Kids

I love my kids. It is amazing how after you have kids it's hard to remember life with out them. I want to give to my kids the best that is out there. But I realize that if everything is given to them I weaken their character, and take away from them so much learning. It really is a challenge to be a parent. I think God knows exactly how I am feeling.

Way to go Bailey

Wow, are we ever excited for Bailey. He started wrestling about three weeks ago and had his first meet. I never expected him to be the best on the mat, really I was wishing we could use it as a real-life learning experience for him. Let me just tell you that I couldn't have asked for a better situation for teaching important lessons.
When we arrived in Junction for his first meet I could tell that he was very unsure about the whole thing. Don't get me wrong he loves practice and would prefer to just do that. While Bailey sat on the side of the mat he watch one after another friend wrestle, and all the while his anxiety kept building. When it was his turn to step up to the line I really didn't know how or what he would do. Lucky for him he had two of his coaches there leading him along as he took on his opponent. I was so into the match that I didn't even look at the points. He really did well for never competing before, but clearly we had more work to do. When he started the third round I looked and saw that he had14 points, while his opponent had 6. I was so proud of what he had done. It was so important for him to know his coaches were there instructing him on what to do, and as he listened to them he would be fine.
During his second match he met with a boy who had a lot more experience than he did. This was a tough battle. He even stared to cry because the odds were so far against him. The boy was Bailey's age and the same weight but clearly had learned more than Bailey had. The struggle moved through the two rounds and finally during the third Bailey was pinned. It was unfortunate, but I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity for Bailey. What would he learn if on his first chance he had no struggle, no disappointment.
Finally on his last match he was ready to wrestle. During the break we were able to talk on how to improve his skill. Such as staying on top, and driving hard with his legs to get his opponent on his back. All of his coaches were helping with other matches so it was just the two of us. It was one of the most difficult three rounds that I had seen all day. Both boys were trying very hard, so hard that they both were crying at the end. Bailey stayed on top and finished the match 6 points to 5. It was so close, I was afraid that he wouldn't be able to pull it off.
So it ended with Bailey taking home a Silver medal. He did so well, we are excited about working through the rest of the season and see how much he can improve.

Hi Yall!

We are on our way into a bright new future. I realize that I will need to stay committed to this blog in order to visit with everyone. But my prayer is that by this post you will be able to get to know us better. I have been thinking a lot about my kids today. I find that the more time that I spend asking them questions , not correcting them, I am able to have a better relationship with each of them. This allows us to share the special moments together. Just today Bailey was practicing his times tables and subtraction. He would keep quizzing me on what 2x200 was or 2-8 just to see if I could answer it. I luckily passed the test, but what a fond memory it was for me. I could have told him to stop bugging me and just left it at that. I feel though that if we are going to take the calling of father we must learn how to be that. Just the fact that you have a child doesn't make you a father in my book. To be a father you must first put others first (by others I mean your family). This is your duty. No one else can be hired in your place in order to finish the job. You have an opportunity to be an active part in one of Gods children. Take time to know who they are and what they are capable of. This is very dear to me and I wish that I could effect others lives for the better. To become a Leader of your home requires one to forget yourself and focus on your family. True happiness is the bi product of a family that is close who knows each other and has a trust in each other. I realize that being the leader of my home requires me to stretch my own abilities, and take on new tasks. I hope that I will stay the course and press on. To those who are wanting to know what books and info I recommend on how to become a leader of your house and be the father that you were meant to be I would tap into the knowledge of the leaders at www.the-team.biz I have found that the info is high quality and very informative. Also visit www.lds.org in order to know more about that child who you are raising.