What not to do...

...if you want your mother-in-law to like you:
Feed both of your babies prunes before sending them on their way. (clothes and bedspreads currently being washed)

Pop-Tarts and a little time for reflection

Wow, Lost was pretty good tonight right? It pulled through in the end, maybe we're getting somewhere. I fell victim to all the food commercials and convinced myself that I was hungry again. So I'm eating a blueberry Pop-Tart at 9pm. Those 10 (ha!) crunches I got in during Lost - gone. worthless. It's Blake's doing, he picked them out at the store, I don't think I could willingly buy them but man, they're good! (so thanks Blake)

Today was another day spent observing in Owasso. I'm coming to terms with the reality of what kids are like today. Very few of them can follow directions easily. They don't listen, lots are disrespectful and lazy. Not all of them, but at least half of what I've seen. It takes a LOT of energy to stay on top of students and demand good behavior. It ain't gonna be easy folks! In so many cases teachers are the only moral compass (a friend's quote not mine) kids have. I've observed one teacher that is more successful at it than the other so I feel like I'm getting a good example of how to keep control of my classroom. Anyway, I was talking to a teacher today that is close to retiring about this reality and we both agreed that so much of what kids are today is because their lack of quality home life. I think it's so true. Parents are everything! She said kids these days try to cram so much in one day and are going from one thing to the next so quickly that they don't know how to slow down and listen and focus! Lots of them probably don't have any one-on-one time with their parents which doesn't help with listening skills. Parents are busy and tired when they get home from work so whatever is convenient to pass the time works, they're too tired to interact. Or kids come from split families whose parents don't want to discipline because they want to be the nice parent.

It could be easy to become too disheartened by all of this, but like I said, there are plenty of good ones too. There are some who are sincere and give whatever project we're working on an earnest effort. (thank goodness, as I hug all of them) I feel motivated to be intentional about instilling in our own kids a desire to learn. I hope they find the joy in learning and achieving. I hope they're thoughtful and respectful. Even more, I hope they're not bullied, rather respected, because they are these things.

Next, my grandmother sent me this. I thought it was good enough to share. I thought it was very sobering. Let's just say I needed it this week in more ways than one. I haven't been quite myself and need to get my focus back. I'm not usually a fan of posting things like this but felt motivated.

Rick Warren (REMEMBER HE WROTE 'PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE')
also he did the debate with McCain and Obama. You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren,

In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:
People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell,life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body--but not the end of me.

I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.

We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense. [ this is my favorite part ]

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.

We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.

I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.

You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems.

If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness,'which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.

It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.

You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.

Looking for inspiration

I've decided I need a new name for this blog. Collins Family Notes is too generic. Any ideas?

Fits of Giggles

I experienced a new stage of mommy bliss tonight. Sure, baby laughter is heaven, but pure, ridiculously silly, giggles initiated completely by the two of my babies - priceless. No attempts by me to make them laugh, I was only the spectator. It started in the bath when Gwyneth slapped Wilder on the back and thought it was hilarious. It caught him off gaurd but he was quick to slap her back...so followed lots of slapping eachother on the stomach. Then the game that never gets old it seems - hiding under a towel together and playing peekaboo. I finally managed to get them dressed and in bed to read books together for a change (sidenote: Blake was having a wrestling match with the Trooper...by the looks of his face and shirt covered with oil I think the Trooper won. So yes, he was a little tied up and is currently playing video games to release some serious rage, ahem). Storytime consisted of lots of throwing themselves on top eachother, kissing the characters in the books, Gwyneth trying to steel Wilder's pacifier and so on. Tonight was the first time they had really interacted like this at length. Beeeutiful.

Come on!

Is anyone else but me tired of the whole time travel thing in Lost? Seriously, we get it, let's move on. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy it's back on but I've yet to see that one episode that hooks me. Like an I can't go to sleep because I can't stop thinking about it episode. Anyone agree?

Sugary Sweet

Once in a while Wilder will gets a hold of me at bedtime. Usually I kiss him goodnight then Blake reads him his books and tucks him in while I'm putting Gwynny to bed. Tonight he was calling "mommy" so I went in to snuggle for a little while. I'm a sucker for cuddling. I can not resist those little arms around my neck. "Lay down mommy" he said with those big blue eyes. Ok, with you, forever.

New Pics!

This is the mosaic I finally finished! Yay! I'm donating it to an auction to raise money for Dillon Adoption Agency. Definitely got me in the mood to make more art.

Well doesn't Wilder look adorable in his new glasses? Much to our surprise he has been wearing them without too much of a fight. Of course I have been offering M&M's to get them to put them on. (Good eyes or good teeth? seems we can't have both! )But once on he's been pretty good about keeping them on. He looks a bit like Harry Potter huh? Also, today was a "I'm not taking off my robe day!"
What a happy girl.
Likes: Cuddling, being held, books, standing in her chair, playing with food, utensils, my cell phone, the TV remote, Wilder most of the time, giggling, her big bear, clicking her tongue, music, anything she can sit on, momay(her pronounciation) and daddy, fruit, shaking her head yes or no, shoes, bathtime, m&m's, kitty cats, roy
Dislikes: naptime, avacados, when mommy leaves, falling down, Wilder taking her toys, diaper rash, roughousing, being ingnored

