The Art of Homemaking Experiment—Revised Edition

I wasn’t a cheerleader (thank goodness—no offense to any of you cheerleaders out there) or the valedictorian or the prom queen but I LOVED high school. I didn’t think life could get better.

Then I went to college….and I LOVED single girl, art major college life. I didn’t think life could get any better.

Then I got married and taught school while my husband attended a local university. I LOVED my life (it seemed so perfect). I didn’t think life could get any better.

Then suddenly I woke up one morning and discovered that I am now a stay-at-home mom raising two kids and to my surprise (or rather to the surprise of my 21 year old feminist former self) I am delighted. And I do in fact, love my life…however…

…somewhere between the diapers and the flu and the sleepless nights and the laundry and the grocery shopping and the errands and other obligations I forget that. And I don’t want to. And I don’t want to just love my stay-at-home life I want to LUUUUUUVVE it.

I believe with all my heart that homemaking is a craft and that there are women out there who are and have been master craftsman of this trade. I admire those women. And somewhere deep inside I am convinced that I can become one of them.

My years as a homemaker are numbered and I want to make the most of these years so that I will look back at them with all fondness and say “I LOVED those years, I didn’t think life could get any better.” And I want to know that I did the best job that I am capable of doing. That is why I am choosing to pursue this hair brained “Homemaking Experiment” idea.

The experiment started awhile ago with a book I found from the 50’s. I decided that I would read and follow the instructions from one chapter each week until I had completed the book.

Then I realized the experiment was too limited. (Not every idea works for every woman, mother, child, family, etc.) And why limit myself to just one perspective of homemaking when I have so many wonderful resources readily available?

So I’ve revised the plan. And I love it. And I can’t wait to get started. Here it is:

#1. I’ve been compiling a list of resources from Homemaking mavens beginning in the 50’s and landing in every decade to the present day.

#2. Next I made a list of 25 different topics I want to address to make me a better homemaker. (Topics include things like: home organization, creating family traditions, schedules, meal planning, personal appearance, avoiding discouragement, budgeting, etc.)

#3. Now I will select a topic that I am currently concerned with, search through my information, try out different plans, and report my findings. When I am satisfied with my findings and results I’ll move on to the next topic.

So, that is it. The new plan. I’ll never be satisfied with myself if I don’t try to be the best I can. (I know, I know…how lame and cliche that sounds but it’s the whole sorry truth. Sorry.) So it’s on to the new and improved homemaking experiment. May it be everything I hope it will be. And may I LOVE every minute of becoming a better homemaker.

-z