Before I get into this post, I wanted to share this quickly...so last week I received a negative comment on my post about why I homeschool. (Don't go looking for the comment, I already deleted it!) I have a dear friend who also received some negative comments on her blog. I read blogs, and I do come across stuff I don't necessarily agree with, but I just skip it and don't comment. Why ruin someone's day because we disagree on something, especially if I don't know them? Is my comment really going to change their belief? If I am concerned about something they write, I would send an email. That's more private and not left for everyone to read. So, I said all that to say this, if you can't say something nice, don't leave a comment (I'm modernizing Thumper's mom's words of wisdom)! If what I have wrote really bothers you, please email me, so we can discuss it.
Ok, so back to the topic at hand! I've really been thinking about this amazing privilege I have to stay at home and raise my children. I am so thankful for a husband who works hard to provide for our family so that I do not have to work. I realize this is not something every family can do, and not something that every family wants to do. But it is something that is our family's preference.
I believe that it is my job to be a keeper of the home and to raise my children, this also goes with why I homeschool. What an amazing responsibility the Lord has given me by handing me these two hearts and lives to train and raise for Him.
Autumn is soon going to be 11. How is this even possible?!! I have about 7 years left of having her in the home. I am working on some goals for this coming year (yes, New Year's Goals already!!). It's mainly a list of things that I want to teach her: Bible study, cleaning, cooking, etc. I want to do all I can to prepare her for life, not just as a Christian, but also as a wife and mother. When someone asks her what she's wants to do when she grows up, her response is, "A stay at home mom, like my mom." Be still my heart!
Cody is almost 6. I so enjoy having those moments with him throughout the day where he comes to me and says, "I have something for you. It's your favourite." And then gives me a kiss and a hug. I wouldn't trade those moments for any high paying job you could offer.
Being a stay at home mom is an opportunity that I pray I won't ever take for granted. Sure, some days are long, and I can't wait for bedtime. Or I raise my voice more times than I care to admit that day. But when I peak in their rooms when they are sound asleep, I tend to forget the struggles of the day. And as I recover them with their blankets, I give them a kiss on their cheek and just thank God for entrusting me with this awesome responsibility of being a mom.
5 comments:
What a wonderful post! You've echoed everything in my heart. The years are swiftly passing... I want to cherish each moment and leave lasting memories.
I love being a stay at home mom too. I'm kind of hoping I'll still be able to stay home when my home schooled kids are in college!
Blessings to you and your family.
Jen,
I've read your blog now and then for a few years. I completely understand your love of being a stay at home mom. I do have a sincere question, and am not trying to be negative. When you talk about having a few years left with your daughter and what you want to teach her, why is cleaning one of the important things? I mean, yes, everyone needs a knowledge of how to keep their home clean, but its usually something you pick up from doing regular weekly chores. She may say now she wants to be a stay at home mom, and maybe she will be. But what if she decides she wants to further her education at college, get a job before becoming a mom. What other type of things do you find important to teach her to prepare her for that? I just don't get the emphasis so many Christian bloggers put on teaching their girls to clean. Does it really take their whole childhood to learn that, and don't boys need to know that skill too? Maybe I'm reading to much into what you wrote, I'm not trying to be nasty. I just don't understand and feel you're one of the bloggers that actually replies to your readers. I'm not sure how to email you the question. Feel free to delete if you need/want to.
Thanks for your comment, and for taking time to read my blog. The comment came up anonymous,
or I'd address you properly, sorry!
In response to your question, and I may write a post about this because I assume if you are curious,
maybe others are too. The reason I want to teach my daughter to clean and cook is because I wasn't
taught how to, and yes, these are skills I picked up later in life, and are not difficult, but I felt like a failure
when I was first married because I couldn't even cook spaghetti, and I didn't know what cleaning products
to use to clean things, and it took time to learn. It would have saved so much time and energy had I been
taught. I believe these duties also teach responsibility and character. If my daughter chooses to marry,
her first job is a wife, and if they have children, her second job is being a mom. Therefore her main
responsibility according to the Bible is to be a keeper of the home. I also plan to in her high school years
to prepare her for college (even if she still at this time has no desire to attend one). I obviously want God's
will for her life, and want to do my best to prepare her for whatever way this may lead her, whether it's a
homemaker or career woman. And in answer to your other question, I also teach my son to cook and clean!
He loves helping me in the kitchen, and he also helps around the house on cleaning days. And please know
we don't spend hours upon hours each day learning how to clean properly, if so, my house would be
immaculate and I wouldn't be doing a major cleaning before our big move! It's something that is taught as
we go, they have chores to do, and I teach them how to do them properly. When it's mastered we move onto
to the next thing. Hope that helps you understand where I'm coming from. Have a wonderful day!
Jen,
Thank you so much for your response and for understanding it was not in a critical tone. I understand what you are saying. I've just seen so many Christian bloggers nowdays thinking that girls don't need much education and just need to learn homemaking skills because that's the only choice they will have. I'm glad to see this is not your plans. You do seem like a very caring and involved mom and I'm glad you enjoy being home with your kids, with all the joys and frustrations. I enjoy reading about your life in Australia. Again, thank you for your answer.
amy
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