The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

September 19, 2011

{in the kitchen} Another Cooking “Experience” with the Boys

Cooking with my kids isn’t just cooking, it’s definitely an experience. After the apple cake day, I should have learned my lesson, but oh no! Wild and crazy Mamma did it again!

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Last weekend, when my dad came over, I made him No Bake Vanilla Cake Batter Chocolate Truffles for his “Sweet Treat of the Month”. (That was my birthday gift this year to the man who has everything…I make him a special sweet every month, package nicely and send it his way. It’s been a great way to try out some new recipes!)

M was dying to help, but I ended up waiting until after he went to bed to make them and he was pretty disappointed. So, in another one of my “Hey! Let’s change things up and be spontaneous!” moods, I surprised him with a second round of chocolate truffles. To say they were excited would be an understatement!

And OH. MY. WORD. Another cooking experience for the books. I couldn’t help but laugh and take pictures of this craziness.

Look at that concentration!

M was in chocolate dipping heaven, while D (who hates all things messy) sat there and immediately ate his hard work. They weren’t pretty, but they tasted pretty good!

Here’s the original post with a much prettier picture:

Source: loveveggiesandyoga.com via Ashley on Pinterest

September 16, 2011

{i want to remember} – 9/16/11

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… the daily rhythm we’ve created with schooling at home. The boys ask to “do school” almost as soon as I wake up, so we usually start right after breakfast and cleanup. Who knew school at 6:30am could be so fun? It should be interesting this winter when it’s still pitch black outside! 🙂

I WANT TO REMEMBER… D’s silly resistance to seasonal wardrobe change. Every spring, he tries to pull his new shorts down to cover his ankles. Every fall, he hates long pants. This morning, we had our first battle of wills for the new season…and I’m proud to say I won. (EDIT: Just found his pants hidden on the floor. And that boy strikes again…)

I WANT TO REMEMBER… fun family traditions being created. A new bakery opened up in town, so every Friday evening, we’ve been heading out for ice cream cones. Definitely a great way to start a weekend.

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how I felt when I watched my baby walk his first steps to his big brothers. The joy on the big boys’ faces as they hugged and cheered was pretty much the greatest thing ever.

September 14, 2011

{christmas} I’m Dreaming of a Handmade Christmas

It’s Christmas planning time around here. I know, I know….right now, you’re either thinking, “Wow, she’s crazy! That’s months away! Can’t we just enjoy fall?” or “Hmm, she’s so smart. I should start my list too.” HAH, just kidding on the last one.

Fall is such a busy time for our family with birthdays and anniversaries, so planning this time of year just flows naturally for me. I’d like to share a little of my Christmas “process” with you…

First of all, I don’t think it needs to be said that I love etsy. There are so many wonderful things out there and I am constantly bookmarking items for Christmas. That being said, if you are interested in a personalized or custom item, you really can’t wait until December to order it.

My first tip: If you want to order something custom made on etsy, order now!

This was my first Christmas purchase of the year: Crayon Wallets!

I knew I wanted something special for the boys that I could keep in my purse when they needed to be quiet (church, restaurants, waiting rooms, etc.) These crayon wallets were perfect! I ordered mine from a new shop called Delva B. Tree. I inquired about a custom wallet and Stacy was so friendly and helpful. She has a lot of adorable boy fabrics to choose from too! I highly recommend her!

Stay tuned for many more Christmas ideas…here’s to a stress-free holiday season!

September 13, 2011

{in the kitchen} Enjoy the Last Days of Summer with Caprese Sandwiches & Salads

I do believe I was living under a rock until my dear cousin (and baby J’s godmother) introduced me to a culinary wonder: Caprese Sandwiches! Incredibly easy to make and they look gorgeous when entertaining.

So in honor of the last few days of summer, here are a few variations that I just love! I’ll be keeping these in mind for my next get together!