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. 

Surviving Financially

Many of us are struggling financially. The culture around us is debt-ridden and debt - dependent. This brings about an illusion of suffering. What do I mean by that? Well, if we live in American "wealth" (compared to third world countries), our standard of living, our standard of "need" becomes distorted.   We think that if we don't have a new vehicle, we are poor.  We think that if we don't have a nice house to live in, we are poor.  We think that if we don't have enough money to go on vacation, or that we don't have enough gas money to go out for a drive, we are poor.  We think that if we can't buy junk food today, we are poor.  This has taken away a great deal of our courage in financial survival.

We have become weak, and pampered, when it comes to standard of living.

Last summer, I wrote about how my car died.  I have not driven at all since then. It has now been 6 months.  I have been mostly home-bound, other than an occasional ride I get to the market.   Shortly after this happened, my husband's van needed repairs that we couldn't afford. So he started "Yankee - style" repairs on his old Cadillac and got it to barely run.   It has failed him repeatedly in the last few months and is on the verge of dying.  He is now getting rides to and from work from co-workers.  We have old cars.  We obviously need a new one.  We have no debt, and little savings, so we must save and scrimp until we have the money for one.  We have suffered for the last 6 months, but we know that we are going to be okay.

It used to be that people had to walk many miles each day.  They had to work much harder to grow, gather and preserve food.  Today, we have buses and cars and large supermarkets. We don't have to make clothes for our entire family, we can buy them inexpensively.  There is less worry and less work.  We have it much easier.   Yet, when hard times come, when it takes more effort to pay the heating bill, or make food from scratch because we cannot afford the high costs, we have to bravely face each day and know that we are going to be okay.  We need a good outlook and a good attitude.  We need cheerful courage.

This is the Pioneer Spirit. It is the Immigrant Spirit.  We work very hard, we take on the task at hand, live the lot we've been given to our very best, and we wait until the blessing comes.  We work on through the dark, dreary days, waiting for the Spring, or the Rainbow of reward.  Good things will come.  The fruit of our patience and hard work will happen if we don't give up.

In the meantime, we keep praying and making do.  God is with us. Praise Him in all things. We can do this!

Blessings
Mrs. White



From the Archives:

Remembering my Childhood - When Television was Special.

The beauty of a formal morning table - Breakfast at Home.

Mother's work - The Pleasant Task of 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. 

Mother's Book of Home Economics

My new book was just published today! 

It is designed specifically to encourage the Christian wife and mother at home. 

Here are the details:

 


Title:  Mother's Book of Home Economics: Remembrances, Letters and Essays from a New England Housewife

Author:  Mrs. Sharon White

Publisher:  The Legacy of Home Press

6" x 9" Paperback, 312 pages.












Description from the Back Cover:

"There are many Home Economics books that will teach you important facts, such as how to get out a stain; how to clean your oven; or how to read food labels. This is all valuable information. We should certainly have those kinds of books in our homes. Nonetheless, did you ever just want to enter someone's home and observe how it all works in daily life? Did you ever want to learn about how a family used to keep house, or how it is working today?

   "Mother's Book of Home Economics" will give you that personal touch of Homemaking. It covers subjects like Marriage, Cleaning, Child Care, Manners, Simple Living, Motherhood, Thrift and Holiness. Here you will find a variety of letters, essays and memories about Home Economics. This was written by a New England Housewife, who has been married for more than 25 years."


There are 121 short chapters, compiled from 4 years of blog writing.

The Index in the back of the book loosely categorizes everything by the following topics:

1. Child Care
2. Cleaning
3. Etiquette
4. Finances
5. Holiness
6. Homemaking
7. Hospitality
8. Kitchen
9. Marriage

Some of the chapter titles include:

1. Chalkboard Prayers
2. How to Teach a 2 - Year old To Clean
3. Mother's Benevolent Society
4. Bossy Wives
5. Saturday Morning Chores
6. How the Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty
7. Home as a Little Christian School
8. Cooking for Mister
9. The Housewife Contract
10. Walking the Gardens with Baby

"The writings are designed to encourage the Christian housewife.  You will feel supported in your decision to stay home and care for your family.  You will also notice a gentle nudging to live the old paths, and find peace there."



