the magic and joy of Christmas

It comes each year and we all rush around from store to store and party to party.  Christmas.  For me, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.  I have always enjoyed it and by that I mean really enjoyed by stopping and soaking in every possible moment.  From decorating the inside of the house and the outside to baking desserts and candy, seeing those family members and sharing a laugh over lunch, the lights at my dad's house(this year my boys were thrilled to help with this task and that is a special memory all by itself).
Sometimes, I just want to freeze time...just to be sure that breathing in each moment.  The truth-I am breathing in each moment.  Some of the moments have been faster than others but for the most part this year we were able take time with just us four and make some very sweet memories with our wonderful extended family as well.  I am so very thankful for the joy of the season......

 





The Funeral ride

A few months ago my family made a decision that my grandmother did not need to drive any longer....which makes me sad.  It is another sign that she is aging.  Her mind is great, so good that her bossy self still tells us all what to do!  And, of course we follow those directions!!  She called me and told me that I had made it on the list-the list of 6 people and this list consisted of those that would drive her to the necessary locations.  I just responded in agreement(and laughed a little inside) because she was very specific in her orders.  I was also honored that I made the cut.  :)

So, it has been on my mind to visit her more and take her to hair, dr appointments, etc.  This past Saturday she needed me to take her to a funeral.  I am driving over to pick her up and the boys were very curious just exactly why we were driving Nanny on this day.  So, I explained we were taking her to a funeral and then it came....what is a funeral???  I explained the best I knew how-a funeral is honor or pay respect/love to someone that has lived a VERY long life here on Earth but now has moved on to Heaven("of course Jesus lives in their heart" says Carson).  Sounds confusing? Nope, the boys understood exactly what I meant. In their little minds, they restated what I said and expressed it was good that God allowed people to grow up & get old before they go to heaven.

Driving down the driveway, we are still in conversation about the funeral.  I tried very hard to keep it simple but I could see the "wheels turning."  I pull my car around so that my Nanny has easy steps to make to the car.  The house door opens and she walks out with her cane.  Mason says "hmm, well that is funny that we are going to her funeral because she looks real good to me."

I began to laugh hysterically and then quickly told him not to mention her death while she gets in the car.  And, they did a great job not talking about her funeral while we were in the car.  However, when we get to the church the boys notice that many elderly people are walking in the door.  And, that is when Mason says "this has to be the OLD PEOPLE church because that is all that is walking in the door!!"

Kids are the most honest & most literal among all of the ages of the human race.  And even though embarrassing sometimes....I truly love every second of it!!

Train up A CHILD in the way he should go:and when he is old,

 he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Tis' the Season

It is the season of giving, and many are rushing around trying to find the perfect gifts.  A few days ago, I found myself anxious because I still need to buy for so many people.  I shared my thoughts with Tony and then it hit me....it is the season of giving but not just tangible gifts.  Yes, everyone likes to receive those types of gifts but what if we took the time to give other types of gifts.
This week I promised my Nannie that we would put her tree up and the boys would decorate it.  She was thrilled to know that we would come and do that for her.  Carson took it upon himself to be in charge of it and he unpacked the ornaments and quickly began. Mason put a few ornaments on the tree and then quickly ran over to help my dad pick up pecans.  But, Carson stayed with it and did a wonderful job.  My Nannie must have thanked us four or five times.  We sat and talked with her about nothing in particular, a little about the holidays, about traditions as a family, and about baking candy & Christmas treats.  This will be a memory that will never fade.
It has been upon my heart to visit a few elderly people at a local nursing home.  I want the boys to go and visit and bring candy to them.  I am not sure how they will respond, but I feel that it is important to take time to visit those elderly people that may not have family or the opportunity to leave....especially during the holidays.
Maybe just maybe if we can take a little time to give of our time than it truly could be Christmas all year long.....

A recent picture of my Nannie and  my Carson :)



And the days go by......

Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone...headed swiftly into the Christmas Season.  My boys could not be more excited!!  Halloween was so much fun, both boys wanted to be a character from Star Wars....they LOVE the movie, characters and especially a live show at DISNEY!  So, we bought their costumes, and I thought we would be lucky to make it to Halloween night.  They wore them and pretended and swished and swooshed more each day.  We had a blast at the church's trunk or treat...lots of games, lots of freinds and family, lots of candy....fun was had by all!! Halloween night came and they were super excited to get more candy and spend the evening with family!

