Homemaker's Quotes

To my child:
You are the trip I did not take; 

You are the pearls I did not buy;

You are the blue Italian lake;

You are my piece of foreign sky.

~Anne Campbell

One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is to have a happy childhood.  ~Agatha Christie

It's better to build children than repair grownups.  ~Unknown

The best thing to spend on a child is time. ~Unknown

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel.  ~Unknown

Never chasten beyond the balm you have within you to bind up.  ~Brigham Young

The best way to make children good is to make them  happy. ~Oscar Wilde

The next time the children started quarreling, I fought back an urge to get angry and started singing, “Jesus said love everyone; treat them kindly too.  When your heart is filled with love, others will love you.”  Both children stopped quarreling and looked up in happy surprise.  Mother was singing!  ~Margery D. Small

[Parenthood] is a learn-on-the-job situation.  It's not for the faint-of-heart. ~Kathleen "Casey" Null

Don't think of the gray in your hair.  Think of the fun you had putting it there.  ~Anna Greenwood

Friends are important, but when you have a child you should turn into a parent.  ~Elaine Cannon

In 1939, President Joseph F. Smith taught:  "There should [not] be any of us so unwisely indulgent, so thoughtless and shallow in our affection for our children that we dare not check them in a wayward course, in wrong-doing and in their foolish love for the things of the world more than for the things of righteousness, for fear of offending them."

Beginnings

Yes, my fretting, frowning child, 

I could cross the room to you more easily.

But I've already learned to walk, 

So I make you come to me.

Let go now--There! You see?

Oh, remember this simple lesson, child,

And when in later years you cry out

With tight fists and tears--

"Oh, help me, God--please."--

Just listen and you'll hear a silent voice:

"I would, child, I would.

But it's you, not I, who needs to try Godhood."

~Carol Lynn Pearson

To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling.  The righteous woman's strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. ~Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985), Prophet

"A virtuous woman" (Proverbs 31:10):

Verse    Quality

11          Can be trusted

13          Works willingly

20          Is compassionate

25          Is strong and honorable

26          Speaks with wisdom and kindness

28          Is a dedicated wife and mother

30          Obeys the Lord

...and for always letting me lick the spoon.

This card was the best present I could get on my 43 birthday from the child, (Elise--shown above), who always loves to help in the kitchen.

There is nothing wrong with the world that a sensible woman could not settle in an afternoon. ~Jean Giraudoux

Joyful Quotes

The excursion is the same when you go looking for your sorrow as when you go looking for your joy.  ~Eudora Welty

Happiness comes from noticing and enjoying the little things in life.  I've counted at least 1,000 things to be happy about.  ~Barbara Ann Kipfer

Though Christ was called a "man of sorrows," that description refers to His bearing of our sorrows.  It does not describe His day-to-day bearing.  ~Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) Even as I Am (1982), 103

Because our choices have so much to do with our happiness, the phrase "men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25) could be considered an expectation.  Why would the Lord expect us to be happy?  Because He has borne our sorrow that we might have joy, and He blesses us when we are obedient.  The Savior atoned for our sins that we might be happy.  (Lynn G. Robbins, "True Beauty," New Era, Nov. 2008, 30-33)

The Christian Sunday should be a festival, gathering up all the life of the week and offering it to God in worship and then spending the day in a way which most truly promotes joy and  happiness and refreshment for oneself and for other people.  ~Olive Wyon

Our Father in Heaven expects all of His children to choose the right, which is the only way to lasting happiness and inner beauty.  We read in For the Strength of Youth that "wrong choices delay your progression and lead to heartache and misery.  Right choices lead to happiness and eternal life."  (Hugh W. Pinnock, "Beginning Again," Ensign, May 1982, 12)

