Sharing Special Moments...

Visit to Nana and Pa's

2009-04-23T17:30:00.015-06:00

We were so blessed to be able to go to Montana this past weekend and take Brody to meet Nana! It was so awesome to watch Nana and Brody together. Here are some pictures from our treasured time together this past weekend.

Brody Jadon Black

2009-03-28T15:53:00.017-06:00

Dear Friends and Family~

I am finally posting some pictures of our precious little miracle. God has blessed us SOOO much! His middle name "Jadon" means "Jehovah has heard". Our wonderful God has heard and blessed us with an AWESOME little boy. Enjoy the pictures. I hope to post more soon. Love to you all and thank you all for your prayers! He was born March 11, 2009. He weighed 8 lbs. and was 21 3/4 inches long.

Right after delivery :)

One happy Daddy!!!

My wonderful doctor!!! He said that it is cases like ours that insprire him to keep practicing. He said after 22 years he gets burned out! He was wonderful. He has been with our family for several years - through a miscarriage etc. I am thankful for him.

Tyler meeting Baby Brody!

One happy big brother! Tyler's birthday is tomorrow and he told me today that he had received the best present that anyone could ever receive -- Brody!

BSU blanket :)

Finally going home after 3 days :)

Christmas TIME with McCall's and French's...

2008-12-27T01:09:00.016-07:00

Time for CARS dominoes

Time with Baby Claire
Time with Preston
Time with Tucker
Wrestling time - Tyler and Drew with Lauren by the fire :)
BSU game time :) Tyler, Drew and Jayce with Tucker in the background

Christmas Sunday...

2008-12-27T01:04:00.005-07:00

Tyler patting his little brother...

Gingerbread Houses...

2008-12-27T00:59:00.006-07:00

I feel blessed to be able to be "room mom" for Tyler's class. I LOVE to be able to help in Tyler's class and he LOVES for me to come! I want to take advantage of this time in his life where Mom is still fun to have around. ;) One of our fun activities was decorating gingerbread houses made out of graham crackers. Here are a couple of pictures from that fun day...

Christmas Drama...

2008-12-27T00:57:00.006-07:00

Josh Jensen, Keith Waggoner and Rod

Rod was one of the "wise guys" in the Christmas drama at church. Tyler was a cowboy / camel boy.

Time for Giving Thanks...

2008-12-27T00:41:00.018-07:00

Thankful for my sweet husband!!!

Thankful for our awesome son!!!

Thankful for my sweet friend, Shauna...Rick, Shauna and Zach

Shauna and Rachelle

Shauna shooting :)

Thankful for sweet Grandpa and Uncle Leroy... they are staying warm in the car :)

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We were blessed to be with about 50 members of Rod's family in Nyssa. There was time for four-wheeling, gun shooting, eating, laughing, talking, and more laughing and talking! We have so much to be thankful for!!!

Quick trip to Nana and Pa's...

2008-12-27T00:36:00.005-07:00

We were blessed to be able to make a quick weekend trip to Montana. I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents!

Mommy and Tyler Time...

2008-12-27T00:34:00.005-07:00

Craft time...I love spending time with my little guy!

Guy time...

2008-12-27T00:29:00.003-07:00

Rod and Tyler enjoy racing the remote control car around cans and boxes out of the kitchen pantry...

Looking Pregnant :)

2008-12-27T00:25:00.002-07:00

Rod and Tyler bought me some roses and here is a picture of me in November. I am not "big on" sharing pictures of just me but... :)

Tyler even insisted on helping to pay for the roses with his own money. I am truly blessed!

How I love my "boys"!

The Miracle of Life...An Active Baby Boy...

2008-11-04T13:13:00.002-07:00

Our precious little boy was a little shy when it came to showing his face. :) He was not so shy when it came to showing other parts of his body :) The picture isn't real clear but we are soooo thankful that everything that they were able to check looks fine. We have another ultrasound scheduled for December 3rd. They want to check something at the base of the brain. He was sooo active and was not totally cooperative :P) but we LOVE him anyway :) He had the hiccups and yawned a couple of times during the ultrasound. We took Tyler out of school early on Friday so that he could go with us! He was SOOOO excited that it was a boy... basically DANCING in the ultrasound room! Rod and Tyler have both been able to feel the baby move while in utero! What a MIRACLE! Thanks be to God for His many blessings!!!

Our Little Quarterback...

2008-09-22T19:05:00.004-06:00

Fall = Football in our family :) First game of the season! Tyler LOVES football!!! It is his favorite sport. I am understanding football more and more :)

Our Third Grader...

2008-09-22T19:03:00.001-06:00

Where does time go??? Our precious little guy is now a BIG third grader!! We are so thankful for you, Tyler!!!

