4/3/09

12 Subjects to KNOW that will bring Happiness to your Home:

Ya'll are gonna think I'm a nut. Here I am: Pretty Organizer up on a pulpit... preach'n away about Homemaking. It's true... I grind wheat. I bake from scratch. I cut hair. I keep a garden. I decorate my house. I care for my kiddos... I Dare to be a Homemaker in an age when it's easier not to. And yes, I've sometimes dreamt about "what might have been." But friends, when it comes right down to it... I can't think of anything more important or satisfying or that feels more right than what I'm doing now.

Running a house is HARD. Homemaking is a job, a set of skills, a lifestyle that requires training, practicing, and a whole lotta work. Now as the economy grows more fragile and families are tightening belts, the art of homemaking is essential. This is what I DREAM... This is what I do... Homemaking somehow brings peace and joy and a quiet satisfaction.... amid the daily chaos and scattered moments of having the laundry finished (for 10 minutes).


I DARE TO DREAM HOMEMAKING:
I'll be doing a feature each week to elaborate on these principals. I didn't pop out of the womb knowing this stuff. My husband can vouch for my learning curve. He patiently sat through many a long hair cut... and suffered a few very bad ones, just to allow me the chance to learn. Whatta GUY! Now I cut 4 boys heads a month and I'm pretty darn good too!

Whether you're a stay at home mom or a working mom... these 12 subjects are for you! I believe every woman needs to know them. They are life skills in thrift and living within your means. They seem relevant in today's economy. Isn't it worth all our efforts to make great homes?

12 Things to KNOW... and bring happiness to your homes.

  1. Basic Home Maintenance
  2. Health/ Fitness/ Hygiene

  3. Menu Planning

  4. Teach Children Responsibility and Discipline
  5. Time management

  6. Baking and Food Preparation
  7. Sewing and Mending
  8. Less is more/ Organization

  9. Gardening

  10. Budgeting/Finance
  11. Food Storage and Canning
  12. Planning for the future


Any mom who wants to stay home... can do these. Any mom who works and wants to cut expenses... can do these! So, grab your library card and get ready.... we're gonna walk through Homemaking 101 together and I'll be sure to share my goof ups along the way. I've made all the mistakes for you so I know you'll do perfect!

Join the other Beautiful Life Posts at the Inspired Room today! Melissa is even having a giveaway.... and so am I! Check out today's Pretty Organized Palace post to enter and do a little shopping!

Will you Dare to Dream Homemaking for just a little while with me? What subject should we learn first?
Photo Credits:BallardDesign.com

35 comments:

Renata said...

Oh it all sounds so interesting... the canning...less is more/organisation - looking forward to the whole lot!

Anonymous said...

You and your blog inspire me! I'm so glad I found your blog. I've been an SAHM for almost 16 years and I'm *still* learning how to manage my home.

As for the 12 subjects, I'm most interested in basic home maintenance & time management. All of them sound good, though.

Keep on doing what you're doing.

Pam said...

I'm so excited for this series! My husband and I had already decided before we ever got married that when children came along I would be a SAHM. It's amazing that in today's society it seems as if we're from another planet so many times. The tides seems to shifting slightly, though. Anyway, Some of your subjects I'm good at (haircuts). Except for the time when I made a mistake when cutting my hubby's hair and he ended up bald. Oops! Some of the 12 I'm learning (canning, sewing). And some I could really use improvement in (time management, fitness). I'll be happy to learn a few great pointers from a pro!

Thanks for the inspiration. Pam

Kim said...

I'm with Carole - I'd like to learn more about home maintenance and time management. I'm goin' on 14 years! Still haven't learned those two! I also need to learn how to RELAX and let everything fall into place. I'm a nut if I get behind on things - ie. laundry, cleaning, cooking etc. HELP!!!

Anonymous said...

This is going to be a fun one! Staying at home moms unite-maybe there could be a 20/20 special or Dateline. My daughter who is 10 belongs to a smalll group where we live and the group is called Keepers At Home. It teaches different arts of the home. It gives goals to accomplish and how to do each one. We have studied everything in the last three years and barely touched the surface it seems. I encourage you to look there site up, order the book for girls (yes there is one for boys for the male side) and start at the basics if you want. It has been very fun for my daughter and I.
Have a great day,
Dana

Kristen said...

Oh I am so excited for this series and the inspiration and motivation I know you will give!

DH & I work and have a 2 bedroom apartment - I'm always looking for better ways to stay organized, clean and budget friendly.

B. said...

As a work outside the home, home manager- I vote for time management.

ellen said...

ooooooh...how fun! i say begin with gardening since it is seedling/ planting time. thanks!

Daisy said...

I can't think of a better way to use your time and talent. You, your husband and children have more control over how you live your lives with the way you have chosen to do things. Kuddos to you!

Unknown said...

I am so excited you are doing this! I could use all of these (been at home for 1 1/2 years is all). If I had to pick a top 3... 1)gardening, since it's that time
2) menu planning
3) less is more organization
Looking forward to it!

Rachael said...

