MEET was NEAT!!

Today I had the awesome privledge of helping at the Crowder Cup boys gymnastics meet. We were there for the fledgling Level 4 and also for the Level 7-10 session. Level 6 were competing the third session but I did my housekeeping duties after the session got underway and Sheryl had mercy on me and let me book early since we had been there since 8am. If you've ever watched Olympic Gymnastics you would be amazed to see from where that enduring talent starts. Honestly the drive and motivation it takes for these boys to go the distance in the sport is truely inspiring. My youngest boy Ethan is on the Junior Team at GTC in Rochester who hosted the event. It was not in the plans for him to compete this year but I thought it would be advantageous for him to attend a meet so he knows how the process all works before he does. He worked as a score flasher on rings, so was able to watch all the different teams plus he heard and had to put up the scores for them. There were some very good programs represented today from across the state of Michigan, Shelby Twp., Lansing, Waterford, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Ann Arbor and I'm sure several more I am forgetting, plus a gym from Ohio. For the second session I was score flasher for parallel bars with a fabulous judge whose been at it for nearly 28 years. He began judging at 18 years old after going through the competitive program himself. It was very educational watching him score. He was fair, friendly, and encouraging to the boys. Unfortunately our Level 4 team didn't fair too well overall, chalk it up to being their first meet and having some serious brain cramps when it came to remembering their routines. It happens. Perhaps they could have been better prepared but I am confident they will improve at the next go-round. The upper levels had a respectable showing with one of our own taking best all-around for Level 10 (there were four boys competing that level today). The father of one of the boys on Ethan's team is a former player for the Detroit Lions and he came in to present the awards to the kids which was nice. His son competed for the first time today as well. A very gracious and humble guy. It was interesting to see how people approached him, parents who are obvious football fans and some kids, I saw one gymnast ask him to sign the medal he just received. A very fine group of boys and young men competed today, with the help of some remarkable coaches. Hats off to all the people who encourage, support and train these athletes. I was very blessed to be a part of it.

The Winter Classic / Crowder Cup

is dedicated

to the memory of

Steven Crowder,

a 14 year-old G.T.C. Class 5 gymnast

whose life was tragically taken from us

in a bicycle accident June 24, 2002.

Steven was an important part of our boy's program and G.T.C. family. He will be remembered always as a very well disciplined enthusiastic young man. A friend to teammates and a role model to younger team gymnasts. Steven's goal was to compete as a college gymnast someday . To help ensure that other boys have the opportunity to compete for a college team the “Crowder Foundation” has been formed. A total of $5.00 from each entry fee goes directly into the fund to be donated to the “College Gymnastics Foundation” to preserve men's gymnastics for future generations to come. We have donated nearly $7,000 to the fund so far. From the Crowder family and the Foundation, thanks to all who choose to participated in this event.

T.G.I.F.

1. Some relationships are meant to provide you with opportunities for spiritual growth.
2. Can't remember the last concert I saw; it was probably a choir thing or BattleCry 3 years ago.
3. Spring should be here soon.
4. Oh no! I forgot to buy more toilet paper when I was out earlier!
5. I've recently started blogging.
6. Snuggling babies never fails to make me smile.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to an awesome practice with the Big Shots, visiting friends, and knowing Uncle Rick came through his open heart surgery with no complications, tomorrow my plans include helping at the Crowder Cup boys gymnastics meet and seeing our teams do really well and Sunday, I want to have an awesome church experience then nap!

Water-The Necessity of Life

Ok, part of this blog is to work toward my own personal enlightenment which entails taking care of my temple. The body temple that is, well, the home temple too but I'll deal with that in a later installment. We were blessed with a Wii and a Wii Fit for Christmas which has sparked me to get on the ball in terms of exercising and eating better. I went off sugar at the start of the year and although I've cheated a couple times my intake has greatly reduced. Amen. I have done the Wii fit exercises and started doing my Karen Voight workout DVDs again. So far I'm 6 pounds lighter according to my weigh-in this morning. My biggest challenge still is to DRINK MORE WATER! Seriously, I'm just curious how much water people actually drink a day. That doesn't mean tea, or coffee, or fountain drinks. That means good old fashion out of the tap water, or ok bottled water for those not-so-environmentally-friendly or toxin-paranoid. I try to but even when I bring a bottle (refilled from the tap) with me I never seem to drink it. It's just an accessory. I maybe get one good glass in a day. My youngest, Ethan, drinks it exclusively, over juice, milk, or pop. Did that gene come from me? So log in folks, and be honest, my inquiring mind needs to know.

Something Silly from Aunt Betsy!

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover Holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized Days. The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate Presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case Dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet My Client and all other atheists have no Such holidays."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, Counsel, is woefully ignorant." The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance Or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, Then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned.

WHAT STARTED IT?