More Summer Fun... St. Louis...

2008-09-22T17:41:00.054-06:00

The arch in St. Louis...

Looking out the windows from the top...

World Famous City Museum and Aquarium...

Rod was able to feed a sting ray!Two-headed snake!!!!Climbing...
Sliding...Where will I end up??? :)

Visiting Salem, IL...Black family reunion...

Ken's sister, "Aunt Florence"...
We really enjoyed being with Dennis and his girlfriend, and Edwin and Doss Phillips and their family!

In our hotel...leaving for the zoo! :)

Awesome sea lion show!!!

I loved the train rides! :) (It is a huge zoo and I was not very far along in my pregnancy :))

We were able to watch them feed the bears!

Hairless monkey!!!!!!!!!!!!!Tyler feeding a giraffe!!!
Tyler dressing "Brody"...his souvenir "Build a Bear" :)

Fun Summer Events...

2008-09-22T17:22:00.011-06:00

Starlight Mountain Theatre... Fun Show and Camping...

Motorcycle Fun...

Enjoying Ontario Fair and Rodeo...

Yummy Scones...

A new addition to our family...

2008-08-11T21:35:00.003-06:00

We have tried for several years to have another child. After three miscarriages and about eight years, we had begun the adoption process. But God had a surprise for us! We have been happy but also apprehensive. Last Thursday, August 7th, we went to have another ultrasound. We were able to HEAR the heartbeat as well as see the little flutter from the heartbeat!!! We have a peace that God is in control and we believe that this little miracle is directly from our wonderful Heavenly Father! The doctor and nurse felt so much better after this ultrasound and this was a comfort to us! God is good ALL of the time and His timing is perfect. Whatever the future holds, I am glad that I know WHO holds the future! I do not want to be selfish but I do covet your prayers if you think of us! We are praying for a healthy and normal baby. I know that we have a LONG ways to go but God will give us grace for each day right when we need it! Thank you soooo much for your love, support and prayers during this time! We are SO blessed to have many wonderful friends and relatives that are such an encouragement during this time!

Here is an ultrasound picture of our little miracle...

On a more humorous note:

We were soooo relieved after the ultrasound. We were sitting in the waiting room waiting to visit with the nurse. I mentioned to Rod that the baby looks funny at this stage in the pregnancy (in the picture). Rod said, "It definitely resembles your side of the family" :D

We enjoyed a refreshing laugh!!!!

P.S. I am thankful for such a wonderful husband!!! God has blessed me SOOOO much!!! I am truly undeserving but thankful!!!!!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Dawson...

2008-07-30T15:02:00.024-06:00

On Friday night, July 25, Faith Black and Bernie Dawson became Mr. and Mrs. Dawson. Faith was a radiant bride! Bernie was quite happy himself, as you can tell :).

I believe that God brought Bernie and Faith together. They have both suffered so much heartache and loneliness. God has made everything beautiful in HIS time. God is so good!

Bernie, you are a cherished asset to our family! Welcome to the family! We truly do love you and are happy that you are "Step-dad" and "Grandpa Bernie" :0) Thank you for your love, wisdom and your acceptance of us! Tyler is soooo excited to have a new "grandpa"!!!Faith and Bernie walking down the aisle to say "I do"...

Here are some pictures from the rehearsal:

Mel (Bernie's best man) and Tyler
Pictures from the wedding: Kenlee, Cher's youngest daughter walking down the aisle.

Katie Keep sang during the wedding, David Keep Jr. sang during prelude and then all of the grandchildren, 6 Keep children and Courtney and Taylor Ritchey sang the chorus to "You Are My Sunshine". Julia Keep and Phillip Batton did an awesome job singing.

Gary Maxey's grandson read a African folk tale, "Why women do not have beards" and then the boys quoted I Cor. 13 with their father.

Time for the "I Do's" :)

Communion with a tea pot and tea cups

Blended family having prayer with Mel, Faith and Bernie

Bernie's letter to Faith -- including "...the classic story of the pastor who ran away with the pianist"... (Faith was the pianist when Bernie was pastor of Ontario.) As you can imagine, Faith was quite embarrassed!!! :)

Time for a hug :) She forgave him :0)Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Dawson

Dr. Lisa and Mel (Bridesmaid and Groomsman)

Our sweet Tyler

My sweet Rod with Grandpa and Edna
Congratulations to you both! We love you!

Happy Birthday to Rod and Aaron...

2008-07-22T23:40:00.004-06:00

We had a birthday party for Rod and Aaron with Rod's family last week. I think that the favorite events of the evening were playing in the pool and eating the family's favorite homemade ice cream. The "72" is the combined years for Rod and Aaron :)

Rod, I love you! Thanks for being such an awesome husband! Happy Birthday!

