Mistakes in Motherhood » Taekwondo

Great Dane Reunion

SumnerRain — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:17:14 +0000

So today Isis had her reunion that the breeder hosts every year for the families who have purchased dogs from them can all get their dogs together and let their dogs play, talk about how much they love their four legged family members and for the breeders to see all their “babies” grown up.

Bobby was feeling sick, so I worried the day would be a bust, but the weather was great, the kids were great, Bobby did not complain (much) and Isis had A BLAST! It was the first time we had let her roam off leash (it was hosted at a small neighborhood park) and she was so obedient and sweet, it was like she was a different dog. Her tail was up, she was socializing with the other dogs and people and she made sure she was never out of our sight.

The surprise of the day was when we ran into the boys’ old taekwondo teacher. He and his wife not only had a new puppy, but a brand new baby girl (like 10 days old). Master B. had met Isis when she was 8 months old and mentioned that he wanted a Dane more than anything and someday he would get Mrs. B to agree. Guess he finally wore her down! His pup, Bella, is ADORABLE and I look forward to some day getting another pup… of course this is like 10 years away, but I told Bobby he could pick out the next Dane, he plans on getting a male. I am hooked, I will never get another breed again.

Belt Testing Again

SumnerRain — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 02:11:00 +0000

Bobby, Austin and Christopher all passed their belt tests! Bobby is now Yellow Belt, and Austin and Christopher made Green belt, which means Austin and Chris have graduated up into the Intermediate class.

Nap, glorious nap!

SumnerRain — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 19:36:00 +0000

Both babies are napping… dare I sigh a breath of relief?? I am afraid if I exhale too much they will both wake up screaming.

Well, I have been somewhat productive… I put the childproof knob covers on the guest bathroom, Austin & Christopher’s room, and my bedroom. I also started a load of laundry and picked up the kitchen a bit. I would like to take a picture of my lilies to share, but that is far down the list of priorities right now.

Bobby, Austin & Christopher are belt testing tonight in Taekwondo. Because of this Bobby is crazy busy at work trying to get finished by 3pm so he can come home and practice with the boys. Because of this I am trying to get all my blogging done before this evening and then try to get my house put back together. I would love to be cleaning now, but I need to vacuum and put away dishes, and both are noisy chores. I know, I know…. “excuses, excuses…” Well yes.. I am tired! LOL

MartialArts3000.com

SumnerRain — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:11:00 +0000

I am always looking for good martial arts websites for the boys, since joining taekwondo they have been huge fans of watching, learning, and trying all sorts of martial arts. That is why I am excited for the launch of a new website called MartialArts3000.com. They have a large assortment of books, CDs and DVDs for the martial arts enthusiast. I just sent this link of Taekwondo stuff in an IM down to the basement where Bobby and is and he really liked all the products, he is thinking of buying some training videos so he can practice in his spare time. Bobby started Taekwondo last night and is trying to catch up with Austin and Christopher so they can all be the same belt level, but since Austin and Christopher started almost 4 months ago, Bobby has some work to do. He did earn his yellow belt while in Korea, but since he has no proof of it, he is starting from square one.

I also liked this Fitness Kickboxing DVD, it looks like a lot of fun and we may try it. This website has a lot of great information, DVDs, books and CDs, you should really check it out.

Yellow Belts

SumnerRain — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 17:55:00 +0000

Forgive me in advance for the quality, I asked daddy if he would take the pictures for me and I think a little baby “helped” by turning the knobs and thus changing the settings of the picture/flash, from the looks of it, the setting was for low light. I used photoshop to make them look the best that I can, but there is only so much I could do. As always, click the images for a larger picture.

We have Yellow belts!

SumnerRain — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 04:12:00 +0000

Austin & Christopher passed their belt tests with flying colors (other than some small snags when it came to some of the language). We also got to see two girls breaking boards with their feet. I am so proud of them, they have been in Tae-kwon-do for 4 months now and I have seen a lot of improvement in their behavior, social skills, discapline and self esteem. In fact we purchased Bobby’s uniform tonight so he can start soon.

It was a nice evening until I went to take Matthew out to the van (he was tired and overstimulated from refusing to nap today) and found that someone parked behind my van. I was not worried about it since I was just going to sit in it for the last 15 minutes of testing (my kids were done), but some jerk from the smoker’s outlet next door came out and yelled at me for parking in HIS parking spots. Had I thought about it, I would have just called the police for him double parking and blocking me in, but I was just shocked that he would come yell at me, especially since his business was closed!!

Anyways, afterwards we went and got dinner, and I am convinced that karma will take care of his poor people skills.

Belt Test!

SumnerRain — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:34:00 +0000

Friday, Austin and Christopher are testing again in Taekwondo, this time for their yellow belts. This will be their second belt test. Afterwards we have dinner with our friends M & J, it will be a lot of fun. I am sure we will be out super late and leave with achy sides from laughing so much and tired kids from playing so hard.

Anyways, just wanted to mention the test real quick before I head to bed.

