tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post4342419926976785643..comments2024-03-27T19:04:31.290-05:00Comments on The Amazing Trips: an amazing trip trick: organization (part ii) LEGO of me! (toy management)The Amazing Tripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761348688069779544noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-33400080235220926902011-05-28T17:03:52.498-05:002011-05-28T17:03:52.498-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Jacki Nesbittnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-39950756455650341382008-06-08T01:03:00.000-05:002008-06-08T01:03:00.000-05:00Absolutely NOTHING on tv and my husband has contro...Absolutely NOTHING on tv and my husband has control of the remote..zzz. Thought I'd check out your sight. I really enjoyed this post. Have been completely frustrated with the toy mess this past week! Then I remembered the crazy unbalanced neighbor who lives next to my Dad & Mom. One day she just completely lost it and threw a big pile of toys on her sidewalk in front of her house (the 4 kids were in the age range of 7 - 14) and just lit in on fire!<BR/>The thought of that makes me laugh!<BR/>Holly from MIMholly whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10330225563028611599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-91711219169216527402008-04-10T10:35:00.000-05:002008-04-10T10:35:00.000-05:00Our solution was the same as you-only we rotate in...Our solution was the same as you-only we rotate in the closets. The kids' rooms each have closets with locks at the top so that I can put toys away and they can't get into them. The rotation works wonderfully (until Grandma sends toys.)heather@it'stwinsanityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04708748834406020093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-90320889162893328522008-04-10T08:26:00.000-05:002008-04-10T08:26:00.000-05:00Found you via Swistle... and I think I'm in love....Found you via Swistle... and I think I'm in love. I have to ask, where did you get that activity table? I want one! <BR/><BR/>Also, just fyi, I have twins and a 1 year old- and I bow to you, b/c triplets is MORE than twins. ;)Marie Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03830798429713169174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-29098509002648981532008-04-09T19:00:00.000-05:002008-04-09T19:00:00.000-05:00Great, I hope you will come to Greenville and help...Great, I hope you will come to Greenville and help with my kitchen. I just brought some of the "stuff" over from Riverbend and I am swamped with extras.<BR/>MOMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-8308780177977628152008-04-09T08:10:00.000-05:002008-04-09T08:10:00.000-05:00This is great! I can't wait for the kitchen space...This is great! I can't wait for the kitchen space segment! <BR/><BR/>We definitely find that when we take toys out of circulation, J (our four year old) plays better and more independently, and is able to help put his toys away. What I'm terrible about is re-circulating them back in, but your idea of one-in-one-out works well. I could let him go "shopping for toys" (trading for toys is more like it) on a recurring basis. The truth is, J's room is jam-packed with toys, but the only ones he plays with are the dinosaurs and matchbox cars! I may just remove EVERYTHING ELSE. Then it's a matter of finding time to go through the rest to decide how I feel about keeping/donating/circulating the others.<BR/><BR/>I remember when we first got J (he's a foster son), every day after work, I came home, played with him, fed him dinner, cleaned up after dinner, got him a bath, got him to help clean up toys, put him to bed, and then cleaned up the rest of the toys and swept the dining room and living room. I can't for the life of me figure out where that time went, because I sure don't have that kind of time, organization, or energy anymore. And I'd better find that time, organization and energy again, because once my triplets are mobile- heaven help me!!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the inspiration!Ms. Perkyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06923832430040384294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-76064045573642795372008-04-08T22:40:00.000-05:002008-04-08T22:40:00.000-05:00You are a genius. :-) I have one box in the closet...You are a genius. :-) I have one box in the closet of toys, but we really need to reduce by MORE. And I never thought to use the garage and clear bins!! WE HAVE BOTH! HOORAY FOR FREE SOLUTION!<BR/><BR/>I do have a question for you, though. My kids are 6 1/2, 2 1/2 and 5 weeks. I'm having a tough time figuring out how to make the playroom functional and fun for the older two and their "big kid" toys, yet safe for our soon-to-be roaming baby. What have you done with all the toys that aren't appropriate for Henry? And how did the kids take it?