The End of an Era

Saturday was Ry's state gymnastics meet and it did not go too well. She did pretty good but not as good as she wanted. It was heartbreaking to see my girl crying...I am not sure if it was the fact that she didn't do as well as she would have liked and was frustrated, or maybe because she didn't medal an any events, or because she knew it was her last meet. Maybe it was all of the above because she is usually so strong, then again she is my daughter and I can be very emotional...

She has been debating for a few months about quiting gymnastics. I told her it was up to her. I encouraged her to work hard during this season and then she could decide when it was over. A few days ago as I was driving her to gym she told me she had decided. She wanted to quit. She is not enjoying it as much as she use to and I think she is a little burned out. I told her that was fine if that is what she really wanted. I am glad she decided before Saturday so that it was based on other things not just that she had a bad meet.

She wants to do a tumbling class a couple times a week which is probably a good idea. That way she is still working out (her body may go into shock if she jsut stopped altogether) and doing something she enjoys. A part of me is going to miss watching her compete, it has been a fun experience. Ry we want you to know that we are so proud of you and your accomplishments in gym and school and everything else you do.

Twilight

I was lucky enough to go see the Twilight movie 2 times this weekend. First on Thursday night at midnight (thanks, Leah) and on Friday evening (thanks, Katie). I like it both nights but more so the second night. I wouldn't say it was the best movie ever and I don't think movies are ever as good as the book, but I really enjoyed it. It was actually better than I thought it might be. I wasn't too sure about the actors they had cast, but liked all of them. Now I cannot imagine anyone else playing any of the parts. I would love to hear what you all thought...

My Dilemma...

Right now we have no car payments. I love it! My van is old (96) but still looks pretty good and usually runs good. A couple weeks ago it died on me and I had to have it towed to my mechanics. It was the alternator, which was replaced just 14 months ago. So that was under warranty, jsut had to pay labor and he gave me a deal on that. I picked it up and later that day realized I had a fuel leak, there was a puddle of gas under my car. So I called the mechanic back and he said bring it back in they can look at it. Well, I called for a tow again since I was a little concerned about driving a vehicle that was leaking gas (isnt' gas flamable?). This time it was a little bigger, more expensive problem. So had that fixed and finally picked it up on Thursday. Well, Saturday we were driving to my parents and the car died. Ended up having it towed AGAIN. Thank goodness we have AAA plus! I don't think we hav used it at all the last couple years but 3 tows the last couple weeks.... Anyway, they called today and said come pick it up it's all done. I said what was it....the alternator. What? Didn't you just replace it? He said it must have been faulty, they replaced a few other things while trying to figure out the problem. Luckily there was no charge. I keep wondering is it worth no car payment or do we break down and by something new... For now we are sticking with the old. I just hope I don't see my mechanic for a long time!

Awesome Pictures of My Champion

I have this friend and she is an incredible photographer among many other things (mom, wife, friend, chef, etc., etc., etc.)! She was gracious enough to come to one of Ry's meets and take some pics for me and there are AWESOME!!!! See for yourself...

Rylee doing her floor routine.

Ry on bars!

The Beam

I think this is my favorite picture.

Or maybe this one. This one just captures the true Rylee, I look at this and think that is my girl!

My Champion

Rylee had another gymnastics meet this past Saturday and overall it was way better than the last one. It was in Park City and Ry has been working hard all week, looking forward to improving over last week. First event:bars (she has been working extra hard on bars), Score:8.6; highest so far this season. Next event:beam (not her favorite), Score:8.5; highest so far this season. Next:floor (Ry's favorite and usually strongest event), Score:8.25; unfortunately she fell which is an automatic 8/10 deduction. She was very upset after floor, I think she was expecting to do a lot better and was frustrated with herself. I tried to encourage her and tell her she was still haveing her best meet this season, I don't think I helped much at the moment. Last event:vault (Ry's least favorite and usually weakest event), Score:8.4; again her highest so far this season. She was very dissapointed in herself, but she had her highest overall (33.75) this season and really did well. She was surprised and ecstatic during awards ceremony to find she had placed first on Bars. That helped cheer her up a little, that and the fact that she was done for a few days and was having a sleepover that night with her cousin. Anyway, I am so proud of my daughter. She works hard each day, even when she would rather be somewhere else sometimes. She smiles through it all and (usually) keeps her optimistic attitude. She cheers on her teammates and the competition. It's not about winning or losing, it's how you play that matters. And Rylee knows how to play. I am so proud of her! I love watching her compete. I love watching her work hard. I love watching the hard work pay off. She is my CHAMPION!!!

Change...

I am looking forward to lots of changes, not only for our country's future but for my own personal future. I am excited to see how our new President changes things and what will happen to our great nation! I am also excited to start my nursing program and experience changes in my little part of the world. The election yesterday and my nursing orientation today really have me pondering...

Halloween 2008

Here are a couple pics from Halloween, I realize I am a little slow. The kids kept changing their minds about what they were going to be for this year except Jenna. She has been planning on being Hannah Montana for months. The rest of them finally made up their minds and all was well. Rylee was Sharpye from High School Musical, Noah was the Grip Reaper, and Cole just had a scary mask and bloody sword. I think they all looked pretty good. The weather was awesome!!! It was nice and warm. It rained but it didn't deter the kids one bit. They got tons of candy and enjoyed trick or treating with their cousin. Well, everyone but Ry. She enjoyed going with her friends this year. This was the first time she has gone just with friends and no adults. The 4 of them met at one house and 3 hours later ended up at another friends. Then they decided they needed to do a sleepover and had a blast! I am glad she has good friends! I was a little anxious letting her go "by herself", she is growing up WAY to fast. She will be 12 in less than 3 months. Crazy!!!

Ahhhhh...

All spring and summer Mike has been going fishing at the Bountiful pond with his friend, his brother, the kids, or just by himself. I am usually still sleeping or at work. He has invited me a couple times but it never quite worked out that I could go until last week. It was nice to just sit and watch the sunset and enjoy some peaceful quiet time with Mike. It was so beautiful. Now it's a week later and snowy and cold. I am glad we made it before the weather turned and I look forward to many trips out next year. Thanks babe!