- Mother's Book of Home Economics.


Thank you!

blessings
Mrs. White



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Basic Cookery

I studied cooking in Home Economics classes when I was a teenager. My mother also gave me freedom in her kitchen. I would look through her cookbook and bake special treats when the pantry ran low.  While Mom did most of the cooking, I was happy cleaning and cooking whenever I got the chance.

In my first home, I enjoyed making meals for my husband.  I still remember our first trip to the local supermarket.  We were so excited to pick out our own groceries, together.  I made his breakfast, packed his lunch, and made his dinner each night.  With a small household, and a decent income from his job, we didn't have much to worry about financially.

As more and more children came into the home, I had to learn to make many things from scratch, with the ingredients I had on hand.  I remember going to the local library and finding all kinds of old cookbooks.  I borrowed them, and found recipes that would work well for my family.   Many of these recipes (like breads and stews) were made so many times that I memorized them.  If I really loved a borrowed cookbook, I would save up and buy my own copy.

Frugal, or thrifty, cooking is a valuable skill for the housewife.  People often share recipes, which is good.  However, many families have different tastes.  Some have allergies.  We also live in different climates and have a different cultural basis for what we eat.   In the Boston area, fresh lobster and clam chowder is common, whereas, they may not be staple menu items in a little town in Idaho.    Restaurants in Florida serve the most delicious fresh orange juice you could ever taste!  They are known for their oranges and have them in abundance.   We have to make use of what is available and low cost, in our area.  It is important to learn how to adjust recipes to work in our own kitchens.

It is a common cliché for mothers to save money by serving "rice and beans."   This might work for many, but not in my house.  One cannot always save money by doing what the masses suggest.  We have to remember to serve foods that our own family will enjoy.  Cooking basic foods from scratch will save money.  Serving carefully portioned- sized- meals and storing leftovers will also save money.  

To learn basic cooking skills my favorite book is The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook.  It boasts 1,400 recipes!  The pictures are stunning and are set up almost encyclopedia - like.   My children used to love to look at all the pictures and say, "Let's make this one!"   You will learn to make easy breads, muffins, meats, and all kinds of dinners and desserts.  Once you learn the basics of these foundational recipes, you can start adjusting ingredients to meet the needs of your family. 

Basic cooking also means you have freedom from the supermarket sales ads.  Certainly buy hamburger or chicken only when they are priced reasonably.  But you can make so many different things with them. The store will recommend processed foods to go with the meats. Cooking from scratch means we don't need those items. You will no longer be a slave to what is on sale.

 When we buy hamburger in a "family sized" package, I take it home and divide it up into smaller portions.  I then put each meal's serving in a gallon Ziploc bag and freeze it.   Even though we have a lot of people in this house, I only cook with that small amount of meat. It is the ingredients that go with it, that make the meal stretch - the vegetables, the bread, etc.   I love the older cookbooks from the 1960's that have old menus that go along with the recipes. This was from a time when portion sizes were much smaller than those of today.  The fun in the dinners had a lot to do with the beverages, the way the vegetables were prepared, and the lovely way in which it was all presented. 

Nourishment was key, and homemade was the most nourishing of all.

I realize we mothers have days of being exhausted and can't do as much as we would like.  But when you are in the habit of cutting and washing vegetables for stew, or whipping up a quick batch of muffins, making food from scratch can be a valuable part of the daily routine.  When all my children were little, I had lots of helpers.  We set to work at the big kitchen table.  I had children rolling out dough, or peeling vegetables.   The bigger children were at the counter or stove stirring sauces, or handling the hot foods, while the safe work was done at the table. Meal preparation was a happy, pleasant way to pass the time with small children.   To them, it was playing!  It got the work done, and the children enjoyed it.  They also loved taking turns serving the food and giggling and visiting at the table.

These days,  I have a barstool in my kitchen. I often sit near the counter to wash dishes, or to make biscuits.  I also have my kitchen radio nearby to hear CDs of gospel music or sermons.  Often my grandbaby is in the highchair watching me work. He plays with bowls and lids and has a wonderful time.  The kitchen can be a happy place to be, making frugal cooking a pleasant part of life.


Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives:

Remembering my Childhood - When Television was Special.

The beauty of a formal morning table - Breakfast at Home.

Mother's work - The Pleasant Task of Cleaning.



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. 

Home Shopping (History and Warning)

1940 New Mexico: Ordering from the Sears Catalog, because of the distance to the nearest store.
(Library Of Congress)

It used to be that every home had a Sears Roebuck Catalog.  This was a large book containing every kind of item you could possibly need.  It was a published mercantile for the home.   We would fill out order forms and mail in our order; Then eagerly wait for the postal delivery!   We children were often seen with the catalog, dreaming about the clothes, toys, and decorations we wanted.

Years later, they stopped publishing.  New ways of shopping were coming into fashion, and perhaps mothers at home were becoming more mobile - more able to go out to the stores. Mass shopping, for fun and recreation, was gaining popularity.   One of the saddest days in American family history, was the day Sears stopped printing their catalog. 

In the late 1980's cable television started appearing in homes.  This also brought a home shopping channel.  We were able to sit under constant sales pitches, and put under pressure, to order within the next 5 minutes or the item would be "gone."   Many bought jewelry, decorations and clothing through the telephone.  The panic of the ending sale played with the emotions and made us feel like we had to have it now.  . . This was the beginning of brainwashing (or brain-training) to turn the culture into a shopping- focused society, rather than a home- and- family focused society. Prudence, diligence, patience and hard work were being slowly eroded from our characters.

Today, we have Internet sales, and online shopping options.  This is certainly helpful for those who are generally homebound, or unable to get out much.  But we are still seeing the "buy now," and the "sale ending tonight" pressure that we never saw in the old Sears Catalog.  If we are not aware of these sales gimmicks, and are not armed with knowledge to fight off the fear of not "getting that sale price,"  we will be sucked into the lure of shopping for recreation; buying things we don't need, and of shopping without hesitation or prudence. 

Shopping from the comfort of one's home, with seed catalogs and Lehman's catalogs, while gathered around the kitchen table, are good ways of slowing down the spending process.  We may dream over the items, plan what we will do with them, and carefully come up with a wise shopping decision.  This is one way to counteract the consumer craze that has taken over our nation.

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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When Mother is a Shut-In

Life has been very quiet here at the Estate. I have been cooking and baking and keeping house, at a slow, peaceful pace. I have not been able to leave the property. We have no car and no public transportation, in our rural area.  Mr. White is getting rides to and from work.  It has now been 2 weeks since I've been able to attend our beloved Church.  Our car is in the shop and we don't know if or when it will be repaired. 

I have loved staying here at home.  It has been a great blessing. It has also been an important lesson for me:  Staying home, for a wife and mother, as much as possible, is the greatest thing she can do. Why? Because she is creative at home.  She is not harried or under pressure from constant errands and outings.  She can cook from scratch more and monitor the economy of the kitchen inventory. Her sweet presence in the home is invaluable to the family for a great many reasons.

Staying at home, for a homemaker, is part of the job description.  The reward is incredible!

Yet, there are still the worries without a car, even if it were just for Mister.  We must have a running, dependable vehicle.  We must.  There are groceries to buy, banking to do, and a job for him to get to.  Today, I had a sort of childlike wonder about it all. I trust the Lord.  I know He is doing some great work.  So I willingly yield to this trial, making do and bringing as much light and joy into my home as possible, while we wait. 

My mother-in-law used to keep a running note on her fridge.  She rarely left home. So when she was almost out of laundry detergent, trash bags or milk, she would write on a note on the fridge.   I never heard her complain or panic about running out of milk (like I am sometimes tempted to!).   Papa, her husband, would pick those things up at the store on his way home from work, on a certain day of the week, or when he had time.   

