it, my kids will talk your ear off if you ask. 🙂

NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS

+ We finished up the last handful of stories in American Tall Tales.  Their favorite, by far, was Paul Bunyan.  We also finished Redwall, which was wonderful and had the boys asking for chapter after chapter.  I think I read about nine chapters that last day because they had to know the end! 

+ M (5th grade) read through The Silver Donkey for WWI history.  It’s not his typical go-to genre, but I think it’s always beneficial to read different viewpoints in history.  He liked it.  Now onto The Singing Tree.

+ In the little kids’ history, we finished up Squanto. This little book started so many interesting conversations.  For example, when Squanto sailed back to England with the colonists, the Captain put him on display so the English could pay to see a “real” Indian.  Great segue into the dignity of the human person.

+ After two months away, we’re back to our African studies!  We jumped into Ethiopia and Kenya with these books: A Story, A Story and Mama Panya’s Pancakes.  The first picture book wasn’t an exact match (I even think it’s from the wrong side of the continent, technically) but we still enjoyed the story.  Mama Panya’s Pancakes is one of my favorites – such a sweet story of generosity.  For dinner, we made honey garlic berbere chicken thighs over rice for Ethiopia and beef stew for Kenya.  


+ Monday, February 5th, was our 100th day of school!  This felt like a huge accomplishment, so we celebrated by making homemade donuts (with a like-new donut pan I found at the thrift store for $2.99!!) and blowing up mini balloons.

Current 1000 Books Project Total: 106/1000


MOTHER CULTURE & SELF-CARE

+ Health: I’m in a funk.  Paused on working out and am trying to give myself some grace since P is sleeping horribly at night again.  I’m exhausted.  BUT!  I’m drinking more water and have had a few salads, so small victories.
+ Reading: I finished The Paris Architect and Columbine.  Currently reading Happier at Home for book club, An Everlasting Meal and The Thief.
+ Spiritual: I started The Imitation of Christ and like it so far.
+ Fun: Looking forward to painting my first floor this weekend.

No.80: 30 (Mostly-Flat) Things to Send Your Penpal

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February is International Correspondence Writing Month and many people challenge themselves to write a letter or card each day during the month.  I had great intentions, but quickly found myself unable to keep the pace!  So my revised goal is just to send mail.  When a friend or loved one comes to mind, jot a note.  When a new baby arrives, mail a card.  When someone is feeling sad and needs a little pick-me-up, send over a few small surprises.  My focus is less on completing a challenge and more on creating a habit.
Gifts are my love language, so I love adding little things in my letters.  It’s certainly not a requirement, but so much fun.  Below, I’ve compiled 30 ideas of little bits you can include in your snail mail.  Almost all of the links are small businesses or etsy shops, so I hope you’ll check them out!  Happy writing. xo
STICKERS //  Did you have a sticker obsession as a kid like I did?  I don’t think that has ever gone away for me – I still love them for decorating my planner or the outside of an envelope.
A POSTCARD // Just came back from a family vacation?  Have a cool location in your state to share?  A postcard is the perfect memento and helps your pen pal learn something new in the process.  I also like the idea of giving new life to unused vintage postcards!
FUN BAND-AIDS // Unexpected and yet useful – what’s not to love?
TEA // I credit snail mail to introducing me to tea.  Sharing a packet is a no-obligation way for your pen pal to try new flavors and learn a little bit about you too.
  • My all-time favorite is Tazo’s Passion, but my husband and I also enjoy Peach Mango (so good as a cold brew!) and Chai.

JOURNALING CARDS // The scrapbook section of the craft store isn’t just for preserving your photos anymore!  The options are endless and much more versatile – you can use these cards for everything from jotting down your grocery list to writing out a great quote.

  • Becky Higgins has a journaling card for every season and color palette.  One of my favorite brands.
  •  I also have purchased from Studio Calico and their cards are awesome.

WASHI TAPE // Washi tape comes in fun little rolls and are perfect for embellishing envelopes or taping things to the fridge.  Give your pen pal a sample of your favorites by wrapping a few around a piece of cardstock.

SEED PACKETS //  With spring just around the corner, these are easy to find.
PAPER GARLANDS //  Super cute and you can customize to an upcoming holiday or season.

POST-IT NOTES // Who doesn’t love and need Post-its?  I use them all the time and even have a few in my nightstand for to-do lists before bed.

