Emergency Surgery at Three Weeks Old

Ethan couldn't keep anything down. Everything he drank came right back up. It reminded me of his Uncle David when he was five weeks old. And Potts when he was a baby! I suspected it was the same stomach condition, Pyloric Stenosis, which is most prevalent with first-born males. The valve at the bottom of the stomach closes up and prevents food from digesting.

And so it was. We took care of Evylee while Michael and Desiree took Ethan to Primary Children's Hospital late Friday night. Surgery was scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

By Sunday evening, he was eating well and was able to come back home to us.

A Celebration - In honor of Grandma Collier's 80th birthday

No one can bake sugar cookies like Grandma

No one can roast a turkey like Grandma

No one can raise three good, kind, loving sons like Grandma

(and one daughter too)

No one can remember everyone's birthday on time like Grandma

No one can smile through adversity like Grandma

So...

We loaded up three cars and drove five hours to Bellevue, Idaho.

(Funny, Randy. Is this your idea of creative photography? *photo of me through a plastic water bottle - my true character shines through.)

To celebrate the 80 years of Grandma Collier's life.

She met the three newest "members" of our family.

Ethan Michael Collier - just two weeks old and the first of this generation to carry on the "Collier" name!

Four generations of Collier men.

Audrey's man, Matthew Cole Taylor

And Emily's, Joseph Dodd Fairbank

It was a double party.

Our nephew, Ben, celebrated his 13th!

Happy 80th, Grandma Collier!

May all your wishes come true!

A Memorial Day Family Tradition

It's a tradition we've observed for over a decade now --

The Collier Family and Friends Annual Softball Game. As our families grow, it just keeps getting bigger and better.

We have a blast!

The young and the young at heart.

The Taylor Family joined us for their first time. I hope they'll come again year after year.

We wear our favorite sports apparel.

Cool! Same Team -- Matching Shirts! (this was NOT planned)

Winning Team (notice who is NOT on it ----- AGAIN!)

"Win as if you were used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

For a change? It's a cruel thing. Softball is a youthful passion of mine. It was my summer-time "life" from grade school on. And yet, for some uncanny reason, it has become the norm for me to be on the losing team -- year after year. Yes, I'm getting a complex...

But oh, what FUN!

And the fun doesn't stop there! We finish up with a hot dog roast back at the house.

Love the racquet, little Evylee!

This year we celebrated Matthew's 22nd birthday. Hope it was a happy one!

It was WAY too COLD to swim this year. But Logan was determined and stayed in until he was blue. (Wish I had a picture.) Way to go Logan! You are a little man after my own heart.

Thanks for the GREAT time and FANTASTIC food, everyone! Here's to next year. Please let me win!

"Sometimes the Smallest Things Take Up the Most Room in Your Heart"

Ethan Michael Collier

Born May 21, 2010 at 9:10 pm

8 lbs. 4 oz.

20.5 inches

To Michael, Desiree, and Big Sister - Evylee

Welcome to this big, beautiful world, Ethan.

Love You!

To Audrey

My Dear Audrey,

I cry when it comes to firsts and lasts. First day of life, last day of nursing, first day of school, last madrigal song, first kiss goodbye... Today you were one of over 6000 Brigham Young University Graduates, but I only had eyes for you; and yes... I cried.
You are the personification of excellence, service, love, determination. (Graduating in the top five percent -- Magna Cum Laude -- that is something to shout about!)

Remember the words of wisdom you received.

"Why do I do all this juggling? All I do, I do for Christ."

Courtney Ann Butikofer

"Freely ye have received, freely give."

John Hilton III

"There is no accident in the timing of your birth. You have a great mission to perform.

Approach opportunities with reverence, not skepticism."

"Remember who you are and WHOSE you are. Treasure the voice of God inside of you until it pours out of you."

"Tomorrow you will begin to move mountains with your own shovel. Shine Forth. Carry on."

Karen Ashton, Young Women General Board Member.

Remember the kindness (and delicious recipes) of good roommates.

Soon you will belong to a new and amazing family.

And to a man who loves you more than words can say.

Please remember that we loved you FIRST.

And we'll love you ALWAYS!

Congratulations Sweetheart!