The Collins Crew

June 2009

2009-08-19T05:59:00.001-07:00

Pure bliss!

Charlie's been caught red-handed (I mean, red-shoed).

Riding with Will the champ and his horse.

We love the rodeo!

One of our June highlights was going to the Cobb County Rodeo! We had never been and Pam's son Will was going to compete. We, along with the Simpson and Perkins kids, had a ball watching the rodeo, and Will came away the winner in his division! Jane and Charlie were so excited to be up on the big horse!

May 2009

2009-08-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

Bathing Beauties

Walks with Big Pop

Hanging out with Jeff's cousin William at the Square Bagel.

May was a nice, relaxing month. Jeff and I spent our 9th anniversary in Birmingham. We went to the best restaurant ever, Gian Marco's. I wish I had a picture of our dinner. It was incredible! We also spent a good part of the month hanging out at Lovingwood Legune (our own version of redneck riviera). Who needs the beach with a plastic pool, tailgate chairs and ice cold drinks at hand in your own backyard?

April 2009

2009-08-19T05:21:00.000-07:00

Still here, bloggers. I think my best bet from now on is to have a monthly blog posting. Here are a few highlights from April! The whole family went to Auburn's A-Day (I know, I know...but my heart still bleeds red and black!) Big Pop went with us and we all had a great time despite sweltering heat. Easter was a special day. Church, family, food, Easter goodies and our risen Jesus!

Good times

2009-03-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures from the past couple of months!

Sweet Pop

2009-03-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

We are missing someone very much today. Jeff's beloved grandfather "Pop" passed away last month, and today would have been his 91st birthday. You'd be hard pressed to find a sweeter soul on this earth. He lived life to the fullest and made a lasting impression on every life he touched. We love and miss him dearly.

A Very Merry Christmas

2009-01-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2008 has come and gone and it was another special time for us as we celebrated the birth of Jesus. Lots of time was spent singing carols, talking about baby Jesus, anticipating Santa's arrival, listening and dancing to Christmas music around the house, decorating the tree (and redecorating after Jane and Charlie took down ornaments each day), eating Christmas treats, oohing and aahing over Christmas lights and spending time with family. Christmas truly is a magical time and it's hard to believe it is over. We spent Christmas Eve at aunt Cissy's house with the annual fondue or "FUN-DO" dinner. Christmas morning we celebrated at home with Grannie, Papa, GG and Uncle Lawson coming for Christmas pancakes. Then it was off to the Simpsons in Buford to celebrate with Jeff's family. There is nothing more fun then spending the holidays with those you love!

Santa Success

2008-12-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

Last week we took our annual trip to visit Santa at Lenox. We were unsure how the children would react to jolly ole St. Nick, seeing that last year Jane was terrified and karate chopped poor Santa to bits while getting her picture made. What a delightful surprise that both Jane and Charlie loved Santa this year. Thank goodness! Adding to the fun was having both sets of grandparents with us!

Baby Jesus and the Angel

2008-12-21T19:52:00.001-08:00

We had a fun Christmas event at our church a couple of weeks ago. Pastor Tom read the Christmas story while the children acted out the scenes. Our very own Charlie was baby Jesus and thankfully was a very good one (I feared we might have a whiny Jesus on our hands!). Jane was an angel and was in her element dancing to all of the Christmas carols. It was a sweet night and a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of our Savior!

Jane's Third Birthday

2008-12-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

Our little Jane turned three on November 28...the day after turkey day this year. We started the day with birthday pancakes and presented the bday girl with a scooter...so excited! After a visit to the Pressley farm she was not exactly ready to party hardy. Pooped and worn out. Nevertheless, we had a small cupcake celebration at my parents. Happy Birthday sweet Jane! You are such a delight!

Thankful!

2008-12-14T18:30:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving Day at Mimi and Pop's with Charles and the Perkins. The table was beautifully decorated and lots of good food was consumed (thanks, Jeff, for a great smoked turkey!)...so much to be thankful for this year!

Fall Fun

2008-11-27T08:05:00.001-08:00

We love the fall! Just a few pictures of Jane and Charlie playing outside!

Football, Fun, Family!

2008-11-27T07:49:00.000-08:00

Mitch, Granny, Dad and Cissy

Host with the most!

G.G. and Charlie

Happy Family!

