Self-defense class at OMS

Oriental Moo-Do School of Colorado was offering a special self-defense class for kids as part of a nationwide program promoting safety and anti-bullying in schools.  I really wanted Rian to take the class but she was feeling nervous, so although Hayden had already acquired her status as a Black Belt at the school, I made her take the class as well.  After all, you can never have to much practice fending off potential "bad guys".

Here the class is practicing putting their arms up in a defensive manner while taking a step back from a would-be bully on the playground.

Rian is using a loud voice to tell a bully to "Stand back- you're too close!"

Verbally talking her way out of a confrontation and showing she's ready to defend herself if necessary. 

Here comes the "bad guy" that Hayden has to break free from.

They taught the kids to strike the eyes, knees and nether regions on the attacker in order to get away and yell for help. 

 

The attacker put up a solid fight with each child in the class until they were able to break free on their own.

 

Here's Rian being coached on kicking the attacker in his "sensitive area". 

Though Rian was scared, she did great and she and all the other kiddos in the class learned a lot on how to protect themselves from both verbal and physical threats. 

And....... Better late than never- Jessie gets Baptized!

We wanted to wait until after Jessie had been home with us for awhile before getting her baptized to make sure she was comfortable with us and wouldn't be too scared of our Pastor, Larry when he held her up in front of the congregation.  Well, one thing led to another, and before we knew it, she had been home over four years and we still hadn't had her baptized! We figured enough was enough and scheduled it for a crisp Fall Sunday. 

Jessie with her Godparents, Joan and Arlen Amundson.  They gave her some beautiful red roses to let her know what a special occasion this really was.

 

All three of Joan and Arlen's Goddaughters.

Larry Kunter, our pastor at Harmony Presbyterian Church, did a really great job of making Jessie feel comfortable and helping her understand what baptism meant.

Saying a prayer for Jess.

Blessing Jessie's forehead with oil. 

Just for good measure, he blessed the rest of us again as well!

It was a very special day for one very special girl.  xo