Joyful Homemaking

LOC: "Christmas Eve" painting by W.C. Bauer.

The snow was falling throughout the early evening.  It drifted down at a steady pace.  I like to look out the front window. I always glance toward the streetlight, where the snowy scene is most clear.  

We were planning to go out for a quick errand. My husband drove the car while I was free to take in the beauty of all the Christmas lights.  But sometimes people are crabby. They are in a negative mood and are too annoyed to enjoy the beauty in life.  I knew something was wrong. I also knew it was possible for me to make it better. I would not be dragged down into a bad mood. I would not start an argument. Instead, I would spread cheer and happiness.

"Do you mind if I sing?" I asked.  My husband consented.  It quieted him for a little while. I sang carols and then, to soften the tenseness of the moment, I would look over at him for help. I didn't know all the verses to the songs. I could not remember them.  This made him happy to help. He would give me a prompt by singing a few words. Then I would take over and continue the song.   

After I sang "O Come all Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night," I paused to see if he had cheered up. Soon he began venting again about whatever happened to be on his mind.  I thought to myself, he is not ready yet. I needed some cheerier songs.  I began with "We wish you a Merry Christmas" even though Christmas had already passed.   Throughout the entire car ride, I sang and was full of fun and delight about the scenery, the snow, and the happiness in songs such as "Jingle Bells."  

Somehow, my husband cheered up and we arrived home in a lighter mood.  I had managed to keep his mind occupied on better thoughts. Whatever had been annoying him no longer seemed to matter. 

"Let's be happy," I thought to myself.  We have so much to be grateful for. We are blessed beyond measure. Despite the trials in life and the annoyances of others, we can learn to stop dwelling on it all.  We all know that human nature brings about mistakes, rudeness, and trouble. We will often encounter this nearly every day of our lives. This should not surprise us.  But a merciful, forgiving heart will help us through the storms.

My happiness does not come by brooding over bad things.  It comes from being sheltered in the shadow of the Almighty.  I trust all is working according to my Heavenly Father's plan.  I will keep doing my best to stay cheerful, to stay joyful, and to get through the daily turmoil of life. 

One of the most essential jobs of homemaking is to spread laughter, lighten the rough moments, smooth out the ambiance of home, and to cheer each other up. We need to build up relationships and strengthen the family.  This brings peace into our homes and lives. This helps provide a place of rest.

 A Joyful home is a retreat from the world.  

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Please be One of these - The Mother Who Isn't Busy. 

Motivation!! - Is this true? - Only Rich People Have Clean Houses. 

What happened when I rushed ahead - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.

  - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:

 

"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking." 

 

Paperback, 200 pages.

 

 

 

 

Book Review - Michael's Gentle Wife by Karen Andreola

Michael's Gentle Wife is a large paperback book with more than 500 pages. The cover art is charming and inviting.  When I first settled in to begin reading the story, I was taken in by the skill and beauty of Karen's writing.  It makes one want to stop whatever one is doing, quiet the heart, calm the hectic pace of life, and take in a gentle story to soothe the soul.

I enjoyed reading about the Weaver family and their life at Blackberry Inn. The guests and neighbors in the community seemed very real. The story is told from Carol's perspective as we are invited in to observe her daily life as a wife, mother, and friend. 

The book is rich in homemaking wisdom. It inspires one to enjoy the art of cooking, baking, and house keeping.  Many helpful tips and ideas occur throughout the story, as Carol and her neighbors tend to the regular duties of home life.

The Weavers are a homeschooling family and we see how naturally the lessons happen in daily life.  We can also observe how Carol and Michael parent their children with dedicated guidance, love, and patience. It is a joy to read about the precious baby who goes everywhere with Carol and is much loved by all.

Throughout the book we are treated to little hints of the sweetest sense of humor in daily life. We are also inspired by the message of a family dedicated to living for the Lord.  

The introductory notes in the Preface are helpful and encouraging.  The endnotes and bibliography help make the story just a little bit longer for those who are reluctant to put down the finished book.

The main focus of this story is on Carol and how she lives her life.  Her quiet manner and way of life is endearing. This is valuable in itself. But the most important aspect of this story is how very precious it is to be a child of God and to have a family and home with the Lord as the foundation. 

*Disclosure: This book was received for review purposes.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

The Joy of Taking Care of Babies- Playing House in Real Life.

Something We All Need  - Peace Be Upon This House.

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Blessing of Homemaking

Shepherd's Tea with Bible verse on the tea bag, at Mrs. White's table.

There is a mission, for many of us, to keep household expenses as low as possible. I have been keeping the lights off while waiting for natural daylight to keep the electric bill down. It is much more charming to light a candle, in the early morning hours, as I sit at the table with my tea.  It feels old fashioned and calming to have the light of the wood stove brightening the parlour on a cold winter evening. 