After Halloween, my boys were tired, naturally, but tired of the day-to-day routine of things and desparate of a break.  When I first found out we had a week off at Thanksgiving, I was disappointed in a shorter Christmas holiday and going till June.....but we needed it!  Being plagued with allergy/sinusitis issues(all 4 of us), we were ready for some "down time."  So, we made no real plans except for family time on Thanksgiving day.  We got up each day and did whatever we felt like doing.  Lots of home time, which is my favorite and a few play dates but all week was a very relaxed week for us...and very much needed!!!
We took down our Christmas decorations but did not put any up till after Thanksgiving.  I felt very strongly about not rushing into Christmas and enjoying Thanksgiving.  My boys drew pictures of what they were thankful for and my heart could melt each time they talked about their blessings.  At this very young age, they get it...they really do and they were very eager to share with the entire family!

Onward into the Christmas season, and we could not be more excited!!!  I normally take 2-3 days to complete my tree and decorations and Tony works on the outside by placing the lighted deer.  This year the boys made sure the decor was up and ALL completed in one day!!!  They made sure everything was perfect...we let the boys place the deer outside and decorate the tree inside just how they want it.  Mason made "families" with lots of the ornaments.  I would not have it any other way-ever!!  Carson is already discussing with Mason why we celebrate-Jesus and his birthday.  "It is not all about gifts, it is about Jesus."  Mason says "but the gifts are nice too."  There have been some precious moments with my little unit already and I am soaking it up! 

Force Field

For the past few months(or since we saw a live Star Wars show in Disney World), the boys have fallen for the power of the Jedi.  They have watched all of the movies, and now know more about Star Wars than I ever dreamed that would even want to know.  A friend warned me about this.....she told me it is coming and your boys will love it!!  After the live show in Disney, the boys were hooked.  The show was interactive, allowing the kids to go through training to be a part of the warriors.  A very thrilling experience to say the least.
So now, I hear lots of swooshing and swishing on a daily basis.  I laughed to myself a few days ago because if I close my eyes I would've thought that I was actually in the movie!!  These days are filled with LOTS of imagination and role playing.  I wouldn't trade it for the world!  I love to listen to my boys as the pretend and interact with each other. They have asked to be Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader for halloween...even though the Captain America costume caught Mason's eye and now he wants to be 2 different characters :)

Days are busy, but I try to stop and enjoy the moments that I will never get back.  They are growing at warp speed and even though I am sad there are no more babies I also love each phase they go through.  In the car this week, Mason said "moma, just so you know there is a force field around the car."  Carson says "yes, Mason I can see it."  I just looked and responded "always good to have a force field on the way to school."
Just this morning, I overheard them saying that their belts would be a force field for them today....helping them to get through a day at school :)

May there always be a force field around my 2 precious gifts and may it continue to come from the good Lord above.

A little thought and consideration

Let me start by saying that I have always been a level-headed gal, someone that can listen to others and respectfully agree or disagree.  I know who I am and will not conform to others just because that seems to be the thing to do.  Although I know that every day presents itself as a learning experience, I also know that I will not waive my opinion for the sake of fitting into a particular crowd.
I am not a mean vendicitive person.  I consider others and their feelings, while realizing not everyone will treat me the same.  All this being said, I hope that everyone that is ever around me will always know that I have their best interest at heart but I will state my opinion when necessary.  My convictions have always been very strong....I cannot waiver.
My heart's desire is for my boys to grow up in a strong Christain home with 2 parents that put God first and then each other.  I hope the boys will always have a sense of self and pride but not so much that it will lead them down a destructive path.  My prayer is that they will marry strong women that love the Lord and  always know that every action will present a reaction.
Just have a very full heart.......

A little consideration, a little thought for others makes all the difference. ~ Winnie the Pooh

Busy, Busy Bees

We have been so busy lately I haven't been able to keep up.  A few weeks ago, I felt like I was drowning.  It always takes me 2 weeks to get back into the swing of school.  This year has been very different.  Carson is now with me at my school and Mason started a new school attending 4K.  They have both adjusted very well.....my problem is they would rather still be at the beach or fishing in the boat.  Carson says "school is so much work."  Mason says he already knew the sounds of the letters and maybe he could just skip a few weeks.  I have children that would rather be at home, they love to be in the backyard playing with Chloe the dog or playing baseball or playing on the jungle gym. 

