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Home ยป Blog ยป Just A Look

Just A Look

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane

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That’s my Dad. He used to do the same thing for me and my sisters and brothers when I was young…pull us on the back of the tractor. It was so fun…I’m not sure why, really, because it doesn’t seem so fun now…it seems like the perfect recipe for smelly fumes and motion sickness.  Patrick and Andrew loved it as much as we did long ago.

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September 30, 2009 ยท 18 Comments

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  1. Cheryl @ a pretty cool life. says

    September 30, 2009 at 8:20 am

    I remember riding on my grandpa's lap on the John Deere and pretending to drive…I'm sure I would've gotten a kick out of riding in the back, too!

    Reply
  2. Jennifer Jo says

    September 30, 2009 at 11:29 am

    You must be having a rough week, having to repeatedly remind yourself to be grateful! It's a good way to cope, though…

    Reply
  3. Administrator says

    September 30, 2009 at 12:53 pm

    I really love your blog.

    Reply
  4. Ellie says

    September 30, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    Thank you for adding that last bit in…about those that don't have their parents. I have a friend that complains all the time how she wishes her Mom lived closer to watch her kids because the mother-in-law that lives right down the road just doesn't quite cut it. It's so hard for me to swallow since my own Mom died last summer…..at the very young age of 58. I have a 2 yr. old daughter and I can't begin to explain how much you miss your Mom when you yourself are a young mother. It is heartbreaking. And I would love to have help from my in-laws, but they live 8 hrs. away and are much older, so they don't travel near as much as they used to. I have reluctantly learned to rely on friends and neighbors for help. I have to.

    Thank you for your thought provoking and inspiring posts Sarah. I really appreciate your blog!

    Reply
  5. Shannan Martin says

    September 30, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    Contentment is the key to bliss. I'm certain of it. I find myself thinking about it often and I loved reading your take on it. I couldn't agree more! And I get what your saying on the parents thing. Mine are 4 hours away and I wish they were closer! Maybe someday?

    ps- Re: Yesterday's post – Definitely number 2. I tried to say that yesterday, but had mucho trouble commenting. So, number 2.

    Reply
  6. Helen says

    September 30, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    I love your blog… because I completely agree with the way you think. There are so many things we can want, or feel upset about, or anything, but when we can stop and think about others who are having so much more trouble, life gets a little better.

    I am both grateful and upset that I don't have kids right now. I want them now… but I live close to 2000 miles away from all my friends and all my family. I can't imagine not having ANYONE if something should happen where I couldn't take the littles.

    Reply
  7. Shari says

    September 30, 2009 at 4:28 pm

    I may have to steal your quote to put on my own blog. Of course I will not take credit for it. ๐Ÿ™‚

    I agree with you though. WE have never had parents to help us. I've NEVER even had a mom come to help me after having any of my 6 babies! (I think I will forever feel a combination of self/pity and pride about that)

    Reply
  8. Anne says

    September 30, 2009 at 4:32 pm

    My parents are literally across the street. And I try to take every moment I can to thank them for being such a helpful part of lives. They both have such great unique gifts (gardening, sewing, astronomy!) to share with my kids, I know they get more out of them being so close than I do!

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    September 30, 2009 at 4:53 pm

    And we get such a kick out of having them close by and being a part of their lives all the time, through the good and the not-so-good.
    And seeing what good parents you both are striving to be.
    Thanks, Sissy!

    Anne's Mom

    Reply
  10. Maiden Jane says

    September 30, 2009 at 5:54 pm

    Gratitude is the #1 ticket to contentment. I love that photo. I miss my dad, but thankful that we did so much together. I too am envious of those who have had that kind of support. My folks were always supportive, but they didn't babysit (maybe for a doctor visit or something.) But they raised their six kids and when we started having kids they made it clear they weren't available for weekend babysitting – they were too busy going out having fun! Great for them – a secret to their great marriage – having fun…

    Reply
  11. Heather says

    September 30, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    I love your thoughts on grandparents and contentment. Your picture of your dad and Patrick is priceless. It looks like a Norman Rockwell pose!

