I Hear Angels Crying

 

In the early morning, here at the Estate, I heard the most sweetest sound. It was a gentle noise from two little grand-babies. They were in their little beds, waking up to a new day.

Their little cries were so precious. They sounded like angels; like baby birds in a delicate nest.  I wanted to run and pick them right up and kiss and hug the dear things!

These babies, and their darling mother, now live with us in an in-law apartment of our home. Helping to care for these children is the greatest "hobby" I could ever have.

When I hear their chatter or their yelling, I want to step right in and take care of them. It is the delight of my life to take care of babies and children. It is an honor to mother them.

But we grandmothers must keep our place of honor. It is the place of standing in the sidelines and watching mothers care for their own babies. We wait until we are called. We offer our humble help as willing servants of motherhood at any time we are needed. 

In this case, the mother of my grandchildren is so kind and tells me I am welcome to help at any time.  I hesitate on the threshold of her doorway and say, "Can I come in?"  With a nod and a smile, I am welcomed.

Then I get right to work.  Does someone need juice? Does another need a story read to them?  Who will let me sing to them?  I clean and tidy, setting up toys and games.

It is the joy of my life to make special treats for these darlings.  I love to sit with them and listen to their chatter.  It is entertaining to stop their childish fights and hear them laugh about it all.  I want to kiss away their tears, listen to them laugh, and cherish their happy faces as they go about their days.

Some may find babies and small children a great deal of trouble.  Caring for them is certainly a great deal of work.  It is a sacrifice of time and energy. Some may complain their cries are annoying. Some may want quiet homes and little noise.

I prefer the patter of delicate feet, and echoes of jubilant laughter throughout the halls and stairwells. I can only hear the sound of angels.  Caring for little ones is the work of Saints. It will make one patient, long-suffering, and loving if one will willingly yield to its work.  It is the greatest missionary effort one could ever do.

blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

Happy days - Confined to the Nursery.

The Real Truth - Why the High Cost of Food?

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

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

Find Essays and Remembrances of Family and Home, in Mrs.White's book -Mother's Book of Home Economics .  

Paperback, 312 pages.

Domestic Life

Mrs. White's sewing project at the dining room table.

I have 2 yards of pretty cotton fabric. I am using it to make 2 dozen cloth napkins.  I have a pattern for the napkins, but wanted mine smaller than the instructions called for.  I folded the pattern piece over and just cut to the size I wanted.  I use my kitchen table when I do my sewing projects.  Then I take the cut pieces and my sewing basket and hand sew when I have time.  So far, I am almost finished hemming the sides of 4 of the napkins. It has taken me about a week now. This is because I do it as if it were an old fashioned work basket from days gone by.

Homemakers used to have mending, knitting, and sewing projects in a work basket. They could take this with them wherever they went, or just have it near their favorite chair near the fireplace.  They would sew during their leisure hours, or when visiting with guests and family in the parlour.  I am sewing without pressure and without rushing. 

My sewing basket was given to me when I was a teenager by an Aunt.  I have carried it with me through many homes, many moves, and many states during my lifetime.  It is an essential part of my housekeeping.

I also have an old yardstick which was found in our 1850's house.  (It was in the sewing room, which we later converted to my dressing room.)   I am guessing it is from the 1940's or 1950's.  It is very lightweight and has an advertisement on it.  It is for a Real Estate company here in Vermont. This was a brilliant tactic to keep their company in the eyes of homemakers.  Most women were sewing clothes, curtains, tea towels, and tailoring hand - me down clothing to fit their children. That yardstick was in constant use!  The ladies would see that company name several times a week.  These days, companies give calendars and refrigerator magnets.  But I love to see the ad on my yardstick!  It makes me think of all the homemakers before me who were capable with their household sewing projects.

I have been so busy around the house doing projects. I have staircases to sweep, baking to do, and, clothes to organize.  Today, I had a visit from some of my grandchildren.  They arrived at the lunch hour and caught me by surprise. I was grateful for a steady supply of wheat bread, peanut butter and jelly, and fresh apples with cinnamon. I also keep apple juice and juice boxes on hand for such visits.  I have lots of little books I read to the babies while they eat their lunch.

Late last month, I bought a few toys which were on clearance. I keep them here for the grandchildren to play with.  When my oldest grandchild arrived (he is 3) I brought out an imitation etch-a-sketch for him. It cost me 75 cents and he was greatly amused with it!

