Name: Lori Collins
Kid’s names and ages:
Cassia 9 years old and June 5 months
Which songs are on your iPod right now?
Funny story, I took all my music off to try an update and it didn’t work-I’m not tech savvy- I still haven’t put my tunes back on but, when I do it will consist of Luke Bryan, Andy Grammer, and the playlist from my wedding. 🙂
Tell us about a day in your life:
Our 9 year old is awesome. She’s gets herself up at 6:30 to get ready for school. That allows me to get up with the baby at 6:30 or 7:00 and get her fed and changed and then we head off to school. When we get home, I start whatever chores I want to work on for the day. Usually laundry or cleaning/organizing a room in the house. Sometimes I’m even brave enough to unpack a box or two. We moved into our house when June was just a week old so we still have boxes everywhere. And of course, I throw in some snuggles with June before we get Cassia from school.
What’s the best part of being a mom of two?
I have the best of both worlds right now. I have this little one that lets me hold her and kiss on her and she needs me for everything. And then I have my big girl who also loves hugs and kisses but we can hang out and paint our nails or go to a movie together or just talk. It’s great.
Tell us about some traditions you’ve started with your daughters?
Cassia likes to call it ” Mommy and Cassia day”. We would go get a mani/pedi or maybe go to a movie. Sometimes it would be as simple as going to get ice cream or a sno cone. It’s a little harder with the little one here but I try to find a way to make special time for Cassia. And I will do the same for June when she is older.
We understand you’ve had to deal with cancer while also taking care of your new baby. How are you doing right now?
I am doing great right now.
I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in my second trimester of pregnancy. Talk about a scary time! I couldn’t have any of the typical tests/scans since I was pregnant, but I did have surgery to remove my tumor and had a test to show if the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. There was some risk to the baby having these done, but we had the ‘A team’ and God on our side. Our baby girl is now 5 months old and happy and healthy.
I have now had all the scans I need, all of which were clear, and a second opinion in Little Rock. That led me to decide no further surgery and no treatment right now. I will have frequent check ups and scans.
By the grace of God, I have been healed and given a second chance!
I have learned so much through this process. A lot about having faith in God, turning everything over to Him because He is in control, not me, and has a plan for my life and this cancer didn’t take Him by surprise. I struggle with the anxiety of the ‘unknown’ on a daily basis. Thank the Lord I have the most wonderful husband who supports me and prays for me. And, that I have two beautiful girls that keep me busy.
You just renovated a 1950s home, right? What’s your favorite room in the “new” house?
I LOVE our house! It took us many months of searching but this one just spoke to us. There are so many favorites but I have to say, my husband turning the den into our bedroom and the very small bedroom into a closet is pretty high on the list. And, we have a balcony off the kitchen that has an awesome view and plenty of room for Tom to do some grilling.
What has been one of the most surprising things about motherhood?
Mothering instincts and intuition. It’s crazy how you can know absolutely nothing about taking care of these little helpless humans but you suddenly know exactly what to do when they cry or fuss. You know when they are sad, or upset, or lying about if they brushed their teeth…lol
Do you have any fun hobbies?
I really enjoy reading. I just started a book by Jen Hatmaker, For the Love. I’m not very far in but I love it already. And I like to sing. When no one is listening, of course.
If you could vacation anywhere in the world this winter where would it be?
Anywhere as long as it’s with my husband. And warmish temperatures.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
Probably Reese Witherspoon. She knows what it’s like to be a southern girl and I just love her.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn?
How to be crafty…But really, I would love to play guitar or the piano.
What three things do you always have with you?
My phone, a diaper bag, and one or both of my kids
How do you relax at the end of the day?
I curl up with my husband and watch tv and sometimes have a glass of wine.
One word to sum me up:
Caring
