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Home ยป Blog ยป Ordinary Days

Ordinary Days

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane, Ordinary Days

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My Dad celebrated his 78th birthday.  (We missed it but love this picture my niece sent.)  I think during this time (March) he was busy working on hauling in maple syrup for a friend’s farm. Yes, at 78!  The other day I went to lunch with Jeff and Janey and we had a big group of ladies next to us in their 60’s I would guess. It made me think of my parents, only because I couldn’t help but listen to their conversations about certain things-mostly health related complaining and the weather (and trust me I get it!) and lots of other trivial things and it was sort of depressing. And then I thought of my parents that week-my dad working every day on this farm, my mom has been in the past month in Australia, Vienna, Spain, LA, Chicago (and I’m sure I missed some other things) working as a Montessori consultant and teacher trainer.  She thinks nothing of doing all that at 77, navigating these travel plans, working so hard, helping others with her expertise.  I visited her for a day after Vienna and she wasn’t even tired!  I hope and pray that I follow their example to never stop serving and to live life to the fullest because they are able to.  It is quite an inspiration. 

Still swaddling all sorts of “babies”.  My toddlers all loved being wrapped up like a baby even if it only is for 2 minutes.

I was happy to pull out my brother Andy’s serving platters and use them for…

a favorite Whole30 salad. (Omit sugar in dressing.)  

I finished about 102 ‘whole30’ days and then ate a bowl of popcorn which I might do once a week. If I eat out I’m not going to be crazy about salad dressing but just choose the vinaigrette that the restaurant provides.. Other than that I stick with the plan-those are my new whole30 rules for myself. I feel too good to stop eating this way. 

Andrew had a soccer game by Isaac’s college so we were able to go visit for dinner quickly one night. Isaac had just driven back from visiting Abbey and was starving. I can always tell when Isaac is staving because he turns white and looks like he is going to destroy something. Do all guys get like this? I think maybe. He had enough for leftovers the next day.  

Abbey’s roommate posing next to a project Abbey did for a photo class.  I can’t believe her freshman year is almost over and so glad she loves where she goes and loves her major. Always a big sigh of relief for the parent.

This is what she does the entire time I work out-treats the sofa as a trampoline and jumps and jumps and jumps. 

We went for a llooonnnngggg walk on the most beautiful day-posing down by the river.

And then ended at the park. 

This was the 9th of April and I was quite ticked off. Yes, it’s pretty, but not in April. 

I feel embarrassed for not knowing how delicious plain old olive oil and vegetables roasted up could be.  This heaping bunch made 3 pans and we finished them all up. SO SO good.

Pre-exam week care package for someone. (A big chunk of banana bread will now be missing because Janey just showed me that she helped herself and I’m sure her sister won’t mind? ๐Ÿ™‚

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April 21, 2016 ยท 19 Comments

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  1. Sarah says

    April 21, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    Lovely lovely photos of your daughter! Sweet times. I'm sure you just cherish them.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      April 21, 2016 at 11:02 pm

      Thank you Sarah!

      Reply
  2. Lauralli says

    April 21, 2016 at 7:44 pm

    We call it being "hangry". They get so hungry, they are angry! ๐Ÿ™‚ But, watch out, they will likely eat anything and everything at that point!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      April 21, 2016 at 10:36 pm

      Ha, yes that's it perfectly.

      Reply
  3. Unknown says

    April 21, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    I love your Whole 30 ideas! Thank you for adding those in! I am not doing whole 30, but I did just lose 35 pounds doing something similar, and I am always on the look out for healthy, filling food. I agree with you–once you start eating more healthy options and give up the sugar, you feel so much better! I am dying to know if you lost weight and inches, too! ๐Ÿ™‚ Seven children here ages 17-almost 2, and I do understand how you said you couldn't have done this when they were younger. It's a big commitment and a lot of preparation. But I, too, was at the point of just wanting to be healthy and feel good! Good luck and love your updates! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      April 21, 2016 at 10:41 pm

      Hi Pam! I weighed myself once at the beginning and then about 5 weeks in, and I was down about 15 pounds and since then I'm sure 5 pounds more (I judge now by clothes since I hate the scale.) I would like to lose more, but I'm just invested in this way of eating for awhile and I know the last 5-10 will take a lot of time. My goal in the beginning was 30 to get me to my wedding weight (which might be completely unrealistic. ๐Ÿ™‚ I'm so glad you feel the same as I do-it's not easy but I do feel so much better-you just have to get to "that point" and then you realize it has to happen.

