Casa de Collins

"Finding More Happy"

2012-02-11T13:27:00.027-07:00

An insightful friend recently asked me "why do you run?" Sensing it is obviously more than just a fitness fetish for me and many of her running relatives, I replied "it is not about the running." She gave me a thoughtful glance, fraught with more questions, she was not ready to articulate. I simply said, "the running is just a way to get to my happy place." Running, is cathartic; it's about pushing your endurance and gaining clarity and perspective; it's about finding my happy place." During the run you are pushing extremes and for a brief moment the world just seems to align, everything has its place. Afterward, you get to ride those feelings out for hours while your endorphins provide a steady stream of naturally derived chemicals into your bloodstream. So, I am addicted and unashamed of my "habit." At the end of the day, I am just a better person in all the role(s) I fulfill. For these reasons, I run. The fact I am fortunate to have two running partners, whom I consider very cherished friends, to keep me motivated, accept me with all my faults (there are many) and always generate laughter, is just purely magical. Thus, the pursuit of larger challenges and greater adventure temp me and I follow.

My first half-marathon in El Paso was really rewarding. The initial 3 miles of the course included memorable architecture including two beautiful churchs. The remainder lacked glamour but offered the challenge of a decent hill. The company of my running partners, their children and a visiting brother all piled into four hotel rooms for the weekend was the icing on the cake. We hit the zoo, lounged around the hotel like sloths and then bared our legs for nearly 2 hours with a starting outdoor temp of 25 degrees. Talk about T.H.O! All three of us ran sub-2 hour half marathons and our girlfriend Renae (not pictured) rocked in at 4th place in her age group with slightly over 8 minute miles. Kevin also ran 8 minute miles and competed in a very large age/gender category crossing the line at 36 out of 95. I brought up the rear but was happy with 12th out of 71 for my age/gender category. Kevin's' Brother, Jeff competed in the Full Marathon and despite struggles with cramping, Jeff ran 10 minute miles for 26.2!

The kids' played all weekend and loved the zoo. For one kiddo this marked his very first trip to a zoo; doubtful it will be his last. :) Thanks to Eric and Paul for providing childcare so we could run. We missed our friend Amy who was at home caring for kitties. Next time Amy!

PS: "Finding More Happy" is a quoted phrase from a good friend.

Frenzied, Freak'n & Freez'n

2011-11-27T14:11:00.020-07:00

Alas, I am taking a minute to finally update our blog: I have been GOOFING off a great deal. So, here are a flurry of pictures from our Fall, 2011 adventures: The frenzy of DisneyWorld & The Disney Cruise, the Collins' Sleepy Hollow Halloween bash and last but not least the finale of White Trash Camping with friends. Here are the most humorous highlights from each.

1) Ness screaming and sprinkling slightly as the family dove down Splash Mountain.

2) Eric and I, in dress clothes, nibbling on pretzels, gingerale and Dramamine, Disney Magic, Deck 4, under the glow of life-boats and drizzling salt water. Romance at its finest :)

3) Dancing @ the Pirate Ball on Deck 10 with Mickey flying overhead on a zipline.

4) St. Maarten, French side, large brown naked man, I dubbed the walrus. Our snorkeling guide said, and I quote " butt naked, don't mean attractive."
5) Meeting an engaged couple, Scott and Donna, and signing their wedding certificate as witness' following their cermony on Castaway Cay. Awesome.

6) The laughter brought on by Eric and his Baywatch inspired costume during our Halloween party. His costume is not for public consumption but check out our festive friends. Everyone looked great!

7) Observing frost on the INTERIOR of our camper, privy contents that had frozen into a solid mass of waste, and the passing tinge of guilt for not telling our friend the battery/heater was dead before nightfall. :) Felt like the Griswalds'.

8) Watching two guys effortlessly smash down the busted trailer. By the grace of God, may we never have to use that device again.

9) Watching the castle in Magic Kingdom from a vertical adventure ride during the Parks nightly fireworks. Gorgeous.

10) Running & staggering 12 miles up Sierra Blanca Mountain, 2600' elevation gain, with friends to complete my first Ski Run Road Challenge. Lately, I have felt like Forest Gump. Lovin' it.

Thanks to our friends for joining us for Halloween, GodMother for cruising with us and the Flusche's for making Thanksgiving a feast to remember!* Check out more pics on our slideshows by clicking on them to launch the slideshow.

Happy Holidays to all,

White Trash Camping (WTC) Episode, #2: Langmuir or Bust!

2011-08-28T14:11:00.021-06:00

Loyal WTC Followers, here we are again, in the the wilderness tempting fate and challenging or limited scientific expertise! Once our trailer was repaired (?) we headed to 10, 800 feet, to the Magdalena Ranger District and Langmuir Lightning Observatory. I have been anxious to return to this gorgeous, quiet area since we visited there nearly 8 years' ago. The Observatory is open exclusively during monsoons and is entirely designed to attract lightning for the purposes of study. Poor Eric knew he was embarking on another Warren-planned adventure...:)

We left Friday afternoon, determined to re-create our trip to Texas Springs and the abandoned Miners' Cabins previously discovered. After following our map, talking to a local, buying wood from an unknown Mexican at his home and driving down the wrong Forest Service Road, we found ourselves in a perfectly good area for camping: Eric, suggested we stay put as dark was approaching, but I persisted, convincing the crew we could persevere to the intended

destination.

We found our "road" and began a 6 mile journey into hell. Unsure of what was worse, Ness throwing boulders out of the way or the eroding and ever-present slope straight down the other side. It was a very quiet and dark trip in with much intestinal anxiety. Nobody in their right mind would have chosen this road while hauling a camper-except a Warren! Plus, there were no turn-outs. Simply a one way ticket into the dark.

We made it into the planned site, slammed a beer and went to bed. Not bothering to jack or level our trailer led to an interesting night of sliding down hill! Nonetheless, we were determined to close this day out and hope for better luck on Saturday. After breakfast at the Miners' cabin, we hiked around South Baldy mountain, eating wild raspberries, and plotting our plans for the remainder of the weekend. We decided our present location was awesome for tent camping and hiking-but was a total bust for a camper. So after lunch we had a family discussion and decided to cut our losses and find a designated campsite. I LOATHE camping in these sites and for many years' we have managed to avoid them: not this time. No matter where you are there is always one village idiot-and really, no peace, because people, kids and mutts are all around. Submitting, we turned in to the most remote site we could find and jacked up the ole trailer one more time in Water Canyon campground.

Quickly, and with no effort, the village idiot was produced. Determined to blare classic rock (at least) through his outside speakers, we did our best to ignore him. We had our first huge campfire of the season, accompanied but equally large adult beverages. Sunday brought an incredible drive and then hike to the Observatory and made the entire trip worth it: both the guys' found it very cool as we clammored up the equipment. Scientists from the night shift were still asleep but we were told would be very accessible by 10 a.m. to answer questions and show us around. A must-do if you have sci-fi kiddos. In our normal cliffhanger ending, we saved the most dramatic moment for the trip conclusion: When we tried to put the tent trailer down and return home it defied gravity; we sat on it, we jumped on it, we yelled at it and finally we tied it with a rope and drove home in real style for the second time this summer! Oh my. Stay tuned for WTC Episode #3!

Other News!

Eric was very involved in implementing the new Eagle Bridge and really enjoyed watching the sequential application of each bridge piece-very cool. Papa, my Dad, would have loved it since he spent years' working on bridges himself. Soon we can drive over it...

Eric's brother Gary bought his own home following his recovery from a stroke. Gary and Geri threw a house-warming and my boys' headed up to ABQ to spend the weekend and celebrate. Gavin had fun at the zoo and at the party with two GrandMa's and Uncle present. He is still talking about the train ride to the zoo and water balloon fights at the park!

We are all healthy, life is good and both our jobs are keeping us busy. Gavin loves, loves Kindergarten, but is ready for bed at 7:30 p.m. each night. He is wiped! First day of school, pictured below.

White Trash Invades Red River & San Diego

2011-07-31T10:17:00.020-06:00

We headed to Red River with a perfectly decent tent trailer. Then I had to make things interesting by neglecting to unlatch the hardtop. Thanks to a few foul words, beer and a 2x4 we were able to prop up the busted end and spend the weekend in the ghetto trailer you see before you. White Trash 100%. Eric, the innovator, rigged it for use and really enjoyed having the interior ceiling roughly 6 inches from his face. We laughed so hard, particularly when observers' passed by our remote site...whispering. Alas, all is well that ends well...more on this down the page. We had fresh trout for dinner following Gavin's dismay at my cleaning of the catch.

The remainder of the weekend was a total blast with the catching of fresh brook trout caught not only by my pole but by another Eric innovation; a butterfly net with a fishing knife fastened to the end. In my entire life, I have never seen someone so determined to catch a fish. Frustrated at all the trout we could see but not catch, Eric chose to spear fish! Oh my, what a sight. Between the screwed up camper, the ghetto spear fish apparatus and the two mangy dogs, we were the epitome of white trash.

Getting the trailer home (this is the more later part) was far more entertaining, requiring a hacksaw, which we gladly used, along the highway, at the dismay of the hacksaw and upscale RV Park Owner. He was scared, very scared, and happy to see us roll on home. Red River is lush, quiet and filled with hiking and fishing opps. We can also tell you where to find a hacksaw-should it be required. :)

Our second white trash invasion landed us in San Diego for 7 days of 4th of July fun in the sun, LegoLand, the San Diego Zoo and amazing local neighborhood food we found thanks to TripAdvisor. Oh my gosh. We saw the most enormous fireworks display involving three ships dispersed around Mission Bay for all to see. We laid on the beach and watched them go off in sequential order for nearly an hour. We porked on fish tacos, homemade Italian and lotza cold beverages. Gavin, the Fish, swam constantly. He can dive down to 5 ft and is swimming underwater like a pro. Alas, more time for us to sit on our !@# and relax while he met new friends each day. Eric's Surveying conference went well and the business was happy to provide this all expense paid adventure!

On other fronts, we have at least two more camping trips planned, thanks to the opening of the National Forest and the handy welding skills of a local mechanic who is fixing the tent trailer as I write! Big news...we have decided to move into town and ditch the endless trips back and forth each day. The house hit the market last week as did our mixed emotions; we love the peace here and we have a gorgeous house (that we built). Alas, it is to big for us to maintain and to far out of town for an active family. Wish us luck!

Surprising Eric & Zipping With Gavin

2011-06-12T20:19:00.016-06:00

Summer, thus far, has been a blast! Look at these pictures and they tell the story of a wildly successful 40Th Surprise Party for Eric-yep, he was totally shocked and cried like a baby. (The older photos' were part and parcel of a hilarious slide show focusing upon Eric's mullet affliction!We had 35 adults, 15 kids, 3 babysitters and a very busy bar and D.J. People came from all over the Southwest and it felt like a big reunion. Although we had not seen many of them for quite sometime, we really had not missed a beat with one another (until the karaoke started!) What a wild and entertaining evening. The kids jumped & slided themselves to exhaustion, we sang some old 80's tunes and laughed until we hit the bars at 10:00 to close. (Good thing, 'cause we almost had a rustle between some brothers' and bull riders-they would have kicked our ass!) Festivities continued through Sunday with the pool, golf and trip to the local park. We were wiped out by Sunday night and yet, wanting to do it all again! Our friends made this event spectacular by personality and we are so grateful they traveled, sang and celebrated this occasion with us. Who knew that our local chiropractor could sing Vanilla Ice like a pro? And, Eric, he really pulled out all the stops with his rendition of Whip It...we have video as evidence.

Gavin and a very close pal spent the day with us at home, swimming, play room'n it and having a ball. Poor Gavin, he just follows her around like a little puppy-he is dumbstruck with Natasha's adorable face, incredible poise and brains.

We finished the school year with a field trip and family day to a local Fort-who knew there was so much to do, 30 minutes away? Obstacle course, zip line, rock wall climbing and swim/slide all placed in a huge enclosed Fort with cabins and Western ambiance. Gavin zipped three times, Eric twice and Mom-once. It was so much fun we all just kept clamoring for more.

Spring Ala Collins-

2011-05-20T20:30:00.006-06:00

We have had quite a spring-beginning and ending with fun and friends. Easter brought two Easter Egg hunts, a basket to find on the tractor, annual fire truck ride, hugs with Smokey and plenty of wind for kite flying or crashing as it evolved! School ends this week and then my world gets rocked! We have signed Gavin up for all sorts of activities so I can squeeze in some work-it promises to be a very fun summer. Vacations are planned (mostly) through September and we are looking forward to blowing this popsicle stand! My job is more fun than ever as we begin target marketing to hospitals in the West. Eric has earned the trust of two large prime contractors, one from AZ and one from ABQ and those jobs have been a real bonus.

Finding Our Ass

2011-03-27T14:06:00.029-06:00

Finally, a new blog post, following more than two months of utter chaos at our place! We are just now finding our own ass as we recover from it being handed to us-repeatedly: 1) Six weeks of extreme pain on Eric's part to culminate in the emergency removal of the most disgusting gallbladder to date. (They actually kept photos for research purposes it was really ready to blow!)

Puzzle time with Papa!

2) Pink Eye-another memorable gift from Kindergarten. 3) The actual product launch of the MakH20Pak at a Las Vegas Trade Show 4) The finale-intestinal flu, another stellar gift from Kindergarten.

Candy-making just for Gavin hands!

In between all this, we ran away to Texas for Spring Break and had a total ball. My family spoils us rotten-I got to sleep in (a novelty) and take a break from the kitchen and kiddo duty while my Mom, Sister Becky and Husband Dave took care of everything else-We had so much fun! All of the following pics and video are from said trip. Thank you for all the special memories!

Mema, fixing a stuffed animal for Gavin, following and early Easter basket of goodies!

Uncle Dave working from home and then serenading a very hyper and thus blurry Gavin.

Dallas Zoo was awesome...
Our goal for Spring Break? At least, one new adventure everyday while in Plano-starting with the Warren family themselves. You can always count on killing something around the house-an insect or rodent, a good loud and late night of swapping odd family tales, too include trials and tribulations, fixing random broken items, plenty of homemade food, including Mema's butt busting desserts and Becky's liver fix of bar-tending magic. There you have a standard Warren retreat with all the upgrades!

