Grandma Black

My Grandma died on Monday August 25th, 2008.

Most of my family is heading up to Coquille, Orgon where we are having a grave side service which is on Saturday August 30th. It is sad to think of her as being gone, but I know that the past few years of her life must have been hard. She suffered from altzimers or something that took away your memories. She was 88 years old. She had 7 Children of which my Dad was her youngest son. My grandpa died 10 years ago and I can imagine Grandma has been wanting to join him ever since. I thank God for the example she set for us all and the godly heritage she has past down to us all.

Back To The Fair

We went to the fair again tonight, it was my chance to get footage of me Bungee Jumping. Shawn and Darci came with us with all the kids. Almost first thing I went to the crane to take the plunge. I wanted to do it in the daylight for better pictures and video. Cameron rode up with me for the view and I jumped. I was so excited to see the pictures. I tried hard to get a good pose. When I went to the booth, they said the camera/system had malfunctioned or shut down and they didn't get a shot of me. I didn't let them get away with that. I really wanted those pictures. So they agreed to let me jump again for free to get a good picture. I am so proud of myself for standing up for myself and getting what I wanted. (Pat On The Back). So Cameron and I rode up and I took the plunge for the second time in about 10 minutes. Shawn got great footage of the event, and the pictures turned out pretty good too. Now on the sky diving.

Anyway, it was really fun to hang out with Shawn and Darci tonight. We got to see on of the world's largest Bulls. Very Large! And a dear was trying to eat my shirt in the petting zoo. Weird! As always we had a good time at the state fair for another year!

Finally Taking The Plunge

We went to the California State Fair last night. It was family night so all the kids got in free and all the rides were only $1. Jada, Micah and I went with Misty and her kids and Sarah and Andy and their kids. 11 of us all together. I enjoy the fair just to walk around, people watch, eat the great or new food, look at the animals and watch my daughter gaze in wonder at it all. She got to pet the horses and cows, see the chickens and goats. I love introducing her to new things and watching her excitement. Jada loves the fair for the rides only. She gets bored to tears if we have to look at any exhibits, and can't stand to wait to get the food, it's too hot, the cows stink . . . .. . . . But she is my wife so I tag along to watch Micah as she spins around on all the rides. We usually have to take someone else with us since she doesn't like to ride alone. Noah had the duty of riding partner last night.

I did go on one ride. Something I have been wanting to do for really long time. I Bungee Jumped! It was so scary, but it happens so fast you don't have a lot of time to think. From the time I walked up to the booth, I was done in less than 5 minutes. I got a little nervous when I was in the back of the cage and and the guy opened the gate and I had to step up to the edge. I always wanted to jump backwards, but again, it all happened so fast. When I jumped or fell forward I got the "falling" feeling in my stomach, but only for a second and I hit the bottom of the bungee cord, and it was over.

I could have bought some pictures and a dvd, but Jada had my video camera so we could watch it later, but Jada is electronics impaired and we didn't git it on tape. So now I Have to do it again! to get good footage and pictures of the event.

Mandy Fukes' Sr. Pictures

I went on a photo shoot escapade with Mandy Fukes for her senior pictures. She is a senior at Florin High School Class of 2009. We got some great shots. Onna of course came along as my assistant. Mandy was great working with. She came across as very natural in front of the camera. One new location I went to was the Sacramento Amtrak Station. It is pretty old with some really unique backgrounds and settings. I will go back there for sure for future shoots. We also went to my gym, the Sacramento Pipe Works, It is a climbing gym, but they also have some great architecture and great windows for natural lighting.

We did have a run-in with an owl in the old pump house along the sacramento river. I didn't get a shot, it flew out the window just as I was grabbing my camera. It was beautiful though.

We wrapped up the night with a mini studio session back at the house.

Great Self Portrait Day

So I've been working on getting my web site up and going (www.ryanblackphotography.net), but was missing a picture of me. So i did a self portrait session to try and get a picture that my wife would approve of. She is very picky. I was down off of B street in Sacramento and tried several different shots and finally Curt came and helped me since running back and forth waiting for a timer was taking forever. Now I will turn my pics over to Karen Ruggiero who is doing all the work on my site since it is all flash, which I am not good at all.

When I got home Jada had actually cooked a great steak dinner. It was so good. Then Jada Micah and I went to the park and had a great time. Micah had so much fun. She was laughing so hard on the swings and wouldn't stop asking me to chase her like a lion by saying "meer" and "rharr" She is so cute. I love her so much. It is at time like that that I realize how blessed I am to have such a great family. Hard time are going to pass, and we will still be together.

Family Church

We had church at our house today. I led worship and my 76 year old grandpa preached. My grandparents are missionaries to Jamaica. I know that sounds like a dream ministry, but it is not as glamorous as it sounds. They live in a very poor area and very disconnected from the outside world. Someday I would like to visit to get a clear understanding of what they endure for the cause of Christ. They have been here in California for the past two weeks. The stayed a few days with me, my brother and sister. It has been fun spending time with them. It has been almost 5 years since we have seen them. Grandpa is constantly reading, with I can't do since I fall asleep when a book touches my hand. We have had many challenging discussions about God and doctrine. I love to debate or at least discuss topics that challenge your thinking and build your resolve to uphold those beliefs that I have been taught my whole life.

So grandpa preached today and David gave his "word for the Lord". Then we had a BBQ and award ceremony for all my nieces and nephews who home school.

I am so thankful that I have a godly heritage that I am determined to pass on to my daughter.