Showing posts with label Emily Boyet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Emily Boyet. Show all posts
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Back at Gymnastika!
After that horrendous knee injury, and over 4 months out of the gym and on crutches, Emily's back with her friends over at Gymnastika! I had her at Highland Hills and hoped she would want to stay there a little longer because it's not such a far drive, but the moment the doc released her, she begged to go back to Gay Lindsay's. She loves her coach. Even though the ortho doc hates girls in gymnastics, Emily has other ideas as to what she wants to do with herself. Emily's been working beam and bars and working hard on conditioning. It won't be long before she's back in competition form.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Emily's finally back in the gym...
Well, starting last week Emily's been back in the gym conditioning. It's been a long time off and a long time healing from Osgood-Schlotter's Disease. Her knee is still sore, but she couldn't wait to get back into the gym. I don't think I want her out there 5 days a week again. She's got to use those legs her whole life. Long after her gymnastics career. She's still got 4 more weeks before she's cleared for full practices. We'll see how it goes. There's always next year. Right now she's taking it easy at Highland Hills Gymnastics.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Gabby Douglas Wins the All Around Gold!
and her old gym whines about losing "their" champion...
Gabby's Mom owes Excaliber money
Gym owners are truly a strange breed. With the money that they could reap from new clients, they really shot themselves in the foot with this whining.
I salute you Gabrielle Douglas not only for helping your team win Gold, but for being the first African American woman to win the All-Around Gold at the Olympics! Congratulations to Natalie Hawkins (Gabby's Mom) and Gabby's siblings for making the sacrifices to help get her there. Congratulations to Liang Chow , you are a great mentor. Not only have Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas achieved their Olympic goals, but they have also been given the strength to handle themselves under the spotlight because of the confidence that you helped instill in them both. We can't wait to see all of the champions when they come to town for the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions - 2012
Meanwhile:
Emily has been fighting through Osgood-Schlatter's disease for most of the summer, so we've opted to take a month off of hard training as she's in far too much pain to continue her 26 hour a week regimen. It's really close to competition season, but I'd rather she made it to adulthood without tearing out both knees. Sorry, but it's a Mom Thing. There will be a life after Gymnastics, and I'd like to make sure she gets there without a Handicap Placard. She'll keep up her conditioning at home and we'll re-evaluate at the end of the month. It was hard to tell Gay at Gymnastika that we were taking a break, but I feel it's the best thing that Emily can do for herself right now, and the pain is causing her to realize that it's best to take it easy for a couple of weeks until this recent growth spurt is over with. Competition can wait awhile. It disturbs me to see so many taped ankles, knees and wrists in this sport.
Gabby's Mom owes Excaliber money
Gym owners are truly a strange breed. With the money that they could reap from new clients, they really shot themselves in the foot with this whining.
I salute you Gabrielle Douglas not only for helping your team win Gold, but for being the first African American woman to win the All-Around Gold at the Olympics! Congratulations to Natalie Hawkins (Gabby's Mom) and Gabby's siblings for making the sacrifices to help get her there. Congratulations to Liang Chow , you are a great mentor. Not only have Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas achieved their Olympic goals, but they have also been given the strength to handle themselves under the spotlight because of the confidence that you helped instill in them both. We can't wait to see all of the champions when they come to town for the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions - 2012
Meanwhile:
Emily has been fighting through Osgood-Schlatter's disease for most of the summer, so we've opted to take a month off of hard training as she's in far too much pain to continue her 26 hour a week regimen. It's really close to competition season, but I'd rather she made it to adulthood without tearing out both knees. Sorry, but it's a Mom Thing. There will be a life after Gymnastics, and I'd like to make sure she gets there without a Handicap Placard. She'll keep up her conditioning at home and we'll re-evaluate at the end of the month. It was hard to tell Gay at Gymnastika that we were taking a break, but I feel it's the best thing that Emily can do for herself right now, and the pain is causing her to realize that it's best to take it easy for a couple of weeks until this recent growth spurt is over with. Competition can wait awhile. It disturbs me to see so many taped ankles, knees and wrists in this sport.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
2012 Olympics - Go Team USA!
Emily and I spent this morning searching for news on Team USA girls. What a shock to find out that Jordyn Wieber did not qualify for the Individual All Around final. More news at http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Olympics/2012/0729/Olympics-shocker-Jordyn-Wieber-US-all-around-gymnast-fails-to-qualify
Well, as Michael Phelps just discovered, 4th place is not where anyone wants to be. My heart goes out to Jordyn, her coach and her family. She's worked so hard, she's still the World Champion.
