I’d been struggling for weeks.  I would start the day strong, but without fail, the cloud would envelope me by day’s end.  I felt frustrated, unsettled and generally overwhelmed with life.   As someone who chose “thrive” as her word for 2015, I couldn’t get past the thought that I was living a life so far from that goal.  The failure felt debilitating.

Sunday rolled around and we enjoyed a relatively painless Mass with the kids.  Mark, who can sometimes read me better than I read myself, suggested a two-fold surprise: I would drop him and the four oldest at the movies (which is usually a twice a year event in our house because…$$$) and I could take TJ for two hours of leisurely browsing at Target.  


Mark saw what I desperately needed and pushed me in that direction.  And let me tell you: those two hours alone were a game changer for me.  As I strolled aisle to aisle, picking up unexciting items like paper towels and crayons, I found myself calming down.  With my baby asleep in the stroller, my mind turned over and over the question: “What would a calm, thriving life look like?”

Feeling inspired, I bought myself an inexpensive pink spiral notebook from the school supply section. TJ and I went drove over to the movie theater and while he enjoyed a snack of puffs, I started writing.  It was like the floodgates had opened.  The answers came even faster than I could write.  By the time Mark and the kids returned to the van, I felt more like myself and ready to tackle my life in order to get closer to that goal.  Who knew two hours in Target would give me so much clarity?  


I’ve added my bullet list below. 

What does a calm, thriving life look like?

• A strong marriage – Mark and I on the same page
• Kids who generally get along and really play and use their energy
• Significantly less screen time for everyone
• Less clutter and more respect for what we already have
• Spending money wisely and living within (or below) our means
• Work that is meaningful and fires us up vs. drags us down
• Prioritizing family and time together
• Being outdoors, exercising, being active
• Prioritizing learning, discovering, curiosity
• Time for me to recharge with alone time
• Using our individual gifts (What is my gift?)
• Prioritizing experiences, not “stuff”
• Creating a welcoming home to open to others
• Having a firm commitment to growing in holiness  

I still don’t have all of the answers, but this is a step in the right direction.  What would a calm, thriving life look like to you?

 A collection of our ordinary days, recorded every week.  At the end of the year, I’ll publish them into a keepsake to treasure.

Around here, I have been:

flying solo as Mark has been gone on a business trip for an entire week.  I was nervous about handling five kids on my own, but am happy to say that the week has gone better than I expected!  We kept our days full of fun things, made lots of crafts, watched a few new movies and even survived Mass on Sunday!  

eating tomatoes pulled fresh from “the garden” (not sure you can call my two containers a garden, but I’m going with it).  Does this excitement ever get old?  We look forward to watering them every morning and seeing what has ripened the night before.

reading Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives

loving J’s help in the kitchen as he unloads the dishwasher for me.  He can’t reach the upper cabinets so instead makes sculpture-like creations on the counter with all of our dishes and glassware.  Hilarious and a little nerve-wracking, but nothing broken yet!

feeling honored to be a contributor for a beautiful new community: Nourish Motherhood.  I wrote “Running Makes Me a Better Mom” and can’t wait to create another article for them soon!

purging my closet on a whim.  I’m still very much in the “getting back to normal” phase of post-pregnancy and looking in my closet always leaves me frustrated.  So like a mad woman on a mission, I took every single item out and started over.  All the smallest sized items I’ve been holding onto for about seven years?  Gone.  All those clothes I’ve been keeping because I’m just not sure?  Gone.  I even went so far as to box up all of the clothing one size down from what I currently am.  If and when I reach that goal, I’ll return them to their hangers.  But for now, I am relieved to go into my closet and only see things that I know will fit and I feel comfortable in.


baking all things peach.  We had a case to use up this week, so Pinterest has been in heavy use as we found recipes that matched with ingredients we had in the house.  

visiting family on a quick overnight trip.  The kids loved swimming in the pool and I laughed until I cried with my parents and my siblings.  So thankful for them.

celebrating a successful Summer Sale for Big White Farmhouse.  We also had a successful giveaway on our Instagram account.  Now to gear up and start preparing for fall and Christmas!  
(P.S. In case you’re interested, our sale ends tonight at midnight!  Save 20% on the entire shop with the coupon code: SUMMERSALE20)

A collection of our ordinary days, recorded every week.  At the end of the year, I’ll publish them into a keepsake to treasure.

