The Collings Family

My official due date was August 17th or 15th depending on who you ask. Both Eden and Eliza were born exactly 13 days before their due date. So, when I went in for my 38th week appointment Monday morning, August 4th I reminded my doctor that not only do I come early but when my water breaks, I deliver lightning fast. He checked me. I was a 2 and 80% effaced. His last piece of advice was to rush to the hospital if I started contracting at all due to my VBAC risk. He also joked that he would most likely be seeing me next week...my contractions started 7 hours later... Driving Eliza to harp lessons they were 5 minutes apart. Came home for dinner at 7 and then varied from 5-7 minutes. Contractions stopped at 10:30 but woke me up at 12:30. Dave and I decided to go to the hospital at 1:30. Despite the intense pain, the nurses check revealed that I was still only a 2. She hooked me up to the monitor, and for one hour I suffered through some intense contractions spaced at exactly 1.5 minutes ...

  Decided to stay local this year and take the kids to one of my favorite places in Utah. Dave had a work trip in NY so we invited Talmage's family to join us. First stop: Goblin Valley  We stayed at a Holiday Inn Express complete with a pool and free breakfast, which by far was their favorite part. Day two we ventured off to Arches. Believe it or not, this was my very first time!

The last two years have brought new meaning to February - May, we now call it competition season. I am not and have never been a dancer, so this dance world is so very new to all of us. Aside from dance, we had another annual competition - Pinewood Derby! Tucker designed, painted and helped cut his very first Pinewood Derby car. Had an amazing night with 6th place overall (2nd in his den)   This is Eden performing her first time ever solo "Joy". In this competition at Taylorsville High School, she went up against 42 other girls and took 2nd overall. We couldn't watch her do this solo without tears. Truly beautiful.   Eden's dance team Firelights in their "Dreamer" costume. This too was a tear jerker of a dance. They took 1st with this piece at every competition and grand champion at their final comp of the year.      

Our sweet Tucker turned 8 on January 28th. I can't believe this sweet little baby of mine is big enough to be baptized. Things that we love about Tuck: Loves everyone and can make a friend with anyone. He is always sticking up for the little guy and never talks negative about people VERY goal oriented. Put a challenge in front of him and he will work until it is done He is a memorizing machine and can whip out a cello piece faster than anyone I know Loving his Chinese class and can interpret almost anything that mom and dad say (not such a positive for us - our secrets are now up in the open) He memorized all 13 articles of faith before his 8th birthday and passed them off in primary Loves soccer and is an amazing goalie Shared his baptism day with his cousin Landon  

January is birthday month and today it is Luke's turn! If I could use one word to describe my Luke it would be resolute. He is determined, he sees things in black and white, he is a little stubborn and yet still has the most wonderful whit about him. He is pleasure to be with and is always willing to accompany me on my errands. He is friend has a very special way with young children. Oh, what a great big brother he is now and will be to this new little baby! Highlights from 2013: Took last place in his last pinewood derby ever. Cool way to go out as he took 1st place overall in his first pinewood derby when he was 8! Competed in the Knowledge Bowl for Westfield Elementary Made the ALL class Joined the local swim team and took 2nd in the backstroke Took his first overnight backpack trip with his dad Turned in piano lessons for the bass - yay! It has been so fun watching him play this year Still loves his geckos Jack and Michael Finish his Webelos award and Arrow of Lig...

While I am not a fan of odd numbers, we decided to break out of our comfort zone and turn this family of 6 into a family of 7! Yes, we are having a BaBy! We were oh so certain that Eliza was the last. Could you ask for a more perfect caboose? However, this idea came to me about 2 years ago and try as I might, I just couldn't shake it. We don't own a single baby item in the world and are not sure if we still remember how to change a diaper, so I guess you could say it is like we are starting all over. The best part is I am due on my sister's birthday and she is due with her own little package 3 weeks before. I told her they better be good friends because I am near certain this will be our last and "it" is going to need a buddy. Here's a picture of the little passenger!

It is hard to believe that we have a teenager. How about a year in review plus birthday tribute at the same time? 2013 proved to be one of the best years of Eden's life. As you can see she is one flexible mama and is in love with dance. Dance here, dance there, dance everywhere. On the kitchen counter, at the lake, in the wilderness, at the park...she loves to move. One thing we love about it is her ability to live a well balanced life. She joined the ranks of the Young Women in 2013 and was able to participate in baptisms for the dead the same week. Additional highlights from the year: received superior rank in her flute federation audition and won a place in Symphonic band as a 7th grader graduated from 6th grade and received the... (2 awards that I can't remember the name!) switched from The Point to High-light dance. She has never been happier...anywhere... participate in the stake Trek which proved to be a life changing experience for her. Walked 32 miles in the ...

  Let's start with Eliza! Wrapped up an amazing Preschool year with Ms. Carrie and Kathy.  Love sports - spring soccer, 1k with buddy Cannon and first bowling experience!    Special over night outing with grandma and grandpa... Started harp lessons with mom's teacher, Shru De. She loves it and has the best little hand position! Turned 6 this year. Making a cake with grandma and party!   First tooth out just in time for the New Year!