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Home ยป Blog ยป Planning Ahead

Planning Ahead

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane, Daily Life

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Nesting-I love it.  For me, more than anything, it doesn’t just mean preparing for the actual BABY, but for life WITH a baby-and with five other children.  It seems crazy honestly, but I am thinking ahead to August.  The week I am due, Isaac moves into college, Abbey starts back to high school, and all the littles have school orientation and meet the teacher day.  If I have learned anything being pregnant so many times, I know that preparation is the key.

So this year, as soon as those school supplies show up in Target, (you frequent Target shoppers will let me know right?) I’ll be the first in line with my lists.  Meanwhile, I hit Children’s Place for uniform shorts and pants.  EVERY darn year I miss their uniforms…they sell out so fast.  This week I called and sure enough they were in-already!  No wonder why I missed them-it’s only June for goodness sake.  I dragged the boys for a quick visit one morning and stocked up.  Last year, I waited and waited and ended up paying more than $40 for khakis at the Gap because no one else had the sizes in stock I needed.  I got Children’s Place khakis (shorts and pants) for about $11 a pair.  Alleluia!  (This is not an advertisement for CP by the way, I am just loving my deal.)

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June 14, 2012 ยท 24 Comments

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  1. Transplanted Italian says

    June 14, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    You are the best! I LOVE you and your blog! And I also rejoice in great deals and feel the same way about nesting. It's all about preparation…

    Reply
  2. Pam says

    June 14, 2012 at 12:29 pm

    What??? My kids aren't even out of school yet and you're already back to school shopping!! ๐Ÿ™‚
    Oh I can only imagine those little white onesies folded and piled just as neat as the khakis.
    hope you're taking it easy.

    Reply
  3. Ruth says

    June 14, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    I hope you got those khakis a bit extra long…
    One year my two youngest girls grew 3/4" during the month of July. I had measured them at the beginning of July and then I noticed their clothes were a bit short so I measured them again and they had grown 3/4 of an inch in three weeks.

    Reply
  4. Grace in my Heart says

    June 14, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    That is super smart of you! I'll hope your little bun in the oven decides to stay nice and warm in there until the first week of school craziness dies down though. :). What an exciting time for you all!

    Reply
  5. Ashley says

    June 14, 2012 at 1:53 pm

    I am pregant with #4 due in October and I am doing the same thing! We are starting Kindergarten at home for my oldest this fall and with an October 1 duedate, I'm on a mission to get everything ready to go before she arrives!

    So glad to know I'm not the only one who's preparing for life AFTER baby's arrival ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  6. Sarah says

    June 14, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    Great idea on the uniforms. The same things happens with snow pants in MN (when we used to live there). If you try to get them when the first snow hits, you are out of luck and you're forced to go to the expensive store to get them.

    Reply
  7. Melanie Gillespie says

    June 14, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    Great deal! Our school is switching uniforms next year and they haven't announced which stores are permissible or I would be right there with you. I have made the mistake of waiting until they're sold out too many times! ๐Ÿ˜‰ So excited for your family to welcome another sibling!

    Reply
  8. Loni says

    June 14, 2012 at 4:08 pm

    Just a tip, but back to school sales at Target start right after the 4th of July. The prices don't usually bottom out until the first week of August or so. I am a school supply addict. : )

    Reply
  9. Catherine says

    June 14, 2012 at 6:18 pm

    Thought I would drop you a line about "Call The Midwife" which is being repeated on the BBC. This means that it is available to watch on catch-up TV on the BBC I-player. I have no idea whether you can access this in the States but if you look at the BBC website at http://www.bbc.co.uk then you could check it out. I know you rated the book and this series was ab fab. If you do get a chance to watch it (with your feet up of course) I would love to know what you think.

    Catherine

    Reply
  10. Lisa says

    June 14, 2012 at 6:48 pm

    I agree! I love that part of pregnancy, too. Knowing you have some aspect of your life organized and settled, gives you comfort for the unknowns and craziness that still lies ahead. Enjoy this special time!

    Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    June 14, 2012 at 8:29 pm

    Try the cheaper version of Gymboree called Crazy8.com

    If you call a store, you can even avoid the $5 shipping!