On dreary snowy mornings, when skies are dark and gray, I open the blinds and enjoy the dim room as I go about straightening things and making everything look pleasant. It feels peaceful and calming to limit the use of electricity.

I make bread and cookies from scratch. It costs very little to provide the household with home baked treats. This brings cheer and goodness to all of us.

All the simple work of keeping the bills low is possible when I am home and able to keep house in a homemade, old fashioned way.

This effort of homemaking helps provide me with time and a little money to do good deeds and good works. 

I am on call at all times for my husband, children, and grandchildren. I am able to minister to them with kindness, advice, love, and support for whatever we all go through.

There are struggles and worries we face nearly every day.  We need the guiding love of Christian fellowship and strong family support.  We need peace, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion.  When there is a homemaker on duty, in a lovely, old fashioned home, it is like having a shining light of safety to warm the heart and comfort weary souls.

When I am careful with my finances, I am able to do good things for others. 

One day last month, one of our extended family moved into a new place.  She was struggling as she was getting settled. After a couple of weeks, I realized there was something I could do for her.  I went to my husband and explained that I wanted to send her a little housewarming gift. I knew what she needed and thought it would be a good idea.  I explained what she had been going through. As I talked, we both knew we had very little money to spare.  He gently said to me, "Honey, your heart is bigger than your wallet."  I knew he was right.  We both knew she could eventually get these things for herself, over time.  But I felt led to do this little thing. I explained to him what I was thinking. "I am not trying to help her. I want to bless her."  I told him.  "I want to give her this little necessary gift to brighten her day and bring cheer as she gets through this rough time."

We talked about our current financial situation and our coming prospects. Soon it was worked out and we were able to send her that little gift.  

We tighten the budget, rearrange our finances and spend a little less on our food. But we are filled with joy and peace as we do these good deeds along the way.  I want to be a blessing.  I want to spend my days doing good works, showing compassion, and spreading a light of hope and encouragement.  

We homemakers need to keep building up the family.  We provide a place of rest while we use good manners to keep relationships strong.  This is a necessary work, which requires doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. We cheer them up, we calm them down, and we spread happiness as we share our faith.

The other day, as my husband and I were driving home from an errand, there was a great deal of stress and worry.  Sometimes people vent and complain when they are struggling and this spreads more stress onto others. This is when we need to be peacemakers.  We need to calm the storm and bring about a rested heart.  It is in these moments that we brush aside all the worries, look Heavenward, and start to sing hymns.  The old songs have a guiding message that lead us to bring cheer, find peace, and draw close to the Lord through all the trials and troubles we walk through.  We find rest in Him and all is well.

This is why I am so grateful for the honor of being a homemaker.  My entire focus is on serving my family and keeping house. I am doing the work of blessing my family and guests by doing good deeds, praying, and taking care of our home. 

This is a simple life, with a great focus on our Heavenly Father who provides all of our needs on a daily basis.  When we do our best to save money, keep costs down, and keep our wants under control, we have freedom to serve and to bless those around us.  We just have to remember to pray, every single day,  that the Lord will guide us with His eye upon us, and to keep us as the apple of His eye.  We are honored to be His children and to serve in the Home. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

A Lesson in Home Economics - Feeding the Family.

A Restful Retreat - The Privacy of Home Life.

Please be one of these: "The Mother Who Isn't Busy."

 

 
Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:

 

"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking."

 

Paperback, 200 pages. 

 

 

 

Homemaking During a Confinement

Library of Congress: Kitchen with a Quick Meal stove, 1930.

Some evenings, over the past few months, I receive a phone call from one of my daughters.  "You will have a sick child tomorrow," she tells me.  I ask a few questions about fevers and diet to gather information and prepare myself.  We have an agreement, she and I.  I will take any of her children who are sick at any time she needs me.  In this case, she may have an urgent meeting or an essential appointment.  She knows I will take the babies whether they are sick or not.  I am not concerned about germs or getting sick.*  It is as if these children were a part of my own household. I am here for them at any time of the day or night, regardless of the situation.

I had to prepare for one of these days recently.  After I received the notice from my daughter, I did a few things to get ready for the next morning.  I made a batch of homemade jello in case my patient's fever made it difficult for her to eat.  I went into the guest room and took the twin mattress off the frame.  I brought it into my own bedroom and placed it on the floor. (This would be our sick room.*)  My room is large enough for a play area, chairs, and a television set.  The patient would be very comfortable in a cozy bed of her own, in a place where we could all rest together, because any time I have one of the sick children, I am always given the baby to care for at the same time.  I am always delighted to have these grandchildren here and am happy to take care of them.