My pantry is running low and I wonder when I will get to the market.    A few days ago, I made chocolate chip muffins.  I used apple juice instead of milk, because I knew I couldn't spare the milk.  Yesterday, I made my sons Macaroni and Cheese, but we had no milk to mix in with the powdered cheese. So I used a little spring water instead. It turned out just fine, and the boys enjoyed their lunch.  If I didn't know to do these kinds of things, I would not be able to calmly make it through this trial.

Something amazing is up ahead for us.  I believe it. . . We've had many rough financial times, and this year is no exception.  But we've been down this road before.  I have seen miracles and been greatly blessed by them.  Today, to keep a holy faith, I pulled out my favorite children's books:    "Uncle Arthur Bedtime Stories."  I will read these in my parlour chair during homemaking breaks.  I will read about sweet families who prayed and pleaded with God for their daily bread.  Tears will fall as I rejoice with them, as God works in mighty ways!  These are true stories written by Arthur Maxwell, and are gems!  Reading these today, will encourage me in my own prayers, and help me on my walk to victory.

Blessings
Mrs. White






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





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Never a Car Payment - Reflections on Poverty

Mr. White and I received our first car as a wedding present. It was an old car given to us by an Aunt. She had decided to buy a new one, and gave us hers.  Over the years, we have been driving beat up cars, that were beyond second-hand. 

One of our vehicles had doors that wouldn't open.  We would be all dressed up, with our two little girls (at the time).  Mr. White would hand me one of the children (a toddler or a preschooler) through an open window, and I would reach back and buckle them in.   We certainly had our dignity and a sense of humor!

I remember once, in the early 1990's, getting a few thousand dollars as a tax refund.   We used most of this money to actually buy a decent vehicle from the friend of a relative.  It was a small, cream colored, station wagon. I was amazed!  It was old, but beautiful to me.   It lasted a few years, before it was totalled in an accident.  (A drunk driver had crashed into my husband and put him in the hospital. His recovery took several months.)

Insurance money provided us with another used car.  This one was an old mini-van.   By the time we were forced to give it up, it required a screwdriver to start!

One year, my husband bought a large, old conversion van for under $100.  We loved going for rides in it, with all of our (by then) five children.  My husband used it for commuting to work. I never drove it.  I was too afraid to drive a large van!

At one point, we had one dead car, and one barely running car.  I became very ill and couldn't walk without assistance for a month.  After some weeks, my husband's co-worker mentioned he was getting a new car, and did we want his old one for free?  That was such a great blessing!

I remember, a few years ago, my husband came home with a beautiful pastel purple Cadillac with white leather seats.  It was very old and cost under two grand.  We had our tax refund money and he wanted to ask me if we should buy it? I didn't hesitate. Of course! It was lovely and seemed like such a treat!  I loved riding in that car with him.  He used it for commuting. I never drove it, myself, because I am terrified of driving large vehicles. But I loved having him as my chauffeur.  This car now sits in a carport. . . Pretty to look at. . . but worn down so much that it can't be driven.

We've certainly had our fun adventures with cars, but we've never had a car payment.  We could never afford it.  To us, that is for those "rich" people. (gentle smiles) Or, the middle class.  It is a way of life for them.  As for the White House,  we have no idea what will happen to us tomorrow, financially, and can't promise to make those monthly payments.  This is poverty.  But it is also an adventure in faith.

Why am I writing all this out?  We have been having major car trouble, and it is only getting worse.  My current car was bought by one of my children in early 2008.  It was old then.  She bought it for me to drive her to college and to do errands with her. At the time, we had no money, but she did.  She paid cash from a year of hard work.   This precious child gave that car to me after a couple of years.  But now it is needing to be replaced.

The last few months, I have been wavering in my faith.  How will I drive the children to church and their activities?   How will I take them to appointments and do our grocery shopping? We live in a rural area with no public transportation.  A running car is an absolute necessity.  It is a basic need.

This morning, an answer came. . . I must take care of the car I have, even if it is falling apart, and making alarming noises (gentle smiles).  Today, when we do an errand, we will stop and get it all vacuumed out.  We will polish the dashboard and the windows and keep it as nice as we can.  We will take care of it, and continue to drive it, and do the best we can with the repairs, until the Lord brings our next vehicle.  Our faith in Him is the hope for those of us in poverty.  We know He can do all things. We know He is the one who feeds the sparrows and watches over us. . . In the meantime, I will love the car I have, and I will take care of it.  . . and I will wait upon my Lord.


