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Home ยป Blog ยป Bought On the Sly

Bought On the Sly

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane, Daily Life

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I bought a trampoline.  The kids have been begging for one for years.  I know how dangerous they can be, really I do.  If ever I was tempted, I’d ask Jeff and he would say, “No way!  Someone will break their leg, or their neck, and it’s such an eyesore.”

But finally, I caved.  I justified it this way.

1. Jeff says no to everything, but always comes around, and plus he massively owes me one after making me drive 20 hours there and back to CO so he could make me hike moutains and enjoy the outdoors.

2. I want the kids to have something fun to do here with friends, OUTSIDE.

It took me only a mere 6 hours to put together.  I did it all by myself.  Well, Patrick was here, but refused to help.  The instruction manual kept saying, “For this part, you need two people.”  They didn’t know a mother was putting it together, because really, we’re like 4 people in one, don’t you think?

I just pretended I was in Amazing Race and I did fine.  Except for a couple issues like when I lost the little thingy in the grass that you need to screw the screws on and it took me and extra 5 minutes to hunt for it.  Also, when I put the springs on, I miscounted more than once and had to redo all my work twice.  And during the middle of it, I had to put Patrick for a nap, so I lost some time there.

But no biggie.

I still think I won.

When they got home from school:

Back packs were thrown and socks were shed.



A timer was set as more and more children showed up. (I posted a list of rules, that only 3 children at a time could jump and they had to be close in size…you’ll see how long those rules were enforced.)

Someone needed to be distracted when they didn’t understand the rules.

As 6:00 drew closer, I was hoping to have so many children here that Jeff would be convinced that I did indeed, make the right decision by betraying him.  What can you say when you see a dozen or more happy faces in your back yard?




He of course, came around and realized I was a genius.

We sat in chairs and watched the goings-on all evening long.

Till we decided it was our turn.

Blurry picture through netting…my favorite of favorites.


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September 8, 2010 ยท 46 Comments

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  1. Lynn says

    September 8, 2010 at 6:48 am

    HA HA. Love it!

    Go mom Go!!!

    Reply
  2. Shari says

    September 8, 2010 at 7:00 am

    You rock.

    Reply
  3. Meghan says

    September 8, 2010 at 9:20 am

    In case your kids didn't tell you, you're the coolest. Will you be my mom?

    Reply
  4. {cindy} says

    September 8, 2010 at 11:09 am

    Our trampoline is one of our best investments!!
    Hours upon hours of "squealy" fun!
    Can be quite a workout too….
    You will all love it!
    Enjoy the day

    Reply
  5. Jennifer Jo says

    September 8, 2010 at 11:19 am

    You made a good choice. We're on our second trampoline (the first blew away in a tornado—when we had the threat of hurricane winds this past week, my husband chained the second one to the swing set).

    They're dangerous (a little—we've never had a single accident and we don't even have a net), but cars are way more dangerous. We'd lose out on a lot of good stuff if we spent all our time worrying about the what ifs.

    Reply
  6. Maureen says

    September 8, 2010 at 11:37 am

    Way to go, Sarah! I love the pictures. There aren't many outdoor toys that will entertain such a wide age range. You did good!

    Reply
  7. Katie says

    September 8, 2010 at 12:08 pm

    I can't believe you put that together yourself! Seriously.

    Reply
  8. Julie Johnson says

    September 8, 2010 at 12:18 pm

    Good for you! We put ours up this Summer. Three weeks later Sofi broke her leg. The issue? Not following the rules. Bounced by her brother as she was preparing to dismount. Crazy little accident…full leg cast. She's doing great now, but still hasn't gone back on it. I'm still a little paranoid and watch everyone while they are on….but accidents do happen!
    That said, I think they are great fun, and have been known to jump on it myself while the kids are gone. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  9. Lisa@Pickles and Cheese says

    September 8, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    Fun. I caved some years ago when we moved to our new house and the kids didn't know anyone yet. A trampoline is a kid magnet! They have loved it. I loved them having a place to play like you said "outside"! They will enjoy it for years to come! And the fact that you put it together yourself….well, you are my hero!

    Reply
  10. Kimberlee Jost says

    September 8, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    You put that together by yourself? You are a ROCK STAR!

    Love that pic of Jeff with the melty eyes…worrying on the sidelines. I'm you got him on there as the evening progressed. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  11. Amy says

    September 8, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    we had hours of fun with our trampoline….it was definitely one of my childhood highlights! ๐Ÿ™‚ and…..my mom was so paranoid that she made the neighbors sign a waiver if their kids wanted to jump – ha!