In this recent case, grand-girl had a fever for almost an entire week. Her mother took care of her for 4 days and then on the 5th day she had to do some errands.  Early in the morning, she brought me the baby and my 9 year old granddaughter.  We had such a nice restful day while I waited on her and cared for the baby.  I kept asking her questions,"Would you like a cool cloth for your forehead?" or "Can I get you something to drink?" or "Are you hungry for lunch yet?"   We all rested together as much as possible, while I did the work of homemaking and the duties of nursing a patient.

Last month, there were three sick children here all on one day.  They enjoyed the care they received at Grandmother's little hospital.  I am grateful for any time I get to spend with them.  Once the children are well and healthy again, they return to their normal routine and go back to visiting me on our regular schedule.  

If I am ever busy or need to go to the store, when one of these calls comes in, I rearrange my schedule, change an appointment, or put off my errands. The children will always come first.

Now there is a new sickness going on at our house.  Early this week, a member of my immediate household found out he has that dreaded, contagious sickness.  He has quarantined himself in the downstairs section of the house.  Groceries for the patient were dropped off within the first day.  I have rarely seen my husband in days, since this happened.  When he needs to talk to me, he knocks on the wall near the location of my upstairs bedroom.  This is a signal for me to go to the top of the stairs to see what he wants.  He will say, "Call me on the intercom." Then he quickly goes back to his recliner.  He has no idea how to use the intercom on our house phone.  This is why it is a longer process for him to reach me.  I use our remote phone and call the unit in the living room.  Then he will tell me how he is doing, what he might need at the store, and that he loves me.  He is very concerned about my well-being and does not want me to get sick.

I have been resting as much as possible to keep up my strength in case I get sick too. At this point I am only very tired.  But I will need to clean and keep things sanitary. I have work to do but will take many breaks. This morning, I need to bake some bread because I don't have enough to get through the day.  I will prepare the dough early and then set it to rise. It should not take very long since I get to rest between risings.  This is necessary work but will happen at a calm and steady pace.

Many of us are going through hard times, whether it is health troubles or financial needs.  These are struggles and obstacles that we all face at some point.  Yet through it all, we keep house, we take care of the family, we manage the paperwork and the money, and we focus on the Lord.

Yesterday, as I was driving home from grocery shopping, the snow was gently falling, creating a beautiful winter scene.  I was grateful for the beauty of the day, but I was very cold. The heat in my car does not work. (It stopped working at the end of last winter.)  I had forgotten how cold the car can be. But I knew I would be home soon. I would be positive through this difficult struggle of being uncomfortable.  In my heart I told myself, "In Heaven, there will be heat in my car."  What a wonderful place we are privileged to go after our life's trials and work are over - we will be comfortable and happy in Heaven.  Whenever things get rough for me, I will remind myself how perfect life will be for all of eternity in the presence and comfort of our dear Lord, forever and ever. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

* For advice on having a sick room and a safe way of taking care of patients at home, please see my post, "A Comforting Sick Room." (I also share my mother's example.)

From the Archives - 

What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

Help for when you feel like - Neglecting the Housework.

Something We All Need  - Peace Be Upon This House.

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.

"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"

152 pages, paperback

The Wife - Our New Book

"The Wife" paperback book.

  ~The Legacy of Home Press presents our newest book: "The Wife"~

 

 "The Wife"was written in the 1800's by Washington Irving. It is a short story which presents a charming message of old fashioned domestic tranquility. 

It describes how one couple had a happy marriage regardless of the loss of the husband's wealth and business. The sudden change in circumstances is difficult for the husband to endure. Yet the description of how his wife continues to make a happy home even in her new-found poverty is inspiring.

 The message of this brief story shines through to inspire readers to contentment in one's financial circumstances. This will bring a blessing of peace on the home.

"The Wife" - Interior look: Beautiful paintings are on the left side of each page.

 Special features of the current edition, published by The Legacy of Home press, include:

1.) Beautiful paintings (in black and white) of rural scenery from the 1800's have been added to the book. 

2.) The text is a standard 12 point font.

3.) A few words in the original story have completely changed in their definition compared to today. These words have been replaced to reflect the author's original meaning.

4.) Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.

5.) A foreword to the book was written by Mrs. White.

6.) The cover photograph is one I took while visiting the historic Lincoln mansion, here in Vermont, a few years ago.

 

~ I have read this story several times in digital format, but wanted a paperback copy to keep on my library shelf. This edition, with the beautiful rural paintings as illustrations, will make a great gift. ~

 

 This book has just been published and is available in paperback.

"The Wife: The Legacy of Home Press Classic Edition."

