Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! Hopefully we will all get to actually see each other. We feel bad we missed the party Sunday night. We hope all is well and that everyone enjoyed their holiday. We had a nice quiet day. Zach even got stuck in the road out in front of the house in the van. I am surprised the grandparents made it through. Anyhow, Merry Merry Christmas! Wagoners

Edit to the Caboose!

Things have been so crazy around here that I have not had a chance to even open the heaping bags of clothes that were sent to me. I know that Becky had made great efforts to go through her kids' closets and purge what they weren't wearing anymore and send it to Pam and I to share. I am so grateful. What I did not realize is that there was a lot of stuff there from Pam, and of course, the recycled stuff from Tami that I once had for Bryson. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF IT, and for all of you and your efforts to share with me. There are some great perks to being the baby of the family, and this is just one beautiful one. Thanks so much ALL OF YOU! It couldn't have come at a better time. I am going to snag a few items that maybe I can wrap up for christmas (hopefully some pj's or dresses for Megan)! We'll see. I haven't had a chance to look yet, but am so grateful!

Thanks also to those of you who have responded to our news and have expressed your love and support. We are so grateful for family and wish that we could see you more often. Please know that any of you are welcome to come and visit as often as you like! The new house that we live in can accomodate company way better than before. Thanks again for your caring words and support. We are trying to make arrangements to make the Blacker Christmas Party, but no guarantees. We aren't sure if they will allow Jason to use his comp. time before he goes to Post Training in January. But, we'll see and do our best. In the meantime, God be with you all 'til we meet again!

The Caboose!

Well, as the youngest child in the family - and as the caboose - it wouldn't be fair for any other sibling to take away my birthright! Thus, Pamela could not have the last grandchild (or the caboose of the grandchildren). So, I am announcing to all of my family at once that unless any of the rest of you jump aboard the baby train, I will be ending the legacy with the last grandchild.

Yes, that is correct. We are pregnant. Now I know that many of you, if not all of you might be shocked. Especially since Jason and I had told everyone that we were officially done having children with Emma. We felt that medically, it was the best move for our family. However, the Lord had other plans for us.

Back in March, after Jason got laid off from Everest Construction, we were left unemployed and searching for answers on how to survive. A few weeks later, after much fasting and prayer, we were priveleged to make it to the temple, where we continued our prayers and fasting for financial answers for our family. It was there, that Jason and I received a far different answer than what we were seeking. We both, separately, felt very strongly that there was someone missing in our family and shared our unique experiences in the temple. It was not the answer we had been seeking, obviously, because we were still without employment AND without any direction of where to go financially. But, we both received the same inspiration. Gratefully, we were able to sell our 4-wheeler and that provided us the income to get through two months, and Jason has landed a reliable, good-benefit job.

I am due mid-June. I wanted to share the news with all of you at once, so that none of you had to find out from any other source. We are excited and scared, but know that the Lord will provide a way for this to happen because we are trying to be obedient to what he has asked us to do. Though having another child right now seems the furthest from logical, considering our financial status. However, logic is man's process of thinking. We do not know what the Lord has planned for us, we just know that He has asked us to bring another spirit into this world, and we are trying to be obedient, so not to forfeit any blessings that might come our way.

We hope that you can all share our joy in this and welcome another neice, nephew, grandchild, and cousin. My family doctor up here is not able to deliver babies, so I am going to see if Doctor Augustus will still deliver the last Blacker grandbaby. We'll see.

We hope you all a great Thanksgiving. Ours was full of family, games, and fun. We hope that maybe some of you can come up next year, or perhaps we can come down. We hope to make it down in December before Christmas to see the family and to go to the temple. Unfortunately, Jason has to work the night of your Christmas Carolling Party, so we probably will not make that event, but wish that we could.