Costumage

SumnerRain — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 04:58:00 +0000

We finally got the older two kids their costumes. We ended up going to a Halloween store, just because I was not in the mood to fight over the last of the costumes at Target or Walmart, so I am sure we spent more, but oh well, its done. Austin is going to be an “unknown phantom”, Christopher is going to be a “dark ninja”, and Matthew is going to be a lion, his costume was purchesed weeks ago.

It worked out well that they found the costumes they liked, especially since the costumes they wanted they found on a flyer from another store. We had to compromise a bit with Austin who wanted to be the guy from “Scream”.

We also got pumpkins today when we were picking up some groceries for dinner. I think we will be carving them tomorrow since we are going to Taekwondo Monday instead of Tuesday this week.

Not-so TGIF.

SumnerRain — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 19:16:00 +0000

I love that it is Friday, don’t get me wrong, but I have SO MUCH to do as soon as the older boys get home from school. Christopher has a sleepover to go to tonight, and a birthday party tomorrow… as soon as he gets home we have to run out and get a gift for the friend. Then we have to take him to the buddy’s house by 4:30 and get Austin to Taekwondo by 5. Then it’s home to make dinner and FINALLY I can enjoy my weekend.

Tomorrow I don’t have to pick him up until 3pm so I am going to use that opportunity to go get Christopher’s birthday gifts.

Changing of the Belts Ceremony

SumnerRain — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 02:52:00 +0000

It was a big day today at Tae-kwon-do, one Austin was more excited about than the belt test, or even passing the belt test, and that was the ceremony where Master Bell actually ties their belts on them.

Each person who passed the test gets called up one by one and they bow to each other. The student then turns around and faces the class and removes their belt, then face the master again and he ties the new belt on them.

The ceremony was short and sweet, but the boys were so proud of themselves, you should have seen Austin, he was beaming with pride.

The formality of it reminded me a lot of how the military handles promotions with the “pinning” ceremony, where the soldier is called out in front of his peers and then recognized by his commander and first line supervisor say a few words and then pin his rank on him. Of course by him I mean him/her as the military is not limited to men, “him” just comes easier to me as my husband was the “him” I was picturing.

They Passed!!!

SumnerRain — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 02:18:00 +0000

I have two orange belts! They should get their belts on Tuesday, so I will try to get & post pictures then. Austin was almost in tears he was so excited and proud. I am so happy they have something in their lives that fill them with so much pride.

To celebrate we took the boys out to The Olive Garden, Austin ordered an adult plate of fettuccine alfredo… Can you believe he was the only person who ate all his food? This was after a plate of salad and a bread stick by the way. The kid is hollow!

Getting excited!

SumnerRain — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 21:32:00 +0000

90 more minutes until the belt test, and Austin and Christopher are VERY excited! I just hope Bobby can get home from work soon enough to be there. Chances are he will, since we are going to be getting there about 40 minutes early, but there is a chance he may be delayed since he is preparing for teaching his first class next week at work.

Ninja Costumes

SumnerRain — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 20:02:00 +0000

After the boys get their Orange belts, they will be required to buy instep and shin guards to protect themselves and others. While looking at karatedepot.com I ran across some ninja costumes, just in time for Halloween. The costumes seem a bit expensive for one day a year, but they make up for it in quality, I think these uniforms could be used for every day play, or for martial art classes. Both are on sale right now and the website boasts low cost, and fast shipping. Both costumes come with an authentic ninja uniform with hood and mask, a Ninja hardwood bokken; the difference is the deluxe uniform comes with long tabi boots and tabi socks, where the standard uniform comes with rubber sole ninja slippers. With the boys’ new love of Taekwondo; I wonder how long it will be before we have a Ninja for Halloween?

Belt Testing

SumnerRain — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 20:53:00 +0000

So, last night Austin and Christopher took their pre-test for the belt test on Friday so they can get their Orange belts. They did so well and will be testing tomorrow! I am SO excited for them, they LOVE Taekwondo and I am proud of the behavior changes I have seen in them. Wish them luck!!

As if we are NOT big enough nerds…

SumnerRain — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 03:35:00 +0000

We need TWO DVRs, because the one with two incoming lines is not enough. On Thursday I have two shows (CSI & Grey’s Anatomy), Bobby has one (Supernatural), and I am NOT missing CSI again! So, tonight while the boys were in Taekwondo we went to Best Buy to pick up a second unit for our bedroom.

I also feel like I got along done. Bobby has a 4 day weekend (mandatory telecommute days), so when Matthew was napping I was able to go to the boys’ school, the bank, the vet, Goodwill, Bed Bath & Beyond, and to the grocery store.

Tomorrow, Bobby is talking about taking the boys to a Taekwondo state tournament a few towns over. Our school will be in it, but I think it would be a lot of fun for the boys to see a competition. Master Bell worked the kids so hard tonight, he was having them do all sorts of push ups… diamond, knuckle, finger, bounce and clap, etc. I treated the kids to a big meal, chicken Parmesan, Alfredo, french bread, a baked potato, and fresh broccoli and cheese. They chose to go to bed early, poor kids.