Around here, I have been:

searching for light.  Being aware of it throughout the day, how it illuminates different rooms, how it washes over my dining room table in the early morning.  I’ve been trying to “catch” it on camera and it’s amazing how much joy that simple act has brought me this week.  I’m sure there’s a deeper symbolism here too.


making an effort to reduce unnecessary screen time.  Less blog posts and social media interaction; more dreaming, planning and creating.  It was needed and I’m feeling the most refreshed I’ve been in a long time!  In the weeks to come, I’m sure it will ebb and flow, but I think this type of break is necessary to keep me focused.  


reading bits of different books all at once.  I finished Make it Happen in preparation for our book club’s last week of discussion.  I’ve also been switching off between Better than Before and Beyond the Birds and the Bees.


baking batches of blueberry and peach cobbler and bread in the bread machine.


stitching Sophie’s princesses.  This week, I worked on Anna and Elsa.  Can you guess the song that was stuck in my head the entire time? (Finally linking up again with Erica’s Summer Stitching Stash Blast!)


planning language arts for M next year.  He is a very strong reader and no program seemed like the right fit, so I’m creating my own!  He’ll be reading a mix of “easier” books that I just don’t want him to miss and others more at his reading level.  I think he’ll like it and learn a lot.

trying graze, a snacking subscription box.  Everything in my box was delicious and I’m going to stay signed up to receive it twice a month.  It seems a bit silly, but I’m excited to receive something in the mail that is just for me…no sharing!  (P.S. If you’re interested, you can use my referral link to get your first and fifth box for free!  Let me know what you get in your box!)

A collection of our ordinary days, recorded every week.  At the end of the year, I’ll publish them into a keepsake to treasure.

Around here, I have been:

feeling out of sorts this week.  I’ve been over-tired, over-stimulated, lacking patience…not all weeks are good ones and this one was mediocre at best.  TJ is teething again and I know the lack of sleep combined with a baby constantly on my person hasn’t helped things either.  We also had another costly home repair which always hurts.  I’ve been trying to combat all the negative feelings with gratitude…it worked a little.  At the end of the day, I always remember what Alexander said: some days/weeks/months are like that.  
praying a novena to Louis and Zelie Martin for the continued strengthening of my marriage and for direction as we dream big dreams.

reading the last big section of Make it Happen for the Inspired Readers Book Club and getting motivated.  The two chapters we are working through this week are about self-reflection (what’s working and what’s not) and sorting through the unneeded “stuff” (in our connectivity, our comparison, and our clutter).  Thought provoking.    

working on reducing the clutter in my life (see above).  Visual clutter is a big trigger for me when it comes to feeling overwhelmed, so I tried to be proactive this week and do something about it.  A few of the areas I worked on: I spent 10 minutes unsubscribing from as many email lists as I could, keeping only my absolute favorite stores and websites.  I filtered through and organized my favorite blogs in Bloglovin, opted out of receiving credit card offers in the mail and also started going through the kids’ clothes again.  My donation pile is growing and it feels good.

listening to the sweetest conversation between D and Sophie: “You look pretty, Sophie.” “Ten chu, D.  You look handsome.”

researching marketing ideas for Big White Farmhouse.  I won’t have a steady customer base until they know our name, so I’m hunting down cheap ways to spread the word.  Marketing is not my strength and it’s pushing me out of my comfort zone.  Other shop news: we added geometric ceramic cereal bowls in three summer colors…the robin’s egg blue is my favorite.  

crossing off a big one on my goal list for July: I wrote the first nine weeks of lesson plans!  It may have literally taken me hours to complete (so many little people needing my attention!), but I’m happy to see it done.  Right now, I’m planning to officially start the school year mid-August.    

reading stories to the kids from We Give Books.  I’m also loving these lists from All About Learning Press and am already making a library list, starting with “Fairy Tales with a Twist”.  

discovering that our tomato plant is suffering from blossom end rot due to a calcium deficiency.  No wonder our ripe tomatoes were all rotten on the bottom!  I did some research and will be trying a “lime slurry” this weekend. 

laughing at Sophie’s latest: “hey doc!” (what’s up doc?).  Other favorites are “clop clops” (flip flops), “gun-gun-gola” (yogurt and granola) and she also calls my Fitbit a “shitbit”, which cracks me up too.

