Too Long for a Status Update

Between the fighting, crying, whining, and blaming, I hit a metaphorical wall. I wanted to turn on a movie and silence their little mouths. A nice screen trance would settle the tumultuous waters. Instead, I sent everyone to their bedrooms until I give the word.
We have to deal with rather than anesthetizing tension with TV or video games. It's easier to bypass relational snags with a convenient distraction, forfeiting the chance to improve problem solving and listening skills. I don't want my kids to be more comfortable interacting with a computer screen than a human being. We stay the course until we've resolved an issue, not allowing “Phineas & Ferb” to fill the space Instead. This is harder and requires more time, but my kids will marry people and have bosses and children. Learning healthy relational skills is now or never.  - 7, An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker.

If we are dying of thirst, passively reading books about water quenches little; the only way to quench the parched mouth is to close the book and dip the hand into water and bring it to the lips. If we thirst, we'll have to drink.
I would have to do something. - One Thousand Gifts, A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp.

I am reading these two books together, and I think they go really well together! I did not intend it that way. I bought 7 back in June while still in BC and I read 1000 Gifts 2 years ago as part of a women’s Bible study. I had decided I wanted to reread 1000 Gifts starting October 1st, as it is Thanksgiving this month and that is what the book is about. I had finished a parenting book at the end of September and was looking to start another book and instead of waiting 3 days to start 1000 Gifts, I picked up 7. I guess they were just meant to be read, together!
Both these books come at a time where I am so done with all the excess in our lives and I am getting ready to purge more of our stuff. I have known for awhile that I need to do a fast involving food (so many health issues and feeling disconnected from God) and I am completely overwhelmed and stressed by the amount of stuff in our home - mainly clothes and toys.
Last week I went through 3 boxes of my girls old baby clothes and donated one box worth and I went through 3 black garbage bags of stuffed animals and donated one bag worth. It’s a start and I am counting it as a victory. I know I could get rid of a lot more and I should go through it all again but I am thankful for progress. I am also going through my own clothes and getting my husband to donate some of his clothes as well. I will also being going through all our DVD’s and I have gone through our bookshelves a few times in the past. It seems like every time I organize our stuff or do laundry there is something else I am throwing out or donating, and it feels good! Soon I am going to be getting rid of a lot of toys, I just need to prepare myself first lol.
I am also tired and frustrated with Facebook. It sucks away my time and energy and I rarely get off Facebook feeling happier or more joyful. Usually I am mad or sad about something in the news or feeling very discontented with life. I just need a break!