I live for – and survive by – simplifying the beautiful chaos that is our home.
As the mom of three small children and wife of a wonderful husband with a sporadic travel schedule, over the years I have developed techniques to help keep our home running smoothly, even on days when time, energy, and inspiration run low.
“Home” is a word that goes deep for me. Growing up with two sisters and parents who were involved, loving, and supportive, I looked forward to coming home after school each day or after a week of summer camp or vacation with friends. When I was away, I missed home. I missed my family. I missed our routines. I missed my bed and my crafts and my mom’s cooking.
My parents had three daughters who were all involved in school activities, took music lessons, had homework, attended church events, stayed out late with friends, and didn’t always get along with each other. Because my parents were resourceful and established expectations and really good routines, I don’t remember much of the craziness that was undoubtedly part of our daily lives.
You know what I do remember? The smell of freshly baked apple pizza in the fall. Riding bikes and playing house with my sisters under a big, hollowed bush in the yard. The bedroom window I kept open in the summer so I could hear the locusts at night. Kansas and Sam Cooke and Neil Diamond playing over the stereo (our choice of music was – and still is – quite eclectic). Playing Super Mario World and Mall Madness on our living room floor. Arranging and decorating my bedroom – and then rearranging and redecorating it.
My memories of home are happy. As a mom, my hope is that as our kids grow older, the feeling of “home” will be as warm for them as it always has been for me, and as a homemaker, that those who visit our home feel comfortable and welcomed.
Like my own mama, I have always enjoyed making sure those I love are cared for. Getting kiddos fed and out the door in the morning, finding the right bedtime routine, fixing meals that everyone will enjoy, finding ways to use the five minutes available now to save an hour later on… We are all continuously learning and adapting. My goal in creating this blog is to save busy people time and energy, wherever and however they need it.
It is my sincere joy to share what I’ve gleaned over the years with others who may find themselves busy, tired, frazzled, uninspired, or simply wish to try something new. Take what you like and what works and leave the rest.
Happy homemaking!