A collection of our ordinary days, recorded every week.  At the end of the year, I’ll publish them into a keepsake to treasure.

Around here, I have been:

celebrating my brother and his girlfriend’s engagement!  So happy for them and excited to add another sister to our family.


watching the baby birds hatch in our hanging basket.  The kids had a very serious discussion about names, with the top contenders being Sam & Pippen or Bilbo & Frodo (can you tell what movie is big in our house right now?).  We finally settled on a compromise of Sam and Frodo.


cheering for D as he lost one of his top front teeth.  He is so excited to finally do the “straw trick”: keeping your mouth closed while drinking.


listening to M’s dreams for owning his own restaurant someday.  When I asked him what he would serve, he said “eggs, steaks and pork”.  So basically a Paleo eater’s dream.


packing for a week-long vacation the morning we left. Um, never again.  That was the craziest morning with lots of “Have you seen ___?” and “Wait, don’t forget to pack ____!”  Next trip, I’ll be returning to my type-A, packed three days in advance ways.


traveling 12 hours in the car.  We hit more traffic than we expected, but the kids were troopers and TJ was even better than we had hoped.  He was so funny every time we stopped: we’d take him out of his carseat to come sit up front with me and he would excitedly look all around him and then want to touch everything, like a puppy!


feeling all the feelings watching my children play at the farm, where I have so many memories.  Watching them make memories with my extended family makes my heart want to burst too.  


celebrating the new marriage of my cousin and her groom.  She was beautiful and the ceremony was perfect.  J and Sophie were in the wedding and passed out long-stem roses to the ladies as they walked down the aisle.  I was afraid they may have some stage fright, but they did great!


laughing at Sophie’s conversation with her Poppa: “You are a peach.”  “No, Poppa!  I Sophia!”


eating lobster, local strawberries, Italian sandwiches and whoopie pies.  I veered off my healthy diet big time, but so worth it.  


driving home in the middle of the night, which is a great idea to miss traffic and have sleeping babies, but hard on us adults.  We were all so sad to leave, but thankful to sleep in our own beds.


thinking about what really matters for our family.  Getting away on vacation was the perfect time to look at what’s working and what is not.  It feels like the theme of our marriage so far has been “more”: more money, more children, more house, more stuff, etc.  All wonderful, necessary things for which we are so thankful.  But as we soon embark into the next decade of our marriage, I think we’re at a great point to slow down and really enjoy all that we have.  I’m craving simplicity and ready to make the changes needed to get closer to that goal.  It’s one thing to say you want something and quite another to actually take the steps toward it.  Hoping I can match my prayers with actions. 

A collection of our ordinary days, recorded every week.  At the end of the year, I’ll publish them into a keepsake to treasure.

Around here, I have been:


praying about our future and the decisions we may want/need to make in the next few years.  On Monday, I wrote in my planner, “What would a calm, thriving life look like?” and I’ve been slowly jotting things down all week.  Writing down everything from the big to the little.


watching TJ play by the windowsill.  It’s his favorite place in the whole house, I think.  We started calling him our puppy because of the way he excitedly stares at the neighbors outside.  


inspired by a podcast on simplifying.  I’ve been tackling the house with new determination, starting with the kids’ clothes.  We have SO much and just the sheer volume of it overwhelms me.  We’re definitely in the worse before it gets better stage, but I’m hoping to pare down to our favorites and give the rest to people who need it.  We know of one young couple in our parish (pregnant with their first) and I’d really love to pass some things along to them.  


lifting for Week Four of Livefit Trainer and feeling much more confident.  This was a repeat of last week’s exercises and I’m taking full advantage before the routine gets switched again!  It’s crazy to think that I was using 8 and 10-pound weights during Week One and I’ve already moved up to 15 and 20s.  