Becky, thank you so VERY much for all of the clothes for the girls and Tyler. I can't thank you enough for how much that helps us out. Megan is excited to get new things to wear, as well as Kimberly (because they are just about in the same size now). But they are really excited to have new shoes and new clothes to wear. THANKS A BUNCH! We are ever so grateful for your charity, love, and support. And little Tyler is equally as thankful. I hope that you are feeling better and that the Lord is blessing you with increased health and strength. (as you are in our prayers often)

Pam, thank you for your efforts in getting them delivered to Jody. That is greatly appreciated. I know that it takes time and gas to do that, and we are very grateful that you took the time to get it to her, so that she could get it to us.

I am so grateful for all of my siblings, although I do not tell you often enough. Family is what is most important in this life. I have realized that more being away from you guys than I did when I lived close. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you all have a merry, and simple Christmas. I hope that we can all find joy in our relationships and accept each other for our differences, and share our love unconditionally. May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays. We love all of you!

P.S. Oh, and Mackenzie and Ashley. I didn't forget your birthdays - just a little slow! Hope both of you had a good birthday! :]

Blacker Christmas Party

Hello Everyone. I am hoping to save mom, 150 more of her phone calls. Only Kidding mom! It looks like we can plan on December 20, for the family Christmas party. We will meet at 4PM at Jim and Sheri's to put our treat plates together. We will carol together. Then off to the Blackers for some grub. Greg if you are feeling techy and you want to save your wife some phone calls. Email is a great forum to make food assignments. Not that I am giving the old Blacker try at telling you what to do, or maybe is that White? Anyhow, we look forward to seeing everyone! Have an outstanding week!

Caldwell Lights Up

The City of Caldwell reached a new mile stone last Friday. We had a ribbon cutting to display the new interpretive center at the train depot. The depot has been restored to it's 1905 glory, complete with a replica ticket counter and interpretive center. It is amazing to sit back and watch many, many good people get together and all contribute to do something good for others. The City bought and placed close to 200,000 led lights along Indian Creek and in the Train Depot plaza. The Street Department made several displays out of scraps of materials and on their own time. It is truly amazing and beautiful. It is not temple square yet but we have a good start. When the trees grow another 10 feet, it will really be something. If you have not seen it yet, drive by and look with the kids. Just the City Christmas Tree is 50' tall.
Mom and Dad are doing well. We feel so blessed to have the children and grandchildren we do. We are proud of each of you in your efforts and are amazed at all our grandchildren do. We feel fortunate indeed.
We look forward to the Holidays and getting together again.
Most of you are aware that your dad and mom have felt the need to get together more often. We know how difficult this is but appreciate your response. For those who got to come to Grandma's party for her sister at the Peterson's, she was thrilled to be able to show off her family to her sister. Aunt Marie and Uncle Johnny are very special to your mom and dad. There were there with mom just after Mike passed away and were again theer to support me when I got to Salt Lake on the next flight. Difficult times in parents lives and they were there to support us.
We love you all....yes, Lisa when I go on line to try and figure out how to do this, I can get the simple things done especially if I stop to analize the screen. I suffer from impatience.....why would that be a surprise to the ones who know you best.
Ok, for those blogging, at least the girls, thank you so much. For the guys (that includes you Greg) drop a quick note.

Dad & Mom

Thanksgiving

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone! Pannels are in the mountains and Lisa I hope you survive your family. I am sure you will, because you are accumstomed to it and are nicer than me. Blackers will be with the Steelmans, Larsons are headed to California. The rest of us are coming out to the Wagonwheels. Anyhow, I hope everyone has a great day. We all have a lot to be thankful for this year. I just want to tell everyone I am grateful for what they contribute to this family, we have endured much and will probably endure more. However, if we can all do it together then it can't be that bad! Happy Thanksgiving!
Love the Wagoners

November Update

October is in the past and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! Football is finally over! Oh...did I sound too excited? Chase had a fun time with his Wilson buddies on his team. Brendan had a blast his first year in pads. He is growing up way too fast! Dave had another successful year with Borah JV. (Brendan also enjoyed him as one of his coaches!) Chase has started basketball and is enjoying his dad as his coach as well! Amanda is still enjoying school. She is going to start refereeing for money soon. She went to her first meeting the other night and has the "official" attire. Go stripes! School is going well. Parent-Teacher conferences are this week. Chase just finished his Solar System project (What a fun family project!) and Brendan recently finished inventing a game, "Quest for Treasure", to culminate his unit on Risks and Consequences. He also ended up being voted in as Treasurer for the school. We had a good time at the Halloween cookie party and Aunt Eileen's. It was good to see family we haven't seen for awhile. We were sorry to miss Braxton's baptism. We hope everyone is healthy and happy. You are all in our thoughts often. Love you all!

