Confined To The Nursery

We once lived in a large, three - story, house in historic Hull Massachusetts. Nearby was property that was owned by the Kennedy family.  At the time, I had three little children and was expecting my fourth.  I was home almost all the time. I made our food from scratch in the large kitchen with its enormous picture window with an ocean view.  Every morning, as the children and I sat at the breakfast table, we would watch the ships going by.  This was an incredible home and we were blessed to have lived there, renting the property, for two winters. 

These days, we are in Vermont and my children are mostly grown. My youngest (of five) will be 18 this summer.  Now there are five grandchildren to watch and to help care for. Three of those babies live here with us, while the other two visit now and then.  All five of the babies, and five of the children were here over the Easter holidays and it was a lovely time.

Yet, I am confined to home. I am confined to the nursery, yet again.  I am caring full time for 2 little grandchildren (ages 2 and 1), here at our 2 acre Vermont Estate.  I am much older now and cannot make all my food from scratch, or keep up with the housework, and take care of everyone without help.  I get tired. I experience unbearable back pain (gentle smiles), and I need the naps just as much as the babies do!

Sometimes, when I get overwhelmed with all the work - the loving guidance; the prayers and the lessons; the cheerful playtimes and stories; and the rocking of babies, I sit and write after they are asleep.  Or I will look at photographs.  This helps me see that we are not just living today, we are creating a history of our lives.  We are living and enjoying our days, despite hardships.  This makes me smile and brings great peace.

Today, I was given permission to share just one picture of 2 of the grandbabies (from my daughter - their mother).  I hope it will make you smile as you know that you are also often confined to home, and to your own nurseries.




Grandchildren on the front porch of Mrs. White's Estate

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

For baby and child care advice  - Old Fashioned Motherhood.

Happy days - Going out with Mister.








Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

A House Full of Babies

The house was full of people today. To have family and close friends visiting amidst our domestic duties makes the day go by pleasantly.

We have three little grandbabies here, ages 2 and under.  There are routines and schedules to follow but we can all visit and talk and laugh while we work and care for the children.

When it is time for someone's nap, everyone will scatter.  The house is kept quiet and peaceful so little ones can get their rest.

Many of our guests help with the work during the day. Some sweep the floor, do the dishes, or hold a baby.  We also organize and sort laundry, prepare snacks and meals, and do errands.  Someone will say, "Can I get you a snack?" or "Do you need anything before I go upstairs?"  The house becomes a lovely place for a flurry of activity and hospitality.

Someone prays with a toddler before meals.  I sing hymns while rocking babies to sleep.  Someone reads the Bible to me, or recites a beloved passage of Scripture.  We pray as needs arise, or as some burden is laid on our heart. 

We take care of these wonderful babies, and each other, gratefully,  knowing our foundation is strong in the Lord.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Happy Summer Days at Home - Walking the Gardens with Baby.

A Blessing to Be One - A Good Little Housewife.

For the Tough Times - How The Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty.







Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Despairing over the Cold

This is the time of year when despairing over the cold is common for me.   Last month we ran out of oil to heat part of this large 1800's house. I had an emergency delivery arrive the following morning.  It happened again the other night.  I was woken up in the middle of the night because there was no heat.  It was below zero outside and the temperature was rapidly dropping in the house.  I called the oil company first thing in the morning.

That day, the grandbabies and I spent the day in the parlour near the wood pellet stove. We couldn't play in their rooms because it was too cold.  The babies were entertained with toys, crayons, snacks and some children's movies.  Every now and then, one of us went downstairs to the nursery to get a few more toys. We had to wear a coat, it was so cold in there!

By midafternoon, our oil arrived and the heat was turned back on.  It took a few hours for the temperature to rise. The despair of being cold turned to joy. It is amazing how the simple comfort of warmth can delight the heart! By the children's bedtime, all was back to normal. 

After this ordeal was over I thought about the Pilgrims.  They had settled on the coast in a Massachusetts town.  Today, a living museum shows visitors the reality of the harshness of their living conditions.  Ocean air is bitterly painful and cold in the winter.  I cannot imagine how they kept their spirits up to get through the cold! 

In my father's boyhood days, everyone used a wood stove for heat.  The fire would be allowed to go out when it was bedtime.  The children often shared a bed and were covered with homemade quilts.  Mothers would also have hot water bottles or warm baked potatoes wrapped up by their feet for the children to give them extra warmth.   In the morning, someone would brave the icy cold and start the fire so breakfast could be made and the family would get dressed for the day.

In old remembrance books children wrote of waking up on cold winter nights to find snow had come through the roof and landed on their quilts.  They would also get dressed by the kitchen stove because that is the only place in the house where there was warmth.  These same children would attend a one room schoolhouse which was heated by a wood stove.  The desks would be moved to keep the children as close to that source of heat as possible.

