When I was in Utah one of my sisters in law mentioned that she had heard from 2 or 3 others in our family recently that I was “the perfect homemaker”. I know a backhanded compliment when I hear one, and that was definitely one of them. But then I got to thinking about it, and decided I don’t care if they were being snippy about it, it’s something I truly do enjoy. I think having my mom stay at home and be an example of a homemaker has a lot to do with it. While I didn’t do a ton of cooking or decorating while I lived at home, it instilled deep down a desire and love for it that emerged once I got married and kept a home (or apartment!) of my own.
There’s a crispness in the air lately, and temps are way down at night. It’s definitely starting to feel like fall and football weather. One of our sweet friends who is moving away very generously gifted us with a 5.5 qt Le Creuset French (not Dutch!) Oven. It’s absolutely gorgeous and I cannot wait to make some delicious soups, roasts, and sauces in it. Perfect for fall. I get excited just looking at it. I even checked out a few cookbooks and flagged a ton of recipes to try in the next couple months.
So if people want to hate on me because I like to cook for my family, and have a clean home, and enjoy my “job” as a homemaker as much as I can, they can. Besides, I’d rather be called a perfect homemaker snarkily than a crappy homemaker truthfully!
9 comments:
Karen, this is why I love you. It's so true! There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a great homemaker. On another note, I'm glad that you are still riding your high. Mine came crashing down around me when I got home to kids who hadn't been disciplined or told what to do in a week. We are just now getting back on track. I'd do it again in a heartbeat though, it was one of the best experiences ever!
You know what? You are going to hear snarky comments from some guilt-ridden working moms and snarky comments from some stay-at-home Mom's who compare themselves because they don't feel valuable staying home. I was one of the latter for a short while until it dawned on me that I was taking so much time beating myself up for not being perfect that I was missing valuable time with my girls. I think it's great that you enjoy "making a home". You are making the most of every moment and living your creative side, cooking and crafting. And to top it off, you are present with your precious girls, bonding with them, role modeling and experiencing their lives as they unfold. Continue to breathe in every moment because they grow in a blink.
As I embark on returning to work full time after 15 years as a homemaker, I marvel at how fast it went and wish I could have one more year at home. Eventually life intrudes (bills, college)so continue to be grateful (which I know you are)and enjoy this time. It is the hardest and the most gratifying job in the world. You are making wonderful memories! And if it wasn't for you staying home, I might not have a cool Birthday balloon wreath on my front door! :)
Karen, I adore you! And this post is just one more reason why. Not only are you fun and crafty and a good cook (and a nurse), but you are cool about it too. You just live life because you love it and I really admire you for it.
And I am so jealous of your Education Week experience. I need something like that in my life. Thanks for letting me admire and live vicariously through yours.
P.S. I'm going to email you about hanging out soon. This summer has been busy. Sorry!
Wow. I'm not sure why anyone would have a problem with someone who takes care of their home, their family and strives to be fun, creative and spiritual. I don't have kids nor stay at home, but I would LOVE to be called a perfect homemaker, because I also take pride in my home, my cooking and my crafting.
To be 100% honest with you, if I were to have children, I would definitely want to stay home with them at least the first five years of their lives. As you know, my mom is a domestic engineer, like your mom, and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world. I think you're amazing, I love reading your blog and I agree with Lee Anne--you are creating amazing memories and raising amazing children.
Let them eat rainbow cake!
You know, people will have a comment no matter what you do in life. So who cares. Do what you do and love doing and keep doing it!
I love how you can always just speak your mind. You state things so well. I wish I was more bold sometimes. I agree there will always be people who compare themselves to you and if they don't like what your doing or if they are even jealous they'll say snarky comments. I hate those comments. (and sometimes I need to be better and not being snarky myself) It feels so good when you are happy with what you are doing in life. You know you'll never see one of your friends or husband complain about the fruits of your "homemaking" labors! I think you are an excellent homemaker and wife and friend and mother. I'm happy to know you and call you my friend.
Amen Sister!
Jealousy is the sincerest form of flattery. Those who insult only do so because they feel like you have something they're missing. A happy, crafty, loving, domestic life is by far the best & those who dont get to experience such are truly truly missing out on something amazing. Keep doing what you're doing...snarky backhanded compliments are what sister-in-laws do best.
AMEN, Sistah!!!
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