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Home ยป Blog ยป The Week In Review

The Week In Review

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane, Daily Life

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This week I really felt like finding a good, happy easy read.  I knew I needed to find the latest Maeve Binchy.  There is something about her sweet story-telling that picks up my spirits.  She just had the art for weaving together all these characters, didn’t she?   I always think of that saying “everybody has a story to tell”.  Each of her characters has had their own struggles and triumphs and the underling theme in each of her books is kindness and compassion.  I’m so sad she is gone-I was looking forward to many more books.  I will have to go back and re-read some when I need my “it all works out in the end” fix.

We have two new additions.  Jack and Jay.  Jay has been replaced by a new Jay, but the difference is only slight and quite unnoticeable.

Scrumptious.

Janey’s BFF came over for a play date.  Her name is Ruby.  Which is just about the cutest name ever isn’t it?   She was born a week before Janey.  She is #8 so Janey and Ruby can relate to being smothered with kisses and living in crazy houses that are never quiet.  They’re having a little conversation about it all in this photo-the perils of dodging balls, listening to teenage drama, and adapting to flexible sleep schedules.

Patrick gives himself homework to do every day. 

Life is busy and full and sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed by it all and can feel weighed down with the responsibility of all these marvelous lives in my home-I have to be careful not to let worry get a hold of me and just enjoy it all as the days fly by.

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March 8, 2013 ยท 25 Comments

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  1. LizzyP says

    March 8, 2013 at 11:11 pm

    Sometimes I get a little bit of an achy neck as I turn this way and notice something delightful in my home, and then someone calls me name and I turn my head in that direction just to notice something else wonderful, and then my phone calls and my head jerks in that direction, repeat over and over again, until I have a moment to relax and I realize how many times I turned my head that day. But I'm grateful that my life is so full of so many things to pay attention to. This post reminded me of those achy neck moments.

    That last line would be great advice for a new mom. Perhaps I'll quote you when I put it on the card of the next baby shower gift. "Just enjoy it as the days fly by."

    Reply
  2. Maiden Jane says

    March 8, 2013 at 11:34 pm

    Kudos to Abbey! Those sweet little babies – Oh! What an antidote to teens those babies are! I am glad you are throwing away lists and giving your self a break.

    Reply
  3. Kathleen says

    March 9, 2013 at 1:34 am

    I loved "A Week in Winter" and I just finished "Minding Frankie" last night…..love Maeve Binchy's stories and am so sad that there won't be any more. I agree with you about lists !

    Reply
  4. Sarah {Stay at Home Territory} says

    March 9, 2013 at 2:17 am

    Hi Sarah,
    I found three different to-do lists yesterday! I don't think I could bring myself to throw them out, though. I make these lists in order to get all the swirling thoughts out of my head and lessen my worries. I'm thinking I might need to type the list and then rearrange it according to some sort of priority ranking. Things like "do today" to "probably not ever"!
    Maeve Binchy is a favourite of mine. Especially "Evening Class". I kept putting off reading "A week in winter" because it made me so sad to think that I'll never get to meet any more of her characters. Beautiful book.
    Thank you for reminding me to enjoy every crazy moment.
    Sarah
    stayathometerritory.blogspot.com

    Reply
  5. Amy says

    March 9, 2013 at 2:38 am

    I just text my 76 year old mother (who introduced me to Maeve Binchy) to see if she's bought the new book yet. We are heading south to visit them over the kids' spring break and I thought that would be the perfect read. Your description of her stories is spot on! And I want something I look forward to picking up when I have a few minutes to read or on the airplane. I'm so sad this is her last book. She will be missed!

    Reply
  6. Lisa says

    March 9, 2013 at 3:00 am

    You are a busy mama that is for sure! Confession: When things are especially crazy for me, I add things to my list that I have already done just so I can cross them off and feel better about my productivity. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  7. Unknown says

    March 9, 2013 at 3:45 am

    I've made a rule. I can only put four things on my to do list each day. Then only the most important even make it on the list and I can work hard knowing they are things that must get done.

    Love everything about your life and blog. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  8. Melanie Anne says

    March 9, 2013 at 4:54 am

    I love to do lists–but I can get overwhelmed too when it gets too long!! ACK! You are a wonderful Mother and I appreciate your insights and wisdom! have a great weekend!
    xo

    Reply
  9. Michele says

    March 9, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Ruby & Janey….is that not the cutest picture ever? I love it. Patrick is growing up so fast, I hardly knew that was him! Sarah your family warms my heart. Thank you.

    Reply
  10. Unknown says

    March 9, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    I just started reading "the greatest generation" by Tom brokaw and I'm already loving it. Picking it up was a stretch for me because I don't normally read non-fiction. He writes about our grandparents generation and how tough that had it. They lived through the depression and worked so hard but remembered what was really important, and never seemed to complain.

    On another note, don't put sweet Janey to bed with a blanket! I have an awful story that I won't tell. It hit really close to home for me and I never used a blanket with my youngest two. When they were tiny I used sleep sacks. Now we use footed sleepers with a onesie under and they don't seem to get cold.

    Reply
  11. Ruth says

    March 9, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    That's funny, deleting your 2013 reading list. As if anyone could read everything on a list made early in the year! What about all the great books you haven't heard of yet? Better to just read the Next book.