I would like to have you smile because after all we must keep a sense of humor whatever comes.  I think of all the people in the world we should be the happiest.  We have the greatest and most joyous message in the world.  I think when we get on the other side, someone will meet us with a smile (unless we go to the wrong place and then someone will grin), so let us be happy.  But let our happiness be genuine--let it come from within.  ~Hugh B. Brown, (The Abundant Life [1965], 83)

We are surrounded by people who "have it all" and yet have nothing--no joy.  And there are just as many who have nothing, yet live in joy.  ~Laurel Bailey

One should not seek happiness, but rather happy people.  ~Coco Chanel

The hands of those I meet are dumbly eloquent to me.  The touch of some hands is an impertinence.  I have met people so empty of joy that when I clasped their frosty fingertips, it seemed as if I were shaking hands with a northeast storm.  Others there are whose hands have sunbeams in them, so that their grasp warms my heart.  ~Helen Keller

When you walk into a room, you either add to the room or take away from the room. ~unknown

Unhappiness is bad for the health.  ~Anna Greenwood

Happiness and peace are found when we are in harmony with ourselves, with God, and with our fellowmen.  ~Barbara W. Winder

The greatest determiner of human happiness is whether or not we have someone to love and confide in.  ~Dr. Joyce Brothers

To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with. ~Mark Twain

Many people think happiness is attained through self-gratification.  But it is really only gained by fidelity to a worthy cause.  ~Helen Keller

President Brigham Young said, "There is not a man or woman on this earth, whose peace is made with God, and who are associated with holy beings, and seeking after holy principles, but their countenances are lit up with a lamp of divine cheerfulness." (Quoted in "The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")

If you want to be happy ... BE.  ~Leo Tolstoy

Oh, stop whining!  ~Paula Witteman

~President Gordon B. Hinkley

Measuring Up...Sabbath Quotes

Sabbath
In the 19th century, England and France decided to observe the Sabbath only every 21 days in order that they might have time to build up their war-torn countries.  After a trial period, however, a careful check showed that they had accomplished less total work than when they had rested every seventh day as prescribed by the Lord.

The Sabbath to us is also an appropriate opportunity to visit nearby relatives or friends, provided the conduct of such visits is in keeping with the spirit of the day. If we emphasize such visiting the other six days of the week, we can guard against our Sundays being regularly absorbed by that activity.

Orson Scott Card, "Sunday Meetings: A Preparation for Work," Ensign, Jan. 1978:

“It’s possible to be so active in the Church that you forget to be active in the gospel.” But perhaps a better way to think about it is this: The meetings that we attend are for our preparation. Attending meetings should only be a small portion of our Church activity. Meetings are where we learn how to be active.

"Gospel activity is just as much in our homes, among our friends, at work, in the community, among strangers, or alone in prayer, as it is in a meeting!

"The Church provides many opportunities for activity: home teachers and visiting teachers have splendid opportunities to serve others; teachers can uplift, inspire, and renew the faith of their students; quorum leaders can organize their brethren in good works.

"But if we stop there, feeling satisfied that our attendance record means that we are sufficiently active, then in a sense we are like the servant who hid his talent in the earth. The Church provides us with a certain number of opportunities—but we have a responsibility to improve on that, to magnify those opportunities.

"If all our good works are within the walls of the meetinghouse, then are we letting our light shine before men?

"If we, like the Levite and the priest, are so intent on our Church business that we miss opportunities for charity to strangers, are we loving our neighbor as ourselves? “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” (1 Cor. 13:2.)

"A paraphrase: And though I attend all my meetings faithfully, and fulfill all my callings, and make a home teaching visit during the first week of the month; and though in all ways I am an active Church member, yet if I do not spend time in love and service for others, then I am not yet a Saint, for I do not yet love the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength; and I do not love my neighbor as myself.

"Let the Sabbath be a day for taking stock. (How active have we been during the week in serving the Lord and his children?)

"Let the Sabbath be a day for attending meetings, sharing with others our spirit, our understanding of how to serve the Lord.

