Wednesday, January 4, 2012

A Homemaking Lesson Learned from Mother White

A Girl Knitting by the Window

I learned to knit and crochet, as a young girl. One of my Aunts taught me some basic stitches. I continued to work with yarn on my own, until I was in my mid-teen years. . . By then I was too busy to bother with it anymore.

Somehow, I forgot how to do it. . .

I remember when I was pregnant with my first child. I was living with my husband's parents for a short time.  I spent each day, at home, with Mother White (my husband's mother). She was the classic housewife and kept a lovely home.  We would sit in the livingroom every afternoon and crochet while watching her soap operas.

I remember her re-teaching me how to work with the yarn. She would teach me a few stitches and then head into the kitchen to greet one of her visitors, or start cooking. I remember, repeatedly going back to her and saying, "What was I supposed to do?" or "How do I do that stitch again?" She patiently showed me, with a kind smile, and was proud of my efforts.

I never saw Mother White with a pattern, or book of stitches. She knew them in her mind, just like she knew her recipes.  Because of the stitches she taught me, I still remember exactly how to crochet her way. To this very day, I can crochet a baby bonnet, blanket, or scarf from memory without having to think about it. The pattern is permanently embedded in my mind, where Mother White carefully, and patiently, passed it on to me - just like a valuable family recipe.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Ever Wonder the Gentle ways of  - How a Housewife Passes the Time?

Heartbreaking time for older children, Come back home to -  Childhood Home as the Nursery.
Remembering The Old Sunday Dinner.






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Monday, January 2, 2012

Make the Mess Look Pretty

Minns House





What happens when Mother is too weak, or worn out, to clean? Lately, my main pastime is making the messes look neat.

I walk into the kitchen, see all the work I have to do, and instead of cleaning it, I tidy it up. I wipe down counters, stack dishes and just make it all look pretty.

It's not that I don't want to clean.  I enjoy my work, especially when I listen to sermons or old time gospel on my kitchen radio.  But I am so wiped out, physically, that I can barely function.

However, I think I can manage some work this morning. I should just do my marathon cleaning. I will have to give myself a full hour, rather than the standard 30 minutes. I need the extra time, to drag myself though the chores. (smiles)

I should probably include the children in this. . . Maybe I will write them chore letters? Or perhaps I will hand out chore cards?  I think the cards would be better, since letters would take more work for me.

After the hour is up, hopefully I will have cleaned the parlour, washed sheets, done laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and vacuumed. If that timer goes off, and I am not finished, I will just organize the mess, tidy it up and make it all look lovely.

Then I will happily rest for the day!

Blessings
Mrs. White


The comfort of The Light in the Window.

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

The Great task of Motherhood at - The Mission House.






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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Making History in the New Year

Country Road





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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Friday, December 30, 2011

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

The Legacy of Home

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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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Rural Housewives

Vermont Farmland, Country Church Amongst Houses, Aerial View


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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