A Friend Found in a Toy

For Andy, there was Woody and Buzz Lightyear. They were his friends all through childhood. They had so many adventures together, both in make believe and when they toys came alive when alone. Bad guys were always vanquished and everyone, at day's end, would be tucked safely into their own beds. Nothing would get in the way--not the creepy kid next door, or Emperor Zerg, or Stinky Pete, or Lots of Huggin' Bear.

Yet inevitably, Andy has to grow up. The toys are put away in a chest, rarely touched. College is no place for Mr. Potato Head or a plastic dinosaur. But those memories are not easily erased. They are ones that will bring a smile to your face no matter how many years go by. That is why Andy doesn't sell them or keep them at Sunnyside Daycare....they are given to Bonnie who will cherish them for many years, just as he did. And best of all, he gets to play with them one more time upon delivery to the little cutie pie.

I bawled when I saw Toy Story 3 in the theaters. I loved it in a way that animated movies don't often achieve. It resonated with me. Some like to say they grew up along with Andy; I know I go in that category. He was moving into different faces of life when I was, yet he was also sad to fully leave childhood ways aside.

My "Woody" and "Buzz" comes in the form of my Samantha doll. It was my favorite Christmas present ever. I got her when I was eight and oh, the adventures I had with her. I often played that I was her mommy and we had tea parties together. I was a doctor who doctored her extreme ailments and brought her to work with me. When my Bitty Baby joined the crew, Samantha became a big sister....and she was a very good one.

It was around age fourteen and fifteen that I ceased playing with her. I definitely had gotten too old for those things--plus I had homework ;-) But I didn't have the heart to put her away in the attic or in a box. She still sits on a shelf, slightly dusty, but a constant reminder of my childhood. Maybe a reminder to always keep a childlike faith and yet grow and mature at the same time---instead of becoming more of a cynic. All I know is that while I don't change Samantha's clothes anymore, I will be like Andy (whose first intentions were to put the toys in the attic); I plan on keeping Samantha for that day when, Lord willing, I have a daughter of my own.

She will have her own adventures with Samantha, just like Bonnie will undoubtedly have different adventures than Andy have. But regardless, our toys will always be our friends.

You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
You just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you've got a friend in me
Yeah, you've got a friend in me

--Randy Newman--

So thank you, Samantha. Thanks for the memories......and thank you, Pixar, for helping me relive them every single time.

Remembering my Childhood

I don't know why, but I have been thinking back to my childhood lately. I recognize that not everybody has beautiful memories of their growing up days, so I count it a huge blessing from the Lord that I do. Of course, there are some negative ones in there, but now that I am years removed, I can even laugh at those and realize that they had a purpose.

**From a very young age, church plays a huge role in what I remember. Certain pastors from my days in living in Florida hold a very dear place in my heart; one of them will always be considered my childhood pastor (whereas two others are family friends =D) I remember singing in the choir; doing hand motions for children's church. I bet you could drop me somewhere and I would know my way around.

**As the holidays approach, I remember what it was like to spend holidays with family. My mom's family is out West, so I never really spent Thanksgiving/Christmas/Birthdays with them....but with Dad's parents, my Nana and PopPop, that is a different story. Nana always cooked a big Thanksgiving dinner; it was my job to set the table every year. I think I will still do it for old times sake, although I might ask for my cooking jobs next time we are together. Nana made things like eclairs, Easter bread, waffle cookies...my mouth is watering with just thinking about the flavors I grew up eating.

**I remember past vacations. The time at Family Camp when I stuck a bead up my nose (I was six when I did it ;) 1996 will go down in my memory as the best family vacation we went on. When Dad would have to go on business trips, we would sometimes tag along...and I remember staying in pretty much the same hotel every time.

**I remember past friends. I don't have any of them anymore, but they certainly brought joy to me when they were around. Now, there are memories I equate with childhood friends that aren't the greatest (like the girl who teased me about certain boys or the girl who hated my guts at school because of my grades.....) but I don't mind that I knew them; it gives me something to talk about. And of course, I remember the guys I had crushes on =D

Perhaps y'all might think me weird, doing a post on the past. But I want y'all to do something for me. Just remember--the things that brought a smile to a face when you were a kid (like for me, getting my Samantha doll for 1998 Christmas), the vacations you went on, the people you met.....and my guess is that it will make for a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Processing

It's hard to believe, but I have been home for a week now--well, actually, I was getting ready to fly home at this time last week. I don't know where the week flew to. It seems like just yesterday I was saying good-bye to the entire Gorecki family, weeping as I said good-bye to Meghan and Sara, getting lunch at Panera Bread right before my flight--but in all actuality, I haven't seen them in seven days. I have instead found myself surrounded by my loving family; I have been catching up on all that I have missed.

