tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327831182024-03-12T18:20:22.934-07:00Works In ProgressSummer...Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.comBlogger244125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-11227539257789943182013-08-12T20:07:00.002-07:002013-08-12T20:07:41.047-07:00Just Be Present<br />
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I just loved this. Just what I needed starting back to school tomorrow. </div>
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We all hear it sometimes…the whisper in our hearts that says, <em>“You really should be doing more.” </em>It usually intrudes right into the middle of our ordinary. When we’re washing dishes. Or changing diapers. Or driving to work in the morning.</div>
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A <a href="http://www.givingtons.com/pages/about-us" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; color: #3cbbb8; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="wise friend">wise friend</a> of mine says that lie is a dangerous one because every time we tell ourselves we should be doing “more,” it leads to less…</div>
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Being less present where we are right now.</div>
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Less peace.</div>
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Less joy.</div>
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Less love for those who are right in front of us.</div>
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Can you trust that you’re where you’re supposed to be in this moment, doing what you’re supposed to be doing, and if that’s supposed to change then God will make that clear to you? Yes, be open to new possibilities. Learn. Grow. Take steps forward.</div>
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But say “no” to the lie that you must do more.</div>
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It’s simply not true.</div>
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So take a deep breath, lean into grace, and live fully where you are today…God is already taking care of tomorrow {and He’s the only one who can}.</div>
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XOXO<br />Holley Gerth</div>
Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-37940137171531409922013-07-04T21:51:00.002-07:002013-07-04T22:19:17.257-07:00One of the best summer days so far...July 4th<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turned the TV off at 10:00 didn't turn it on again until 5:00. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stuck to my guns and did not let the kids turn on the TV (or any other screen) until they stopped whining and did their 5 minute pick ups. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set up a scavenger hunt with clues for the kiddos in effort to get Wilder to practice reading. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set a goal with Gwynny - Learn the first list of sight words for kindergarten - get a new Wonder Woman costume. Her idea. (Trying to make a little effort!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tried to teach my 3 year old that screaming is not the answer when she's mad or frustrated. Going to have to keep working.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watched Wilder and Gwyneth work on mosaics for the new treehouse and marveled at how little treasures I've been holding onto for years are now getting a new purpose in their artwork. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Got excited that the treehouse is almost finished! Love and miss you honey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Made a Starbucks's run on the way to Wal-Mart to buy groceries for dessert. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let the kids pick out new electronic toothbrushes. Oh the excitement. Whatever it takes people. Happy kids, clean teeth, it's a win win.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kept my cool through all the owies, fighting, and not getting my way kind of crying. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Played, really played with the kids today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Won some mom points and popped some black cats like a boss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watched as Addy kissed Wilder on the shoulder at dinner "because she loves him." I wasn't supposed to see, she let me know immediately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tried to accept Wilder's non interest in athletics today. Blake and I have both been trying to get him to run a mile fun run in the Owasso Ram Run next week. He just doesn't want to do it. So what do you like? "nature, art." Thinking about Cub Scouts for him. Just seems like it would be a good fit. Bad idea? Just how nerdy are Cub Scouts? Err...? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laughed, truly laughed, with the rest of the family at our creative Gwyneth. Wilder: "Gwyn you are hilarious." Also watched as she talked out loud to two neighbors on our walk this evening. Maybe, just maybe she is starting to come out of her shell. At dinner tonight she gave her fork "pants" by filling it with poked peas. (Sound like a familiar story dad?) This opened a whole can of sillies at dinner time. She also said "darn it mac and cheese and steak" on our walk this evening. What?? Where did you come up with that? "In my brain."