Congratulations Tiffany...

2008-07-15T23:29:00.007-06:00

Tiffany graduated from Massage Therapy School last week and we were able to celebrate with her. Congratulations - Tiffany!

Thanks Aaron, Cher and girls, Blake and Sara and Tiff for the fun family night!

Tiffany with her instructor Rod with Tiffany and Sara

Tyler and his buddy and cousin, Alyssa!

Happy 4th of July...

2008-07-15T23:24:00.006-06:00

We spent the 4th of July in McCall, Idaho at our church camp. As is tradition, we found a spot to watch the fireworks that are set off on the lake. We had a beautiful spot this year!!! It was so georgeous to see the reflection in the fireworks in the lake!!

My great friend, Shauna Mullins

Our family at the fireworks

Tyler, William Keep and Brandon Mullins

All Star Baseball

2008-07-15T23:07:00.004-06:00

Our little All Star...

I am very proud of the way Tyler has excelled in baseball. It has taken a lot of practice! He played the regular season with Rod as his coach. He then went on to play on one of the All Star teams for Nampa Babe Ruth. Rod is an assistant coach for the All Star Team. It has been a great way to meet new friends! We have made some lasting friendships! Thanks Shane, Mindy, Caleb, Dallon, Theresa, Zeth and Coach Jose, Zac and Gavin for your friendship!!!

After a home run he went flying into Rod's arms!!! I missed it with the camera...probably because I was watching and yelling :0)... I had them redo the pose for memories sake :)

Fun with family in Wisconsin and Montana...

2008-07-15T22:30:00.019-06:00

I am a bit behind with blogging!! Better late than never, I guess! :0)

On June 3rd I flew to Chicago to meet Krystal and her family at Tom and Jen's in Wisconsin. We were able to spend a little cherished time together! We had fun laughing, talking, shoe shopping, taking pictures at Sears, etc.

Thanks Tom, Jen, Krystal, Jeff and kiddos for all of the fun!

Krystal, thank you for the wonderful memories of our trip "Out West" with four little bodies in car seats with dirty diapers and all :0)

I love you all!!!

Here are a some pictures:

Krystal and her son Jay

Graham and Grant - Krystal's twins with Isaac in the background

Maddie and Becca after having their picture taken :0)

Becca and Maddie dressed in their darling outfits from Nana and Gramps

Becca and Aunt Deb with matching shoes

Sweet Maddie playing with Aunt Deb

Time to wrestle with Uncle Tom

Tom and Josiah

Cole and Grant

I think that Aunt Jen needed a few more babies to wash :0)

Graham and Grant in Montana

God Bless America

2008-05-27T21:58:00.043-06:00

Our Memorial Day...

Rod went golfing with a group of friends on Monday morning and so Tyler and I along with Shauna and her children went to a "Civil War Re-enactment". It was so neat to watch the boys with men from our Armed Forces and "Abe Lincoln". They loved the flyover, the shots from the cannons and the 21 gun solute!
After that we went to Taylor's and had a fun barbecue with friends and family! It was a great day!

We are so blessed to live in America!!!!

P.S. Sorry about the picture layout... maybe I need a tutor on blogging! :)

Year End Awards Assembly

2008-05-27T21:49:00.003-06:00

I am so proud of Tyler. He received the Principal's award for his "A" grade point average. His teacher then had a power point presentation for all of us to see. Then she had the children form a circle and pray together one last time. It was so sweet! I am thankful for an awesome year! God is soooo good!

School is almost out ! Wow -- Already ???

2008-05-21T16:43:00.013-06:00

Today was Field Day at school. Friday is Tyler's last day! It will be great to have some family time this summer!

Here are a few pictures from the fun day.

Tyler and Brooklyn Taylor with their friend, Matthew by the "castle" we made of hula hoops :).

Tyler and Brooklyn Taylor in the classroom - playing on the computers.

Tyler with Stephanie Taylor playing "Bunny Tails".

Time in Montana

2008-05-21T16:21:00.014-06:00

Tyler and I were privileged to go to Montana to visit my parents this past weekend. As some of you know, my mom had hip replacement surgery last week. She is doing real well. She is still in some pain from the surgery but hopefully that will ease soon.

I love this picture of my awesome dad!

Tyler with his Pa.

Enjoying some fresh air!

"Grandma and Bernie..."

2008-05-21T16:12:00.007-06:00

Thanks to "Bernie and Grandma" for coming to watch Tyler's game! He loved having you there!

Mother's Day

2008-05-14T12:28:00.003-06:00

I am so blessed to be the mother of an awesome little guy! He is such a blessing to Rod and I!

