Kael's New Room

After months of hard work Kael's basement room is done! The room started off with cemement walls, no floors, or ceiling. We framed up the walls, put in eletric, insulation, drywall, tape, mud,sanded, texture, painted, closet, vent, baseboards, painted the walls stairwall and stairs, and put in new lights! Yes it was a big job and Josh learned a lot! At one point when it was time to paint Josh had all three boys downstairs with paint roller. Yes it got a little messy. Kael keeps saying "I love my room"! After sharing a room with his younger brother Jett,(6 years difference in age) Kael, our preteen deserves his own room. The first weekend he had a sleepover with a bunch of his buddies. The night was filled with movies, video games, and delicious treats. Now the hard part is getting him to come upstairs. Thank you to all the friends and family that made this project possible.

Jett and Preschool

Jett our little genius started preschool this year! We had his first parent teacher conference not too long ago. His teacher's first words were, "you have one smart little boy"! We of coursed loved hearing that. She also said that Jett amazes her everyday. We knew when Jett learned his all of his letters upper and lowercase at the age of 18 months he was going to do well in school. He continues to love to read books and he absorbs everything he sees and hears, the good and the bad. ;) He recently wrote out the whole alphabet. He is already through the whole Kindergarden curriculum and he still won't start school for another year. Needless to say we are so proud of our smart, funny, beautiful baby boy Jett!

Jaxyn Dianna Black Has Arrived

After 3 boys our one and only sweet baby girl Jaxyn Dianna Black arrived in Meridian, Idaho at St. Lukes Hospital on July 29th, 2012 at 10:05 am. She weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces and was 20 inches long. Her brothers have already become her protectors and she already has Josh wrapped around her finger. Jett in paticular has taken a liking to his new baby sister and asks if he can pet her on a regular basis. Pinks and other girlie colors have invaded our home. Josh spent over a month working on Jax's nursery getting it ready for her. He sanded and refinished the wood floors, changed out the closet poles, put up bead board, painted, and put shelves and decals on the walls. He is very proud of the nursery and it's his favorite room in the house, until of course the movie theatre/game room is finished. We feel so blessed to have Jaxyn in our home and her sweet little spirit she has brought.

Summer Trip To California (Galt)

Josh's long time best friend Craig Skinner's parents were having there 40th wedding anniversary celebration so we made our way down to the party. We had a great time as always touring Josh's old stomping grounds and of course visting family and friends. We took a trip to the Sacramento Zoo with the Skinners. It was fun having all the kids together and watching the interact and build their friendships. Wish we lived closer!

Jake's first Birthday, Jett's 3rd Birthday, Kael's 9th Birthday

Birthday's, and more birthdays! Kael, Jett, and Jake all had birthdays the last two months. Jax's birthdaywill also be in the Summer time so we will have cake and ice cream all Summer long!

Jax's Nursery

We finally moved into the new house and we are so excited to have so much space inside and out! The boys love going out into the back yard and will play for hours! Josh has planned many of projects that include a treehouse, movie theatre downstairs in the basement and refinishing all the rooms and the hardwood floors. Our daughter Jaxyn Dianna is due very soon so Josh took on the nursery along with his father in law Mike. Josh ripped out the carpet, he and Mike put paneling up, and then Josh, Karyn, and Josh's mom Diana painted. Josh finshed up by sanding, filing in the wood cracks, staining, and sealing the wood floors. It turned out great! Now to move the furniture back in! Pics to follow.

Josh's first bodybuilding show NGA

After years of contemplation and inner debate within himself ;) Josh finally got up the courage to compete in a bodybuilding show. Check another thing off the bucket list for Josh. Josh reached his goal of 185lbs at 6% percent bodyfat and placed in the top in his weightclass. He is of course addicted now and can't wait to do his next show and has already set a goal of 4% bodyfat. Cardio, cardio, greens, and some more greens.

Finally A Girl!

Many say it couldn't be done but it has! We recently found out that we will be having a baby girl! Good thing, Karyn is extremley outnumbered. The name we have chosen is Jaxyn Dianna Black. We will call her Jax!

Kael Jon Black's Baptism, Jake Damon's Blessing

On Oct 8th in front of family and friends, Kael Jon Black became an official member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints through baptism. Kael was baptized by his father Joshua Black and then confirmed soon after. The program was full of family members as Papa Ron conducted, Grandma DJ gave the talk on baptism and the holy Ghost, Kael's step dad gave a prayer, his Grandma Anderson played the piano, his Grandpa Warren said a prayer, and Kael's cousin was the chorister. Kael was so excited and the spirit was very strong at the meeting.
The next day on Sunday Oct 9th, Jake Damon was blessed by his father Josh. The circle included Papa Ron, Uncle Mike, Matt Smith, Bishop Day, and Brother Hunter. We feel so blessed to have had family here for the weekend to share in these two wonderful experiences.

Welcome Jake Damon Black

On July 11, 2011 at 6:59am Jake Damon Black was born into our family at the St. Luke's hosptial in Meridian, Idaho. He weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 19 inches long. He has full head of black hair and his eyes are blue so far. Jake was born three weeks early so the hospital kept us a day later for observations. We feel so blessed to have another beautiful baby boy in our family. Kael and Jett are both so excited for their new little brother.

Savannah and Colton's Wedding

My youngest sister Savannah finally tied the knot to Colton Bird! The wedding was beautiful and there was many family members and friends in attendance. We stayed in a hotel with the boys and had a great time. There was a pool, sofa bed, flat screen, huge shower, and awesome breakfast. Needless to say we all had a great time!

Jett Knows His Letters!

We're having another boy!

On March 10th we checked Kael out of school early and headed to the doctor to find out the sex of our baby. The doctors office had just bought a brand new ultra sound machine and Karyn was the first patient they used it on. The picture was really clear and it was very clear that we are having another boy! Karyn is really going to be outnumbered.

Teacher Rally, Boise, Idaho

Today as a family we went to the Idaho State capital building to attend the teacher rally opposing Idaho State superintendent Tom Luna's education reform plan. A plan that would inplement many negative changes in education here in Idaho. The main changes I oppose are eliminatating teacher unions, increasing class sizes, and merit pay which teachers are paid based off students performance on standarized test. I am not sure if e-mailing my legislators and attending this rally will change anything but I want to be able to say that I did everything I could to oppose something I believe in my heart to be wrong.

Jett's First Trip To The Dentist

Today was Jett's first trip to the dentist. He was spoiled with a new green tooth brush and a Blue's Clues sticker. Jett sat on Karyn's lap as the doctor checked his teeth. He wasn't very thrilled to have someone poking around in his mouth but we got through it.

Utah Trip

For New Years we traveled down to Farmington Utah to spend time with Schindlers. We met my new niece Avery and spent time with rest of the family. One of the highlights was Farmington opened a In and Out Burger and my brother Brent works there! After Utah we headed back up to Eastern Idaho to see my Mom in Idaho Falls. It was -8 degrees when we got there!

Christmas! New digs

For Christmas Jett and Kael both were spoiled with many wonderful gifts. Jett loves his new Elmo outfit and Kael his Camo beanie and long John PJ's.

BSU Gameday attire

Boise State played University of Utah in the Las Vegas Macco Bowl. They of course dominated the game! Before the game we went to Wal Mart as a family to pick up some essentials for the game.

Dad's Suit Coat

After church last Sunday I laid my coat on the table and when I came back a few min. later Jett had put my coat on and was standing on the table.

Kael is Wolverine