Andres turns 8

My excellent son turns 8 today (yesterday). We’ve been celebrating his birthday for a few weeks now with a visit from Grandma and Grandpa. The celebrations will continue for a few more weeks. Many presents have been given and he will get many more. Today is the actual day. He’s taking cupcakes to school.

I like Andres’ energy, his desire to connect with people, his enthusiasm, the way he advocates for himself. He’s handsome, cool, intelligent, social and athletic. I’m so proud of his efforts in school and in martial arts. I know he loves his brother very much, and likes to bother him too. I know he loves his mother who has worked very hard with his homework and education. I remember teary nights of homework and he’s really matured and growing up.

I love him so much.

The other day Andres said to me, “you know shooting stars are asteroids?” I thought that was so awesome.

Yellow belt

When I look at the boys yellow belt I get wet in the eyes. Their persistence, their efforts to improve, learning discipline and a skill. It is very meaningful. I read some of a book on crying and I realized there are many reasons to cry and one is feeling that something is full of meaning. It is important. It is important to me that my sons work through challenges, and develop a skill. I feel that the martial arts studio is a very positive space. Friendships develop. A new vocabulary is learned. A language is put to the attitude of self defense. It's a very empowering thing, that combines mind body and spirit. Shihan is wise, intelligent, focused and strong, and he shares his knowledge with the students. I am grateful he set up the studio and for what my children learn.

Sometimes they get roughed up, but they also learn to be gentle in a way. They toughen up. 

Sometimes one of my sons is asked to sit out because he is not listening and making it harder for the teacher to teach. My son then learns there are limits and he must learn greater internal discipline.

One time a son made a negative self comment, and Shihan explained how that wasn't the right attitude. Shihan talks about how students need to eat well, don't play video games all the time, and other good stuff, like being independent and not expecting others to do things for you.