25 Things

Seems like this is going around right now, I've been tagged by a few. Here goes:
1. I LOVE knick knacks. I have to exercise serious self control when I go to flea markets, thrift stores and such. (for you Holly!)
2. I have an addictive personality. I'm not sure what that means exactly but I do get hooked on things easily. (coffee, American Idol, to name a few)
3. I am really impatient. I prefer instant gratification most of the time. Do I have you to thank for this dad?
4. I used to be pretty good at speaking French and was determined at one point to go to French speaking Africa.
5. I think adopting a third child someday sounds interesting. It's fun to entertain the idea, that's all.
6. I am very specific about my pillow. Not to hard, not too soft. Blake doesn't know it but I switch our pillows often because sometimes his seems more appealing.
7. I can't sleep in anything with sleeves, tanktops only, even in the winter.
8. Probably my favorite place on earth would be Dinosaur Point at Grand Lake. A place we visited often growing up.
9. I love to waterski.
10. I always assumed I was more of the city girl type but lately I think someday having a farm would be awesome. Horses, tractors, crops, the whole bit.
11. I ran a marathon once.
12. I am not the best communicator. Wish I was better with words and communicating my feelings.
13. Unfortunately I am a people pleaser.
14. I hate horse drawn carriages, I feel sorry for the horses.
15. On an animal note, I HATE it when people have dogs and neglect them.
16. I don't balance my checkbook. I know, I know
17. I prefer old over new in regards to most things.
18. I love making lists but usually overwhelm myself by making enormous lists of to do items that are way too unrealistic.
19. I had one csection and one completely natural childbirth.
20. I once traveled to the rainforest in Guatemala by canoe then had the opportunity to talk to natives about Jesus. I was scared to death but felt incredible afterwards. Seems like another lifetime now.
21. I am very specific about recycling. I can't throw anything away (although I do make exceptions from time to time) that shouldn't. I melt old candle wax out of glass candles so I can recycle the glass for example.
22. I had my nose pierced once.
23. I think tatoos are great on OTHER people.
24. Some names I liked for Gwyneth were Olive, Ruby, & Ada.
25. Two of my favorite movies are: The Parent Trap (as a kid) and Almost Famous. I love Kate Hudson's character Penny. I love the scene on the airplane when they sing Tiny Dancer. Actually I love any movie about the 60's or 70's.

It was still fun!

Well I guess we'll never know how The Tale of Despereaux ends! Wilder made it through about two thirds of the movie before he said "Wilder go home please!" At least he was polite about it. We honored his request and left the movie early. Overall he was well behaved (as long as I was feeding him Junior Mints). He enjoyed the experience but wasn't as fascinated as I thought he'd be. Could have been the movie choice being that it was a sophisticated cartoon. Funny, on the way to the movie he was asleep in the car when we dropped Gwyn off at grandpas, when he woke up the first thing he asked was "where's Gwynny?" He continued to ask about her until we made it to grandpa's house to pick her up. He greeted her with a good rub on the head. Sweet! I guess he does spend about 99% of his time with her so of course he was concerned! Maybe we'll give movie viewing another year, fun experiment though!

Thank You Mother Nature

You've heard it said before, yes, I agree that Mother Nature has a way of giving us a rest from our busy lives every once in a while. Blake and I were thrilled that his two snow days from school coincided with my days off this week. Actually our mini break started Monday night when the weather was too bad for Blake to pick up the kiddos from his parents after work. We played it safe and let them spend the night rather than getting them out on the icy roads. So, Blake and I had a quiet evening.

Some things that have come of the winter weather:
1. I was able to finish a piece of artwork. (pic comig)
2. A full night of sleep - no interuptions
3. A clean house (we're talkin' much cleaner than usual people)
4. Lots of groceries bought.
5. We took Wilder to pick out his glasses! He looked so cute, now if only he'll wear them.
6. And now, we're gearing up to take Wilder to his first movie!

Yes, snow days are just as much fun as when we were kids. Although, I agreed with Blake that I would really like to get bundled up and go sledding today...probably not the best idea since both kids are getting over colds.

I love you Wilder!

This morning as I was putting Wilder's shoes on he said several times "no mommy, Wilder stay home." Broke my heart! How do you explain to a two year old that mommy has to go to work?

Also, as a mom do you ever anticipate times when they're older that you know your heart will hurt for them? I get nervous just thinking about it. I'm not ready. I know at some point he will have his heart broken, get bullied, and not get picked for the team. I know, all a part of life and necessary for growth...but can we just skip those parts please?

Tidbit

I know it has been too long since I've updated. I just haven't been very successfull at finding the time. I took Wilder to the eyedoctor today and learned that he will need to have corrective eye surgery, again. Also, his astigmatism is worse so the doc wants him to wear glasses. Glasses? What? Is he going to get made fun of in school? How will I get a two year old to wear glasses? And, even though we've been through the surgery once I am anxious about it all over again. I am more concerned about him this time because I feel he is old enough to be scared. Sigh. We'll be ok...lots of moms have harder things to deal with (I keep telling myself) right?

Ok, season premier of Lost is 28 minutes! Yay!

Family

We made it home this evening from Blake's grandfather's funeral in Ada. There really is so much to say. I don't think I have the energy to put it all into words! Simply stated, I feel really proud to have known Wilder Willard "Toby" Collins. (cool name huh?). And to be part of his family. He really did live vigorously and was respected and loved for so many reasons. A "man's man" as the minister said today as he talked about his life: one of 13 siblings, star athelete - played football for TU the Greenbay Packers, served in the Army, married a great woman for 59 years and had 5 children, was a great dancer, loved fishing and hunting, worked hard, loved his children well. My sweetest memory of him is the day Wilder was born. Toby and Evelyn came to the hospital and it was in the room as I was holding Wilder that we told him we had given Wilder his name. He had tears in his eyes. I feel honored that Wilder carries his namesake and pray that he will grow into equal the man!

Also, my baby brother left for the Army National Guard today. I am excited, proud, and a little scared. He will be gone for 4 months for training. I can't wait to see the transformation when he comes back. I'm hoping and praying that his involvement will be all positive and no surprises. Here he is with Gwyn on Christmas, cute.