So here's the deal....this is not my first blog and/or website. In fact I've started several and most have found their way to a cyberspace graveyard. I get so busy and wrapped up in living that I find it hard to put in the time documenting it all. This might be evident in the fact that I haven't added to this site for over two months. That being said, here's an update!

The kids wrapped up their school year yesterday. It was a half day - quick, easy and fun! It's been a long year for our family, so the kids were more excited than sad. They left with smiles on their faces ready to jump into summer adventures.

Little man did great in school this year. He got along great with his classmates and learned a lot. He brought home a dozen or more "Character Counts!" awards and was recognized as a "Pillar of Character" which only about a dozen kids were recognized as each quarter. The only challenge that we had this school year was with handwriting. He's a 7 year old and a boy - I'm not stressing about it yet. However, we will work on it more this summer since he can't properly be tested for accelerated programs if he can't legibly write out answers.

Our Princess has basically the same report. This was a wonderful school year for her. She had such a positive experience and her teacher was a huge part of that. Princess's teacher had her hands full, but worked hard to provide each of her (50 - AM and PM) students the love and attention they needed and deserved. Little miss brought home Super Bee on several occasions and earned Mystery Walker almost weekly. She's going to miss Kindergarten, but is looking forward to 1st grade. She's most excited about being able to have lunch at school!

As for us, The Mommy and Daddy, we just wrapped up an insane season in our lives. First and foremost, Troy GRADUATED from ITT Technical Institute with an Associates in Visual Communications. Anyone have a Graphic Design job they are wanting to fill?? Not only did he graduate, but he did so as the valedictorian. The kids and I are so proud of him. As of yesterday, I am done with my school work until the fall. Yay! With that said, we are all out of school for the summer and ready to spend some much needed quality time together.

Since we are so excited about the adventures this summer has in store for us be assured there will be many more posts coming up!! Stay tuned!

Hope it's warm in your neck of the woods because it isn't here,
The Phifer Four


   
 
Picture
Tyler having his new belt tied on.
Last night at Hit Pit MMA/10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Little Man was tested for and promoted to a new belt. He was a yellow belt and now his yellow belt has been upgraded to having a white stripe down the middle of it.

All of the Little Novas and Red Giants all did a fantastic job. They showed focus, determination and know-how. At the end of the day - they were ALL promoted. Hit Pit's kids program is new, so this was their first official promotion.

Little Man was so excited to reach this new level. It seems to have reignited a fire in him about jiu jitsu in general. As we left the gym he exclaimed, "I really love jiu jitsu!"

We are so proud of our little man! The last three months have helped improve his focus, coordination, and strength. We look forward to the next three months and beyond!

Picture
Testing his skills on the 'Americana'.
 
Picture
Tyler with his trophy for Shows Respect.
Award show season has come and gone for the television and film industry. The beautiful ball gowns and tuxedos have been tucked away for other occasions or returned back to the designer that loaned them out in the first place. All the glitz and glam put to rest. 

However, the award season is just getting warmed up here at the Phifer Four. Within one week, Tyler, was given TWO awards.

The first was a classroom award. This one (shown in the picture to the left) is for Showing Respect. This is not a huge shock. My boy is our social butterfly and he especially loves interacting with adults. He's learned over time that the best way to do this is be respectful. His actions are genuine and love driven. His kind heart always puts others first and shows people how much he cares for them. 

Secondly, Little Man was given an award last night for being a Pillar of Trustworthiness. This award is given to students throughout the school who exemplify that attribute. He was honored at the school's PTA meeting and will be honored in front of the student body at an assembly. 

Up next on the horizon? Little Man hopes to be awarded with a belt promotion at jiu-jitsu, March 25th. He's currently a yellow belt and is looking forward to earning his first white stripe. This is an opportunity that happen every 3 months or so, depending on attendance and skill competency.

Little Man is such a great kid! We are so proud of him, award or no. Although, it is a blessing that other recognize in him what we've known all along. Way to go son!   

Picture
 
Picture
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Col 3:23

To the left is a picture of Little Man at the in-house jiu-jitsu tournament that Hit Pit hosted Saturday, February 26th. It was the first tournament held for the Little Nova's class (ages 4-11). 

There are three words that I embedded into the picture: determination, dedication, and desire. It is those three words that embody Little Man's spirit when it comes to training in jiu-jitsu. He's not the fastest or the strongest. However, he does work at it with all his heart. 

When it comes to matters of the heart we all know that it is not a one sided game. It is multi faceted, like a beautiful gem. Not only does Little Man work hard at the sport, but he works hard at being a good person. He wishes his opponents luck, is completely humble at wins and losses, willingly competes against kids of any age and size, and is kind hearted in all that he does.  

We are so proud of our boy! Sometimes, I know he wishes he was the strongest or the fastest (and that will come with time), but we are so proud of his determination, dedication, desire, and most of all his heart! 

Love you infinity, son!