Last TKD Post for a Little While

I was worried Shane would be tired, but he had energy to spare at TKD.

The instructor had to redirect him multiple times.

Then again, he didn't run off like the youngest kid. It's all relative.

Shane got really into his horse stance. The turd looked before invading his neighbor's space, too.

He behaved well enough to earn his ninja sticker. Five down, five to go! I wonder what sort of prize he'll receive. Maybe you need the stickers to test for your belts?

On an adult note: the dojang gets really crowded. I took a photo in a less claustrophobic moment. 

Kindergarten Back to School Night

We all went to Shane's first Back to School Night today and it was packed! I had no idea elementary schools had such a high turnout! We picked up some free seeds before we were allowed back into the classrooms. Shane hugged a friend from class named Zion.

Shane was in his element. He ran up and hugged his teacher, Ms. Samuels, straight away.

I wonder if I look at things differently than many parents, because I'm a teacher. It was a gorgeous classroom: well-organized, clean, and procedures evident. Shane explained to us how the clothespin feedback worked, and I heard another little girl tell her mom the same story verbatim.

Shane's teacher had great things to say about him. I knew he would be strong academically, but it was wonderful to hear he listened well, showed manners, and got along with his classmates. He's a high energy kid, so I figured focus and restraint would be his areas to work on.

We hung out in the classroom for almost half an hour as Shane ran and played. He was overstimulated and overjoyed with it all. Carrie and I joined in some.

Afterward, the school provided dinner: BBQ or a hot dog. Carrie was a bit overwhelmed by all the noise and people so we ate in a quiet spot. Shane would have loved to be in the middle of all the people and chaos. He didn't want to leave! The event started at 6:00 PM and we got home a little before 7:00 PM.

Raheem ran over to help Shane get out the last of his energy before dark.

There's plenty to do around here if you know how to look for it.

A 1,000X Better

Shane and I had a conversation before soccer practice.

"Can I play Rogue Legacy after practice?" Shane asked.

"Sure, if you have a good practice."

I went on to explain what a 'good' practice was. Shane needed to; A) Listen to his coaches, B) Try, and C) Have fun. I told him I didn't care if he was the fastest or slowest kid out there. Everyone was on the same team.

While there were moments like this (Shane ran in circles around the huddle):

And a few plop downs...

Shane did a much, much, better job of listening to the coaches. He didn't pout or refuse to do anything!  He wasn't always 100% engaged, but he got back up quick enough (not quite fast enough to my liking, but I realize he's 5 and it was way better than last time).

When the coach split up the kids for a scrimmage at the end, I thought Shane was going to plop down and refuse to play like he used to in Hot Shots. Instead, he ran around with the group and chased the ball! He even got the ball on a break away or two! He was in the thick of it almost half the time.

So of course I said "Yes," when Shane asked to play on the playground after practice.

He's getting good on the rings.

Active day for an active boy. We came home, fed the chickens, took a shower, and then Shane got to play Rogue Legacy before story time. It was a good night!

Wrestling Open Mat

The new HS Coach held his first open mat of the year. I went to support.

Three kids came. Two greenhorns who went with the coach and a veteran I knew who worked with me.

Twenty pounds, a beard, and experience saw me through. My cardio nearly killed me. Good kid. I hope there are enough wrestlers there's a team around him. I'll probably drill a lot with him during the season.

Now my neck is wrecked. Those are the first muscles to go....

Family Dinner Date

Sunday night, we went over to Dylan and Eli's house for dinner. The boys played really well together!

Dylan and Eli's neighbor brought over her 16 month old, too.

I almost don't know what to do with myself when Shane's engaged, appropriate, and there are no chores to do. Luckily, Dylan's Dad, John, had football on.

Dylan and Shane played some Angry Birds Space and then Lego Star Wars on the iPad. Shane played. Dylan watched. Everyone was happy. Dylan was full of spoilers, too, but I don't know how much Shane was listening. He was in an electronic trance.

Regardless, I should probably get Shane to watch Episode IV again and maybe V before Dylan gives away too much!

Work Wedding

Inspiration struck. Carrie wanted to build a wedding present for her coworker/factory boss. He only wears flip flops. Carrie decided to create a bouquet and display that included a years worth of flip flops for the bride to be (Creative isn't she?).

My quest: Find a box. Carrie left me to it while she went to a hair appointment.

Boxes are a funny thing. They're ever present and recycled all the time, but rare when you need one. I didn't want to pay for one, so I rummaged.

Nothing fit Carrie's grand specifications, so I fabricated one instead. To my own amusement, I used a company box.

Carrie went to work after her appointment. She used flower wire to secure her arrangement.

I got kicked upstairs to shower and get ready. Unfortunately, the gift was wrapped when I returned.

I would have made a lid, but Carrie was concerned about time and didn't want a lid if she couldn't cover it with wrapping paper (we'd run out). Maybe the happy couple will be happy enough to post a picture. Carrie got a little stressed at the end trying to pull it off, but she had a lot of fun overall.

Carrie has not approved any wedding photos, so I can't post any at this time. We'll see what happens later.

UPDATE:

Seanon sent Carrie a thank you and a picture of the final product.

And I forgot about a mini-Polaroid tucked in my shirt pocket.

Family Means Child Care

Carrie and I are attending a wedding this weekend. Shane will attend La Casa de Grandma y Grandpa. 

I picked him up after work and drove him to Richmond for the hand off. I had planned on driving the whole way, but Grandma insisted on meeting halfway. It saved me close to an hour and a half of driving and I got dinner out of it, too! (Thanks!). 

It felt like a short trip to Shane. He slept. It took him a bit to slowly come to after I parked.

Carrie and tried to find a babysitter during the week, but when family offered we took it! Shane will have to miss his soccer game Saturday, but I'm not sure he was ready for it yet anyway.

Super Sentences

This made me smile.

I love that he threw in my beard. I suspect that's a phone in my hands.

Shane must have been thinking about the time he said, "Let's make a book!"

Angry Birds and Star Wars.

A New Hope inspired him. Shane remembered a lot of details!

We'll watch it a couple more times before he sees The Empire Strikes Back (possibly my favorite).

TKD Day 4

Ten minute drive and one minute before arrival Shane conked out.

He leaned against me when I put his gi top on and walked through the parking lot with his eyes closed. I'm sure it was cute and tired at first, but later transitioned to a game. He knew to stop when I said "Don't walk into the wall!"

Shane was wide awake for flying sidekick practice.

I told Shane he could nap on the way home if he liked. He tried to close his eyes for a couple minutes, but the sinking spell had passed.

Maybe Shane is more tired than I thought with school and without napping. It would explain some of the crabby outbursts. He doesn't have quiet time anymore on weekends, either.

Of course, Shane would rather die than admit he needed a nap.

Four classes down. We've now earned a sticker for each of the ninja turtles!

Teaching Year #11 Underway

I always wonder if "This will be an easy school year."

So far, there's no such thing.

I don't think there ever will be if I do my job right, either.