Gum Family Update

Wow, it seems like forever since I have posted anything. There are so many things to catch you up on that I may forget something. So bear with me please.

We purchased a camper with my mom. It is a GREAT investment. We have been working on cleaning it up and getting it ready for our first campout. With everyone's schedules, it is hard to get something set up so we can go.

Brooklyn has officially joined the Dolphin Swim Team. Her first meet is 06/10. We are all very excited for her! She has also joined the PORTA Central Garden Club. She is getting very excited about this summer! I think we all are!

Tim, well, he is getting ready to take his final at LLCC. Then he starts his new shift in June. He shot a turkey yesterday at 8:00 a.m. He was a big one!! He weighed in at 23.5 lbs. He had a 10 1/2 inch beard and 1 1/4 inch spurs. We are making plans to get him mounted. We are all very proud of him for that.

As for me, nothing new here. Still loosing weight. Sticking to the Dr's instructions. Still walking. Not as much as I was, but I am hoping this weather will cooperate and I can walk in the evenings! Oh, I almost forgot......I'm a brunette now!! Yup, that's right. I dyed my hair!! Well, not me, but I paid someone to do it. I LOVE IT!!! It is a bit of a shock at first for everyone, but I think it is growing on them!

One last update, Brooklyn had more blood work done last week and the results are in. She has to see a Rheumotologist in June. We are hoping for the best, but just an answer would be great! Not as many problems lately, just following up on it though.

I will try to be better at keeping you all up to date!! Thanks for taking the time to read.

Gum Family Update

Well, let's see...where do I begin. Brooklyn and my mom made it home okay. Brooklyn had a blast with my family in New Mexico and she had an awesome time skiing in Colorado for the first time!! I have not received any pix yet, but when I do, I will be sure to post them.

Brooklyn auditioned for the school play "Into the Woods". She and 104 other students (5th -8th grade) auditioned. She did not get a lead role, but was given a chance to be a supporting fairy tale character. She and two of her friends are going to be the Three Little Pigs. She is very excited, as are we. She does not have any lines in the play, but we all feel that this will give her a taste of it. We have come to the conclusion that Brooklyn does not enjoy band very well. She advised us the other night that next year she wants to try the claranet. I explained to her that we can't buy a new instrument every year. Therefore, we have decided to take her out of band next year and just have her in choir. Those of you who know Brooklyn, know that she loves to sing and perform. We think she will do better in choir and have less on her plate with only doing one. You see, in 5th grade you have the choice of doing either or doing them both. Of course, being her first year for either she chose both. She is good at playing the flute, she just doesn't seem to enjoy it.

Other than that, nothing too exciting has been going on. I have actually been sick for the last two weeks. I thought it was just a cold and have come to the conclusion that it is much more. I went home yesterday afternoon sick to my stomach. I found out at the Dr. on Monday that I have more than just acid reflux. I have another condition I wish not to speak of online. Therefore, I have been put on a strict diet (which sucks) and have started exercising. I know for many of you, you are thinking...."it's about time"....but for others they know how much I like to cook, bake and then eat. I am a little large for my age, but I am happy with who I am and I have come to love myself for who I am. I hope you all have too!!

Brooklyn is about to turn 11. I can't believe that she is almost a teenager!! I think we have done well with her though. I think she is a very well behaved child and I think she has a good head on her shoulders. I have had some worries with the other children she hangs around with at school as I know how much of a "follower" our daughter is. But, I have decided that she will be just fine. I think she knows when to stop "following" if you know what I mean. Happy Birthday BABY!!!

Well, I think that is it for now. I will keep you posted on the play and how that goes.

Brooklyn's Trip

Well, Brooklyn just called and she is standing in line at the St. Louis Airport waiting to board her plane. I guess I better let you know what she is doing and where she is going. Brooklyn and my mom are on their way to Farmington, NM. They are going to stay with my Aunt and Uncle there. Then on Sunday they are driving up to Durango, CO to take Brooklyn on her first ski trip. Brooklyn and my mom are very excited about the trip. I am excited for them, but nervous at the same time. This is Brooklyn's first out of state trip w/o me or Tim. I trust my mom completely, but there is always that thought in the back of your head. Anyway, I will keep you all posted on how her trip goes. I am expecting lots of calls from her today b/c she is supposed to call me when they board, when they land, when they board, when they land and when they get to Farmington. They are flying out of St. Louis, MO to Dallas, TX to Albuquerque, NM. Then they are driving 3 hours to Farmington. I'm sure she will have a BLAST!!!

Christmas Concert

Brooklyn participated in her first Band/Choir Christmas Concert last night. She plays the flute. This is her first year and we think she did excellent job. I took some photos, but have not been able to upload them yet. When I get them I will post them. Have a great weekend!!

Who says GIRLS can't shoot!!!

Brooklyn has been hunting with her Dad and her Grandpa for 3 years. On December 1, 2007, she tagged her first deer!! She tagged a 150 lb. doe. The next day she took her doe to be processed and told the guy exactly what she wanted out of it like she was a pro. We are having the hide tanned for her. We are all so very proud of her!!

Honor Roll!!

Some of you may not recall, but Honor Roll doesn't apply until 5th grade. So this is our first year to be blessed with calling our daughter an Honor Roll student. Yup, that's right....Brooklyn received her Honor Roll certificate today and we couldn't be more proud. She also received a Perfect Attendance certificate.

Another item she was recognized for was her placement in the IESA State Speech Contest. This was the first year Brooklyn could participate and she loved it. You receive a I, II or III by the Judges and you are competing with students all over Illinois. She received a ribbon for placing as a II for her specific speech. We were very proud of her. She told us that she would like to do it again next year, but she wants to do a solo. We can't wait!!

Halloween 2007

This year Brooklyn decided to dress as a goth punk rocker. She looked completely different because for those of you who know her, she is a sweet little blonde headed child. Until October 31, 2007, Brooklyn turned into the goth child I always dreaded. But, she does look great if I do say so myself!