The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

No.652: Living Intentionally in June

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.” — John Lubbock

Eating Seasonally 
  • strawberries
  • green beans
  • lettuce
  • kale
  • peas
  • summer squash
  • zucchini
Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  “Understood in the light of the Scriptures, the term ‘Sacred Heart of Jesus’ denotes the entire mystery of Christ, the totality of his being, and his person considered in its most intimate essential: Son of God, uncreated wisdom; infinite charity, principal of the salvation and sanctification of mankind. The ‘Sacred Heart’ is Christ, the Word Incarnate, Saviour, intrinsically containing, in the Spirit, an infinite divine-human love for the Father and for his brothers.” (from here)  Other feast days in June:

  • Charles Lwanga & Companions (3)
  • Pentecost (5)
  • Anthony of Padua (13)
  • Solemnity of Corpus Christi (19)
  • Thomas More (22)
  • Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (24)
  • Immaculate Heart of Mary (25)
  • Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul (29)
Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 
  • Start raising broiler chickens, part two!
  • Work on a water catchment system for the garden.
  • Design a permanent winter paddock for the pigs.
  • Learn how to use a pressure canner.
  • Bring two pigs to the butcher.
Homemaking 
  • Clean the windows.
  • Pull summer gear out of storage and organize.
  • Wipe down all of the floorboards.
  • Declutter all the things.
Family Fun
  • Celebrate some silly holidays:
    • National Doughnut Day (3)
    • National Yo-Yo Day (6)
    • National Weed Your Garden Day (13)
    • Take a Road Trip Day (17)
    • Go Fishing Day (18)

No.643: Living Intentionally in May

“When April steps aside for May,
like diamonds all the rain-drops glisten;
fresh violets open every day:
to some new bird each hour we listen.” – Lucy Larcom

Eating Seasonally 

I am so, so excited to start picking food from our garden!

  • strawberries
  • rhubarb
  • asparagus
  • lettuce
  • spinach
  • new potatoes
Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  It also completely falls under the liturgical season of Eastertide.  “The world is resplendent with Spring’s increased light and new growth. It is Mary’s month in the Easter season and all of nature rejoices with the Queen of heaven at the Resurrection of the Son she was worthy to bear. During the remainder of Easter time, let us endeavor through the prayers of the Holy Liturgy and the Holy Rosary to deepen our gratitude for the mystery of our Baptismal rebirth in Christ.” (from here)  Other feast days in May:

  • Athanasius (2)
  • Philip and James (3)
  • Our Lady of Fatima (13)
  • Isidore the Farmer (15)
  • Philip Neri (26)
  • Solemnity of the Ascension (29)
  • Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (31)
Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 
  • Lots and lots of planting and sowing!
  • Stock up on feed.
  • Prepare everything for broiler processing.
  • Process the first batch of meat chickens!
  • Get area ready for the second batch of chicks.
Homemaking 
  • Deep clean and vacuum the cars.
  • Organize the garage.
  • Clean out the gutters.
  • Go through the little kids’ clothes, pull out everything outgrown, and make a list of needs.
Family Fun
  • Celebrate some silly holidays:
    • Brothers and Sisters Day (2)
    • Star Wars Day (4)
    • Cinco de Mayo (5)
    • Dance Like a Chicken Day (14)
    • National Hamburger Day (28)

No.638: Living Intentionally in April

April is here already, can you believe it?  Time flies when you’re having fun.  While planning out this month, I think we might get a small homesteading reprieve (especially after a whirlwind March!) and the timing is perfect.  I would like to really immerse myself in Holy Week and then the Easter Octave.  Here’s my list for this month:

Eating Seasonally 

Spring is here and with it comes a whole new variety of fresh fruits and vegetables!

  • oranges
  • strawberries
  • lettuce
  • artichokes
  • asparagus
  • peas
Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of April is dedicated to the devotion to Jesus in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.  We also celebrate Holy Week and Easter!

  • Vincent Ferrer (5)
  • Palm Sunday (10)
  • Holy Thursday (14)
  • Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion (15)
  • Easter Sunday (17)
  • George (23)
  • Divine Mercy Sunday (24)
  • Louis Mary de Montfort (28)
  • Catherine of Siena (29)
Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 
  • Lots of garden bed preparation for summer planting.
  • Broilers go out to pasture!
  • Build a warm weather shelter for Fred.
  • Plan a water catchment system for the garden.
  • Work on stocking my pantry.
Homemaking 
  • Clean out the fireplace.
  • Make a plan for spring cleaning.
  • Wash all of the flannel sheets and put away.
  • Learn how to make dandelion jelly.
Family Fun
  • Celebrate some silly holidays:
    • National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day (2)
    • Zoo Lover’s Day (8)
    • National Siblings Day (10)
    • Scrabble Day (13)
    • Morse Code Day (27)
    • Great Poetry Reading Day (28)

No.629: Living Intentionally in March

The third month of 2022 is bringing a lot of uncertainty and worry with it, isn’t it?  I’m protecting myself from anxiety and information overload by limiting the amount I read and focusing on the things right in front of me.  (And a lot of prayer too.)