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had enough patience to let Addy ride her bike on our walk this evening. Hoping she is the one who will actually keep riding it. I love watching her little legs peddle fast. So cute! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Made the yummiest dessert. Wilder and I named it The Sugar Bomb. We stuffed waffle cones with marshmallow's, berries, and chocolate, wrapped them in foil and put them on the grill. (Ok, pinterest) Then we topped it with ice cream! Definitely too much for the 3 year old. Her bomb exploded onto her plate and all over her entire body. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The greatest victory: Somehow managed to give everyone baths and put to bed at 10:00 without getting grumpy from my own tiredness. I wish every bedtime could always be as smooth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's the little things that keep us going right?</span><br />
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<br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-7044299078893557832013-06-08T20:50:00.000-07:002013-06-09T05:29:33.951-07:00Today was a good day<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYkUAnPDmLI/UbP5-RFuNZI/AAAAAAAABSE/eWPkn0_evP8/s1600/10anniverary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYkUAnPDmLI/UbP5-RFuNZI/AAAAAAAABSE/eWPkn0_evP8/s200/10anniverary.jpg" width="200" /></a>Today was a good day. Actually yesterday was a good day too. We celebrated our 10th anniversary. I feel overwhelmingly blessed. I could list the reasons why I love Blake and what I appreciate about him. Simply stated, he continues to make me a better person. He is the one, who, when the cashier at McDonald's who cannot speak English gives and charges you for two more flurries than you ordered finds a mother and two kids to give them to. I, on the other hand, am just immediately ticked off and set to go get our money back. Geez...why wasn't that my first inclination? I sit and eat my flurry in silence and waller in my selfishness! Then I think how I am inspired to continue to give to everyone in everyway, everyday. Even when it means trusting God that he will provide in sacrificial giving. But wait, this was about Blake! Sorry.<br />
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Today I had the pleasure of spending it with three little versions of Blake and I. In some moments pleasure would have been an overstatement. Today was a hard day actually. I woke up tired. I had to fight for patience today and even let words come out of my mouth that I regret. But with deep breaths and apologies we made it through. The good much outweighed the bits of nagging and arguing among all of us. (Blake was at a track meet today). As time goes on I am more able to appreciate every moment for what it is - and deal with whatever challenges my kids present in a manner I am proud of. (not always, but I'm working on it!) I want contentment in the now and present and the as is. In all of it. Contentment brings so much joy and peace. There have been several seasons in the last few years that contentment has been a struggle. I consider the contentment I have gained an enormous blessing.<br />
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Today:<br />
I participated in a food coop for the very first time. Something I've wanted to do for a while. The kids were excited about all of the different fruits and vegetables that we brought home. Addy helped wash. Wilder counted and made list of all the vegetables. The girls took the two butternut squashes and made them their babies and carried them around the house for about an hour. (Seriously! why do we buy toys?). The kids and I made strawberry bread with the strawberries in our basket. Yummy!!<br />
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We went to the library. Expanded the kids knowledge of Earthday, Red Kangaroos, and Robots. Good stuff.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOCwB3bJAbQ/UbP57a6KArI/AAAAAAAABR8/CdtnDE2VDps/s1600/cowgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOCwB3bJAbQ/UbP57a6KArI/AAAAAAAABR8/CdtnDE2VDps/s320/cowgirl.jpg" width="210" /></a>Gwyneth managed to put together a pretty darn good cowgirl costume from what she could find around the house. Complete with a lasso made from one of dad's brown shoestrings. Wilder followed and came up with a pretty good costume himself. So random.<br />
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Addy said things like "it's not a problem" and "I can handle it" and shook her head very matter of factly several times. Cracked me up.<br />
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Wilder and Gwyneth played chase around the house for a long time. They hardly ever play like this so I enjoyed the laughing and squealing.<br />
