HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSON....

Today is Alyson's 29th birthday. She has grown into a wonderful woman, wife and mom.

We love you always!! We hope you have a wonderful day.

9/11 Remembered...

It has been 10 years, but in some ways it seems like yesterday. When I see the pictures and hear the stories, the pain returns in waves just as it did on that fateful day.

When I first saw the fire pouring from towers one and two, I truly believed the death toll would be in the 10 thousand range. At that time of day, in that city, in those buildings, how could it be any less? I think we were "fortunate" that there weren't more killed. (nothing about that day can be considered fortunate)

Watching the documentaries, seeing the brave firemen and policemen that ran into those infernos, gives me a new respect of those public servants we so often complain about. Having had brothers and brothers-in-law that were firefighters, I have always respected their bravery and dedication.

Asking why doesn't really help. What we really need to ask is how can we prevent this from happening again. I understand that we won't be able to be completely safe from fanatics, but I think we should make every effort to build a world where hate and fear are not the norms.

If anything has touched your heart on this 10th anniversary of our nation's terrible tragedy, please dedicate yourself to building a better world in any way you can. Volunteer, perform acts of kindness, get involved in your community, or at the very least, pray.

May God bless our nation with peace.

A Day Late - SORRY!

Yesterday was Shyla & Clay's 7th anniversary. I'm sorry I didn't post our congratulations yesterday - mea culpa!!

Anyway...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SHYLA & CLAY!!!!!

We love you both so much and wish you many, many more wonderful years together!!!!!

p.s. I know it is an old picture, but I am at work and its the only one I had on this computer (not my computer, either).

Boasting...just a bit

Last night was our golf league playoffs and our team took first place. YEAH!!! It was a group effort of Linda, Sara, Shelly, and myself.

Its sad to see the season end, because that means that winter is all that much closer.

Oh, well, all we can do is totally enjoy the remaining warm weather!!

Hope you have a good one today - God bless you all.

Pop's Visit...

Bruce's dad, Dennis, is visiting for a few days. We went golfing on Friday and had a great time. Today, they went fishing with a friend of ours - Mitch - and totally enjoyed themselves.


Apparently the only one who got his picture taken was Pop. Here he is with one of the two big fish he caught.

We are glad he came to visit us on his whirlwind tour. Can't wait to see him again soon.

More sadness...

I lost one of my sisters today. Judy fought a valiant fight against cancer. She is now pain free and the angels are rejoicing at her homecoming.

Judy was always one of the happiest people I know. She had a very hard life but never lost her faith or her joy. I admire her for her courage and her unending love.

She will be missed by so many. I will look forward to the day that I will see her again.

Blackketter Family Reunion 2011...

We spent this last weekend in Phoenix with Bruce's family. We had a great time. It was good to see all the in-laws, out-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc.

Here is Pop with his kids.




Here's Papa with all of his grand kids and their spouses - at least those who have one:)

Shyla & Clay working the puzzle.
Lily's beautiful smile.
Sweet Grace.
Jim, Alyson & Grace enjoying ice cream.
Lily loves for people to read books to her.
Grace loves to be tickled:)
I know that my pictures center around my kids and grand kids - so sue me. We did have a great time with everyone, but my camera seemed to have a one-track mind.

I think everyone had a great time at the reunion. Hopefully it won't be long before we are all together again. By that time, we should have a couple more babies and maybe more in-laws!!