    Reply
  12. Unknown says

    March 9, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    I've never commented on here before, but I absolutely love your down to earth way of sharing your life. Two things…I also love Maeve Binchy and read her last book (plus all the rest). I will miss her. And,I am so glad to see Janie sleeping on her tummy!

    Reply
  13. Shawna says

    March 9, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    I hear ya!! I get over-zealous in my endeavors at times too…I have to remind myself it's okay to cut things back to a doable proportion and make a NEW to-do list!! One that is actually gonna make me feel productive,not lacking! And yes, Ruby is a precious name~my bff named her first baby that and I looove it!!! They are so precious in their little conversation and very attentive!! LOL!!

    Reply
  14. Carolyn says

    March 9, 2013 at 6:57 pm

    I'm all for pitching lists if they weigh you down, but you MUST still read, Edenbrooke. . . sometime, when you want to immerse yourself in a fabulous love story. My daughter read it, then I did, and now my mom can't put it down. It'll just make you happy when you're done.

    Reply
  15. Tiffany says

    March 10, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    I go through times when to-do lists are really motivating for me and other times when they are just too much. When I am overwhelmed, I like to make "done" lists instead of "to do lists". I am always amazed what I do in a day.

    http://www.raisinglemons.com/parenting/done-not-to-do/

    Reply
  16. S says

    March 10, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    Love Marge Binchey – read her last one last week and treasured it even if it wasn't as up to par as previous ones. LOVED Me Before You – read it very quickly. Love the air traffic controller analogy with dinner – so true!!

    Reply
  17. Jacelyn says

    March 10, 2013 at 10:26 pm

    I was pleasantly surprised to read that Maeve Binchy made it to your blog. A couple of weeks ago I realized she passed away last year, and it saddened me. My mom introduced me to her books nearly 20 years ago. My mom passed away a few years later, and Maeve's books were a comforting tie to my mom. I even named my daughter, who will be 2 soon, Maeve, because it is pretty and it reminds me of my mom. Thanks, again, for another beautiful post.

    Reply
  18. Sarah says

    March 11, 2013 at 6:24 pm

    I'm in a rather overblown period of anxiety at the moment made worse by my over-ambitious to-do lists. I've done all those things: tossed the whole darn thing, or crossed off all but the bare minimum. Life with many kids can be overwhelming and you have to just find ways to make it work and to stay relatively calm. ๐Ÿ™‚ Flexibility is the name of the game, even with one's self. I'm glad you tell it the way it is.

    I'm just like Tiffany above. Sometimes the lists are awesome and helpful, others they're so very triggering and hateful. ๐Ÿ™‚ I like your idea, Tiffany, of making "done" lists. It shifts the perspective a bit

    BTW, Sarah, I really loved your letter to your children. You did a hard thing when you wrote all of those "controversial" things in there. For me, they were no-brainers–simple truths springing from conviction and common sense and decency, and I'm glad you had the courage to publish them.

    Reply
  19. katandemme says

    March 11, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    The babies are too cute, love both names, Ruby and Janey.

    Also, speaking from experience here :), the goldfish will keep dying unless you put them in a tank with an air pump.

    Reply
  20. Suzanne says

    March 11, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    Hi Sarah, hope you're well. Hi, Lizzy P, too! My dirty little secret about lists is that every once in a while when I'm feeling down, I put on the no-brainer things that I've already done! Boy does that make me feel better!! Take care…

    Reply
  21. Jennywren says

    March 11, 2013 at 9:38 pm

    I have to say I'm a little relieved to hear that you havent' read all of those books in 2013! I thought you added each after you finished it and was stunned by how many were on there ๐Ÿ™‚ I do love the list and have gotten some wonderful recommendations that I've truly enjoyed. I'll hit your old lists when I'm needing some ideas and will try this author. I haven't heard of her.

    Reply
  22. Erica says

    March 13, 2013 at 12:16 am

    Although I love a good list (since it makes me feel like I'm organized, with a plan), it's true that it's so important to just throw those lists in the garbage sometimes. When I'm really feeling overwhelmed by motherhood I just sit back, stop doing everything that I had planned for the day and just sit on the floor and play with my 2yr old (and cuddle my 5month old). Busy can be good, but you're right that slowing down is just as important.

    Erica
    http://www.beautifullifemadeeasy.blogspot.ca

    Reply
  23. Melissa says

    March 14, 2013 at 3:19 am

    I love Maeve Binchy! I haven't read this one yet so I'll be sure to give it a try next time I'm at the library. I just wanted to say I really enjoy your blog. It is just so down to earth but quite lovely at at the same time. Keep it up!
    Melissa
    http://houseonhalifax.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  24. Designer Jules says

    March 17, 2013 at 9:01 pm

    I just started reading your blog and love it. I use to row well I was the coxswain but same thing. I love hearing about people that do! To do lists are a love of mine but I only have two kids so maybe the lists will have to stop when I have more.

    Reply
  25. Kylie says

    April 26, 2013 at 2:53 am

    I am finally catching up on my favourite blogs after our 2 new arrivals in November. And I find out my favourite author is no longer with us through this entry. How very sad, I had hoped for more books as well.
    Janey is gorgeous too, it's great to read about another new baby ๐Ÿ™‚

    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.
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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