Our Toy Story

I vividly remember watching Toy Story for the first time. The year was 1996. We were gathered with friends for Thanksgiving and the movie had recently come out on video. Sitting with our friends, our new 2-year-old, and our new baby, we watched and laughed as the adventures of Woody and Buzz unfolded. I was hooked.

A few years later, Toy Story 2 came out. Once again, I was taken in. And so were our boys. Our son, Ryan, wanted nothing more than a guitar-playing Woody. In fact, when we were desperately trying to potty-train him, we bribed him by buying him that very toy. It worked. At least for a little while. On most days he sported a cowboy hat and boots....again, his affinity for Woody was strong. Our house was littered with all things Toy Story, including the Toy Story 2 soundtrack--but admittedly, that was for me. I can fess up to it now.

I've long said that Toy Story is my favorite animated movie. And now, with Toy Story 3 about to be released, I may be more excited than a 37-year-old woman should be. I simply can't wait to see it with my guys next week! But along with my excitement is unanticipated emotion. Yes, I admit it. I get teary-eyed while watching the movie trailer. Crazy, I know. But let me explain.

Our boys grew up with Andy. From the first movie, we saw our boys in him. We related to his love for Woody as we saw it played out in our very own home. And now, in Toy Story 3, Andy is going to college. It's a bold (albeit silly) reminder that our boys, too, have grown up. And while it's not imminent, college is on the horizon. Our babies are (eventually) leaving.

Our boys' numerous Woody and Buzz figurines have long since disappeared. They were packed away, donated, or sold years ago. They're no longer here. But the boys who played with them are. And somehow, Woody and Buzz remind me to...

invest
and
embrace
each moment.
be intentional.
be all there.
'Cause it goes so fast.


P.S. After writing this entry, I discovered Woody in Ryan's memory box. Ryan had even written his name on the bottom of Woody's boot, just like Andy. Woody now sits on my mantel beside a picture of our boys---a poignant, daily reminder to enjoy the miracle of the moment.