The Ball Team

Hair Cut

2012-01-29T11:28:00.002-06:00

I love the curls, but, they will grow back. Jay Michael loves it when James cuts his hair. Luckily he sits still, on our bathroom floor, while James trims his curly locks. I think he looks older, too.

Dork Diaries

2012-01-28T20:50:00.020-06:00

The big ladies had a forensics tournament this weekend. Well, Rachel did. Since Samantha is in the seventh grade intro class, she can't compete, but, since a few kids on the JV (eighth grade; Rachel's) team moved over the Christmas break, the coach asked Samantha to step up to the JV team for this tournament. Samantha has only one line as a solo, but, Rachel was a main character - the middle one of the three narrators....Enjoy!

(pause the tunes at the bottom of the page)

from the book, Dork Diaries, by Rachel Renee Russell

Do you Amazon?

2012-01-17T08:38:00.003-06:00

If you Amazon, or if you have a Kindle, or if you even read (which is evident by your visit here today...) please check out my little brother! He published a book! Here's the amazon link.

Congratulations David!

Sunbeams?

2012-01-16T21:48:00.006-06:00

First day of Sunbeams for Jay Michael! January 8, 2012

Jay Michael is almost 4, Josephine is 7, Charlotte is 9,

Samantha is 12 and Rachel is 13.
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It is amazing to me that Jay Michael will turn four next month. I started this blog just after he was born. It seems like yesterday. He is such the little man of the house.

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This year is a landmark for him, even though he doesn't quite grasp it yet. He moved up, in January, to the Primary at church. This means he is now too old for nursery, where he played with his friends for two hours, while the adults and "big kids" went to classes. He is now one of the "big kids", too. He loved nursery. He had snacks, singing time and coloring pages. He played with his friends, and the adult leaders who were in there with all the nursery kids, and Jay Michael considers these adults his friends, too. This week he asked me why he couldn't throw the fish anymore. Throwing the fish is a game he loved to play in nursery with Brother Smith, who literally tossed a small plastic fish back and forth with Jay Michael - no doubt for the whole two hours. Such sweet service and a valuable time for our little man. I told him that Brother Smith is still there, playing with the younger kids, because now you, Jay Michael, are a big kid and you go to Primary. He misses throwing the fish, but it's time to move on.

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Now he is a Sunbeam, the youngest class of the Primary, which is the church organization for the children, ages 3 to 12. He sits in his chair, with his class, listens and sings. There is a lot of structure, as opposed to Nursery, which was less structure and more play. So far, I hear good reports of his behavior and he always says his teacher is goofy. (That's a compliment, Cherstin. Goofy, to him, means you play at his level and he likes you.)

Ready for nursery - July 2010 - and crashing cause it was so fun!

Charlotte ...

2012-01-04T20:23:00.005-06:00

Charlotte turned nine just after Christmas. It's hard to separate the holidays, so we, at the BallTeam, say that we have Christmas Eve, Christmas, Charlotte's Eve and the 27th - Charlotte's birthday. I asked her the usual birthday questions and here's what she has to say: Her favorite color is blue (the color of water); her favorite subject at school, where she is in the third grade, is PE. Her favorite foods are kiwis and sticky macaroni (our homemade version of mac and cheese); and when she grows up, she wants to be a scuba diver or a swim coach or a teacher. She says she'll decide after the Olympics...

Charlotte likes to cook and she is a talented swimmer. She loves to be busy, be outside and be with people. She is the least likely in our house to play alone - she's a great playmate for Jay Michael. She likes to keep up with the big ladies and she's the leader of our youngest three. She's the perfect middle child. Charlotte is doing fantastic in school - her grades are all A's and B's. Her reading is just above grade level, but, she leans to math and science - just recently she tackled division with ease.

In this picture she is wearing her swim team shirt - the script at the bottom says, "My weapon is my body; My element is water; My world is swimming." That sums up her love of swimming - she is always ready for practice, and she's proud of how sore she feels later. (Mom note - don't you LOVE it when your kids discover their "thing"?) Charlotte is the youngest member of the year-round team and she practices with the high schoolers. Yes, some of the kids on the team are twice her age!

Charlotte is also our singer - her New Year's resolution is to join the adult choir at church. Excellent. Happy Birthday, Charlie!

