My Garden

I have never gardened in my life and I'm pretty proud of how well it is doing.  My bok choy (asian veggie-top right corner) is doing particularly well.  I am really excited about the corn although we've had some squirrel trouble and lost some corn. I replanted though and I am back up to my original corn count and it looks good. Today the broccoli looks larger as well. I can't believe how much I enjoy seeing my veggies grow.  Other than those I've mentioned, I also have green beans, edamame (soy beans), lettuce, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and a watermelon. Outside my box I have strawberries, raspberries and blackberries as well.

 

This first photo is of the garden the day I got everything planted.

May 27th

This is how it looks today.

June 20th

 

Check out that Bok Choy!

 

Watermelon, Beans, Tomatoes and Broccoli

White Belt Represents Innocence

Nolan started Taekwondo about 2 months ago with his friend Benjamin. When his instructor told us the boys would be testing for their white belt on June 20th, both his mom and I were a little leery that the boys would be ready by then. The instructor was encouraging though and let us know that he is lenient on the White belt test because it is their first time.  We have been practicing at home and today was the day.  The test lasted over 2 hours because many different kids and adults test at different levels at the same time.  Part of the test is sitting still and watching others. Also, not getting frustrated or upset if you struggle. 

Nolan did very well today. During one part of testing he was asked what are the five tenets of Taekwondo. Nolan answered Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit. He was then asked which one is your favorite and why. His answer was "self control, cause you always need to be calm and quiet and the usual stuff" It was pretty cute and had the spectators giggling. 

Nolan did great with the board breaking. It is amazing how great the energy is in the room when the board breaking happens.  Nolan had never even tried to break a real board before. They use practice boards in class.  After they successfully break a board in testing they get to keep it!  After the test one of the more experienced kids told Nolan & Benjamin to ask the instructor to sign his board.  He wrote "Nice work Nolan, You are off to a dynamic start!"  It was really cool.

When they gave out the belts it was very thrilling. Of coarse I teared up a bit. I am so very proud of my son.

To watch some of the highlights of the testing Click Here

To watch a longer version of the test Click Here

In case you are wondering, the students get their dobok (uniform) once they  

have received a belt.