The Collings Family

Happy Birthday yesterday bud! You are such a sweetheart and have been a joy to raise. Last year we got him "real" gerbils Jake and John. The dear souls departed from this world two months ago. How did Jake and John die you ask? I have no idea, they were alive one morning and then dead as a door nail that evening. The best part of the story is that naive little me, took the cage down and walked away. When Dave came to take care of them one was missing. Oh yes, you guessed it...Liza pulled one out an manhandled it for a good half hour before we caught her. Yuck yuck yuck...I bleached her hands solid. Needless to say, I just didn't have it in me to replace them so thank you grandma for buying him the everlasting Zhu Zhu, Mr. Squiggles - HE LOVES IT! Happy 7th Luke. I hope this year is good to you.

After years of pleading and begging, I finally get to go to Disneyland! This year for my birthday my entire family will be heading to CA for one week of pure bliss. As you can imagine we were thrilled to hear that Disneyland is offering free tickets to those who participate in a day of service. My sister, her husband, Luke, Eden and I spent the day cleaning up the Arboretum last Saturday. It was actually an amazing experience. I thank Disney for allowing my children the opportunity to earn their way!

Today is my 9th anniversary of being a mom. What a sweet, thrilling 9 years it has been. Thanks Eden for being such an amazing first child. You are everything and more a mom could ask for.

9 Collings ' firsts to wrap up the last year in this decade: Eden was the first to be baptized. Liza was the first to ride in an ambulance. Luke is still our first and only vegetarian . Bianca was the first to attempt training for a marathon...was also the first to pull out - darn that IT band! Dave enjoyed his first scout camp - only 5 more to go (it is only a 5 year calling right?) Tucker was the first to successfully land a back flip off the couch. We enjoyed our first trip to the Great Wolf Lodge. We got our first EVER gaming system ( I think mom likes it the best) and last but NOT LEAST we got our FIRST offer on our first house!!!! 2010 "let's start all over again" HAPPY NEW YEAR