Adelaide Jane: 10 1/2 Years Old

 Dearest Adelaide Jane,

My big girl, you are turning into a tween right before my eyes. Having a few "real" crushes, asking questions about things I am not ready to answer, and showing signs of womanhood. I blinked and you are a decade & some. How I wish I could turn back time to when you were a baby just eating cake pops in the Target cart.

You are working very hard in 4th grade; switching classes and having 3 teachers for two subjects. Juggling the load of homework, quizzes, projects & tests plus being an athlete. You handle it well most days and have made great grades so far. 

You are still navigating the waters of friendship, finding your niche and way. You like to befriend those that are around you; you don't really know a stranger. You are able to roll with the punches, simply going from day to day with what appears to be ease.

You are continuing to work hard this gymnastics season. Competition season is well underway and you continue to push through some trying times. Severs has flared up; but your diligence to do your daily stretches, ice, and listen to your body have been helpful. I know this season has had some personal ups & down, but I am truly proud of you for persevering.

                                                    

I hope that you always smile, see the good in others, and remember that your value comes from within. I want you to remember that life is a journey, and if you're lucky enough to be on it long enough, every situation can be a life lesson. My hope is that you never allow anger or negativity to bring you down. That you RISE UP every chance you get.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

40 Before 40: Buy a Rolex

"Jewelry is like the perfect spice; it compliments what is already there." ~Diane Von Furstenberg

What is more complimentary than a Rolex, purchased as a gift to create a timeless look in a world where time is our most precious gift. How blessed I am to have been given such a gift.

40 Before 40: Say a Morning Prayer for 365 Days

 For 365 days, the first thing I’ve done is read a Bible verse. It’s been refreshing to seek the Lord as I start my day. This is a ritual routine that I plan to continue into my 40th year.

40 Before 40: Make a Charitable Contribution in Each of My Grandparents Names

                                            

Founded in 1959, The Fillies is a group of women dedicated to supporting the Kentucky Derby Festival. 

We sponsor the Fillies Derby Ball, the official Derby Festival Program, the Derby Children's Tea, and we manage the Derby Princess Program.

In honor of my Mama Collins who sat on The Fillies' Board for many years, I was pleased to make a donation that would continue the events of the foundation.

St. Joseph Children’s Home has evolved throughout the years to become a multi-faceted, child caring nonprofit licensed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky with the mission of “Giving Children a Home.”

St. Joe’s is no longer home to “orphans” but rather, children who have been removed from their homes because they have experienced severe abuse and neglect. St. Joe’s has consistently adapted to the needs of the community and now serves children and families across three core programs: Residential Treatment Program, Therapeutic Foster Care and Adoption Program, and the Child Development Center.

St. Joe’s serves children in all counties of Kentucky, regardless of nationality, sexual orientation, race, or creed. Since 1849, St. Joe’s has provided a safe and loving home to over 75,000 boys and girls. We will not quit until every child has a family!

In honor of my Mama Comley who adopted my mom & Uncle Johnny from St. Joe's Orphanage & saved their lives, I was ecstatic to make a donation to help continue their mission in placing every child in a forever home.

Parkinson’s Foundation Tennessee and Kentucky makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving care and advancing research towards a cure. Whether you are newly diagnosed with PD or have been managing it for years, are a care partner, family member or friend of someone with PD, we are here to help you.

My Papa Collins battled Parkinson's for 29 years. He was instrumental in forging ahead with research here in the state of KY. He opened the Bill Collins Parkinson's Center at Jewish Hospital to serve as a resource & rehab facility for those struggling with the disease as well as their family members. He was a pioneer in all that he did; even this debilitating disease that took his life.

40 Before 40: Read 12 Books

 Book 1~ One Summer in Paris

A riveting romantic novel about life and the choices we choose~ how there is predictability in being stable yet spontaneity allows us to truly live & love. 

 Book 2~ For Such a Time as This

An account of Kayleigh McEnany's time as White House Press Secretary and how faith led her through the trying time of the tumultuous country & tyranny of media. 

                                                         

 Book 3~ The Summer Seekers

A fun fiction novel about family dynamics, the thrill of travel, and how life's greatest adventures can always surprise you.

 

Book 4~ The Inner Game of Tennis

A classic guide to how the mind & body are truly connected; and when in sync can be a positive yet when they're out of sync it can be detrimental.

 Book 5~ Slightly South of Simple

A fictional story about sisterhood, southern charm, and all things summer love.

 Book 6~ When Less Becomes More

A real life look at how our overcrowded schedules clutter our mind & our ability to soak up the true joy of life.

                                                

 Book 7~ Beach House Summer

A spectacular novel about small town versus celebrity status and how we take a look back at our choices in the rear view mirror; but life can often give us second chances if we're open to them.

                                                

 Book 8~ Family for Beginners

A heart warming story about family, starting over, and letting go of our expectations to open the door to a beautiful new life & love.

 Book 9~ Rise Sister Rise

Inspired by our ZYIA Summit speech with an excerpt from this book, I had to read it for some self reflection. A guide to getting back to the root of the woman you are deep inside via meditation, awareness, nature & faith.

 Book 10~ Before I Do

A spunky fictional story about the crazy happenings of life and how they lead us to where we are...with a special look at the ones that got away & what might have been.

                                                  

 Book 11~ Holy Moments

Short but sweet, a non-fiction book about how to rebuild the joy in life with Holy Moments. A great reminder to turn each moment into positivity and hope. And don't forget to share it with the world!

                                                

 Book 12~ Dreamland

A beautiful story of dreams, how they can inspire us even after we think they're long out of reach; with a twist of love, fate, & family all mixed in.

40 Before 40: Have a Date Night Once Per Month {For a Year}

Time is invaluable especially with your spouse. Ryan & I had an amazing dating experience; but once we were married and had children, our focus shifted to doing for everyone else. Often that has led to our marriage taking a back seat. So I decided a bucket list would be a great time to recommit to our dating life experience and to plan {& execute} dates where we spend time as a couple together.

We've spent one day/night per month over the last year taking time to remember how we began and to rekindle that romance & simple "like" and "love" for one another. We have gone to dinners, attended concerts, celebrated Derby in the Bluegrass, brunched, golfed at Nine n' Dines, spent time with my parents, enjoyed a backyard picnic, spent a romantic night in, had couples massages, had cocktails & celebrated one another with a week in Barbados filled with lots of alone time.

                                                   

                                        

                                                     

40 Before 40: Write 40 Letters to People who have Influenced My Life

How lucky I am to have lived around the country {and world} and to have had so many amazing people in my life {since birth}. So much of the journey from 39 to 40 has been about reflection. I have taken a lot of time to reflect on those who have made a last impression, guided me through life's struggles, and celebrated my joys. While there are far more than only 40 people, I felt it fitting to send 40 notes to 40 people who have shaped me into the woman I am today. Some I have known my whole life; others have come in at the right times; some have helped me grow with my children; others have helped me believe in myself.

All of them have been a privilege to know & to love.