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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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. 

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."




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

The Common Rooms

In every home there are common rooms. These are the rooms where everyone congregates. They are like public rooms which the family enjoys for eating and recreation.  Each member of the household has a bedroom for their personal belongings.  The common rooms include items the entire family can use.

One way to keep a home tidy and inviting is to encourage the family to keep personal belongings (such as clothing, shoes and papers) in their own bedroom.  Most of us will bring things into the dining room and write or sort, or perhaps leave our shoes in the entryway for a time.  But we should be encouraged, after a reasonable time, to put those items away. This will help keep the main rooms nice and neat.

To enjoy the main rooms, they should be well dusted, swept and vacuumed.  The furniture should be polished and any curtains or linens should be regularly washed and cleaned.  This keeps the rooms fresh and pleasant.   Chairs should be kept in their places, or tucked in an orderly fashion. This is pleasing to the eye and brings peace as one enters a room.

If there is a cabinet, bookcase, or hutch, these can be stocked with games like chess, checkers, battleship, scrabble, monopoly and other fun items the family can use when they are gathered together. 

If at all possible, most of the main rooms should not contain a television set.  They should be rooms for visiting and talking and for enjoying fellowship within the home.  A television could be in another room - like a living room or family room. Today, many have TVs in their kitchens and dining rooms, or in every room in the house.  If the house can accommodate at least one common room - one main room - for just visiting and enjoying each other's company, without personal belongings or clutter scattered about - this would be a very pleasant place which helps make a house a home.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

Good manners and making the morning formal - Breakfast at Home.

Hard work - Homemaking Survival.

From 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. 

Running Away from Housework

Each day this past week, an errand called me away. This meant that my work at home was done by someone else.  I would listen to symphonies on the classical music station in the car.  Peacefully driving down the road, one would have thought I was running away from my housework.

There is certainly plenty of things to do here at the Estate. We have a patient to care for, a newborn baby, a toddler, and the rest of the family who need nourishing meals, clean laundry, and a clean and sanitary home.  They also need a pleasant home and a cheerful place of rest. 

We are in the midst of a thorough spring cleaning, which is often delayed due to the cold, prolonged Vermont winter.  How does one wash windows and clean screens when one cannot open the windows due to the bitter cold?  But the weather has warmed up, and those chores are ready to be taken on.

There are also regular, or routine, tasks that must be done each day, much to the chagrin of one's family.   It seems like this generation is less interested in cleaning than the last.  My mother-in-law spent almost all her time at home. We all visited her.  On the rare occasion she visited us, she would notice something out of place and offer housekeeping tips. She did this so sweetly and cheerfully.  At one point, I had two active little girls, ages 2 and 3, who ran around the large living room playing with all their toys.  At this moment, my husband's mother happened to come by.  She noticed the toys scattered all about and started to pick them up. She said something like, "See?  Just put them all in the playpen and everything will stay neat."  She loved a clean home and kept hers lovely and pleasant.  Another time, years later, we were living in an apartment building. Someone had given us their old furniture, which we didn't need. Mister stored it in the common basement.  One day he offered to give one of the TV stands to his mother.  I didn't realize he had not bothered to clean it before he brought it to her. Long neglected in the basement, it was covered in dust!  (Horrors!) Well, the next time we visited her, she showed it to me. It was all clean and shiny. "Look how nice this looks!" She said to me.  "All it needed was a little dusting and polishing!" She was so cheerful and kind.  I just nodded and said it looked lovely.  It's funny how she thought I needed help with cleaning!

My own mother was a great housekeeper as well.  When Clorox disinfectant wipes were first invented, she had a pack of those with her wherever she went. She loved them!  She would bring them over to our house and use them, much to my amusement.  I didn't understand the fascination. But this same lady takes a feather duster out to dust the inside of her car!  Can you imagine this kind of dedication to cleaning? 