These stories make me realize how very pampered I am.  But being warm is one of the greatest needs during a New England winter.  Many people spend the year saving for a family vacation, or a shopping spree. We spend our year saving up every dime we can to buy our heat for the winter.  I won't even let myself think of what it would be like to visit Hershey, Pennsylvania, Dollywood in Tennessee, or even Disneyland, because as wonderfully enjoyable as those trips would be, I am only able to sit by the wood stove in a rocking chair, reading my Bible, and waiting for the winter to thaw out into a pleasant spring. 

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

Please don't be one of these - Ex - Housewife.

A Summer Visit to our Property - Tour of the Estate Grounds.

For those Difficult Days - Prayers Which Cannot be Uttered.




Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




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The Laziest Mother in the World

I have been trying to conserve my strength by resting. This resting has gotten to the point of making me feel weak and ill.   The house does not look as lovely as I would like. 

I have been walking through rooms acting as if the little messes around me were normal.  All of my efforts have been focused on taking care of my two little grandbabies.  Despite this, I felt as if I was the laziest mother in the world! (gentle smiles)

The other day, I decided to find 15 minutes to exercise.  I did it just before bed so I could sleep!  The next day I was so tired, I feel asleep much too early in the evening. Those few minutes of exercise (using ankle weights and light hand weights) paid off. Today, I had more energy. I was able to take care of the babies, deep clean the kitchen, and still have energy.  My times of resting were more valuable and felt refreshing after doing all that work.

This was how my mother - in - law used to spend her days. She would work on dusting, organizing, polishing, and sweeping, then she would sit and relax in the living room.  She was a classic housewife who had a lovely, well kept, yet humble home.

Indulging in resting for too long can make us sick.  It can make us so weary that we feel trapped in a state of listless laziness.  We miss out on so much if we do not take care of ourselves.  We need a little bit of time each day to maintain our health.

As I realized that this morning, I put on a pretty apron and went to my kitchen. I have an old recording of Pasty Cline and played that on my kitchen radio while I worked.  The sound make me think of the old time housewives who were dedicated to organizing, home cooking, and cheerfully caring for the family.  It made me happy to work.  It also helped my health to recover, and my strength and endurance to improve.

It was a joy to care for the grandbabies and my home.  Yet I will admit that after doing my chores, it is lovely to relax on the little sofa in the parlour with one of the babies and indulge in a bit of restful "laziness."

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

Those happy moments - Time with Mister.

You Can Do it!  - Housekeeping With a Will.

Have you seen our Vermont Property? - Tour of the Estate Grounds.




Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Playing House in Real Life

I spend every waking moment caring for two of my grandbabies. Their every smile is my joy.  Their falls and spills are my opportunity to comfort and encourage them.  They brighten a room with their adorable presence.

When the infant cries, the toddler comforts her.  I love to see how much they love and care about each other.  I love to sit in the big chair, in the nursery corner, and read piles of books with them.  They mostly point to pictures and repeat some of my words.  They are learning.

I prepare bottles for baby, and simple lunches and snacks for the toddler.  I dress them in their blanket sleepers after baths, and dress them in their nicest clothes for an outing.  We are home, here at the Estate, for most of the time and it is a peaceful, happy place to be.

Sometimes there is crankiness or willful moments of temper, but we soothe them with our patient understanding and kindness.  I have many helpers here.

I love that someone else makes my lunch, or brings me tea so I can "Play house" with the babies.  I love that I have others to do some of my chores so I am free to sing lullabies and rock in the old chair with a baby.

I also love to do some of the cleaning while holding a baby.  One morning I had to vacuum the downstairs carpet, and the toddler got his toy push mower and "vacuumed" along with me.  I tell him we are "cleaning the mess."  He thinks this is part of our daily routine and is entertained.

Many of us had dolls when we were little girls.  We would have doll blankets and clothes and little beds.  We would keep our rooms neat and care for our "babies."  We did this so lovingly and patiently.  This is what it feels like, now, as I get to care for these precious children.  Yet, when I notice myself getting overtired or overwhelmed, I pick up one of the cherubs and kiss a chubby cheek and tell the baby what wonderful fun we are going to have in the nursery, and we go and play as if we have all the time in the world.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

A Wonderful Place to be - Grandmother's Nursery.


Mrs. White's latest book:

 - "Old Fashioned Motherhood - baby and child care advice from a New England Housewife."




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Sweet Holiness on Mama's Birthday

I had 30 minutes in the kitchen. Two of my grandbabies were in the nursery with their Uncle. He babysat while I went into my favorite room in the house.  I got out the bundt pan and made a chocolate fudge cake.  While I worked, I turned a CD sermon on my kitchen radio. It was by the late Dr. Curtis Hutson.  It was so precious!  At the time the sermon was recorded (I think it was in the 1990's), he had cancer.  He was in his last days here in this world.  Someone had to help him onto the pulpit, he was so weak and weary.  He preached a beautiful, heart-stirring message, and he also broke into humble songs. I sat on my kitchen stool and frosted the cake, as gentle tears came to my eyes.  These were tears of sweet happiness.