<BR/><BR/>Thanks!!Mirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10043794251110130868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-81339221478303598662008-04-08T15:09:00.000-05:002008-04-08T15:09:00.000-05:00That's it, Jen. I'm throwing all this shit out to...That's it, Jen. I'm throwing all this shit out today. These kids have a ridiculous amount of toys and it's bringing ME DOWN. <BR/><BR/>BUH BYE TOYS!!!!Michele Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15061520456909635254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-84220741265844889852008-04-08T13:21:00.000-05:002008-04-08T13:21:00.000-05:00Okay. I think you definately have to much time on ...Okay. I think you definately have to much time on your hands! <BR/>Take it from me honey ... this is "not" normal. ;-) (Seek Counseling Fast!) <BR/><BR/>I'm still looking for the lego set from our move! Now I'm thinking that you might have it!! mmmm ;-) <BR/><BR/>Good work. Love, Marg.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-91898771989188892132008-04-08T12:58:00.000-05:002008-04-08T12:58:00.000-05:00Jen.....like mother, like daughter. I think you we...Jen.....like mother, like daughter. I think you were too young to remember how smoothly your mother ran her household in Maynard. Can you imagine raising seven children without any organizational skills?? Thinking back, she was just amazing!!!! All of the kids had "jobs". Making beds, clearing dishes, folding clothes, etc. There was a place for everything and everything in its place.You sound just like her.....good for you! <BR/>A.M.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-14772640682662803162008-04-08T12:38:00.000-05:002008-04-08T12:38:00.000-05:00You forgot the favorite toy.....the toilet brush. ...You forgot the favorite toy.....the toilet brush. Why oh why! You have given me some great pointers. I am not crazy about toys so I already do not have a ton. Even so she doesn't play with what I do have. Why have them? And the no more bin purchasing....love it, good furniture......love it. EtcShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18091295412862220683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-88103953469825911672008-04-08T09:45:00.000-05:002008-04-08T09:45:00.000-05:00Oh Jen, you are so amazing! This was a really help...Oh Jen, you are so amazing! <BR/><BR/>This was a really helpful and wonderful post. <BR/><BR/>I'm going to link to it from my blog. You really inspire me!Pannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02153295867807635375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-29880348549491102892008-04-08T09:43:00.000-05:002008-04-08T09:43:00.000-05:00Thank you! This was just the inspiration I needed!...Thank you! This was just the inspiration I needed! Especially "3) Maintain toy storage space that works well with your decor" (or maybe especially "5) Put your feet up and drink a glass of wine.")<BR/><BR/>We don't even have that many toys (and have already sorted through what we should give away), but the mess and the lack of organization have been driving me nuts! I was about to breakdown and buy some cheap, primary colored bin shelf from Target that I don't want. Now I'm going to look for something that could work in the same manner but fit our family room furniture better... maybe with baskets (I also love baskets!).<BR/><BR/>I can't wait to read more of your organization tips.<BR/><BR/>(Also, last night I dreamed of making bread with huge piles of dough. Apparently my excitement about your bread recipe is also in my sleeping worl.d I can't wait to use your recipe this weekend!)caramamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02327695885346537321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-91553626578529867752008-04-08T08:47:00.000-05:002008-04-08T08:47:00.000-05:00Boy, do I wish I had your discipline! And the abi...Boy, do I wish I had your discipline! And the ability to have a glass of wine in the evening!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-88530881801506463712008-04-08T08:32:00.000-05:002008-04-08T08:32:00.000-05:00Hi Jen!Wow...what a control freak!! It takes time...Hi Jen!<BR/><BR/>Wow...what a control freak!! <BR/><BR/>It takes time to get organized, but in the end, it really does saves so much time. You've done a great job getting all that excess stuff in order. <BR/><BR/>When my teenagers were little, I also spent quite a bit of time organizing their toys, drawers, closets, etc. Unfortunately the Pavlov's Dog Theory didn't work. Walking past their rooms today gives me heart palpitations and makes me throw up in my mouth. I want to cry when I think of the hours I spent sorting Lego's & Barbie Doll clothes into costly plastic see-thru bins. It seems none of that organizational skill left an impression on them. They think I am funny when I tell them they are like hogs living in their own slop. I am such a perfect mother - I just don't get where I went wrong in this area.<BR/><BR/>On another note - along with donating to charity, I also used to do alot of consignment with kids clothes & toys. Every cent I made, was hidden in a jar. When the kids were 4 & 6, we moved from our condo into our new house. With that stashed away money (5 yrs worth) I bought an awesome, big cedar swing set. Believe it or not, my 15 yr old daughter still swings while she talks on her cellphone. <BR/><BR/>I think I'll go sell some stuff off the kid's bedroom floors. Hmmm... what can I buy FOR <BR/>MYSELF with the earnings?!