How the BallTeam does winterized flip flops - :)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T15:25:00.005-06:00

Christmas, 2011

2011-12-25T22:09:00.003-06:00

At almost 10:30 on Christmas night, I can hear all the ladies and Jay Michael out in the next room playing loudly with each other and James. We had a great Christmas. We greeted our gifts from Santa, attended a church meeting full of beautiful music and uplifting messages, then opened our gifts and played ALL DAY. We had our traditional Chinese take out for supper, and now we should think about a little shut eye, just so we can play all day tomorrow. We are truly blessed.Merry Christmas, from the Balls....

Christmas Eve traditions?

2011-12-24T12:34:00.010-06:00

Christmas Eve this year started out in a new and different way. We had a group Christmas gift to our family - we got tattoos. Now, before any of you readers think I've completely lost my mind, read on.....

The picture above is our friend, Jean Sepe. She uses henna to draw tattoos. They are temporary, lasting up to a month depending on your skin type and the care you take with them. Rachel saw a henna tattoo on her and asked about it. When I read "henna tattoo" on Rachel's Christmas list, I thought it might be fun for everyone.

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You may still think I'm wrong. I believe our bodies are temples. I believe art is expressive and personal. I believe that somewhere in the middle of all this that henna tattoos are perfectly fine. That's what I think. You are welcome to think whatever you think.

In the next to last picture, you can see Jay Michael has a frog. The last picture - the orange one - is the final product, which will fade in about a month. The six pictures above are one each of the rest of us. Can anyone guess which tattoo is on which person?

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After our unconventional morning, we went on to decorate gingerbread.

This afternoon we will visit some family, and see the Christmas lights. We'll finish off the evening with Luke 2 and off to bed to rest up for a big day tomorrow. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Answer guide: top row: Samantha, Josephine, Rachel

bottom row: James, Tina, Charlotte

Hibachi Christmas

2011-12-17T19:54:00.006-06:00

The first picture is Rachel and her friend Madeline at the Christmas Choir Performance. Choir in Junior High is different than a musical program for the little ladies. Rachel's choir sang beautifully. Carol of the Bells was amazing - the different parts of the choir were positioned around the room and it had a solid, carol-of-the-bells-type effect. It was great. The other songs were all Christmas tunes, but, they were the HoHoHo type of Holiday songs - like: Baby It's Cold Outside, Deck The Halls, Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, stuff like that. NOTHING religious, nothing spiritual. The quality was great, the content left me disappointed.

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And for my next review - Hibachi! I have never been to one of those Japanese restaurants that cook your meal right there in front of you. Seriously fun and tasty. The ladies were shocked at the flames and what better way can you imagine to keep a three year bundle of energy glued to his restaurant seat, than to set his table on fire? Fantastic! Thanks, Jim and Jean - this will have to be a new Christmas tradition!

I Won't Tell....

2011-12-15T22:21:00.004-06:00

I won't tell how old James is now. I won't tell, because in three short months, it will be my birthday, too, and I will be the same age. It's great, by the way, to be so close in age. We have the same markers in our lives. You know? Like when a song comes on the radio, and we can both say, oh, remember? This was seventh grade! We remember the same events in history, we knew the gas lines of the seventies, the assassination attempts on Regan and shuttle explosion. We both remember when Lennon was shot.

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Anyway, I digress.... James is a Vikings fan. Huge. This year I was walking through WalMart and I saw this purple tinsel tree. It was $6, and it was pre-lit. Seriously. So the ladies took the Viking Candy Cane ornaments and decorated his tree. What true Vikings fan does NOT have a set of Vikings Candy Canes? All purple and gold! I led him in, eyes closed, and the ladies and Jay Michael sang happy birthday. He loves it. And we love him. Happy Birthday, James!

The Surprise and The Negro Spiritual

2011-12-11T23:09:00.003-06:00

So, Charlotte is our middle child. Does that mean she gets the short end of the stick? You decide: Back in September, when Josephine had a birthday coming up, we were talking about party ideas as a family. Each of the ladies in turn talked about what a great memory they had of an outstanding party, just for them. Each of the ladies, except Charlotte. It's true, she said. Mom, I've NEVER had a birthday party. I had to agree. Her birthday is two days after Christmas. It's a tough time of year to do anything at all. The child will be nine this year and she's never had a party. Shameful, huh?

