Cap City Open 2013

I am a highly competitive person.  Its not a secret and its one thing I know about myself really well.  Even playing board games with my children, I don't like to lose.  Its not easy for me being this competitive and I would like to learn how to turn it off.  I don't like the nerves, the feeling of letting myself down, letting down those who support me, and especially giving someone rights to claim they are better than me.  Its more psychological but I guess that goes for everyone.  If I know I have to compete in something, whether it be a race, sparring match, karate tournament, or a game of darts there is an overwhelming need to practice, get ready, work on it, build myself up to be better.  I spent the last few weeks gearing up for a karate tournament.  I practiced when I could, I had my instructors watch me, other karate students critique me, and stretched, stretched, and stretched some more.  Sunday was the Capital City Open Karate Championships, I competed in it last year and got 2nd place.  I was thrilled with that considering it was my first tournament.  I am three belts higher now and have new forms under my belt.  I was nervous and honestly felt like throwing up.  My kicks were difficult to stick cause you have to hold your leg up over your head, stretched out for a few seconds, it gives the moves impact.  Without it my form wouldn't look sharp.  I was third to perform and the lady I lost to last year was there.  I stuck the important kick, the one directly over the judges heads, I wobbled on my back leg round followed by a side kick but just kept going.  I slowed it down and paused where I needed to, minded my head checks, and stuck it on the final back leg side kick.  At the end of everyone's forms I stood there, feeling sick again, thinking I could have done better if it weren't for these dang nerves.  I got a hug from the woman I lost to last year and she said I did great! I heard my cheering section cheer for me and that felt good.  When the judges presented the scores I tried to add it all up in my head but my head was too cluttered with other things.  They only give trophies to first through third place finishers.  It wasn't until it came down to her and I that I thought maybe, and when they said second place goes to her, I almost cried right then and there cause I knew I had gotten first place.  All my hard work, practicing, and focus paid off.  I am very proud to be a martial artist and know that there will come a time when I compete that I will lose.  I will drop my weapon, I will miss a step, I might even get hit one too many times but until then I will keep trying my best because after all, I will still just be me...a mom, daughter, wife, sister, aunt, friend, human. thanks for reading xoxo

Room Make Overs

We have been working on the kids' rooms.  Painting and decorating so that they will enjoy them more.  Alex decided he wanted his room Badger colors, which are also Sauk Prairie colors.  We painted one wall black, two walls red, and one wall white.  We put up Bucky wall stickers and framed posters.  He wants to get curtains, bedding, and maybe a rug and trash can to match.  The girls also got to pick their colors.  Jade picked pink, of course.  Ella picked purple.  It left a few colors up for grab.  We painted a tree and kept the background a light blue.  One wall is teal and the entry way is a lime green.  They have a reading nook that still needs to be completed but is a lovely lavender.  We used fairies, flowers, and owl stickers to make it whimsical.  They love it!!  I think the room make overs was a success!! thanks for reading xoxo

Homework Workbook

My mom sent Jade and Ella activity books to help with letters and numbers.  Its been fun working with Jade on her "homework" as she calls it.  She really enjoys learning and trying all the activities in her book.  I think we will not have any trouble with her when it comes to getting school work done! It amazes me how different my girls are from my boys when it comes to learning and doing educational type activities.  I think by the time Jade and Ella are in high school I won't have to help with homework for 2 hours a night!! thanks for reading xoxo

Hawks 12 Panthers 7

Ladies Football Weekend (LFW) was in North Carolina this year.  Some of us got married, had babies, and was too busy to go so we had a smaller group this year.  Saturday night we went on a Party Pedaler and bar hopped for two hours.  Our top speed was 7 miles an hour, down hill even!  We had some super yummy BBQ and tasted some local brews at Macs Speed Shop.  On Sunday, Molly, Julie, and I headed to Bank Of America Stadium and watched the Seahawks beat the Panthers 12-7.  In the seven years of LFW we have never had a win so this year was our first victory! It was amazing.  After the game a Seattle Seahawks crew member walked up and handed me a game ball. I was so excited and since I was already excited about the win I started to cry! This is an official game ball that the Hawks played with People, its a big deal to me!!!  I love having time with the ladies and enjoying everything that we do. I miss them everyday! thanks for reading xoxo

First Day of School

I love the first day of school. Especially since it followed having 13 kids a day at my house! Alex did great although he was a little nervous walking in all by himself. He is going to a new school, Grand Ave and is in the 3rd grade.  I love that he can ride his bike to school and its within walking distance.  We have been walking him to school everyday and walking home.  Jade was really excited to start school too.  She kept asking all weekend when does school start.  She goes half days, starting at noon, to Spruce Street.  I drive her there and she takes the bus from Spruce Street to Grand Ave in the afternoon.  The goal is to have her and Alex walk home with a group of kids.  So far I have been walking down to meet them.  The weather is nice and its a great little walk.  Once winter hits and its cold I will just drive down.  Anyway, Jade got to her locker, posed for a quick pic, went to her desk super happy and picked out a coloring sheet.  I thought it was great, she wasn't upset at all. Then I said OK Jade I will see you after school and it hit hard. She started crying and sobbing and grabbing at me to not leave her.  She was a mess. My heart broke and while I loved how much she wanted me I hated how upset she was.  After calming her I quickly left and didn't look back. If I did, I wouldn't have the heart to go.  I worried all day about her and how she would do. I figured they would call me if it was bad.  When the time came to pick them up, Jade bound off the bus with a big huge smile! Relief washed over me and I gave her a big huge hug. I told her how much I missed her and loved her and that I was super proud.  The next day was better and today was better than yesterday.  Next week I won't be walking her in, she will hop out of the car at the curb and walk in all by herself. Three down, one to go. I have one year left with Ella then all my babies will be in school or have graduated. thanks for reading xoxo

Belt Test Purple Stripe

I had another belt test and this time it went much better.  I knew my forms and combinations and nailed it! I felt much better about this test than the last one.  The kids got picked up early and I was able to practice, stretch out, eat, and mentally prepare.  I was still nervous, I still fumbled a bit on a form but I feel like I earned this new belt.  I feel blessed that I am the age that I am and can still do these physically challenging things.  I am not that old but I believe it is very true that a body in motion will stay mobile but once you put it to rest, it stays there and is much harder to get it going again.  Stay active people, you are far more healthier than the skinny mini on the couch!! thanks for reading xoxo