Blessings
Mrs. White

 





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


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A Home Remodeling Giveaway

I have a special treat for you today. . . .

I have a delightful giveaway, and an inspiring video to share.

First, please watch this brief video of my guest, Cassandra Lavalle, who will share some home design tips and ideas.


[Note:  If you are an email subscriber and can't see the video, please go directly to the blog to view.]






A lovely home is always made nicer with a little design and decorating.   This video makes one want to freshen up the home with paint, drapes and pretty flowers.  It would also be great to turn a bathroom into a little spa, with a RainFall Waterpik showerhead, some colorful bath towels, and a new shower curtain.



I have a giveaway that will help you get started!  This package includes the following:





1.  A $25 Gift Card to Home Depot.

2.  A luxurious RainFall Waterpik Showerhead.  {This easily installs in minutes, features 7 spray settings,  and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.}

3.  A Set of 2 Candles. ("Pillar Classics" - Unscented).






To enter for a chance to win, please leave me a comment answering the following 2 questions:

1.  What was your favorite idea from the video?

2.  What color scheme would you choose if you were to create a spa-like setting in a bathroom?

For additional Entries:

1. Post about this on Facebook.

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

3. Post about this on Twitter.

4. Follow me on Twitter.

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

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

One random winner we be selected on Monday, June 3, 2013. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.


-  You must include your email address in your profile, or in your comment, or I can't find you if you win! - Anonymous comments will be void.

This contest is closed. The winner is:  Illinois Lori!
 

*Disclosure - I received these items, information, and video for review purposes.  Giveaway package will be shipped to the winner directly from the marketing company. *

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

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Overcoming Hard Times with Grace

In this economy, many of us are struggling. There is a confusion added to this, about standard of living.  We see magazine covers at supermarkets of beautiful homes and elaborately prepared foods.  We see television programs about rehabbing houses, and making them "livable" with the latest upgrades.  This is like an upgrade in standards, and it costs far more money than most of us can manage.

It used to be that thrift stores and churches had decent clothes available for free, or for a meager cost.  Many mothers used to talk about the missionary barrel.  When times were hard, they would find clothes and remake them with what they had at home.  They made lovely things with their own efforts, out of cast-offs.   

Mothers were able to create recipes based on what was left in the pantry, rather than what was for sale in the store.

Home repairs and maintenance was done to survive, with scrounged supplies, or inexpensive parts to make-do, for those with little money.

I realize we need certain skills to create out of little, but we can certainly learn. 

Money used to mean something different than it does today.  Money was for basic housing and basic needs, and an occasional treat, rather than for splurging and spending on what we want right now.  [Or what we think we need in this confusing, consumerist, culture.]

We need a good does of the history of the family during hard times.  We need to read about the depression-era mothers, the pilgrims, and the pioneers to find a way to overcome the culture of today, with dignity and grace.


Blessings
Mrs. White

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






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Writing Out the Old Home Recipes

Some of my grown children are asking me for our family recipes, so they can cook and bake in their own kitchens.  It would be very easy for me to write them out on index cards and ship them off in the mail.  But how much more fun would it be to make a little handmade booklet of family recipes, cooking hints, and little family remembrances to go with it?

I have some pretty green heavy stock paper. I can use this as a cover.  I will fold it in half, to make it resemble a little booklet. Inside will be plain white paper, folded as well.  I can staple this in the center to "bind" the book.

To have a little fun, I can title it something like, "Recipes from The White House,"  or "The Little Book of Cookery from The White House."  [One must find ways of enjoying one's name when the situation arises. - gentle smiles.]

I have 12 common dinner recipes, several lunches, and a few breakfasts.   To this, I will add some baking recipes, and economical snack ideas.  I will also write an estimate of how much each recipe will cost.