So I decided right there that Charlotte would have a party this year. A surrpise party! About one month before her birthday, I had nine of her very best buds at the house when she came in the door, still dripping wet, from swim practice. She was stunned. She said, Mom, why are they here? Don't they know it's not really my birthday? We had crafts and presents and candy and fun.

I took no pictures of this great event. You will have to beleive me when I say Charlotte looked dumbfounded when she walked in the door.

But: here's a video from her recent Christmas Concert. Josephine's class sang, too, but, I didn't record them. I was so glad to hear negro spirituals, calypso holidays songs and old Baptist standards. It was truly a Christmas program. Not a holiday program.

An English Laugh

2011-11-30T18:48:00.003-06:00

I laugh every time I watch this clip. Every time. English is funny to me, though, so be warned.

To listen, first go to the bottom of the page and pause the music, then you will be able to hear it, isn't it?

Cherstin! Thank You!

2011-11-27T15:02:00.004-06:00

The BallTeam huddle!

Our amazing friend, Cherstin, took some pictures of the BallTeam at our local high school ball field. Wow. I will post more later, but, I had to get just a couple on here .... just to show you. I promise to put more up after Christmas, but, I have to "hide" a few until then. Thank you again, Cherstin, for showing us such a good time!

Visit, November 2011

2011-11-20T15:28:00.008-06:00

My folks came to visit this week, and they brought my youngest brother David along. They could only stay for an afternoon and the next day, but, we packed in plenty of chatter and visiting. Here's a shot of the whole bunch:
Back row standing: Grandparents Wayne and Juanita Brumbley and Jim and Jean Ball
Middle-ish row seated: Parents James and Tina Ball
Standing around us all: Kiddos Rachel (13), Jay Michael (3), Josephine (7), Charlotte (8) and Samantha (12)

Poor David took the picture and I didn't get another picture all weekend, except for the scrapple which they brought me. Yum. Come again everyone!

Chrissi Richards ....

2011-11-05T17:31:00.003-05:00

Josephine had a photoshoot!
She loved it; I loved it.
Do you want to see? You can!

http://chrissirichards.com/blog/

Scroll down to "Tink" and click on Open Post.

Those big brown eyes just melt my heart!

Thank you Chrissi; just amazing!

Individuals

2011-11-02T20:22:00.010-05:00

Rachel Mae - 13 years old

Samantha Marie - 12 years old

Charlotte Lareine - 8 years old

Josephine Lisette - 7 years old

Jay Michael - 3 years old

On a beautiful fall Sabbath afternoon, I forced my children to stand on the bridge at the local park and smile at me. I take the monthly picture every month. Hence the name. They know it's coming. They even, sometimes, suggest places or arrangements for future pictures. But just like clockwork, every month, when I say hey - let's go take the picture for the blog next month, I hear weeping and wailing. One day they will thank me for this monthly pictorial history. Until then, I will force them to smile at me, in unison, at least once a month.

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This time I further tortured my children by insisting they do individual shots. I told them to find a spot all their own and pose. I think they turned out just perfect. But, I'm their Mom; I know just how beautiful they are....

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And for good measure - the rarely photographed adults on the BallTeam: James and Tina.

BOO - Trunk or Treat 2011

2011-10-29T18:46:00.002-05:00

Trunk or treat at the church was fun this year - as always. Costumes were all recycled and borrowed - and the BallTeam looked fantastic. We have a turtle (Jay Michael, 3), a ladybug (Josephine, 7), an escaped convict (Rachel, 13), a zebra (Laura, 12), a drummer (Samantha, 12) and a vampire spider queen (Charlotte, 9). BOO!

Pigs and Goats and Chickens, Oh My ....

2011-10-25T20:43:00.005-05:00

We attended a great petting zoo party - the ladies and Jay Michael hobnobed with the other party guests - goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, ponies, horses, and a llama! Great fun on a fall afternoon...thanks, Parker!

Magic Dinosaur Mist

2011-10-24T17:02:00.003-05:00

Jay Michael was born with some severe allergies and asthma. So far, we have all adjusted to our high maintenance little man, but, recently he scared us. His breathing was loud and labored. He was rattling and raspy. The fantastic staff at Children's Hospital gave Jay Michael some "magic dinosaur mist" (known to adults as albuteral). He now has more drugs to take, which he does willingly, and he breathes much more easily. So do the rest of us! We love Children's, but, we love Jay Michael more!

