Making History in the New Year

I love the stories from the old days. I enjoy hearing about the Pioneers, the Colonists, the Pilgrims, the Victorians and all the people who lived before us.

There were different clothing styles, different kinds of work available, and different cultures. It is fascinating to learn about life in the old days.

Someday, what I am doing right now, will be the old days for future generations.

We must always keep in mind, that what we do each day, becomes History.

I want to take that thought with me in the New Year. I want to think more about what I can do for others, what I can do to create, and to help, and to be an example. I want to do this, rather than focus on myself, or what I could do better or what I could change.

This coming year is not about me. No year should have ever been about me.

Blessings
Mrs. White

The Beauty of Aging Gracefully.

Remembering - The Blessing of Being a Half-Southern Mama.

This describes all of us - The Mother of Sinners.  May it encourage you to keep going!

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Radio Homemakers

I found a lovely historic video of radio homemakers from Iowa public television.   There is also a book by Evelyn Birkby, called "Neighboring on the Air."  I just ordered a used copy of this book and I can't wait to read it.


I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did!




Blessings
Mrs. White

My thanks to Iowa homemaker,  Mrs. Hultquist, for help with research!

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Giveaway Winners

Thank you so much for following along during our Fitness Kick-Off! The following list, is of the winners of the giveaways:

$10 Wal-Mart Gift card -

Sarah

McDonald's Be Our Guest Food Cards -

MamaHen

Lindsay Brin's 60 Day Slim Down Dvds -

Jenn

All winners have been contacted. Thank you so much for entering!


Blessings
Mrs. White


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Final Fitness Report

This is the last of four posts from our Fitness Kick-off project. I have joined with 9 other bloggers to share progress and activities on staying fit (or getting fit) before the New Year.

[I will post winners of the giveaways later today.]

Here is my Fitness Report:

Monday morning - 30 minute workout. (Included target toning with light weights)  A short time after this, I had severe physical problems (trouble walking, shaking, etc.) and had to rest.

I was not able to exercise for the rest of the week.  I realize I was worn out by the holidays. We had a lot of company. It is exhausting having guests!  But completely worth it!

I have enjoyed a long rest these past several days and will get back to exercising next week.  It is important to accept limitations when seeking to get (or stay) fit.  Sometimes we need time off.

I was still active, however. I did plenty of housework and a few errands. But I also slept a lot and just rested all week.

Push - Ups -

I did want to update you on my goal concerning push - ups. I was reading the archives here and found something from January of this year (almost a year ago.) My goal was to do 10 real push- ups. I am happy to report, I am still doing 10 and am very happy about it.



* My ongoing fitness goal is to workout daily and to replace snacks with more nourishing foods. I don't have any weight to lose, but at my age, I need to keep an eye on it so it doesn't creep up!

* Remember, we all have different health struggles and approaches to fitness and nutrition. I would love to hear what you are doing to stay fit! Please share in the comments section and then visit the other bloggers to cheer them on!

Great News!

Would you like ongoing encouragement in 2012 for your own fitness goals? You are cordially invited over to Tea Time with Annie Kate who runs our Fit Mommy Friday program!  She is inspiring, encouraging and will host check-ins, each week, throughout the year.

Thank you so much for following along on our month long fitness challenge!  Please check-out our team's final reports:

The Fitness Kick-Start Team:

[I will update each link with today's Fitness post, as they go live. Keep checking back!]

* Mrs. White - The Legacy of Home,
* Shannon - Mom Loves Books,
 Gina - A Cherished Keeper,
 * Briana - I Can't Decide,
* Heather - Marine Corps Nomads, 
* Susan - Homeschooling Hearts and Minds,
* Dawn - Guiding Light Homeschool,
Renita - Weighing Hearts,
* Kathy - Teaching Good Things, 
 *Angie - Petra School

*Updated Link.


Best wishes for the New Year!

Blessings
Mrs. White

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Rural Housewives

It is bitterly cold here in Vermont. We end up almost trapped at home. It's too cold to go outdoors, but we must for chores and errands. Winter is the time to settle inside near the fire, but it can be a very lonely experience.

One way rural housewives, in the old days, would pass the time was by listening to radio programs while knitting or sewing. This was during breaks from their household tasks. I have heard about something called, "neighboring over the air," or "radio housewives," which included programs of homemakers telling stories or sharing recipes over the airwaves.

There were other programs, including news segments, or ongoing stories that even the children would gather around to hear.  These might be suspense, mystery or westerns.

I love the idea of sitting by a large piece of beautiful furniture that was called a radio, while mending or knitting. It would be a lovely way to pass the time.

Housewives would also do their baking and try to have something special in case an unexpected visitor came by.  -We need to keep the cookie jar and breadbox filled!-   When someone stops by our house, I love to have freshly baked cookies, brownies or fudge to offer our guests.

