Nobody Wants to Clean a Messy House

Cleaning to me is part of decorating. I go through the house and tidy things up and make them look pleasant to the eyes.  Home decorating is a way to create a nice atmosphere for the family.  This is done without money. It is done everyday when the chairs are made neat and pillows are fluffed. It is when furniture polish makes surfaces bright and gleaming in the afternoon sun.  It creates an ambiance.

I clean throughout the day, or else things will get out of control. I clean whenever I see something out of place, as I walk by the way. (Of course, stopping at a certain hour to end the day's work and enjoy some leisurely rest.)  I clean a neat home, but of course the work is a little harder at mealtime when the most work is needed to be done.

But nobody wants to clean a mess.

We have all walked into an unattended kitchen and seen spills and crumbs and dishes all over the place.  This is a messy mess and no one wants to go in there.  Very often this happens when it has been left to the care of children or teenagers.  They just don't have the experience to keep things nice and keep messes decent.

We have also seen a child's bedroom that looked like a tornado had been there.   No housekeeper would walk in there without sighing.  This is not a pleasant type of cleaning!  So we call in the child and we put them through a training session. I love to make these humorous.  I will say to the child, "I wonder what happened in here?"  To which the child will shrug and look around to survey the damage. It is almost like the child was oblivious to the mess until mother pointed it out.  I smile and say, "Well, let's clean this together."  Do you know why I don't demand the child do it alone? Because that would be unfair and too much. It is obvious that help is needed to get things under control.  I also use this time to re-teach how to do the work.  And lecture about cleanliness. This not only gets the message through, but sometimes bores the child so much they would rather have the room kept clean than have mother talk about cleaning for hours! (gentle smiles)

I will show the child how to make the bed by taking all the bedding and throw it on the floor. I will put on a sheet, arrange the pillow and make the bed.  I will talk while I do it, as if I am sharing how to make a meal from a recipe.  When it looks nice and neat, I will say something like, "See? Doesn't that look better?"  When the child's face brightens (probably because he thinks he got out of making his own bed), I will say, "Now it's your turn." I will take all the bedding and throw it back on the floor. Then I will watch and direct while the child remakes his own bed. 

Next we go to the bureau drawers. I start with one drawer.  We sort the junk from the clothes and fold and make things neat. Then I take it all back out and put it on the floor. The child redoes each drawer on his own, just like we made the bed. 

We go on to the bookcase, the floor, and all through the room until I have shown how to clean it all, and the child has redone my work. 

Granted, I must have time to do all this, and it only happens a couple of times a year.  But once the training session is done, that child does not want to hear me say, on another day, "Hey, do you want me to help you clean your room?"  (smiles)  Because now they have learned that it is quicker and easier to just do it on their own.

We can do this with any room in the house - the kitchen, the living room. We can re-do jobs with the children until they are ready to take on the chores responsibly and on their own.  Children should be taught to spend between one and two hours a day in personal cleanliness and chores. This is something they will have to do all through their lives.

However, sometimes when we mothers are too overwhelmed, sick, or tired, we might just walk into one of those messy rooms, sigh, and say we will work on it later.  We will just have to make that mess look pretty, rest up, and then get the help from the family to retrain and make the home look nice again.

This, of course, is the training ground for children to gain an excellent work ethic.  These skills we teach, to have a clean home where their own labor made it happen, is what helps build character.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Mother's Christian Example in the Home - The last Witness of an Era.

Pleasant Times - The Parlour in the Morning.

Motherhood - What I Learned from My Husband's Weariness.




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




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The Foundation of Cleaning

Very early in the morning, I cleaned the main rooms in this large old house.  I swept the floor, scrubbed the sink, counters, and stove.  I washed dishes, cleaned canisters, and made the parlour look nice.  This is the heavy sort of cleaning one does as the foundation of other cleaning. It is the deep down work that makes the rest of the day's work easier.

I will often rearrange the interior of the refrigerator to keep some order.  Things should be in their place - the milk goes here; the ketchup goes there.  This makes everything easy to find and not strewn about.  An orderly fridge makes one pleasant.  

The sun is just rising on the front grounds. The windows are open.  I will soon sweep the porch and tidy up the outdoors! (gentle smiles)  Cleaning is pleasant work when it is done with skill, purpose, and a little quiet.  (No one is under foot at this hour.)

Soon the family will waken.  I will hear the baby's morning cry in just a few hours.  He will want his breakfast and lots of attention.  He will want to walk the gardens with grandmother.  The children will make most of the meals, and I will enjoy some leisure in the afternoon.

For right now, I will rest content, with a cup of tea, because I have already accomplished a delightful mission in the home - I have done the day's foundation of cleaning.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Very Precious - Sweet Hours at Home.

