• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • House Love
  • Mothering
  • Recipes
  • Books
  • Tutorials
  • 40 Bags In 40 Days
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

Clover Lane

  • Summer Days
  • Quiet Days
  • Ordinary Days
  • Ordinary Days
  • Ordinary Days
Home ยป Blog ยป Slow Days

Slow Days

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane, Daily Life

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Print

Patrick and I headed to the park the other day to play baseball.  That means we take turns pitching and hitting-thankfully mostly ME pitching and HIM hitting.  The first time I hit, he “made” me run the bases (run for me right now means a fast walk) and then said, “Mom, why aren’t you sliding?  You have to slide!”  It reminded me of the shin guard comment I got the other day and made me laugh.  I said, “Patrick I can’t slide, I have a baby in my tummy!”  He looked at me like that was sort of a cop-out excuse.

Someone emailed me and asked me how I get everything done on my to-do lists and manage to not feel like I am going crazy.  Sometimes I DON’T get everything done on my to-do list and it just keeps getting transferred on down the line of days, which is OK because I know it will get done eventually. And sometimes I DO feel like I am going crazy keeping up but I know I don’t have to feel that way, and if I do consistently, I need to make changes in my life.

But I thought about the answer to that question and I’ve said it hundred times, but I feel best when I am ahead of the game, so I try really really hard to do that-to stay ahead of the game.

1. I try not to waste time.  On this here computer, on too-long phone calls, or errands that aren’t necessary.

2. I try to have a daily to-do list or schedule for the next day…that I make in the evening, NOT the morning when I almost feel like the day gets away from me if I don’t start out with purpose.

3.  I stay home as much as I can.  I keep ahead on cleaning and laundry, doing a little here and there every day.  I say no to lots and lots of things that pull me away from my family life here.  I try to live my life knowing that being a mother and a wife and a house keeper is a huge job on to itself and I want that huge job, the most important one I’ll ever have, to be enjoyable.

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Print

May 17, 2012 ยท 22 Comments

Follow by Email

Previous Post: « Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies
Next Post: Ordinary Days »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. carebear7951 says

    May 17, 2012 at 6:25 am

    Thank you for the constant reminder that it's okay to say "no" when something will take us away from being a wife, mommy and homemaker. So many people that we encounter have the "we can have it all" mentality…and I really don't think we can have it all. Each thing comes at a price-and that price is usually at the expense of something else.

    Reply
  2. Shari says

    May 17, 2012 at 6:39 am

    I agree. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    May 17, 2012 at 11:50 am

    Amen! And I so agree with carebear about the "we can have it all" mentality. It's all over the place.

    Reply
  4. Melissa says

    May 17, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    So many of my to do lists carry over into the next day and the next! I think starting with a purpose is key…going to get one now ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  5. Talia says

    May 17, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Amen! My sentiments exactly. Your lists sound like mine.

    Reply
  6. Ali says

    May 17, 2012 at 2:32 pm

    Thanks for the advice! It's helpful! I'm so amazed at how much you do: homemade cookies, playing baseball at the park, clean organized home, painting and decorating your home, planning parties and family gatherings, beautiful landscaped back yard, new art supplies for your kids, riding your bike with your kids,keeping track of your spending, spending slow time focus time with your kids, buying clothes for your kids, dressing cute yourself, laundry for a big family, organizing family pictures, Dr's appointment for kids and yourself, planning beach family vacation and being pregnant, etc!

    I'm hoping to grow in my roles at home! I'm still struggling with the basics like laundry, dishes, and meals! ๐Ÿ™‚ I need to learn how to manage my time, motivate myself to do a better job, to organize photos, and the preschool artwork that is piling up on my dining table, and learn how to organize paperwork! I have troubles with stacks and stacks of paper work, kid art work, school work – just not sure what to keep and what to toss. If its a keeper how do I store? Do you keep your kid's art work from preschool on? How do you store? I'm off to do a a little research on your site! ๐Ÿ™‚

    But, first I'm going to schedule a dentist apt for my oldest son! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Thanks for the great posts! I'm hoping to learn how not to waste time! I have a hard time not running unnecessary errands and wasting more time! I need help with prioritizing my to do list!

    ~ Ali

    Reply
  7. Transplanted Italian says

    May 17, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    Inspiring as always. You are among my very favorite people. I love how you have chosen to embrace your life as a wife and a mother. Truly there is no greater job. Thank you for posting. I will continue to read and learn and apply.

    Reply
  8. mamajen says

    May 17, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    Can we be neighbors? Really, everyone thinks I'm crazy for staying home so much, but I have a lot to do! Pool, huge garden, homeschool (only 9 days left!) And all my kids take lessons so we have those and housekeeping errands. I need a good neighbor who likes to stay home, but have breaks of chatting with a cool drink and watching the kids play:) Want to move to South Carolina? It's very sunny here…

    Reply
  9. Simply LKJ says

    May 17, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    Great post! I think it is truly about prioritizing, and finding what works best for you and your family. They are all different, so what works for one doesn't always work for the other.

