Uncle Greg

When you talk about a story of true love and devotion, I will forever think of these two people. They are Aaron's "Pretty" Aunt Val & Uncle Greg. They have together had a lifetime of laughter, and raised two wonderful daughters. This past summer Greg was diognosed with ALS (Lou Gerhig's Disease). This disease took him very quickly, but their faith and devotion never wavered. As busy as people are, we had not seen them for a while. About a month ago, we took the kids for a visit. Karson was in awe of his Uncle Greg, and his love for Hockey. Greg gave Karson a Utah Grizzlies Hockey puck, that was signed by a Grizzly player. Karson took it for show and tell the next day, and told his class of Greg's illness. He said that he couldn't talk very well, and could not use his hands, but boy does he smile alot. What a sweet boy to notice that. Through it all Aunt Val was completely devoted to his every need. Scratching his ear, and combing his trademark mustache. She handled every day with such grace, and optimism, even when the end was very near. We are thankful that Greg who lived a very active life is freed from these earthly chains, and able to watch over his sweetheart, girls, and grandkids from a greater place. Uncle Greg, you will be missed. Aunt Val wrote a beautiful tribute for Greg that I wanted to share.


GREGORY JOHN KEMP Gregory John Kemp 1950 ~ 2010 Our precious husband and father, Gregory John Kemp, died as a result of the devastating disease ALS on February 24, 2010. His faith and trust in God never wavered. Greg was born February 3, 1950 in St. Paul, MN to John L and Genora M. Kemp, who precede him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Valorie, their cherished daughters, Jenny (Christopher) Davis and Rebecca (Aaron) Carpenter and their beloved grandchildren, Andie and Logan Davis, Cooper and Madeline Carpenter, and Carissa (Michael) Gleave, and great granddaughter (McKenzie). Greg is also survived by his dearly loved siblings and their families - Glenice (Robert) Coward, Orletta (Fred) Kunz, Grayden (Gerri) Kemp, Ordelle Kemp, and Orlaina (Patrick) Augustine. Greg proudly served in the United States Army during the Viet Nam era. Greg began working for the Denver & Rio Grande RR as a car man in 1973 and retired from the Union Pacific RR in 2009. He was an avid outdoors sportsman who loved fishing and hunting. He enjoyed golfing and skiing, but his passions were hockey, bass fishing and visiting with his many friends. Greg was a lifetime Lutheran and at the time of his death was a member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church. He also attended Life Church in West Valley. With the passing of Greg, a man of great character has gone from our midst. He possessed the ability to draw unto him friends from every walk of life. He was able to inspire many people. Greg was a member /officer of many clubs and organizations, including the Magna Friendly Bunch, Utah Bass Federation, Salt City Bass Masters, and the Growlin Grizzlies Booster Club. He leaves behind many friends who, along with his family, will miss him. Especially we need to remember his long-time and best friend, Doug Thompson, his best "Utah "friend Big Jim Coleman, his dear neighbors Joe and Debbie Pienezza and their sons, Jay, Rob and Mike, and his "angel on earth", Connie Gustin. Greg's family would like to thank Dr. Mark Bromberg at the University of Utah Motor Neuron Clinic, and special thanks to the George E. Wahlen Veteran's Administration Hospital, and Harmony Health Care and Hospice (Rudy, Sonya, Zaneida, Vanessa) for their tender, dignified and compassionate care of Greg and all veterans. In Greg's memory, contributions to the Utah Grizzlies Children Charity Foundation can be made in c/o Jared Young man, 3200 South Decker Lake Drive, WVC, UT 84119 Memorial Services will be held at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 2654 Builders Drive, Taylorsville, Utah on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., where family will receive friends one hour prior to services.

Trip to the Aquarium

I was able to go on Karson's field trip to the aquarium yesterday. I had not been to the new one in Sandy, so we were pretty excited. They started us off in "The Albatross" shipwreck, and taught us about tides.

I was proud of all of the kids. They were very attentive listeners.

This was my DELIGHTFUL group of kids. They are all so cute.

Karson loved this part. He is fascinated by Rays. He has done his animal reports on them two years in a row, and the reports are even different!

In the rainforest

Our poor little Octopus friend was blinded when I didn't read the sign that said "Please turn off your flash" Sorry Mr. Octopus. :(

After the Aquarium, we went to a park in Sandy to have lunch in the blistering heat of the day...it must have been 29 degrees! We had a nice little hurricane force breeze that made it feel like 12 degrees. I am still cold. But as always, Karson was happy to be Karson. He makes life truely enjoyable.

Thanks for letting me share this day with you Karson, and for still wanting me to go on your fieldtrips. It makes me feel great! Love you.

Happy 60th Birthday Grampa Bishop

This year for my dad's birthday, my mom surprised him with a trip to the IFly in Ogden. He was totally surprised, and the whole family (minus Aaron & Rawls) were able to come and watch. What a blast!

Dad had THE BEST instructor. Mom bought him a deluxe 10 minute package so they were really able to get into the learing of how to turn, go up down etc.

Here, dad is learing to go right to left, and left to right.

How to go up...

What a rush!!!

AAAHhhh aren't they cute. Mom was so excited, and dad was just as giddy!

After the flight, we all went to the Pie for dinner.....YUM!!

We ended the funnest day ever at our house for cake and icecream.

Daddy, I am so glad that you had a nice birthday, and to all my sisters, and the grandkids...way to go keeping the big secret!! Not usually an easy feat for any of us. :)

Karson gets his Wolf

Karson received his Boy Scout Wolf badge last month. We are so lucky that our ward is VERY into scouts. I only wish that I could get excited about it. I guess it will come. This month's theme was "Hollywood" Each of the boys getting an award got his own star on the walk of fame.

They had a spotlight on which didn't make for great picture taking. But in this picture Karson's den leader is announcing that he received his Wolf badge, 1 gold arrow, 2 silver arrows, a soccer belt loop, and a marbles belt loop. She was very proud of how hard he had worked to get the arrow, and so were his dad and I. I was even more excited to get my mother's pin. :)

Karson was really excited about his star.

Here are three boys in Karson's den that advanced. They get their faces painted each time. The boy on the end got his bobcat, and doesn't he looked thrilled. :)

We are very proud of what Karson accomplished. Great Job little man!

So Close...yet so FAVRE away!!

Another beautiful football season has come to a close for us...EARLY!!! Being a Viking's fan for well over a decade now, and bearing three more, we've come to expect this. Vikings fans have all the hope you could ever want, but our expectations...well? However, with the addition of the deliciously golden Brett Farve we had both. The season went great, and then we lost the NFC division game against the New Orleans Saints. It was THE MOST exciting game I have ever watched! We had over time, dropped carries, and 1 fatal interception. The game went into over time with a score of 28/28. The Saints won the toss, and it was over with a STUPID field goal 31/28. Don't get me started on the rules of overtime, or this post would be 48 pages long, but I will say this. I think that overtime should be an additional quarter like they do in college football so that each team has equal opportunity. I'm just sayin... Off the still mulpy box. We had PaPa Kunz, and Uncle C, along with the Richmans over for the event.
Karson and Luke were READY for some Football!

My Boys

It was so much fun to have PaPa up, he always makes the party.

I think this might have to be my all time favorite picture. I have no doubt that if Luke wanted to, a football player he could be. This shot was totally on his own. He truely loves the game, and was wahooing the whole time.

Oh so handsome Mr Favre, if you are reading this, ;) please, oh please just one more year, I know you can do it.