School Update ...

2011-10-23T22:35:00.007-05:00

Family Night at School - Focus on Movement

Samantha on the mini trampoline - Joey and Charlie playing twister - Charlie and Sam using the binoculars and Jay being Jay (chasing a ball!)

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The first term of the new year is over and I happy to report that the ladies are making us proud. What follows here will be praise for the ladies in school and proud parent moments - so feel free to skip this section if you are looking for anecdotes....I gotta brag on my ladies!

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Rachel (8th grade) is testing the academic waters by choosing the accelerated tract and has found, all on her own, that the harder classes are more work, but, are more rewarding. She commented to me the other day that she likes being in a class with kids who are eager to learn and want to succeed. Rachel is finding that the accelerated classes make her want to excel, and that makes Mom and Dad thrilled. Thrilled.

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Samantha (7th grade), meanwhile is on fire! Always the athlete, school was never her thing. No more. With the best report card of her seven years in school, Samantha has already decided on the accelerated tract for her eighth grade year and has her sights set high. Fantastic. On a side note, Samantha has two of the same teachers that Rae had last year - English and math. At parent teacher conferences, both of these women told me how amazingly different our daughters are. Since Rae excels in English and suffers through math, and Samantha suffers through English and excels at math, it is hard to believe they both came from the same gene pools.

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Charlotte (3rd grade) is right up there with the grades. She is above grade level on every test and loves every subject at school. Her teacher's only complaint was that Charlotte would rather be chatting with her friends or chasing them on the playground than reading her lesson. Her head is not in her book - it's out the window, watching the wind in the trees. Ahhhh, youth. There's a time and a place for everything. I was especially proud when Charlotte's teacher gave her high praise - Charlotte, says her teacher, has amazing manners. She consistently says yes ma'am and no thank you. It warms my heart. It probably goes something like this: teacher - Charlotte, please pay attention. Charlotte - Yes ma'am. And repeat; all day long.

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Josephine (1st grade) had not a single mark lower than a 3 - which is the best you can get. She scored so high on all her standardized tests that she doesn't have to do them again all year. She's already hit the scores they expect by the end of the year. Way to go, Joey! Her teacher had great comments, too; she's social, she's a leader and she thrives in the classroom.

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These pictures are from a family night at the elementary school - they have these each term to let the kids come play educational games and bring their families out to the school. Plus, they serve popcorn and hot dogs, which is a big draw when you are 7 and 8 years old.....

Josephine Is Seven

2011-10-09T18:29:00.007-05:00

Josephine is officially seven. It is almost impossible to believe how quickly time flies. She was born in North Carolina, at Woman's Hospital. She has been riding a bike and doing beautiful cartwheels for two years now. She is in the first grade and loves school. Her favorite part of the school day is math, she says, but she also says she loves P. E. Joey comes off as shy to adults, but, she is as playful and curious as any kid. She loves to draw and color, play and pretend.

Here are some facts about Josephine that everyone should know: her favorite animal is a monkey; her favorite color is pink; she has the longest first name in her class at school or church. Her favorite Disney princess is Belle, because, Joey says, she's the prettiest and she was nice to the beast and the furniture. When she grows up, she wants to be a veterinarian. Joey leaves notes and flowers for James and me, and her pictures she draws at school are full of her family and big pink hearts.

Josephine had a pumpkin party this year, with friends over to paint pumpkins, play pumpkin games and eat pumpkin pie for birthday cake. It was delicious. Although a few of her friends, who had never tried pumpkin pie, were not convinced it was delicious.

Here are a few photos of the big day:

painting pumpkins and party guests

pumpkin chunkins!

Pin the Nose on the jack-o-lantern and bobbing for apples!

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Last week, Josephine celebrated turning seven by spending the gift card my folks sent her - she bought a lunchbox. Since they were on sale, she also bought Charlotte a lunchbox. So sweet.

In a few weeks, Joey and Charlotte will do the annual birthday/shopping lunch with James' side of the family. The birthday fun continues!

Happy Birthday, Joey!

