My name is Melissa, I am a "Hoarder."

Moms of many have to be organized.  I get this, I try this, and I keep trying at this.  Because I want and have a large family, I need to keep it all managed and working like a well-oiled machine---or at least have the machine working : )

I imagine myself to be Ellen O'Hara, the mother and gracious mistress of the O'Hara plantation in Gone With the Wind.  She keeps all in order, and tends to everyone with great sensitivity--you would have to read the book to get the vision.

My recent efforts in trying to get this machine oiled and moving smoothly are an all-over de-cluttering effort.  You can call it "stream-lining," "de-cluttering," "purging,"--it just depends on which book you have read about it lately.  I have read quite a few of them.  The methods are all the same, but it is the actual application that can be painful for me.  

I have been stealthily observing all of my "born-organized" friends for pointers.  The number one common denominator that they all share is LESS THINGS.  Amazing thought, if I have less things, there is less to stir around in my house.........

I am realizing that I am a "Hoarder."  Aaaaahhhhhh......I just don't even like to call myself that.  Let's call it---Resourceful, prepared, crafty, DIYer, etc.  But in my de-cluttering efforts, I am realizing the "hoarder" term is applicable, and I AM BEATING IT DOWN!

I have been ravaging through my clutter for a solid four weeks now.  This is different than my regular, constant, house cleaning.  This is different than my usual re-organization projects.  This time I am getting rid of things for good : )  Here is a list of some random things that have been filling my dumpsters or the goodwill bags lately  (maybe it will help someone like myself):

• Christmas cards and pictures (in an organized file, or course) from friends and family for the past 10 years!
• dozens of quart jars filled with plum sauce and grape juice and cherry something that my mom canned in '92 and gifted to me---and for those of you thinking the 90's were just yesterday, like I do--It has almost been 20 years!
• wedding announcements and pics of friends who married at least 10 years ago
• 3 1/2 floppy computer disks--dozens of them  (my computer that read these beat them out the door)
• clothing that hasn't fit after any of the past 6 babies---and not stylish enough to let out the door anymore if it did : )
• 2 of three humidifiers
• Christmas bows saved for years
• old make-up
• old toys
• old shoes
• crib bedding I made for my first child, that I have not been willing to use since, but also not willing to get rid of--I swear, the cartoon Noah's ark animals WERE cute back then.
• gallons of emergency water storage that when poured out last week smelled like DEATH
• boxes boxes and more boxes
• software disks to my past computers and printers even though I don't have them anymore
• yeast vitamins for dogs--which my dog refuses to eat
• my college essays from so many classes--like throwing away a child......
• file and files and files of teaching ideas---Thank you Google!
• old press on nails
• old medicine
• old fish tank, still have a spare for "found" creatures
• hand me down clothes---still have lots, but don't need them all!
• holy socks living in the sock basket : )
• broken closet doors 
• juice glasses that I received for my wedding, still haven't used or ever liked
• George Foreman that makes 1 hamburger--we are so past that!
• plastic containers---these are always breeding in my cupboard
• old candles that I can't stand the smell of 
• glass bread making thing-a-majig
• earrings that have been looking for their matches for quite a long time
• old toothbrushes
• size 1 diapers that won't hold anything--so I never use them
• old purses
• tape cassettes, oh so many of these
• broken lamp
• tangled curly ribbon
• old paint cans with drying out paint
• old keys to the house, locks have been changed : )
• manuals to the water heater, pool filter, stove top, etc----that existed BEFORE the remodel of this house
• old knives--just got a new set
• my broken camera
• my old computer
• my other old camera
• old camera software and peripherals
• cords to unidentifiable techno gadgets
• falling apart books
• dead watches
• leaky sippy cups
• kitchen gadgets that never get used
• mixing bowls #10, 11, 12, 13 ,14 ,15
• stretched out swim suit
• nylons
• stained clothing
• magazines and magazines and magazines
• ripped out pages of magazines with "good" ideas--thank you again Google!

This list will have to be continued later................my responsibilities are calling me!  I still have much to do, and more to de-clutter!!!!!