Wrestling 101

This was one of Noah's wrestling matches from the district tournament this last Saturday. This is what I have learned one should do after watching Noah wrestle for two seasons.


Apparently Noah tells me these are not actually the official terms for these moves. I guess, if you want to be technical, it should read more like this:
#1 Set him up
#2 Double leg take-down
#3 Hip pressure
#4 Set up for half nelson
#5 More set up for half nelson
#6 Drive the half nelson
#7 Sink the half nelson
#8 Stay on your toes (so you can PIN HIM!)
#9 Had this one right...it's really called shaking his hand
#10 Also right

Noah had a great wrestling season. The amount of improvement from last season to this season was amazing, to say the least. He worked so hard, and refused to give up. We couldn't be more proud!

More Snow

Well, we definitely got some more snow!
And then we definitely got some ice!

Christmas Eve 2011

Fall 2011

Saying Goodbye to Summer

We'll miss you, Summer ... but we're excited for the blessing of Fall ...

1st Day

First day of 8th grade for Noah, and 7th grade for Ethan.

Morning instructions:
Take a copy of your schedule so you know where you're going.
Go to the cafeteria and get your job.
Put your cell phone on vibrate.
Don't lose your cell phone.
Don't lose your $100 calculator.
Lock up your bikes.
Lock your bike helmet to your bike.
Stay together when you ride to school.
Stay together when you ride home from school.
Look for new kids and kids with no friends and be their friend.
Put your name on your paper.
Be respectful.
Do your best.
And, most importantly, be an example of God's love and grace.

My Family 2011

Some of the amazing, wonderful memories made this family vacation.

My parents, brother Greg, brother Garey and his family, and us.
We haven't all been together since 2005.
Hopefully it won't be another 6 years before we are all together again.

Pagoda

Noah's Chinese artifact for Social Studies class.

Why, oh why, do teachers assign "crafty" homework assignments? So unfair to kids with craft-challenged parents!

But, despite my lack of creativity, Noah did a great job on his pagoda!

Noah's First Track Meet

Easter 2011

The Fabulous Four

Pirate Pride

Noah was once again this year given an outstanding student award at Pioneer Middle School. He was awarded for his academic excellence and excellent classroom behavior. We sure are proud of this kid!

And, oh my, look how he's changed since receiving the award last year!

League Tournament

Noah placed 4th in his weight class in the league tournament this past weekend. Quite an accomplishment for his first season of wrestling!

We made a decision as a family early on in the wrestling season that Noah would not wrestle any girls. We made this decision after much prayer, thought, and conversation. Noah, Mark and I were all in complete agreement. Noah had to forfeit his first match of the season because of it. And, then again at the tournament this weekend, he had to forfeit his last match for 3rd/4th place. Certainly, we were all bummed, but Noah did not waver in his decision and we were so proud of him for keeping a great attitude through it all!

Not only did he have a great attitude during the tournament, but he has had a great attitude all season, even though the learning curve for him was huge this year.

We are so proud of the young man that he is becoming, and are excited to see how the Lord is going to continue to grow him and use him.

Joy

Merry Christmas

Pioneer Wrestling

Yesterday was Noah's first ever wrestling match. Although the outcome wasn't what he would have desired, he made a great effort and learned some valuable lessons he will use as the season progresses.

As a mom, I'll just say this ... it was a million times more stressful than watching him play football.

I'll admit, I have been one to mock wrestling in the past. But I am quickly realizing that, while the uniform still leaves a bit to be desired in my humble opinion, wrestling is one very tough, intense sport that requires a ton of mental and physical strength.

And, although Noah is really enjoying it, I'm happy it's a fairly short season because after just one match I felt like I needed a bottle of Advil, a massage, and maybe some counseling regarding my overprotective mothering.

Halloween 2010

Fall 2010

Happy Birthday Noah!

As hard as it is to believe, we now have a teenager in our home. Noah turned 13 this month!

I've included this collage of how many photos I had to take to get him to smile nicely, to give a glimpse of what our life with a teenager is like.


But Noah is seriously a great kid, and we are very proud of the young man he is becoming.

Happy Birthday Noah! We love you!