Being a stay-at-home mommy, I find it is ever so important to set goals to keep both myself and my children on track. We set goals and establish routines when it comes to housekeeping, meal-planning, homeschooling, you name it, we have a plan of action!
However, every once in awhile, I decide that making lists and plans is annoying, and I stop. Slowly but surely, my brain gets what I call "fogged up", with ideas and plans, lists and things-to-do, and things-I-forgot-to-do-because-it-wasn't-on-a-list! I start hearing things from my kids like, "Mom, I said it 3 times already, why do I have to keep repeating myself? You said you would listen that time!" Ouch. Yup, I did say I would listen, but my foggy brain got in the way. It can keep me from focusing on the precious children God has given me. I never want the tasks I must complete in order to care for them, to get in the way of showing them I how much I care about them!
Writing things down helps me feel more organized. Yes, sometimes the never-ending-list can also make me feel overwhelmed, but having it all written down at least gets it out of my head. Years ago (and yes, sometimes I can even say last week) I would look at those lists and all the things that hadn't been checked off, and I would feel like a total failure. I'm praying and asking God to help me be thankful for what I CAN accomplish in a day, rather than attacking myself for what I didn't. Setting goals and organizing tasks on paper helps me be more efficient, makes it easier to see where I might be able to enlist the help of my children or sweet husband, and also gives me a sense of accomplishment when something has been completed.
Not long ago, I found a beautiful and inspiring planner as a free downloadable here. If you visit her website, and use this tool, please be sure to thank her for providing it! I am printing several out for myself today.
I am especially in need of this tool as we plan to make a few repairs on our home, clear out the 8 years of clutter we've accumulated, put it up for sale, and (God-willing) pack it all up and move! All of this has to be done while continuing with the "normal things" like homeschooling, meal-planning, driving to baseball practice, raising a teenager, etc. etc. Do you see my need for a plan?
I must remind myself, very often, that my plans are just a way to keep myself on track. I try not to put a lot of stock in them, and as I grow older I am less and less disappointed when things don't go my way. This is mostly because I firmly believe that I am not in control. God says in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I take deep breaths as I write out my plans, and remind myself that God has me right where He wants me. I ask Him to remove all my perfectionist ways of thinking and help me to remember that what I accomplish, I do so because of His grace. I thank Him in the midst of all the crazy, busy, wonderful tasks that fill my days because I am blessed to be a wife and mother.
Do you set goals in your home? Are you like me with spreadsheets and lists everywhere that both you and the kids refer to daily? Do your kids roll their eyes at you and ask why you like everything so "perfect"? Hee hee . . . I'd love to hear from you!
I'm linking to: Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, Time-Warp Wife
Showing posts with label Homemaking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homemaking. Show all posts
Diggin' in the Dirt
Last fall, I made my first attempt at gardening. I had high hopes. I was cleaning out closets and organizing shelves and anticipating running out of room for all the jars and jars of canned vegetables we were going to have.
Um. . .
Didn't happen!
BUT! I know this is something I can do and I am determined to get it right!
We did have tomatoes and peppers, but that was about it, even though we planted much more. The kids had a blast watering and watching and waiting for the first tiny leaves to appear. "How long does it say for cucumbers?" They would rush to check the seed packet then look at the calendar to count the days. "What about carrots? Look! The beans are coming up!!" I can't possibly describe the joy it brought me to see my little ones so excited about something so simple. I just wish we had made the chicken wire covers to keep the darn squirrels out! Those bean and carrot sprouts didn't have a chance!
However, we approach the Spring season with much anticipation.
We are using a square foot gardening method, which you really must read about if you haven't already and are interested in learning to garden. I bought this book at Lowe's, but you can check out this website to find helpful tips and to chat with other gardeners. I wouldn't have had the courage, nor would I have known how to begin, without the simple instructions in this book.
Um. . .
Didn't happen!
BUT! I know this is something I can do and I am determined to get it right!