We will continue to root for the ENTIRE US TEAM. Personally I just love Ali Raisman's Floor routine and music, as for Gabby Douglas - she really can fly on the bars! It will always be a team effort and we'll be rooting for them to win gold!
Our men's favorite is John Orozco. He's such a nice kid and has such great heart. We'll be cheering him on this evening. Emily and I have decided that we're going to go watch the next summer Olympics in 2016. Rio, here we come!
UPDATE ON EMILY'S STATUS
Emily's new skills are:
Kip, cast, handstand, three-in-a-row, on Uneven Bars
Front walkover, tik tok on the high beam, without a mat!
Emily's coach tells me that when she performs a twist, Emily knows exactly where her body is at all times while tumbling. Emily's a pretty good tumbler I have to admit. The first time I saw her do a back layout, she took my breath away. I was shocked at the air that she got.
Well, as Michael Phelps just discovered, 4th place is not where anyone wants to be. My heart goes out to Jordyn, her coach and her family. She's worked so hard, she's still the World Champion.
We will continue to root for the ENTIRE US TEAM. Personally I just love Ali Raisman's Floor routine and music, as for Gabby Douglas - she really can fly on the bars! It will always be a team effort and we'll be rooting for them to win gold!
Our men's favorite is John Orozco. He's such a nice kid and has such great heart. We'll be cheering him on this evening. Emily and I have decided that we're going to go watch the next summer Olympics in 2016. Rio, here we come!
UPDATE ON EMILY'S STATUS
Emily's new skills are:
Kip, cast, handstand, three-in-a-row, on Uneven Bars
Front walkover, tik tok on the high beam, without a mat!
Emily's coach tells me that when she performs a twist, Emily knows exactly where her body is at all times while tumbling. Emily's a pretty good tumbler I have to admit. The first time I saw her do a back layout, she took my breath away. I was shocked at the air that she got.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
OK! it's the END of MAY - RUN LITTLE TIGARS!
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Level 6 competition season is only 5 months away!
Counting down the months left until she competes again, Emily is finally out of her hand splint and back at practice with a vengeance! This week Emily has been practicing her back handspring, back layout off the tramp; she's almost got her giant on bars. She still fears the height she's getting on the bars, but knowing this one, she'll work through that and have it perfected by April. She's also working on her front walk-over, front tick-tock on beam.
I haven't had the chance to watch much of Emily's practices as I don't hang out at this gym, the parent area is too claustrophobic, and besides, I've got plenty of other things to do, like take care of my own business in between chauffering this little one, but I see the improvement in Emily's attitude and she's much happier now, enjoying what she's doing and hopefully not causing her coaches too much grief.
Above photo courtesy of Brian@ImagingB... This was Emily's second Level 5 vault at the State Meet this past December - she crashed into the vault the first time out. I wondered why, now I know. She knew the table wasn't set right from the get go. Emily trained with the table set at a 1 and then 2, but apparently her vault coach decided this day to set the vault table on 0 at the State Meet. That's a lousy thing to do to a kid and a picture tells a thousand words. So glad we've found a new home at a gym that will encourage my daughter to thrive in this sport and not hold her back.
I keep asking Emily, "hey... you want to stop and do something else like soccer or softball?" Faaaaaggeddaboutit!!!
She's a gym rat all the way.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Emily's Left Thumb
It's leap day! Tomorrow Emily gets her brace off and she can start using her left hand again. In January Emily broke her thumb in a freak accident at Flynn Elementary. Emily never gets hurt at the Gym. While trying to get her backpack off of the hook so she could leave school for gym, she somehow caught her thumb in the coathook, breaking it. When I took her for xrays, they confirmed that she had broken the metacarpal bone of her left thumb in the growth plate. Well, at least this injury wasn't in the middle of a competition season. Emily's been conditioning and training on floor, vault and beam, just not bars.