I realize rural housewives often feel alone. Sometimes they need a little encouragement, a funny story to cheer them up, or some little bit of advice about the work they do all day long.  The radio programs and occasional neighborly visits were a blessing. Church services and other events were also greatly appreciated.

Today, radio programs are mostly talk shows, music or a myriad of commercials. Occasionally, we can hear something like Adventures in Odyssey while driving down the road, or listening in on the old kitchen radio. I wonder what would happen if they brought back a homemaking program on the radio? A little visit over the airwaves might be just what we need!

Blessings
Mrs. White

The Difficult Days - Brave Mothers Who Walk Into Walls.

Encouragement for Mothers - What Sundays Used to Mean to Housewives.

It's Okay to Feel like - The Kitchen Martyr.

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Aging Gracefully

Mr. White and I were watching a Hallmark movie the other night. The elderly mother in the program had me puzzled. She looked familiar. Halfway through the movie, I realized she was Shelley Long! She had aged. But still had her charm.

I have watched many old movies starring people like Myrna Loy (in the original Cheaper By the Dozen). I was also startled to see photographs of her in her older years. Age does some powerful things to a person.  But some, like Myrna, age with beauty and grace.

We have a neighbor who is in her 80's. She still paints her nails, wears blush and dyes her hair black. She has lovely manners and charm. She is an elegant person and very sweet and kind to all.

I think that to age gracefully, mostly means that we are sweet natured. The kindness exudes a beauty and glow like none other.  The older and more frail I become, the sweeter and calmer I want to be.

This past week, I have felt crippled. I am back to using my cane again. I realize this confuses everyone around me. Sometimes my husband teases me because I look young.

Summer 2011

 
 I know it is strange to see me walking with a cane, and at times, shaking as I walk. But those things pass and my health improves so much that I can workout consistently, walk briskly on my own and be energetic! It's quite a contrast. However, I know the crippling will continue with age. I prepare for it by watching the lives of older people I admire.

My sweet Mother-in-law, always had her nails done, her hair fixed up and a kind smile on her face. She knitted and gardened and did her very best to look presentable, even through a ravaging illness that took her life a few years ago.

My own mother walks very slowly. She is often seen with a cane. She can't hear well, but has a kind, pleasant demeanor. She is loved by all around her. This, I think, is the essence of aging gracefully - when one attracts the love and devotion of others.

Blessings
Mrs. White


Do you have some of this? - The Good Deed Money.

Just the right mood - Homemaking with Frank Sinatra.

A Picture of my children when they were very little - Suppertime with Precious Helpers.

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Elvis Presley and Gospel Music

Years ago, I saw a documentary on the life of Elvis Presley. He came from a poor, hard-working family. Elvis used to sing in church and was dearly beloved by his godly mother.

He lived a fast life, had a beautiful home and was admired by many people. He is still an American icon. But what I remember most about him (and yes I was around when he was alive), was his gospel music.

From what I understand he would stay up all hours of the night, and sing the old gospel songs, with several other singers.

His Mother loved The Blackwood Brothers, and I love them too! Such beautiful, heart touching music!

I have a CD Set of Elvis singing gospel music and I love to listen to it while working around the house.

I want to share a song of the Blackwood Brothers singing "Where No One Stands Alone." There is just something special about going back in history and hearing the old ways, the old songs and the nostalgia of seeking to live a godly  life.




P.S. I have to ask. . . Do you see Graceland in the photograph above? And that pink Cadillac? Does his house look anything like mine? (smiles) And I realize that Mr. White has a purple Cadillac, but the pink one above is just as lovely. 


Blessings
Mrs. White

Life as An Older Housewife.

Do we make our children do our work? - A Cheerful and Willing Housekeeper.

Keeping Track of - The History of our Financial Lives.

Joining with:
How Sweet the Sound


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The Keeper of the Chanukah Lights



I realized the other night, as I was sitting with the children and looking at our Menorah, that I was the Keeper of the Chanukah lights. This has tremendous significance since we are to be the light of the world. When we keep certain customs and traditions, we remind our children (and ourselves), of God's ways.

If you are not familiar with Chanukah, may I share a little with you now?

We have used the same Menorah for many years. Each year, I pack it away in a special shelf in our closet. I also store our Chanukah supplies - like dreidels, extra candles, and decorative items.   I have Chanukah movies and a Music CD of special songs. I also have story books and special articles and stories I printed out from the Internet and keep in my homemaking binder.

On the first night of Chanukah, we light one candle.  I make latkes and we play the music CD. It is a festive time. We also give each other one gift each.  Then I read the children a story while they play the dreidel game.  

