Black Belt Club

Today was Everett's first day sparring with his Martial Arts, Black Belt Club.

   

In six short months we have watched Everett transform from a timid and awkward participant to a strong and confident athlete. We are excited he is not only having fun but working hard towards Black Belt.

 Everett is in the red shirt with gold belt.

We have noticed a difference not only in his physical strength and endurance but also in his determination in reaching goals.  I've really enjoyed watching him developed into a well-disciplined Martial Arts student who not only has respect for himself but for his instructor and fellow students. 

Knowledge in the Mind, Honesty in the Heart, and Strength in the Body.

Happy "Sweet 16th" Anniversary!

Happy "sweet 16th"  Anniversary to the love of my life. 

Too Much Talking & Ignoring Reminders

RATS! We knew this day would come and though we are  disappointed with Emory's behavior choice today, we are relieved he feels remorse, especially that today would be the first time he's EVER had to move his behavior clip. WAHHHHHHHH!!!

This sweet and stubborn boy, along with a few other boys, were talking in line and when asked to stop they all ignored the teacher's request.  If you know anything about Emory, you'd know this was a blow, straight the the heart. Even so, he is not one to back down,  especially if he feels you're wrong and he's right (not sure where he gets that personality trait from. EEK!) 

When I arrived after school, his nose was bright red and his eyes were puffy and watery. His teacher felt terrible, especially terrible knowing she would be the very first teacher ever making Emory move his clip to yellow. 

This is the Behavior Clip Chart in Emory's class. Each day the student's clip starts at "Ready To Learn" (green);  if they do not follow the rules or instructions, the student is asked to move their clip down one spot.  Emory's teacher is the best of the best; she is patient and kind so I have zero doubts Emory deserved to move his clip today. 

Today's incident deserved a consequence and because it was his first offense (and only a yellow), it warranted a discussion about positive behavior, making good choices and an apology note. I gotta say this kindergartener came up with a great apology for his teacher.  

I love Emory so much and it breaks my heart when he's sad and/or makes poor choices. As much as I'd like to ignore the  "yellow" warning and / or tell him not to cry because it was only a yellow, I have to remind myself he needs natural consequences  (those that relate to the crime) and of course, our involvement. 

Being present, hands-on, and consistent can be difficult at times like these; hopefully our attention to this matter will help Emory understand we expect better, whether it be tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. Too much talking isn't terrible, but it is when you're ignoring the reminders. Today was a good lesson for us all. I'm confident tomorrow will be a better day. 

Fall out baby tooth, fall out!!

Emory has a new tooth is coming in; his very first permanent tooth. 

Fall out baby tooth, fall out!!

Pinewood Derby Race

This weekend was Everett's first Pinewood Derby- that annual Cub Scout event where parents and sons learn and work together to create a fast car out of a block of wood. 
We got our kit at the beginning of the year and attended a workshop on how to saw, chisel and sand this rectangular block down into a racing machine. Everett picked out enamel paints, flame decals and red wheels at the Scout store. 

Everett lines up with his pack members to get their cars weighed; then we wait patiently until it was our turn to race.

 Forty-nine boys competed in our pack. Four boys per race and an elimination process that involved scoring. Our den didn't place overall, but you wouldn't have known it by looking at these sweet, happy faces. The boys were excited to be present and ready to cheer for all the derby cars racing down the track. 

Today was a great day, worthy of high-fives and celebrations!

Highlights from our first pinewood derby race...

The Cub Scout Motto is to "Do Your Best". Boys often become so interested in winning that they fail to see the importance of doing the best they can at everything.  Cub Scouting teaches boys that no one can find fault with them if they always do their best. 

So proud of Everett, not because he received a trophy but because he is an awesome participant, in everything he does.  Win or Lose, he is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. 

So very proud of our Scout.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you lots of love and hugs this Valentine's Day!!

Blue & Gold Banquet

 Tonight Everett attended his very first Blue & Gold banquet.

Greyson and Everett receiving their "Running with the Pack" Achievement award from our Pack's Cub Master.

Everett also received a certificate for "Most Likely to Free All the Animals".

Deona Rocks!  Den Leaders were also recognized at the Banquet. 

Mr. Keethan, Greyson, & Everett get silly at the Selfie Booth.

 

 

A great night with great friends at the Blue & Gold Banquet.

The Boys Walked in their First Parade

 Our Martial Arts family participated in this year's Mardi Gras Children's parade in downtown Galveston.  With so many parades packed in the two week celebration, the Children's parade followed the Pet parade; this was a bonus as we got to see the cute animals up close..

 Mardi Gras costumes are bright and beautiful.

 I'm taking note for next year.

 This town is serious about their beads. 

Our group was asked to bring beads to throw out to the crowds along the parade route.  I seriously underestimated the amount of beads we brought with us.  20 packs (200 strands) from Dollar Tree was nowhere near sufficient for two participants. 

This  cart was one family's bead contribution and their supply was completely depleted by the end of the parade route.  Most families brought 400-800 strands of beads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Waiting for our group to get called in to parade position.

So.Many.People!

  We had so much fun throwing beads but were a tad disappointed we didn't bring more beads for the entire parade route; next year we WILL be prepared.

 The route was too long, especially for these 5 year old legs.  

 

The boys walked in their first parade today and despite how tired they were and not enough beads, we had fun.