Lessons from the Houston Warm-Up

We went to our first speech qualifier this past weekend. It was great. As always, lots of lessons learned. Here are just a few....

1. Speech is subjective. You never know what people will like or dislike. Interestingly, what I really thought may be offensive, was not. In fact the only comments about that element were very positive. OTOH, what I thought was obvious turned out to be the weakest element of the boys' DUO speech. So there you have it...don't assume anything.

2. I learned something about graciousness. In one of the limited prep events that I was judging, the timer did not give adequate hand signals. The competitor was very gracious and gently instructed the timer in front of the judges. This allowed us (the judges) to know that there was a reason why she went over time. And at the same time, she was able to instruct the timer for the next round.

3. Don't add or subtract anything from your topic without stating in your thesis why you are doing so.

4. For apologetics, we are on the right track! Just need some polishing!! Content is good, just need to relax and keep at it.

5. Finally, enjoy the process. I had a lot of fun just meeting people at this tournament and there was a lot of peace about the results. BTW, the boys (Z and J) went to semi-finals in DUO and JJ got 2nd place in his Oratory. It was fun reading the ballots! The things that need to be fixed can be fixed with a little work. We got some great feedback.

My favorite comment from Z's ballots was: "If I was not a believer, you would have given me something real strong to think about."

Favorite comment from J's ballots: "You have real public speaking talent!" --from a Professor of Speech Communication

Favorite comment from JJ's ballots: "Very interesting! I didn't know all that about the moon!"

I'm so very grateful for this opportunity to develop these skills in the boys. They are improving by leaps and bounds!!

Happy?

One of the most precious things that I love about my dear sweet K is how she always wants everyone to be "happy".

This morning, JJ was spinning her in an office chair. When he stopped, she was dizzy and fell off the chair and bumped her head. We were all very sad. But JJ was especially sad that he had a part in her getting hurt. He is my sensitive child and would never hurt a flea.

But when K realized that JJ was sad, she wanted him to be happy. So she said, "JJ happy?"

It made me cry to think that even in her own hurt, she was concerned about others and their happiness. She truly is a blessing!

J turns 13!!

Oh my! I have 2 teens now! It seems like only yesterday that J was born. He's always been inquisitive with such energy and enthusiasm. And such faith. He never gives up. I love him dearly and pray the Lord will continue to lead and guide him.

K turns 2

K's bday party. Blowing out the candles with her 3 big brothers. So cute!

My 4 favorites....

When I tuck the kids in bed at night I always say, "You are one of my 4 favorites." Or "You are my favorite ___ year old."

They are ALL true blessings!

Baseball season has started

Z had his first baseball game on Friday. The Angels won 7-0. It was a great first game. He was the DH.

K has the yuk-yuks

Poor K woke up from her nap after church yesterday and had a bad tummy. So all throughout JJ's party I was taking care of a sick baby wiht plenty of help from the rest of the family.

But she was so cute...everytime she felt sick she would say--"Yuk-Yuks comin'"

I think she's better today. So we are hoping for no more "yuk-yuks"

JJ is 10!

My sweet JJ turned 10 yesterday. I can't believe it!! Where has the time gone.

He is a wonderful son full of joy and smiles. And always so eager to help.

I am so blessed to have him as my son!

Speech

Last weekend, our boys participated in an NCFCA speech tournament.

All 3 of the of boys did very well and we are excited about how much they are learning as they become more effective communicators for Christ.

Z--His topic was on the dangers of using movies as a main topic in preaching. It was a relevant message on getting back to expository preaching. How encouraging to hear such a strong message from a 14 yo!!

J--Placed 2nd in Open Interp for his version of The 3 Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig.

JJ--Placed 3rd in Jr. Oratory for his speech on Funding for NASA.

Who do you turn to?

Both of my J's have a stomach bug. We've been passing it around our home for the past few days.

I caught a glimpse of JJ in his bed reading. And just had the thought, "Who do you turn to when you're not feeling well?"

What a precious sight to see a glimpse of your children seeking for truth.

Piggy Bank for K

K putting plastic coins in her piggy bank. She's smart and cute! I'm hoping to start doing some Montessori type activities with her. The boys have started school. So she needs a few things to keep her busy! She is a busy girl!

Baseball

Baseball season is over!

The tournament that was scheduled was rained out and they've decided not to continue.

But I just wanted to take a moment to brag a bit on Z.

He far surpassed my expectations of his physical abilities. I had no idea that he was such a consistent pitcher. During the last game, he pitched 4 innings and only walked one guy. And kept the score at 0-1 for three of those innings. During the fourth inning, his team started hitting and finally came back to 7-1 and ended up winning the game 11-1.

But better than his performance were the words of the coach about him at the end of season party. He said that Z always did what he was told and was respectful to all of the coaches and players and is an all-around great kid. (And also he was an ace pitcher).

Z, I'm proud of you!