We did have tomatoes and peppers, but that was about it, even though we planted much more. The kids had a blast watering and watching and waiting for the first tiny leaves to appear. "How long does it say for cucumbers?" They would rush to check the seed packet then look at the calendar to count the days. "What about carrots? Look! The beans are coming up!!" I can't possibly describe the joy it brought me to see my little ones so excited about something so simple. I just wish we had made the chicken wire covers to keep the darn squirrels out! Those bean and carrot sprouts didn't have a chance!
However, we approach the Spring season with much anticipation.
We are using a square foot gardening method, which you really must read about if you haven't already and are interested in learning to garden. I bought this book at Lowe's, but you can check out this website to find helpful tips and to chat with other gardeners. I wouldn't have had the courage, nor would I have known how to begin, without the simple instructions in this book.
I've also found a really great magazine that has wonderful tips on homesteading (which hubby and I are REALLY interested in), gardening, raising chickens, recipes, and much more.
They also have an incredible amount of information and helpful articles archived on their website.
There is also an app for gardening that you can download to your ipod or smartphone. They have tips on when to plant, where (start seedlings indoors or out), how soon to begin, etc. depending on what part of the country you live in. They also give detailed information on what varieties of fruits / vegetables grow best in the different regions. Believe me, I'm taking notes!
One of the goals I listed in my New Year's Resolutions was to be frugal, and that included gardening. I don't plan to give that up. I am still a beginner, but I know with prayer and perseverance, God can teach me anything! I am so thankful for the wisdom I am able to glean from those who have already succeeded. I hope to pass this wonderful skill on to my children, and in the process, to cherish every precious moment we are able to enjoy learning together.
What skills are you trying to learn right alongside your children? What traditions are you creating in your home? I would love to hear about them!
Homemade Bread - I did it!!!
So yesterday I posted this grand plan for this week's meals - and I was firmly resolved to stick to it. Let's see, what day is it?
Just kidding!
So far, so good. The only thing I haven't stuck to is which day to prepare what meal. Yesterday was the pasta casserole and baked chicken. Today I decided to make the homemade hamburger buns with this recipe.
squeals . . .
giggles . . .
I can't believe I did it! I actually, really, all-by-myself, made homemade bread! It didn't take all day, which I've always heard bread does. In fact, the steps were pretty easy. I did one step right before breakfast, one right after chores, and one just before leaving for our American Heritage Girls meeting. Thanks to my oldest son, who watched the oven for me while we were gone, we came home to this:
Now, I am well aware that they don't look like the fancy, schmancy picture on the website with the recipe.
But hey, this was my first shot at it. I'll get the shaping down. I was just happy that they came out soft and yummy! At this very moment I am telling my children to get out of the kitchen because they cannot eat the buns that I made for dinner. I let them try one little corner and now they want to scarf them down before the burgers are even ready!
I'm so happy with this venture that I am going to be trying a french loaf recipe in just a few minutes. I found it on the website of my favorite magazine - Mother Earth News. The title of the article is Five Minutes a Day for Freshly Baked Bread. I'll let you know if that turns out to be true.
All this baking is getting me geared up to start planning the spring garden. We're going to need some strawberry jam to smear on all this soft yumminess!
What's happening in your kitchen this week? Are you cooking up some love? I'd like to hear from you.
Happy Homemaking!
I'm linking up at Growing Home and Time-Warp Wife
Meal Plan Monday
When you ask your family what they would like for dinner, do you get the response, "food" ? Well, that's the answer I get at my house all. the. time. Seriously? My family has an incredible lack of motivation in helping me plan meals. They like to eat, that's for sure, but having a hand in putting together the menu is not something they look forward to. So when I sat down to plan this week's menu, I was feeling discouraged. I had absolutely no ideas about what to prepare, but I knew I didn't want it to be the same ole, same ole.
I'm linking this post to: An Original Belle, The Barn Hop, The Better Mom, The Purposed Heart, and These Five of Mine Plus Two
Happy Homemaking!
Thank God for Pinterest!