She Seeks not Fame - The Behind-the-Scenes Mother.

When Mister and I had children, we took one of these - A Vow of Poverty.



Order My Books:


For Home-keeping Inspiration, - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 

A 90 Day Bible Study, inspired by John Wesley, -  "Early Morning Revival Challenge" 






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Echoes From The Kitchen

I have been listening to the old songs of Patsy Cline on my kitchen radio while I work.  The sound is not as crisp as modern recordings.  It adds a sort of nostalgic gentleness to my chores.

While I wash dishes, polish the stove, and sweep, the echoes of Mother's work goes throughout the house.  The sounds of the old music tells the family that Mama is busy in the kitchen.  It makes them happy to know that, very soon, there will be something special to eat, and the kitchen will be clean and polished.

The Echoes from my Kitchen will become a memory for my growing children.  They will remember all the work I did in there with love and creativity. 

I was talking to Mr. White yesterday about baking pies.  He wants a chocolate cream one. I told him I would try my very best to have a different homemade pie, or a special cake, for the family each Sunday afternoon.  It will be a new tradition.  Thinking of lovely things to do during kitchen time keeps things exciting!

There are many things we can do to make our kitchens homemade and special.  We need to enjoy being in there.  It should be our favorite place in the house.  Perhaps some lace curtains or a vintage flower vase would add special homestyle touches.  Or maybe a pretty basket for apples or oranges near the breadbox.  Whatever pretty things you can find to make your kitchen unique will help you enjoy the work so much more. . . And the Echoes of your Kitchen work will touch the hearts of all who enter.

Blessings
Mrs. White





For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 


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When Ironing Makes it All Better

There are days when housework is dreaded. We are not in the right "mood" to clean and bake and cook.  Or, perhaps we are letting some trial take over our mind, causing us to fall into despair.  This is sad, because once we start our chores, we are often happy and at peace. There is joy in dusting and polishing. There is pride in cooking for the family.  There is happiness in creating a pleasant haven in our homes. 

At times like this, one of my favorite things to do is get out the old ironing board.  I might get pillowcases and sheets if there is nothing else to iron, but I get something.  I can set up the board anywhere in the house.  It is nice to be near the children.  Or I might turn on an old black and white movie to watch while I work.

Ironing is done in a slow and careful manner.  It forces one to be peaceful.  This kind of work should not be done in a rush, or under stress;  Because that would take away its benefits.  Of course, the clothes we iron will look lovely, without wrinkles!  But the warmth of the iron and the steady movements we make while we work, will bring a calmness over us.

Husband and children will see this.  They will see something that is rare in this culture, where sloth and slacking are the goal.  Family will see that mother loves home and she loves her housework.  She will be with the family and they will see her doing the old homemaking tasks, the rare tasks that help make home special, and this will somehow bring peace in the home.

The next time you are not in the mood to clean, or you are overcome by sadness, just get out the ironing board and enjoy a precious task that homemakers have been doing for generations.  Trust me, you will feel so much better!

Blessings
Mrs. White


For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 



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Mother's Benevolent Society

One of the greatest opportunities for the homemaker is her charitable acts within the home.  If she can only delight in her calling, and lot in life, she can become a bright light of good deeds, noble virtue, and kindness to her family.

Sometimes when I would teach my children to do some little service, or help, for their siblings, they would perhaps frown or start to complain.  I would smile knowingly and say something like, "this will be a mitzvah.   It is a good deed, following the principles and commandments given by God, and He will reward you for it.  It is His work you are doing."  The term "mitzvah" was taught to my children when they were very young.  It is a Jewish term which is a keeping of the many commandments of God.  It has also been said that by doing a mitzvah, a bond is created by God and man.  There is a joy in it, a loving service for the Lord above, and that makes it precious. 

While we mothers are not always in the sweetest, holiest of moods, our main goal is to be kind hearted, and warmed by the presence of God.  This will pour through us, in our own actions and words.   In this way we are teaching our children the beauty of a life devoted to benevolence.

But what of the Mother's own actions?

It is very easy to become overwhelmed and even annoyed with all the work heaped upon us. It almost becomes a burden and a tremendous pressure that may crush us down if we let it.  Yielding to this work with a sweet temper is a herculean task.  It cannot be done instantly. It cannot even be done in our own strength.  But if we pray and read our Bibles, and sing our hymns and spend time in the holy worship of the Lord, He will give us the strength we need to do HIS work. . .  The main problem of yielding to our tasks is that we take on far more than we are capable of doing.  We often burden ourselves with impossible expectations and we all suffer because of it.

