2008 Dolphin Swim Team

Yesterday was our Dolphin Swim Team pool party. It was a great time! The parents finally got to jump in the pool. IT WAS WONDERFUL!! The goal for yesterday was to see who was going to Conference this Friday and who wasn't. Unfortunately we are not going to Conference this year. We are okay with that as we understand it was our first year. Brooklyn is a GREAT job for her first year on the swim team and we can't wait for next year!! We are SO VERY PROUD of her!!!

Brooklyn's "do"

Here are a few pix of Brooklyn's new "do" that her hairdresser gave her. She felt like quite the pop star as you can see. Now if she could only curl her own hair we would be set!!

End of Season

Last night was our last night of swim meets. It was a hot one. We swam against Taylorville and they had the most kids I have seen this year! All very good swimmers!! Brooklyn only competed in 3 events and did wonderful in all three. On Sunday the Swim Team is having a pool party and we find out then who is going to Conference next Friday.

Also, we would like to send a big CONGRATULATIONS to Ingrid Umbach who was crowned Jr. Miss Menard County last night. She is a good friend of Brooklyn's. We missed the event, but were glad to hear she won!! WAY TO GO INGRID!!

Brooklyn went to get her hair trimmed and layered today and Amy that cuts our hair styled Brooklyn's the same way she styled Ingrid's last night. She looked beautiful!! If I get some pix before she messes it up I will post them!!

Have a great week everyone!!

Way to GO Brooklyn!!!

We only have 2 more swim meets left and Brooklyn has done a magnificent job!! Last night was a home meet against Panther Creek. Due to the weather, Panther Creek did not bring many older swimmers. Therefore, Brooklyn was moved up to swim with the 15-18 year olds. She placed 2nd in two events and dropped her freestyle time by another 4 seconds!! She is nearly swimming the 50 meter freestyle in almost 1/2 a minute!! WAY TO GO BROOKLYN!!!

Brooklyn's First Swim Meet

So last night was our first swim meet. PORTA v. Jacksonville. Being a first timer we found out alot about swimming. First of all, the competition is from ages 5-18. That is alot of kids!! We, for some reason still unknown to me, volunteered to be "timers". We were in charge of keeping track of the times for the kids competeing in our lane. NEVER DOING IT AGAIN!! It was a great learning experience and I am glad I did it. But it was just way too much stress for me! Anyway, Brooklyn competed in the 50 meter freestyle and the 50 meter backstroke. (For those of you who don't know, as I didn't, the 50 meter is the length of the pool and back) Brooklyn finished FIRST in the freestyle and SECOND in the backstroke. We couldn't have been more proud!! She was AMAZING!!! She completed the 50 meter (there and back) freestyle in LESS THAN A MINUTE!! You heard me right!! She followed their slogan all the way through!!! "Swim like a shark or sink like a rock!!"

First Camping Trip

This past weekend we went on our first camping trip in our new camper. Well, new to us that is. It was, Tim, Brooklyn, my Mom and I. Oh, and Ceasar and Stella went too. It rained alot that weekend, but it was still a great time and a great learning experience. We are now addicted to camping!! Every free weekend will be spent in the camper!!

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.