 

ISBN: 978-1956616163

Paperback, 42 pages. 

If you are able to get a copy of this book and like it, it would be a great help to me if you will write a review on Amazon. Thank you!

 I hope you enjoy the story!

Blessings

Mrs. White

 From the Archives -

Keeping us out of the Poor House - The Housekeeper's Budget. 

A Lovely Addition to Home Life - A Comfortable Home Library.  

A Mother's Day Message - The Quiet Kindness of a Titus 2 Mother.

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

 

 

Homemaking for Happiness

(The original edition, with a new cover.) 

~ Our newest book, brought to you by "The Legacy of Home Press." ~

---------------------------------------------------------

This book is a compilation of nearly 3 years of writing about homemaking.  There are 38 entries, gleaned from the blog, and 68 entries taken from Mrs. White's private newsletter, "Letters from the Estate." 

You will be encouraged, as you read such things as:

1.  Getting through cold winter days in Vermont, on a small income.

2.  Old time Frugal living.  

3.  Homeschooling grandchildren.

4.  Spring cleaning ideas.

5.  Strengthening the family.

6.  Organizing the home.

7.  Creating a peaceful life at home.

8.  Finding Happiness in Christian living.

9.  Getting through difficult days.

10. Enjoying a simple life in a rural mountain village. 

11. Daily life for a New England Housewife

and much more. . .

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

First Edition (the original) was published in May of 2021. 

Homemaking for Happiness: Wonderful Days at Home (original)

paperback, 307 pages. 

ISBN: 978-0578918631

The first edition is now in its second printing, as of February 2025. It has a new cover but retains the same original interior. 

This edition has cream-colored paper, making it easier to read.

--------------------------------------

 Second Edition was published December 2023.

The second edition is more compact, with white paper, and less pages.

 "Homemaking for Happiness: Wonderful Days at Home." 

228 pages, Paperback.

ISBN: 978-1956616248

"Homemaking for Happiness: Wonderful Days at Home"

228 pages, Hardcover.

ISBN:  978-1956616255

I hope you enjoy reading it, and that you find it helpful in your own homemaking.

Any help in spreading the word would be very much appreciated.  Also, if you are able to write a review on Amazon, it would be so helpful! Thank you so much!

Blessings

Mrs. White

 

 From the Archives - 

 

Old Time Frugality - How the Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty.

Peaceful Living - Simplicity of Old Fashioned Homemaking. 

What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

 

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

 

Church in the Living Room

 

Mrs. White's notebook for sermon notes.

There are times, in our lives, when we are not able to attend church in person.  We may miss the pews, the song books, the minister, and the people.  The church building, itself, is such a wonderful place to be able to go and hear the prayers and listen to the sermon in person.  There is such a sense of beauty and holiness in a regular routine of church attendance.

The last few months, we have been having church in the living room.  This has become a very precious habit of attending our home church each Sunday morning.  We watch America's pastor, Dr. Charles Stanley, and are greatly comforted by his sermons.  We may not be able to go anywhere right now, for whatever the reason - the weather, sickness, etc., but we can attend a special service at home.

We have been having a daily Bible time for more than 4 years now, my husband and I.  It has made an enormous difference in our lives.  Now we have added a weekly church time, together, in the living room.

My husband will call me, at the appointed time, to say that the sermon is all set up and ready for us.  I will get my notebook and a pen. Then I will happily walk downstairs to the living room. I have a "journal notebook" which was a gift from In Touch Ministry.  It has a ribbon marker and is perfect for taking notes while watching the sermon.  

Just before each sermon, I write the date, the day of the week (Sunday) and the name of the message.  I then proceed to take notes throughout the message.  This has created a record of our "attendance" and faithfulness in doing church at home.  We can also see, at a glance, the messages we have already watched, reflect on key points, and be encouraged when looking over the notes.  It is easier to remember the lessons when one writes them down.  It has been such a blessing to actually see that we have been doing church every single week for months now!  It has helped us both very much.

We all need a steady diet of church attendance.  We need spiritual nourishment.  Our marriages need a regular dose of encouragement. Doing Bible time and Church, together in the home, is a wonderful way to strengthen our faith and stabilize our walk with the Lord.

blessings,

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

 

Practical Help - The Secret to a Happy Home. 

Finances - Poor and Pretty Living. 

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs. White's book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  Paperback, 274 pages.

Old Time Homemaking

Part of the Grounds at Mrs. White's home in Vermont.

