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Home ยป Blog ยป Ordinary Days

Ordinary Days

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane, Ordinary Days

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It really needs to stop raining!  I love a good summer thunderstorm, sometimes those days where it is rainy and cloudy are welcomed here, but our backyard has been a swamp all summer long (the mosquito’s are wicked awful) and although the rain makes for green grass and beautiful flowers, it hasn’t really felt like summer at all.  And the poor farmer’s fields all around us-I feel funny complaining about it when their livelihood depends on this rain stopping!

(photo credit to my Matthew)

School supplies are in the stores, and although it made me feel ill (really it did) and I had to replenish a few things, and I just love when crayons and markers are under $1.  I can’t resist.

We make these every week.  Matt has taken over the responsibility.

This plant was lush and thriving at one time, but obviously the attack of the Sahara, Woodland, and Desert animals all at once left it quite diminished.

We enjoyed our family reunion earlier this month.  

My grandparents lived here as long as I knew them, and raised nine children (the oldest is my mother.) 

These are many of the great-grandchildren on their front porch (which has thankfully stayed in the family).  I think there are 58 and two on the way now, from the forty-four grandchildren those nine children had.

I have been contemplating so much since the reunion. Mainly sentimental thoughts, along the line of how things change so quickly, how the culture unknowingly can push and pull us along.  Change is inevitable I know, but I wonder if in our busy daily life here in 2015 we can recognize the cost of not resisting some of it.  I think of my grandmother raising nine kids, my mom remembers some really tight times, and what “tight times” meant back then and what it means now and how different those two are, and how we don’t really want to admit that.  I am thinking of the value placed on material goods, versus relationships, or family life, and how that effects the choices we make.  I had a conversation with a friend about how busy parenting just a few kids is now-if we let it be, and we have let it be, can we always choose otherwise?   Half of it self-inflicted, some of it there is no getting around, it is what it is, we conform.  

I came to no profound conclusions or even a peace about it all, but I know that my life is rich because of this family, because tremendous value is placed on family life, and the love and care of children.  I am so grateful-for my unchanging Catholic faith that I was born and formed with, and I treasure it and respect it deeply.

I do know that family is the backbone of society, and if we don’t treasure it and respect it also, and support and sacrifice for it, there is nothing that can take its place and the first to suffer is the weak, the innocent, and the dependent (all those little faces above).

Once strong family life disappears, I can’t see it coming back, because brokenness has a way of repeating itself in generation after generation-there will be no structure for support, and that structure needs sufficient strength-the strength that comes from strong sure values based in faith, based in strong close loving marriages, based in aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents supporting and teaching and guiding and loving. That strength needs to be unwavering among the times and trends that come and go.  There is no replacement for family, history has proved it, our present times are proving it now.

When families are strong, they help not only the weak and struggling and sick and hurting in their own families, because this is life-we are all going to be those things at some time in our lives, and will need the mending and consoling and building back up offered to us-they also have the time and resources to spend it on service to others. That is what I see as a core underlying current in this family I am proud to call my own-service to our spouse, our children, each other but also service to country, service to community, service in day to day life.

I give thanks to my grandparents for that, and my parents in turn and take seriously passing on this legacy to my children.  I try to remember to pray daily for the strength to do so.

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July 17, 2015 ยท 18 Comments

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  1. luvnmy10 says

    July 17, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    The power of a God fearing mother and father and their love for their children is what carries society. Like you, I'm so grateful for those who came before me and led the way. Great post!

    Reply
  2. Susan says

    July 17, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    Sarah, I can't tell you how happy I am to see you blogging again – and for allowing us to leave comments. Your sentiments ring true in my heart. I come from a big, loving family and my children love being a part of it. If given the choice, they would choose being with their aunt/uncles and cousins before friends. I feel so blessed to be a part of my family. Thanks again for blogging!!

    Reply
  3. Margaret says

    July 17, 2015 at 1:25 pm

    What a beautiful family. I'm sure you all enjoy those reunions. I wish my large family had had regular reunions thru the years, I miss my cousins.

    And, tell Matthew that is a great picture he took. I love those raindrops.