First Run

2011-10-08T12:05:00.005-05:00

Samantha participated in the "Inspiration Run". This is a marathon, all through the streets of town, wherein the local running club promotes healthly living. The group starts at one school, jogs to the next, stops and talks to the gathered students about running, exercising, healthly choices, etc. Then they throw some frisbees and tee shirts into the crowds and run off to the next school. They do this all day until they have run over 26 miles and visited eight elementary, two middle, two junior and the high school in our town. Samantha joined our friend, Dawn Brown, in running from Samantha's school - Junior South - to two other elementary schools, before Dawn dropped Samantha off at home and headed back to work. They covered 5.5 miles. Next run is a 5k in October!

Forensics?

2011-10-01T22:23:00.000-05:00

When Rachel entered the seventh grade, she was able to choose two electives. She chose art, which she later changed to choir, and forensics. Forensics, I asked? Like crime scene investigations? Rachel educated the rest of us in forensics. It seems that what James and I called theater and debate is now called Forensics. The students learn the art of performing poetry, prose, mime, duets, solos, debate and words/music. The intro year the students perform for their class and build their skills and confidence. At the end of the intro year students can try out for the JV team, which is the second year. Rachel loved her first year, made the JV team and now competes for her school. In her first tournament, held at historic Central High, among fifteen schools, her JV team took second place in words/music for their rendition of a scene in the Wiz, and Rae took seventh individually for her presentation in prose, doing a selection from Runaway, by Wendelin Van Draanen. Rachel was so excited. Break a leg, lady!!

Training

2011-09-05T22:17:00.006-05:00

Samantha has been out of gymnastics for a few years now and has never quite been as passionate about another sport. She tried soccer, swimming, and horseback riding, but, either we couldn't keep up with her, or she just didn't feel it. So, her newest endeavor is running. Our fabulous and soon to be famous friend, Dawn Brown, made a training regimen for Samantha to follow and helped me select a race for her to enter as her goal to complete training. She's been diligent and so excited. Her enthusiasm has gotten Rachel to participate, too, but, not on the distance portion, just the sprints and the bleachers - yes, they were sore the next day - way to go ladies!! And Thank you again, Dawn! More to come on training and race day festivities!

Rock in Little Rock

2011-09-04T15:24:00.002-05:00

We found a great playground in Little Rock. Actually, Rachel's keeper coach found it and was using the soccer fields, so we hit the playground. Charlotte is 8, Josephine is 6 and Jay is 3. August, 2011

Girl's Camp 2011

2011-08-20T14:42:00.006-05:00

Rachel and Samantha left us this summer for a week to go to Girl's Camp. They were up in Boonesville, AR, and it was hot. HOT. I'm talking 110 degrees and humid. It was the one week this summer with no rain and record breaking temperatures. Hot, hot hot and humid. They were well taken care of, though, because they are already talking about when they get to go back next year. They had plenty of water to drink, a great group of leaders and in the whole group of approximately 200 girls, only two scorpion bites. Yikes.

Happy Anniversary

2011-08-19T22:37:00.004-05:00

The year was 1966. Our nation was in turmoil over a "police action" in Southeast Asia. Wayne was a new airman, only 23 years old. Juanita was a high school junior working at the base coffee-shop. They met over coffee and algebra homework. They jumped in, side by side, and married on August 19, 1966. By October, of the same year, Wayne was sent to Vietnam and forced to leave his young bride. While he was serving his country, Juanita delivered their first child alone. Two sons followed; many trials, adventures and joys followed. Forty-five years later, they are still holding hands as they walk side by side. Happy Anniversary, Dad and Ma! You crazy kids.... :)

Back to the Books .... 2011

2011-08-19T21:16:00.010-05:00

It's that time of year again: the BallTeam is back in school. The school district keeps moving up the start date, and it makes summer so short. Nonetheless, I think the ladies will each admit they are ready to get back to structure and friends and projects, even if it means getting up early and doing homework! This year we have two in elementary school and two in junior high. And who could forget the little man, still home and loving his alone time with Daddy? Well, I forgot him. He's not in any of these pictures because he was snoozing happily while all the ladies were up and off to school ... what a good boy!

The Close of Summer 2011

2011-08-14T17:48:00.004-05:00

WARNING: tons of pictures! (yay!)

Goodbye Summer 2011. We were good together, but, we must move on. Here are a few last shots: some goofy, some sweet, and most of them a good mix of sweet/goofy.

Samantha and Laura captured paratroopers on Fourth of July

Road trip shots - a lollipop meets PacMan. c/o Rachel

Rachel and Samantha showing their personalities at my office. They rode their bikes there one day and had lunch with me.

