Walking on Sunshine...

I heart Valentines

2011-02-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

Every year you must must must... create your child's class Valentines with as much glitter and staples as possible.

AND create a mommy daughter tea party so you have an excuse to bust out your prom dress...again.
j j

We Gotta Get Outta this place...if it's the last thing we ever do...

2011-02-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

BECAUSE ...I'M GOING CRAZY

YAY...ME...THIS GIRL...

BUT thank the LORD my mom took me camping... took a VISIT FROM THE CAPTAIN (see below:)

we EVEN had time to make some Valentines for our TRUE loves...

which was my brother... obviously:)

AND FINALLY...FREEEEDOM...
SNOW SNOW and more....SNOW !!!!!

Baby baby baby Ohhhhh

2011-02-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

Ohhh DAXIMUS... why cant we ever get a normal picture of you...

Dang flash... gets him everytime...

That is unless it scares the crap out of him... this was taken RIGHT before he started screaming...
not too bad really:)

the three amigos...

There we go..DONE and DONE:)

MINI ME

2011-02-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

BECAUSE NOTHING SAYS YOU LOVE EAC H OTHER...LIKE MATCHING PAJAMAS :)

My buddy... my buddy... my buddy... wherever I go... she goes...

CEEELL-abrate tonight...c'mon

2011-02-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

Sydney is quite the partay planner indeedy...today's event? Only Olivia the Bitty Baby's Birthday tea party extravaganza ...note the present I was required to bring with attendance....obviously...its a birfday...Holla!!!
Everyone in attendance had a blast.................................................................Whaaaasssup?!?

Not to worry...got it ALL under control...

2010-09-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

Finally a little bit of structure to my life! Sydney helped me make our daily schedule... for the next month or so I think this will work out PERRRRFECTLY...Sydney LOVES LOVES LOVES going to Amber's house everyday... we have a lot of family time scheduled after that...and there is even a little "me" time.. what what!?!

Annnnd.... obviously... I am fully aware that now that I feel my life is getting slightly under control... the baby will come... I am guessing the post after that will be something with a lot of asterisks... you know bc I want to keep it clean:) followed by thirty or so pics of little "Daxx" looking, blinking, oh wait... looking again...whats that... another blink... not to worry... caught that blink on film as well....posting that one as we speak... CANNOT wait:)

As a caveat...the name "Daxx" is still under discussion... but we're leaning:)

only the greatest costume EVER...

2010-08-10T19:41:00.001-07:00

Please please please dont let my daughter change her mind. Nothing brightened my day more than Sydney showing this to me as this year's Halloween costume choice... now I am not sure if we are really going to get this... she will probably change her mind about a million times...but this did completely make my day just laughing about it...

Ohhh Sydney the summer is ALMOST OVER.... just being around YOU makes me laugh and brightens my LIFE...I just LOVE LOVE LOVE spending every minute with her...this year is going to bring about SO MUCH change but we are HAPPY and READY:)

2010-08-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

GREAT WOLF LODGE with Nany and G'daddy
Valuable lessons learned this trip...
Lesson #1: Children seem to have absolutely NO fear EVER... AND my daughter is no exception....as she plummets down the water slides and into the lake..backwards head first at mind altering speeds... that's my girl... I have never seen her SOO excited
AND even though that sort thing scares the crap out of me...I relearned lesson #2... it is more fun to be part of the action that sit on the side lines... even if you are 7 months pregnant... at a water park... and you have to squish your fat biscuits into a tube:)... and have the seemingly 12 year old life guards pull you out in all your glory:)... still SOO FUN!:)

well well well

2010-08-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Uhmmm... over a year really... has it been that long?? I think i am starting to see a trend in the amount of time between entries...mmmmm.... I had to laugh because it seems that one of my last posts was in regards to updating/ painting my bathroom... only about a 18 MONTHS ago... and... drum roll please...we just painted it LAST weekend...absolutely perfect timing for my blogging...if I do say so myself:)

We (Colby, Sydney, and our fearless sidekick/ "helper"... the Sydinator) are tirelessly working to finish all the ongoing PROJECTS before I head off to work. Lets see... in 6 days we only have left to paint a shelf and trundle, touch up the bathroom and put up fixtures, hang curtains, hang pics in the baby's room, finish painting Sydney's art AND hold the biggest garage sale this house... dare I say... this neighborhood has EVER seen.. EVER:)... oh and obviously spend every waking minute with my child showering her with LOVE doing super mommy art and tea party activities...oh ooopsie...AND clean... hahahaha.... Being in my third trimester doesnt SCARE me...consider it DONE:) I am learning... apparently... I like to be as crazy and frantic as possible at all times...ALWAYS... AHHH