"And then let us use the other six days of each week as Christ did: in bringing joy to everyone we can, “I was an hungred,” said the Lord, “and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: “Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” (Matt. 25:35–36.)

"We are surrounded by those in need, both spiritually and physically. To be active in the Church, we must take the time from our busy schedules to fill those needs. For the gifts we offer to those around us, we also offer to our Savior."

Measuring Up: Integrity Quotes
Measuring Up: Improvement Quotes
Measuring Up: Time and Preparation
Measuring Up: Testimony Quotes
Measuring Up: Service and Empathy Quotes

Measuring Up...Service and Empathy Quotes

Service

Are we not sometimes like Naaman, looking for big or important things to do and bypassing simple things which we could do?  ~Elder Rex D. Pinegar, (Ensign, Nov. 1994, 80)

We don't need a bishop's assignment to be kind.  We don't need to sign up to be thoughtful.  ~Chieko N. Okazaki

Now, do not get me wrong.  I am not here to say that if you pay an honest tithing you will realize your dream of a fine house, a Rolls Royce, and a condominium in Hawaii.  The Lord will open the windows of heaven according to our need, and not according to our greed.  If we are paying tithing to get rich, we are doing it for the wrong reason.  The basic purpose for tithing is to provide the Church with the means needed to carry on His work.  ~President Gordon B. Hinkley, (Ensign, May 1982, 40)


Shame on you if your house is dusted, and a neighbor needs help.

Empathy

If I make errors [in judging people,] I want them to be on the side of mercy.  ~Hugh B. Brown

In my relationships with others who sometimes annoy or offend me, I will abide by the advice of a carpenter friend who says, "it's always wise to measure twice before sawing once."  


If I had known what trouble you were bearing;
What griefs were in the silence of your face;
I would have been more gentle, and more caring,
And tried to give you gladness for a space. ~Mary Carolyn Davies



Measuring Up: Integrity Quotes
Measuring Up: Improvement Quotes
Measuring Up: Time and Preparation
Measuring Up: Testimony Quotes
Measuring Up: Sabbath Quotes

Measuring Up...Testimony Quotes

Some people succumb to the taunt [of the crowd] because thy are not converted enough to their own beliefs of right to give them power they need.  ~Caroline Eyring Miner

Rebellious people are those who either have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ or have not understood it.  Receptive people think the gospel is true--but their actions lag behind.  Righteous people know Christ and practice what he preached.  ~Elaine Cannon

Seek for a testimony, as you would...for a diamond concealed.  If someone told you by digging long enough in a certain spot you would find a diamond of unmeasured wealth, do you think you would begrudge time or strength, or means spent to obtain that treasure?  Then I will tell you that if you will dig in the depths of your own hearts you will find, with the aid of the Spirit of the Lord, the pearl of great price, the testimony of the truth of this work.  ~Zina D.H. Young

Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes.  We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings.  We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men on missions.  We strive to improve the number of these marrying in the temple.  All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom.  But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come.  Testimonies will increase.  Commitment will be strengthened.  Families will be fortified.  Personal revelation will flow.  ~President Ezra Taft Benson, (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson,[1988], 44)

Latter-day Saint women must be strong and immovable in their faith.  They can and should excel in living and sharing their testimonies of the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.  We do this as we:

1. Make and keep covenants with Him.
2. Are worthy and worship in His temples. 
3. Study His doctrine in the scriptures and the words of prophets.
4. Qualify for, recognize, and follow the Holy Ghost.
5. Share and defend His gospel.
6. Participate in sincere personal and family prayer.
7. Have family home evening.
8. Live principles of self-reliance and provident living.

