Paige's most recent achievement

Hey! So I know someone already posted about me receiving my black belt but I thought everyone might be interested in how I achieved it. I began taking tae kwon do classes six years ago in second grade so there was a long process building up for this. My tae kwon do dojo (school) hosts promotions every three months but every student is not invited every time. The instructors watch us during class to decide if they believe we are ready to promote. At the promotion, you perform everything you have learned in front of everyone. To train for one's black belt, one trains for at least nine months in between getting the advanced red belt (the level below black) and the black belt. Usually, most students do not pass their black belt test the first time they take it because one must perform difficult tasks. First of all, one must display all 24 different kicks numerous times. Also, one must break 8 boards with a different movement every time, 3 of those boards are double boards. To break the boards one must use at least one type of kick, knee strike, elbow strike, and palm strike. In addition, we learn forms/routines that we must perform with perfect technique and power.
Unfortunately, I was out of town when the formal black belt test took place so I attended a private one with only my instructor, my parents, and me. Surprisingly, I passed my black belt test the first time I took it. I broke every board on my first try and I really tried my best. I wanted to attach some pictures but they will not upload to this post but maybe I'll try again later! Love, Paige

CONGRATS Paige!

Yesterday, 

Paige earned her BLACK BELT in Tae Kwon Do!!!!!

YAY, PAIGE! We are soooooo proud of you!

Now, go kick some butt!

love,

your fam

Devin's Here!

Devin made it! After a long trip from Michigan yesterday, she finally made it to Lincolnshire! I was so lucky to already see her, but for those who haven't she will definitely be at Sunday night dinner! I'm so excited!

Love, Lizzy

Happy Birthday Lizzy!

Well, Happy Birthday to my Lizzy girl! I cannot believe that she is 14 years old. Wow! Seems like I just birthed her not that long ago! Each year goes by faster and faster! She makes me smile. Thank goodness for Lizzy! I wish her a very happy and healthy (dislocated finger notwithstanding) birthday!

happy new year!

L'SHANAH TOVA!!!

it seemed that this past year was pretty sweet for all of us and we know a few people who will have an extra special upcoming year, but I just wanted to wish the ENTIRE family (all 26 of us!) a sweet, happy, and healthy new year!

with so much love,

Kim