The Chronicles of the Collins: 01/01/2014

Ever since Olivia was a tiny baby I would hug her real tight and ask her if she's mommy's girl? That's just our little thing. She's my girl and we always have a little mommy/Olivia snuggle, hug and lots of kisses when I ask her that. Now she likes for Hays and I to pretend fight over who's girl she is...mommy's or daddy's. Of course, mommy always wins. So I refer to her all the time as "my girl."

I have been fortunate to spend some mommy/Olivia time with her lately.

Can you find her??? It certainly took us some time to find her on this night. I asked her the nest morning why she put all of that stuff in her bed (because honestly, it reminds me of hoarders)....her reply, she was packing for a trip to the beach. Well, that makes all the sense in the world............

Santa thought it would be a grand idea to get the girl some play make up for Christmas. Someone needs to tell Santa that idea wasn't too bright. Geesh.

Saturday morning we went to see Snow White at Belhaven College. Other than the fact that she couldn't understand why Snow White didn't have on the same dress she did, she enjoyed the show.

We ventured to rollerskating for the first time. Let's just say that was a premature trip. We'll wait a few years before we do that again.

We had a little date and went to dinner and build a bear one night after Christmas. She was tickled pink the entire night and honestly, so was I.

Seriously seeing some hoarding characteristics here. The girl loves her some stuffed animals.

Have you ever heard the saying "a mommy never gets a vacation". A vacation??? I would just like 5 minutes in the entire day by myself or to even take a hot shower ALONE!

This is what joins me in the shower each morning....the girl AND every plastic animal (big and small) that she owns.

Love my girl, inside and out, hoarder or not, diva or princess....or all of thee above. I love her and our time together.

A BIG answered prayer

I would be lying if I told y'all that 2013 was an easy year. It was actually one of the most difficult years I have endured and things going on with our baby boy, Ford, had a lot to do with that. As most of you know, he was falling farther and farther behind with his development which had us questioning exactly what was going on. He had been going to physical therapy most of the year along with speech and occupational therapy. We had many blood tests completed along with an MRI and visited countless doctors. All of the tests came back normal and none of the doctors could really tell us much. As a mother, I felt alone and lost wondering what more I could be doing for my child. I felt as though I had no control and no one really understood what was going on. I worried, prayed, cried, worried and prayed even more. I found comfort not only in support from my family and many friends but the Lord was my strength. I had no control for one of the first times in my life and through this situation the Lord taught me to lean on HIM 100%, He taught me patience and to wait on His perfect timing and to trust that He knows better than I, and He also taught me that He loves little old me and my baby boy more than I could ever imagine.

With more excitement than I can physically display I can tell you that this little boy started walking on January 2nd. We were sitting in the living room watching Curious George (for the gazillionth time) when Ford stood up and started dancing to the music that he loved on the Christmas edition. Out of nowhere he started taking a couple of steps. I was so shocked in amazement that I just sat there and just stared at him until Olivia noticed and started shouting and screaming at the top of her lungs with excitement. Ford probably thought that Olivia and I had lost our minds we were screaming so loud. You could tell he was just so proud of himself and so were me and Olivia.

After I put Olivia and Ford down for naps I sat on the couch and wept all afternoon and praised the Lord for His great works and beautiful plan for my baby boy's life.

It was a great day, one I will never forget!

New Years

We had such a great time in Nashville for New Years. We have a tradition to spend New Years with our great friends, Rebecca and Jay. We have rung in every year with them since we've been married but one. Every year we do something different, sometimes with many others and sometimes not, sometimes it's a great time and sometimes it's a dud. This year was great. We went to the Music City Bowl game and then went downtown to ring in the new year with Hank Williams, Jr.

Can't wait to see what 2014 holds.

Holiday Happenin's

Aunt Leelee had Olivia over for a day of holiday fun where they made crafts and decorated cookies.

This is what they did the majority of the time. #2peasinapod

Ford was NOT a fan of the white bearded man this year. Maybe next year BOTH kids will love him and we'll get the perfect picture. #yeahright

Olivia and Wil at Olivia's school Christmas program where she didn't sing a single word and even flicked the kid's ear next to her during the program. Never a dull moment.

Reading Santa Bear is very tiring.

Our 4th annual Christmas shopping for the needy. This year we took food and paper and baby products to the Domestic Violence Center.

Had a slumber party with my girl by the tree. #makingmemories

Our Christmas picture got a little wild but poor Ford didn't get the memo.

Happy Birthday, Jesus party.

A little one on one time in the bath tub is a must before opening gifts.

The professional gift opener.

Those are some cuties.

Cookies and milk for Santa.

The day after Christmas is ALWAYS spent playing. We played with play dough, painted with the art easel, read books, played with the doll house and had a picnic in the rain. Time well spent.

2013 Holiday Recap

I have neglected the blog quite a bit since 2013 so we are going to play catch up. Last thing on the list for last year was the holiday season. I guess that's how the blog got away from me, we were SO busy celebrating and trying to fit everything into just a couple of weeks but also trying to not be too busy where we didn't actually enjoy the joyful season. So here it is in a small nutshell...