He's a pirate! Oh wait, he's an astronaut! Uh, wait again, he's a football player!

Every morning at 7am Parker's stoplight alarm clock changes from red to green, giving him “the green light” to get out of bed.  He springs out of bed and begins his first morning routine, which is putting on some sort of costume.  At any time of the day he could be a pirate, police officer, fireman, astronaut, football player, chef, construction worker or a combination of the above; sometimes he’s a football player/construction worker, or a fireman/pirate. 

After dressing himself in some flavor of costume, he packs his backpack with whatever costume he’s feeling a second connection with but cannot wear, gathers up his entourage of stuffed animals, and heads out, ready to start his day.  He then barrels down the hallway bumping the walls with a pirate sword or football helmet, enters our bedroom, arms brimming with stuffed animals and costume props, and I think “How can a 4 year old need so much STUFF?”!  This is what he tells me when I ask: “Mommy, I NEED my fire boots, and measuring spoons, in case anything comes up.”  I find myself wanting to go clean the fridge, or clean out my purse – just the sight of all of his “stuff” makes me want to simplify my life.  It’s like watching the show “Hoarders” makes you want to go in your closet and get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in a year, or go out to the garage and purge. 

I used to be like my son.  I carried a purse, before kids, chock full of everything I “might” need.  I thought that I might need a Band-Aid, or a sewing kit while I’m out.  If anyone needed Advil or hand sanitizer, they knew where to find it – in my purse.  Today, things are different.  The older I get, the simpler I want my life to be.  But is a simple life an oxymoron when you have kids?  Even if it’s unattainable, I strive for a simpler life nonetheless.  I find myself making more lists, doing more meal planning, putting every detail of every day into my calendar so that I feel organized.  When I leave the house without kids, as seldom as that is, I bring my wallet and phone.  I feel naked without my “stuff,” but it also feels liberating.  I often need reminding to do more things like, leave the kitchen sink at home when running to 7-11.  I can only hope to face everyday with ease and calm, and maybe working on simplifying the little things is the answer.  I can dream, can’t I?!