A few highlights from last month:  We moved Fred to his own area away from the ladies and he’s enjoying the bachelor life.  We also measured the pigs to approximate their weight.  I started brassicas under the grow lights and grew another few batches of fodder for the chickens.  I tested the NPK levels in the garden soil and purchased the needed amendments.  I did a little decluttering and organized the garage.  As for fire safety preparations, I bought a few more extinguishers to keep in the garage and the shed.  I also bought batteries for the smoke detectors, but will wait until Daylight Savings before changing them out.

Here’s my ambitious list of possibilities for March:

Eating Seasonally 

One more month for root vegetables and citrus!  The growing season will really get going soon and I’m ready for it.

  • citrus fruit
  • cabbage
  • kale
  • beets
  • potatoes
  • sweet potatoes
Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of March is dedicated to Saint Joseph.  We also begin the Lenten season.

  • Ash Wednesday (2)
  • Katharine Drexel (3)
  • Casimir (4)
  • Perpetua and Felicity (7)
  • John of God (8)
  • Frances of Rome (9)
  • Patrick (17)
  • Cyril of Jerusalem (18)
  • Joseph (19)
Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 
  • Prepare the garage for baby chicks.
  • New baby chicks arrive!
  • Work on broiler tractor construction.
  • Work on the wood shed build.
  • Amend the garden soil.
  • Transplant brassicas and start more seeds inside.
  • Measure the pigs for another approximate weight update.
Homemaking 
  • Organize the linen closet.
  • Continue working on the laundry room project: skim coating, sanding, painting and installing cabinets.
  • Start a sourdough starter.
  • Complete a quick declutter throughout the house.
Family Fun
  • Celebrate some silly holidays:
    • National Pig Day (1)
    • National Oreo Cookie Day (6)
    • Popcorn Lover’s Day (10)
    • National Pi Day (14)
    • Waffle Day (25)
    • Take a Walk in the Park Day (30)

No.619: Living Intentionally in February

January and its freezing, snowy weather really shook up most of our plans, but it also forced us to have some much needed rest.  Here’s hoping February isn’t quite so brutal; we have some homestead chores that definitely need to be completed soon!  First, a few highlights from last month:  We celebrated Epiphany with our sixth annual dinner and a new book tradition.  We ordered a bunch of things for the homestead and did lots and lots of planning.  I also ordered most of the supplies needed to make my own kombucha.  Lastly, I started deep cleaning/organizing the pantry, but didn’t get to the fridge and definitely not the deep freezer!

Eating Seasonally 
  • citrus fruit
  • Brussels sprouts
  • kale
  • broccoli
  • winter squash
Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family.

  • Feast of Presentation of the Lord/Candlemas (2)
  • Blaise (3)
  • Agatha (5)
  • Paul Miki and Companions (6)
  • Josephine Bakhita (8)
  • Our Lady of Lourdes (11)
  • Peter Damian (21)
Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 
  • Move Fred to his own area away from the ladies.
  • Try to measure the pigs for an approximate weight update.
  • Start brassicas under grow lights.
  • Grow another few batches of fodder for the chickens.
  • Test the garden soil and figure out needed amendments.
Homemaking 
  • Start my first batch of kombucha.
  • Organize the garage.
  • Focus on fire safety: buy a few more extinguishers, fire blankets and change all of the batteries in the smoke detectors.
  • Continue decluttering and deep cleaning the kitchen.
  • Find at least 20 items to declutter and donate/sell.
Family Fun
  • Celebrate a big 40th birthday!
  • Celebrate some silly holidays:
    • Feed the Birds Day (3)
    • Thank a Mailman Day (4)
    • Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (5)
    • National Pizza Day (9)
    • Tell a Fairy Tale Day (26)

No.607: Living Intentionally in January

Greetings from our winter wonderland!  What a beautiful way to start the new year.  The docket below is a little ambitious, but I can’t help but get excited for all the good things to come.  Here’s what I have planned for January:

Eating Seasonally 
  • citrus fruit
  • Brussels sprouts
  • kale
  • broccoli
  • winter squash
Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus.

  • Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (1)
  • Elizabeth Ann Seton (4)
  • Epiphany (6)
  • Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle (25)
  • Thomas Aquinas (28)
Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 
  • Preorder broiler/hen chicks for March.
  • Start ordering any extra chick supplies we need.
  • Finish building the house for Fred, our male pig.
  • Try to measure the pigs for an approximate weight update.
  • Look for a course to take on herbal medicine.
  • Start my own kombucha.
Homemaking 
  • Organize the pantry.
  • Deep clean the refrigerator.
  • Completely reorganize my closet.
  • Start organizing the deep freezers.
Family Fun
  • Celebrate some silly holidays:
    • National Spaghetti Day (4)
    • Bubble Bath Day (8)
    • Kid Inventors Day (17)
    • Global Belly Laugh Day (24)
    • National Puzzle Day (29)

No.580: Living Intentionally in November

I can’t believe we are entering November already.  Our property has exploded in color (which my photos just cannot accurately convey…) and it’s so gorgeous.  This is definitely one of my favorite times of the year!  On the docket for this beautiful month:

Eating Seasonally 
  • apples
  • pumpkins
  • sweet potatoes
  • squash
  • cranberries
Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of November is dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory.  “The Church commemorates her faithful who have departed from this life, but have not yet attained the joys of heaven.” (from The Saintmaker)

  • Solemnity of All Saints (1)
  • Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (2)
  • Leo the Great (10)
  • Martin (11)
  • Frances Xavier Cabrini (13)
  • Gertrude (16)
  • Solemnity of Christ the King (21)
  • Cecilia (22)
  • First Sunday of Advent (28)
  • Andrew (30)
Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 
  • Pull out any remaining plants and prep the garden beds for winter.
  • Get the chickens squared away for cold weather.
  • Keep working on the property fence.
  • Keep cutting firewood from felled trees.
  • Wrap apple trees to prevent sunscald.
Homemaking 
  • Put flannel sheets on the beds.
  • Finish switching over the kids’ wardrobes and pack away for next year.
  • Tidy up the mudroom.
  • Clean the coffeemaker.
Christmas Preparation
  • Brainstorm stocking stuffers.
  • Start wrapping the presents I’ve already purchased.
  • Order Advent candles.
  • Pick a devotional to read for Advent.
  • Decide what to do about Christmas cards.
Family Fun
  • Celebrate two birthdays!
  • Celebrate some silly holidays:
    • Book Lover’s Day (6)
    • National Nacho Day (6)
    • World Origami Day (11)
    • Clean Your Refrigerator Day (15)
    • Go For a Ride Day (22)
    • French Toast Day (28)

No.570: Living Intentionally in October

Well, September was a bit of a bust.  Some of us were sick at the beginning of the month and I never seemed to regain my momentum!  We didn’t complete most of the list, but some months are like that.  A few highlights from last month: We celebrated the Nativity of Mary with my daughter’s cookie bars.  We also observed the fall Ember Days.  The boys continued cutting firewood and we got a good start on our property fence.  I tidied up the coat closet and pulled out too small or unneeded coats to sell on ebay.  I also wiped down the light switches and knobs, which was perfect timing after being sick!  My biggest project of the month was finally finishing the painting on the little boys’ headboards.  I slowly started rotating the kids’ clothes as the temperature starts to cool.  Here’s what I’ve got for October:

Eating Seasonally 

Bring on all the cozy, comfort foods!  I am excited to start adding soups and stews to our dinner menu this month.  Also in season in October:

  • apples
  • pumpkins
  • sweet potatoes
  • squash
  • cranberries
Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary.  In my Saintmaker Planner, it says, “In 1206, Mary appeared to St. Dominic to praise his fight against the Albigensian heretics and to give him the Rosary as a mighty weapon.”  (My post on how we started saying the Rosary as a family is here.)

  • Therese of the Child Jesus (1)
  • Holy Guardian Angels (2)
  • Our Lady of the Rosary (7)
  • Margaret Mary Alacoque (16)
  • Ignatius (17)
  • Isaac Jogues (19)
  • John Paul II (22)
  • John of Capistrano (23)
Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 
  • Get our propane tank filled.
  • Prepare for the arrival of a new animal on the homestead!
  • Continue work on the property fence.
  • Invest in alternative light sources (candles, lanterns, flashlights).
Homemaking 
  • Clean out and vacuum the car interior.
  • Organize the garage.
  • Wipe out and organize the refrigerator shelves.
100 Little Things Revisited
  • Make a cookie cake. (100LT #7 from Round Seven)
  • Make my own laundry detergent. (100LT #88 from Round Six)
  • Reread To Kill a Mockingbird. (100LT #9 from Round Two)
Family Fun
  • Celebrate two birthdays!
  • Celebrate some silly holidays:
    • Do Something Nice Day (5)
    • National Dessert Day (14)
    • National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day (21)
    • National Tell a Story Day (27)
    • Frankenstein Friday (29)

No.564: Living Intentionally in September

I’m really loving this new way of goal setting.  While I didn’t complete everything on the list, I do feel like I made a respectable dent, so I’m celebrating that!  Highlights from last month: Eggs became a frequent menu staple as our hens gave us 12+ eggs a day.  I read most of the book about Saint Monica – just a few chapters to go!  We successfully processed 102 chickens and cleaned/organized/packed away all of the gear for next year.  We tidied up the school room just in time for our first day, bought new sneakers for a few of the boys, and even celebrated Fresh Breath Day with packs of gum for the kids!  I finished a cross stitch pillow for The Beautiful Things Project.  I also managed to write 15 posts here on the blog.

