Simplifying

Lately life has felt anything but simple.

In fact most days I feel like I'm just trying to keep my head above water. 

I feel stretched thin. 

Like there's not enough of me to do all that needs to be done to keep a family of 6 running. smoothly. 

I've tried different ways of organizing our things and different approaches to managing the laundry.

And making a schedule, getting the kids to help, etc., etc.

And life still feels chaotic, cluttered, too full and busy and crazy.

And at times just plain overwhelming.

And for months I have been trying to put my finger on exactly what was causing this sudden feeling of stress.

(Just for the record I don't feel like it's having baby number 4.) 

It more of a feeling of always being behind. 

Like there is just too much to do and not enough time or energy to do it. 

 I think part of it has to do with the fact that we are always busy. 

too busy. 

and for a month or so I have been trying to protect our calendar, say no to things and schedule days where we are just home playing and doing stuff that needs to be done around the house.

I've also been praying and asking the Lord for wisdom and He has been teaching me a lot about just how much I need Him (which is a lot) and just how much He delights in helping me.

And then I just so happened to read this blog post/series

all while I have been reading this book (so good!) 

and it dawned on me 

we have too much stuff. 

Too many toys, too many clothes, too much stuff.

period.

We need to simplify. everything.

So that's what we are going to do. 

Toys, clothes, dishes, towels, craft supplies, meals, etc.

It's like a breath of fresh air already.