I have always wanted to be a Proverbs 31 type of wife and mother, which means I need to concentrate daily on improving myself and the running of my household.

I'm a planner. I like lists, they help me focus and achieve my goals. I also believe a gigantic part of keeping a home happy is keeping it tidy and in order (not that I'm a pro at this, but I do believe it to be true). Alana recently had a post called The Happy Homemaker where she confesses to loathing housework, so she feels like she isn't a typical 'happy homemaker'. I guess I have to be honest too, and say I don't necessarily enjoy housework. What I do enjoy is the end result. I LOVE my house clean. This does not mean that it is always shining with brilliance and proudly awaiting an unexpected visitor who will walk in my front door and say "WOW! How do you do it?" For me, it's more along the lines of

Ding-dong!
"Hurry up!throwtheshoesinthecloset,takeyourclothesintheplayroom,
closethebedroomdoorand makesureyouflushedthetoilet!"
(hurriedly takes off apron, fixes hair, lights candle, fluffs pillows and very calmly answers the door)
"Hi, how are you? Please come in!"

I think being a happy homemaker is well, exactly that. A happy homemaker, not a perfect one. While some women might, enjoy cleaning toilets I don't think it's very common. So, just because we'll never be perfect doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy trying! So, Alana you're not alone! :)

For many years I received the monthly magazine, Crowned with Silver, but it is now no longer being printed, but you can access it online. I highly, highly recommend you do this! It is not an Orthodox publication, but it is so dead on with what we believe. I just read it with a little caution should something contrary to the Faith appear. It has so many helpful articles on modest dress, child rearing and gender clarification, homemaking tips, recipes, etc.

Here are some practical ways to seek and develop virtue in your life:

* Read your Bible daily
* Practice the Jesus Prayer continuously
* Listen to chanting, Church services, or peaceful "elevator" music
* Developing friendships with ladies whom you spiritually admire
* Read the lives of women saints and advice to married couples written by saints
* Journal your thoughts and prayers

A GREAT book that has been a favorite of mine since I first got married is The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. It is a book/workbook set and is just wonderful in helping women be happy in their role as mother and wife. I cannot say enough about this book. Also the book On the Upbringing of Children by Bishop Ireneas is EXCELLENT!! You will highlight every word in this book so don't even bother! Just memorize this book!

A Virtuous Wife

Who will find an excellent wife?
For such a one is more valuable than precious stones.
The heart of her husband trusts in her; She will not be at a loss for fine spoils,
For she provides good things for her husband all her life.
She weaves wool and linen cloth
And is productive with her hands.
She is like a ship trading afar off,
So she procures her livelihood.
She also rises before dawn
And gives food to her household,
And appoints tasks for her maidservants.
Seeing a farm, she buys it,
And from the fruits of her hands she plants her plot of land.
Strongly girding her loins,
She strengthens her arms for work.
She experiences work as a good thing,
And her lamp is not quenched all night.
She extends her arms to do profitable things,
And she applies her hands to the spindle.
She opens her hands to the poor
And reaches out with her fruit to the needy.
Her husband is not anxious about those at home
When he spends a long time elsewhere,
For all her household are clothed.
She makes a double upper garment for her husband
And garments of fine linen and purple for herself.
Her husband is respected at the gates
And when he sits in council with the elders who inhabit the land.
She makes and sells fine linens
And girdles to the Canaanites.
She opens her mouth carefully and lawfully
And controls her tongue.
She clothes herself with strength and dignity
And rejoices in the last days.
She runs her household carefully,
And she does not eat the bread of idleness.
She opens her mouth wisely and lawfully,
And her charity raises her children , and they become rich,
And her husband praises her,
"Many daughters acquire riches; many do mighty things,
But you excel and surpass all."
Desires to please are deceitful, and the beauty of a wife is vain;
For a wise wife is blessed,
And let her in fear praise the Lord.
Give to her from the fruits of her hands,
And let her husband praise her at the gates.
(NKJV)