There is a simplicity in running a society of benevolence in the home.  There are basic tasks, and loving service, and little chores.  This slow-paced work should not be done in a hurry or under pressure.  These tasks should be done as unto the Lord.   The work can be done as many mitzvahs, with prayers and praises that continue to create a moment-by-moment bond to God.  This will bring us great peace and great joy that will fill us with a charitable, loving demeanor.  All who observe this, all who are the beneficiaries of this, will be warmed by this light and will carry on for us, and with us, for as long as we are in this society.

Mother,  will you become a member of the benevolent society? Will you set one up in your own home?    Will your influence and example affect your family and those around you with the beauty of holiness?

We must all remember this the next time a child whines, a dish is broken, the trash needs to be removed, someone is cranky, and when everyone forgets to do their own work.  We must remember to face these supposed burdens with a new excitement of doing mitzvahs and being charitable to those who have been placed in our care - including our guests, our children and our husbands.

Blessings
Mrs. White





For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  (It includes the story of "The Mission House" which sums up mother's godly work at home.)



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The Basics of Lovely Housekeeping

Some days it doesn't take very long to tidy up my house.  The kitchen is quickly cleaned, the parlour is neat, the laundry is in the machine and the floors are swept.   Once everything is in order, I sometimes wonder, "Have I done enough?"   or  "Is it possible that I can go do some other pleasant thing?"  Those are the lovely moments of doing basic housekeeping.

Yesterday, I was reading from Great Expectations.  One of my girls found a beautiful hardcover copy of this at Marshalls the last time we were in the city.  I was delighted when she bought it for me.   The rich literary wit and historical insights are amazing.   I found myself taking the book into other rooms in the house to share interesting passages with the children.  Next, I took an early afternoon rest by watching an old Frank Sinatra movie.   But one can only take so much of worldly amusements, so I turned on the gospel music and did some more housework.

Even though the day was slow paced and pleasant, I was still busy with the grandbaby, my teenagers and errands.  The housework seemed to take care of itself, in very quick bursts of cleaning.  I had much leisure time and was delighted.

When a child gets ready to do some home chore, he is often overwhelmed. He may procrastinate and take hours on a job that really only takes minutes.  This is what makes housework seem tedious, boring and painful.    When we mothers go in with a cheerful attitude and a spring in our step, we can make very basic housework look delightful.  We can accomplish a lot in a short time and then be free for other things.

One of my girls is like that.  She will go into a room, tidy up a mess in minutes and come back like she didn't exert herself in any way.  The bright happy look in her eyes and the pleasant proud smile delight our home.    She can make the house look so pretty with very little effort.

If we just realized that basic housework is only sweeping, cooking, washing, laundry and other such minor tasks, we would enjoy much more time of looking about the room, sighing content and sitting to rest in a happy, clean home.

Truly, Housekeeping is a lovely occupation.

Blessings
Mrs. White

When Things are Going Wrong - Forgotten Kindness in Marriage.

Keep it Precious - The Simplicity of Old Fashioned Homemaking.

Please Be One of These! - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.



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Free Presents for Mother

For my birthday this year, I devised a lovely plan that won't cost any money. I gathered my teenagers around and announced, "It's time for a family meeting. . . " I smiled. "About my birthday."

They came running.

I told them I wanted something so very much, and said they didn't need to spend a dime. 

One of them guessed, "We don't have to clean the house, do we?" 

"That's it!" I cheered!

But it will be much more fun than that.

I am putting together a lovely little package and will leave it on my kitchen table.  I will use a large shoe box and wrap it up with delicate wrapping paper. I will write on the top, "Happy Birthday Mother!"  Then I will put a slot in the top.

Beside this, will be a small basket with a great many index cards.  Each card will have the name of a specific chore, such as "dust all the baseboards."  There will also be a spot to sign the child's name, and the date the chore was completed.   This card will then go into the happy birthday box as a present for mother!  (The children will have an entire week to get these done.)

On my actual birthday, I will open the box, read all the cards and thank my loving children. I will then walk the house with great joy and see all the beautiful clean rooms.  I can't wait!

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Sweet Way to Communicate with the Family - A Mailbox in the House.

Financial Legacy - The Bills in the Whitman's Box.

No Money? - We Desperately Need These - Mothers with Christmas Courage.




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Mother Was Here

The baby kept me very busy today.   Sometimes, he will play happily on a quilt, or in his little seat. Then I can do the dishes, or start a load of laundry.  We all take turns holding him, while someone makes supper, a snack, or cleans up a mess. We work in the middle of the joy of this blessing of a baby in our home.

This afternoon, no one was around while I took care of baby and kept the house. The kitchen had its noon mess, waiting for attention.  While the baby played, I deep cleaned the stove top and one of the counters.  These two areas were spotless, while the other half of the kitchen was neglected.  But those clean sections brought me great happiness.  Looking at them, sent a precious message to say, "Mother was Here."