Today I got an IPhone 4S, and I' think that I should be able to update this blog on the run, through the I-Phone, so maybe now I can be a little more regular in my posts. This phone has Siri, and she's got attitude. Tonight, while trying to figure out how to make a call, I asked Siri to help. She dialed everyone but who I wanted. I called her a piece of s**t. She answered back with attitude "I'm doing THE BEST THAT I CAN!" Ewh.. sorry...
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Emily's Birthday and new skills
Emily turned 11 years old yesterday. She's been attending gym school since January 3rd and tells me that she's finally getting back her upper body strength.
She's thrilled at learning all the new skills. She's finally learning her bar routine while using her grips which is something that I and her previous coach went rounds about more than once. I don't know anything about Gymnastics, but it was really obvious that my daughter was not getting the training or conditioning she needed to perform a compulsory bar or vault routine.
Emily's been at a few gyms by now. She started out at Gymnastics Unlimited in Thornton in their tots tumbling class. She then spent some time at 5280 Gymnastics in recreational and pre-team. Emily spent her Level 4 and 5 compulsories at TIGAR Gymnastics. She had a great Level 4 record with 2 All Around Wins and did very well on Floor and Beam in Level 5. The difference in her training at Level 5 seemed to be attributed to a coaching change for Bars and Vault during her Level 5 season.
She's now in the Gym/School Program at Gymnastika and is spending 6 days a week there. Emily still holds the Olympic dream in her mindset. She's 11 and so far has been truly dedicating herself to this sport for the last four years. Everybody keeps telling me that she's a "natural gymnast", whatever that means. I just know it's all a crap shoot at this point, but I still have to support her as her parent. If she continues to fight through the pain, strain and training she will succeed. There is no doubt in my mind. I pray every day that she remains injury free and I can direct her into a stable future once her gymnastics dreams are fulfilled.
I keep on looking at the business models for this industry - I don't see a great big profit margin in any of it, unless you're cranking out cookie cutter Olympians like WOGA or the Karolys. I believe in Gay and Alexi and I know their training is top notch. They have produced a few National Team and Olympic Team members in their own right. Time to start a non-profit for this little gym and these small teams. These girls are going places and they'll need the funding to pull it off. I need to figure out how to get the community support behind this little Gym Group.
TOPS training, which was a big push at TIGAR - I was told that program was started so that the young talent wouldn't get lost in a sea of poor coaching. That kind of made alot of sense to me.
Well two days until Tim Tebow and the Broncos meet up in another playoff game. Go BRONCOS!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
3 days til Christmas...
Finally the world of gymnastics takes a back seat to Christmas. With the snow outside it's nice to just sit back, not drive anywhere and do something different!
Emily starts the school program in January. She can't wait. I can. I frankly needed this break. Merry Christmas all!
Emily starts the school program in January. She can't wait. I can. I frankly needed this break. Merry Christmas all!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Saturday morning workouts and dance, is she up to it?
Last night was the Christmas dinner for the Gymnastika students. It was so very nice, with great food, good company and great entertainment. The Gymnastika girls performed Christmas dance routines and they all did such a wonderful job! Emily seems to be fitting in rather well. The atmosphere seems much more relaxed, something that I in particular needed.
Our prayers go out to the DeYoung family.
When we were at a large gymnastics facility with more families/team members it seems that there's always someone talking smack about someone else and the rumor mill runs rampant. There's always someone vying for top placement of their child. (The kid needs to do the work, girls. It ain't your ride.) My kid wants to do this and it really helps keep her in check, that's the only reason why I pay for it, not to try to gain some upper-societal standing. I could care less about things of that nature. I can spot a manipulator at 25 paces, and those that wish to throw the fecal matter at the fan, soon realize that I possess a bigger fan and can cover a wider area with far less effort, so please don't ever threaten me, you'll just never know what side of the table I might be on when next we meet. My most favorite movie quote of all time comes from the movie Fried Green Tomatoes http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101921/quotes?qt=qt0443462 "Face it girls, I am older and have more insurance."