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After being in the kitchen for several hours I attempted to sit down and read for a little bit while the kids played. I think the same relation between washing your car and rain exists between me reading a book and Addy peeing in her pants. Who was I kidding? Reading is for AFTER the kids go to bed silly goose...unless it's reading books to them.<br />
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I got to watch the delight on the kids faces while playing with their daddy at dinner.<br />
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Like I said, I consider it a successful day when there is more laughter than arguing. I just love watching these precious little rugrats and their different personalities. I love their ideas. I love their tender hearts. I love how they make me laugh. I love their innocence.<br />
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Thank you Lord for today, for our now. For blessing us beyond measure. May our hearts be forever grateful.<br />
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<br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-28307858104845924322013-05-27T20:41:00.000-07:002013-05-27T20:41:47.760-07:00Have to start somewhereWhat better way to start blogging again than with documenting a birthday milestone? Never mind the lifetime that has passed since my last post. Let's not talk about that right now. Summer vacation is here and we celebrated Adalyn's third birthday which was May 16th. I guess she decided she would go ahead and turn three despite my begging for her to stay two. Once I accepted the inevitable was coming I finally decided to plan her party. Last minute. Probably the most fun I've had with a themed birthday - Rainbow Party!! Rainbows are just cool. Kids love 'em, I love 'em. Maybe it's how the colors blend into each other so magically or the joy of seeing one in the sky. Maybe because they're just so easy to draw. Whatever the reason, the kids loved it. There is something about home parties that I just love. I can remember as a kid how special it was to me when my parties were at home. It's so gratifying for me to do the same for my kiddos. Here are a few pics from the party.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWNK8jzMvz4/UaQi2JujqyI/AAAAAAAABQo/XUcYGJN3Oak/s1600/making+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWNK8jzMvz4/UaQi2JujqyI/AAAAAAAABQo/XUcYGJN3Oak/s320/making+cupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little helpers! They loved mixing the colors for the rainbow cupcakes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HyfKrZ1oz2g/UaQixwPwc-I/AAAAAAAABP4/p3M7HHmKbw4/s1600/addy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HyfKrZ1oz2g/UaQixwPwc-I/AAAAAAAABP4/p3M7HHmKbw4/s320/addy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little miss. She loved being the center of attention.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8POWVtXzYE/UaQi0aYsJSI/AAAAAAAABQA/X0o-0D7cOQM/s1600/addycupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8POWVtXzYE/UaQi0aYsJSI/AAAAAAAABQA/X0o-0D7cOQM/s320/addycupcake.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day after cupcakes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzEt6tPLGP0/UaQi1NfzRtI/AAAAAAAABQU/tv5urH7KCRI/s1600/craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzEt6tPLGP0/UaQi1NfzRtI/AAAAAAAABQU/tv5urH7KCRI/s320/craft.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building her rainbow. Missing a few colors but that's ok!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSq6L44xqqU/UaQi1IUqpDI/AAAAAAAABQQ/7WKv6cJSynY/s1600/bre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSq6L44xqqU/UaQi1IUqpDI/AAAAAAAABQQ/7WKv6cJSynY/s320/bre.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Bre's finished rainbow for baby Ellia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQvxZgWb3vg/UaQi1rdjIFI/AAAAAAAABQg/J5RYo0sHlnk/s1600/cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQvxZgWb3vg/UaQi1rdjIFI/AAAAAAAABQg/J5RYo0sHlnk/s320/cupcake.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nobody died from too much food coloring consumption.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zSkMCTxXiA/UaQi0msgfeI/AAAAAAAABQE/WLs4aomeygI/s1600/addyhalle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zSkMCTxXiA/UaQi0msgfeI/AAAAAAAABQE/WLs4aomeygI/s320/addyhalle.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Addy with her best friends Halle and not pictured, Eleanor! <i>Addy's birthday sign created by Gwyneth!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFIecB5lCj4/UaQi3dOMCjI/AAAAAAAABQ0/HP1cKEV1huI/s1600/kabobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFIecB5lCj4/UaQi3dOMCjI/AAAAAAAABQ0/HP1cKEV1huI/s320/kabobs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow kabobs! So pretty!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtIEgYEmqds/UaQi3SmH84I/AAAAAAAABQ4/H4huNsEVf0o/s1600/myrainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtIEgYEmqds/UaQi3SmH84I/AAAAAAAABQ4/H4huNsEVf0o/s320/myrainbow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I so enjoyed making this. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3S1OtF-jLdM/UaQi4cxa0MI/AAAAAAAABRI/vpwiVQYVg-s/s1600/streamers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3S1OtF-jLdM/UaQi4cxa0MI/AAAAAAAABRI/vpwiVQYVg-s/s320/streamers2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and...I love streamers. :)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;">Happy</span><span style="color: orange;"> Birthday</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: #ffd966;">Addy</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: lime;">Jane! </span><span style="color: cyan;">Love</span><span style="color: lime;"> </span><span style="color: purple;">You!</span></div>
