He's HOME

Gray, Landon and Maga had been checking in from Mexico ... and then, they were on their way back to the US of A. We headed out to the airport and stood in the "returning missionary" spot, watching the escalator and ...

Landon snuck in behind us.

International travel came in a different door.

 There was a lot of hugging and picture taking.

All together again!

Callahan's Crossing (Trek Time)

All packed ... no, Oreo didn't go.

The stake participates in a pioneer trek every few years. Grayson had gone on two here, once when he was in the Young Men's Presidency, and once while in the bishopric (also once when he was 14 years old back in the Cottonwood stake). Landon went a few years ago. Now ... it was Callahan's turn (Keaton was also eligible but didn't feel the pull and we didn't force him). Cal made the run to DI to grab some clothes (boys are so much easier than girls to outfit!), we gathered the gear ... and of COURSE the old "stinky pete" hat that Gray and Landon had worn. It's fourth time going out. 

Callahan and Travis

Tuesday morning, July 26, we were up early and to the church by 6 a.m.  Then they were off.  The trek historian posted pictures and their progress as internet access would allow. This trek was to Martin's Cove. They did some walking Tuesday, with square dancing in the evening. Callahan said the dancing was fun, and was his favorite part!

A little dancing to end the first day ...

 As they are put into families (Callahan was in #12 - Brother Hansen in our ward was with him), Callahan mentioned how quickly everyone got to know each other, and how they really did become family. 

Jordan Oaks Stake

Serious shot

Silly shot

Of course, being the pedometer person that I am, I made sure his Fitbit was running and ready for the trek. He is using the Zip currently, which was perfect for this, as it has a replaceable battery that lasts longer than the rechargable ones (my Charge wouldn't make it four days). One Wednesday, he got 26,651 steps. Thursday was the BIG day, with 44,687. Back on busses on Friday for the return home (synced the Fitbit, and while Callahan came close, he didn't quite pass me on my Fitbit friends list). 

Welcome back Callahan! He wore his old basketball shoes, and said they worked perfectly. No blisters. He does have a nasty looking toe (ingrown?) that we will be keeping an eye on (I remember we got Landon's toes fixed a few months before his trek, but I hadn't been aware of Cal having any issues until now). I'd had to do most of his packing (as he was working a lot before leaving) and he hadn't realized I'd put a set of scriptures in his bucket, so he stuck a set in his duffle ... so he had two. He also didn't notice the spray bottle (for cooling off) until the last day. I packed sunscreen, but he didn't use any. His nose and hands got pretty toasted!

Upon his return, he took a shower, then went to Costco to grab some dried mangos they'd had on the trail. He was craving them! Then he and Keaton went and played basketball for a couple hours. Back to the usual routine!

Summer (Scouts) Stuff

Thumbs up? Colton doesn't exactly look thrilled with his scouting adventures. We've been a little hit and miss on scouts lately, as I'm often carpooling other kids around. Colton does enjoy going to the Littlewood's house, especially if he gets to play on the basketball hoop in their backyard. During July, the boys attended the day camp for the cubs. I'd drop Colton off at the church in the morning, and they would be back later in the day. The boys were always filthy when they returned from the mountains!

Colton and the Cub Crew

(nice face Colton!)

Keaton's summer adventures were actually with youth conference. They went up to Jensen's cabin and did some hiking, four wheeling, jeeping and just hanging out. Here are a couple more pictures  of Keaton and the crew ...

Gray took a step back from scouting this summer ... he's been very heavily involved in the past several years, but he was using up all his work vacation on his trip to Europe. He still does several dozen derbies every year though! Cooper's group had several activities and camps but ... Cooper is Cooper, and his anxiety issues stand in the way of most scouting activities.

The Airport, and He's Off

The day started about 3:00 in the morning. We loaded everyone up and were off to the airport. In the picture above ... everyone in the car, not sure if everyone is actually awake (just kidding, it was pretty easy to feel awake under the circumstances). This is the last time we'll pack the seats in the car for a couple of years ...

Gray offered to drop us off, but I thought it might be fun for the boys to experience the complete airport experience, with the wait for the shuttle and ride to the terminal. It was a little chilly in the early morning February air ...

 Holding on ...

Maga met us there at the airport. She beat us there ... by quite a bit (generally we tease Pammy for being late). We got in a final family photo! There was another elder leaving at the same time, a companion for Landon as he traveled to the Mexico MTC (or CCM). We were there plenty early for all the check-in and everything, so there was just some chatting and hanging out until the final goodbye hugs.

I think it was all okay until the hug between Landon and Callahan.

Then the tears started to flow ... 

... and then he was off ...

Read all about Elder Blackham's Mexico Mission on his blog. 

Weekly updates. 