And, so we are now 5 weeks into school and I decide the to have the "great clean out" and then new paint on the walls is necessary too.  This made for a very hectic week or so and then a yard sale is necessary.  Yard sales are not my idea of a fun thing to do on a Saturday, I would just rather be doing anything else.  But, this was an adventure for us.  Both boys had a great time pricing and collecting money.  They also were both very friendly to the customers.  One older man gave them $2 just because he saw them sitting and counting their loot!!  We met some very interesting people, made some nice friends from Arkansas, and gave the remaining items to charity.  All in all a good day for us, lots of learning experiences, and absolutely beautiful weather.

I am very tired this evening, but a happy girl because I am watching the Bama game and realxing with the family.  This is one of my favorite times of the year.  Cooler weather and Alabama football make for a perfect evening in September.  Roll Tide!!!

Here We Go.....

Tomorrow is the day, the begininng of the school year!  Carson will be walking to his second grade class and Mason to his 4K class.  I can hardly wrap my head around it!!  Honestly, I have been dreading it. We have enjoyed every minute of our Summer vacation(already planning several trips in August & September) and it is hard to say good bye to the wonderful relaxation that Summer brings with it.  But, yesterday I realize it is time.....time for more structured days, time for a little distance between my two precious boys, and time for learning some new stuff!

Mason is very excited, almost thrilled to begin 4K.  He like saying that he is going in 4K, I think it makes him feel "big."  Carson is not as thrilled, and I think it is because he is nervous.  He has asked lots of questions and I can see by his expressions that he needs the first day to come and go.  After the first day, all nerves will probably settle and all be be okay....fingers crossed :)

As a teacher, I look forward to a new year.  I will see some new faces and some familiar faces.  I hope and pray that all the children that cross my path will feel as special as they truly are....I hope my every action will be felt as genuinely as I intend it.  I try and remember that not all children have ate breakfast and that some children need a extra hug.  Ultimately, I want to treat these kiddos like they are my own.  I recently visited my elementary school(which happens to be the first school where I taught...WONDERFUL experience) and everyone there made me feel so good, so special!  Before I could get to the door, I heard my name and a huge hug came next.  As I walked through the door, teacher after teacher came to me and hugged me...really hugged me.  Lots of questions about me and my family came next.  A few special friends told me I MUST stop back by their room before leaving.  All of them made me feel loved!  A humbling, warm and fuzzy feeling came over me.  I miss each one of their faces!  So thankful to have worked there and very blessed to have made many more new friends too!!

So tomorrow and each day after, I hope that I can have a part in making everyone feel truly special ;)

HAPPY School Year!!

Surfing the Waves

Another week of fun in the sun has passed, and I am in denial that I have to return to work in the morning.  Mason has tried his best to surf, to "real surf" he says not pretend.  Both boys have enjoyed some new adventures this week.  Carson had a blast riding a tube yesterday...very thankful for patience while a seven year old boy gets comfortable on a tube.  I have more than enjoyed this Summer, I have tried my best to savor each moment.....this weekend was spent with family and friends.  There was no real agenda, a just "go with the flow" kind of a weekend and we all had a wonderful time.

As I stay very busy today, I remind myself that returning to work tomorrow will happen.  I am ready to see my co-workers, just not quite ready to give up the freedom that we experience in the Summertime.  The type of freedom that we can swim, read, fish, bike, and swim some more whenever we feel like it.  Tony tells me that there is a relaxation that comes with Summer that can not be felt at any other time.  I have to agree.  For our little unit, it is the best time of the year!!!

So, as I think about my guys surfing the waves I will think of returning to the school in a "riding the waves" kinda style.  There are new adventures to face each day and let's face it...I am gonna smile and go with it :)





Sweet Little Sayings

For as long as I can remember, Tony & I have used words buddy, little man, or guys when calling our boys.  When loading the car, leaving a restuarant, or just getting their attention in general.  I never realized how much I say "come on buddy, get in the car guys, let's go little man."  But I must say it frequently because I have noticed that the boys are using it with each other, and with family & friends. Numerous times I have heard Carson refer to Mason as "buddy." He uses it in such a sweet way that will melt a heart.  Recently, Carson scraped his leg in a bike accident and I heard Mason say "It will be alright, let me get ya a band aid buddy."  He retrieved the band aid and sat with Carson untill all was better.  They are really so sweet to each other, so kind(not all the time but most of the time).  They love each other in such an unconditional way.

