Cool kids!

Wow! A great day today! Super busy month culminates in ultra positive events. Nice sounding title! All month we have had many events with Marek. Basketball has ended after twice weekly practice and once a week double header games. Yay! We have also had a science fair - Marek's project won Grand Champion. Yay! Today was the last big thing - 4H Days. Our club hosted the event. This was the concession stand, greeting and final responsibilities for all the rooms and furniture. Plus, Marek had multiple events; model meeting, piano solo, sax solo, project talk and instrumental ensemble! Whew! However, the events themselves aren't really that important.

The important aspect of this day and really of the month - is learning and fun. This is hands on, project based learning at it's most pure. All the 4H youth had to choose events anvthen had to follow through with planning, practice and performance. They were all so proud of themselves. It makes me feel proud to be part of this group when I see the kids having fun and stretching to reach their goals. I feel lucky to be a part of touching the lives of these youth.

I ask myself sometimes, "why am I doing this work?". I worry that I am somehow doing it for my own glory and self pride. However, I think I am honest when I say I am doing it because I love watching children learn and grow. I am doing it for them. I am doing it because of and for Marek. These opportunities will make him a better student, worker and person throughout his lifetime. Plus, I sincerely believe he will learn to live life to it's fullest. Never be afraid to try new and differnt things and never be afraid of hard work!

It is hard work for the kids and the parents, not just today but all the time. Pushing him to practice, stay focused. Encouraging him in sticking to his own goals. Teaching him how to receive feedback and how to be a good sport. It is challenging but joyful in the process. They all did great. The event went great. I was only briefly challenged by the negative attitudes of a few people. The positive attitudes of our club were wonderful to watch. The best concrete reward of the day: our club received the award for the highest level of club participation in the county! Yay!!
Marek by the way received top purple for his project talk and the instrumental ensemble also received this award!


Quanitative rewards for hard work are always good!

Now, I've relaxed for awhile an it's time to get ready for a night out on the town with friends! Dinner and Irish music with friends - great ending for the month!!


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