Rachel working hard at Keeper Camp. In the HEAT...

Cool shot of Joey at the top of the slide at the playground.

New haircuts and lost teeth!

Goofballs at the store. We were waiting on a prescription....

The swimmer in her element. Charlie at practice.

The "little three" cruising the backyard in the Barbie Jeep.

Posing for Mom at the Park.

Goodbye Summer 2011 - hello school and cooler weather.

Samantha is Twelve

2011-08-12T23:21:00.007-05:00

Samantha did it. We told her not to. We told her to slow down and be a little kid. But she went ahead a did it. She turned twelve. Samantha is whimsical kid. She is ever-changing. She likes to be entertained and busy. She likes to explore and imagine. Samantha, at twelve years old, is now in the Young Women's program at church (in other words, she gets to leave the little kid program and hang out with the teenagers). She loves it. At twelve, she is going into the seventh grade - a new school. She likes science and English, and she is in the percussion class, but, as confident as she may appear, she's a typical seventh grader, nervous, but ready to take on a new challenge.

For her birthday, we had her style of cake - a plate full of jellybeans. She opened presents and we made duct tape flip flops. (For all you moms out there, do not try this at home. It was fun, but, they didn't last on their feet any longer than it took to make them. I don't recommend it.) We played with the duct tape; that was more fun. We gave her a puppy. True, we are lunatics. With five kids and two dogs already, we didn't really need an extra animal, right? But Samantha was sad when Lexi left, so we found this sweet pup on CraigsList - for free! - and she is a keeper. Her name is Luna, and she sleeps with Samantha, is house broken, loves to play, and came spayed with all her shots and freshly groomed. I think Samantha was really surprised. All pictured above is Skittle in her new outfit from her grandparents - all ready for Young Women.

Samantha is a great playmate for the younger kids; I hope she keeps her enthusiasm and spontaneity forever. She loves fruit and candy (so much that we call her Skittle). Samantha is independent and sometimes solitary. She, more than the other kids, is the one keeping to herself. She is athletic naturally and loves to push herself. Happy Birthday, Samantha. We love you, Skittle!

Same bat-time, same bat-channel....

2011-07-21T22:42:00.010-05:00

When I was growing up in Maryland, we lived "in town". Just down the street from where we lived was a Tasty-Freeze. For years, I had no idea it was there, because it was at the end of the street that was close to the busy road. I wasn't allowed to go that way; I rode my bike and played in the vacant lot that were in the other direction - away from the road and closer to the houses and school and ball fields.

When I discovered that there was a Tasty Freeze at the end of the street, I immediately wanted ice cream. My brother and I would occasionally convince our folks to walk down there with us and get a cone. I remember it as a great treat and a fun tradtion with my folks.

Hence the name of this post - same bat time, same bat channel. Now my kids are all about the evening ritual - Mom (and usually a more successful attempt, Dad....), can we get a Brain Freeze? Of course, we say yes occasionally. Frozen flavored shaved ice sure does hit the spot when it's still 90 degrees at 9 pm. I bet my folks thought the same thing!

Ball Team+Laura (Samantha's bud and our sixth child) enjoying an evening treat!

Mid day brain freeze - Jay Michael drove his sister's Barbie Jeep, while the big ladies+Laura walked. He's a smart boy, huh? The ladies look like they might melt into the parking lot....

Those responsible....

2011-07-16T11:48:00.001-05:00

I don't put too many pictures of James or me on here. Let's face it, the kids are cuter. This photo was taken at a pool party we attended recently and I thought it was a pretty good picture. (Thanks, Krista...) Plus, since James can't get out to do much, this was his opportunity to be out with his family and a lot of our friends - in a hot tub. All those bubbles you see are from the jets. Maybe one day our great-great grandchildren will be reading the blog and this image will be their memory of their great grandparents. (My memory of pictures of my great grandparent's were older people who didn't smile. I'm sure they were wonderful people, but, photography has come so far since then, right? I'd much be rather be remembered as the great grandparents in the hot tub!)

Swimmers, take your mark...