My mother, however, did not offer cleaning advice. She and I have this sort of "cleaning sickness" that we just go in to a place and start cleaning.  We love it!  There were times when she would visit, while I was recovering from some illness, and when she had left, my husband would notice those little touches of cleanliness.  He would see his coffee maker was spotless and would say with a smile, "Your Mother has been here!"  This is a lovely type of cleaning, where you just adore the work and love to make things look nice.

I only wish the current generation would stop writhing and squirming to get out of housekeeping.  When chores are mentioned, they often run the other way. (gentle smiles) So this morning, I made a nice long list of lovely spring work that needed to be done.  I left the list on the kitchen table for my family.  These are extra chores like washing the windows, raking the yard, sweeping the porch and sweeping down the stairs.  I plan to make such a list each day for the residents of this grand Estate.  It is my hope that if they get into a morning habit of plenty of cleaning jobs, they will pick up on that coveted virus me and mother call a "cleaning sickness," where they will love it as much as we do.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

Are you a Member? - Mother's Benevolent Society.

A Lovely Gift from My Daughter - The Long Awaited Present.

Guess What Today Is? - A Lovely Day for Cleaning.




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 Rainy Visit

There is a gentle rain falling on this early November morning. I was getting ready to do the morning work but didn't want to turn on the lamps. The dim, dreariness of the outdoors was almost charming.

I have to take care of Grandbaby in just a little while.  When he wakes up, all other activities must be dropped, for baby must have all my attention.  So please forgive me if this writing stops abruptly.

Mister and I did a little shopping last evening.  We had a tight budget for groceries this week because we had some other necessary expenses that took quite a bit of money.  It will be better in a few days.

I have all kinds of things to cook and bake; but plan to be quiet and enjoy the rainy day.  It puts one in a mood for just reading by the window, and having a simple day without any worries.

I baked cornbread to go with a late afternoon lunch yesterday.  I will bake a pumpkin pie (frozen) this morning.  It brings a warming sense of happiness because it brings a delightful scent to the kitchen.

I still have to clean the parlour and work on the kitchen, but wanted to have a quick little visit with you.

Have a wonderful day!

blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives:

Won't you be one of these? - A Good Little Housewife.

The joy and peace of simplicity - The Basics of Lovely Housekeeping.

Mister and I took one of these - A Vow of Poverty.







A 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. 

Pleasant Hours of Housework

I was reading a bit from "Farmer Boy," by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  I had already cleaned the parlour, swept the floors and did some dishes. I had fed grandbaby and settled him down for his nap.  As I read, I was intrigued and inspired by how Ma and Pa Wilder industriously kept the farm.

There was certain heavy work that happened at specific seasons.  Ice was carved out and stacked in the ice house.  This was the main work at hand, for days, in addition to daily chores.  When the men finished with this, the ice was all set for the coming year.

 Later, in springtime, the maple trees were tended to.  Here in Vermont, this is a common event. Much of life stops while the sap is "running."  The sap is gathered and boiled and processed.  For Mother Wilder, much of it became cakes of maple sugar.  The rest was saved in jugs as the year's supply of syrup!

Oh, then it was time for the entire house to be cleaned! The carpets were un-tacked and taken outside to be cleaned.  The rooms were emptied and washed and scrubbed!  They were also whitewashed and made ready for the next season.   

While Pa worked with the fields, in his workshop, in the barns, and kept busy with his chores. Ma made large, delicious meals and kept a lovely home.  Ma also had a workroom where she kept a loom and made the family's clothes!

Well, this all got me thinking. . . And all I wanted to do was dust the house, sweep the rooms and vacuum the carpets! I wanted to wash windows and then take a little rest before I started the great task of preparing the evening meal.  These were just little jobs.  These are jobs that are re-done on a regular basis. But as each task is "done," there is a sense of pride for the hard work being accomplished to make home a happy, special place.

