It's all about Debt & Clutter Detox

So...we have decided to bite the bullet and pay off all of our debts. This includes a major downsizing. My Mother-In-Law has been so kind to let us move in with her so we can pay off all the debt in 1 year instead of 5. Although it may not be easy, we are greatful for the opportunity and are determined to hold our head high and escape this debt prison. Since we still have 5 more weeks until our lease is up here so we are packing the right way. That is totally go through everything and only keep the necessary items or keepsakes. I am from a family of clutterers so the word "keepsake" can have many meanings. I have to mentally look at each item and ask myself a few questions. "Is this something I would replace immediately if it was lost?" "Is this something that cannot be replaced and it holds sentimental value?" Or "Should I keep this, I might need it someday?" I have found that almost everthing stuffed in a closet or drawer is in the category of the last question. Chances are...when I finally need that item, I don't know where it is so I buy a new one anyway. So you know what.......It is all gone! I am so proud of myself. You know goodwill doesn't accept all donations, and it got me thinking....if Goodwill won't take it, why in the world am I hanging on to it for? I just finished with our office and it is my new favorite room. I never knew sitting in an empty room could feel so good. Who needs stuff? It is the people you love who matter the most.

School Starts a New Year for us!

It is official, I am the parent of a first grader. It is amazing how fast the time goes by. Just when I start to think that my daughter is still my little baby, she will try a new quote out for size. You would think she is learning these things from school but then I realize that Hannah Montana isn't really the best influence. Several months ago when Eric and I were talking, my precious little daughter at age 5 told me to "Build a Bridge and Get Over it." How am I supposed to react without laughing? Yesterday while I was organizing the office I said outloud (to my usually helpful daughter) that I needed a garbage bag. Hoping that I would be getting an "I'll go get one mommy!" Instead I got a "Well you've got two hands, go get one yourself!" Oh, just one little look and she was begging at my knees for forgiveness. I am not always that powerful but you know she was just trying to see if she could get away with it. Well.....she didn't.

Other than intermittant trials for independance, I would say that I feel blessed that I have it so easy. Allison is so fun loving and loves to entertain. She has the persistance and drive to do what she wants when she wants, but I just keep reminding myself that persistance is a virtue and a desired quality of an individual....atleast when they get older. I love having a child that can express her feelings so I know everything she is thinking.....we are still working on pausing to let someone else talk for once. I could complain about little ways my child tries my patience, but then I realize that all the little things are the things I will remember the most and I am thankful for every one of them.