Tae Kwon Do - Paul

Paul just evaluated for his red belt.  He did AWESOME!  It's a pretty grueling evaluation.  He performed six or so forms which can be anywhere from 16 - 35 movements each.  He had all sorts of kicks, punches, and jumps to remember and do.  He had to perform several "one steps" which are a series of self defense moves.   He spared two people at the same time.  He broke two boards - one with a side kick and one with a front kick.  The board breaking is pretty exciting to watch.  And finally he had to do as many front kicks and side kicks as he could in one minute and 30 push ups.  WHEW!  It's wearing me out just typing it all out here!  Great job Paulie!  We are SO proud of you.  Keep up the great work!

Here he is breaking the board with a front kick!  (Notice, the broken board.)

School Has Begun

Well it actually "began" two weeks ago.  But the first two weeks where both four day weeks so I think we can say that this past week has been the first "real" week of school.

A little drama and a miracle to start off with.  Most of you reading this know that we live in Hayward but our boys go to school in Castro Valley (CV) at Castro Valley Elementary School (CVE). Well for some reason CV is experiencing a surge in enrollment this year, especially in the 3rd grade - Paul's grade so, Paul did not get into CV for the first week of school.  God is truly amazing because after speaking to the lady in the district office who does the transfers I was pretty much resigned to the fact that Paul was going to have to go to school in Hayward this year.  She straight up said, "It's not looking good" (That Paul would get into any school in Castro Valley).  Then low and behold I get a call from the principal at CVE telling us that they are opening up a new 2nd/3rd grade combo class!  So, Philip and Paul are both at CVE where they have been since kindergarten.  Truly a miracle.  God is SO GOOD!

Here are some pix from the first day of school

                   Big 4th Grader - I can't believe it!

          And my big 3rd Grader - can't believe this either!

And last but certainly not least, my little devil - Sammy.  And believe you me I can believe this one as we are together 24/7!  ; )  Just kidding - Love you Sambo!