Yesterday, I had full charge of my kitchen. (In other words, I did all the work alone.)  I made my boys a nice lunch of homemade pizza.  I cleaned the kitchen throughout the day.  As the sun began to set, I asked one of them, "Will you be needing a baked good this evening?"  He didn't know what I meant by that (smiles).  So I translated, "Do you want me to bake something for you?" Well, of course He did!  I made peanut butter, chocolate chip muffins.  Then I told the boys I was off duty for the night and they were to have sandwiches or leftovers if they got hungry later.  I walked out of that very clean kitchen, with the dim lamplight shining on those delicious muffins.  . . These are the kinds of memories of home that my grown children miss.

I think it is more precious to take one's time creating things of lasting value that will be cherished.  My book of family cookery will be humbly made with humble recipes.   But it will take me a few weeks, as I sit by the window, in great-grandmother's rocking chair, and write out the history of our kitchen for the next generation.

Blessings
Mrs. White








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



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Comforts of The Old Estate

Old, quaint homes create a sort of ambiance that makes one cheerful.  One can even be imaginative and creative with one's life.  These types of homes are ideal for artists and inventors. 

In our old 1800's house, there is a large, sunny room on the first floor. It is warm and cozy.  I can read on the little Ethan Allen sofa that we bought at an auction, on the grounds of the home we now own. I can see the front property and enjoy the quiet seclusion of our "estate."

The reality of living in an old house, when one is of limited means, is suffering with cold and dreary rooms.  Any of us could give in to our difficult circumstances and dwell on that which is unpleasant.  We could certainly allow ourselves a few hours, or days, of indulging in melancholy moods, but then to emerge from that with a new zeal and excitement for the possibilities can make things so much better.

Does it matter that my Ethan Allen couch is designed with an odd color, or that it is ripped up and overly worn from age?  Only to onlookers.  To me it is very comfortable.  We keep it covered with a flowery bedspread, and a few throw pillows.  As long as the surroundings are neat and tidy, the couch adds a pleasant coziness to the room.

The Homemaker who calls her home an "estate," "cottage" or other such charming term, will find happiness in her daily tasks - making the home pleasant, because she has found a way to make the most of her circumstances.    She will not get caught up in the crankiness of family members. She will not get caught up in the neighbor's gossip.  She can be a bright light and a joy to those around her because she is dedicated to the ART of creating a comfortable, pretty home - with what she has.   This becomes her hobby, her vocation, her calling.

I'll admit it is easier to have an "estate" when one has an old house. But a beach house, an apartment, or a mobile home can inspire the residents to bring joy to their guests if the homemaker takes a little time to invent her own little retreat.   What would one call an apartment?  How about a "flat" (A London term), or think of the charming little places in Italy?  What about a mobile home? Could one call it a cabin? Or a camper in the park?  There are so many different types of places to live!  We just have to find a way to make them special and pleasant.  This will bring us comfort.  This will bring our family comfort.  This is what will motivate and inspire us to keep house, especially on those difficult days.

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 Home Cooking

In my shopping bag were familiar name brands of groceries. I had Campbells soup, Tony's Pizza, Keebler cookies, and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.  I was waiting for someone, and just thinking.  Then I realized that I had just bought convenience foods that took little effort to make.  While this is common in this modern day, it takes away the joy of enjoying Mother's home cooking.  If I had just bought some flour, sauce, cheese, chocolate chips, pasta and vegetables, I could have most of the ingredients I needed to make these foods myself.  

Something is missing in my home, when my husband and children are more excited to see a bag full of name brand foods, rather than being excited when I serve them a delicious homemade supper.

Have I really paid the convenience food industry to take away one of the most precious jobs of motherhood and wifehood? That of being the one to bring joy to the home by my home cooking?

Have you ever heard of travellers who eat in restaurants and diners, yet dream about sitting in the kitchen of a traditional home and just having a good home cooked meal? Can that even be found anymore in this day?

In my old cookbooks from the 1960's, there are sections with wonderful advice for the home cook.  There are tips and tricks and detailed instructions which teach any aspiring cook how to make a good meal herself.    With practice and time and a lot of patience, most homemakers can get back to the old arts of cooking.  These homemakers can Take Back the Kitchen! 

