Proud Mommies

Some good news from the homefront: Sis and Bud had their kung fu tests today to see if they were ready to advance. Sure enough, both children did well on their stretches, kicks, and forms and have been awarded yellow belts!!!!! Additionally, Bud received the trophy for "best test," or being the best student at his level tested today. He is thrilled. And we are so proud of both of them.

Which belies how hard it was this week because we worried about how strictly the tests would be scored, how well they'd have to do to advance. Our kids are the youngest and smallest and newest in the class. The teacher's philosophy is to encourage love of the sport at this age not strict adherence to rules and so we hoped he would be encouraging and reasonable. And clearly he was. But not before Mama stressed for hours this morning, first through class and then through the tests and then waiting for all the other kids to go before the awards were announced. She said it reminded her of those dreams where you have a test but haven't studied--except much worse! Because it wasn't even her test to study for. Is nothing about parenting easy?

Yes, yes. Smiling at their happiness today, being proud of their achievements was very, very easy.