I've been thinking a lot lately about why I decided to home school. For us it had nothing to do with religion, which is unusual. Most families make the choice because of religious principles. Basically, I just really wanted to be part of the process of seeing them learn. I had no desire to pack my daughter up and send her off on the school bus at five years old. I really enjoyed surveying the world and learning new things and pointing out all the marvelous creations and operations in nature. Rob and I both love to read. We always read to the children since they were born and then as they got older they read to each other. The first thing we bought when we found out we were pregnant with Alexandra was a book. A chapter book! The Phantom Tollbooth. We both thought it was one of the best books we ever read as a kid. When I only had Alexandra we did tons of classes and activities, even when Fox came along we still hit the road a lot. But as the number grew to now four, and three boys at home to boot. The challenge to keep them directed is reaching beyond me. I've surveyed, discussed, researched, reminded, planned, reprimanded, directed, and co-ordinated my fair share and then some. It's ok to want a break, right? As much as I once longed for that togetherness, I have reached a point where I need some down time from policing three boys all day. And it becomes apparent to me now that it would probably do them some good to be apart from each other, have a change of scenery and different experiences to talk about. Schooling takes a lot of time and when you're working from home at the same time you're constantly trying to multi-task. But as they get higher up in grade levels there is more required of them and me as the teacher. I really want to be able to work and contribute financially to my household. But I'm not having enough hours in the day to get it all done. I try to rebuke the guilt of thinking I would be using the school system as a babysitter.

Photo circa 2002.

Down the stack is Alexandra, Fox Robert, Benjamin Atticus,

and Ethan on my lap.

Everybody Needs a Good "Sanity Clause"

A few of the ladies and I were trying to remember some of these mood busters so I thought I'd post it. Numbers 10 and 3 are my personal favorites and I think I'll use Mother Jugs as my wrestling name...

20 Ways To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer at Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label it "In".

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write " For Sexual Favors"

7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy".

8. Don't use any punctuation.

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go".

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13. Go To A Poetry Recital. And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme?

14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area and Play tropical Sounds All Day.

15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because
You're Not In the Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won! I Won!"

18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling
"Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!"

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

20. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity ..

Send this to your friends!

A Time of Transition

For years I've been a homeschooling mom. My oldest is 16 and she was homeschooled from the start up until 9th grade wherein on her own accord she decided it was time for her to enter the public school arena. She hit the ground running and has taken great advantage of the extracurricular programs and courses that are in line with her interests. It made me realize how many great opportunities are available through the public and private schools that are so challenging to recreate in a homeschool environment. My three sons, 11, 8 and 7 I have continued to homeschool but I am coming to the end of my run. This year I feel the annointing has finally run its course and I need to put the boys into a formal school setting so as to have more time to pursue other avenues in my life, primarily in regards to employment and development of my own self-interests. Although my husband had taveled for many years for work there were a lot of times that he was home with us and helped share the tasks of meals and lessons but now that he has a "regular" job and is gone from Monday to Friday every week I realize that I can not continue this pace alone. I am spread to thin and not being much good for anybody. For many months now I've been praying about this major life change and have had ongoing discussions with the children, my husband and other supportive family members. I have resigned myself to the idea of taking at least a year off of co-ordinating or "being in charge" of anything other than trying to earn some money. Although I've never been one for going along with the crowd, I've always had respect for those that are team players and feel it is important for my boys to be team players as well but without loosing their individuality. I believe they will have many positive influences and opportunities in this new educational environment that will benefit them personally and the overall pursuit of happiness for our entire family. With God's grace we forge ahead.

A to Z about Me...meme

A- Age: 43 and my Wii Fit age is even younger, I'm in good condition!
B- Bed size: California King
C- Chore you hate: dishes and laundry
D- Dad's name: Dennis
E- Essential start to my day?: a good stretch
F- Favorite actor (s): Paul Newman, Sean Penn
G- Gold or silver? Silver
H- Height? 5 foot even
I- Instruments I play? some piano and guitar, french horn in middle and high school
J- Job title? I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
K- Kids? four, Alexandra (16), Fox (11), Ben (8) and Ethan (7)
L- Living arrangements? a shack on 11 acres
M- Mom's name? Judi
N- Nickname? don't really have one
O- Overnight hospital stay other then birth? none
P- Pet peeves? yeah, lots
Q- Quotes you like: "I don't think we're in Kansas any more Toto."
R. Right or left handed? Right
S. Siblings: younger brother, step brother, and half sister
T: Time you woke up today: 7:38 am
U: Ultimate place to live: depends on the day but lately anywhere without a winter!
V: Vegetable you hate: parsnips and rutabagas
W: Water, love it or leave it? don't need to live by it but enjoy as a change of pace
X: X-rays I've had: foot, full body for the chiropractor when I was a teenager getting treated for a slight curve of the spine
Y: Yummy foods I make? zucchini bread and pumpkin bread
Z: Zodiac: Libra