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<br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-37010580075663075422012-11-13T19:34:00.002-08:002012-11-13T19:34:24.613-08:00Proud of these<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Fall collages made by my after school art students! Enjoy!</span></div>
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<br /><br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-19390406238519089982012-09-09T20:04:00.001-07:002012-09-09T20:06:57.314-07:00Yes and No<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can say YES to:</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Fruit</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">.</span> When Addy asks me for her third cutie within one hour. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Art. </span></span>When Wilder says he wants to make art which means another mess on top of all our current messes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Dreaming.</span> Looking at costumes with Gwyneth eight weeks before Halloween.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Letting go.</span> It's ok if you wear two different shoes out of the house...this time because momma's tired.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">To starting over.</span> To new days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I can say NO to:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Saying No.</span> No, Addy it is not ok for you to tell your mother "NO"...even if your brother thinks it is hilarious. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Wilder's outfit leaving the house.</span> Only my boy could manage tie dye, camo, and stripes in the same outfit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Unrealistic expectations.</span> Really, because only so much can happen in one day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankful for a reflective, relaxing Sunday :)</span></div>
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<br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-31638777539881608992012-08-27T19:33:00.002-07:002012-08-27T19:33:37.483-07:001st Day of Kindergarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-51291604040173747232012-07-06T20:58:00.001-07:002012-07-06T21:20:08.439-07:00Sweet Memory<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">I have been cleaning out my over 6,000 photos in iphoto.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 18px;"><em>We’re made of where we’ve been, of who we’ve loved."</em></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-paTQX5urArg/T_eyMoJnyiI/AAAAAAAABMk/27HHkXb6n4Y/s1600/grandmotherandwilder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-paTQX5urArg/T_eyMoJnyiI/AAAAAAAABMk/27HHkXb6n4Y/s640/grandmotherandwilder.jpg" width="481" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love everything about this photo of my grandmother and Wilder. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wilder sleeping, her grin, the pillow/lawn chair combo. Her garage. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We were having a garage sale at her house. </span></td></tr>
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<br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-82062795000582579482012-07-01T12:23:00.001-07:002012-07-01T12:51:08.611-07:00Art CampLast week was my first art camp. I used my classroom. Most of the girls I had in class but got to know a few new ones too! It was a learning year. At times the week felt long but looking back at all that was created it was totally worth it! We tried a variety of differrent projects and materials. Next year I would like to have some classes with specific themes and maybe do some large projects that would span the whole week...thinking! I had a group of 9 girls that were very enthusiastic and hard working! Here are a few pics from the week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npDl-6a1Zqc/T_CYzTvrHAI/AAAAAAAABLA/_GHxj2BqWZ4/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npDl-6a1Zqc/T_CYzTvrHAI/AAAAAAAABLA/_GHxj2BqWZ4/s400/group.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back row: Sarah, Baylee, Lauren, Sophie, Faith, Madison<br />