On the second, and subsequent nights, it goes the same. Except we light the same number of candles that corresponds with which night of Chanukah we are observing. For the second night, that is 2 candles.

I always have an extra gift stashed away, in case we have unexpected company. This has happened twice already this past week. The guest often doesn't realize it is Chanukah, and ends up sitting through part of our fun. They are delighted to receive a gift and enjoy a few minutes of our holiday.

The other day, because it was also Christmas and no one had to work, we had all the children home. Rachel (23) brought her Fiance, Ben. Rachel has not been able to come home for Chanukah in many years.  She had forgotten most of the stories.    We gave out presents and the family scattered throughout the house.  Ben, John (14) and I sat alone at the table. I set up the Menorah. Rachel came and sat with us for a bit. I lit the candles. I started to read one of the stories.  At this point in our lives, I do not force all the children to sit with me.  They are all growing up and have many other interests. It's funny how Rachel, living away from home for so long, yearns for the old days of sitting at the table for the Chanukah stories.

Ben did not know too much about Chanukah. He enjoyed playing dreidel with John, while I talked about the Greeks and how they desecrated the Jewish Temple and tried to force the Jews to stop observing Sabbath, read Torah, and observe their holy days. I talked about how Jewish Children would sit in caves with the rabbis and learn Torah. But the soldiers could appear at any moment. The children knew to put away their lessons and start playing the dreidel game, so the soldiers wouldn't know they were still keeping their religion.

Ben listened as I told him about how I must sit and keep guard over the Menorah until the last candle burned out. I told him how we are so busy in this life, and that we rush through so much, that we miss the central foundation of our existence. We are here to serve and worship God, not to be consumed with the cares of this life.  Ben was fascinated as we sat in the dim room, by the light of the Menorah.

As the Keeper of the Chanukah lights, I am the one who is responsible for keeping the customs alive in this family. I am the one who makes it joyous and keeps it going year, after year, after year. Sometimes I've rushed through each night's activities and felt a sense of loss. Other years I have savored each  moment, and each lesson, and been greatly blessed.

The other night, as Ben and John and I sat at the table, watching the lights burn out, there was a sense of loss. There was a coming sense of darkness that made me sad to see it end. Then I told the children that we must remember the lesson of Chanukah. And that is to never conform to the world, and to always keep God's ways regardless of what the world does around us.

This is the lesson of the light, that we must keep burning in our hearts, and lives, for all time.

Blessings
Mrs. White

What would happen  - If I Visit You at The Dinner Hour.

A Photograph from my Home - Tonight's View from the Kitchen.

The Blessing of seeing through - Mother's Rose- Colored Glasses.


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When Mother Feels Unappreciated

I am shaking this morning. I am weak and weary on this path of life. But I am in good spirits. I know where my source of comfort lies.

I worked very hard yesterday, while the family was all at home. I cleaned and baked and cooked and visited. It was taxing on my fragile body. I remember standing over the stove in the late afternoon and stirring the food in a pan. I was shaking then. I thought to myself, "I am too old for this." I didn't feel young or energetic anymore. I did not have the endurance to do basic things. Then I thought of my own mother, with a crown of silver and a cane in her hand, and how she still cooks, even if she is shaking. (gentle smiles)

I asked my teenagers for help.  They were occupied in the parlour, laughing and visiting and didn't understand my need for help. They had already done so much for me.  It would have been easy for me to burst into tears (like a small, tired child) and collapse into a chair, but I prayed a little prayer and smiled, and said tenderly, "I just need a little help." One of them smiled and came to my assistance.  I realize they see me, a picture of health, but don't have any idea of the deafness, the blindness, the aches, the shaking that goes on in this old mother.  When they grumble and complain about helping (like all normal children), they know not what they do.  They think mother is a tireless saint who can work miracles in the home and kitchen.

I once read about the troubles of Elizabeth Prentiss(1800's), in one of her books. She wrote about her struggle with frail health and how her children would gather around her for stories, or help,  but they would elbow her and nudge her and cause her pain - unknowingly. It "cost her" dearly to be a mother, but was worth every bit of pain.

Patricia St. John,in her autobiography, spoke highly of her mother. She talked about how she and her siblings would giggle and laugh and make fun, at times, when her mother tried to teach them the Bible.  Looking back she realized they had caused her heartache. That mother was greatly admired for her patience and loving guidance, despite the trouble.

There are many moments when I feel unappreciated. My greatest weapon to fight this dark thought, is to smile and to pray and to keep going. . . I have already seen the fruits of my efforts, in my grown children, who are tender and loving and helpful. When they grow up, they no longer think as children. They are no longer focused on self, or unaware of the pain of others. This is why I love the Biblical prayer, "Remember not the sins of my youth." It comforts me to think of that in relation to my teens. They know not what they do.