    And, as Susan said, I am glad you are blogging again. Even though my kids are grown, I still find inspiration from your posts and sometimes share them with the younger generation.

    Reply
  4. Billie Jo says

    July 17, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    Sarah, I am a long time reader.
    So happy to see you here. : )
    I share your love of our common vocation…mothering, and am always inspired by your devotion to your family.
    Have a cozy weekend!

    Reply
  5. Carolyn says

    July 17, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    As today is my 28th anniversary, I echo strongly your words in support of the family. I am also concerned about the future for the children of the world, those who need strong families the most. I'm grateful to find other good women who value good families as much as I do. Thank you for your thoughtful words.

    Reply
  6. Patty says

    July 17, 2015 at 6:51 pm

    Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your thoughts.

    Reply
  7. Kelly says

    July 17, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    I just have to tell you how much i love your blog. I keep a little notebook full of inspiring, thought provoking quotes and so many of them come from you! I wish we were neighbors. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  8. Christine says

    July 17, 2015 at 8:11 pm

    Beautifully said. Family is so important.

    Reply
  9. Razzle Dazzle Quilter says

    July 17, 2015 at 10:18 pm

    Your chocolate chip cookies are the best!
    You're so right about family too!

    Reply
  10. Unknown says

    July 17, 2015 at 10:33 pm

    I'm a mom of 3 young children and I stay at home with them. We make sacrifices everyday for me to do so. I cannot thank you enough for blogging again and being a voice for family and "old fashioned" parenting. So often I feel alone in our families quest to keep life simple and focused on the family. Amidst the cultural "pull" to get dragged along in – I often feel sort of left out. Thank you for your words and this community that has formed to let me realize there are many of us out there!

    Reply
  11. Angela says

    July 17, 2015 at 11:43 pm

    Sarah, from the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for blogging again. I often find myself going down that rabbit hole of reading blogs or websites that leave me feeling inadequate. It is such a reoccurring theme that buying more stuff and having a fuller calendar will bring happiness. I know the opposite is true and it is such a blessing to come here and read your words. Please keep sharing your heart with us!

    Reply
  12. Rach says

    July 18, 2015 at 5:55 am

    Thank you…it's so refreshing to hear women such as yourself in support of strong families and how important it is to our society. Thank you.

    Reply
  13. MaurLo says

    July 20, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    Thank you for sharing your words. I am so inspired by them. I always feel like cheering from my chair as I read, and then get up ready to live better and find more joy in my opportunity right now to build a family.

    Reply
  14. Sleen says

    July 21, 2015 at 11:34 am

    Sarah, I applaud your honesty in this post. I am cheering here, from by bed as I recover from one of the hardest things I've ever done (the clinical trial for cancer research). As hard as that 24-day hospital stay was, it did not compare to losing our first baby when I was 24-weeks pregnant w/our first child. Because of the Catholic faith that was passed on to me by my parents and grandparents, I was able to draw on the Truths I was taught, and not slip into despair as I struggled to survive each of these life-changing events (one occurred 1993; the other just recently). We have been given a tremendous gift in our faith. When my story is written I hope to describe all the ways the Communion of Saints, the sacraments, the sacramentals (crucifix, oil of the sick, etc.) helped me in ways big and small to survive and thrive. Keep sharing your perpective–you are shining a light in a world that so desperately needs it.

    Reply
  15. Maiden Jane says

    July 21, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    What an amazing family and clearly their legacy lives on. Such an important message you share about the family.

    Reply
  16. Shelby says

    July 23, 2015 at 1:33 pm

    I completely agree with you in regards to family. My husband and I are raising five children and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't want to hug myself and think how lucky we are! I love being a Mom and parenting is a great joy in my life. Sure there are hard days but there are so many rewards. Your views on family and parenting are just one of the many reasons that I enjoy reading your blog. It's a refreshing place to come in a world that always seems to miss the mark when it comes to families.

    Reply
  17. Evaly says

    July 25, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    I love every time you blog! This is beautiful.

    Reply
  18. Traci says

    August 1, 2015 at 4:59 am

    So happy to be reading your inspiring words again Sarah. I'm gonna make those cookies tomorrow. We make chocolate chip cookies weekly around here too 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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