"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!

Coming Right Along

AUDREY has chosen:

July 10, 2010

10:00 am

Draper Temple

Reception - contemporary

Colors - turquoise blue with a splash of green

EMILY has chosen:

July 23, 2010

10:00 am

Mt. Timpanogos Temple

Reception - Elegant 50's style

Colors - Plum and Ivory

April Fools Day

It's April First and Heaven played a big joke on us.

The girls had planned an Easter Egg hunt for the little ones -- so we just went ahead with it!

APRIL FOOLS!

"The Hunt" was all indoors.

where it was nice, warm, AND dry!

When Jenni Comes

Jenni is my firstborn.

She lives in Covington, Washington with her husband Mark and two children, Payton and Sadie.

I miss her more than words can describe.

http://markjenniandthecuteness.blogspot.com/

When Jenni comes to visit --

We all smile a bit more.

My creativity is actually sparked.

Life is just more fun.

This week Mark was away on a business trip so Jenni came here with "thing one" and "thing two." She thought she was coming to help her dad with his new business venture, and ended up helping me plan two weddings besides!

Thanks for coming to our rescue, Jenni. You are the best!

Is this the picture of delight, or what?

A New Kid on the Blog

We began shopping for Audrey's wedding dress right away.

By the way, this one is beautiful on her, but it is not THE DRESS. Who would want to spoil that surprise? Audrey is an itty-bitty size zero and looked radiant in about everything she tried on. She is my little bargain shopper and was more than tickled to find an amazing wedding dress at a great price.

While we were shopping at Abelle's in Orem, Randy received a phone call from Joe. Joe has been dating Emily for about five weeks. He asked if he might visit with Randy. We were just two blocks from his home; Randy invited him to "come on over!" Randy, with a little smirk on his face, told me about the phone call. I went weak in the knees and nearly passed out. This couldn't be happening!

Sure enough! Right then and there outside the bridal shop, Joe asked Randy if he might propose to our daughter.

Joe asked Emily to marry him that very evening. It was a surprise to all of us, including her.

He had even picked the wedding ring out all by himself. It is a beauty!

So... we were back to the bridal shops the very next day!

WHAT I KNOW ABOUT JOE:

He grew up mostly in Montana, son of a cattle rancher.

His grandfather owned a meat-packing company in upstate New York.

He is one of three children.

He served a mission in New Zealand.

He was valedictorian of his high school graduating class.

He attends BYU and is planning to receive his MBA.

He is polite and considerate.

He SPOILS Emily with attention, flowers, concerts, etc.

And I have two VERY twitter-pated girls on my hands. (Yes, the boys are tickled too; they just had to be obnoxious for the picture.)

Bitten by the Love Bug!

Audrey has a best friend. His name is Matthew Taylor.

He's been MY personal favorite "guy friend" of Audrey's since their Junior Prom in 2005 when he gave her a "glass slipper" on a fancy pillow and referred to her as his "princess."

Alta High Junior Prom 2005

High School graduation, 2006.

Before Matthew's mission, 2007

After Matthew's mission, 2009. Hmmm... which one is Matt?

Audrey was reluctant to "get serious". She even tried being apart from him for a while. During this time, I asked her this question, "If you were stranded on an Island with only one person and this person couldn't be a member of your own family, who would you want it to be?" Without a moment's hesitation, she replied, "Matt." Hmmmm....

Gratefully, this "breakup" didn't last long. On March 25, Audrey celebrated her 22nd birthday and received the best birthday gift ever!

Matthew!!

Forever!