working hard on Big White Farmhouse and starting to see itty bitty results!  Sometimes it can be hard to put my heart and soul into something and hear crickets in return, but perseverance pays off!  We’re still not wildly successful (yet!), but everyday is a baby step closer.  (Other BWF noteables: we are now accepting Paypal as a purchasing option and we started an Instagram account!)


listening to the advice of Ginny and trying to give each child my attention when they have something to share with me.  I am guilty of trying to multitask as they speak to me and it’s a habit I’d like to break.  Trying to look in their eyes and really listen.  


stitching, but not much!  Anna and Elsa are up next (Sophie’s favorites!), so I’ve got some work to do. (linking up to Erica’s Summer Stitching Stash Blast #4!)


watching our birds and getting excited to see the little babies hatch in the next few days!  We also love watching our tiny garden grow.  Our lettuce is ready for picking, our pepper is finally starting to turn red, and we have tons of tomatoes popping up.  I’m already planning for a much bigger garden next year.

trying to embrace my wavy/curly hair.  My hair is way too long and it is way too hot to blow dry it straight everyday.  I’m thinking about trying a technique I saw on a Youtube video.  


learning new things, always.  Did you know that early American needlepoint samplers did not include the letters J and U?  I stumbled on this article and found it so interesting: “Many early samplers do not have the letters “J” and “U” in their alphabets because they were not part of the early Latin alphabet and so the letter “I” was used for “J” and the “V” for “U.” The letter “s” is often replaced with the printers “s” which looks like the modern f.”

A collection of our ordinary days, recorded every week.  At the end of the year, I’ll publish them into a keepsake to treasure.

Around here, I have been:

loving Sophia’s latest.  Everything is “A bit more, mama?”  


launching a brand new section of Big White Farmhouse!  It’s called “Celebrations” and the hope is that it will encourage customers to celebrate even the smallest occasions.  So far, we have banners made from eucalyptus wood (“Oh Happy Day” is my favorite), single serve confetti packets, beeswax candles, gift tags in six colors and even a DIY confetti balloon kit.  I am so pleased with everything and can’t wait to expand the line even further…soon.    


listening to Sophie’s nonstop singing and dancing!  It’s a new addition to the household and generally super cute, except in Mass when’s it’s not so cute.


calling our hanging basket “the condo” and watching our new bird residents.  The kids and I actually had a serious discussion this week about names and have agreed on Penelope (nickname: Penny) and Steve (nickname: Milkshake…this one wasn’t my idea).  There are two new eggs in the nest and we have “hatching day” marked on the calendar.  I think I’ve reached a new level of bird lady crazy.


enjoying the first week of conversation in the Inspired Reader’s Book Club.  Many of the ladies have already been very honest and vulnerable and I am so inspired by them.  Can’t wait to dive even deeper with next week’s topics.


finishing up Week 3 of Livefit Trainer and woo, this week was hard!  I’m still pretty weak in my triceps and still do assisted pushups and pullups.  I tried triceps dips for the first time and almost fell off by set #3!  But there are a few positives: I was able to move up in weight and am currently using mostly 10-15 pound dumbbells.  Back&bicep days are my favorite, followed by legs.  Like everything, I keep having to remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day…baby steps forward.   


finding a rhythm with our summer days.  I’ve added in focused work time during afternoon quiet time and it’s working great.  TJ is usually napping and I can knock out a lot of that day’s to-do list in the one hour period.  I don’t get everything done most days, but am feeling thankful for the time I have.  I’ve also tried devoting a little time at night after the kids are in bed, but remembering to have devoted time with Mark too.  It’s all a balance.


creating rubberband powered Lego cars with the boys as part of One Fun Thing a Day.  We’ve had a really fun week of activities and I’ve actually been keeping up with documenting it all on Instagram!  I hope I can remember all summer…I’d really like to create a photo book keepsake at the end.


praying for an old friend from high school’s wife who was diagnosed with cancer this week.  She is a mother of four young children and I can’t help but be shaken by the news.  Her story definitely puts life in perspective for me…am I leading a life of what truly matters most?     

