Braxton's Gifts

Braxton is super talented. He loves to make things. He also loves to take things apart and put them back together. He's done this since he was a wee little tike. Sometimes it turned into a problem, but now-a-days, I love his creations!

He made me two creations in shop class this year. I love them so much! He makes me feel special all the time. Love that he uses his talent to make his Mama happy!

Date Night at Home

Friday night, I chose what we were going to do for date night. I stopped on my way home and picked up some hot dogs and s'mores ingredients. The boys carried the picnic table out and started the fire in the fire pit. We roasted hot dogs and made s'mores. We finished off the night with a couple of movies. It was perfect! I'm so grateful for these Friday nights when it's just the boys and I re-connecting after hectic weeks.

Colton Walter Jorgensen

Colton Walter Jorgensen.

You are 12 1/2 years old. You are the shortest, which makes your brothers happy. You are about 5'3". You are diagnosed with, buy not defined by, Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, and some learning disabilities. Sometimes navigating this very busy world is hard for you. But, you love people. You find the good in everyone. You believe that everyone you meet is your "friend." You worry about everyone and are very compassionate. You like to lift people up and make them feel good about themselves.

You are very curious. You love animals, especially horses. You always have. You love to read and to color. You love to be outside. You love to ride bikes, or anything else that moves. You love to eat and you love all food. You have never been picky. You love games and puzzles, movies and funny shows. You love music and love to sing in the middle of the night.

Thursday night, you found a blindfold and walked around the house for a good half hour with the blindfold on - making your way through all of the "obstacles." You talked to your imaginary friends as you did it. You were quite content just walking around in the dark.

In a few months, you begin junior high. You're going to be just fine. Brothers will be there and I will always be praying for you and cheering you on. You are a light, and a very important piece to our family puzzle. We love you and are so grateful to have your smile in our family.

Our Trial & Triumph - A Week Full of Blessings

1. Lunch with Jackson and Kaydon
2. Colton's graduation
3. Mommy Martha
4. Teresa's messages
5. Lunch with Rock, P, and the guys
6. Braxton's comedy
7. Coloring on the deck
8. A yard to work in
9. Date night with my boys
10. Ability to pay rent

11. Music
12. Laughter - like snorting laughter
13. The end of the school year and everyone is moving to the next grade!
14. My jobs
15. My view every morning & on my drive to work
16. Diet Freaking Coke
17. Campfires
18. My boys "I love yous"
19. Prayer
20. Prophets

Sixth Grade Graduation

Colton's sixth grade graduation was this morning. I was a little nervous with the chaos and number of people and different sounds that he might not do too good, but he did great! I am so proud of him for making it through this year! I am SO hoping that junior high school is a far better experience for all of us!

I cannot believe that he is my last one to ever be in elementary school! That seems so odd to me.

As always, Mommy Martha was right there to support our Colton. Most of the time, she is a far better mommy to him than I am. I am so grateful that she loves him and is such a support to me and all of the boys. We sure love her!

Lunch Date

Jackson called me yesterday. He and Kaydon chose not to go to school (which is not a big deal because I'm pretty sure all of their classes consist of watching "Ferris Buhler's Day Off" just like my last week of school when I was their age. They wanted to come and go to lunch with me. OKAY!!!

It's funny because I think that they are so used to there being four of them and not getting a lot of attention from me because I am spread pretty thin. It was fun to watch them -- just two of them -- just not able to shut up! They wanted to talk and talk and talk and talk and I loved it!

I am so grateful that they love hanging out with my their mom! They never complain. They always ask to do it and I am so thankful!

Good As New

Last night, Braxton wanted to make cookies. I was up in my bed because it was late (like 7:30!). Suddenly, I hear something fall and clearly break. I just knew it was my favorite slate sign that sits on our kitchen counter. After about 10 minutes, he comes upstairs with this:

Braxton comes in with the said slate sign and says, "It's good as new, Mom!" Uhhh, I don't recall there being bright blue duct tape all over it. Then, just like that, it flops over in half because the said tape couldn't hold it. "Don't worry, Mom. It has character now. It's good as new!"

The cookies were delicious by the way!