More Dallas Zoo and the 200 Acre Nature Preserve and Massive Playground for picnic with Mema and Papa.

You need a wipe pipe (broadband) to download this video-go to Starbucks' if your home connection sucks. It's worth it and dedicated to my Sisters' who always tell me what I need to hear even if I don't want to hear it! Love you both!

"Fargo" Returns

2011-02-11T19:12:00.015-07:00

Fargo is a film about a small town chock-full of people who have been indoors for too long during yet another long Dakota winter; the townspeople get very agitated and begin to engage in very odd and often dangerous behavior. Ruidosoans' experienced a small taste of this over the last three weeks of sub-zero temps, broken pipes and water-problems yet unresolved. School was cancelled for an entire week, which meant kids were couped up inside, for FAR TOO LONG and parents' were looking for a place to run! After so many days indoors-with brief bouts of sledding, you run entirely out of things to do with a kid. So, as my friend said so eloquently, you resort to "rotting their brains on T.V." By Sunday evening, of a very longgggg week, we were joking about the wood-chipper scene and how we could relate! The coyotes contributed to the Fargo ambiance by hosting a deer-leg roast less than 10 yards from our front door-thank God our backyard is fenced! We subsequently took the leg to a Super Bowl party and threatened to BBQ it as our dish!

So, after we finished all the Valentines crafts and hosted our third stuffed-animal tea party-I told Gavin I would be leaving him at his Teachers' house if school was closed another day! The entire County has been under a state of emergency due to vacation homes with broken pipes leaking thousands of gallons per minute-unchecked. Restaurants, schools and other business' are still trying to get pipes and damage fixed and will continue for months-it was a great time to be a plumber! We were largely unscathed but our well pressure pump was froze solid and the gauge was toast. So, a full ten days with little water and plenty of dirty laundry didn't help the mood! I was even crabbier than usual! Our neighbors are a Godsend-working under our house for hours in the freezing cold and providing wine and showers as needed. Thank God-my hair felt like it had Crisco in it! As if there has not been enough turmoil in our house, Gavin and Eric continue to bring home and share germs. One is well, one is sick, one is well, one is sick. Poor Eric has been sick most of the winter as his immune system just ain't working. Like many of our friends we have just had an illin' winter. Knock on wood, it has all been minor but persistent as hell! On other fronts, as a distraction we repainted and redirected Gavin's entire room. Out with the construction theme and in with outer space. New paint, new wall border, new decorations and bedding and it looks awesome. Much of these items glow in the dark and the solar system above his bed has been a great way to teach his Mom about our Solar System-not my finer subject! He was ready for a big kid room and we love the outcome.

Gavin is growing up quickly; his interests are changing, his routine and overall maturity. We have noticed big changes in the last three months. He speaks of people who mean a great deal to him more often and with memory and he is excelling in all areas at school. Even the bull-ish behaviors have stopped-thank goodness!

My job will be heating up as we head into March so Gavin will be going to school for a full day, rather than half. After 5.3 years, we are both ready. I have been cutting back his nap gradually and he is adjusting well. He wants to return to gymnastics so that is on the radar for Spring. We are delaying team sports (t-ball and soccer) until we think he is mature enough to get the real concept-right now it is all about what he can get his body to do!

D.T. Collins has been really slow with foul weather and the recession continuing to bear down, year three. Eric is hanging tough as we realize this may continue for several more years'. Thankfully, real estate is picking up despite the downward spiral of construction itself. After thirteen months of being on the market he was offered cash for his Dad's old house and it is under contract to close at month end~ironically, just two weeks following the three-year-anniversary of his death. The house contract is a total blessing as nobody can seem to get financing these days and with cash we did not have to go through all the machinations involved with a bank deal. Eric negotiated to have the buyers' clean out the rest of the house and we are just responsible for removing what we want...a boat, a tracker, some personal items. Another weekend of cleaning out over there and he is finally done. A very emotional-tumultuous time for him but after three years of taking care of the house we are anxious to move past the responsibilities associated and focus upon one household. We hope the new family has many happy years' in this very well built house and that we do not experience any hiccups between now and closing!

Collins' Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T14:47:00.020-07:00

Happy Holidays! We had a handful of Warrens' and the Collins' to our house for a four-day-baking-eating-drinking and gaming extravaganza! Rarely changing clothes, we just rotated between outfits-those with flour on them and those dribbled with liquor.

Homemade cinnamon rolls, peanut brittle, peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies and a lemon birthday cake made for me, rounded out our bellies and the memories we had growing up with Mom in the kitchen for days. The Guiterrez family looked great-happy and healthier than they have been in many winters-having been stuck inside for months on end while living in Chicago.

Needless to say, none of us can button our pants, despite the walks we took and the day of sledding. Knowing we won't see these goodies for another year makes all the bloating, weight

gain and under-eye-bags so worth it!

Gavin really got into Christmas with help from Becky and Mema who had planned special projects to do with him while here. They made modeling clay ornaments and really fancy gingerbread people that looked just like our family-wider than tall and without inseams! If we could have thrown in a few hammer-toes and moles they would have been a genetic match!

We missed those who were not with us but that meant more 42 for others and a new trivia game-yes Becky and Mema kicked all our butts. Ryan kept us all laughing with the sense of humor he has been graciously given by his folks and he was a huge help, following his Father, with the mountains of dishes, garbage and beer bottles that accumulated by the hour. We can't wait until he moves to Texas so we can see him even more! Happy New Year to All!

Mazatlan-Mulligan!

2010-12-04T15:39:00.021-07:00

Happy Holidays!

A mulligan, or a do-over, for those of us who do not golf, is a perfect way to describe our trip; we had so much fun and would love a repeat of Mexico with the Scott's. We had many adventures planned just for an active young family. Carla and Doug tailored a trip just for us with a hike, beach volleyball, a stocked fridge in our HUGE suite, club card for the resort and many amazing meals of fresh from the sea shrimp. I think I ate a pound a day! Not to mention they did a great job of entertaining Gavin with beach-side restaurants. Gavin is still telling everyone he slept on a boat! His classmates think that is really cool. Despite struggling with a double-ear infection, he was determined to have a good time while we were out and about. Carla chronicled our trip on her blog so I will be brief. See our pics on this page and under the slide show at your right. For more please visit her site; http://followingmoondance.blogspot.com/. Big hugs and thanks to the Scott's who we will miss dearly at Christmas time in Ruidoso. Merry Christmas to all!

Scooby-Doo ala Collins

2010-11-13T19:04:00.018-07:00

We enjoy Halloween almost as much as Christmas~maybe because we can act weird (which comes naturally) and we don't have to cook!

Dressing up, eating junk and asking strangers for food while in disguise, only comes once a YEAR! Before we had Gavin Halloween always involved an all night adult-only bash at my sisters house. Now we are just a bit more mellow but enjoying it just as much.

We hit the First Baptist Church-several thousand square feet of preschool-old school games, roasted corn, hot dogs and an endless supply of candy. As if this wasn't enough, it was FREEE! I love living in a small town.

After Gavin had burned off his initial sugar hit in the jump house, we met friends and went trick or treating in an older neighborhood. No hill, houses close together and inhabited by people we largely already know...by 0730 the kids were coming off their second sugar hit and the runs from door to door became aimless meanderings.

We went as the Mystery Crew from Scooby Doo-Velma, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo. My Mom made Gavin's costume from scratch-no pattern exists due to copyright (will plan to keep that one for Gavin's kids.) He was so warm and authentic. The kids loved our costumes and knew right away who we were...the adults were a little slow!

On other fronts we are super busy as our volunteering gets ratchet up for the holiday season; Eric is really busy with Santa's Helpers and I with a Scrip Fundraising program at Gavin's school. We both love volunteering and the kids in our community deserve it. Eric's crew will deliver food and gifts too more than 400 families 700-800 kids. Gavin's school is raising money for another Student-Aide and setting some aside for a building fund (we are using the lower elevation of a very large and generous church at present.) In addition, Eric's work is truly busy. Finally, construction and land development are picking up after two years of hanging on...

We are leaving for Mazatlan in a few days to spend an entire week at a resort where Carla and Doug have their boat docked. We can't wait to lay in the sun, see some sights and get out of the 20 degree nights in Ruidoso. Their is a childcare service, plenty of nightlife and lots to do so we can't wait; thanks to the Warren's for helping with the timeshare! More from me when we get back from Mexico!

Spiders, Salamanders, Stalagmites and Singing Boys

2010-10-17T17:38:00.015-06:00

September was full of all things slimy a boy could love. The brave salamander, pictured on the left, survived a terrorizing trip from a dirt fill lot, where he'd probably lived decades, managed to get into a dump truck, be hauled several miles and deposited on our neighbors new barn pad. Talk about a bad hair day! Of course, our neighbors, know Gavin would love to see a night-varmint and notified us immediately. Initially, Gavin was more interested in learning how to shell peanuts from Gordon, than handling the salamander. (Who would guess a kid could be so mesmerized by learning how to shuck a nut from a shell?) Did I mention, we do feed him.?Once he had about 1lb of peanuts, shelled and being digested, Gavin thought the salamander was the new cool thing. The salamander was anxious to get back in the dark earth where he was returned to forage a new millenia of local relatives.

The tarantula, on the other hand, was found near our KOA campsite while in Carlsbad touring the caverns. He was much bigger than the palm of my hand and quite shy. They are not poisonous, but up close, they aren't really soothing either; kinda like a date you brought home at night that subsequently began to depreciate by morning, if you get my drift; U_G_L_Y.

The Cavern's were totally amazing. Our second trip down, this time with the Boy. He hiked all the way to the bottom, 1.25 miles and loved using his headlamp to see the stalagmites and stalagtites. Eric and I were totally stunned when we watched over 500,000 bats gracefully exit the cave the night before. It was surreal and took nearly 2 hours. The Mexican bats travel hundreds of miles to the Pecos river, feed and fly back before dawn. The Ranger told us it was the "thickest" flight they had all summer due to thousands of other bats who were just visiting as they passed through, headed to Mexico for the winter. We really enjoyed this but found it tough to keep Gavin silent until they began their night flight~tough for a kid to be quiet but for a period of time-he did fairly well.

The KOA was fancy-smancy; pool, onsite BBQ prepared for you, private showers and super duper clean. Highly recommend you take a trip there in the fall; the weather was perfect.

Gavin just completed his first semester at school and did really well. Eric attended the parent-teacher conference and we agree that his teachers' are truly talented women. We are blessed to have both of them. Not unlike every school in the country, resources are very tight; people and cash. I have been volunteering in class and with fundraising and will continue to as I believe in the tremendous work they are doing; Gavin is learning so much but most importantly, his behavior and decision-making just keep improving.

Recently, fundraising commenced with the annual SBCA Gospel Sing. Gavin only sang one song, but he belted it! We thought he'd be shy, but obviously, we were mistaken!

Headsup; For those of you who would like a super easy way to help SBCA raise money, we are embarking on a new fundraising program and I will be the coordinator. You get to help us raise money and it won't cost you an extra dime! Stay tuned, I'll be knocking.

I had to post this picture of Gary; 110lbs lighter, taken in September in our yard, by none other than Eric. Gary is progressing and looking forward to registering for a driving school at Craig hospital in Denver. Professionals believe he can begin to embark upon this and other things in the upcoming year.

Other Important News;

Thank gosh the ballot to keep our Racetrack passed because work was down to a crawl. The measure gives Ruidoso time to come up with new ways to generate revenue before the five-year-term is complete. The ballot was divisive and the vote was very close. The next day, following the results, we were flooded with jobs. Goes to show us how much the economy was already being impacted. So, Eric is super busy again and working on some very interesting and exciting jobs.

I am busy with the MakH20Pak and with school. I have also been attending an informal girls-only breakfast club on Monday mornings~where I laugh my can off! The rest of the day is filled with the hilarity of these women and the stories we share. Still working out 5x per week and running is always a part of that...and my fall hiking has been glorious. I swear, our Fall this year has been impeccable for outdoor activities! Hugs to all.

"Run Forrest Run"

2010-09-09T14:41:00.035-06:00

The blog title sums up our August in a nutshell.

We have been having fun and working like dogs all at once. (Eric's was surrounded by longhorns at a recent ranch survey! They thought he had food.)

We kicked off Gavin's school year, have had two vacations and hosted family on two weekends since our last post. I think old Tom Hanks had it right "Life is like a box of chocolates." One trip to Texas another to Cali. Next post will be all about Cali and the fun we had with the Jolly's, the Stephens' and other friends.

Pictures from our Warren family reunion tell quite a story! We had a wonderful time despite the heat. One day it was 112 degrees and the humidity was 28%. Thank gosh for Bec and Daves' pool as we were running out of sweat by 10 a.m. each day!

Between the pool and the beer we had alot of laughs. Whirlyball (pictured) was so much fun I nearly peed in my shorts! Getting the trailer in and out of Bec's driveway was quite a nightmare but accomplishable with the help of a small, sweaty army of Aunties and Uncles. Here are a few reunion tidbits;

1) Becky received her birthday gift bag, stuffed with one pair of underwear from each family member, rather than the traditional tissue paper; Carla's creativity at work. When we asked how she knew which were clean and dirty~their was deafening silence!

2) Gavin, Becky and Ryan found a Toy Chest mechanical arm machine in a local restaurant, and in an attempt to keep Gavin out of my hair, gleaned 3 of those impossible to reach stuffed animals per Gavin's request. He snatched them from Bec's hands and screamed gleefully through the entire restaurant "mom look at all the animal babies."

I think the seniors nearly killed over from fright. Thank the Lord we do not live there!

3) Watching Gavin stalk Becky in the late afteroon knowing he would get to lick the beaters from dessert-in-progress.

4) Getting flung and then nearly peeing my own pants during our Whirlyball game~I laughed so hard!

5) JFK Museum and The Bodies Exhibit~highly recommend both as we all conquered a number of museums while in Dallas one day.
In other news; Gavin is loving school (uniform pic above). His first report card indicated he has trouble keeping his hands to himself but has both fantastic concentration and handwriting skills.

The whole family completed a 5k run to raise money for low cost mammograms and we were pictured in the paper~Ruidoso Free Press.