    Reply
  12. katie says

    June 14, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    Doing the same thing here. We are due at the same time — me with my third and my daughter has meet the teacher day on the 17th of August–I'm due the 16th! Anyway, just got uniform list and will be heading there soon to make that big purchase. That is so nice that you are able to buy khakis from anywhere as part of their uniform. At our Catholic school everything comes from a uniform supply company, so there is not even a hope for bargain shopping. And I have a girl so there is the skort option, the shorts option, the jumper for mass–oh my!
    Nest, Nest, Nest!!

    Reply
  13. Maiden Jane says

    June 14, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Way to go! I'm always scrambling for uniform shorts at the last minute! You will be busy in August! I'm loving that bed quilt in the photo!

    Reply
  14. Karin says

    June 14, 2012 at 11:24 pm

    $11 for a pair of khakis is a steal. Congratulations. I just love a good deal.

    Reply
  15. kms says

    June 15, 2012 at 1:51 am

    You are lucky you can go to a regular store with variety of price points. Maybe you remember but back in the 70's and 80's when I went to catholic school you had to buy from a special store. Very expensive.

    Reply
  16. {cindy} says

    June 15, 2012 at 10:41 am

    i agree with you…uniform clothes in JUNE??:)
    and i will for sure let you know when school supplies come out..it's my favorite time to shop target! (serioulsy!!!)
    have a happy day sarah

    Reply
  17. S says

    June 15, 2012 at 11:00 am

    how sweet is that – to have clothes ready for the new school year!

    This year, remembering school supply shopping for this past fall and looking in store after store for a couple items on the list that were hard to find, I ordered my youngest two their school supplies through this service our PTO provides. Yes, I'd say it probably is a smidge more expensive as I usually price compare and bargain shop the sales for certain items, but the thought that in early August I will be emailed and drive up to pick up the compiled kits and be all done with it, makes me just thrilled! The moms who did it last year raved about the service and quality, so here's hoping!! I'll still have to supply shop with my middle schooler, but she's easy to shop with. woo hoo for preparation!!!

    Reply
  18. Anonymous says

    June 17, 2012 at 12:16 am

    Hope you're feeling good Sarah! I remember how tired I was those last couple months (actually the whole pregnancy!) But boy is it worth it :)))

    Reply
  19. MemeGRL says

    June 17, 2012 at 2:31 am

    I laughed so hard at this–I did the same thing this week! Glue, erasers, and #2 pencils were all on sale around here (not at Target). I guess they figure no one needs them in June?! So I stocked up for September and tossed them in the backpacks that are stored away until Labor Day. Hooray for the nesting!
    (PS–How to Behave and Why is a HUGE hit in our house!)

    Reply
  20. Unknown says

    June 18, 2012 at 12:13 am

    Oh how I loved the nesting instinct when I was pregnant! I wish I had it now!
    Returning from vacation, my house looks like a bomb went off while we were gone! I need to do your 40 trash bag thing and soon! I will have to go back and re-read those post to get inspired!

    Reply
  21. dsilva51 says

    June 18, 2012 at 11:43 am

    Love Crazy 8 too! There clothes are awesome and hold up incredible!

    Reply
  22. Holly says

    June 18, 2012 at 7:17 pm

    Thanks for the reminder. Isn't it the worst to get to the stores and everything you need is sold out. Just ordered all my sons' uniforms after I read this!

    Reply
  23. Corrie says

    June 19, 2012 at 7:46 am

    nesting – yes! we are expecting our 5th little bundle in 3 weeks time and I've loved pulling out the baby clothes, washing them and also the baby knits. But we still have to get out the baby basinette and get the room ready

    I love that you are having your 6th! I'll be pushing for number 6 but 5 under 7 will be a challenge for now

    and I have the biggest baby belly ever! the only good thing is that this is my lightest pregnancy so far so not so much weight gain, big belly which is ok by me!

    good luck and take it easy! I've now got the little ones counting down sleeps

    Corrie:)

    Reply
  24. Simply Living says

    July 4, 2012 at 4:01 am

    Target put there school supplies out today!! Good luck!!

    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.
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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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