It's Brown Belt Time....

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

I started this post with that particular verse because this verse is about Marc, my husband -- with a little Luke stuff thrown in, of course. I knew he liked this verse, and last night, when I asked him which verse he wanted on this post, he told me that one. Plus, having known Marc for awhile and having been married to him for a little over 5 years now, this verse fits him. Marc does have his hope in the Lord. So -- PERFECT!

Anyways, last night, Marc became one step closer to a Black Belt in Taekwondo by earning his Brown Belt. I'm not real sure of the "belt order," so I don't really know how much further it is to his Black Belt. You'll have to ask him on that one. He, however, does want to have a "Black Belt Party" at our home when he earns it, so those of you close by, be watching for the progression. You'll probably be invited over. And, you know, the Friesen's throw some "happenin' parties."

Luke and I did go (for a bit, anyways) to watch the belt testing.

Those testing for a brown belt and above had to attend a "sparring" class as well as the actual class to test for the belt.

When we first got there, we saw Marc, all dressed in protective gear for the class. When I took this photo, he didn't even see us -- let alone even see me taking this photo. Funny, Funny Marc! Marc's the person on the right, with the big blue dot on his chest.



Here's a photo of Luke, watching the sparring class.



Here's a closer shot of Marc in his sparring gear.



Here are a couple of photos. The first one is of him doing some kicks on the "bag."



This next photo is one of Marc sparring with another student. In this photo, Marc actually has his back toward the camera. He has a red protective head covering on.



It was at this point that I had to start "entertaining" Luke with some snacks and a sippy cup. I also took him out of the stroller for a bit and walked around closer for him to see his Daddy. I'm not sure he recognized Marc with all of his gear on.



Shortly after that photo was taken, Luke had enough. It really doesn't take too long for an 11-month old to "have enough." Here's a photo of "Fussy Luke" right after I took him outside.



After taking that photo and walking about 10 feet (yep, that's all it took), Luke was instantaneously happy again. I guess he just wanted to be outside instead of around all of the sweaty people in "Ultimate Martial Arts." So, Luke and I walked around for awhile. He had a bottle (it was supper time, so I probably was pushing my limits). Then, he was better. So, we went back in for a bit.

By that time, sparring was over, and the actual "belt testing class" was taking place. There were quite a few there that day; however, only a small number were actually belt testing. I managed to snap one more photo before Luke really said, "Enough, I want supper now." (Imagine that phrase in baby babble). Marc is actually just slightly to the left of center in this photo, in the black uniform.



Luke and I then went home so he could eat. Shortly after that, Marc showed up at home, sharing with Luke and me that he did indeed earn his brown belt! Yeah for Marc!

I had him put his white uniform on with his brown belt for a photo. He graciously did so for the benefit of this blog :) So, this photo was taken in our lovely, albeit not so clean, kitchen.



Congratulations Marc! Luke and I are proud of you!