ElderLandonBlackham.blogspot.com

The Farewell

The day of departure was fast approaching ... and before leaving, Landon needed the traditional "farewell" talk in church, and last celebration with family and friends. We decided on February 8th, so that Landon could attend his buddy Tyler's mission farewell the following week (they'd gone through the process of putting in papers together, got their call the same day, etc.) 

Thanks SO much to Aunt Alicia and Grey Wren Photography, as she squeezed Landon in for some last minute pictures! When Landon got outfitted with his new duds and received his brand new camera, he had his own little photo shoot (see below). 

Landon's Self-Photoshoot

Gray stressed a bit about the open house. He really doesn't think our house it set up for hosting a large gathering. And it isn't great. There was some talk of having it at Pammy's, but we ended up just sticking with home. But Grayson did make sure there were some improvements before everyone was over ...

New carpet, new couches, new chairs ...

Landon did great with his talk. Callahan was the youth speaker beforehand too. I was actually very glad that the parents don't give talks like in the "olden days" ... *Ü*  Back at the house after, we'd had both our fountains set up. One traditional, chocolate, with all the dippers. For the smaller fountain, the boys had a brainstorm to try nacho cheese and chips. It was a hit as well. We also served chicken salad on croissants, and had a fruit and veggie tray.  The weather had been SO nice! Happily it stayed that way for the farewell, and people could comfortable sit outside in the sun as well.

Most of the people left after a couple of hours ... 

of course the Blackhams were still around. 

We took a group shot of all the cousins

(missing the Seattle gals)

Callahan came in and tried to get a little rest ...

It turned into a big ol' Blackham dogpile!

Gray and I are glad to have it over ... 

It had been stressing us out a bit! 

Now for the final countdown ...

Sunday Selfies

Once when Grayson wasn't at church with us, I snapped this photo and sent it to him ... it's one of his favorite photos of me. Silly boy. 

As I sit at the piano in primary, I have a little time on my hands, and sometimes I take Sunday Selfies. Sunday is often the only day of the week where I actually change out of my workout wear, do my makeup, pull the hair from it's usual pony tail and even put on earrings. Might as well document this rare event! I often grab a shot of my shoes too ...

The one above, I clipped my Omron pedometer to my book rather than wearing it at my waist, where it's a bit bulky with a skirt. 

This last Sunday, as I was taking my Sunday selfie ... I was caught by our chorister! He didn't chastise me for taking a picture in primary ... he wanted in on the action!

Grayson snapped this picture one Sunday ...

I caught this one after the primary program ...

Cooper wasn't too happy that day.

... and if you think it's only ME taking the Silly Sunday Selfies ...

It must be genetic!

Mr. Missionary

Back when the announcement was first made changing the mission age for both young men and women, it changed the plans for many of the youth out there. But not for Landon. He has a September birthday, and turned 18 early in his senior year. He'd planned on finishing high school and working for the summer before heading out on a mission.

He completed all the paperwork as he worked and saved money. Of course we were aware that he'd finished it all up and sent it in, but when the envelope appeared in the mailbox, it was still a bit of a shock! It was a really quick turnaround. We hadn't really even talked about "the opening" and how it would be handled.  I sent Landon and Grayson a text letting them know IT was here.  Landon did come home from work a bit early and I wondered if maybe he wanted to open it on his own. In the end, we did throw together a quick "opening party" for that night (rather than waiting for the weekend, as had been discussed as a possibility). I made a quick store run and grabbed ingredients for an ice cream sundae bar and we were pretty set. 

Landon went out and bought a big map and took people's guesses. I took Keaton to his basketball game while Landon went to his friend Tyler's "opening" as he had received his call today too (he is going to Germany, leaving in March). 

Landon had hoped for foreign and he got his wish. Mexico, Puebla North.  He'll put those two years of high school Spanish to good use! *Ü*  Leaving February 18... I'm so glad he'll still be here for Christmas this year!

So know for the final prep ... the passport, visa, immunizations. Buying the mission wardrobe and other essentials he'll need. The brothers are already placing dibs on who gets his room, and Callahan is eyeing many of the clothes in the closet.

Congrats to Landon ... Mr. Missionary!

Baptism Talks

For Colton's baptism, I thought we'd just keep all the talks in house (like we did for Cooper's a few years ago). As Landon was performing the baptism, we had Callahan give the talk on baptism, Keaton give the talk on The Holy Ghost, and Cooper gave a short "rainbow" poem. I thought I'd include them here; to remember them personally, and to share if anyone else needed an easy talk idea. I know I found the "Three Bears of Baptism" story online somewhere. I can't remember where (if you feel it was from you, contact me and I'll happily link back to your original site). I did change it up somewhat for our family use. The "Signs" Holy Ghost talk was given originally by my oldest brother at one of the older boy's baptisms ... I'm not sure if he came up with it himself or if someone should be credited for it as well. The Rainbow poem is from The Friend Magazine.

