The Big White Farmhouse

Whew!  I made it. In six weeks, I accomplished thirty items on my Pinterest boards!  It was quite the experience and I learned a lot.  Here are a few notes I’ve taken along the way:

• I have so much respect for the big-time bloggers.  I greatly underestimated the time it takes to not only complete a project on a timeline, but photograph and blog about it!  So much of the blogging business is behind the scenes.      
• Blogging about projects takes money.  I know…I guess that’s a no brainer.  But for a Mamma on a budget, I definitely did not plan correctly.  A lot of using what I had and letting go of my desire to buy lots of new and pretty things occurred.  A good lesson in itself, I guess.    
• I had more than one Pinterest fail.  I debated blogging about it, but felt bad talking negatively about another blogger.  Unfortunately, that plan often left me scrambling for another project!    
• Towards the end, I started having major comparison issues.  My photographs weren’t good enough, my posts weren’t interesting enough, etc etc.  I hate that way of thinking, so I quickly pulled myself out of the slump.  
• Now for the positives!  In six weeks, I got a LOT done.  My word for 2013 is intention and while exhausting, this challenge was a great way to start the year.  I hope I can keep it up, just at a slower pace 🙂 

In case you missed a post or two, here is the list of all I accomplished, categorized by theme:

HOME PROJECTS
Baby Clothes Organization
The Beginning of my Home Office
Laundry Room Inspiration Board
Laundry Room Roman Shades
A Chalkboard Wall
Tissue Paper Pom Poms for the Nursery
40 Bags in 40 Days: A Lenten Decluttering Challenge
Linen Closet Updates

IN THE KITCHEN
Home Cold Remedies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Menu Monday: A Week of Pinterest Recipes
Heart Rice Krispie Treats
Flourless Chocolate Brownie Cookies
Green Smoothies

CRAFTS FOR ME AND THE KIDDOS
Additions to my Project Life album
Lego Quest
Scripture Handprints
Snowman Craft on a Snowy Day
Superhero Cross-Stitch
Contact Paper Hearts

GIFTS AND GIVING
12 Months of Kindness and a Care Package for the Troops
Birthday Balloon Box
Foodie Penpals
A Gift to a Special Cousin

MISC.
Embracing an Active Lifestyle: Exercise in 2013
A Book Review: Quiet Strength
A Book Review: Young House Love
Lenten Reading: Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa
Kindergarten Measurement Activity
Food for Thought with Mother Teresa

Can’t wait to see what March has in store!

I thought I would round out my 30 Days of Pinspiration Challenge with something a little different.  Jules from Pancakes and French Fries recently pinned this image:

Isn’t it beautiful?  I love her smile.  I love her joy.  Attached to the picture were these words: 

  “Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering and the lonely right there where you are — in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and in your schools. … You can find Calcutta all over the world, if you have the eyes to see. Everywhere, wherever you go, you find people who are unwanted, unloved, uncared for, just rejected by society — completely forgotten, completely left alone.” – Blessed Mother Teresa †

I have kept these words with me all week.  Have you ever read something and felt like it was written especially for you?  This simple little quote has spoken volumes to some stirrings in my heart.  I am inspired and ready for action.  Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.  I’ll be sharing more in the coming weeks!