This will bring better health to our families, joy to their hearts, and a better quality of life.  This will also create a bond and tighten the love and happiness at home.  Much money will be saved when mother cooks her own foods.  Children and husband will also have appreciation and gratefulness for the sweet lady in the kitchen who  (gladly and willingly) takes time and effort to prepare their food. 

Many years ago, when frozen dinners and convenience foods were introduced to the general public, skilled housewives thought it was an insult and refused to buy such things!  How lovely it would be to have that same pride and capableness of taking on the joyous task of doing our own home cooking!

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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My Husband's Money

My old fashioned ledger book is for my "House Account."  This year, as I started the 2013 entries, I gave the book a title.   It is to be called "My Husband's Money."

Each evening, as I write down any money I spent that day, I will see the title.  I will know I have been given a great privilege and honor to be put in charge of the management of Mr. White's finances. 

The last few weeks, in the bitter Vermont cold, I realized I needed a new pair of house slippers.  It was dreadful coming in the house and taking off my winter boots and just feeling so cold.   After some time, I stopped into a store and found a suitable pair for $6.00.  I also bought a special welcome mat to put in the front entry way. This cost $3.00 and is quite necessary since it helps get some of the snow off the shoes of the guests as they enter our home.  I was pleased with the practicality of buying both of these items.  The total will be handwritten in my book, along with an explanation of what I bought and why.  This is the recording of the history of my spending for the household of my husband.

At any moment, as I sit near the fireplace and hand-write entries in my financial journal, I would be proud to have my husband look over my shoulder and know I have done well with his hard earned money.  He will be content and at peace with his household affairs, being carefully tended by his trusted wife.

This accountability, of calling this year's Ledger book, "My Husband's Money," will give me a constant remembrance of the honor in which I have been given to take care of his funds.   It will stop me cold when I am tempted to spend frivolously and foolishly.  It will help me to keep a long-term perspective - of the future history we are making with our spending and saving, and prevent me from causing harm or waste in this materialistic culture.  

A few years ago when I first mentioned my House Account,  it was picked up by well-known blogger, Frugal Dad.  He and his wife decided to try a handwritten journal for their own home.  My House Account has brought me a tremendous amount of questions.  The following are a couple of links to help answer some of these questions:

1. The House Account (An introduction. This was originally designed as a monthly check-in, but I have given up on blogging continuously about it.) 

2. The History of our Financial Lives (includes photographs of my ledger book.)


Some have asked what I recorded, or how I separate things into categories.  This is for each family to decide for themselves, but I will share my own method.  I do not put things into categories. I don't particularly care how much was spent on transportation, grocery or insurance.  That is not my intention when writing out my ledger book.  I am simply keeping a financial journal of what I buy, or how I am spending.  This can be looked over, in a similar way as a personal journal, but we are seeing numbers and spending, rather than an abundance of words. 

The simplest way I can explain this is to share the three items at the top of each page of my ledger:

1. The Date.

2. Description.

3. Amount.

That's all there is to my ledger book.


My ledger book is not a budget. (I have a separate notebook for my weekly bills and planned expenses.)  It is a financial journal.    I can look back through the pages and see how much I spent each month and each year.  I can also see the carefulness, the love, the attention, and the reason behind the spending (there are notes in the entries) and look back to see the financial lives of the White Family Home.

Blessings
Mrs. White



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

It is my constant goal to be - A Wife Who Does Not Complain.


My New Book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.






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Closing my Household Account

Throughout the year, I kept a record book of my household expenses.  The majority of entries were entered by my youngest son, John (15). I have taught him general bookkeeping by having him look over my receipts, organize them, and enter the totals of my spending. 

At this very moment, he is closing out my accounts for the year.  He is in the process of getting monthly spending totals, by looking over the handwritten entries in my old fashioned ledger book.  He is analyzing the numbers and thinking about all the different things his mother spent money on this year.

 (There is no computer doing this for him. It is an old fashioned method of thinking and seeing the history of our financial life.)

When he finishes the monthly totals, he will give me a final figure of exactly how much money I spent during the entire year. 

