Colton Is Twelve

Today is Coltons 12th birthday. This afternoon it really sunk in that my first born baby boy is not longer a little boy. Time goes by so fast -much faster than I want it to. I remember the day that he was born I promised myself that I was going to be a perfect mother. :) Boy was that a quick promise broken!!!! I just remember thinking I wanted nothing but the very best for him and I wanted to do everything I could to make that happen. Life lessons certainly have taught me that no one is perfect and life isn't perfect......... but I love him just as much today as I did the minute they put him in my arms. When he was born I felt such an overwhelming love, unlike any love that I had ever felt before. For the first time in my entire life I felt complete. Of course I felt exactly the same way with Kaden and little Porter but Colton was my very first glimpse of such a perfect love.

I can't express in words how grateful I am for Colton. I love being his mom. I love watching him grow and turn into a young man that I adore. He is sweet, kind and he has the most tender heart.

I heard a quote once that said, "What if the fruit of my motherhood is who I've become by raising them." My children have changed my life, made me a better person, made me want to continually seek goodness and want to become the best I can be. I've made many mistakes in my 12 years of being a mother but I will feel like I have succeeded in my quest if my children leave my home KNOWING that they were loved by their mom.

Colton I love you!!!! Happy Birthday!!!!

Colton and daddy sleeping soundly in the hospital

(sorry these pictures are so fuzzy - they are attached to the pages in his baby book - so I had to take a picture of the picture) 6 Months Old

One Year Old

Three Years Old And A Big Brother
Mom And Colton
I took this picture today. Colton is officially a Boy Scout and he is so excited! He went to an awards ceremony last night and they gave him this shirt. He loves it!! I love this boy and his silly faces. It is so hard to get him to smile for a picture.
Back of the Beloved T Shirt
Mom and Colton

I don't know what it is about a Chinese Buffet but my kids LOVE THEM!!!!! Colton picked that as his birthday dinner - I gritted my teeth and tried to pretend like there was no place else I'd rather be. (I'm not a fan of the Chinese Buffet)

Guarding the cake from a little brother very anxious to "help" blow out the candles

"Mom please don't make me pretend to blow out the candles...... "
Sometimes I hate digital cameras - we missed the moment.....

Colton opening his gifts - he is loving his life
I just love them!!!

Happy Birthday Colton