Training with Chief Master M. K. Lee...

For the last month Rebecca has been taking Taekwando classes at the local ATA Martial Arts school here in The Woodlands. Here is a video of her at practice on Wednesday night.



Last night we attended a seminar/class with Chief Master M.K. Lee (8th degree black belt). Chief Master M.K. Lee is one of five masters on the Masters Council for ATA, which is headquartered in Little Rock. So this was a very special opportunity for the school and for Rebecca.



After the class, Rebecca was able to meet Chief Master Lee and he signed her belt. He also took time to speak with Allen and me about Rebecca. He complimented her focus in class and how she paid attention and concentrated on the moves, better than some of the more advanceed students in class. He said he was very impressed with her abilities already because she was just a white belt, and said she was a good candidate for leadership. Of course, Rebecca acted shy and seemed embarrassed by his compliments. (One of the reasons we wanted her to try Taekwondo was to help with her self esteem.)



After we thanked Chief Master Lee, Allen & I talked with Rebecca about what she wanted to do since her month of free lessons was over. After we discussed it, she decided to make the committment to take Taekwando for the next year. We had the paperwork done, then Allen & I signed the contract. We wanted Rebecca to understand her commitment so we had her sign the contract, too. We were hoping that taking the class with Chief Master Lee would encourage Rebecca to continue with her Taekwando lessons, and we were proud of her for making the commitment.

Last Days at FBA...

(Kathryn and her friend Emily)

Today was the last day of school for Kathryn. It was also our last official day at First Baptist Academy. The school celebrated the end of the year with Splash Day yesterday...



...and Field Day today.



Rebecca attended FBA for 5 years, toddler through Kindergarten. Kathryn was there for 4 years, toddler through Pre-K. A total of 7 years. Some of Kathryn's classmates have been in the same class with her for the last 3 years. FBA has been a great school, and we have loved our years there. We will miss it.

Thank you to Ms. Mandy & Ms. Marian, Ms. Janice, Ms. Cheryl, Mrs. Wischan, Mrs. Thompson, Ms. Brenda & Ms. Gracie, Ms. Tina & Ms. Jamie, Ms. Cindy & Ms. Ellie, and Mrs. Anderson. Thank you for loving my girls. Thank you for being a blessing to my children.

Singing & Silliness in the rain...

What a busy weekend we had! Taekwando for Becca, a grauation & party on Saturday. Church and a birthday party on Sunday. Whew! We also had a cool front come through which brought some major rain storms in front of it, and some absolutely gorgeous weather on Sunday. After the storms died down on Saturday night, and beacause the girls didn't get to swim at the graduation party, we let them play in the rain. Here are some videos of their antics.

Alphabet Painting 2009...

I made another alphabet painting for the 7th Annual First Baptist Academy Art Show & Auction fundraiser back in February. This year our room mom purchased the canvas to give to our teacher as a gift from the class. I delivered it to Mrs. Anderson today. She was very surprised and touched by our gift.

Patty Anderson is an awesome teacher and we were very blessed to have her loving on our children this year.

Mother's Day...

Today was not a typical Mother's Day for me. Allen & I served on media team at church this week. We had to be at church by 8:15, and since we are a house full of night owls, no breakfast in bed for me. But that's OK, I didn't mind.

After church, we decided to go on a quest for lunch, because afterall it was "MY" day. The girls said, "Where do you want to go Mommy? It's your choice." Of course the first place I suggested was met with "I don't like that place." So we stared driving to find a place for lunch. After passing crowded restaurants, and listening to the whining in the back seat, we stopped at a Wal-Mart and got McDonald's for the kids. Yes, folks, McD's.

I found myself being a little annoyed. Here it was, "MY" day, and my kids were getting their way. It made me want to throw a whiny fit too, but I realized I was being selfish. Really, today was not supposed to be about just me. It was about the blessing of being a mother. I had to remind myself that I have been blessed with two beautiful girls. Each one with their own special talents and gifts, and their own unique personalities. Yes, they can get on my last nerve some days, but then they turn around and say and do the sweetest things. I truly am blessed.

Well, after a quick snack at McD's for the kids, it was off in search of lunch again. We finally ended up at Gugliani's Italian Grill near Old Town Spring. We had never been there before, but it was really good. I had the Chicken Marsala. It was probably some of the best I had ever had.

My Mother's Day gift from Allen was also not typical. He bought matching PJ's for the girls and me.



After we got home, we put on our PJ's and did something totally girly. The girls set up "2 Girls Spa" in the kitchen. Kathryn "fixed" my hair and Rebecca painted my toenails. We sat there on the floor playing and being silly for at least an hour.



I had fun with my family today, especially my girls. But, I must also say thank you to my sweet husband. Without him, and God, I wouldn't be on this crazy ride called motherhood. Yea, so there was some whining and fussing today, and there were some bad attitudes, but it was a great day. Thank you God for blessing me with a wonderful family.