I said a quick prayer that God would help me get over my grumbly attitude, and I got to work searching for some new meals to put on our table this week. Not all of them are healthy, in fact several are loaded with dairy and cheese, but I think they are going to please every member of my family. (Including my vegetarian self, and my oldest son who won't touch a vegetable other than potatoes or spinach.) I thought I'd share my plan with you, in hopes of giving you a little bit of inspiration (and holding myself accountable to stick to my plan!)
Monday: Tortellini Spinach Bake in Creamy Lemon Sauce with crusty bread and a salad
Recipe here
Tuesday: Veggie tacos for me, beef tacos for them, with black beans and cilantro lime rice (recipe link)
Wednesday: Pasta Salad (with baked chicken for them) and bread
Thursday: Burgers on homemade brioche buns with oven fries (I'll have a black bean burger, of course!)
Friday: Spinach stuffed shells with a salad
Saturday: Spinach alfredo pizza (homemade crust) with salad (can you tell we eat our greens?) and baked mac-n-cheese (just in case the little two make a face at the spinach pizza)
I got the recipe for the pizza topping here
(the only variations I am planning are to make a crust from scratch instead of using the Pillsbury crust she recommends and I'll add shredded mozzarella to the top)
the homemade pizza crust recipe is here
and the mac-n-cheese recipe is here
I'm going to try my hand at homemade bread this week. I found a recipe for a french loaf here. I've never attempted it before, but if I can do it, we just might stop buying the bagged variety.
Mmmm . . . you can't tell me you'd rather have Mrs. Bairds. I sincerely hope my efforts are successful!
I checked my attitude, got my heart and mind in the right place, and I plan to spend some time creating meals that let my family know how much I love and care for them. What are you cooking up in your kitchen this week? Next Monday will come all too fast, if you have any ideas or recipes for me (especially vegetarian) I would love to hear from you!
I'm linking this post to: An Original Belle, The Barn Hop, The Better Mom, The Purposed Heart, and These Five of Mine Plus Two
Happy Homemaking!
The Ministry of Motherhood
Has God placed a calling on your life? Do you feel like your time here is of any value? If you happen to spend your days doing laundry, washing dishes, making shopping lists, running errands, changing diapers and driving the carpool, then you have been called to one of the holiest of vocations – motherhood.
I didn’t see my responsibilities as wife and mother as a “ministry” until about four years ago. How could anyone see the mundane tasks that a woman performs on a daily basis as “holy”? We can’t see it unless we look through the eyes of God. We read in Proverbs 31, “An excellent wife, who can find? . . . She works with her hands in delight. . . She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household . . . She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness”. (Proverbs 31:10-27)
Our culture today has dismissed the importance that God places on the role of wife and mother. However, God says in His word that our worth is "far more than rubies". Taking care of our husbands, teaching our children and nurturing their spiritual growth, and running an efficient household are all actions that please our Father. If we accept this “calling” and serve Him with all our hearts, we can only expect to be greatly blessed. He promises that “her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her”. (Proverbs 31:28)
I began to understand how motherhood can be a ministry around the same time I began a Bible Study by Beth Moore. At the beginning of the study, she wrote a fictional story from Mary’s point of view, telling about the birth of her son, Jesus. It was so detailed, you almost felt as if you were there in Jerusalem, waiting for the Savior to arrive. It brought tears to my eyes. As the study progressed, we talked about how Mary must have felt being entrusted with such an incredible mission. How did she discipline Jesus? How did she teach him responsibility? Respect? Obedience? The Bible doesn’t really answer these questions, but it got me to thinking.
None of us are raising Jesus, that’s for sure. (I often wonder what it would be like to have a perfect child.) However, aren’t our children a gift from God? Don’t we believe that He loves them more than we do and we are only their caregivers until He takes them home again? Do we handle them with love and gentleness? Are we training them in the ways of God?
I’ve always loved and cared for my children. However, before I considered it my “ministry”, the daily routine would sometimes really frustrate me. I was constantly asking God to show me where it was He wanted me to serve Him. I over-extended myself volunteering at church, school and various other organizations, leaving my husband to tend to the children and our home because of the “important work” I was doing for God. I’m so thankful that He’s shown me that the work I have at home is far more important than anything outside.
