It's time to flee the den!
Or... your parents will have to succumb to the Carnivorous Credit Card Cruncher! It's a scary thing to allow someone outside of your position of trust to control your household finances... personally, I wouldn't give anyone that kind of control.
Emily and I spent a lovely time at Washington Park this afternoon. We went to Bonnie Brae Ice Cream Parlor and got two scoops of Pistachio in a chocolate dipped waffle cone, then went over to the park to feed the squirrels and geese. We counted the goslings (or tried to) and I think we came up with a total of 59 new babies at the south lake. I took some AMAZING photos of Emily with the sunset across the water.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Secret US Classic 2012 - 5th grade continuation
Today's the day for the US Secret Classic. Polina Shchennikova of TIGAR competed today as a Junior. She placed 2nd on bars with a 14.4, and finished 9th overall. Not bad, Polina! Here's her Uneven Bars Routine (courtesy of USA Gymnastics):
Simone Biles scored a 16.05 on the vault (Wow) and won the All Around with a score of 58.15. Here's that FABULOUS vault (courtesy of USA Gymnastics):
Polina's little sister Alyona placed 1st on bars during the HOPES Compulsory Session at the Secret Classic.
This evening the Senior Elite girls competed for a shot to the VISA Classic. It was also Nastia Liukin's debut back to the sport and it was a great comeback (courtesy of Universal Sports)
Meanwhile, Emily graduated from Elementary School on Thursday and here's the video (courtesy Aunt Jean McCawley):
Emily spent the night at her best friend Megan's house so that she could kick back and relax. It's been alot of work in the gym lately and she really needs this break. We're off of the gym schedule for the entire week. I don't think I'll know what to do with myself. I just might get my car cleaned out and my house clean for once!
While at Gymnastika yesterday, more future x-TIGARS are coming to see what Gay has to offer. I don't know exactly what's happening over there, but obviously it was a bad business move on TIGAR's part.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Saluting all Gym Moms...
Proctor and Gamble decided to make this series of videos, to acknowledge what we as moms go through daily to support our childrens' dreams and aspirations...
I just love this line from the below video "Olympians - they weren't born that way, they're raised that way..."
For all of those naysayers that would like to believe that what we are doing, as the mother of a dedicated child in any disclipline is living vicariously through their child...
lets not forget ...the late night hand washing of the exhibition uniforms, the waking of the athlete, preparation of the morning meal, the early morning hair braiding, stocking the snack bag with healthy food to get her through another grueling practice... the checking of the school homework... the endless daily driving... to the gym, to the school, to the gym, back to home... and before transporting to each destination, making sure to prepare a healthy "in-transit" meal, carrying their exhausted body out of the car to bed at the end of a grueling day and asking your little champion after every practice "Did you have fun today?"
So to clarify - we as mothers dedicate ourselves to our children, fear for their safety, we are there to shore them up when they feel defeated, pray to God that we have the strength to continue in their quest whatever it may be, and cry with relief and pride that we are privileged to witness their shining moments ... no matter what path we end up being dragged down by our future medalist. As mothers we will continue to do so as long as we live and breathe. We love them and are in awe of their accomplishments, drive and dedication.
Here's a great article The Role of the Gymnastic Parent
Here's another great article http://voices.yahoo.com/what-takes-gymnastics-parent-537025.html
I just love this line from the below video "Olympians - they weren't born that way, they're raised that way..."
For all of those naysayers that would like to believe that what we are doing, as the mother of a dedicated child in any disclipline is living vicariously through their child...
lets not forget ...the late night hand washing of the exhibition uniforms, the waking of the athlete, preparation of the morning meal, the early morning hair braiding, stocking the snack bag with healthy food to get her through another grueling practice... the checking of the school homework... the endless daily driving... to the gym, to the school, to the gym, back to home... and before transporting to each destination, making sure to prepare a healthy "in-transit" meal, carrying their exhausted body out of the car to bed at the end of a grueling day and asking your little champion after every practice "Did you have fun today?"
So to clarify - we as mothers dedicate ourselves to our children, fear for their safety, we are there to shore them up when they feel defeated, pray to God that we have the strength to continue in their quest whatever it may be, and cry with relief and pride that we are privileged to witness their shining moments ... no matter what path we end up being dragged down by our future medalist. As mothers we will continue to do so as long as we live and breathe. We love them and are in awe of their accomplishments, drive and dedication.
