So proud of this guy!

He worked hard for just under 2 weeks.  

The drama!  The tears! The frustration!  

Perseverance... 

A steadfast Momma (Some would say stubborn).... 

Encouraging siblings... 

Perspective shared... 

Dismay and Discouragement were challenged and chased away... 

And then VICTORY! 

The Challenge:

Memorize the multiplication facts

Tell him it isn't so

He had Christmas monies.

He begged and pleaded to spend it right away. 

I encouraged him to wait a few days. 

Be content with Current Christmas gifts.

Do some research. 

But insistent.

So we ordered. 

Then the next day, a math problem and frustration. 

Math facts not memorized in spite of Mom's encouragement for years! 

Memorized or I hold onto the package when it comes. 

BIG EYES... 

You aren't serious!?!? 

Yes, this momma was serious. 

Finally, a motivator that was going to motivate. 

He had 5 days. 

A huge misunderstanding.

He thought I just meant the nines and fives. 

nope. 

drama. 

In his drama he was accepting, but emotions are emotions.. 

dismay over misunderstanding and reality.. 

I didn't cave. 

Amazing what he was able to do in 2 days. 

So he worked. 

The package came. 

He looked at it longingly. 

Got angry. 

Opened it and peeked. 

But didn't touch. 

Confessed with tears. 

Worked. 

4 days in a row he asked me to quiz him. 

Each day fewer errors.

Those errors were often too much! 

After the third day, he had 3/4s memorized. 

Day 4, 2 errors.. silly little errors. 

He had them. 

His smile.  

Was so worth it. 

Accomplishment.

Overcoming. 

Challenges are amazing confidence boosters.

Never pleasant in the process. 

In the end

What is gained 

Is more than the prize received.

Though this prize was pretty good. 

His latest passion: 

One for him and one he is willing to share with his sister.  

For Christmas he received 2 yo yos, carefully selected.
but boys and their "toys" and obsessions...
He watches you tube to learn tricks. 

Discovered a few tricks he wants to do and these gems are recommended. 

His sister, is interested in joining him during her free time. 

So he bought one for her to use any time she wanted.  

She can't borrow the others, but this one, ok.  

He cracks me up!