Front row: Allie, Emily, Ella</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4OrmvlsUj4/T_CYqhFc2DI/AAAAAAAABJ4/_58C5DO-yMk/s1600/clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4OrmvlsUj4/T_CYqhFc2DI/AAAAAAAABJ4/_58C5DO-yMk/s320/clay.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Monday we worked with clay. We made two pinch pots and stacked them to make vases. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvVjnhvtN48/T_CY3mb_T0I/AAAAAAAABLs/Ri04u1U28y8/s1600/slip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvVjnhvtN48/T_CY3mb_T0I/AAAAAAAABLs/Ri04u1U28y8/s320/slip.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily and Ella making slip for our clay. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HL3RLULvU1M/T_CYp3-bT8I/AAAAAAAABJw/DZ_yvC_2CAI/s1600/balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HL3RLULvU1M/T_CYp3-bT8I/AAAAAAAABJw/DZ_yvC_2CAI/s320/balloons.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a focused morning with clay we let loose and got messy with glue and attached yarn and tissue paper to balloons to make hanging decorations. Some worked some didn't! The goal is to pop the balloon and have the remaining form. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Pay0QyQB9I/T_CYw9LE9PI/AAAAAAAABKw/G5KTMOKkJTI/s1600/faithbracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Pay0QyQB9I/T_CYw9LE9PI/AAAAAAAABKw/G5KTMOKkJTI/s320/faithbracelet.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because I had all girls at art camp Tuesday was jewelry craft day! One of the several things we did was modge podge unfinished wooden beads. (center bead). I just loved this bracelet made by Faith!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYXrZgv1G6w/T_CY5TpLmtI/AAAAAAAABL8/ReqjzPxwhSo/s1600/stencils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYXrZgv1G6w/T_CY5TpLmtI/AAAAAAAABL8/ReqjzPxwhSo/s320/stencils.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting out of the classroom for some sunlight! Girls are getting their boards ready for our corn syrup painting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hntiv65i_QY/T_CY6P-rfxI/AAAAAAAABME/pjBndH4yEqk/s1600/syrup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hntiv65i_QY/T_CY6P-rfxI/AAAAAAAABME/pjBndH4yEqk/s320/syrup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn syrup and food coloring! I love it! So easy, cheap, and looks like glass or tile when dry. Girls had fun tasting all their colors. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-z3v4rrZ-g/T_CY61jz2YI/AAAAAAAABMM/fnhXJKTZGlg/s1600/tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-z3v4rrZ-g/T_CY61jz2YI/AAAAAAAABMM/fnhXJKTZGlg/s320/tape.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily focused on taping up her tree for watercolor. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1A36GOUqZ1g/T_CYraztQUI/AAAAAAAABKA/x_elTx6T6T0/s1600/coloredbottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1A36GOUqZ1g/T_CYraztQUI/AAAAAAAABKA/x_elTx6T6T0/s320/coloredbottles.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday was probably the most exciting day. We made a Dale Chihuly style hanging sculpture with plastic bottles. The girls worked so hard first washing and painting tons of bottles, then cutting, then hanging! It was exciting to watch the process and see how each girl became engaged. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weEF2bNUiBo/T_CYsRzQXpI/AAAAAAAABKI/eVkrG5HAiMI/s1600/coloredbottles2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weEF2bNUiBo/T_CYsRzQXpI/AAAAAAAABKI/eVkrG5HAiMI/s320/coloredbottles2.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love how the girls kept mixing paint to make new colors of bottles. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErV-FF2ZTzA/T_CYwD1LQ-I/AAAAAAAABKo/sYDL5R41DAc/s1600/faithbottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErV-FF2ZTzA/T_CYwD1LQ-I/AAAAAAAABKo/sYDL5R41DAc/s320/faithbottles.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottles were arranged by color to make sure we had an equal number of each color. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTktQzLU33g/T_CYtIaoNmI/AAAAAAAABKQ/8LarKXoVFD0/s1600/cuttingbottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTktQzLU33g/T_CYtIaoNmI/AAAAAAAABKQ/8LarKXoVFD0/s320/cuttingbottles.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard at work cutting. Only a few minor injuries, right Lauren? I told the girls they could cut the bottles into spirals but it was their discovery/idea to cut them into flowers. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor scissors. As if they weren't dull enough already.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In progress.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhgbJfj345w/T_CYui-W0kI/AAAAAAAABKY/obo-gf_L4q4/s1600/ellasculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhgbJfj345w/T_CYui-W0kI/AAAAAAAABKY/obo-gf_L4q4/s320/ellasculpture.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAK_5BBqUVQ/T_CYvTFVK9I/AAAAAAAABKg/DifQkfHX1d8/s1600/emilysculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAK_5BBqUVQ/T_CYvTFVK9I/AAAAAAAABKg/DifQkfHX1d8/s320/emilysculpture.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madison and Sophie worked SO hard cutting bottles up to the very end.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished piece turned out way better than I even imagined. I didn't know if the girls would really embrace the idea. They definitely exceeded my expectations! Thank you girls! I hope you had a great week and will continue to pursue your creative passion. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tv3uTQycJyE/T_CY0Y-_4mI/AAAAAAAABLI/6u8hgOHn-6Y/s1600/grouplastday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tv3uTQycJyE/T_CY0Y-_4mI/AAAAAAAABLI/6u8hgOHn-6Y/s640/grouplastday.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they cute? These are the tie dye shirts they made on Wednesday. They turned out so pretty. I can't wait to do tie dye again!</td></tr>
