Reflections

I've been reflecting this last week or so about how fast time flies. My little baby isn't much of a baby anymore, but he is still my "Little Man." It's sad, but yet at the same time it's exciting to see him discover life and grow and learn. I miss holding him so close for as long as I wanted. His tiny little hands in mine. The smell of him, you know the new baby smell. I miss the newborn cry and when he first started learning how to laugh. I don't miss getting up every 2-3 hrs for feeding and learning how to be a mom. Being terrified that I would do something wrong and he would get hurt or that he would quit breathing during the night, or he wasn't warm enough. But, I love how "My Little Man" has learned to blow kisses and fold his arms for prayer and how he watches the Deacons so intently pass the sacrament. I love how Colton laughs and dances and can walk. I love how he says mama, and dada, When he discovers something for the first time, like snapping your fingers and how he tries so hard to do that. I love when he discovers the outside and bugs and trucks and babies. He blows babies kisses and tries so hard to say baby. I hope that we will be able to help him grow and learn in the gospel. That he will have a love for our Savior, like his dad and I have. I hope that he will be strong and a good example and a great leader. I can't believe how fast this year has gone and how much we both have learned and grown. I'm so grateful to be a mom and Colton's mom at that. I have been so blessed to have a wonderful loving husband and best friend and to have such a loving, beautiful "Little Man". Thank you Colton for allowing me to become a mom. I am the luckiest woman in the world. Colton, we love you so much. We have so many dreams for you, we pray that you will always stay close to our Heavenly Father. We look forward to the years ahead of us and for the things that we will learn and experience together. In a way, I guess you will always be my baby boy, My Little Man. I love you.

A "Dog Gone Good Time"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLTON"

So, my baby is 1 years old today. I can't believe it. He has grown so much. We had a family party for him. It was a "Doggy" party. He loves to say dog and likes them. We had his party at 11:00 am this morning. Grandma and Grandpa Funk, Uncle Michael and Aunt Rachel, Uncle Melvin and Aunt Julie and cousin Rilee all came. It was a lot of fun. We served Taco Salads all of the fixings were served in dog bowls. We had "Pupcakes and ice cream" I thought they turned out okay.

Colton didn't quite know what to do with everyone there. We ate and then had presents.

Grandma and Grandpa Funk got him a cute outfit for the cooler months and a popper, that he just loves. In fact, after he got that he didn't want to open anything else. Grandma took it to try to distract him and he didn't like that too much. Well, see for yourself....

Uncle Melvin, Aunt Julie and Rilee gave him a book and those cute little trucks, he likes playing with them.

Uncle Michael and Aunt Rachel gave him some pj's and a tug boat that he can use in the tub. That will be fun, since he now likes the bath tub. I'll write about that later.

Uncle Mike, Aunt Amy, Sammy, Keagan, Kyler, Cloie and Anika gave him a microphone, which he likes and will use I'm sure. Uncle Chris, Aunt Helena, Gavin and Brody gave him so beautiful art work.

Grandma and Grandad Parker gave him some books and a doggy that teaches you things. Mom and Dad (aka) Matt and I gave him his 4 wheeler that his cute little legs will get a workout with and Matt gave him a keyboard.

He loves them all. He really didn't get into the opening presents like I thought, as much as he loves to tear paper.

Then we sang Happy Birthday to him, which he didn't like, he cried. He doesn't really like loud noises or people singing unless it's in church.

Can you tell it's past nap time?

I'm so lucky to be your mom. We love you very much and are so glad you are part of our family.

Cute Things Colton Does

So I thought I would just write some of the cute things Colton is doing- When you ask him how old he is, he raises one finger over his head. Granted he won't be one until the 27th, but we've been working with him. When you ask him what a cow says- he will say mmmmm, kinda close, but cute. He tries so hard to snap his fingers, he rubs them together and in and out of each other. When he is done eating, he will hold up his hands and we ask all done. He says daug, meaning dog, and runs and gets his stuffed animal dog, the best kind of dog to have. He blows kisses He does this little pity laugh when you are talking to him or he thinks what you say is funny. He still pulls his socks off, he hates socks. He folds his little arms when you say it's time for prayer almost every time. It is so cute. I will try to get some videos up if I can get my program to work with my camera.

September 11th

http://gabbiash.com/inGodwetrust.html

As we remember the tragedy of September 11th and celebrated what is now called Patriot Day, my mind reflects on my experience that day. I was serving a mission for my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, in Indiana. At the time I was in Lafayette. We received a phone call from a dear member of our church that morning telling us what happened and then from the channels of our Mission President. We were warned to be careful and to make sure we had a 72 hr food supply. It was rumored that the terrorists would strike Chicago, which was only about 2 hrs away. Well, as missionaries we don't watch t.v. or read newspapers or do anything like that, that would distract us from focusing on the teachings of our Savior. Well, that day, we were told if we would like we could watch for a min. to see what was happening. I chose however not to watch. I did see the planes hit and saw some pictures and that was plenty for me. I didn't want to get sucked in for hours. We were saddened by that event and so was the whole nation. But, as a missionary we saw a different affect on people. Everyone we talked with or met with that day wanted to pray. We were let into people's houses, one right after the other. "Please come in and say a prayer with us" was the response door after door. When normally, not very many people would even look us in the eyes. What a glorious day, we the people of the United States of America, remembered the only true source for peace. Our God. What a joy it was to see people who wouldn't ordinarily be praying, asking us to pray, because most of them didn't know how, but they knew it would help. That night the women of our faith got together at what we would call an Enrichment meeting, instead of having our scheduled event, we gathered together and held a testimony meeting. We each took turns bearing testimony of our knowledge of our Savior who loves each of us and who died to take away not only our sins but our heartaches and pains. I am so greatful for that knowledge and for the Plan of Salvation that he so carefully laid out for each of us. I am greatful for the priesthood power and that through that power we are sealed together as eternal families. I know that this life has a purpose and that we each have a vital part in it. I greatful for all that the Lord has blessed me with. For a very loving and supportive husband, who honors his priesthood and is a great example. For a wonderful little boy who is a joy in our life. For wonderful parents and for the blessing of knowing I'm a Child of God.