Christmas Caroling

So Lisa, sorry you were not part of the discussion. We are not doing gift exchanges this year. We have decided to go caroling as a family. However, that may be tricky getting us together all at once. So everyone, I think in the best interest of coordinating a time for this event, we need to start putting dates out there. I know most have ward parties, work parties, etc. December can be very tiresome. Perhaps because we are all spread out over the countryside we can do Autumn Winds on Monday night for family home evening. Or perhaps a different night and carol to people that were in our old neighborhood growing up, like Taylors, Christensens, etc. It has been suggested that we get together and make some candy, then deliver or perhaps just bring our goods and divide them into seperate plates. Perhaps Sheri Could do a candy demonstration for all her grandchildren. Maybe make suckers or something. Sorry Larsons, I didn't get any pictures of your family from the cookie party. Anyhow, Dad and Mom I think you get the batton of scheduling a time and activity. Thanks everyone for coming last week it was nice to see my family! Have a good week!

Happy Halloween

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to all of the family! Please - post pictures of your kids in costume. It would be GREAT to see what all of your kids dressed up for Halloween! Hope everyone had a good day, with no school! Ashley, happy belated birthday. Hope all is well in the valley.

They don't do much up here for Halloween - no trunk or treats this year. But, both schools do something, so we might hit that. We trick-or-treated the public library, some businesses, and the local hospital. The kids had fun and maybe we will hit some member's homes tonight!


So, Bryson decided to wear a homemade fly costume that I created several years ago (although you cannot see his wings in the back). Megan wore the BSU Cheerleader outfit that she almost fits into (something Jason bought on clearance at the Bookstore years ago that was "dress-up" for later). Kimberly sported the same costume she wore last year - a little fairy. Tyler wore Bryson's purple dragon costume from a few years ago (it was a 5T, but we rolled up the pants really good and he made it work!). And Emma wore the infamous Frog costume (Bryson's first Halloween costume), that we added a pink bow, so she didn't look like a boy. The kids were very satisfied, loved dressing up, and enjoyed the trick-and-treating (even Tyler!)

Christmas Makeover

Apparently it is time for new Christmas traditions. Perhaps it is now time for the "White Elephant game", no mom I am not talking about you, lOL, to come into our family. Instead of fancy gifts, perhaps it should only be things that we already have. I don't believe a person has to spend a great amount of money or even any at all on a gift. On the other side of my family, we are doing white elephants and only $1 limit on the little children. Translating into a trip to the dollar store. Perhaps, that is even too much for some, so why not something we already have. I do feel that there is great joy when cousins get together and take turns opening their present. I know mine would love whatever they got. Old books, stuffed animals, etc. I am just throwing this out there, but eight years and up could participate in the White Elephant game. This would mean each individual brings something laying around the house or perhaps a $5 limit to contribute to the game. We need to pick a date and time for our party also. Pannells, what is going on for you?

Happy Birthday, Amanda!

