The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

{friendship} An Update to the Penpal Project

When I started The Penpal Project back in March, I had absolutely no idea how it would be received.  In my heart, I hoped it would possibly reach a handful of women…but wow!  I have been humbled and awed by the response.  Since March 1 when the post went live, I have carefully and prayerfully created over two dozen packages for Mammas around the country.  Almost four months later and I am reaching the last handful of women on the list.  Colleen, Heather, Ashley, Dixie, Robin and Janet: you haven’t been forgotten!  You’ll have surprises headed your way soon 🙂  


The Penpal Project and its response has solidified my thinking that we Mammas are seeking the same things: friendship and support. In a world where we feel undervalued and often alone, an act as simple as a package in the mail can make all the difference in a woman’s life.  And how beautiful and easy is that!  


So that leads me to the next question: What’s next?  I have many ideas swirling in my head, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on how this outreach can grow.  Please, please share in the comments!  


Finally, to my Penpal Project mammas: Thank you for allowing me to bring a little joy to your day. 

{i want to remember} – 6/5/13



I can’t believe the last time I wrote one of these posts was last September!  Jotting down a few of the little things in my life right now…


I WANT TO REMEMBER… how our Little Miss gets a twinkle in her eye when she gives you a “kiss” and then proceeds to chomp down on your lip with her two little teeth.  

I WANT TO REMEMBER… the utterly exhausting adventure that is raising brothers.  They bicker often and sometimes there are tears, from them and sometimes even from me.  But that moment where M declares that D is his “best friend in the whole world”?  Or I hear J say, “Good job, Mi-mol!” while they play a computer game?  Or I find the three of them in bed together reading books?  Those make it all worthwhile.     

I WANT TO REMEMBER… “bacon date nights” with my husband.  You mean you don’t watch movies with a half pound of bacon to share?  🙂

I WANT TO REMEMBER… this time in my life as I have begun to LOVE exercise.  I am alternating days with running and weight training, six days a week.  My diet is mostly clean, but also realistic.  I feel strong and like I can take on the world.  Dreaming big dreams and planning to run a half marathon next spring.  

I WANT TO REMEMBER… what a blessing the Penpal Project has been in my life.  Since March, I have sent out almost two dozen packages to sweet Mammas around the country.  And more to go!  I feel so honored to have the opportunity to spread joy to these amazing ladies.    

{i want to remember} – 6/5/13



I can’t believe the last time I wrote one of these posts was last September!  Jotting down a few of the little things in my life right now…


I WANT TO REMEMBER… how our Little Miss gets a twinkle in her eye when she gives you a “kiss” and then proceeds to chomp down on your lip with her two little teeth.  

I WANT TO REMEMBER… the utterly exhausting adventure that is raising brothers.  They bicker often and sometimes there are tears, from them and sometimes even from me.  But that moment where M declares that D is his “best friend in the whole world”?  Or I hear J say, “Good job, Mi-mol!” while they play a computer game?  Or I find the three of them in bed together reading books?  Those make it all worthwhile.     

I WANT TO REMEMBER… “bacon date nights” with my husband.  You mean you don’t watch movies with a half pound of bacon to share?  🙂

I WANT TO REMEMBER… this time in my life as I have begun to LOVE exercise.  I am alternating days with running and weight training, six days a week.  My diet is mostly clean, but also realistic.  I feel strong and like I can take on the world.  Dreaming big dreams and planning to run a half marathon next spring.  

I WANT TO REMEMBER… what a blessing the Penpal Project has been in my life.  Since March, I have sent out almost two dozen packages to sweet Mammas around the country.  And more to go!  I feel so honored to have the opportunity to spread joy to these amazing ladies.    

A Letter to my Daughter

Dear Sophia,


If you were to have told me ten years ago that I would have a daughter, I never would have believed you.  For as long as I can remember, I imagined myself as a “boy mom”: the kind of mamma who is a bit rough and tumble, in on the sword fights and constructing the play forts.  I’ve always been a bit of a tomboy, so it seemed to be a natural fit.  The births of your three big brothers confirmed this for me.  I love being a mom.


And then my world was forever changed in the very best way.  On May 30th, I laid on that ultrasound table as the sweet technician exclaimed, “It’s a girl!”  Your Daddy and I stared at each other, mouths wide open in shock.  A girl?!  I was a whole lot excited and a little bit afraid.


Sophia, since that very first moment, you have helped your Mamma grow.  I have always struggled with being comfortable in my own skin.  I have doubted my worth and have sought approval from others in the hopes I would believe it myself.  But you…your very existence made your Mamma face these things head on.  


When you see your Mamma, I want you to see confidence.  I want you to see strength and determination.  I want you to know that with lots of hard work, you can do anything you set your mind to.  This weekend, your Mamma fulfilled a dream that I’ve wanted to accomplish for a long time.  




This weekend, I completed my very first 5K race.  I ran with your Daddy, your Poppa and your Tee.  The course was more difficult than I anticipated with a really steep hill, but I kept going and pushed through.  Your face was constantly in my thoughts.  I did this race for you, sweet girl.  


I’m so glad that God has plans so much better than mine.  I cannot imagine life without you.  
You are loved more than you will ever know.


To the moon and back,
Mamma

Amazon Disclosure Policy

The Big White Farmhouse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Archives

Copyright © 2025 The Big White Farmhouse · Theme by 17th Avenue