I'm looking forward to seeing this! All of them sound awesome!

I think we should get homemaker merit badges for each one. ;-)

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

Love this! You know that this subject is close to my heart!! I'll be checking back for these posts! :)

Vivienne @ the V Spot said...

Brilliant idea. I'm a SAHM too and am always always looking for help, inspiration, and really, another set of eyes to look through. To start? How about gardening, since it's that time of year...

Victoria Hayden said...

Thank you for posting this! I have so many friends that want to be more "domesticated", and are constantly wanting to learn things from me. I will have to let them know about this post. I think it is the upmost important thing we can do as mothers and wives is to make a home for our family. I strive to create a place where my friends and family want to be. I think your 12 subjects are a great list and something we all can learn from! For me it is menu planning and time management especially with 5 kids, as I know you understand this! I am learning to do better each and every day. Thank you again and have a wonderful week!!!

Hugs to you,
~Victoria~

Lana said...

Oh I can't wait! I never took homemaking. I'll be your best student! :)

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

My kids are all grown up and I, like you, loved homemaking and still do. I'm still learning so I'm anxious to hear what you have to say on all of these topics. My eldest daughter lives right next door to me with my three little grandsons and we share information, so bring it on sister!

mary said...

I'm very excited to learn more. I am a stay at home mom and I take my job seriously.

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

Sounds like fun! Can't wait to hear your ideas.

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Oh.My.Gosh. I am very excited to read this series. I say start at the top of your list and work down. :)

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Oh my gosh! I've been behind last week & just caught up with all your news. First, the kitchen cabinets look fantastic. Congrats on getting that job done.

And you're adopting again! 6 more kids, are you kidding?? Your series sounds really great & I can't wait to hear more. I can't even believe you'll have time to blog with that family. congrats!

Christina said...

I'm looking forward to your series! I've been so inspired by the blogs I've discovered the past month - including yours - that I have begun to really take care of my house and my family. Yes, I've been a SAHM but my house, well ... it was clean but not always tidy. And I love to cook and bake but ... I can't seem to keep up with the laundry, son's therapies, schools, etc. etc. etc.

What I would love to read first? Gardening. This is the time to start a garden so I'd love to hear how you do it!!

Bonita said...

Oh, goodie, a tutorial! I've been married 20 yeras. I entered the marriage domestically-challenged, and while I've learned a lot along the way, I'd still classify myself as...domestically-challenged. It's not for want of learning or reading blogs that help, but I never feel I can learn enough. So, I'm looking forward to this series in hopes that it will help me further.

Dawn said...

I, too, am so glad that I found your blog. You are such an inspiration to me! I do work outside of the home full-time, but also consider myself a full-time stay at home mom. I can't wait to hear what you can do to help me better care for my family and home!

~Dawn

Sit A Spell said...

Sounds great! I've been keeping a home for many yrs and love to hear from other homemakers! I was a teacher before, but love being a stay at home mama. Love your family photo in your header!

Niki Jones said...

Your post was just so perfect. Exactly how I feel. I have just had this conversation with my very hardworking husband. I explained to his male mind, that a lick of paint & a big comfy cushion-so ok I have a fetish, whatever- make for a happy comfy home, making memories for our beautiful boys. That BBQ breakfast with friends at the beach on a Sunday morning, no matter how much we would rather sleep-in, make for "golden days". I am happy to be the one to organize & prepare so he can just wake up, shower & drive there. Thats MY job & I take my job very seriously. Yay for the homemaking Mamas. I am truly blessed.
Niki

Tami @ This Mom's Delight said...

I can't pick just one!

gina said...

Throught the (past 15) years I've bounced between SAHM, pat time working mom, single mother, SAHM/HOMESCHOOLING mom- I've worn many hats. I'm a mom of all trades , master of none- bring on any ideas... i'm listening.

Becky K. said...

Looks like a great series.

I have strengths in some of these areas and am horribly weak in others.

Teresa said...

Thanks for sharing your tips- We have tried to have our children all learn most of those things before they leave for college- They have all thanked us for it later. =)
it is becoming a lost art to be able to take care of some of our own most basic needs-
Way to be!

abeachcottage said...

I am still learning after being a sahm for 14 years, I really enjoyed visiting your blog today, I'll certainly be back, thanks

Sarah

Sandy said...

I think it is wonderful that you are willing to share your success and slip ups in homemaking. I have been a keeper of the home for 29 years now and I still love learning new tips, tricks, and techniques. Blessings on your efforts to inspire other homemakers!

Maureen said...

I look forward to following along!

Shawn/LifeatButtercupFarm said...

I love that you OWN how you feel about homemaking. It is so important (especially for children) to see parents work toward something with passion. Thank you for sharing...It will be fun to follow along!

Barbie said...

I love reading your site. I have written down the 12 principles on a 3x5 card and look forward to working on all of them except gardening. I just don't have the desire in me for that. Maybe someday. I was tempted to plant a salsa garden in pots, but the thought was fleeting.

J.J. said...

I am totally ready to read this series!!!!! Thanks!

 
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