Happy (23rd) Birthday, Colt!

Okay, I know I’ve said this for each of my kids’ birthdays, but this one really seems unreal to me.

Today, Colt is 23 years old. Those years have passed so quickly. It seems impossible that so many years have slipped by since he was the little smiley boy that came home to us! Boy could he turn the charm on (and off) when he wanted!

As a little guy, he was quite the character. Well actually he still is, just in a more grown up kind of way.

Of course, I had to have him dressed to the T, which he didn’t always embrace. And he was a little booger when I wanted to get pictures. And to this day, he still acts up in pictures. I remember every Easter especially, or for Christmas pictures, it would be an ordeal just to get a decent cooperative photo. We would eventually get a picture, and no one (but us) ever knew what went down in order to get that photo!

He hated to take medicine. Oh boy, did he despise taking medicine. I am not exaggerating when I say it always took at least Jason and me to get medicine down him. But many times, my mom or dad (whom live next door) would come over to help......one (or two) to hold him, one to hold his nose, and one to give the meds. And then he still might not keep it down.  (I think he loved watching me clean up spewed out medicine).  :)

He was the little boy in preschool that found multiple uses of his diploma at graduation. Did you know a diploma makes a perfect telescope and a weapon for konking your buddy over the head?

One of my very favorite pics of Colt!

When he was in an uncomfortable position, or one that made him nervous, he went into silly mode. This meant he never wanted to perform in front of a group at all, to his mother’s dismay.

Colt couldn’t be still, period. Homeschooling Colt took a lot of creativity. He hung off the couch upside down as I read to him, or he jumped around. Whatever I could teach him with a game and movement, I did. But he got it. He always got it. He was a boy that needed to move. But if he could move, both of our lives were easier. He still does a lot of multi-tasking to this day.

I tell you all of this to say that he was strong-willed, and sometimes resistant and didn’t want to be in the public eye performing anything. Jason and I discussed this many times. We knew God made Colt to be Colt and that God would use his qualities to his glory, if we taught him to use them for Him. You know God can really use a strong-willed person to do great things for Him!

Okay, so this pic shows how old my couch is.....don't you think it's time for a new one?

Now fast forward. Let me tell you a little bit about Colt today. Since he was about 8 years old, he has been singing, playing the drums, or playing the guitar in church. He serves the Lord with his talents. This is the same little boy that never wanted to be in front of people. That’s what God does!

He still acts silly in pictures, but this is also the same young man that asked me the other night if I would take some pictures of him and Amber. He’s asking me to take pictures!

He is responsible. As a matter of fact, until about a year or so before he moved out into his apartment, he was the one that did most of our family’s laundry. It was a job we gave him at the age of 13, I believe. He is definitely a worker, and a good one at that.

We are so very proud of the young man he has become. He does serve the Lord. He is a responsible young man. Everyone tells us he is mannerly. I’m always glad to hear it! 

He will still always be the Colt that can turn the charm on and off and is a cut-up. That’s the way God made him and that’s just the way he rolls. But I wouldn’t want him any different.

Colt, I just wanted you to know that dad and I are proud of you. We see you making the transition into manhood, not always the easiest way, but with honor. We are so happy that you have chosen to live striving to please the Lord. Our prayer is always that you continue to live your life for God. That’s the one thing we desire for you above all else.

We love you! Happy (23rd) birthday!
~ Mom & Dad ~