Last week, in the early hours of the morning, we had to drive through a nearby town.  The roads were quiet and peaceful without much traffic.  As we were enjoying the scenery, an unusual sight appeared. It was a beautiful horse and buggy coming down the road.  An Amish family were sitting comfortably in four of the seats, heading home from an early morning drive.  This is a rare vision, for us, because a few Amish families only moved here a few years ago.  I am always inspired by their quiet, old fashioned way of living.  It was like watching a living museum as we passed by them.  I wanted some of their peace, knowing they never watch the news or hear it on the radio.  They continue on each day living their daily, precious ways that many of us have lost sight of. It is a way of being in the world, but not of it.  It is great trust and faith in the Lord for all things.

This has encouraged me in my homemaking.  The last few weeks, I have been home a great deal. I am avoiding the stores as much as possible. I have plenty of time to pace myself throughout the day. I clean and cook and rest. It is a blessing to be productive at home, doing the old time work that housewives have always done throughout the generations.

 We have had to set up a garden this year.  The seeds were ordered in the beginning of April.  Our last frost, in our region, is in late May.  We have been enjoying wonderful, homegrown food.  Even though we do not have much money, I have been able to go outside, each day, and gather a modest harvest to have a simple lunch.

Fresh peas and lettuce from Mrs. White's garden.

 It is easier to live on a small income when one must rely on Yankee ingenuity to get by with limited resources. Even though we have a great deal to learn about growing our own food, and getting the energy to do the work, we have been able to enjoy fresh food from our own property.

Yankee - style garden with homemade posts at Mrs. White's Vermont home.

We have been gathering whatever scrap supplies we could find, from our garage, to build a humble garden this season.   We are growing peas, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, strawberries, and blueberries.  We hope to add more next year.

I love to take a break from my housework to go outside and walk the grounds.  We found some wild blackberries at the perimeter of the property.  It was such a sweet treat on a hot summer day.  As we walk, we check the plants, our flowers, linger at the river behind our humble Estate, and then stop to do some necessary weeding of the garden.  We walk and work together so the burden does not rest too heavily on one person.

Sometimes, in the late afternoon, I go into one of the front rooms.  I have rearranged furniture and set up a card table in this room.  I like to listen to an old record of gospel music, sit at the table, enjoying the view, and do a little writing.  Some days I will simply sit by the french doors and do some hand-sewing.  This is an incredible room to just think on that which is lovely and feel the blessing of peace and joy, knowing the Lord will take care of us.

A Room for Writing and Sewing at Mrs. White's Vermont Home. (An old gospel record is on the table.)

I have been listening to The Isom Lee Trio.  This was a church singing group of a father and his two adult daughters.  Mr. Lee was a preacher who encouraged and inspired whoever was blessed to hear his sermons.  Many years ago, my father gave me a tape of Reverend's Lee's last sermon. It is incredible and such a blessing.  Now I have a record of their old time gospel singing. The songs and piano are something like you would hear in old southern churches.  It is from another time, a precious time, of faith and godly living that we dearly need in these modern days.

Dad had a record player here, when he and mother used to live with us.  They lived here with us for 9 years. At one point we had four generations living together in this old house.  I now keep his record player in our front room.  While I sit and hand sew cloth napkins, or do some mending, I can listen to the hymns of Tennessee Ernie Ford or the Isom Lee Trio on the old record player.

The Record Player in Mrs. White's cedar cabinet in the front room, here in Vermont.

Listening to the gospel songs, from the old days, encourages me in living the old ways. This was a time when family was the center of home life rather than materialism or the constant pursuit of entertainment.  It was a time when money was used for practical purposes and frivolity was rare.

Here at our Vermont Estate, we live simply and on my husband's income. We are a one - income family. I am a housewife and am grateful for the privilege of staying home. But there is a cost.  There is a great deal of old time work to live within one's humble means.  We must think of duty and practicality.  There is plenty of work we must do, each day, even if we struggle with our health.  We are very careful with the funds we are provided with. We have to find ways to save money for emergencies, annual bills, and repairs.  One of my children called it a "Walton's Budget," referring to "The Waltons" television program.  The family saved up to meet the needs of problems and necessities. They always expected many rainy days and had to save all they could. I love that thought of calling it a "Walton's Budget."  These modern days, people save for vacations, to buy a new boat, or to go on a shopping spree.   Many have no idea how to live on a limited income.  It is old time family homemaking. It is a way of life that brings great peace and rest in simple living with a great faith in God.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Wisdom from Colonial Days - To Earn and Not to Spend.

Good Management - The Housekeeper's Budget.

Old Time Ways - Standard of Living.


- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Find Home-keeping Inspiration, and little visits from our home, 
 in Mrs. White's book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  
Paperback, 274 pages.

The Noon Meal

Library of Congress:  The Peacock Family, enjoying the noon meal, 1939 Alabama

I have been reading about how old time families would gather together, each day, for the noon meal.  This was their dinner time.  If children were in a local school, they would come home for their lunch break.  Dad would be working in town, or in the fields of his farm, and would pause to go home to eat a meal at the kitchen table with his family.

