Saturday, January 23, 2016

Its cold out there baby!

We have most certainly been spoiled this winter. It has been fairly mild for Ohio....That is until January . We are now getting snow and cold weather.

New Years Eve we had a nice time with the neighbors across the street ! And then last week we had a fun little snow day too!
















Our Snow day was a blast!


She takes this cat everywhere!!!!


A rare photo of all the kids ...looking toward me lol

Still has those bright baby blue eyes!





And of course we have fun inside too!!!!!


Notice , as I turn my back Olivia decides to start painting MY page ...hahaha

Fun painting at wine and design in rocky river....Love that place!!Check it out!!


Dinner at Sokolowski's! And by the way, I am sure this is what every 3 year old thinks of the "Leg Lamp"

Cleveland at Night




Amazing how much she has grown!!

Monday, January 11, 2016

Beginnings....Resolutions....

Beginnings.....They are wonderful, aren't they? Sometimes all you need is a clean slate. A fresh breath of air. New Perspective.

Things have finally settled down in life. Although, it is certain to be a roller coaster as life always is.

I thought when I was diagnosed with Cancer , that after the Chemo, Radiation, and Surgeries, that life would be closer to normal. But it hasn't been. Expectations are just that , they're what you expect; but not promised.

I still have quite a few health issues, however, I am alive. I can hold my children without wincing in pain. I may not be able to stay on my feet for a long time, but I can walk. My body is not as hot as it used to be, but my husband still thinks I am beautiful. With time, all will be healed.

Sometimes, family can be the ones to deceive us.  We can either let them walk all over us - or we can stand up for ourselves and what is right, and honorable.  Actions speak louder than words. Anyone can *say* they are a good person. But how they act defines the truth. Personally, I am done being a doormat. I feel like in December we got hit from every direction. So rather than fluffing things off - I was honest. For years our family has struggled with pain and being talked about.....rumors and lies circling like a vulture. I put an end to all of it. And you know what, It felt like a huge weight being lifted. The truth shall set you free .....and we feel so free right now.



So what now?

With a clean slate comes the resolutions.

1) Bye bye old Colleen! Fool me once shame on you....Fool me twice?? Nope. not gonna happen. I have been burned too many times. Chances are - if I cut you off you handed me the scissors. I gave people the benefit of the doubt, and they hurt me....again, and again.

If you aren't in my circle, that's where you are staying. I don't care if you think you've changed. I know better. Anyone who could say and do the things people have done to my family will NOT get a free pass. If you can't be there for me during the storm, you sure as hell can't dance in the sunshine with me! The past is just the past . For me , all of the good memories are out-shadowed by the horrible memories.




2) Picture this.... I want to take more pictures of my family. and of my husband. After almost dying, I look back and think wow....we could have taken more pictures just to capture how much we have grown. Plus my husband is pretty hunkalicious.



3) YOLO . Yes I said it , so what? Don't judge. I actually love Drake so, shut up.

Beyond the silly catchphrase from a rapper, it has a much deeper meaning. So yes bitches, YOLO! This year I want to try new foods, Have more adventures, Go shooting, Learn more about Photography. Live More!



4) Be Healthy.

We all know that eating a shit - ton of sugar and processed carbs is horrible. I have already tried to cut sugars out -except for my morning tea, because I deserve one glorious teaspoon of mother effing sugar mmmkay?

But more all natural and organic stuff. Fruits & Veggies. I just explained to my oldest daughter that I was going to be healthier, so that I could be around to see her and her sister grow up. "Thats so sweet" she replied. Yes- yes it is. And I fully intend on being there for them and my guy.

And at least 30 minutes of exercise. every day. no excuses.



5) All of me Loves all of Him.

So we need more time together. Just the two of us. We just defied the odds, went through the worst *almost* two years of our marriage. So yes, we owe it to ourselves. Get out more . See a concert, have dinner.

My Brian is an amazing husband, father, man, and human being.
While being honored at an event downtown , I was asked to write a Bio ...I added this:

I would like to add, My husband, deserves this honor as well. He is a stand up amazing man, partner, and father to his children.He loved me through the darkest, and ugliest days. He still told me I was hot and beautiful. He cooked for me . He played Mama when I was too weak to be there. He stayed strong, and never cried in front of us. He is our rock and deserves such recognition.
What a man he is, and I am blessed to have him.



