Grammy

For those of you who visit Mark and Tricia's blog you are already aware of my Moms (Grammys) new hair dew. For the rest of you this will be new information. As most of you know Mom was diagnosed a couple months ago with HER 2 breast cancer. She has already had a lumpectomy and has just received her second chemo treatment. She has been very brave and though she is feeling poor and loosing her hair she has been in good spirits. She even played the piano today for Amber's solo in Church. She said she is overwhelmed by the family and friends that have reached out to offer prayers, notes, gifts and phone calls. Below is a sign she still has her sense of humor. She took her Grandson Sawyer's challenge to enjoy her hair while she had it by coloring it pink.



Up until Mom's diagnosis, breast cancer was always a distant disease that has never directly affected my family. Sure I had heard of pink ribbons and walks and seen both the heartache and stories of inspiration of the brave women who fight this disease valiantly. But despite this, it was not personal, so Mom's diagnoses has rattled me to say the least and has shaken the lives, in some degree, of all of us who love Her.
When I say "rattled Me" I don't just mean in a bad way. Along with the sadness and fear that comes with watching someone you care about go through all this, there have come some positive emotions as well. I Instantly felt a greater appreciation for Mom as well as the other important people in my life who I sometimes take for granted. I have genuine empathy now for individuals and families that face life threatening deseases. And most importanly we are closer as a family as we stand shoulder to shoulder with Mom as she fights this battle. A battle she will win!

Clayton is a Jr. Blackbelt!

After 4 years of dedication and a lot of hard work Clayton has his Jr Black belt. He tested yesterday at his dojo for 6 grueling hours. I dropped him off at 8 am and we left the dojo at 2:15 that afternoon. His test began with a run, all juniors have to run a mile in under 10 minutes, and Clayton came in first with a time of 7:21. He then had to do what seemed like endless push-ups and sit-ups followed by correctly demonstrating all punches and kicks and verbally answering questions about technique and the history of Isshinryu karate. Clayton then had to perform, more than once, all six of the Kata's that he has memorized; I added a video clip of his Ku San Ku Si Kata, this Kata is done with his weapons called Si. Clayton then had to defend himself against his Sensei's using techniques he has learned the last 4 years (He said this was the most intense part of his day). He then had 5 sparring matches, one right after another (sparring is like a game of tag using kicks and punches). He ended the day breaking boards and by this time the kids were so exhausted that many of them were emotional and frustrated. It is important for the Sensei's to see that the kids have it in them to find the strength and determination despite their exhaustion to perform well. Last night he was recognized at a banquet for all his hard work and he was presented with his black-belt. I typed in his awards speech and as always we were so impressed with his thought process, maturity and expression of gratitude. I am humbled often at the responsibility I have to parent this great spirit. Clayton I am thankful for this opportunity to recognize and honor you.

"This will be a day I will always remember. The years of hard work have paid off and today I get to be recognized for those efforts. I got emotional today but I could not help it. My black-belt test meant a lot and was very hard but everything in life that is good requires sacrifice and hard work. I am thankful for Sensei Shannon and the other Sensei's for training me in Isshinryu Karate because I know the lessons in discipline I learn in the dojo can be applied to many areas in my life. Though it is hard work, I think I speak for all the student when I say it was also a lot of fun. I would also like to thank my family for all of their support."

We finally did it!

After hearing about and seeing the blogs of our family and friends, we are finally bloggers! Is that terminology correct? We are new at this. It took quite a few phone calls to Mark & Tricia for set up instructions and 1/2 of an afternoon but we are now ready to share all...I mean, only the good, personal stories with the world. Since this is my first posting I thought I would share a picture of my family. We are excited about blogging not only because it gives us a new way to stay in touch with family and friends but also chronicle the highlights of our lives.