I think that it is really sad that domestic arts are lost. How many people still garden and can? Sew? Cook? I am sort of a dreamer and I dream about a slower time, where life was simpler, where woman quilted together, instead of waving at each other as they drove by each other, running to the next appointment or class. I dream of late nights on a front porch talking instead of everybody in their own house watching American Idol. Of kids riding bikes and running through sprinklers, instead of being carted off to the next class or lesson.
Anyway, I didn’t mean to ramble, but I want to illustrate how important the small and simple things are. This summer we are cutting back, way back, not only with our finances, but with our commitments. I am working very hard at making simple small memories. When my girls are old and they are remembering their childhood are they going to have fond memories of two weeks of grueling dance camp, or are they going to remember making daisy chains and having picnics? Are they going to remember going to the latest and greatest water parks, or are they going to remember the afternoon spent with our feet in the cold wading pool because the power was out and we were without air conditioning? Are they going to remember the Children’s Museum or are they going to remember planting and harvesting their own veggie patch?
Not that those activities aren’t good and fun, I think sometimes we get caught up in the idea that thing have to be dazzling and amazing for our kids to have wonderful memories. That isn’t true, sometimes the simplest things make the greatest impact. When you are quietly chatting with your 4 year old while she is using her fat finger to push bean seeds into the ground, that makes memories and builds relationships. Sitting in the cool house teaching your 8 year old how to embroider and she talks to you about what is going on in her head and how she feels about life, that is what establishes open communication. When the whole family is sitting with their feet in the cold water of the wading pool, because the power is out and the house is about 85 degrees, talking, and laughing, that is what binds families together.
(This is the napkin that Punk #2 is working on)
Wow, I really got off subject. I wanted to talk about teaching my girls some of the domestic arts. One of our projects this summer it to learn how to to stitchery. The three oldest have small projects. We are stitching around the hem of cloth napkins. One is loving it more that the other, and that is ok, at least they will have the basic skill down! It had been a fun project that we have all be enjoying together.
What a great post! I like to hope that we can live a simpler life, too. It is so easy to get so busy and sign up for everything.
You know I agree. The napkin is looking lovely! Good job Punk #2.
I love that you say “yummy man” in your profile. That is so true. They are wonderfully yummy and I am so grateful that I get to spend my life with my husband.
I loved reading your post tonight…and I’m trying to picture sewing with my boys…he he he…and it’s making me giggle! Not that I think boys shouldn’t learn, it’s a valuable skill no matter your gender! Not long ago, both of the “big” boys were working on learning cross stitch! But the images that came to mind with daisy chains and such just made me giggle. My boys would think I’d lost my mind! Now, I DO take the time to teach them cooking and laundering and all kids of cleaning they can’t stand! But it’s good for them, and their future wives will appreciate it! I agree, that we’re all too busy and need to slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life! 🙂
Very inspiring post!! And I must agree that the napkin is looking great!!!
I need to put more of an effort with Jayden ~ it’s sometimes hard with boys, but I’m going to be challenging myself.
I liked your post today. It is true. We don’t have to be rushing here & there. Today for ex. It’s hot out & the little house work we need to do can be done later in the evening when it is cool out. DD finished reading a book. She likes to make cards so she off doing that again.
But the things that need to get done are just an easy pace b/c we don’t have to hurry.
Lovely post and a wonderful napkin! My grandma advised, way back when Peapod was still a little newborn unable to lift her head, that I should get her involved in the hustle and bustle of the household the very moment I could. I took my grandmother’s advice to heart and have had my little helper at my side, helping in whatever capacity she could, for nearly a year now. Many hours have been spent tending the garden, kneading bread, baking cookies, picking fruits & veggies, and washing the floor (one of her faves), and what a fun time we have had. I can hardly wait for the day when I can *really* teach her the hows and whys of running a household, but until then, I shall delight in the “sincerest form of flattery” that are her imitations of me and my daily work :o)
Thank you for this! When can I sign up personally for napkin stitchery! And no I am not joking, it is the only “domestic” thing I don’t do! I look forward to seeing you when I move closer!!! Honestly, I had tears in my eyes, b/c those are the memories of my childhood! thank you!!!
Great post Aimee!
Kate
What a beautiful post – thank you.
What a beautiful post! And a great reminder to me to slow down and let hands helps.
My Mother is blessed with all sorts of domestic skills – sewing, ironing, cleaning, from scratch cooking, gardening. But she readily admits she didn’t have the patience to teach me those things growing up.
I loved this post. And I agree whole heartedly!
I wish that they did still teach more homemaking skills in Relief Society. I know that the stronger emphasis on spiritual things is very important but there are so many skills that are not being taught anymore that I think are important too that a lot of us younger homemakers are not learning. I think it is great that you are teaching these things to your daughters.
Can I be your neighbor? 🙂 We can quilt together while our kids run through the sprinkler and ride their bikes. I’ll stock the frezer with popsicles or better yet, the kids can make them! 🙂
How are you doing the napkins? This looks like a good project for our Keeper’s At Home group.
Jill
They are super simple! I just bought a bunch of flower sack towels and cut them in to 4ths. I hemed the raw edges and with a [encil drew lines along the edges for the girls to stick on. They aren’t fancy by any strach of the imagination, but they are fun and cheap, a great way to teach my girls how to stitch.
ok, sorry about that last comment, I promise I can spell and type! I have 5 kids hanging on me at the moment and they can be somewhat distracting! lol!
Oh thank you Aimee! I’m going to try this. And thank you for visiting my blog!