But most of all, my never-ending goal is to be like the mother in Loretta Lynn's song, "The Coal Miner's Daughter." This mother did not grumble, despite poverty, hard work, and constant cares. Loretta summed it up in one simple phrase, "To complain there was no need. She'd smile in Mommy's understanding way."

I have been greatly encouraged by the writings of Mother Teresa.  This quote, in particular, is the solution to feeling unappreciated:

"In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."



Blessings
Mrs. White


The Difficult Times - Chronically Ill Homeschooling Mothers.

Very Bad Days of Motherhood - Trouble with Teenagers.

What my Precious Son did - Presents to Cheer Me Up.

A Look at a Life-Long Marriage - Are you still Tricking your Wife?



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I'll Be Home For Christmas

I've had a few rough Decembers, here in Vermont. But this season has come with many blessings. We have been able to buy extra groceries, give to those in need, and pay all of our bills. We have much to be thankful for.

This morning, I am baking apple pies. We are having baked ziti for an early dinner. All my children will be home. I can't wait to see them.

Mr. White and Nicole (22) will head to the home of an elderly neighbor and bring him treats and presents. They will be home in time for dinner.

I love that most of the stores are closed and that everyone has the day off from work. There is no focus today on spending money, but on bringing happiness and good cheer to others.

Yet there are many who are sad and alone today. I found Frank Sinatra's song, "I'll Be Home For Christmas" which is so sweet. But he ends the song with, "if only in my dreams." Something that cheers me up is thinking about childhood Christmas memories, or some special year when my own children were young.  Do you have  memories you'd like to share? I'd love to hear about it!

Blessings
Mrs. White





We need Mothers with Christmas Courage.

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If I Visit You at The Dinner Hour

I remember visiting my Aunt Norma and Uncle Bob (a reverend) in Alabama. We would spend several days with them. Early each evening, my Aunt would be cooking in the kitchen. Uncle Bob sat in the recliner and watched a little television. The house was quiet and happy. Everyone visited or played while we waited to be called to the table for prayer, and our supper.

My parents had a similar routine. Dad would be in the living room watching the news or some other program. We children would be there with him, or in our rooms finishing up homework. We could hear Mother in the kitchen cooking. It was comforting knowing she was in there, preparing our food. She always set the table with fresh vegetables in serving bowls, and had little plates of bread. We were happy when she called us to the table.

Today, whenever I see the sun starting to set, I am able to relax. All tensions and troubles seem to fade. It's like I can shut the doors and shut out the world, because it is almost the dinner hour. It is time for our daily rest from trouble and turmoil. So I turn on the lamp, and listen to the quiet sound of gospel music from my kitchen radio. I put on my apron and start preparing food. And while I cook, I am at peace.

 I hear the sound of the family gathered throughout this large old house, and they are laughing and talking. Every so often someone will come to the kitchen and ask, "How much longer 'til supper is ready?" And it gives me a great sense of pride, because I am making them a delicious dinner and it makes them happy.

The dinner hour is like a break from hard labor. It is a special time for families. It is familiar and secure and special. Nothing else seems to matter. It is the comfort of home and family.

And today, I wonder. . . If I visited your house tonight, at the dinner hour, what would it be like?

Blessings
Mrs. White

Make it look like The Maid was Here.

To the Dedicated Housewife - What Time Does Your Shift Start?

To Encourage - A Mother of Sinners.



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Fitness Report and McDonald's - Be Our Guest - Food Giveaway

This is the third of four posts from our Fitness Kick-off project. I have joined with 9 other bloggers to share progress and activities on staying fit (or getting fit) before the New Year.

I also have a great giveaway to offer you, from McDonald's restaurant,  and will tell you about it in just a few minutes.

Here is my Fitness Report:

Monday morning - 30 minute workout. (Included target toning with light weights)

Monday evening - had an accident. Slammed my foot into a chair in the dark and caused some painful damage.

Tuesday - exhausted. But planned to do some  light exercises on the floor. I never did get around to it. Decided to rest my foot instead.

Wednesday - foot still bruised and a little swollen, but much better. Took a trip into the city and walked all over the place. Ran upstairs instead of taking elevators, ran through rainy parking lots. Had lots of energy. Did good.

Thursday - brisk walking during errands. No specific exercises.

Friday - (today). I woke up too late to exercise. But will do a few light target toning exercises later. Foot it still damaged but pain is almost gone.


* My ongoing fitness goal is to workout daily and to replace snacks with more nourishing foods. I don't have any weight to lose, but at my age, I need to keep an eye on it so it doesn't creep up!

* Remember, we all have different health struggles and approaches to fitness and nutrition. I would love to hear what you are doing to stay fit! Please share in the comments section and then visit the other bloggers to cheer them on!