This morning, Emily balked at getting up and going. She wanted to stay home and sleep. I think it's the transition to early morning practices. So, I made her get up and go anyway. In the car, on the way to the gym we stopped at McD's for breakfast. As soon as she got a an Egg McMuffin into her, Emily started to look forward to getting in the gym. By the time we got there she was jumping out of the car to run into class. I sat there for a short while drinking my steaming hot McD coffee to watch Emily's first dance class. She's with the "big girls" now, and is picking up the choreography very quickly. I sat back and watched for about 1/2 an hour, now it's time for me to get crackin' on finishing up Christmas, so I'd better get a move on.
2:00 pm
Well, must have been a good day. By the time we got home, Emily was fast asleep in the back seat. This just might work out rather well! She's TIRED. This kid's NEVER TIRED. Maybe I can finally get her internal clock set to a more normalized time.
Today Emily was with the Level 7's and worked with both Alexei and Gay. She worked on her front-hand-spring front-tuck, one handed back walkover, standing-front-handspring-stepout and her dance routine. So far it's been a good day...
Our prayers go out to the DeYoung family.
When we were at a large gymnastics facility with more families/team members it seems that there's always someone talking smack about someone else and the rumor mill runs rampant. There's always someone vying for top placement of their child. (The kid needs to do the work, girls. It ain't your ride.) My kid wants to do this and it really helps keep her in check, that's the only reason why I pay for it, not to try to gain some upper-societal standing. I could care less about things of that nature. I can spot a manipulator at 25 paces, and those that wish to throw the fecal matter at the fan, soon realize that I possess a bigger fan and can cover a wider area with far less effort, so please don't ever threaten me, you'll just never know what side of the table I might be on when next we meet. My most favorite movie quote of all time comes from the movie Fried Green Tomatoes http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101921/quotes?qt=qt0443462 "Face it girls, I am older and have more insurance."
This morning, Emily balked at getting up and going. She wanted to stay home and sleep. I think it's the transition to early morning practices. So, I made her get up and go anyway. In the car, on the way to the gym we stopped at McD's for breakfast. As soon as she got a an Egg McMuffin into her, Emily started to look forward to getting in the gym. By the time we got there she was jumping out of the car to run into class. I sat there for a short while drinking my steaming hot McD coffee to watch Emily's first dance class. She's with the "big girls" now, and is picking up the choreography very quickly. I sat back and watched for about 1/2 an hour, now it's time for me to get crackin' on finishing up Christmas, so I'd better get a move on.
2:00 pm
Well, must have been a good day. By the time we got home, Emily was fast asleep in the back seat. This just might work out rather well! She's TIRED. This kid's NEVER TIRED. Maybe I can finally get her internal clock set to a more normalized time.
Today Emily was with the Level 7's and worked with both Alexei and Gay. She worked on her front-hand-spring front-tuck, one handed back walkover, standing-front-handspring-stepout and her dance routine. So far it's been a good day...
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Level 5 is DONE!
Well, Emily had her absolute worst meet of the season at State. She hit the vault table with her chest because she jumped too soon for the springboard (there was a line on the floor that threw ALOT of the girls off) Her second vault looked pretty good (what do I know?), her score was 8.25.
On to bars. After the meet Emily tells me her coach Mac, set the bars farther apart than Emily would work in practice. (Again, what do I know?) When she grabbed for the high bar, she only caught it with her fingertips, which threw off her entire routine, but hey, she finished it without a crash and burn. Score 8.25 She is now 0 and 2.
Luck of the draw, she starts the Beam rotation which is her best event. After two falls and an over time, she scored a 8.25. At this point, she can no longer keep herself composed. Svetlana tells her "just think Emily, you had a beautiful routine! I am so proud of you! If you had not fallen twice and did not go over time, you would have scored a 9.75!" Well, those words of encouragement did nothing to ease Emily's troubled soul. She continued to cry until the next rotation.
