Spring Break (from sports)

The boys wrapped up their 2011 wrestling season last weekend with the Enterprise tournament. Dax opted out; he is on the Junior Swim Team and they were having a party the same night (I don't blame him: party vs having your head slammed into a mat...hmmmmmm).

This season started different from last: Tel signed up, couldn't wait to do so and began with a BANG!! Dax was swimming and in the beginning of the season one practice conflicted with the other. Buuuuuttttt.....after Tel's first tournie in Parowan Dax got the itch and HAD to be signed up.

Dax competes against kids who have been wrestling since preschool, they know all the moves including the "cheap shots" that aren't seen by the refs. I have to hand it to Dax, he LOVES sports, he loves the competition, he loves the camaraderie, he just loves it. I know this because time and again of being pounded to the mat he would show up to practice the next week and sign up for the next tournament. He only won two matches this season, steadily took 4th place but he never gave up. This season I realized how strong and tough Dax is. He can give a good pounding (although he is still learning wrestling "moves") and he can take one without a tear. He would be red and bruised from head to toe and still stand up to shake his opponent's hand and walk over to shake their dad's and coaches hands. He is a humble person and I am so proud of that. It is harder to take a loss with your head held high than to win every match. Good job Dax----I know you'll get 'em next year!! (PS many times Dax had to wrestle 2 close friends, after the initial giggle they would wrestle like strangers and hug after the match. THAT is what makes a parent proud, not the win)

Tel is Tel's biggest fan. There is no need for anyone to brag or congratulate him, he does it well. He is really fast and strong, wrestling was easy for Tel. There wasn't a need for Tel to learn any more than a couple of basic wrestling moves to win. He placed first and second all season until the final tournie---HE PLACED 4TH (lost all three matches). He was pinned twice (which was unheard of) and lost one by points. He is NOT a good loser; his pride was bruised and he was mad as hell!! (It brought me back to high school days where I had to ride home HOURS in silence with a bull rider who didn't stay on....hmmmmmmm) We talked to him about his attitude on our way home and hopefully he will be more humble in the future. I do have to say that because he had never experienced a loss he didn't know what was "acceptable". I'm not making excuses but as a parent it is hard to teach a 6 year old hypothetical situations and have them stick. Tel is an awesome athlete and I can't wait to see him excel in the future----GOOD JOB TEL!!

Dax still has swim team but we don't start spring sports (Tel does T-ball) for a month or so.......what to do with all my extra time????

Guest Speaker

My Psychology classes just ended their unit on the brain (my most unfave; physical science and I do NOT get along) and they learned quite a bit. I wanted to do something "different" for them to apply their knowledge so I thought "hmmmmmm who do I know with damage to their brain" AHA!! My wonderful sister!!

She who used to be outgoing, she who used to love "doing", she who had zero disabilities and was unique based on her LOUD personality. She who needs purpose.

1st period was a success! The kids sat quietly totally engrossed in her long, sad story. They had awesome questions and Dayna answered wonderfully. She told her story and only teared up twice---way less than if it were me up there. She comes back in a little while to speak to my 4th period and I know she will do even better then (the what-ifs will have vanished, now she's old hat)

Thank you Dayna and sadly, thank you tumor and stroke because we have gained a lot through these trials that we wouldn't have otherwise. It hasn't killed us, it must be making us stronger (Dayna for sure)