Things You Never Thought You'd Say As A Parent

"Don't wipe your chocolate beard on your stethoscope!"

Thanksgiving Tradition

Back in the early 1960's, when my parents were in college at the University of Cincinnati, my dad couldn't get home for Thanksgiving. Between football, wrestling, and being far away from home, it was nearly impossible to get back to family for the holidays. He recalls a Thanksgiving where he and his roommate had White Castle hamburgers for dinner. Heather and I started somewhat of a tradition years ago in trying to have White Castle every Thanksgiving. I don't think it was intentional at first because it was pretty much the only thing open. We've been doing it nearly every year for most of our 10 years together. Today, we kinda kept the tradition alive. We had White Castle, but not hamburgers. We had bacon, egg, and (sorry, Dad) cheese sandwiches. I think these are yummier than the hamburgers, though Heather is not as quick to agree! Happy Thanksgiving!

Things You Never Thought You'd Say As A Parent

"Take that toilet seat off your head!"

Martial Arts Tournament

This past Saturday, Livvi participated in her first real martial arts tournament. We went into it with low expectations: 1. it's her first tournament and 2. she's eight years old. We thought this could be a great learning experience for her as she probably wouldn't win any medals and could see how good other kids are, outside of her club.

Her first event was board breaking. I think she was a little flustered as she wasn't sure about how to set things up, etc. That being said, she did OK. She was to break three boards. She was able to break two of them. However, at least three other kids performed better on this event.

Her second event was forms. This is actually one of her strong suits. She did fantastic! She got a silver medal. The girl that got the trophy was really good and deserved it.

Her third event was sparring. Before the event started, Master Strickland, Livvi's instructor/club owner, was called down to discuss something about Livvi. Sensing something wasn't right, I went down to see what was going on. In Liv's club, they don't allow kicking to the head as Master Strickland doesn't feel it is necessary at this age. However, it is allowed in other schools as well as this tournament. Livvi still wanted to do it. I gave my blessing with the knowledge we could stop the match at any point. Livvi then asked "Can I kick their head, too?!" That's my girl! She had to spar a kid who was as aggressive as she usually is. He was really good and ended up beating Livvi, but she didn't give up. In fact, the kid's father couldn't compliment Livvi enough on how well she did, knowing how good his son is. She was awarded the silver medal in this event as well.

We are so proud of Livvi and all her hard work and dedication to the sport. She is really coming along!

Here is a video of her events: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEupL1ILo-U

Also, our club, Cincinnati Martial Arts Club (CMAC), won a trophy for having the most participants!

October Was a Busy Month

On October 3, Heather and I had dinner with four other couples who are fellow alum from Oak Hills High School class of 1984. None of us wanted to go to our 25th high school reunion later that month for many of the same reasons. It was good seeing old friends again. More than half of this party of ten were Christians, so it was a fun evening with good food and my money wasn't used to inebriate other classmates!

Three days later (10/6), the girls had their 6-month visit to the dentist. All went well. It was Joie's first visit. And everyone survived!

Two days after that (10/8) was picture day at their homeschool co-op. The pictures were supposed to be one of Livvi by herself, one of Joie by herself, and one of Livvi and Joie together. Let's just say the only one that took place as planned was of Livvi by herself.

Two days after that (10/10), we went to Iron's Fruit Farm in Lebanon, Ohio. We got to do a hay ride, pick apples off trees, pick our own pumpkins, etc. We had a really good time! It was muddy in spots, but the weather was fantastic! Grandma Embry, Aunt Jessica, and cousin GiGi were able to tag along as well.

The next day (10/11), was Heather's surprise birthday party. I had been planning to do this for a few months, but the last 2-3 weeks got a little hectic. I actually had to lie to Heather the day of (I have since asked for forgiveness). She was surprised and I think had a good time. Her dad was even able to come up from Florida to surprise her as well!

Five days after that (10/16), Livvi took part in her first belt promotion exam. I already posted about this.

Two days after that (10/18), we went to the Renaissance Festival. We weren't there for long but we enjoyed it. We will probably go back again some day. Certainly some interesting people there, that's for sure!

Finally, the next week (10/25-28) we went to French Lick, IN for some R&R. We visited Heather's cousin and his family in New Salisbury, IN on the way there on Sunday. On Monday, we didn't do too much, but we did bowl that night. Our scores:

Livvi - 96

Joie - 105 (had a little help...game still under protest)

Heather - 141

Ammaw - 100

Ampaw - 141

Me - 103

On Tuesday, we went to Amish Country. It rained nearly the entire time. On Wednesday, on our way back home, we stopped at the Marengo Cave and took one of the tours. Very cool!

On Friday (10/30), Livvi attended the CMAC Halloween party, where she got first prize for the most original costume. She was Dr. Si Copath, a mad scientist.

Oh, and the 31st was Halloween!

Pictures for the month are here. WHEW!