Measuring Up: Integrity Quotes
Measuring Up: Improvement Quotes
Measuring Up: Time and Preparation
Measuring Up: Service and Empathy Quotes
Measuring Up: Sabbath Quotes

Measuring Up...Time and Preparation

Time

To everything there is a season...Yes, a season to be young and doing the inimitable things of youth and a time to be relishing in the richness and understanding that maturity brings.  But some people's timing is off.  They marry when they're supposed to be having fun and have "fun" when they're supposed to be married...They learn to cook after they're married and study the scriptures when they arrive in the mission field...or learn to behave properly after they've been embarrassed in a social situation...or value gospel principles after they've suffered the pangs of repentance.  Personal timing should be clocked because there is a time to every purpose under the heaven.  ~Elaine Cannon


Material objectives consume too much of our attention.  The struggle for what we need or for more than we need exhausts our time and energy.  We pursue pleasure or entertainment, or become overinvolved in associations or civic matters.  Of course, people need recreation, need to be achieving, need to contribute; but if these come at the cost of friendship with Christ, the price is much too high.

'For my people have committed two evils,' said the Lord to Israel; 'they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.' (Jer. 2:13)

The substitutions we fashion to take the place of God in our lives truly hold no water.  To the measure we thus refuse the 'living water,' we miss the joy we could have.  ~Elder Marion D. Hanks, (Ensign, July 1972, 105). 


These are essential things which must be done before nonessential things.  These are simple, indispensable practices that almost seem mundane.  ...No one can do these things for us--these are personal practices and habits that set us apart as strong and immovable for that which is correct.  ~Julie B. Beck Relief Society general president, ("What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best:  Stand Strong and Immovable," Ensign, 11/07)

Preparation

Some of the brethren...approached [President Wilford Woodruff] and ... inquired of him as to when he felt the end would be--when would be the coming of the Master?  These, I think, are not his exact words, but they convey the spirit of his reported reply:  'I would live as if it were to be tomorrow--but I am still planting cherry trees!'  I think we may well take this as a page for our own book and live as if the end might be tomorrow--and still plant cherry trees!  In worrying about things that are beyond our reach, we should not overlook our opportunities with our own families and friends; in worrying about possible eventualities we should not neglect the things that need to be done here and now, and that are within our reach.  ~Elder Richard L. Evans, (Conference Report, Apr. 1950, 105-6)



Measuring Up: Integrity Quotes
Measuring Up: Improvement Quotes
Measuring Up: Testimony Quotes
Measuring Up: Service and Empathy Quotes
Measuring Up: Sabbath Quotes

Measuring Up...Improvement Quotes

Take a hard look at those things which we needlessly, foolishly turn into burdens when they were meant to be blessings.  ~Elaine Cannon

What's the difference between ignorance and arrogance?  I don't know and I don't care.

Those who resist correction, resist perfection. ~President Snow

Too frequently we strive to live as good a life as our peers, when we should be striving to live like the Savior.  (Dr. Jae R. Ballif, physics professor at Brigham Young University)

Elder Marion D. Hanks, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, said of the Apostle Paul:  "The Lord called him to the ministry, not because of what he had done (or hadn't done), but because of what he was going to be able to do."  (Eastern Atlantic States Mission leadership seminar, summer 1968.)

I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away.  If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.  ~Spencer W. Kimball, (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, [1982], 135).

Elder Harold B. Lee reminded us that a certain amount of spiritual preparation is necessary
before we can receive divine communications.  He said, "The Lord will bring us his blessings to that extent that we have diligence in keeping his commandments.  Each of you, in other words, must stand on your own feet if you will receive the great blessings which the Almighty has in store for you...Stand upon your own feet, so the Lord can speak to you.  In humility be prepared to say with Paul, 'Lord, what wilt thou have me do?'  And with dauntless courage say with the boy Samuel, 'Speak, Lord, thy servant heareth.'  Be humble, be prayerful and the Lord will take you by the hand, as it were, and give you answer to your prayers."  ("But Arise and Stand upon Thy Feet"--and I Will Speak with Thee, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, Provo, 7 Feb. 1956, pp. 7, 11.)

