The Ballew News

10 years already?

2011-02-19T09:32:00.000-05:00

10? Really?

I can hardly believe that it has been 10 years since we

brought you into this world.

Where has the time gone?

You have been counting the days until you turned double digits.

I kept telling you that I was not going to let it happen, yet it did anyway.

A, Daddy and I are so proud of the young lady that you are becoming.

Not a day goes by that we are not so thankful that God allows us to be your parents.

Not a day goes by that we are not amazed at how awesome you are.

You are a sweet girl who loves her family, school, reading, softball, art, and your friends.

You are sweet to your sisters (most of the time).

You 110% at everything you do whether it is school, on the softball field or anything in between.

Even though it seems like we just brought you home yesterday, I cannot imagine my life without you. You made me a mommy and for that I am grateful.

You are beautiful on the inside and out.

Others want to be your friend because they know that you care about them.

I gasp when I look at you and realize that you are not so little anymore.

I am so proud of you!

I hope you have many more decades of birthdays to celebrate.

I love you MORE!

This year we had your party with Mason.

You both wanted to take your friends to paint.

It was so much fun.

You all painted a jersey with your name and number.

This is very fitting since all of you are so into sports right now.

Here you are painting with some of your friends.

B, M, and K taking a break from painting to play games on phones.

Here you are all splattering your painting.

Cousin N with his work of art.

Showing off your masterpiece.

The whole gang.

K with her work.

You again!

Mac

R showing hers off.

Sweet R. U.

K - RO

And Mag...she did something different since she does not play sports.

You all had a great time.

We came home after painting for cake, ice cream, presents, and your friends spent the night.

You had a great 10th birthday.

I love you, baby girl!

Father/ Daughter Dance 2011

2011-02-11T09:28:00.000-05:00

The girls were excited again this year to go to the Father/ Daughter Dance

with Daddy. They all had a great time.

Here is Daddy with 2 of his girls.

M cannot wait till she gets to go too!

Daddy took the girls to dinner at Longhorn's with another dad and his two girls.

Then they went to the dance.

The girls said that it was "the best one ever".

They danced and danced and loved spending time with Daddy.

They are ready for next year.

M and her Granddaddy

2011-01-14T07:29:00.000-05:00

From the middle of February till the middle of November we spend a GREAT deal

of time at the park watching softball.

M is not big enough to play just yet, but she is always such a trouper

to watch her sisters and our friends play ball.

However, sometimes the fun starts to wear off.

Good thing we have lots of family and friends around to keep her entertained.

Granddaddy is one of her favorites.

This is one of the many reasons why.

He carries her around on his shoulders and plays with her.

Wouldn't this make it even more fun for you too?

SNOW DAY - January 10, 2011

2011-01-12T17:11:00.000-05:00

Last week we were told to prepare for snow.

However, in our area, we just don't believe it till we see it.

There was talk of when it would start in our area, but most likely around 9pm Sunday.

The girls were already hoping for a snow day as many school systems were calling

school off before anything even happened.

We sent our girls to bed in preparation of school the next morning...no snow yet.

At 9:36pm it started.

It was beautiful.

Around 10:15 we woke A and R up to see the snow...we already had about 2 inches.

(They did not remember the next morning.)

Around 10:30pm, the county called school off for the next day.

The snow just kept coming down.

The next morning the girls and I got up to see the snow.

We couldn't believe it.

So we measured our back deck.

Wow, 7 inches of Snow!

We can hardly believe it!

The girls could not wait to go outside.

So, after a little bit, that is what we did.

The girls had a great time playing in the snow.

Here is A going down the hill.

Daddy helping M while A watches.

R's turn.

Some of the front yard and house.

This is a lot of snow for us.

M making a snow angel.

Cousin M and R having a good time.

M having fun and getting cold.

This is where I swiped snow off my car and the icy part stayed put.

Amazing how much snow we got.

Some of the kids going down the big hill in our neighborhood.

M at the bottom of the big hill.

R coming back up the hill on the side of our house.

B ready to play.

Daddy waiting at the bottom of our hill so that no one

goes off the 8ft drop off at the bottom.

M sliding down to Daddy.

A (in dark pink), R (in yellow), and M (in light pink) going down the hill.

M, A, B, R and M posing for the camera.

R eating the snow/ice.

M smiling for the camera.

I have to say that we had a great time playing in the snow.

Today was #3 out of school because of the snow that has turned to very icy roads.

Tomorrow we are out again because it is not warming up enough to melt the snow and make

the neighborhood roads safe enough.

We will see what Friday brings.

I am just glad that I made it to the grocery store before all this came in on Sunday night.

Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-26T07:09:00.000-05:00

On Christmas the girls got up ready for the day.

Well M didn't, we had to coax her out of the bed, but once we did she was ready for the day.

First R and M had to check to see if the reindeer really did eat their food.

They were quite happy to find out that they did.

Then they checked out what Santa brought.

Here are the girls with the things they got from Santa.

R got a skateboard (although Mommy said no), zoobles, pixos and

lots of fun goodies in her stocking.

A got a backpack purse that she loves, a pottery wheel, a new comforter for her bed,

and lots of cool things in her stocking.

M got a Baby Alive (that does tt and poo), a play dough table, a small princess castle,

and lots of fun things in her stocking.

Then we opened gifts from each other and ate breakfast.

Grammy and Granddaddy came over to see what the girls got and brought stockings

from their house that Santa left there.

Around 3 we headed to Mimi and Poppa's house for another round of Christmas.

I don't have any pictures from that night. We got in a bit of a rush because snow was in the

forecast, and we all wanted to be able to make it home.

We left around 7 so that we could make it home before too much snow stuck.

We certainly had a WHITE CHRISTMAS.

It was beautiful and we had a great time with our family and friends.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Thank you for all our many blessings.

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas from our family!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-24T07:11:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve we start out with our Candlelight Service.

It is always a beautiful service and I love hearing my aunt sing "O Holy Night".

Here is A in front of the angel/poinsettia tree.

R too (I know, dark shot, but that is what I got).

And M with cousin T.

Some of the 15 Great-Grands before the service.

Notice the girls dresses. My Aunt Marilyn made them for all the girls.

The little girls have them that say BELIEVE all over. The older two are green and gold.

She did a fabulous job and this is something the girls can have for their own daughters.

After church we head to my Granddaddy's house to eat dinner and open presents.

There are 38 of us.

Yes, that is a lot.

Yes, it is loud.

Yes, it can get crazy.

But it is AWESOME.

This is what I have done every Christmas Eve for all of my 34 years.

I love it.

My family is very close.

It takes a lot to get used to (just ask B), but once you do you are hooked.

After we finish at my Granddaddy's house we head to my parents.

Here I am with the girls in front of my mom and dad's tree.

I hardly get in front of the camera, so I had to use this one.

We open gifts with my parents, brother and his family, sister and her family.

The kids are so much fun to watch.

All 6 grandkids ready for bed (oops, I mean presents).

Aren't they so cute?

Then we head home and put out cookies and milk for Santa and reindeer food for his reindeer.

Then it is time for bed so that the man in red can pay us a visit.

Gingerbread Houses

2010-12-21T10:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my sister and sister-in-law brought

the boys over to make gingerbread houses with the girls.

They had a great time decorating the houses.

R and M getting ready.

K and B getting ready to decorate.

A and M are ready too!

All 6 are ready!

Unfortunately we did not get finished pics.

They did have a great time doing this, we may have started a new tradition.

M's 3 year old Preschool Christmas Program

2010-12-16T19:46:00.000-05:00

M had her Christmas Program at school yesterday.

She was so excited to get to stand on the risers and sing for everyone.

She looked so cute.

Here she is going to town on "Jingle Bells".

This is her best friend K.

Her dad grew up with B and I, so it is so cute to see these two together.

M with her teachers.

They are fabulous.

They think M hung the moon.

M is learning a lot and having the time of her life.

DISNEY 2010

2010-12-15T08:41:00.000-05:00

My parents Christmas present to us was a family trip to Disney.

We went the weekend before Thanksgiving and we had a wonderful time.

Here are all the cousins on the first day at Animal Kingdom.

My mom had matching shirts made for them with numbers by birth order on the back.

