We had the awesome opportunity to volunteer for the Toys for Tots event this weekend. Michael has done this for the past few years and the kids and I have never been able to attend. We will definitely be putting it in on our calendar in the future! It was an amazing opportunity for all of us. Kids had the chance to practice some Spanish and were surprised at what they actually knew and could understand. Not too many Spanish speaking volunteers, so E- and M- did that line for 2 days! In a nutshell, volunteers take parents through the warehouse (an old Albertson's) one at a time and help them pick out 2 toys per child. Toys are divided into age categories and everyone gets what I'd call a grab bag (usually games, stuffed animals, books, crafts) on the way out. Most are very appreciative and conversational as they go through and I cannot tell you the joy it brings when a mom tells you what her children have requested for Christmas and you find it for them:)
Here's a glimpse of what it looks like. I gotta say, it was tiring! Lots of standing. We did 4 hours Friday and 3 on Saturday - and it was freezing (no heat). Bonus (aside from the internal gratification) - cute Marines, t-shirts, and food! I really recommend it!
After the 3 hours on Saturday, we headed over to the TKD studio. M- got to assist with the testing and performed a demo with the senior black belts.
This is NOT him in the air - but you can tell by his face that he might like to do this some day:)
He held a lot of boards after breaking his with the butterfly kick!
Of course there had to be a party after testing and as M- usually can't stay as long as he wants, I told him he could this time ... we got home at 9:00 pm! And, I have to say, the party didn't really begin until nearly everyone left! The Master is hilarious! As most left (and a few stayed), he brought in the ice, the beer, and the soju! Out came the griddle to the center of the table and he began making what I googled and learned is a traditional Korean meal - samjyeopsal (it's pork belly) with lettuce, rice, garlic, jalepeno peppers and ssamjang dipping sauce. Too much fun! And, just so you know, when the Master pours you soju - you drink it! I got away with pouring out 2 cups - one is all I could handle!
The kids have had quite the lead up to Christmas! E- with library party, craft party, youth group party, and venturing party. M- with scout lock-in party (coming up) and TKD party. Both are heading out to Hobbit opening night with friends this week. They wear me out and I am not even partying:) One more week of school and a break for all of us!
Cheers - go try some soju:)
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