The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

{100 beautiful things} No.001: Princess and the Pea Cross-Stitch

This cross-stitch project had been in my “to complete” pile for two years when I found it again last summer.  I have a bad habit of starting a craft with excitement, only to fizzle out and put it aside.  Am I the only one who does this?


Sophia provided the encouragement to see it to completion.  She loved to sit next to me as I worked and hold the different colored threads.  I couldn’t wait to surprise her and frame it for her room.    

I purchased the pattern as a PDF from The Floss Box here.  She carries a ton of adorable cross-stitch and embroidery patterns, so be sure to check out her shop.  I think Sophie needs this one next! 

{currently} Mamma’s Journal // January

a letter to my children, every month in 2015



M // I am just so proud of the little boy you are becoming.  You are kind, helpful, imaginative and funny.  One night we both were in tears, laughing about something silly.  I sure love your belly laughs.  You have been talking a lot about the future and that makes your Mamma so happy and yet so sad.  You want to be a Lego creator someday and have been asking me what colleges would have the best classes for that.  You have also said that when you grow up and have your own apartment, Mamma and Daddy can visit and you’ll cook steaks for us.  You are so excited for your First Communion this spring.  We found and purchased your suit and I loved to see the pride in your eyes when you tried it on.    


D // You are my baby whisperer.  When I need help with TJ, you are the first one begging to take him.  You have perfected the “sh-sh-sh” and the bounce.  I am so thankful for you!  This month, you have been obsessed with all things Ninja Turtles.  Raphael (or, “the red guy” as you sometimes call him) is your favorite.  You love to draw and I find your artwork all over the house.  I am so impressed with your imagination and we always put my favorites right on the fridge, although it’s hard to choose.  In school, you are trying hard and love your math book the most.  Mamma is so proud of you.  


J // Oh, J.  You are my biggest cheerleader.  Every single day, you pop over and out of the blue say, “You are so beautiful” or “Did you know that you’re my favorite Mamma?”  Do you know how much that means to me?  You are my cuddle bug and my helper.  You are full of passion, which sometimes comes out in growls and frustration, but I’m getting better at helping you tell me what’s on your mind.  You are so loved.   


S // You are so wholeheartedly two, torn between wanting to do everything yourself and being frustrated when you can’t.  You have a flair for the dramatic, but I’m convinced your passion for life will be beneficial when you are older.  You are helpful, kind and tender to your brothers.  You shoot Nerf guns and then turn right around and love on your baby doll.  I think you are the coolest girl ever and I’m so glad you’re mine.  


TJ // You, my sweet baby, are my joy.  I can hardly believe that you are four months old already.  You are so happy, with a big drooling grin on your face all the time!  We are two peas in a pod and rarely apart.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.  


Love each of you to the moon and back again, Mamma

{shop small} Vol.02: Winter Wonderland

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, I thought I’d pop in every so often to share some of my discoveries with you!  Volume 02 is inspired by the gorgeous snowfall we had a few weeks ago…simple and white!  Enjoy.

Snowflake Pillow Cover by Shabby by Melissa
Cream Wool Beanie by Mercier Marche
Burlap and Antique White Wreath by Wild Ridge Design
Cream Linen Napkins by K Style


{You can find Volume 01 here}





P.S. I was so excited to see that I have been nominated for Best Looking Blog!  Here’s my shameless plug to vote for me (and the rest of your favorite blogs!) here.

{around here} 02/52: Week of 1.12.15

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:


loving the response from our Big White Farmhouse birthday giveaways.  It’s been the perfect way to start Year 2 and I am excited to get started purchasing product for the new year!  (P.S. The giveaways end tomorrow at midnight, so there’s still time to enter!)  


planning our first “official” Sunday Dinner.  Mark and I want to start the tradition of having a full sit-down dinner with a special dessert every week.  We hope it will become second nature to our kids and then hopefully will continue even when they’re grown.  I also think it will be a great opportunity to invite others over for food and hospitality.    

 drinking lots and lots of water.  I am so bad at remembering, but am committed to getting better.  I’m using the Water Counter on my Fitbit app and that helps.  Work in progress!

 reading my first fiction book of the year, Orphan Train.

 making homemade granola.  I added raisins because I’m a cinnamon raisin fan, but I think a bunch of dried fruit would be good too.  


thankful for Mark and how hard he works for our family.  He worked extra late twice this week and gosh, does that make me appreciate all he does to keep this family running when he’s home!

 laughing about Sophie and her new fake sneezing routine.  “Ah, Ah, Ah, Choo!”

 struggling to push through the postpartum plateau.  I’ve been at the same weight, give or take a few pounds, for two months now.  And while that’s frustrating, it’s less about the number on the scale and more about not being able to work out at a level I once could.  It’s been very humbling for me to have to start from scratch again.  God is growing me.   

 thinking about February’s challenge.  Lots of brainstorming and idea creating.  Right now, I’m veering toward something home related.

homeschool notes:

  • We had a simple week without many extras.  Some weeks are like that. 
  • Our read aloud for January is Mr. Popper’s Penguins and we just got started.  I have a lapbook planned and a few fun activities.  The boys are going to love it!

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