I challenge you today, to see God’s plan for you in the dirty dishes, the piles of laundry, and the crying children He has placed in your hands. Take care of them as if you were taking care of Him and just see what joy and peace He pours over you.
If you are encouraged by what you read here, please share it with others! Also, leave me a comment - I would love to hear from you!
Natural Cleaners
Ever since we found out a few months ago that our eldest son is battling terrible allergies, I have done my best to convert to using natural cleaners in our home. At first, I thought it was going to be a hassle, but I quickly learned it's actually much more convenient - as long as I have a few basic items that I make sure to keep in stock. Those items are:
Baking Soda
Vinegar
Ammonia
Lemon juice
Rubbing Alcohol
Dawn dish soap
and
Borax
To make an all-purpose cleaner which I use on tile, appliances, cabinets, etc:
2 TBSP vinegar
1 tsp. Borax
hot water (enough to fill your spray bottle)
a few drops of Dawn dish soap
essential oil (I like lemon scented - you can find this in organic or specialty stores)
For furniture polish:
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
I know, I know, olive oil wasn't in the basic items list. But who doesn't have it in the pantry? You could use any type of oil, really. Just shake it up in a spray bottle and see how you can make your furniture shine!
For granite countertops:
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
3 drops Dawn dish soap
1 cup water
essential oil
I was spending around $9 / bottle on granite cleaner before this recipe. I LOVE how shiny my countertops get when I use this.
Soft Scrub type cleaners (for use on bathtubs, sinks, etc.)
Mix a small amount of baking soda with enough dish soap to make a paste-like substance. That's it!
Window cleaner:
3 TBSP ammonia
1 TBSP vinegar
enough water to finish filling up your spray bottle
Shake it up and get those windows sparkling!
Another tip - lemon juice is like a natural bleaching substance. Sprinkle baking soda into ceramic sinks, splash some lemon juice on, then scrub. The result is a sparkly white that not even Comet can compete against!
The best part about using these natural cleaners is the scent! Instead of having a home that smells of bleach and chemicals, our clean house smells like lemons and lavender. Give it a try! I'd love to hear from you if you decide to make the all-natural switch!
Happy Homemaking!
New Look
Ok peeps - it's done! For now . . .
I most certainly am NOT going to become a blog designer anytime in the near future. (Can't you tell?) However, I am proud of the simple changes I was able to make thanks to Jacinda over at Growing Home.
Her e-book was worth every penny of the $4.99 she charges and I would have paid more! Her simple, detailed instructions made it so easy for me to create a new banner and learn how to install it on my page. There is a wealth of other information in the book, I was just so excited to get started that I read the first few pages, then went to work!
If you have been wanting to learn how to update or change the look of your blog without hiring a designer, or spending a fortune on software, Jacinda will walk you through it step-by-step.
I highly recommend you take a look at her precious blog and check into the book yourself!
You can see her post about the e-book here.
Happy Homemaking my friends!
I most certainly am NOT going to become a blog designer anytime in the near future. (Can't you tell?) However, I am proud of the simple changes I was able to make thanks to Jacinda over at Growing Home.
Her e-book was worth every penny of the $4.99 she charges and I would have paid more! Her simple, detailed instructions made it so easy for me to create a new banner and learn how to install it on my page. There is a wealth of other information in the book, I was just so excited to get started that I read the first few pages, then went to work!
If you have been wanting to learn how to update or change the look of your blog without hiring a designer, or spending a fortune on software, Jacinda will walk you through it step-by-step.
I highly recommend you take a look at her precious blog and check into the book yourself!
You can see her post about the e-book here.
Happy Homemaking my friends!
School is in Session
After a long and joyful holiday season, today we return to "routine".
Breakfast.
Chores.
School.
Lunch.
More School.
More Chores.
I'm simplifying what our day looks like, but I feel so blessed to be able to spend this time with my children and cherish them as they learn and grow into the people God created them to be. I'm so thankful for the freedom to homeschool!
