Let's Go Tae Bo!

I returned from California yesterday afternoon after spending three hard days training to recertify to teach Tae Bo at my local gym (or anywhere else, for that matter!!). The weekend was indeed a difficult one both mentally and physically, but I left with a sense of excitement and fulfillment. Shellie is an amazing woman and is a fantastic trainer, motivator, and friend. The bottom two pictures were taken in our dobaks (pronounced "dough bock"), what we wore when we were taught Tae Bo Kwon (combine Tae Kwon Do and Tae Bo). I am a First Degree Black Belt! I have spent the bulk of this day in a coma of sorts; the extreme exhaustion of an exhilarating weekend yet to wear off. Thanks to all who prayed for me this past weekend!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Ok so MAYBE this picture was posed (Darren had to nearly FORCE Tevin to put his head toward Brynlee instead of pushing away as though she had the plague), but I'd like to think that somewhere in their little hearts these two kids actually do LOVE eachother. At least this pose is a little more convincing than THIS ONE:

I think we've come a long way in 2 years!!! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

A couple of Knock Outs

I'm headed off to Los Angeles on Thursday to train with Team Tae Bo, Billy and Shellie Blanks' studio/team. I was fitted with brand-new (and I mean BRAND-NEW.. they smell up all my stuff with the scent of "leather") 12 0z. boxing gloves for the journey. Naturally, the scent attracted the kids and they HAD to try them on! Aside from being rediculously cute, I think they look tough and could certainly take my place at bootcamp in L.A. this coming weekend. Let's Go Tae Bo!!!

In the Face of Change

This is Tevin's drawing of a face. The emotions that came with this first real drawing included surprise, pride, and overwhelm. Surprise because I'd never seen him attempt anything even close to this before (I'm guessing he does more drawing at school than I realize). Pride from the fact that it's a pretty darn good face considering the drawing LOOKS like a face, that the face is smiling, and that he's 3. Overwhelm because my baby is reminding me - every single day - that he's growing up. I wonder what it will be like when he brings home his first homework assignment, his first report card, his first black eye, his first girlfriend...... Whoa, Momma, take a breath. Take it all in.....

A Perfect 10

Ok, so if you are a follower of the sport of gymnastics, you know that no longer is there such a thing as a Perfect Ten. I'd like to think that on February 2, 2009, we came pretty close. In honor of my friend Angie being in town from the San Francisco area, 6 former LHS Gymnastics Teammates and Coach Hardy got together at Mimi's Cafe for lots of reminiscing. Hardy even brought his score binder so we could compare performances from the early- to mid-1990s. All of us have changed so much from our Glory Days: Between the six of us gymnasts we have TWELVE children (and Hardy has 4 kids of his own plus 3 grandchildren and a fourth on the way)! So what if we can no longer do a Tsukahara or a Front Thru to a Full, but we all agree that we now enjoy our own Glory Days with our families and kids. Pictured (from left to right): Becky (Hertz) Thomas, Christy (Roelker) Sharkey, Shanna (Rosenfield) Meeks, Tim Hardy, Aimee (Campbell) Stauth, Marissa (Wallack) Baumgartner, and Angie (Roelker) Smailey.

The Future Is Here!

Tevin and Brynlee are modeling their 3D glasses we got for the Superbowl Halftime Commercials. They had so much fun just hopping around trying to get them to fall off. Once the commercial finally came on, they sat still long enough to watch. I think they could tell that SOMETHING was different, but I know they couldn't put a finger on just what. Either way, they had fun showing off their multi-colored specs!

Please look for a picture soon of Tevin's first REAL drawing. He surprised us tonight with a drawing of a face. Head, eyes, nose, mouth, smile, ears, and hair. I was impressed almost to tears. Tevin continues to amaze!

Howdy Pardners!

The Stock Show is in Denver and the kids are in their cowboy best! Tevin's preschool has featured the western theme for the past week and it continues this week. Yesterday Tevin went to school in his cute overalls. He made a stick horse (with an empty wrapping paper roll) and has been bringing home western artwork. He's very proud of his "beautiful drawings". Tonight we have Spaghetti Wester Dinner at school; we'll be served by his teachers and other staff at the school!