two black belts in the house

This is my husband. In two months we'll celebrate our 10th anniversary. After ten years of living together day in and day out, one would think I'd know so much more about my spouse, that there would be few surprises. Wrong. This man amazes me daily. Yesterday he became a Tae Kwon Do Black Belt. Considering Andrew has never played a sport in his life, this is an unbelievable accomplishment.


This British guitar-playing, bangers-and-mash-eating man also has never owned a pair of running shoes, until this summer. Nearly every day for six weeks (for the first time in his life) he ran. Here he is finishing two miles for his black belt testing, side by side with his son.


This seven year old is my boy. Three years ago he would sit on my lap in his little Tae Kwon Do uniform and refuse to join the class. Today he is the most determined, hard-working, graceful kid on the floor. You can not imagine how inspiring a Tae Kwon Do form can be until you see Liam executing the movements to Wind or Thunder or Positive Power. This kid was born to do forms. Oh, and he can kick pretty well, too.

As of today, there are two Tae Kwon Do Black Belts in my home. I couldn't be prouder (or feel any safer!).

After the hundreds of hours these two have put into their practice and training, they fully deserve the reward. And a little rest. Because a black belt, they tell me, is just the beginning.