We're Back...Things are a'changing

I came over from facebook to take a look at this space...and I realized that I like all the history within my blog.  

I also realized I have missed a lot of life.

One piece of life, who arrived last July is beautiful Jason, my second grandson.

I was there when he entered the world...I was blessed to be witness to this great miracle.

My husband and I have flowed easily into the role of Grandma and Grandpa.  

 Grandpa is still the baby whisperer.  

He learned from our ten kids and has seamlessly adapted to grandparenthood.

 Amy and Becky (Jason's mom) are both working at Holy Cross. Amy is a teacher and Becky is the school secretary.  

This is the school that Grace, Luke and Kim now attend...

 Luke and Mark cleaning the kitchen after a family dinner. 

Luke is no longer homeschooled.  He has adjusted very well to a brick and mortar school.  

Mark has entered the workforce.

 We are no longer living in the "little house".  Our house is bigger and the kids are very glad it has a dishwasher.

 Kimberly is in 7th grade with Luke...  She is also doing great.  

This evening was spent with 9 of our 10 kids for dinner and our family secret Santa gift exchange. 

Mark is happy with his gift...  The kids and couples all exchange names on Thanksgiving and then we have a get together for a party.
We've had this tradition for many years.

Luke is becoming a wonderful young man.

Kimberly and Laura.  Laura is working as a nanny.  She is a natural taking care of any little one. 

Dan and Grace, Grace is in 11th grade (this is so hard to believe) and Dan is a hard working man.

The oldest (Pat) and the youngest (Kim) and a photo bomber. 

Hopefully I will be able to keep up with the blog again. 

I also have a new camera, and I love taking photos, so hopefully we will have many photo heavy posts to come.  

The Annual Collins' Family Secret Santa Gift Exchange

On Thanksgiving the kids picked the name of the sibling whom they would be a secret santa for. Each of the ten kids, some on their own and some with a lot of help from Mom and Dad, buy a present for their special person. Our family tradition is to exchange these gifts on Christmas Eve.
It was a day filled with anticipation as people brought out presents and placed them under the tree.
We passed out playing cards to prevent undo stress, ( a.k.a. a lot of screaming) as to the order of gift opening.

Lukie received a very speedy train from Gracie.

Matt had a turn--with plenty of help.

Amy gave Mark some great Star-wars guys.

Laura and Pat love each other so much, they picked each others names.

Kimmy loves her Colorforms from Matt.

Surprise, Amy found jewelry in an opened box of chocolate covered cherries from Danny.

Another year, and another successful showing of sibling love.

The names have been drawn...

for the annual Collins' kid's Secret Santa month of fun.

It has been a tradition to draw names on Thanksgiving and then exchange our gifts on Christmas Eve. (Mom keeps a very secret master list of these names-so there can be no funny business.) It is also nice to do "secret" special things for your special person during the season of Advent.