And the trophy goes to........

Last night was a memorable moment in our household, and allow me to tell you all about it! (or not) but it was one for the memory books for me!
So Zach had his "promotion test" for karate. Will and I *almost* considered not going, because it had been an unusually challenging day for Zach, and the test requires all the karate students sit STILL for 2 HOURS! in a crowded gymnasium, on the floor. Basically, in Zach-speak, this is a recipe for disaster. Zach amazed us all a few months back when he testd and got promoted to yellow belt and did just great (with a lot of prep) so we decided to go for it and hope for the best. Here you can see him at home, getting ready to go:
In addition, I have to share ahead of time that we were all a little nervous for him, so before leaving we all (Ty and Cori too) prayed for Zach to be sucessful, calm, and for God to help him remember his forms.
So here we are at the gym, and he is lining up to demonstrate his stuff with the other yellow belts:

Overall, there were about 90 kids there at all levels. The stands are also filled with parents and family watching, so its quite a packed room.

Zach did a GREAT job! When it was finally his turn, he did the whole thing perfect.. but he did make an error at the very end of his routine. It is customary for all students in martial arts to be very serious and quiet, except when they YELL as part of the routine. Well, a funny story is that after he made his mistake, right at the end, when they are supposed to stand very still, Zach dipped his head and said, "Oh no... game over." Not terribly loud, not angry, but distinct enough for everyone to hear. He thought because of his miskate, he would not receive his next belt. The entire gym laughed! And, I was relieved becasue it was alot better than having a major meltdown!

So 1 hour later, after he did his forms, basic motion and jujitsu moves, his name was called to go up and receive a red belt. He was quite excited and danced all the way to the front.

And then shook all the judges hands, and proceeded to run over to the side to give mom a big hug:-) the BEST part!

After its all done, the judges choose typically one young man and one young woman for a special performace award. Im including this photo so you can get the picture: the HEAD HONCHO black belt lady is about to explain how this award is given not only for the karate, but for other things like showing self control, working hard, paying attention.. that sort of thing. Well, Zach cant be seen because he is LAYING ON THE FLOOR... NOT PAYING ATTENTION!!!!
Then, his teacher announces that the award goes to ........"ZACHARY ARMSTRONG"!! And that boy shot up off the floor like a rocket! And the REALLY neat thing.....all the other sudents were smiling and truly happy for him.

I do have a video of what followed, which was Zach pumping his arms up and down, jumping like a crazy kid... Rocky Balboa style.....and running to the side to give me the biggest hug ever. The entire audience applauded. Multiple people, adults and students, approached Zach afterwards to congratulate him. It was a great opportunity for Zach to demonstrate good sportsmanship, and for him to see how gracious others were to him eventhough they did not win. Thank you God, for answering our prayers! It was a big teachable moment for Zach.

So, all in all it was worth going last night. I think it will be a life-highlight for him and a big confidence boost. Despite his challenges, we believe there are good things in store for him! Here is a photo of him with his 2 teachers: Thank you, Mr. John and Mr. Kevin! Your patience and kindness made a little boy very thankful tonight.

Way to go, Zach, we are so proud of you, buddy!