These are the pleasant hours we spend at home, doing the housework. 

blessings
Mrs. White



From the Archives:

Days full of Good deeds for Mother and children - Mother's Benevolent Society.

Here are the details on the latest publication at "The Legacy of Home." - Mother's Book of Home Economics.

For the very bad days of Motherhood. - Trouble with Teenagers.






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

War Slogans for a Clean House

I sat some of my teens down this week and asked for help. I needed artwork done. I handed out paper, pencils and crayons.  (That's all we had on hand).  I wrote up a little motivational paper and said I needed it turned into big pages of artwork.

My idea was to motivate the grown children to willingly help more around the house.  What I wrote sounded like a "war slogan" for the homefront.   Here is what my paper said:

"Take Pride in Our Home!

"Do Your Share!"

I thought my teenagers would do something basic and pretty. But they surprised me!

Within 30 minutes, they had created large comic strips, complete with cartoon characters.  One depicted "Dean" who had a full time job, and still came home to clean his house. He urged readers to clean too!

Next, there was "Stanley" who wore glasses and a nice shirt and tie.  He thought very poorly about people who didn't do dishes or sweep the floors. He pointed out at his audience and demanded they get up and work around the house.

I taped the comics around the kitchen and hallways. They were so entertaining.  One of the grown children woke up late and saw them! "What's with all the comics?" He asked with a smile. 

When children are little, it is easy to get a routine of chores established. But as time changes and seasons come and go, we have to constantly adjust our homemaking tasks to meet the needs of a growing family.  When we have teenagers and young adults living at home, it is hard to avoid feel like a nag, wanting them to help more.  Motivation and fun cleaning games are a wonderful way to make a transition into a new routine of chores.

I have a new plan in place, and new chore assignments for each of my children.  We will continue to make war slogans for cleaning, to keep things light and fun here at home.  I love cleaning and housekeeping. I want to pass on that same delight to my children through creative motivation.

blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

When Mr. White carried me into the house - Walking the Grounds with Mister.

Won't You Be One of these? - A Good Little Housewife.

A Very Special Place - The Comfort of a Dressing Room. 




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




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

Lovely Work at Home

It is raining and pleasant this early morning. The lush Vermont landscape is inspiring. It makes one want to shut off all technology and enjoy the pleasant tasks of homemaking.

 I will sweep and polish by lamplight in my old country kitchen.  Our little homeschool will start in just a few minutes.  While my teenage student is working on math, I will do some baking as I listen to the rain falling and the birds singing.

I will do a little laundry and delight in the folding and the sorting. It is lovely to put out fresh towels and do those little touches that make this place a home.

I will set the table for the noon meal and have it ready hours before it is needed.  This will inspire me to take my time and create an atmosphere of a happy kitchen!

Perhaps I will wash the kitchen floor before enjoying an afternoon rest.  I plan to drink hot tea, and read some Amish fiction before getting back to work in the cool of the day. 

blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Even good intentioned words can harm others - Do Not Disturb.

A little History and Memories - Electricity as an Entertainment Expense.

An Example of a Noble Character - What I Learned from My Husband's Weariness.


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" 

To Encourage the Mother of Waywards - Mother's Faith.

The incredible life and marriage testimony of Connie Hultquist  - Dear Kitchen Saints.




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

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" 






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

Cleaning House with Baby

It is certainly a challenge to keep house, when there are babies and small children around. But these are the loveliest times of all for the homemaker.

Babies often look on curiously at all the work we do in the home.  They are shocked by the noise from the blender, the vacuum, and the washing machine. 

One day last week, I was making a cake.  I had baby in the carriage.  He watched as I brought down the large mixing bowl (to his level), and used my electric hand-mixer to stir the cake batter. He loved it!

I have put him in the walker while vacuuming the carpet.  It is easy to play fun games with baby, when one is cleaning.  He enjoys seeing all the action going on at Grandmother's house.

