Competition in Meridian

We just got back late Saturday night (Sunday morning) from a fun trip to southwest Idaho. There, on Friday I tested for my 2nd degree recommended rank in front of Grandmaster. It wasn't too bad, and it was a lot of fun. My form went well, except a little ways in I totally spaced it and forgot where I was (in the form) I took a deep breath and quickly went through what I had done and soon discovered my mistake. I'm pretty sure I was okay about being noticed, there were four of us up there. This set me behind everyone else, so I was sure that I was going to be doing the end of my form alone. Perhaps that's what set me on edge and I messed up my foot movement just before the end. Oh, well. Something seems to always happen, at least it wasn't too major. The sparring was a bit hilarious. The first part wasn't so bad, I sparred Mr. Cade, and he is from our school, so I have sparred him before, but then they switched me to spar this little guy, recommended black belt about half my size. I didn't think that match would ever end! (Video below, for your kicks and giggles)

Then I broke my boards. I did a jump front kick and a jump downward elbow strike. The elbow was my "show" move. It was so fun! After I broke it, I turned and Grandmaster had a huge grin on his face. I'm not sure, but I probably did, too. I need a 7 to pass, I'm thinking I got an 8, 7 as a worst case scenario. I'll keep you posted, but it will be a few weeks before I know. I tested for my first degree belt on December 3, 2010, and testing this year is on December 2. I'm not sure if they will let me test for my second degree one day before I have been a first degree for a year, but I had fun doing it, in any case. All through this competition I was very grateful to Mrs. Drefs, who let me borrow her sparring gear so I could compete. My gear was stolen last Tuesday.

Combat weapons was next, and I was under a bit of pressure to perform well. I do think I am getting much better and faster, however, I lost my first match 8 to 9 by time. I like to think given more time I could have made up the two points, but we'll never know. That put me in third.

While I was "combat weaponing" my kids and hubby who had been there many hours supporting me, went off to Grandma and Grandpa Witt's house to have fun and get ready for bed. We had an enjoyable time visiting and spending time with them. Grandma Roxanne even got the kids together for a "Rock Band". The pictures are great, but truthfully, I'm not too sad I missed the performance ;). The next day was long with competitions and I was able to judge my own share of rings. I haven't downloaded the pictures yet, but when I do I'll post the kids' competition. Taron gets absolutely terrified when he is up. I hope doing it helps and he gets better at it.

After competition we said goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa and went over to visit Qandryel and her family. Our kids have so much fun together, it doesn't take long and they are all gone. It was almost 8pm by the time we left and headed home, and that made for a late drive. We made it home safe around 1am.

On Sunday we had the pleasure to stay in our pajamas and watch conference. We are so blessed to have the ability to watch it on the internet, no matter where we are. Even better, we also could watch the sessions we missed during the competition. My cup is full and between everything this weekend I have a long list of things I can do to become a better all around person. Having the gospel active in my life means so much to me, but tonight, especially, it means perspective. We got all the kids together and played Farming Game tonight. It was a fun, albeit new experience for our family, but the right kind. It was one of those experiences that no one wants to end, but should have ended before it did.

This week without the kids made Josh and I realize that we aren't home very much in our busy lives. I thought maybe we can do things together as a family more during those times that we are able to spend at home. Like I said, perspective. In the end, what will have mattered? The 95% mundane, or the 5% let's do something that will last eternally?

It's taking forever to upload the videos and pictures again. Oh, well. A few more I will eventually put up will be Taron's 500 pictures, and Taron's videos of Grandmaster, as well as a sample of combat weapons so you can see what it's like. Have a good night, all!