Toys in the Attic

The past couple days, I have spent some time in the attic.  I am preparing for a Neighborhood Yard Sale, and trying to say goodbye to ...stuff.

My Attic holds a lot of memories. Hubby freaked when he realized how many items that probably should have been parted with, that are still hanging around.

My girls had great toys.
They took wonderful care of their toys.

They had have a lovely American Girl collection.  In total, they have 6 dolls (don't worry, they are not in the attic), a HUGE collection of clothing, accessories, furniture, two complete mini pin collections, three or four of the Mini room collections... and a whole bunch more American Girl paraphernalia.

These containers house Annie's Pony Collection, her 101 Dalmatian collection, both Emily & Annie's Polly Pocket Collections & Pet Shop Collections. 
We have Beanie Babies and many other Stuffed animals & dolls in those big black bags sitting around the attic.

We have given away hundreds of VHS tapes, but I have two big bags full of the "Keepers".

I have donated wonderful children's books...But kept three book bags full of favorites.

I also have normal things up here... Here's some Holiday decorations, and stuff...

...but I admit most of the Attic contains toys.
I have pulled a few things down for the sale, and a few things to go to the trash. (Annie kind of freaked that I still had her head gear from her braces. I agreed not to take a picture per her request. I also agreed to retire it to the trash.) It seems the longer you hold on to things the harder to let go.  Take this advice my young Moms...THROW IT AWAY WHILE YOU CAN! Better yet Garage Sale, and donate! Twenty years later, it is so hard to let it go. And even though I like to believe I will recycle for Grands one day... truth of the matter, my girls didn't love my toys that I hung on to. So I'm not so sure my future Grands will. Especially if I get Boys!

BANDIT living up to his Name

Dakota got a new toy!
Cute little rope horse.
He loved it.
Till it got stolen.

Bandit won't give it back... Carries it with him. Dakota loves him so much, he really doesn't care. He just went back to his old torn up lovey toy!

Collections of who I Am

I am a collector.

I like stuff.

I like things that bring a smile. I like things that reflect parts of me.

I remember my Great Grand Mother, had bright primary dishes when I was young. Many years later I "rediscovered" Fiestaware. It is my dinnerware choice. I can never have enough of the different colors. My table settings are festive and fun. I remember vaguely My Great Grandmother saying she like the variety of bright colors. (I gratefully have a few of her pieces, within my collection). I have China too, but my love goes to the Feistaware.
I love baskets. I am ashamed to say I have more than a few. But, I use every one! They each have a purpose! Especially the ones my cat loves to sleep in! (Rocky is in one now!)
You already know I collect photos... I can't ever seem to have enough of them. I like REAL photographs. Yes, I download and have many only in the computer. But, my true loves sit in albums, photo boxes, picture frames, and those useful Basket.
Books...Books are my friends! How could I not collect them? Yes, I borrow and give away, but some have to be kept. They are re-read, referenced to, loaned out, and a wonderful reminder of stories, facts, and memories.

I have alot of this and that. Fiction and Non.

A bunch of Children's Books in storage that are waiting to be brought back to life with Grandchildren (many years from now!)

You can find books on shelves, tables, counters, in cabinets, and yes, in baskets too. I like to display them along with "stuff".

I have a lot of stuff. Sergio sometimes call it clutter. BUT I see him sometimes looking at an ornament, an art object the girls had made once upon a time. I see him smile at this clutter stuff. And of course photos are tucked within the books & stuff too.
Strange, (nah...make that more interesting) stuff, are my collections like... stuff in jars and vases. I have jars with change, cups, & vases full of pens and colored pencils. I have an interesting jar full of the girls old toys and even ballet slippers. Funny.. I never could part with these items. Part of my desire to hang on to them I think is because I can. I remember when my sister Julie, and her family lost their home to a fire, it was the little things gone that hurt the most. Maybe, in turn, it made me appreciate them more. That and they are just so darn cute!

I have a cylinder vase with 27 beautiful stones. They each represent the young adults that went through my confirmation groups. Each young adult, chose a stone to represent themselves. I cherish these stones. They are a part of me & I hope that I am a part of these kids. Little reminders to pray for each one of these lovely young people. There is also a jar next to the cylinder, of old jewelry. The watch I got at high school graduation, ear rings from Deb's wedding, some of my Mom's & Grandma Kitty's "junk" jewelry, Disney jewelry that the girls wore, my ski pins, Realtor pins, gold chains, and charms. I could never turn the "good stuff" in to GOLD FOR CASH! I like it mixed together in this jar.
I could go on, but this has gotten quite long already. Recently I had a Partylite & Wine party. Several friends stopped by. One work friend, walked around looking at many of my displays and "stuff". she smiled and said, "Janis, I have learned so much about who you are looking around. I can tell God & family are very important to you. I like what I see. I am glad I have gotten to know you more." I said that's good right? She laughed and said, "Oh yeah, that is good!" Thank you M. that and you, made me feel very special.