Kid's Taekwondo Testing

In January, Emma and Liam participated in testing for their next belts in Taekwondo. They were both successful in their testing and Liam received his yellow belt and Emma received her green belt. They train at Team Martin Taekowndo, a black belt academy that focuses on confidence, discipline, integrity and respect. They are family owned and operated and truly enjoy what they do (for more info see their website: http://www.tmt-lv.com/). Emma began the year in the black belt club and shocked us all with her aggressive and fearless attitude towards sparring. She regularly fights kids bigger than her and usually wins. Liam enjoys leading his class, but frequently gets frustrated because some of the girls in his class are higher ranked and therefore end up bowing the class in and out.

Emma will likely continue to progress at TMT, Liam on the other hand may be moving on to another sport as his concentration and dedication are not quite the level at the level of his big sister.

Grandma Ashton's Memorial Service

In the beginning of January we went to Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin to remember and celebrate the life of Helen Eleanor Ashton, Shelly’s grandma. We got to spend time with cousins. It was an Ashton reunion that included Uncle Jim, Aunt Peggy, Jenny, Jeff and Doug Ashton (Shelly’s relatives). We spent time with Audrey and Anna Gilmore, daughters of Beth and Doug Gilmore and saw Uncle Chris Metzguer, Aunt Heidi and Uncle Chris Turner. We stayed in Racine, WI and enjoyed (I’m being sarcastic) the snowy weather. We visited Zion, IL where Grandma and Grandpa Ashton met and spent the majority of their lives together.

We looked at pictures of Grandma and couldn’t believe the resemblance to Shelly. Grandma lived a long life, she died when she was in her early 90’s. She was born in the United States, but as German as they come. Her maiden name was Miller (changed from Mueller when her parents immigrated to the United States). She met my Grandfather in Zion, IL and they dated for over 10 years. When they finally tied the knot, it was in secret because of religious factions within Zion. They were married for over 60 years and only separated by death. Grandpa was a paper salesman and traveled often for his job. He worked until he was in his mid-seventies when they finally made him retire because he was practically blind.


Shelly’s Grandparents were the definition of Great Americans. They worked hard, honored their family and loved their country. They often went without so that when they left this life, their surviving family would have something to remember them by. Their dedication to each other and our country speaks volumes in a world today where many have lost these most treasured and important values.