I'll be sharing links and tips to my favorite blogs and homeschooling sites this week. So come back and check it out. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!
Happy Homeschooling!
Breakfast.
Chores.
School.
Lunch.
More School.
More Chores.
I'm simplifying what our day looks like, but I feel so blessed to be able to spend this time with my children and cherish them as they learn and grow into the people God created them to be. I'm so thankful for the freedom to homeschool!
I'll be sharing links and tips to my favorite blogs and homeschooling sites this week. So come back and check it out. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!
Happy Homeschooling!
Happy New Year!
Ahhh . . . a new year. There's just something about it, isn't there? I don't even know if I can describe the feelings stirring within me when I flip the calendar to January. I love it. It's like that one little turning of the page signals the beginning of something great. A new year means a chance to begin again, to start fresh. We can once again plan to live our lives with meaning and purpose and ambition!
As is custom, I've made a few resolutions and I'd like to share them with you:
In 2012, I resolve to grow even closer to Jesus - I am looking forward to what He has to teach me, and I am truly enjoying embracing the idea of becoming more "child-like". Children worry about nothing, and I am grateful that our Lord is constantly reminding me and showing me how His care for me means I have no cares. I am more important to Him than the birds in the fields and He provides for my every need! (Luke 12:24)
I will spend more time with other women who share my desire to grow in holiness - In December I invited a group of women from my church into my home for prayer and fellowship and God really showed up. We'll meet once a month, and only God knows what is in store for us!
I will be more devoted in my prayers for others - In the last few months, God has shown me how powerful intercession can be, and there are no words to describe how He will move if we only ask Him.
I will do my best to stay attentive to my husband and his every need - I will manage his household in a way that will make him proud to call me his wife. I will not be idle. I will do my very best to be frugal in managing our finances and keeping our spending well below the means he provides. I will NOT keep up with the Jones's and I WILL create everything I possibly can with my own hands. I will sew, cook, garden, and create a home that I pray will exude the peace and love we find in Christ. (Read Proverbs 31:10-31 for a description of a good wife.)
I will serve my children in every area that is necessary - I will ask God to help me instill a servant's heart in each of them and together we will continue to answer any call He places in our lives.
I will try my very best to overcome my self-critical nature - For in my weakness, God's power is made perfect! (2 Cor. 12:9)
I will BLOG MORE!! I have always loved writing and strongly believe God has a purpose for me in all this. I have yet to figure out what that is, so bear with me. I'm just rambling until He shows me exactly what it is He wants me to share. I love you all for putting up with me!
I just know that God has wonderful things planned for all of us this year! I am anxious and excited to watch it all unfold and look forward to sharing every good thing with you.
Here's to another year of Happy Homemaking!
As is custom, I've made a few resolutions and I'd like to share them with you:
In 2012, I resolve to grow even closer to Jesus - I am looking forward to what He has to teach me, and I am truly enjoying embracing the idea of becoming more "child-like". Children worry about nothing, and I am grateful that our Lord is constantly reminding me and showing me how His care for me means I have no cares. I am more important to Him than the birds in the fields and He provides for my every need! (Luke 12:24)
I will spend more time with other women who share my desire to grow in holiness - In December I invited a group of women from my church into my home for prayer and fellowship and God really showed up. We'll meet once a month, and only God knows what is in store for us!
I will be more devoted in my prayers for others - In the last few months, God has shown me how powerful intercession can be, and there are no words to describe how He will move if we only ask Him.
I will do my best to stay attentive to my husband and his every need - I will manage his household in a way that will make him proud to call me his wife. I will not be idle. I will do my very best to be frugal in managing our finances and keeping our spending well below the means he provides. I will NOT keep up with the Jones's and I WILL create everything I possibly can with my own hands. I will sew, cook, garden, and create a home that I pray will exude the peace and love we find in Christ. (Read Proverbs 31:10-31 for a description of a good wife.)
I will serve my children in every area that is necessary - I will ask God to help me instill a servant's heart in each of them and together we will continue to answer any call He places in our lives.