2011-07-13T15:47:00.008-05:00

Charlotte is the swimmer in our family. The other kids can all swim - Jay Michael does everything his big sisters do, just with floaties on - and they all love being in the water. But Charlotte, well, she is just a natural. She swims for the town's recreational team and has done really well. In her age group, she swims each stroke at 25 yards - which is one length of the Olympic size pool. Next year she will be in the 9/10 year old division, which is 50 yards, with flip turns. Her best times so far (one meet left) for this season are: freestyle 19.37, backstroke 23.95, breaststroke 27.88, butterfly 23.97.
A sidebar: in the sport of swimming, each swimmer is mostly encouraged to compete against her own best time. One way of encouraging this is the gold, silver, bronze system. Each stroke has three times to beat - a gold time (fastest), a silver time (faster), and a bronze time (fast). Last year, during Charlie's first season, she made a silver time in one stroke and didn't even make a bronze time in three strokes. This year, she has a gold time in freestyle and butterfly and a silver time in backstroke and breaststroke.
Next week is the Meet Of Champs. This is the State meet, held at the University of Arkansas, and only swimmers who qualify with gold and silver time can compete, and then only in the strokes that qualify the swimmer as gold or silver. Charlotte, at 8, will compete in all four strokes! Way to swim, Charlotte!

Still wet; and the inspirational (meet-only) artwork by Rachel (the team mascot is a Piranha; pretty fierce, huh?)

In this video, Charlotte is the middle swimmer. Go ahead and cheer. You know you want to....

Get Away, July 2011

2011-07-10T22:15:00.003-05:00

We took a weekend off! Charlotte has had a swim meet every Saturday since school let out, but, since this weekend had Monday as the Fourth of July, she had a Saturday off. I also had Monday off, so we decided it was high time to get out of town. We headed to Conway, about an hour away, to do nothing but ride go carts! The ladies and Jay Michael love them. LOVE THEM. James and I are happy to oblige with driving the little ones, and Charlotte reached the solo rider line - YAY!

We piled into the car Saturday morning, and didn't tell the kids what we were up to. I had made a reservation at a cheap motel - passable, but, nothing I want to do again - and we had a blast. We swam in the motel pool, found a $1 jewelry store (notice the bling on each of the ladies in the picture below {Charlotte is the sunglasses}) and we watched cartoons on tv - a little luxury we don't have at home. We rode go carts first thing, then the ladies and Jay talked us into going again in the late afternoon.

We had the track to ourselves! It was fun just laughing together. I want to go do it again already and I know as soon as I say go carts everyone here will run for the van.

James had to load up on some pain killers and break up the party by taking an afternoon nap - not that he wanted to go to the $1 jewelry store, anyway - just to partake in the fun. He's hurting, always, but, laughing with his kids and seeing their faces whizzing by in a go cart makes his pains a bit easier temporarily. The motel bed and being squished by kiddos all night, no. Not too helpful... But I guarantee he enjoyed it all.

What's missing?

2011-07-07T21:54:00.004-05:00

Josephine had a big weekend. Can anyone see from this picture what happened to her? Hint: there are two correct answers.

Independence Day

2011-07-04T14:09:00.006-05:00

Is this Fourth of July a great holiday? There's watermelon and grilling our favoirte foods. There's fireworks and flip flops. There's a swell of national pride and family togetherness. Plus, no traditions that revolve around candy. Yay. Plus, it's America's birthday. I have a platform for the occasional impromptu history lesson. I do love that.

This year we enjoyed fireworks on the third AND the fourth! On the third, a local church put on the town's display and we had front row seats, thanks to our friends who literally live across the street from the church. Nice. On the fourth, we went to another friend's house for grilling and eating and fun, with fireworks at dusk. When I was growing up in Maryland, it was illegal to set off fireworks, and it feels a little weird to buy and light fireworks. But, it's legal here in Arkansas, so our kids can grow up enjoying this fun and slightly dangerous celebration. We even get plenty of extra when they go on sale for 75% off on the fifth of July, just so we can set them off for all our birthdays and New Year's.....with Daddy in charge of the lighter, naturally.

Summer trEats

2011-06-21T21:03:00.007-05:00

You know another great thing about summer? (There are so many) This is one of the ladies and Jay Michael's favorites - eating out! Out by the fire, that is!
We have a main course of roasted and toasted hot dogs....

And a sweet, melted dessert...
Plus a Mom-bonus: No dishes!

