Josh and I have been having so many conversations lately about living simply and quietly, about having margin and space to sprawl and play and thrive in and out of our home...Recently he pointed out to me that our children didn't seem to be benefiting from the toys in our home...they fill up a big chest and are crammed into baskets...but what are the kids doing to really engage in play with more than a handful of these that they always pull out again and again? Should we purge most of our playthings in our upcoming move?
Our decision has been a resounding yes.
What will play with? What will we do to love on our kids and stimulate their little minds and hearts? We want to fill our home with toys that are rich and lively and fun...those that implement excellent design and intelligent play.
...Enter the Will-n-Essie's Toybrary...a lending library for toys, all in immaculate conditon and ready for you to take home. My old friend Marcia Murray developed the implementation of this idea in the States after benefiting from toybrarys overseas and she has done a smashing job! Toys are donated directly from toy manufacturers like KNEX, Lincoln Logs, Schilling and others or donated or purchased from local businesses.
One of the perks of being on the local toybrary committee is getting to fill in at our local toybrary from time to time and enjoy my community. What a peaceful and sweet time I had today, signing up memebers, welcoming little ones and helping moms and grandparents pick out toys that would be just the right fit for their families to check out. My own children enjoy the chance to check out something new at each visit and to play with something different and special. They are going to learn how to share in a whole new way...with our community! They are going to learn how to take care of what they play with in new ways as well, thinking of others and stewarding well. We are beginning to live out simplicity in such a practical way through one small change...I love this place...
Check out the website to read about the Toybrarys in Wenatchee and Philadelphia and about how to bring a Toybrary to your town! www.will-n-essies.com
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Toybrary
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3 comments:
This is thoughtful, Kristen. I learn so much from you.
Your comment on my blog was cute. We have had dates here and there in the past. We have taken mini trips to places and stayed one night without the kids, but a whole weekend . . . wow!! Currently we are at a coffee hangout (which i am confident you would love) doing our thing. I just finished crocheting a baby hat, reading a magazine and now I get to plan some homeschooling for next week. This is AWESOME!!
When do you move?
*such* a great idea. thanks for sharing.
Hi Kristen, Just found your site from my precious friend Mandy Walters. I have heard her talk about you lots while she was in wenatchee, and loved seeing pics of your kids and hearing stories of your family. thanks for sharing! we are here in colorado, and i'd love to check in from time to time. i get such encouragement from other moms who are authentically walking in Truth, as it seems you are. Take Care, Laura Parker
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