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<br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-34049156005276385242012-06-22T18:13:00.002-07:002012-06-22T18:13:31.156-07:00She really does talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-76158306981051926972012-06-22T06:22:00.000-07:002012-06-22T06:32:53.801-07:00"The greatest poem... is an inventory."<br />
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A quote I read in <i>One Thousand Gifts</i>. </div>
<br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-39563913376440975002012-06-07T20:03:00.001-07:002012-06-07T20:05:52.094-07:00Gratefulness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you for today Lord. It was beautiful in every way.<br />
9 years ago today we were married now look what we have.<br />
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"You have to be careful when you got good love because those angels will just keep on multiplyin'"<br />
-Jack Johnson</div>Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-16203476007241038022012-05-25T20:37:00.001-07:002012-05-26T06:10:10.171-07:00Seeing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9MyRzR7xPeQ/T8BKHmocM8I/AAAAAAAABG4/4w6E8uE4kEk/s1600/addypainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9MyRzR7xPeQ/T8BKHmocM8I/AAAAAAAABG4/4w6E8uE4kEk/s320/addypainting.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXl9DFSdfL0/T8BJzMm6HpI/AAAAAAAABGo/Y78qBx5ZnaA/s1600/addypaintingwhole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXl9DFSdfL0/T8BJzMm6HpI/AAAAAAAABGo/Y78qBx5ZnaA/s320/addypaintingwhole.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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My two year old painted the perfect analogy for my attitude yesterday vs today. I let Addy paint today. She was so focused. She was more interested in dipping her brush into the dirty paint water than the paint which made for a muddy drippy painting. After I brought it into the house I was taking it off the easel and accidentally turned her painting upside down. How beautiful! These two photos are her painting turned upside down. You can see how the paint dripped because of all the water she put on it. I love the cloud like figure at the top that is all marbleized from all the colors running together.</div>
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So about my attitude. Yesterday I was my worst enemy. I was sinking deep in a muddy puddle of doubt and negativity. Only focusing on what was lacking. Today I decided to stay in a positive frame of mind. To try to see as God would have me see. It was like I flipped a switch...turned my thinking upside down. Today was beautiful in every way. I was able to see past the messes, the work to be done, the imperfections that are all tied up into this awesome house. What a gift to be able to spend today doing nothing but playing with these beautiful babies God has given me. (One that included Gwyn's best friend Darci, see below).</div>
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Stories, sun, breezes, shade, colors, laughter, hugs, kisses</div>
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...rest. </div>
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<br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-71438560487910065362012-05-25T20:09:00.004-07:002012-05-25T20:09:50.780-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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...seriously. I couldn't be more happy you're here. </div>Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-88912880494963118932012-05-25T20:08:00.001-07:002012-05-25T20:10:41.538-07:00Best Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Can you guess what they're looking for? </div>
<br />Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-62053124030293766112012-05-24T19:43:00.001-07:002012-05-24T19:44:42.923-07:00This is so beautiful...<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/05/the-habit-of-a-mother-who-changes-the-world/">http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/05/the-habit-of-a-mother-who-changes-the-world/</a>Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-41021224130875726832012-05-20T19:20:00.002-07:002012-05-25T20:43:06.200-07:00Happy Birthday Addy Jane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Addy has graciously agreed to stay 2 forever. </div>
