Redemption > Win

At the last 5th grade soccer match against another local private Christian school, our Divine Redeemer Cardinals lost 2-0.

However I heard the most amusing cheer from our bench. During the game, our substitute players on the sidelines were chanting, "WE WILL, WE WILL, REDEEM YOU!" I got a big chuckle out of that one.

Spam-O-Rama

Last night we attended a party given by co-workers (Forrest and Nancy) of Lisa. It was the 5th annual Spam-O-Rama. Everyone was supposed to bring a spam dish to be judged by previous winners of the contest. Lisa made Spam corn muffins and I made Spam musubi (rice/spam/rice wrapped with seaweed). Some of the other entries included; Spam pot stickers, Spam and beans, Spockets (Spam Hot Pockets), Spasta salad, Spam-ghetti, Spam-a-cotti, Spesto Dip, among others.

Judging was based upon three categories (I believe). Originality, Presentation, and Taste. From what I understand from the judges comments, I won for originality (while not original to me, I suppose my dish looked very exotic) and presentation (all I did there was to place the musubis neatly on a pizza pan). I think that my dish was very close to the top in taste (the Spockets were very tasty). So, based upon my placing in the three categories, I won! I take home the 'coveted' and very nice looking Spam perpetual plaque. It will be engraved with my name and the name of my dish. As winner, I am obligated to be one of the judges next year and pass on the plaque (a la 'green jacket') to the new winner. I'll post a picture of the plaque when I receive it.

There was also a Spam Toss. About 8 pairs competed in this event. You toss a whole slab of Spam to your partner. When it is caught, you take 2 steps backwards. Continue until it is dropped. Lisa and I won this event. Here is the trophy that we won (and can keep forever!):

First Month of School

After 4 weeks of school, it seems that both Alex and Marisa are thriving in their new environments.

We were a little bit worried that Alex would be an outcast since we placed him in 5th grade rather than 4th. He is doing alright academically. In fact, his math teacher has placed him with a few other students who are working a little bit ahead of the rest of the class. He also seems to be making friends. He is playing on the 5th grade soccer team even though he has never played organized soccer in his life. He still does not totally understand what 'offsides' is and how to prevent it from happening.

Marisa absolutely loves school. Every time that I pick her up, she says, "I love school!" She is doing well in her studies. According to her progress report, she is averaging very close to 100% in all of her subjects.

The only thing that I do not like about the school is that the mascot is the Cardinals. As a life-long Chicago Cubs fan, you can probably understand the reasoning. Nonetheless, I must cheer, "Go Cardinals!" while watching the soccer matches.

September 11th Remembered

In Alex's social studies class, the students paid tribute to those who are sacrificing themselves for our country. The entire 5th grade had 'lunch with a soldier'. It was written up here in the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Each student was asked to write a thank you letter to a member of our military overseas. Alex wrote a very touching letter that I could not have done any better writing. He wrote:

Dear Servicemember,
Thank you for fighting. I am appreciative for what you do for a living. I am aware of the many sacrifices you make for our country every day. Thank you for putting your life on the line for our freedom.
Sincerely,
Alex

Ditto.

Belt Test

Alex and Marisa had their first belt test here in Colorado Springs. They were able to get promoted here without taking tests because of their previous experience. Congratulations on passing your tests and receiving your purple belts!