The Big White Farmhouse

A collection of our ordinary days, recorded every week.  At the end of the year, I’ll publish them into a keepsake to treasure.

Around here, I have been:

feeling pretty good considering the craziness I put my body through on Sunday!  I was sore on Monday and part of Tuesday, but was back to normal by Tuesday night.  I’m easing back into exercise this week, but I can’t wait to get back out there and just run for fun. 

still sad about a hurtful incident at the store last weekend.  My (well-behaved!) children and I were walking through the aisles and my husband overheard two young men make a snide comment about me and my family size.  I wish I could say that comments like those roll off my back, but they don’t.  Time for some thicker skin, I guess.  

cheering for M as he was nominated to play in his soccer league’s all-star game.  He isn’t one of the best players on the team, but what he lacks in skill, he makes up with heart.  That kid always gives his absolute best.  And best part?  Out of all of those talented kids, mine scored the only goal.  I’m a proud mama.


listening to D begin to read!  We finished his Pre-Reading curriculum and we’ve quickly moved onto the next level because, “I want to read, Mama!”  Something is finally clicking and he is sounding out sounds and reading a few words like a champ.  I am so proud of him and get all choked up watching the excitement on his face.  He keeps saying, “Are you crying again, mama!?”


reading the beginning chapter of our book club book for June!  So excited to share more details soon.


watching videos about making super heroes with the rainbow loom with the boys.  M and I started trying and have come close, but keep making an error here and there.  Consider this our summer project…they are challenging!


playing with friends at the park during these gorgeous spring days.


laughing at Sophie and her frequent clothing changes.  Our friend just gave her a big bag full of hand-me-downs and you’d think it was Christmas!  She wanted to try on every single thing, each time saying, “Me yike dis one, mama!” 

researching ideas for next school year.  I’m already writing notes about curriculum choices and searching Pinterest for crafts and activities.  I’d like to have a solid plan soon, so I can slowly purchase the things we need throughout the summer.  Another fun addition to next year: we will be joining a homeschool co-op! 


trying another facial mask while Mark was gone and the kids were asleep.  Most “girly” things are so out of my comfort zone, but I’m quickly becoming a fan of these scrubs.  My face feels awesome afterward!


watching J’s tenderness for TJ.  He loves to watch him for me and I will often hear him sharing his guys and telling his little brother all about them.  I can’t wait to see how their relationship grows.

Like I mentioned last week, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this little blog of mine.  One of my goals for May was to actively support my blogging friends and I guess that in turn has led me to question my own space on the web.  I’ve been assessing everything from blog design to monetization, but the one factor that I keep coming back to:  Am I being authentic?


I struggle with the answer.  I use this blog as a way to journal the little moments of our everyday life.  While I could (and sometimes do!) record the hard times with fussy babies and bickering brothers, I choose instead to focus on the good: the sweet compliment, the success in school, the delicious dinner, the goal checked off the list.  


Does this not make me authentic?  Does this make me look fake or shallow?


My hope for anyone stumbling upon this space is that they would be inspired to see beauty in the mundane and joy in the monotony.  I would hope they would be inspired to push themselves to try something new.  This blog portrays just a snippet of my life and while it is far from perfect, it is good.  


So with that said, let me re-introduce myself, both for long-time readers and those who may be new around here!  An honest look at the writer behind the Big White Farmhouse:


I’m Ashley, a devoted wife to my best friend and a mother to five great children.  I know without a doubt that this is the vocation I’ve been made for, but gosh, it is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.


I’ve always loved learning new things.  For my third birthday, I even received a backpack full of books and pencils…and I was thrilled!  However, until a few years ago, I was a little bit of a stick in the mud who let fear get in the way of trying new things.  Reading about something was one thing, but actually doing something new and scary?  I’ve been on a personal mission to be brave and get out of my comfort zone since.  It’s difficult, but I rarely regret it.


I don’t feel particularly gifted in any one area and will never come to this blog attempting to teach you something.  I do put a lot of passion into my attempts, though, and I hope that’s what comes across to you as a reader.


I am an introvert and a homebody.  If I’m home for the day, you’ll most likely find me in running clothes.  Gift giving is my love language.  I am passionate about my small business, but terrified of failing.  My baby is almost eight months old and I still have 15 pounds of baby weight to lose.  I love setting goals for myself, but sometimes they totally stress me out.  I could eat cheeseburgers every single day.  


My hope is that if you met me in person, you’d say, “Yep.  She’s just as I pictured her from her blog.”  And if you know me in real life, you’d say, “Yep.  That’s the Ashley I know.”  If I can pass that litmus test, I think I’m doing something right.  Here’s to living a more authentic life, both on and off of the computer!   


P.S. To my readers: Thank you so much for stopping by.  You have no idea how much I appreciate you.  I’d love to know your thoughts on authenticity.  And if you’ve never left a comment before, please introduce yourself!  I’d love to get to know you.