You see, I have a different aspect on that horrible day, which was in one way a beautiful day. A day were we united as a country and turned to our God. Not that I diminish in any way the horrible, devastating effects of that tragic day. I pray that the Lord will bless those that were affected by the bad decisions of those Terrorists. I pray for them and their families with peace and comfort. There is a link to one of my favorite songs on the top of this entry. It's by Diamond Rio, "In God We Still Trust." You should listen.

SLEEP !!!

I've been thinking the last couple of days and nights what to do about Colton getting up 3 times during the night. He goes to bed between 9 and 9:30 pm then gets up about 1:30 then 3:30 then sometimes 5:00. He eats between 2 and 3 oz when he gets up. I've been trying to convince myself I wouldn't be a bad or horrible mom to just let him cry and go back to sleep. It's not like he is all that awake when he eats and besides that he doesn't eat very much. And he eats non stop during the day, and only takes a bottle 3 times a day- 2 for naps and one before bed. So, my little boy will be 1 in a couple of weeks and I'm thinking to myself this is crazy, he needs to be sleeping, or should I say, I NEED TO BE SLEEPING! Anyways, last night after the 1:30 he woke up again at 2:00 and I said okay he just ate so I know he's not hungry, I'll just let him cry for a bit. It's not even really a cry, it's more of a moan and groan, or whine. Anyways, I let that happen for about 5 min or so, then Matt said did he need to go get him, I said no, I just fed him, I'm just gonna let him cry for a bit. Well, Matt went right back to sleep, I don't think it's fair that he can go back to sleep that fast. It usually takes me 20 mins or so after I've fed Colton. So, I felt like a horrible mom, but I turned the monitor all the way down. And I don't really know if he woke back up anymore, well because I was SLEEPING!! Yay!! I still feel pretty bad, but I'm trying to convince myself that it is normal and it's better for both him and I. Well it's almost 8:30 am and he is still asleep. He usually gets up around 8:00 am and yes, he is sleeping, I went to check to make sure he was still breathing. So, did I do the right thing?

Scouting Trip to Willow Park

So, Matt is the 11-yr old Scout leader in our Ward. He only has one boy, Tyler. And to pass off some requirements needed to go to Willow Park, since Matt's other leader doesn't come very often, actually hasn't come at all so far, anyways, Colton and I went with him.

It was really funny to watch Colton with the animals. He didn't see them at first and then all of the sudden, he jumped back, yep he saw them.

Daddy was Watching Me!!

So, the other day, I left Matt in charge of Colton so I could get some things done or take a nap. And well, see for yourself. Matt said it happened in just a few seconds. I hope Grandma didn't need any of that!!! Just, joking, he emptied the garbage can. Do you like the scrape on his forehead, that happened the other day. He is getting a lot more bumps and scrapes lately.

Aspen Grove, Finally

So, I'm finally getting around to posting about our family reunion / vacation up at Aspen Grove in the Provo Canyon. It is hosted by BYU. It was really fun and very relaxing. We enjoyed so much spending time with Matt's family. They are wonderful people. Mom, thank you so much for bringing us together and allowing us to create some fond memories. It was so nice to get away from the phone and home and just spend time in the beauty of the mountains. It amazes me that the Lord created such a beautiful world for our enjoyment. To make us happy, to bring pleasure to our lives and enhance our activities. We were there from August 16-22nd. It was really neat having a sacrament meeting outside in the mountains. It was a bit sunny, which made it very warm, but other than that it was neat. The BYU counselors run it and planned the sacrament meeting. The had all deacons who would like to pass the sacrament. There was a fireside or program every night. They were pretty good. I thought the skits were good. Our Lodge All of our meals were provided for us, it was a buffet style, we had set times for each meal. It kinda reminded me of the MTC. The kids had activities and classes scheduled for them in their own age groups all day. The adults, well, let's just say we could do whatever we wanted. Take naps, read, go swimming, do ceramics, go for walks, play pool, air hockey, mini golf, basketball, ping pong, pretty much whatever we wanted. It was nice. Colton, didn't like the pool, maybe next year. He loved running around and being free. He loved the time he had playing with his cousins. It was so nice for him to be able to be around them. Mom, Arla, was kind enough to invite my mom and dad to come with us, since Matt's brother, Mike and his wife, weren't able to come. It was fun having them up there also. We missed having Mike and Rachel there, we wish they could have been there. Here are some pictures that we took while up there- Matt and Colton in the little town they had set up for the kiddies. Playing in the Game Room Mom and Colton, he's quite the golfer! Melvin and Julie , Just Playing Around!!! Mom Funk and Anna Colton and Ruby Kelsey, Molly, Mark, Taylor,Rilee, and Henry Jamison MY THREE MOST FAVORITE MEN!!!! Aren't they just handsome!! Thanks everyone, we had a blast!!!