So, I feel like all I am doing is wishing people Happy Birthday this month, holy cow! We have a lot of birthdays in October. I hope everyone is getting pumped for the annual Grandparent-Cookie-Decorating Party! Should be quite a fest. We are humbly sorry to say that we won't be able to be there, unfortunately. Seems like we are missing out on all of the festivities! But, Amanda, hope you have a good day today! Hope school is going well and you are still helping your mom keep her sanity and take care of the boys! :] We love and miss all of you guys. Hope all is well for all of you! The weather here is getting colder, so I am sure you are feeling it down there too. It's only 30 degrees today, but the sky is blue and the sun is shining, not a cloud to be found. It's so beautiful, you would never know it was so cold! And no snow yet!!! Ha, Boise got snow before we did - a few weeks ago. Anyways, we love y'all. Don't be afraid to post how your family is doing and how everyone's birthday bashes were. It would be great to see some pictures of your families (it has been a while since we have seen everyone!) What's everyone gonna be for Halloween. I think I'm gonna dress the kids in white sheets and cover them with trash and go as "white trash". Ha! Ha! Just kidding. If anyone has any good homemade Halloween costume ideas that are CHEAP, please let me know (like the ones you can do with things around the house), I am open for anything!!! :]

Happy Birthday & Voting

Happy Birthday to Jayden. Sorry that I missed your birthday yesterday. Hope that it was good!

Voting: there is only one more day for ya'll to vote for our Christmas budget. Please put in your vote, as majority rules! :]

Happy Birthday, Gregorio!

This is a little birthday wish to my oldest and awnriest big brother. Greg, how old are you now? 37? I can't ever remember. Anyways, the kids and I (and Jason ) of course, just wanted to wish you a little Happy Birthday. Sorry, I am terrible with phone calls - way too much going on today with our primary program and stuff, but wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday anyway! :]

Christmas Spending Poll

If you would like to anonymously vote for how much you want to spend on Christmas presents this year between families, look on the right side of the blog. I have posted two polls where you can vote on what you want to spend. If everyone participates, we should get a majority. If you don't like the choices, let me know and we can change them. But, please... vote for what you want. This is when your voice can be heard, and we will let majority rule once everyone has voted. You have one week to do it!!! :]

Names for Christmas

Larson Family has Downs Family
Ashley has Mackenzie
Michael has Megan
Abbey has Haidyn
Matthew has Amanda

Downs Family has Blacker Family
Amanda has Tyler
Brendan has Lily
Chase has Kimberly

Blacker Family has Wagoner Family
Bailey has Matthew
Haidyn has Kathryn
Braxton has James
Jayden has Bryson
Jaxson has Brendan

Wagoner Family has Pannell Family
Mackenzie has Michael
Kathryn has Jaxson
Davis has Emma
James has Chase
Lily has Ashley

Pannell Family has Larson Family
Bryson has Jayden
Megan has Davis
Kimberly has Braxton
Tyler has Abbey
Emma has Bailey

Please feel free to comment on what you would like to see the budget for family gifts and grandkid gifts, so that planning can be arranged. And if you want to leave ideas for gifts for your kids, and/or family.

Change of Plans

Well, since everyone is changing their plans, I won't feel so bad that we have had to change ours as well. I was released on Sunday from being in the Young Women's Presidency and was put in as the 1st counselor in the Primary Presidency. Well, we WERE planning on coming down this weekend - to see family, to have a cookie party, to go to the temple, for doctor's appointments, but all of that has been changed. Our primary program is this Sunday (10/19), so I will need to be here for it. See, the old Primary Presidency did not plan ANYTHING for a program. So, the kids have learned the music, but we are scrambling to put a program together this week for Sunday. And the new President absolutely loves children, but is a convert and doesn't know much about Primary. We don't have a 2nd counselor yet, so I can't let her wing it alone. So... we will NOT be coming this weekend.

We had changed our plans to come NEXT weekend for the cookie party, family, temple, and Braxton's Baptism, but since that has been changed, too, we are going to postpone our visit for now. Funds are tight and we can't make multiple trips down. So, we have scheduled doctor appts for the kids (eye & allergy) on Friday, November 7. Jason has the day off and the kids don't have school. We will come down Thursday afternoon/night (Mom, you will be glad to know that Jason gets off at 2 PM that day). Our doctor appts are in the morning on Friday and then we want to go to the temple Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. It would be fun to see some of you possibly Friday night, if any of you can swing it. Or even possibly Saturday afternoon. We will head back up Saturday evening.

