Really... a whole month???

I can't believe that I haven't posted in a month. It has been so busy at our house with family stuff and after work  hours work.

Ian and I tested for the next level in karate. Ian did get his blue belt with some stipulations. He wants to add a few extra classes so that he can wear the blue belt to class soon. I am now a green belt. I had to do my test all by myself with 3 black belts watching. It was a bit unnerving, but it went well.

Kick-a-thon

We raised $5,621.47.

Tonight was the kick-a-thon for Our Military Kids at our karate school. Ian and I had a blast.

See the middle of the board is popping out.

That's the center of my board between his elbows.

This was such a cool experience - one of total focus, power and control! I can't tell you how I feel right now. It's kind of unexplainable. Though I am a bit jealous - the boys are going out for ice cream with gma and gpa tonight on their way back to Armstrong.

I did it!

This morning I got my white belt in karate. Learning karate was on my bucket list. I think I even put on the list that I wanted to get a black belt - we'll see about that! I'm really glad that I started. The boys have been going for a little over a year now. When I started total fitness in the spring, I think it was inevitable that I would start karate.

It is a process. A process where I am learning to do something new, making connections with my body, brain, and spirit.

I like it. Actually, I like it a lot. It is a 30 to 45 minute period several times a week where I can only focus on what I am doing in the moment. I can't think about family, bills, school, the boys......... the list goes on OR I can't do the movements. After wards, ahhhh.

Another belt

Ian tested last night for his striped gold belt. We're so proud of him. He had all of the correct motions BUT tended to go at super speed - to slow down is one of his goals.

action shot

good focus

Trying to give the "ninja eyes", but got a smile instead

Hey...that's my brother

Ian was so excited that Simon tested and got his gold belt on Thursday night. Simon worked really hard listening and showing his skills.

Introducing...

Mr. Simon , the white belt

Mr. Ian, the Gold belt

Both boys got promoted to a new belt this week. Simon got his belt on Wednesday and Ian received his on Thursday after he demonstrated his skills. Ian was so excited and did a really good job of focusing on the movements. Simon was a little bit jealous though because he wanted a colored belt AND to be able to demonstrate infront of the group.