I also say "let's roll" when it is time to get in the car.  So, a few days ago we were headed out to meet friends and before I could say a word Mason said "let's ROCK!" And we all knew what he meant and we giggled and just walked out the door.

A few days ago, all four of us were in the truck hauling the boat to get fuel.  Mason says "let's always have this boat called a SeaFox.  Beacuse if we do, I can get the little barge"(small boat that Tony has used for years).
Carson immediately says "Mason, I am the older son and I will get the barge." I will grow up some and get married and I will get the barge to go fishing in."
Tony says "Married? Why you think you want to get married?"
Carson "DADDY, it is what you do....grow up, fall in love, and get married! It is what you did!"
Tony says "yea buddy, you are right.  I sure did!"

Enjoying my guys and the sweet things they say......

We still get ice cream

A few weeks ago we fished in the Roy Martin Jr. Angler's Tournament.  My guys were very excited & anxious about this day.  Carson is very familiar with the fishing tournaments and he really likes it!!  Mason has come to learn this whole process....try your best to catch a big fish to win a prize. Of course we try our best to remind them that we are here to enjoy the day and have a good time as a family.   Both boys enjoy the fishing, and the competition too!!  So, on this day we are off to catch a big one!!  Some nasty storm clouds are lurking in the distance so we stay close to the shore for a while.  Mason was the first to catch a fish, a catfish and he was a "keeper!"  Yay!  Mason asks every single time he catches a fish "Is this one a keeper?"  (Of course, EVERY fish he catches is a keeper because HE caught it).  Not much longer and we move spots until we are at the West End of Dauphin Island.  The storm clouds have dissappeared, and the sun is shining brightly above us.  We fish for a little longer and then Tony pulls the boat to the beach for a swim.
A good time so far and then we realized we have to head in to the marina.  We pile back in the boat and Tony tells Carson to reel in the line he left out while swimming.  Carson begins to scream & shout that he caught something.  He can hardly reel it in because of the tugging and the fish jumps out of the water several times.  He gets it to the boat, and it is a good size speckle trout.  Carson does not contain his excitement...this is one happy boy!! 
We dock at the weighing station and the boys hop out with their fish in buckets.  Mason insists on carrying his fish in his Buzz Lightyear bucket.  They weigh the fish, and that is when it happened......both of the boys had fish that were only a few tenths from placing on the board.  They get their fish and walk away.  Mason is hanging his head with a puckered lip(no tears), but Carson is doing well.
Mason says "moma, my fish did not make it. He was not big enough. But, I am not gonna cry because it is not right to cry just because you lost."
Me:  "Mason that happens sometimes, but we still had fun.And, yes I am proud of you not crying because you lost."  And before he responds, Carson has to interject
Carson says" Ya win some and ya lose some buddy, but we still get ice cream!"

Nothing else needed to be said...fun, fun day with my unit and we still got ice cream!