Here's a great article The Role of the Gymnastic Parent
Here's another great article http://voices.yahoo.com/what-takes-gymnastics-parent-537025.html
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Gymnastika's Spring Fling
Yesterday Gymnastika put on their Spring Fling, which is a meet for the recreational kids to show off the skills that they've learned in this past session. Emily and her team mates got the chance to show off their stuff performing an exhibition dance routine.
The optional girls really burned up the floor performing their dance routine to Bollywood Fusion.
While at this meet, a few of us started discussing organizing a new 501(c)3 to benefit local gymnasts. I love it when a plan comes together...
The optional girls really burned up the floor performing their dance routine to Bollywood Fusion.
While at this meet, a few of us started discussing organizing a new 501(c)3 to benefit local gymnasts. I love it when a plan comes together...
Monday, May 14, 2012
It's another good day.
Today I received a call from a mom at TIGAR, apparently our ad for Emily's parade and competition Leo's from that gym was still up on the Booster Club board in the parent lounge.
Believe me this is one good deal!
1 blinged out custom Level 10 TIGAR Parade Leo with blk velvet shorts size 6/7 and matching scrunchy hair tie,
1 spaghetti strap Tiger Shiny Print Parade Leo with blk velvet shorts size 6/7 and matching scrunchy hair tie,
For Competition:
a bag of custom Hair Ties (5) and hair ribbons to match
Level 4/5 Dreamlite competition Leo size 6/7 and team jacket
Black velvet warm up pants with the TIGAR paw embroidered on the waist.
AND... a TIGAR Gymnastics Team BackPack!
ENTIRE LOT $175.00 (original price new, well over $400.00)
Moving on to Gymnastika and their gymnastics school program, PRICELESS!
While we were at TIGAR so that the new Level 4/5 could try these leos on, Beth (the owner) asked Emily if Grigory was still at Gymnastika. Emily told her "no, he left". Beth's answer was "I knew that was going to happen." Beth, you really shouldn't attempt to gloat when you have no idea the circumstances of Grigory's departure. That kind of behavior does nothing to boost your likeability or credibility in this sport. You have a really nice new gym and some of the best coaches, but your Level 5,6 teams from what I recently noticed are still struggling at two of the four events. TIGAR didn't have one Level 5 All-Around last year, even though a lot of the girls did win event titles. To get to Nationals the girls have to be good in all four disciplines. If you thought like I did about running my business, I'd be watching closer what the girls below Level 8 will achieve in the next competition season to keep abreast of the competition. I wish you well.
Gay Lindsay at Gymnastika knows this sport well, having been a competitive gymnast herself long before opening her own gym. Her hiring and firing decisions only make me respect her even more. She's worked wonders with my needy child and I see a vast improvement in Emily's demeanor and behavior since switching gyms. Not only is Emily growing in her gymnastics skill set, but she's also maturing and learning good sportsmanship where she currently trains, which to me is far more important to engrain in her personality than learning how to execute a new trick.
Emily also got the chance today to see Svetlana (Stabourova) her first competitive coach, and give her a big hug, which really made Emily's day. We also said hi to Polina and Alyona while we were there and congratulated them both on their recent successes. Polina Shchennikova tied for 2nd at the 2012 Nastia Liukin Cup in March and her sister Alyona Shchennikova finished 4th AA at the Hopes Qualifier at Karolyi Ranch on May 4th. These two are having a fabulous year and we wish them many more future successes.
Meagan Groel, Emily's buddy, is on her way down to the Karolyi Ranch this weekend. We wish her well, safe journey and have lots of fun while you're there.
Well, 4 more days to the Gymnastika banquet and Saturday's recreational meet! Can't wait to see the group perform!
Believe me this is one good deal!
1 blinged out custom Level 10 TIGAR Parade Leo with blk velvet shorts size 6/7 and matching scrunchy hair tie,
1 spaghetti strap Tiger Shiny Print Parade Leo with blk velvet shorts size 6/7 and matching scrunchy hair tie,
For Competition:
a bag of custom Hair Ties (5) and hair ribbons to match
Level 4/5 Dreamlite competition Leo size 6/7 and team jacket
Black velvet warm up pants with the TIGAR paw embroidered on the waist.
AND... a TIGAR Gymnastics Team BackPack!
ENTIRE LOT $175.00 (original price new, well over $400.00)
Moving on to Gymnastika and their gymnastics school program, PRICELESS!