    Reply
  12. Amber@Munchkin Land says

    September 8, 2010 at 1:48 pm

    Wow, I can't believe you broke down! :o) Trampolines are so much fun, however with the more stories coming out broken necks with flips gone wrong and such, I'm not going to lie I'm a little scared now. Looked like a blast though, I'm sure your kiddies are thrilled!!

    Reply
  13. Dana Rae says

    September 8, 2010 at 1:56 pm

    That is Awesome! Good for you doing it all by yourself. I believe you are 4 people in one! Hope you all have fun!

    Reply
  14. Emily Norby says

    September 8, 2010 at 2:01 pm

    No question about what you did while they were at school that day! You are the coolest.

    Reply
  15. Dana D says

    September 8, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    If it is warm enough there, set up a water sprinkler under the trampoline today. (the type that sprays in an arch shape works best) My kids will spend hours slipping and sliding while bouncing around inside the net in their bathing suits. ๐Ÿ™‚ So much fun!

    Reply
  16. marlowe says

    September 8, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    I did this with kittens. My husband's face looked the same but sometimes forgiveness is better than permission — but don't tell the kids.

    Reply
  17. Heidi of Operation Organization says

    September 8, 2010 at 2:26 pm

    woo hoo! way to go!! looks like great fun to me!

    Reply
  18. stephanie says

    September 8, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    I would definitely have to stock up on bladder protection pads before I put a trampoline in my yard!! I'm just sayin after 2 kids……..things are different!! Enjoy the new toy!

    Reply
  19. Two Little Tots says

    September 8, 2010 at 3:00 pm

    LOVE it! We have been thinking of getting one too. Friends have one and the girls love it. And in the winter, I think it will work too!

    Reply
  20. Hildie says

    September 8, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    I love our trampoline. I think they are way more essential to a backyard than a playscape. We've had ours for three years and with six kids still never had any injuries. Except for hitting, which would be happening anyway, right?

    Reply
  21. Melissa Klein says

    September 8, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    Can I ask the maker of the tramp or where you got it? We need one!!!

    Reply
  22. Brian and Staci says

    September 8, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    I'm so jealous! I will never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever talk my hubby into one ๐Ÿ™ It doesn't help that every time he has to see an emergency patient it's bc of a trampoline ๐Ÿ™ Oh well, I'll just live vicariously through you ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  23. Kierstin says

    September 8, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    Ahhh, the childhood memories of my leg slipping between the springs, cracking my head on the frame from a flip gone awry, and hours upon hours spent perfecting my flying skills with a large garbage bag attached to my back during a wind storm. Good times, good times! My little ones adore our trampoline… especially my little Mia. Dangerous? HA! We jump in the face of danger.

    Reply
  24. Kelly says

    September 8, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    Ironically we caved Monday evening and are eagerly waiting for the Fed Ex package. I am still a little concerned about injury, but figure it will be good for my prayer life- ha!

    Looks so fun, and I can't wait to try it out myself:-)

    Reply
  25. Unknown says

    September 8, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    Great job on putting that baby together! ๐Ÿ˜€
    I would get one for the kids, but our homeowners ins would go up most likely.
    It was one of the first questions they asked when we switched to a new company.

    You guys look like you are having so much fun!
    Money well spent, I am sure! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  26. Breeze says

    September 8, 2010 at 5:28 pm

    In regards to a trampoline being an eyesore… We know people who dug a hole and put their trampoline in it. Sort of like an in-ground pool. It's flush w/ the ground. It doesn't "stick out" so much and no one can fall off and down b/c it's level w/ the grass. Just an idea. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  27. Sarah says

    September 8, 2010 at 6:56 pm

    Melissa- I bought it at Sam's Club. The name on the manual says SportsPower. Hope that helps.

    Reply
  28. kayce hughes says

    September 8, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    You are a fun mom!

    Reply
  29. Judy in Carefree says

    September 8, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    We bought a tramp for our youngest daughter for her birthday in the late '80's. She sold it to my brother and sister-in-law for their youngest daughter and now it is at the summer cottage we all share and our daughter's children and her sister's child, our grandchildren, can't wait for our turn at the lake to use it. Our best investment EVER! Enjoy!

    Reply
  30. Gretchen says

    September 8, 2010 at 8:12 pm

    Trampolines are a blast. I fondly remember jumping on friend's and neighbor's trampolines as a kid. My dad is a retired safety engineer and thought they were horrendously dangerous. Unfortunately, we proved him right a few times, but we lived.

