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{shop small} Vol.01: Stocking Stuffers for Her
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intentional living, little by little
Gosh, I’m loving December so far. For the first time in months, our schedule is wide open. I’ve slowed down a bit, paused my to-do lists and just enjoyed my kids. It was a good week.
I let the kids take charge and they decorated the tree with the most colorful ornaments. Their boring mother would have chosen something simpler, but they are so proud of that darn tree, I can’t help but love it too. Even if the majority of the ornaments are on the bottom half of the tree.
Favorite homeschooling activities:
TJ has been a bit clingy this week, so I have yet to dive into a new book. Thank goodness for podcasts! I have been addicted to Serial and have listened to all 10 episodes in just a few days. If you’re into detective novels, Serial would be right up your alley. I also got a chance to listen to the new Fountains of Carrots podcast, which is so good too! I especially loved episode two with Jenny.
On the Blog:
I’ve been busy packaging orders for Big White Farmhouse, my favorite part! For the month of December, I’m adding a little doily (I think it sort-of looks like a snowflake), a mini Christmas-related flash card (from this shop) and a mini candy cane with every order. I think it’s festive, while also being cost-effective. Also! If you haven’t heard, Big White Farmhouse has been included in Call Her Happy’s Shopping Guide and Giveaway. We are giving away one of our pewter ornaments! The giveaway ends Monday, so be sure to enter soon!
It’s the end of the year and I’m ready to slow down. 2014 has been filled to the brim with so many good things and I’ve been working hard. Every day has a game plan: schooling, home projects, kids’ sports, exercise, business to-dos, the regular household chores, etc etc. After our perfect Thanksgiving weekend, I realized that while I love accomplishing all of these things, I also need time to step back a bit. It seems December is the perfect time to cut out all the extras and focus on my little family for awhile.
For the month of December, these are my only goals:
1. No sugar until Christmas. I’ve been working hard to get back in shape and I think giving up sugar will help me overcome the plateau I’ve had the past month. It may just kill me to pass on the cookies and other goodies, but I’m going to try! (I’m in a wedding at the end of the month, so big motivation there too.)
2. Start thinking about the New Year. You know me and my love of goals and resolutions! I’ll be asking all the questions: What do I want to do personally in 2015? How do I want Big White Farmhouse to grow? What home projects do I want to accomplish? What memories do I want to experience with my family? What do I want to share with others on the blog? How can I grow in my faith? Starting the lists and being inspired for what’s to come.
3. Slow down and enjoy this magical season with my family.
What are your goals for December?
P.S. Big White Farmhouse is so excited to be a part of Call Her Happy’s Holiday Gift Guide! We’re giving away one of our pewter ornaments, so be sure to check it out!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.
It’s Advent! How are you counting down the days to Christmas at your house? With a little baby in the house this year, I wanted something super simple with very little prep work. So for 2014, a literary advent calendar was the perfect solution!
In case you’re unfamiliar with the idea, I took every Christmas book we own and wrapped them. After years of collecting, we finally have enough for all 25 days! If you don’t have 25 books, you can always borrow from the library, which is very cost-effective if you remember to return them on time.
The goal is to unwrap one book a day. I labeled each one with a number (using this awesome printable) and recorded the book titles in my planner, but it will be a complete surprise for the kids. Some days we’ll only read the book; on other days, I want to include a craft or activity. Our list of “must-do” traditions include gingerbread houses, hot cocoa in their special snowman mugs, making Santa cookies with Poppa, and an after-bedtime drive around the neighborhood to see the lights.
For record’s sake (and in case anyone is interested in the books we’re reading), this is the list:
1. Merry Christmas, Curious George
2. Tomie’s Little Christmas Pageant
3. Gingerbread Baby
4. Through the Animals’ Eyes: A Story of the First Christmas
5. The Jolly Christmas Postman
6. Saint Nicholas: A Veggie Christmas Story
7. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas
8. The Clown of God
9. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
10. I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles
11. Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons
12. Franklin’s Christmas Gift
13. Story of Christmas
14. Frosty the Snowman
15. The Night Before Christmas
16. Santa’s Favorite Story: Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas
17. Santa’s Reindeer
18. Twelve Days of Christmas
19. Christmas in the Manger
20. The Christmas Angel
21. Madeline’s Christmas
22. Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale
23. Spot’s First Christmas
24. The Night Before Christmas
What are your favorite Christmas books? When I was little, I loved The Jolly Christmas Postman!
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