In old southern churches, congregants are often seen crying with a peaceful and joyous look in their eyes.  Onlookers may not understand. But what is happening is that the message being preached (through a heart close to the Lord . . .  a humble precious heart), causes a melting of the normal coldness and frost the world seeps onto our hearts.  Our tears are ones of holiness.  We are being warmed by the fire of godliness and it melts our souls.  It makes us well.  The tears, with a sweet smile, is a sign of happy joy in the Lord.

I was so grateful to be in the kitchen doing what I love on this special birthday.  It is a good day to be revived and reflect upon one's life.  

How much more work can I do for the Lord? Each day is an honor and a gift.  Each birthday I am drawn closer to my last day here in this world.  I am heaven bound.  Not because of me, but because of the dear Lord who is longsuffering and merciful. 

I am so grateful for the laborers in God's holy fields, who lift us all up and encourage us along the way - no matter how rough and difficult the road can be.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

We Need More of This - Homemaking Propaganda.

An Inspiring Life - Corrie ten Boom - In My Father's House.

Lovely Hymns - Singing Comfort to Baby.






Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Home Life in New England

I noticed some little pine cones around some of the trees on the front grounds of our Estate.  I thought it would be so nice to bring them in, and decorate.  I wanted to get back out there with my grandson and have him help me. He is 2 years old now.  But things got very busy with the care of the house and the care of two of my grandchildren.  My sweet, little grandboy has a sister who is 7 months old.  I remember walking around the property with him the first year of his life. I showed him my attempts at gardening and he loved being held while we walked and talked about the Estate.  His sister hasn't had that privilege. I have found it difficult, in my old age, to tend to both of them on the grounds without help.  I get tired much too easily.  So I have to conserve my strength, leaving outdoor playtime with the babies to others in the family.

The other day, I noticed new daisies growing by the front porch. I would walk by the window and see them starting to blossom from a large plant one of the children had given me this past mother's day.  I couldn't believe new flowers were coming at this time of year, here in cold New England, in November?  It made me smile.

I am making Thanksgiving preparations and want to get back outdoors to gather some pine cones to decorate.  I will have to make the effort, this coming weekend, to take my grandbaby girl out with me.  I need to show her what the grounds look like this time of year. I want her to see the leaves before they are covered by the coming Vermont snow.   I remember, this past summer, walking her by the back river as we listened to the rushing of the water on the rocks.  There is a serene peacefulness to being out in this quiet retreat we call HOME.  

I was tidying up my dressing room and found a miniature porcelain doll. It is a little pilgrim doll I bought, years ago, while in a gift shop at Plimouth Plantation.   I will bring it out to display on the hutch in the parlour. The children will enjoy seeing it when they come home for Thanksgiving in a couple of weeks.

I have limited Internet access, and have enjoyed being completely without it for a few months.  I hope to write here when possible, but will continue to send out a monthly newsletter.  Old fashioned mail is such fun.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Encouraging children to clean -  Nobody wants to Clean a Messy House.

A Challenge and a Privilege - Living on Mister's Income.


Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Old Fashioned Motherhood

I have taken three months off from blogging here.   During this time, we welcomed our fourth grandchild this summer.  We are also helping the great - grandparents as they pack up and get ready to move south. Things are changing at our Vermont Estate.

I have had temporary access to Internet this past week.  I wanted to let you know that a new book has just been published.  I wrote it as I was helping take care of my grandchildren.  I have been remembering all the things we did when our own children were little, and what life was like a generation ago. 

I put together a small little book, "Old Fashioned Motherhood." It is a short, but peaceful read that will encourage the Christian mother who is taking care of babies and small children.  It has little bits of advice on a variety of topics. 

"Old Fashioned Motherhood: Baby and Child Care Advice from a New England Housewife."

ISBN-10: 0692274731
The Legacy of Home Press


This is a 62 page, plain, paperback book with a simple cover.  It was written as I sat in a rocking chair by the parlour window, rocking one of my grandbabies.  I hope it will encourage you.

I would love your help in getting the word out about my new book.  I am very grateful for your support and encouragement!

I don't have much time online, but will be available for a few more days.  This will be the last post for quite some time. 

For those who are interested, I am writing a small monthly newsletter and sending this out by regular mail. It is free to subscribe. I only ask for a self-addressed-stamped envelope to make it easy for me, both financially and in the saving of time.  You would just need to email me to request my personal address.  Please find the details on the last post.

Writing this post is making me realize how incredibly time consuming blogging can be. (gentle smiles.)  Two of my grandbabies are here and they have just gone to bed. I have some tidying to do and then I will get my rest.

I hope you are well.  God bless you and your families!

love
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Getting the Children's Help - Nobody Wants to Clean a Messy House.

Poverty and Peace - Living without Credit Cards.

A Beautiful way to Live - Simplicity of Old Fashioned Homemaking.





Just in case I am able to come back:
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Nothing to Do in the World but Rock Babies

I have full charge of 2 of my grandbabies for much of the day.   We have set them up on a routine which is good for their health.  They get the "air" by going outside to play, and enjoy the sunshine.  They have their meal times and nap times. 