This was an easy way to make sure we had them all with us at all times.

R, M, A, B, K, and M.

Here are the girls getting Goofy's autograph.

Day 2 at Magic Kingdom.

A and R walking down Main Street.

Mommy and M on Main Street.

The girls in front of the castle.

Picture with Mary Poppins.

Aunt Cassy with K, and R, M, B and A enjoying "It's A Small World"

M sitting with Daddy loving "It's A Small World"

Taking a break to enjoy ice cream and milkshakes with Grammy.

Day 3 at Magic Kingdom.

M waiting for the princesses to put on a show in front of the castle.

Oh, the princesses.

Mickey and Minnie!

Picture with Ariel.

A went to Hollywood Studios on this day with Grammy and Granddaddy.

M enjoying one of the parades with Daddy!

Day 4 Breakfast with Characters before heading home.

A and M with Pluto.

A and M with Lilo.

R with Lilo.

R woke up this day running about a 103 fever.

She was not feeling good at all, but was a trouper anyway.

Yea Mickey!

And finally Stitch!

We had a wonderful time.

The girls rode every ride they wanted at Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.

We got to see lots of princesses and characters.

This was our favorite family trip!

We cannot wait to go back someday!

Church Christmas Play and Santa

2010-12-14T08:31:00.000-05:00

Our church had the Christmas Play and Party Sunday night.

All 3 girls had parts in the play.

A was a wise person and did a scripture reading.

R was Mary and did a scripture reading.

M was an angel (or fairy is you asked her - we are working on it).

They were all so cute and did a great job!

Here is R doing her reading.

A doing her reading.

Here is Mary as she is joined by the Angel Gabriel.

Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.

I did not get a picture of A delivering her present to Baby Jesus because it was just the

backsides of all the wise people and she was in the middle of a group.

After the play we enjoyed a visit from Santa and dinner.

Church members shared memories of Christmas' past.

Each person came home with an orange, some nuts and a soft peppermint stick!

It was a wonderful night telling the birth story of Jesus

and spending time with our church family.

A's Chorus Concert

2010-12-13T08:17:00.002-05:00

A joined chorus this year. She has been going in to school early

one or two days a week since October to practice.

Last Thursday we got to see all the hard work put in to performance.

The children did a fantastic job.

They sang several holiday songs and were wonderful.

A made sure not to look over at us the entire time.

She said it was because she was supposed to watch their teacher,

but I think it is because she was afraid we would embarrass her.

She is probably right!

Uncle Jimmy teaches at the school now, so he was able to take part in the Teacher's Chorus.

They sang a couple of songs with the children.

Here are the girls with a few of their friends.

A, K and A were all in the chorus and did a fantastic job!

We look forward to the Spring concert!

Decorating Christmas Cookies

2010-12-07T16:18:00.002-05:00

Today we took a little time to enjoy each other and decorate Christmas cookies.

I just love doing things like this with my girls.

They have fun too!

And the cookies always taste better since they were decorated by "professionals"

Time now to eat and enjoy!

Happy 89th Birthday Grandaddy!

2010-11-16T08:15:00.001-05:00

Today is my Grandaddy's 89th Birthday!

He is my last living grandparent.

I can hardly imagine what he thinks about life,

and all the changes this world has gone through in his lifetime.

He has lived a full life.

He grew up in the Depression.

Served our county during WWII.

Worked as a Postal Worker until he retired.

He asked my Grandmother to marry him through the mail.

Then held her hand when she went home to Jesus after a long battle with cancer.

He has a wonderful sense of humor.

He tells great stories and loves to visit with our family.

He has a laugh that is contagious.

Here he is with my 3 girls on Halloween.

He had candy ready for all the great-grandkids.

His legacy is great....4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren

with #16 on the way.

Happy Birthday Grandaddy!

I love you more than you will ever know!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

This year for Halloween we had several families over to eat dinner

and go Trick-or-Treating.

The girls were so excited to have their friends over to hang out.

K, R and A.

These 3 girls are good friends and are in the same class at school.

M as Snow White.

R and K.

These two are best friends.

They play softball together and are in the same class at school.

Two of our nephews joined us.

They are not too big on being the only boys,

but I have a feeling that will change in a few years.

The whole group ready to go and get some candy!

M's Halloween Party at School Oct. 2010

2010-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

A few days before Halloween, M had a party at school.

She was excited to get to wear her costume for her friends.

They ate pizza and took us to see their art work in the preschool art show.

Then they decorated sugar cookies to eat for dessert.

M hard at work (you can tell by her tongue sticking out).

M enjoying her decorated snack.

M and her friend K looking so cute.

M had a great time celebrating with her friends.

Happy Halloween.

Corn Maze with Friends

2010-10-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Just before Halloween we went to a near by Corn Maze with some friends.

R and M with a huge pumpkin.

M checking out the itty bitty ones.

All the girls (K, R, M, K, A).

R and K posing.

A and K posing.

M with Mrs. Jody on the tractor hayride.

R, K, A and K on the hayride.

The girls playing on a swing.

Pretty K.

Playing in the corn box (think sand box but with corn kernels).

The girls hanging out on top of the hay bales.

This was the big slide you could slide down.

It was fast and so much fun.

We all loved doing this one.

We definitely had a good time and will have to do this again next year.

Pumpkin Carving 2010

2010-10-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

I know that I am really behind on posting from the Fall, but better late than never, right?

We always enjoy the tradition of carving out pumpkins.

The girls love getting messy and seeing all the seeds inside of the pumpkins.

This year they drew their own faces on their pumpkin with marker.

Then B carved them for the girls.

They were so proud of themselves.

I think they did a great job.

Finished products.

M's Hayride at School - October 2010

2010-10-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

Back in October M went on her very first field trip.

Her class went to a farm down the road from the preschool

for a hayride and to pick out their very own pumpkin.

She was so excited.

I was so excited.

Here is M with her friend D.

M on the hayride.

M's friend K with her mom C on the hayride.

The hayride was awesome.

The owners had all kinds of scarecrows and such

set up along the ride and decorated into lots of themes.

Here was the Cabbage Patch.

While there we got to see a baby being born.

This was a little girl that the kids named Ellie.

More fun on the hayride.

M was such a hoot and kept us laughing.

Picking out a pumpkin.

I was thinking they were going to be the little ones, but I was wrong.

She picked out a big one.

She was so proud of herself.

M and T on the ride after getting the pumpkins.

I have to say that M's first field trip was a complete success.

She had such a good time.

R All Stars Summer 2010

2010-09-16T15:08:00.006-04:00

R played All Stars this summer!

(What? That was months ago? I know, better late than never)

She played on the Gold All Star Team.

To say that this entire team was AWESOME is an understatement.

These 12 girls and 6 coaches did a fantastic job of representing our town and park this summer.

Here are some of them in the Memorial Day Parade.

The girls had a blast and the parade was so much fun to watch.

R and her good friend K.

The first tournament was the SG Summer Classic.

Here are the girls awaiting the trophy celebration.

K and T helping B go get her trophy.

B broke her foot the day before the tournament started.

She did not miss a single game. At 6, she still put on her uniform each day and

cheered her friends on from the dugout.

This is just a small glimpse of why these girls did so well.

They truly love one another and look out for each other.

Coaches and players with their trophies.

2 days + 5 games + No losses (all won by run rule) = First Place.

Coach Daddy and R.

The 2nd tournament was the Pre-Tri County.

Here are the girls again awaiting trophies.

3 games + No losses = First Place

Do it again girls!

Coach Daddy and R showing off her trophy and the team trophy.

The final tournament was at our own park.

This was the Tri-County Tournament.

Because they placed first in the previous tourney, they got the #1 seed and a first round bye.

Here they are again awaiting trophies.

Coach Daddy giving R her trophy.

And the team with all their summer hardware.

How did they do, you ask? You guessed it...

3 games + No losses = First Place.

They won the final game in this tournament against the same team they defeated in both

of the other championship games.

These girls did it 15-4 in 32 minutes.

Now you see why they are AWESOME!

Coach Daddy and R again!

All in all the girls did what they were prepared to do.

They played softball like champions.

3 Tournaments + 11 Wins + 0 Losses = Priceless

Way to go CHAMPS!!!