6) Be the best Individual I can.

Be a better mom and wife. Listen more. Take time out for myself.
I recently saw Jada Pinkett-Smith do a very candid talk with her daughter and mom . It was beautifully worded. And while I most certainly will end up letting my babies crawl up in my lap and start licking my ice cream cone, or act a fool the entire time I watch my dvr shows.... I will at some point have to take care of myself.



7) Last, and certainly not the Least. Be more Spiritual.

Have I struggled with God and religion? absolutely. However for some strange reason, I still have faith. And it isn't by accident. I want to be the best person I can. Without judging others. I want to go to church more, pray more, be more.

I didn't kick cancers ass for a reason. And I personally believe God wants me here. I have a purpose. To help others. To Inspire others. To love others.


Sunday, January 10, 2016

Year in review!



And just like that...It is a NEW YEAR!
I cannot believe how far we have come! I was sitting here thinking to myself....

A year ago :

I still wore a wig.....and was going through Radiation, and Treatments







Now I do not!



And Now, I can get it into a tiny ponytail for the first time since March 2014 !




Sophia was only 7 months old




Now She is a year and a half


Olivia was 2 and a half...Starting to develop a personality

 And boy oh boy at 3 and a half,  she has such a fun - loving and playful nature



I am so thankful to have So Many wonderful blessings . 2015 had some lows....We removed all of the negative things. We cut ourselves free, and  the good things have out-shined the bad!!

We toasted to leaving behind the past and NEW BEGINNINGS!!

We Bought our very first house!

Family and Friends helped me buy my dream Camera

And it took some pretty nice pictures

I started to regain my strength, I felt like me again

It was nice to be able to hold my babies!
Our little Sweetheart turned 1!




Mommy's Hair came back super CURLY!!! What?!?


 And Our Lovely little lady Olivia turned 3!



Mommy is learning to decorate cakes


And of course she had her Minnie Themed Party!!

Mommy Made Minnie Cookies!MMMMMM!
Super daddy!!
So cute!


 And the Girls, Mommy, and Daddy made some very special friends with our amazing neighbors.
They have become a second family. We love spending time with them and look forward to the future!




We took our very first family vacation, thanks to Atlantis resort!!! They paid for our whole stay, and even picked us up in style in a stretch Limo! The girls loved it, and Olivia still asks me "Mommy , when can we go to our vacation home" It was an amazing memory that I will never forget:

Mommy, what kind of car is this????


True to most Carribean drivers, our Limo Driver put the petal to the metal.

We woke up to this view all week!!


I was in heaven! Loved the room view!
Sharks!!
first time in salt water and on a beach!
My Loves



Picture Perfect



So much Fun












After our Family Vacation, I was invited to Germany to photograph my cousins wedding, and go to Octoberfest in Munich. It was a very unique experience. Germany is so Beautiful with castles , and tons of lovely buildings. I spent most of the time with my super fun cousins Alysia and Stefy !

So Pretty

Super Cool Graffitti





Oktoberfest!In Munich, Germany!!!!!


Now that's a hell of a beer, especially when you aren't used to drinking!

Love them


Just to give an idea of how many people are in ONE tent


Outside of our hotel


Such a cool town

Food Coma!!! So delicious.

I cant forget to brag about how much my gorgeous girls grew :









Through it all my dearest friend Rachel was by my side, and was my shoulder to cry on ! She has been the greatest friend ever since I got sick. Never questioning, always listening. And when times got tough, she brought me back to reality and told me that it wasn't my fault, and sometimes bad things happen to good people. She is truly the most caring and beautiful girl - I am so blessed to have her as a friend!


The holidays were all about our little Family! We had a lovely Thanksgiving and Christmas!

















We have been very fortunate. God has placed us right where we need to be ! We live in an amazing neighborhood, and have some truly amazing neighbors! We have made some beautiful friendships.

I continue to become stronger every day. We become stronger.  We have overcome so many hardships in 2015.

 The slate is clean in 2016! We made it through! Here's to a Healthy, Happy, Love filled year!