Oh my little Bubba.
How are you 14?!!
Garrett's 5th cell phone of the year broke a couple of weeks ago.
We finally got smart and decided it was time to get him a NEW phone.
Like......we're the first ones to take it out of the box and use it phone.
When we gave him a cell phone for his Birthday last year,
it was my phone, and I got an Iphone.
That phone lasted him about 6 months, and then completely died.
We had been told about "Cell Again" - a little kiosk in the Mall.
We thought it was awesome.
Walk up....get a nice, used phone for 50 bucks and you're on your way.
If it dies or breaks, you're only out 50$.
Well, that phone only last 3-4 months before it died.
So, we go right back to Cell Again, grab another nice, used phone.
This time Garrett decided he wanted to add a little to the price so he didn't get a piece of Junk!
75$ later, we were out the door with an "Awesome" phone and super excited.....
only to find ourselves back at Cell Again 3 days later.
They exchanged that piece of junk, for another "Nice, Used Phone!"
One month later......you guessed it.
A basketball hit the back of the phone and that was it.
Dead.
That's when we decided for the price we had spent on all these "Nice, used Phones,"
we could have had a really nice NEW phone.
We kept telling Garrett Christmas and his Birthday were coming.
We found a really nice phone through Best Buy and were able to get it in time for his Birthday.
We made him think it wouldn't be here for a few more weeks.
So, the Morning of his Birthday we wrapped that box in 5 other boxes,
to where it looked like one huge gift.
FINALLY!
A cell phone that works and he likes!
We spent the day at Basketball Tournaments and then Garrett hung out with friends that night.
The next day, Garrett was Ordained a Teacher.
Grandpa Randle came down to be part of it.
I love to watch the Bishop stand and declare to the Ward that my son is worthy to advance.
I love watching them stand with confidence that they are.
I pray they will always stay worthy of their Priesthood.
There is so much in this world, especially at their age, that could keep them from blessings
that can and will be theirs if they remain worthy of them.
It scares me sometimes.
We are probably over protective on certain things,
but there is very little room to let our guard down.
I looked at Garrett on Christmas Day sitting on the couch and realized,
we only have 4 more Christmas's with him before he leaves on his Mission.
FOUR.
That will go so fast.
I have thought a lot about Garrett this week, with him turning 14.
When he was 4 years old and in preschool,
he begged me to take him to a park after I picked him up one day.
I agreed and drove to a park we like in Kaysville.
When we pulled up to the park, it was SO busy.
There were so many Kids, and so many Moms all over the place.
I started to back up and Garrett said, "What? Where are we going?!"
"Bub, this place is so busy, let's go find another park!"
Without any hesitation, my little 4 year old looked me in the eyes and said,
"You're taking away the opportunity for me to meet someone new!"
What???
I was stunned. While he was right, I was stunned!
I pulled the car back into the parking space, unlocked his door and let him out.
Within just a few seconds, he was laughing and playing along side lots of other kids.
As I watched him from the car, I realized what a special little soul Garrett was.
He has always been so friendly.
Never shy, nervous, or scared to talk to people.
Heavenly Father blessed him with an outgoing and fun personality and with leadership qualities.
I have always tried to get Garrett to realize the influence he can and does have on his friends.
He will bless many lives, and bring many people to our Heavenly Father, I am sure of it.
That is a heavy responsibility placed on his shoulders,
but if he will always remain clean, pure and worthy,
many blessings will be his for being an instrument in the Lord's hands.
We are so proud of you Garrett.
We love you and couldn't be happier to be your parents.
Now, go and do those things you know you should and all will be well!
Happy 14th Birthday Bud!!!