Years ago, my father used to joke about our childhood home. He said the house was such a mess that if the police had come, they wouldn't know if there had "been a struggle."  For the life of me, I cannot remember our house even slightly messy. This must have happened when we were all babies and toddlers.  But it is fun to imagine my very neat mother, with a messy house.  She knew what was most important.  I am sure she had clean spots in her house that sent the bless-ed message that, "Mother was Here."

We all know that babies don't keep.  Lately, I spend most of my time sitting by the window, in my grandmother's old rocking chair, holding her great-great grandchild, and wondering how happy she must be, smiling down at us from heaven.  

Each Mother, in each generation, leaves legacies, memories, creations and sweet lessons. Their diligent work in the home, and their caring for babies, is their greatest accomplishment in life.

How precious is the comforting evidence in our daily lives, that "Mother was Here."


Blessings
Mrs. White

Please Be One of These - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.

A Precious Home Life - Security of Home Routines.

I am - A Mother of Sinners.



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The Care and Keeping of Home

There are so many things I would like to do at home, but they are all related to recreation. This makes it difficult for me to actually work in, and around the home.  I would rather have a day of ease and enjoyment.  This is mostly a daily battle. 

I have to make housework fun and pleasant so it seems like recreation.  Yesterday, I kept calling for my 15 year old son, John. I told him, "We should spend some time together. Since I love cleaning, let's do that!"  He would just smile and walk away.   He thinks I am funny. But I was serious. (gentle smiles)

There has to be some way I can make housework exciting for my family.  Sometimes we talk and laugh while we work. This is a great way to pass the time, and get things accomplished. But here is the problem - it is not really about getting things accomplished, it's about enjoying the process of maintaining a home.

Right now, here in New England, it is shockingly beautiful outside. I think I will sweep the porch. Maybe someone will rake the leaves while I am out there. Then we can sit and visit before coming back inside.

I  can also ask someone to help me bake cinnamon rolls.  I am sure plenty of people will help us eat them!  There is fun in family - centered homemaking.

Little Girls used to dream about having a house and a family of their own. Now that we are grown up, isn't housekeeping and motherhood just as exciting as it was then? Or did we forget to make our own fun, and enjoy playing house?

Creating meals, setting tables, washing dishes, baking, and reading to children are all lovely activities.  .  . There can be joy in cleaning and organizing.

I wonder. . .  Can't we all just wake up excited to be able to wash our floors?    Maybe If I ask John to help me. . . .

Blessings
Mrs. White

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

I'd Love to Have one of These - A Jane Austen Day - When Mother is Worn Out.

Do You Wash Your Dustpan? - A Little Visit - Happy Homemaking.


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I Don't Need a To - Do List

I have come to realize that I only need a list of things to do, when I have been slacking, or out of it. I know that sounds harsh, but when I do my daily, normal routine, I don't need a list.

Why would I have to read a piece of paper to tell me to wash the dishes? Or if I notice the floor needs sweeping, will I check my list first?

Making a daily list can limit our joy and creativity in homemaking.  There are certainly times for a list (for example - during spring cleaning, or when extra things need doing).  But for daily work, a list can be a hindrance.  It interferes with the normal flow of the day.  It makes one focus more on the paper, than on what we see before us.

I want to wake up each day, and be so good at my job as a homemaker, that I know what to do without being told (by a list).  I want to wash mirrors, dust furniture, wash floors and sparkle counters because I see that it needs to be done, not because of a piece of paper.

Early yesterday morning, I had the care of my grandbaby.  He is such a treasure. I sterilized bottles, made a batch of formula, and prepared his morning bottle.  I also washed dishes and tidied up the rooms, while he played. Then I sat in my parlour chair and delighted in feeding and holding him.  After he fell asleep, I gently placed him in the crib for his nap.  I went back to creating a happy and orderly home, while frequently checking on him. 

No list in the world could have given me such joy, as taking care of the baby while doing my homemaking duties.

Blessings
Mrs. White

I am - Not Happily Married.

Such joy in Cleaning - It's Time to Make the Rooms Shine.

For Those Difficult Days - Make the Mess Look Pretty.




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The Morning Work

The sun has not yet risen.  .  .  The house is quiet. . .  There is pleasant work waiting for me. . .  I turned on the parlour heater and will start polishing and cleaning before my family wakes up.

I will turn on some quiet classical music (Mozart) and I will work by lamp-light.   It will be a lovely morning of work.

When the family wakes up, all will be clean and neat. . . all will be well.  Their morning moods will not phase me, because I will have been in the quiet sanctuary of a godly home.  I will be prepared with the armour of kindness, patience, endurance, and I will be full of a slow and sweet temper.

This will happen because of the seclusion of my morning work.

