My Little Porter

I would just like to say that this little boy has decided that HE WILL DRESS HIMSELF!!! I just want you to take a look at the lovely ensemble he has chosen for himself. Days like this - we pretty much just stay home.

A Special Day For Colton

Today Colton received the Aaronic Priesthood. I am so grateful to have a husband worthy to give him the Priesthood and a son worthy to receive it.

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

WHEW!!!!!

Those of you that have been in contact with Dave and I lately know that this past couple weeks have been a little bit stressful. Dave has completed every phase of his program here except for the official Apache course. Of course that is the most important because that is what he will be flying :) not to mention it has been his dream almost his entire life.

Dave had a very difficult test on Monday which would determine if he would stay here at flight school or go home. They have implemented a new policy and of course Daves class was the first class to go through under the new policy. The policy is.... if you do not pass the entrance test then you have 24 hours to take a different test or you are out of flight school. That would mean for us and most every one else at this point in their training that you had spent 18 months here for nothing. So this meant hours and hours of studying (Ignoring others comments about not studying) and lots of anxiety in preparation.

Anyway..... Monday Dave had his test. It was actually quite a spiritual morning for our little family. I know that there were so many prayers being offered on his behalf and then to hear my little guys one by one tell me that they had said a prayer for their dad was heart melting.

Dave passed his test. Not only did his pass his test he scored 100% on both sections. Twenty people took the test and eight failed and have to retake it this morning. It was a difficult test. We are hoping for the best for the ones that are having to retake it - some of these guys are friends of Daves and he is heart sick for them.

We took the opportunity to talk to our boys about the power of prayer but also talked to them about the importance of preparing yourself and doing the work. They witnessed the hours and hours of studying that went into the preparation for this test. All in all it was a great learning experience for our family - But BOY AM I GLAD IT IS OVER!!!! :)

Poor Puppy

I had to take a picture of this because it is so funny. Every time the boys go to school, or go outside for any amount of time this is what Indy does. He loves Colton and Kaden and they love him right back!

He's Got Some Moves

I think we may have a future rock star on our hands!!!!