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  • Gratitude for the Week
  • Gratitude for the Week
  • Gratitude for the Week
  • Gratitude For The Week
  • Gratitude for the Week
Home ยป Blog ยป I Did It

I Did It

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane

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One of the things I dread is going out and about with an infant.  Yes, even with my sixth baby, this causes me some major anxiety.  The sound of one of my babies crying and fussing in a car seat, or in a store, (and the germs!) makes me feel trapped and makes me sweat and makes my brain feel like it’s rattling inside.  I’d rather just wait till we have a reliable schedule that ensures no fussing.  BUT we were out of food.  And Jeff is so busy with work and coaching and the kids and as good as he has been about helping out with runs to the the grocery store (I think he secretly likes it?) there just aren’t enough hours in the day, and really-I can’t procrastinate forever.

We accomplished our first grocery store outing today and sweet little Janey did not make a peep.  All the way there and during and back-she even let me put away all the food.  I think I bought enough to last a good two weeks with a quick fruit/milk/bread run 1/2 way through.

Patrick was so good.  He promised me he would help me go as fast as possible by being a good listener, and he was excellent.  He was rewarded with a little toy at the end of the trip.

I couldn’t resist the pumpkins and the mums.  I know it’s too early to even think about fall but they were calling my name.

My favorite month starts tomorrow-I’ve been watching the squirrels outside the window where I sit and nurse, and little yellow leaves are starting to fall.  The nights are cooling down, and the sun is bright.

I feel so grateful right now…for my beautiful new baby, food in my cabinets, kids in good schools, a helpful husband, and a cozy house that I never want to leave.

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August 31, 2012 ยท 34 Comments

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  1. Erika says

    August 31, 2012 at 5:42 pm

    Congrats on a successful outing! September is my favourite month too… I can't wait for cozy sweaters and cooler nights!

    Reply
  2. jo says

    August 31, 2012 at 5:55 pm

    What a beautiful little girl. I know you are thrilled. It is wonderful to hear how you take joy in the simple things (not easy things) to which a mother is called. Glad your voice is out there!!! Beautiful name too. Our 5th baby is a Molly Jane.

    Reply
  3. Mama Sue says

    August 31, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    Sounds like Heaven!

    Reply
  4. Erin Deegan says

    August 31, 2012 at 5:57 pm

    Congratulations on you beautiful daughter! I'm so excited for you and a little jealous… oh how I love the teeny-tiny babes. They grow up so quickly.

    Sept. is my favorite month…. especially in _________ (your home town). I miss it ๐Ÿ™

    Reply
  5. April says

    August 31, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    Yay for a successful food run! I was just like you when I had my first child. I would get so worked up about leaving the house with them and whether we could get what we needed and get back without major crying. I hate to hear a baby cry in a store too. But you feel so accomplished and like you can tackle the world when you go and you get what you need despite all the anxiety. They are usually great too the whole time too!

    Reply
  6. Billie Jo says

    August 31, 2012 at 6:09 pm

    I made my weekly grocery store run today too, Sarah. With a helpful almost 3 year old it was actually fun, but I still couldn't wait to be done and home with everything put away, safe and sound in my cozy house! I am like you, I love my home! Enjoy those little ones at home with you and I agree… September is the best month there is!

    Reply
  7. TheFiveDays says

    August 31, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    Congratulations! So glad that Janey and Patrick cooperated for you. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  8. Devany says

    August 31, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    I love everything about this post! The pumpkins on the mantel look perfect!!!

    Reply
  9. Patty says

    August 31, 2012 at 6:50 pm

    Life is soooo good!

    Reply
  10. Simply LKJ says

    August 31, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    Congrats, you did it! I remember the first time taking our girls together…scared me to death! And yes, I am thrilled September is finally here.

    Reply
  11. Unknown says

    August 31, 2012 at 7:08 pm

    you ARE lucky ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  12. Unknown says

    August 31, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    I can empathize with you. We have that same grocery store here. They used to have tvs in the checkout lanes. I am on overload every time I go in there. My husband usually does the shopping now. You are doing a great job:)

    Reply
  13. michelle @ this little light says

    August 31, 2012 at 7:11 pm

    Aren't we all blessed?! Life is good.

    I'm happy you made it through without a peep … looks like Patrick and Janey are going to be a great team!

    Reply
  14. carebear7951 says

    August 31, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    I know what you mean! Although I {secretly} like to conquer it to think to myself "I am woman, hear me roar"! And I have had to stand in the corner of the produce section and nurse before. Not fun. (that was my 1st baby! LOL)

    Reply
  15. Judy in Carefree says

    August 31, 2012 at 7:53 pm

    Glad the grocery trip went well! Love the fall decor. I started getting mine out…mostly artifical…yesterday and it's still over 100 in AZ. It just has that "fall feel" outside.

