Possessions & Another DC Trip

This move has led to us doing some serious decluttering. For the past several weeks, we have spent a lot of time going through our belongings. This has led me to a couple of conclusions. First, we have way too much stuff. Second, the stuff does not bring happiness. Things that we just had to have, in reality have a very short shelf-life. It is surprisingly easy to sell and give stuff away and it is nice to look around and see fewer things. The process kind of stinks, but the end result is pretty nice. We still have a long way to go, but I am finally seeing definite progress.

But, wait! Bonus! There is a third conclusion--we are saving a lot of money. And, there is a nice freedom that comes from knowing that you are not going to buy anything that is nonessential. No "stuff" has entered our house in over a month and I LOVE IT! I haven't made a single Target run. Yes, you read that right, I haven't browsed at Target in about 6 weeks. In fact, I think I have only been to Target once. For my weekly shopping, I have been using Walmart's pick-up service and I totally love it. It is the greatest thing ever. I am not exaggerating when I say it is a game changer. I am saving so much time and money (the money is saved because I am not buying non-essentials as I browse looking for the items on my list. Plus I can easily compare items and prices on their website). Love, love, love!

So, we have been saving lots of time and lots of money and in our spare time, we are decluttering. It is a work in progress, but we're getting there and the process has been a learning experience. I am hoping I can carry this over beyond the move. I would love to reach the point where I don't buy anything I don't truly need, but I am not sure that is realistic and I am also pretty sure my family would not be on board. I have visions of experiences for gifts and no presents under the tree. But, again, likely not realistic.

In other news, Jack made the Math Team. He is very excited. Anna had quit the Math Club several weeks ago so she was out of the running. There is so much to fight about, we decided it was not worth the battle and let her make the decision. The Fourth Grade team has not been announced, but we shall see for Kara. (note, between starting and finishing my blog we learned that Kara made the team as an alternate)

We went back to DC a couple of weeks ago. We started with the Air and Space Museum and saw the IMAX movie "Carrier". It actually made me feel a little motion sick, but it was good and I am glad we saw it. The kids all really enjoyed it, Luke kept exclaiming, "this is so cool!"  From there, we went to the National Archives. It was the first time we've gone and not had to wait in any line. We were able to browse the documents and it was a pretty cool experience. We ended with the Museum of Natural History. It was a good day, the kind of day that makes me feel sad to leave it all behind.

Kara on the simulators

Obligatory photo with the Capitol in the background

And in final catch-up, we went to the annual Spring Fling at the kids' school, although this year it was held in winter and they called it Mardi Gras something or other. But, it was the same type of event we've gone to every year. We don't go to all the school functions, but I think we have made this one every year. They have games and crafts and some snack foods. There is also a silent auction. But, since we aren't bringing anything into the house, we didn't bid on anything except "Be Principal for a Day," which we lost.