We garden together, hang clothes on the line, wash dishes, sing hymns, sweep floors, and wash the high-chair tray!  Well, I do all those things while baby watches.  (Much like when I am helping Mister with his stuff, He does all the work, while I stand nearby.)  It's really the being together that is wonderful.

Part of playing with babies and children most certainly happens while we are living our normal, daily life.  We just bring the children along in our activities, making our work and our days delightful.

Blessings
Mrs. White



Did you get a copy of our newest book?

 "Dear Kitchen  Saints:  Letters from an Iowa Housewife" was written by Connie Hultquist.  Her amazing marriage testimony was recently published in Above Rubies Magazine.  Her book is a treasure of wisdom and encouragement!




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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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The Weary Housewife

I think we all have these ideals of being a good housekeeper.  We have set chores, like washing floors, dusting and polishing on a regular basis.  One day last week, I enjoyed an entire day of just cleaning.  The house looked lovely. I took short breaks as needed, and paced myself accordingly to avoid becoming tired.  I was able to work in the kitchen and cook nice meals.  It was the perfect housekeeping day. 

But sometimes the "ideal" housewife is impossible.  We are a culture of exhausted mothers.  We have sicknesses, and distractions that are making it harder and harder for us to enjoy our work in the home.  Being our "own" boss would imply that we could stop all unhealthy activities and interferences so we could focus entirely on mothering, homemaking and being a good wife.   But few of us have such courage.  Or is it something we have to continually strive for? 

The last few days have been miserable for me.  I am unbearably weary from health difficulties.  I decided, late yesterday afternoon, to put myself on bed - rest for a few days.  It's not that I even do too much around the home, it is that my health has been declining for such a long time, there is little I can do anymore.  More rest requires me to stop what I love to do.  I love and adore keeping house. I love vacuuming and washing floors and cooking meals. It is what I delight in.  But my health will not allow it.  So back to bed I must go, for a time of respite.  Then I will emerge ready to keep house, but at a slower and slower pace. 

Yet, I will never give up.  . . I will certainly take times of rest and recovery. But I will never stop trying to keep this house for my precious family.  We housewives will get knocked down by many things in this life.   We must always get up and keep at it.  Rest, yes, but keep going. Heaven is waiting at the end, and the eternal rest will be glorious!

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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A Good Little Housewife

Have you ever started your spring cleaning with a happy attitude?  Even getting all dressed up and putting on a pretty apron to help set some ambiance in the home?  We can listen to classical music or old time gospel and enjoy the task of heavy cleaning.  One feels like "a good little housewife" as one takes pride in one's efforts and delights in the work of making and keeping a lovely home.  The housewife can sense the gratefulness and happiness as her husband trusts her with all pertaining to home and family.

In today's society, housewifery is still being scoffed at by those who choose another path.  I cannot imagine why. It is a precious way of life and something to aspire to.  Years ago, there was a club for girls called, "Future Homemakers of America."  I wonder if they are still in operation? 

To be called a "housewife" is an honor.  It is more long term than "a stay-at-home-mom," because a housewife is considered a married woman who keeps the home.  She keeps the home fires burning.  She is the hostess of the domestic arts.  She stays at home whether or not she has children, and she does a marvelous job of setting a happy tone for those who dwell there.

The lady of the house is the pride of her husband and the comfort of her children.  Home for her is a life-long career, hobby and occupation.   These dear women seek no applause. They seek not fame.  The godly housewives of today are the quiet heroes of their communities. 

Blessings
Mrs. White



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



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Industrious at Home

There is a lot of confusion about what goes on in an average home.   Modern families are distracted by television, home theaters, video games and the features of cell phones.  Sometimes, we are so busy with these types of entertainment, we forget what it is like to be industrious at home.