Isn't it nice to imagine a hot lunch of home cooked goodness that Mom makes herself?   There may have been bread, milk, meat, and some fresh or canned vegetables from the garden.  This was the time to nourish the family with comforting food from home.  Dad would say a precious prayer to ask the Lord's blessing on the food.

Dad would have a little coffee while the family visited together and talked about their day.  It was a nice, happy rest, from the labor of the morning.

The children would laugh and enjoy the time of fellowship with their brothers and sisters. They would enjoy sitting near Mother and Dad, finding security and happiness in the routine and tradition of the dinner hour.

This was the leisure hour before heading back to work, or school, for the rest of the afternoon.  It helped to bond the family.

These days, I think the practice, here in the United States of America, has slipped away.  It is no longer convenient to join together for the noon meal.  It is not practical in many cases.  It is more common for us to have the supper hour together.

We can revive the tradition of the noon meal each evening.  Mother can make a hot meal and set a pretty table.  This is the place where we learn our manners as we display kindness and courtesy.  This is the time to bond together, enjoying a rest as we eat Mother's home cooking.

After the meal, it may be common for the children to wash up all the dishes and help mother clean the kitchen.  Then the family might sit together to read, play the piano, sing hymns, or just enjoy some home projects in the living room.

Home is the greatest institution on earth. It ought to be a peaceful place of compassion, patience, and love.  Meal times provide a great opportunity to spend time together at the old kitchen table.  These will give us many happy memories of home, Mother and Dad, and pleasant childhood days.


Blessings
Mrs. White




From the Archives -


Always Remember this - The House Comes First.

The Beauty of an Ordinary, Simple Life - Standard of Living.

A Blessing in Making an Effort - Peaceful Homemaking.

Find detailed instruction and inspiration in Budgeting on a small income, in Mrs.White's book:

 -An Old Fashioned Budget: Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife.  Paperback, 77 pages.

A Day of Homemaking

Homemade bread at Mrs. White's Table

I have been trying to stay home as much as possible.  It is so much easier to do projects and cook and bake when one is not rushed, or worn out, from errands.  When I focus on staying home, things are slow -paced and peaceful.

I made homemade pizza this morning.  I made several for the freezer and some for the grandchildren, in case they stopped by during the lunch hour.  I had planned to make homemade wheat bread too, but didn't know if I could manage all the work.  I have not been to the store in several days and we were running out of many things. I have not made wheat bread for quite some time, but I thought it would be a good kitchen project.  By early afternoon it was time to start the bread.

Soon 4 of my sweet grand-babies arrived with their mother.  They had been at a friend's house for lunch and were delighted to see me making bread dough.  I had just started the batter.  They were so excited to watch. 

The children were, in fact, hungry.   They watched me knead the dough (for 10 tiring minutes!) and put the dough aside for the first rising.  I took some of the pizzas out of the freezer to make for the children.

The babies colored, told us stories, made us laugh, and were great helpers.   They enjoyed their 2nd lunch and then it was time for them to get back home.  We would see them again soon.

Throughout the day I worked on the dough and read about the Depression -era from a book called, "When The Banks Closed We Opened our Hearts."  This is an excellent book full of first- hand accounts of daily life with very little money.  It is so inspiring!

I kept looking out the window to see the beautiful landscape out front. I wanted to take a walk around the property, but didn't seem to have time.  There were two loaves of wheat bread baking in the oven. The scent was amazing! 

I finally told my husband I wanted to take a quick walk.  We checked the timer on the oven, found that we had exactly 8 minutes, and headed out to the back property.   We visited the strawberry garden, the river, the blueberry bushes, and our cucumber garden.  The afternoon sun was shining through the trees, glistening onto the green grass.  It was such a beautiful day.

I rushed back indoors in plenty of time to get the bread out of the oven.  After a short time of cooling, we were able to have a few pieces with butter. It was so good!

It is now late in the day and I have just a few little cleaning projects to do.  I am trying to rest as much as possible.  It is an ordeal to make food from scratch.  But if those are the only major things I do in a day, I can manage.  In just a little while, I will have a cup of tea and rest while watching "Little House on the Prairie," on DVD, for some old time inspiration in simple living.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Marriage - When Groceries are the Presents.

Something to Strive for - A Cozy Humble Home.

What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.


 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs. White's book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  Paperback, 274 pages.