While we were at TIGAR so that the new Level 4/5 could try these leos on, Beth (the owner) asked Emily if Grigory was still at Gymnastika. Emily told her "no, he left". Beth's answer was "I knew that was going to happen." Beth, you really shouldn't attempt to gloat when you have no idea the circumstances of Grigory's departure. That kind of behavior does nothing to boost your likeability or credibility in this sport. You have a really nice new gym and some of the best coaches, but your Level 5,6 teams from what I recently noticed are still struggling at two of the four events. TIGAR didn't have one Level 5 All-Around last year, even though a lot of the girls did win event titles. To get to Nationals the girls have to be good in all four disciplines. If you thought like I did about running my business, I'd be watching closer what the girls below Level 8 will achieve in the next competition season to keep abreast of the competition. I wish you well.
Gay Lindsay at Gymnastika knows this sport well, having been a competitive gymnast herself long before opening her own gym. Her hiring and firing decisions only make me respect her even more. She's worked wonders with my needy child and I see a vast improvement in Emily's demeanor and behavior since switching gyms. Not only is Emily growing in her gymnastics skill set, but she's also maturing and learning good sportsmanship where she currently trains, which to me is far more important to engrain in her personality than learning how to execute a new trick.
Emily also got the chance today to see Svetlana (Stabourova) her first competitive coach, and give her a big hug, which really made Emily's day. We also said hi to Polina and Alyona while we were there and congratulated them both on their recent successes. Polina Shchennikova tied for 2nd at the 2012 Nastia Liukin Cup in March and her sister Alyona Shchennikova finished 4th AA at the Hopes Qualifier at Karolyi Ranch on May 4th. These two are having a fabulous year and we wish them many more future successes.
Meagan Groel, Emily's buddy, is on her way down to the Karolyi Ranch this weekend. We wish her well, safe journey and have lots of fun while you're there.
Well, 4 more days to the Gymnastika banquet and Saturday's recreational meet! Can't wait to see the group perform!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Saturday morning practice in May
Today the girls are practicing their dance routines for the upcoming banquet this next week. We have a new coach at the gym. Her name is Kelly and she was Emily's dance coach at TIGAR.
When Emily was at TIGAR she hated attending Kelly's class at night after practice. I think it was because there were over 25 girls in the class and it was at 7:45 at night. Now Emily couldn't be happier to learn from Kelly. This morning Emily's benefitting from actually being able to listen to Kelly without distractions. I wish she had been able to do that in the past.
With the smaller class sizes at Gymnastika Emily has really been able to improve on her skills and learn new ones.
Today I have heard that yet another girl from Emily's old gym is defecting to another local gym. You can't win friends and influence people when your paying clients figure out that your Gym was developed for one child and one purpose only. It's no secret that purpose does not include growing the actual business. If that Jungle Cat continues to run at a loss I doubt seriously that the cumulative investments will continue to keep that business afloat. Good luck with that. Tigars don't change their stripes and when they start to eat the villagers, eventually they're euthanized.
Have a great Mother's Day all!
When Emily was at TIGAR she hated attending Kelly's class at night after practice. I think it was because there were over 25 girls in the class and it was at 7:45 at night. Now Emily couldn't be happier to learn from Kelly. This morning Emily's benefitting from actually being able to listen to Kelly without distractions. I wish she had been able to do that in the past.
With the smaller class sizes at Gymnastika Emily has really been able to improve on her skills and learn new ones.
Today I have heard that yet another girl from Emily's old gym is defecting to another local gym. You can't win friends and influence people when your paying clients figure out that your Gym was developed for one child and one purpose only. It's no secret that purpose does not include growing the actual business. If that Jungle Cat continues to run at a loss I doubt seriously that the cumulative investments will continue to keep that business afloat. Good luck with that. Tigars don't change their stripes and when they start to eat the villagers, eventually they're euthanized.
Have a great Mother's Day all!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Happy Mother's Day to YOU, the Gym Rat's Mom
Happy Mother's Day to all of my friends that I've met over the years at different Gymnastics Clubs!
Thank you USA Gymnastics and Proctor and Gamble for the following video:
I also believe my daughter Emily will do great things after her days of competition are behind her.
Right now Emily is training 26 hours a week at Gymnastika, in Arvada, CO, she loves every moment and is truly dedicated to her sport. I ask her daily if she's still up for this schedule, and the answer is always the same "I love to compete, Mom! I want to be Elite!" So, as long as she makes the effort, I will be there to support her, but I often remind her there's a life outside the gym, that her schoolwork and friendships outside of the gym are just as important.
