My Life's Journey: Lauren's 1st figure skating competition

I don't even know how to start. As a mom, I get to experience thousands of proud moments. Elizabeth slowly beginning to read and write in pre-k. Lauren's score of 100% on every single spelling test in 1st grade to date. Lauren and Elizabeth being invited by their gymnastics school to try out for their accelerated program because they exhibited interest and skill "beyond their peers." I can go on and on.

Today, Lauren competed in her first figure skating event and last Sunday before her lesson, she did a "dress rehearsal" just before the public session at her home rink, Iceland. Lauren was a bit nervous leading up to her taking the ice (the anticipation is always tougher than the real thing!) but she did great and gained confidence for sure. It really helped with today's main event. Lauren was in the "Basics 3" group and had program requirements of stroking, pumping on circle, slalom, back 1 foot glide and 2-foot spin. There were about 8 children in this category and just like skating events you see on tv, each group had a warm-up session and then each skater went on.

Lauren did two quick dry-runs of her actual program during the warm-up and she was the first to go on. I gave her only two marching orders: 1. Try your best and 2. Have so much fun! Boy, did she ever! She entered the ice with confidence, nailed each requirement and had a lot of fun. One of the sweetest moments for me was Priscilla's (Lauren's coach) embrace after her performance. Her student made her proud.

Priscilla said Lauren's scores would likely be available in the next 30 minutes so we stuck around and watched the next group go on. Then Priscilla guided me to the score posting area and learned Lauren earned 1st place!! She received her first trophy! We didn't stay for the actual ceremony because we had to meet up with Elizabeth and Tae for dinner. However we had a celebratory dinner at Umberto's in Lauren's honor. She was showing off her trophy to the wait staff, NHCC members we just happen to have met there, strangers...it was awesome!

Official results! Lauren Kyung #1!

Lauren said, "I love competition!" and informed me she would like to do another one "in June." I thought to myself, "Good! Because in life you are going to have to compete a lot for a lot of different things!"

Here is Lauren's 1st place performance. I am so proud of you Champ! And because my Lauren is my Lauren...as I tucked her in tonight and said goodnight, she said to me, "Tomorrow I am going to write Priscilla a thank you card." Heart of gold that one.