tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post3846546306868396691..comments2024-03-30T09:43:19.433+10:00Comments on down to earth: My home is like a small businessUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77752426786342428952011-05-24T06:39:02.108+10:002011-05-24T06:39:02.108+10:00Rhonda,
I loved your post! I have been a SAHM for...Rhonda,<br />I loved your post! I have been a SAHM for 18 years. I have done seasonal work for 2 of those years, but only for about 2 months of each year. <br />For the last 8 months I have subbed-in at my chiropractor's office and they have recently asked me to consider going full-time. I am so torn as to whether to accept or not. <br />My girls are 21, 19, 17, 15. My husband thinks I should accept but I'm not sure. I'm so glad that I've been able to be at home for all of them.<br />I don't need to work and I don't say that in a smug way. I'm just saying that we've done alright with the Lord's help so far on one income. We're not rich by any means but we've managed. I'm not working for the money but for 'extra'. It would be nice to have 'extra' money but I'm afraid I'll end up needing to work instead. I don't want to have to work to pay a car payment or anything else. <br />I've homeschooled our kids.. and, after this May I'll only have one more to homeschool. I've been able to be at home for all of them and I feel like I am still needed even though they're pretty self-sufficient in their own ways. They all still live at home but the oldest 2 have full-time jobs.<br />I like the idea of the home as a 'business'. I guess I've never thought of it that way cause we're so busy just living and getting by one day at a time.<br />I've always thought that I would go to work after the kids were raised but now when the time is possibly here I'm not sure that's what I want to do after all. <br />I like to knit and quilt, preserve, etc. I'd like to bake bread and try my hand at other things. <br />We have 8 chickens in the back yard and a garden plot at my parents. <br />I guess it's just hard to weigh everything out. It's weighing alot on my mind so when I read your post it struck a nerve. I know I have to do what's best for me so I'm sorry that I've sorta vented here. I'm just looking for advice, I guess... for any similar situations.<br />I love your blog and you have great ideas. <br />Thanks for listening.<br />VanessaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6498309436521195172011-05-22T04:39:24.434+10:002011-05-22T04:39:24.434+10:00Pat, it's just a matter of watching it. It dep...Pat, it's just a matter of watching it. It depends on the temperature in the room on that day. Generally here in summer, it takes about 20 minutes, but it's longer in winter, about 35 minutes. Good luck with your baking. It's good to know your loaves are turning out well.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23552085806435694802011-05-22T00:44:15.897+10:002011-05-22T00:44:15.897+10:00Another great posting - many thanks. Also, that i...Another great posting - many thanks. Also, that is a beautiful loaf of bread. I have been baking your bread recipe for more than an year now. What is your secret for getting such a lovely high dome? I seem to have difficulty with the timing of the second rise...if I let it rise too much it slumps when I put it in the oven - or I don't let it rise (or is it raise?) quite enough. It always tastes good and I feel so smug when I slice it for our morning toast. Keep up the good work, Rhonda - you are a treasure!Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03873397030968444415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44938210358673376682011-05-20T06:05:57.940+10:002011-05-20T06:05:57.940+10:00What an inspiring and uplifting post. Thanks as a...What an inspiring and uplifting post. Thanks as always Rhonda.BLD in MThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08497511995276601468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4563996474524673202011-05-20T00:57:57.090+10:002011-05-20T00:57:57.090+10:00Oh Rhonda, I would love to print this post and han...Oh Rhonda, I would love to print this post and hang it on my wall! Wonderful stuff, thank you! xxxxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28662146805229658342011-05-19T12:56:50.751+10:002011-05-19T12:56:50.751+10:00What an inspiring post. I am a 42 year old SAHM wi...What an inspiring post. I am a 42 year old SAHM with 4 small children and have to admit that I 1. Feel guilty about being at home and 2. Feel very under-appreciated. Your blog posts give me courage and boost my self esteem. Thank you! Have you given us a recipe for that beautiful loaf of bread on your blog and if so can you point me in the right direction, please :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00029203557803972231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74847182664316651512011-05-19T11:25:27.617+10:002011-05-19T11:25:27.617+10:00A wonderful post Rhonda. You always make me feel s...A wonderful post Rhonda. You always make me feel so encouraged to continue living this way. When you fill up your day with not only the housework and in my case, childcare and cooking, it is so rewarding. But what makes you look forward to the day each morning is finding some sort of project each day just for your sake whether it be some sewing, knitting, gardening, art etc. Whatever makes you happy. If Mum is happy, everyone is (usually) happy.Taniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00123593037593548003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-36132721172811756102011-05-19T04:15:04.370+10:002011-05-19T04:15:04.370+10:00Chartreuse, being a stay-at-home homemaker is all ...Chartreuse, being a stay-at-home homemaker is all that I am. Maybe you should have read the comments because more than praise there was agreement.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44139620068257840432011-05-19T00:33:49.103+10:002011-05-19T00:33:49.103+10:00Just loved the pictures you posted! Your home look...Just loved the pictures you posted! Your home looks so cozy and nice!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72474988210094593222011-05-19T00:21:33.288+10:002011-05-19T00:21:33.288+10:00This was an excellent post. No surprise there, of ...This was an excellent post. No surprise there, of course :o) You always inspire and encourage me to become more organized, which is sorely needed. Thank you!Lauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01156180100389224114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20781332304329643222011-05-18T23:43:58.362+10:002011-05-18T23:43:58.362+10:00This post of yours came at the perfect time for me...This post of yours came at the perfect time for me. I've been feeling run down, over worked, and under appreciated - both at my part time job and at home - I'm a full time stay at home, home schooling mom .. It made me realize that no matter what - I need to appreciate the work I do and I need to put value towards it. And that it does matter! For me and for my Family. Thank you .sarahhttp://coveredinroses.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70237209199584412112011-05-18T22:49:35.296+10:002011-05-18T22:49:35.296+10:00Yes, Rhonda, yes!
