BlackFamily

2011-02-13T10:39:00.003-07:00

Brian needed some additional kidney treatments. We have 5 total treatments for plasma replacement do to some problems with an antibody in Brian's body.

The pictures and video's are of the first day of treatment. Please make sure you're sitting if you don't like hospitals...

The first video is of the machine filtering the plasma from the blood and replacing it with a synthetic made plasma.

The second video shows Brian connected to the machine. It might look like he is sleeping, but he wasn't.

More updates on the treatments as we move forward.

Hawaii June 2010

2010-10-30T18:57:00.066-06:00

We went to Pearl Harbor to see the memorial and then we wnt on the ship the U.S.S Missouri and then to a Avation Museum.

This is one of the survivors of that frightfull day.

The saying goes" This ship cries for the men and women who died when the ship sank and the oil to this day still leaks and comes up to the top to floats away"

This is a good thing. she doesn't like close places and let me tell you this ship is very tight.

dog tags of men who have died. too many to count and sad to see.

we also did the avation museum

U.S.S.Missouri can you find our parents?

There they are!

we just did fun pictures

all the girls feet after a day in the sand.

then there is dad.

all of our feet had sand on it my dad was a party pooper.

we seem to be always cleaning off sand from our feet and legs.

On Sunday we took time to go and visit the Temple. It was closed for renovation so we had a good time just admiring the beauty of the temple.

We spent time traveling around the island and visiting different beaches.

These were taken on the ledge in the backyard of the house we rented.

This is our pet "rock" frog

Brian got burned so bad. we didn't think it was that hot outside but,we were wrong.

We went out for a walk on the beach and when we saw how far we were from the house i took these pixs.

didn't look that far well we are far away.

we saw a jellyfish. still wiggling told the girls Don't Touch!

after walking everywhere he was pooped.

We only had rain one day and it really wasn't that bad. But, after the rain the next morning the sunrise was awsome.

They said over the phone that this was an easy hike. I beg to differ it was fun but wasn't easy at times.

We had a different hike of sorts. We hiked up to Manoa Falls we were in the heart of a rain forest. It was very HOT and sticky. We had a fun time and a very muddy time and i think that that will only rainforest i will visit for awhile.

This is our guide very fast while we were very slow.
This guy was supper fast and didn't like anyone falling behind well, He didn't like me very well.

We started here and ended here. It was incredible!

We were surprised to see the Mall's were outside. It was nice not to be couped up and were able to walk outside from store to store. It was so pretty.

I have never been to a "Hard Rock Cafe" This one is so cool! We had fun.

This waiter was a real funny guy! Weird really.

This was our last stop before leaving this great place.
This place was fun and yummy!

We grabed a bit to eat before getting on the plane for the 7 hour ride home.

This is at the airport in Hawaii.

Well i guess they've had enough of each other. Just kidding i told my mom to hold my dad's hand and she had water from her cup on her hand and he didn't like that to much.

It was the biggest plane i've ever seen!!

Yea we made it back to Arizona.

After we got off the plane and loaded up into the van we started for home.On the way

our van overheated and the only little town available was payson Az. And well we found out that our poor van needed a new engine due to needing a new transmission that we were trying not to get till we got back oh well what to do.

We left it there and rented another van to make it home.

When we finally got everything fiured out and found a hotel to stay at the only place open was Denny's

we were very tightly enclosed the whole way.

We were so glad to be home it was a very long trip. Then when we saw the house we were dumbfounded.

Well we forgot the remote to get back into our house so we kinda broke into our own house.

Our trip was great! wouldn't trade it for the world. Thanks Mom and Dad for sharing this special time with us.

KT Championship Vollyball Games 2010

2010-05-09T19:28:00.003-06:00

Katie had a really good run this season They had 4th place in dist.11

She was a powerful server and they depended on her to get it over.

In one game she served it 7 times in row to win the game. We are proud of her

for doing her best and always keeping her head up.

Just look at these video's

2010-04-23T12:20:00.003-06:00

Katie's Volleyball game.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-05T19:13:00.005-07:00

Our Christmas this year was very incredible. We started off with lights on Christmas Eve. Then we chilled the rest of the night. I told the girls that if they beat PaPa down the stairs on Christmas day then i would give then $100.00. Well they lost PaPa won. Nobody beats him down the stairs on Christmas Morning.