Because they did so well the park has honored the team with a banner that now hangs on

the field with their picture.

Way to go girls.

You did AWESOME!

A's Trampoline Injury

2010-09-14T08:13:00.002-04:00

On Saturday night we were celebrating a little friend's birthday!

The kiddos were all having a great time.

A was jumping and flipping on the trampoline.

Well, she gave it a little too much umph and flipped right over onto the bar

and then landed on the ground.

Although she is hurt and is a good deal of pain, it could have been much worse.

These pics were taken Monday night as she was getting ready for bed.

The swelling is going down quickly and the bruising is not as vivid in the pics.

The inside of her mouth received the most damage, but we were able to make it without any stitches. She chipped her top front tooth and we had it bonded Monday morning.

The dentist gave her an antibiotic and a mouth rinse and they made a world of a difference.

She can only eat soft foods for 4 days. This is already driving her nuts. She wants some real food. The doctor does not want anything to get into her cut and cause infection, so we wait on real food. She is taking it in stride though. She is a real trouper.

It could have been much worse!

We are thankful! We thank God it is not worse!

Family and friends have called and come by to check on her.

Although she would rather not have this injury, I think she secretly likes the attention.

So, no more jumping on trampolines for the girls.

Mama wants all their teeth to stay where they belong!

2010-09-08T10:23:00.004-04:00

M had her first day of 3 year old preschool yesterday!

She was so excited. She has been waiting and waiting since

her big sisters started school a month ago.

She was also excited because she knew they were going to get to paint.

Here she is showing off her cute self before we left the house.

She wanted to do a silly face too!

She has her bag and her lunch and she is ready to go!

She opted to let me carry her stuff in for her.

This is just after she almost ran into the class and I had to make her come back so

that I could take her picture.

She got right to playing with a friend from last year.

No tears, no time-outs, no worries...just plain ol' fun for our girl on her first day!

She is ready to go back again!

First Cruise - July 2010

2010-09-01T09:04:00.002-04:00

B and I went on a cruise last month.

This was the first cruise for either of us!

We had a BLAST!

We went with 8 other couples, and I have to say that this is the way to go.

The whole group of us had so much fun together.

It was also over our anniversary, so that was wonderful too!

Here is the water slide on the boat. It was awesome and high!

It did not go very fast, but that is okay.

Here is the only pool on our ship.

We did not get into the pool because it was pretty full most of the time.

Here is B reading and relaxing on our last day.

This was our day at sea, so you could find most of us throughout the day in this same position.

We cannot wait to go back again in a few years with the gang.

First Day of School 2010

2010-08-09T21:06:00.002-04:00

Today was our first day of school.

The girls were very excited and could not wait to get to school.

I hope this lasts forever.

R and A as we were getting ready to leave for school.

Here is A looking so cute and ready for 4th grade.

(Yes, you read that correct...4th grade, I cannot believe it either).

R did not plan the whole outfit to match the bookbag, but she is cute non the less.

She was so excited to be starting 2nd grade. She is in a trailer and thinks that is so cool.

The homework tonight, not so much!

Uncle J got a Kindergarten job at the girls' school this year, and we are just thrilled about this.

Here he is with the girls at the start of the day!

They both came home and had wonderful days. They loved their teachers, had friends in their classes and just couldn't say enough about the day!

This makes a momma's heart so happy.

M and I did miss them a bunch today, but we had fun too!

And yes, I know it has been a long time since I posted last. I will get to it.

I have many posts (in my head) from this summer, and tons of pics waiting

patiently on my computer to be uploaded. I promise I will get to it, just not promising how long it will take me.

School Spring Celebrations

2010-05-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

A and R's classes each celebrated Spring with a snack and craft.

Here is R with her snack..

ice cream and toppings to look like a bunny.

Then she worked hard to decorate her bird house.

A decorating her birdhouse.

Her class had bird nest snacks that they filled with jelly beans, peeps to look like a real

bird nest and then eat.

Both classes had a lot of fun! Just cannot believe we only have a few weeks of school left.

Easter 2010

2010-05-03T07:31:00.000-04:00

M, A, and R as we were going into church on Easter Sunday!

This is the best picture I got of the 3 of them in their Easter dresses,

because the sun was bothering them and they did not want to cooperate. Oh well!

After church it was a busy day of eating, family and egg hunts.

A hunting eggs at my Granddaddy's house.

R with her stash.

M picking up an egg.

15 great-grandkids and almost 500 eggs to find.

It was a crazy time for all!

Then it was off to Mimi and Poppa's house for round 2.

Poppa with cousins W and N as we were getting ready to eat.

Daddy with Great Grandma, who made the trip from New Mexico to visit.

So glad she could come, we have not seen her since 2004.

A looking for eggs at M&Ps.

M found one...reaching up high.

R found one too!

Another wonderful day spent with family and celebrating Jesus!

Sheep Brain

2010-04-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

A's gifted class studied all things about the brain.

They learned all about it and how it functions.

Things I have never heard of in my life...she is in the 3rd grade.

I had to teach myself all about the brain so that I could help her study and work on a project.

The coolest part was their culmination activity.

First, a neurologist came in and brought several different brains (including a human one)

for the children to look at.

Then their teacher had gotten sheep brains for them to dissect.

I got to go and watch this part. WOW! The things we do for our children.

A didn't want to do anything but watch at first. I sort of made her do it.

I knew that she would regret not doing it later, and now she is glad she did.

Here she is with her sheep brain.

We cut it open and got to see all the parts. VERY COOL!

Way to go A! I am so proud of you for facing your fears and learning something new!

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-29T07:31:00.000-04:00

Spring Break was the first full week of April.

We stayed around the house, but we kept ourselves busy

doing lots of fun things around town.

The weather was wonderful and we were able to enjoy

some fun in the water with cousins M and B.

R trying to get everyone wet.

B quietly standing just far enough away so that he did not get wet.

A and M running away from the water.

B hosing M down.

We also went to the park, the dairy to get ice cream, shopping to spend gift cards,

the zoo and a softball tournament. It was a busy but fun week for us all.

M's Easter Brunch, Egg Hunt and Birthday at School

2010-04-28T07:29:00.000-04:00

M's birthday was also the day that her class celebrated Easter.

We enjoyed a brunch together, an egg hunt and then cupcakes to honor M.

Here she is coming into the brunch with her friends.

Smiling while singing the blessing for the food.

Getting some love from her teacher, Mrs. P.

Look at my eggs in the cute basket I made.

All my friends singing Happy Birthday to me!

It was a fun day for M.

M's 3 year check up

2010-04-27T08:57:00.003-04:00

I took M for her 3 year check up about a month ago.

Of course she made Dr. S laugh the whole time.

Dr. S keeps telling me that we are going to have our hands full with this one,

but we already know that!

She told Dr. S that she was not going to potty train until she was 4, and that was

even after she was bribed by the doctor.

However, she did start Friday, April 16th and has done very well since.

Dr. S was a little concerned about her height and will recheck her again when we go back in the Fall, but I think she is just fine. So, I came home and found A and R's stats from when they were 3 and M and R are just the same, so I am no longer concerned.

Stats: all at 3 years old

Weight: 29.2 pounds (33%)

Height: 36 3/4inches (35%)

Weight: 29 1/2 pounds (33%)

Height: 36 3/4 inches (35%)

Weight: 31 1/2 pounds (50%)

Height: 37 1/2 inches (55%)

What is most funny to me is that A was our smallest and born 4 weeks early, yet she was the biggest at 3. Go figure!

They all look perfect to me!

New Haircuts

2010-04-27T07:31:00.000-04:00

A and R got new dos for summertime.

They are short and so cute (if I do say so myself).

R just before the cut.

After: so adorable.

A getting her ponytail cut off.

10 inches...being donated to Locks of Love (again).

Wow, I am so proud.

After: so cute and stylish!

These haircuts are not only cute, but much easier to maintain and so much more

comfortable to hot softball weather.

M's 1st Trip to the Dentist

2010-04-25T10:29:00.000-04:00

M had her first trip to the dentist a few weeks ago.

She has been with the girls and I numerous times and has

waited very patiently for her turn.

