Dakota Star Gymnastics Club

Once again we trekked across the state of North Dakota for the Dakota Star Gymnastics meet. Joel, Rhonda and company hosted Miss J, Gym Dad, Sister K and myself for yet another weekend. Thanks again!!!

Miss J had a meet of highs and lows. She had a rare fall on bars, but scored a personal best 8.55 on vault. She fell off of the beam, however the remainder of her routine was beautiful and she still scored a 8.6. Last but not least, she had a 9.0 on floor which seems to be her score on that apparatus this season. Miss J finished 5th All Around and the team won 2nd place.

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Julie Ziegler Memorial Gymnastics Meet

We traveled across the state of North Dakota to attend the Julie Ziegler Memorial Gymnastics Meet at Bismarck Gymnastics Academy. We don't mind the travel, however. When we travel to Bismarck, or Mandan, we get a bonus, we get to visit my twin uncles and their families. We had a very nice time, and a big thank you goes out to Joel and Rhonda for hosting us for the weekend. Hopefully we didn't wear out our welcome because we will be attending a meet in Mandan next weekend!

Miss J had her best meet yet. She scored a 9.0 on floor, a 9.1 on beam, a 8.8 on bars and maintained her vault score of 8.2. This resulted in an all around score of 35.1, good enough for 5th place all around out of 50+ gymnasts. The RRVG team placed 2nd out of 10 teams. My apologies for the photo overload! Because of the configuration of the gym, I was able to use my favorite lens and got some great shots....I couldn't choose.

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A Valentine

I received these lovely flowers from my Valentine on Valentine's Day. Thanks, Gym Dad!

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Mad Baking Skills.....

.......or NOT! In fact, I am known for just the opposite....my BAD baking skills. Don't get me wrong. I can cook. I can cook circles around most people; I make up recipes on the fly, run the outdoor grill better than any guy, and am known to throw together a big Thanksgiving type feast for Sunday dinner.

Baking, however, is not my forte! There is something about all the measuring that throws me off. I'm more of a "that's close to a cup", or "that's about a tablespoon" type of cook. I like to eyeball my measurements and modify ingredients to suit my family's tastes. This style is not conducive to baking.

After many trials and much error, I've all but given up on baking. That was until I saw the recipe for Rainbow Cake on MckMama's blog. It seemed so simple I had to try it. Gym Dad laughed at me, Sister K laughed at me, but boy did I surprise them (well, ok, I surprised myself a little too!). If I don't say so myself, it turned out great!

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Happy Valentine's Day!

You've Touched My Heart

You've given me a reason
For smiling once again,
You've filled my life with peaceful dreams
and you've become my closest friend.

You've shared your heartfelt secrets
And your trust you've given me,
You showed me how to feel again
To laugh, and love, and see.

If life should end tomorrow
And from this world I should part,
I shall be forever young
For you have touched my heart

~author unknown

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This one goes out to the one I love...

...to Gym Dad, Happy Birthday!! To my hard working, gymnastics car pool driving, tool collecting, golfing, curling husband I love you! Hope you have a wonderful day!

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Be my Valentine...

I remember the excitement of Valentine's Day as a child. Sitting down at the table to address my greetings to my classmates I'd anticipate the upcoming party at school. I remember the thrill of getting valentines that came with treats attached. I also remember the embarrassment of getting a valentine from the cute boy in class. (or was that really excitement?)

Miss J addressed her valentines the other night. She meticulously filled out each name tag with her best handwriting, sorted out the candy, and lined up the finished product. I silently observed this behavior and was quite amused. This fact I know is true........she is her mother's daughter!

Each year I have tried to create something unique for Miss J to hand out on Valentine's Day. This year her valentines were inspired by a concert ticket.

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