However, my thoughts are still swirling in my head as it relates to my trip. Now don't get me wrong: I am not trying to determine if I had a good time or a bad time--I cannot imagine having a bad time in Pittsburgh. But I learned so much, and honestly, I didn't expect to learn anything on vacation; I just expected to have fun.

Yet I have grown a lot since I left home three weeks ago. While I am still nervous about flying, and probably always will be, I don't know how scared I am of it anymore. I have seen the type of church that my heart and spirit longs for. I have discovered that areas of my spiritual life still need improvement. I know what it is like to once again be surrounded with like-minded fellowship. And I have been reminded, like I needed a reminder, that I am a young woman whose desires and dreams don't take a vacation =)

My trip to Pittsburgh was totally God-orchestrated. My coming home was God-orchestrated. And the things He wants me to take from my time there (and I can't help but feel there are many) will be God-orchestrated too. Bear with me as I make sense of it all.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pittsburgh Itself

Big cities are something that I do not get to "explore" all that often. After all, where I live, tall buildings aren't exactly "the thing." So, yesterday, Mr. Gorecki took Meghan, Sara, and myself all around town. I greatly appreciate his willingness to show off his city.



First stop was the Point, which is where the three rivers (Allegheny, Monongahela, and the Ohio) come together. Mom remembers that was where the old stadium for the Pittsburgh Pirates used to be. It was also where Fort Pitt stood.





The tunnel that we went through to get into the city.


The point had a fountain....which apparently gives off more water. But like with every city, something is being worked on.

The three girls
A riverboat. My Bub (Mom's maternal grandfather) used to pilot these.
I think this is pretty self explanatory. But if it isn't.....it marks the exact site where Fort Pitt once stood. All that is left is the Block House, which I went inside by the way
Heinz Field....that's where the Steelers play.

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Not exactly in chronological order, but anyway.........There was a stop in between these next pictures. We went to the top of Mt. Washington by taking the incline. It is hard to describe--it was a car on a cable and....yeah, it involves heights and motion =)

Can you tell I was just a little freaked out =)

Sara took this picture out of the window. Me, I was more nervous, so I wouldn't look.

The view from the top
I can't tell you which bridge and river this is....because I don't know myself.

I am so proud of this picture. I took the panorama....ALL BY MYSELF!!

More views from the top

Again, the three girls at the top

Meghan and myself

Just me =)

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In between going to Mt. Washington and at the Point, we went to Station Square. It is a shopping mall of sorts in an old train station.

Now, some funny photos.

Sara demanded that I get a picture of me with this guy. I think his name was Punch and it was outside of a tobacco store =)

And Sara is hilarious. I love the Dr. Seuss wig in Steelers colors. =)

What is a day without Starbucks? =)

There are a lot of memories that don't have pictures--like eating yummy turkey salad sandwiches in the parking garage, buying something for my brother, finding myself a political mug that I just had to get (and then kicking myself that I didn't get another one for my dear sister, Jen), and so many other things.......but I hope you get the gist of everything. It was definitely an experience I won't soon forget.

Taking A Trip Down Mom's Memory Lane

Perhaps your childhood has been a lot like mine. You have grown up hearing stories about your Mom and Dad's homes, their schools, their churches, etc. Well, being in Pittsburgh, I have had the opportunity to explore my mom's old haunts, as she grew up here for fifteen years.

Sadly, we were not able to make the trip together (one day!) But Mom made me a list of places that I must go to and I thought I would post them on the blog. If no one but Mom enjoys them, I am fine with that.

It so happened that the day I was scheduled to go to Pleasant Hills, it was pouring down rain! =( So a lot of my pictures were spent being like a jack in the box.

See.....I took a few pictures through the sun roof.

Here is the church where some of my grandparents went....well, the sign of it =)

Here is the church. (Sorry that Mrs. Goecki's head is in the way, Mom =)


McClellan Drive....my Mom's Elementary school was on this street.

Has this sign changed at all Mom since you went there?

Because I am sure the school itself has

I am disappointed that I couldn't get a picture of this sign better. If I had been paying attention on the way into Pleasant Hills, I would have gotten a much better picture of "Jefferson Memorial Cemetery" (since I was on the right side of the street earlier =) Anyway, a lot of my relatives are buried there. Some day, I hope Mom will show me where they are buried.

129 Green Drive. My Mom's paternal grandparents lived in this house.

142 Marshall Circle. My Mom's maternal grandparents lived there. I did have the time to meet and know them; they lived in Florida in their last few years....when we did.

Temona Drive.....my Mom's house was on this street!


The house number where Mom lived

The house where my precious Mother spent many years of her life.

Visiting my Mom's "homestead"


I also got to visit the place where Mom spent many happy times sledding.

The hillside. Pennsylvania has a lot of them =) It's been culture shock in a way

One of the paths

Higher up....or was the camera on zoom?

That's what it was. There was no way I was going to go "hiking" in sandals....in the rain....

But I think it would be fun someday....when I am dressed more practically.

