The Trouble With -30

The trouble is..... it is COLD!!!  So cold that Ken's car wouldn't start.  So cold that the dogs freeze their paws in minutes.  So cold that mom would rather be snuggled up in the house with the little one reading, doing puzzles together or just hanging out.  We got to do all these things this week AND still ventured out to see friends.  We diligently made it to Karate 4 times, still made it out to three separate outings and still snuggled on the couch.  It was a good week but I am seriously looking forward to a bit warmer weather so we can go skating on the canal and sledding on Fridays.

  Even the Queen Maggie, is missing being outside.   Maggie is the most patient dog with Sid, she lets her dress her and do anything to her as long as she can still be on the couch or dog bed. 

Maggie is such a Good Girl!!!

Out with friends at the Science Museum.  The kids almost had the place to themselves and had a great time.

 Here Sid surprised me by pulling a notebook out of her purse and drew a picture of this train bridge. 

 Canoeing

 Snowmobiling

 The spring Karate competition is coming in about 8 weeks so Sigung has started to really focus on grappling and sparring.  The training is to help them learning specific maneuvers, throws, reversals, and combinations.  But aside from that there is always time for fun and games.  In this picture, Sigung had all the kids (except Sid and Reece who are in the corner grappling) try and take down Sisook Alex.  Sisook is a jr. black belt and was able to keep all 8 kids from taking him down while putting up a good fight.

I recently noticed that most pictures I take at Karate have kids smiling and laughing.  While the training at the club can be intense at times, it also provides great camaraderie and friendships.  The kids have a lot of fun while learning about character and discipline.  We are quickly learning that Martial Arts is a way of life, not just an extra curricular activity.  The lessons Sid learns aren't just about self-defence, she is learning leadership, kindness, modestly, compassion and humility, to name a few.  I am once again so glad she persuaded us to let her take martial arts.  Kids seem to know exactly what they need, we just have to trust them when they tell us.

On another note, I really missing taking pictures.  As a friend said there are only so many pictures you can take in your own backyard without duplication.  Next week my goal is to get out with my camera and get some really fun shots.  I am hoping the weather cooperates.  See you in a week!