So, there it is. Sorry you will have a cookie party without us. Obviously we can't make it to everything, but we have to use our time wisely. I hope you all understand. Greg & Tami, sorry that we won't make it to Braxton's baptism. We were looking forward to it, but hope that you understand. Tami, thank you for offering your costumes. I am going to see if the kids still fit into what they wore last year. I will have to get those from you sometime, to use for next year. Thanks for being willing to do that for me, though. So... HAPPY HALLOWEEN Y'ALL!

What a Crazy Month

So hello everyone. I hope all plans are set in stone. I have changed mine a billion times. However, we are all coming to our house next week for a cookie party. Perhaps we could have somemore fun as well. I am thinking that we could do some sort of pumpkin hunt. Maybe even paint pumpkins if the weather permits. A few games would be good. We could have some kind of mummy dogs, or pizza. What does everyone think? This is grandma and grandpas party, but you are coming all the way out we might as well make a meal of it. Perhaps we could celebrate Ashley and Amanda's birthday. Whatever works.

Happy Birthday, Braxton!

The Pannell family would like to wish Braxton a Happy 8th Birthday. We hope you had a good day and enjoyed the special cake that your mom made you (because she always makes really good cakes!) We are excited that you have decided to get baptized, too. We hope that we can come down next week end to see you become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! We love and miss you. - The Pannell Family of Fun! :]

Monthly Update

My first thoughts were to post weekly. Unfortunately, those thoughts have come and gone. Now we are going to attempt a monthly post. The boys are finishing up their football seasons. Brendan is enjoying tackle football. He likes to watch the film after his game with his dad. (Mom has a hard time figuring out which one is Brendan on the film.) Chase is having fun with flag football because all of his Wilson buddies are on his team. Dave has three more games and so far has an even record at 3-3. A few weeks ago, Brendan decided to run for school treasurer. He gave his primary speech today with the help of his campaign manager, Chase. He got voted on, so he will be running against another boy for the job. His final speech is next week in front of the whole student body. We enjoyed making his posters as a family. Amanda enjoys playing football outside with the boys. She picks them up from school everyday and it is so nice for me! I actually have some "down time" after school. It is hard to believe she is going to be 20 soon. We wish everyone a safe and healthy October and hope to see everyone soon!

Halloween Costumes!

This is a little shout out to my family to see if ANY of you have Halloween Costumes lurking in your homes, garages, or storage units that you would like to share, donate, lend me for Halloween. Since our resources are low and I am grateful for hand-me-downs, I don't have the funds for costumes this year. So, if any of you have some to spare, I will take any and all you have for my kids! And... if you don't have any costumes to share, what about inexpensive, homemade costume ideas??? I will take anything!!

P.S. Becky, how are you doing? You and Greg are the only ones that haven't reported on this blog yet. I emailed you with your new address, but I have never heard back. Just curious to see how your throat stuff is doing, how you are feeling, and what the latest news is... if there is any?

P.S.S. Also, we will be down to visit for eye doctor and allergy appointments next weekend (17-20) and was wondering if we could see any of you while we are in town!?!?

Still Alive

Still Alive
Here is the old Blacker portion of the family finally signing in with an update on Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa got to read a proclamation for the mayor on Arbor Day celebrating that Caldwell is a USA City of Trees member for 29 years in a row. Certain qualifications have to be fulfilled by a city to have that designation. One of them is that Caldwell spends at least a certain amount of money per capita on trees. We spent $100,000. We have our own tree program, forester, and our own tree nursery. It was a fun event.
Caldwell just finished with our Indian Creek Festival. #6. Over 4,000 people were in downtown Caldwell on Satureday. Firemen fed over 650 people, 200 old cars on display. a tug-of-war over the creek, a rope bridge by the scouts for people to try and cross over Indian Creek(many people lost their balance and fell in), and a cardboard and duct tape kayak race, vendors, entertainment and just family good time. It has really become popular event.I took some pictures and will try and email them to you.
We love the blog and if mom could actually get on and do her thing, she would be here all the time. Dad struggles with getting her to learn and use the computer. We have a new plan in place so keep your fingers crossed. Dad just has to earn enough money to get him another computer for work. Almost there.
We have been busy getting Grandma Lily ready to go on her trip. She is excited; but we notice her getting tired more quickly and running out of breathe. When they put her stintz's in a few years ago, the doctors said it was only a temporary fix. She is still willing but tires quickly.
Mom has been busy helping some of the kids do peaches....she so enjoys being in the loop with her kids. That is what she lives for. Dad is still busy with city, work, church, and family. I still get frustrated because of a lack of good health and an inability to use my mind like I use to.
We are planning a Halloween cookie party for grandkids in October....for you, Lisa, we will bring the party to you. The parents are not invited but they can eat the spoils at the end of the day.
Remember that we love you all and pray for you daily.

