When my aunt retired, she and her husband began to serve a mission in Washington D.C. Soon after their mission began, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Aunt Phala used this remaining time to finish family history, purchase quality photo albums for her many grandchildren, and she compiled her own Homemaking Journal. She gave her children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, and nieces such as myself, a copy of this wonderful book.
Aunt Phala was one of the most creative and talented people I’ve ever known and a true asset to the LDS church. She wrote many a road show skit and put on Girls Camps and many other major church events, including weddings and baby showers. Everything was done with style and hospitality not common today. My favorite recipes of Phala’s were recorded in her journal, including chicken and stuffing casserole, pearly shell chicken salad, and orange box-cake cookies. She also included quotes, family stories, treasured and rare photos, original poetry and drawings, and advice/instruction on anything from cleaning to entertaining.
Aunt Phala was one of the most creative and talented people I’ve ever known and a true asset to the LDS church. She wrote many a road show skit and put on Girls Camps and many other major church events, including weddings and baby showers. Everything was done with style and hospitality not common today. My favorite recipes of Phala’s were recorded in her journal, including chicken and stuffing casserole, pearly shell chicken salad, and orange box-cake cookies. She also included quotes, family stories, treasured and rare photos, original poetry and drawings, and advice/instruction on anything from cleaning to entertaining.
I have been fortunate to know many people throughout my life that have been an inspiration to me especially for homemaking and Phala’s journal has certainly inspired me. Her suffering was long and painful, but she courageously completed goals most of the healthy would never attempt. My own homemaking journal will be dedicated to Aunt Phala for inspiring me.
It occurred to me, as I have been compiling my homemaker’s journal, that I have become much more organized by doing so. I am able to find what I need…when I actually need it! I believe sitting down, (maybe for a few hours each Sunday), and working on this specialized journal can help us to organize ourselves. Topic ideas for a homemaking journal listed by Dionna Sanchez include but are not limited to:
- “Recipes (especially beloved family recipes that have been in your family for years)
- Inspirational poems, quotes, Bible verses or excerpts that inspire you in your love for family, home, and homemaking?
- Tips, tricks, hints and ideas that aid you on a daily basis in helping your home to run smoothly
- Home schooling information—if relevant
- Health and first aid remedies and tricks
- Ideas and tips for Emergency Preparedness
- List of birthdates and anniversaries
- Holiday Traditions
- Kid stuff (activities, projects and kid recipes like “goop”)
- Gardening—planting information, seasonal planting favorites that you have used, tips, tricks, and more.
- Your daily routines—do you keep a to-do list? Does it help you to stick by a certain schedule?
- Meal Planning—how do you keep organized in your kitchen? What helps you keep meals rotating regularly?
- Budget outline
- Trusted phone numbers of doctors, dentists, builders, pastors, and more
Not only will you now be breathtakingly organized, you will have a precious gift to give or leave to your loved ones.
1) Dionna Sanchez has written about Homemaking Journals for Emphasis on Moms, a monthly online newsletter http://www.emphasisonmoms.com/.
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