Some rise early to run, exercise, or go to the gym. But this housewife rises early for the precious joy of keeping the home.

Blessings
Mrs. White


Sweet Childhood Remembrance - Memories of Ironing and Other Chores.

I want to be just like this - Something to Ponder.

A Very Special Place - The Comfort of a Dressing Room. (With a link to hear my voice.)


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The Duties of Home

In hospitals, "housekeeping" comes in each morning and cleans the rooms. Trash is removed, the floor is swept, the room is disinfected and everything is put back to "rights."   These same tasks are duties that must be done in the home.  However, sadly, housework today is often neglected because our mentality of "freedom," catering to our moods, and the idea that chores are to be done on a flexible schedule (in other words: when one feels like it).

Honestly, I fight with this attitude myself. It is a daily battle.  But we must do our sweeping and our washing and our cleaning and our cooking, all at routine, expected times. This brings order in the home. It brings stability, and it keeps things pleasant and clean.

The best way to do this, is to make it a habit. There should be morning duties. There should be afternoon tasks, and evening work. This is a highly valuable job and it should be done with pride, despite our lazy moods.   I am as much to blame as anyone else!    Underneath it all, I have the mindset of an entitled, pampered, slacker. (gentle smiles)  This is why I often have to set a "mood" to clean and keep house.

I have to turn on a sermon, or old gospel music, on my kitchen radio. I have to light candles, fluff pillows, and straighten the drapes before I can start anything.   Once I commence my work, I love it!  I love to vacuum carpets, polish furniture, shine mirrors and do dishes by the back window.  The hard part, for most of us, is just putting down the cup of tea, setting aside a good book, and getting out of a comfortable parlour chair to do the chores.


Blessings
Mrs. White

Please be one of these! - A Wife Who Does Not Complain.

Is It True? - Only Rich People Have Clean Houses.

For Those Very Sad Times - Trouble with Teenagers.




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Desperate for 10 Minute Cleanings

Throughout the day, I look for opportunities to clean. I might wash a few dishes, straighten an afghan, sweep a floor, or tidy a bookcase. These little touches help keep the house in order. 

When things get really busy at home, with activities, the needs and troubles of children, and the constant care of the very young, there is little time for housework.

If I gave up and just let all the work go, my house would be an embarrassing shambles.  There would be no excuse.  I would be utterly ashamed of myself!  This is why I love to take 10 minutes here-and-there, throughout the day, to clean and organize. If I keep up with things, in this way, and a catastrophe hits, it is okay to stop my work and tend to other duties, without my house looking like a filthy unkempt home.

We mothers need to be proud of our homes and our work at home.  If we don't take pride in our work, we will not give our best effort. 

Sometimes our moods will interfere with our ability to work.  When this happens, it's time to bring in rainbows and happiness. Whatever ambiance you can create to help you get to work, would help tremendously. Sometimes I listen to Bing Crosby singing Christmas songs! Other times, some gospel or classical music is what I need. I also love to clear off the kitchen table and light a candle. I then clean around the prettiness I just created.  Your mood will seriously affect your work ethic. Don't let sadness, annoyances, worries or laziness take away your pride of a neat house.

The grounds of our homes, the front porch, the entryway, and all the rooms inside, give an image of the type of hospitality and love that comes from our family. It must be neat and inviting.  This takes a cheerfulness, and a willingness, and a love of HOME. 

Blessings
Mrs. White

Solid Old School Advice - Keeping House with Small Children.

To Encourage You - How the Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty.

Never Forget This -  The Home Road to Heaven.



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Home Studies in the Evening Hours

In the old days, farm families worked hard on their land. There were plenty of chores for the entire family.  Yet, somehow, they managed to do some studying and schoolwork.  Since homes were not full of distractions (like television, video games and computers), studying with the family was a lovely way to pass the time.

Today, many homeschoolers use a strict schedule of starting school at 9 a.m. each day.  I used to do this when my children were little. As they got into the teen years, life became more complicated. It was no longer the sweet, slow-paced "nursery" phase.   In this modern day, we are also going to be constantly fighting to maintain a balance of using technology (being entertained by it) with learning, studying and producing.   This lesson must be learned by today's children.

In the last week, with the addition of a new baby in our family, I have been very preoccupied.  There has been more laundry, more cooking, and much more work for me.  This also means less sleep! (gentle smiles).  Even though this is a joyous time, I have been struggling with a way to keep up with homeschooling my 15 year old (John).  He needs to be reminded to do his assignments. He needs to be motivated and encouraged to do independent work.   Daily I have been trying new methods to get him on track. 

