5/3/12

Ordinary (But Busy!) Days

I know spring is officially here when my bulletin board runs out of space and weekends are full to the brim and my daily notebook "to do" list looks like this:


It's fun though...at least the key to making it fun for ME, is to stay caught up: to budget my time as well as I can, and stay on track.  Once I feel like my life is over-taking me-then the not-so-fun-but-frantic part takes over and that makes me feel impatient and crabby and exhausted.  I think I've been doing well.  (I hope my husband is not reading this thinking, hmmmm....)

Isaac decided to play tennis for his highschool this year, his Senior year, out of the blue.  He took a few lessons, and played Jeff a few times, but mostly just met friends at the local public courts when the weather allowed.

More cookies-this time for Matthew to take to his class for his birthday celebration.  While I was making these cookies, Patrick was playing soccer in the kitchen.  The ball sailed over and hit me HARD in the shins.  I  said, "OW!!!"  Patrick looked at me and said matter-of-fact, "Mom you should just wear shin guards."  Was he actually suggesting I spend my days around the house in shin guards?  Yes, really, he was.  "Girls wear them too you know", he finished up with.  Nice.

I'm doing a little re-do in my living room.  Slowly, but surely, it's coming along.  I can't wait to show you the finished product.  Getting rid of the brown and adding some pretty blue.  I love it already.

Yes, I gave in.

Abbey and my mom.

My parents (thanks Mom and Dad) watched our dog Sammy while we went on spring break this year..but that week turned into another and another before we could reclaim him.  Darn it, how I enjoyed it...one less responsibility.  Don't ever get a dog!  I laugh at myself writing that because when I was pregnant with Patrick at about the same month I am now, is when I surprised the kids with Sammy.  What was I thinking?  Now I just have no patience for him.  And my husband and children remind me often that Sammy is the easiest dog in the entire world-like stuffed animal easy.  And it's true.  But still.  Don't let that innocent little face fool you-he makes that ON PURPOSE for the camera to make you feel bad for him.  He just escaped seconds earlier and made a run for the neighbor's house.  

Patrick singing in his Spring Recital.  So cute I could take a bite out of him.  He was always about one verse behind all these girls in his class.  You know how the girls really get into this stuff.  Hilarious.


I took these two boys for ice cream one afternoon during exam week.  Isaac has Senior Project right now-super cool idea where he shadows three different professions.  More on that later. 

And I'll leave you with this picture I recently found on my camera:
Ready for summer, that's for sure.

37 comments:

  1. These kinds of posts are my favorites. Well, I like them all, you know that :) But I love a peak into every day life. I feel the same way about dogs and I haven't caved in yet!

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  2. Great post but I can't believe how "big boy" Patrick looks!

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  3. Love that pic of Abbey and your mom. They are both beautiful! And I laughed out loud about the shin guards. :)

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  4. I love that picture of Patrick at the end. I have one of my littlest in the bath just like it! Lovely to read your post, made me laugh. Ordinary life is the bets!

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  5. Love all your photos - such a good looking family. You must take after your beautiful mother. Interested to see how the blue fabric turns out.

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  6. I love your "Ordinary Days" posts - they might just be my favorite : )

    Our little family just unexpectedly lost our furry-legged friend this past Friday and I have been a mess - I miss him more than I ever thought possible. Ironically, I am comforted by the Erma Bombeck column you posted in one of your earlier Christmas posts. Max was dirty, barked too much, jumped up on visitors, and always (ALWAYS) messed up the throw pillows on our sofas, but what I wouldn't give to have him back and doing all of those little 'annoyances.' I realize now, that is what I miss most. And all of his wonderful traits, too - unfettering loyalty, soft ears, watery eyes, and constant love.

    Happy (almost) weekend!

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  7. Lol :-). I love the last picture :-)

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  8. Oh, Sarah, I just love your posts! I don't comment often but I read them every morning with my cup of coffee and hand, and there's no better way to start the day. Just love how you capture a slice of life, and I have to say: your comment about the dog made me laugh out loud. It's exactly how I feel about my own sweet, good pup. Whenever I hear someone contemplate getting one I chime in with a resounding "Noooooooooo!"

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  9. That should say "in hand." Really no other reason to bring to your attention that a hand was involved.