Mom & Dad.

Millions of Peaches

Well another successful week of school is done. I think as you can see all of the Wagonerds were excited to attend school. The two little ones and myself are enjoying the quiet. I also have four boxes of peaches to can. I know that the Blacker Clan had about 20(due to the fact that Greg was collecting them) Hee Hee. However, I think the Grandmas had a blast helping. Nothing to exciting here. No fall sports, but an occasional golf. I know that everyone down in the valley is probably all over the planet with sports. I know Becky and Tami's family are. Grandma Lily is headed out on a brave adventure to the West Coast. We spent Monday with her and she seemed really excited. Anyhow, we have discovered a fun park in Eagle to have a get together at sometime. Huge playground, BB hoops, VB net, Football area, and most important Fishing hole. Anyhow, have a good week! The Wagoners

First Day of School

Yesterday was my kid's first day of school. Their school is brand new this year and they weren't quite finished with it, thus the reason for a short delay in starting. Which also means that they don't get out until June 11th (YUCK!) Bryson & Megan are the last pick-up stop in the morning for the bus, so they think it's great not to have to ride very long. And they are both the first drop off on the way home. Interesting fact - Bryson has a boy in his class whose name is Bridger Pannell. Not really sure who that is, but he must be related somehow??? We are just trying to get settled into our new house, get it fixed up a little, and get back into a routine. I love the school year for just that! Go, Pam! That is awesome that you started your own blog - I have posted a link to it on this site for the family to enjoy, also. Thanks for keeping us connected.

Slightly Challenged I am

Hello Everyone,
I have discovered that I made a post to Tami's Post as a comment. I am slightly challenged I must say. I have created a Blog for our family. I think it will be linked through the Wagonerds. Not sure, Lisa, How do I put our picture on the Blacker Funny Farm and add our Blog to the Blogs? I think you have the permission to do that only. I haven't quite perfected my skills, but that takes time and so forth. Life is good in Middleton, school is good and I am enjoying taking control of my house again. It is nice to slow down from the always going in the summer. I just have to get organized again. Ta Ta for now! Pam

Downs Family Weekly Overview

Hello family! We hope everyone has enjoyed going back to school. It is nice to get back into a routine. The boys love their teachers and I will love my class in about two months. (Only teasing!) Amanda is officially a Bronco and has started school as well. It is nice to have her living at home. Dave has started football and has his first game this Wednesday. Brendan begins padded football soon and Chase has to play flag football one more year. (They wouldn't let him play up with the big boys.) We enjoyed the family on Saturday. It was nice to see everyone (except Lisa's family). Thank you mom and dad for organizing it. I think we need to do it monthly. We can all take turns hosting! Have a great week. We love you all!

The old guys are finally here

Ok Family,



You should know that this technical stuff is hard on your parents. After all the world, as you and the other kids know, has passed us by. We no longer respond as quickly as we should. Having said that, thanks for starting this process. It will be a fun thing for all of us to do.

Just to keep you up on things, Saturday the family got together for a sandwich, chips, and fruit and had a mock olympic games in our back yard. It was fun ! It is nice to get together again if even for a brief moment. Hopefully, we can continue to do things as a family in the future.

