As with all of her chapters Ms. Hoole has written out a complete list to help us master the chapter. Here's her list to help us make the most of our time and "meet the minute".#1. Maintain good working conditions.#2. Keep everything within reach.#3. Make use of the best appliances and cleaning agents available.#4. Avoid making work for yourself.#5. Eliminate unnecessary steps--avoid "busy work".#6. Dovetail your activities.#7. Work quickly.#8. Conserve your energy.#9. Have some minute ... View the Post

For the next two weeks this is my charge:"An ideal homemaker makes the best use of her time and energy by being efficient so that she is able not only to keep up with her housework, but she is able to be a companion to her husband and a friend and teacher to her children. She is able to pursue some personal interests which further contribute to their happiness and development."---Ms. HooleRight now Gracie is sleeping and Simon is playing so I'm off to clean up and reset the preschool room for ... View the Post

I realized that this chapter will be an ongoing pursuit. Even after this week is over I will continue throughout each room of my house to check off the "Place for Everything" list (I may be a lot of things...scattered, cranky, addicted to Dr.Pepper...but I always finish what I start, even if it takes a VERY LONG time.).So while next week I'll begin a new chapter of the book, I will continue my pursuit to put everything in it's place. That being said here's Ms. Hoole's check list as it appears in ... View the Post

Today instead of fighting the crowds and snatching up deals I'm purging my house from unneeded items. That's right---while every mom in the country is out buying toys I'm here at home throwing ours away. Does that make me a grinch? I hope not because today and tomorrow I am determined to work through the 3rd, 4th, and 8th points in Ms. Hoole's list of "A Place for Everything" which are:"Third: KEEP NEAT CLOSETS AND DRAWERS...I hope that you realize that the neater you are the more space you ... View the Post

Because I failed miserably in my previous attempt to live according to the rules of the 4th facet in becoming an ideal homemaker I am trying it again. I'm taking it slowly. And I'm working it out. This week I've been working on the 1st of 8 points in Ms. Hoole's "A Place For Everything" homemaking instructions which is: "LET EACH ROOM FULFILL IT'S FUNCTION". It is a point that is simple and self explanatory but for me has been a lot of work. You see, recently places in my home have ... View the Post