The Stasiuks

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Updates!! - May 2013

***For some reason my videos aren't embedding into the blog properly so I've listed websites where you can view videos - just copy the youtube link and paste it into the URL box***

The big news in Grade One is that Robbie is now a published author! All of the class learned about different bears and then they presented their findings to the rest of the class. A lot of research has been put into this book, I think they worked on it for a good month or two. Here is our handsome man with his hard work in his hands

Our author!

A preview of what his Grade Two pictures will look like.

http://youtu.be/xaL44Vw2EqY

Lana had a Mother's Day Tea Party at her preschool and we had loads of fun. This kids sang songs for us, we had tea (iced tea for the kids) and munchies and the kids gave us a pot that they decorated with a little plants that they've been growing since it was a seedling. What a great way to celebrate being a mom!

http://youtu.be/5MUCAPdA3Qc

That's Alyssa on the left and Mattea on her right - her besties!

http://youtu.be/jNp8qVnclsA

This one made me cry. I didn't hit record fast enough so I missed the first bit, they asked her how old I was and she said 11 <3

I love reading to my kids before bed and you can tell from this video that they love it too. Even RW wants me to put him to bed (he's a Dad guy through and through) because of the stories. Maybe it's the way I read them? Maybe it's the snuggles while we read? A combination of the two? Either way, I love that they love to read with me.

http://youtu.be/1cLjI_CNRKo

http://youtu.be/AihdtHF6AKs

We also got Grandpa's help in fixing up the backyard. We had a huge dip in the back of our yard that turns into a moat come spring time so we filled that puppy up with dirt and the boys (RW included) built a beautiful flower bed for me!

http://youtu.be/yRGa4e_nDaw

http://youtu.be/MTFJGjw9ZU8

Monday, May 6, 2013

Friday, April 12, 2013

TKD - As One Door Closes, Another Opens

Today Colin and I made the decision to pull RW from TKD. We were really disappointed with the way RW was treated at the last promotion test which was the final nail in the coffin for us, so-to-speak.

RW went last Saturday for his promote for his Blue belt, unfortunately it wasn't the best experience for him. He did well with his non-contact sparing and his pattern but when it came time to break his board with his heel in a hammer like swing - he wasn't able to break the board. My little man was in tears because his foot was aching and because this is the first time he's never broken a board and they tell him to do it again - again, he's unable to break the board. RW is beside himself... pain, disappointment... you name it, he felt it.

Now why wasn't he able to break the board? There are several contributing factors:

- the black belts (teens) that were holding his board picked the wrong thickness. They grabbed one that was meant for the older kids. Both of RW's instructors saw the mistake but nothing was done about it because they were already way behind with testing.
- the two black belts that were holding the board had the board raised a lot higher than it was suppose to. An instructor had to come by and correct them on the proper positioning of it
- what usually happens once they're unable to break a board is that child is brought off to the side and gets to calm down and practice with a black belt. The child gets their confidence back up and then gets another try.... Robbie wasn't granted this.
- we talked with RW's instructor and he said that he agrees with our argument but in the end it's Master Lee (the owner) who makes the final call. The instructor suggested we write a letter and with our arguments and ask to be passed, or at least given another shot to break the proper board. This past Tuesday night, after RW's TKD class, Colin went marching downstairs and typed up a really well worded letter. He skipped dinner and went over to TKD so that Master Lee would have ample time to read it and talk with Colin about it. The days went by and we didn't hear anything. We came to class today, Friday, only to find out that Master Lee left town yesterday and won't be back for two weeks.

Don't get me wrong, we're quite okay if RW doesn't promote. He just wasn't given the same opportunities as everyone else.

So, in light of all this drama, we decided to talk with our good friend Kim & Ty to see how Ty is liking Jujitsu. We got a bunch of information from them and RW went to give it a shot on Wednesday - he LOVED it. So we've terminated our TKD contract with Sung Lee and now RW will be giving Jujitsu a shot!

Everything happens for a reason :)