      Reply
  4. Teegan says

    April 22, 2016 at 1:17 am

    Hi Sarah, I've read your blog for a long time now, but I'm not sure if I've ever commented, because I don't tend to comment unless something really grabs me. Anyway, the thing that really grabs me about your posts lately is that most days it's just you and Janey at home and you seem to have a great daily routine happening with your eating and exercise and adventuring together. I will be at home with my last (who will be three by then) next year as my middle heads off to prep and I am starting to get really excited about what April and I will do with our days. I've always found I need routines for everything, because it helps me feel more in control and organised and just generally happier. I by no means stick to my routines strictly, but they are their so I don't end up feeling lost. I'm really looking forward to finding out what my new routine will be with just one at home and I'm remembering the days when it was just me and my oldest and we used to walk the neighbourhood every afternoon admiring whatever we saw along the way (we now live in the bush with no neighbours), hang washing out together early in the mornings, she'd hang out with me while I cooked, etc. Anyway, I'm just babbling, but my point is that I relate to and enjoy your blog a lot so thank you for writing.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      April 22, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      Thank you Teegan-I am the same as you-routines make me feel more in control and organizer and happier for sure-and in the first 3 years of life a baby's routine changes so much it's hard! So yes, now I feel more relaxed-and I have two less at home here also I'm sure that is a little more calming. I remember when Abbey and Isaac were little we'd walk to the park blocks away every day-I am trying to do that with Janey because I loved it so much-we do have to squish it in between more than I had to back then, but I just love it. Thanks for your comment!

      Reply
  5. Teegan says

    April 22, 2016 at 1:19 am

    Oh, and I get hangry too! It's a real thing, I'm sure!

    Reply
  6. Greg and Mary Lynn says

    April 22, 2016 at 4:17 am

    That salad looks delish – can't wait to try it! Random ? – what work out do you do in the basement? A video or circuit? I'm trying to find something convenient at home!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      April 22, 2016 at 1:40 pm

      Hi Mary Lynn-I alternate legs and arms every day but Sunday and do abs everyday. I just have this routine made up in my head which is a mix (just picking and choosing different exercises) of old old ancient tapes I used to do pre-marriage and in my 20's sometimes. The Firm is one, and Cindy Crawford is another, and then I also mix in things I've learned from Abbey or have seen on Pinterest. It's all with weights (I worked up to 15 pound dumb bells and ankle weights for floor work) and started really really slow because I could hardly do one push up or a few sit ups. Now I do 3 sets of everything…5 different squats, basic or side lunges, tons of sit-ups (300 at least with 3 different kinds), basic arm exercises, etc. When Abbey comes home from college she shows me some new things she learned in classes etc. But the biggest compliment was that I showed her my routine and she said she was sore for days! ๐Ÿ™‚ If you want I can type it all out for you-I don't mind, I did it for her! Let me know! I hate doing exercise tapes anymore, and I hate going out of my home to exercise so this works perfectly for me-it's almost relaxing…it does take me an hour at least to do because I don't rush.

      Reply
    • Sarah says

      April 23, 2016 at 3:09 am

      Sarah, I would love it if you typed up your home workout! I've been getting tired of the time it takes me to drive to and from the gym and would love to have a plan to do at home. Thanks!

      Reply
    • Greg and Mary Lynn says

      April 23, 2016 at 4:12 am

      Hi – yes, I'd love to see your work out specifics! I have a set of weights so that'd be perfect to add in. Would it be easiest to send you my email? Thank you!

      Reply
    • Sarah says

      April 23, 2016 at 3:52 pm

      I will do a post with a list of what I do!

      Reply
  7. Molly says

    April 22, 2016 at 2:42 pm

    I too am interested in reading about your specific workout routine. Thanks. Love the photos!

    Reply
  8. Maggie says

    April 22, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    I've been wading in and out of Whole30 because I know carbs make me feel like crud, and I have a problem stress eating carbs and sugar after my 1 and 3 year old go to bed. Or hiding in the kitchen and cramming Hershey kisses in my mouth after a tough morning ๐Ÿ˜‰ I know it makes me feel sluggish and crabby, and I need to find a different outlet to relieve stress. But it's nice to hear that eating healthy isn't always realistic in certain seasons of life and cut myself some slack!

    Reply
  9. Judi says

    April 22, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    Thanks to your inspirational post back in January my husband and I finished a whole30 in March. I am still off grain and sugar but added in dairy and legumes. I also am allowing myself three days a month (chosen at the beginning of the month to have something sweet). So far it is working well for me. I need to add in exercise now! A post about the specifics of your workout would be great!

    Reply
  10. Willow says

    April 22, 2016 at 4:59 pm

    I have been reading your blog for years and love your mindset and approach to raising children. This question may be a bit nosy, but I have always been curious about your marriage or at least your perspectives and practices in marriage. What do you do to keep a strong connection in your marriage? Do you feel you have the same passion, love, and purpose for being a wife to your husband as you do for being a mother to your children? Thanks for sharing on this topic if you decide to!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      April 22, 2016 at 8:13 pm

      Hi Willow-I don't know why but I feel super uncomfortable sharing about marriage. Maybe because I've found in life that every marriage is so different-what works for some is the opposite of what works for others-it's so so individual and all of it is trial/error/life. I think I've been an utter failure at times of keeping a "strong connection" (ie. after a baby has been born and I'm hanging on by a thread and am tired and crabby) and other times I think we hit our stride, so I feel like there is no way I could begin to give any advice. I absolutely feel a full partnership with my husband for OUR family together-that we both work together (I learned the lesson long long ago that there is no 50/50 in marriage! it sways and bends and gives and takes as life goes along) and thankfully we have been led by beautiful examples of committed marriages from our parents. I think every couple has to figure out what works for them-what is important to the other, what they can give and what they need, and what sensitivities are and what is important and go from there and like I said I think it's SO different for every couple.

      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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