I keep two little bowls full of crayons on my sideboard table near the kitchen. There is also a stack of scrap paper.  My granddaughter (21 months) enjoyed coloring in the highchair.

Soon we went downstairs to play in "grandmother's nursery."  This is a charming playroom full of toys for the babies.  There is also a cozy love seat for me to sit and rest while the children play.  I brought out a toy tea set which delighted the babies.  There is a set of four cups, spoons, and plates along with sugar bowl and teapot.  We have two toy kitchens in the room so there is much to do and enjoy.

When the grandbabies went home, the house got very quiet and I went back to my work.  I had supper to make and napkins to hem.  I will rest in the little back parlour and read for awhile and drink some tea.

Tomorrow there are errands to do with Mister.  I will bring a blanket and sit in the passenger seat while he does the driving.  It is snowy and cold here in Vermont and it is so nice to bring a blanket for comfort and warmth. Then we will head back home to our cozy fire and enjoy our domestic life.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -


Peacefully at Home - Simplicity of Old Fashioned Homemaking.

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

Remembering Old Time Thrift - Building our Homes with Little Money.

 - 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.

A Shortage of Babies

Library of Congress: Mother and Baby, California, 1939.

When my first baby was born, everyone in the family was so happy.  Company came by to sneak a peek at the sleeping infant.  We even had to make special trips to visit distant relatives so they could see the baby too.  The arrival of a baby was the most exciting thing in the world and such a gift!

I remember how the nursery looked.  I was given many lovely things at the baby shower.  A pretty crib with matching changing table, a high chair, a carriage, and a playpen were all the basics.  The clothes were in abundance, along with baby blankets for swaddling and snuggling.  I received rattles and handmade sweater and bonnet sets. It was so much fun caring for the baby with all the happiness and support.

Each time I announced that I was expecting another child, my mother-in-law would clap her hands with delight.  Her smile lit up the room with her delight!  This happened with each of my five babies (her grandchildren). She was also so happy when any of her children were expecting a treasured baby.

It is important to have this kind of loving support from family and friends.  It makes those difficult days of caring for a sick baby, or not getting enough sleep, so much easier.  While there are certainly rough days of caring for a fussy baby, when we get though those times victoriously, we feel as if we have achieved much! We are doing great work caring for babies and children, and bringing them up in our loving homes!

These days, there seems to be a shortage of babies.  There are not enough welcoming arms to usher them into this world.  A baby and a small child bring such laughter and fun into our lives.  They bring beauty and happiness.  Mother Theresa is quoted as saying:

"How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers."

For those who don't have much experience with caring for babies, there are many willing mentors in grandmothers and good friends.  It is worth the effort to find the right people (when family members are not available) to encourage and cheer you on in the great joy of motherhood.

May God rise up many who will lovingly care for an abundance of babies!

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

The greatest fun in the world - Playing House in Real Life.

Some Encouragement - Inspired to Keep House.

Happy Days - Cleaning House with Baby.

 

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

 


Mrs. White's nostalgic book for Mothers:

"Old Fashioned Motherhood: Baby and Child Care Advice from a New England Housewife." 

62 pages, paperback. 

 

 

Playing House in Real Life

Library of Congress: Snowy afternoon in Vermont, 1940.

I spend every waking moment caring for two of my grandbabies. Their every smile is my joy.  Their falls and spills are my opportunity to comfort and encourage them.  They brighten a room with their adorable presence.

When the infant cries, the toddler comforts her.  I love to see how much they love and care about each other.  I love to sit in the big chair, in the nursery corner, and read piles of books with them.  They mostly point to pictures and repeat some of my words.  They are learning.

I prepare bottles for baby, and simple lunches and snacks for the toddler.  I dress them in their blanket sleepers after baths, and dress them in their nicest clothes for an outing.  We are home, here at the Estate, for most of the time and it is a peaceful, happy place to be.

Sometimes there is crankiness or willful moments of temper, but we soothe them with our patient understanding and kindness.  I have many helpers here.

I love that someone else makes my lunch, or brings me tea so I can "Play house" with the babies.  I love that I have others to do some of my chores so I am free to sing lullabies and rock in the old chair with a baby.

I also love to do some of the cleaning while holding a baby.  One morning I had to vacuum the downstairs carpet, and the toddler got his toy push mower and "vacuumed" along with me.  I tell him we are "cleaning the mess."  He thinks this is part of our daily routine and is entertained.