<BR/><BR/>Keep up the good work Jenna!<BR/><BR/>~Regina :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-20733687504093371702008-04-08T07:13:00.000-05:002008-04-08T07:13:00.000-05:00I use similar methods. I just don't have the stor...I use similar methods. I just don't have the storage space for things in the garage or elsewhere. I think our problem is too many BIG toys (tricycle, large firetruck with blocks, Pooh ride-on, push toy, large truck, etc.) that take up a LOT of room in a smaller house. The rotating toys idea has worked well for us too. I've just gotten lazy about it lately. Anyway, thanks for sharing your ideas. Oh, and I also agree that having things put away at night and having room to relax is essential.Mommy Daisyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02272248293460562006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-4166679281356999062008-04-08T06:51:00.000-05:002008-04-08T06:51:00.000-05:00I can't decide if I miss those days or not.Our kid...I can't decide if I miss those days or not.<BR/>Our kids are 14 and 16 and we still have, in their original boxes WITH ALL THE PIECES, all of the Fisher Price play sets they had. I remember an old aunt saying "You'll never save all those pieces..." when I told her we take inventory each evening before putting things away. But, we did it. And it is bittersweet to bring those toys out for neighbor kids to play with while they visit. And our Lego shelf is a life saver when my 10-year-old nephew visits.<BR/>Your organizational skills are so impressive.HWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09260566913424446132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-5292307440861817582008-04-08T03:45:00.000-05:002008-04-08T03:45:00.000-05:00In my experience, circulating toys leads to less b...In my experience, circulating toys leads to less buying of toys. Having something out of sight for a while, makes it "new" again when it is brought out.<BR/>Actually the daycare my sons went to have a "no toys" policy. They have:<BR/>-big wooden blocks (the kids can build around themselves)<BR/>-small wooden blocks (like kapla)<BR/>-colors (10 colors in a box, paper, scissors, tape)<BR/>-clay<BR/>-water<BR/>-playroom with big pillows and blankets etc.<BR/>Every day the kids play with/in the same stuff, and never get bored. This actually is more stimulating then all the small, specialized toys are. <BR/>The blocks, pillows, colors, clay and water (all in separate rooms/corners) are considered "open" toys that the children can use creatively.<BR/>So you'll have kids laying hardwood floors with big blocks, or making them into pizza, or building a house/birthday cake/car out of clay, or telling a story with their colors, or jumping like superman in the pillow-room with the blankets for capes.<BR/>Kids will play, toys or not.<BR/>And the adults who supervise them will be much less tired if the toys are few and simple.<BR/>Less clutter, more peace of mind and more creativity, don't you find?<BR/>Also, the smaller the toys and more complicated, the worse for the kids' posture (bending over to see the small parts).<BR/>So, yay for the playground you're assembling in your garden...<BR/>One of my sons changed daycare-centers when we moved, and is now in a conventional toy-playing center. Oh, the clutter, and glitter everywhere...<BR/>Sometimes I wonder if they are replacing staff with stuff, if they have troubles finding people to teach the kids, they go out and by more junk.<BR/>Which is probably one of the reasons why parents buy so much stuff for their kids - to make up for not spending enough time with them...<BR/>Your comrade in see-through boxes,<BR/>Gudlaug.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-80005087008802435692008-04-08T02:12:00.000-05:002008-04-08T02:12:00.000-05:00How did I know you already knew all the secrets I ...How did I know you already knew all the secrets I shared about revolving toys????? I loved every word of your post tonight. I took great pleasure in reading how you organize everything with the toys! Because I love order, I loved your blog.<BR/><BR/>I still use the rule that they have to put what they are doing away before we go out and get anything else out when children visit. (Sometimes it is a little awkward when a mother is standing there not reinforcing having her child help pick up their mess) But its my house, so my rules!<BR/><BR/>I said this before, and I am going to say it again tonight. I think you are a great mom<BR/>and the love you have for each of your children is so evident. Oh that all children would be so cherished!!<BR/><BR/>Can hardly wait to hear what you do with your kitchen. I just finished my spring organization of my kitchen--got all my spices back in abc order, etc!!<BR/><BR/>Don't work too hard!a portland grannyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13675027205217905283noreply@blogger.com