Our boys love everthing, even a grey rock that they find on a walk with Mama (marycay). As parents, its our job to make sure that our kids understand about the power of giving. So 3 times a year at the Kelison's home we do Spring, Summer and Fall Cleaning. We alert the boys a week before school that this will take place. It goes someting like this:

Mommy, "Hey guys, it's that time of year that we need to think about the toys we have not played with and to give to a little boy or girl toys they may not have."

Chase, "Mommy, I play with my toys everyday, so I don't think I have any to give."

Mommy, "Really Chase, hmmm, so when I speak with Santa, I can tell him that you don't need any toys this year?"

Deacon, "Chase, you want new toys right?"

Chase, "Well, yes - but I don't want to give up my toys, they are my favorite."

Deacon, "Then I will get more toys then you, since you aren't giving up any old toys, right Mommy?"

Mommy, "Maybe? ... (with a puzzle look)

Chase, "Well, how about I give up some of your old toys, Deacon?"

Deacon, "Mommy, this isn't working out."

Chase, "Ok, here is some toys, but Mommy, I will get new toys and you will let Santa know right?"

Mommy, "Of course I will.

Deacon, "High five Chase!" <clap of hands>

So, our sons go through their toys picking what they no longer want... occasionaly stopping to play or read, etc. I watch with pride, knowing how hard this may be for them, especially for Chase because he is still learning about the "giving part." Honestly, I think the hardest part for the boys was picking out the books and deciding on which ones they no longer read; and for me, the hardest part was realizing how much my boys are growing up so fast. I mentally recapture every memory I can as each toy is tossed in the "give away" box.