The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

{i want to remember} – 4/16/12

Sometimes life gets so
busy that I forget to notice and appreciate the little things. Here are some of
the things I am loving lately:

I WANT TO REMEMBER… that life isn’t about the accumulation of “stuff” but of memories.  Lots of purging and organizing around here and the boys don’t even know the difference.  I’m trying to remember that even though the world tells you that kids “need” all kinds of things…experience tells me otherwise.

I WANT TO REMEMBER… J’s sweet hand on my cheek when I get the opportunity to rock him to sleep.  These moments are quickly passing with that big boy…I’m going to savor them while I can.

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how much fun two big boys can have with a new pool.  Last week (when it was too cold to swim) the pool became a ship, a fort and even a place to sit and read books.  Now they are so excited for 90 degree days and using it for its intended purpose!

I WANT TO REMEMBER… what a selfless man I married.  Even though the pollen is out of control and his allergies are practically debilitating, he’s still out there playing soccer in the backyard with the kids.  I am blessed.  

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P.S. Don’t forget to enter the Honduran coffee giveaway!  Enjoy a good cuppa Joe while supporting a farmer at the same time!  You can find more info here. 

{giving} Mission Coffee Ministry & a GIVEAWAY!

Ready for a great “It’s a Small World” story?  So late one night months ago, I was browsing Facebook when I noticed one of my friends had liked an organization called The Shepherd’s Cafe.  In true nosey fashion, I clicked through and fell in love with what I read: a Catholic coffee house created with young adults in mind, used to help the community grow in faith with speakers and music.  How awesome, right?  I was bummed I lived so far away from Texas!

This video explains their mission so much better:

If you watched the video, you may have noticed the Cafe’s secondary ministry, Mission Coffee.  This ministry is amazing!  Their goal is to help impoverished coffee farmers in third-world countries, right now in Honduras and Nicaragua.  Here’s the “It’s a Small World” part: I have close friends who have served on mission trips to these same small Honduran towns.  I have a friend who is a long-term missionary in Honduras (she’s even pictured in the video!).  These connections drew me to this organization even more.  And now I want to share it with you!

Whether you are Catholic or not, I think everyone can stand behind an organization that goes out of their way to support farmers and provide them with a fair wage.  Something so simple can change a person’s life, change a family’s life.  And we can help!  

If you are interested in purchasing, please contact Yong here to order.  There is a three bag minimum for shipment. 

So now onto the fun part: I’m hosting my first GIVEAWAY on the Big White Farmhouse!  To help spread the word about this great organization, I want to give one of you a bag of Honduran coffee to try!  

Why you should comment for a chance to win:

    The coffee is delicious
You are supporting a farmer in a third-world country

The coffee is awesomely packaged…perfect for gift-giving (in case you aren’t a coffee drinker)

It’s FREE!

For an entry, all you need to do is comment at the end of this post!  If you’re extra ambitious, here a few ways you can earn extra entries:

  • Become a follower of the Big White Farmhouse and let me know that you did
  • Like The Shepherd’s Cafe page on Facebook and come back here to let me know you did
  • Spread the word about the giveaway through Facebook and/or Twitter and let me know you did.

The giveaway will run until next Thursday night, April 19th, at 9PM EST.  I will announce the winner Friday, April 20!   Good luck!

{deals} Window Shopping with One Kings Lane

Ready for a little window shopping?  I’ve found some amazing deals on One Kings Lane this morning!

26×30″ Painting by Caroline Wright – $229
I was really drawn to this piece of abstract art.  Aren’t the colors perfect?  I can picture it in a white kitchen over a breakfast table. 
Addie Pendant Light in Satin Nickel – $109
How gorgeous is this pendant light?  I love the blown glass look and the way it embraces both the historical and the modern. 

Set of Two Large Optic Pitchers – $12
This is such a great price for two items that will get tons of use!  Love these for entertaining…I’m imagining iced tea, lemonade or even orange juice for a brunch.
14″ Wool Basket in Muslin – $49
I already own a similar basket, but loved the neutral look of this one!  These are so handy for corralling toys and “kids stuff” while still looking organized and stylish.  You can also use them for magazines or even blanket storage.
Seashell – $12
A nod to summer and the beach, isn’t this white resin seashell fun?  I like the simplicity.  It would look so darling on an entry table atop a pile of books.
These are just a handful of the amazing things on One Kings Lane this week – you must check out all the fun home decor!
**referral link included*

{family favorites} Magic Treehouse & Learn to Draw Books

This post could also be called “How We Managed Morning Sickness and Still Did School”!
PreK had a different look during my first trimester.  Instead of art projects and thematic units, we pared down to the bare minimum.  Honestly, if I had it my (selfish) way, I would have stopped completely.  Fortunately for me, I have very persistent and eager to learn children.  It’s really because of them that great memories were still created. 
So today, I wanted to share two things that really got us through March!
(1)  the Magic Tree House Series
We spent a lot of time cuddling together on the couch reading this series aloud.  The boys were enthralled with the stories and we had a lot of great discussions afterward.  With the exception of a few “animal spirit” references (which I just omitted), I think these books are a great way to introduce history and science to my kids.

(2) What Shall I draw? and Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Animals
Need an activity that your kids can do on their own?  Pull out these books!  At first, I wasn’t sure M was old enough to really get the process, but after a quick run through, he was off!  The little brothers would sit next to him, watching quietly as he created sea monsters or castles, birds or helicopters.  These were so helpful when the nausea was especially bad.

Less Materialism, More Intentional Living

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