Happy 22nd Birthday, Colt!

Although, today is not actually Colt's birthday, I wanted a special post dedicated to his 22nd birthday, which was this past Friday, March 4th.  Since it seems as someone has pushed the fast forward button on my life lately, today is the first breather I've gotten to make it to my blog to honor his birthday.

It really doesn't seem possible that he could be 22!  Where did all those years go?  Why did that clever little guy have to go and grow up so quickly?  He's the guy that we cut our teeth on in parenting experience.  We've learned alot along the way. And we're far from perfect!  The one thing I've desired for all my children is that they come to know Him at an early age and that they desire to serve and live for Him with their talents and time.  And he did, and he does.  (Thank you Lord).

We are honored and proud to be Colt's parents.  When he was first placed in my arms, on August 24th, 1989, by the escort at the airport, my life changed forever, for the good.  Being a mom (and wife) is the highest calling and I take that calling very seriously.  The hardest part, at this point, is stepping back and letting him become the man, and not the boy.  Finding that place isn't and hasn't always been easy.  I've learned to turn that part over to God and trust his guidance and protection and plan for Colt's life.  It really is hard to cut those apron strings, isn't it?  Especially so, since I've been home with him everyday of his life, as a homeschooling family from birth to graduation!  And I've never regretted it for a moment.  It's only by God's grace, that I have been able to do what I have and to trust God and also to step back and let Colt be Colt, the young man.

He was full of personality from the first moment we met him - August 24, 1989!

We did go celebrate this past Friday night at a Tim Hawkins concert and out to a late dinner at Ihop.  (If you've never seen Tim Hawkins, the comedian, you've got to see him!  Look him up on youtube.)  As a homeschooling family, we could so identify with his humor!  And everyone knows laughter is medicine to the bones!  :)  Since Thursday through Saturday was also filled with workshops at the Great Homeschool Convention, and Amber was out of town, we waited until Sunday to celebrate with the rest of the family at the Hibachi Grill (which was excellent by the way).  It looks like I'll be back to share highlights from all three kids' birthdays....maybe all in one post!  :)

But today I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Colt!  We love you more than you'll ever realize (until you have children of your own) and we're so glad God chose you to be our son!  You have always been a blessing to us!  I know God is still writing your story and I can't wait to read the rest of it!

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths."

Love you!
Mom (& Dad, Joy & Luke)