Today I finally had a little time to watch my daughter's practice. I had not watched a practice since January as my company's busy season kept me running ragged. When I got there, a half an hour before practice was over, my daughter and her group (Level 6's and 7's) were on the floor practicing tumbling passes. It was Emily's turn as I watched her complete her back handspring, back layout I was shocked at how much height she was able to get in her back layout on a spring floor, not on a trampoline. She took my breath away. It's moments like that one that keep us, the parents inspired to continue to support our children in this sport. Emily, labeled a problem child with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD, now channels her frustrations in tumbling passes, switch leaps and twists. How she amazes and inspires me...
It takes an enormous amount of commitment - both time and resources - to support your gymnast in her goal of mastering this sport with no guarantee that she will make it to collegiate level, much less Elite status, but as parents we are there for our children because we love them and want the best for them. We'll all be there to support our children no matter what in whatever they choose as their passion.
On a side note:
As we approach a new competition season, since I've been asked by several of my friends about Booster Club rules and regs, here is a great link to all things legal regarding Booster Clubs, what the Gym can, and can not force the parent to do. My best advice to you is to educate yourself and ask for documentation of proof that there is actually a legal organization that is bound by your State's Fundraising laws. Any legal organization's documentation should be on file with your Secretary of State's office as well.
Word to the wise: Booster Club Board of Directors are liable for any errors and omissions of legality and should be protected by Directors and Officers insurance policy to protect them against any "errors or omissions" in Booster Club acts and/or policies. A Board Member can be sued personally for any mistakes made by the Club.
Please click here and educate yourself prior to committing your precious resources:
and please check out The truth about Individual Fundraising Accounts
I also believe my daughter Emily will do great things after her days of competition are behind her.
Right now Emily is training 26 hours a week at Gymnastika, in Arvada, CO, she loves every moment and is truly dedicated to her sport. I ask her daily if she's still up for this schedule, and the answer is always the same "I love to compete, Mom! I want to be Elite!" So, as long as she makes the effort, I will be there to support her, but I often remind her there's a life outside the gym, that her schoolwork and friendships outside of the gym are just as important.
Today I finally had a little time to watch my daughter's practice. I had not watched a practice since January as my company's busy season kept me running ragged. When I got there, a half an hour before practice was over, my daughter and her group (Level 6's and 7's) were on the floor practicing tumbling passes. It was Emily's turn as I watched her complete her back handspring, back layout I was shocked at how much height she was able to get in her back layout on a spring floor, not on a trampoline. She took my breath away. It's moments like that one that keep us, the parents inspired to continue to support our children in this sport. Emily, labeled a problem child with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD, now channels her frustrations in tumbling passes, switch leaps and twists. How she amazes and inspires me...
It takes an enormous amount of commitment - both time and resources - to support your gymnast in her goal of mastering this sport with no guarantee that she will make it to collegiate level, much less Elite status, but as parents we are there for our children because we love them and want the best for them. We'll all be there to support our children no matter what in whatever they choose as their passion.
On a side note:
As we approach a new competition season, since I've been asked by several of my friends about Booster Club rules and regs, here is a great link to all things legal regarding Booster Clubs, what the Gym can, and can not force the parent to do. My best advice to you is to educate yourself and ask for documentation of proof that there is actually a legal organization that is bound by your State's Fundraising laws. Any legal organization's documentation should be on file with your Secretary of State's office as well.
Word to the wise: Booster Club Board of Directors are liable for any errors and omissions of legality and should be protected by Directors and Officers insurance policy to protect them against any "errors or omissions" in Booster Club acts and/or policies. A Board Member can be sued personally for any mistakes made by the Club.
Please click here and educate yourself prior to committing your precious resources:
and please check out The truth about Individual Fundraising Accounts
Sunday, May 6, 2012
May Flowers... new skills
Emily has been working on getting her Giant. Still pretty fearful, but she's almost there! She's been able to swing to handstand on the parallel bars, which Gay says takes a good chunk of the fear factor out of the equation, but still Emily's tensing up with fear when working on that skill.
I just found out that my cousin Glenn Olson has been chosen as the head chef at Olympic Village for the Summer Olympics in London! I hear he's a wonderful chef. I haven't seen him in 35 years. Wow, that's a long time and we were all just kids. Thank God for Facebook.
Emily was in the talent show at her Elementary School this past week and she performed a modified balance beam routine which she ALMOST crashed and burned at. She threw two tricks on a 2" mat that I had NO IDEA she decided to put in that routine. When she rehearsed her original routine, it was performed on 8" mats. I did not know until she went to perform that the mats were switched out, and by then she was in the middle of the routine. Thank God she didn't get hurt.
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