The way of the gospel is a simple way.  Some of the requirements may appear to you as elementary and unnecessary.  Do not spurn them.  Humble yourselves and walk in obedience.  I promise that the results that follow will be marvelous to behold and satisfying to experience.  ~Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, (Ensign, Nov. 1976, 96)

If you want praise more than instruction -- you may get neither.  ~Henry B. Eyring


Measuring Up: Integrity Quotes
Measuring Up: Time and Preparation
Measuring Up: Testimony Quotes
Measuring Up: Service and Empathy Quotes
Measuring Up: Sabbath Quotes

Measuring Up...Integrity Quotes

If we were to be arrested for being Christians, I wonder if there would be enough evidence to convict us?  ~Choose You This Day, N. Elden Tanner

Conversion must mean more than just being a "card carrying" member of the Church with a tithing receipt..."  ~Harold B. Lee, "The Iron Rod," Ensign 6/71


Members of the church need to influence more than we are influenced.  We should work to stem the tide of sin and evil instead of passively being swept along by it.  We each need to solve the problem rather than avoid or ignore it.  ~Elder M. Russell Ballard


An eternal bond doesn't just happen as a result of sealing covenants we make in the temple.  How we conduct ourselves in this life will determine what we will be in all the eternities to come.  To receive the blessings of the sealing that our Heavenly Father has given to us, we have to keep the commandments and conduct ourselves in such a way that our families will want to live with us in the eternities.  ~Elder Robert D. Hales, ("The Eternal Family," Ensign, 11/96)

There's right and there's wrong.  You got to do one or the other.  ~John Wayne

Measuring Up: Improvement Quotes
Measuring Up: Time and Preparation
Measuring Up: Testimony Quotes
Measuring Up: Service and Empathy Quotes
Measuring Up: Sabbath Quotes

Tweaking the Ideal

My Grandma was a great example of a working homemaker.  No birthdays were forgotten.  Active at church.  No meals left unprepared.  Visitors were always welcome at a moments notice.  Her home was always clean and her garden full of tomatoes.  And she retired from working for the state as a secretary!  Sickening!  Though Grandma might have preferred to stay home (maybe?), she always put family first.


Barbara B. Smith, past general Relief Society president, explained that if need forces the providing role upon a mother, it is critical that she be able to work as few hours as possible to leave time for homemaking and the nurturing of her children.  “The counsel to all members to acquire training and knowledge as a hedge against a time of need is one of our best ‘storage’ concepts.”  (Barbara B. Smith, “Makers of Homes,” Ensign, Mar. 1979, 24)

Here's A List of More Homemaking Posts:
My Glamorous New Career
What do Homemakers Really Do?
Builders of Homes
The Resurgence of Homemaking in the Church

Be Organized And Do Fast Pages

It really helps to go through your pages and plan them ahead. Sometimes I use sticky notes on my actual album pages to write notes to remind me what order, theme, idea I'm using from a publication, etc.  Then I put the stack of photos I'll be choosing from in a zip-lock baggy with those photo album pages.  I stack them just like they would be organized in the album, and then I place them in a photo box that's designed for photo album pages.  Everything's ready to go when I finally get a chance to settle down and start scrapping.  Also, it's so important to journal your album pages.  You might use a combination of the photojournaling suggestions, or stick to one, depending on your personality, available time, etc.  Digital cameras, the internet and computer have all revolutionized scrapbooking.  Now everything can be done by the click of a button.  This makes journaling a breeze!  

I used this information from Melinda Dye to get started back in 1995:

1. Collect all of your photos and memorabilia into one spot.  Look in old photo albums, drawers, hope chests, baby and wedding books and relative's homes.

2. Put photos in chronological order and/or events:  Weddings, baby books, high school years, special trips and growing-up phases.  Sort your photos by putting them in stacks that resemble years, then sort into months, seasons, events or outings.  Use envelopes from the developer, rubber bands and Ziploc bags to keep photos and memorabilia in order.  Slip in the memorabilia (cards, brochures, ticket stubs, etc.) where it belongs, or it will be forgotten.

