The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

{around here} Week of 10.21.13

TGIF!  Between the daughter I have declared to be called “No Sleep Sophie” and three early rising boys, I am dragging this week.  I seem to have survived on pure adrenaline and coffee.  Lots and lots of coffee.


Running…HAH.  Um, no. One short run on Monday was all I could manage.  I’m itching for a long run all to myself this weekend.


I had a heart-to-heart with D about some poor behavior and through tears, he told me that he desires more one on one time with me.  Oh my Mamma heart.  This child has been my hardest to parent and I’ve felt like a failure on more than one occasion.  Trying to be more intentional with inserting little moments throughout our day: we did a puzzle together, worked on a few workbook pages while the other two were asleep and he even helped me put laundry away.


“I not your big man, Mamma.  I tiny.” -J


Best moment of the week: One night was particularly rough and all four decided 5am was a great time to start the day.  My wonderful husband came home early with a car full of groceries and a meal plan for the rest of the week.  I am so grateful for that man.      


Pajamas for the Pajama Drive are starting to trickle in and I’m getting so excited!  I’d love for you to participate!  Even if you can’t make it to the store, pick a pair or two online and have them shipped directly to me.  If you’re interested, send me an e-mail and I can get you the address.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

{life list} Watch 100 Documentaries: #6-10



Happy: This was an interesting look at what makes people happy.  Biggest lesson from the movie: Happiness is a choice.  I loved the personal stories throughout.  Thought provoking.  


Beware of Christians: While I didn’t agree with their theological opinions 100%, I did think that this movie was a good look at religion from the perspective of today’s generation.  Lots to think about and it challenged me to learn my faith more as a response.  


Lost Angels: This movie takes a look at life for the homeless on Skid Row.  I found it fascinating and heartbreaking.  Even within the homeless population, people crave community and a place where they feel they belong.  I do believe there was a slight political spin at the end, but other than that, I felt it was well done.


Catching Hell: If you are a Boston or a Chicago baseball fan, this ESPN documentary is a must-see.  It explores the idea that fans use a single incident as a scapegoat to explain decades of losing.  I know I have uttered the name Buckner with gritted teeth, but not after watching this movie!  


The Business of Being Born: A look at modern obstetrics and midwifery.  I have only had positive experiences with hospital births, but I do think home births are beautiful too.  While I do think there was an obvious slant toward midwifery and a few scare tactic scenes, I found the movie interesting and pretty informative.  

{around here} Week of 10.14.13

We managed to make it one month with M in school before he got sick.  He came home last Friday with a sore throat and by Saturday afternoon, had almost lost his voice.  He was miserable and had to miss school on Monday, but thankfully is back to full health!  And miracle: no one else caught the cold!


D’s fifth birthday was on Tuesday!  He requested Burger King bacon cheeseburgers for dinner with a big chocolate cake.  It always makes me laugh to see what the kids pick out for their special dinner.  He received two Star Wars Lego sets and has been in heaven ever since.


I started running a bit after an entire week off.  Feeling out of the groove.  Our weekend is busy, but I’m hoping to fit in a long run outside.


Remember a long, long time ago when I mentioned that a BWF boutique was in the works?  There have been lots of bumps and learning curves along the way, but we’re almost ready to launch!  I’m hoping for a soft launch in November, just in time for Christmas shopping.


I couldn’t take the kids’ toys in the living room for another minute, so I made the crazy decision to dismantle my office and turn it into a playroom.  I am so excited with the outcome!  Pictures and details to come.


Plans for the weekend: a soccer game, a long run (hopefully!), a trip to the pumpkin patch and family pictures!


Have a great weekend, friends! 

{giving} I’m Holding a Pajama Drive and I Need Your Help!

I recently listened to a podcast with Emily Freeman where she said that one way to find “the art you were made to live” is to pay attention to the things that make you cry.  I was listening to the podcast as I ran on the treadmill and right there on mile two, I got a lump in my throat.  I know exactly what speaks right to my heart: children.  

 It’s been chilly and rainy here in Virginia this week and I hate the idea that there are little kids in my community who are cold.  I hate the idea that some kids don’t even know what pajamas are, that they stay in the same clothing for days.  I hate the idea that they don’t go to bed with a bedtime story and a kiss goodnight.  

 These things make me cry.  And I don’t know about you, but as a Mamma, I can’t just sit and watch.  I want to do something.  I want to do my part to help the little ones in my community feel warm and safe this winter.  And I want your help!  

 For the next two weeks, from today until October 31, I will be holding an online pajama drive.  All of the donations collected will go to our local chapter of the Pajama Program, an amazing organization that I invite you to check out.  

 Here are the details:
+ All pajamas need to be new and should be the complete set (top and bottoms).
+ The age range we’re primarily collecting for is infant up to 5T.
+ You can send your donations to me.  Please send me an e-mail with “Pajama Drive” in the subject line and I can send you the address.  
+ Involve your entire family.  This is an easy opportunity to include your children in service!

I hope you’ll help me spread some happiness to some children in need!  

Less Materialism, More Intentional Living

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