She was so ready and not scared one bit.

They even let her feed the fish in the big tank when we first got there that morning.

Here she is getting ready for the hygenist, Mrs. Joan to "tickle" her teeth.

Now she is ready.

Ready to spit.

I think filling the cup with water was her most favorite part!

Yea, No cavities!

Time for a new toothbrush and a trip to the treasure box.

Coloring Easter Eggs

2010-04-24T10:30:00.000-04:00

I know, I know...Easter was weeks ago!

Better late than never, right?

Here are a few of the girls and 2 cousins M and B coloring eggs.

They had a good time.

M's 3rd Birthday Party

2010-04-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

M's 3rd birthday was just before

Easter.

We had family and some friends over to celebrate with

dinner, cupcakes, and an egg hunt.

Listening to everyone sing to her.

Blowing out her candle.

Yummy cupcakes!

Cousin M counting his eggs.
M looking for an egg.

Cousin B grinning about all his eggs.

Cousin K showing off his finds.

Our friends K and K searching.

One very happy 3 year old.

A and R Spring Softball

2010-04-15T07:29:00.000-04:00

Yes, softball is back in full force for our family.

R is in her final season of tball (we think) and she is doing great.

As of today her team is 7-0.

Here she is in the circle waiting to make a play.

Nice stance...waiting for her daddy to pitch her a good one!

Here are A and some of her teammates listening to a coach between games on weekend.

She is playing on a travel 8U team this year, and seems to be liking it so far.

The team lined up for the awards.

2nd place...not too bad for our second tournament.

A with her "hardware".

A's best friend, R, showing off her hardware.

Good job girls. You played 8 great games in this tournament.

I love watching my girls play ball.

R's 7th Birthday Party

2010-04-14T10:28:00.002-04:00

About a month ago R her first spend the night party for her birthday!

She and her friend had a BLAST!

They started off making homemade pizzas and eating birthday cake.

Then we went and got our nails done.

They loved getting their nails done!

Then it was back home to play, laugh and attempt to stay up all night.

That only lasted until about 11pm.

The girls had a good time!

Happy 3rd Birthday, M!

2010-03-30T13:51:00.000-04:00

Time flies when you are having fun....

This is so true, because I have no clue where the last 3 years have gone!

(I am guessing the softball field, but who knows).

Today, Sweet M, you are 3 years old!

I look at you and just cannot believe how big you are getting.

It took us what seemed like forever for you to break 20 pounds, and now

each day seems like you are growing right as I watch you.

You talk non stop and so well. People are really surprised at your age when they hear you speak. They really expect you to be older.

You love your big sisters like nothing else.

You want to be just like them.

Dressing up is your most favorite thing to do (besides eating candy).

You have never met a stranger and you refer to everyone you see as your friend.

(Yes, this does scare me, so I feel like I can never take my eyes off of you).

You love going to school and playing with your friends.

You are STUBBORN...and are refusing to learn to go to the potty.

It is a game of wills at this point and I am not ready to play.

You make us laugh all the time, we never know what to expect you to say!

You love to watch Dora, play with A and R's ITouch,

and snuggle up with me when it is time for bed.

One of your favorite phrases is "I can do it, by my self",

about anything you would rather me not help you do!

And sometimes I let you, but not when we are walking in a parking lot and such!

You cannot wait to be "bigger" so that you can play softball like your sisters.

Mr. Russ and Mr. Jason have already said they are going to help Daddy coach your team

because they don't want to miss you playing for the first time.

You are spoiled and you know it, and the 4 of us just love doing it.

I know that we will likely pay for it one day, but we just cannot help it!

We love you little blue eyed girl.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Love, Mommy, Daddy, A and R!

Happy 7th Birthday, R!

2010-03-07T07:47:00.000-05:00

7...really?

Each year I gasp at how big my girls are getting. I just cannot believe it!

Today is no different. For so long, R seemed so little to me.

I guess because she is always getting compared to A! It just happens.

Part of me likes that because she still seems so little, but in all reality she is growing right before my eyes.

R is long and lean (I really mean skinny, but lean sounds better, right?).

We have a hard time finding clothes to fit her because she needs lots of length and not much to go around. We even have a hard time with adjustable waist stuff. (Oh how I wish that was my problem).

She is one smart cookie too! She is book smart, but she is also "street" smart.

By that I mean, that the girl just gets stuff. She is quick on her feet, likes a good joke and can understand lots. Stuff that is not really teachable.

This became really clear to us this past Fall watching her play softball. For a 6 year old, she was getting things that were well above what she should have. She could watch a batter line up in the batter's box and just by looking at the girls' feet, R would know where she needed to line up to field the ball better. She was good at watching the runner's out of the corner of her eye and seemed to know where they were at all times. This really helped the day she turned

TWO Unassisted TRIPLE plays! Very cool!

She is LOUD! Just her normal tone is loud and she is that way all day long!

She plays hard, loves hard and makes the most of her days!

She makes friends very easily....everywhere we go! I never have to worry about her not finding something to do!

She loves to snuggle!

She loves to be read to!

She loves barbies, stuffed animals, littlest pet shop and riding her scooter.

I love you R! Daddy and I are so proud of you!

We look forward to what this next year has in store for you!

Happy GOLDEN Birthday!

7 on the 7th born at 7:47pm.

(too bad you didn't weigh 7 pounds...9lbs 4oz just doesn't have the same ring to it)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Pigtails

2010-03-02T06:58:00.000-05:00

I just love this picture of M!

She is so cute in pigtails, however she rarely keeps her hair in a barrett or anything for very long.

I am glad that I snapped this picture, because they were out within a couple of minutes.

I just love this girl!

Celebrating Birthdays at Great~Granddaddy's

2010-03-01T06:31:00.000-05:00

We celebrated the girls and one of my nephew's birthdays at my Granddaddy's house this past Sunday! It was quite a time! Remember there are 15 Great~Grandchildren on this side of my family...and yes they were all there! However, I don't have a picture of all of them from this day! Here are the birthday kiddos getting ready to blow out candles.

A, R and cousin B talking and enjoying dessert!

M waiting very patiently for her cupcake and to blow out her candle.

A taking a big breath and making a wish!

Here are most of the cousins...not such a good pic, but you get the point!

A's Friend Birthday Party

2010-02-28T06:30:00.000-05:00

A had 3 friends spend the night for her 9th birthday!

They had a good time.

I took them to get their nails done. They thought they were so big!

A getting her toenails done!

RU getting her toes painted.

K and S waiting patiently for their turn.

A getting her fingernails done!

The girls getting ready to enjoy birthday cupcakes,

just the way A wanted....chocolate with chocolate.

They had a good time and even managed to get some sleep!

Flat Tara

2010-02-27T06:31:00.001-05:00

My cousin's little girl had to do a project for her first grade class.

They read the book "Flat Stanley" and then had to do the same thing themselves.

Mail their own Flat person to someone who would take the flat person with them on

their day to day adventures.

Here is Tara with her own Flat Tara at the girls' birthday party at Great~Granddaddy's house.

R has Flat Tara on top of the climbing rock at the park.

A is cheering with Flat Tara.

M and Flat Tara watching cousin M play basketball and A and R cheer.

What a fun assignment for us to help Tara with....we will be sending pictures and a written account of all our fun back to her class.

Cheerleading 2010

2010-02-26T07:39:00.000-05:00

A and R are enjoying cheerleading this winter for basketball at a nearby church.

They are with 7 other girls and they have learned lots of cheers.

Here they are on the sidelines doing one of those cheers.

Below A is leading the group.

I think they are "introducing" themselves.

R is cheering.

They are having a good time, and you can usually find M right in front of them trying to do the cheers right along with them.

When Mary Cake came to play

2010-02-25T06:05:00.001-05:00

My little cousin came to play with us for a couple of hours on Wednesday.

M had so much fun playing with "Mary Cake".

She made her smile and giggle and even tried to get MK to tickle her foot.

Note: MK is not quite 5 months old yet.

That did not stop M.

Here she is smiling a M.

M telling MK something very interesting.

At dinner, M said her favorite part of the day was when MK came to play.

Her worst part of the day was when MK's daddy came to take her home.

So sweet!

