In the previous post, we discussed the importance of homemaking and glorifying God in the midst of all that that entails.
In this post, let's dive into some specific areas of homemaking, in no particular order:
- Cleaning--I have DRASTICALLY simplified my cleaning routine over the past decade, and I think my house is the cleaner for it! Years ago, I started making my own cleaners using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar. Check out this previous blog post to learn more about the cleaners I use (or have used in the past). Although I still use many of these products, I have found that I've needed to scale back (as my homeschooling responsibilities have increased) or simplify, in order to train my children. Nowadays, I use Norwex brand microfiber cloths that clean well without using any sprays or cleaners. (My favorites are this glass-cleaning cloth, multi-purpose cloth, and dusting mitt, and I also use their laundry soap). I am currently working on establishing a more thorough deep-cleaning practice, as well as striving to teach my kids how to clean (ba-bye, perfectionism!), so they can also contribute in a more meaningful way. For this, I am turning to Kendra at Mother Like a Boss, who has GREAT free resources about cleaning routines, cleaning lists, and getting the kids to help. I also tune in to her weekly podcast where she talks about cleaning and homemaking.
- Managing the family calendar--for the past two years, I have really enjoyed using the Living Well Spending Less (LWSL) planner and notepad materials put out by Ruth Soukup to plan out my days, weeks, and months. I love how personal goal planning is also a part of this planner, too. Her sticky notepads are very helpful for prioritizing my day, using the A-B-C system (see photo). Highly recommend!
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| LWSL Planner |
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| LWSL Daily Focus sheets, Weekly Wizard, and Daily Do-it notepads |
- Meal planning and cooking--this is probably my weakest area, but a few things have helped me. I have a printed grocery list on the fridge, which features the food we buy most often at our favorite grocery store, listed in the order of appearance when shopping through that particular store. When someone uses up a food item (or sees that it is running low), they just circle the item on the list. It also makes for faster shopping at the store, preventing the need to double-back for items, and the kids can easily read the list and help me shop, too (very important for us homeschooling mamas with the kids always in tow!). As far as meal planning, the planner I use daily for our schedule (see above) has an area to plan meals for each day, which is handy. Sometimes I use it, sometimes I don't, but it is nice that it is there to remind me!
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| Grocery list on fridge--always keep a pen handy! |
- Prayer--yes, this is the MOST important homemaking area! I pray my mantra prayers over my home and my children, and I use this compose prayer journal put out by Val Marie Paper to organize my daily prayer requests each month. I love how there is an area to reflect upon Scripture and record answered prayers, too...plus they are GORGEOUS! I also love her daily sheets where you can record things you are lifting up in the day. They are self-adhesive, so I stick these to my LWSL planner. I just purchased her 2019 yearly journal to try out soon, too (this replaces two of the compose journals, and includes additional sections for gratitudes and writing out your prayers).
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| Compose journal, yearly prayer journal, and daily sheets |
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| Inside of yearly prayer journal 2019 |
- Establishing holiday traditions--I encourage you to check out this post if you want to learn more about how we do Christmas around here with our kids! There are also traditions we enjoy at Easter, discussed here, as well.
- Teaching God's Word--check out this post about our morning Bible time around the breakfast table, as well as this and this post about children's devotional materials we have enjoyed using in the past.
Last but not least, a well-made home is a home of PEACE--I discuss pursuing peace in our home here. It is also one that is lit up by a passionate marriage between mom and dad. Check out more about prioritizing that, here.
Whew!
As we've seen, SO many things fall into the subject of homemaking! We could not POSSIBLY do it all in our own strength! Thankfully, we don't have to! I'd encourage you to pick an area where you need the most help, and bring it prayerfully before the Lord. Pray for passion in this area and wisdom with how to begin. Then, let's be obedient to do what HE tells us to do--NOT what Pinterest shows us we ought to do! I'm here, as well as a small army of many other women, to cheer you on and support you, dear friend!
May we bring honor and glory to Him as we faithfully step into the impactful role of homemaking that God has created us for!
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