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Home ยป Blog ยป Catching Up

Catching Up

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane, Ordinary Days

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It’s been a little too busy for me the past two months, so I am just catching up and finally really, really enjoying slower days.  I also have a renewed commitment to make no commitments to anything but my family and home life after making a few this spring that I realized would make life busier than usual.  I guess every 5 years or so I need that reminder of why I say no-because I have enough to do right here.

I love this quote so much:

“It is ok to be happy with a simple life.”

But it takes dedication to lead a simple life today-really perseverance and focus, and tons of discretion especially as mothers.  It also takes the generous use of the word ‘no’.  And it takes seeking out of like-minded friends, who also enjoy the simple life-walks, strolls to the park with littles ones, good books, shared enthusiasm for family dinners, new recipes, and most of contentment in our role as home makers, mothers, and wives.  



Enough said about that.  Here are some of our highlights of the past weeks (months?).


Lent was over and this boy was so happy-and I was so proud of both Andrew and Patrick who gave us ice cream and pop respectively.  I bought some rootbeer for Patrick to enjoy a nice big glass on Easter day and Andrew had a huge bowl of his favorite ice cream. 

Easter eggs!  That book in the back called Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cakeis hilarious and one of Janey’s favorites.

Easter morning!  So exciting!  We woke the older kids up bright and early and had a big breakfast and went to Mass, where Andrew served…

…and then out to Grandma’s for the Easter Egg hunt.  We had beautiful summer-like weather which is quite unusual.

Janey wants to play restaurant for lunch every day-she knocks at the “door” (in the family room) and I seat her and tell her the options and then give her a bill.  

Andrew was Rooster in our little school’s annual play.  He did such a great job-so funny and really enjoyed every minute of it.

Annie’s voice was incredible.  Really, it was as good as any professional Annie I’ve ever heard.  She was absolutely the star of the show.  I heard through the grapevine that she never took voice lessons and her parents didn’t even know she could sing like that.  What a nice surprise they must have had opening night.  Listening to her gave us all chills.

Matt turned 18!  Janey was just a little excited for him. ๐Ÿ™‚  One more year left of high school-we did a quick college visit to Isaac’s alma mater and it went well-can’t believe we are doing this all over again. He’s had such a great junior year with the best teachers and really loves school.  High school flies by for sure.

It is a tradition in our school for 7th and 8th graders to go through a week called Teens High On Life where they listen to inspirational speakers and learn how to be healthy and make smart choices. It ends with a 5K that they all trained for all spring.  I love this idea and this race and watching all the kids work hard and support each other.  We had terrible weather this year but they still ran in the rain and wind.

All race I was fielding texts from Matt and Isaac who were at school and work, asking how he was doing, if he was ok (did he puke? did he cry, why does he look like he’s crying in the picture-no he didn’t!).  They’ve all ran this race and tried their hardest.  I can’t help reminiscing about Andrew running cross country as a little guy and how difficult it was for him to make his legs go fast…really he just didn’t get that coordination.  Nor did he understand the concept of the race, since it took about till the season was over before he started asking why everyone was always in front of him.  It is true though-the guys and girls who have to try harder sometimes develop an awesome grit and determination and don’t fear the hard things in life or taking a chance on new things.  This is Andrew for sure.  

We are so proud of him!

Next big event:

Patrick made his First Holy Communion which is just one of my favorite events to celebrate (and I only have one more boo hoo!). He was so so nervous, he cried a couple times that day, which is extremely unusual of him.  Once the ceremony started I could tell he finally relaxed and within minutes of joining us in the pew was whispering to me how uncomfortable ties are and how hot he was in all these layers.  This is a kid who lives in t-shirts and shorts so I had to laugh and say, “Well now you know how Dad feels every day.”

We all love him so much.  

We came home and had a great family celebration.

And for the most part that was the last big to-do in our house this spring and I breathed a sigh of relief and looked at my calendar that had white space the rest of the month and cleaned my house and caught up on laundry and went to the park.  

Happy Spring!

and

Happy Mother’s Day to you all! 


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May 11, 2017 ยท 9 Comments

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  1. Lauralli says

    May 11, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    I thought of Janey the other day at Sam's when I saw guest check (order forms) pads complete with duplicate pages for the "kitchen". You should get her those! Then she could take your order and serve you! ๐Ÿ™‚ Hope you have a Happy Mother's Day!

    Reply
  2. Unknown says

    May 12, 2017 at 12:34 am

    Happy Mother's Day! I'm glad you have slow quiet days ahead. My favorite types of days. Your kiddos are all so cute and are growing so fast. Happy Spring!!

    Reply
  3. Billie Jo says

    May 12, 2017 at 2:42 am

    Hello, Sarah…
    Yes to living a simple life.
    I could not agree more.
    I love your family photo.
    The white sweater and sandals on your littlest?
    Exactly how I dress my little one.
    Happy and blessed Mother's Day!

    Reply
  4. Caitlin says

    May 12, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    I am always so excited when I see your posts, except the only children growing up faster than my own seem to be yours! Happy spring!

    Reply
  5. mmommo1 says

    May 13, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    Happy Mother's Day to the Mom of the Century!

    Reply
  6. Jill says

    May 15, 2017 at 5:08 pm

    This was timely for me. Sports seem to suck up all our free time as a family in the spring. It's hard to know what to say no to and what to continue doing even though it's hard to schedule around.

    Reply
  7. Team G says

    May 20, 2017 at 3:36 am

    I just love reading your words!! You make me think, reflect and want to do better with each read! Thank you Sarah. Much love to you and your family.

    Reply
  8. Cathy says

    May 24, 2017 at 12:36 am

    Loved reading this update. Very much agree with you….simple living is so good for the soul.
    Hugs and blessings to you.

    Reply
  9. Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista says

    May 25, 2017 at 7:13 pm

    Thank you so much for what you shared about a simple life and finding the right friends who get that. We recently moved across the country with our first baby (now 10 months) and it has been a really hard transition for me to leave our family and friends. I was getting down on myself about not fitting in to the local moms group I was attending. But then I read your post (and bookmarked to come back and tell you this!) and it was so freeing to think that it is not so much me that doesn't fit in but instead that it is about finding my people. Finding people who value a simple life (who don't want to have a play date EVERY SINGLE DAY!). So please know that this was a huge realization for me and I so appreciate your thoughts and wisdom on simplicity and parenting. Thank you!

    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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