That is how I feel some days, but since I am a stay at home mom, that's not exactly fesiable. It's not, right? Okay, just checking. Ha! I recently got the most humbling/best/flattering compliment a person can get (in my opinion, of course :) ) It wasn't that I was beautiful, or super talented, or anything like that, (although I am all of those things) Kidding, just kidding!!! Anyway, what she told me was that I was a good (stay at home) mom. She went on to say that I am raising my 3 small girls, all the while, taking care of my husband, the house, and my small home based cupcake business. Uh, yeah, that's what I am doing, but what's so special about that? I was truly flattered, but I just didn't (and still don't, honestly) see what the big deal is. I mean, that's what all stay at home mom's do, right? Everyday: wake up, cook, clean, clean, cook, clean, clean. Repeat. It's pretty simple, really. My heart's desire is to just take care of my family, and our home. That's what I was made for. It comes very natural to me, and I understand that is not the case for everyone. But you know what, I don't wake up every morning at dark thirty, spring out of bed, pop into the kitchen and whip up a 4 course breakfast. Usually, it is dark, but I begrudgingly get up, go to the kitchen and make coffee, then get breakfast started for the kids, which is usually oatmeal or eggs. Sometimes its just cereal, and if my husband is home, (he works on call, so sometimes he is here for breakfast, sometimes he isn't) I will cook a big breakfast for all of us. And I do that because I WANT to, but also because it is my JOB. I don't have a normal 9 to 5, weekly paying job, but my job is just as important nonetheless. I have to feed my family, I have to clean the house, I have to do the laundry, I have to run errands, I have to grocery shop, but guess what, I look at it as I GET to do those things. There are many people in this world that don't get to do those things. I see it as a blessing.
As I have said before, I am old fashioned. There are some families that are more modern, and split the household chores, but that's just not what we do here. I am at home while my husband works, usually 12 hours a day, and usually 6 days a week. Why in the world would I expect him to come home and help me with the household duties when I have been home all day?? That just wouldn't fly! He goes to work without fail, sometimes when he is sick, to provide for our family, to allow me to stay home, and I, in turn, make sure that I am doing my part by keeping everything at the house running smoothly. Now, that's not to say that he don't help out at all. He will gladly do some laundry, or mop the bathroom, but I just don't "expect" him to do that. besides, he wouldn't do it the way I wanted ;)
I found an article from Good Housekeeping magazine from the 1950's that I really liked, and it was how a housewife should run her house and treat her husband. (You may have already read it) but this was truly how it was in the 50's. Now, I do agree that this is a little far-fetched, but I do agree with some things:
• Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.
• Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
• Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
• Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.
• During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
• Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.
• Be happy to see him.
• Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
• Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
• Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
• Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.
• Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
• Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
• Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
• A good wife always knows her place.
Now before all you feminists (yes, I just said that) try to hunt me down, I realize this mind set isn't for everyone. But it should be. I'm only half kidding :)
Serioulsy though, my house isn't always perfect, and laundry piles up, but that is real life. I just try everyday to do my best to take care of things so I feel good, and also so I can set an example for my young daughters. And, because somebody's gotta do it!! And trust me, it won't be my husband :)