The Three Bears of Baptism

I’m going to tell the story of the three bears ... the three bears of baptism.  These bears can help us remember the covenants, or promises,  we make with Heavenly Father when we are baptized. 

• The first BEAR of baptism is to bear HIS name. You bear your father’s name. Your name shows others you belong to your father, to your family. By being  baptized, you take on the name of Christ and become an official member of his church. You will try to do things that Jesus would do.
• The second BEAR of baptism is to bear testimony, or to bear witness and share with others that we know Jesus is the Son of God. That we know he is our Savior and we know His gospel is true. Always remember him in your thoughts, actions and the example you  set.
• The third BEAR of baptism is that we bear one another's burdens, that they may be light. That means we help each other with the work that needs to be done and also we help others when they have trouble and sorrow so they won't suffer alone. This is one way we can  follow the Savior's commandment to love one another, the same way He loves us.

You are only baptized one time. Today is your special day. But Heavenly Father has given us all a chance to renew our Baptismal Covenant every week when we take the sacrament. Listen to the priests as they bless the sacrament and remember your bears ....

You bear his name.

You bear your testimony.

You bear one another's burdens.

And remember what Heavenly Father promises YOU ... that He will pour out His spirit upon us.  I can think of nothing better than to always have his spirit with us.  

The Holy Ghost

As you walk to school or ride in the car, 

you probably notice lots of street signs.

Why are all these signs around?

Here is a sign (DO NOT ENTER).

What is this sign trying to tell you?

Do you think it was just put there for fun?

Or do you think there was a good reason for this sign?

How about this sign? (KEEP RIGHT)

What about this sign? (STOP) 

What could happen if you decided to ignore these signs?

The Holy Ghost helps guide us, just like signs guide us.

The Holy Ghost can tell us where it is safe to walk.

Remind us to KEEP RIGHT

Tell us that there are places we DO NOT ENTER

and warn us to STOP when there is danger.

The Holy Ghost can comfort you.

He can help you in school.

He can help you to choose good friends and make good choices.

He can keep you out of danger.

I hope we can all pay attention to the Holy Ghost 

as he guides us through life.

The rainbow shows a promise

That God has made to me.

If I choose to obey 

Then I can always see

That rainbows are not made 

Just for God alone

Rainbows help me remember 

Promises of my own

The next day ... Cooper had a talk in primary. It was great to just be able to grab one of these (he gave the "Three Bears" talk) without having to prepare anything new :)

Do you have any primary talks to share on your blog?

Feel free to leave any links in the comments! I'd love to check them out *Ü*

Baby Boy's Baptism

Biggest Blackham Boy Baptizes Baby Blackham Boy

How's that for alliteration? Any before you get after me for calling Colton my "baby" ... HE doesn't seem to mind, and he'll always be my baby boy! Even if he is now eight years old. We decided to let Landon have the experience of baptizing Colton, and he did a good job. The rest of the Blackham boys helped in the program, giving a poem and the two talks (I'll share those in my next post). We had a lot of friends and family come out for this event. And it was the ONE week we didn't have ANY basketball games!

At the house after, we had a chocolate fountain.

Yummy

Congrats to Colton!

Just last month, it was Addie's baptism.

I thought this picture of my five boys

around the pretty girl was a fun photo.

These kids are growing up!

Sunday Suits & Schedule Shifts

What a handsome group of guys! All decked out in their Sunday best, wearing their new suits they got for Christmas. LOVE Keaton's expression!

With the New Year, comes the shift in Sunday schedules. We had been starting at 9:00, which is one of the preferred schedules. Getting meetings done early, so you have the afternoon off ... can you say Sunday Nap? Ahhh. Gray and I actually did get some of those in this past year. We'd  have a quick and easy breakfast before church (usually croissants, purchased frozen and set out to rise the night before. Baked up fresh in the morning, YUM!) and had our big Sunday Circle breakfast after we got back home. 

With the shift in schedules, we are now at the 11:00 hour. It's nice to have a little extra time in the morning, to actually sleep in sometimes. We haven't quite figured out the mornings yet ... big breakfast before or after? We might try a little of both.

Probably the biggest change this year is Colton moving up to SENIOR primary! My BABY, in Senior Primary???? I can't believe it!  Cooper is now in the "oldest" class ... they had actually combined the boys and girls as we just didn't have many 10-11 year olds (losing kids as they turn 12 and "graduate" from primary), but now it is a pretty big class. That first Sunday, everyone was finding new classrooms and teachers ... but now we're set. Except finding a parking place is a bit more difficult now *Ü*