The Fitness Kick-Start Team:

[I will update each link with today's Fitness post, as they go live. Keep checking back!]

 * Mrs. White - The Legacy of Home, (McDonald's "Be Our Guest" Food- Giveaway)
 * Shannon - Mom Loves Books,
  Gina - A Cherished Keeper,
* Briana - I Can't Decide,
* Heather - Marine Corps Nomads,  (With a Pure Integrity Candle Set Giveaway)
* Susan - Homeschooling Hearts and Minds,
* Dawn - Guiding Light Homeschool,
 *Renita - Weighing Hearts,
* Kathy - Teaching Good Things, 
*Angie - Petra School

*Updated Link.


Now for the Giveaway!

I love the Ronald McDonald House Charity. My oldest son and I stayed in one, several years ago, when he was undergoing medical care. It was a tremendous comfort and a lovely place.

Every time we go to a McDonald's restaurant drive-through, we see a slot to donate to their charity. It makes it easy and convenient to help.  What they are doing is amazing!  The home we stayed in was beautiful and the volunteers were so helpful and friendly.

I realize we don't commonly think of McDonald's as a healthy place to eat. But the reality is that families today are often on-the-go, and going to the drive through has become normal.  We can make good food choices and also make sure we are eating balanced, nutritious meals at home.

I have a nice prize package to offer you, from McDonald's. It includes 15 "Be Our Guest" food cards for free items:

5 - free Asian Salads.
5 - free Fruit and Maple Oatmeals.
5 - free Egg McMuffins.


 Would you like a chance to win this "Be Our Guest" package from McDonald's? I have one package available for a giveaway.  One winner will receive all 15 cards.  All you have to do is leave me a comment.

For additional Entries:

1. Post about this on Facebook.

2. Post about this on Twitter. 

3. Follow me on Twitter.

4. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

5. Become a Public Follower through Google Friend Connect, or let me know if you are already a follower.

6. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

7. Subscribe in an email to The Legacy of Home Blog.

8.  Tell me your favorite McDonald's memory, from your childhood. 

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

One random winner we be selected on Friday, December 30, 2011. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 

This contest is closed. The winner is MamaHen.

*Disclosure - This giveaway is sponsored by McDonald's.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

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Sitting Alone at the Kitchen Table

The other night, I carefully placed a white lace tablecloth on my kitchen table. I was making dinner and making things look lovely for the evening meal.. . But no one was around.

I listened to soothing music and put a pretty candle on the center of the table. Then I put plates, napkins and silverware in each place. . . I did this, knowing everyone was out or busy.

When the food was ready, I created a nice presentation on my dinner plate and walked over to a chair at the table. I sat there all alone and ate. It was a  lovely meal.

My teenagers and husband came and went. They ate quickly or not at all. They were busy. They had jobs or events they needed to go to.

On holidays, I like to read to the children and have some time together. But they rush through the events, saying gently, "We are not kids anymore." or "We have other plans." They are busy, growing up and having their own lives. This is normal.

Instead of feeling sad when they don't have time to help bake cookies, or make a special meal, or sit while I read to them,  I do it myself and smile.  Yes, I read to myself. I bake on my own, and I sit at the beautifully- set table alone.

I do this because it is stable. It brings me joy. . . They all see I am doing this. They rush through their lives, but they can still see what I am doing. And they know they are always welcome at the table, whenever life slows down for them.

I will not change because they are busy.  I will not stop setting the table or making special meals, because they need to know those things will always be waiting for them when they need it.

Because one day, when they have grown up, they will remember that mother always does these same things, whether they are able to join me or not. Whether they are busy or not, mother will be sitting at the kitchen table.

They will remember that, despite the hustle and bustle of life, Mother and Home are stable.

Last night, as I sat at my kitchen table, I thought of my religion.  I thought of how times and culture change, but my faith must stay the same.  I thought of how people get too busy to do the most basic foundational things that keep their spirits joyful and their hearts warm with love. And I realized that by sitting at the kitchen table, even if I am alone, it is similar to how I must keep my religious duties, even if no one else does.

Blessings
Mrs. White

It is my honor to be - Cooking for Mister.

A Precious Memory - How To Teach a 2 Year Old To Clean.

The Greatest Example of  - A Classic Old Fashioned Housewife.


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Deep Roots at Home

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Homeschooling Stories and Ideas - Index of Articles

I started homeschooling in 1990. Things are so different now! We have more resources, more curriculum choices, and the public is generally more accepting of this kind of education.

My five children were homeschooled from pre-school through high school. My oldest (now 23) has graduated college. My second child, (now 22) has completed 3 and 1/2 years of college. My 18 year old and 16 year old have finished school with me, and have gone on to experience life in the working world!  I am currently teaching my youngest, who is 14 years old, and has a slight learning disability.