I am consulting for Candice's new start-up MakInnovations and enjoying it immensely. I have been waiting to assist and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead as we build and prepare for the MakH20 product launch.

In addition, I have been ask to reside on the school's fundraising board where I think I will be kept busy! My hope is to help with fundraising and communications associated pending Board approval.

Eric is busier than ever with the biz, Rotary Directorship position, Santa's Helpers and the continuous estate Executor role. He is pretty exhausted most of the time but seems to enjoy all of it and still have plenty of energy for the 4 year old who screams when he gets home each night!

Discovering New Mexico

2010-08-01T14:41:00.038-06:00

Eric is a native and I have been here (non-consecutively) for nearly fifteen years, but Gavin is causing us to discover New Mexico in new ways. Each journey amounts to some priceless family time, plenty of fresh air and total exhaustion! Okay, I forgot to mention the beer, steaks and smore's!

Our friends recommended a trip to the Gila Wilderness and The Catwalk within the Gila, telling us it was "God's Country." So, trusting their advice we loaded the pop-up and headed out for four days of adventure. Nope, they were not exaggerating.

The history of this area is alive and well. The first Wilderness area ever dedicated, amounting to nearly 800,000 acres, it is truly pristine. We saw large herds of elk, heard reintroduced wolves and saw very few people. (YEAH.)

Inside the Gila lives a lifetime experience of climbing the catwalk, as the miners did, in the late 1800's. The catwalk was originally wood, but was rebuilt by an early core of engineers group using steel. The miners seeking gold and silver, used the catwalk to get to the mine while the families used the water that rushed out of the process for household purposes. You can still see pieces of the mine, iron reinforcements and plenty of water! They were pretty good at using electricity to get what they wanted down the canyon. Needless to say, the five hour drive to a secluded and empty campground made for a killer family trip. If you like history click and read. http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/trailNRT/Catwalk-NM.html

Another discovery or should we say rediscovery awaited us at White Sands National Monument where Grandma Chris and Cuz' Richard joined us. We had not been there in years' although Eric spent a great many days sledding down the powdery sand as a boy. The Monument is the only one of its kind in the U.S., appearing as snow, the gypsum sand is soft, cool and clean amounting to the huge development of dunes made perfect for sleds.

Animals have adapted creating white coyotes, white horny toads and gecko's that blend into their space. We have vowed to make the one hour drive a few more times this year to include the hot air balloon launch in the fall. http://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm

Other Tidbits:

#1
Gavin graduated from his Mother's Day Out program and went out with a bang; ice cream party and presents for his buddies. He is now ready for the program we wanted to enroll him in last year; Sierra Blanca Christian Academy, five 1/2 days per week. A private, Christian school ages 3 to 7Th grade. We love the class ratio 1 teacher to 6 students, the fact that they aren't required to adhere to the Every Child Left Behind Bush legacy and that it Christian based. In addition, we believe the national public school system is an evolving educational crisis. No school is protected from the economic downturn but we feel this investment is worth any risk we foresee and parental involvement is very high. http://www.sbchristianacademy.org/dnn/default.aspx

#2
On other fronts, we got all decked out to join my best bud, and Kennel Owner, Heidi, her husband and employees, at this years' annual Furr Ball. Her Kennel, Thundering Paws Pet Resort, always has a large table and provides a significant live auction item. All proceeds (which are in the thousands) go to operating costs of our local Humane Society and Shelter. The open patio amounted to an indoor/outdoor venue where we were able to dance under the stars and leave the kiddos with our babysitter! We were really rusty but sustained no injuries! Took me all week to figure out what to where, shave my legs, put some real make-up on and learn to walk in high heels again!

#3
Eric was asked by a local radio station, KEDU, to give a business interview discussing D.T Collins Associates services and the surveying indusry in general. He sounded awesome and not a bit nervous. Tim would have been proud and we were grateful for the FREE advertising! (Thanks Mr. Estes for asking!) We need all the help we can get with this economy~still treading water! http://www.kedu.us/kbi.htm

#4
We are off again with the 5th wheel this time as we join my family for 10 days of laughter and Warren chaos in Plano. We always laugh so hard, party and play we are worn out when it is over, but geez it is so worth it! Of course, I am the only one with a young child so after going to bed at 1 or 2 a.m. and getting up at 7 with Gavin, I become Queen of the Nap by day 2!

Whacked!

2010-06-23T20:24:00.021-06:00

June has been WILD and productive all at once.

Our Completed Punch List:

Finished our game room

Resurfaced our entire driveway

Built new deck outside Erics' workshop

Groomed the entire property; trees, flowers, weeds etc.-ourselves

Launched our first seasonal camping trip

Hosted Uncle Gary for a week

Finished Gavins' swim lessons

Hosted a big ole party!

Had a big ole hangover!

Do you remember that ugly ass room over our garage? Well, we finished all 1,100 sq. feet of the game room and other than one liquor cabinet and a few touch ups-it looks spectacular! We added a bar, bar sink, full bathroom, carpet, TV, big ole fan, mirrored closet doors and code-specified handrails on the stairs. We were tired of contractor traffic and elected to do the finish work with our own hands; caulking, painting, baseboards, trim etc. Our new ping pong table will find its home here in the winter but for now is on the patio providing us with some family entertainment.

We broke in the room BIGTIME with 14 thrashing kids and all of our close friends over Memorial Day. The kids ran from the game room, to the golf green to the playset for hours. We didn't really know where Gavin was all night-now that is a good party. We served plenty of Aunt Becky's cape cods and enjoyed all the potluck goodies that friends brought over. Maybe thats why we didn't really care where the hell the kids were or what they were doing! We have a great house for summer parties-bar none. Add that to the killer weather-80 degree days, 50 degree nights and we understand why all the Texans come here during this season.

Gavin is strangely excited about toilets lately-the new one upstairs means he does not have to pinch a turd to run downstairs and the portable one Grandpa Tim bought, but never used, was a novelty while camping. We have camped for years without a pottie, but man was it nice after a few cocktails-no climbing in the woods with a kid, a headlamp and a shovel! Our first camping trip is always close to town so we can assess the camper following a long winter outside. Eagle Creek was peaceful and we had a huge area all to ourselves-except the wonderful surprise visitors early Saturday morning. The wild mustang herd came through and despite Gavin's presence across the creek, the bedded down for a rest. So cool to see completely wild horses. Friends stop by while we camped to have a beer, feed us and go hiking with me. We really rested up and slept like rocks.

Only In Texas

2010-06-05T17:02:00.013-06:00

can/would you do the following;

1) Skunk hunt with your Papa (see Gavin below with a flashlight.)

2) Watch a man find Christ while getting baptized in a livestock watering tank, in the back of a Ford, in a public park.

3) Be joined on your morning run by 4 dogs and a goat that comes up to your waist.

4) Look at the under-belly of an emu while you drive through a 2000 acre Wildlife Refuge~while feeding them.

5) Buy a merlot ice slushy and take it shopping with you.

6) Sweat while doing nothing.

Needless to say, we had a great time with Mema and Papa, Becky and Dave. We loved both of their new homes for different reasons; My Mom and Dads' is quiet and full of remodeling opportunities for two do it your-selfers and my Sisters' is right in Plano on a 1/2 acre lot with an enormous patio and pool. We spent time at both and had fun all around. We missed Eric but he golfed, and did chores, and golfed some more. He also got to sleep in...a rarity around here.

The best part is that all of them are very happy to be relocated and within driving distance of one another.

Mema and Papa dropped everything to play with Gavin for four solid days and they even put a swing up to give him some place to play while we made meals etc. Not only did we hit the Wildlife Refuge but they took us to Granbury lake where Gavin made fast friends and had a blast two days in a row...Just playing in the water. We wore Papa out as did the heat and the completion of his new shed/ramp for the new lawnmower below. The boys did not need to cut any grass but Papa was happy to just drive Gavin around.

At Beck's we had no camera and she was glad for that...historically averse to having her picture taken. We swam after every meal, she took me to buy some new running shoes and also to a historical farm where Gavin played in the old schoolhouse while Bec's did her VP thing via Blackberry. We could have stayed much longer and just hung out around the pool with drinks and a very excited kid. We were grateful to her and Dave for spending time with us, despite their work schedules. (Congrats to Dave on his new job!)

Taxi Anyone?

2010-04-30T16:05:00.025-06:00

Gavin is not a tipper, he can jack up a car seat in no time and loves to ask a bazillion questions while we cruise. But, I think I will keep him, buy an RV and ditch the house (we are rarely inhabiting.) Since becoming his Taxi Driver, I can tell you, we are always jamming from one place to another; school, gymnastics, play dates, swimming lessons and those are just the SCHEDULED list of stops.

Add in Eric's events and my own and you begin to wonder "who were the idiots that chose to live in the boonies anyway?" Obviously, we are the culprits of our own demise. We didn't get it. If you don't have kids, you won't get it. But, living in the country with a young , active one, means living in the car. Guess that's why hindsight is 20/20 because foresight isn't worth a @#$!

We recently hit the kite festival and had a blast. The kids played, with little supervision, for more than 3 hours. The parents lounged in the sun and laughed following a seemingly never-ending winter. Gavin is in love with his friend Grace and newly acquired friend Jonas. Each of their Moms' have truly become great friends of mine and with whom I spend as much time as possible. Eric knows their Dads' from high school and it often feels like old home week when they start swapping tales of the 'good ole days.

The girls and I are running, hiking, goofing off and enjoying having the families together very regularly. Thanks to Heidi, I am running farther than I had ever planned on (she is a cross country aficionado) and thanks to Megan, Gavin has his first "girlfriend." He calls her a "firecracker" because he gets fired up whenever they are together. No, he has no idea what a girlfriend is, but he really loves Grace.

Speaking of Taxi Drivers', Eric needs one so he can sleep in the passenger seat. Not only is he managing to keep the business running (while dozens of others are already closed) he is completing a nine-month leadership course for which he had to be nominated~Leadership Lincoln. He will graduate next month and truly it will be quite a notch in his career. He is one of the youngest members to be nominated and ultimately to graduate. Gavin and I are prouder than barnyard roosters and grateful he is taking care of us during these tumultuous times. We know God has a plan for us but it's been interesting living through the trailer to this movie! Each month we are faced with difficult choices about our future, choices that families all over the country also face. We see great opportunity and have faith that no matter what, we will be in good hands.

After looking for an actual job for a spell, I decided a real job just isn't in the cards. Positions are being whacked like wheat in a field and budget shortfalls are not helping. So, rather than sit around and wait, I took over all the cleaning services at the office and am enjoying the extra money and flexibility. Eric pays me a SUPER salary and I work when Gavin is asleep. In addition, I have been volunteering on the Parks and Rec Board and at Gavin's school in a variety of roles; field trip leader/sucker, Earth Day garden coordinator, baker etc. Gavin's teacher has told us he has the maturity of a five-year-old, is very generous, obedient and empathetic. Most importantly he has developed a love of learning and a compassion for others. Rather than thinking of just himself we are working on teaching him to think of others' first. I have met many adults who never did figure this out~and never will. Wish us luck.

On other fronts, our game room is 99% done. Once it is "photo ready" next week, I will post some pics. Our drop dead date for doing all the touch up work and reassembling our entire garage is Memorial Weekend. Just in time for a BBQ, Eric's birthday and Graduation! Gavin and I are headed to Texas for a week and we hope the Tinkerbell fairy will come help Eric finish it all, in between rounds of golf!

Last but not least, a note to those of you following my Relay For Life journey~I have raised more than $700.00 with a goal of $1000 by June. Thanks to all who have supported this endeavor.

ABQ Trip & New Video!

2010-03-21T15:09:00.015-06:00

Hello All,

Eric was kind enough to capture a few unforgettable Gavin moments on video and create another snapshot of our little life for your viewing. So many of you are far away and we hope this brief glimpse will make you feel up to date and in touch. Especially, Auntie Carla and Uncle Doug, whom Gavin misses a great deal, almost as much as Mema and Papa!

All of the clips are from events occurring between Dec '09 and March '10. Once you compare the pictures against the video, you will see our Little Man has really began to grow-up and show a big interest in physical activities and sports. Shocking, I know. He is also a total goof-ball, a trait derived entirely from his Dad!

Our trip to ABQ was really fun and jammed pack with activities. We hit the zoo, the planetarium, had a potluck with old college friends, met Auntie Leah at the park and had a short visit with Uncle Gary and Grandma Geri, before we had to run and beat another snowstorm home. (ugh.)

Gary is doing awesome~at the gym 3x per week with a trainer is really paying off in balance, continued weight loss and a chance to meet new people. His neuro rehab is showing continued improvements in reading and memory so we can't trick him like we use too! Damn. Geri is doing well and contemplating a return to work...I am sure they miss her help.

It was great to get out of our own house where continued construction of the game-room can be quite loud!
The pictures are truly amazing and taken entirely by Eric. He really should start shooting photos as a serious hobby...they maintain incredible resolution when enlarged!

P.S. Please click the video once and allow it (awhile) to buffer down. If you are on a dial-up you will have a better chance of picking up chopsticks with your buttcheeks than viewing the video, until you can get to a broadband (bigger pipe) connection point. Find a retailer and use their wireless network!

Air Traffic Control

2010-02-14T15:09:00.041-07:00

Things at our place are even more wild than ever as we try to keep all the planes in the air, peanuts and drinks moving, vomit bags replenished and lavatories cleaned between visitors, family, parties and contractors. (I have only threatened bodily harm on the plumber thus far, keeping my keen sense of humor in tact.) Often Eric and I look at each other and say "what were we thinking?"

Clearly we are a bit masochistic;I guess the business, the estate, Tim's' house, our house, the economy and our preschooler just weren't stimulating enough! February has been more nuts than January, but thanks to my marvelous hubby, who kindly sent me to Sedona for my 40Th birthday, I am back to 90% throttle. And Thank God, Avis' hubby Andy, gave her an airline ticket and four days of freedom as a Christmas gift, so she could join me.

Sedona was quiet, the weather was ideal and the company irreplaceable. Avis travels all year long so she is an excellent navigator, planner and guest. Without her, my Garmin GPS would have never made it back to the rental car facility ALIVE. I hate that thing and the Sedona roundabouts where I nearly killed us~more than once!