I will try my very best to overcome my self-critical nature - For in my weakness, God's power is made perfect! (2 Cor. 12:9)
I will BLOG MORE!! I have always loved writing and strongly believe God has a purpose for me in all this. I have yet to figure out what that is, so bear with me. I'm just rambling until He shows me exactly what it is He wants me to share. I love you all for putting up with me!
I just know that God has wonderful things planned for all of us this year! I am anxious and excited to watch it all unfold and look forward to sharing every good thing with you.
Here's to another year of Happy Homemaking!
Family Feature
So I don't know if I've been rubbing off on Baby Sis, or if having her own home just inspires her the way it inspires me! She is becoming quite the little homemaker - managing her budget, planning meals for the hubs, and decorating has really become a recent passion of hers! Her home is looking just beautiful! I just have to share with you a project she completed yesterday.
I stopped by her house the other day and she was putting together a new bookshelf. There was a sad piece of furniture in the corner of the room she was working on. We got into a discussion over it. "Are you going to keep that?" I asked. She shrugged, "Not if you want it."
Now this particular piece of furniture belonged to my mom. Baby Sis and I have all sorts of different pieces of mom's furniture because she left them with us when she and dad moved. Baby Sis and I are always swapping these pieces of furniture back and forth. Anyway, I tell Baby Sis, " I think I'm going to ask Mom if I can paint it". To which she responds, "Oh if we can paint it, then I want it!"
And so, she transformed that piece of furniture into a thing of beauty!
Here it is before:
And here it is after:
Wow, I mean, just wow. Wouldn't you have walked right by that thing without even a second glance if you had been at Goodwill? I will never cease to be amazed at what a few cans of spray paint and some new hardware can do. It just goes to show that with a couple of bucks and a few hours out of your day, you can turn what some people would put out on the curb, into something your guests will admire.
Way to go Baby Sis, I'm proud of you! Now, I wonder how long it will be before she's tired of it? Hmmm . . .
Happy Homemaking my friends!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! It was absolutely beautiful in Texas with lots of sun and nice temperatures. I just LOVE Spring, it is my favorite time of year! I always feel so full of energy and ready to tackle new projects when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. Don't you? I'm really looking forward to Daylight Savings Time ending in a few weeks. It means I'll have more hours of sunlight to finish all those painting projects I haven't gotten around to yet.
I got my Scentsy order in today (yippee!) and couldn't wait to plug my warmers in. I just love walking into our home when it smells all fresh and clean. These things are amazing! Just one little block of wax is all it takes to freshen the entire front half of the house. I'm so excited about all the money I'm going to save not buying all those Glade plug-ins that get used up so quickly. I bought one for the living room:
Um, yeah, it's time for these sad little things to go. Little sis's shower is just around the corner and these just. won't. do. Now, I also told you I don't like to shop at fancy furniture stores, which is mostly true, but it's because I dislike paying full price! Well, today I found some real beauties on clearance at Dillard's. I mean, real clearance. Marked down like 65%. And these chairs will last FOR-EV-ER. If your grandmother never told you about how awesome Lane Furniture is, you can glean that information from me. My grandmother has Lane chairs in her home that she bought in the 60's, or maybe even before that! She has them recovered whenever she's ready for a change, but other than that, they are built with amazing quality, so I'm sure these chairs will be around when I'm cuddling my own grandkids!
Now you have to look past the fabric because this is NOT the color I chose. While it is beautiful, it's not my style and it definitely would not go in this room. Anyway, the fabric I ordered is a taupe color, which will be so perfect against the teals and whites in this room. I bought two, and they recline! Oh I can just picture us now. Hubby and I might actually be able to hear each other talk while we sip coffee and work a puzzle. We can finally leave the kids to their movies and video games in the family room once I have the formal all put together. I can't wait until they arrive!