Auburn Dudes

We went to my great-uncle Poge's house in Auburn for the annual AU/GA game. We always look forward to going to his house and visiting with my extended family. We have an agreement that whoever the "home" team is, our children will dress in that attire. A great time of fun, food and lots of laughter! Thanks for hosting, Uncle Poge!

The Kirk Baby Shower-

2008-11-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

This past weekend the Wilder and Collins families hosted a baby shower for our friends, Suzi and Randy Kirk. It was such a fun time with friends as we celebrated "Jesse Fleetwood's" upcoming arrival in January. There is nothing more fun to celebrate than a baby!

A Trip to Virginia

2008-11-12T08:51:00.000-08:00

Our Train Car Room

Jim and Barbara

Room With A View!

I recently had the chance to join Jeff as he traveled to Tennessee and up to Virginia, to visit his boss, Jim Davis. Jim and his wife, Barbara live in Konnarock, VA, on the most beautiful piece of property you have ever seen! Can you imagine waking up to this view? A piece of heaven on earth. Jim took us on the "Virginia Creeper Trail", which was 17 miles of beauty. It was so much fun, and "my kind of exercise", as we coasted on bikes the whole way down. We had a wonderful time. Thanks again, Jim and Barbara!

We also stayed on an old train car at the "Chatanooga Choo-Choo" in Chatanooga, TN. It was a neat experience!

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T20:43:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween! The Winter Fairy has arrived! Jane finally donned her complete costume, in the comfort of her own home. Now, I have to brag on my wonderful and talented mother, who handmade Jane and Charlie's costumes this year. She is definitely THE most creative person I know and I'm sure spent many hours planning, measuring, sewing, glueing and glittering. They were made with love, that's for sure! Thanks mom!

We went to Grand and Big Pop's to trick-or-treat with our cousins and some of their friends. Jane did not feel like wearing her costume this time but nonetheless enjoyed going door-to-door for candy. Charlie was just along for the ride. Grand made delicious stew and pumpkin cake for us all. Check out my fabulous sister-in-laws in their costumes! What a fun night!

Halloween Parade!

2008-10-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

This year's Halloween festivities kicked off at the annual Halloween Parade hosted by the Hunter and Phillips families. It was a beautiful day as loads of little ones paraded down Kennesaw Avenue in all their costumed glory. Our very own "Winter Fairy" was not exactly in the mood but eventually perked up thanks to a pack of skittles. Charlie the "Elf" was a good sport although his costume was not very masculine...I guess I can get away with it for now!

Happy Birthday Charlie!

2008-10-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

Little Charlie turned one on the 17th! What a joy this year has been. We had our family over to celebrate with cake and ice cream. Charlie had a big time with the chocolate! Lots of fun was had as we celebrated our blessing. Happy Birthday!

Time flies when you're having fun!

2008-10-09T10:01:00.001-07:00

Okay, I'm a blog slacker. I will try to get back on track. Here are a few fun pics from the past few weeks. My dad, who claims he loves washing dishes, has met his match. Jane has become quite the little dishwasher. Although I think she really just enjoys spraying water everywhere. She is the best helper unloading the dishwasher too! Let's hope her interest lasts. I cannot keep Charlie away from the dog food. Much of my day is spent tearing the little rascal away from it and popping it out of his mouth. I will never understand the fascination! Charlie has turned into wild man and I can hardly keep up with him. Jane and Charlie are doing their best in keeping this house united, not divided! Here's to a healthy respect for both teams. Life around here is fun, fun, fun!

Wedding Weekend

2008-09-20T08:13:00.001-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. West

Hannah and Leah

My cousins!

Mom and her sisters

Granny Hardin and her kids

Last weekend I travelled to Tybee Island, GA, for my cousin Haley's wedding. It was a blast! My mom is one of seven children and most of her siblings attended, along with their families. It was a special treat for me to spend time with my cousins...lounging on the beach, laughing, collecting sand dollars, dancing at the wedding. A very sweet (and fun) celebration! Jane and Charlie stayed with Big Pop and Grand and then a night with Daddy. I think they survived just fine without me. Congrats to Haley and Chase!

Playdate!

2008-09-08T07:08:00.001-07:00

Walker Sanders, David Hunter and Jane

Charlie and Livie Hunter

Last Thursday we were invited to the Sanders' home for a playdate. They have the most beautiful yard complete with a koi pond. The "big kids" had fun feeding the fish and were mesmerized by them (few things in life allow these three to sit this still)! Jane and Charlie had a blast with Walker, David and Livie. It looks like Livie and Charlie may have a little "thing" going! We had a great time, Catherine!!!