We talked, slept late, ate late, got a massage/facial, drank wine and hiked. What more could a girl ask for...?
Oh did I mention, no KIDS, no cooking and no cleaning, for four days. We stayed at a friends house in Oak Creek~very nice and FREE! A bonus to our trip was making a new Bud, Christina, who resides in Sedona and is the Niece of my sisters' friends Steve and Ana. Nope, never have met Steve or Ana, but they have become unofficial pen-pals.
Christina had not planned on taking us closed-bar-hopping, but after attempting to have a drink at FOUR places, we finally found margarita's and a fire to chat beside. She also humored us by bringing over a chick flick and huddling with us on the couch as we leaned in to watch it on Avis' laptop! The fact that we had no DVD player, one couch and no television didn't stop this crowd! Hope to see her again, meet her boys, daughter and hubby.

On other fronts, we are finally finishing off the 1100 sq. foot game room. Contractors are really starving for work here so we have been able to obtain them at truly reasonable rates. Between Eric and I they are keeping us hopping "we need this, move that, what's this etc." The dedicated furnace is in and working, the plumbing, the electrical, the sheet-rock and texture are all done. All that is left is the bar sink, bath sink, toilet, paint and carpet. We hope to have it done by late March but it already looks really amazing. Just think, we can finally include that huge room as heated square footage. Great investment in the house, in spite of the recession.

For the next two months our NO VACANCY sign is up. Both guest rooms are filled with all the crap from the game room. We can't find a #$%^&*& thing. Gary came to stay a few days in January and February and we couldn't keep track of his shit either. So, if you'd like to visit and need a bed, get a hotel.

The biz is super slow for the 14Th month in a row. We are so glad Eric has a business degree or we would not have made it this long; he implemented short-term measures that are working for the time being. Most of our friends business' in town have slowed to a total crawl. Pretty scary since it is ski season and we have record snow. People just aren't traveling or spending as they did years' past. People at church, friends and neighbors are barely making ends meet and the business landscape of our entire community is changing. Nowadays, change is the only constant, so as the year rolls along we will adapt as required and be grateful we are healthy, have plenty of grub and a roof over our heads. Everything else, we are finding, is just icing on the cake.

Gavin went skiing for the first time and according to Dad, really kicked butt. He has really been enjoying the snow, sledding and all the fun it brings. We got him real gear this year and he hasn't complained at all of being cold. My sinus' and Gavin's are still really problematic. Allergies, sinus infection, getting well, allergies, sinus infection, getting well. Marvelous cycle we seem to have every fall, winter and spring. So we are nose-hosing, taking honey, gobbling antibiotics/probiotics in an attempt to avoid more crap. Locals call it the Ruidoso crud; a gift from White Sands and all the evergreens that surround us. I call it a pain.

Maybe we look hungry or maybe we are just fun, either way, we have been invited to all things hither of late; dinner at friends houses', sledding, lunches, play-dates etc. We have also found a great Gavin-sitter (his preschool teacher) who has provided us with more time for date nights. We have found that without grandparents in town, she is a Godsend. Gavin adores her and her nephew who always joins her while here. Gavin is writing quite well, beginning to count much higher, loves puzzles for older children and thrives with the home-school work we begun last year. I find he always wants to learn about more subjects than school is teaching him and despite my lack of desire to teach, I am doing just that, a few sessions a week at the casa. Patience is not my bag but he is a very focused student so I can't gripe to much. One thing about him, he has an amazing retention level for his age. Once he is taught a subject, it sticks. He sure didn't get that from me!

Thinking of you, particularly those who are in need of better health and improved finances!

2010-01-02T09:37:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.....This video was especially done for
Carla and Doug for Christmas. Hope you enjoy it!!!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T14:28:00.046-07:00

We are not sure why, but we laughed until we were physically sore during the holidays.

Maybe it was the weekend company, Candice (Gavin's godmother), Geri and Gary; maybe it was the fresh snow, the hot buttered rum or the case of wine from Denver; maybe it was watching and videotaping Gavin as he tore through presents with sheer determination while checking to see if Santa had eaten the cookies we'd left out.

Alas, maybe it was just the simple fact that God had helped us to persevere 2009 and to look with optimism toward all the possibilities of 2010. (Nope, the jimmy crack corn butt photo was not staged.)

As you can see from the pictures, Gary is thriving. People keep asking us "is he the same?" We answer,"yes; the same and different all at once." His long term memory is extremely accurate, his mid-term (what happened a few days ago) is good. Focusing on the day at hand, is a bit challenging, but no more than it is for the rest of his family! His ability to stay focused on a task runs par with his Mom's and brothers so I'd say he is doing stupendously. In fact, he is doing so very well...we decided to take him sledding and see how he'd fly!

Six months post-stroke and 75lbs lighter he hauled ass, screaming all the way down!

Following a brave and daring climb up the moving carpet, with a huge crowd, he made it to the top of the runs. As we watched him move upward in the line, we had no idea, (and were not smart enough to investigate) the fact that there was no handrail, no tow-rope, not Jack-shit to hold onto~except your own sled. I watched with nervous excitement and some fear, wondering "what the hell did we do?"

I finally sighed with some relief after he got to the top and instead of asking for an escort back down the hill, he hopped onto his sled. After coming to a complete stop, Gary decided the run was MORE than enough excitement for the day, and had some hot cocoa while he contemplated his accomplishment and the BEANS it took to achieve. WAY to go Uncle!

Our budding entrepreneur, Candice, is slated to launch a very innovative product in 2010, following months of patenting, product engineering and planning. We wish her much success and know that her Dad must be very proud of her all over again as he looks down upon her. Honestly, having her, and her pup, Tula, sleep on our couch for two nights was the best kind of present. Gavin was in heaven.

More fun continued through today as El Nino' is kindly and regularly dumping more snow than we have seen in a decade. No, not like Tahoe, but not bad for our mountains. We have been sledding and plan on skiing now that the base is built above us. The tourists are back so they are pumping money into the local engine. You have never seen so many Texans and Mexicans fall, crash and wreck due to lack of snow experience and lack of appropriate gear! Pretty funny.

In closing, Happy New Year to all of you! May 2010 bring you the basics like employment, health care and perspective. For more on our year see our annual "Collins' Top Ten" list below.

COLLINS FAMILY TOP TEN

MEMORIES FOR 2009

1. Finally, able to take a full breath, following the news that Gary had successfully exited from his 3rd brain surgery.

2. Picture a jam-packed performance theater, second-row orchestra seating for

“The Nutcracker” …The Nutcracker himself enters the stage and Gavins, yells “is that the guy who cracks nuts?”

3. Joyful to see Uncle Gary’s sense of humor fully intact as he asks Ness if her costume ring was a “Walmart special!”

4. Proud parents look on as we watch Gavin repeatedly launch 8-10’ urine streams off of any and all platforms; hot tub decks, patios, pickup beds, his playhouse etc.

5. Overcoming the weirdness of cleaning/emptying out and uncluttering three houses in less than one calendar year, none of which do we reside. Ugh.

6. Ready to take on the world, in his usual sleepy morning self-mode, Eric accidently puts on two, yep two, belts with his work pants. Ness is certain one belt was for a rogue employee!

7. We cringed to hear, “Mom, my butts scratching.” And “Mom, why is my poop blue?”

8. Underestimating, the closeness derived from a Grandparents proximity, as we watched Gavin learn to sew, build, bake, remodel and organize salvage metal during his weekly visits with Mema and Papa at Grandpa Tim’s old house this year.

9. “If you hit the crapper, you’re a dead man!” True words spoken by Ness to the front-loader operator while he began digging a natural gas-line trench, frighteningly close to our septic tank. Yeah…..we are finally getting rid of that unsightly propane tank.

10. Gavin in pursuit of a silver lining; “Mom, sometimes I pick my nose, but at least I don’t eat it like my friends at school.”

Snow Pirate's & Psycho Parents

2009-12-06T13:58:00.025-07:00

Happy 4Th Birthday to Gavin~Our Snow Pirate.

Alas, I stand convinced: Eric and I are the psycho parents; always planning these great parties even if it nearly kills us!

This year 'bout did us in...following the hosting of Turkey Day dinner, a quick trip to Albuquerque and a totally insane year~ our energy meters were pretty low. So, we decided to keep the party smaller and more manageable than last year...

Well, all that "manageable" crap went out the window when we got nearly a foot of snow and temps in the teens for a week. Schools were closed and/or delayed and all of my childfree time was absorbed. YIKES, parents with December babies have it rough. You can't just toss them into a park with a pizza and we have no Chuckie Sneeze, YMCA or skating rink~so what the hell else do you do? Have a party...at your house or at their school. (Definately under consideration for next year.)

To top it off, all the invitations sent out said "Dress for a Treasure Hunt~Rain or Shine." And the kids did. Gavin talked of little else during the entire week, but the Hunt, and the X he'd like us to use to mark the treasure spot. We had to deliver. Parents are not to smart sometimes. And at a time like this, I was grateful we only have one kiddo! Who is currently in awe with pirates, dragons, scooters, books and puzzles.

We made a huge pirate ship cake~from total scratch~with 12 cups of butter cream frosting. Eric was my hero, staying up until midnight doing all (not just some) of the frosting and then getting up early in the a.m. to plow our driveway! What a great guy eh?

Mema cranked out a pirate flag and I went wacko with ships, a handmade net with fish, jewels, four rolls of streamers and balloons.

Thank goodness, Mema and Papa kept Gavin overnight~so we had time to get it all done. Gavin's eyes were as wide as saucers when he walked into our house; "my party is waiting for me." Ah, it was all worth it just for that moment. I think....Let the party begin!

After romping in the playroom, scavenging pirate trinkets on our activity table and wolfing down a lunch of homemade mac n cheese with Subway sandwiches~Eric announced the hunt. He got all the kids in a circle, even sitting down, to tell the tale of how treasure was buried on our land "long, long ago." They were mesmerized.

All the kiddos, even the tiny tots headed out in coats and boots with sand shovels in hand...ready to find the X Eric had said would be there...somewhere in the SNOW. Little did they realize, the booty was truly buried under a couple feet of the white stuff~thanks to Dad who drew them a map, discussed it and staged the whole bit.

Inside the pile of snow was a true treasure chest filled with candy chocolate coins, candy necklaces, ring pops and fake jewels. The kids were so excited they nearly maimed each other getting into the box! We finally dumped it out onto the golf green because we thought someone was gonna lose an eye!

After the hunt the kids were pretty spent. We inhaled some cake, opened gifts and loaded them up with some big ole goody bags. We really had an incredibly fun day~followed by a very restful evening by the fire. Today, I hit the mountains with friends for me time while the boys rested up from all the festivities.

Can't believe how time has flown by...Our Little Man, has really grown up to be a very descent kid and I am fortunate to have both the Men in my life!

One Door Closes & Another Opens

2009-11-24T17:15:00.011-07:00

for Mema and Papa and for those of us who have watched them spend the last few months in the North 40 with us.

Mema and Papa (pictured here dressed as hillbillies for Halloween 2009), have purchased a 3-bedroom, 2 bath brick home in Granbury Texas, outside of Fort Worth. The house is older and sits on a large lot, and Mema and Papa elected to purchase the adjoining lot so they could have some privacy and space. After reading about the town of 50K or so, it seems as though there is a great deal to offer: lakes, a new cancer hospital, a nearby airport, swimming pools and other family-oriented activities. A closing date has not been chosen, but Mom and Dad are anxious to get it done, so I suspect they will complete it all next week. We are trying to talk them into staying through the Christmas season for the actual move, but they are not yet decided. No rush on this end, no rush on that end, since their new house is empty and Tim's will go on the market in the spring. Gavin is very excited about "his" own room and has plans to stay there a full week as soon as he can. I have mixed emotions as having them close has been so handy for us! I am dreading going into the house and having it empty once again. Alas, all good things do end.

Thanks to Mom and Dad for making Gavin's summer and fall so special with all the pretend games and weekends dedicated to all the things a boy loves most; campouts in the living room, bathing nude in the backyard, trips to the park and library and hours of playtime devoted exclusively to him. I truly don't think he will ever forget all the days of sheer fun created by the two of you just for him. It's been like his own little daycare.

For Eric and I, well, words can't say enough. We could simply not have made it through the last six months without your help. Because you cared for Gavin for days at a time, we were able to help Eric's family with many hurdles. I simply don't know how we would have done it all, without you. Not to mention the co-hosting of parties, cooking and housework support all around.

Alas, I think 2010 will start with some real adjustments and the foraging for a Gavin-sitter. No one could replace you two in his eyes but Eric and I will promise to keep having date nights one way or the other. (And no that doesn't include moving or organizing any body's house.) We love you and wish you many blessings in your new digs!

PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PAPA WHO IS A VERY FIESTY and YOUNG 78 YEARS OLD!

The Jaunts & The Haunts

2009-10-30T20:05:00.029-06:00

Back from our recent jaunt from Denver-with many funny memories and a yearning for the amenities of the city!

We had a busy social calendar, lodging with Candice, Gavin's' Godmother, celebrating Gary's 42Nd birthday with the entire Collin's Clan, including Great Grandma (Gigi) from Edmonton, and the ringing in of our 11Th wedding anniversary! Wow, now that's a weekend. Imagine, our shock to find stores open after dark, people exercising everywhere and walking to their dinner, to get groceries and hit their neighborhood park. All of this was within walking distance and you could survive easily without using a vehicle-unlike where we live---NORTH 40! Needless to say, we loved the city...and the departure from the sticks.

We scored on the lodging situation, taking over the entire lower floor of Candice's trendy, modern bungalow home. Eric really loved the shower, with a variety of shower heads and Gavin and I lived in the hot tub out back. Gavin did not want to ever get out, so he educated himself on how to pee off the hot tub deck! Neighbors loved it, I am sure. (White trash is visiting, heads up.)

We had to get out and hit the town, sans the kiddo. So the Grandma's put Gavin to bed and we walked to many of Candice's haunts-local wine store, very generous with tastings, then the Sushi Den, full of young people and amazing food. Len and Karen Sanchez (Len, Candice and Eric all went to high school together) joined us and the chatter about old times and stupid things they had done together was priceless. Then with a nice buzz, we walked back home. Ah, so nice, no friggin cars to get into and no toddlers to feed! My first entire meal in awhile! Other jaunts included a trip to the Denver Aquarium, where Gavin vibrated his way through the entire venue, visits to an upscale toy store, fabric store, Candice's sister, Cicily's house, and a long walk through her lively neighborhood stores with their dogs to keep us moving.