Through the years, I have kept to a very basic teaching philosophy that has stood the test of time. I have mostly used 1800's school books, including the McGuffey Readers, and Ray's Arithmetic. I have also used all kinds of curriculum from various publishers.

My children are not Harvard - bound geniuses, they are average and normal, like their father and I.  However, they are extremely creative, inventive and have amazing life skills.

Through the years, and with seasons of change, I have adjusted our homeschooling plans. There is no fixed right or wrong way. We all need to be flexible and make changes as often as necessary. Sometimes what works for one child, will not work for another.

The following are a list of stories and memories of our homeschooling experiences. There are also a few articles that share ideas and encouragement for your own home school. 

This index of articles will be updated, so keep checking back!

Socialization:

How My Children Learned Social Skills. (Fun memories of their daily lives!)


Teaching Reading and Writing:

Efficient Teaching Ideas - Using the 1800's McGuffey Readers.

Efficient Teaching Ideas - Creative Writing using the 1800's Websters Dictionary.

Efficient Teaching Ideas - Teach Proofreading and Editing in a fun and easy way!


Teaching Math:

Efficient Teaching Ideas - Using Ray's Arithmetic (1800's) and an Amish Math book for Mental Math.

Chalkboard Math for Teenagers.

The History of our Financial Lives


The Bad Days:


When Mama Falls Asleep on the job. (A Very busy day!)



Life Skills:

Teaching Life Skills to Sons. (Memories of working with one of my Sons.)

Teaching Home Economics to Daughters. (A Series of Posts.)

Homeschool Schedule for a Teenager. (A Look at one Possibility)

An Easy Way to Prepare a Homeschool Student for College. (What we've done.)




Daily Life:

Education Must Not Be Rushed.

Homeschooling Today at the White House.

The Last Years of Homeschooling.

School at Home without a Lesson Plan.

Homeschooling as a Way of Life. (Preventing Burnout.)

The Little School at Home.

The Mailbox in the House. (A Special way of communicating when busy.)

Mother as the Coach.  (The sum of motherhood and homeschooling.)

Home Studies in the Evening Hours. (With a new baby in the house, and not much time.)


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Nearing Home by Billy Graham

Book - Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well by Billy Graham

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Price - 11.65

When I first heard about this new book, by beloved evangelist, Billy Graham, I wanted to own it! I love everything written by this preacher and his family. I own books by his late wife, Ruth, his son Franklin and his daughters Anne and Ruth. Their entire family is inspiring.

But most of all, I was eager to read about 92 year old Billy Graham's experience with old age, and what his life is like since his dear wife, Ruth, passed away.

The book contains glimpses into his own life, memories of his family, and plenty of Biblical lessons for the reader. He talks about the retirement years, struggles with the pain of old age - both physical and emotional (loneliness, depression, feeling useless, etc.). He says he has a walker, wheelchair and cane beside his bed.

If you are young, the book will give you compassion for the elderly and inspire you to want to be more considerate and find ways to encourage them.
If you are middle age, the book will help prepare you for your own life as an elderly person. You will understand what is up ahead, and be guided towards these years by one of the greatest preachers of our time.

If you are at the age of retirement, you will be nodding with knowing smiles, while you read. You will be advised, encouraged, and guided into a more productive life - whether from a wheelchair or a sick bed.  You will find your joy and purpose again!

Overall this is an excellent book.  You will feel as if you are sitting in the author's home, near the fireplace, gleaning wisdom and encouragement. You will walk away refreshed and ready to face life with new vigor, regardless of your circumstances.

*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

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The Winner is

The winner of the Lilla Rose giveaway is:

Jenn4him!

Thanks so much to all who entered!

Blessings
Mrs. White

The Light in the Window

It is so dark and stormy outside. My house feels cold and empty. It seems like the days are getting shorter.  It makes people sad, like there is a depression falling over our homes.

One thing I like do to is turn on a few lamps in the early afternoon. It sends a gentle light throughout the house. Those driving by, or walking by our house, will see a light in the window. They will see that someone is home. . . That someone cares about this place. . They will see that light and feel welcomed and warmed.

It's time for me to turn on a quiet CD of songs by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. I will turn on my kitchen lamp, put on my apron, and start cleaning.

Soon it will be time for the early evening's errands.  I will have to go out. But before I do, I want to make sure everything is neat and pleasant and happy. Mr. White will have the wood stove on, for when I come home later.   I will see the pretty light in the window, and feel welcomed in my own home as I walk  through the door.

I don't want to have that bad feeling when I come home tonight - the one of dread, because I left the house without cleaning first. I want to come home to order and beauty. .  . and a little lamplight to make me smile.