Floor Rotation: by this time Emily had just given up. She was deflated. Her score 8.95. She was done. So between the tears and regrets we decided to go to IHOP and drown her sorrows in pancakes. With the support of her two big sisters Kathleen and Annie, she made it through this dark period and realized the agony of defeat. Her team mates fared somewhat better, though I don't believe any TIGAR won an All-Around Medal for Level 5 in any division this year at State. The team itself won 3rd place when all was said and done.
Emily had a dismal State meet - it happens. Level 5 is finally behind her! Now we have a chance to evaluate our direction and move on. Emily still loves Gymnastics and still dreams of that Gold Medal, it looks like she'll continue to drag me behind her in this personal quest... God help me!
On to bars. After the meet Emily tells me her coach Mac, set the bars farther apart than Emily would work in practice. (Again, what do I know?) When she grabbed for the high bar, she only caught it with her fingertips, which threw off her entire routine, but hey, she finished it without a crash and burn. Score 8.25 She is now 0 and 2.
Luck of the draw, she starts the Beam rotation which is her best event. After two falls and an over time, she scored a 8.25. At this point, she can no longer keep herself composed. Svetlana tells her "just think Emily, you had a beautiful routine! I am so proud of you! If you had not fallen twice and did not go over time, you would have scored a 9.75!" Well, those words of encouragement did nothing to ease Emily's troubled soul. She continued to cry until the next rotation.
Floor Rotation: by this time Emily had just given up. She was deflated. Her score 8.95. She was done. So between the tears and regrets we decided to go to IHOP and drown her sorrows in pancakes. With the support of her two big sisters Kathleen and Annie, she made it through this dark period and realized the agony of defeat. Her team mates fared somewhat better, though I don't believe any TIGAR won an All-Around Medal for Level 5 in any division this year at State. The team itself won 3rd place when all was said and done.
Emily had a dismal State meet - it happens. Level 5 is finally behind her! Now we have a chance to evaluate our direction and move on. Emily still loves Gymnastics and still dreams of that Gold Medal, it looks like she'll continue to drag me behind her in this personal quest... God help me!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Eleven Days to COUSAG Level 5 State Championships
Eleven days to the Level 5 Colorado State Gymnastics Championships..
I don't know how COUSAG determines what gym is granted hosting the State Championships but I have to say taking the largest teams and cramming them into the smallest gym wasn't the smartest idea in the world. Also placing a disclaimer on the information provided to deter people from coming to watch also isn't a good idea considering the expense involved in getting a kid to a State Championship - my extended family would love to see the result of all that hard work, but I've informed them that seating would be an issue.
TIGAR may not have the best view of the floor routines, but by God, they have enough room to handle spectators! As the Vice President of the TIGAR Booster Club, I can assure you that we would have been able to make the spectators feel welcome and comfortable. I truly hope that our gym decides to bid on a State Meet next year.
Today Emily is in the school spelling bee. She really hasn't had a lot of time to practice on her spelling words because she's been practicing for the State Meet - I hope she does well. She didn't practice last year either, but she made it past the 4th or 5th round! Hey, she made it - I'll be there at 1:30 to support her.
Emily seems to be improving her core strength, even though she's sore. She just might get her kip back by State. She actually got it back during her privates with Svetlana. Svetlana's a miracle worker and knows my whining child well. I pray Emily has improved her bar and vault scores. She's way too hard on herself and wants to win everything in sight, but hey, she's going to have to condition more to reach her goals. There's only one way to get good at gymnastics, and that's based on conditioning your body beyond just regular exercize. I asked her again this morning if she wanted to continue in competitive gymnastics after this State Meet. She told me she's going to the Olympics. Whether she gets there or not, I have no choice but to support her in this dream. Who knows? Out of all three of my girls, Emily's got the tenacity of a bulldog.
I just now found out the schedue for the State Level 5 meet,
TIGAR Gymnasts Who Will Compete in this Session:
· Audrey Brandt
· Violet Erling
· Dasha Romanov
· Jaylynn Haertel
· Kailee Jorgensen
· Kalise Newson
· Joslynn Pulido
· Emily Boyet
· Tess Ackerman
We've got a really big group here for the final session. We don't know what age levels they'll be in, but I believe that it will be broken down into 4 age categories.
