Our Hangout

Speeches

The last month has had the DeFreitas household burried in the depths of school speeches.

This year Lucas did his speech on the topic of "Pokemon" - one of his favourite cartoon series.

Xanda did her speech based on the book "Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day."

Both speeches were top notch, thanks to mom.

Good things that came out of this years speeches. One, both Lucas and Xanda were chosen from their class to go to the Gym. Xanda was one of two grade ones chosen, but was the only one who was able to actually do her speech. Jessica, the other girl, and one of Xanda's friends was just too nervous. It was one of those moments where you just wanted to walk up and hug the kid.

Grades 1-3 are judged together. So I was a very proud daddy watching my little girl up there competing with the grade threes and doing a very good job at it. Vania and I were more nervous than the kids, and Vania says if I saw what I looked like (lots of sign language coaching Xanda - I probably would have thought twice. Nahhhh.

Nadine, a wonderful grade three girl, and also friend from our church, got first place. She definitely did a bang up job on a speech about her best friend. Another grade two girl got second place and although the speech wasn't as exciting (just my opinion, she had it completely memorized with names and dates about the girl guides.)

Lucas was the runner up, and did his speech the best I'd heard him do it. Unfortunately, he lost his place once. It cost him second place. All good. You probably won't remember, but last year Lucas was heartbroken as he was runner up from his class and never made it to the gym. Came home crying and everything, and in the midst of those Lucas fits got angry.

Yesterday his words were, "that's ok, it's only a speech." We reassured him of how well he'd done, but I think most of all I was pleased with his response at not winning.

We gave Xanda a bouquet of roses per her request and Lucas is not sure what he'd like.

They're both already talking about next year's speeches. I know it's early, but knowing Lucas, I wouldn't be surprised if he wins next year. That's just how he gets motivated. Last year he wasn't motivated and was runner up to the gym. This year he barely tried and was runner up to the Legion. Now he knows he can do it and is very motivated. Slow process for him, oh well, all good.

We were both really proud of both our kids yesterday. I think in terms of the speeches Xanda's was next best to Lucas, and if she hadn't been nervous and had done her actions I think she would have taken top spot. But that's alright, we just keep encouraging them to try and as long as they do that's good enough.

I can't imagine being that old and standing in delivering a speech to a room full of people. So it was really cool.

Lucas' words afterwards, "I wasn't nervous because you and mommy were there."

I don't have any pictures because we forgot our camera, but it probably would have been distracting to them anyway, so it was probably a good thing that we forgot.

Great job kiddos..........

Posted by ed