    Reply
  10. PhoenixRising says

    May 17, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    I make so many To Do lists but end up deviating and procrastinating. Kudos to you for sticking to it!

    Reply
  11. Shelby@ My Perfectly Imperfect World says

    May 17, 2012 at 3:58 pm

    I loved reading this posts and all these wonderful comments!!! Sometimes as a stay at home mom, I feel like I am the only one who thinks like this! I feel this even more now that I have older kids. Thanks ladies!

    Reply
  12. Susan R says

    May 17, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    A "cop out"? That is a true boy through and through and you are one amazing mom.
    Enjoy your day.

    Reply
  13. Kylie Rose says

    May 17, 2012 at 6:28 pm

    Sarah,

    I've been reading your blog forever, but just recently started my own, so now I am able to follow! You are such an incredible mother, and I just love every post, all are so insightful, and hilarious! Thank you!

    Kylie

    Reply
  14. S says

    May 17, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    So inspiring, especially because of what is NOT on your list – volunteering,yoga class/gym class/"mommy me time" activites, finding home accessories/decorating, meeting someone for lunch – not that any of those things are bad but I find so many "sahm" are hardly home and hardly making a home for their families. I love your priorities. and on the baseball…I tell my kiddos that I don't have the proper "uniform" for sliding and that usually got me off the hook.

    Reply
  15. Kel says

    May 17, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    I'm coming up on my 35th week of pregnancy and love reading your blog! Thanks for all the great mothering tips you provide ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  16. Erin says

    May 17, 2012 at 10:20 pm

    Great post Sarah! I was just telling Kenny yesterday that I don't think we should schedule any activities for the girls next year after school. It's too much for them and for me! They come home tired and want to just play. Then with homework, baths, dinner, bed… no time to play if we are running around to activities. Plus I can't stay on top of housework! I have had to say no to a lot lately and it feels nice. Thanks for the great reminder. And those cookies look SO good. I may need to break down and bake some this weekend. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  17. Anonymous says

    May 18, 2012 at 6:48 pm

    So true Sarah! I love being home with my 4 month old while the others are at school. It's so nice for him to take his little time nursing, and just being home with Mommy!

    I'm making those cookies this weekend for sure!

    Reply
  18. Rachel says

    May 18, 2012 at 9:42 pm

    I love posts like these. I have two in elementary & two at home, and I'm already getting the question, "So, what are you going to do when all your girls are in school?" Already the 6 1/2 hrs they're gone are chock full of laundry & housework, cooking & appointments… just the regular detritus of life. I wholeheartedly believe that Homemaker is a full-time job if we choose to do it mindfully & well.

    Reply
  19. Holly says

    May 19, 2012 at 1:32 am

    You're "spot on"!! There's something about the comfort of home and routine that gives kids and adults a sense of calmness and peace of heart. It's hard to say no sometimes, but it often feels like a big load's been lifted that you didn't know you were carrying. Taking time to enjoy these precious moments is so important.
    Love the pics of Patrick playing baseball…reminds me of my "boy" at that age (he's 18 now and I would love to go back for a day in time!).

    Reply
  20. Kris @ reddoordesigncompany.com says

    May 19, 2012 at 2:14 am

    All I can think of after reading your post is the old saying "Less is More". : )

    Reply
  21. Manda says

    May 19, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Thanks so much for saying it's okay to stay home. I have two little ones and love to be at home but I feel so much pressure to be out and about that sometimes I feel lik I'm depriving my children of something.

    Reply
  22. Corrie says

    May 21, 2012 at 10:15 am

    Amen to all of that! Today a mum at school couldn't believe I baked a slice and made a little skirt for my daughter! but being home all day meant I'd done my jobs on my list, had a quick visitor and kept all the kids entertained!

    I also am not a fan of long phone calls and thankfully someone is always noisy in the background which is my excuse to get off the phone!

    We have number 5 on the way and I kind of like that I'm not running around to the gym or doing much more than the school run, activities and dr appointments as it means more time at home!

    corrie:)

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

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.

21 years of our best-loved, most-used quality toys!

Follow by Email

Recent Posts

  • Sorting, Saving and Storing Children’s Keepsakes-A Quick and Easy Guide for Busy Moms
  • No-Clutter Easter Basket Ideas
  • Favorite Kitchen Items
  • Favorite Smoothie Recipe
  • Bathroom Organization-Five Tips For Purging and Organization

Topics

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer

Clover Lane is participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my disclosure.

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!
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Disclosure

Copyright © 2021 ยท Memories on Clover Lane ยท All Rights Reserved
Please do not duplicate anything on this blog without written permission from the author.
Disclosure: Amazon affiliate links used.