Some years ago, my mother sat down and wrote out what she thought are the levels of homemaking as a guide and goal for herself. She shared these with my sis-in-law Michele and I this past year, and I pulled them out yesterday and gave them a good look over. Man oh, man. On some levels I’m pretty awesome if I do say so myself, but there are those areas where I struggle. I’m pretty much all over the board; I keep a pretty clean and organized home, volunteer at Church when I can, I’m always lovin on my boys, and I have even started playing with the idea of starting a home business. But when it comes to making last minute meals that tend to lean toward the unhealthy side, I’m there. I have to really work on planning out meals in advance and making sure that they are healthy and balanced.
My personal walk with Christ could use a lil’ revamping also. You go through those up and down seasons in your faith. I think my has been in the lazy season and I tend to start gettin my butt in gear and start spending time with my Savior. I forget that it’s a real relationship that needs work and love and time.
Here are the levels:
Please share where you feel you are! And remember, there is no judgment! These are one woman’s ideas of a homemaker and maybe yours are different! I would love to hear what you think!
Level 1:
* The desire to be a good homemaker is there, but there is disorganization, lack of discipline
* Attends church, reads the Bible and prays occasionally
* House is reasonably clean, but cluttered
* Meals tend to be last minute decisions, whatever is on hand
* Laundry is out-of-control
* No time for exercise or hobbies
* Husband and children know they are loved, but need to be better cared for
Level 2:
* A Growing personal relationship with Jesus, enjoying a quiet time each day
* The following are being accomplished in a loving, cheerful, relaxed manner:
* Family meals are nutritious, tasty and pre-planned
* Laundry is finished and ready for use when needed
* House is clean and organized
* Husband and children feel loved and cared for
* Time is spent in some form of exercise, study and hobbies
* Time to connect with friends
Level 3:
* All of levels 1 & 2 are being accomplished plus the following:
* Involvement in Christian service such as mentoring, sunday school teaching….
* Home is attractively decorated to express the family’s style
* Home is decorated seasonally
* Creative table settings are used for family meals
* Entertain at least once a month
* Special memory-making moments for husband and children
* Explore bread making, canning, gardening, crafting own gifts and cards, sewing, ect…
Level 4
* All of Level 1, 2 & 3 are being accomplished plus the following
* Home business
* Continuing education in areas of interest
* Expanding involvement in Christian ministry and hospitality
**Click on picture to check out Darla’s website and blog!
I read this book awhile back, and I think every woman should! Darla writes all about how we need to stop being The Desperate Housewives, always complaining and thinking only of ourselves, but to start being “Happy Housewives” and love what we are doing! I mean come on ladies, how hard do we really have it!? Darla is funny, straight forward, and walks the walk! She’s in the same boat we are and she’s living the dream one day at a time!