    Reply
  12. Kristina says

    September 30, 2009 at 9:26 pm

    We live on the same farm as my parents, and I am grateful for it every day. Dad always takes the free candies on the counter at the bank and the kids pat him down every time he comes over, which coincidentally usually happens around the time the kids get home from school — when cookies and tea are most likely to be sitting on the kitchen table…

    My mother just gets smarter all the time. The curve abruptly steepened when my first child was born.

    Reply
  13. Beth Kelly says

    October 1, 2009 at 1:49 am

    This is a simply beautiful picture. Cheerish these moments forever. I am one of those who lost my dad before my 2 boys were born. I too wish they could have met him. He was my hero and I know he would have been theirs too. Thank you for sharing this it just warms my heart.

    Reply
  14. Bonnie says

    October 1, 2009 at 4:49 am

    I am at the other end of this discussion. I am the grandma to Ellie, Addie, and Claire…and very sad to say that I do NOT live by either of my daughters or precious grand daughters. It is hard on me too. Especially when my girls have to rely on friends and neighbors to help out because I am not there. This is not how I pictured my life. Most of my friends do have their kids close by and it can make me sad if I dwell on it.
    But, my friends sometimes get a little too involved in their kids lives. That is not good either. Besides, my grand kids meet us in the driveway when we come to visit because they are so dang excited to see us! I have learned to focus on that side of it…and I am so thankful for BLOGS!

    Reply
  15. Lois Christensen says

    October 1, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    My son use to say the same thing. "Your mom is on the phone," or "Your mother is calling." I thought it was so funny.

    I have memories of my grandfather raking up the leaves at his house knowing we were coming for a visit. He would let us jump in them until they were all over the yard again. And he never complained.

    Great post!

    Reply
  16. Jodi Ludick Evans says

    October 1, 2009 at 5:50 pm

    Must be a Ludick thing. I have the same pictures of Dad, me and Gina and of Dad and grandkids. I love Uncle Tom. He reminds me so much of someone. . . . .

    Reply
  17. The Jones Family says

    October 2, 2009 at 12:54 am

    My SIL introduced me to your blog and I love it; you are so in tune and have actually been able to say some things I simply couldn't find the words to say; specifically about staying home with the kids! I lost my mother almost 6 years ago. My son was 2. I now have a daughter whom she will never get to meet. It's not easy but I know in my heart she knows them. I cherish the times my children get to spend with my father and my husbands parents, whom we are SO blessed to have right down the street for us.

    Reply
  18. Anonymous says

    October 2, 2009 at 4:38 am

    Love the photo of your dad, Sarah. He looks like he is having a "teaching moment"!!! Your wishes of having parents close by is understood….Always remember too, you have great sister in laws (hee hee) close by that love your kiddos, and will help out when needed too!!! Hee hee….

    xoxo Julie

    Reply

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Sarah Turner

When our first baby was placed in my arms I knew there was no place I wanted to be other than home with him every day. Twenty five years, and five more babies later, (six children, now ages 26-8), I still feel the same. I blog here about motherhood, how to make a house a home, easy recipes, and simple living. You can read more about me here.

