There is a giant pile of laundry sitting on my sofa. I guess I should mention that it is clean ^.^ and just needs folding. But I just don't want to. Which made my squirrelly brain go down a trail on what is a good homemaker. My first thoughts are of Mrs. Cleaver in her high heels, apron and pearls. Definitely not me! I wear inserts in my shoes, so no high heels, I do wear an apron on occasion, but it is heavy duty, not white and frilly and pearls....no.
I am a bad housekeeper. I don't like to clean and clutter doesn't bother me. Now the house isn't "dirty" in the unsanitary way. But the pile of laundry is not uncommon. And dirty dishes can be found piled neatly on the counter waiting for the whim to strike me. My children do have chores and can all do their own laundry and can do the mad clean when it is time. (Like when the plumber is coming) But I don't like to clean! It is not fun! I've tried making it a game and the doing the Flylady thing, and to be honest, it isn't as bad as it has been in the past, but it is NO FUN!
But as a homemaker, there is more to it than just keeping a clean house. There is the a lot more. Basically I keep it moving around here. I make sure the children are healthy and growing mentally, spiritually and physically. That means making appointments and getting to those appointments. That includes meal planning and budgeting. It means for me, homeschooling and making as many moments as possible teaching moments. That overlaps in the spiritual care. I want my children to have a personal relationship with God that is visible and active in their everyday life. And because I am who I am, I want my children to have fun.
My home is full of laughter and fun and creativity. There is a lot of love going on here too. I want my children to have positive relationships with each other for the rest of their lives. I work hard on that. I want my kids to be respectful of others and have serving attitudes, thinking of others needs. That is hard work too. I want my kids to develop their natural abilities. Discovering those abilities and figuring out how to best grow them isn't easy either, but so important too.
I am a bad housekeeper. I don't like to clean and clutter doesn't bother me. Now the house isn't "dirty" in the unsanitary way. But the pile of laundry is not uncommon. And dirty dishes can be found piled neatly on the counter waiting for the whim to strike me. My children do have chores and can all do their own laundry and can do the mad clean when it is time. (Like when the plumber is coming) But I don't like to clean! It is not fun! I've tried making it a game and the doing the Flylady thing, and to be honest, it isn't as bad as it has been in the past, but it is NO FUN!
But as a homemaker, there is more to it than just keeping a clean house. There is the a lot more. Basically I keep it moving around here. I make sure the children are healthy and growing mentally, spiritually and physically. That means making appointments and getting to those appointments. That includes meal planning and budgeting. It means for me, homeschooling and making as many moments as possible teaching moments. That overlaps in the spiritual care. I want my children to have a personal relationship with God that is visible and active in their everyday life. And because I am who I am, I want my children to have fun.
My home is full of laughter and fun and creativity. There is a lot of love going on here too. I want my children to have positive relationships with each other for the rest of their lives. I work hard on that. I want my kids to be respectful of others and have serving attitudes, thinking of others needs. That is hard work too. I want my kids to develop their natural abilities. Discovering those abilities and figuring out how to best grow them isn't easy either, but so important too.
The most important part of what I think homemaking is, is having an environment that my sweetheart wants to come home to every night. He is the most important thing on earth to me. God commanded me to love him and he really does make it quite easy. So I teach the children to honor and obey him. I do my best to be the wife he needs me to be. So I clean everyday. Not because I like to clean but because he can relax better when he can actually walk through the house. I wonder how much a housekeeper would cost?
I think you do a far better job than June Cleaver, my friend. You're an awesome wife and mother. :o)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lisa, you are one of the most awesome Moms I know! So, from the Words of Affirmation Girl, "You are awesome, Rebecca!"
ReplyDeleteYour family is awesome! The fruit of your labors is obvious and a joy to watch, my friend. I can't think of a family I'd rather emulate...much more so than the Cleavers (besides, you have better hair than June by a long shot!)
And, besides...no one suffered or died due to unfolded laundry (except maybe the Heggs). If that were the case, we would all be dead. Or just not have anywhere to sit... :-P