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  10. ordinary days are my favorite sarah!!:) we have soccer balls flying by quite a bit too, but never heard the shin gueard comment.:) and i'm glad it's not just me feeling the spring push. the lazy days of summer will be here soon.
    have a happy day sarah

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  11. Oh gosh I thought Abbey was Annie! They could look like sisters right now - esp. with the side braid which I was just putting in Annie's hair....

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  12. Always love seeing what you are up to. I know my oldest would be thrilled to be shadowing professionals right now, instead she is in the midst of AP/IB exams! So not fun.

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  13. Love your ordinary days post. They just make me feel normal! You paint a beautiful picture!

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  14. Your to-do notebook looks like mine! :) You have a beautiful family; it's the ordinary days that make life what it is! Keep enjoying them!

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  15. That last picture....makes me grin!!

    Cheers
    ~ Jillian
    www.hersplitends.com

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  16. love the photo of Abbey and your mom and that Sammy sure is cute!!!!! I'd adopt him in a second!

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  17. I do love these glimpses into your every day life. I would love to know what kind of dog is Sammy? Overall,
    do you regret getting a dog?

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  18. Your blog is like a favorite book that I can't put down. I'm always left wanting to read more. Your mothering inspires me. Thank you!

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  19. Hi, Love the Ordinary Days posts as well. Love the last picture!!!

    I have one son and have to make the decision by Dec. whether to send him to private or public school. He's in public now. Did your husband go to public or private school? Did you go to public high school? Was it a shock to you after being in private? Our public schools are ranked high but I still question if private wouldn't be a better environment. My son is almost 10 and the years ahead are making me nervous.Thanks Sarah for all your good advice.

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  20. What a fun post! The last picture of Patrick cracked me up! He is a baby doll!

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  21. I laughed at your old-school carseat! What blessed, ordinary days. Don't forget a food post, please ;)!

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  22. Oh my goodness, I'm counting down the days for our dog's last days. Terrible, I know, but true! ;). Love the last picture of Patrick...too cute!

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  23. Patrick is an exact look alike of your husband!!! It's amazing.

    You made me want to bake cookies. Gee, thanks....NOT. :)

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  24. I'm a big fan of everyday (the real ones and the blog posts!).

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  25. Catching up on your blog does my heart good! Thanks for taking the time to share your life with all of us!

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  26. I wonder if as you were taking those photos of Abby and your mom and Isaac they were thinking "this is going on the blog, so I better make it look nice." That look on Patrick's face definitely reads--"look at me, I'm awesome". (Definitely different than the "no TV" scowl from last week.

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  27. Your kids remind me of my kids. Talented, active, well-mannered, and busy, busy, busy. Everyday is a new day with different adventures. I hope all is well with the baby in your tummy. You are a great mom! Keep up the good work! Smiles...

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  28. I love reading your blog ... thanks for writing and sharing with us all.

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  29. Just checked back in after a long hiatus - congratulations on your new little one. After seeing my 5 grow so quickly, I am so thankful for those who realize the joy and blessing of many little people.

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  30. Oh how could you NOT give in to a note like that :) Beautiful pictures. I love your window seat.

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  31. As you know your lovely puppy was the reason we got our lovely dog rocky. Despite signed contracts from my children to walk and look after him. He has become my shadow. But I have to say he was a great decision life has been tough for lots of reasons and dogs just know to give that extra waggy tail welcome or just cuddle beside you in order to cheer you up.

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  32. I hate our dog. She's pretty good but I can't imagine ten more years with her. Especially after she freaked out during a thunderstorm at 1 am so I put her in the garage and she had diarrhea all over the floor.

    It will be our last dog.

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  33. Always and forever a cat person... I have been a tiny bit swayed by those puppy faces. Love your list.

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  34. I had to laugh about your dog comment. You stole the words out of my mouth. I've always been a cat person, and when we {sadly} found ourselves without any cats last fall, I gave in to my husband's desire to get a dog...a dachshund dog. He grew up with them so I figured it was kind of inevitable. Let's just say I'm in over my head. As hard working as my husband is...the whole dog thing falls on me :-/ ...and I'm losing my patience. I don't send my daughter to daycare but it is a special day when I get to send the dog.

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  35. What a fun peek into your daily life. That's my favorite.

    Your mother is beautiful.

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