Look What The Toaster Started, And A Visit

The toaster. Our two slice toaster is a sight to behold. I dropped it once, and the plastic on the front of it got all messed up. The crumb tray was bent and wouldn't stay on, so I kept it in a little pan that happened to be the right size. Well, after reading about this new wave rising in our country called minimalism, I got inspired. The toaster, you see, while being perfectly happy with it (as it still worked) does just one thing. All it does is toast. When I use my wood cookstove, I make toast right in a pan. I actually like it better that way. And I thought "Do I really need a toaster?" It is now in a box to be pitched.  Next went the crock pot (in a give away bag). I know for some of you it is your go-to appliance and you might be thinking "Nnnoooooo! Not the crockpot! Girl, you've lost your mind!" I won't argue with you about having lost my mind, ha,ha. But for me I just never got into using it enough to make it worth the space in my kitchen. I only use it a handful of times a year, and the results aren't usually that good. Then the tea kettle went. I had bought it a few years ago at Salvation Army for $4. It is tiny and doesn't even whistle! It was easy to over fill it, causing it to spit boiling water all over the stove. I didn't need that with little ones running around. Not to mention they are hard to get clean when that mineral scale builds up on the inside. A pot works just fine, and is easy to clean, plus I use it for other cooking too. Another item I don't have to store and take care of. Then the George Foreman sandwich grill. Some extra pots I had multiples of in that particular size. I hope to eventually strip the house down to just what we need, and slowly work in a few things that we would like. I am still battling the toy monster, and maybe it is a battle never to be won, I don't know. But I don't want to give up yet. I'm on a roll, and the family is on board, so I want to keep plugging along. I will keep you updated on the progress as I go.

     Sunday we had a pleasant visit with our friends the Mumfords. It was our first get-together. The lasagna we had for lunch was delicious, Big Boy ate it right up and wanted more! I feel like I've always known Noel, the wife and mother. We have been emailing for a couple years and we run into each other out and about once in a while, but it felt like we were old friends. When we talk about struggles with little ones, she gets it. Totally gets it. And she is real. Who you see is who she is. I love that about her.
     You know how sometimes when you go to someone's house for the first time it can feel awkward? You can feel out of place, you wonder what they are thinking about your screaming kids, etc.? I truly felt at home in her home. My mind was calm, I wasn't nervous, or worried about Little Boy crying and screaming. It was so nice.
     Her children are so sweet! They made me cards and pictures, and I enjoyed the conversation with them. They loved the boys and shared their things with them. They are polite and thoughtful. The two oldest daughters especially were quite helpful and understanding of little ones. It was so refreshing to see children who were really grasping the concepts of being kind, polite, generous and thoughtful. Who are growing up learning to love one another. We all have our ugly moments, yes, but to see little ones striving to do what is right because of the love of Christ, that was wonderful. People notice how children behave, don't we? You don't have to be an adult to make a positive impact on the world around you. "Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right." Proverbs 20:11 I look forward to our next get together.

I'd better get some work done, the boys will be up soon. I hope you have a good Monday!