The Big White Farmhouse

Things to Look Forward To
– starting a new routine for summer
– fresh berries for breakfast & ice cream cones for dessert
– feeling the first fluttering movements of this baby within me
– getting started on my Christmas prep to-do list (!!) for Big White Farmhouse
– warm sunshine on my skin

Things to Work On
– first floor paint touchups
– deep cleaning the entire house after a first trimester of neglect
– a new solution to corral all of our children’s books
– making more time for consistent spiritual reading


Things to Think About
– a new book I’d like to read
– a skill I’d like to practice
– a topic I’d like to learn more about
– a secret kindness I’d like to do for someone
– a recipe I’d like to try




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(1) IT’S OKAY TO TAKE SOME TIME TO COAST.
I put a lot of pressure on myself to live every day to the fullest.  Be on top of things, knock out those to-do lists, live that full and exciting life.  But sometimes that mentality just isn’t realistic and I’ve learned that’s it totally okay to let myself off the “seize the day” hook for a little while.  Slow down, enjoy my kids by just being together, remove all the extras and just breathe for awhile.

(2) SOMETIMES SELF CARE MEANS LIGHTENING YOUR LOAD A BIT.
I’m an out of control busybody and I love a full plate.  But due to some physical and emotional health issues, I forced myself to take a step back from many much-loved activities.  I eased up on this blog, passed the torch for #5Faves, worked less on Big White Farmhouse and even stepped back from actively participating in my book club.  I love each of those things SO much and they bring me a lot of joy, but I also knew it would be beneficial to not do all.the.things.  In the process, I gained a lot of head space (my brain not constantly swirling with ideas and tasks), slept better and even had a smaller to-do list.  I hope to reintroduce those activities back into my life, but not at the expense of my health.   

(3) MY SON MAY HAVE A LEARNING DISABILITY, BUT IT CERTAINLY DOESN’T DEFINE HIM.
After months of personal research, we are finally getting him officially assessed for dyslexia and hoping it provides an avenue for extra help.  We have made HUGE strides this year at home, but I can still see doubt and frustration come through when he struggles.  BUT.  We just got his standardized testing scores back (mandatory for homeschoolers in our state) and he scored above average. Above average!  I sobbed and sobbed in thanksgiving that what I know in my heart is true – it may take him longer than others, but he is such a smart little boy.  Now if I can continue to tell him so he starts to believe it too.

(4) I HAVE A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE INTERNET.
This is probably ironic being that I have an online business and love to write this blog.  But sometimes too much is too much.  Too much negativity, too much stimulation….I needed to shut it all off and look at life around me with clear eyes.  I think the reset is so helpful to re-evaluate why/how I use the Internet, rid myself of bad habits (scroll, scroll, scrolling….) and re-prioritize the people/things that may have been pushed aside.  I’m still full of questions: how much is too much sharing when it comes to my kids?  Is this a waste of time?  Do readers doubt my sincerity or think I’m a sell-out based on what I share?  Do I even care?  Is it time to just shut the whole thing down?  No real answers yet, but the struggle is real.        

(5) YOU MAY HAVE SEEN THIS COMING, BUT I SURE DIDN’T.

Remember all those feelings of something being off?  Laugh along with me, friends.  This was a bit of a shock and surprise, but after letting the news sink in a bit, we’re happy and excited to add to our crazy crew.  Baby #6 due in December.