3. Next, collect cropping tools (templates, trimmer, scissors, pen, etc.) into one place.  Crop all of the photos for several pages or for one time period, but keep them in order (this may seem risky but this is the key to doing it fast).  Lay out the photos by month or event.  Next, see if you want to do something special with them and how many pages you want to devote to the theme.

4. Collect supplies and tools into one spot (I set up a card table in  my living room where the kids play; they can see me, but don't need my full attention).  Sometimes it is helpful to put tools in a basket or large bowl for easy access.  You can separate colored paper in an accordion file folder and stickers can be divided by themes in Ziplock bags.  The key to getting lots done quickly is having easy access to photos and supplies.

5. Take every free minute during the day to work.  Get up early and stay up  late when there are fewer interruptions.  At the end of the work period, re-organize the work space and drape your table with a sheet to protect your photos.  Another time-saver option:  Complete every aspect of the page before moving to the next page (I write all captions, dates,  names, etc., before I do stickers).

6. Just like exercise, we have to set time aside to work on our albums.  Schedule album time into your  monthly calendar.  Attend workshops, schedule one full Saturday a month, work a few hours every Sunday afternoon or set up a work party with friends.  Set a goal to complete cute, simple and fast pages that have great memories preserved and enjoy your completed albums!  

Don't forget--working on your photo album is not a matter of time, it's a matter of commitment!

("Do It and Stick to It, Be Organized And Do Fast Pages," by Melinda Dye, Creative Memories)

Learning Homemaking Skills

Sister Barbara Winder, General Relief Society President in 1986 said:  “It is important for all of us to learn homemaking skills; whether she is married or single, every woman is a homemaker.

"I know a single woman, a widow, who prepares meals on Saturday to last her through the week because she must work long hours each day. At mealtimes, she always has a tablecloth or a place mat, a napkin, and a flower in a bud vase. Her home is artistically decorated and full of wonderful books and beautiful music.

"There is an art to being a homemaker. For ourselves and for our families, it is important that we have a sanctuary—a place of refuge away from the world where we feel comfortable and where, if others come, they, too, can feel comfortable.

"In Proverbs 31:10–31 [Prov. 31:10–31], we read, 'Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.' In those verses we are told that a virtuous woman weaves fabric, sells linen—her hands are not idle: 'She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.' (Prov. 31:27.) I think that is one of the keys. We should not be idle. We should be constantly using our gifts and talents to build up our families, the kingdom of God, and the community about us.”  (Barbara W. Winder, Ensign, March 1986, p. 20)

Being a homemaker requires developing organizational skills first and foremost.  We are required to set priorities for those homemaking skills we need to develop.  I remember the first time I went to the grocery store as a newly married young woman.  I had $25 for the week's groceries (1988).  I had no list, no menu, no clue what grocery items cost, nor did I have anything at home in the cupboards.  After about 30 minutes, I walked out of the store crying in frustration.  The first thing I needed to learn was how to stock my pantry and prepare meals on a very strict budget—this was a priority. 

Other homemaking skills included washing clothes properly.  I remember receiving so many towel sets as wedding gifts that I need not replace my towels for a good ten years!  However, right off the bat, my towels started showing signs of mildew.  This had to be addressed immediately.  I also learned that I couldn’t spend all day cleaning out a closet.  I had to learn to place a time-limit on tasks—maybe break a large task into smaller ones.

Gooseberry Patch Xmas Bk. 5, p. 99

I had received a couple of recipe books as wedding gifts and began to read them.  I found a list of essential pantry items and budgeted each week to buy these.  I asked more experienced homemakers about the mildew and learned to wash towels with vinegar.  Also, I learned to make sure no wet items were placed in the hamper!  I read articles and books on organizing closets and cabinets and donated many boxes of unnecessary items so that my cleaning didn’t take all day.