Carson and his trout



Mason working hard to reel his fish to the boat



the road less traveled

Willie Mae McGallager is one of the most amazing women that I know!!  She is a mother, grandmother, great-gramdmother, aunt, sister, friend, and so much more to many people.  To me, she is my Nannie.  She is 82 years old and has seen more in her lifetime than I will ever see.  I recently sat down with her and just simply talked...talked about life and this world with live in, talked about her childhood-her daddy, her marriage and raising children.  I treasure this simple conversation, but I know that what she has shared with me I will take with me throughout my lifetime.
Sitting at the kitchen table on an ordinary day, I asked my Nannie about her childhood.  She began by reminding me that her mother had died when she was three and her older sister Ruth took care of her and her siblings.  Her mother had died shortly after having a miscarriage and complications with her liver(something she could survive these days).  But, she discussed their daily lives and how her father would go to work, to a "juke joint" and then home late at night.  He also made moonshine and forced the kids to help disguise it.  She specifically remembers distracting the police so her father would not get caught. She said "you see, he wasn't really a father....I mean he was on paper and we loved him but he really wasn't a daddy." 
She preceded to tell me about one long term girlfriend, Katherine, that her father allowed to move into their house.  Katherine was only nice to my Nannie and her siblings when her father was around the house.  No one wanted to stand up to her(back then that was disrespectful).  But, my Nannie decided to choose the right opportnity to allow her daddy to walk in and catch Katherine with another man.  "She was only kissing that man, but I knew my daddy was going to throw her out!" said my Nannie.  She waited and allowed all the play out just right.  That sounds just awful, but she said she knew it would happen and she thought better sooner than later.
This was just a few examples of the stories that she shared with me.  She also lost her husband at an early age, and stated no other man would love her children and grandchildren like he did.  After our visit, I began to think of life without a mother.  The many hardships that she faced.  And instead of having a pity party or making excuses, she stood tall and made a conscious decision to make a better life for herself.  She will share of her salvation and raising her children in the church.  She will be very quick to tell you that it will be the difference in your life when you keep God in the center and make an effort to attend church regularly.  She will always be in constant prayer for her family and friends....the BEST prayor warrior that I know!  I will always be forever grateful for my Nannie and for the decisions she has made, for her attitude, and simply because she chose the road less traveled.

Raising, praying, & hoping

So, yesterday we headed offshore to do a little snapper fishing.  The weather was perfect for this type of fishing, and we head out in hopes of bringing home some fine fish.  We meet up with some family, and they head out on their boat too.  They have two sweet boys that are older than our boys but go out of their way to make them feel extra special(hard to find mannerly pre-teen boys that are super sweet to little boys).
On the way out, I take in the setting around me.....the bright sun high in the sky reflecting on the water just the right way to make it glisten, the sky so blue with big bellowing clouds, and just enough wind to keep us cool or cool enough.  I have to admit that I was full, feeling blessed to be able to enjoy this wonderful scenery.  I think that I will always have to live close to water!  So with a grateful heart, I say a little prayer and ask for safety around these boats on the water. I also pray for my little guys, and then my mind drifts to our responsibility as their parents.  I sit and contemplate our actions, things we say and do around them...the life we are living before them. Are we raising them and giving them all the necessary skills they will need to be the best they can possibly be??  I know, deep thoughts on a boat.  But, I honestly think to re-check yourself is good sometimes.  It was then that I realized we raise, pray, and hope for the best for our children.  Our purpose is to lead a life pleasing to God, going about our days and doing what glorifies HIM....and that is all that truly matters.  

Oue lines are in the water, fish on!  Some are not large enough and a few just look at us and jump off the line!  But, a good day spent fishing & praying with my unit.  Oh and in matter of minutes the wind comes in and Tony says it is time to go.  Before we can get all the way to the dock, the waters become very rough.  But, in this rough water, I have peace.  I know without a doubt that we will be fine.  There are no words to describe this type of peace.  Even in the stormy weather, I am grateful.

Living on Island Time

For the past few weeks, we have been on Dauphin Island-it is our Summer place.  As far back as I can remember, I have spent time during the Summer on the island.  Many wonderful memories have been made with an extended family and friends.  A few years my family even rented a duplex just so everyone could fit-it is truly one of my fondest memories!! I can remmeber playing with cousins &  friends, staying up late at night giggling and taking my turn on the floor in a sleeping bag. 
So when Tony & I got married we knew that we wanted to keep the tradition going.  First, it was only a week then it went to the month of June and now we move over in May through August.  It just works for us, our unit of four will spend every minute possible on the island.   Of course, we go between home and the island when school is in session and for appointments, errands, etc.  And, we enjoy coming home.  But, we are never home long before I hear "when are we going back to Dauphin Island?"  This week is a "home week" for us and we were here a few hours when Tony looked at me and asked the question "when do we get to go back to the island?"  I laughed and he grinned and then said "really, when??"
A few of my sweet friends will text or email me and ask if I am still alive, and that makes me feel good.  Honestly, we get across the bridge onto the island and it seems like a completely different world.  Our days are spent on the boat, beach, pool, and bicycles.  We travel alot on our bikes and the boys really enjoy it.  Mason is now without training wheels and he is thrilled.  There was no parental help with this(other than Tony taking off the training wheels).  He simply jumped on his Buzz Lightyear bike and never looked back.  Since then he has been on "bicycle restriction" a few times because he has taken off on his bike to visit the neighbors(without telling us)!!
The boys have grown and matured right before my eyes.  Recently on a snapper fishing trip, Tony looked at me across the boat and said "this so works for me, just us-our unit of four simply sharing a day of fishing."  It warmed my heart to know that we have been able to slow down our little world and just be...just be with our family to do whatever we feel like at any moment during the day.  Both boys have wanted to throw a net like their daddy to catch bait(or little minnows that are just fun).  I have now realized that my guys(all 3) can do this for hours, they are so excited over bait fish!!
Although I feel as if this Summer has past so quickly, I have taken many moments to stop and breath in the moments....each one small and large.  In only a few short weeks we will have to return to the real world and I can gurantee none of the Collier Crew will be happy about it.  But, for now we will look forward to the remaining days of Sweet Summer and continue to live on Island Time :)