A collection of our ordinary days, recorded every week.  At the end of the year, I’ll publish them into a keepsake to treasure.

Around here, I have been:


enjoying rainy, cool days.  Most of the week has been in the 60’s and I am taking full advantage.  It’s only a matter of time before we’re back into the 80’s and 90’s!  And big bonus: with all of this rain, my little bitty garden is thriving!


starting our first week of One Fun Thing a Day and it’s been a hit!  It’s just a small addition to our wide open summer days, but one that brings us all together.  I think the kids are loving having me right in the middle too.  


making progress on Sophie’s princess cross-stitch.  She calls them “my girls” and wants to see an update every morning.  Two and a half ladies done, ten to go!  (a late Summer Stitching Stash Bash update #2!)   

eating a steady stream of chips and guacamole, or “guac-ee-mole” as Sophie calls it.  Not the healthiest snack choice, but I’m trying to give up most sugar again, so…baby steps. 


watching the boys’ creativity: they worked together to make ninja turtle masks from computer paper and tape.  They went through prototype after prototype trying to get the design right.  I suggested a headband on the forehead combo (a la Star Trek’s Geordi La Forge) but they nixed that idea!

ordering more new products for Big White Farmhouse.  I’ve also been doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work, making the site more user-friendly.  I have a list a mile long of business to-dos, but it feels good to get even a little bit accomplished.


reading Make it Happen and getting so excited for Monday’s first discussions in our book club‘s Facebook group.  


lifting weights and feeling good.  These new workouts are SO hard, but I feel like a rockstar afterwards!  My least favorite exercise, by far, are burpees, which my husband graciously added to the end of leg day…I may or may not be praying that I don’t puke by the end.  I hope to add running back into the schedule soon.

laughing at J’s deadpan responses: “J, you are an excellent artist, did you know that?” “Yep.”

excited to discover new residents in our hanging basket again!  We’re calling this mama Penelope.


feeling all the feelings as I watched my baby this week.  His two top teeth have finally come through, giving him the most adorable buck-toothed grin.  He started crawling this week much to the excitement of his siblings.  He has this hilarious new growl/yell that I think is his attempt to keep up with the craziness of the rest of the household.  He is so, so loved.

A collection of our ordinary days, recorded every week.  At the end of the year, I’ll publish them into a keepsake to treasure.

Around here, I have been:

watching American Sniper on Memorial Day.  A good reminder of the cost of freedom.  I am humbled and thankful for the sacrifices of many who didn’t make it home.


working behind the scenes on our new book club!  All the details will go live on Monday.


devastated (only a slight exaggeration) to discover our bird eggs missing from the nest.  After two weeks of watching “our” birds, we woke up one morning to find the nest unattended.  I waited about two hours (which was very strange, since they had always taken turns being in the nest) before checking in on the eggs…and was shocked to find an empty nest.  We were so sad and disappointed!  According to all the research we had done, the babies would have hatched this week and I had it on the calendar like a proud grandmother.  So bummed that the kids and I won’t be able to watch the hatching.  Mark just laughs at my crazy. 


eating all the foods of summer: lots of BBQ (Mark made racks of ribs, pork shoulder for pulled pork sandwiches, and brats this week), watermelon, corn on the cob and ice cream cones.  I love this time of year.    


starting a brand new exercise program: Jamie Eason’s LiveFit.  Weight lifting is totally foreign to me, but I know it is the fastest way to lose fat and gain muscle, both of which I need to become a better runner.  My husband used to be a personal trainer, so he has helped me learn the exercises and adapt them to our home gym.  I am sore in muscles I never knew I had!  Although it is hard to begin something I know nothing about (and have little muscle strength to boot), I’m excited to push myself and see what I can do.  Like Mark said, “Remember when you thought you’d never be able to run 13.1 miles?  Boom.  You’ll be lifting the heavy weights in no time.”  