Check yes or no

2009-03-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, here is Sydney's first "people" drawing. She drew it for her little 'boyfriend" Grant as a token of her love:) If you cant' tell, the one with the long flowing hair is Sydney, the other Grant... but, I think that is obvious (hahaha) So sweet!
Oh, here is Grant- you can see why she is quite smitten:)

Walkin on Sunshine

2009-03-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

Okay... today was beautiful! If anyone ever questions if there is a God, go to the Arboretum. We went there and the weather was perfect, the flowers-gorgeous. I also loved seeing my girly-girls with their little side-kicks. Sydney even said... "mommy, that was the most fun I had since I was a baby" (bc apparently, when she was a baby... it was awesome) But, I TOTALLY agree with her. It was the "most fun"

Back to the Arboretum, if I could get my grass half as green as theirs, I may never leave. It is SO soft! Surely my random seed throwing attempt at planting this season can create just one of their blooms in my yard. (Maybe there is something to this watering your garden thing). Anyway, here are some pics or our "most fun" day...

What to do on a rainy day

2009-03-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

but play a little music and do some animal action...

"Be a little moosey moose and a little fishy fish and have a little fun!!!( For those of you who have not taught kindergarten, animal action is a song where you hiss like a snake, growl like a bear...ect. We obviously made up our own:)

Hang out with friends (little sweet Eli), chat on the phone...

Take a long napparoo in our "big girl bed"

(That's right... Sydney is napping in her big bed). No more scaling the side of the crib to get in, no more long leaps from the top rail rolling to the floor. Her bed is truly made for a princess (thanks mom). In fact, I'm pretty sure it may be nicer than my bed... for real, which leads me to my next thing to do on a rainy day...

Continue updating the master bedroom.... Mmwwaaahaha

Of course.... this has been a needed home improvement project for about FIVE years... and apparently, it is going to take us another five years to finish.

Look at us... all smiles and happy, full of optimism, at the start of our project... what do we know?

It's the little things....

2009-02-22T20:11:00.001-08:00

I had a FABULOUS weekend with my little girl and husband. Sometimes, I tend to book every minute of my weekend.... this week I tried to be intentional with Sydney... playing, singing, talking, listening. I TRULY felt like I enjoyed every minute with Colby and Sydney! We started the weekend going to Janie's dance class . Then off to the park with Addyson and Kelly. When we got home, we played our instruments and sang "Wild Thang" in our microphones.

Sydney had her first big girls' tutu birthday at her friend Kyah's on Saturday. Sydney danced and dressed up with her friends. I loved the way she played and played and then... paused to make sure I was close by and smile REALLY big and say "hi mommy" and giggle...

Today, we stopped for do-nut holes and juice before church. We looked for matresses for her big girl bed. We came home and ate lunch out on out patio as she rode her tricyle and we found rocks in her sand box. After nap we had an ice-cream date to celebrate her big girl choices all weekend! We made up stories and played "tickle monster" before bed...

I truly LOVED LOVED LOVED my magical weekend... this is what it is ALL about!

BLOWING KISSES TO YOU!

2009-02-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

Many of you are asking what the website is of my photographer friend Kelly and of course asking how I can be SO lucky to have such friends such as Jeff and Kelly ... and really.... I guess God is just shining down on me lately!:) Anyway, she is getting booked fast, I mean for real, I'm not just saying that... so if you have been wanting some AMAZING pics, send her a message:) inspiredbyyouphoto.blogspot.com

To share or not to share

2009-02-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that Sydney can let me know how it is!!!

So Sydney brought all her puzzles in my bed and said " you know I am good sharer, not like that boy in my class... little girls share and little boys dont" I said, I am so lucky you are such a sweet sharer. She said "yes, but but but, I changed my mind, except...I dont want to share my puzzles with you anymore, maybe you play all by yourself " Im like, fine, then i take back my "your a good sharer comment!" haha

Sydney made me "feel all better" with her doctor's kit this morning, Daddy told her I was not feeling well, I had a headache. She said "you know, I am a really good doctor... you are lucky" haha I'm like, I am, am I?? (bc I feel lucky as she rams things into my arms and mouth). I ask... how does it look...She said "not good mommy" what does that mean??? hahaha

2009-01-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

okay.... here is Sydney taken by of course, my fabulous photographer Kelly ( I like to pretend she is just my photographer.... but not for long... she is getting her biz going and will be in demand... I will post her blog soon!:)) Anyway... at first glance, it may at first seem like Sydney has other things on her mind than hugging on her mommy... but I assure you... she cannot get enough of me:) haha Actually, she is really, really into her daddy lately... she is probably thinking of him now... ho hum:) haha

Isnt this one sweet too?

here comes another one

2009-01-14T15:23:00.001-08:00

Lovin it

2009-01-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a recent pic of Sydney taken by my friend Kelly. We went to the canal in Las Calinas... it had the coolest architecture... I loved it. Kelly is working SOOOO hard and it shows... she took some of the coolest artsy pics. I will post more as I get them:)

Come on get happy!

