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The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

November 8, 2011

{recording life} Checkin’ (Off) My List

I think it’s pretty clear by now that I like to make lists.  And as much as I love to make them, I LOVE to cross them off.  So today’s post is a celebratory story about accomplished goals. 

Goal #1 from our 2011 Fall Adventure List:
“Leave a love note for my husband just because”
Goal #2 from my 27 Goals for my 27th Year List: “Win a giveaway”
I had been trying to think of a nice, inexpensive way to surprise my husband.  A little note and gift “just because”.  He is such a hard working and wonderful provider for our family.  I know I too often take him for granted.  So the wheels were turning when I entered Camille‘s giveaway celebrating her 50 followers.  And….. I WON!  I WON!  Now I never win anything, so I was beyond ecstatic.  And to top it off, it was the perfect little gift to accompany my card.  The Mr. is a Starbucks addict with a long commute.  I couldn’t have planned it better myself!
Thank you Camille for helping me make my husband’s day!  ðŸ™‚  You can check out her blog here – she is definitely inspiring me to get out of these yoga pants (that aren’t seeing any yoga) and get dressed!
And boom, two things checked off my lists!  Done and done.
————————–
The card is from here. 

November 7, 2011

{giving} Pack a Shoebox with Operation Christmas Child

I consider myself a pretty flexible parent.  I try to see my children for who they are and not who I want them to be.  But if there is one aspect that I am NOT flexible, it’s this: I don’t want my children to be so focused on themselves that they don’t see the needs of others.  I don’t want my children to think the world revolves around them.  I don’t want to raise snotty, entitled children.  There.  I said it.   

So, I am always on the lookout for tangible ways to show my kids what it is to serve.    Enter: Operation Christmas Child.  I had heard of this organization before, but had always been too late to participate.  But this year I was ready!

This weekend, we took the boys to the store to collect items for our shoeboxes.  We’d talked it up all week, even to the point of brainstorming ideas and making a shopping list (those apples don’t fall far from the tree!).  I let them pick out the majority of the items and they were so excited to pack the boxes when we got home.  It was service at a 5 and 3 year old level and it was good.  They totally got it.   

I encourage you to participate in Operation Christmas Child with your family.  Pack one box for the whole family.  Let each of your kids fill one.  It’s really fun and so rewarding!  You can find the website with all the information you need here.

November 4, 2011

{christmas} A Win/Win! Buy Handmade and Support an Adoption!

Did you know that November is National Adoption Month?  Here are a couple of great etsy shops I came across recently that also support funding adoptions!  Have a delightful weekend, friends!
   a piece of cake
1. Lacy Cowl in Aqua $30
2. Simple Cowl in Cream $30
3. Eliza Hat in Rose Heather $19
4. Men’s Beanie in Oxford Gray $20
5. Caleb Hat in Denim $19
Find her etsy shop here.  Facebook page here.
the adopt shoppe
1. Customized Family Dates Art $12
2. Autumn Mix Leather Bangles $20
3. “Love Mercy” Leather Cuff $15
4. Red Bird’s Nest Bracelet $15
Find her shop here.  Facebook page here.

November 2, 2011

{mamma craft} The Pinterest Challenge: Additions to our Gallery Wall

On my to-do list for my master bedroom is to create a gallery wall.  I have been in love with John and Sherry’s hallway gallery for awhile and I wanted to create a smaller sized version for our room.  So when I saw Young House Love and Bower Power‘s invitation for the Fall Pinterest Challenge, I knew I had to quit talking about it and get started.  

As far as placement, this was my inspiration photo from Pinterest:

Source: theletteredcottage.net via Ashley on Pinterest

First step was to create a mock-up plan that worked for our space.  See my horribly-not-to-scale drawing below:

I may need to add a few more frames once I actually try this out on the wall, but we’ll see.  But now for the fun part: what to put inside?? 

I’m collecting a few art prints on etsy, but I also wanted to include things that were sentimental to the Mr. and me.  Here are two that I’ve come up with so far:

This one was super easy.  I just found a heart template online, printed and cut out of cardstock.  Then I ripped out a page from an old atlas (but I’m sure you could just print off of Mapquest too).      

We’ve played Scrabble since our dating days, so I thought it would be fun to add that little memory to our wall.  These are pieces from an old game just hot glued to the glass.  I’m still deciding on the picture for the back.

So that’s the beginning.  With three boys underfoot, it’s slow going, but I’ve been trying to steal a few minutes everyday to brainstorm ideas.  And you have to see the artwork I picked!  Check back soon, I’ve got lots more to come!  Also, be sure to look at all of the awesome entries for the Pinterest Challenge here.

P.S. My summer Pinterest challenge can be found here.  What is it with me and maps?!

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