Downsizing, Minimizing, De-Cluttering, De-Junking, etc.

So far this month I've gotten rid of 145 things. Actually it's more than that, but I didn't list every single piece of paper, and I didn't list every pair of socks and each t-shirt I cut up for rags. But I feel good about getting rid of those things, and without looking at the list, I can't even remember what they all were. That's how excess they were.

Of course, there are still a million (not much of an exaggeration) to go. And this exercise is like peeling a huge onion, finishing a layer simply reveals another. However, having been through my sister's and then my mother's death, I'm determined not to leave my children a mess to go through. I can just hear the laughs and sighs and the complete bewilderment: "Why did she save this?"

I'll just press forward and make weekly trips to the thrift store to donate all the usable stuff for someone else to buy and enjoy. I'm tired of feeling confined by my clutter. I truly want to feel free and light. It's not easy to overcome "keeper" habits. If you know of any good sites that encourage and applaud, please share them.

Wait, is it January already?

I'm still alive. I wish I had one of those devices that Hermione had in one of the Harry Potter movies that allowed her to be in two places at the same time or whatever.

In October I was asked to serve as the President of our church's womens organization, the Relief Society. Those who know what that means know why I haven't been blogging lately.

News: Topdad is having some procedures to ease the pain of his arthritic knees, hoping to put off have total knee replacements for a while longer. School is going well and he is happy with his classes. Noble is in Texas for her tech school before heading for Korea. PW finished his first semester at school in Utah, is now working fulltime and transferring to BYU-Idaho in the spring. JET has joined the USMC and will be leaving for Basic Training in March. We weren't planning on any vacations this summer, but how can we pass up an opportunity to attend a Marine Corps event! Dr. Hair and Dandylion have been sick; Dandy the worst of all. When all my home remedies failed to get him better we took him in and he is getting well on some antibiotics.

Nothing much new on the homemaking front; I'm participating in a decluttering challenge over at Nourishing Minimalism, 2,013 in 2013. It is helping to focus on taking action instead of procrastinating removal of "thing, stuff and junk" from the house and my life.

My frugality these days consists of being mindful of preparing food and using it up, not wasting it. Someday I'll share some ideas.

One thing I wanted to share but can't do more photos yet is the great fabric gift bags I made for Christmas. I'm never going to use paper again. We loved them!

I take just enough time to read my favorite blogs and some news online, answer my emails and that's about it these days. Things in Relief Society are settling into a routine so my hopes are high that I'll be able to get back to blogging regularly, but who knows. Thanks for reading!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Things got better, with just a few more hiccoughs. But then, as my older sister D said "This IS normal." So here we are at Christmas Eve. Noble and JET are with us, PW is out in Utah working so he can have enough to pay for the next semester of school. I spent this morning baking cookies, and then we all piled in the Suburban and spent the afternoon delivering them to the far flung members of our branch (congregation). We got home late, the ham was well-done, I hurriedly fixed the potato casserole (partially prepared this morning) and the green bean casserole, Noble prepared a fruit salad and an hour later we sat down to eat. It all tasted SOOOOOO good. Then we cleaned up and did the dishes so we can get up to a clean kitchen. Watching "Mr. Kruger's Christmas" came next followed by family prayer, and dispersal to various other occupations.

Now I've just finished loading the stockings (which this year are the most pathetic they've ever been), and put out the final gifts; check my mail, read a blog or two and it's off to bed for me.

May you have joy with loved ones and peace in your hearts. May God bless you with the righteous desires of your heart and strength to endure to the end.

Warning: Not an upbeat post.

Well, what else can go wrong today. I'm trying to post about my wonderful vacation to California to Noble's graduation and I'm informed, by the little gnomes who live in googleland, that my "PicassaWeb Album" (whatever that is) is full! It won't let me upload pictures. I didn't know I signed up for any kind of an album, I just want to import some pics from iphoto and it won't let me. ARGHHHHHHHH.

Earlier today while I was talking to PW in Utah I rubbed my itchy eye and then noticed I couldn't see; I'd popped out my lens and I had no idea where it went. I frantically searched and when I found it, well I found two pieces! ARGHHHHHHHHH! I bawled! Literally sobbed. I am so sick of being blind and needing lenses to begin with and then to break one and have to wear my 22 year old BC glasses (that's birth-control for those who aren't in the know, as in very ugly!) and not be able to see very well anyway is more than I can deal with right now. And it's right before Christmas and this wasn't anywhere on my list of things to do or buy. I ordered a new lens anyway because I'm feeling fat and frumpy as it is, I'm not wearing those emergency glasses any longer than I have to. I have a new prescription, but was waiting until the new year to get new glasses, you know, after the trip to California and after Christmas. Deep breath, think calm thoughts. . . .

When I went to make breakfast today I found that Somebody (Dandylion, it turns out) had taken the leftover sausage for his lunch so it was not there when I wanted to use it as part of the breakfast today. ARGHHHHHHHH! What is wrong with these guys, can't they read my mind and know what I'm going to need? So I had to improvise, again.

The weather is cold and gloomy and I'm ready to crawl in my cave and hibernate until spring like any respectable Mama Bear. And the forecast for this weekend has me thinking of thermal undies and fur coats. Sunday's high is supposed to be 31 and the low 13. Well doesn't that sound just lovely!

Anyway, when I figure out how to get some pictures up I'll write about my absolutely wonderful 8 day vacation in California; where the weather was sunny and warm, and there were flowers everywhere and about just how much fun I had with Noble.

Until then, I'm headed for my cave.

Good News from California

Noble just called to tell me she passed her last test!!!! She is finished with her grueling language training and now will officially graduate and move on to her technical training in Texas, then on to a two year tour in Korea.

We are so grateful for all the blessings from God to enable her to learn the language and pass the tests. He truly has guided her life and been with her the whole way. Praises to Him for His goodness and mercy.

I get to be with her tomorrow! and then for a whole week; we have plans for lots of girl fun.

Happy Thanksgiving, again.