Our Crazy and Wonderful Friends!

About 12 years ago the Weitzells, Goodmans, Glausers, and Mosleys (WGGM) started group dates together. Every six weeks or so a couple takes their turn at being in charge of a creative date. We are a diverse group of people, but found common ground in that all of us love to laugh and have fun. And actually there have been some serious moments, too. Can't think of any, but I know there must have been! We met together this month to celebrate Disneyland. Each person dressed as a Disney character: Mosleys were "Beauty and the Beast;" Weitzells represented Goofy and Minnie Mouse; the Glausers made a cute Minnie and Mickey Mouse; and the Goodmans (that's us) dressed up like Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.

Mickey and Minnie aka Randy and Karalee

Nick and Linda, Karen and Kirk, debbi and Denny, Karalee and Randy

Linda and Nick aka Tink and Peter

Here's something serious: this was also a going away party for Randy. He leaves for Iraq as a GI Joe next week. We love him and we will be praying for his safe return.

Some of you might think we are kind of crazy to get dressed up in costumes, put on plays, have talent shows, play capture the flag on Mt. Lemmon at night with glo sticks, pull off a great practical joke night, and drive to LA for Nick's 50th birthday to surprise him while we were living there, etc., etc. The list goes on and on with the variety of fun we've had over the past 12+ years. But crazy or not I am grateful to call these "extra-ordinary" people my friends.

I've Been Tagged!

My niece, Kimberlee, tagged anyone who reads her blog to post the 5th picture in the 5th album. This is 14 month old Magnus asleep at the Luau table, Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Hawaii! Taken in February '08. (This pix is from my laptop.)
And this 5th picture is from the main PC. This bull snake was eating a "little" treat just across the road from our house in September '08. You tell me which picture is the cutest? I choose the sleeping toddler!

What Happens in Vegas Does Not Always Stay in Vegas!

Nick and I drove to Las Vegas for a two day meeting about "wealth without taxes." The meeting was informative and very helpful for structuring income to legally avoid having to pay higher taxes. And we could all use that kind of knowledge these days. But that was not the fun part of the weekend. Jorgen and his friend Amy drove down from BYU-Provo to play with us. We went to the UNLV/Air Force game on Saturday. My nephew Adam, who is Jorgen's same age, is on the UNLV football team. I am passionate about football! UNLV lost 29-28 so you can see it was an exciting game. I was able to spend time with three of my nephews while we were there, but I didn't get a picture of Nathan, a law student at UNLV. My picture taking was lacking this trip. This is Jorgen and Amy. She is from Orem, Utah.

My nephew Joe and his wife Kathryn, a fellow blogger! They live in Pahrump, Nv.
Jorgen and Adam, who was a little sad about the loss!

I had a great weekend with Nick, Jorgen and his friend Amy, and with my nephews. The most fun I ever have is when I'm with my family and good friends.

Other things:
I would like to recommend a great book, "The Traveler's Gift." All I can say is it is well worth your time!

And Happy 22nd Birthday to Anders! I love you, and I hope you continue with your decision to make life brighter and better for yourself with each passing day. Following the light of the Son is the way to happiness.

Another Fun Weekend!!

Nick and I drove to El Paso this past weekend to help Gens and his family move out of their apartment back to Tucson into our home for the next few months. He just finished an orthopedic rotation at the Army Hospital. They will be living with us while he does a few more medical rotations locally. This is a picture of the trailer and truck we borrowed from Nick's brother, Pierce, who is as kind and generous as you can get. He's always loaning us something or other!

Nick and Gens standing in front of the trailer after they loaded all their household goods.

Grandma and Dailan celebrating his 4th birthday at Chucky Cheese. What a zoo!

Gens and I took time out to hike the Transmountain Pass. We could see both the West and East side of El Paso when we reached the top and hiked along the ridge. The hike is only three miles, but there were some areas on the way down where we were hanging on for dear life as we climbed down the cliff! I was more than a little nervous. My sweet son stood downward from me, prepared to catch me if I fell. I'm afraid it would have been the end of both of us! Anyway, it was great to spend some one on one time with him. Families are the best, aren't they!

Harvest 4 Hope 5K

Oops! Shaila and me posing for a post 5K picture. Who was the photographer (only she knows!)?Now, that's better!

Good friends gathering after the race at Oro Valley Riverfront Park!

Shaila and I had fun doing this together, even though she was way in front and I was way behind, but I still consider that together. And it was fun to have good friends along for the

run, too. We all got medals and t-shirts, can't beat that! Plus, they collected thousands of pounds of food for the food bank!

Meet My New Acquaintence!

Meet "Janns G." This object is going to be my best friend for the next 4 weeks. We didn't start out on very good terms, in fact I couldn't stand him/her/it. (I haven't decided which gender it is.) I was in pain and I only rode the thing for less than 5 minutes. But with a few adjustments, like a different seat, no shoe guards, and better posture--"Janns G." and I have become better acquainted. Can't say we are on the best of terms, but I think with time we may become best friends. I was able to ride for 6 miles and 1/2 hour today. In the background you will see my other new acquaintence, the pool. Hopefully we will become friends, too, or I'm going to find myself in a heap of trouble. But I have set a goal and I'm not going to give in to pain, fatigue, or discouragement.