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Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular. Just an o Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular.  Just an ordinary Monday morning breakfast counter after the kids leave for school.  Because ordinary gets the short hand in our culture but really it's extra special. 
It's a symbol of unselfishness, contentment, prudence and gratitude.  There is a certain peace about the ordinary.  It's the opposite of temporary-it holds the joy of contentment and gratitude and prudence all in one hand.  It's lends itself toward peace, and a settling in, not a constant search for more or less or anything.  Ordinary is authentic and good enough- in short it's a gem in disguise. ๐Ÿƒ
I love my home and I hope you do also. With all t I love my home and I hope you do also.  With all the imperfections and maintenance it requires, when I pull up and walk in I want to stay, to relax, to feel safe, for daily life to be easy, and to care for "home". I want simplicity, ease, convenience.  To me when my home is simple, without being filled to the brim of things that just take up space I love it best.  I hope if you've participated fully or even partially as time allowed in 40 Bags in 40 Days you've found that joy and pride in your home.  I plan to share more little challenges and tips as the year proceeds to trouble shoot areas and keep maintenance effortless and the house love flowing.  Daily life in our homes should bring us joy and ease while we care for our families, we should be thoughtful stewards of our money and of our time and simple living is the answer to that. 
Thank you for participating! ๐Ÿก
I think this is one of the best things about the 4 I think this is one of the best things about the 40 Bag decluttering process.  When I know what I have and have removed all that I don't, it cultivates more discretion and caution about what I bring back in.  I think there is also some realization of how much money is wasted on fads, or thoughtless purchases.  It's quite eye-opening.  I've become so much more careful, and find we all take better care of things, as do my children.
The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days! I've tackle The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days!  I've tackled all the areas of my home with exception of my oldest daughter's room (not the photo)- which she is excited to work on this week.
The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean an The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean and straighten up.  And then the more enjoyable it is to actually sit in that room.  It's not a hard equation, all it takes is ruthless purging-and not just little things but larger items also.  Functional furniture is the key and very few decorative pieces especially when children are in the home, makes life so much easier. 
๐Ÿƒ
As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge I'm hearing from so many of you what a difference it has made in your appreciation of your homes, a certain contentment, and at the same time a thrill of looking in on the organized kitchen, closet and living space.  I agree!  I love purging, cleaning and organizing a space and then going back later that day just to get that wonderful sense of accomplishment.  It makes such a difference! 
๐Ÿƒ
A lighter, fresher, calmer home is the result of de-cluttering.  I even had a participant who had been planning on listing her home, start 40 Days just to get her house ready to sell, and then was so ruthless in the process and also thrilled by the results that they decided to stay put in what seemed like a new home to them.  What a savings of time, money and energy. 
๐Ÿƒ
Next week I will be talking maintenance and answer all questions! โ˜€๏ธ
Tips For Shared Kids Rooms- This bedroom has seen Tips For Shared Kids Rooms-
This bedroom has seen every configuration possible.  With kids spread out 18 years apart, I've had to be creative over the years-which I think is the key to sharing rooms.  It is all possible-I consider it a rare luxury and privilege to not have to share a room although I know that is not the norm today. 
๐Ÿƒ
I like to create a simple look with white furniture (this ends up making room transitions easier also when moving someone out and someone else in.) I also like to match bedspreads for a cohesive look. 
๐Ÿƒ
Clip on bed lights save space. 
๐Ÿƒ
A simple shared book shelf can hold a child's special books and knick knacks and if necessary can be assigned per shelf.
๐Ÿƒ
When my kids were younger I had my dad build me a large wooden roll out box for under each bed.  This held each child's toys. 
๐Ÿƒ
All clothes are kept in a closet instead of dressers to save space.
I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags progress and tips.  My excuse is the stomach flu ravaging us all here in the last week with me being the last to fall and the slowest to recover.  On top of that the weekend before I tried to roller blade (don't even ask how many steps I made it) and majorly bit it.  Thankfully I think I just sprained my arm. So I've been using one arm for nursing sick children back to health, and doing whatever cleaning and cooking and straightening I can do.  Alas, last week was a wash.  We have two weeks to go.  I'd like to continue and end on a high note.  How about you?  Even a little de-cluttering counts! Spring is in the air and I can't wait to throw open my windows and let fresh clean air circulate through my fresh clean orderly home. โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒฑ
Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to th Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to think that the more things they have the happier and more occupied and loved they will feel.  Nothing can replace human interaction and I've found that too many toys has the reverse affect.  They cause overwhelm-just like us - we'd rather sit in an orderly space than one filled with too many things to do and too much stuff.
โ˜€๏ธ
When it comes to kids closets here are some tips-
1. Hand me downs don't all have to be received.  Or received at all.  Be choosy and keep just what they will use and need.
2. When children are presented with too many choices, tension and acrimony can exist.  Being able to open a closet with a reasonable amount of outfits can create more peace.
3. Cultivating independence in care of clothes is easier when there is less and the space is simplified and organized. 
โ˜€๏ธ
More tips coming on the blog this week.  I am moving my blog platform so I can't make any promises - it's under construction and that's exciting!
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