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The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

July 13, 2011

(giving} Color a Smile

One of the reasons I love the Internet so much is the ease in which information is spread.  I found out about this awesome non-profit from this post.  On their website, Color A Smile has a variety of coloring pages that you can print out and send back to them.  They, in turn, will pass them out to nursing homes and retirement homes – anyone in need of a smile.  Such an easy way to give! 

My kids are little, but they are starting to understand what it means to give to others, so I knew this would a perfect project for our family.  I told M and D that there were some Gramma’s and Grampa’s who didn’t have any kids to draw them pictures, so we were going to color some for them!  The boys jumped right on board and they colored quite a few!  Some will be going to our own grandmothers who need a little cheer and the rest will be mailed off to Color a Smile! 

July 12, 2011

{in the kitchen} Blueberry Buckle

I’m back again with another delicious treat: Blueberry Buckle!  This one was so delicious, it was gone hours after it came out of the oven!  Enjoy!

Blueberry Buckle

3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter (4 Tablespoons), softened
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups blueberries

Crumbly top: 1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) butter, softened

1. Cream the sugar and 1/4 cup butter.  Add the egg. 
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.  Stir into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk.
3.  Fold in the berries and then pour into a greased or parchment lined 8×8″ pan.
4. Mix together the crumbly top ingredients and sprinkle over the top of the buckle.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.  (I had to bake mine a litle longer because it was still raw in the middle.  I just put foil on top for the last 5-10 minutes, so the top wouldn’t burn)

July 11, 2011

{family favorites} Melissa & Doug

There are so many toys out there…and let’s be honest, some stuff is just junk.  Cheap plastic with bright colors that lose their appeal in a matter of days.  I’m always on the look out for quality toys and materials.  Here are a few that my boys are really loving these days:

Melissa & Doug 60 Piece Standard Unit Blocks
We bought these blocks for the boys as a Christmas present and they have been well worth the money.  I think the quality of these blocks is great and they are very open ended – we have made everything from towers to houses to robots with them!  We keep these in our living room where they are easily accessible, so they are used often!

Melissa & Doug Jumbo Coloring Pad in Blue (I believe they have a girl verson as well)
This big coloring pad has been a HUGE hit with M.  They are big pages with lots of details in a variety of topics.  We currently have at least three finished masterpieces taped to our fridge as we speak!

Melissa & Doug Sticker Collection in Blue
What child does NOT love stickers?  My boys loved the different themed pages: dinosaurs, race cars, pirates, and more.  I liked that they were easily removable from coffee tables and walls (put there courtesy of a certain 2 year old…ahem)
  
What are some of the favorite toys in your home right now?

July 8, 2011

{read along} Mitten Strings for God: Peace

Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers in a HurrySee my thoughts on previous chapters here.

“In a society that endorses activity, I think we would all do well to put more trust in stillness.  No matter how busy we are, we can find meaning and renewal in those moments that are available to us.  We can come together in an intimate way, even at the end of a long, draining day, if we are willing to be fully present with our children–to take the time to hear their confidences and to respond from the heart.  We can teach them the value of a deep breath, of a spiritual pause, of rest, if we take the time to learn it ourselves.” – page 24

Peace.  Quiet moments to be fully there for my children, without distractions.  This chapter really made me take a step back and look at myself.  I tend to be busy all day long.  Laundry, cleaning, taking care of J, feeding the big boys, projects, more cleaning, more laundry, dinner…somedays it feels like I just never stop!  But Katrina Kenison’s words have really challenged me to be more present, to slow down.  How will my boys learn how to be still, how to enjoy each other’s company, if I don’t exhibit that myself? 

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