National Bowling

I went to Nationals to Bowl!  It was held in Reno, Nevada and was a fun experience.  I was so nervous the first day that my palms sweat the entire three games of team bowling.  I think it was a combination of nerves and excitement.  I also think it was ridiculous.  I didn't bowl very well that first day and decided that I was going to have more fun the following day.  Which I really did.

Of course I had to bring something to unite our team and I found glasses with peace signs on them.  The glasses made it easy for others to talk to us.  It was fun meeting other people from different states.  The first day we were the only ones from Utah.  I'm not sure about the second day because no one asked when we were all together getting ready to parade in. ☺

The Bowling Buddies invited me to bowl with them so I was their extra guy.  Usually the teams are teams of five.  Lynn didn't want to bowl with the team and that's why I was recruited.  She bowled doubles and singles the following day.  We had a good time because we made it fun.

We had fun walking around after we bowled and enjoyed the buffets.  Some of these ladies plan their activities around eating.  I think it's funny since I don't but realize I might be the odd one. I like food and it shows and maybe if I planned better I wouldn't have a roll around my middle.  I might have to think about that and possibly make some changes. (I now want chocolate...it's my comfort)

The second day we had to rise early and be to the bowling center by 7:00 am so we were ready to bowl at 8:00 am.  I didn't mind getting up and going.  Bowling is a good way to start a day.  We bowled 6 games in a row without stopping for any kind of break.  Debbie and I were partners for team bowling.

Sheryl and her mom were partners.

Julie and Lynn were partners.

We all did pretty good and Debbie got serious and bowled a 211 which earned her an award.  It was fun watching her strike frame after frame.  It was fun striking every now and them for me.  The first day my practice ball was a strike and I didn't strike again until the last game in the 7th or 8th frame.  It's fun when you can throw a strike every now and then....even more fun when they are together.

Bowling at Nationals will always be a Fun Memory.  I'm not sure I will want to pay and drive that far to do it again but who knows.....I might.

On Tuesday after we bowled and ate we went to Virginia City.  We piled into Julie's Rogue so we could all be together.  Sheryl sat in the very back so we weren't so squished.  I'm glad they didn't make me since I'm really not on their team.  They were kind to me.

Virginia City was a fun little old town with cute little shops on both sides of the road.  We took a trolley ride around the block to learn a little about the place.  We learned that there once a lady named Juliet that "serviced" all the firemen and when she died they wanted her buried in their part of the cemetery.  Who ever is in charge wouldn't allow it so they had a big parade for her and buried her on the mountain with a white picket fence around her grave.  There is even a stone memorial in town in her honor. (that cracks me up)

We met "Wild Bill" whose name is really Kevin.  He is a naughty cowboy but he did make us laugh.  In the few pictures we took there was an orb in front of him every time.  Maybe it's his mother trying to keep him in line....which surprises me that it wouldn't have been over his mouth instead of his middle.

His friend (wife....whoever) was a good sport.

Also while touring on the trolley we learned that to spite a friend one guy moved his house as close to his neighbor as possible.  I think it had something to do with liking the same woman. (me: maybe Juliet?)

It was a cute little town and fun to visit but most shops closed at 5:00 so we didn't have too much time there but really it was enough.

It was a fun experience with fun friends.  I'm glad they asked me to go with them.  I enjoyed the out and all the laughing we did.  I enjoyed visiting with Julie all the way there and all the way back.  We are a lot alike in our opinions and feelings. It was fun and I really appreciate Julie for waiting for me and listening to me and all I had to say.  It was 16 hours worth....she's a good listener.  (she talked too in case you were wondering)

My Angel Friend .... Gina!

My sweet friend Gina passed away after courageously fighting her battle with Cancer.  I always remembered Gina and her beautiful smile but never associated with her until a few years ago.  Gina has been a blessing in my life and so many others.  She shared her journey with everyone on Face Book and the thing I admired was her Faith and Love of our Heavenly Father.  Gina never complained even when she had good reason to.  She ALWAYS praised God and His Name & Will! I admire that so much!

I'm a better person for having Gina as my friend.  She was always complimenting and boosting others up.  I know that Gina was also glad to be my friend.  She let me know over and over.  My heart is sad with the sense of knowing that she is gone from us for a time but it rejoices in the fact that I knew and loved and associated with this beautiful, wonderful lady.  Gina is a beauty inside and out!  

Gina made a difference in many lives.  She was a wonderful example and positive in every way.  If everyone tried being more like Gina they would be more like Jesus.....she really was that good.  I love this lady and the others that I have also become associated with.  Gina and rest of the group have added life and laughter to my life.  God knew we all needed each other and they let me in there group with open arms....I LOVE them all so Much!

Justin & Kamryn have a Birthday!