It is the most fulfilling work ...Yes, Rhonda, yes!<br /><br />It is the most fulfilling work I have ever done!<br /><br />DeannaDeanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16133684514103206137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61076149681368888932011-05-18T22:30:18.352+10:002011-05-18T22:30:18.352+10:00I have to admit: I haven't read all the commen...I have to admit: I haven't read all the comments above this one. No doubt they are all full of praise, and that's as it should be. But as usual I'm just a bit uneasy. I'm only too aware that what you praise so fulsomely (being a stay-at-home homemaker) is really not quite what you are. I mean, you've an award-winning blog to contribute to your self-esteem, a book about to come out which will probably only add to that well-earned professional image, and a partner alongside who takes on a big share of the heavy labour of being moderately self-sufficient. I don't begrudge you any of that. But I worry that the real stay-at-home wives and mums who don't have all of that to fall back on may end up feeling a bit like failures by comparison. And really, aren't you just as much a professional woman, albeit one who has made home her profession? I am just a bit worried about what I don't think is hypocrisy here, but is nevertheless something a bit misleading. We all need to feel a sense of achievement. But I wonder if your own achievements would feel as sufficient if you hadn't an audience applauding them every day. Please don't take offence, as none is meant. But just be careful about preaching the merits of a life you aren't really living - that of the publicly unrecognised stay-at-home wife and mum.Chartreusehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05919069110736697400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24977969153100887232011-05-18T21:29:07.924+10:002011-05-18T21:29:07.924+10:00Wonderful post Rhonda! I can say a very loud Amen...Wonderful post Rhonda! I can say a very loud Amen to all of it! I have been a stay at home Mom since having my children (they are now 27, 24 and 20 and the middle one got married two weeks ago). <br /><br />Motherhood and homemaking are seriously misunderstood in today's society, yet it is the most important job in the world!<br /><br />A great leader once said that "the greatest work you will ever do will be in the walls of your own home". He also said "No other success can compensate for failure in the home". I truly believe that and thank you for your post!Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07322166393958405201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20245790750768861002011-05-18T15:19:47.413+10:002011-05-18T15:19:47.413+10:00Wow, this was such a wonderful post. I have had no...Wow, this was such a wonderful post. I have had nothing but trouble excepting my fate of being "stuck" at home due to my disability. However reading your post i realised i was doing some of the same things and it has brought me to the relisation that i am lucky and i can be content in making my home and days more homely and happy. Thank you.NIXNAXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02479387877699781851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77561047896598627312011-05-18T12:27:15.001+10:002011-05-18T12:27:15.001+10:00Beautiful... Love it <3
Angela @ www.purposefu...Beautiful... Love it <3<br /><br />Angela @ www.purposefulwomanhood.netAngela @ Purposeful Womanhoodhttp://www.purposefulwomanhood.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26656640546458428702011-05-18T12:15:08.975+10:002011-05-18T12:15:08.975+10:00Love this post. You always help me feel confident ...Love this post. You always help me feel confident on my decision to be a stay at home mom. Thank you.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />JillJillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14904921240840944999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67267138116490126572011-05-18T10:09:59.158+10:002011-05-18T10:09:59.158+10:002002 was a big crossroads in our lives. Both of ou...2002 was a big crossroads in our lives. Both of our daughters got married, my husband retired with the loss of his big pension, and became ill the following year.I was faced with big decisions. I was always a stay at home wife, but ran various businesses over the years from home, and spent many years in the fast lane as a corporate wife. As our daughter was going to live in Australia, I decided I couldn't bear to sell our home for a smaller one. I wanted our grandchildren to come home to the home she grew up in, and that held her treasured memories, so I decided to turn our home into a Bed & Breakfast which would give income and the space to accommodate our whole family when necessary.