2009-01-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, so i know it is past Christmas but seeing it is still Christmas at my house bc I still have all my deocrations up... ha! it is not to late to post. As you can see, Sydney did the HAPPY DANCE this year when we talked about "Christmas time" ... so here are some of our new traditions

Tradition One: letting Greyson and Sydney them decorate their own cookies even if it means using all of the sprinkles in the bottles

Tradition two: decorarting presents,I mean who needs to know who the gift is to/from... let your child have a sharpie and go to townTradition three:
Writing a letter to santa, I mean its cool to really know what in your child's head
"Hey good lookin, here is a key, I want to eat your cookies" I mean really sydney?:)

Which by the way Sydney loved all of this. in fact, Sydney yelled to Santa everytime she saw him " Santa it's me Sydney, look, I'm a Christmas princess, Santa its me!" So sweet

Making sure your child knows what Christmas is truly about
Oh, and taking pics of people besides just my child, why not

These boots are made for walking

2008-12-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

So, my sweet " snow ball" Amanda helped me finally locate some fabulous boots today at none other than TARGET... awesome! She found two pairs of shoes for Eli for ten dollars! I mean... really, that is a steal.
I love a great deal on something I want!:) Today we ran (well run is a strong word) , rode in a car briskly to Northpark to check out the mall. You gotta love that the kids love sliding down the planter wall over and over due to the lack of a playground. Good times!

"Gotta love that Jesus"

2008-12-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

So my daughter's washing my feet (don't ask) and she says "mommy, you have daddy hair on your toes"... "you have daddy hair on your legs" (Why yes I do Sydney, thanks for noticing:)

Later when eating tortillini...."mommy, this pasta looks like girl parts" (good observation, it kind of does) .... "gotta love that Jesus"

So funny:0)

Save the Whales

2008-12-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

A sad day in the Collier household.... Sydney's "whale home" broke today. Sydney is beginning to have quite an imagination. We apparently have a whale living in the soap dish in our bathroom... or at least we DID! Poor whale...

We also have dinosaurs at our door a lot that apparently want to take her "clicker clackers". We need a bigger house with all these BIG visitors:)

Yee Haw

2008-12-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

"I'm a cowboy", well almost.

Do brunettes have more fun??

2008-12-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

I'm about to find out... I finally took the plunge... I am so excited!

tutu-liscous

2008-12-08T15:13:00.000-08:00

God is soooo great! He really does fill the desires of your heart! I asked for pictures and KERPOW! I am so blessed to have all these budding photographers in my life. These pics were taken by Jeff who... as you can see is AMAZING as well. I was blown away by these photos ... I was actually left speechless (and that's hard to do!) They really capture Sydney's spunky personality. I cannot believe all the talent that surrounds me... first Kelly, now Jeff... I LOVE LOVE LOVE them. Did I say I LOVE them?

Wowee wow wow

2008-12-01T13:01:00.001-08:00

These pics were taken by one of my best friends Kelly. She is starting photography. She is beyond amazing. She is taking professional photography classes and wanted practice with lenses and lighting. So, lucky me, she took pictures of Sydney the other weekend. She said the pics weren't exactly how she wanted them (being the perfectionist that she is). Obviously, they are beautiful! She has such a great eye for the backgrounds and being an old kindergarten teacher, she is great with kids. She really knows how to make it fun and get the most out of them. It was SO much FUN! I LOVE LOVE LOVE when people follow their passions. She just proves, when you do what you enjoy, you are phenomenal!

movin on up

2008-11-30T21:58:00.000-08:00

Check out my new curtains... fancy shmancy...they are our Christmas present from my mom and dad! My parents are so generous. Thank you mommy dearest.

A little bubbly

2008-11-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

"Ho Ho Ho, I Santa" Can you see a slight resemblance? This is what happens when you have little more sleep and you give in to the "I do it by myself" toddler syndrome. The result... there is an excessive amount of bubbles and laughter at bath time. I need to remember this the next time I am about to say" NOOOO!!!!!!"

All I want for christmas is my two front teeth

2008-11-20T21:40:00.001-08:00

well actually Sydney wants something just as fancy. Sydney wants a little blue balloon.
Which, what do you know, just so happens to be in my budget!
Can you believe that is ALL she wants... you cant get any more precious than that!
Oh, she also wants a kitchen for her cousin Greyson. Again, selfless... she must get that from me! HA!

