The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

January 1, 2015

My Word for 2015: Thrive

Happy New Year! I may be a little crazy, but January 1st is one of my favorite times of the year. I always start a new year incredibly inspired and while life never fails to surprise me with its twists and turns, I still think it’s worthwhile to acknowledge and write down the things I’d like to do in 2015.

For the past three years, I have also chosen one little word to guide and inspire me. Do you do this too? It has been a very eye-opening experience and I’m still amazed at the significance each word holds to this day. For 2015, I thought I would do things a little differently: I chose a word that was less about a goal to be met and more of a mindset to embrace. For 2015, I’ve chosen the word thrive.

For me, thriving means living at my very best. It’s about saying that I’m all in to this vocation I’ve chosen. It’s not about striving for perfection, but an invitation to embrace every part of my full and messy life.

I want to live in the moment.
I want to enjoy the season I am in as a wife and mother.
I want to learn new things.
I want to grow my business.
I want to build up the relationships in my life and create new ones.
I want to be present, encourage others and radiate joy.

You know that quote from Diane Ackerman? The one that says, “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well”? That’s what thriving means to me. I’m excited to see where the next year takes me.

Do you choose a word for the year? Share in the comments! I’d love to know what you’ve picked for 2015.

My Previous Words

2014:Brave // 2013:Intention // 2012:Dream

December 15, 2014

{brave} I Want to be Brave Like My Son: Looking Back at 2014

My oldest son inspires me on a regular basis. For about a year, he has asked to run in a “real race” like his Mamma and Daddy. There aren’t many children-friendly races near us, so he waited patiently until November to run the Turkey Trot Fun Run, a big one mile loop.

On the day of the race, due to an oversight on our part, we had him running all by himself among a sea of children and families. Being his mamma, I could tell he was a little nervous. I was nervous too. We made a plan to meet at the finish line and then he was off. Sending my baby out with all these people, I got a lump in my throat. Would he be okay? Was he scared being all by himself?

He smiled big, walked up close to the front of the group and ran his little heart out. I choked back tears as I watched my boy push through to the finish line and conquer a goal he’s been wanting to do for months.

He was brave.

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When I chose “brave” as my one little word for 2014, I really had no idea how it would affect my life. At the beginning, I created my own parameters: getting out of my comfort zone creatively, in the kitchen, and in my giving. And while I have made strides in these areas, I ended up having to be brave in even bigger ways.

When we found out I was pregnant with baby number five, I was so excited, but also greatly doubted myself. Can I do this? Am I a mother capable of doing this vocation well? Four was already a “big” family, but five? Five is considered crazy in today’s society. Would I be able to handle all of the stares and thoughtless comments?

When I felt God’s prompting to homeschool my two oldest, I doubted my abilities again. Can I do this? Can I be a good teacher to the one who really struggles with learning? Will I be able to give them the education they deserve?

Both of these instances required a jump into the unknown, a leap of faith. “I am not afraid…I was born to do this”, a quote from Joan of Arc, became the words I whisper to myself when the doubts creep in. I wouldn’t say that 2014 has been the year I’ve become fearless – not even close! – but I’m making baby steps in the right direction.

Going forward into 2015, I want to be more like my son. I want to look the scary things in the face and acknowledge my nerves, but make a plan and go for it with all I’ve got. I want to be brave.

I’m signing off to spend the rest of Advent with my little family. I have some exciting things in store for the blog, though, so be sure to meet me back here after New Years! Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas!

December 12, 2014

{around here} Week of 12.8.14

This week was rough. One sick kid after another and I think I’m next. Needless to say, the productivity in our family was pretty slim. We spent a lot of time watching “educational” shows on Netflix and hanging out on the couch. Every so often, they’d get a burst of energy and play something, only to come back to the couch and ask for a movie. It breaks my heart when they don’t feel well. I’m praying everyone starts feeling better this weekend.

I did manage to finally put up Sophie’s curtains in her room…just in time to totally change her room around. I’ve been coming up with plans to switch rooms around to make our home work better for us in the new year. But more on that in January.

“Mamma, you are awesome. Our whole family is awesome. And..and…so is the whole universe!” -J, newly four

I’ve been thinking a lot about this post and have been inspired to put a few of Nell’s tips to action. On Monday, I made a checklist (comment on 5 blogs, enter a giveaway, share a post on social media, etc.) and I’ve been working on it a bit everyday. It actually brings focus to my blog reading.

One more thing to note: This week, I expanded my internet horizons a little and joined Twitter. I have no idea what I’m doing! I’ve also been on Google+ a bit, but I’m not sure what to do there either. Are you on either? Give me tips!

Have a wonderful (and healthy!) weekend, friends.

December 8, 2014

{shop small} Vol.01: Stocking Stuffers for Her

As the Creative Director for Big White Farmhouse, I am constantly searching for new products. Our company is passionate about supporting the “little guys”, the ones who are working tirelessly to create a life doing what they love. I love that entrepreneurial spirit and I hope you do too!

Since I can’t carry all the cool products I find in my store, I thought I’d pop in every so often to share some of my discoveries with you! So welcome to a new series: Shop Small! Volume 01 is a collection of ideas that would make perfect stocking stuffers for the ladies in your life. (I’m adding that goal clipboard to my wish list!) Hope you enjoy.