<br />I make all the home furnishings, decorate, re-vamp, care for our pretty garden, enjoy thrifting,cook from scratch,and have never been so contented. I have the joy of sharing our home with our lovely guests from all over the world. I am mistress of myself, my home and my family. The more we simplify our lives, the better it becomes, and a haven of fun,joy and activity for our grandchildren. This is the reason I love your blog so much Rhonda, as I relate to it so well. Thank you.TIGGYWINKLEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10797704211597578471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48173627607045812372011-05-18T09:49:58.954+10:002011-05-18T09:49:58.954+10:00Rhonda, I forgot to ask, how did you make the litt...Rhonda, I forgot to ask, how did you make the little oil (?) lamp in your first photo?Veronikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09622533211213308551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43986824442719242372011-05-18T09:45:23.900+10:002011-05-18T09:45:23.900+10:00This post is much appreciated, Rhonda. I have been...This post is much appreciated, Rhonda. I have been running my home like a small business for the last few years. The idea of linking 'home' & 'business' seems so abhorent to others that I stopped discussing this some time ago... <br />Some work full time and struggle to make ends meet on what I consider to be a reasonable income (over A$100,000 for a family of four). Many do not seem to have a clue as to where the money goes and use credit to get by. On the other hand, strict budgets, Key Performance Indicators, doing more with less and the expectation of large profit margins are key features of our modern workplace. It occured to me that, by applying the efficiencies of the business world to my home, I could substantially improve my family's and my own quality of life as well as work a lot less outside the home. Although I now work harder at home, the work is satisfying and creative. Also, I am working for myself and my family, we create our own budget and make all decisions regarding expenditure. Our 'profits' become savings for a rainy day or added infrastructure to make our home more efficient (eg solar panels). There is no reason why the business model cannot be applied to the home, minus, of course, the gross exploitation of workers and the environment, and the relentless drive towards perpetual growth!<br />But perhaps 'Practicing good home economy' is a nicer, less controversial descriptive!Veronikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09622533211213308551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-39334352692067493802011-05-18T09:22:24.291+10:002011-05-18T09:22:24.291+10:00I found your blog via the Burkes Backyard magazine...I found your blog via the Burkes Backyard magazine January 2010 and have been reading it ever since. I have 2 small kids (7 & 5) 2 chickens and 2 sml veggie plots which has produced some amazing home grown produce. They are only 1.2mt x 1.2mt (bunnings wooden veggie frame). I am a full time mother on my own which is not the life I planned for myself or my kids however we (the 3 of us) have an amazing relationship and they love the veggie garden, chickens and even though I have used my breadmaker to make bread my 7 year old still says home made bread is the best. We are moving house in 2 weeks time with my marital dream home having been sold so I am looking forward to setting up home in our new house and starting our new veggie garden. I am looking at more things to save money and keep things fresh, healthy and organic. I really enjoyed your post today because I know there are a lot of men who think that because we (SAHM) don't earn a living we are not contributing. It is very thought provoking and encouraging. Can't wait for your book. Kathy, BrisbaneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-62803296184157889752011-05-18T09:18:05.164+10:002011-05-18T09:18:05.164+10:00What a lovely post Rhonda. I worked all my life (a...What a lovely post Rhonda. I worked all my life (and was pretty good at it) and had looked forward to having a family and being a SAHM all my life. I had my chldren late in life (40 and 42) and now, at 47, I have it all. Being a SAHM Mum, 2 happy healthy children a part time evening job. Trouble is, the wonderful homemaking skills that I've been blessed with are pushed to the limit most days and I feel like I'm failing all the time in the house. My children are only 6 and 4 at the moment and although they have their chores to do, the house looks like it's never the way I really want it and as for doing crafts/sewing/knitting etc, well they never happen. I do manage still to cook a lot from scratch and bake a lot, which I love.<br /><br />What did you do when your children were young?Domesblissityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07270409725826410919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-42568904034012065962011-05-18T09:16:39.075+10:002011-05-18T09:16:39.075+10:00I've never thought of myself as a matriarch, b...I've never thought of myself as a matriarch, but reading your post then just made it click. No wonder my mother-in-law gives me grief, I've kicked her off her throne!Green Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15307326788147301716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71423384050376026482011-05-18T08:46:24.385+10:002011-05-18T08:46:24.385+10:00Wonderful, thought provoking and fulfilling post, ...Wonderful, thought provoking and fulfilling post, Rhonda. Thanks for reminding me, yet again, that SAHM's are so important.MrsMultiTaskerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17467633221735612488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-2851130691621927572011-05-18T08:33:38.612+10:002011-05-18T08:33:38.612+10:00Loved this post :)
Thanks Rhonda for such encourag...Loved this post :)<br />Thanks Rhonda for such encouraging words as always!<br />Lusi xlusihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13741397873957723386noreply@blogger.com