I consider myself an artist, I love photography, sculptures, sewing, drawing, knitting.. really, I love anything that has to do with being creative, but my favourite art of all is homemaking.
Our home is a big part of our life, Anthony works from home,
I am a “stay-at-home-mum” & we homeschool our children.
I realise it is not the same for a lot of people, but I still believe that home should be the place where family life happens.
A home should represent the people in it & their interests.
(music, of course! That triangle? Definitely the favourite!)
Some of our most important family values are , right after family always comes first, that we all know that our home is a place where we can be who we want to be & know we will get all the support we need,
where we can admit to problems & won’t be judged, & where love is the only language we speak.
While I know that my little one’s might well choose to get a full-time job and send their children to school , I try my best to teach them our values.
As we all know, children learn best through play, so in our home we have a homemaking corner. It’s where the playkitchen is, the doll’s beds, Emi’s knitting needles & wool , and everything else you need.
Both Emily & George love playing together, it’s even more popular than dressing up around here.
George has his own favourite doll who he will carry around & push in a pushchair, coming home just in time for the lovely home-cooked dinner of mushrooms & noodles that Emily prepared.
To make that pretend dinner-time even more special, Oma recently sent us some pretend tea-lights that really look wonderful. (thank you!)
Really, one of the best things that was ever said to me, (even though I am reasonably sure it was meant to be an insult) was “your home looks like a kindergarten”, because, of course it does. We have children, they live here, they are part of our family, why shouldn’t their things & interests be part of our home?
Homemaking is not about cleaning the bathroom every day, it is about creating an environment that reflects every person living in that home, their hobbies, favourite things & current projects.
What are some ways you make your house a home?
What are some blogs or websites you visit for inspiration?
One of my favourite blogs is written by the very lovely Kristin of “Reclaiming the Home“, definitely worth a visit.
Wishing you a lovely day in your home,
♥
I’m trying to make our home like that. They’re (Stevie) is just starting to get old enough to want to pretend and is very into crafts and painting. He has his own craft corner where we hang all his things.
We have a formal living room that we made into the play room. It’s all theirs and once they’re old enough it will turn into the class room since we plan to homeschool as well.
Your home looks and sounds so inviting and warm. One thing that says “home” to me, is having stacks of books in every room.
Thank you so much for the blog mention. I can’t even tell you how much I admire your blog. I always find myself inspired with my parenting when I read your blog. You are so great and reminding your readers what is important and lasting. Thank you for that.
HUGS! ~ Kristin
What a lovely post! We too have been told that our home looks a bit like a kindergarten.
I just beamed.
I loved your photo of your little musical instruments, I have a stirring zylaphone for the children, but that’s it! You’re so inspiring!
I love having all the children’s toys in our living/dining room, I think it makes the house look so ‘homely’ for the children!
Isn’t it amazing? Just about a few weeks ago I wrote about the meaning of home to me, and how important for me being surrounded by things that we created for our home and my husband’s paintings – http://mychilddiary.blogspot.com/2009/10/blog-post_6067.html. And then, the only compliment I have ever received from my in laws was that our house is dedicated to our son and not to us (you know, the usual – toys in the children room, TV in the living room etc.). They didn’t mean to make it as a compliment of course, but a huge smile got over my face when I heart it…:)
Your house is beautiful! I think that houses with children that do not look like places for children are sad places. I wouldn’t wanted to grow up there.
By the way, can you please tell more about Emi’s knitting needles..?
I just want to thank you so much for your inspiring blog. I am a new stay at home mom and your posts really help me to find further purpose and joy in my role as a mother and homemaker.
I love how warm your home is. I strive to make ours like that too. I am a stay at home mom. My hubby doesn’t work from home and our kids go to public school but I still feel that home is the most important place. It is where we love, grow and learn together.
I just learned to crochet so I have been making a lot of blankets to add to the cozy feel I love in our home. My favorite blog is Soulemama but I am sure you already know about her since she started the corners of my home flickr pool.
Oh and PLEASE tell me where you got the mushrooms and play pasta. I have been looking for something like that for ages. It would be perfect for Christmas.:)
Yes, we do get that comment, too. I think a living room should be a living room for all family members, and I love it when my children play close to me.
I’m so in love with those mushrooms! Gorgeous!
I love the idea behind this post! Our home is a work in progress as far as decor, etc goes (still mostly living with previous owners tastes and choices), but it is still Home. Home to me is an oasis. A place to rest, to be at peace, to be yourself (no pretences needed). It’s where my daughter’s artwork covers the walls and her laughter can be heard loud and free. It’s a place to nurture/ be nurtured and set free.
Sorry, rambled a bit!
What a beautiful post! Our home is the same way. I want everyone who enters to feel comfortable to just start playing, because most of the “toys” are appropriate for everyone… and readily available. We work on it day by day, and it makes me so happy. Your home is lovely.