Carson and his net

Proud fisherman



Fishin' with Paw Paw



Storytime with Carson :)



Mason being very determined to do it like daddy & Carson

Weighing fish at Jr Angler's Tourney

Catchin' his first snapper

Deep Thinker

Recently, Mason completed his first year in a preschool program.  I have to admit that I was very apprehensive about 3K in general...not with where he was going only because Carson did not start until he was four years old.  I guess  I had a little "mommy guilt" but deep down in my "mommy soul" I knew that it was the best for him.  Mason is very much an intervert.  He really does not need others(except for Carson, he desparately needs Carson).  Honestly, he is exactly like Tony & my dad (he even looks like my dad), but they are all very quiet, humble individuals that do not need a large group of people around.  Actually, small groups are preferred.  I was a little concerned at first but now I have little worries about him.  He has overly impressed me this year...lots of growing, lots of learning, and he has made lots of little friends.
He has truly had the best experience I could ever hope for in a preschool.  His teacher was wonderful and so very patient on the days Mason was a little more apprenhensive.  He has learn so many things...letters & the sounds they make, numbers, and many bible verses.  But most importantly, he has learned valuable lessons that have set a foundation that will follow him the rest of his life.  For that, I am forever grateful!!
Each day, Mason would depend on me to pick him up(daddy was okay too but he really looked for me).  As the year went on, he would hop in the car with a new story or a new letter to talk about.  He wanted homework when Carson had to sit and do his homework.  So, we gave him a notebook to write his letters and numbers...he was thrilled.  I have to admit that I underestimated him a little.  He really was eager to learn.
At the end of this 3K experience, I am so glad I made the decision to let Mason attend this year.  He was ready, maybe more than I was ready to let him go.  At his program a few weeks ago, Mason received the "Deep Thinker Award", and his teacher commented that no matter what she said or told Mason he would always have a response or a question.  She said "Mason is always thinking."  He was also named "Student of the Year" for being the student that mastered all skills and had great behavior.  As he sang his little heart out, I smiled the biggest smile and tears flowed down my face.  He was thrilled to be a big boy standing on stage and singing for the Lord...and that makes my heart as happy as it can be and I was feeling very full, so grateful that I can leave my kids at a wonderful christian school that is teaching so much more than letters & numbers......
Here are a few pics from his 3k adventures...

Mason and his little friend Landon

Mason & Tucker playing store

Ms. Oliver with my sweet Mason

Carson is ready to be a Second Grader!!

First grade has flown....and I have to say Carson is thrilled for the Summer but sad his year with Ms. Brown is complete.  He has grown and matured tremendously and we are so very proud!! He has done so well this year, but mature enough to recognize his room for improvement.  He looked at his averages on his report card and says "I know I can make that score higher."He reminds me of an adult, he reminds me of Tony.....
Tony and I have stressed to him to be a kid and not to worry about decisions/choices that he will face as an adult.  I have been concerned about his maturity lately....he understands so very much!  I just really want our child to be a kid, enjoy each moment as a kid.  So, we have had several talks with him and he has responded well.  But there are times when he still shocks me ......On a recent ride home from school, Carson had a "talk" with Mason about choices...."you are always faced with choices buddy, good ones and bad ones, it is your decision"
I smile as I hear this conversation I smile and I realized that I will not be able to change Carson and his way of thinking.  I will embrace it and know the world will be a better place because he is in it!
He is truly a great kid(and I know that I am partial), alway doing for others, always taking the time to explain things to Mason before I even get a chance, always striving to do his best.  WE are so thankful to be his parents.  I feel so blessed that I was chosen to be his mommie and I hope he always will know it!

