The Day We Were Almost Eaten by the Toys

It reads like a newspaper headline: “West Knoxville Family Narrowly Avoids Being Eaten by Toy Box.” Ok, maybe that’s a bit long for a headline, but you catch my drift.

Last week, while on a wild tear to find my wedding band {yes, still missing}, we upended the toy box.

Now, a little back story here: just over a year ago, we moved into a beautiful new home. It was quite the treat, as it nearly doubled our square footage – and added a true “play room” upstairs. I have to say that was one of my favorite parts.

Gone would be the days of tripping over toys on the way into the kitchen. The awkward stacks of puzzles and legos on the coffee table. The bookshelf in the corner, literally dripping with all things primary colored.

From here on out, the only toys that would live in our family room would be those that fit discretely into the on-trend, wicker toy chest. With a hinged lid, no less! It would look like a piece of furniture! No one would ever know we had two children. Under the age of two. HA!

The family room was the first room we “finished” and it looked beautiful. Then, about 15 seconds passed and yet again, it looked like Toys”R”Us after an earthquake.

I get it. I really do. My life, my body and my home are not my own right now. I know…I know…one day I’ll miss this. Can’t wait for that day. KIDDING! Kind of.

Ok, back to that fateful day last week. I made a commitment to myself. We WILL get the toy situation under control. Here’s what I’ve decided to do:

• Run this place like a bar. Yep, one in, one out. I will admit that having an 18-month-old and a three-year-old make it difficult on the toy front because they’re both interested in different things right now. BUT, they are also siblings, so they are really only interested in whatever the other one has right now.
• Find all the pieces. And put them in a box or a bag. If there are pieces missing, pitch or donate. This includes “doing” all the puzzles. Good luck.
• Hide some stuff. Not forever, but for now. You know the saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder”? Yep, we’re about to be on a toy rotation over here.
• Make them ask to play with some of the toys. Right now, we have all the toys right where little hands can reach them. Um, maybe not the best idea for the 200 piece building block set. Or the one million piece Lego set. Especially when the one billion pieces of play food are scattered around. This way, we can be the gatekeepers of some of the toys.
• Share your plans with the “gifters.” Now, I don’t mean a “NO GIFTS, NO HOW” rule…but let your family know that you’re really trying to keep a handle on all the “stuff.” I basically told my mom that if she brings another million-part toy, she has to sleep outside the next time she visits. Don’t worry, I know she probably won’t listen, so for her sake I’m glad our porch is covered.

So, this is what I’m doing. Well, TRYING to do! Anyone else out there have any good ideas?