I want to say a "Happy Mother's Day" to my wonderful mother! She is unselfish, giving, loving, kind, Christ-like, caring, disciplined...

Mom, you are also an awesome "Nana"!!!!

I love you, Mom and I truly do thank you for all that you have done for me and for all that you mean to me!

Happy Mother's Day to "Mom #2"!

I am also blessed to have a mother-in-law who loves her family, friends and most of all loves God! Tyler also loves his awesome Grandma!

One more blessing...

My sweet sisters that are awesome mothers to their kiddos! Julie, Jenny, Krystal, and Cher~ Happy Mother's Day to you too! You are terrific!

"Mark McGwire"

2008-05-14T12:19:00.000-06:00

Tyler had an assignment in school to do a biography. He chose Mark McGwire. He did a great job on his speech. You will see his friend Jacob aka "George Washington" and also a picture of his 2nd grade class! The little "black girl" is Brooklyn Taylor, Terry and Stephanie Taylor's daughter (Tyler's cousin).

"Defender's"

2008-05-14T12:11:00.001-06:00

Here are a few pictures of our family during baseball season! I am a baseball widow right now :)We are having a great season. It is almost over and we are the #1 team right now :). Rod is doing a great job coaching. He has a great support team. The kids love him and he loves the kids! I actually LOVE baseball season!

Happy Birthday Sara!

2008-05-07T20:42:00.000-06:00

Sara,

Happy Birthday! I love you. You are a very special "sister" to me.

We all love you, "Sarsa"!

Sara's birthday party with Blake, Faith, Bernie Dawson, Tiff, Aaron, Cher, Alyssa, Kenlee, Grandpa, Edna, Rod, Tyler and I. Bernie was showing us some pictures of Dara's wedding and some of his antique cars etc.

Cher, sorry but the picture was too cute - I couldn't resist ;o)... Love you :)

Here comes the bride...

2008-04-15T00:18:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Blake Carrow! Welcome to the family, bro... aka Blake and "Uncle Blake". We love you Blake and Sara!

On April 5th, Rod's sister Sara and Blake were married. They are in Hawaii on their honeymoon! Rod was privileged to give his little sis away and Tyler was the Bible bearer and was able to pull the isle runner for Aunt Sara! It was a sweet wedding. There were a few tears as we missed "Dad" being there! It wasn't the same without him. Rod did a good job and was honored to fill in his Dad's place!

Tyler, Alyssa and Kenlee are very close. You can tell that by just watching them when they are together. Cher was the maid of honor and Tiff was a bridesmaid and Alyssa was a miniature bridesmaid. Kenlee was a flower girl with one of Blake's nieces.

Again... Congratulations Blake and Sara! Welcome home!

Motorcycles...

2008-04-14T23:45:00.000-06:00

On Tyler's birthday Rod and Tyler went for a fun motorcycle ride. This was an answer to prayer because the weather was suppose to be bad and we were afraid that they were not going to be able to go. They went and had a great ride until Tyler's motorcycle ran out of gas and they had to push it back to the truck :). Later in the evening we went to Red Robin for a fun birthday dinner and then to an Extreme Motocross Show with our dear friends and family - the Mullins. What fun! Zach LOVED the show. We were just a little worried that he might try to imitate the riders...eeks :). Thanks for the great night, Mullins!

Happy Birthday to you...Tyler

2008-04-14T23:41:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to you Tyler! Our wonderful son! Wow~the past 8 years have flown by so quickly. You are an awesome son and we are so grateful that God loaned you to us! We are so proud of you ~ your love for Jesus and your compassion for others are a blessing! We love you!! Mommy and Daddy.

Rod decorated the army tank for Tyler's birthday party. He did an AWESOME job!!! We were blessed to have a family birthday party for him on March 30th. Robb, Julie and their family, Aaron, Cher and their girls, Sara and Blake and Tiff and Grandma were the special guests! I wish that Nana, Gramps, Younts and McCall's could have been there too!!!

Let's go out to the ball game...

2008-04-14T23:15:00.000-06:00

Tyler loves baseball... actually he loves just about any sport that involves a ball ;0). This is Rod's 3rd season to coach Tyler. Our game was cancelled tonight because of the weather but Wednesday night the "Defender's" will be ready to play!

Something New...

2008-04-14T22:39:00.000-06:00

I want to share some of the special moments in our lives as well as some of the day to day happenings. We are blessed to have some of our family living close by but we have dear family and friends that we are not able to see as often. I want to make it possible for them to see a glimpse of our lives as I have been blessed to be able to "sneak a peak" into their lives. Thank you for your patience. This is something very new for me... I am not an author but perhaps you will enjoy seeing some pictures and feeling a connection with us and our family.