    That's the important thing.

    Kudos on the mom-powered assembly.

    Reply
  31. Maiden Jane says

    September 8, 2010 at 9:02 pm

    Aww, you've got a winner there! Not the tramp, Jeff!

    Those are still forbidden in our back yard….but despite that fact we still had a broken arm and chipped front teeth!

    Reply
  32. Wendy says

    September 8, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    Enjoy it and have a great time! Just check with your homeowners insurance though because most have a clause in there saying that they do not cover it and that it could make your Homeowners null and void if you purchase one and do not inform them.

    Reply
  33. Tanya says

    September 9, 2010 at 1:02 am

    I love it!

    Reply
  34. katef says

    September 9, 2010 at 2:11 am

    Everyone told us how dangerous trampolines were when we talked about getting one. One well meaning friend even sent me statistics on how many kids break bones each year… Yet no one worries about how many kids break bones on their bikes… or worse. We take care, we teach our kids safe playing, and we let them take a risk now and then.

    Our kids adore our tramp….no one has broken anything yet… though one of my girls did knock three teeth out at the very dangerous library! LOL

    Reply
  35. Maria says

    September 9, 2010 at 2:43 am

    What a delightfully perfect post. Fun and funny and I am completely impressed that you put it together yourself. Thank you for your precious blog.

    Reply
  36. Anonymous says

    September 9, 2010 at 2:57 am

    That's great! I'm sure it will bring many, many hours of fun. OUTSIDE. ๐Ÿ˜‰ You're a smart woman.
    -FringeGIrl

    Reply
  37. kristine says

    September 9, 2010 at 3:18 am

    awesome! so much fun! i love the strip down in the yard! i LOVE the swarm of kids you drew! ha ha

    Reply
  38. NanaDiana says

    September 9, 2010 at 3:21 am

    Those kids will have so much fun with that thing. Our kids had one when they were very young pre-teens/teens and loved it. They even used it for sleep overs and would all hunddle on top of it with their blankets and some would gather under it at other times to share their secret worlds. Good job MOM! Diana

    Reply
  39. Your Southern Peach says

    September 9, 2010 at 3:45 am

    Awesome fun!!! You are too cute.

    Reply
  40. jodi says

    September 9, 2010 at 4:13 am

    ha! i love it! our 6th child was such a handful, we called it his playpen, so our 7th child never knew any different, he always called it the playpen (and it really saved us using it as one, trying to homeschool the oldest 5 and entertain those two. if they ever got bored in there we would just add a bunch of blown up balloons). my baby will be 5 tomorrow and now that the oldest 4 are all teenagers, they use it for slamball and he thinks he should be able to jump that high and dunk a basketball too…..

    Reply
  41. Susan R says

    September 9, 2010 at 4:30 am

    Okay…I see more than three people on there at one time. I want to buy a new one, we used to own one.
    My only rule was "NO FLIPS", they would try it when they thought I wasn't looking, but not much gets past these eyes. I have them in the back of my head, really I do.

    Reply
  42. Rachel says

    September 9, 2010 at 5:00 am

    I want to be just like you when I grow up! Seriously loved this.

    p.s. Where did you purchase the black-framed corkboard in the heading? Did you make it? I'm in desperate need for my girls' art projects/school work but can't stomach the Pottery Barn prices….maybe I can make one?

    Reply
  43. Cara @ Gardenview Cottage says

    September 9, 2010 at 5:57 am

    you will love it….seriously! It's the best toy on the planet….we will never ever be without one.

    Reply
  44. meg duerksen says

    September 10, 2010 at 7:52 pm

    the best money we ever spent.
    seriously.
    we bought it the day we moved into our house as a bribe for making the kids move.
    it has been used every single day for 6 years. and we don't even have a net. ๐Ÿ™‚
    good for you!!

    Reply
  45. Seizing My Day says

    September 11, 2010 at 6:46 am

    You are my hero!! I have tackled plenty o bookcases or desks… chairs and the like… but a trampoline!! You rock! =) and yes… it is genius .. I want one!

    Reply
  46. HAPPYHANERHOME says

    September 12, 2010 at 11:55 pm

    I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU PUT THIS TOGETHER ALONE!!! It takes my husband days and many new words are invented during that time period that are synonyms for "Shoot!!!!" Looks like it went well. We are going on two years with only a few minor head bumps so far. I'd like a copy of your rules though! We need some rules. It is complete chaos on our trampoline.

    Reply

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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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