Speaking of jaunts, a very memorable one for the weekend included, the tour Gary gave us of the Craig facility-WOW-very high-end and lively. But not as much fun as watching Gary school Eric at a blow dart game in the rec room-handing him his ass the first game. The two of them are closer than I have ever witnessed and the locker-room humor was contagious. Craig continues to be top ten in the country for a reason. (For more detail on Gary's progress-which is phenomenal-check out his site http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gcollins).

Last, but certainly not least, we spent Sunday afternoon relaxing. The a.m. was spent with Candice, who then cared for Gavin the remainder of the day and evening, while Eric and I hit Vesta to celebrate our 11Th wedding anniversary-alone. The food was unforgettable, but time to ourselves was priceless. Not sure why Eric hangs around with me. I think and hope he has a learning disorder, and continues to for many, many years to come. LOVE YA E.

Special thanks to Candice for making us feel so at home and for working Gavin's mind with puzzles and puppets!

The HAUNTS

Halloween was so much fun this year because we hand picked a neighborhood the kids could actually walk; houses are smaller, closer together and don't involve a 12 percent asphalt slope, like the rest of the Village in which we dwell! You can't just walk out and trick or treat here, half the homes are for vacationers only, the other half are on five acre lots and the others, well, you don't want to visit! So, we did a nice potluck at Godmothers rental home right in town and then opened the door and had the perfect loop for all the kids...The even was sheer chaos with all the kids rambling around and having such a great time. Will definitely do this again. Thanks to Megan, Becky, Eric and Alice for making it happen. Special thanks to Candice for giving up her rental to the onslaught of toddlers and kids! To rent her house visit it at http://www.vrbo.com/ (702 Wingfield)! She is a great lady.

Chaos at The Collins' Corral

2009-10-06T13:45:00.030-06:00

Picture the Pioneers of the West, minus the herd of cows, the hemorrhoids and the ability to hunt for food; this was our corral during the past two weeks. Instead of cows, we have been herding cats (family) and Gavin who both seem to be keeping us busier than one-armed shooters.

My Sis and Bro-n-Law, Carla and Doug, stayed a few days last week and are here this week wrapping up their three-month journey across the United States. Traveling largely in their more than twenty-year-old Mazda truck, so loaded the bumper is dangerously near the ground. Honestly, I have never seen so much shit rammed into a vehicle in my life. The entire picture is reminiscent of the Grapes of Wrath. Outer appearances suggest they are homeless, pioneering through life in this truck. Not surprisingly, they have received a few perplexed glances when Doug recently requested it be "valet parked" at a recent upscale hotel stay. Alas, they are just purchasing, storing and hoarding items for their return to Moondance and completion of this hurricane season.

During the Scott's visit we have been experiencing the old West with apple picking, quick-draw gun shooting, a trip to the local Western Chuckwagon, lots of home-cooking, comfort food and white trash entertainment. Through it all we have drawn a few conclusions;

1) We would die if we had to rely on Doug or Eric to shoot and kill anything worth eating.

2) Gun holsters are not flattering or useful on women who are short and pear-shaped.

3) Based on direct experience, Gavin is certain Carla is ill-equipped to drive an ATV. So are the owners of the ATV!

4) Arrival from long road trips wreck havoc on our septic system.

5) Playing ghost only requires a pillow case and ear-piercing screaming.

On other fronts;

The Martha in me (the non-incarcerated part) has the house all decorated for Halloween~a month ahead of time! Eric and I really get into the holiday and Gavin gets such a kick out of it. We had bat shaped pancakes for breakfast, pumpkin bread for snacks at school last week and plenty of ale to ring in the Harvest Moon. We are going as pirates...should be fun watching Gavin stab kids with a plastic sword. ugh.

Took a hike with friends to 10,555' on Sunday and it was fall around. The leaves had begun to carpet the forest floor and the elk nearby let out a bugle or two just for us.

Our Weekend Flashback

2009-09-15T15:39:00.016-06:00

Yep, we managed to get our feces compacted enough to squeeze in a long weekend at Elephant Butte Lake and then a one-niter in ABQ at a hotel.

Typical Collins' chaos, Gavin and I towing the trailer, Eric coming much later in the same day. Thankfully, our friends, Jim and Tawona, are more organized and kid-free. They arrived at the Lake and found a nice spot for the whole fam-damily. With their 5Th wheel, our two vehicles and later on our boat, it looked like an auction! We took over the whole spot, got beds made up and watched the dutch-oven Champions take over for supper prep. (We brought sides.)

Ever seen the movie Lonesome Dove. Well, that was us all over. Watching them cook in cast iron ovens over a fire was Old Gus at his finest. I got to tell you, it was the best meal of BBQ ribs, mac salad, garden veggies and then apple cobbler I had ever had...anywhere. Both of them have won national competitions for these dishes and now we know why. I betcha you could smell that cobbler cooking for miles. Poor idiots next to us were probably eating dogs. Needless to say, we loved every pound we gained. Gavin was out like a light without a peep and we sat around telling old tales of prior lives we had each lived. I laughed so hard, my cheeks hurt. It was quiet and very peaceful all around.

Shotgun start, pancakes and the boys headed out to our boat shed to unearth the Regal...that has been there an entire year, sight unseen. The boat is nearly new and in very good condition, but was found a little grimy with a dead battery. So, once the boys got a new battery we sat off to enjoy the Lake, minus water-skiing cause of Eric's broken finger. (long story.) We met more friends on the Lake and watched Gavin go solo on the tube all three days we were there. Eric learned how to surf and did really well. He picks it all up so easily. I got to drive the boat and tan my butt, while diving in at random to cool off. We wrapped up the day with smores, a great fire and a sound nights sleep, less my snoring! Next time, we'd like to buy a knee board and some ski's for me so I can really hit the water. (Eric is a class-act slolemn sort of guy, I just eat water.)

J and T offered to drive our truck and boat back to Ruidoso for maintenance, while we three bandit's towed the trailer and a very tired kid to ABQ to see Uncle Gary. (We have great friends eh?) Gary is entirely transformed since our last visit. He is really just like his old self, (less 65lbs), thoughtful, sarcastic, overwhelmed by mobs of people and ready for the next step in his rehab process at Craig Hospital in Denver. Gavin made new artwork for Gary's room, while we surfed the web, shared pictures, movies and books we brought along. We cracked jokes, enjoyed the lunch Eric brought in and watched the older folks shuffle by...don't think they see many toddlers so Gavin was a big hit. After swimming in the hotel pool and hot tub all morning, Gavin and I were spent. Eric drove the clan back to Ruidoso while we slept...

Wrapping up a great whirlwind of a weekend...

The Sandwich, the Shovel, the Summer

2009-08-30T15:12:00.025-06:00

We have had such a tumultuous summer we have often felt like staying in our cave until winter arrived~reverse hibernation. However, that would reflect an entire lack of courage, character, coping skills etc. Thus, why not sandwich some really good stuff, in between the challenges i.e. stale bread? Actually, we have found that even during tough times, life does find a way of rolling along. Many others are facing greater challenges all around us, so let us not bitch. We too must roll even though it may be a little slower and less wild and crazy than the pre-parenting days. Roll we have...

First was the dry-run, or our first time to bust out Grandpa's ole tent trailer. We spent a bit of cash having her looked at by a pro and then planned a trip, very close to town, until we knew what was involved. We had no owners manual so we were shooting in the dark each time we hit a button! So, fully stocked on Diet coke, beer, some pre-made meals, two old mutts, and a poop shovel, we set off to Bonita Lake. If you know me at all, you already know, I do not stay in designated camp grounds (my idea of hell). I could care-less about a shower and a shitter. I want peace and quiet and have no desire to listen to someone else's kids or adult conversation. Our kid makes enough noise all by himself!

So, we passed all the crowds crammed into the campgrounds like cockroaches and found a nice meadow a couple of miles away from the hub-bub. No showers, no potties, just our dirty butts in the great outdoors. Ah, the smell of good old human B.O. and a couple of foul dogs! Of course, that meant, teaching Gavin, how to take the much necessary crap in the woods. Mom's old lesson: shovel, check, plastic bag, check, tp, check, hand wipes, check. We headed up the hill and I showed him what the strategy was...avoid the weeds (never know if it's poison ivy), stay away from rocks (snakes, wasp nests etc.) and don't leave your t.p because the earth can't digest it. Gavin was a little nervous the first time, but all the events afterward, resembled a 3.5 year old pro. I think Gavin even gave Eric a few pointers! The trip was really peaceful, we all slept well (and late), ate well, hiked and enjoyed getting away. We made some friends who joined us in badminton, soccer, checkers etc. despite the Spainish/English language barriers. Two more camping trips are planned for the Fall with friends to finally use our ski boat and do some fishing. I imagine Tim is pretty happy to see us farting around with all his old toys.

Our Social Calendar;

Other outdoor family time has included raspberry picking with Mema in the Hondo valley and apple picking today-two huge boxes of Golden Delicious. The plan is to make a butt-load of turnovers...this week, yummm.

Gavin attended a friends bday party-come dressed as a Super Hero. We had nothing. Stores don't even have Halloween garb out yet...so Mema was the Hero. She whipped up the entire costume in one afternoon. Thank gosh. I don't have the patients or talent to sew...Gavin would have been screwed...

Eric and Papa have nearly finished up Gavin's custom built playset. (Sand comes this week, ladder to trap door pending.) Gavin loves it and is on it every afternoon. I can see him directly from the kitchen so the location is perfect. He picks green beans from our garden and eats them while racing down the slide.

Last but not least, our garden continues to produce AND THE HOOPHOUSE WAS APPROVED BY OUR Homeowners Association (read, retired people who like to enforce to many rules.) So, after the first frost, we shall finish what we started in May. Nights are in the low 50's, days are in the 80's so tomatoes and peppers did not produce well. But the squash, watermelons, green beans and pumpkins are going strong!

We Ain't Right Reunion 2009

2009-08-16T20:46:00.016-06:00

Time for our annual Warren-"We Ain't Right Reunion" at my brother Phil's and his lovely wife Danette's in Pasco, Washington. We all swarmed upon the Columbia River valley last week and lounged around their mansion-of-a-house like locusts; we fed, we drank, we swam, we fed, we drank, we swam. Not sure why they so kindly offer their home each year to more than twenty of us, but am so grateful they do.

Everyone gets their own bed, espresso-or iced latte-upon request, choice of four bathrooms, pool, hot tub, basketball court and enormous manicured lawn. Oh, least I forget the huge boat for fishing, water skiing, etc. If you get drunk enough, you are certain you are at some resort in Mexico. We tested this theory, repeatedly. Eric loved the theater room for naps and violent flicks parents don't normally get to watch.

My personal goal was to relax and attempt to eat the most seafood possible in six days. We had two feedings worth really mentioning; Anthony's for an all seafood happy hour without kids and a huge home cooked seafood platter of salmon, razor clams, squid, trout and other things I never identified but ate happily. We were stuck like beached whales and loving every minute of it. Thanks to my Niece Jen and Nephew Kohner for preschooler sitting!

We had a swarm of kids so Gavin played and swam during his every waking hour. At night we shoved the kids into the theater room and blasted them with a Pixar flick. Gavin was so tired and overstimulated he crashed every night-hard, plus napped really well all week. A crowd like this and so many kids is a great deal for a country boy. He did not want to leave but also missed his digs at home.

Memorable memento's:

Carla and I hauling ass to the nearest gas station to use the toilet while Phil's septic tank was pumped-shitters full!

Laughing my ass off while Doug shot water through a water noodle from his mouth, through his crotch and out near his butt.

Watching my Dad get up early, go with the flow all day, and stay up late playing dominoes-every night.

Watching Gavin swim all week, largely on his own accord, like he had been in a pool all summer.

Getting a chance to knee-board once during this summer and not crashing or getting injured.

Playing modified baseball called "over the line" introduced by the Scott's.

Getting a recent updated list of all our genetic defects from Carla. Thanks sis. Hammer toe is the new addition. gross.

Watching Gavin open all of Carla's bday gifts-happy 52ND girl!

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

2009-07-12T17:42:00.018-06:00

Finally, it feels like summer at 7000'. We had rain and cool temps most of June, so it seemed like Spring was having a hangover! So, when the thermometer hit 90 degrees we were happier than a litter of ten-pecker-ed puppies. Time for the pool, the play set, margarita's and our first harvest from the half-assed hoop/greenhouse!

Friday night was fun as we headed to some friends for a nice dinner party and took the kiddo to Mema and Papa's for an overnighter. When we dropped him off he hit the pool and he never looked back at us. I think he would stay with them a week, easily, before acting up. Mom said he was perfectly behaved. No shock there. He is only a turd with us! What the hell shall we do when they move??? ugh.

Off to the pool on Sunday while everyone else was at church. (We owe ya God.) We got Gavin a Coast-Guard approved vest with a cool grommet attachment to swim shorts. I must tell you, it worked really well and was recommended to me by a swimming coach. He was swimming and kicking like crazy and even went a few strokes on his own. If you know a Mom with a tot, tell her about them as they seem to learn to swim much faster. They beat the crap out of those wings and floats etc. We had such a great day with him.

I know you will be stunned, but our HALF-ASSED HOOP HOUSE is producing veggies! We let Gavin and Mema have the first pick of mesclun lettuce, spinach and pak choy. We have been eating it right from the garden (Gavin could care less about the dirt) and each night for supper. Time to share with the neighbors. Eric designed and submitted our site plan so maybe we will get this thing built before summer escapes us!

Last but not least, we had a great Fourth of July with a small town parade, lots of loud fire trucks, pounds of hurling candy, a greasy burger and sparklers for Gavin. Thank goodness we were drinking! Watching a 3-year-old with a sparkler isn't really good for the blood pressure! But, since no fireworks are EVER allowed in our entire county (National Forest), we felt compelled to improvise. Needless to say, we laughed so hard we nearly peed our pants. Gavin and Eric were both spastic. This coupled with a birthday cake, streamers and balloons for my Mom's birthday made this particularly memorable.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Gary, Eric's brother and only sibling. By the Grace of God he is really improving dramatically. We have set up a separate blog for his transformation (www.caringbridge.org) and will keep both this one and that one, updated. (To view Gary's website type in gcollins and hit "visit website.") Hugs to all. I am off to get the garden dirt, chlorine and other unmentionables out of my butt crack. (All good pics are via Eric's magic with our new camera.)