The Level 6 girls go to State this weekend - good luck Megan Groel and the rest of the Level 6 TIGARS! Good luck to Lauren, Carly and Ilona at the TOPS camp this weekend and it's a shame that you all can't be at State this year - so make your mark at Karoly's while you're there. You're all winners!
I don't know how COUSAG determines what gym is granted hosting the State Championships but I have to say taking the largest teams and cramming them into the smallest gym wasn't the smartest idea in the world. Also placing a disclaimer on the information provided to deter people from coming to watch also isn't a good idea considering the expense involved in getting a kid to a State Championship - my extended family would love to see the result of all that hard work, but I've informed them that seating would be an issue.
TIGAR may not have the best view of the floor routines, but by God, they have enough room to handle spectators! As the Vice President of the TIGAR Booster Club, I can assure you that we would have been able to make the spectators feel welcome and comfortable. I truly hope that our gym decides to bid on a State Meet next year.
Today Emily is in the school spelling bee. She really hasn't had a lot of time to practice on her spelling words because she's been practicing for the State Meet - I hope she does well. She didn't practice last year either, but she made it past the 4th or 5th round! Hey, she made it - I'll be there at 1:30 to support her.
Emily seems to be improving her core strength, even though she's sore. She just might get her kip back by State. She actually got it back during her privates with Svetlana. Svetlana's a miracle worker and knows my whining child well. I pray Emily has improved her bar and vault scores. She's way too hard on herself and wants to win everything in sight, but hey, she's going to have to condition more to reach her goals. There's only one way to get good at gymnastics, and that's based on conditioning your body beyond just regular exercize. I asked her again this morning if she wanted to continue in competitive gymnastics after this State Meet. She told me she's going to the Olympics. Whether she gets there or not, I have no choice but to support her in this dream. Who knows? Out of all three of my girls, Emily's got the tenacity of a bulldog.
I just now found out the schedue for the State Level 5 meet,
TIGAR Gymnasts Who Will Compete in this Session:
· Audrey Brandt
· Violet Erling
· Dasha Romanov
· Jaylynn Haertel
· Kailee Jorgensen
· Kalise Newson
· Joslynn Pulido
· Emily Boyet
· Tess Ackerman
We've got a really big group here for the final session. We don't know what age levels they'll be in, but I believe that it will be broken down into 4 age categories.
The Level 6 girls go to State this weekend - good luck Megan Groel and the rest of the Level 6 TIGARS! Good luck to Lauren, Carly and Ilona at the TOPS camp this weekend and it's a shame that you all can't be at State this year - so make your mark at Karoly's while you're there. You're all winners!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving Emmy Mae!
Thanksgiving 2011. I give thanks for all of my blessings today.
Emily has been taking a few private lessons with her coach Svetlana Stabourova. Emily would like to try to improve her Bars and Vault technique before the State Level 5 Championships in two weeks.
There was a coaching change at TIGAR mid-year. Her old bar and vault coach Yevgen, left TIGAR due to issues unrelated to gymnastics. Losing Yevgen was a shock to Emily's mindset. She really misses him. Mac Whitely started coaching the Level 5 girls in May and Emily has not been won over to Mac's coaching style and it shows in her vault and bar scores.
I sit back and wonder if I am doing the right thing by Emily every day that I take her to the gym. She loves gymnastics, she's got the perfectionist attitude. She wants to win. It's really all that's on her mind. I don't know much about this sport, but I do know what works for my child, and Svetlana knows how to get Emily past her difficulties where Mac doesn't seem to be having an impact. One of the parents at the gym, who has a daughter that's not doing very well this season, stated to me that "not one child from this gym will ever make it to the Olympics or use these skills anywhere else". I beg to differ. I refuse to believe that statement. I believe that there are at least 7 girls at this gym that have the drive and potential to get to the Elite level with the right coaching, as long as they don't mentally flame out or suffer a major injury.
I really feel that the discipline and drive to succeed instilled in this sport, can only benefit my child throughout her life. When I was young I showed horses. That was my passion as a kid. It was alot of work and dedication. It served me later in life and gave me the self-motivation and drive I needed to be able to survive this life on my own. I don't want my girls to have the mindset that their husbands will take care of them financially - life doesn't always work out like that and you have to survive somehow - will my girls have that ability?
