Life. It Is What It Is.

This life we're living IS NOT easy!

• But compared to the turmoil that he is facing inside,
• I guess we have it pretty good.
• It's not right that such a little guy should feel such big pain.
• It's not right that fears, that he doesn't even recognize
• or understand, should fester all the time, day and night,
• without ceasing.
• It's not fair that the brain connections and synapses
• didn't form in his early life,
• leaving him floating in a black, abyss -
• free falling, afraid, and without a safety net.
• It's not fair that every time we send love his way,
• he sends it back with a vengeance & with fury.
• It's not fair that our lives have been turned upside down,
• and twisted inside out as we endure his tornadoes of destruction.
• It's not fair.
• But then again,
• maybe it's not fair that he has so many people,
• who love him, despite of what he faces,
• and will do what needs to be done
• to save him.
• Nobody ever said that life would be fair,
• just that it would be worth it.
• _______________________________

It's the Climb

• James has enjoyed spending time this summer,
• rock climbing.
• He's good at it too.
• In the beginning, he held back a lot,
• not willing to make the final stretch for the top.
• However, when I gave him the incentive
• of an ice cream cone from McDonald's
• when he reached the top,
• it only took a few more tenacious climbs
• to reach the goal.

The Climb by Miley Cyrus, is quite symbolic of James' climb (and I don't mean the one on the rock!).

• "The struggles I'm facing
• The chances I'm taking
• Sometimes might knock me down
• But no, I'm not breaking
• I may not know it
• But these are the moments that
• I'm gonna remember most, yeah
• Just gotta keep going
• And I, I got to be strong
• Just keep pushing on
• 'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
• I'm always gonna wanna make it move
• Always gonna be a uphill battle
• Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
• Ain't about how fast I get there
• Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
• It's the climb, yeah!"

Fireworks

• Jalen Andrew can dress himself,
• shoot amazing free throws,
• dance like nobody's business,
• and sing the alphabet,
• but when it comes to fireworks . . .
• they still scare him.
• Jalen Andrew encountered this year's
• fantastic display of lights and sounds,
• with his hands clamped tightly against his ears,
• and sitting on his "Sweetie Boy," Dad's lap.
• Only seconds into the festivities,
• he announced, "I need to go to the bathroom!"
• Reluctantly, Erik began his trek back to the house
• with Little Man.
• As they retreated to the quiet of the house,
• Jalen Andrew's true motive rang out,
• "I need to go to the bathroom,
• and then we can just STAY inside."
• Fireworks come only once a year,
• so Jalen Andrew was returned to the great outdoors,
• where he lived out the exhibition with mild tolerance,
• and a whole lot of complaining.
• Oh yes, and the loud artillery sounding,
• earth shaking, car alarm setting, dog whining ones?
• Are NOT his favorite!!!

(What I can't see, won't hurt me.)

Sweet 16

• C - Charismatic
• H - Happy Laugh
• R -Radiant & Beautiful
• I- Interested in So Many Things
• S- Silly Sometimes
• T- Talkative
• I- In Tune to Others
• N- Not Afraid to Try New Things
• E- Evolving & Changing Everyday

Happy 16th Birthday, Christine! Where did the time go? I swear it was just yesterday, when we brought you home, as a sweet, little bundle of joy. You've changed our lives forever!

• You are an amazing young lady,
• and it has been fun to watch you grow & change
• over the years.
• You fill our home with energy and fun,
• not to mention a lot of funny nicknames!
• We're so glad you're a part of our lives!
• We LOVE you!
• Happy Sweet Sixteen, Christine!

Thanks to Kamrie, for hosting a fun Hawaiian, Sweet 16 Bash, for the Birthday Girl.

Yes, Kids, We Have a Life

Dear Children, Yes, I know that most of my waking moments involve taxiing YOU around, preparing your meals, washing YOUR laundry, and cleaning up after YOU. Yes, I know that Dad spends his time at work, to make money to provide for YOUR food, YOUR clothes, and YOUR wants/needs. But, do you know what? We actually have a life independent of you. I know . . . isn't that shocking? We were so lucky to have our good friend, Kendall, come to town, but just for a real quick, then turn around and go home trip. Our window of time to see him, was late at night. And as Erik and I prepared to head out to meet up with him, Rebekah with pure confusion on her face asked, "YOU really have a good enough friend, that YOU would go visit with him in the middle of the night?" Yep. That's right, sweetheart. Dad and I had a life before we had you children, and we actually have friends! Kendall, it was so good to see you again! Come back to see us when you have a little more time, and we'll re-introduce you to the kids . . . you know, so that they can have proof that we really do have friends.