Here’s what I’ve got for September:

Eating Seasonally 

It will still be quite warm here in Virginia, but autumn will peek through with the turning of the leaves and the beginning of apple season!  Also in season in September:

  • apples
  • corn
  • cucumbers
  • melons
  • squash
  • tomatoes
  • peppers
  • zucchini
Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.  From the Saintmaker Planner: “This title of the Blessed Mother focuses on her intense suffering and grief during the passion and death of Our Lord.”

  • Gregory the Great (3)
  • Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8)
  • Exaltation of the Holy Cross (14)
  • Our Lady of Sorrows (15)
  • Matthew (21)
  • Pio of Pietrelcina (23)
  • Ember Days (22, 24, 25)*
  • Michael the Archangel (29)

* The September Ember Days were particularly focused on the end of the harvest season and thanksgiving to God for the season. Ember Days are three days (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) set aside by the Church for prayer, fasting and almsgiving at the beginning of each of the four seasons of the year.

Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 
  • Start work on the property fence.
  • Continue cutting firewood.
  • Think about the placement for new in-ground beds.
  • Set up the covered chicken run.
Homemaking 
  • Declutter and deep clean the master bedroom and closet.
  • Tidy up the coat closet.
  • Wipe down all of the light switches and door knobs.
  • Start rotating the kids’ wardrobe to fall/winter.
100 Little Things Revisited
  • Finish the little boys’ headboards. (100LT #43 from Round Six)
  • Finish painting the second floor shutters.  (100LT #51 from Round Seven)
  • Take an Epsom salt bath. (100LT #37 from Round Four)
Family Fun
  • Celebrate two birthdays!
  • Celebrate some silly holidays:
    • Chocolate Milkshake Day (12)
    • Make a Hat Day (15)
    • National PlayDoh Day (16)
    • National Cheeseburger Day (18)
    • International Talk Like A Pirate Day (19)
    • Hobbit Day (22)
    • Johnny Appleseed Day (26)

No.549: Living Intentionally in August

I’ve tried many kinds of goal posts over the years.  Maybe I’m getting older, but I’m seeking more to life than just checking off the tasks on the to-do list!  So for this school year, I’m creating monthly overviews, filled with ideas and possibilities to add to our ordinary days.  (I’ve also included a handful of tasks that I probably should accomplish, especially in the homemaking area.)  Maybe it will give you a few ideas too!

Eating Seasonally 

It’s still summer and blazing hot, yet there’s that tiny hint of a new season just around the corner…  Even though our garden isn’t producing much, I do hope to support our local farm stands and eat something fresh off the vine!  In season in August:

  • blueberries
  • watermelon
  • corn
  • tomatoes
  • cucumbers
  • peppers
  • summer squash
  • zucchini
Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  According to my Saintmaker Planner, “Catholics venerate Mary’s heart because it is the seat of her love (especially for Christ), virtue, and inner life.”  I’d also like to celebrate a few saints on their feast days:

Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 
  • Work on beefing up my pantry using the challenges from A Working Pantry.
  • Process the broiler chickens.
  • Clean and organize all of the chicken raising “stuff” and pack away for next year.
  • Research fermentation.
Homemaking 
  • Plan out the dinner menu for at least two weeks at a time. (maybe the entire month?)
  • Wipe down all of the bathroom cabinets.
  • Wipe out the silverware drawer.
  • Tidy the school room and refresh supplies.
  • Check everyone’s sneaker situation and start making a to-buy list for cool weather clothes.
100 Little Things Revisited

August is the month that I typically release my yearly 100 Little Things list.  This year, I think I’m going to try something a little different.  In the seven years I’ve done this project, I only averaged about a 35-40% completion rate.  Lots of tasks have gone undone due to lack of interest or money or time.  So for 2021-2022, I’m going to sift through the lists and see what I can do!  Here’s what I’ve picked out for August:

  • Complete a new embroidery project. (100LT #37 from Round Seven)
  • Learn how to dehydrate fruit. (100LT #98 from Round Four)
Family Fun
  • Bring back Poetry Tea Time, complete with a special weekly sweet treat.
  • Celebrate some silly holidays:
    • National Fresh Breath Day (6) // maybe I’ll get them all gum!
    • National S’mores Day (10)
    • National Tell a Joke Day (16)
    • National Trail Mix Day (31)

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