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Home ยป Blog ยป Ordinary Days

Ordinary Days

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane, Ordinary Days

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I love praying in our church when it is empty and quiet.  It is gorgeous.  They don’t make churches like this anymore-I’m not sure why.  Every little bit of it is a work of art.

Matt who is now in college-I love looking back at these photos and sending them on to the kids.  Remember who you are in that new crazy world you are living in!!!

These guys went on a ski trip with Dad and had a blast.  Next year Janey will be ready to learn and we will join them instead of miss them.  It was nice getting little photos and videos.

Abbey was a good big sister and taught them all how to snowboard (she is actually really good which is why this is funny).

I have been subbing in art class and LOVE it.  It’s so much fun but I do come home exhausted.  The kids are so so cute and most want to learn-just have a thirst for knowledge.  It’s so fun to watch.

Teachers are amazing and we should all be worshipping at their feet.  I have SO much to say about that but that is going to be a whole other post.  Basically-throw out all the tech and teach your kids to be calm and concentrate and be respectful.  But throw out the tech.  Really do it, hurl it into the attic forever.  It is hurting and damaging children’s brains immensely and there is a marked obvious difference in the kids who play video games and spend time on screens and the kids who don’t.  If there are any non-believers in that statement spend some days with kids at school.  Or just try it-try it for 6 months.  Take it out of the house and just say no, it’s gone, no more.  ALL OF IT.  

A great friend I met a long time ago through my blog has an AWESOME instagram account full of the coolest art projects-she’s been teaching for 20 something years. Some simple and not complicated to do at home.  

I bought a few new but basic art supplies for Janey and Patrick to keep then busy-I know the northern kids across the continent are going stir-crazy.

All-Media Art Paint Set by Artist s Loft (126391) 

All-Media Paint Set -$28.44

Really nice art supplies in a sturdy box.  It comes with directions for all the different types of paints, crayons and pencils.

Roll of White Paper

Construction Paper Packs

Large White Drawing Paper

Coolest Paint Markers-we love these!  If you aren’t in the mood for paint clean-up or have littles ones that make it too difficult these are the answer.

This playdoh is the best, and fun for the kids to make.  Smells so good!  Janey loves choosing the flavors at the grocery store.

Can you believe it?  My fourth child I get to teach to drive.  Actually my husband gets to teach to drive-I just can’t do it. 

 I remember trying with Abbey-I think I was pregnant, but after about 10 minutes I felt so so car sick with the starts and stops.  I can laugh about it now but I think I was pretty impatient.  We all have our strengths and that’s just not one of mine, although I can honestly say I’ve chilled immensely as the years go on.  The gift of aging I guess, along with wrinkles. ๐Ÿ™‚

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February 26, 2019 ยท 12 Comments

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  1. Sophie van Wijnen says

    February 26, 2019 at 2:19 pm

    Hi Sarah, had to chime in about the churches: here in Europe we are surrounded by original churches from the 11th century onwards. Our own congregation meets in a building from the year 1237, hard to fathom! I just love the thoughts of all those prayers, all those services, and all the sorrow and joy people took with them to those holy places. Many buildings are no longer used as a church and I am so grateful if they get some kind of occupancy that is in keeping with the original function of the building. Have to agree with you, praying in a silent, empty building is wonderful.

    Reply
  2. Christi says

    February 26, 2019 at 2:55 pm

    Don't we learn such patience as we get older and our children grow. My first just turned 16 and got his license, and I've surprised myself by actually surviving.

    How I love reading your ordinary days! xo

    Reply
  3. Kelly says

    February 26, 2019 at 5:23 pm

    My husband and I were just talking about the technology problems these days. He was listening to a podcast where someone related a story about 6 different families who were seeking help for their "out-of-control" kids who were currently on medication for ADHD. The medication wasn't working any more and they were completely at a loss of what to do next. This individual encouraged them to put a ban on all devices and gave them some other suggestions (play outside, regular bedtimes, family meals, etc.) All 6 families reported a huge change in their kids' behavior in just a few weeks time and they were all able to go off their medication.
    It is just common sense, isn't it? I could go on and on about it, but I'll just stop now ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  4. StorkWatcher says

    February 26, 2019 at 6:06 pm

    That reminds me of the church I grew up in… Ours now is more modern, but we have the same banners as the cloths for your altar… My niece and I just grabbed a recipe for homemade finger paint made from cornstarch out of a church cookbook – I saw a Kool Aid dough recipe in there too! Fun stuff. She & play board games and paint or scrapbook a lot – such wonderful down time…

    Reply
  5. Katie Dunne says

    February 26, 2019 at 7:41 pm

    Sarah – thanks for the advice on technology. My teaching experience prior to children and my mother heart tell me not to let the kids use iPads, tablets, computers, phones, etc.; however people can sure make you feel silly and make it seem as if your kids will be ill-equipped as they grow. I feel social skills, learning respect, eye contact, how to make conversation, etc is SO much more important. Thanks for reaffirming ๐Ÿ™‚ love your posts – they are a gift!!!

    Reply
  6. Susan says

    February 26, 2019 at 10:06 pm

    What a beautiful church you have, Sarah! I agree with you – I find so much comfort in my church when no one is there. I also love going into churches when I am visiting other areas of the country. I love that you are subbing in art class! It must be so nice to be in such a creative environment!!

    Reply
  7. Janice says

    February 27, 2019 at 4:23 pm

    I love your ordinary days posts! Iโ€™m curious, what do you mean by throwing all the technology out? All tv and movies too? We donโ€™t do very much but we do allow movie nights and certain quiet shows like Little Bear DVDโ€™s.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 28, 2019 at 9:54 pm

      Sorry Janice I don't mean that-I mean tablets and video games, and Iphones. We do and have done movies and PBS Kids or sports for older ones. Janey has watched every Arthur that ever existed. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  8. Ms.JayQue says

    February 27, 2019 at 5:45 pm

    Regarding technology – there is a marked difference in my preschooler's behaviour when we allow her tablet access on the weekend. She takes longer to obey and is more disagreeable. Both my husband and I have noticed it so we are working on reducing her already limited access. Thanks for these posts

    Reply
  9. Liz says

    February 28, 2019 at 3:02 am

    My world always becomes more focused on days that I have a "Clover Lane" blog post email waiting in my inbox. The chatter of the outside world quiets and I can feel my resolve renewing to stay the course and preserve my children's childhood. Away from distractions and illusions. I reign in my boundaries and convictions and I re-calibrate. You make the world a better place, Sarah. Continued abundant blessings to you!

    Reply
  10. Rebekah says

    February 28, 2019 at 7:37 pm

    I echo what Liz says in her comment. You are a gift to this world, Sarah.

    Reply
  11. Tara says

    March 9, 2019 at 12:37 pm

    How cool that you've been subbing in school! I teach 4th grade (after 13 years home) and of course I loved what you said about teachers ๐Ÿ™‚ You would make a wonderful teacher because you are so wise about children! Those kids are lucky to have you in art class! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Funny, because I just posted something this week about getting rid of technology! (after having 23 parent/teacher conferences)
    Have a great day!

    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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