I got my Scentsy order in today (yippee!) and couldn't wait to plug my warmers in. I just love walking into our home when it smells all fresh and clean. These things are amazing! Just one little block of wax is all it takes to freshen the entire front half of the house. I'm so excited about all the money I'm going to save not buying all those Glade plug-ins that get used up so quickly. I bought one for the living room:
And one for the bathroom:
The colors go great with my decor and they work like a charm! If you don't have one yet, and you want your house to smell as good as mine, you can visit my friend Brandi's website here. She'll be more than happy to help you make a selection and tell you all about the other great products Scentsy has to offer.
Another thing I checked off my to-do list today was chair shopping. Remember me telling you those chairs in my front room just weren't cutting it? Here's another pic just in case you didn't catch that post:
Um, yeah, it's time for these sad little things to go. Little sis's shower is just around the corner and these just. won't. do. Now, I also told you I don't like to shop at fancy furniture stores, which is mostly true, but it's because I dislike paying full price! Well, today I found some real beauties on clearance at Dillard's. I mean, real clearance. Marked down like 65%. And these chairs will last FOR-EV-ER. If your grandmother never told you about how awesome Lane Furniture is, you can glean that information from me. My grandmother has Lane chairs in her home that she bought in the 60's, or maybe even before that! She has them recovered whenever she's ready for a change, but other than that, they are built with amazing quality, so I'm sure these chairs will be around when I'm cuddling my own grandkids!
Now you have to look past the fabric because this is NOT the color I chose. While it is beautiful, it's not my style and it definitely would not go in this room. Anyway, the fabric I ordered is a taupe color, which will be so perfect against the teals and whites in this room. I bought two, and they recline! Oh I can just picture us now. Hubby and I might actually be able to hear each other talk while we sip coffee and work a puzzle. We can finally leave the kids to their movies and video games in the family room once I have the formal all put together. I can't wait until they arrive!
I'll be sure to post pics once they're in so you can see the actual fabric. Now I just have to do my best to find the perfect second-hand coffee table. Craigslist is disappointing me lately. However, a friend of mine has a table in her garage she isn't using, so that's an option. I just have to see how much she's willing to let it go for and whether she can pry that amount of cash out of my fingers! Another thing I heard is we have a Value Village not far from here. I've never been, but I may just have to check it out! I've been told it's a great home decor/furniture thrift store and that is what I am all about.
I hope you had a productive Monday, and that you have lots of plans for your home this week. Whether you're doing your spring cleaning, setting up more structure for your kids with chores, or just trying to plan a meal for each night, my prayer is that you find joy in doing so!
Happy Homemaking my friends!
Happy at Home
I don't have any big projects going on today, so I don't have any pics or special tips to share with you. What I do have to share is my story on what it means to me to be a homemaker. I hope it will encourage you in your calling as wife, mother and homemaker.
When I first started my "adventure" as a homemaker, I was 23 years old. My husband and I had two children and I prayed for almost a year about whether or not to leave my job. I didn't have a fancy career, or a college degree (though I did work on that for awhile!) but I loved what I was doing and I had always been a very motivated person who aspired to achieve great things. I had so many mixed feelings about it and it was a very difficult decision. Even after we decided it was the best thing to do, I struggled with it for years! I kept trying to "figure out" what it was God wanted me to do. I just knew He created me for a purpose, and for the life of me I didn't know what it was! (Are you laughing with me yet?)
I would wash dishes, fold laundry, wipe noses and kiss boo-boos. All the while constantly praying, "Lord, where do you want me to be? What am I supposed to be doing?" I was frustrated and felt like I was going nowhere. My everyday seemed like something I just needed to get through, so I could get to the next day, and the next, and hopefully someday God would show me His plan.
Then, about 3 years ago, I woke up and remembered a book that a friend of mine had told me about years before. Created to be his Help Meet is written by Debi Pearl and it completely changed my life! You can order the book through their website: http://nogreaterjoy.org/blogs/createdtobehishelpmeet/
Debi uses biblical references to encourage young women in the God-given roles we fulfill. After reading her book, I didn't have to keep asking God what He wanted me to do. He already had me doing it! My eyes were suddenly opened to all the blessings He has given me and I began to embrace the dishes, the laundry, the errand-running, the meal-preparing, and everything else that goes into my days!