I believe that all 7 of the girls mentioned before will be successful in their own right in whatever they choose to do because of the values of hard work instilled in them now, with gymnastics competition. If Emily wasn't doing well and her school work was suffering, I don't know if I would continue to support her in this sport - but this kid's test scores are 1% of the nation academically. I am not bragging but stating a fact that this one's a freaking genius when it comes to school and it's very time consuming for the teachers to keep her challenged. Gymnastics seems to only compliment Emily's day and make her much easier to deal with. When there's a break in her routine, she becomes a little tyrant. I am still working on that one, not sure how to temper that without breaking the spirit in the process.
As a parent, this isn't my first rodeo - but... I still question every decision that I make with Emily. I questioned every move I made with Annie and every move I made with Kathleen. Anne's 25 now, graduated from College and in a successful marketing career and engaged to be married next June. I want to believe that I instilled self-confidence in my girls by supporting them in their efforts.
With Annie's theatre and singing though, there was a point when I sat down and gave her a reality check. In our heart-to-heart I pointed out that less than 1 percent of the population would ever be famous for their acting or singing talent. I told her she needed skills to survive this life and that she should pursue a passion that would allow her success in this life, I was lucky. Annie is a pretty smart cookie and understood clearly what I was saying. She chose technical journalism. Annie is a fabulous writer. I am glad she chose that route. She also still pursues her passion, in community theatre, but it isn't a main source of income.
With Kathleen (19) I tried to instill the importance of her pursuing her own passion and not allowing others push her into a direction of their choosing. There's been alot of parental interference with Kathleen's dad. If I say white, he'll accuse me of saying black. It's been a difficult road with Kathleen due to parental polarization and alot of negative energy that I can finally put behind me since she's turned 19. Kathleen seems to be doing just fine now that she's her own person and can make alot of her own choices. Her dad still tries to control her, but she's 50% me too, so I have faith my headstrong nature resides in her. Kat's still a bit unsure of what she wants to pursue as a career. I will continue to support her emotionally as much as she will allow.
With Emily... well this is a difficult one. In my heart I want to believe that this child is the one in 1%. She's as smart as a whip, and determined to win it all. If anybody can do it, I truly believe that this one will never stop reaching for her goals. Emily is much more work emotionally than either Annie or Kathleen. She's a handful and a half. I never know if I am actually getting through to her. She's got both Kevin and my headstrongness. She's got her dad's charm and she has his same ability to get under your skin as he did. You'll either love her or she'll drive you nuts.
I just pray she stays healthy in mind and body and doesn't get beat down by what life can throw at you. I pray I can financially figure out how to get this kid to her goal as long as she's willing to continue the dedication of working at it every day. I pray that she performs well at the Level 5 Championships and I pray that I am making the right choices by this child. I pray that she goes into this State Meet with the confidence and ability to grab her brass ring. I am not willing to have a pessimistic attitude when it comes to Emily's future. I believe this child has what it takes in this sport. I will continue on this track with Emily and pray for her continued successes. Annie, Kathleen and Emily are my legacy upon this earth and they have always made me proud. I love my girls and thank God every day that he allowed me to guide these three beautiful young ladies through the first part of their life journey. I just hope they don't hold it against me when they pick my nursing home!
Emily has been taking a few private lessons with her coach Svetlana Stabourova. Emily would like to try to improve her Bars and Vault technique before the State Level 5 Championships in two weeks.
There was a coaching change at TIGAR mid-year. Her old bar and vault coach Yevgen, left TIGAR due to issues unrelated to gymnastics. Losing Yevgen was a shock to Emily's mindset. She really misses him. Mac Whitely started coaching the Level 5 girls in May and Emily has not been won over to Mac's coaching style and it shows in her vault and bar scores.