Justin and Kamryn each have a birthday today.  Having two share the same birthday makes the day double special.  Even though I was out of town I thought of these two cuties all day.  They each make my heart smile.

Justin is such a wonderful son.  (He reminds me a lot of his dad)  Justin is a great dad which I always knew he would be.  He loves his kids and plays with them and includes them in his day.  He loves having them around.  He is also a thoughtful and kind husband.  I am proud of the way he has grown up.  He has always made me smile.  I love that he has a passion for hunting.  He always has and he includes his little family in it.  Natalie has her own gun and each of the kids have their own bows and love shooting them with their dad.  Justin is a hard worker and is dependable.  Larry has always loved having him work at the shop.  He doesn't give up.  In fact he just graduated from Weber State University after plugging along for years while being a husband, dad and worker.  I admire Justin and appreciate him in many ways.  I'm glad he is mine and that I am the one he calls mom!

Cute Kamryn is 5.  She's such a fun addition to our family.  We loved her immediately.  It's fun that her and Justin share birthdays.  These two have always got a long and love seeing who can be the loudest.  This year Kamryn told me that she wanted to have a sleep over with me in the trailer.  She wants to watch Les Miserables and read stories and play on my Ipad.  Easy enough for me.  I suggested we have grandpa come in and join us after the show (since he hates it) and she looked at me and said no we'll watch it twice.  She only wants it to be me and her. No grandpa, no Kimi, and no Jared.  Well.....alrighty then....it will be just the two of us this Friday.  I won't lie.....she totally made my day.  This little one is smart and is already adding numbers.  She loves to eat and will always choose fruits and veggies when she has her choice.  Little Kamryn is a joy!

It's Been a Year!

Justin has a new calling

Justin has been called to be the 2nd Counselor in his Ward Bishopric.  I was leaving for Reno with my friends early in the morning but put it off until after Justin's setting apart.  I am so glad that Julie was very willing to wait for me.  There was no way I was going to miss witnessing my son being ordained to a High Priest.....those kind of things don't happen every day and when they do it's only once.  I also went to his ward so that I could see him being called to that position. It was an awesome experience and I love his Testimony that he shared.  One of the things he said was...if we allow God to guide us and lead us HE will.

Mya was also giving a talk in Primary and so I stayed for that so I could hear her.  I'm not lying when I say I have very cute and smart grands.  Oh my heck they make me smile.  Mya reminds me of a few of my kids when they were little. (each of the grands do)  Tell Mya the talk once or twice and she knows it.  She's such a cutie.  I loved watching as she lift her eyes and looked at me to make sure I was watching her.  What a wonderful, spiritual day!

All our kids were there when Larry ordained Justin to a High Priest....it was awesome!  I love that our family loves and supports each other.  We are truly blessed!

Larry's Games

Some times it's nice that Larry competes in the Senior Games.  Because some times it's nice just to get away.  It's really nice that Jerry & Darinda have a home that they don't mind sharing with us.  We love staying in there home.  This was the first Meet of the Year.  Larry met the goals he had for himself and now will work on improving at the upcoming events.

The weather was great.  I remember last year it was freezing and Jerry even wore his old snowmobiling suit.  This year we had to put on sunscreen. (much better)

Kimi invited Genni to come with us and I need to remember that bringing friends might not be a good idea.  Genni was pleasant as ever but Kimi seems to grow an attitude when her friends are with her and I don't really care for it. (I even gave her mouth a little slap.......stinker)

Larry received a medal in the events he signed up for.  So he did well.  I think one of the funny things about these events is watching Larry & Jerry complete and razz each other.  It makes us all laugh.

I know Larry is glad that Jerry encouraged him years ago to come and compete.  Larry loves it and it keeps him active.

After the events Jerry took Larry and the kids on a four wheelin ride.  I thought it was too hot already and so I didn't want to go.  I knew Darinda wouldn't mind staying back either.  We had a really nice visit while the others were gone.  The time flew and we didn't even end up leaving their home until after 8:00 pm....we got  home around 1:00.  It was a quick but fun get a way!

Graduation

 WooHoo for Kevin and Justin!  They both Graduated today from Weber State!  Kevin walked but Justin decided to work since college has already cost him so much.  I am very proud of my son's for working hard and getting their degree's.

The kids have mostly done it on their own.  We have helped very little and for that I am even prouder and they hopefully are too.  I have awesome kids and I'm very proud of each one of them.  They all work really hard and haven't given up. (the two younger ones think about giving up but hopefully they will look up at their older siblings and hang on)

It was a happy day for us all.  I'm so proud of the love and support we all have for each other.  Even though this month has had it's challenges it has also had many blessings.  Today was a huge blessing!

I'm so thankful for the strength of my kids and their will to press forward!  I hope and pray they will always be blessed for their efforts.  Oh.....I.....Love.....Them!