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Home ยป Blog ยป Ordinary (But Busy!) Days

Ordinary (But Busy!) Days

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane, Ordinary Days

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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.

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May 3, 2012 ยท 37 Comments

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Comments

  1. Sarah says

    May 3, 2012 at 5:16 am

    These kinds of posts are my favorites. Well, I like them all, you know that ๐Ÿ™‚ But I love a peak into every day life. I feel the same way about dogs and I haven't caved in yet!

    Reply
  2. Mama Sue says

    May 3, 2012 at 6:13 am

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

    Reply
  3. Erin says

    May 3, 2012 at 6:21 am

    Love that pic of Abbey and your mom. They are both beautiful! And I laughed out loud about the shin guards. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  4. Sheryl says

    May 3, 2012 at 6:54 am

    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!

    Reply
  5. Sheryl says

    May 3, 2012 at 6:54 am

    Best!

    Reply
  6. Magnolia Verandah says

    May 3, 2012 at 9:03 am

    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.

    Reply
  7. Lucy says

    May 3, 2012 at 10:51 am

    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!

    Reply
  8. LML says

    May 3, 2012 at 10:55 am

    Lol :-). I love the last picture ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  9. michelle @ this little light says

    May 3, 2012 at 11:04 am

    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!"

    Reply
  10. michelle @ this little light says

    May 3, 2012 at 11:05 am

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

    Reply
  11. {cindy} says

    May 3, 2012 at 11:44 am

    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

    Reply
  12. Maiden Jane says

    May 3, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    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….

    Reply
  13. Simply LKJ says

    May 3, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    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.

    Reply
  14. Unknown says

    May 3, 2012 at 12:31 pm

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

    Reply
  15. Amanda says

    May 3, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Your to-do notebook looks like mine! ๐Ÿ™‚ You have a beautiful family; it's the ordinary days that make life what it is! Keep enjoying them!

    Reply
  16. Anonymous says

    May 3, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    That last picture….makes me grin!!

    Cheers
    ~ Jillian
    http://www.hersplitends.com

    Reply
  17. Anonymous says

    May 3, 2012 at 2:15 pm

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

    Reply
  18. Margi says

    May 3, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    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?

    Reply
  19. Unknown says

    May 3, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    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!

    Reply
  20. missi says

    May 3, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    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.

    Reply
  21. Talia says

    May 3, 2012 at 3:39 pm

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

    Reply
  22. Jennifer says

    May 3, 2012 at 3:59 pm

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

    Reply
  23. Grace in my Heart says

    May 3, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    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!

    Reply
  24. Shari says

    May 3, 2012 at 7:07 pm

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

    You made me want to bake cookies. Gee, thanks….NOT. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  25. Sharon says

    May 3, 2012 at 7:30 pm

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

    Reply
  26. kayce hughes says

    May 3, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    Your mother is stunning!

    Reply
  27. Gina says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:58 am

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

    Reply
  28. LizzyP says

    May 4, 2012 at 4:23 am

    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.

    Reply
  29. Rose Jorgensen says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    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…

    Reply
  30. Jo says

    May 4, 2012 at 3:48 pm

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

    Reply
  31. Julie says

    May 4, 2012 at 7:32 pm

    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.

    Reply
  32. Cassandra says

    May 4, 2012 at 11:58 pm

    Oh how could you NOT give in to a note like that ๐Ÿ™‚ Beautiful pictures. I love your window seat.

    Reply
  33. inge says

    May 5, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    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.

    Reply
  34. Hildie says

    May 6, 2012 at 3:15 pm

    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.

    Reply
  35. Unknown says

    May 7, 2012 at 4:27 am

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

    Reply
  36. Unknown says

    May 8, 2012 at 5:12 am

    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.

    Reply
  37. Rachel says

    May 8, 2012 at 5:46 am

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

    Your mother is beautiful.

    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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Happy Easter! A beautiful day filled with hope an Happy Easter!  A beautiful day filled with hope and new beginnings - focus on the future, the blessings, the cycle of life where darkness doesn't triumph, but light and love and fresh days ahead - and sunshine - does.  We grow and change and let the old shed, the suffering transform, and rebuild with energy and hope to become closer to Jesus.  Love to you all.
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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