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<br /></div>Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-50400242794530945532012-04-16T19:35:00.005-07:002012-04-18T06:31:03.027-07:00BookI have started reading 1000 Gifts, A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Anne Voskamp<br /><br />My first thought is how does someone write so poetic, so unordinary? Simply beautiful. I understand why people have read the book more than once, it's impossible to absorb all of it's truth in just one time. The dare is to name 1000 gifts with the goal of growing a heart of gratitude towards God, therefore becoming more aware of his involvement in every detail of our lives. To gain fullness and joy! <br /><br />I feel like I have always had an appreciation for little things but I want to go deeper. I want to see more. I would like share highlights of my list here, for the joy of sharing, and with those who are also reading the book. <br /><br />I am currently on the chapter 4 about time. She says nothing good comes from being in a hurry. Bad, ugly things come out of my mouth when I'm in a hurry. I would love to never be in a hurry. How in the world to I do that? I laugh as Blake moves in slow motion getting cereal out of the panty as I quote "Haste makes waste"<br /><br />Sometimes all of the things in my life can feel like burdens. I know this not true by any stretch of the imagination. When exhaustion sets in I lose my ability to "see" as I should. I long for more consistency in my ability to feel fullness and joy. <br /><br />Ok, here goes. <br />1. Fresh cut roses from my back yard displayed in my single serving wine bottles!<br />2. Sisters becoming friends. <br />3. Addys crooked teeth. I mean really crooked. <br /><br />997 more to go. The true question, how many times can I list coffee and chocolate on the list?Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-1730420198873097252012-04-15T20:37:00.008-07:002012-04-16T20:12:59.001-07:00April Blessings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MtCmioFOTc/T4ze6nkJxAI/AAAAAAAABE0/4il7nqv3WNc/s1600/tball.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MtCmioFOTc/T4ze6nkJxAI/AAAAAAAABE0/4il7nqv3WNc/s400/tball.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732201524370195458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dp2H73ooaeY/T4uUw9u1B1I/AAAAAAAABEY/NCvReTwIOMs/s1600/roses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dp2H73ooaeY/T4uUw9u1B1I/AAAAAAAABEY/NCvReTwIOMs/s400/roses.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731838519684695890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LYdTacFKnGU/T4uUwVs5HaI/AAAAAAAABEQ/ZQmhoF9dNjE/s1600/water.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LYdTacFKnGU/T4uUwVs5HaI/AAAAAAAABEQ/ZQmhoF9dNjE/s400/water.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731838508939156898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq6mzmiZO_k/T4uUhx7BT4I/AAAAAAAABEA/HCjje9jqv_c/s1600/walk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq6mzmiZO_k/T4uUhx7BT4I/AAAAAAAABEA/HCjje9jqv_c/s400/walk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731838258816569218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0l4em3lszyU/T4uUha27G0I/AAAAAAAABD4/y-GfO9D4tCk/s1600/princesses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0l4em3lszyU/T4uUha27G0I/AAAAAAAABD4/y-GfO9D4tCk/s400/princesses.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731838252625369922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGlPy3xPl8s/T4uUhMaSh1I/AAAAAAAABDs/fAhbzNBu_50/s1600/princess.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGlPy3xPl8s/T4uUhMaSh1I/AAAAAAAABDs/fAhbzNBu_50/s400/princess.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731838248747173714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veGHaQnUQmI/T4uUZVbjQeI/AAAAAAAABDg/ud5nH7Q9WZ4/s1600/wilderdrawing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veGHaQnUQmI/T4uUZVbjQeI/AAAAAAAABDg/ud5nH7Q9WZ4/s400/wilderdrawing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731838113729429986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg7ZYA4exyI/T4uUY2I-4SI/AAAAAAAABDQ/1zTE6lAXSw8/s1600/book.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg7ZYA4exyI/T4uUY2I-4SI/AAAAAAAABDQ/1zTE6lAXSw8/s400/book.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731838105330049314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q24eBXblj5Q/T4uUYsedWkI/AAAAAAAABDI/tp1_V9V9XLY/s1600/family.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q24eBXblj5Q/T4uUYsedWkI/AAAAAAAABDI/tp1_V9V9XLY/s400/family.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731838102735772226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugdtQKXbGpY/T4uUOICilDI/AAAAAAAABC8/9J-l8b_Bsss/s1600/addyeaster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugdtQKXbGpY/T4uUOICilDI/AAAAAAAABC8/9J-l8b_Bsss/s400/addyeaster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731837921156305970" /></a>Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-17037025841076689352012-03-11T20:35:00.002-07:002012-03-11T20:36:11.344-07:00Welcome Spring!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAH_ozFXX2A/T11vIdbWm6I/AAAAAAAABCA/Q5Z7BmVeuXk/s1600/spring2012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 323px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAH_ozFXX2A/T11vIdbWm6I/AAAAAAAABCA/Q5Z7BmVeuXk/s400/spring2012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718849292959390626" /></a>Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-51880986256494419252012-03-11T20:33:00.001-07:002012-03-11T20:34:24.991-07:00New Artwork<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QqUZoNGoFLg/T11ut_9IsdI/AAAAAAAABB0/wO1I7xfljEU/s1600/flowersbig.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QqUZoNGoFLg/T11ut_9IsdI/AAAAAAAABB0/wO1I7xfljEU/s400/flowersbig.