The other day, I had a fussy newborn and took her out on the front porch.  I snuggled her up with her Winnie the Pooh Comforter and rocked her in the chair.  It was such a pleasant day.  She drifted off to sleep.  One of the "Uncles" had the other grandbaby on the front property. The little one was toddling around having a marvelous time.  As I sat there with the children, I didn't think about laundry or cooking. I didn't think about the vacuuming. I thought that I had nothing better in the world to do but rock the babies!

Another day, the new baby would not be consoled unless I walked down passageways and staircases here at the old Estate.  I am sure that those in some of the rooms often thought a person was coming, but no one appeared!  Because we went up and down the stairs, over and over, and they creaked as we went. I can just imagine my daughter looking over her shoulder, towards the doorway, thinking that someone would be there any moment!  We do get amused over the littlest things around here. (gentle smiles)

Because it is so busy here, I have trouble getting supper ready. We tried to make it early in the morning to save for later. But that didn't work.  Yesterday, I did what little tidying I could around the care of the babies, but most of the work was not done until the little ones had gone to bed.  I made supper for the next day. It was beef stroganoff. This went into a casserole pan and was placed in the refrigerator for whoever had a minute to heat it up!  I also did the dishes, cleaned the rooms and made the parlour look nice.  This is what I will have to do each evening, so I can continue to have nothing to do but rock the babies all day!

Since we are losing our Internet, I have come to appreciate the longing for a quieter life.  When I was first notified a few weeks ago, by the great-grandparents who are in charge of such things here at the Estate, I was delighted! "Well, that is fine with me! I will just stop blogging." I was almost relieved!  Now, I love to write, and I love writing here, but I am constantly tempted to take on review jobs that are exhausting.  I honestly need a little forced break to quiet down for a season.  It was almost like the time when we lost our phone service. The company had made some mistake and the account had been compromised.  They shut off my phone and it took them weeks to set up my new service.  I didn't mind one bit, and I was happy to wait it out.  We had no phone for about a month or so?  What a delight that was to me! (gentle smiles)  Of course, there were difficulties when I couldn't talk to my grown children who live away from home.  I also had to retrieve an occasional message elsewhere when a need arose. But overall, I was happy without the phone.

I have come to accept these little "supposed" trials in life. They are a gift!  I am also looking forward to writing little letters and sending them out to any readers who want them.  I have already talked to many of you about this, and the response has been wonderful.  Very soon, perhaps in a day or two, I will explain how you can subscribe to my letters by regular mail. These won't cost you anything but a stamp! 

The babies are out with their Mother but will be back very soon. I have bottles to make and a kitchen to clean.  I have been watching old BBC programs of a series of Jane Austen movies and I love them.  I will find one and set it up.  I watch them in the afternoons while feeding the newborn. She  loves them too.

Blessings
Mrs. White

PS:  I will post at least once more before the end of May, when I lose Internet.  Most likely, it is only temporary. Perhaps I will be back in a few months?  Be sure to watch for information on subscribing to my letters by regular mail.

From the Archives -

So nice to have! - The Common Rooms.

Getting Along - Forgotten Kindness in Marriage.

Back to Blogging After a Long Illness - Sweet Rest.

My newest book is ready!  "Living on His Income." It is a small 64 page, paperback book.  It is designed to encourage the old fashioned housewife to live on her husband's income.









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Happy Days with Mister

 

Part of Mrs. White's front property in Vermont

Mister has spent the last few days working on our 2 acre property. He uses a "push mower" and did some of the gardening. He painted our picnic table, painted the wood posts that are around some of our little flower gardens, and made the yard look pretty.

While he has been outside, I have been indoors caring for the home.  I wash dishes, sweep floors, scrub sinks, prepare and serve meals, do laundry, hang clothes to dry, and take care of the family - especially the two grandbabies.  Mostly, I sing "Amazing Grace," and "Bringing in the Sheaves" while I work. And I hear the chirping of birds through the open windows.

This past year, I have had to be away from home.  He has missed me, and all the things I do here to make this place a home.  I have spent much of my time at hospitals and taking care of the great grandparents.  My absence has been greatly felt.  It looks like I will have to be away from this estate again sometime soon, when another new grandbaby is expected.  Hospitals and sick rooms keep calling me away.

This evening Mister said, "You have a beautiful yard, my dear."  He tells me he does all the work to make me happy.  I respond, "You have a beautiful house."  We both smile.  We are both weary from the day's chores.  We know we both work very hard here, for the family. It makes us both happy.

The other day, Mister said something special that has greatly amused me.  I was having difficulty with one of the faucets in this old 1800's house.  He keeps having to fix it for me.  This time, I asked him to please just go to the hardware store and replace it all.  He reached over to the faucet and fixed it in his own Yankee way, and said sweetly, "This is the way I live. . . You will have to learn to live this way too."  And I have been smiling ever since.  Because do you know what?  We live a charming, old fashioned life. And I love it.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

Have you visited our property? Tour of the Estate Grounds.

You can do it! - Housekeeping with a Will.

A Review of one of my Favorite books - "In My Father's House" by Corrie ten Boom.




Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Grandmother's Nursery

We have done some rearranging and set up a little room as a nursery for the grandchildren.  The room is one of the smaller ones, with a gate at the door.  There are beautiful wood panelled walls.  There is a crib, toy box, little bike, and a big chair in the corner where I can read stories to the babies.

I want to find vintage photographs to put on some of the walls. We already have letters and such for educational purposes.  The room is a cozy, happy place where I will spend part of my day with my grandbabies. 

Of course I will still take them along with me when I am cleaning and cooking. They will be busily occupied in carriages or highchairs on the upper floors where my kitchen and parlour are set up.  They will happily watch and laugh while I vacuum.  We will also go out on the grounds of this estate to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine all through the spring and summer.

But a great part of our day, will be that joyful little nursery. This is where I will rock the babies and sing them lullabies.  This is where all my attention will be for them.  This is where I will not be busy with anything but the care and nurture of babies.

Grandmother's nursery is a happy place for the children.  This will be their domain and the place we will love to play.

In every home, there ought to be a quantity of time devoted entirely to children.  It goes by much too fast.  While it may seem like mother or grandmother is not doing anything at all, she is creating incredible memories and security in the hearts of the babies.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Thrift does not have to mean serving rice and beans - Basic Cookery.

The Horse and Carriage ride with baby - Snowy Days at our Vermont Estate.

Remembering my Childhood - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.



Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

I Cannot Do it All

Photo is of a Garden park in Washington

The weather here at the Estate is lovely.  Mister has painted one of our picnic tables and it helps make the front property look fresh and new.  He also helped me plant cucumbers in a small front garden.  Our strawberry plants are thriving up on the hill. This is our third year as amateur gardeners.

Each day I open the windows and put potted flowers on the sills.  I have daises, mini roses, white flowers and purple ones.  These are all on the second floor and as I look at them, I can see the lower landscape of the property. It reminds me of a cozy apartment where window boxes and patio gardens are common. It is a touch of home that anyone can have.

I have vacuumed and swept and polished the rooms. I vacuumed the front staircase and cleaned the entryway.  I have done laundry and dishes. I have baked and cooked, and took time to enjoy my pretty flowers.  Then one day, not too long ago, My glasses went missing.  I am always losing them. But this time, someone accidentally stepped on them.  I normally use them to read and to drive. I also like to wear them when I clean so I can see all the crumbs and messes, to make everything look sparkling and nice.

 So this past week, with my impaired vision, I have learned another needed lesson. I cannot do it all.  Others have stepped in, and life has been more leisurely. I still clean and cook, but others are doing some of the sweeping and washing.  Others are doing all the driving. I was clearing off the table and doing dishes and one of the children said, "Mom, how can you still clean when you can't see?"  I told her that I had everything just about memorized and it was a habit to just keep working. 

The laundry and the housework are a basic part of my daily life.  But when I cannot see the jelly grandbaby has gotten on the floor, someone gets the mop and washes it all up.  I only notice it when I step on it. But someone comes along and gets it clean. (gentle smiles)

Because I cannot see very well, I am more quiet.  It has dimmed one of the senses that keeps one on alert and overly busy.  I work at a gentler pace and the family has been sweet about this, my latest handicap. 

Soon I will have a new pair of glasses. They have been ordered.  The money has come as a blessing from the Lord.  A donation came the day before the glasses broke.  I am taken care of by my precious Lord before a need has even happened.

I am thankful to learn that others come around me and help me through this life.  Even if this is just in housework and errands.  If you notice this post has typing errors, please understand. I have the keyboard memorized, but can't see well enough to fix my mistakes.  That is just like my life I suppose, flawed despite my best efforts.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Take Back the Kitchen! - Mother's Home Cooking.

Cleaning can be Recreation - The Care and Keeping of Home.

Remembering - Living without Credit Cards.



Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Bedtime at the Estate

The sun had gone down. The grandchildren had their baths - the toddler and the newborn.  John (16) and I scurried around doing dishes and cleaning the parlour. All the children's toys and clothing from the day were put away.  The last of the laundry was finished and we tucked in all the kitchen chairs. 

"It is almost bedtime. . " I called out to one of the children.  I shut off the bright lights and turned on some dim lamps.  This is part of the signal to quiet down the day.  A nice cup of milk and a blanket and pillow were prepared for the toddler.  He laid down happily and was quiet in his little bed.  The newborn went off with mother.  The house was quiet and peaceful.

John and I sat at the table and did our Bible time. 

Soon it was time for we grown ups to go to sleep.  It had been such a long day, with so much work - laughter and noise! We had cleaned and cooked and worked here at the Estate. We were tired.

I love that children have their own bedtimes.  We adults work very hard watching over them and tending them.  It is good for them to have a routine of baths and quiet and snuggling up in their little beds.  We parents need to have our own peaceful, evening routines after the young ones are asleep.

While we do not always get every bit of the day's work finished here, I love to take one last glance back over the rooms before the last light goes out.  It is a moment of gratefulness for all we have, and I am able to rest content in our happy home.

blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

When you are too tired - Make the Mess Look Pretty.