                                                                    Last day of 1st grade :)

Carson with Ms. Brown(LOVE her).  It was his idea to get her a peach tree, "so it will grow fruit just like we grow."  I love this child so very much, love the way he thinks, his kind heart, and willingness to try & do his best at anything.  This year he shared with me that he wanted Jesus to live in his heart, so He can save me and always be with me.  Such an awesome moment to share with my little man.  My prayer is for him to always put God first! 

Handprints on the wall.....

I have always tried my best to keep a clean & neat house.  Before the boys came along that was fairly easy, and the whole act of dusting, sweeping, & mopping did not take very long(especially when we lived in a 700 sq ft apartment).  Sometimes, I get frustrated that I do not have time to "keep it all up." For the past year, I have tried my best to let it go and really focus on what is important in life.  A dear friend said to me "one day your boys will be all grown up, but dust bunnies will always be around."  Good advice I think!! 

So with that, I have tried my best to let some things go.  It is not easy, but it has been nice not to be caught up in the constant concern that my house is "visitor ready."  I made a decision that I would do some cleaning, but limit myself on the area of time.  If it gets done great, but if not then stop & put it on a list for next week.  Time with my family is much more important!!

Today, I walked into the boy's bathroom.  Now, when we built our house I made sure I had a half bath for guests to use.  Pregnant with my sweet Carson, I knew at some point there would be a dribble or two on the toliet.  So, I made sure a half bath would be in this house.  It was absolutlely no talking me out of it!! No one would want to use a little boy's bathroom!   But today, as I go to leave their bathroom I see mud.....mud on the door, mud on the wall, & a muddy handprint on the light switch.  My first instinct was to grab a washcloth and wipe it....then I stopped.  I consciously stopped, giggled, and decided to leave it.  As I turned the light off, I thought to myself  how lucky I am to have muddy handprints on our walls.  God has blessed me more than I deserve and I am so very thankful for mud!  :)

It has been so long....

It has been a very long time since my last post....we have been very busy and add a few laptop issues to aide in the craziness!  I honestly love to blog about everything, it makes me feel as if I am capturing the precious moments of our life. I read my last post and so much has happened since.....here are the highlights

Disney Trip in March
Baseball in March, April, & May(that consumed at lest 3 nights a week, sometimes 5)
BOAT, yep we finally bought a boat(all 3 guys are thrilled and I might be a tad bit excited too)
Easter-a memorable one because both boys truly understand why we celebrate
Mason completes 3K :)
Spring/Summer camping begins which has us wishing away May!

More to come, very soon and pics too!!! 

What is more than five?

Since before I can remember, I have given the boys a five minute warning.  I like to tell them five more minutes till bath time, till we leave for school, till dinner, till bedtime, etc.  So, Mason asked this week(after EVERY five minute warning) "What is more than five?"  And, I would respond "six" and he would say "I want six then."  I giggled to myself and Tony even noticed me laughing.  It absolutely amazes me that in such a short time Mason has figured out what to say in order to lengthen his time before a bath or bed. 

Each and every day there is something occurs with one or both of the boys that takes me by surprise.  This week Carson wrote his first book report.  Now, I have to admit that I was not overly excited about this homework...I am just being honest.  I dreaded the thought of having my little first grader sit and write a report when I knew I would have to spell words for him and make him sit & complete this assignment before playing(he hates homework time as it interferes with outside time).  Much to my surprise, Carson grabbed a book, we read it, and he began writing.  Now, I had to let him choose the book...Aliens Love Underpants....not the greatest piece of literature but I had to let him choose the book so he would be excited.  It worked!!  He sat and giggled at the very thought of aliens taking underwear from humans and using it for a trampoline!  And, he only asked a few spelling questions. I told him to sound it out & do his best. Spaseship was spelled with an s instead of a c and I am okay with that because he has to learn and I actually thought that was impressive because it is an "s" sound.  He did great and even wanted to share with his classmates!!  I am so thankful that he has come out of his shell, and he is so much more comfortable & confident.  He came home the next day and said his report made the entire class laugh and he really thinks he had the best report.  And, I smiled and said I am sure you did great! :)

As each day passes, I try my best to thank God for all of His blessings that I have been given the privilege to enjoy.  This life on Earth is only temporary and the people that surround me have been gifts directly from Him.  I try my best to teach my 2 precious boys the to be grateful for everything, but I hope to also model the attitude that would be pleasing to Him.  Each day is truly a gift!!