Mom and dad would like to be more involved with all of our families. It gets more difficult as our families lives get busier and more complicated and some of you live away from the valley. Oh well, we did get together and that made mom and dad happy.

Okay, mom and dad have done their part. We are logged in and can now contribute or at least dad can. Mom still thinks the computer might bite.



Dad & Mom

Posting & Comments

So, if you want to post something to our site (I see some of you, technologically inclined siblings have figured this out - a.k.a. my sisters!) After going to the website (www.blackerfunnyfarm.blogspot.com) you click on the upper right-hand corner that says "sign in". You put in your email address & password. Then, after it logs you in, you want to click on "New Post". The rest is pretty self-explanatory from there.

Comments: At the bottom of each post, is a spot that has a (number comments), click on that and it will take you to a separate screen where you can respond to the post. The comments get posted to email, so you will get to see the comments even if you don't check the blog!

Happy blogging! Hopefully EVERYBODY can jump on board. And PLEASE share pictures with us. Some of us don't live close and don't get to see everyone very often. We would love to see pictures AND hear how ya'll are doing!

And... DAD... where are you??? This isn't just for siblings. Jump on board!

Hello everyone! School is about to begin and I can honestly say I have been at the school for 24 hours in the last 48. However, my room is almost ready. A new school year is about to begin. Dave and Amanda start tomorrow and the boys and I begin on Thursday. The boys begin football with pads this year. We sign them up tomorrow. They get to play under the lights. It should be fun! Life is pretty good for us. I hope all is well with each of you. Have wonderful days until the next time I post something!

Change is always GOOD!

Well, in the past few weeks, there has been a lot of change in our lives, mainly a new career and a new place to live. Jason now works for the Valley County Sheriff's Department as a Patrol Deputy. He is still doing drywall on the side for extra money. He is REALLY loving it. He was excited to get a 98% on his gun certification test. He goes to POST sometime in January or February of 2009 (in Meridian) for 10 weeks. He is bummed that his 7-year bachelor's degree has to be put on hold for now, but so goes life sometimes! It is nice to be the recipient of benefits, especially being a government employee!

As for our new house. Well, the house we were renting up here got foreclosed on and our property manager told us that we had 30 days to move out. We prayed for help in seeking a place to live and the Lord blessed us with a FANTASTIC place. In the middle of 80 acres sits an old blue & white, 3-story farm house with a wrap-around porch, 4-car garage, workshop, orchard trees, pond, horse pastures, and all the storage space we could ever need! It is quite the place. Though not new and definitely not fancy, it is a place to call home for now. And hopefully for quite a while! And.... it was less money than the last "crack shack in the pumpkin patch" (so Jason called it) that we lived in. Now, we have PLENTY of SPACE for FAMILY to COME and VISIT and STAY!

So.... if you are itching to come to the mountains - to fish in the pond, to pick some fruit, to tube in the winter, to possibly ice skate, possibly ride horses, to camp, to ski, to snowmobile, to hike, or just to have a FUN time, this is the place! And... we would love to have you... any and all of you!

Lisa,
I don't know about the smartest, and most talented. That is pushing it a little to far. You are the youngest yes, but you have learned all your skills via your older brothers and sisters. I know that Mike would agree with me. We are grateful for your abilities to sit at the computer and create this site. Not everyone can graduate from 8th grade and do these things. Only kidding. When I don't have monsters running all over my house I will get some pictures on. We hope all is well in the mountains, we are glad that Jason has started a new career. Have a jolly holly day! Pam

Welcome Family!!!

I, being the youngest, smartest, and most talented of the Jim Blacker clan have taken the initiative to start a family blog. It is my hope that in spite of each of our individual families and our busy lives, that we can somehow stay connected with one another. No longer does Sheri have to be the lifeline in which we all stay in touch, or "know" each other's business. But, this is a way that we can share the highlights and events of our lives. I hope you will all enjoy! If you need help, let me know. And... this is not just for parents (you teenagers can get involved, too!) I hope that I won't be the only one keeping this updated!