Chicken, Biscuits, Artichokes, and Pie - Jennifer

This evening, I enjoyed a lovely meal at the home of Steve and Jennifer Kerr, friends of mine from Bethany Church. I originally met Jennifer when I joined the handbells at the church in fall of 2010, and quickly discovered someone who also loved to laugh, and would do so with me often -- many times at ourselves. Jennifer and I continued to laugh together as we took a sewing class at church together. Another friend from handbells, Leslie DeBaun, joined us for dinner.

The evening proved to be one of laughter and delicious calories. Jennifer prepared some delicious seasoned chicken breasts, and also artichokes (which I had never tried before, and didn't particularly care for). Jennifer allowed me to take charge of the garlic, cheese, buttered biscuites. Leslie, however, provided two delicious Claim Jumper pies: turtle and Dutch apple.

Despite the presence of the delicious foods, my favorite ingredient of the evening was the humor contributed to by all at dinner, providing almost a fatal dosage of laughter to us all. Regardless of the fact that the muscles in my face were incredibly sore from the hilarity of the evening, I am eager for my next visit to Steve and Jennifer's.

Homemaker Training Diaries

It is no secret that I deeply desire to soon become a wife and mom.

For the past year or so, I've been putting some thought towards how I am preparing for the variety of things I will get to do on a regular basis as these goals reach fruition. In general, this includes cooking, cleaning, sewing, caring for children, and being a lover and encourager to my husband.

I can imagine the thoughts of those who have to some extent drunk the feminist kool-aid. Emily, that is so ridiculous! Why are you limiting yourself to such demeaning and trivial tasks? What are you? Anti-feminist?

Well, as a matter of fact, I am.

I do believe that men and women are created with biological differences helping them to carry out roles that are equally valuable but distinct from one another. The husband assumes the role of the leader of the family, and assumes responsibility to provide and protect his family. He also loves his wife sacrificially. The wife submits to her husband's leadership, and is created in such a way to be the primary nurturer of their children.

I do not, in the least, believe that the role of homemaker is a product of a chauvinistic society that is determined to oppress women. It is instead a privilege. What a privilege, to serve such an instrumental role in influencing a man to the extent of increasing his effectiveness and success in life? What a privilege, to play such a key role in helping to develop the self-concept of children, who will go on to impact countless other individuals in their lifetimes? What a privilege to pour love and encouragement into family members and to make the home a place where husband and children feel loved, respected, and valued?

While I could go into much more detail on some of the above statements, I will move on to the intent of this blog.

It is my desire to seek out older women, particularly those in my church, and ask them to teach me certain homemaking skills that will help me prepare to serve my future family well. As I receive permission, I hope to blog about some of the things that I learn along the way.

I look forward to knowledge that I will gain, as well as the relationships that I will develop, as this journey commences.

I hope you'll join me!