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart. -Helen Keller

Collier kiddos & the things they say......

This seems like it has been the longest week.  Maybe it is because it was the first week back to school after a sweet 17 days off!!!  But, I do know that declaring this Friday as pizza & movie night was the best for my crew :)

We are getting back into the swing of play, homework, dinner, play, bath, read a book and get to bed routine!!  Some how we have managed to make it to several appointments after school, and even on time!!  And, if you know me that is fabulous!  Maybe, just maybe in 2011 punctuality will start happening for me!

So, onward to our hair appointments.  This is when Mason informed us that when little boys go the get their hair cut they go to the barber shop.  Surprised, I asked how he knew about barber shops and his response "a book."  Now, that completely warmed my heart beacuse that is what I love so much!  It is what I do, it is what I LOVE....children's books.  Kids can go anywhere when they read a book, and I can only hope that my 2 boys will love books as much as I do.   :)

This week also brought on report cards....Carson asked to see his report card and then proceeded to ask "what is a 98, and a 96, and a 92?"  So, I answered and said it is the score of your grades and he responded "well, my scores sound good to me!"  And, then he saw a B+, and I knew what was coming.  He wanted to know how in the world all A's and 1 B could possibly happen!?!  And, I smiled and said we always just expect YOUR best.  So, if  A's and B's are your best then we are proud of you & happy too!  This is a struggle for Carson, he wants perfection and so we contine to stress his best.  And, with the help of his teacher this year, he has made excellent progress!  Mason got the "joy to teach" comment on his 3K report, and so he says "see, it turns out good even if you do get 1 yellow"  God has truly blessed me with very different little boys! :)

Lastly, I got a call today from Mason's 3k teacher saying he had fell on the playground & busted his head.  Of course, she immediately says he is fine now but it did bleed a good bit.  So, I am off to check on my sweet Mason, and I get there to find he is perfectly fine.  They had cleaned his wound & given him a extra snow cone.  He was all smiles, a very big blue smile :) I am so very thankful for the wonderful school that my boys attend!

And, then his teacher asks if today was his birthday and I said no it is the 17th.  She immediately apologized & said she was so embarrassed!!  But she had the 7th on her calendar instead of the 17th.  So, they had sang to him & given him a gift.  He even had a birthday badge on his shirt.  Mason looks at me and says "moma, I told them it wasn't my birthday."  His teacher laughed and said that he did tell her it was on the 17th.  At this point, I am laughing & I do thing that it is quite funny.  And so Mason gets to celebrate on 2 days!  A few minutes later, he asked if he could get an early dismissal and of course I said yes :)  Alll in all, a good week....a very good day on this Friday.  What made it even a little more sweeter.....Mason telling me that I sing good to the radio and "you even sound like the singers on the radio, you are the best moma in the whole wide world" 

So, with that I smile a little bigger and know that I am blessed beyond measure!!!

the simple things....

Today is the last day of our "Winter break" and I have enjoyed every minute of it!!  There have many bitter sweet moments in the last 2 weeks that have made being a mom even extra special. We've had an adventure every day(even if we never left the house).  Tony & I were able to really enjoy watching & listening to our boys.  It has been amazing to see and hear their excitement over the simple little things.   Mason and his buzz pj's and Carson giggling as he gets his remote control tarantula close to anyone!! 



This year we made sure we kept with our annual traditions, but also decided to make a few new ones too!!  One of the fondest memories....traveling to the a small, quaint community that allows the kids to take a train ride to Santa's workshop.  Now, it is a very simple concept and very cute for the kids...my boys were thrilled and asked to go back the next day!  They loved the ride and the hot chocolate and the cute wooden train that they got to build to take home.  I will always remember the twinkle in their eyes, and over something so simple. :)


A few of my favorite things....  :)

Sweet Shepard Boys





Carson fishin' the Wii





the day after.....


Wishing for the joy & peace of the Christmas season to stay throughout the new year!!!