On another note:

This week is Spirit week at the girls' school.

It is tying in with their Academic Night/ Art Show on Thursday.

Monday the children were to wear primary colors

Tuesday ~ secondary colors

Wednesday ~ mix and match different prints, etc.

Here is A today ready for mix and match day.

Stripes, camo and plaid shoes with a polka dot bow in her hair.

R would not let me take her pic....she was wearing argyle tights, seashell covered skort, butterfly covered shirt and striped barrett.

Thursday is Dress for Success...I hope I remember to take their picture.

My Family

2010-02-24T06:10:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of my dad's side of the family. All 38 of us!

My Granddaddy is 88 years old and the patriarch of this bunch!

He is in the middle of the pic with the red sweater vest on.

We are missing a few special people though....

My sweet Grandmother passed away on New Year's Eve of my Senior year

in high school. Then my Aunt Andrea passed away 7 weeks after my first baby was born.

Then my Uncle John passed away in early January 2008.

My dad is the only son with 3 sisters.

There are 8 grandchildren (now all married),

and 15 Great-Grandchildren.

This was taken at Christmas, and believe me it gets LOUD and CRAZY!

However, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

To say we are close is really an understatement.

We literally grew up together...going to church together every week and then to eat lunch at Grandmother and Granddaddy's afterwards. It takes a lot of getting used to if you are new to the bunch. The tradition still carries on today. My girls love going to Great-Granddaddy's house after church to play with their cousins. I think my Granddaddy likes that his hearing is going at times when the house is so full.

I love my family and am so blessed to know that I have them to call on anytime.

I love you all!

Christmas 2009

2010-02-21T07:53:00.000-05:00

I know it is way past Christmas, but I wanted to get some pics on here for my own sake.

Here are the girls with Santa on the night that we went to see some Christmas lights.

This has become a favorite family tradition for us and the girls.

Notice that M would only get so close and had to have A holding onto her.

My favorite picture in trying to capture our Christmas card photo.

This is the one that I used.

The girls with Santa again after our children's Christmas program at church!

Christmas Eve at my parents' house.

The grandkids ready to open presents.

Christmas morning at our house....everyone checking out their gifts.

Sadly, that is all the pics that I got from Christmas. I did not take any at my Granddaddy's house on Christmas Eve where there are 38 of us...15 great-grandkids. Nor did I take any at Mimi and Poppa's house (B's parents) on Christmas Day. My goal for next year will be to take more pictures of everything.

Happy 9th Birthday, A!

2010-02-19T07:46:00.002-05:00

9 years ago, God blessed us with one amazing little girl, and

He just keeps heaping the blessings on day after day.

I can hardly believe that A is 9. Even harder to believe that

we are halfway through "raising" her. (That just makes me want to cry)

I tell A often that I am sorry because I know as a first born she is the one who gets the brunt of all of our parenting tests. She takes it with ease most of the time too. I try to remember this when I am with her so that she does not always get the raw end of the deal. However, the hard parts have not even gotten to us yet.

A is a smart girl. She loves school, really wants to do well, and that makes me so happy.

She is in the gifted program at her school and for the last two years has held her own

as the only girl with up to 7 boys. A few weeks ago they finally got some new girls in the

class which I know makes her very happy.

She loves to play softball, read books, and play on the computer.

She is saving her money for an IPod touch. She has already told M that she will definitely share it with her when she purchases it. I love that she wants to make her baby sister happy too!

She loves her friends. So much so that she has taken on the role of girl protector in her class and all the boys complain about how hard A hits. They don't complain about each other's hitting, only A's. (Note: She is not going around hitting, the boys have made up this really fun - to them- hitting/kicking game, however they don't like it when A takes up for herself and her friends. As 3rd graders they think that the girls are just going to run away)

You can find her jamming out to Miley Cyrus in her room (with R and M of course), and dancing around like she is a rock star. Or you can find her cuddled up under her covers reading a book. I really love this about her, because I love to read too!

These are just some of the many reasons why I think A is special.

I am just happy that God chose me to be her mommy!

A ~ Daddy and I are so proud of you and love you so much.

Happy 9th Birthday!

Many blessings to you today and always!

SNOW 2010

2010-02-18T07:26:00.000-05:00

We got SNOW last Friday night! It was beautiful!

The girls got out that night and wanted to play on the back deck since it was piling up

quickly out there.

They made a few snowballs and threw snow at each other, but mostly

just enjoyed being out in the snow.

Here is a glimpse at our woods behind us at the darkness was beginning to take over.

The front of our house as it was snowing.

A shot down our street. Beautiful!

Saturday morning found us playing outside in the white stuff.

All M wanted to do was make snow angel. Here is her making her first one.

R making her snow angel.

A's completed snow angel.

The front again. I love the way everything looks covered in snow.

Our snowman!

We like the snow, and were glad to get to play in it. However, now we are ready for spring!

Happy 90th Birthday Aunt V

2010-02-17T07:47:00.000-05:00

My Great Aunt celebrated her 90th birthday on Valentine's Day!

90 years...I can hardly imagine. Below is a picture of her (in the middle) with my Granddaddy (her younger brother - he is 88 and her daughter). Our family had a surprise celebration for her about a month ago during our yearly family reunion.

Aunt V was a school teacher just like her mother and passed the love of teaching on to many of us in the next two generations. There are many things that I love about this lady. I remember sitting on her lap as a little girl and her teaching me songs and singing "Jesus Loves Me" to me. I remember trips out to their farm on Old Norcross Road (back before it contained subdivisions) and going fishing, riding horses, checking out the garden and being scared of her dog Speck. She had a knack for owning dogs who were FIERCELY protective of her. Very scary as a child. She makes a mean chocolate cake (well pretty much any dessert she makes). I hope I am half the lady that my Aunt V is...I love you Aunt V! Happy 90th Birthday!

Donuts with Dad

2010-02-16T08:41:00.000-05:00

Back in January the school had Donuts with Dad early one Friday morning.

A and R were so excited that they slept in sponge rollers the night before so that

they would look so pretty to eat donuts with their daddy!

Here they are as they were getting ready to head to the school that morning.

With daddy ready to go!

They love doing things with Daddy!

Father/Daughter Dance

2010-02-15T08:32:00.004-05:00

Last week the elementary school had its first

Father/Daughter Dance. The girls and B got dressed

up and had a great time dancing and hanging out

with their friends. They picked out what they wanted

to wear and Daddy got them both a wrist corsage to wear.

They loved it!

I think they are all looking forward to the next one!

Halloween 2009

2010-01-24T02:22:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin carving 2009

The girls Trick-or-treating at my parents house.

M (our sweet Hershey Kiss) at her school Halloween party.

They read a book about pumpkin seeds, "planted" some seeds, and then went back later to see if the seeds grew. They did! Here is M finding her pumpkin.

Don't you just love the excitement?

Here are the girls with my Granddaddy. He turned 88 back in November.

Finally, our own Butterfly Princess, Hannah Montana and Hershey Kiss.

Fall Softball 2009

2010-01-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

A and R played softball again this past Fall. They both had a great time and did really well.

Here is M with my parents watching one of R's games. I am sure she was trying to sweet talk Grammy into a trip to the concession stand or the playground.

R waiting to bat. She hit the ball really well this season and even got a few home runs. She had a great time on the Pirates with many of her friends.

Here A is suited up to cheer on the Pirates. Her team had the same colors but they choose to be the Comets instead. She played a great season, got to pitch a couple of times, and even threw some strikes.

They love to play and are ready for Spring Ball to get here. M is also ready and will tell you that when she is 4 she is "going to be on a team and we are going to yell 'Go M'". I cannot wait!

M's Baby Brother

2010-01-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

M got to carrying this toy phone around with her, and when anyone would ask her about it she would very seriously tell them that it was her baby brother. Imagine the laughs we got as he rolled behind her down the hallways of the elementary school. This girl cracks me up. The picture below was taken as "baby brother" was sitting in time out. Such fun is the mind of a 2 year old. I love it!

Fair 2009

2010-01-21T13:47:00.004-05:00

I know that I am really late posting these pictures, but better late than never, right?

Here are some pics of the girls enjoying our time at the Fair back in September.