2010-01-05T19:03:00.003-07:00

The girls are opening up some very super gifts from Brian and I. We are going on our first family all 5 of us trip in 4 years. We are taking our family to????

Oahu Hawaii!

2010-01-05T19:01:00.002-07:00

We weren't done yet, now we had a gift for my parents

2010-01-05T18:52:00.002-07:00

HAWAII!!

We gave the a book and they had to read it to find out there gift from us to them. They were very shocked that we are taking them with us. We are going to have lots of fun just laying on the beach and being lazy.

PIKES PEAK

2009-08-01T11:13:00.007-06:00

This is a one in a life time thing. We left on the 8:00 train and got back down the mountain at 11:30am. It was a good family time.

A couple from Illinois took our picture

AT 8,332 fEET AND STILL CLMBING

Another seek can you find the diamond in the rock

Climbing up was slow so it really wasn't a bad ride. Melinda was the only on feeling a little different climbing up.No throwup YEA

Now we are almost there at 10,012 Feet

Beautiful Views

words toAmerica the beutiful was inspired up here

We made it to 14,110 Feet

It was so warm at 21 degrees with wind chill

They make fresh donuts, had to have one

Coming back home!Iit was so fun to see what our father in heaven has created for us to live in. I know that there is alot of evil out there but being up there even as cold as it was made you forget about alot and remember what that our world is still full of goodness.

There hats say "GOT OXYGEN"the air is thin

We had an awsome timespending it as a family!

CATCHING UP WITH OLD FRIENDS

2009-07-31T18:12:00.009-06:00

Friends from Broomfield Colorado
John and Carol Linford.
Kent was brian's great friend
growing up. They did everything
together. Kent moved to
Las Vegas NV.

Kent came back for a visit.

This is Kent's family.

Wife Casja with Lindsey,Lauren,Hailee and John

Can you guess what we did?

We had a great time mini golfing and goofing around!

do you see someone look hard. Hint who's waving at the top ohhh Kent.

Melinda concentrates

Brian's turn.

Kent helps John. John had a bad habit of stealing balls off of the green and giving them back.

Time to pose for the camera

He liked to push his balls in but....

He was tought by the best Kristi pushing hers in.

END OF THE ROAD!

Melinda was the only one to get FIRE!

Water time what fun.

Each boat had squarters in them

SOOO EVERYONE GOT WET!

READY SET GO!!!!!

Different tracks, one for everyone.

Katie geting to drive.

Melinda did pretty good.

here you go again......

Lindsey Great Job!

This is what we are doing tooo!! Ha Ha!

Steph was short enough also to drive!

Casja and Lauren.

Brian loved taking Hailee for a RIDE.

Kristi again she's needs the practice

Thanks for a great day Kent and Casja and Family you are very much missed and we'll see ya soon.

ELITCHES

2009-07-31T16:01:00.012-06:00

We went to Elitches with cousins and "gran" Steph's mom. We had so much fun that we were sad that it had to end.

Katie and Robbie

These cute twins are brianna and danielle. This was there first time

They had fun then they

had fun sleeping.

The time has arrives to torture

our bodies with some very rough

rides.

This one wasn't the one that roughed us up. This was our first ride of the day.

"Gran" "Dani" "Bri"

Robbie loves this ride he made Kristi go on it two times.

WAITING:BORING

Waiting for all passangers to get on.

FUN TIMES

The girls helped out and made sure that bri and dani got to go on some rides. Note to self have two teenagers put on a sad face and the ride operator will let you go on with the little ones. Well we didn't get to all the rides but Katie made sure i went on the Mind Eraser and the Twistere 2.

At the end of the day we tried to take the RTD light rail train to the Arapahoe station. Well as you can see we got to the train to late and they shut the doors on us. So this is how we looked waiting for the next train.

We did get on the next one that came and it was a cool experence all i can tell you is that you have to jump on and off the train. They don't keep the doors open for more then 10 sec. Wait till you jump on one.

Kristi didn't like looking and walking over I-25 so she and Katie started running over it.

end of the line! great start! great end!