Tonight, I think I found a solution.  Our spending time together is centered around chores and school.  When we are together, it is when we are cleaning or cooking, or he is reading me his McGuffey or a Bible passage.   Tonight, even though we were both exhausted after a long day, we sat at the table to do his math lesson. We laughed at all the mistakes we both made. But this helped our analytical skills as we found the mistakes and re-solved them.  This is what quality time has become in our home - a time for learning. 

Life never lets up.  We often say that tomorrow, or next week, we will fix our routine.  Or when things calm down, we will get back on track. But life will keep throwing us something new to juggle.  The goal is not to wait until things are better, but to do them in the middle of the challenges. 

Right now, maybe I can't play cards with John or watch movies with him. But I can do school.  School became the fun.  We are fitting it in, the same way things were done in history; after a long day of heavy chores and hard work.  Our home studies are happening in creative ways.  They are happening in a simpler way, from a simpler time - by the hearth, with laughter. . .   It has become our evening entertainment.


Blessings
Mrs. White

Oh, Let This Not Be True! -  Only Rich People Have Clean Houses.

Much Better to use these - Mother's Rose - Colored Glasses.

When There Isn't Much Money - The Homemaker's Despair.



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Making Room for Life

A year or two ago, I packed up hundreds of books and donated them to my local library.   The books were taking over and they had to go!  I went through a major withdrawal period, thinking I "lost" books I would need later. But eventually I forgot about them. 

This is happening again.  More and more books have entered my home. They are in my "dressing room," the hall bookcase, and the bedrooms. It is too much.   I hate to let more go, but I will pack some up today and give them to the library.

I need to make room for living.  I want an uncluttered home. I will keep only those books (and items) that are meaningful for me on a daily basis.  I realize it will be painful, but this type of de-cluttering must be done consistently, in order to keep our home pleasant and functioning.

Many years ago, I visited the beautiful old home of a neighbor. She was a retired teacher in her 80's.  She showed me her home library. She had plenty of rooms, and this library was elegant and lovely.  Her collection of books were old, but important to her.  She said we should never get rid of our books.  Her wisdom sometimes gives me guilt when I want to de-clutter. But I know that if I only get rid of books that are "fluff" or not important to me, then I am not necessarily getting rid of them, but sharing them with others, while making room in my home for what matters to me most.

So today, I will vacuum and sweep and clean my kitchen. I will do laundry and homeschool. But my main project of the day will be to fill up a couple of bags full of old books and get them out of the house before I change my mind.  I want pleasant rooms in this house, and this mission is essential to our happiness.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Frugality - When We Can't Endure a Little Hardship.

What The Store Clerk Said to Mr. White - Are You Still Tricking Your Wife?

Everyone works together - Family Economy.



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When Cooking and Cleaning is Too Much

 

I've gotten into the habit lately of cleaning without cooking. I do dishes and polish the kitchen two or three times a day. I have a little help, but mostly enjoy the work alone, while listening to sermons, or gospel, on my kitchen radio. It is a peaceful, happy time, working in the kitchen.  I also keep the other rooms neat and do most of the laundry. I enjoy this work very much.

But if I add cooking the meals to that? It would overwhelm me.  My teenagers have taken over the cooking for now.   Amy (17) often makes the lunches or suppers. John (15) makes tea, snacks and some of the meals. Matt (19) will occasionally make a meal for us all, but mostly  makes himself something easy to eat very quickly, since he is on a busy schedule.  Mr. White makes a big breakfast in the early morning hours, each day. Whoever is awake gets to enjoy a hearty meal with him. But we are all mostly asleep at that time!

As the cold weather is approaching our rural Vermont town, I will want to start making beef stew with biscuits, or lasagna and Italian bread. But first I must build up my strength and get some energy.  To cook and to clean when one is often weary can be too much!

The other afternoon, I sat in my parlour chair with a nice book.  Matthew was in the kitchen making an early dinner.  He brought me some ginger-ale.  I was delighted! The more rest we mothers get, the more work we are able to do pleasantly.

To do my work in a slow-paced manner, I have to have plenty of helpers.  Children and teenagers have a tremendous amount of energy. They can sweep a floor, take out the trash, clean a bathroom, sweep a porch, do dishes, cook meals and many other things very quickly!  But I wouldn't want them to do everything. I would feel left out of the fun of housework! 

So I rest as much as I can, doing enjoyable things  - like reading or watching an old movie. I also love to visit with the family in the parlour.   I consider my housework my "breaks" from my "rest."  I can spend much more time resting, and doing what I want, if my breaks are the chores.  (It's kind of like rushing through doing dishes during a commercial.)

blessings
Mrs. White


In Marriage - When Groceries are the Presents.

Wisdom for Homeschooling - Education Must Not Be Rushed.

When Things Get Really Rough - Make the Mess Look Pretty.