PHOTOS // This is one area I would love to be better about!  Print a special photo from your recent trip or your blooming flower beds.  Send Grandma a picture of her happy grandbabies.

  • Groovebook looks like a great app to print photos directly from your phone.  I love how the photobooks are perforated so they’re easy to rip out and add to a letter.

A BALLOON // Not just for birthdays!  An idea: blow up the balloon, write a note in Sharpie, then deflate.  Add a note instructing the recipient to inflate to reveal the surprise!

CANDY // Candy is tricky, but there are a few sort-of flat options out there if you keep your eye out.  Things like lollipops, fruit chews or even mini Hershey’s chocolate bars would all work.  (Although I’d probably keep the chocolate for cold winter months and definitely not summer.)

MAD-LIBS // Rip out a page or two and tuck into your letter for your pen pal to fill out.

A TEMPORARY TATTOO // Temporary tattoos remind me of being a kid.  I love that they are inexpensive and often come in packs of two, one to keep and one to share!

PENCILS // A snail mail staple!

A MAP // Grab a map of your city and circle a few of your favorite places.  Did you visit a museum or an aboretum?  Grab an extra map on your way out and write about your experience in your next letter.

RECIPE CARDS // It’s always fun to hear what other people are cooking.  Ask your pen pal for their favorite cookie/dinner/entertaining recipe and include one of yours.

  • My go-to for paper recipe cards is 1canoe2, but I have these on my wishlist!

PAPER CLIPS // I like to clip all the little bits together I send with a paper clip.  I’ve been using the regular colorful ones, but after researching for this post, I’ve been introduced to a whole new level!

  • Pinkie Bows has hundreds of adorable appliqued paper clips.
  • There are also paper clips in different shapes.  How awesome are these cocktail clips?
GLOW-IN-THE-DARK STARS // One idea is to include a star with every letter you send.  Eventually your pen pal will have enough for an entire constellation or galaxy!
  • This set has 150 pieces – more than enough to send multiple friends.
  • This set even has the planets!

RIBBON // Fold a length of ribbon neatly (preferably long enough to wrap something) or tie it around your letter with a bow.

AN INTERESTING ARTICLE // Writing letters is an intimate way to learn about a person’s feelings and views.  Instead of fast knee-jerk reactions, letters require patience and thought, which in turn can become a thoughtful and respectful dialogue.  Find an article online that made you think, print it out and include it in your letter.  Ask your pen pal for their thoughts.

BOOKMARKS // Is your pen pal a reader?  If so, a bookmark is always welcomed.

A SMALL NOTEBOOK // Handy for jotting notes and to-dos, especially when you’re on the go.
  • 3″x4″ (like these) is a great little size to tuck into a letter.
GEL PENS // While I typically only write with my boring black Bic pens, colorful gel pens seem like a fancy touch.

GLOW STICKS // Another one of those childhood favorites sure to make your pen pal smile.

A NEWSPAPER CARTOON // When I was little, my grandmother would send a few “funnies” from the newspaper.  In today’s day and age, this may be a stretch, but maybe there is an online cartoonist that you love?  Print, or if you want to save ink, share the link.

PRESSED FLOWERS // If you have a green thumb and grow amazing flowers, dry and press a few.

  • This post has a simple DIY if you’ve never pressed flowers before.
  • You can also purchase them done for you!

STICKS OF GUM // There are tons of gum choices that now come in tablet form, but look for the flat sticks.  Wrigley’s is a good brand to look for: Doublemint, Juicy Fruit or Big Red.


 A SMALL CROSS-STITCH // Are you a whiz with handiwork?  Tuck in a small completed cross-stitch or needlework project.  Bonus points if you give the recipient ideas for how to display it.

A CHARM ON A NECKLACE //  Simple, inexpensive necklaces are great to include.  Be sure to carefully package it around a piece of cardstock, so it doesn’t get tangled during transit.

  • Caritas Dei LLC has a wonderful assortment of Catholic medals and necklaces.  I have this one and wear it everyday.


No.79: Intentions for the Beginning of February

It’s been awhile since the sunrise stopped me in my tracks.  Swirling blues and pinks were everywhere!  