4th of JULY

2009-07-31T14:58:00.007-06:00

Our 4th was very wet. We went over to some friends house and yes we still BBQed outside. We were only stuck in the house for a little bit. As long as it cleared by firework time we didn't care about the rain.

We had fun inside as well as outside when the rain stoped. We ate lots of food and had a great time.

FIREWORK TIME

DREAM HIGH

2009-07-31T14:50:00.005-06:00

Melinda and her achievement group from church visiting the center to learn that being active can better your health and that if you put your mind to what your dreams are you can achive them.

PUTT PUTT GOLFING

2009-07-31T14:15:00.002-06:00

Well we haven't done this in a awhile so we are doing June and July's activities sence tomarrow is August.
We had so much fun playing miniture golf with Joey, Montana, Emily,Zach,Kristi,Katie, Melinda.

These are random pics of us golfing!

meeting up with friends from Tennessee!

2009-07-31T13:50:00.008-06:00

These are friends of kristi and melinda they moved away from colorado 4 years ago.

They came to visit and we meet up them at a park.

This is Krist and Haly

This is Melinda and Sammi

Talking Away Catching Up

Kristi & Katie Girls Camp

2009-06-21T20:44:00.005-06:00

I was able to take a trip to Arkansas to take Kristi & Katie to girls camp. They were able to go with the ward that Scott & David live in. It's the same ward that Steph and I lived in about 12 years ago. The girls had a good time, with the exception of the rain flowing through the tents, tornado's and a trip to the emergency room for Kristi. While they were at camp, Melinda and I were able to spend time with the cousins and with Mom and Dad. Melinda and I were able to travel to a civil war battlefield, a glass bluebird making shop, the Walton 5 & 10 (original WalMart), and just spend time together. We also went by our old house. It still looks the same other then the tree's we planted are now bigger than the house.

I loved being with the girls for a week, and getting a chance to catch up with them since I'm not home much during the week. We had a good visit with them. Thanks Kristen for taking the girls to camp. We love you!!

Thanks to Stephani for letting me take a week with the girls.

June Update

2009-06-21T19:47:00.010-06:00

So once again, we find ourselves not updating our blog in a while. Since our last update we have had major snow storms, birthday for Brian(38), Stephani(35), and Melinda (11). I also completed 11 years at Arrow. It's hard to believe I've been there that long. I have been able to take some time off to spend with the girls and Stephani.

Katie was able to play volleyball for Russell Middle schol where she and Kristi attended. She had a good time learning the different aspects of the game and wants to participate next year.

At the end of school, we had the end of year celebrations. Steph and I were able to attend all 3. Melinda had a graduation party from Elementary School. Her teacher was able to have all 3 girls during there time in Elementary. We are now officially all in Middle School or High School.

Katie completed her first year in Middle school. She had a good year enjoying track and volleyball. At her awards ceremony, she was honored for having a 3.5 GPA all year.

Way to go Katie!!!!

Kristi completed her last year of Middle School. This last year of middle school was a little rough on her, but she made it. Nice job Kristi!!! Your mom and I are now looking forward to the challenges of high school and watching you grow as you overcome obstacles that you will face. We love you!!

Steph's sister was able to come for a visit from Texas. We had a small get together with everyone here at our house. The cousins also had a good time with each other. The only problem our get togethers is that they are never long enough.

As you all know, I have had some kidney problems in the past. Over the last few years, I have noticed that I have had an increased problem with my hearing as well. This is part of the problems associated with my kidney disease. I was able to get some assistance from a "donor" so that I was able to purchase some hearing aids. For the first time in a long time, I am able to hear things that I didn't realize I wasn't hearing. They have made a huge difference in my ability to hear.

January Update (So Far)

2009-01-26T20:34:00.002-07:00

Well, we're sure not good at updating our blog. We had a busy holiday season this year. For Thanksgiving, we spent a few days in Longmont visiting Stephani's parents. We had a good few days there relaxing from the daily grind of babysitting and work. For Christmas, we picked Steph up on Christmas morning at 12:00 am from work and drove to Longmont. I think we finally got in bed about 3:40am after setting up for "Santa Clause" to come. We had an enjoyable few days there. We also kept our family tradition by going to the movies on Christmas Day.