    Reply
  16. Heather says

    August 31, 2012 at 8:10 pm

    Such good things to be thankful for. I'm glad everything is going well for you and that your first shopping trip went smoothly!

    Reply
  17. Midwest Mom says

    August 31, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    All my favorite things too!!! Enjoy every minute of it all. It sounds lovely, Sarah.

    Take care,
    Amy W.

    Reply
  18. valerie says

    August 31, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    I know you are tired, but I sure love the little updates.
    Good to know you have the same anxiety provoking thoughts I do with a newborn.
    Glad your entry into "life" went smoothly.

    Reply
  19. Kathy Olson says

    August 31, 2012 at 9:20 pm

    I remember those sweet moments when our newest baby was just home. My favorite month is coming up, too! I couldn't have resisted the pumpkins either. When Sept. 1st rolls around, I know the holidays are so close!

    Congratulations on your new, sweet bundle of joy! How I wish I had one more!

    Reply
  20. Anonymous says

    August 31, 2012 at 9:24 pm

    Well done!

    Reply
  21. Sarah says

    August 31, 2012 at 9:35 pm

    I love that feeling of being genuinely grateful. (and you inspired me to dig out my fall decorations- my favorite!)

    Reply
  22. Amanda M. says

    August 31, 2012 at 10:12 pm

    Ooooh, she looks so darling all asleep in her seat!

    Reply
  23. Erin Southwell says

    August 31, 2012 at 10:28 pm

    LOVE IT!!

    Reply
  24. Magnolia Verandah says

    September 1, 2012 at 12:40 am

    Funny how we are content with small mercies – a trip to the supermarket peacefully – get a big tick from me! Love it!

    Reply
  25. Kelly says

    September 1, 2012 at 2:11 am

    Oh, I am with you! I hated for the girls to be upset, and I just stressed the whole time. Sounds like a perfect fall in your household:-) Enjoy!

    Reply
  26. Lynn says

    September 1, 2012 at 5:40 am

    Beautiful!

    I know life is not perfect for anyone……. And so I can appreciate you taking the time to stop and "count your many blessings" when you thought about them. It sure makes the challenges of life seem much more manageable when, and if we do that.

    I just read somewhere this week "You won't find happiness until you find gratitude." ; )

    I could totally relate to this WHOLE post. Amazing. Even after 14 years……the space of time that has gone by since my 6th baby {a girl} was born. Thanks for bringing back those memories. Time sure does fly by.

    Reply
  27. Brian and Staci says

    September 1, 2012 at 5:23 pm

    This post makes me warm and fuzzy inside ๐Ÿ˜‰ There is SERIOUSLY NO PLACE I'd rather be than my home ๐Ÿ˜‰ and now, excuse me while I go put my pumpkins out toooo!!!!!!!! Soak up every second with that beautiful family ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  28. Amy Makechnie says

    September 1, 2012 at 7:32 pm

    Good job, Sarah! I have similar feelings after a new baby. Your post is peaceful. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  29. Traci says

    September 1, 2012 at 11:53 pm

    Perfect! Hope you have a good night tonight:)) I thought of you this week when I was up nursing the baby. It can feel so lonely, yet mothers all over the world are doing the exact same thing in the middle of the night.

    Reply
  30. Lilibet says

    September 2, 2012 at 5:07 am

    This post rang true for me… I have two little girls and never could handle them crying in the car! Still can't. I am glad I am not alone… I also love my home! Perhaps I am not as much of a freak as I have been made to believe! Oh.. And I love September .. Best month ever!

    Reply
  31. Richella Parham says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    So much to be thankful for! What is it about having a new baby that heightens your sense of gratitude? I guess it's playing such an important role right in the middle of a miracle. You just seem to have a renewed sense of the fact that "every good and perfect gift is from above," don't you?

    I'm so glad you and Janey and Patrick and everyone are doing well! You're in my prayers. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  32. rach1005 says

    September 2, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    Just lovely in so many ways, it's falling in love and a big mushed up heart, as I believe you said here before! My little boy is four months and my little girl is 3, so happy you've been able to keep blogging, you're a little slice of blissful perfect reading for me when I get a chance!

    Reply
  33. Windhover Farm says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:36 am

    Going out when you have a new baby IS stressful–especially grocery shopping. It always stressed me to the max the first month. Somehow I don't think Mom's who just birthed should be going. I wish there was another way (there wasn't for me) I know your Jeff is maxed but what about our families, friends and neighbours? Forget the casserole, the next women I know who gives birth I'll be doing a grocery run for her once a week for a month.

    Reply
  34. Susan says

    September 7, 2012 at 1:51 pm

    Sarah – this is such a peaceful post – I love it!! I'm like you – I never want to leave my house! So many people around me are always running around with constant social engagements and I often think there is something wrong with me that I just like to stay home with my family!!

    Reply

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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.

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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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