watching the kids’ creativity with one of my childhood favorites, Perler beads!  The boys have been good about keeping them in the tray (Sophie’s another story, ahem…) and the beads keep them occupied forever!  D even said, “These are better than Legos!” which is high praise in this household.


celebrating the results from M’s testing!  Although it mostly confirmed what I already knew, it’s nice to see he’s going in the right direction.  On to third grade we go! 
    
thankful that TJ’s first top tooth has poked through!  Also thankful for the Ergo…that child is attached to me all day long and having him on my back has been a lifesaver.  I wouldn’t get anything accomplished without it! 


introducing the big kids to Mad Libs.  They think they are the funniest thing!  

working on a new “Celebrations” section for Big White Farmhouse.  I put in the purchase orders this week, so we’ll hopefully be able to launch the new products in the next few weeks!  


P.S. Big White Farmhouse is having a big sale on our seed bombs this week!  25% off all three varieties with the coupon code “GARDEN25“.  Sale lasts until Sunday, May 31.

A collection of our ordinary days, recorded every week.  At the end of the year, I’ll publish them into a keepsake to treasure.

Around here, I have been:

feeling pretty good considering the craziness I put my body through on Sunday!  I was sore on Monday and part of Tuesday, but was back to normal by Tuesday night.  I’m easing back into exercise this week, but I can’t wait to get back out there and just run for fun. 

still sad about a hurtful incident at the store last weekend.  My (well-behaved!) children and I were walking through the aisles and my husband overheard two young men make a snide comment about me and my family size.  I wish I could say that comments like those roll off my back, but they don’t.  Time for some thicker skin, I guess.  

cheering for M as he was nominated to play in his soccer league’s all-star game.  He isn’t one of the best players on the team, but what he lacks in skill, he makes up with heart.  That kid always gives his absolute best.  And best part?  Out of all of those talented kids, mine scored the only goal.  I’m a proud mama.


listening to D begin to read!  We finished his Pre-Reading curriculum and we’ve quickly moved onto the next level because, “I want to read, Mama!”  Something is finally clicking and he is sounding out sounds and reading a few words like a champ.  I am so proud of him and get all choked up watching the excitement on his face.  He keeps saying, “Are you crying again, mama!?”


reading the beginning chapter of our book club book for June!  So excited to share more details soon.


watching videos about making super heroes with the rainbow loom with the boys.  M and I started trying and have come close, but keep making an error here and there.  Consider this our summer project…they are challenging!


playing with friends at the park during these gorgeous spring days.


laughing at Sophie and her frequent clothing changes.  Our friend just gave her a big bag full of hand-me-downs and you’d think it was Christmas!  She wanted to try on every single thing, each time saying, “Me yike dis one, mama!” 

researching ideas for next school year.  I’m already writing notes about curriculum choices and searching Pinterest for crafts and activities.  I’d like to have a solid plan soon, so I can slowly purchase the things we need throughout the summer.  Another fun addition to next year: we will be joining a homeschool co-op! 


trying another facial mask while Mark was gone and the kids were asleep.  Most “girly” things are so out of my comfort zone, but I’m quickly becoming a fan of these scrubs.  My face feels awesome afterward!


watching J’s tenderness for TJ.  He loves to watch him for me and I will often hear him sharing his guys and telling his little brother all about them.  I can’t wait to see how their relationship grows.

Like I mentioned last week, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this little blog of mine.  One of my goals for May was to actively support my blogging friends and I guess that in turn has led me to question my own space on the web.  I’ve been assessing everything from blog design to monetization, but the one factor that I keep coming back to:  Am I being authentic?


I struggle with the answer.  I use this blog as a way to journal the little moments of our everyday life.  While I could (and sometimes do!) record the hard times with fussy babies and bickering brothers, I choose instead to focus on the good: the sweet compliment, the success in school, the delicious dinner, the goal checked off the list.  


Does this not make me authentic?  Does this make me look fake or shallow?


My hope for anyone stumbling upon this space is that they would be inspired to see beauty in the mundane and joy in the monotony.  I would hope they would be inspired to push themselves to try something new.  This blog portrays just a snippet of my life and while it is far from perfect, it is good.  