Speedy Delivery

2008-11-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

"Look mommy, I'm mail" I laughed so hard when I heard Sydney yell this from the clothes hamper. I am actually surprised she could fit in there with the mound of dirty clothes! Clever Girl.

Seat's Taken!

2008-11-20T10:33:00.000-08:00

Well, the buzz on the street with all the "it" toddlers is they "potty on the big potty." Do they really potty on the big potty? This is exactly what I wanted to find out. I wanted to get straight to the bottom of this...HA!

Well, come to find out... indeed most kids say they are "pottying" on the big girl or boy potty, but be careful. There are a lot of frauds out there.

Exhibit A: GUILTY AS CHARGED
Sydney says she "pottys" but after closer observation, I beg to differ. Apparently she just likes to dangle her feet and use an excessive amount of toilet paper... only to watch it go down with her whole head staring in the toilet bowl... all the while talking about her girl parts. NICE! But, there is no trace of any real "potty".

Exhibit B: SEAT'S TAKEN

Sydney says she cannot go bc... and I quote... "it is Mickey's turn". This one made me laugh so hard.

Exhibit C: THE BUDDY SYSTEM

Some are just going in there for moral support! I mean, after all, who doesn't want to be read to while they go to the bathroom?

So there it is... apparently we have a little more work to do!:)

Meet Mr Moose

2008-11-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

Praise Marty Moose!
Crafty, I think so! This is Sydney's latest creation... I admit at first glance I thought it was an airplane. But, once Sydney informed me that it was her "little moose", I had a total new respect for my little sculptor. I mean, it really does look like a moose... look out Michelangelo!

I do, by the way, understand that many children this age may be making grand creations... but I have not seen my daughter make them.... so it's all pretty spectacular to me!

Has it been that long?

2008-11-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

Well, you know, I like to write in my blog once a year if it needs it or not:) I aspire to be just like Amanda Martin.. AKA "the blogger/ facebook master"! But hey, I cant be good at everything...
But, I sure try! Her is the latest pic of Sydney!

NO NUTS PLEASE

2008-10-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

As you can imagine, Sydney is the best daughter ever as usual:)
She is into playing beauty shop.

She brushes my hair and gets all the "nuts" out (that's knots for those that don't speak toddlereez:)
Which praise the Lord, I don't like nuts in my hair anyway:)

Sydney's beauty shop is relaxing and VERY sweet beside the occasional bang on the head with the brush:) Girls are so sweet!

Maybe we have a future beautitcian on our hands? We can only hope:)

EASY COME EASY GO

2007-08-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, not only did i survive the garage sale .. i also made myself a RICH woman in the process... Yes... I held 1000 in my hot little hands. It was everything i ever thought it would be... I could actually see and touch the comforter that I had always wanted! The khaki was going to look awesome with my red pillows and black ticking bed skirt. My bedroom was about to get an extreme makeover...
What happened next? You guessed it, tonight, i am writing you from a hot house with a broken AC. Goodbye garage sale money, good bye

phew

2007-08-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Well to all those who said it couldnt be done... I did it. "Hi! I am Sarah Collier and I am an official blogger" .... Wow, do I feel connected! Thank you Amanda! I owe it all to you.

Now down to business...

To those of you who know me... I like to ... how do you say"overextend" myself at times. I know you all can relate. Anyway... these next couple weeks will be a little tricky. Luckily I happen to like a little spice in my life.
1. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN ... this one is the never ending item on my list.
2. Garage Sale ... next week, I am helping do a garage sale. Now if that doesn't spell fun, I don't know what does. The thought of garage selling in 100 degree weather deciding on what to throw and keep sounds AWESOME!
3. ITS OFF TO WORK I GO The last week of August, I start working at a Christian school 4 days a week and am starting grad school at UNT. The great news is... Sydney will be coming with me.
4. SYDNEY ROCKS! Yes my little side kick.. will still be smiling all the way into her new mothers day out program... which happens to be in the same building as me. She is going to love it, right? Her mom on the other hand will be the one crying. Partly bc I will miss her and partly bc I cant believe I'm teaching yet again!

Speaking of Sydney... she is as you all know gifted and amazing:) I mean, she has officially learned how to walk backwards today. It is true and I was the witness. She also can say an array of words that to the untrained ear may sound like gibberish or Czech ... BUT lucky for you all... I know what she is saying. Her "words" as of late are: get down, stop, no. She also says: Sarah, more, doggy, and no no no... about a million other times. That girl has got that down!