Simplify

Every year I read the blogs that say "pick a word for the year".  I've never really given it much thought until this year.  Those of you who know me, know that I hold on to everything that I've ever been given.  My own mother even told me that she thinks I'm a hoarder. I completely agree!! I've done a little psychology on myself and think that it stems from moving so often. It didn't matter where we were, I could still surround myself with familiar "things" even when I was surrounded by the unfamiliar.  It doesn't make it ok though. Peyton and I vowed together to simplify things in our house.  Simplify everything from the amount of toys the kids have, to dinner preparations, to our finances. I can't even begin to tell you the weight I feel I've lost just from the thought process.  It's almost like I'm living  in a computer simulated sense. I can walk into a room and see it as it will be once we  go through all of the drawers and cabinets and bins and closets.  My system needs a bit of tweaking, but with Peyton and the kids agreeing to be on this journey with me, I'm hoping to see some real progress by the end of January!! Please pray for me! I know that I will fight with myself about letting some things go, but I need to concentrate on the end product; a simplified, well balanced home. I'll try to post photos of my progress. Maybe not the before pictures(yikes), but definitely the during and after pictures!! The room I've chosen first is Riley and Caroline's. We're almost done with organizing the toys that they're keeping and have a nice donation bin started. I've rearranged their furniture and downsized from 2 twins to a daybed and mattress underneath. They now have so much room to play! Now to just keep telling myself to keep up the good work!