Time for a little Christmas Cheer

There is nothing that brings more instant joy than looking at a lighted Christmas Tree. I don't know what it is but it just makes me happy. So we decided that we would bring on the happiness a little early this year. Only 43 days until Christmas!

I think Dave was happy he did not have to put the entire tree up all by himself. He had some very happy helpers.
Porter very carefully placed each ornament side by side in one big clump. He kept saying, "This is the bestest Christmas Tree ever!"

We ran out of hooks for our new ornaments so a picture of the finished product will be coming soon!!!! I love Christmas!!!

Colton

I really went back and forth as to if I should publish this post. I am not a big fan of bragging and I was worried that this may sound a little braggish. But I've decided that we are really proud of Colton and some of the choices that he has made and most of the people who read my blog love Colton too and would be proud of him right along side of us.

We received a letter in the mail with an invitation for Colton to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington D.C.

The first paragraph in the letter addressed to us said, "I am thrilled to inform you that, based on his academic achievements and leadership potential, your son, Colton, has been nominated to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference to be held in the spring 2010 in Washington, D.C. Colton was nominated by his teacher, Mrs. Lakeisha Valentine, who recognized him as one of a select group of students with the scholastic merit, maturity and strength of character to represent Ft. Rucker Elementary School at this unique leadership program for exceptional students. On behalf of the members of the United States Congress who serve our Honorary Congressional Board of Advisors, I congratulate you on Colton's achievements. You must be very proud."

We are so proud of Colton and this recognition he has received for all of his hard work. We've always been proud of Colton and the way that he tries so hard to do what is right not only in his school work but with friends. He is always looking out for the under dog and to be honest it is that attribute that I am most proud of him for.

We let Colton read the letter addressed to him and his face was beaming. I tried to catch a little bit of it in pictures but it is impossible to capture a moment like that in a picture. He was almost in tears because he could not believe that this was for him. Every kid could use a letter like this to boost their self esteem.

We are so proud of you Colton

Annual Chili Cook Off

Today was the annual Fort Rucker Chili Cook off. They had all the aircraft parked on the field so the boys were able to climb inside all of the helicopters which made them soooooo happy. I love watching their eyes light up with excitement and it is kind of fun to watch Dave's light up as well.

Proudly standing in front of the ApachePorter was so funny - he jumped right into the helicopter and looked at the man supervising

and said, "How do I get this thing started?"
Gotta check out the guns
Taking a back seat in the Black Hawk
Probably the best part of the day for Porter was getting his very own red balloon.

I was thinking today of how much I love being with my cute family. Dave and I love being around our kids and are so grateful that they still love to do things as a family too. I hope that never changes.

Halloween

Sadly this was about the only picture that I got of the boys this Halloween. We took this picture on the way to the Trunk or Treat Friday night. I love this picture because I intended on taking a picture of Porter who fell asleep BEFORE all the fun and I was lucky enough to capture a little phantom in the back. YIKES!!!! He looks pretty scary in this picture. When we got to the Trunk or Treat my cameras batteries were dead. So this ended our Halloween pictures. :( Oh well.... The boys had so much fun.

Colton is twelve this year and our family rule is no trick or treating after you are twelve. I thought he would be upset this year but he wasn't. He spent his time helping the young men at a booth for the kids and he loved it. He is such a great kid.

Carving Pumpkins

I LOVE FALL!!!!! We had lots of fun with the boys carving their pumpkins this year. Porter was not quite sure if he really wanted to gut his pumpkin by himself but when he saw his brothers going crazy he decided he could not miss out.
After the pumpkins were finished we lit them up and left one on the table and put two on top of our TV Armoire. We had carmel apples and sugar cookies and watched a scarry movie together. A kid freindly scarry movie of course. (One that you might watch Sherry:>)

After the movie was over we moved the pumpkins to the porch and started the big clean up. It was so much fun!!!! Happy Halloween to you all!!!!!

Porter Turns Four

My baby boy is four years old!!! I can't believe that I don't really have a "baby" anymore. He is growing up so fast and changing so much.

I remember after having Porter I was amazed at how much I loved him. A mother has a never ending heart when it comes to her children. I loved Colton sooooo much when he was born and then Kaden surprised me when I figured out that a mother could love another baby just as much as her first born and then Porter came and I was overcome with that same love.

Porter has been described by one of my friends as "the spice of life" and that is almost a perfect description of him. He is almost always happy and he loves people. A little story about him just to embarrass him later.......

While Dave was deployed we had an amazing Bishop. Bishop Adams would have me come in to his office twice a month and ask me how we were doing and if we needed any help. Porter was about 5 months old at this particular visit. As soon as we walked in he reached out for Bishop Adams and because he was an awesome Bishop he took him and held him in his lap. I sat down and we started to talk about things and Porter turned around and gave him the biggest open mouth slobbery kiss you have ever seen. We both started laughing but I was horrified when Porter would NOT STOP!!!! Poor Bishop Adams was being attacked by Porters kisses and I am certain he did not quite know what to do. I finally had to just take him away. I am pretty sure our meetings went from twice a month to once a month after that. :) (just kidding)

Porter keeps us on our toes and he really is such a joy to have around. He is always dancing and singing and just happy.

We love you so much Porter!!!!!!

This is Aldin Porter he is my Grandfather - Porter is named Porter Aldin after him.

3 Years Old
4 Years Old

All Porter wanted this year was "party balloons, party games, cake and ice cream, and to go to Chuck E Cheese's." So that is what we did. We had a fabulous day!!! It was so much fun to see his big brothers dote on him all day and treat him like a King. Anything he wanted he got because ..... it was his birthday. That does not happen very regularly in our house. :)
Pure happiness
Kaden having fun

I love this picture. Colton was playing basketball and then Chuck E Cheese HIMSELF came up and started playing with him. Colton just looked over at him and kept playing like there was not a huge, giant mouse standing there with him. It made me laugh.

We had a fun day celebrating Porter and we love him to pieces!