Blessings
Mrs. White


Oh, please, let it be like - The Mission House.

Reminding Myself - Education Must Not Be Rushed.

One of Those Days - When Mama Falls Asleep on the Job.

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Fitness Team and 60 Day Slim Down DVD - Giveaway

This is the second of four posts from our Fitness Kick-off project. I have joined with 9 other bloggers to share progress and activities on staying fit (or getting fit) before the New Year.

I also have a great giveaway to offer you, and will tell you about it in just a few minutes.

Here is my Fitness Report:

For three mornings this week,  I worked out for 30 minutes.  This included target toning with light weights. I was feeling sick the whole time and decided to take Thursday off. Since today is Friday, I will be working out in  just a few minutes.

(I will mention that I ate chocolate all week. But I did eat healthy food as well.)

On Monday, I visited the Moms into Fitness site to access her 4 free trial workouts.  These are free to anyone!  All I had to do was answer a few questions to get a customized workout plan. The questions included things like - my age, my fitness level, my weight and height.  The free workouts come with a pdf calendar plan, which is one of my favorite things about founder, Lindsay Brins' programs.

* My ongoing fitness goal is to workout daily and to replace snacks with more nourishing foods. I don't have any weight to lose, but at my age, I need to keep an eye on it so it doesn't creep up!

* Remember, we all have different health struggles and approaches to fitness and nutrition. I would love to hear what you are doing to stay fit! Please share in the comments section and then visit the other bloggers to cheer them on!

The Fitness Kick-Start Team:

[I will update each link with today's Fitness post, as they go live. Keep checking back!]

* Mrs. White - The Legacy of Home, (60 Day Slimdown DVD set- Giveaway)
 * Shannon - Mom Loves Books,
*  Gina - A Cherished Keeper,
 * Briana - I Can't Decide,
 * Heather - Marine Corps Nomads, (Silk Milk Giveaway - 5 winners.)
*  Susan - Homeschooling Hearts and Minds,
* Dawn - Guiding Light Homeschool,
* Renita - Weighing Hearts,
* Kathy - Teaching Good Things,  (She shares a wonderful juicing video.)
* Angie - Petra School (Includes an amazing video that will easily motivate us all.)

*Updated Link.


Now for the Giveaway!

Lindsay Brin, from Moms Into Fitness,  has generously offered to give away one of her 60 Day Slim Down programs (on  DVD) to one of my readers.

 I did a detailed review for this program last January. I loved it!  The system includes 4 DVDs with the following workouts:

1. Shed 5 Fast.
2. The CFS Method.
3. Core Metabolic Jumpstart
4. PostNatal Bootcamp

Each DVD contains several varieties of workout segments you can mix and match. It is amazing!!  Her calendar workout plan is invaluable and works beautifully with this.  The system is designed to "get your body back" for mothers!

Retail Value - $49.99



 Would you like a chance to win your own 60 Day Slim Down system? I have one available for a giveaway.  All you have to do is leave me a comment.

For additional Entries:

1. Post about this on Facebook.

2. Post about this on Twitter. 

3. Follow me on Twitter.

4. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

5. Become a Public Follower through Google Friend Connect, or let me know if you are already a follower.

6. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

7. Subscribe in an email to The Legacy of Home Blog.

8.  Go to the Moms Into Fitness site, and grab those 4 free workout videos, then come back here and let me know what you think of them.

9. Choose to "Like" Lindsay Brin on Facebook.

10. Tell me your fitness goals for 2012.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

One random winner we be selected on Friday, December 30, 2011. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 

This giveaway is closed. The winner is Jenn.

*Disclosure - This giveaway is sponsored by Moms into Fitness.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

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Importance of Home Economics Training

When Homemakers Learn The Science of Keeping a Home, Society Benefits.


Keeping the home is a challenging career in itself. We are not unemployed, living in leisure. We have daily work that keeps us busy. It is important that we are trained in the scientific arts of home economics.  Here are just some of the things we need to do:

1. Operate and maintain appliances. We also need to understand how new models work and see if they will make our homes more efficient - both in saving labor and money.

2. We need to learn nutrition. This is for the health of our families.  This includes our choices in the grocery store, our meal planning, our baking and cooking.  We must have basic cooking and shopping skills.

3. Basic Medical Care. We are lay-nurses. We must know how to handle colds, fevers, and minor injuries.

4. Child Care and Development. We need to know the basics of caring for a baby, toddler, child, teenager and young adult.

5. Basic Sewing.  We need to be able to, at the very least, repair clothes and sew on buttons. Making clothes for the family, or sewing drapes, and doing embroidery work, etc. are nice, but not essential in today's homes.

6. Laundry and Cleaning. To run a sanitary, efficient home, we must learn the basics of laundry and how to clean a house.

