A New Bag of Tricks: Cheers to 36!

36 seems frightening in so many ways. It is on the other side of your 30s...like the side that is closer to 40. And I don't feel close to 40. Hell I don't feel 36 most of the time ;)

Life is all about ebbs and flows. As a kid, you think once you are older that you will have it all figured out. Once you are older, you realize that you will never really have it all figured out. Perhaps that is the beauty & curse of aging. A right of passage that you yearn to gain yet learn that the right is not exactly what you thought it would/should be.

In this year, I am working to see the beauty and truth and grace in that part of life.

 

I spent the last days of 35 with my sweet family in Keystone, CO. It was such a wonderful family trip that I almost forgot I was aging. My actual DOB was spent at home with a day off of school and celebrating the great Presidents of the USA. I actually had a quiet morning to reflect while the kids adjusted back to KY time. A light workout followed by a nap was refreshing after a long day of travel. Then I was able to take Adelaide & Aspen to tennis and watch their progress. I love that they love my passion...something wonderful for us to always share. One of my high school players stuck around to chat which made the day more special. I felt the excitement of the season begin to brew (as tryouts were 2 days later) and remembered that with age comes wisdom. We celebrated that evening with a delicious pajamas & cookie cake party at home!

 

A few weeks later we had an adults-only dinner at Grassa Gramma with my family. It is rare that we get to converse uninterrupted due to the 12 little munchkins running around so I always enjoy that time with my parents & siblings. We had the ultimate dining experience, Italian style, from the appetizers through dessert. Our conversations were typical Collins fashion...hysterical in every way. 

I love the picture below of my sister Kendahl & I. It depicts how the night went and how I always hope our family celebrates~ with love & laughter. At 36, I am learning that family is who you make it. That love is an action not a word. That life is meant to be lived with those who bring you joy.

Adelaide Jane: 6 1/2 Years Old

Dearest Adelaide Jane,

My oh my, how the time sure does fly! How are you already 6 1/2 years old?! You are so wise beyond your years in many, many ways. You are a great big helper with your siblings, around the house, and in your classroom. You are blossoming as a true leader, and my mom-heart is bursting with pride!

You experienced the loss of your first tooth which was big time fun! Ms. Domzalski at SMM pulled it for you and you came home with it tucked safely in a little mini pink tooth case. We read The Night Before the Tooth Fairy then tucked your tooth inside your special tooth fairy pillow. She flew in that night to leave you with a shiny & pink glittery five dollar bill. The excitement on your face was priceless. You have since lost another tooth courtesy of Ms. D and the thrill was still the same!

You went through a bit of separation anxiety from mommy back in the fall. There were lots of tears no matter where you were going without me or wherever I was going without you. A trip to the school counselor revealed that you just missed me so much, but that mommy worried when you were sad. So we settled on lots of hugs & kissed leading up to our goodbyes. It did the trick and we are both feeling much better now ;)

 

You are excelling in all of your sports, and I have truly enjoyed watching your growth develop. Your tennis game is coming along beautifully as you have begun to have rallies with your coach and friends. You are loving gymnastics and are always working to ring the bell with a new skill mastered. Stroke school is keeping you busy and challenged at Blairwood. You swam in a swim meet over Christmas break and got 3rd place in freestyle and backstroke. You conquered your fear of bumping your head while swimming backstroke which was a big moment.

You had your 2nd father/daughter dance at SMM. We got you all dolled up before you met daddy to "surprise" him with your dress. He said you were a princess date and that the two of you had the best time! 

 

You continue to amaze me with your ability to be so intuitive to the needs of mommy, your siblings, and yourself. You are always looking to help and lead. I love this about you my sweet girl.

I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Pancakes & Partying: Vivie Reese Turns One

We had a wonderful morning celebrating Vivie's 1st birthday complete with a pancake brunch, presents galore, and sweet cousins all around! She had presents dressing up the tables, balloons streamed from every angle, and a gorgeous flower wall to host beautiful pictures to cherish. Vivie loved all the attention and she especially enjoyed her first birthday cake!