Many of us had dolls when we were little girls.  We would have doll blankets and clothes and little beds.  We would keep our rooms neat and care for our "babies."  We did this so lovingly and patiently.  This is what it feels like, now, as I get to care for these precious children.  Yet, when I notice myself getting overtired or overwhelmed, I pick up one of the cherubs and kiss a chubby cheek and tell the baby what wonderful fun we are going to have in the nursery, and we go and play as if we have all the time in the world.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

A Wonderful Place to be - Grandmother's Nursery.

Excellent advice from Colonial Days - To Earn and not to Spend. 

Peaceful, Old Fashioned Living - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

 

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

Mrs. White's nostalgic book for Mothers:

"Old Fashioned Motherhood: Baby and Child Care Advice from a New England Housewife." 

62 pages, paperback. 

 

 

 

 

Grandmother's Nursery

Library of Congress: "Teaching to sew" by Henry J. Bracker, 1890's.

We have done some rearranging and set up a little room as a nursery for the grandchildren.  The room is one of the smaller ones, with a gate at the door.  There are beautiful wood panelled walls.  There is a crib, toy box, little bike, and a big chair in the corner where I can read stories to the babies.

I want to find vintage photographs to put on some of the walls. We already have letters and such for educational purposes.  The room is a cozy, happy place where I will spend part of my day with my grandbabies. 

Of course I will still take them along with me when I am cleaning and cooking. They will be busily occupied in carriages or highchairs on the upper floors where my kitchen and parlour are set up.  They will happily watch and laugh while I vacuum.  We will also go out on the grounds of this estate to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine all through the spring and summer.

But a great part of our day, will be that joyful little nursery. This is where I will rock the babies and sing them lullabies.  This is where all my attention will be for them.  This is where I will not be busy with anything but the care and nurture of babies.

Grandmother's nursery is a happy place for the children.  This will be their domain and the place we will love to play.

In every home, there ought to be a quantity of time devoted entirely to children.  It goes by much too fast.  While it may seem like mother or grandmother is not doing anything at all, she is creating incredible memories and security in the hearts of the babies.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Thrift does not have to mean serving rice and beans - Basic Cookery.

The Horse and Carriage ride with baby - Snowy Days at our Vermont Estate.

Remembering my Childhood - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.

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

 

 

For old time encouragement in living simply on a limited income, order Mrs. White's book:

"An Old Fashioned Budget: Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife"

77 pages, paperback.

 

A Rainy Visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a wonderful day!

blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives:

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

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

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

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

Cleaning House with Baby

Library of Congress: Baby with Mother, by Geo. B. Petty, 1912.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

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

Finding Genuine Happiness at Home - Peace be Upon This House.  

Careful thrift in the Home - Reducing Expenses.

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

 


Mrs. White's nostalgic book for Mothers:

"Old Fashioned Motherhood: Baby and Child Care Advice from a New England Housewife." 

62 pages, paperback. 

The Sanctuary of Home

LOC: Living Room at a Home in Wisconsin, 1945.

There will always be storms brewing out in the world, for Mothers to silently fight.  There will be lurkers, with ulterior motives, trying to lure the residents away from a godly home.  There will be temptations of events to keep mother so distracted and busy that she doesn't remember how to keep home a quiet place of rest.

 - Mothers must learn to make home a sanctuary. -

Today, the sporadic holiday traffic out front is bringing sudden and alarming noises.   I have a baby here who needs his morning rest.  I closed the blinds to keep out the heat of the sun.  I closed the front windows to stop the traffic sounds.  Then I opened the back windows so we can hear the soothing sound of the rushing water of the back river.  Baby will sleep soundly at our quiet Estate.

Sometimes we have to shoo out certain people from rooms in our house, in order that we may keep a gentle home running.  We may even send loud children outdoors to play. It is good for them, and good for us.  Mothers often send guests home when the hour is getting late.  The home must have order, and the residents must have their wholesome rest.

Bible time and prayer-hour should be sacred events, that occur at regular times.  When Mother is delighted and peaceful and rested, the family will happily follow her in the parlour for the time of worship.  It will be almost as awe-inspiring and precious as reading a beautiful bedtime story.  The short time of devotion is a time of reverence and holiness.  It is a discipline in consistency and a lesson in serving the Lord.

