Two Firsts

Korri and Mac had their first ever Karate Tournament yesterday. Finn was supposed to go as well, but ended up throwing up over night and had to stay home (in all honesty, I don't think he was THAT bummed to miss it!!). All three kiddos worked hard to prepare for the tournament and went to extra classes to be ready, even if mommy had to "strongly encourage" them to.

Mac's age class was first. He ended up being the only one in his division (they usually have three or four "compete" against each other) because one was sick and the other was late. So...he got first place ;) I think nerves got to him because in class, he is super loud but as you'll see in the video, he was super quiet to start with and was very adamant about staying that way. Oh, well.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9H2yuQuhmTFXvBSt6

He was happy to get first and is pretty sure he "won the tournament!" He also said before Korri went that he was positive that Korri would get first place, too! He can be so stinkin' cute!

Then it was Korri's turn but the girl she was competing with was late, so Korri had to wait until last. But I think you'll agree that she did AMAZINGLY well!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oaeVwuTN2ugCLQbi9

Normally at this level, the instructor judge shows each move and then the kids do it. But Korri just stepped up and did all three of her moves without any help! She blew me away. So much confidence and great technique.

Overall, it was a bit of a crazy morning with Finn being sick and figuring all that out and Jim needing to get some things done. But Grandma was able to go with to the tournament to watch, which was really special. I don't love adding things to our schedule (like a weekend tournament!) but it was so fun and fulfilling to see my kiddos out there doing what they love and doing it well. Needless to say, karate has been a great thing for our family.

Hopefully next time Finn will be able to compete as well.

Nov Student of the Month

We have another Student Of The Month at the Thomas household: Korri earned the honor for November for Responsibility and Healthy Lifestyles! (She also earned it once in First Grade) Each teacher picks one student each month that exemplifies the quality/characteristic they are focusing on that month or a student who has gone above and beyond.

I also love that each teacher writes a little paragraph telling WHY the student was chosen. Here is what Ms. Ingram wrote about Korri:

Korrigan is a great listener in 2nd grade. She shows respect and attention to teachers, adults and students in our school. Korri always makes sure other students feel welcome and included in and outside of the classroom. She is courteous and kind to all. Keep up the GREAT work, Korri!

Picture with Korri and the other November Students Of The Month (3rd row, first on the left):

Korri gives us (me, specifically) a run for our money (it probably doesn't help that she is VERY much like her momma!!). She is strong-willed, opinionated, stubborn and can be disrespectful. But she is so much MORE than that, too. She really does have the kindest heart of anybody I know. She is smart and keeps trying even when facing something difficult. She loves to help others, even her brothers if she's in the right mood! There's a saying that sums up Korri and my relationship: I want my daughter to grow up to be a strong woman...I just need to be able to live with her in the meantime!

I am so happy about the 180 she has done since last year. She did great academically last year but cried 4 out of 5 days every week morning about not wanting to go to school. It was a LOT to deal with. This year, she LOVES it (I think she's said maybe twice she doesn't want to go and it was probably because she wanted to go back to bed!). God definitely gave her the perfect teacher for HER this year...very nurturing, which she needs. Plus, I think 2nd grade is just easier than 1st grade...or 1st grade prepares them better for 2nd grade than Kindergarten does for 1st.

Anyway, we are in a good place and she is clearly thriving. Love you so much, Toto! I hope you believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.