Karate b-day turned pool fun

Our friend's son had his 8th bday this weekend. He opted for a karate themed party of which resulted in them renting his sensei (aka Ricardo) for 2 hours on Saturday. April did an amazing job with the cake and decorations all of which she made herself. Ya, she made the headbands even! After the party her and her kids headed to our pool for the rest of the day to hang out and relax. Her husband joined us later at our house and we ended the day with burgers and dogs on the grill. I'm sure it's hard to tell but my kid is the brownest one in the pictures! Ha!

Husband, Father, Friend

The other day Ricardo was getting ready to leave for a meeting with another Sensei. He was wearing one of my favorite shirts that he has and jeans. The shirt is a light blue fitted polo that most men probably couldn’t pull off but with his ever tan skin, it looks amazing on him! As he was getting ready to leave, grabbing all of his man items needed for the day, I glanced over and saw him as he was finishing putting on his bracelet and grabbing his wedding ring to put it on. I wished at that moment I could have taken a picture of him putting on his ring. I’m not sure why it made me a take a double glance…maybe it was how he looked or maybe it was the ring he was putting on. Regardless, it was one of those moments that is almost imprinted in your brain forever. I think God lets us see things sometimes with fresh eyes to bring us back to a place that reminds us of the blessings we have. As Father’s Day approaches I’m reminded of the father he is to Alexander, the wonderful husband he is to me, and the friend he is not only to me but to countless others. Our time together has brought many happy times, many trials, and many years of learning how to be a Godly couple that is inner twined in family and friends. I’m thankful God listened to my prayers 8 years ago and knew my heart was for a real man that would love not only me but our child without conditions. Our meeting all those years ago was and always has been a beautiful surprise for me. As we continue to grow as a couple and watch our son grow into a young man, I can always look back to that day and forever be grateful for that surprise which was really a gift beyond measure. Happy Father’s Day to my husband and friend!

Last tournament

This past weekend we headed to Tennessee for our last regular season tournament. The kids did great, including Alexander. He got 3rd in forms and sparring out of 6 or 7 kids. One of the little boys he sparred against didn't win anything and was really sad. So, Ricardo talked to Alexander and asked him if he could give one of his medals to the other boy and without blinking an eye he agreed. The little boy was so excited! He hung on to it through the rest of the day and then his parents gave it back with much appreciation towards the sentiment. Of course, Alexander being his honest self said, why did they give it back anyway...then rolled his eyes. LOL!

Always a fun time hanging with our karate pals, eating at crazy restaurants, and having a good laugh!

New Pergola

New pergola and freshly stained patio furniture. The staining was our Saturday morning project. 

Another project

Yesterday was project day. We started putting up our pergola, hit the pool, then headed to the Skinners to eat pizza and help them with their deck. Well, Beth and I watched anyway. Ha! Ricardo has become quite the project man this past week. I'm not sure he's yet sold on being like that long term but at least he gives it a good college try. And, it's fun hanging with our friends. Our friend Eric said the use if the ladder was probably not OSHA approved! LOL!

First Twinkie

I totally slurged and bought a box of Twinkies yesterday. A pal of mine said she'd never had them and neither has Alexander. In an instant he was in love! He said 'oh icing'! I had a bite and was taken back to being at the babysitter when I was his age eating Twinkies and ding dongs! Awesome memories!

My Champion

Alexander, once again, dominated the ring this weekend. He took first in sparring and second in techniques!

Miracles Do Happen

Ricardo helping Eli build their new deck. Proof modern day miracles do happen...Ricardo with a drill in his hand!

Big Kid

Alexander came and laid on me this eveing and we started laughing at tall he was. The kid is 5 and is not much shorter than me. SAD!

Tournament results

Another weekend of tournament fun has come and gone. We got to hang with our karate pals, cheer on our kids, and have lots of laughs. I also got to stop and have dinner with my bestie (one of them), Teresa. We don't see each other often enough but it's always great when we can spend some time. And, we got to include Cha Chi and some of our karate friends in dinner so that made it even better. 

Little Graduate

Last Day of Preschool

Today was Alexander's last day of preschool...ever. We're so proud of all the things he learned this year like how to start reading, he made new friends, and best of all had lots of chapel time and we're hoping he has a better understanding of how to have Jesus in his life. 

We had a surprise in the car, his pal Jasper. We're dog sitting this week so we took him with us for last day fun! 

Prom 2014

We had our friend's daughter Katelyn and her friends come and take pics in our back yard Saturday. Prom 2014 looked exactly like Prom 1993...not! The dresses were amazing and their hair was so cute. I hope they remember how fun that was. Those times are few and far between in life!

On the road

This past weekend we went to not one but two tournaments. Alexander scored 4 medals and did a pretty good job along with the rest if the team. And, as usual, we had an awesome time with our karate family!