When family and guests enter Mother's sanctuary (of a godly home), they should immediately sense her joy and warm welcome.  The residents know Mother works hard to make home a pleasant and happy place. 

Is this ideal place worth fighting for?  Is it worth shutting out the world at regular times so the family can enjoy a respite, taking refreshment and rest they dearly need? 

When they leave Mother's well-tended sanctuary, will their hearts yearn to be back soon?  Will they get homesick for that loving place? 

Babies and small children need rest and order and the routine of a home nursery.  In this fast paced world of overindulging in everything, wouldn't it be worthy if more Mothers created this same type of nursery at home for all who enter?



Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Practical help for the home - Peaceful Living by Rules.

The example of my Parents - Minding my own Housekeeping Business.

A Simple Life - How to Stop Buying Things that Clutter up the Home. 

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

 

Walking the Gardens with Baby

Mrs. White on the front grounds of our Vermont home.

 I had my little grandson with me. He is 9 months old, and such a happy child. There was a sweet warmth in the Vermont air.  I picked up baby, and brought him out to my gardens.  Now, if you came to my house and looked at the grounds, you would see something far different than I do.  You would see a 3 story house that is in serious need of painting. You would see old porches and tired steps.  You would see little attempts at gardening throughout the land.  (gentle smiles)  But the world, as I see it, is a great Estate for us to explore. . . for baby and me. 

I showed him the lonely strawberry plants beside the front of the house.  The soil is not happy there. The plants need to be moved. But we checked on them anyway. 

Near the tired porch steps, there are 4 new rose bushes. (Mr. White had planted them for me this past Mother's day.)  I was surprised to see that flowers were starting to appear.  Baby delighted in my happiness as I explained it all to him.

We walked to the front and saw the lilies had stopped flowering.  These had been vibrant orange, sparkly white and robust yellow!  But the flowers had gone away, leaving only the green leaves and a memory.

Next, baby and I walked up to the back hill.  There are the blueberry plants and 2 happy strawberry plants.  There are several strawberries ripening and waiting to be picked! 

Near the hill is a sweet, rushing river behind the property.  It is framed by pretty trees and lots of plants.  There is a beautiful scent of the outdoors which make one happy.

Baby and I walked to the sad part of the land. . . Mr. White and I had planted starter seeds inside egg cartons and put them in our little greenhouse. Just like we did last year.  But a storm came, with lots of wind and rain.  The next day, we noticed it had fallen over and egg cartons were upside down in the grass. Baby and I like to visit that spot, each day. I say to him, "I wonder if my spinach will still grow?"  He smiles at me and wonders what I am talking about.  But I know, someday, we will have carnations and hollyhocks growing up with the grass.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

My Mother's Example - Housekeeping All Day.  

Beautiful Living - Feminine Grace. 

 Unwanted Advice for the Family - Quieting Myself for the Good of Others.

 

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

 

Mother Was Here

The baby kept me very busy today.   Sometimes, he will play happily on a quilt, or in his little seat. Then I can do the dishes, or start a load of laundry.  We all take turns holding him, while someone makes supper, a snack, or cleans up a mess. We work in the middle of the joy of this blessing of a baby in our home.

This afternoon, no one was around while I took care of baby and kept the house. The kitchen had its noon mess, waiting for attention.  While the baby played, I deep cleaned the stove top and one of the counters.  These two areas were spotless, while the other half of the kitchen was neglected.  But those clean sections brought me great happiness.  Looking at them, sent a precious message to say, "Mother was Here."

Years ago, my father used to joke about our childhood home. He said the house was such a mess that if the police had come, they wouldn't know if there had "been a struggle."  For the life of me, I cannot remember our house even slightly messy. This must have happened when we were all babies and toddlers.  But it is fun to imagine my very neat mother, with a messy house.  She knew what was most important.  I am sure she had clean spots in her house that sent the bless-ed message that, "Mother was Here."

We all know that babies don't keep.  Lately, I spend most of my time sitting by the window, in my grandmother's old rocking chair, holding her great-great grandchild, and wondering how happy she must be, smiling down at us from heaven.  

Each Mother, in each generation, leaves legacies, memories, creations and sweet lessons. Their diligent work in the home, and their caring for babies, is their greatest accomplishment in life.

How precious is the comforting evidence in our daily lives, that "Mother was Here."


Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Please Be One of These - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.

A Precious Home Life - Security of Home Routines. 

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