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718848838371422674" /></a>Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-3358057698385668302012-03-01T14:39:00.002-08:002012-03-01T14:42:23.394-08:00Artwork!So I've been trying to sell stuff we have around the house online. I posted some old artwork of Blake and I's. I felt a little guilty so I'm posting it for all of my friends and family to see. Remember I said "old"<br /><br />Let me know if you're interested!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0cEvoW2r8c/T0_7LZu9fpI/AAAAAAAABBk/oblk6arERpg/s1600/words.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0cEvoW2r8c/T0_7LZu9fpI/AAAAAAAABBk/oblk6arERpg/s400/words.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715062625461436050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5E5Q-_tgA6k/T0_7LIbPW4I/AAAAAAAABBc/5JFqOP_kWr0/s1600/paintedwindow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5E5Q-_tgA6k/T0_7LIbPW4I/AAAAAAAABBc/5JFqOP_kWr0/s400/paintedwindow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715062620815317890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMiLKiU-__I/T0_7KX54fiI/AAAAAAAABBQ/uE3T1w_8yVg/s1600/leaves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMiLKiU-__I/T0_7KX54fiI/AAAAAAAABBQ/uE3T1w_8yVg/s400/leaves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715062607790505506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXdfk-Mw3Mc/T0_7JzCCE_I/AAAAAAAABBE/zlNwq43DbZ0/s1600/horse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXdfk-Mw3Mc/T0_7JzCCE_I/AAAAAAAABBE/zlNwq43DbZ0/s400/horse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715062597892576242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9Hrug42bx4/T0_7JjbvW6I/AAAAAAAABA4/J2xCXeaeSsk/s1600/girl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9Hrug42bx4/T0_7JjbvW6I/AAAAAAAABA4/J2xCXeaeSsk/s400/girl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715062593705434018" /></a>Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-18390639031244918992012-02-29T06:10:00.003-08:002012-02-29T06:16:16.823-08:00SighYesterday evening wilder asked me to color a picture with him. I said "yes, after I change the laundry." He said, "mom, anytime I ask you to play with me you say you have to do something first." He has a point. I left the wet clothes in the washer and went to color. <br /><br />This morning on the way to work Wilder asked why I always got angry in the mornings.<br />He also complained about having to go to school so early in the morning to before care rather than going straight to his classroom. <br /><br />I'm sorry Wilder. I'm sorry your mom has to work. I'm sorry Gwyneth for losing my temper last night at your broken record requests to cover you up for the hundredth time in bed. <br /><br />Thank you Lord for new days and for your grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love for me. Give me a little more for my children every day.Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-44652038749908861622012-02-27T18:59:00.005-08:002012-02-27T19:13:06.677-08:00Addy Jane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SDgQZ1GQjo/T0xFTKwKhXI/AAAAAAAABAs/3Zj9HzZZj7o/s1600/addypanies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SDgQZ1GQjo/T0xFTKwKhXI/AAAAAAAABAs/3Zj9HzZZj7o/s400/addypanies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714018222832518514" /></a>Seems like Addy has reached a pinnacle of cuteness during the last few days. She is putting several words together. Today I couldn't believe my ears when she said "get out of here kitty"...of all things her first complete sentence is yelling at the cat. She is a daredevil, seriously goofy, a cuddler, and bossy. She loves reading books. She demands that I "sit" and read them to her. She loves shoes especially boots. I am a terrible mother and have failed to buy her some so she wears Gwyneth's and mine around the house. She still wants me to hold her until she falls asleep. She still ends up in our bed every night. One of the boys at her daycare thinks her name is "mine." She has the crookedest teeth you've ever seen on a baby. She loves her daddy. She looks adorable in baby pannies. Don't let the photo trick you - she is nothing close to potty trained. She loves to sit on the potty. Although after watching Wider do his business last night she assumed the position and faked going in the potty just like him. (hips forward and everything) I thought it was hilarious. Blake thought it was gross. <br /><br />She is simultaneously draining and life giving. You are totally worth it Addy Jane, I love you to pieces. <br /><br />(posts on the other two cutie faces coming soon.)Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32783118.post-23302417015577641702012-02-20T19:16:00.000-08:002012-02-20T19:28:24.401-08:00Gwyneth's House<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMl9M2q_RCQ/T0MPKQJ-SEI/AAAAAAAABAg/wEHOXbdBtug/s1600/Gcollage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMl9M2q_RCQ/T0MPKQJ-SEI/AAAAAAAABAg/wEHOXbdBtug/s400/Gcollage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711425421245827138" /></a>Shelly Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11252026514240441597noreply@blogger.com2