She helped me find the purpose in what I do. Educating and raising our children, preparing meals, being responsible with the income my husband provides, decorating our home and making it a cozy and welcoming space, need I go on? If you're a wife and mom you know what you do all day. Do you find great satisfaction in it? Do you know that a calling has been placed on you and that you have been entrusted with one of the greatest responsibilities there is? As wives, we are to be the crowns of our husbands, as mothers we are raising future doctors, lawyers, inventors (and hopefully homemakers!) Is there any greater task? What could be more important?
If you're a homemaker searching for the purpose in your life, I hope and pray that you find it in the little things you do everyday. Today, I'm going to find it while shopping for a Boy Scout uniform, attending a little league baseball game, fixing my daughter's hair, doing the laundry, planning dinner and running through the chaos of whatever else may happen. When the day is over, I'm going to make sure my husband sees a smile on my face, and I'm going to thank God for promoting me to this most honored position.
I want to leave you with something I recently received in an email. You can go here to read a wonderful short story about being an "invisible mother". It brought tears to my eyes and I hope it touches you as well. Blessings to you! May you be happy in your homemaking!
I don't have any big projects going on today, so I don't have any pics or special tips to share with you. What I do have to share is my story on what it means to me to be a homemaker. I hope it will encourage you in your calling as wife, mother and homemaker.
When I first started my "adventure" as a homemaker, I was 23 years old. My husband and I had two children and I prayed for almost a year about whether or not to leave my job. I didn't have a fancy career, or a college degree (though I did work on that for awhile!) but I loved what I was doing and I had always been a very motivated person who aspired to achieve great things. I had so many mixed feelings about it and it was a very difficult decision. Even after we decided it was the best thing to do, I struggled with it for years! I kept trying to "figure out" what it was God wanted me to do. I just knew He created me for a purpose, and for the life of me I didn't know what it was! (Are you laughing with me yet?)
I would wash dishes, fold laundry, wipe noses and kiss boo-boos. All the while constantly praying, "Lord, where do you want me to be? What am I supposed to be doing?" I was frustrated and felt like I was going nowhere. My everyday seemed like something I just needed to get through, so I could get to the next day, and the next, and hopefully someday God would show me His plan.
Then, about 3 years ago, I woke up and remembered a book that a friend of mine had told me about years before. Created to be his Help Meet is written by Debi Pearl and it completely changed my life! You can order the book through their website: http://nogreaterjoy.org/blogs/createdtobehishelpmeet/
Debi uses biblical references to encourage young women in the God-given roles we fulfill. After reading her book, I didn't have to keep asking God what He wanted me to do. He already had me doing it! My eyes were suddenly opened to all the blessings He has given me and I began to embrace the dishes, the laundry, the errand-running, the meal-preparing, and everything else that goes into my days!
She helped me find the purpose in what I do. Educating and raising our children, preparing meals, being responsible with the income my husband provides, decorating our home and making it a cozy and welcoming space, need I go on? If you're a wife and mom you know what you do all day. Do you find great satisfaction in it? Do you know that a calling has been placed on you and that you have been entrusted with one of the greatest responsibilities there is? As wives, we are to be the crowns of our husbands, as mothers we are raising future doctors, lawyers, inventors (and hopefully homemakers!) Is there any greater task? What could be more important?
If you're a homemaker searching for the purpose in your life, I hope and pray that you find it in the little things you do everyday. Today, I'm going to find it while shopping for a Boy Scout uniform, attending a little league baseball game, fixing my daughter's hair, doing the laundry, planning dinner and running through the chaos of whatever else may happen. When the day is over, I'm going to make sure my husband sees a smile on my face, and I'm going to thank God for promoting me to this most honored position.
I want to leave you with something I recently received in an email. You can go here to read a wonderful short story about being an "invisible mother". It brought tears to my eyes and I hope it touches you as well. Blessings to you! May you be happy in your homemaking!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)