I sit back and wonder if I am doing the right thing by Emily every day that I take her to the gym. She loves gymnastics, she's got the perfectionist attitude. She wants to win. It's really all that's on her mind. I don't know much about this sport, but I do know what works for my child, and Svetlana knows how to get Emily past her difficulties where Mac doesn't seem to be having an impact. One of the parents at the gym, who has a daughter that's not doing very well this season, stated to me that "not one child from this gym will ever make it to the Olympics or use these skills anywhere else". I beg to differ. I refuse to believe that statement. I believe that there are at least 7 girls at this gym that have the drive and potential to get to the Elite level with the right coaching, as long as they don't mentally flame out or suffer a major injury.
I really feel that the discipline and drive to succeed instilled in this sport, can only benefit my child throughout her life. When I was young I showed horses. That was my passion as a kid. It was alot of work and dedication. It served me later in life and gave me the self-motivation and drive I needed to be able to survive this life on my own. I don't want my girls to have the mindset that their husbands will take care of them financially - life doesn't always work out like that and you have to survive somehow - will my girls have that ability?
I believe that all 7 of the girls mentioned before will be successful in their own right in whatever they choose to do because of the values of hard work instilled in them now, with gymnastics competition. If Emily wasn't doing well and her school work was suffering, I don't know if I would continue to support her in this sport - but this kid's test scores are 1% of the nation academically. I am not bragging but stating a fact that this one's a freaking genius when it comes to school and it's very time consuming for the teachers to keep her challenged. Gymnastics seems to only compliment Emily's day and make her much easier to deal with. When there's a break in her routine, she becomes a little tyrant. I am still working on that one, not sure how to temper that without breaking the spirit in the process.
As a parent, this isn't my first rodeo - but... I still question every decision that I make with Emily. I questioned every move I made with Annie and every move I made with Kathleen. Anne's 25 now, graduated from College and in a successful marketing career and engaged to be married next June. I want to believe that I instilled self-confidence in my girls by supporting them in their efforts.
With Annie's theatre and singing though, there was a point when I sat down and gave her a reality check. In our heart-to-heart I pointed out that less than 1 percent of the population would ever be famous for their acting or singing talent. I told her she needed skills to survive this life and that she should pursue a passion that would allow her success in this life, I was lucky. Annie is a pretty smart cookie and understood clearly what I was saying. She chose technical journalism. Annie is a fabulous writer. I am glad she chose that route. She also still pursues her passion, in community theatre, but it isn't a main source of income.
With Kathleen (19) I tried to instill the importance of her pursuing her own passion and not allowing others push her into a direction of their choosing. There's been alot of parental interference with Kathleen's dad. If I say white, he'll accuse me of saying black. It's been a difficult road with Kathleen due to parental polarization and alot of negative energy that I can finally put behind me since she's turned 19. Kathleen seems to be doing just fine now that she's her own person and can make alot of her own choices. Her dad still tries to control her, but she's 50% me too, so I have faith my headstrong nature resides in her. Kat's still a bit unsure of what she wants to pursue as a career. I will continue to support her emotionally as much as she will allow.
With Emily... well this is a difficult one. In my heart I want to believe that this child is the one in 1%. She's as smart as a whip, and determined to win it all. If anybody can do it, I truly believe that this one will never stop reaching for her goals. Emily is much more work emotionally than either Annie or Kathleen. She's a handful and a half. I never know if I am actually getting through to her. She's got both Kevin and my headstrongness. She's got her dad's charm and she has his same ability to get under your skin as he did. You'll either love her or she'll drive you nuts.
I just pray she stays healthy in mind and body and doesn't get beat down by what life can throw at you. I pray I can financially figure out how to get this kid to her goal as long as she's willing to continue the dedication of working at it every day. I pray that she performs well at the Level 5 Championships and I pray that I am making the right choices by this child. I pray that she goes into this State Meet with the confidence and ability to grab her brass ring. I am not willing to have a pessimistic attitude when it comes to Emily's future. I believe this child has what it takes in this sport. I will continue on this track with Emily and pray for her continued successes. Annie, Kathleen and Emily are my legacy upon this earth and they have always made me proud. I love my girls and thank God every day that he allowed me to guide these three beautiful young ladies through the first part of their life journey. I just hope they don't hold it against me when they pick my nursing home!
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