The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

January 2, 2014

My Word for 2014: Brave

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and are feeling rejuvenated and excited for 2014. I know I am!

Last year, I participated in the practice of choosing one little word to define my year. Back then, I was an overwhelmed mamma who was tired of just coasting through life. I felt like I was standing on the sidelines and I really wanted to fully experience all this precious life had to offer! Knowing that this goal would take some effort, I chose the word “intention” and it has been amazing how much that one word has guided me.

After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided that 2014’s word will be a further extension of the idea of intention.

My word for this year is brave.

I want to get uncomfortable. I want to push myself to do things I’ve never done before. I want to try things that scare and intimidate me. I want to fully allow myself to be molded and used by God.

Each month, I’ve decided to focus on three areas:
1. In the Kitchen: I want to try new recipes, learn new techniques, and embrace the joy of feeding my family instead of eating out.
2. Creatively: I want to branch out to new ideas and materials. I want to create beautiful things with my own hands.
3. Giving: Giving back is such an important thing for me and I want to do even bigger things this year.

Of course, there will be so much more. And as always, I plan to use this space to share my experience along the way. I hope you’ll follow along!

December 19, 2013

{intention} Looking Back at 2013

Hmm. Where do I begin when I think about the past year? Back in January, I resolved to live intentionally, focusing on making my life full of what I wanted it to be. I wrote: “If you really want something, you have to work for it. This can be for everything from making dinner, to desiring an organized home, to starting a new business. You have to prioritize the time, money and resources. You have to commit. Instead of living in a cloud of “somedays” and “maybes”, you have to dig deep and follow through.“ I had no idea how much those words would be tested this year! 2013 seemed to hold the highest of highs and the lowest of lows for me. I am thankful for it all.

A few of the highlights:

Completed a “30 Days of Pinspiration” challenge
Lost 30 pounds
Started running and completed my first two races
Took a weekend trip with Sophie on an airplane by myself
Read 12 books
Worked through a really rough patch in my marriage, which is now better than ever! We celebrated eight years in November!
Spent two weeks on vacation in Maine
Started the Penpal Project and then Penpal Circles
My oldest started first grade!
Had professional pictures taken of my family with LucyO Photography (SO worth the investment!)
Held a Pajama Drive for children in my community in foster care
Visited the National Zoo
Spent Thanksgiving with family in the real Big White Farmhouse
Successfully maintained a happy household of six!

I’m signing off until the new year, when I’ll be back with lots of goal setting and list making. Wishing you a blessed Christmas with the ones you love, friends. See you in January!

November 19, 2013

{christmas} The Perfect Advent Calendar & a Giveaway!

Advent is a really special time of year for our family. December can often feel so rushed and hurried and I love Advent for keeping our eyes focused on what matters most. Because my kids are still pretty little, we’ve tried a few different activities. One year, we wrapped 24 storybooks and opened one to read each night. Another time we did an arts and craft project every day. For 2013, I was on the hunt for something simple and I think I’ve found it!

The Perfect Advent Calendar was created by Jessica, a graphic designer, entrepreneur and fellow mamma to four. In her words, “I designed the perfect advent calendar after searching for one that would teach my kids about Jesus as well as provide activities for us to do as a family.”

So let me tell you how it works: The long white cards are the daily activity cards. There are a few extras, so you can pick and choose which work best for your family. After you read the cards, determine the order you want to complete them and fold and tuck each card in the corresponding pocket. I love how easy it is to switch around too. Say on December 15th, you get invited to a party and won’t have time to make gingerbread houses at home like you planned. Quick switch of the cards and instead you’re singing Christmas carols! Easy!

I also love that Jessica included a supply list (“get it”) for each day, so you know ahead of time exactly what you need.

Once you’ve tucked all of the cards in the pockets, thread them onto the red ribbon and tack in place! We have ours on our big, blank wall in the dining room. My hope is that it is covered in Christmas drawings and crafts by the end of the month.

Want an advent calendar for your family? Jessica has graciously given me one kit to give away! Please enter in the Rafflecopter widget below. The giveaway will be open just until November 24, 2013 at 12AM, so I can get it to you before December 1! If you just can’t wait for a calendar, please contact Jessica here and she can give you the details with how to purchase one directly!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**I was given a calendar to review, but all opinions are mine**

November 13, 2013

{30 before 30} Visit the National Zoo

Having guests in town was the perfect excuse to finally check out the National Zoo! While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going in November (brrr!), the kids had fun and I learned a few things too.

The kids’ favorites:

M- the naked mole rat

D- the orangutan

J- “all the animals!”

{the rest of my 30 before 30 list here}