yellow belt

 david started taking karate

in the middle of december

his dai sempai is also his 3rd grade teacher, and david loves him

yesterday he tested for his yellow belt

it started with a written test where david had 

to know a bunch of japanese terms as well as some historical aspects 

of karate

then a physical test that included sparring with a number of his fellow students

(including dai sempai)

followed by performing some katas (a series of moves) in front of the class

dai sempai then broke 4 boards on him (one on each arm and leg)

i didn't get a picture, but david had to break a board with his knee

which he did on his first try

 receiving his yellow belt

it's official--out with the white

we are so proud of the effort that david puts into everything that he does

he is disciplined by nature (i think he was like 4 when he asked for an alarm clock 

so that he could wake up early to have his QT and work out :)

it's so much fun to watch him grow up-- 

countdown...

as of today, only 5 more weeks till summer vacation

i'm not sure who's more excited--me or the boys--

--and i don't even homeschool ;)

here's to many lazy days spent with friends

and cousins

and i'm SUPER excited that my littlest sister 

(who is about to wrap up her sophomore year at mcdaniel)

is going to be helping me this summer

i have plans for a major "stuff" purge

and general organization---

and hopefully lots of laid back fun mixed in

*6*

my baby #2 turned 6 yesterday

i was thinking back to his birth yesterday

a little scary at the end, but out he came--perfect

the nurse said he looked like a little bunny

and that's how i thought of him in those sweet early days

he started his day with family presents

and vanilla scones from starbucks (personal request)

he had a little party at school complete with donuts and goodie bags (a must)

here the class is sharing what they like about xan

the first kid that shared said "you're my best friend"

i thought it was the sweetest thing, until i realized that in kindergarten

every kid says the same thing

they're all best friends :)

then a cousin party at home after school

with tacos and grapes (another special request)

and a cake that has the "same features as a cupcake, but bigger" (his words)

our little xander man

we love you so much!!

my career

one day last week

when i was feeling particularly low--

overwhelmed with my limitations and feelings of failure as a mom

 this quote arrived in the mail;

sent to me by mark's grandmother

it was just the encouragement i needed

and a reminder of God's specific care

as He spoke to me from a very unexpected place

"To be Queen Elizabeth within a definite area,

deciding sales, banquets, labors and holidays;

to be Whiteley withing a certain area,

providing toys, boots, sheets, cakes and books;

to be Aristotle within a certain area,

teaching morals, manners, theology and hygiene:

I can understand how this might exhaust the mind,

but I cannot imagine how it could narrow it.

How can it be a larger career 

to tell other people's children about the Rule of Three

and a small career to tell one's own children about the universe?

How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, 

and narrow to be everything to someone?

No: a woman's function is laborious

but because it is gigantic,

not because it is minute."

GK Chesterson

*3*

happy 3 months 

baby girl

2ish months stats

i finally got emelia in for her two month check-up

weight: 13.1 (80th percentile)

length: forgot to ask :) (50th percentile, whatever that is)

head: ditto length (75th percentile)

she's got some mighty squishy rolls

and is now almost completely in 3-6 months clothes

i'll admit i shed a few tears as i packed up her newborn clothes

(mid-sneeze)

she is so lovable and fun right now

and thankfully still a little cuddle bug

i can't wait to watch her little personality come out

so far i'm seeing what may be a little sensitive side

if i forget and do something she doesn't like

(example: kissing her neck a million time in a row, cause how can you not??)

she cries the most pitiful, offended cry

love her to pieces

 

 

*3*

out little fireball turned 3!

and yes, he still has a "papi"

he celebrated with his "little cousins" 

as he calls them

it's an easy party with so many cousins living near-by

we are blessed

luca,

our 3 year old boy (or baby as you sometimes still want to be)

you are one of kind--with a fire in your belly that won't quit

and a sweetness that still finds it's way through 

you are a puzzle pro

letters and sounds, and simple spelling is your faviorite thing to do

besides playing with Thomas and his many, many friends

and coloring

and digging in the dirt...

we love you so much!