My favorite section of the library became home improvement, decorating, cooking, and cleaning.  (I look forward to Gooseberry Patch Christmas Books each year for more homemaking inspiration!)  Educating myself in my spare time was job #1.  Once essentials of homemaking were taken care of, then I was able to concentrate on more advanced skills such as cooking in large batches or giving a dinner party, as well as purchasing furniture, painting, and decorating a room.

Throughout the more than two decades of marriage, I have relied heavily on the homemaking training I have received from issues of the Ensign (old and new).  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ website lds.org, has a Gospel Library where you will find church magazines.  There you can choose the Ensign (also called the Liahona) and look up topics found in past issues by using the search engine.  I have used this for the last ten years since the Church first made past issues available in this way.  I am always recommending this site to other sisters at church who have concerns over marriage issues or questions about raising children, cooking, organizing, cleaning—you name it, it’s there!


Did You Know...
Some of the skills required for a homemaking career include:
1.  Managing time, energy, and resources (including money)
2.  Communicating effectively
3.  Housekeeping
4.  Cooking skills and nutrition
5.  Sewing, mending, and handicrafts
6.  Making wise decisions
7.  Keeping abreast of the times
8.  Applying first aid and sound health principles
9.  Making a home a place of beauty
10. Providing an atmosphere of learning, cultural refinement, recreation, service, and spirituality
11. Mothering, child care and guidance and
12. Becoming a responsive, supportive, and loving companion and wife. (I believe I got this a long time ago from one of my favorite websites www.christysclipart.com --you can also find Christy's Clipart on Facebook).


Hopefully this Homemaker's Journal will incorporate all of these.

For more on the subject: Resurgence of Homemaking in the Church

6 Tips To An Organized Christmas

Getting Organized

My holiday planner keeps all of my favorite holiday ideas that are tried and true at my fingertips, which helps me to focus on the reason for the season!  Here's a website to print off holiday planning lists: http://www.mintprintables.com/.

After trying to simplify and streamline the whole Christmas season, and trying to remember the Reason for the Season, it's time to dig in and get organized.  Keep a notebook with a copy of your family's holiday calendar, lists like the ones that can be printed from the above websites, and a place to keep receipts and recipes.  Plan for travel arrangements, if necessary, and start the gift list.  Decide what your holiday budget will be.  Don't forget to include the cost of food served at parties and on Christmas.  

Keep your notebook with you always and refer to it often so you can buy a little at a time.  You might want to develop a plan of action so that you use the least amount of gas and energy.  For instance, look at your lists and calendar to see if you will be near certain stores when picking up the kids or going on every-day errands. 

