Author: Stephen and Jodi

Wrote this for the Baldwin Family Newsletter for the mystery person, thought we’d add it to the blog journal…
This person had a difficult time being potty trained. One day while waiting for dad in the car a number two accident occurred, unbeknown to dad. This person decided to take care of business on their own. They opened up the jockey box, pulled out the registration and insurance papers of the car and wiped away the deed. Being resourceful must be an inherently strong character trait. The stench was apparent when dad returned and he helped clean up the mess, so he thought. A few days later when putting something away in the glove compartment dad found a little treasure awaiting him! Whoops. He thought about comments he could make the next time he got pulled over by the police like, “Well this really stinks!” or “What in the crap?” as he handed over his registration and insurance information. We are proud to report that this person is fully capable of using the toilet like a big person now.

As we sat around the fireplace tonight Mason and I began to discuss how hot fire is, since we weren’t sure the exact figures we googled it and here are the astonishing facts. Watch out for the dazzling White flames they are the hottest.

The temperature of flames with carbon particles emitting light can be assessed by their color:

Red
o Just visible:977 F (525 C)
o Dull: 1290 F (700 C)
o Cherry, dull: 1470 F (800 C)
o Cherry, full: 1650 F (900 C)
o Cherry, clear: 1830 F (1000 C)

Orange
o Deep: 2010 F (1100 C)
o Clear: 2190 F (1200 C)

White
o Whitish: 2370 F (1300 C)
o Bright: 2550 F (1400 C)
o Dazzling: 2730 F (1500 C)

Mason participated in his final wrestling tournament of the year yesterday. I think now that it is all said and done he had a good experience.

To back up a little, last week we were at the Blackfoot tournament. It was a rough day for the little fella. He wrestled hard, but didn’t win any of his matches. They had him wrestling kids in the same weight class as him, but they had been in wrestling for three and four years. Keep in mind, this is Mason’s first. The last two matches really tested Mason’s emotional capacity. He was in pain – physically and emotionally. When the match was over and the other wrestler got to raise his hand in victory, it was hard. He ran off of the mat crying and had a little melt down in the hall claiming he would never wrestle again. I couldn’t talk him into shaking his opponent’s hand like a good sport. I looked around and saw other boys experiencing the same thing – I wondered to myself, “Is this all worth it?” As the day progressed, Mason was able to watch the older boys. He saw that they held it together if they lost – even if they were disappointed. We talked a lot that night about sportsmanship, not giving up, and just doing your best! Stephen and I both reassured him that he didn’t need to worry about winning, but to always do his best.

So now we come to yesterday…a day much like the Blackfoot experience minus the drama! I was so proud of Mason – he tried so hard and never gave up, though every match was difficult. When it was over he shook the opponent’s hand and walked off of the mat in complete control. He learned that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, never give up, and always do your best. When we got home, he even asked if I noticed his behavior. I told him, “Yes I did, and I am very proud of you.” Some lessons in life can only be taught through experience.

Comments:

Aunt Steph said…

Good job Mason, I have only one once in my life, when I was 32 Riley and I beat Trevin and Matt at Kubb. I wish I could be more in control like you. Sometimes I feel like I never want to try for fear I might just loose again. I am glad you did your best, will you teach mat the rules, he wrestles like a Luchador. See you soon.
Sunday, November 18, 2007 10:52:10 PM

Aunt Anne said…

Good Job! There have been lots of times in my life when I tried and tried and tried and still lost. But also I have had times where I have won. I think it is important to lose, so when you win it is even BETTER! Also, the times I didn’t win, I still had a good time. Keep up the determination and it will all pay off!
Monday, November 19, 2007 1:58:28 PM