Just life

Why is it that life can't be more predictable?  Why is it that curve balls have to be thrown our way?  I know that it is all part of being tested, and that if we aren't tested we wouldn't grow - right.... But when the unexpected things turn up I still am surprised at them.  Shouldn't I be expecting those things after all of the Sunday school lessons we've had on the subject?  I guess those things make me more appreciative of the blessings that I have in my life.  Like how Donster's figured out how to say air plane, tells me no-no, is obsessed with cars.  How Maddie is such a good little mommy, how she is obsessed with lip-stick and anything sparkly.  How Jax is amazing at creating things out of garbage, and what a kind, caring and responsible kid that Piercen is.
Speaking of Pierce......Piercen was able to pass the sacrament for the 1st time yesterday.  It was an emotional experience for me - seeing him up there in his suit, he just seemed so grown up.  He smiled almost the entire time - with that cute little grin and dimple.  I'm so proud of his decision to take on the responsibility of the priesthood.  He has set a good example for his little brothers, and I hope that they will follow in his footsteps.  He is having a hard time right now in school.  His best friend moved, and right now he doesn't have anyone at the Jr. high that he feels are good kids to be friends with.  Sure there are kids around the neighborhood that he will go out and play football with, but they don't have the same high standards that he has so he never spends very long with them.  He sighs and just tells me that at least he can hang out with his little brother and his friends.   I pray that he will be able to meet another kid like him, one who prays morning and night, reads his scriptures because he wants to, thinks of other's feelings and is careful not to hurt them, one who has a real testimony of the truth, one who won't even listen to someone swearing.  I told him yesterday that I know that he is lonely, and feels like he is the only kid that is like him.  I told him that there are more with him then there are with those who aren't acting the way that they should.  I pray that the Lord will open his eyes so that he is able to see and know that there are more of us pulling for him and helping him along then he knows.  I wish that I could make this hard time go faster for him, or that I could find someone for him to be friends with.  I am proud that he is holding his standards so high, and that he realizes that friends can make a huge impact on him.  It's just hard for me to stand by and let him hurt - and feel sad.  Someday all of this will pay off for him, if he will just stick it out - please stick it out Piercen!!