The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

November 15, 2011

{giving} Support Our Troops with Care Packages

I don’t think I’ve shared here that I was born into a military family. In fact, the majority of the men in my life have or are currently serving. And let me tell you, it is such an honor. What an example for my boys.

Whatever your political views, I think we can all agree that these men (and many of them young men!) are so selfless and courageous. They do a job much bigger than themselves, for love of country and love for the people who live here. For that alone, we should support them! And not just in words…

Support our Troops with Care Packages

Ideas:

Cold-weather items: gloves, knit hats, hand warmers, long johns

Toiletries: toothpaste, deodorant, Chapstick, baby wipes

Leisure: books, magazines, movies, puzzle books, cards

Treats and snacks: nuts, jerky, protein bars, energy drinks, gum, something sweet

(when my brother was overseas, I sent him a bubble-wrapped package of Oreos!)

Most important:

write a letter to that lonely Marine or soldier and tell him how much you support them

We like to tell our boys that superheroes aren’t just Spiderman or Ironman, but also those Marines out there in far away places keeping us safe.

November 14, 2011

{family} A Robot Birthday Party

My oldest has his birthday this week and requested a robot theme. We kept things super simple but he loved everything and hugged me repeatedly. I want to remind myself (and you fellow mammas out there!) that simple is okay. While those picture-perfect parties on Pinterest are so enticing and awe-inspiring, they also cost money. Sometimes a lot of money. And at the end of the day, it’s really not that important. What mattered to my son was family, a special cake that he helped decorate, and opening a few surprises. And it was good.

P.S. One big hit that I have to share: Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em! We used it as a “centerpiece” but I know it will get a lot of use in this house!

November 11, 2011

{i want to remember} – 11/11/11

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

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how appreciative I am to all of the brave men in my family who served our country. They are true examples of selflessness – what a gift for my boys to see and grow up with.

I WANT TO REMEMBER.. how the big boys “knuckle” each other and “blow it up” at the end (this they must have learned from their either their father or their uncles!).

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how J is a cleaning machine just like his Mamma. He waddles around the room, picking up random items that his brothers have dropped.

I WANT TO REMEMBER… his J kicks his legs when he’s either excited or angry.

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how school always runs more smoothly when I’ve planned ahead. I’m going by the seat of my pants this week and you can tell.

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how a clingy baby with four teeth coming in at once is a sign to slow down. Like everything, this is only for a season. I’m going to enjoy all of these extra baby cuddles while I can!

November 10, 2011

{recording life} Embrace the Camera

Through the wonder of the Internet, I found this great blog, The Anderson Crew. She does a weekly link-up called Embrace the Camera, where she challenges Mammas to actually get in some pictures instead of just taking them. I am totally guilty of this: in our Project Life book, I am probably in about six pictures. Yikes.

So after watching from the sidelines for a few weeks, I set the self-timer and decided to take the plunge.