Inspiration for Mothers - Radio Homemakers.

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



Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Publishing at The Estate

Since late last fall, during rare moments of leisure, I have been working on a project with Mrs. Hultquist.  She is the author of "Dear Kitchen Saints."   Her marriage testimony first appeared in "Above Rubies" magazine in the year 2000.  She has been writing letters to homemakers for many years.  She has encouraged and inspired many wives and mothers at home.

This past December, we published her second book, "Dear Christmas Mothers."  I have read it many times and found that, no matter what time of year it is, I am always cheered on and ready to get up and make my home a happy place for my family. Her writing is endearing and full of old time wisdom.

In this Christmas book, Mrs. Hultquist mentions a cassette tape that was made nearly 20 years ago.  This was of 3 of her youngest 6 children, along with Connie and her husband, Jim.  She had taught the children to play a little bit of piano and wanted to make sure they knew the classic songs, like "Silent Night," and "Drummer Boy." She also taught them "Silver Bells;" "We Wish You a Merry Christmas;" and many more.

As readers of her books and writings have been very blessed by her work, we knew you would be curious to hear this recording.  With that in mind, and after much work by a team of us here at the Estate (Including Great- Grandpa's technical work), we were able to transfer this cassette tape onto a CD.  I chose a small selection from the recording and we created a final version for the public.  This Audio CD was just released and is available for sale.  Readers of "Dear Christmas Mothers" will love it.

You will hear the children singing, along with their parents. As you listen to the piano playing and the laughter of an everyday family enjoying home and being together, it will warm your heart.  It will inspire you to get out the old music books, and gather the family around while you create your very own homemade, old fashioned Christmas.

I realize April is an odd time to mention Christmas resources.  I want to explain my reasoning.  Very soon, we are expecting another little blessing here at our Estate.  I expect to be very busy helping with our new grandbaby's care, along with her Mother, and the full time care of my other grandchild.  I am also expecting another grandbaby shortly after that.  With all this excitement, I don't know what lies ahead.  Time will be limited. So I wanted to release the Christmas work before life here leaves me very little leisure.

I also realize Mother's Day is soon approaching.  Many Mothers would love to have Connie's "Dear Christmas Mothers" and the companion audio CD "Christmas at Connie's."  I know it will make an encouraging gift!

Audio CD:  "Christmas at Connie's - 1996  (The Home Recordings)

(The piano on the cover of the CD, is from Connie's home.)

Book:  "Dear Christmas Mothers" by Mrs. Connie Hultquist

(The framed picture on the cover, was taken from the Piano at the Hultquist Home.)

May you have a lovely Christmas, and I hope you enjoy these homemaking resources!



blessings
Mrs. White



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Gracious Homemaking

In the quiet of the morning, I am busy with home duties. I tidy the parlour, and start the tea.  I make Grandbaby's playpen look inviting.  His blanket is neatly folded over the side.  I take a little box and fill it with small toys. This is placed in the corner of the pen, along with a few carefully displayed books.  When he is brought upstairs by his Mother, he is excited to go in there while we prepare the morning meal.

I visit with the great-grandparents (who live with us) for a few minutes to see how they are doing.  I hear the plans for the day and then get back to my own home duties.

My teenage son sits at the table with me, over tea, and we study.  I have a stack of large books and have taught him how to use them.  We have The Strong's Concordance,  The 1828 Webster's Dictionary, Matthew Henry's Commentary, along with our Bibles.  We study in the parlour and then he goes off to do his own studies.

Soon I am busy with Grandbaby and his Mother.  We cook and clean and smile and laugh.  We talk as we work and we watch all the wonderful antics of baby.  Another little cherub will be here very soon and we are excited! 

I take a little rest in the parlour chair and try to read.  I have an afghan and sit near the fire.   It is not long before someone calls me away to another part of the house. I am needed for this or that. But I am ready.  My book reading is put down at any moment, because I am on-call for the needs of this house. 

Afternoon arrives and grandbaby needs his nap.  Portions of this house suddenly become quiet as we get the little one settled to sleep. 

The dinner hour is here and we start cooking.  There are dishes to do, and laundry to check on.  Often someone comes in - whether it is one of my grown children, or Mister, and wants to talk and have a little parlour visit. We take a break from our work to sit for a while.

It is getting late.  Grandbaby needs his bath and his bedtime.  I visit the great-grandparents again and make sure they are settled for the evening.  Then I do the evening chores while listening to old time gospel music on my kitchen radio.

We have evening prayers and a little Bible reading.

When most of the family has gone off to bed, I am back in the kitchen, doing those last minute chores which bring joy to the family - making it all look neat and pleasant.

This is gracious homemaking. It is cheerful work in the home and a kindness in caring for the family.

Blessings
Mrs. White



From the Archives -

Please don't be one of these! - Bossy Wives.

The Way it Should Be - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.

Marriage - When Groceries are the Presents.





Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Housekeeping - With a Will

Duty is very difficult in a self - indulgent world.   We wives often want to live in leisure, enjoy hobbies, and relax.  Today, the American Dream is considered to be all about retirement!  Yet, working in the home makes our surroundings pleasant, peaceful, and orderly.  I recently heard the advice from a doctor (from a 1940's movie) suggesting to his nurse that an upper class housewife should let some of her servants go, do 6 hours of housework a day, and then her health would be recovered in 3 months! 

"Duty with a will" means we have the right attitude of perseverance.  We do the daily chores despite our mood or emotions.  Often the task seems overwhelming and we have trouble even getting started.  Perhaps we have neglected the deep-down cleaning for weeks or months.  This becomes a mountain of impossibility!  But with a will, we can take each step and work little-by-little to make things nice.  Years ago, I read this old book about this young man who had to work in the fields.  I can't remember all the details but I remember him saying to himself over and over again, "With a will, Joe!"  And this became the motto of his life.  He did his duties and he did them well.

One of the sweetest things I've found to help get that "will" strong, is to dress for the day in a housewife's uniform.  This is a special outfit that says, "I am the hostess of this house and am happy to serve and make sure you are comfortable."    For some this may be a little jewelry, a special hairstyle, a pretty dress and . . . of course. . . a pretty apron.   This says that home is lovely and I am happy to work here.

Many mornings I have been giving myself little "pep talks" so I can drag myself out of bed. (gentle smiles)  Life can get overwhelming and exhausting and we have to learn to do our very best, despite these challenges. 

On a daily basis, grandbaby keeps me busy; my (mostly grown) children keep things exciting around here; and the care of my parents (the great-grandparents who live with us) have health issues which are a constant concern.    I also am dealing with a gnawing disappointment I feel because I have not been able to knit an old fashioned sweater- and- bonnet set for my new grandbaby, who will arrive next month.  Regardless of this,  I still have a home to keep, a husband to care for, and plenty of work to do; I will not despair.  I will do it, to the best of my ability, with a smile and with a will.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

P. S.  Thank you to those sweet readers who have sent me gifts and cards in the last couple of months. I cannot tell you how very precious those surprises have been to me and my family. God bless you!

From the Archives -


I am looking forward to doing this in the Spring - Walking the gardens with Baby.

It's all up to you, Mother - The Cultured Society of Home.

We need more of this! - Homemaking Propaganda.



Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

In Pursuit of Christian Duty

Early in the morning, I am awakened by a little baby being placed in my arms. It is my grandson.  I take care of him in the morning so his mother can get some extra rest.  I have given up on the idea of my early morning tea, as the sun rises, while I sit in the parlour.  Those kinds of mornings are a distant memory.   My hours, days, weeks, months are consumed with the blessing of Christian duty.  It happened gradually, my personal time, and my own way, being taken over with something far more precious.

We spent the last month taking care of Grandfather, and then Nana needed medical care.  I have spent an enormous amount of time in Hospitals this winter.   When I am home, I clean, do laundry and care for the family.  Being busy about the house is a privileged kind of duty that I am grateful for.  We have found ways to make the trials a bit of fun.  Many mornings, I would sit in the kitchen of the Grandparents, taking notes of the day's plan.  Did they need firewood? Dishes washed? Some errands run?  We made a plan for dinners.  It reminded me of Rose Kennedy, and how she would breakfast at home, ordering dinner from the domestic staff who cared for her family and house.

Some would say that we mothers are being run ragged, by all we have to do in a day. Some would be haggard and worn by such trials and hard work.  But as long as there are times of rest, and little homemaking breaks, we can manage beautifully.  This is a sweet spirit of Christian duty. 

All day long, there are silent praises and prayers uttered up to Heaven.  All day long, there is a pleading for strength and courage - and these are gently given. 

Many times we Mothers read our Bible in the twilight hours, or in a spare moment while children are napping, and we delight in a holy communion.   We do not seek Christian duty, we do not wonder what God would have us do; we simply make ourselves available for the Master's use and He will fill our time with His glorious work.  When we walk in His ways and Love His Laws, we will find Him in the humblest of work.  This brings us the greatest joy we will ever experience, this side of Heaven.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

A Special Time of Day - The Dinner Hour.

Getting Along with Mister - Forgotten Kindness in Marriage.

When we Married, we took one of these - A Vow of Poverty.





Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Tea in the Parlour

Won't you come in the parlour for a visit? I haven't had a chance to write in such a long time. I was called away from home for an emergency in the family. There had been an accident. Grandfather slipped on the ice and suffered a severe head injury.   Matthew (21) came along with me and Nana to be with him.  He was transferred from our local hospital to a Level 1 Trauma center in the next state.  The entire family, church family, and neighbors were in constant prayer for him.  After almost a week, he is now back home with us and continuing his recovery.

Nana and I spent some time in a hotel near the hospital, with Matthew as our "bodyguard." (gentle smiles) He did an excellent job and helped us tremendously through this entire crisis. 