Steph then surprised me with a ticket to Arkansas to see my parents. Mom just had surgery on her foot to try fix some problem she has had for years. It was good to spend time with Mom and Dad. I was also able to spend some time with Scott and David and their families since they all live in the same area. Scott and I also were able to celebrate our 1st anniversary for our Kidney transplant. I have been blessed to have no health issues since.

January came, and the kids went back to school. Steph and I were able to go with Kristi to high school orientation night. Are we that old? A high school student already! She is now trying to decide which classes and electives to take next year.

Our "Adopted" Boy

2008-11-21T21:08:00.007-07:00

So we babysit a little boy named Joey. He is basically our adopted son, along with his brother Montana. Tonight we had our camera out, and we took some pictures of him. He is so cute, and makes the funniest faces.

He also does "knuckles" for his high fives.

October Update

2008-11-02T09:45:00.002-07:00

So we had a busy October. October 1st was our 15th Anniversary. We had our weekly date night out to celebrate at our favorite mexican resturant. We just hope the next 15 don't go by as the first 15. Brian was able to spend some time with Kent Linford who was in town on a business trip. Kent & Cajsa just recently moved back to Las Vegas with their 3 daughters and son. He was also able to spend a week in class learning some new email systems that his work is going to install.

Track ended for Katie with the district meet. This year she was the alternate for the team, so she didn't get to run, but overall we think it was a good experience for her.

Kristi & Melinda were able to help a friend at Boo at the Zoo here in Colorado Springs. Our friend owns an insurance company, and every year he has a booth at the zoo to promote his business and give away candy to the kids. They had a fun time. They still want to go back and ride the skyride at night.

We also attended the Young Women's recognition night at the church for Kristi & Katie. They each had to present a young women value or project that they had presented. Katie presented on individual worth. Kristi presented on faith. She was able to help her Papa with his garden, then related that experience on how our faith grows, just like the seeds in the garden. They both did a great job! (Pictures posted soon)

September Updates

2008-11-02T09:22:00.002-07:00

So were not very good at updating the blog. September was a busy month. Between track meets, school events, Brian traveling, and both of us working, the month just got away.

Kristi turned 14 this year. She is already looking forward to taking the drivers ed classes that she can start at 15. With the new laws in Colorado, they have to take a class and drivers ed starting at 15, then they only have a "limited" license for the first year. Kristi even had her school art displayed in the art show this year. She likes watching tv or chilling out in her spare time.

Katie ran track this year (6th grade) and really enjoyed it. She was able to run in multiple events, but the 800 sprint was her favorite. She is still our child with the most energy. She likes riding her scooter in her spare time.

Melinda still enjoys singing in the school choir. They have spent the last few weeks getting ready for the fall concert. Melinda likes reading books in her spare time.

Brian spent the month of September traveling. He went to New Jersey for a disaster recovery exercise. In a 2 day time, they try to recover all computer systems that are required for the business to keep working if there was ever a real disaster. He then came home for Kristi's birthday, then went back to Cleveland for a week for a project for work as well.

I continue to work at Target, tend Joey, and be mom. It seems there is never a dull moment during the day.

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-01T22:44:00.011-06:00

For this weekend, we spent time with friends & family. We were invited to pick corn at the church farm on Saturday. We were able to go with Stephani's family. It was cold at the beginning of the day, but we were able to have fun anyway. The only draw back was the number of bugs!

We spent Monday with our friends Matt & Caly and there children Montana & Joey. We enjoyed a day at the Denver Zoo together. Montana & Joey spend alot of time at our house and we enjoy having them around.

Morgan Family Reunion

2008-08-25T20:48:00.000-06:00

We had the chance to get together for a Morgan family reunion for Mom's 60th birthday. We made arrangements for all the family to come to Colorado Springs over the weekend, and without mom knowing anything about it. Needless to say, she was somewhat surprised.

Back To School

2008-08-25T20:23:00.001-06:00

The kids went back to school last week. Kristi is in 8th Grade, Katie in 6th, and Melinda in 5th. They each want to be involved in their own activities.