Time Out

The last two days have been so nice. Wednesday morning I woke up, and everything was irritating me. Adam and I could both tell that I really needed a time out from everything. So he offered to stay home with Emilee and let me go shopping. I actually took him up on the offer. I haven't been by myself like that in a long time. I was gone for about 3 hours. It was strange at first I kept feeling like I was forgetting something, but I enjoyed my time alone. I was able to go to stores and take my time if I wanted. I know it wasn't the shopping that made me feel better, I only bought a couple of things. It was knowing everything was fine at home and I didn't have to worry about a thing. I felt refreshed when I got home, like I could handle anything. I really appreciate my sweet husband giving me a time out. He is a kind, loving, and understanding man, I'm lucky that he is mine.

Snow!?!?!?!?!

It's April here in Utah, so the birds should be singing and the flowers should be blooming. Well unfortunately Utah is known for crazy weather. Early this morning as my husband was preparing to go to work he woke me up to ask me if he could take the car I usually use. Being half asleep, it's really early, I remember him saying something about 3 inches of snow. I tell him go ahead and take the car I want you to be safe. Then I fall back asleep. About an hour later I hear noises that sounds like someone scratching on our windows, I'm still so tired I barely register the noise and then fall back asleep. So 7:30 this morning I wake up look out our front window and see all the snow. Wasn't too surprised, I had been warned, also wasn't so happy about seeing the snow. I remind myself we live in a desert state and can use the moisture. Well I go to our back door and open the blinds and this is what I see.

This branch is right outside the door, it's suppose to be above our second story window.

I get past the first branch and turn the corner. All of a sudden I feel like I've stepped into a wonderland. I was surrounded by tree.

This is what the tree looks like from the front. The lower branches are usually closer to the top of the pine tree. I honestly enjoyed what I found this morning, there was something calming about the whole thing. I was even crazy enough, that as soon as I saw the first branch, I slipped on my sandals and went into the snow to take pictures. It's Utah and I knew that this moment wouldn't even last a few minutes. The sun was coming, and the moment was going to slip away. I added the last picture because I like it. I found something funny in the fact all the branches were in the garbage can. I hope everyone found something to enjoy this magical morning.

Easter

I can't believe Easter has come and gone. I hope everyone had a great Easter. As for our family it was a great weekend, we kept ourselves very busy. Saturday Morning we went to an Easter Egg hunt that was hosted by Rocky Mountain Mortage. We went with Adams family, his dad works for the company, so we all take our kids and enjoy. It's fun to watch everyone search for eggs and race for prizes. After that egg hunt was over we went to my familys house for the "Collins" easter egg hunt. Right now there's only 3 cousins, and only 2 that can enjoy the egg hunt. We keep hoping that one day there will be more children. Matthew and Emilee enjoyed looking for the eggs. Since they are the only 2 that can look they get more than enough. That night we dyed eggs with Emilee. It's the first time we have dyed eggs with her, last year she was too young, yet she knew exactly what to do. She enjoyed "throwing" the eggs in the dye. Luckily for us we had alot of towels down. Easter morning we woke up and got ready for church. When we were all ready we came down stairs to see what the Easter Bunny left us. Before we went to church we watched the Easter Message, its a great reminder of what this holiday is really about. We went had dinner with my family that evening. It was great fun, we did miss Russell and Amber they were with her parents. It was great to share Easter with my Grandpa and my Aunt Bonnie, they are visiting from North Carolina. After Dinner we went to visit with Adams family and enjoy a family night that Ryan and Kristiena prepared for us.

With all of the family activities that happen for holiday, its easy to forget why we celebrate. As we watched the Easter Message it was a great time for me to reflect and to find peace. I know that Jesus was sent here to help us. That he loves each one of us and he did die and bleed for us. I also know that he arose from the grave. I am Thankful that he was willing to give his life for me. That one day I may return to Heaven. I only hope that I may be a example of his love and show it unto others. I know that I have a long way to go, but I will keep trying. If you want to watch the Easter Message just click here.

Gardner Village

Yesterday we went to Gardner Village with my family. For those that don't know Gardner Village was an old mill that they have turned into a bunch of shops. It was a nice to spend time with the family talking, walking, and enjoying the day. Grandma thought ahead and had bread with her for the kids to feed the ducks.

Emilee enjoyed trying to get the ducks to eat the bread she was throwing. Unfortunately her bread didn't always make it to the water.

Emilee and Matthew, her cousin, didn't understand why they had to share the bread. They were hungry too.

Emilee really hates being in her stroller. She loves her freedom when we let her out. She decided to run back and forth on one of the old bridges they have there.

Emilee and Matthew walking away smiling and laughing. Emilee thought it was great that she was able to hold Matthews hand and "help" him walk. I don't know if she made it easier or harder for him. They had fun playing together. By the end of the day everyone was tired and ready to go home.

The Beginning

In Elementary School when people would ask what do you want to be when you grow up? I would always answer that I wanted to be a Mom. That dream finally came true. I met Adam, my sweetheart and best friend, in November 1999. We were married in July 2000, and have enjoyed every moment together since. We wanted to have children soon after, unfortunately that became our trial. We tried for seven years with no success. Finally that wonderful moment came, Our Little Miracle arrived in February 2007. Emilee is now 2 years old and has brought such joy into our lives. Adam and Emilee are my dreams come true.