A day may start with opening drapes and shades. There might be a time of morning Bible reading - a little chapel in the quiet seclusion of home.   Next, some housework is started. Perhaps tidying up the rooms, starting laundry and then beginning a simple meal of breakfast to serve in a formal- sort- of- way at the kitchen table.  Do people still put salt and pepper or cream and sugar on the table, to share a meal with loved ones? Or does everyone grab food and run?

The mid morning hours are for general housekeeping. We clean the kitchen, dust, vacuum and straighten beds.  Once the house is in order, it may be time to sit and take a little break. Perhaps it is tea time? Or maybe time to chat and visit with the ones at home, while doing some knitting, embroidery, mending or sewing?

Lunch hour is like opening a little cafe for a time.  Some homemade food is prepared and lovingly served at the table.  We take a break from our home labors and join together for the noon meal. A prayer over the meal begins the time of fellowship. 

Before long, some may need a time of rest. Little ones are off to their naps after some time outdoors in the fresh air.  This break is helpful to prepare for the afternoon and coming evening.

Dinner is usually started in the early afternoon.  Some have helpers at home, while other homemakers do the work alone.  It is an exciting time - deciding what to make for the family's evening meal!

While food is baking in the oven, or simmering on the stove, we may find some time for reading and sipping on tea.  My mother-in-law always had fresh coffee which she enjoyed throughout the day.    We may do some last minute cleaning, finishing up the laundry, tidying rooms, and cleaning up the kitchen as we work at a more leisurely pace. 

Just before the dinner hour, it is time to wind down the day.  Sometimes guests stop by to visit.  We enjoy their company while we continue our industry.  If they arrive at a time when we can take a break, we may serve a little cake and tea and delight in the joy of being home.

Soon the family is seated at the table. Prayers are said. Conversation is started and the meal is enjoyed by all.   This relaxing time of eating together at a formal dinner, with napkins, and salt and pepper placed in the center of the table, is a delight.

At this dinner table, and throughout the day,  no one is secretly texting a friend.  No one is rushing off to play video games.  No one is talking about the television program they are missing out on.  No one is ignoring the family by endless phone or computer conversations.  Why? Because none of those things have been invented yet . . .  in this little home of industry. 

The evening hour has come. It is time to gather for family prayers and Bible reading.  Everyone has a bedtime. There is order and structure.  Everyone knows what is expected and they yield happily.   Once the day is finished, we look back and think what was done in this house that is anything special?  What was done that was industrious?

This home was full of service and love and old time family values.  This type of home is priceless!  The residents in this place, and the goings on there, will have a tremendous influence for generations to come.  We just need Homemakers willing to continue the tradition of being industrious at home.

Blessings
Mrs. White


It need not be difficult - Simplicity of Old Fashioned Housekeeping.

There is more glory and honor in this than anything else - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.

Once we got married, we took one of these  - A Vow of Poverty.



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



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Winter Homekeeping

This is such a cozy time of year. The landscape in Vermont is completely white. We often see thick snowflakes gently falling to the ground. It is like a Norman Rockwell painting.

I am indoors this early morning, planning my housekeeping.  I will do dishes, wash the kitchen floor and vacuum.   Before I start working, I will open the blinds, and turn on a dim lamp.  I will be able to see the sun rise while I work. 

Homemakers often do a lot of extra baking in the winter.  This warms up the house and delights the family with fresh treats.  I will bake muffins and brownies today.

I have laundry to do, and some organizing.  I will put the wet laundry on a wooden rack, to dry near the heater.   Then I will have some hot tea in a pretty cup, and sit by the hearth for a little time of rest.

We will have a nice lunch this afternoon.  I plan to make a pasta dish with garlic bread and salad.   Then I will enjoy some reading, and perhaps a little television, before it is time to begin the evening meal.

May your Winter Homemaking create lovely memories for your family.

Blessings
Mrs. White


Making Home Inviting - The Light in the Window.

For Those Difficult Days -  Take Back the Home.

No Matter What is Going On, this keeps this steady - Security of Home Routines.





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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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