When I got home, it was back to the normal routine with my family and caring for Grandbaby.  I had a new CD with Christmas songs of Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Perry Como and Dean Martin.  I walked baby through the rooms in his carriage, while the songs played in the background on my kitchen radio.  Baby heard the "crooning" of Bing singing "Silent Night" and he drifted off to sleep.  The old fashioned voices and songs from my kitchen helped settle me back into our cozy home.

My husband and children took on much of the care and work while we were away.  It has made life a little easier for me as I am now home.  Things are new, different, and a little better.  I have more quiet time since others have picked up some of my work.

All is well.


Thank you for your continued visits. I am grateful for your company and kindness.

Blessings
Mrs. White




Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

A Genteel Christmas Gathering

I have been up since early this morning, preparing for a Christmas gathering. The rest of my children will be coming home tomorrow.  We live in a rural area in Northern Vermont and the snowy landscape is lovely. There is a quietness at our Estate that is like a retreat.  The children are coming home from the city.  They are coming back to the old homestead for a happy time of eating and visiting.

Lately I cannot keep up with the messes my family makes. I have full charge of the care of my 15 month old grandbaby, along with my regular housekeeping duties.  Sometimes the men in our house are helpful with the cooking and cleaning but they don't "love" the house the way a Mother does.   My two boys, at 16 and 21 are "The Uncles" to grandbaby.  They help me with his care.  I am weary and slow-stepped. 

I have a great many plans for today to prepare for tomorrow's gathering. I want to bake and cook.  I want to make special treats for the children to take back home with them.  Things like homemade fudge, sugar cookies and muffins will go into little tins for them.   But I will do this in a very slow and steady way.  I turned on an old sermon on my kitchen Radio by the late Evangelist, Dr. John R. Rice.  It is "The Christian and His Bible."  This is such a tremendous source of Spiritual nourishment, it makes the work in the kitchen a joy to the heart.

Soon baby will be awake and my focus will shift almost entirely to his care. He will play in his highchair while I make batters and doughs.  We will sing together and see all the snow out the parlour window.  Then one of the Uncles will take him out to play before his afternoon nap.  There will be times of quiet and times of hustle, as we prepare for a happy Christmas gathering.

Yet, I know that nothing will make this family time wonderful without a loving, humble attitude.  Whether all gets done or not, is not the goal. It is the process of creating and of homemaking that will bring delight to our home. It is the happy smile and the effort that counts.  It is the thought and the love that will make it all worthwhile.

 I may, at times, be in the midst of cleaning a mess, or burning one batch of cookies, as I go along, but the sweet kindness that I spread, like rainbows in the middle of rain, is what will cheer the hearts of all.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives:

Recovering from the world - Lingering by the Hearth.

We dearly Need this - Homemaking Propaganda.

A Summer Visit to our Property - Tour of the Estate Grounds.



Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Snowy Days at our Vermont Estate

Grandbaby and I went on a horse-drawn carriage ride this weekend. We had the Uncles with us. "The Uncles" are my sons John (16) and Matt (20).   Uncle Matt wore his wool overcoat and a pair of sunglasses. He looked charming.  He held baby.  Baby loves both of his Uncles, but when there are difficult things to do, Uncle Matt is the one baby reaches for.   He held baby and comforted him during the entire ride. Baby felt safe and secure and very happy.

It is cozy here at home. Our wood stove is blazing and the gospel music is playing quietly in the background.  We will make a small batch of sugar cookies late this afternoon.

It can get bitterly cold here with temperatures below zero.  We have to close up some of the house to maintain heat in only a few of the rooms.  Our parlour is the main room where we keep it mostly cozy. It is attached to our kitchen. We put up a pretty floral quilt in the hall doorway to block out any cold drafts. It makes things look vintage and old fashioned to have a curtain - of - sorts for a door!

Mothers in the old days would stuff newspapers in windowsills and cracks in the walls to help keep out the chill.  Can you imagine how cold it must have been (before modern heating and plumbing) when families would wake up and find a sheet of ice over the water in a washbasin on cold winter mornings?

With heating costs so high, we have to work on overcoming depression and sadness on the coldest of days. We have to bundle up and think of our extra efforts at warmth as an adventure!  We may notice the pretty snow outside and decide to make a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate to provide an extra sense of comfort and warmth.  Knitting or crocheting by the fire (or electric heater) are nice ways to stay warm.   If one can bake or cook something special, it will certainly help heat up the kitchen.  It is good to set a "mood" or create an "ambiance" of home.

I love having a little lamp in my kitchen.  It adds a sense of gentleness to our evenings.  In just a little while, I will wash dishes and start supper.  Grandbaby will sit in his highchair and play while I work. I will give him little treats and little toys as I go along.  Then baby and I will sit by the window and look at the snowy landscape and enjoy the view from the second story of this 1800's Estate. It shall be another pleasant day in Vermont.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Are you doing this? - Creating a 1950's Like Childhood.

Keeping family Bible Time on Busy nights -  Cooking While Holding a Bible.

The foundation of a Christian Mother's Home - The Mission House.




Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.