Week in a nutshell

2008-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for school

A night out with Sheri, Kerri and Erin

Three generations of Collins!

Our family photo

Fun with cousins Emma and Pressley

The week has gone by without blogging...so I have some catching up to do. This was Jane's first week back at school...and despite the picture she was very excited about going. Her teachers are very sweet. I am thankful she has so much fun! Wednesday night I went out with the "cell group girls" for dinner at Capers in Kennesaw. If you have never been there I highly recommend it. Great atmosphere with wonderful food. These girls are very special! Friday night we went to dinner with our dear friends the Mosgovoys to celebrate Emily's birthday at C&S Seafood. Talk about delicious! Unfortunately I do not have a picture but we had a blast. Jane and Charlie went to Grand and Big Pop's for an evening of fun. Saturday we piled in the car and headed to Cartersville for the Collins Family Reunion. Despite the heat we had fun...it was at Jeff's great-aunts farm. Can you tell Jane does not like to get her picture taken when people are watching?! A great weekend topped off by Buford, UGA and AU victories. We are happy campers! So that is our week in a nutshell...

Weekend Sniffles

2008-08-24T18:02:00.001-07:00

Aiden and the guys

Ace and the ladies (sans Melanie)

Well, we spent most of the weekend sick (headcolds), but we did have a few highlights. On Friday, Lu and Violet Wilder came over for lunch and playtime. The older girls had so much fun composing their "duet." Charlie and Violet rolled around as usual! It was a great visit. Friday night Jeff and I met our friends the Ramseys and the Ruschs at the Marietta square to see the NEONS in concert. It was a blast! I could just imagine how Jane would've danced the night away, especially when her favorite song, "Boogie Shoes," came on! Little Ace and Aiden were champs and brought the cuteness level of our group way up!

Charlie

2008-08-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

This little guy has captured my heart! It is hard to believe he is now 10 months old. He scoots around so fast I can hardly keep up! His favorite destination these days is Lily's dog food. And his favorite thing to eat is paper. Go figure! Each day brings something new and exciting. What joy he brings to all of us! "Char-char" "Char-chee", "Charlie-barlie"...we love you!!!!

Friday Night Cookout

2008-08-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had the Barfields and Mosgovoys over. Their boys, Benjamin and Nicholas are in the same kindergarten class. Lots of activity with 8 kids in the house!!! Fun was had by all... as you can see in our attempt for a picture!

Fun with the Wilders

2008-08-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we travelled to Charlotte, NC to visit our dear friends, the Wilders. We have known them for many years and have shared many fun and special times together. Jane and their daughter, Lucinda, were born three weeks apart and are the best of friends. Charlie and their other daughter, Violet, are becoming fast friends as well! We had such a great time catching up and seeing our children play together. Jumping, swinging, dancing, playing, eating...a weekend full of laughter and fun. We miss you friends!

Little Picaso

2008-08-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

One of Jane's favorite things to do is paint on her easel that Grannie Annie gave her. She especially loves to paint her hands and put them on the paper. I like to encourage her creativity but cringed when I saw the green paint had traveled to the sofa, wall, door, baby doll and white shower curtain! Thank goodness for washable paint!

And the winnah is...

2008-07-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

our very own, Jeff Collins!

How proud we were of him this past weekend for winning the 2008 Hardin Cup! This very prestigious tournament was created 15 years ago by my mother's family in memory of my maternal grandfather, William Walton Hardin. This is a very fun weekend for us each year as the guys battle it out over 36 holes of golf. We all gather at my grandmother's for the post-tournament celebration and eagerly await the announcement of the winner. Imagine our excitement as Jeff brought home the trophy for the 2nd time! We were also super proud of my brother Lawson and dad Pete as they finished in the top four. Wahoooo! Way to go guys!

DeBordieu

2008-07-28T20:51:00.001-07:00

We had a fabulous time with Jeff's family at the beach. "DeBordieu" is a very special place! Besides the fact it has been the family's vacation spot for the past 26 years, it also is where Jeff and I got engaged! We love staying at "Turtle Egg, Too" every summer and enjoying our time with our rapidly expanding family (29 total)! Thanks, Mimi and Pop, for another unforgettable vacation!

Bitten!

2008-07-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

I've been bitten by the blog bug! I'm inspired by my friends who are "blogging"... and see it as a way to share sweet tidbits of the day. Hope you enjoy a little peek into our world!