Gary Collins - Our Miracle Man

2009-06-28T15:46:00.021-06:00

Alas, we can breathe a sigh of relief after holding our breath for nearly three entire days and through two surgeries. Can you here the relief from here?

We feel so blessed to tell you that after a very frightening and anxious three days our Miracle Man is recovering steadily, albeit slowly, in the UNM Neuroscience ICU in Albuquerque. Gary suffered from a sub-arachnoid hemorrhage and subsequent stroke.

The American Stroke Association has a great website for information if you would like to read more about his condition. Bottom line, it is the most severe type of stroke and it has been graded as a grade 4 on an upward scale of 1 to 4.

Gary collapsed on Thursday, June 25Th while delivering wine to a valued customer. As God would have it, he was not driving, but was instead with people who were quick on their feet and got him an ambulance and the care he needed. (Every second of oxygen being deprived to the brain was crucial.) Thank gosh for great customers! After the first surgical attempt to place a coil in the aneurysm, the team determined they were unable to reach it due to its location. Thus, the second surgery to go through the skull and clamp the rupture. The second surgery went quickly and without a glitch. Gary was out early and stable. As luck would have it, UNM just became accredited as a stroke trauma center so the team, the expertise and the care has been tremendous thus far. Gary will likely be in the ICU for 2-3 more weeks to assess his rehabilitation needs and insure he is ready to move into the next phase of in-patient rehabilitation. Once his brain begins to heal, 7-10 days, we will have a firmer fix on the amount and type of rehab required. Until then, we are planning, praying and grateful for the fact that he is here today. Geri, Gary's Mom and veteran RN, has been and will continue to be a great asset to him and the families overall efforts to support him.

We saw his eyes open briefly for the first time on Saturday afternoon and he was able to respond to a variety of commands. His left side is lagging behind, but this may be a temporary condition. Once the nurse yelled in his ear, he faintly said hello and then went back to sleep. He was later able to tell Geri, I love you. So, after three days of sheer fear we sure are feeling happy and extremely tired! Thank you to our neighbors for watching the dogs and my parents who diligently follow our routine and keep Gavin so happy and utterly content. Big thanks to all the Jennings, Chris (Gary's stepmother), Kate and Little Richard, who were right there beside us praying over Gary through thick and thin. We have such a great extended family, who has faced and endured so much over the last 1.5 years. (Next year, nobody is allowed to get sick, injured or the like!)

Many of his friends, co-workers and customers as well as wine-club aficionado's have called to ask how they can help. Right now, visitation is pretty restrictive. However, that should change in the next 7-10 days. So, keep in mind, he loves to read and watch science fiction, as well as animation, and listen to classic rock. Thankfully, he will have many years left too do all these things he loves...

In closing, I suspect the remainder of this year will involve many changes for Geri, Eric, Gavin and myself and I am certain challenging days lay ahead. For today, however, we are over-joyed. And in reality, all we really have is today anyway, right? More updates on Gary next week...thank you for your thoughts, calls, emails and prayers.

The Blur-The Booze-The Babes-The Bait...

2009-06-19T18:52:00.035-06:00

Beware, this is a very lengthy post. Relax, stop rushing around and enjoy.

Our continual stream of weekend visitors and company has left us with great memories, several sets of dirty sheets and the expected disappearance of most of our liquor! Damn company anyway. They eat, they drink, they leave. We are so popular-you'd think we were centrally located or something...hell no.

The Warren contingent believes that "after three days, company starts stinking, just like fish." But, we can cram more activities into three days than a Vegas show. Alas, these stints of visitors becomes a large blur of days that have melted together like butter in the summer sun. I think being hungover and slightly sleep deprived contributes to the "blur", but mostly it is the ability to just screw off and ignore all the chores and crap around you for a few days. Thank gosh, my schedule-deranged middle sister and her family showed up from Cheecago to entertain us.

Becky, Dave, Ryan G. and Ryan's sweetie, Paige (sp) spent 4 days and nights in the boonies with us and managed to survive. Wow, you can actually see the stars here, listen to the deafening silence at night, and watch the elk and deer graze on their evening meal. We hit the racetrack, where Mema kicked ass, winning 5 out of 5 bets in a row. The rest of us got a buzz (no, not the minors) and watched those amazing animals fly by with uncanny grace. I was dragging since I had just returned from Montana (see Tidbits below.) Alas, the G family was just what I needed to find my second wind. Half the crew crashed here while the other half crashed at the Seniors house. Nice having so many beds...I think! We cruised out to Mescalero lake to fish, but the wind was howling, so we settled for miniature golf where Gavin had a blast, losing his golf ball and climbing all over the water falls, boulders etc. Improvise and you will always find something to do despite the crummy weather. The older kids had some redneck fun on the ATV (all adequately supervised and micromanage by Becky of course.) After much eating, more eating and a farewell dinner at the Old Road, the G clan headed back to the Windy City. Now, the house is really quiet-maybe too quiet! Thanks for the Welcome Blur...

Tidbits and Bylines: On other fronts we have become theeee social butterflies. This of course energizes Eric but I myself need some SERIOUS re-charging.

Eric's 20-Year Reunion: During the G visit we spent the remaining waking hours at Eric's 20-year high school reunion. Friday night cocktails, Saturday family picnic, Saturday night the big dance and dinner. Sunday we crashed hard. We had a great time and had the fortune of my Mom and Dad too toddler-sit during all the hububaloo. We actually closed a bar, after Eric shook hands with the now, two time indicted Governor of New Mexico. Eric was hoping to talk to him about funding our waste water treatment plant: what a dork, cute, but a dork! Who the hell talks about poop at 2 a.m.? (Now, you understand why he excelled at Sales!) not. Eric's old girlfriends are successful and lovely. So how they hell did he end up with moi? Lucky girl I am, lucky girl.

Drive-By to Missoula, MT: I snuck up to Montana for a really quick drive-by to surprise my old friend Kathy V. Her family helped me plan the scheme but the weather in Portland was REALLY bad so I arrived a day, yep an entire day late. Lightning was wild, all planes diverted to Seattle and I crashed in the big city of Spokane. When I arrived at Kathy's cubicle during working hours, she was in total shock. The trip was really brief, but so packed full of good times with family and old hangouts...I forgot how extraordinary Montana really is too behold. Take your kids there, they will never forget Glacier.

National, (Get Drunk) and Fish Day: The boys fished to commemorate National Fishing Day, with worms, pink marshmallows (Gavin later told me they were not for kids to eat, but for fish to eat, cause they were nasty and stunk bad.) Gavin gleaned a fish from a buddy who was catching his limit, but most were put back. A canoe ride was the big hit for the day, but apparently, Papa could not ride since the boat was small. So instead, he helped Gavin begin to understand the workings of a pole. Try teaching a preschooler how to fish and realize you should have had a beer before the lesson! They just want a fish, they don't want to wait for some damn thing to eventually bite some stinky bait. Who has that kind of time anyway? Took three Dad's to manage two kids, thank gosh they were not drinking and I was not present!

Brown Family Reunion: My Mom's family had a brief weekend reunion at my Aunt's here in town with most of the Browns' appearing, including kiddo's. Food was great and everyone was really cheery. The group is definitely slowing down but the 42 games were still rolling along. Seemed weird without Uncle Doug. However, we did not seem to miss Aunt Kay! Linda was an impeccable host and she is doing very well.

Definitely not a Project Manager: Ah...I know it is killing you to know, what the hell is up with that hoop house thing? Not a damn lot, that's what. Since I neglected to inform the Home-Owners Association of the project, they have asked us to defer final building pending approval. So, we planted our garden in the hoop that has no plastic cover: who needs that shit anyway, right? Thus, we are fighting all the things we had hoped to avoid: wind, cool nights, pissed off tomato plants etc. All this, just so the geriatric committee out here, who is all volunteer I might add, can determine it's architectural integrity and sight plan worthiness. Please Lord, let me die before I get this annoying to anyone. Wish us luck, maybe we will still see some veggies after all! (All the plants are up and have blossoms, but some are looking like a train hit them!) Gavin remains optimistic and my parents and sister, ever the innovators, used enough masking tape and stakes around the base, that it looks like it was built by the blind! God bless them, they are of the diehard Warren Clan.

Canuck's, Cribbage and Candles

2009-05-24T19:27:00.012-06:00

Eric turned the big 38 and rang in the birthday with his entire immediate family visiting Ruidoso with us. Great-Grandma (Gigi), who happens to be a sprite 94 years of age, flew in last week all the way from Alberta. Gary brought an entire case of wine, Mema and Papa Warren made some homemade vanilla ice cream and fresh corn, and the games began. Cribbage, cribbage and did I say, more cribbage? Gigi won the rubber match against Eric and we decided to nickname her "cardshark." I am telling you, regardless of the card game, poker, bridge, crib etc., she always kicks every one's ass. It's really funny and a little embarrassing too! I don't play, but I love the banter around the table. We had a great visit despite a few days of much needed rain.

Eric and Gigi hit old Lincoln for the historical Billy The Kid scene, the Iris farm, which I was told was beautiful, and spent time visiting friends around town that we hang with...she has not slowed down a bit and can walk and go nearly non-stop. Gavin loved all the attention that the presence of three Grandma's can bring. He particularly enjoyed his Uncle this trip who tormented him as every Uncle should. Our house will be so quiet when they pull out tomorrow, we are not sure what we will do, but maybe catch up on some sleep. It is always so sad to see distant family leave, but alas, we are desperately trying to get to Canada soon and are looking forward to much more company this summer.

The Masochistic Wife & Her Dedicated Builders

2009-05-10T19:11:00.017-06:00

So far, May has been a very busy month for the Collins' and Warren clan. Much of the activity was unplanned while some of the chaos has been self-inflicted (by me.) Needless to say, we have really gone stupid and bitten off more than we can chew. First, we have had an abundance of social activities (Earth Day Parade at Montessori, Brown family reunion, Mother's Day Tea's, Mother's Day at the nursery and many other outings that have kept us away from home more than the norm.) So what the hell was planned? Just a playset/swingset, designed by Eric, and a small, easy garden, planted by my Mom and I. Nice, easy line up of projects, not to much to manage around an already full schedule...until, I attended a High Altitude Gardening Class and went totally mental. Hence, my title for this post The Masochistic Gardener & Her Dedicated Builders.

Unfortunately for my family, after the class, hosted by NMSU's Extension Office and a flurry of county and state experts, I was just sold on building a hoop house (cold frame greenhouse) for year-around gardening. Our growing season is so short here and the spring wind is so powerful, I felt it was the only way to actually produce anything. Plus, we are tired of paying for organic veggies. So, I pitched Eric on the idea and after the financial and labor requirements began to sink in, Eric was ready to help me make it a reality. Phase one required Papa, Mema, Eric and I to clear the plot, level it and lay out plans. Most of us are finishing up on antibiotics for a sinus infection, so this was quite a feat. Once all the measuring, leveling and etc. ensued, it was time for the serious labor to begin. We hired a friend to auger holes so Eric and Papa could mix concrete and begin to pour. Next went the re-bar, more measuring and placement of the PVC footings. Alas, a week for the concrete to set and time to call it quits for phase one.

Phase two launched on Mother's Day weekend with cutting of the actual hoops and shoving of them onto their footings. It was a back breaker, but the guys didn't waver. Upon appearance this thing looks like a piece of cake. Wrong. Thank goodness my Dad's construction expertise and Eric's determination persevered. The weather has been really good and the guys have eaten whatever we have thrown out there! Phase three should be done next week, including laying of the exterior plastic, baseboard and doors. Phase four, following receipt of our soil analysis will be rotatilling of compost and chicken poop. We are hoping to be all done by the time GiGi arrives from Canada and Eric celebrates his bday over Memorial Weekend. Alas, stay tuned for the continuation of another Collins' adventure.

A Dirty Butt Knows...

2009-04-29T19:03:00.021-06:00

no boundaries or class. Alas, not if you are around my family, who has little modesty, and a compulsion for being clean. So no surprise...Gavin loves to tidy-up before his nap time.

A Warren spit-bath, normally given in the sink, in between REAL bath nights, is just a must with a little boy. So, being compulsive, I always sponge him off to get rid of the gunk, crack grime, kid germs and lurking toe and belly button jam. Well, of late, Mema and Papa got a real opportunity to see Gavin Get After the Grime, right in their own backyard. (As did any onlookers or unfortunate neighbors.)

After a full morning of activities with the old folks, it was time for a snooze. So here comes Mema with a large mixing bowl full of soap, water and a washcloth, meeting us on the back porch where Papa and Gavin had been all morning. (Playing in the salvage yard and on the aforementioned, very unsafe, teeter-totter.) Well, once Gavin was stripped of his grimy clothes, Mema set in with the washcloth, little did she know, Gavin had other plans. He took over, washed his private parts, (repeatedly), his butt and then plopped right down into the bowl itself. Yep, he could fit his entire body inside the bowl. Well, being a Mom, I cautiously looked around too see if the neighbors above us happen to be on their deck, while simultaneously thinking to myself "white trash, country-bumpkins" have moved into the hood. Thankfully, Papa nor I saw anyone, but we were all laughing so hard, an observer could have easily been overlooked. We had fun getting that kid out of the bowl, into some clean clothes and into the car. He was simply having a ball. Talk about a cheap date, eh?

Blog Note: Check back next week for "the masochistic gardener" update to include our latest backyard construction projects!

Bunnies, Biology and Buds

2009-04-17T10:41:00.034-06:00

Spring has sprung around our place and usually that means warmer weather, arrival of the Easter Bunny and the indoor planting of seeds and blooms. Well, so far we have seen 2 out of those 3 events occur; the bunny and the blooms. We are freezing our keesters right off. Parts unfrozen have been blown away in the 50 MPH wind. I am certain Mother Nature is going through menopause, "gone postal" or simply gone "off the reservation." The weather has been WHACKED all over New Mexico with temps swinging 40 Degrees in one day! Our trees budded, got frostbite and are so darn confused they don't know which way is up. Clearly, Mother Nature needs to see her Physician or Psychologist. Nonetheless, with a kiddo in the house, life just keeps rolling along, as nothing really stops these little guys from celebrating.

