Look at Me Now!

I have had the privilege of watching this amazing boy grow into a wonderful, polite, funny, kind young man. He is smart, sensitive, deep and witty. He is 'wise and gentle' I was told on Sunday. I think this long list of accolades in my mind every day but try not to say them too often, after all I am Judy, aka Mom!

He embraces life so fully and encourages everyone around him to come along. Oh sure, he is quieter than he used to be 'at times' which is probably appropriate. I am still trying to learn that myself. I tell folks I am 55 but often 12. That is fairly accurate I think. We could do a vote but you know..........

We have had another few months of great excitement. His former (and very much loved) high school brought the alums and current unified athletes together for a special event welcoming Principal's, Special Olympics executives and the curious to see their internationally renowned Unified Sports Special Olympics program. Dr Tim Shriver was the tour guide and Raymond S Kellis showed the globe how it is done. Forever we are grateful for our time there, the teachers, the peers, the Principal and the permission to dream big. We are grateful for Tim Shriver who Cody feels is his best friend! He is a kind heart and so much fun.

Cody's new program, One Step Beyond, has all of the things a kid would love including dance, art, photography, creative writing, karate and more. They also do work training which Cody enjoys as well. His dance team performed at the half time of the ASU men's basketball game, then the national finalist ASU women's basketball game. And then they put on an amazing dance show, Dance Free, their first ever full length show. FANTASTIC. He excels at performing and always finds his way to the front of the stage.

Via One Step he has been taking Karate and he successfully tested for his yellow belt. He enjoys yoga at One Step Beyond and I enjoy Hot Yoga at Y.O.G.A. on Fridays so he goes with me. He loves it, who knew! He just took his second Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet exam and so we are waiting for the results. 6-8 weeks of nail biting and pacing. Following the exams we have now developed the celebratory ritual of True Foods and Frost Gelato. That makes it all worthwhile. He loves his dance with Miss Caroline and will do so for hours while walking around the track once was always a struggle. LOL He taught his first ballet class last month to 10 children. It was great fun and he did very well. We are excited about more classes in the future.

Rich and I are still the same, older, but the same. We are blessed to have good jobs that have remained steady over the years. We are looking forward to great things in the next few months as our family grows and grows up. In the meantime we never know what 'boy' will greet us when we open his door or he walks out to get supper. It is an adventure living with this creative boy. And we love it, every minute!