The Big White Farmhouse

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!

1. Read two books.
I only finished one.  I enjoyed Let’s All Be Brave, but it wasn’t one of those books for me that I quickly devour.  Maybe I wasn’t the target audience?     


2. Complete a “ten on ten” photo challenge. 
Done!  I loved this challenge.  It was fun to document our very ordinary day and I’m anxious to try it again.  Maybe I should make it a monthly goal in 2015.


3. Take 10,000+ steps a day and exercise at least four times a week.
I’m calling this one a half success.  Some weeks, I took at least 10,000 steps, but didn’t get four workouts in.  Other weeks, I did five workouts, but not 10,000 steps!  Either way, I was active throughout the month and I’m proud of that.  17 pounds down, about 20 to go!    

4. Continue with Couch25K.  
I stopped following this plan about halfway through the month.  I’m still running, but not on a specific schedule for now.


5. Invite a family over for a playdate.
Done.  We had another homeschooling family over and it was so nice to chat with the mama while our kids played together.  


6. Bake an apple pie.
I still didn’t get this one completed!  One of these days…


7. Declutter a small area of the house everyday.  
Done.  So good for my mental health as well as preparation for all the new things to come into the house at Christmas.  I plan to continue through December.

8. Announce the new Holiday Collection on the Big White Farmhouse shop.
Done.  The Holiday Collection is live on the site!  We have gorgeous pewter ornaments, fun dish towels and even hand-printed star pillows.  All make wonderful gifts.  We also just got in eco-friendly art supplies for kids…perfect “non-junk” stocking stuffers!


9. Get started on Christmas shopping!
Done!  I’ve gotten a good start on presents for the kids and I’ve started a shopping list for the rest.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to finish up during the first week in December, so I can fully enjoy the rest of Advent.  I firmly believe that gift giving shouldn’t be stressful!


Looking forward to finishing the year strong in December.  How did you do with your monthly goals?


P.S. We’re having a big Black Friday sale at Big White Farmhouse today!