The Secret to a Happy Home

Library of Congress:  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Herbert on their porch, Maryland, 1942

There are many ideas for having a happy home.  We could always use encouragement in getting along with others, following a housekeeping routine, and of managing money. There are so many good things which will help us have peace and a strong family.  But there is one little piece of advice I want to give you. It is the secret ingredient to a happy home. It is this:  Don't Panic!

When Mom or Dad are moody, things can get difficult. If the children are not listening or are causing trouble, it can be stressful. When sickness or financial trials hit, there can be a sense of fear. But if we have some tools in place to handle a crisis, we will not panic.

Years ago, when I was in CPR training, I was shocked at how slow and peaceful the medical staff was in handling a crisis.  I have also been a patient at the hospital many times and needed specialized care. But everyone was calm through it all.  I have a family member who is a trained Medic and EMT and there is never panic.  The reason is that they know what to do!  Why should they fear when they have training and ways to manage all these troubles?  This is why they do not panic.

I want to transfer this idea to the home.  The wife is the one who most commonly has the training in home economics.  It is more than just cleaning, cooking, baking, and sewing. It also includes family dynamics. It teaches how to get along with others, how to manage children, and how to have a happy marriage.  These are the most essential aspects of home economics!  We must constantly be learning how to manage relationships.  People are always going to be moody. There will be moments of anger and of sadness.  There will be mistakes, and there will be regrets. This is life in an imperfect world. No home will be free of trouble.  This is why mothers need tools to manage our days and to remain peaceful and calm through it all.

I would like to share just a few suggestions in getting along with others in the home. I hope some of this will give you some ideas or inspiration for your own situation:

1. Marriage:

When a husband comes home from work, he really needs time to relax and not worry about anything.  My mother used to get off the phone, or stop visiting with neighbors, whenever Dad came home. This was family time!

 They would spend some time sitting at the table with coffee and just visit together and enjoy some peace.  Then Mother would start dinner while Dad went to the recliner to watch a little television.   But consider this - Dad had Mother's full attention at this time. She was not distracted or busy with outside cares.  This showed consideration and respect. They both cared enough about each other to take the time to sit together and just focus on home life.

These days, there are more things taking Mom's attention. There are computers, cell phones, and social media.  Just like my Mother would get off the phone, or stop visiting, at a certain time of day, we might consider doing the same with our modern technology.  When Dad comes home from work, or when the dinner hour is approaching, it is good to just focus on the family.  This will help bring peace and happiness.

2. Teenagers:

When children are young, we expect them to get into trouble, to argue, and to need constant supervision.  This is common and normal. But when they get to be teenagers, we sometimes expect them to have the wisdom and maturity of a 50 year old.  We can often be shocked by their behavior.  This can cause us to panic.  The best tool we can have for this is to set up house rules. Everyone should know what to expect in a household.  It is easier to have peace and happiness if we all know the rules.   But also realize that new rules can be added as situations come up.  Sometimes, we have no idea what is going on in the modern world of teenagers and need to set up boundaries to protect our home life.  We can evaluate and change rules as needed. But always remain firm and kind.  It is so much easier to point to a chart of rules, than to always be in conflict about every little offense. 

As children grow up, they are changing. They are going to have moods and moments of anger.  We should practice the art of patience, grace, and mercy.  My mother had an incredible sense of understanding and she could get along with anyone.  But she was never walked on. Nobody could change her mind about her convictions.  She always had incredible dignity, class, and manners, through every trial.


3. Conflict:

We all have heard the Biblical wisdom, "A soft answer turneth away wrath." (Proverbs 15:1).  When a family member is angry, know that this is an irrational mood.  Anger will pass. It needs time. But a soft and kind answer will help soothe the wrath. This can be simple sentences, such as, "I am sorry this is happening." or "I know this is difficult." Then perhaps go back to whatever you were doing. People need time to calm down.  When the anger has passed, a normal discussion can happen to resolve future difficulties.  I don't know of anybody who can use good manners or think clearly when they are consumed with a bad mood.  When someone is in an irrational mood, they are not reasonable.  There is an old saying that people need time to "cool off."

When trouble happens with a small child - they often throw tantrums because they get overtired or do not know what is best.  If we give them a scornful look, they will get more upset. We do not want to provoke our children to wrath.  But we can give them a compassionate, loving look.  They just want Mom to "make up with them."  Mom can make it okay again, with a kiss and a laugh and a letting the moment go.  We cannot hold grudges or expect children to be perfect.  

Teenagers and small children do not need to get in trouble for every single offense. We are all flawed.  Let the little things go with compassion and understanding. Love overlooks imperfection. This is why a set of rules for the home will make it easier to know what is expected.  You also want a household routine, or a schedule, so everyone knows when the meals are served, when the chores are to be done, and when bedtime is to happen.  With order and routine, there is peace.