We always have a great time, and the girls look forward to it every year.

This year A and our nephew M got to finally enjoy riding some of the "big" kid rides. They really liked this a lot.

Now we are all looking forward to going again this Fall.

R's first Lost tooth

2010-01-11T10:29:00.000-05:00

R FINALLY lost her first tooth!

Her bottom tooth has been loose for quite a while, but not loose enough to pull.

Then her two bottom permanent teeth started coming in...and quick!

So, she finally had to have some help from our friendly dentist in getting the one really loose one out of her mouth. Now we are waiting patiently for the other front bottom tooth to become loose enough for us to pull so that her "big" teeth can move into place.

I'm Back....

2009-11-20T09:03:00.003-05:00

I know, it has been a long time.
Our hard drive crashed this summer and it took a while to get it fixed.
I lost all my pics, and have now had a chance to get some on the computer and get a chance to blog. Hopefully I will get back into the swing.

Here are a few cute shots from this Fall.

M, A and R helping to make homemade applesauce.
It was yummy!

Here is my newest little cousin.
My sweet cousin M had her second baby in September.
A little girl, MK, that made Big Brother P so happy.
This little girl is my Granddaddy's 15th Great-Grandchild.
Welcome to the family MK!
I have some posts in mind, so we will see how quickly I get to them.
Another softball season has come and gone. School is in full effect. Halloween is behind us,
and we are looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Busy times ahead, but so much more to blog about too!

M's first day of Preschool

2009-09-14T12:56:00.003-04:00

I can hardly believe that M has started preschool. She is going 2 days a week this year,
so it gives me some time to work in A and R's classrooms. She LOVES it.
She loves that she gets to have a book bag, lunch box, her own teachers and friends..."Just like A and R do".

Here is a shot of her before we left the first day.

Here she is walking into her classroom.

Helping Mrs. Jessica put away her bag and lunch.

And finally, sitting in her seat and getting right to work.
Isn't she such a big girl now?
I thought I was going to be so excited about her having some time and friends of her own, but I have to be honest when I say that the first day was the longest 4 hours I have spent in a long time. Good thing I was able to keep busy at the big girls' school.

On another note: Our hard drive crashed back in June and we just got things up and running here in the last couple of weeks. Sorry for the long break in posts. I lost all my pics and am slowly getting the newest ones off my camera and filtered through so that I can play catch up.

Sliding Practice

2009-05-30T09:33:00.000-04:00

A's All Star team had some fun sliding practice the other night.
They hosed down a tarp and the girls went to sliding.
They had a blast.

Even the younger sister and brothers had fun watching the
"big girls" slide.

Reading to R's Class

2009-05-29T09:25:00.000-04:00

A wrote and illustrated a story that she got to share
with R's class at the end of the school year.

Here she is reading to the class.

The kindergarteners are listening so well.
They loved having a 2nd grader come to read to them.

R was especially happy.
She loves her sister and getting to show her off to her friends.

Sisterly love?

Thanks, A, for sharing your talent with R's class.

Memorial Day Parade

2009-05-28T09:40:00.004-04:00

On Memorial Day we enjoyed our town's awesome Memorial Day Parade.
Who knew it was so huge?
We had never been, but the girls and B were in it with their All Stars' teams.
It was so much fun.
The parade lasted 1 1/2 hours.
That's a lot of floats.

Here is M with a friend enjoying watching the parade.

Here comes B and R with the 2 tball All Star teams.
Once M saw her daddy, she cried for him, so he took her along for the
rest of the parade.

Here is A trying to "peg" me with candy.

Thank you to all the Men and Women who have served our Country.
We truly appreciate your act of service.

Best Friends

2009-05-28T09:21:00.004-04:00

Here is A and her best friend R!
They are enjoying their end of the year class party.
Both girls love to play some softball and will spend their summer on the fields.

In case you are looking for us...

2009-05-19T09:15:00.000-04:00

...we will be at the softball field til the end of June.
A and R both made All Stars!!!
Way to go girls!
So, we will practice almost every night and have 3 tournaments...see you at the park or in July!

A's 2nd Grade Field Day

2009-05-15T07:43:00.000-04:00

A had her 2nd grade field day last week too!
They also had the condensed version (see previous post),
but still had a great time.

Here are 2 friends, T and J.

A holding M and waiting for the games to begin.

A and her best friend, R.

R swinging...

A swinging...

Scooters...

M's turn on the scooters...

Another great day of field day!

R's First Field Day

2009-05-14T07:29:00.000-04:00

R had her first field day at school the other day.
Due to the rainy weather, they had a condensed time of
activities and relays in the gym.
Since they are in kindergarten, they don't know the difference.

M got to go and have fun too.

How sweet?

M ready for the games to begin.

R's friend K waiting too!

Waiting for the rope swing.

Just a swingin'

Limbo...

Sack Race...

Scooters...

M wanted to sack race too...

relay race...go R!

Then M had to help with the Limbo

It turned out to be a great day and so much fun.
I know that R had a good time, and so did M and I!
Cannot wait until next year.

R's First Field Trip

2009-05-13T09:25:00.003-04:00

R had her first school field trip a couple of weeks ago.
I got to chaperone and we had a blast.
We went to a nearby game ranch and the children had a
great time feeding and petting all the animals.

R and her friend L!

Feeding one of the many deer.

I am so glad that I was able to go with R on her field trip.
We had a good time and I love spending that precious time with her.

Zoo

2009-04-21T14:07:00.005-04:00

My sister-in-law called yesterday to see if I wanted to take M (our youngest) and B (her youngest) to the zoo today. She was going on a field trip and we would get in FREE! Um, yes...
So, today we took them to the zoo for the first time. B and M had a BLAST! They are usually forced to go where the big kids have to go and do what the big kids want to do...not today! This was their day. The weather was beautiful, all the animals were out and about, and we had a great time.

Here is M enjoying her snack of animal crackers.

M and B in the big bird's nest...we have this same picture of A, R and nephew M from the summer of 2005 (before I went digital, so don't have it on here to compare). It is hard to believe that B was just a month away from making his entrance into the world back then and that the big ones were as small as these two...my how time flies.

Here are two young gorillas playing. B loved that they were tackling each other. He is going to play football when he is big like M (his brother), so that he can tackle.

Look at the cute otters.

And the pandas...we did not get to see them last time because they thought the mama was about to give birth, so they had them put away from view.

I think this is the daddy taking a nap.

This is the newest panda cub...only about 4 months old.

Then the petting zoo...This was as close as M would get to "pet" them.

B was all about it though.

Finally, it warmed up enough for the lions to come out before we left. I am glad too, because this is all B talked about on the ride to the zoo (well that and did I know how to get to the zoo and was I really going in the right direction)

We had such a great time.
Can you tell?....B fell asleep about 15 minutes into the ride home. So cute!

Easter 2009

2009-04-20T09:34:00.004-04:00

We had a GREAT Easter this year.
The weather was beautiful as we celebrated our Risen Savior with family.

Here are the girls all dressed up for church.
I think they looked beautiful.
I do not have a pic of all 5 of us on my camera....I am waiting to get one from my sister in law.

Here is M reaching for an egg at my Granddaddy's house.
This year she finally started to "get" it when it came to hunting eggs.
She would say "Look Mommy" at every egg and I would have to
tell her to put it in her bucket. So cute.

Here are A and cousin E helping make sure M found her name egg.
Here is R with all her eggs. What a bucketfull.
And M showing me her bucket.

After this hunt we went home for a quick nap and then headed to Mimi and Poppa's
for dinner and anther egg hunt.
What a great day!

Spring Break 2009

2009-04-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

It is hard to believe that Spring Break has come and gone
(and we are still waiting on Spring weather).
The girls and I (and Daddy) had a great time over Spring Break.
It was nice to be able to get up and go as we pleased.

We stayed busy though.
Monday - we went to a nearby indoor pool with our cousins M and B. It was a lot of fun.
Tuesday - we met some friends at a jumpy place and then to McDonald's for lunch
(note: it was snowing this day, so we needed something inside to do)
Wednesday - The sun came out so we headed to the park to play and have a picnic lunch.
Thursday - Daddy stayed home with us and we went to get pics made.
Lots of fun just being together.
Friday - we colored Easter Eggs
Saturday - Cousin E's birthday party at his house 2 hours away...long but fun day trip.
Sunday - EASTER!!!! Wonderful time at church, Great Granddaddy's house for lunch and Egg hunt, home for rest, then to Mimi and Poppa's for dinner and more egg hunting.