So with that said, let me re-introduce myself, both for long-time readers and those who may be new around here!  An honest look at the writer behind the Big White Farmhouse:


I’m Ashley, a devoted wife to my best friend and a mother to five great children.  I know without a doubt that this is the vocation I’ve been made for, but gosh, it is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.


I’ve always loved learning new things.  For my third birthday, I even received a backpack full of books and pencils…and I was thrilled!  However, until a few years ago, I was a little bit of a stick in the mud who let fear get in the way of trying new things.  Reading about something was one thing, but actually doing something new and scary?  I’ve been on a personal mission to be brave and get out of my comfort zone since.  It’s difficult, but I rarely regret it.


I don’t feel particularly gifted in any one area and will never come to this blog attempting to teach you something.  I do put a lot of passion into my attempts, though, and I hope that’s what comes across to you as a reader.


I am an introvert and a homebody.  If I’m home for the day, you’ll most likely find me in running clothes.  Gift giving is my love language.  I am passionate about my small business, but terrified of failing.  My baby is almost eight months old and I still have 15 pounds of baby weight to lose.  I love setting goals for myself, but sometimes they totally stress me out.  I could eat cheeseburgers every single day.  


My hope is that if you met me in person, you’d say, “Yep.  She’s just as I pictured her from her blog.”  And if you know me in real life, you’d say, “Yep.  That’s the Ashley I know.”  If I can pass that litmus test, I think I’m doing something right.  Here’s to living a more authentic life, both on and off of the computer!   


P.S. To my readers: Thank you so much for stopping by.  You have no idea how much I appreciate you.  I’d love to know your thoughts on authenticity.  And if you’ve never left a comment before, please introduce yourself!  I’d love to get to know you.

A collection of our ordinary days, recorded every week.  At the end of the year, I’ll publish them into a keepsake to treasure.

Around here, I have been:


recovering from last weekend’s festivities and preparing for another big one ahead! My world seems so busy and I’m so ready for it to slow down a bit.  


thinking about priorities, making good use of my free time, blogging and how the three of them relate.  I think it’s easy to get caught up in page views and Pinterest-worthy posts, but that’s not really why I started this blog.  I’m not an expert or a teacher; I’m just a mom in love with her family and her home.  Ultimately, I want to create a virtual scrapbook of our days and share a little about how I’m growing/changing.  It may not make me lots of money, but it’s enough.              

watching a mama bird in one of our hanging baskets!  After some research, we think she (and the daddy) are mourning doves.  It has been so fascinating to watch them work together to make a nest.  We even peeked and saw two eggs!  A few more amazing facts, courtesy of this website: 

Mourning Doves raise three or more broods in a single breeding season. Both parents build a flimsy platform nest of twigs located from 5 to 25 feet up in a tree or bush. Two white eggs hatch in about 14 – 16 days. One egg is laid in the evening, and the second on the next morning. The male usually incubates the egg during the day, and the female incubates at night. Nestlings, cared for by both parents, fledge in about 12-14 days. The parents continue to care for the fledglings until they are 25 to 27 days old.

This also probably seals the deal that I am indeed an elderly lady trapped in a 30-year-old body. 

purchasing an Ergo after a week of a teething baby who doesn’t want to be put down.  I really should have purchased one two babies ago, but am biting the bullet now.  I need him on my back so I can get things done!


loving Sophie’s sweet heart.  No matter what I make, she is so complimentary and will say, “Oh mama, ‘licious cookies!” or “‘Licious pancakes, mama!”

reading very little, only a few pages in Beyond the Birds and the Bees.  I need to get back in my groove.

celebrating the end of our school year!  With our big head start last summer, we are weeks ahead of the local public schools.  We’ll still be doing history throughout the summer (at M’s request!) and D will still have his reading lessons, but I’m ready for the break.

packaging up a fun donation for the ladies at the Catholic Women’s Blogging Network Conference in Ohio next weekend.  I am so happy to have Big White Farmhouse included in their raffle!

feeling nervous and excited for Sunday.  It’s so surreal to finally be at this point after training for 14 weeks and I’m anxious to see how I do.  Ready to get ‘er done!