Karate 2

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Hinckley started karate around the 1st of November and he loves it! He is actually very good at it. He is between 1.5-2 years younger then the other boys in his class. They had what they call a tip test on Wednesday and it was not what I was expecting but it all worked out. His instructor had a family emergency and so the assistant stepped up. Instead of having the kids do it individually she had them do it all together. Mr. Green who is next to Hinckley had not been there for almost a month and the other kid on the end Mr. Riley had been gone for 2 weeks. So they really shouldn't have tested. And Hinckley decided to focus on the other boys then focus on what he knew. So he got a bit confused. OH WELL. I know he can do it and his teacher does too. Here is the video of the test.

1st Karate tip test

This video is when he got the color on his belt. He is so handsome! His teacher Sandy Zemanek LOVES LOVES LOVES Hinckley. It totally warms my heart. She has told me often how much she enjoys have him in class and that he is always on task. She has a softy for children in the military because her husband was in the air force. She makes sure to give him some extra loves and encouragement. She said to me the other day after all the other kids had left that Hinckley was her favorite. But who can blame her?

Can you spot the yellow and black stripes on his belt? He is showing off his 8 count block

The video!

6 months pregnant...

So tell me what do you think... Does this baby bump look like a 6 month pregnant lady?

No really take a good look...... Be honest.... Does it look like a 6 month pregnant lady?

Want my opinion? Yes.... Yes it does. and YES that is me.

and NO I am not 6 months pregnant or pregnant at all for that matter. But I did have a lovely lady at karate ask me if I was... Amy & Shauna it was that mom who repeats everything the kids are suppose to say... Yes that one! I was soooo taken off guard I think I ho hummed a bit. And was like ahhh... no but ummmm... thank you? No I mean how rude... Umm.... I hate you and I dont even know you....

Okay not really its just more motivation for me to kick obesity in its ass. Pardon my language. But really I am. I AM KICKING OBESITY IN ITS ASS! As of to date I have hit my first weight goal... AKA 23 POUNDS LOST! I know that sounds crazy but its true! And thats with the Holidays and a ankle injury! And if you go scroll up back to those pictures... Yep go ahead... scroll back up... Examine them.... Pick away at my overweight self but know that I am completely sticking my stomach out as far as it will go. Had I done that 2 months ago I would have looked more like a beached whale... Now I look like a 6 month pregnant lady. HEY I WILL TAKE IT.

And here is my true picture with the best posture I could have so I look thinner! HERE'S to another 23 pounds people!

Wii be having fun

We have enjoyed playing on my parents wii. The other night Chandler demanded to play too. He would not give up that dang remote!

A family tradition

One of my favorite things that we did when Troy was with us was to have dance parties. Oh I loved watching my dashing husband twirl around with my boys and flip them around like pancakes. We would usually do it at least once a week and it was a time for us to bond together as a family. So of course we have continued the tradition even when he is gone. So I finally pulled the camera out and took a few snapshots on our Sunday tradition.

Hinks getting jiggy with it

Hinks face totally makes me laugh
OH so precious of my Chandler

Something to mention

So despite the fact that I complain a lot about the fact that Troy is gone I do want to mention a few things that have given me strength to move forward. This is just a little list and it will expand and I will add to it but for now I wanted for my records some "tender mercies" of the Lord I have experienced. Please do not get offended if I didn't add you in this list. These are just a few and some experiences that came to my mind as I was typing. So I love all of you and appreciate your support! Every little text message or phone call or email helps!

1. One Saturday when my Mom and I were shopping I spotted a lady wearing a blue star shirt. We walked around the store a bit more and ran into her again. This time I couldn't contain myself and I walked up to her and thanked her for her service members service. She told me that she has 3 sons who are serving and one of them was killed in 2007. I then noticed her 2 blue stars and her gold star. Then I noticed her red jacket with her name tag on it. It said, "President of the Blue Star Mothers." We got to talking and I told her that my husband was in Iraq. She took his address and said she would send him a package. Little did I know she was going to send him multiple packages! She wrapped her arms around me and we both cried. She told me to hang on and that things would be alright. You become instant friends with people who have been or who are going through the same thing you are.

2. Thanksgiving was great this year it really was but there was a bit of sadness in my heart. My dear friend Lanelle texted me and told me she was thinking about me and her words lifted me up! I thought about how selfish I was being.... She has had a fair share of disappointment in life and for her to take time out of her family day meant the world to me!

3. Sundays are the absolute hardest for me. Those are the days I miss Troy the most. I sometimes however, have things that help me get through the rough hours. For example a few weeks ago after the primary program the Stake President came up to me and introduced himself and told me that he had heard my husband was serving. He explained that he and his counselors pray for those members in the stake serving by name and that he would include Troy in it. He also said he would include our family. I was left in shock, a complete stranger was going to pray for my husband by name.

Then today after a long Sacrament meeting a lady came up to me and said, "You sure are doing a fantastic job with your children while your husband is gone." That was it and we passed each other in the hall and I felt peace and reassurance that we will carry on.

4. As most of you know in our church the first Sunday of the month is what we call fast Sunday. We fast from usually 2 meals and pray for guidance or inspiration. Well this fast Sunday I was praying for something very particular and peace for something that will be happening in the future. It was a great fast for me. As the day went on I received a text from my brother Rob. He told me that his family had a particular fast for Troy today. I wept tears of gratitude. He said how it was his kids idea to do it. I was so touched that he would even consider our family and Troy in his families fast.

5. A few posts ago I mentioned a boy who had no family and zero support while on this deployment. I was absolutely blown away by my friend JJ and her family. They sent him packages and love all the way from Michigan. It made me realize that people really do want to support our troops and they took this opportunity and did a great service to somebody who has nobody! Totally warmed my heart!

Hang in there if you are struggling with something. Hang in there and know that tomorrow will come. Hold on to the good memories. Hold on to hope and faith. God is good.

Hinks Dance Recital

Here is Hinckleys dance recital... It totally warms my heart!

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! My cute little reindeer.