BUNNIES & Biology:

Gavin really got involved in Easter celebrations this year. He understands the holiday represents Jesus' second birthday, celebrated by the coloring of eggs, the hunting of eggs and the scarfing of little chocolate egg candies. (We squeezed in some crafts too, to decorate and make table place cards for our family Easter meal.) Kids love scissors, paper and glue; Mom's love the anxiety of a 3-year-old with a sharp object. Wine anyone??? Our first event was the Village Egg Hunt on Saturday, held in a local campground and attended by the masses. I have never seen so many haggard parents who appeared as though they just rolled out of bed, grabbed the kid and keys and bolted to the hunt. Scare-do's, Lycra tights and cigarettes dangling represented the breadth of the Ruidoso culture. Papa noticed that one parent had the gall to stowe her cigs in her child's basket; poor kid. The hunt itself was over before you could fart. The "speed hunt" ended abruptly due to lightening, rain and freezing temperatures. (Go figure.) Our usual visit with Smokey Bear and the Easter Bunny himself, plus a ride on the Ruidoso Fire truck was all nixed as we scrambled to the truck for cover. Smokey was right behind us and the Bunny eluded us altogether. Gavin didn't score a big-load, which never seems to be his goal, he was happy with a handful of eggs, only one filled with candy, and the others stuffed with little trinkets. Mema was hoping for more chocolate, so she could score a few bites, from the kiddo. (Sorry Mema, you will have to hit your chocolate stash when you get home. Like Tim, Mema lives on the stuff.)

On Sunday, Mema and Papa came out with a gorgeous Easter basket that Mema had hand stuffed/wrapped and bowed with a collection of goodies we'd all put together. She also had eggs she and Gavin had dyed to put in the backyard. Gavin's face lit up like a star when he hunted for both that particular basket and one more from Grandma Chris, both hidden in our house by the Easter Bunny (a Warren family tradition). For a final genital freezing, we all went into the backyard where Eric braved the temps, and hid several eggs for Gavin's second "speed hunt." Gavin found all the eggs and managed a frigid, long-range pee that left us stunned, (he can traject 9 to 10 feet regularly, see picture) and then headed inside. The rest of the day was so peaceful as Gavin entertained himself with all the new toys and books he received and was smart enough to put candy away for another day. With a kid napping all afternoon, Papa and Eric worked on some carpentry projects together, while Mema and I populated our germinator with hundreds of itty bitty vegetable seeds. We sat down to a great homemade meal, no store bought nothing, and had a relaxing evening. Such a joy to have them here, THEY ARE SUCH A HUGE HELP, with household projects. I don't think there is anything they can't build or repair, despite being over 70 years of age. I love company that actually helps us get work completed! No Warren likes to sit around so when you visit us plan to be busy either voluntarily or by force!

BUDS:

Alas, Eric finished building my seed germinator and so far it has been super effective. We had sprouts in three days and everything is growing. The whole process has been and will be such a great way to spend family time and teach Gavin about where food comes from...I will be running the rototiller this weekend and attending a high altitude gardening class, plus relying heavily upon Mema's decades of gardening experience. Maybe something will live, eh?

Keys to the Castle, Carnivals and Company

2009-04-05T12:57:00.024-06:00

We have been busier than a family of one-armed jugglers with work, fun, family and lotza-company to keep us laughing. The month of March is a total blur of exhaustion, meals, laughter and wild West weather.

If you think moving sucks, try it as a senior! Not fun at all. Mom and Dad arrived more tired than I have ever seen them, but they were in great spirits. The trip from Texas was long but uneventful. The long-distance closing of the house was stressful and included hiccups on the buyers side, so we all finally breathed with ease once it was a done deal.

The Warren's moved into their new digs at 109 Snowcap and they were stunned at the renovations. You can observe by the pictures that Tims' ole place is really dressing up. At our insistence, Mom and Dad crashed at our house for a full week, cleaning and unpacking by day, playing with Gavin and eating with us by night. We never stayed up past 9 p.m. the entire week; we were just pooped.

The fun times really rolled as we diagnosed other minor fixes to be made at the house and they spent their first couple of nights on their own. Gavin was bewildered as too why they would no longer be staying with us and a bit out of sorts, as we all have been, with so much change taking place. Well, just as the last box was unpacked Mom and Dad got a huge surprise at their door: knock, knock, Ken (my bro) and Lisa (my sis in law) popped in from New Hampshire. Mom and Dad were totally stunned and clue-less. It was a classic surprise, minus the peeing in the pants thing... K and L, had planned the trip with E and I and worked it into a business trip for Ken. Ken and Eric worked with Papa on some challenging finish work, while Lisa and I went furniture shopping as a surprise house warming from she and Ken. My truck was full of stuff when we returned and the folks were so grateful: bar stools, antique tea table for the foyer, maple table for the telephone, mirror for the foyer etc. For fun we squeezed in some authentic New Mexican food on the reservation, a trip to the Casino and then honky-tonking at the local bar. Wow, talk about trailer trash. We fit in nicely with people we never seem to see during the day around here, only at night, once a year, when we go to that bar. Ken was picked up upon by a not so small, or shy gal, whom he politely said "no thank you" too, just to see her subsequently take a swing at the bartender, who then threw her out! Only the best local white trash Ruidoso could offer!

Following a rather late night and really early morning, Ken and Lisa are headed to El Paso and then back home to NH. They were a hoot and I hope we showed them a good time.

A few other notes/events;

Take a look at the slide show as it contains many pictures, including Gavin at his first carnival riding solo. So funny. All he said on the roller coaster was "I am ready to get off." Of course, he couldn't so he hung in there and called it quits, moving onto games and prizes.

Other shots of spring in Ruidoso. We have had some wacky weather, but the caterpillars love Gavin.

No more diapers for Ducky. Gavin has been out of diapers (except when he uses a pull up to sleep) for weeks now. Very few accidents, but trajectory is a challenge for him, as it remains to be for his Father!

Special Friends Note: We were thrilled to see the Ruffs' during their Spring/Winter Break (it snowed) as they stayed in their RV in town and had two dinners with us. Their three dogs and our two went wild until Gordie got scared and hid in our closet all night from one 15lb he feared. What a pansy. They all looked awesome and my parents had a great time visiting with them. Derek looks awesome and we can't wait to celebrate the end of his treatments with him in May.

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling...RAWHIDE!

2009-03-14T14:16:00.020-06:00

Okay, so we aren't herding cattle, cooking fart-busting beans over an open fire, or crapping in the bush, but the community welcome feeling is all the same as we prepare to host friends and family over the next couple of weeks.

We plan to show them all some small-town, mountain fun and feeding them some home-cooking with Beano available and flatulence probable.

Ruidoso is not exactly a metropolis, so the Western Rawhide theme seems appropriate as it is coupled with the image of the courageous (read masochistic) Dad who's ass and private parts are probably killing him as he rides with his kids!

The much anticipated arrival of the Warrens' tops our list as Mema and Papa are moving into GrandPa's old house during the weekend of March 20Th. Eric, who has kindly volunteered to drive their moving truck from Texas, will be at the helm, while also towing their Camry , while Papa will ride his flank driving his own black 1.5 ton truck. Tucked in both trucks will be Mema's homemade fixin's including fried chicken, snacks, desserts and drinks to tide them over. Doubt anyone will starve, but I can guarantee you, they will be glad they are riding in two separate vehicles for the fresh air! Mema got while the gettin' was good and will be flying to New Mexico instead. Two days on the road with two men and some arthritis that is flaring up sounded like a bad plan. She is no dummy.

Our second welcome wagon rolls when the Ruff family loads into their RV for a week-long stint in a local campground with (get this) three dogs, two kids and anyone else who is crazy enough to hop inside! Now that's a load! While the Ruffs' enjoy a break from Las Cruces life, endeavor to teach their city dogs that a deer's hoof is lethal, and entertain two teens, (imagine Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation), we plan to spend time with them throughout the week doing God knows what, but having some fun. (No Derek you can't dump your tank into our septic system!)

Our third welcome wagon will roll with secret out of state pioneers, which we cannot name, as it is a surprise, April 3, 4, and 5Th. They have not stayed with us before so we are happy they are coming as they will think twice next time! (teasing.)

Knowing the Wagon will be rolling, rolling, rolling, I hit Trader Joe's' of Albuquerque to get wine and beer. (I told you, we aren't roughing it.) We never have enough at our place, but it will give us a start! Of course while at Trader Joes...Gavin asks very seriously, "mommy, where is Joe?" Rolling, rolling RAWHIDE!

Collins'/Hillbilly Cleaning Chaos Continues

2009-03-01T14:49:00.009-07:00

Imagine an office, an apartment at the office, and a more than 4000 square foot house full of more than thirty-years worth of belongings...well, if you can picture it, (if you care too), you can begin to grasp the amount of cleaning, donating and discarding we have done since the passing of Eric's Dad, Tim. I am sure Tim has gotten a kick out of watching the family mine through his old stuff. We found that the old saying is true "you can't take it with you when you go, so leave it for your kids!" I must say, we have often looked like the Beverly Hillbilly's as we ramble down the roads with trucks, trailers and SUV's filled with stuff to donate, keep or toss. In Tim's defense, much of the stuff was not his, instead belonged to other family members who had pack-rat skills.

To date, we have had one yard sale, several trips to the dump, dozens of trips to the Thrift store and a remodel at the office. Funny, we have managed to fill the Village dumpsters so many times, we'd stopped counting, but the neighbors had not. They very politely informed us of additional dumpster locations should ours get filled again!

The last two weekends have been spent at the ole Snowcap house and with help from the Jennings' family and all the Collins' family members the house is entirely, yes, entirely empty. All that remains too be worked upon are the attics, garage and carports. We all managed to laugh, have two picnics, get exhausted together and work through the frustration that comes with a monumental effort of this nature. Thankfully, Chris took the lion-share of the furniture as did friends, and strangers who needed it. We all felt really good about the whole process since so many others will benefit. We also found some very precious family heirlooms and can now fill each of our homes with items we cherish. Gary and Geri headed back to Albuquerque last night, with a moving truck of all things good, Chris and Richard headed back to Alamo in Big Red, also filled with all things good. Eric and I landed home with old records, 8-Tracks, the equipment to play them and so many other things he cherished. Now, begins the fun of finding places for it all!

Gavin was very good and had his own on site babysitter-cousin, as Richard played with him all morning so I could work. Gavin had so much fun, he has talked about it all weekend. "I love Little Richard Mommy." He was sweet enough to tell Richard thank you and I love you more than once.

Alas, a very, very exhausting couple of weeks, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and are enjoying all the remodeling that is now underway. We just can't wait for the house to be cared for again and receiving lots of TLC from my Mom and Dad. Also happy to have time to now catch up on neglected projects at our own house! (After a long, much needed break that is...)

Precious Tidbits, Tales and Turds

2009-02-19T15:24:00.023-07:00

If you are a parent or have spent significant time around toddlers, then you know, every day is filled with little precious moments that cause you to burst into belly-wrenching laughter. We are grateful that Gavin provides us with these tidbits all the time, even when he is tired, cranky or sick. We know these moments are precious and fleeting and that family misses observing many of them. We also know that the tidbits of today or tomorrow, will be gone and replaced by others as these kiddos change so quickly. Thus, I share the following tidbits, tales and turd stories from this week. Hope you get a great laugh!

1) Gavin asks, "Mommy, what is that hole under Gordie's tale? (Before I answer, he attempts to physically investigate. I respond, "that is where Gordie's poop comes out." Gavin quickly withdraws his hand and says "oh." Gordie is understandably relieved. Esa is even more relieved.

2) A kid at Montessori comes running inside from recess to ask his teacher for a Kleenex. When she turns to reply to him, we all stand in obvious awe: this kid had the biggest booger I have ever seen: it could have been measured, collected and submitted to Guinness Books. During our ride home Gavin says "Mommy, that booger was guygantic (gigantic)! I am still stunned from the event.

3) Gavin's convertible crib is now a toddler bed with three sides. Thus, he is capable of moving about in his room. So far, he has been excellent at staying in his room and/or bed as directed. Yesterday, right after I closed the door for naptime, he peeked out saying "Mommy, I took my pants off, could you put them on?" I wonder... what was he doing taking his pants off? But, I say nothing. I put his pants back on, snug him back into bed, and he is out for his usual three hours. Kids are so funny and boys are SO curious.

4) Gavin has a small stuffed kangaroo. We call him "Roo" based upon the Winnie the Pooh gang of friends. Well, apparently Roo was not sharing, as Gavin sternly said to Roo, "You will have to share or we put toy away, or you have time-out." Well, Roo did not abide so Gavin put the contentious toy away and put Roo in his room for a time-out. Then Gavin, thinking I did not hear him, came and told me about the entire redirection he had conducted. He then retrieved Roo from his room and said to him, "are you calm?" I guess Roo replied as he received the usual hug and was released from in-room prison. It scared me. He sounded just like me. ugh. However, he was very loving so I hope we taught him that too...

5) Still learning how to hold onto the toilet with one hand, and direct his urine stream with the other, Gavin says "Mommy, come here, I peed in my mouth and on my hand." Clearly, Eric needs to offer some training here!

6) I am sure you have heard of the "Race for the Cure". Well, Gavin and I had the Anessa Collins, Race for the Poop today. During the middle of our walk, nearly 1/2 mile from our house and in the middle of ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE, Gavin says "Mommy, I need to poop." Picture me, on top of some hill, looking at neighbors, each on their five acre spreads and thinking, please God don't let him crap in his new big boy underwear. So, with little choice, I sprinted. Faster than I have ran since dating Eric, I hauled ass the entire way home while telling Gavin to "hold it" until we get to the toilet. Alas, I nearly had a heart attack pushing 50lbs (kid is 31lb, stroller is 20lbs), leashing two dogs and running at a sprinters speed. Thankfully, our marvelous boy held onto that turd until we hit the can!

HappiNess is This...

