The Kofford Family relocates to Colorado after 40 years as Californians. In December of 2007, Grandma Lorraine is diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Sadly, she passed away on Dec. 26th, 2008 after a year long courageous battle. Follow our journey as we keep Lorraine's memory alive, and as we learn to appreciate that each day we are given, is a gift to be enjoyed!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~Maria Robertson

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Kofford Kids...and a few grateful moments


Ashlyn's piano teacher hosts several recitals a year, and today was the spring recital where students of all ages performed. Here is Ashlyn posing with her fist trophy and award certificates from the recent auditions.

Happiness is a trophy well earned! :-)

Kyle finished his 10 day job of feeding a neighbors horse and taking care of barn chores while they were away. They paid him generously and he used his earnings to purchase a new skateboard!

13 year old boys love to skateboard, and this boy is no exception! :-)

Happiness is in the little things...

What makes your heart sing? Is it a job well done? A new skateboard? Hee hee Do you know what makes me grateful? (No, not a new skateboard, or chocolate, but the latter is very close!)

~Having everyone I love under one roof, and appreciating those who aren't...

~Having two people tonight walking with "Relay for Life" in memory of my mom...

~A soft bed to lay down in, and the strength to get out of it earlier than I would like.

~Seeing someone in a wheelchair, and appreciating that although I don't want to exercise, I am blessed to have two working legs to do so.

~Gratefulness is watching a good teacher teach, and appreciating that my parents were two of them.

~Being grateful is knowing that friends will put flowers on my parents gravesite when I live too far away to do so myself. Happiness is appreciating friendships, both near and far.

~Gratefulness is reading scholarship applications, and knowing that my parents memories will live on in those who receive funding to assist their students.

~Happiness is so many things, the list could go on and on...please share some of your grateful moments! I'd love to read what makes your heart sing! :-)

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Denise, huge hugs and congratulations to Ashlyn on her recital! I was a piano player for many years so I remember that feeling...exciting!
I love this post, and I love how so many things make your heart sing.........
There was a Luminary walk tonight in memory of those who we've lost and I cried the entire lap, Kevin holding my hand and tearing up a bit too, thinking of his parents, and so many others like your mom that have been taken from us so early by cancer.
What makes my heart sing? Many of the same things that you mention, and I must say all my friends, the ones that I see here in my town often, like the one that came and walked with me tonight and I while she walks in memory of a friend she lost, we had a bond and were there for each other.And the ones like you that I blog and email and FB with and that make my day with a comment or whatever. Beyond my family and faith, friendships broaden my life and make me want to be a better person. Thank you for being such a positive force in my life.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, congrautlations to Ashlyn on that recital trophy! What a wonderful day for her and you. :-)

XO,

Sheila

Emily said...

Thats such a wonderful list. I am so grateful for many of life's blessings. God has been so good to me and my family.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Denise! Thanks for stopping by, I loved your comment. I guess the South is sterotyped mainly from the media at times & the worst of us gets out there when a tornado or disaster hits an area, so that's what is usually broadcast on TV. But, you're right in that we are mostly gracious & hospitable & friendly, even if we're not sitting around on the veranda sipping sweet tea most of the time. Thanks for a chuckle! :)Maybe one of these days you can visit the South. Nothing like it!

Unknown said...

Awesome post Denise... My list of things to be grateful for is long...but the top of the list is my new journey into my faith... It has changed my life and the that of my family. It is amazing how my deciding to change has impacted those of others... I am bringing up faith issues in my place of work (oh no!) and in other daily facets of my life! My heart sings when I am around those that get me... and love me for who I am! I went on a Mission Trip yesterday and being around like minded people was wonderful...but now I am writing about what I was going to post on my blog...so I will stop!

PS: I am getting button made and will post it soon!

Lazy Mom Leslie said...

Denise, You do indeed have much to be thankful for! As do we all. Thanks for sharing!

Faith said...

What a great post. I loved your list of things that make you happy/grateful.

I am grateful for my amazing church family and for people's willingness to be open and honest and share what God has done and is doing in their lives. The word of our testimony is so powerful!

Lazy Mom Amanda said...

Your kids are just precious. I couldn't help but notice how green your yard looked...that surprised me. Didn't you just have some snow?

Lucy Marie said...

Congrats to Ashlyn, what a wonderful accomplishment!

Kim said...

Denise! Preston will be so excited to see Kyle's new board. Make sure he brings it when you come to RB next! I love the pics of Ashlyn at her recital, takes me back to Aleah's piano recital days!

Things that make this heart sing?
*family time-family dinner nights and face to face time with my kids
*worship on Sunday mornings with other believers
*spending time with my friends via the blog, facebook, bookclub and hanging out
*the sun on my face and blue skies above
*anticipation of upcoming events when I get to do all the above :-)
*hugs, laughs and more hugs

Preston Faires said...

I was extremly excited when I found out about Kyles new Skateboard. I have been really into Graphic Design and Photo Editing I cant wait to skate with him soon : D
Preston
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww153/pyropreston/Kyle.jpg

kayleigh said...

Thank you for making this blog Denise, you have shown me that life is worth living a couple of months back i nearlly lost my dad in a diabetic coma and fortunatly he survived and im only 14 i thought i nearlly lost my dad forever you have truly inspired me thank you :)