Tomorrow, we will set up a new household account in our ledger book. This will be for 2013. We will make plans and goals and find ways to be as economical as we can.  Since John has been working with me all year, I will seek his advice, ideas and input.    This is a very precious way for him to learn how to manage money, by helping his Mama to manage her household funds.

Blessings
Mrs. White


Great Peace - The Note in Mother's Pocket.

When Things are Going Wrong - Forgotten Kindness in Marriage.

We Took One of These - A Vow of Poverty.







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When it's Time to Walk Away

Many families are living on debt. They keep borrowing money and using credit cards just to survive. I know one family who repeatedly took out home equity loans for years until the bank finally took away their home.  It is unwise to live on someone else's money knowing it can't be paid back. It is unwise to dig oneself into such a deep debt that they can never escape.

There comes a point when one has to walk away. . .

A business would never stay open if it continually lived in the red.  The responsible thing for them to do would be to close the doors, take the losses and move on.   Modern families are facing the same thing, like no time in history. Easy credit, easy loans and the brainwashing in our culture that we can pay for everything later is destroying many.  It has created families who are, without realizing it, living a financial lie and they know not how to recover.

The only way to stop the deadly financial hemorrhaging is to walk away and start over.  Find a cheaper home - an apartment, mobile home or live with relatives temporarily.   If you are renting and have a lease, explain to your landlord that you are in dire financial straights and must move.  If you own a home that is far too expensive, or that has seriously lost its value and you can't sell, tell your banker about your financial difficulties and see what they can do. If nothing is available to help, then tell them to take the house back, then walk away. 

Walk away, but only if you've tried everything else.  Walk away and start at the bottom and begin to recover. Begin to be able to buy food again, have heat in the house and clothes that are not tattered.  Begin to breathe and start over.

This may seem radical, or even irresponsible to some, but if you are continually living on borrowed money, racking up debts higher and higher with no light at the end, it is time to walk away.

There is something called debt forgiveness, and debt counseling to prevent this from happening again.  Please don't continue to live on the edge of the cliff. There is help.  And there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Walk away and start again.  Everyone deserves a second chance.

Blessings
Mrs. White

This post was written as a response to an anonymous comment on my  Living Without Credit Cards  post.  There are many readers in her situation. I hope this helps them.  Please realize, I am not suggesting everyone walk away from their financial obligations, but those in dire straights have that option. I do not want them to feel so trapped and hopeless that it is difficult to go on.



We must understand this - Financial Separation of the Social Classes.

Be Proud to be one of these - Blue Collar - Working Class Housewife.







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A Vow of Poverty

It always happens. . . We Mothers start building up our savings and something comes along to take it away. But most often, the need is for those around us, especially our own children.

Godly Mothers and Fathers often make a subconscious vow when they start a family. The vow is one of poverty.  This means they pledge to spend the majority of their money on the needs of their children. ("Needs" not "Wants.")

We never see these kinds of mothers in costly array, or in fine homes.  We don't see them shopping idly in boutiques, or dining in elegant restaurants. These mothers use their material resources to care for the poor, and the needy, even if that is often their (old or young) children.

Old Time Mothers in Poverty would scrimp and save and find ways to make sure their children had decent shoes, nutritious foods and a humble home.

When money came in and was saved for a rainy day, Mother was delighted to have the cash to feed a hungry, weary soul, who had entered her cozy parlour to take a break from the painful world.

All money that is used for selfish needs, all health that is consumed to glorify self, all worries of reputation fall by the wayside for the godly mothers.  She seeks not her own gratifications. 

The vow of poverty is not a promise to live a destitute life. It is a pledge to use all that goes through her hands, to bless and encourage those around her.

If I pledge my "wealth" and my "health" and my "reputation" for the ministry of my own family and for those that come through my door, I have made a vow of poverty for the Lord.

This means I will spend on that which is eternal.  I will find a way to serve despite my health issues.  I will not care what others say or think of me, but only care of the view from God's eyes.


Blessings
Mrs. White


What Would Happen? - If I Visit You at the Dinner Hour.

We Need to Be Here - As Sorrowful Yet Always Rejoicing at Home.

Please Don't be One of These - Bossy Wives.




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