Make it easy for others to cheer up, to calm down, and to forgive, by your sweet response.  Pride is a powerful thing and can make it very difficult for people to let go of conflict. When Mother makes the effort to restore peace, or give them time to cheer up, she will help restore happiness in the home.

4. Never Make Decisions when you are Emotional:

So many homes have been wrecked or destroyed because someone got so mad or depressed that they gave up in the middle of a crisis.  We have to seek peace. We have to let the emotion calm down.  It is like the raging ocean during a storm.  We do our best to survive through it.  Then when the storm is over, there is a calm and a peace which is restored.  This is the only time to make serious decisions - when the fluctuating emotions have settled down. A family and a home need to seek constant restoration through each trial.  We see problems and we look for ways to prevent them. We repair the holes in a sinking ship, we do not abandon the ship.

5. Don't Be too Busy:

It is essential for Mothers to get rested during the day.  This includes avoiding technology, phones, television programs, and thinking about bills. She needs her mind to rest.  If she is overloaded with too much going on, or too much to think about, or too much drama, she cannot get through the common trials that occur in the home.  She needs to take breaks and to have quiet times for the mind. 


6. "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus":

This is a favorite hymn.  I often sing this song to cheer up and get me through the day.   Our trust and our faith, for all things, is in the Lord. This will bring us the greatest rest and joy that others may never understand.  Keep reading the Bible (especially the Psalms) and praying each day. Keep seeking holiness and the joy of a close walk with the Lord. This peace that you receive will radiate to those in your household and bless your home.


There are many other ideas we can all come up with to keep our homes happy.  But just remember the most important one of all - Do not panic!  Every single person is flawed. Every single home has trouble.  This is why we should constantly learn (and practice) to be peacemakers, to bring cheer, and to provide a haven of rest for our precious families!


Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Colonial Wisdom - To Earn and Not to Spend.

Simple and peaceful Home - Standard of Living.

Joyful Moments - Walking the Gardens with Baby.

Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs.White's book -Mother's Book of Home Economics .  Paperback, 312 pages.










- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

A Christmas Break

Library of Congress:  American Homestead Winter, 1868, Currier and Ives.

In my childhood days, at Christmas time, school was out for the remainder of the year.  We children were so happy to get to stay home for several days.  We would go sledding in our large hilly yard.  We would make snow-men and snow-houses. We would take walks to the corner store for treats.  The snowy neighborhood would be full of children playing and families walking.  Then we would go indoors to play games and read by the heater.

My mother was home with us, as most mothers were in those days.  She did her usual routine of cooking, cleaning, and just puttering around the house doing projects or visiting on the telephone.  She helped us with our coats, mittens, boots, and hats. She served us hot soup, and grilled cheese sandwiches, to warm us up after being out in the cold air. 

We were always inventing fun things to do around the house and yard.  My mother did not have to entertain us or worry about our being bored. Often, we had just received new clothes, pajamas, and some fun toys for Christmas.  We were delighted to be able to spend days playing with everything.

Our house was all decorated in traditional, humble ways.  There would be a Christmas song book on the piano, opened up to carols we could sing.  We loved those old traditional songs!  This was our favorite thing to do each afternoon. Mom would be in the kitchen, working on the laundry, or sweeping the floor, and she would suddenly hear the sound her children playing the piano in the other room.  I can imagine her smiling face, even now. 

We had art supplies, pencils, paper, and paint.  We would go from one project to another, and then do some chores, cleaning up, and then have our meals at the large kitchen table. The days always went by so quickly and then Dad would be home from work.  This was the time for rest and a winding down of the day.

Our evening routine was always the same, whether we were on Christmas vacation, or enjoying a summer weekend.  Dad would visit with Mother at the kitchen table and have coffee and some treat.  Then mother would get our supper started, while Dad rested in the recliner.  We would go from room to room talking to Mom or Dad or just playing throughout the house until we got that wonderful call from the kitchen saying that "supper is ready!"

On these winter nights, after we children helped clean the kitchen, Dad would start a fire in the fireplace.  We would watch a television program with our parents and enjoy a quiet evening with the family. 

These special times during the Christmas season are common in many families throughout history.  This winter break at home is just like how it ought to be all year round. It is a happy, peaceful time. It is a time of resting from materialism and consumerism.  It is a time to be with family and to have a happy home.

 How wonderful it would be if we could continue this with the coming generation of children and grandchildren - showing them, by the way we live, how precious it is to create a haven of rest for the family in an old fashioned home.

Merry Christmas from the White House!

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

It means Everything to be - Just a Housewife.

The Comfort of Home - The Light in the Window.

In Financial Trials We Need - Mothers With Christmas Courage.


 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking." Paperback, 200 pages.