We had a great time.
I will post Easter pics as soon as I get my camera back from Mimi and Poppa's.

R's birthday party

2009-04-16T13:57:00.002-04:00

Back in March, R had a small friend party at a nearby Jumpy Place.
She and her friends had a blast jumping, sliding, and eating cake and ice cream.
Here is the beautiful 6 year old.

Blowing out the candles.

Daddy and M sliding.

R getting off the slide.

The kiddos at the bottom of one slide.

M's favorite things...

2009-04-02T19:37:00.003-04:00

M loves to "hit ball" as she says.
Being #3, she has picked up on more than A or R did at this age,
and she wants to be just like her sisters.

They play softball...so she thinks she should too.
As you can see below, she has on R's shin guards and cleats...she thinks she is hot stuff.

She also LOVES "I mean" (ice cream) and will often get a bowl and ask for it standing
at the freezer door. Here she is relaxing with her bowl of "I Mean". Notice that she had
to "dress" for the occasion. She would not let me finish putting her clothes on, but she surely
had to put on R's shoes. She is such a funny little girl. And Cute I might add.

Happy Day, M!!!

2009-03-30T13:51:00.001-04:00

2 years old...
I can hardly get over the fact that you are 2 today!
M you have grown so much over the past two years.
Mommy, Daddy, A and R have LOVED watching you grow and learn new things.
These past couple of months have been big for you.
You have...
* moved to a big girl bed
* started saying lots of new things...almost on an hourly basis
* you make it your goal to make us laugh constantly
* no more baby food whatsoever...you will only eat what we are eating
* you can climb ANYTHING
* we had to add more door knob covers since you mastered the deadbolt and lock on the back
door and loved going out to play on the deck.
* you can hit the ball off of the tee and are often found a few steps from 1st base after you have snuck onto the ball field during one of the big girls' games.
* you love to sing and still think Barney and Elmo are awesome

There is so much more, but we just wanted you to know that we love you and are so proud of you. And in your own words..."Happy Day, M"

Love, Mommy, Daddy, A and R

Happy St. Patrick's Day...

2009-03-17T08:02:00.000-04:00

from our house to yours!

R's Family Birthday Celebration

2009-03-13T06:57:00.000-04:00

R getting ready to blow out the candles on her cake!
Happy 6th Birthday!

Spring 2009 Softball Opening Day

2009-03-12T06:44:00.001-04:00

Well, like I said before...it does not take long for softball to roll back around again!
This past Saturday was Opening Day! The girls were so excited.
Some of A's team talking with a coach and getting ready to "Play Ball"!

Our nephew K eating his breakfast.A and Grammy just before the game began.M and Granddaddy waiting on the game to begin.Saturday night: R's team waiting on the game to begin.
The weather was much better Sat evening than it was on Sat morning.R getting ready to bat! This is when the whole crowd was singing Happy Birthday to her...
Big day...opening day and birthday!
R at 2nd base waiting for the ball.

Reading My Books!

2009-03-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

R wrote and illustrated 2 more books.
She went to read them to A's class on Friday!

Good job, R! We are so proud of you!

Snow, Snow, Snow!

2009-03-10T11:36:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday and Monday we had SNOW! (Now it is 80* - go figure)
The girls had a blast playing in the snow, throwing snowballs,
building a fort (really a wall) and getting wet.

M and I only lasted about 10 minutes. It was just too cold for her and she got
soaking wet everytime she fell down. B and A and R were out for a few hours altogether.
They loved it, and also loved that they got to miss a day of school too!

Happy 6th Birthday!

2009-03-07T12:52:00.002-05:00

R, you are 6 today!
I am not really sure how or when this happened.
Just yesterday you were toddling around and now you can read!
Wow! What a great 6 years!

You are such a good middle sister...you get the perks of being both a little and big sister!
You love to have fun and you play hard until your head hits the pillow at night.
At which point it usually takes less than 6 minutes for you to fall fast asleep.
You love school and have learned to read and write stories this year.
You have already written 3 books and are working on #4. The best part for you is going to read them to A's 2nd grade class. (A secretly LOVES it too)
M thinks that you hung the moon and asks for you first each time she wakes up!

We are so proud of you, R!
We love you very much!
Happy 6th Birthday!

Love, Mommy, Daddy, A and M

2009-02-27T14:51:00.002-05:00

Family birthday dinner.
A with some of the boys eating hamburgers and hot dogs.

Then cake and ice cream.

Our girls with all their 1st cousins...yes, all boys. We have 5 nephews.
Lots of wildness when this bunch gets together.

And finally...PRESENTS!

First Spend the Night Party

2009-02-27T12:43:00.007-05:00

Last Friday, A had 3 friends come over for her first spend the night party.
They had a blast and I have to say it was a lot of fun.
We started off with dinner and cake and ice cream.

Then the girls decorated a tote bag.
I have to say that they turned out really cute and the girls were so creative.
They got to take these home Saturday morning filled with candy.

Next, the girls entertained M and I with some singing and dancing (Daddy and R
had to go to softball practice for a bit). This part I videoed and will enjoy laughing at
it for years to come. Then we put colored stripes in the girl's hair. They loved this and thought
they were so cool. Even M kept saying "My turn". We put a little pink in her hair too.
Don't worry it washed out very easily.

They finished the night watching HSM3, a gift from her friend R. A was the last one asleep around midnight. Not to bad if you ask me.
Saturday morning they ate waffles and then headed outside to play some kickball before everyone went home.

I think they had a great time. I know that I had fun watching these wonderful girls.

EIGHT is GREAT!!!

2009-02-19T10:01:00.002-05:00

A is 8 today!
My how time flies!
We can hardly believe that she is 8. She keeps telling us that she is now halfway to getting a
driver's license. UGH! I hope these next 8 years go by slower.

A, we are so proud of you and the young lady that you are becoming.
Gone are the days of babyness, toddlerhood and "little" girl.
Now, you want to hang out with the grown ups a bit more, and
you do not like for me to show you much affection in public. (This is not fun for Mommy)
However, you do love to snuggle at night every once in a while.
You LOVE reading, softball, playing outside and riding your bike.
You are a perfectionist and like to have things where you like them (you get that from your Mommy). You don't care if your room is clean, but you could spend hours putting your hair up in the perfect ponytail.
You are a great big sister and you love to get a rise out of R and M.
You have taught and are teaching Daddy and I about parenting. Unfortunately, we have to try everything out on you first.

I can only imagine what the next 8 years will bring, but I do know that we love you very much and that will never change. Keep putting Jesus first, love your family and friends with all you have and know that we are so very proud of you!

Happy 8th Birthday, A!

R's First Published Book

2009-02-18T10:49:00.002-05:00

Here is the book R wrote and illustrated.
Her teacher typed the words for her from her rough draft.
Isn't it wonderful?

We are so proud of you, R!

Way to go!

2009-02-13T11:23:00.002-05:00

R published and illustrated her very first book this week in school.
She is so proud and we are so proud of her. It is titled "Valentine's".
Her teacher let her pick any class in the school to go and read to and
of course she picked A's class. So, this morning she went to read to A's class.
She did such a good job. She was really nervous and shy about it, so she was really soft.
It was so cute...

Our friend, Tyler, said "Hey, I know she can be louder than that?" ha ha...he is so right.

I know the picture is blurry, but I was trying to keep M from yelling at her so we could hear the story. Oh well...

Good Job, R! We are so proud of you!

Catching her off guard

2009-01-28T06:28:00.001-05:00

M is into everything these days.
She is definitely keeping me busy and on my toes.
I can hardly leave her in another room on her own, for fear of what I might find
when I come back.

Here she is cuddling up with her BaaBaas one night watching Elmo...her most favorite
show to watch. She has her feet propped up on the entertainment center because
she watches her sisters do this all the time.