2009-02-05T19:17:00.003-07:00

Happy Valentines!

The past few days have been glorious...Gavin's two teeth arrived and we are enjoying the respite before the last two come on. Alas, we can see the molars at the end of the tunnel! And the weather has been so warm ~65 degrees...

We spent the entire week outdoors at either the park, where I played pony, went down too many slides not suited for the size of my butt, and helped Gavin pick up trash (he hates it when there is junk all over the playground.) We went hiking today up the hill behind our house and saw a great deal of elk sign; huge piles of the good stuff, some fresh prints etc. We have had a small herd sleeping at the base of our driveway for a couple of weeks and narrowly missed a cow elk the other night. My Expedition would have never been the same! I think the days of me carrying Gavin in his Deuter backpack are slowly coming to an end. He hikes farther every month and only needs a bit of help here and there where the incline is challenging. I dare say, he can hike farther than most of our adult friends!

Alas, another holiday arrives. The last two nights have been filled with all there is Valentines. The entire family has been making hearts, pasting them on the windows, the dogs, each other and gifts for others. Tomorrow, it is our turn to take a snack to Montessori for the twelve kiddo's. Last time it was homemade peanut butter smoothies (huge, I mean huge hit, they flog me about it every time I go in there now). Alas, Gavin wanted some homemade granola and thus I made a batch and added the Sweetheart candies with the cheesy sayings "call me", "be mine" "I am a loser." (kidding.) Anyway, Daddy had too help us make serving vessels so the goodies don't end up all over the floor. Cereal bowls just don't work for kids on the go, so he made little paper cones in pink and red with stickers. Eric teased me and ask if the other kids will even eat granola! Gavin is such a healthy eater... Lastly, we finished all the cards for Gav's friends, so I think we are set for the holidays. (We will work on Daddy's surprise next week: cupcakes with red hots, some chocolates and a big card for Gavin to color.) Adult Valentines will not be included in this message! However, we are going OUT as Grandma Geri is babysitting for us while staying over! YEAH, an adult evening out.

Mommy Wolf

2009-01-29T15:27:00.009-07:00

Wow. What a week it has been around our place. Imagine a roller-coaster ride, one minute you are laughing and the next you are screaming, about to barf and ready to jump off. If you can imagine this sort of event, you can imagine my week as ~ Wolf-Pack Mommy. I have entitled this the Mommy Wolf post because it seems as though all I have done is bare my fangs for seven consecutive days. Clearly, not one of my better weeks. And, no, I can't blame my hormones. Darn.

I think I have said "I told you not to do that..." at the top of my lungs enough to worry our neighbors who are 5 acres away. Our normally easy-going boy is enduring another teething cycle and it has been really rough on us all. We can't believe how much this kid has endured regarding his teeth and we wonder daily "is this kid a wolf or a human?" He is only suppose to get twenty teeth in total but his second year molars are stubborn and HUGE. Maybe sometime in 2009 they will actually appear. I shall take him into the dentist in February to get the "professional", often not very specific update. Until then, I am on full alert as all we are hearing is "I want Mommy to do it..." whatever the "it" is at the time. God Bless him, he made it through all the holidays and a trip to the Caribbean feeling like a million bucks. Another blessing, he has still been sleeping well at his usual 13.5 hours per day. I know I am very fortunate in this regard so my ability to bitch is short-lived at best. After all, the nap isn't for the kid, it's for the MOM. Alas, this like other challenges at each age, shall pass, and is brushed with very funny moments we will likely not forget.

Last night, we escaped the den and had a date night while our lovely Canadian neighbor babysat. They both had great fun and agreed to come back next month for the same. She is one block away and free. Plus Gavin just loves his Ms. June and she can run circles around him: (She is 72 and a Senior Olympic Gold Swimmer.) He tires way before she does...

Our mud-room endeavor is complete. We spent most of the afternoon on Saturday, trimming out the doors, cleaning up sheet rock powder, putting in door knobs and moving stuff back into the area. Eric plans to tile it and complete the finish work this month. It seems as though we always have some project too keep us busy.

Today, once Eric and Gavin wake up from naps, we are off to a friends for the Super_Snack Bowl~ as Eric loves the game, but I love the homemade snackage. I am cheering for the Steelers, (entirely ignorant of either team) in support of my Bro-In-Law, Doug, and my Sister who are sailing between islands in Mexico with limited access. Go STEELERS!

If Gordie Could Have Voted...

2009-01-28T19:31:00.010-07:00

If our Hound, Gordie, could have voted in the General Election, he would have gone Democratic. Like Al Gore, Gordie knows we are in the throws of Global Warming. (Yes, we have seen Al's movie and like Al, I don't buy the party line that what we are experiencing "is just a natural cycle" of the earths evolution. The polar bears aren't buying it and neither am I. Gordie isn't buying that pitch because he is shedding his winter coat, two months ahead of schedule, all over our house. Just like the melting of Arctic Ice, you can complain about it, but the process still unfolds. My vacuumn and dog wash are working DOUBLE time as we continue to experience very dry, very warm days, with no snow in sight. The lack of moisture has forced me to hand water, yes hand water, dozens of trees, shrubs and other foliage all around our newly, and expensively landscaped property. What's a girl to do? The evergreens and decidious pretties just will not establish if I don't baby them this year, but they are so confused they are budding...in January! We are bound to have several hard frosts ahead of us, so if these guys go down, I am not taking the hit. I have spent enough time in prison for killing houseplants with our water-softner-salt-infused beverage already. Thanks to Mema, that problem is since resolved. (Use water from outside Ness.) Funny, my houseplants are now thriving. Thanks Mom.

So, as we watch nature turn on a dime, during the wrong season, we realize that one helluva fire season lays before us, unless we get some good old wet stuff before May. Alas, we have a huge riding lawn mower, just itching to get beat up, all over this place. And, since there is much more horror occuring in the world, my backyard seems well, just not that big of a deal. I'll do what I can and throw the rest to God to fix. He has better odds anyway...now onto a really trivial, but hilarious byline from Gavin.

Byline: Tonight, after we watched a portion of The Wizard of Oz, for the gazillionith time, Gavin and Dad are off to read a book for bedtime. Apparently, during storytime, Gavin stood up on Eric's legs to give him a squeeze and ask for a goodnight song, when Dad said sure and proceeded to sing Johnny Cash Folsom Prison song lyrics, Gavin accidently pounced down upon Eric's groin, i.e. Tallywacker. As Eric shrieked and told Gavin to be careful, Gavin apologized and said "Dad, you want some Butt Paste to fix your boo boo?" Out of the mouths of babes...

Construction: Physical and Mental!

2009-01-21T14:37:00.012-07:00

If you can hear it, I must confess, the racket is coming from our house! Once again, we are under construction as we continue to finish our house within our five-year goal. Most of you know, we moved in when it wasn't complete for a number of reasons. Since then, we have been listening to banging of every imaginable sort as we begin to narrow down our Punch List of tasks; time and money permitting.

Currently, we are enclosing the mud-room that connects the garage to the main elevation of the house and provides the transition up to the big unfinished game room ~1200 sq. feet. The space is small, but tricky. We need it to look like it was part of the as-built instead of an after-thought. We also need storage for boots, scarves, hats, coats and umbrella's. Once it is sealed off with its own door and insulated walls, we will be ready to take the big plunge and put electricity and a separate furnace in the game room itself. Gavin has been a real trooper and sleeping through the racket thus far. Thankfully, his room is at the other end of the house! The noise is making me crazy, but such is life. We chose January to begin this particular endeavor as we are not expecting any company following a big rush through Fall and Christmas. Alas, we are just glad we can have the work done by an awesome builder, given Eric's work schedule this year. Thus, I conclude the physcial construction update...now onto the reference made to mental construction.

Gavin just completed his mid-year review at Montessori. Actually, a very interesting process compared to a traditional school. He is evaluated in more the ten areas ranging from interaction with adults and kids, care of his enivronment, care of himself, large and fine motor skills, grace and courtesy, sensorial materials, reading, writing and math to name a few. Proud as pigs in mud to say, he was advanced in all or most areas for his age. No disciplinary issues thus far...let's hope it stays that way!

Last, but most momentous, we celebrated President Obama's inauguration with a special candlelight dinner and "cocktails" with the boy (cranberry juice, club soda, lime in a martini glass). He totally got the whole special occasion, just not the new President, first African-American concept. Maybe when he is seven and Obama is re-elected, he can really grasp the enormity of the day! Thus, my mental "construction" update.

"I Could Have Been A Contender"

2009-01-14T15:18:00.005-07:00

Well, maybe in the super-feather-weight group!

Gavin had his Well-Child Visit with our Pediatrician yesterday and he is really sprouting up. He is 39'' tall and 30lbs. So for those of you who need percentiles, he is 89th for height and 50th for weight. He continues to be built like Mom and Dad, lean and mean. He was very well behaved during the appointment and did everything "Dr. Scott" asked of him without hesitation. (We had shots last month and he was a gem then too.) Dr. Scott reviewed the milestones Gavin should have achieved and he is at or substantially ahead of them all. I asked him to count to 10 for the Doctor and he did. Then I asked him what number came after ten and he said, "fourteen"! Well, he was right, but not the answer I was after. Most kids don't count very well until around five, according to the Doc. Finally, we covered all the safety stuff: swim lessons next summer, crib is fine until he crawls out, car seat weight and height etc. As has been our tradition following his appointments, we hit the local Zoo for a picnic and then Target.

Most of you know, I am not a fan of Zoo's, but this one is community member-owned and specializes in saving those critters who have been injured or are otherwise unfit to make it on their own. Since I am a Darwin girl, I am still not a huge fan, but Gav loves it! We fed the goats and followed the Zoo Keeper on his rounds. We got to hear the Mountain Lions roar, the wolves howl and the bald eagles call. Needless to say, we were exhausted when we got home just in time to make crab cakes for supper! YUM.....

For you X gen folks, the quote in our title is from the classic movie On the Waterfront.

Sun & Snow, Sled & GO!

2009-01-11T15:16:00.007-07:00

Alas, we finally managed to get a small bit of the soft,

fluffy white stuff that up until recently has totally

bi-passed Southern New Mexico. Our drought continues as our mountain snowfall total remains pitifully low. However, when you have a toddler, any amount of snow means snow ice-cream, sledding over barely covered gravel and grass and of course, the construction of a snowman.

We hit the driveway early to beat the Noon melt we expected. Gavin can really get to cooking given the grade and well-built sled Dad got him last year for Christmas. He wanted us to pull him up the hill, to go again, but we had to break it to him, the game is sled-down, hike up. No piggy backs, you need to burn off some energy! So we spent most of the morning watching him laugh and crash. While I made lunch, Dad and he built a petite snowman with a carrot nose, coal (from the fireplace) for eyes, a really ugly ski hat and finally a pink pipe cleaner for a mouth. He looked like a Tammy Fay Baker snow-man-woman-it. They had a blast!

We topped off the busy day with the boys headed over to a friends house for a play date and pizza, and all the Mommy's headed out for Moms Night Out. We had a great time at a local Italian place. Of course, the kiddos were up very late, so today we have just been lounging like lizards. Eric made Gavin breakfast, while I slept off that last glass of Merlot. !

2009-01-03T20:17:00.016-07:00

Blood, Sweat and Truck?

Since Eric began flying solo at our business in February of 2008 he has toiled, labored and strived to serve his Dad's lifelong customers, new customers and maintain all twelve employees on the payroll. No small task, given that it formerly took his billable hours, plus his Dad's to accomplish. Eric's hard work and blessings from God are the only explanation for an overall profitable year. Many surveying firms in our State layed off employees months ago, when the economy took a spiral downward. I am proud to say, not only have we avoided layoffs (so far) but Eric was able to even issue bonuses to the entire staff in December! From afar, reading this post, the accomplishment may seem, well, anticipated. Trust me, when you are in the trenches actually making it happen, it is anything but easy or even expected. Especially, since he simultaneously acquired the responsibility of "Executor" for his Dad's estate. (Yes, he successfully and admirably performed both jobs at THE SAME time.)

Based upon the close-out for the year and a recommendation from the accountant, Eric set off to reward himself and reduce corporate taxes owed, by buying a TOTALLY LOADED Ford F150 Lariat truck. The Ford has more hard disk space than any PC we own and is happy to serve your every desire via voice-commands. Yep, you can tell it what you want to listen to, plug in your IPOD, cool or warm your keester, (rear seats too) and boy does it offer a smooth ride. You would swear you were in a car even on our country roads. He is still learning all the bells and whistles but boy is it nice to see him rewarded for all the blood, sweat and tears with a brand new man-rig. Way to Go Babe!

Reflections and Resolutions

2008-12-30T20:54:00.015-07:00

Reflecting upon 2008 either causes us to laugh or cry. We had momentous ups and tumbling downs, wrapped in a nice package we all call life. We have watched Gavin grow into a joyous and funny little guy who is keeping us young and grounded. (Kids are great for perspective.) He enters his third year of life surpassing many of his Montessori school mates in several developmental areas (he got this from the Collins side) and has an uncanny ability to tell jokes, laugh at our jokes and be a total goof-ball (he got this from the Warren side). He has a very sensitive and highly empathetic side as well.

Of late, he packaged up a bag of toys for his Grandpa Tim, placed the bag under our tree and asked me "can Santa deliver these to him in heaven?" Well, that choked us all up and set the stage for an unforgettable holiday season. My parents (Mema and Papa) spoiled us all with gourmet food, assistance with our endless house punch list and last-minute holiday decor. We couldn't have pulled it off without them, as we spent half of December on the Turks/Caico's Island drinking dirty banana's with the Jolly's, snorkeling, scuba diving and lounging on the beach. We seriously had the best vacation on record. Thanks to Avis and Andy and all the other Jolly's. See picks under Turks/Caico's.

Ah, yes resolutions. We do try to make them and keep them, I guess we are a bit old fashioned. Eric has decided to keep up his P90X workouts to maintain his svelte body and abate his insomnia. Ness, well she has decided to do less cleaning and spend more time being a "hot wife". We did pretty well with last years....

So, we raise our glasses to all of you as you ring in the New Year, reflect upon 2008 and plan for 2009. I thank my sister Carla for helping me kick-start this blog all the way from her sailboat in Mexico! Ain't technology swell?