And last but not least, the Pleasant Hills library. I remember Mom telling me about an old librarian named Mrs. Hubbs. Has it changed at all?

I hoped you enjoyed the picture tour, Mom. I want to one day take it slower....and with you.

Safely in Pittsburgh

Well, it's hard to believe, but I am now safely arrived in Pittsburgh. In fact, I have been with Meghan and her family for twenty-four hours, but I have been unable to post until now.

Details about my trip will be in a forthcoming post. I especially need to tell you about how awesome prayer really is. But I thought you would want to see pictures of Meghan's reaction before that =)


She was positively flabbergasted.....to say the least. I think her expression says it all!


By this point, she is still stunned, surprised, in shock, everything. It was definitely worth flying....I think =)

The three girls: Sara, myself, and Meghan. We're going to be roommates for the next thirteen days. I highly doubt we will get at each other's throats.

Me and Meghan. Friends that have gotten to meet at last. I hope that one day, there will be more pictures like this, but for now, this is good enough. YOu can read Mrs. Gorecki's post about it here.

Oh, and if you are curious as to why the glasses are absent--I had left my purse in the car and my glasses case was in there. I doubted people wanted pictures with me in big sunglasses....so I just took them off.

I hope you look forward to many more posts from Pittsburgh!

The Old Fades....New Things Come

"If we celebrate the years behind us, they become stepping stones of strength and joy for the years ahead."

Today is the final day of the year 2008. In the midst of getting excited for ringing in the New Year, perhaps staying up until midnight, and thinking of all that lays ahead, we can easily skip over all that the past 365 days have taught and brought us.

This quote reminds me how much I have to celebrate.

I never expected a lot of what 2008 brought to me. Those who have read my blog for a long time, or who know me very well, know that I have had many changes come in my life since this time last year. It has been quite a journey......that's putting it mildly. But you know, I wouldn't change anything for the world.

2008 found old things ending like formal education and the church we used to attend. But it also found me reaping blessings in the form of dear friendships formed, adoption papers rolling for my family, a new puppy.....

It also opened my eyes to the fact that I have still so much to learn about my Savior. I am only beginning to learn about grace, unfailing love, mercy, trust, faith, and peace. Each of these character qualities/attributes began budding even more in the fiber of my soul.

I didn't discover some answers that I would love to have answered. I had days of confusion and tears......even anger and doubt. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were, and are, stepping stones into the woman God wants me to be.

2008 was an incredible year. I hope you all can close this book and say "God, You are good. You are great. Everything was just as it should have been." By His strength and grace, I can.

"There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.~~C.S. Lewis" I say "Amen" for it was just as true about the transition from 2007 into 2008. It will be the same with 2009!

Happy New Year, everybody!

Scrapbooking

Since I am currently on break from my studies, I am finding time to do things I never get to do. For instance, Mom and I are occasionally watching movies in the middle of the day (That never happens!) I am getting to catch up on reading; I have been posting much more than I usually do. I have been able to go out into the craft room and work on my sewing, as well as another pastime.

Most girls have been scrapbooking much longer than I have been. In fact, Mom was the one doing my scrapbook. But with all the moves we have had, our things never got out of boxes. They are now, yet I thought it would be fun to take over and do things with my own personal spin. So, I have decided to work backwards--I am doing current events and will slowly get back to my early years.

If you lived near me, I would share a cup of tea (or coffee, whichever you prefer) and show you what I have done. But since that isn't possible, I will post my few pages on here. I only have a few; scrapbooking takes patience and precision and I want it to be the best it can be.

This is one of my more "earlier pages." Since the paper says "Generations and Families are Forever," I made it with pictures of family members. One is four generations of females on Mom's side. One is my family with all of Mom's family (her parents and brother) One is my family picture. One is of myself and Garrett. Another is of Garrett and I with our paternal grandparents. And the last is of Garrett and I with our cousins.

Back in 2007, Dad and I went to a Boise State football game. Well, finding paper and decals is easy. I am really happy with this page and now I have a place for the tickets. You can't see the scoreboard picture that well, but BSU did win. =)

In the pages Mom has done, she has the beginning of each school year with some of our favorite things from that year. This is 12th grade. It is pretty simply, and you cannot see the writing on this picture. But I like the color scheme--turquoise, pink, and purple.

My senior picture page. In October of 2007, Dad took my pictures--instead of spending lots of money to get someone else. These are some of my favorite ones. The pictures on the left hand page, bottom left, was my main one. But it WAS hard to decide.

And this is the final page I have done. You will remember my blogging photos of my formal dress and diploma. Well, I wanted to scrapbook it. The black, red, green, and roses make it all very classy--or elegant--or formal.

So, there you have it. What I have done. It is a fun way to spend my time. Sure, it can be time consuming and tedious, but the knowledge that I have my pictures stored for times sake makes it all worthwhile!