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Woes of Housework

Inside Yard, Venice

In the quiet of the morning, I bustled about to do my chores.  Everyone was still asleep. I turned on the old gospel music on the kitchen radio and tidied up the kitchen. I found all the dishes in the house and got them soaking.  I cleaned the parlour and made things look nice.

Walking through the house to inspect things, I checked the washer and dryer and found them empty. I scanned the room and was quite content. Until I noticed  the empty wicker shelves. What had happened to all my clean towels?

"Oh no!" I thought as I looked out the window.  But yes, there were all my towels hanging on the clothesline, soaking in the morning dew! I had left them there all night and all of yesterday!

I quickly brought them in, one by one, and threw them in the dryer. As I worked, one of the old clip-style clothespins got caught on my finger!  I suppose all the heavy labor of pulling towels in through the second story window was too much for me so early in the morning!  I was in enough pain to decide I could not wash the dishes. . .

Instead, I had a cup of tea and a little toast. I sat in my parlour chair and read a lovely book.  Now that I am telling you all this, I realize that typing is not causing me any pain.   I am now perfectly capable of washing those neglected dishes!

I hope your day is lovely!

blessings
Mrs. White

Calling the Weary, Older Ones back  - Childhood Home as the Nursery.

What Happens When - Mother is Late for her Shift.

Some Ideas - Getting Along in Marriage.




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Simplicity of Old Fashioned Homemaking

We've all seen the busy housewife, who decorates and bakes and throws delightful parties.  She shops and she plans. She is so active in, an out of, the home, that many look at her and wonder where she gets her energy.  Most observe her life and despair of trying to mimic her!  She is her own star and she is unreachable!

There is another way.  It is the humble, basic way of simplicity.  It might look meager and poor. It might even look too easy.  But this way can be obtained by far more housewives, if they only realize it is okay to be simple.

There is a slowness to it. . . There is no ambition. . . It is the quiet servant - the meek one, who guides the home.  This housewife putters around the house and yard, cleaning and cooking in her own way. 

In the old days, oatmeal or porridge was the morning meal. Perhaps some bread and butter went with it.  No family was served processed, sugary cereal because it had not yet been invented.  Now today, can you imagine serving morning guests some oatmeal?  How many would balk at it?  But it is healthy and nourishing and warm and comforting!

A simple lunch of baked beans and biscuits with hot tea might be served during the afternoon break from chores.  This isn't a take out meal, or a fast food lunch. It isn't an elaborate planned out menu item.  It was what was available in the pantry.

Domestic occupations were not about planning elaborate events for the home. The simple duties were for the comfort of the family and basic survival. The laundry, the sweeping, the mopping, the cooking, the dusting were all on the normal agenda at home.   The homemaker would put on her housedress and apron and be "on duty" for the day. She was there to tend to the home and family.  She was not the 'event planner' or the one to spoil the children by gratifying their every worldly "want."

There is something very basic and very lovely about an old time homelife.  Bible reading and family prayers were done morning and evening. The family would have afternoon prayers with the noon meal.  They would break from their labor to worship the Lord.  Thoughts of heaven, eternal rest and joy were the ambition.   The focus was on the journey home and the blessed example they could leave to those around them.

Many of us crave this kind of life, but we are often tripped up and confused by what goes on in our culture.  A routine of homelife, the act of ironing or washing floors in the quiet of the morning (while praying or singing old time hymns) can help keep us grounded.  Are we not pilgrims and strangers on this earth?  May the Lord help us avoid acting like the "stars" of this world.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Remembering - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.

A Modest, Struggling Life - Living Without Credit Cards.

After a Difficult Illness - "Dear Kitchen."


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Knowing When To Quit

Homemaking is an endless occupation. There are chores and errands and cooking to do. We also have our own ideas for projects and hobbies. I am often overwhelmed to the point that I have to force myself to sit down.

Today I thought about making a new dress, starting a knitting project, catching up on some book reading and baking some muffins.  I had so many ideas racing through my mind that all I could do was sit at the table, look at my son (John) and say, "I am bored."  How could that be?  Because I was so overwhelmed with my plans that I couldn't do anything. I finally played a game of "Charlie Brown" Yahtzee with John so I could get my mind to stop and relax.  (The pictures on the dice and can made us smile, and cheered me up!)

Pacing myself is one of the hardest of trials in my life at home.  I did manage to clean several rooms, go out on an errand, read, make a nice lunch and bake a cake.  Finally, late this afternoon, I decided that it was time to quit. It was time to be finished for the day. It was time to stop doing anything and just be at peace.

My evening will be one of relaxing. I will enjoy hobbies at my own pace and listen to classical music. I will light a lilac - scented candle and knit, or hand-sew, in my cozy parlour. I will drink tea and not worry about anything. 

