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Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorDec 8, 2006

My son Noah, who's in sixth grade, won first place in the school-wide spelling bee this afternoon.  Yay!

The students were all given a list of 250+ words to learn and study before the bee... but those words were exhausted within about an hour, so Noah braved words from the dictionary -- which he hadn't studied previously -- to earn his win.  He was so excited when he was announced the winner that he lept into the air, landing on his knees kinda like a rock star, and pumping his fists while yelling, "Yes!  Yes!  Yes!" 

The best part for me and his dad, who happened to be in town and was able to share this moment with Noah (I'm so glad!), was watching Noah from the first word to the last giving people who answered incorrectly high fives and "Good Job!"'s when they misspelled a word and had to leave the stage and return to the crowd.  He had no idea he'd finish as high up as he did, but every step of the way it was as important for him to make other people feel good in this process as it was for him to perform well, himself.

There are just some days when everything is golden for those we love.  This was one of those days.  It was pretty golden for me, too.

I'm super proud of Noah; next is the county-wide spelling bee.  Onward and upward!

Here he is, early on in the bee, spelling a word.

Happy mom here!

Pumpkin & Pickle Bears Dec 9, 2006

Aww Shel, I'm not surprised you're so proud - it's a huge achievement for Noah!!  :clap:

CONGRATULATIONS NOAH!! 

Noah looks really tall compared to the other children - is he tall for his age?

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorDec 9, 2006

He is tall for his age; somewhere in the 90% percentile, which present problems since he's also on a gymnastics team and the shorter, wirier kids have a physical advantage in that sport.  Doesn't interfere with his spelling, though!  Laughing here...

Actually, there are about three other sixth graders in the picture above, the most noticeable of which will be the lovely Indian girl in the front row, Nellie, who's amazingly smart and sweet and actually won the bee last year.

The rest of the kids are from fifth grade and a few are from fourth.

Thanks for joining me in this exciting moment!

aerianna Dec 9, 2006

Oh Shelli, you must be so proud! My favorite part of the story is when he fell on his knees like a rock star and said "yes yes yes!". That is so adorable. I love days like this when everything is great! Congrats.
Aeri

WildThyme Dec 9, 2006

Oh that's AWSOME Shelli!  You just gotta love those moments when it really goes RIGHT!!!  Way to go Noah!!!!!   :dance:  :clap:  :dance:

Kim Basta

matilda Dec 9, 2006

Way to go Noah!!!!

Stitch Dec 9, 2006

oh Well done Noah! What a wonderful proud mummy moment. :photo:

shantell Dec 9, 2006

Congratulations...what a wonderful moment not only for Noah but for both you and his father.  It's always wonderful to see your child excel academically but also a good sportman as well.  I would be just beaming with pride!!!

TamiL Dec 9, 2006

That is wonderful, congrats to Noah!!! I can see why you are so proud!!!

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorDec 9, 2006

WooHoo . . . go, Noah!!!  That's soooooo terrific!!  Much good luck at the county bee and the ones after that.  Congratulations!  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Gail Dec 9, 2006

Huge congrats Noah and what a self esteen building moment!!!! You have every right to be a proud Mom Shelli
Hugs
Gail :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

patsylakebears Dec 9, 2006

Shelli congratulations to Noah on a wonderful achievement... I can understand you being a very proud parent. Good luck to Noah in the future spelling Bees

SunnieOne Dec 9, 2006

Shelli,
How wonderful for Noah (and for Mom). That is something to be REALLY proud of, but his behaviour towards others is worth even more! Great job Mom!
Hugs
Sonya

Carolyn Green Dec 9, 2006

That is wonderful Shelli and how proud you must be of your beautiful son.
Kudos to you both!

hugs
Carolyn

Swan Valley Bears Dec 9, 2006

How exciting ! ! !   Give Noah a big high five from TT.  And tell him good luck on the county-wide.

Cleathero Creations Dec 9, 2006

I would have been busting with pride.

DId you manage to contain yourself or did you pump the air with him?

What a lovely thing for him and you!!

Delartful Bears Dec 9, 2006

Oh Shelli - he sounds so gorgeous!  What a cutie!! You must be beeming at the moment - so must he.

I wonder where he got his spelling talents from though?  Not you, surely... LOL     

Danni

DebbieD Dec 9, 2006

:clap: Way to go Noah!!!! :clap:

You've every right to be thrilled...not only with his win, but especially his good sportsmanship throughout.  Even better that both you and his dad got to see.  I can remember so many times Mom getting drug to all sorts of school things to watch us, but I do remember wishing for once my Dad could get to see as well....but he was always working     Just part of life to support his family.... Your son will truly look back on this as one very special event  :hug:

Are you still grinning from ear to ear?   

Stellajella Dec 9, 2006

Noah, cool! Congratulations!!!!!! :cake: Keep them words coming!! :clap: 
Shelli, no wonder you´re a proud mom  :dance:

Gaby

Tammy Dec 9, 2006

That's just so awesomel for Noah , and how special for you and his dad to be there !    Seems like spelling bees are a really big thing in the USA.   I've seen some on TV and I get all nervous just looking at those kids and the pressure they must be under.   I'm sure you were just glowing with pride , makes a mom feel good inside at moments like that ! 

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorDec 9, 2006

You guys are making me smile so wide; THANK YOU for sharing in this really terrific moment for my son!  Noah's with his dad this weekend, but when he gets back late Sunday night I'm showing him your wonderful, supportive comments.  I know he'll be so happy and proud all over again.

As always, I have to add that you're all just so very appreciated in my life...

New Avenue Crew Dec 9, 2006

How neat! Thanks for sharing this with us, Shelli! Noah, not only am I excited that you excelled in the spelling bee, but I am thrilled that you are so supportive of your classmates and want to encourage them, too. You are a true sportsman.

I Love Teddies Dec 9, 2006

congrats, Noah!  good luck with the county one!   :clap:  :dance:

Tami E Dec 10, 2006

Shelli you and Noah have a right to be proud!  :clap:

makafelts Dec 10, 2006

Shelli,
You have every reason to be proud!!! Congratulations to Noah...Job well done!!!! :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:
Hugs &