Simplicity

Simple -- having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

This is the total opposite of my life right now. Every aspect seems like a mess. I can't even get the laundry under control, nevermind anything else.

Everywhere I look, mess, clutter, chaos. This is not how I wanted life to be. This is not how life should be.

In light of this revelation I have decided to simplify. Slowly purge every area of my life until it's much more peaceful, enjoyable.

It all began with my pile of dirty laundry. You see, I never seem to be caught up with it. We constantly have piles and piles of laundry. And then something someone said to me one day came back to me. They saw one huge pile of clothing and said "I don't think we even own that many clothes." It took me years later to realize the wisdom in that. I buy way too much clothing. My kids have too many choices. I could literally go for 3 weeks and they wouldn't run out of clothes. But is this a good thing? I'm finding that living in these small quarters with 3 kids that no it isn't. Mountains upon mountains of clothing. Too much money spent, and wasted. We have so much that things often get lost and I don't realize I even own it until I stumble across it stuffed somewhere in a closet. Really is this wise?
It kills me to admit to this but I am a shopoholic. Shopping IS my drug of choice. I love it. But I've discovered that I'm buying to much, wasting money on clothing worn once or twice, and causing more stress in my life because I am by no means a great housekeeper and the piles are really getting to me.
I just went through my sons closet and all his shorts from last year still fit him. Thank you retailers for adjustable waists : ) I'm making a list and sticking to it. Or at least trying to. It's hard to think about what children really need as opposed to "this is cute lets buy it."

Here's my running list for the kids.
My son already has all of his shorts so no need for any of them.
He already has sneakers and sandals
He already has summer pj's
Just bought him a bathing suit
I figure around 7 t-shirts
3 ball caps
1 pair of sweatpant comfy shorts
1 new pair of jeans since has outgrown the 3T's that I bought 18 months ago
1 light weight sweatshirt

My oldest daughter
She has a pair of jean shorts from last yr that still fit.
She has sneakers
Just bought bathing suit
1 pair of sandals
1 pair of capri's
1 pair of khaki or brown shorts
5 t-shirts
3-5 dresses because she is all about the dresses this year.
2 pairs of pj's

My youngest daughter
Just bought a bathing suit
Has nothing else because, well she's new in town.
I personally think a baby needs slightly more then older kids as she tends to puke and poop through some clothing. : )
2-3 pairs of shorts
3-4 dresses or one piece rompers (I love a cute romper)
4-5 t-shirts
sandals
Robeez ---love me some Robeez

I am going shopping at the outlets on the 20th with a friend and I am going to attempt to behave. I'm not a person with great self control so I need to remind myself to stick to the list.

Any thoughts? Is this still too many items???