Homemaking By Heart

I'm sure if I looked there is probably a website or even a blog with this title.  It just happens to be what came to my mind as I was thinking about this post. 

I have been reading the book "Large Family Logistics" by Kim Brenneman.  I ordered it because I had seen on several homemaking websites people raving about it.  Ever since we started homeschooling, I have felt disconnected from things around our house.  I thought it couldn't hurt to see what this author has to say.

Now, I am not completely finished with the book yet, but what I have read has been speaking right to my heart.  And as I was reading, I realized that I have not been a very good homemaker.  I was a working mom until we had our fourth child.  I had long dreamed of becoming a stay at home mom, and finally my dreams were coming true.  I had visions that I would be a cross between Betty Crocker, June Cleaver, and Martha Stewart.  HAH!!  Enter in needy newborn who seemed to nurse 24 hours a day and when she wasn't nursing wanted to be held.  I got next to nothing done.  But....she grew out of it.  I....did not!  I became a lazy housewife.  Yes, I had supper on the table when hubby got home from work.  Yes, we always had clean clothes to wear each day.  Yes, I got things done.  But my heart really wasn't in it.  And it was taking a toll on our family and our home.

You see, since my heart wasn't always in what I was doing, I really didn't do a good job.  Yes, the clothes were washed, but they were in several wash baskets in the living room.  Yes, things were picked up, but nothing was really where it belonged.  Things became stressful, and I became frustrated.  And a frustrated momma makes for a frustrated family.

I wanted to be a home MAKER...not a housewife.  I want our home to be a peaceful haven for all who enter it (well...as peaceful as a house of 7 people can be!).  I have been gleaning from some of my favorite homemaking blogs, praying over this, and making an effort to do everything with a cheerful heart.  I have seen the difference in what I accomplish each day, and how our house runs.  It makes a big difference when things run as they should.  Yes, there are days when the baby is crabby, kiddo's are ill, momma has a headache...but having a schedule and knowing how and when things should be done makes these things not such a big deal anymore.  I really do have the best job in the world, and I've learned to appreciate it all the more.

I have several blogs on my sidebar that are written by women who also have a passion for their families and homes.  And there are many more out there.  Read and get inspired!

Have a great day!

Blessings,