1. Christmas Greetings: Today, many folks are saying to give up on the Christmas cards, but I think it is still important to send cards to people who would really appreciate them, such as the widows in our church. I try to keep a list in my planner and I limit the number of cards I send out, say 20 or so. Then I review last years list and update. It usually changes from year to year. I usually send cards that I got for 80% off the year before, and I always pick a Christmas Card that depicts Christ's birth. I don't send more cards than I can sign by hand. Our family will watch a holiday movie like White Christmas and take turns signing each card with a little message. This means soooo much to the people we send cards to. 
2. Gift Giving:  The first thing I do when planning gifts is look through my Gooseberry Patch Christmas books for homemade ideas. Also the many websites and blogs on the internet are great sources for unique ideas. It can be as simple as a plate of cookies. In fact, our family always tries to make goodies to give each year. I buy the tins and boxes the year before for about 80% off and fill them with all the good recipes we make each year, such as mocha fudge. These have been the most meaningful gifts to my dad who lives 3000 miles away. (Be sure to mail by Dec. 10th). The postage was expensive, but his response was priceless. (See my October Traditions post for sending goodies in the mail--coming Oct. 2011). I also like to tuck a Subway card in his gift because his wife is very ill and this is a useful gift for them to use. I've also given CVS pharmacy gift cards to family members who live near one and get their prescriptions there. We usually set a limit on how much to spend on gifts given to extended family. If you organize yourself early on, you will be surprised at how thoughtful your gifts will be. Be sure to include on your list where you have stored the presents. I recommend wrapping them right away. This can actually be done year-round for the best deals (especially right after Christmas).
3. Traditions:  I like to put an ornament in the stockings each year. I just read an article in Martha Stewart Living where a family does this. They choose an ornament that has something to do with the past year, such as a child's graduation or wedding. An example they used was someone's visit to New York City was marked by giving them a "Big Apple" ornament. It can be as subtle or specific as you need. They also mentioned giving new pajamas as Christmas presents opened on Christmas Eve to make picture-taking easier the next day.  For more traditions visit 8 Christmas Traditions.
4. Parties:  For parties, decide on what you can handle, whether it's a cookie exchange (cookie swap) or a dinner party. Set a budget and see what little things that really add up, could be brought by friends who will ask to bring something anyway. Be sure to ask guests at least two weeks in advance. Use only recipes that are tried and true. Keep decorations simple: few festive throw pillows, light-smelling candles, soft music, etc. Susan Branch has the cute idea of grouping all her pictures of "sitting on Santa's lap." Others have a collection of crèches to display. Have the music ready to go. Tried and true, I have a favorite CD that has tons of holiday music and I press the repeat button and forget about it. 
5. The Food:  You can plan your menu in advance and MAKE A SHOPPING LIST! Allow 1-1/2 lb. per person (which will include leftovers). Shop for nonperishables two weeks in advance. Dressings, desserts, and yeast rolls can be made and frozen up to three months in advance. Place turkey on a tray in the refrigerator to thaw. Allow 24 hours for every 4 lb. of turkey. Place your frozen dressing, dessert, and rolls in the refrigerator to thaw 24 hours before you plan to serve them. Allow any of the unbaked items to stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking. An island makes an ideal serving bar. 
6. The House:  One week before the party, clean the house. Focus on public areas, the kitchen and bathrooms. Two days before the party, begin preparing food. Decorate the house and set any tables ahead of time. Block out several hours on the day of the party to relax and prepare. Enjoy your event! Clean up after the party--and enjoy the "thank you!" phone calls from your guests. After the party, debrief. Note successes and shortfalls in your party planner. It'll guide your next event.

The Four Parts of My Traditional Holiday Planner

I have been fine-tuning a holiday planner for many years that is based on our family's Christmas traditions. I started finding that we were forgetting or leaving out some of our "favorite things" we like to do at Christmas. This is a four-part series that has everything I want to put in my planner, (a work-in-progress). Ultimately, this will become a Christmas Section of my Homemaking Journal to hand down to my daughters and granddaughters. 

Table of Contents:

1) Getting Organized for The Holidays

2) Getting into the Mood

   a) Christmas Pageant

   b) Symbols of Christmas (Trim the Tree)

   c) Children’s Christmas Stories and Crafts

      1) Preschool to Third Graders (Countdown Chain)

      2) Fourth to Sixth Graders (Clove Orange)

   d) Christmas Legend and Lore

   e) The History of St. Nicholas

   f) “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”

3) Favorite Ornaments, Decorations, and Gifts to Make with Children

  a) Ornaments

    1) Santa’s List
    2) Wooly Sheep
  b) Paper Reindeer Decoration
  c) Easy Hats to Sew (Beginners)
  d) Pinecone Fire Starters
  e) Paper Snowflakes
  f) Christmas Card (Magic Reindeer Mix)

4) Service and Entertaining

   a) Christmas Caroling

   b) Christmas Entertaining

   c) Keeping Christmas all Year

   d) Cookie Swap

   e) Recipes

   g) Movies and Books