Yesterday Gabe became a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. Tyson gave Gabe the blessing in Bishop Beckstead's office after church. Grandpa Benton, Uncle Braydon, Mike Cole, Bruce Nate, Vance Broadhead, and Bishop Beckstead stood in the circle. Those watching include myself, Raygen, Ridge, Branson, Grandma Lynda, Bridgett Broadhead and her kids, and Wyatt Cole. There was such a great spirit in the room and Gabe smiled when he was done. Gabe gave everyone a handshake, even his dad, and everyone laughed when the Bishop teased him that he was suppose to hug his dad. Of course his mom gave him a big hug and kiss! (He cussed me later for embarrassing him)
As I sat there, I was reminded of Gabe as a tiny baby in his hospital bed when he received a priesthood blessing. It is amazing to watch the gospel come full circle as Gabe now has the priesthood and can use it to help others. It fills my heart with love and gratitude for our Heavenly Father and His incredible gifts. I am so proud of Gabe for choosing to follow the commandments and for being a good example to his younger siblings.

Happy 12 Gabe!

I can't believe how fast the time goes. I know I have said that before and will probably say it many more times. It doesn't seem like that long ago that my whole life changed. The day Gabe was born remains one of the best and worst of my life. I am so blessed to have Gabe as a son. He has taught me more than any other influence in my life. I can't believe God trusts me enough to let me be his mother. When I think back to that cold, snowy January day 12 years ago, I remember the doctors telling me they didn't think he could hear and wouldn't be able to talk. They ran all sorts of tests on his tiny body and the whole time, Gabe let them have it! If only I had a crystal ball to let me see him the way he is today, I would have laughed in their face! Gabe not only hears and talks, but he has more to say than most people I know! He is one of my greatest blessings and biggest trials all rolled into a cute, spunky package. I love him so much and feel honored to be his mom!

Happy Birthday Ridge!!

Five years ago today, we added number 5 to our family. He has been such a wonderful addition! Ridge came into the world with personality spilling out all over the place. He is full of ideas and very full of life. He makes me smile or laugh every single day. I am amazed by his energy and determination. I am trying not to think of this coming fall when he will go to kindergarten. I can't believe it is going by so quickly! I enjoy our days together when it is just Ridge and Mom home. He is such good company and fills the house with joy. He is my little buddy and I am so glad he was born!!! I love you Ridgey McRidgerton! :)

Christmas!!

We had a great Christmas! It is always so much fun to see how excited the kids get. They still don't dare wake us up. I laid in bed waiting for them to come and get us but instead I heard the TV turn on. (I have been told I'm a little scary when woken up)
It is fun to see the differences in their personalities. Ridge rips open all his presents as fast as he can, Raygen sits and looks at each thing and takes her sweet time, and Gabe likes to get things out of the package and figure it out before moving on. So of course Ridge was all out of presents right away and tried to convince the other two to let him open theirs! Cute little Raygen let him open a couple of hers because she has a kind heart. Ridge got a little tent from Gabe and slept in it the next 4 nights, Raygen got a digital camera, and Gabe was pretty excited about his new Ipod. (He still has the best reactions ever!!) Santa had wrapped his Ipod in about 5 different sized boxes and he had fun opening each box to find another one inside. Tyson got a smoker and has been smoking everything in sight! And I got some new clothes and money towards a camera I want.
Later that day we went to Mom and Dad's and had dinner with some of the family. Lisa and Brett were there with their families. It is always good to see everyone and spend time together. I am so thankful for our family. I feel blessed every day to be related to such amazing people!

Christmas Recital

The kids survived another piano recital! Raygen played "Rockin' around the Christmas Tree" and Gabe played "I'll Be Home For Christmas". They have been practicing these songs since October so it is good that they will be able to move on to something else now. :) It is fun to watch them gradually progress and start to play songs that I can recognize and sing along with. Now they have a couple weeks off which Gabe is pretty excited about. (Dad too!) I am looking forward to not having to argue with Gabe about his practicing also. But I keep reminding myself that it will all be worth it. And watching them play at the recital is a little glimpse a hope for the future. . .

Dinosaur Museum!

We had lots of fun at the George Eccles Dinosaur Museum in Ogden this weekend. Braydon and Brittney invited us to go with them to help celebrate Branson's 3rd birthday. The kids loved it! Well my kids did. Branson and Bridger didn't know what to think about the life size robotic dinosaurs. Ridge was a little hesitant to go very close to the dinosaur's "cage" but ended up liking them best of all. We learned all kinds of facts about dinosaurs and fossils and looked at all kinds of minerals. The kids liked playing on the dinosaurs that were outside even though it was pretty cold that day. Afterward, we went to McDonalds and shopping. It was a great day!