Pictures to come...

Hi everyone! The soccer tourney is great so far. The boys tied 0-0 their first game & the second game was also a tie 1-1. They worked hard & had lots of fun. I took over 500 pictures today...so they are coming soon. Of course I can only post Kevin's pictures. I know I am a camera nerd! But I like it. The boys started calling me Miss American Eagle...don't have a clue why; but I roll with the punches. Hannah is still working hard with gymnastics. Sarah Jane started field hockey and so far (cross your fingers) she loves it!

A Fresh, New Start...

Last night was the first official day of Hannah's fresh, new start...at her new gym. It starts a new chapter in her life and gymnastic career. This last year has been a long road that we traveled. It's been hard on me too. She was upset and they made me upset. The gym that Hannah had been going to--did not have a good coach...we stayed to give her a chance and after the first year we should of moved but did not and I feel that I did not do Hannah any justice and she is the one who suffered. The coach sat around and did alot of nothing--oh she did do somethings--she did alot of "texting" on the cell phone and talking on the phone too...no spoting, just yelling at the girls but how are they suppose to correct something if they were never taught in the first place??? hmmmm...that is a very good question Donna. Hannah who was a level 5 had basically taught herself this past year...very much frustration on the whole family. I told her I thought this was the time to make a clean break before the start of the new season. Hannah listened, nodded and simply said "ok Mom" let's shop around. We decided on Upper Bucks in Quakertown PA. The Coaches are many and act professional--YES we went down to nosy and YES we saw them working--actually spotting the girls, not talking or texting on their cell phones, and teaching and correcting the girls in a positive way--oh did I mention that the girls on the team were having fun and smiling. Hannah turned and said " I want to come to this gym Mom". And so it begins our commute of 45 minutes each way to train under new coaches. She has a fresh start, a new beginning and I have NO illusions. I know that nothing is perfect, except Jesus. But I know that I have made the right decision for our daughter. She started this fresh start by attending IGC (International Gymnastics Camp) this past week, and boy did she ever have fun and work hard. Hannah has her excitment and passion back--she said that she worked on level 6 skills and wants to prove to her new coaches that she is going to move up to level 6. She has her dream again for 2016 and her passion has returned! I love to see that excitement in her eyes when she is performing even at practice. This was a hard year for us but we are back on track...and Hannah hopes that you enjoy this picture of her standing in between Shawn Johnson and Blaine Wilson. She had a wonderful time at camp and can't wait till next year! (Guess that Craig has to budget!) Bottom line: Coaches need to be a great match because in the world of gymnastics--they often become like "second parents" away from home--we need to have a trust with that coach and build a good strong relationship. For the gymnast spends up to 20 hours a week doing something--it had better be something you enjoy especially if you are a 9 year old kid--and that means you need to have a great coach who is just as passionate about what they are doing...and Hannah's old coach did not have that passion to pass onto our daughter. I continue to pray for Hannah--as the jump from level 5 to 6 on bars is a tough one, both on the demands it makes on Hannah's body and from a standpoint of the kind of skills she needs to master. Hannah, as I said before has her sights on 2016 for trying out for the Olympics. There are probably only 100 elite gymnasts in the USA--and only nine of them (that is including alternates) get chosen....dreams do come true if you are passionate about them.

Hannah at Nationals--Phila. PA.

Hannah went to Nationals in Pa. this time. It was fun but not as fun as last years was in WI. She metaled in vault with a 9th place. This was the last time for Nationals under the current coach/gym. We are moving her to a new gym--as I always say "it is was it is" this year--learn and grow from this situation. For all you gymnasts out there--the coach is a very important part of your life--and if they are not good mentors, leaders, and encouragers--they are not a good match for you as a coach and you should find another; especially if you are putting in alot of hours of practice and have to be around them. Hannah and I had fun anyway--she got to go shopping alittle bit in between meets--which she found this cute lime green/orange tote bag with a peace symbol....it really is super cute! (me and my purses and tote bags--I know it really is a sickness!! :)) We also got the best italian ice that made Rita's bad...oh the rootbeer was excellent and melted in our mouths. Hannah had the mango and it was also very tasty.

Hannah's Gymnastics Meet

Hannah did well at her meet this past Sunday. She came in 1st place for vault, 2nd place for bars, 3rd place for floor and 4th place for beam. She also placed 2nd place for all-around. We are so proud of her. She still needs to qualify for Nationals this year...she is so close. Hannah needs to have a all-around score of 33 to be able to go to Nationals--her score this meet was 32.30! So close. It would be great if you could remember her in your prayers. She is working hard and pushing herself. Here is a collage that we put together...we hope that you enjoy. On a serious note--please pray for my mom for on 2/19/09 she is scheduled for surgery to see if she has cancer --she has been blessed by God not to have colon cancer and now she is being checked out in other areas. I know that alot of people are praying and that it is in the Lord's hands. I love you MOM!! Poor Kevin got his braces on today...mouth will hurt for a couple of days. He looks cute--but then I am his mom...he takes after his dad--yeah I tend to think that my husband is handsome...I know, I know--I am such a sap when it comes to good-looking men....but just my men! I can't believe that Kevin is already in 7th grade and half way thru middle school--boy time sure does fly. He did well at the indoor soccer tounament this past Monday...however I did not take any pics because they never get in the dome. But the boys played well. Sarah Jane just went for the ride in the van the whole weekend to watch big brother and big sister....but never fear people--soccer season for little people is starting in spring. I myself cannot wait! Pretty tired of this cold cold weather...but I still love winter...simply waiting for the season to change. I can not wait to dig into the soil with the vegetable and flower gardens. Well going to retire with my 23rd book of the year. Last year I beat my record by 1--I read 351 books last year starting January 1st until December 31st. I must read 352 books this year. Happy reading everyone!