INTENTIONS FOR THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY

  • Habit of the Month: Patience
  • do something special to celebrate 100 Days of School!
  • catch up on blog reading and leave thoughtful comments
  • wash my used to be white Nike Frees
  • make more big salads for lunch
  • find a bottle that will make it easier to drink more water
  • finish research and make speech appointment 
  • find a dentist in our new town (we’re ready to stop commuting to our old one)
  • read two chapters in my Jackson Pollock book
  • paint the living room and hallway
  • bring donations to Goodwill
  • unpack and display my newly inherited china from my grandmother
  • buy frames for living room gallery wall
  • finish our taxes (I think I can, I think I can….)

PREVIOUS INTENTIONS

If you’re reading on your phone or in a reader, be sure to click over to see what I checked off the list!
  • keep up with Mutu System exercises and some sort of daily walk (The walk has been a bit of a stretch – hello mailbox – but I’ve been keeping up with everything else)
  • find a dentist in our new town (we’re ready to stop commuting to our old one)
  • unpack and display my newly inherited china from my grandmother
  • bake a cinnamon raisin bread (we were out of raisins, so just did a cinnamon swirl – so good!)
  • look into King Arthur Flour’s #bakealong (can’t wait to try these recipes)
  • start reading Happier at Home for book club
  • finish the last few chapters of Anne of Avonlea (on to Anne of the Island!)
  • print December Daily & January Coffee Project photos
  • gather enough cards/postcards for the International Correspondence Writing Month in February (I’m excited and intimidated about this – I hope I have enough people to write to!  Anyone want some snail mail?)
  • complete my winter cross-stitch project (I had to break for a bit to buy new thread, but almost done)
  • buy paint for the living room
  • buy frames for living room gallery wall
  • choose fabric and buy an insert to make Sophia’s princess pillow

What about you?  What do you hope to accomplish in the next two weeks?

No.78: New Habits, Little by Little: Cooking at Home (January 2018)

January was a great month for me in the kitchen: very little sugar and a lot of healthy eating.  And bread.  Lots and lots of homemade bread. 

Week 27 (cont.):
Monday, January 1: chili with cornbread waffles in the waffle maker
Tuesday, January 2: drunken slow cooker beef carbonnade stew (minus the drunken part – I didn’t have any beer) over egg noodles
Wednesday, January 3: chicken thighs with roasted broccoli and potatoes
Thursday, January 4: tacos
Friday, January 5: chili cheese fries using leftovers from Monday

Week 28:
Saturday, January 6: Grandpa visits! chicken orzo soup and homemade bread
Sunday, January 7: Grandpa visit. simple tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches
Monday, January 8: leftovers
Tuesday, January 9: baked chicken breasts and steamed broccoli with a tomato cream sauce
Wednesday, January 10: Chick-Fil-A to support our new local pregnancy center
Thursday, January 11: french onion meatballs, mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts
Friday, January 12: homemade pizza for the kids, Home Chef for date night (Japanese sirloin steak with mirin demi-glaze and buttery glazed carrots)

Week 29:
Saturday, January 13: simple tomato soup (again!) and homemade ciabatta bread
Sunday, January 14: chicken pot pie soup and homemade biscuits
Monday, January 15: pot roast
Tuesday, January 16: tacos
Wednesday, January 17: panko chicken fingers and salad
Thursday, January 18: Fridge Clean-out Night
Friday, January 19: balsamic chicken veggie bake

Week 30:
Saturday, January 20: chicken drumsticks and wings for the kids, Home Chef for date night (sirloin steak with balsamic sauce, crispy potatoes and brussels sprouts
Sunday, January 21: we just had cereal or popcorn after a late lunch at my parents
Monday, January 22: parmesan veggies and sausage over rice
Tuesday, January 23: french onion chicken and salad
Wednesday, January 24: beef stew (adapted to the dutch oven) with homemade ciabatta bread
Thursday, January 25: enchiladas
Friday, January 26: frozen pizza for the kids, Home Chef for date night (sirloin steak with blue cheese compound butter, green beans and roasted fingerling potatoes)

Week 31:
Saturday, January 27: panko chicken fingers and salad
Sunday, January 28: bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with brussels sprouts
Monday, January 29: philly cheesesteaks
Tuesday, January 30: salisbury steak meatballs with gravy and mashed potatoes
Wednesday, January 31: chicken pot pie filling with homemade biscuits

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