In this one, I had left the room for about 30 seconds only to hear the chair moving across the kitchen floor. I came in to find her standing in the chair at the island drinking my iced coffee...she is truly her mother's child. She thought she was so cute and turned to say "cheese"
when she noticed that I had the camera in my hand.

And about 10 times a day she gets hats, mittens, scarves out of the basket and puts them on.
Isn't she adorable?

I wouldn't have it any other way....I love that she keeps me busy.

A's New Look

2009-01-27T13:25:00.003-05:00

A got glasses last week. Doesn't she look so cute?
She only has to wear them when she is reading or working on something at her desk.
So far she likes them and looks fantastic in them.

NYC Weekend...

2009-01-21T11:15:00.002-05:00

was a BLAST!

We had a great time and are very thankful to our husbands for sending us.
I am waiting to get all the pics on a CD so that I can share them with you.
We were greeted Saturday morning at 4:45am with a limo waiting to take all of us to the airport. The trip up was uneventful (my kind of airplane ride) and were welcomed to NYC with 5* weather. It was COLD, but we did not care.

We walked, rode a tour bus throughout the city, shopped, went to the Empire State Building, dinner and to see Chicago Saturday.
Sunday we awoke to SNOW...beautiful snow. It was a bit warmer this day though. We walked some more, shopped a lot (got some great purses), cried a bit at Ground Zero, saw the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, the bull from the movie Hitch, Rockafeller Center, Central Park, and much more.
Monday we rode the Subway at an ungodly hour of the morning to try to see Regis and Kelly but they were not taping (despite what the internet and our hotel said), shopped some more, and headed back home. After 6 hours in the airport, 3 delay times and finally a cancellation and flight change we arrived in ATL around 1am.

I promise to post lots of pics as soon as I get them.

Christmas Day 2008

2009-01-15T07:09:00.000-05:00

Santa came....

M on her Barbie 4wheeler...this is the only time she has gotten on the thing...she is scared of it.

All the girls got bean bags...they love them.

Wow, what a mess...too bad Santa doesn't stay around to help clean up.

Yes, we had a GREAT Christmas, and hope that you did too!

Christmas Eve 2008 Part 2

2009-01-14T07:09:00.000-05:00

After we leave Granddaddy's house, we head to my parent's house to continue the festivities.
Here are my parent's grandchildren sitting in front of the tree with all their presents.
.

Aren't they a cute bunch?
Yes, we have all the girls.

And my parents with the little ones, including Magic, their dog and 4th child.

What fun times!

Christmas Eve 2008 Part 1

2009-01-13T07:08:00.000-05:00

I know that Christmas is long past, but I wanted to make sure to post some pictures.

Here are the girls getting ready to head to our service at church on Christmas Eve.

Daddy and his girls...

Mommy and her girls...

After church we head to my Granddaddy's (my dad's dad and my only living grandparent) house. There are 37 of us now, so on Christmas Eve we have to use the garage to put tables for the Grands and GreatGrands to eat and then we all come out here to open presents. My Granddaddy has 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. It can get quite crazy at times. Here are some pics of the girls and some cousins enjoying opening their gifts.

M with her Elmo...she loves this new Elmo.

A with 2 new books...it won't be long before she is finished with these...she loves to read.

M's Big Girl Bed

2009-01-12T07:10:00.002-05:00

As promised, here are pictures of M in her Big Girl Bed.

I know they are dark, but you gotta get the picture while you can.

Guess M's new trick...

2009-01-10T20:29:00.000-05:00

If you said climbing out of her crib, then you are CORRECT!

Yes, when I put her in her crib for nap today she was out within a minute.
She came out with the biggest grin on her face like she was so proud of herself.

We really have been wondering why she hasn't done this yet, since she climbs on everything.
Well, she kept doing it. So much so, that we took the crib down and put up the Big Girl Bed.
She loved it and loved playing on it...that is until I tried to make her lay down to go to bed tonight.
I am sure we are in for a long night...we will see.

She is the same age A and R were when we moved them out of the crib. A had to come out because R was on the way. R came out for the same reason as M. She was climbing out of the bed. However, she started doing it at 17 months and we were not ready to move her.
We really were not ready to move M today, but we were afraid she would hurt herself. She can already crawl under the gate at the top of the stairs to go down and many other things A and R could not do at this age.

Oh well, the sadness is setting in that the crib is no more. I am trying not to think about it too much so that I don't cry. Will post pictures soon of M in her new bed.

Happy New Year...

2009-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

...from our family to yours.

We pray that 2009 will be all you ever dreamed and then some.
May God continue to bless you all.

Much Love, From The Ballews

Tagged...

2008-12-31T03:49:00.000-05:00

My friend Jennifer tagged me...I think this is the first one I have done.

So here it goes.
1. Go to your pictures folder.
2. Go to the fourth folder.
3. Choose the fourth picture.
4. Explain the picture.
5. Tag four people.

This is M just after she was weighed on her BIRTHday! Isn't she just adorable.

I tag...Tonya, Holly, Sherry, and Denise. Good luck girls.

Merry Christmas...

2008-12-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

from Our Family to Yours.

We hope this Christmas finds you happy and surrounded by the ones you love.
We are thankful for family, friends and most importantly
the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas!

NYC here we come...

2008-12-23T16:49:00.000-05:00

So last night we celelbrated Christmas with our group of friends (8 couples) and
had a blast. We started the night at an Italian restaurant for dinner...it was fabulous.
Then we headed to the White's for a white elephant gift exchange.
The gift exchange is always a time for lots of laughs and wondering who will end up with the
craziest gift. I have to say there were several.

However, this was not the end of the night. The husbands have been very busy cooking
up a little surprise for the wives. They gave each of us an envelope and we had to open them at the
same time. After a few seconds we realized that the guys were sending us to NEW YORK CITY for a weekend in January (no husbands, no kids). MERRY CHRISTMAS to us! So the 8 of us (Stacy,
Stephanie, Cassy, Kim, Tonya, Katie, Christy and I) will be leaving in about 3 1/2 weeks for 2 nights and days in the Big Apple. We cannot wait!

Thanks, B! This is the best gift...I love you very much!

Introducing Duke...

2008-12-22T07:23:00.000-05:00

Meet Duke.
He is our Elf on the Shelf.
He showed up sometime during the day on Thanksgiving
and has been back in a new spot every day since.
The girls LOVE getting up each morning and looking for him.
Some days he has been easy to find, and some days we have to search for him high and low
(well really only high because if M could get a hold of him then we would never find him again - and well you aren't supposed to touch him either, or he will lose all of his magical powers).

So, we are counting down the days till Santa comes and Duke leaves again until next year.
But for now we are enjoying seeing him around the house, telling him our secrets
and showing him all the great things we can do.

I sure hope he is giving the Big Guy a good report from this house every night.

A's Class Play and Christmas Party

2008-12-21T07:24:00.000-05:00

A's class did a Christmas play for the parents Friday morning.
It was so cute. They each had a part and were just fantastic.
Here is her teacher, Mrs. S giving directions before the show.

Here are A and her best friend R waiting to get started.

Here is the class getting anxious. They were also "starving" since they knew the Christmas party was taking place as soon as the show was over.

Here is A getting ready to get her food and enjoy her party with her friends.

Great Job, A! Your play was AWESOME!

R's Reindeer Ride

2008-12-20T07:23:00.001-05:00

Thursday night all the Kindergarten teachers at the girls'
school went on a "Reindeer Ride". They went to each child's house
to wish them a Merry Christmas and give them a present.
R was so excited and could not wait.
She was the last stop (since we live so close to the school) and ran
out the door as soon as we saw them pull into the driveway.
Here are Mrs. F and Mrs. S with R.

What a fun time! Merry Christmas Mrs. F and Mrs. S.

Our Outdoor Decorations

2008-12-19T14:23:00.000-05:00

The girls have been wanting outside lights for Christmas.
B kept telling them that we would wait until after Christmas to find them on sale.
Well, the other day he found them on sale and came home with some for the girls.
They were so excited when they got off the bus and saw him putting them out in the yard.
After dinner we went and got the reindeer and presents to go under the spiral trees he bought.
Now, we are ready inside and out.

Thanks Daddy for getting us such pretty lights.
We love you very much!