What if you don't know any of this stuff and are struggling at home?

 In the early part of the 1900's, homemakers clubs were available in many towns throughout the United States. This was where the women would get together to learn from one another. In my local town's Historical Society, there is a photograph of a group of mothers in a homemaker's club in the 1930's. Their support of one another was wonderful!

Today, we can join quilting clubs, cooking clubs and the like. We can also read books, watch videos and learn in many different ways. The important thing to remember is that we must always continue to sharpen our skills and learn because changes in modern culture and technology affect our work at home.

Some Quotes from the Experts:

-----------------------
"Home economics should find its way into the curriculum of every school because the scientific study of a problem pertaining to food, shelter or clothing… raises manual labor that might be drudgery to the plane of intelligent effort that is always self-respecting…Home economics is not one department, in the sense in which dairying or entomology or soils is a department. It is not a single speciality… Many technical and educational departments will grow out of it as time goes on."

Martha Van Rensselaer (1913)
Professor of Home Economics and Co-Director of the New York State College of Home Economics


--------------------------
"From the broad view of intelligent statecraft, the state will find an education in home economics a tool of the utmost importance in building up forces which increase physical well-being of the population and which make for a reduction in the number of persons thrown back to the state for support by reason of physical, mental, or moral failure."

Albert R, Mann (1930)
Dean, New York State College of Agriculture


--------------------------
"Home-making today should have a background of scientific training because only in this way can real efficiency be achieved. The average girl wants to be able to keep her house with the least possible strain, and in order to do this she must have good training. This can best be achieved by taking a good course in home economics."

Eleanor Roosevelt (1933)
First Lady


Blessings
Mrs. White


The Blessing of Long Marriage - Are you Still Tricking Your Wife?

The Reality of Life at our House, and the Retreat of  - Mother's Domain.

Come Home for - Real Old Fashioned Suppers.


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Fighting the Hectic Life

Home is to be a place of rest. The family should feel at ease and secure. If they are stressed from activities and the pressure of deadlines, or too many projects, there will be tension and misery.

A grumpy husband is soothed by a pleasant environment and a calm wife.  Rambunctious children settle down when they become familiar with a structured routine.

A wife who doesn't take on too many projects, can tend to her home and family duties with a sweet demeanor.

Often, we mothers put too much pressure on ourselves to accomplish too much, and it only leaves us weary.

We certainly have a list of daily tasks, but if they are a regular habit - a routine, we can handle them with an unhurried approach.

We make home a precious place, when we tend to our work in a sweet and steady manner.

Daily we must fight the mentality of being overly busy. We must deal with the onslaught of potential clutter of both things and life, so our homes can be places of peace and rest.

The sweetest reminder of having a peaceful life, is to take care of a newborn baby.  A baby brings out the quietest, most patient devotion in a mother. This helpless, precious infant makes everything else seem meaningless, as Mother sits in a rocking chair for hours, humming lullabies and cuddling that small child.

When the baby is content, mother tidies the house and smiles to the family. She looks over the crib, of that sleeping baby, with the greatest sense of joy. She has won the battle of giving up the hectic life, and traded it for a peaceful, settled life at home.

blessings
Mrs. White

Grace Kelly would never be one of those - Bossy Wives.

Do not focus on a visual result  - The Sum of Godly Motherhood.

It is the memories and daily actions - Homemaking Links the Generations.


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A Surprise from my Kitchen

The children and I will be having a little get together with Nana and Grandpa tomorrow night. We will have ginger ale and hot chocolate, cookies and brownies. It will be a lovely winter evening, here in Vermont.

Nana has asked me to make a few things. I will bake the brownies.

But there is a secret and I hope you don't tell her. (smiles) Grandpa and I love Lemon Meringue pie. Our favorite companies who make them (frozen) are Sara Lee and Mrs. Smith. But we cannot find either one around here!

So yesterday, I bought the ingredients to make it myself, for the very first time!

I will have to do my regular housekeeping chores first. I will have to start our little homeschool. I also have some errands to do. But when I am finished with my duties, I will put on some pleasant music and I will turn on the little lamp in my kitchen, and I will set a happy mood to make a very special pie for our party.

If it doesn't turn out well . . .   I'll just toss it out, and never tell Nana.  (gentle smiles) 

(Edited update - I made the pie, and it was delicious! I was surprised it only took around 30 minutes before it went in the oven. The only time I panicked, was when I was mixing the meringue. I had no idea how long it was supposed to take, but I called Nana for advice, and it worked out fine.)

Blessings
Mrs. White

My favorite cookie recipe - from our country store  -  Amy and Mommy's Bakery.

A Little Fun - 10 Thoughts on being a Housewife - Will Make a Feminist Laugh.

A Nice, Formal Breakfast at Home.


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