Gavin's Boxing/Kodi's Mamma Drama..and US EXHAUSTED!!!!

It has been almost 5 months since Gavin started boxing.
And he LOVES IT!!!
He has really came a lonnnng way since he began. He boxes for YPAL (Yakima Police Athletic League)
It's an awesome Organization. He is coached by some of the very best coaches, and the Yakima Police Dept. heads up the whole thing.
SOOOOO here is the exciting news.... they never put a kid in the ring until they feel like they can defend themselves. We talked with Gavin's coach yesterday, and it sounds like he will get his first "spar" in the next couple weeks! That is super exciting...as he has been training his heart out.
It will probably be at least another 6-8 month before Gavin will have his first fight. It takes most kids on average 12-14 months of boxing before their first fight...because they wont just throw them in their to get hurt.
We will definitely try to get some pics of his first spar.... if he lets us that is. He will be sparing against a boy named Ricky who is undefeated and has been boxing for 4 years. They will put him in with Gavin because they are close to the same weight....and Ricky is so experienced that he knows how to spar and not hurt the other fighter. It will be GREAT for Gavin because he will learn alot.

As most of your know...we are going through some very rough times here in Yakima.
Since all has unfolded with Kodi's mom's "PROBLEM" We have benn taking things "Day by Day".
We are all in counseling and trying to get through this as a family the best we can, and hope that the courts will work in our favor.
Kodi as been attending Alateen meetings on tuesday nights (they call it "Alatween " since he is only 9) and is loving it. He is learning that his Mom's drinking is not his fault, and learning to focus more on being 9 instead of a adult and trying to take care of her.
We are pleased with what he has learned so far from the program...and it will become a regular part of his life.
Eric and I have too been learning and growing from this.
We have both been going to Alanon meetings.....to help us learn more about the disease, and how we can help Kodi. We also have learned tons...and will continue to make it a part of our lives also.
I think it's safe to say we are BOTH drained emotionally and physically.
Everyday it seems it is a constant run....here, their... between 3 different counseling apts. a week, Boxing, alanon,alateen, Cub Scouts, Eric working 50 hr weeks....planning the wedding, and dealing with Lawyer stuff.... we barely have a minute to ourselves to even think.
Two very special friends of ours...the Meluskey's (Mike and Christy) Have asked us to join them for a night out this weekend.....and we took them up.
We really need some time to ourselves....for ourselves... they are very good friends and recognized we needed some time out....It's sure nice to have such good friends!!! We only have a few good friend couples here in yakima...and appreciate them all... (Erin and Travis.. and a few others)

We are hoping we will have some positive news by the end of the week from the courts... please cross your fingers.
Gavin is dealing with things in his own way..... the Gavin way... which isnt always the best. He see's his counselor regularly and she has expressed to him any support he can offer Kodi at this time from one brother to another will go a long ways. And Kodi's way of dealing is to withdrawl.....he doesn't even want to play baseball this year. We will continue to encourage each of the boys, hug them, have ALOT of family time and help each one get through things , and try to keep our life as Normal as possible.
Thanks for reading.... HOPEFULLY we will have some good news to post by then end of the week on things!
Thanks to everyone for thinking of us!!!!!
HUGS from Yakima