6.5 months old

Colin has been sitting up by himself for the last couple of weeks. Its kind of nice! We can just sit him on the floor with some toys and he can entertain himself (well, for a few minutes at least!). We don't have to carry him around ALL the time.

still no teeth. we are working on cereal. he makes a face like he thinks its disgusting. i switched from rice cereal to oatmeal cereal, but he had the same reaction. i guess it just takes time. perhaps next week we will try cocoa puffs.

We spent Christmas in The Dalles with the Dingmans. Colin received lots of gifts. Man, that kid is spoiled! Next year we will be in Bend with the Butlers!

The real "Santa"

I used to be anti-Santa, believing that he detracted from the supposed real reason for Christmas: the birth of Jesus. My dad handed me an article (http://www.crosswalk.com/1110600/page1/) about the origins of Christmas, which i found fascinating. Let me summarize.

A man of God, named Nicolas, arrived - by accident - in Myra, Turkey during the 4th Century C.E. He was appointed as a bishop and clothed in priestly (red) robes. Nicolas learned of an unsettling custom in Turkey in which families would sell their daughters into slavery, including prostitution, if there was no dowry. To remedy this tragedy, he went out on the night of December 6th and dropped bags of gold through the windows of these poor families (on one of these nights, Nicolas accidently dropped the bag into a stocking hanging on the hearth to dry). Though he did this in secretly, he was eventually discovered.

Then in the 9th Century, Nicolas was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, becoming "Saint" Nicolas. Over time and among different cultures and languages Nicolas was given many names: Father Christmas (England), Papa Noel (France), Christkindl or Kris Kringle (Germany), Sinter (Saint) Klass (short for Nicolas). Since Nicolas was believed to have come down from the chimney, Sinter Klass became Cinder Klaussen. The poet Clement Moore, using his poem The Night Before Christmas, turned Nicolas into the jolly, tubby, Santa Claus.

The tradition of gift-giving to the poor was continued with French nuns in the 12th Century. They travelled at night on December 5th - "St. Nicolas Eve"- delivering fruit and nuts. Some people still celebrate Christmas on December 6th. The Church decided (for some reason) to change not only the date of St. Nicolas Eve, but the name and type of celebration! Now most people buy presents for each other, rather than giving to those in need.

I wholly believe that we should celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But why combine St. Nicolas Eve and Jesus' birthday? Its tough for most people in their busy lives to devote a lot of time to give to the poor. Why not have a special day to plan for it? Isn't that what Jesus would want?


here are some other interesting articles:

http://www.realtruth.org/articles/461-actc.html

http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/newsletter/2000/dec08.html

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Today Colin and Aiden met Santa for the very first time! They did exceptionally well actually. No crying or fussiness... even though we waited for about an hour and a half to meet Santa! But none the less, the boys had a great time. Colin did ask Santa for a PlayStation 3....we will see if the Jolly old man can pull that one off.

Happy Holidays From Colin!

Since it is now December, Colin just wanted to Wish everyone a Happy Holiday!

4 Generations of Butler Men!

While in Bend for Thanksgiving, we thought it would be nice to get a picture taken of the 4 Generations of the Butler men. Its something really special to get to see 4 generations. Included in the picture is Great Grandpa Bill, Grandpa Dave, Pappa Jared, and little Colin Andrew.

First Thanksgiving

Colin went to Grandma & Grandpa Butlers' house in Bend for his first Thanksgiving. He got to spend some much needed time with both mom and dad, as he rarely gets to spend time with both at the same time. (dad is gone alot). He also got to meet his Great Grandpa. he had alot of fun. Colin tried mashed potatoes for the first time! And he also stared Grandpa B. down the entire time Grandpa was praying. here are some pics of his time in Bend.

Changing of the Season: Oden '08...Worth The Wait!

With the sad display of the once, Mighty Oregon, game yesterday, and the hopes of a return to the Rosebowl now over, it was time to move on to a different Season of Sports. Colin wanted me to update his blog to resemble his hometown favorite, The Portland Trailblazers.
Our little man has been born into an exciting year with the Blazers. Here is a recap:
5/02/07 - Brandon Roy received 127 of 128 1st place votes to earn the well deserved NBA Rookie of the Year Award!
5/22/07 - Portland Trailblazers get #1 draft Lottery Pick for upcoming NBA Draft.
6/12/07 - Colin Andrew is Born into the World!
6/28/07 - With the #1 Pick of the 2007 NBA Draft, The Portland Trailblazers Pick Greg Oden!
6/29/07 - Colin Welcomes Greg Oden to Portland Oregon.
9/10/07 - Greg Oden has knee surgery
9/13/07 - Greg Oden Out for Entire Rookie Season
11/07/07 - Opening Night at the Rose Garden. Blazers beat N.O. Hornets 93-90.

There will be many more updates about Colin and his first Trailblazer Season, in the near future.

DUCKS WIN!!!

Colin wanted to invite his buddy Aiden over to watch the Oregon/USC game. They had alot of fun together watching the Mighty Oregon Ducks take care of business! Oregon 24 - USC 17!

GO DUCKS!.....(sorry grandpa B.)

I know this isnt directly about Colin, but it is family related. Last weekend My dad (a husky), John, Heather's boyfriend Tyler, and I all headed up to Husky Stadium to see the Mighty Oregon Ducks Man Handle the NW Rival the Washington puppies. What a great weekend. Mainly because the ducks won! It was really fun being a duck fan, and sitting with all of the Husky fans! Here is a little video that can tell the story a little bit better.
Even our little man was excited for the game! even though you may not see it in his face. He is a true serious Duck fan!

Welcome to our Blog!

Hello Everyone!
So this is our new blog page. It is long over due, but now we have one. We wanted to create a page that you can check out now and again...or everyday (grandmas and grandpas). It will have pics of our family as our little man gets older. He has been such a blessing to have around. We have no idea what our lives would be like without him. He is the greatest and cutest little boy in the whole world. I know I know, all parents say that....but you know what? We are the first ones who are right on this. He IS the best! Our little Colin is growing up so fast! Anyway, that is all for now. We just wanted to say, Welcome to our Blog!