I am sitting at the airport and blogging as I watch sit at the gate. I have to say this week has been so busy. I am thankful that I made myself go to another eye doctor. I went to see Dr. Mike Mitchell. He had seen me years ago after my stroke. Basically, my right eye sight is horrible BUT I am not losing my vision. The doctor that I had seen a few weeks ago misdiagnoised my condition. I am so thankful to know this. I have noticed changes since I turned the big 40. I'm okay with this and I embrace it. I will always have vision problems and when I lost my vision from the stroke, I knew it would be a daily reminder just to be thankful. I am thankful I can walk, talk, and see... yes, I'll take limited vision ANY day.
I am so excited... I can't stop smiling. My entire family will be with us at Thanksgiving. We are even going to do a family photo to perserve the memory. Tradition at our home... Ty does the Turkey. He trys to do the most moist Turkey ever each and every year. Taylor and Kayla are the "cooks." They planned the menu and wanted to cook the feast.
I will be focusing on making memories. I am working on doing a family "gratitude" time capsule. I am working on something else too. I am making a "FAMILY" banner to display across my mantle. It's a secret project for my family so I will post it next week. I love doing things like this. HINT- photos will be involved.
McKay is home sick at BYU... I have to say that I love that she misses us and wants to spend time with her family. She is my youngest daughter and she is a "mama's girl." Not a day goes by that one or all of my girls are calling me for "advice."
She watched Azalea and Maxson this week a bit so that Matt and Kayla can pack. They are packing and will move out of their house next week. They plan to stay a couple of days with us at our house. This is going to be fun with all the family home together. It will be a first and I'm SO excited. I love having a large family. I know it's loud, nonstop... craziness, but that is what I love the most!!!! Zach insists we plan family games (for hours!!!!)
I love that no matter what life throws at you... FAMILY is most important.
On the way to the airport, Ty and I had a talk. I told him how sad it was about Hurricane Sandy and how that some people lost everything. Unfortunately, some even lost their life. I told Ty that I would rather lose every single thing I own and would still be so happy if I just had my family safe. He then said he would rather have me than any possession in the world. I love him!
I spoke at the Murray High School career day yesterday. It was a quick 20-25 minutes. I felt a strong need to urge the kids to stay out of debt and live under their means. It does bring peace of mind. I told them to make the choices now that will ensure they do have options and choices in the future. Going to college or having a trade is vital. I told them to be passionate about what they do if life. LOVE it... and it will give you so much more in return. I am so glad that I did it!
If I inspired one young person to follow their dream and BELIEVE in themselves... then I will be grateful! They had three groups of students that rotated. I presented it three times. Maybe about 40 students per class. I was surprised how many "guys" signed up for my workshop. I told them how TIM HOLTZ is a man and he is the TOP male designer in the crafting world. See men do craft and do it well!
I wanted to show a photo sent to me of a group in Washington.
This cute group of girls started and belong to the "Teresa Collins Fan Club." Okay... how sweet is this?
This was part of the email that I got with the photos...
" I took both of your classes that you taught up in Monroe, Washington last week and finished them at my Camano Island getaway that our “Teresa Collins Club” had and I love them! I really enjoyed meeting you and was touched by the stories that you told, I often scrapbook to relax after work and I sometimes forget that as you said I’m my families historian. You are truly one of the most kind, humble and family oriented people I have ever met in my life and I loved getting to know you a little bit. I’ve attached a few pictures of our “Teresa Collins Club” when we were out to lunch and on a paper chase. While searching for a picture I realized I don’t have an actual picture of all 10 of us scrapbooking, so that’s on my to do list! "
Thank you Lauren and girls for sending this to me. I am beyond touched and thrilled and can you send me your address? Honestly, I am so touched and I feel so strongly that scrapbooking makes us better. It helps us to focus and really realize how important LIFE is. Focus on creating memories, spend time with your family.... don't get caught up on things that simply don't matter. I open my heart and it's truly because I have been at the brink of death, I KNOW I am a better mother, wife, friend, designer for what I experienced. Oh, and yes... I am my family historian. This is a role that I take seriously!
Almost time to catch this flight... can't wait to meet all of you in Canada who are coming to the event!!!!