Just a little while ago, I told my youngest child (age 15), we are finished for the day. No more chores.  Everything is perfectly neat. If it gets messed up in the next few hours, we will just leave it for the morning. He was delighted!  He was off duty from helping me and I was off duty from housework (and of nagging for help! - smiles)

 Sometimes, one of the greatest secrets of joyful homemaking is knowing when to quit.

Blessings
Mrs. White

The importance of Mother's Cleaning Recovery. 

All about Proper Manners - Getting Along in Marriage.

Help from my Son on a Very Sad Day - Presents To Cheer Me up. 




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How Much is a Housewife Worth?

It amazes me that people still think homemakers lay around and do nothing.  Obviously it varies in each family, but for the most part, a working- class housewife is very busy, and saves her husband a fortune.

Here are some examples of what she does on a regular daily/ or weekly basis. (Please note - I am speaking generally here. This is just a list of very common examples of what many housewives do at home) -

FOOD

1. Cooks Homemade foods (saves money on restaurants). 

2.  Her home cooking keeps the family more healthy (less doctor bills or health troubles).

3. Her homemade meals and snacks fill the family up, so they are not as likely to eat large amounts of expensive store -bought junk food and snack items.

4. Her meal planning and frugal shopping strategies is like doing inventory-control in a restaurant. She works hard to avoid waste and excessive spending, keeping the grocery budget in line.

TRANSPORTATION

4. If she is home most of the time, she is not wasting money on gas, or impulse spending.  There is less wear and tear on the car. 

Being home helps her be more creative and resourceful. When she is less stressed, she can do more work at home.  (This is not to say she should never go out!)


MAID SERVICE

5.  It would cost $40 and up each week to hire a maid to deep clean the house.  This includes washing floors, dusting, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms and scrubbing the kitchen.  The housewife does these jobs herself. She also trains her children to help  with these chores.

CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION

6.   Hiring a babysitter or putting the children in day care can cost something like 100 plus dollars each week.  A Housewife who is home, can take on this job herself, saving a fortune of the household funds.

7. Tutoring, teaching and training of young children can generally be done by the housewife. Some homeschool their children which saves a fortune in "back-to-school" clothes, tuition, and transportation.

MEDICAL CARE

8.  Mothers who are home can nurse their families back to health, and help maintain their well-being. They can also help prevent the spread of germs and build up immune systems with their careful nursing.  Mom will certainly bring sick ones to the doctor when necessary, but she is able to generally care for many things on her own.

9. Housewives are also called on for psychology. They listen and guide and help solve the family troubles.  Their loving concern and attention soothes the aches of others and helps them back on the right track.  Since these mothers are home-focused, they are not being pulled in all directions, and have the time to peacefully handle a crisis when it comes along.


HOUSING

9. She is generally more content with a less expensive home.  There is no need to maintain an expensive two-income property. This saves money on insurance, repairs, maintenance, upkeep, mortgages, and so much more.

10.  The housewife can do her own frugal decorating. She can keep a nice (yet humble) home with all the time she has at her disposal. 


PEACE

11. Have you ever noticed the joy of going into a home where the mom is home and happy? The house looks fairly neat. The children are being cared for.  There is good food waiting to be served.  It is a happy place to be. [Is there a dollar amount for that?]    Of course, this is not to say that a housewife will never get grumpy. How boring would that be? - gentle smiles.

BIBLE TRAINING

12. The Housewife is able to have time to teach her children the Bible, to read with them and to encourage them to have strong religious values.   Abraham Lincoln grew up in a home where the Bible was valued, respected and read.  The Word of the Lord brings wisdom and this helps raise good citizens.  When a Home has the constant presence and  influence of a godly mother, such great things can happen to a nation!  [What is this worth in dollars and cents?]

(Are we, as a nation, losing more than just money when a diligent housewife is no longer at home?)


Please consider adding up how much is spent each month when a housewife doesn't do these things at home.  I know it would be time consuming, but those dollars and cents add up to a considerable sum of money, which could be used for so many other things.  Imagine taking that monthly figure and multiplying it by 12, then multiply that by several years, and you will have an amazing nest egg that will astound you.

What if having mom home made it possible for the family to NEED LESS INCOME?  Would the Dads be able to spend more time at home? Would the family have more time together?

Perhaps this is one way of getting off the common money quest, and of hiring out all the work a housewife is capable of doing at home.  

Now tell me, how much do you think a housewife is worth?  And what other ways is she saving her family a fortune?

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Very Sweet Encouraging Book,  - Mama's Bank Account.

Bringing back excitement and hospitality - Just for Company.

Work at Home - No One Respects Homemaking Anymore.

A Very Precious Home Industry - The Gentle Art of Homekeeping.





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