The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

September 30, 2013

{currently} A September Recap

loving : the weather lately: cool in the mornings and just warm enough in the afternoon.
reflecting : on my baby girl’s first year and how much she has grown. The picture above is aesthetically busy and cluttered, but one of my favorites from her party. On her knees, playing with her new tea set…how did she get so big?
planning : weekly menus for all of our meals…Eat At Home October is on!
brainstorming : how to inexpensively turn our fourth bedroom into a guestroom. We are expecting visitors next month.
running : five days a week, attempting to improve my 5K time.
hoping : to finish my book, The School of Essential Ingredients, before midnight tonight. The first novel I’ve finished in months!
addicted to : my guilty pleasure, Grey’s Anatomy.
thankful for : the health of my children.
drinking : coffee, lots and lots of coffee.
making : a mini scrapbook of our summer vacation in Maine using a kit I received from a penpal.
dreaming : about an organized laundry room/mudroom, a project that I hope can be completed this winter.
noticing : the imagination of my boys as they dress up as Star Wars characters.
baking : gluten-free cookies from Immaculate Baking Company…so good!
working on : a big piece of art for the dining room that holds lots of sentimental value.
excited for : a long overdue date night!

September 27, 2013

{around here} Week of 9.23.13

Our Little Miss turned one this week and I still can’t believe we are here. I feel like I blinked and all of a sudden, she is a big girl and just a bundle of personality. Slightly mischievous and full of joy. We are truly blessed to have that girl in our lives.

I’ve been unhappy with my pacing and feeling super slow, so I decided to start an 8 week training schedule to improve my 5K time. Three days in and feeling strong.

I’m considering an “Eat at Home October” with Jules over at Pancakes & French Fries. Meal planning is my downfall and I’m ashamed to admit how many times we eat out due to pure laziness. I want to see cooking as an opportunity to nourish my family instead of it just being a chore. This is also a good time to hop back on the Paleo wagon. One of the items on my life list is to make every recipe from a single cookbook and I think I’ve found that book!

Out of the blue one day: “Mamma, I’m so glad I have a baby sister.” -M

I got out of my comfort zone and tried my hand at making my own stationery. I was surprised to realize that it is much harder than it looks! It took me a few naptimes, but I finished and now I think I’m hooked.

My favorite moment of the week: As we drove to soccer practice, the big boys were talking and started belly laughing in the back seat. Sophia, oblivious to their conversation, immediately started laughing too. She’s never one to be left out of a good time. 🙂

Hope your weekend is full of family and fun, friends.

September 23, 2013

{chit chat} Lessons I’ve Learned from the Penpal Project

Seven weeks ago, I introduced the Penpal Circles and 80 amazing women signed up. Their excitement and enthusiasm was contagious. It might have been a little selfish, but I included myself in a handful of the circles because I wanted in on the fun too! Weeks have now gone by and letter writing has become a part of my daily routine. Today, I thought I would share with you a few of the lessons I’ve pondered throughout the experience:

Faster and convenient is not always better. Technology is amazing and I am thankful for it. (I mean, how would I have connected with all of you?) But there really is something to be said for a handwritten letter. A letter takes time, effort and thought…all things that require you to slow down. I typically write a letter after lunch when my boys are having quiet time and Sophia is sleeping. I grab a cup of coffee, choose a few supplies and enjoy a moment of calm. The process isn’t long – I’m typically done in 10 minutes – but it’s enough and I treasure it.

Creativity is in all of us. The letters and packages I have received from my circle-mates have been amazing. Whether it be an envelope decorated in washi tape, a beautiful drawing on homemade stationary or a photograph, I am convinced we all have a bit of creativity in us. I am so inspired by what I receive in the mail and that in turn gets my wheels turning. I like how letter writing is a really easy vehicle to try new things.

We were made for community. I’ve only “known” my circle-mates for a few weeks now, but I already feel connected in a really neat way. I like that letter writing takes the awkward small talk out of conversation and goes right to the heart. Where else can you go right to parenting advice, religious discussion and hopes and dreams? We were made for this type of community. I just wish we didn’t live so far away from each other!

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If you are currently a member of the Penpal Circles, I’d love to hear about your experience!

And if you aren’t a member yet: sign-ups for the Penpal Circles will re-open during the first week in October for one week.

If you signed up on the waitlist, I will be e-mailing beforehand so you don’t miss out!**

September 20, 2013

{around here} Week of 9.16.13

Whew. What a week. Mark has been away on a business trip and I am beat.

I dusted off the big camera and decided to take at least one picture with it everyday. I’m rusty, but ready to challenge myself to be a better photographer.

Fall weather has finally kicked in, so I brought up the bins from the basement for the great wardrobe switch. I typically dread this chore, but the little boys were so darn cute, exclaiming in excitement with every shirt I found. Hurray for hand-me-downs!

Like most two/almost-three year olds, J is convinced he can do everything himself. When I tried to help him get dressed, he told me, “No, Mamma. I handle this.”

While researching half marathon tips, I came across Elise’s post in which she recommended forefoot running. I’ve been practicing in all of my runs this week, perfecting my form and watching my footwork. I currently wear New Balance Minimus shoes which help a lot.

M led the blessing at dinner and then thoughtfully said, “I think I’m the only one who prays at lunch.”

During our weekly trip to Target, we checked out the Halloween costumes and the boys are preparing to all be Star Wars characters. I’d love to make Sophie Yoda, but I don’t think she’d go for it!

Weekend lineup: No rest for the weary! We’ve got a soccer game, my four mile long run, and Sophie’s first birthday party.

Have a great weekend, friends!