Choosing to be thankful

Dear Life,

Today I went to a basketball game with my tall one. 
As I watched the game with him, my heart broke all over again because IT'S NOT FAIR.
He should be ON the court.  
He should be playing.
He should be enjoying his freshman year of high school. 
Instead, he is sidelined by this horrible illness....that may or may not get better.
He is on the outside, looking in.  
Watching, when I'm sure he's aching to run, jump and shoot that ball.
But he's afraid.

I watched his teammates play, wondering if they knew just how THANKFUL they should be. 
Thankful they COULD play.
Thankful they COULD go to school.
Thankful they weren't living a bad dream every day.
Thankful they weren't afraid.

Then I thought of my own children.
I wondered if I am teaching my children to be thankful for all that they CAN do.
The ability to go to school.
The ability to play sports, play with friends, BE KIDS.  
The ability to be happy.

Then I thought about me.
About how I get sad.
How I grieve all that my boy is losing. 
So I've decided I am going to teach myself.
Teach myself how to be thankful.
Thankful for these amazing, beautiful, different children.
Thankful for the lessons we have learned as a family.
Thankful for the love we have as a family.
Thankful for the gospel that strengthens me.
Thankful for the mess that teaches me. 
Thankful for the incredible strength and bond we have formed together while fighting these battles.
Thankful that my son is so courageous, that he is a warrior, and that he is choosing to fight this illness instead of giving up. 
Thankful for the people that surround our children with love and support, especially when we are battling the most difficult of battles.  
Thankful for a son who is choosing to serve a 2 year mission.  

I am choosing to be THANKFUL.

Seems like

Dear Life,

Where did the year go?  

Seems like just yesterday I put my baby on the bus to go to Kindergarten.

Now he's off to summer camp and skating at skate parks. 

 

Seems like I just watched my tenth grader go off to his second year of high school.

And now he's sixteen, can date, and has a job!

Seems like we just went through a high school graduation.  

Now he's working, driving, and never around to take pictures of. 

(Seriously folks, this is all I can get now)

Seems like our fifth grader was just beginning his last year of elementary.

Now he's off to middle school....and already knows he wants to work with animals when he grows up.

Seems like our shy boy was just starting out his seventh grade year. 

Now he's off to basketball camp at Cal State Long Beach and running 5ks with his brother.

Seems like yesterday....and yet another school year has gone by.  

There has been some tremendous growth this year for my boys.

There has also been many challenges to face.

I am so very proud of them....

And blessed to be their mom. 

 

Time to enjoy the summer!

Young men that make me smile

Dear Life,

This is a story of boys, basketballs, and hot rods.  It's a good one too!

Kalani, (number three boy) plays basketball. 

 He has practice sessions with Tanner,  a boy from the varsity basketball team (and a friend from church).  One day, Tanner was scheduled to pick up Kalani, and I was out running an errand when he picked him up.  When I came home, I was searching the house and couldn't find Kumaka.  I asked my boys where he was.  The answer?  "Tanner took him to practice too!"  
MELT. MY. HEART!




When Tanner pulled up with my boys, I watched as Kalani took  Kumaka out while Tanner pulled the wheelchair out of the front seat of his hot rod. 

 It blew me away.  Most boys wouldn't want to be bothered with a five year old, much less his wheelchair...ESPECIALLY in his hot rod...but not Tanner.  I told him he is my new hero.  
The grin on Kumaka's face was priceless.
  

The example Tanner is setting for my boys is invaluable.

I love these boys!