Luxury

2011-06-18T13:27:00.004-05:00

My friend Cindy and I were talking a while back about how she needed a ziploc baggie because she had a number of small items she wanted to keep together. I didn't have any baggies, and I mentioned that I only buy baggies when I have money leftover, because in my book, baggies are a luxury item. I mean luxury in the sense that they are not critical to survival, and you can find something else to use in their place. For example, we folded a piece of paper and taped the edges, making an envelope and put her small items in there. We didn't HAVE to have a baggie, but, it would have been easier and more convenient. It would have been a luxury.

We went on to talk about how when she was little, her mom told her often that she couldn't buy her q-tips, because they are a luxury. We found that what is a luxury to me (ziploc baggies) may be commonplace to another. I suppose it's just a matter of position and situation.

My friend is moving away. She brought me a present before she left and told me that she wanted me to have luxury. So sweet. Thank you, Cindy. I will be sending you q-tips every year for your birthday!

Swim Lessons

2011-06-15T12:55:00.008-05:00

Jayden, Anna, Kierra, Callie, Josephine and Emma with their swim teacher, Sister Dawn Brown

Josephine had two weeks of swim lessons, with our friend Dawn Brown as her teacher. Dawn is a natural athelete and certified in all sorts of sportsy stuff. She is also fantastic with little kids. Her enthusiasm and encouragement were contagious as she taught Josephine's class of swimmers. After two weeks, Josephine can dive off of the diving board, without goggles, and swim to the steps (about 15 feet away). She swims underwater, treads water and is learning the strokes.

Thank you Dawn for being a great leader, thank you Shellee for the use of your backyard, and way to swim, Joey!

Little Furry Friend

2011-06-14T22:12:00.006-05:00

For approximately the last year, the BallTeam has played host to a sweet four legged guest - Lexi. She is the family dog of our friends, who weren't able to take her along when they moved last summer, but, always wanted her back with them. So, this weekend, our furry friend will leave us. I'm sure there will be tears. Such a good dog. I know her family has missed her, and I know she'll be happy to back with them, but, I hope in the back of her canine brain, she will remember her stay with our family, and smile a puppy smile.

Her before and after shots of her recent grooming. She has to be gorgeous for her trip, right?

Here we go....

2011-06-08T20:40:00.004-05:00

...into the summer! I love summer. It's my favorite season. I love the heat and humidity. I love the freedom and loss of structure. I love saying, let's have sandwiches for supper; it's too hot to cook. I love just having time to enjoy.

This year summer will be a little different. James is home, still hurting and recovering, so I'm working almost full time. I really enjoy my job (legal assistant at a solo practioner's law office) and the ladies I work with everyday. But truth be told, I'd rather be doing laundry and taking the kids to the pool.

With summer reading programs, summer majors, sports, church and friends, the kiddos will all be plenty occupied, and I'll still have a chance to relax with them. Plus, I'm in no hurry to have two kids in junior high this fall. How did that happen?

Hanging Out...

2011-05-31T22:39:00.003-05:00

For our Memorial Day weekend, we hung out at a park. Literally.

And where is Rachel during all this "hanging out"?

In the great state of Arkansas, the legal age to get a driver's permit is 14. Fourteen! Rachel is practicing her driving in preparartion for the test. Another rite of passage looming on the horizon. Wow, don't they grow up fast....

Medals, awards, bells and ribbons!

2011-05-29T00:00:00.006-05:00

It's that time of year - assemblies and events time at school! So, if you'll indulge me, I'll brag on my four daughters - each talented, and each her own person....

In the top left we have Charlotte, the blurr diving for the gold. Swim season is on us and she attacks that water like there's a medal waiting for her at the other end of the pool...'cause there is!

Top right is Rachel, and she's the one on the right in the photo. This is the academic awards banquet for the junior high. Rachel received the Language Arts award for the seventh grade, for her writing. Also pictured are her two best buds from church - Camille and Lindsey. Great job, ladies!

Bottom left is Josephine, in the white dress, on the left. The kindergarten classes sang about five songs, played the hand bells and entertained us for the evening with their musical efforts. Also in this picture is Emma, Joey's friend from school and church (I love it when that happens, don't you?) in the top right corner of the photo; she has dark hair in braids.

Bottom right is Samantha - at her very last track and field day. Sad. 'Cause this girl can run. She won first in the 440 for the whole sixth grade, just the girls. But she would be quick to add that she can still smoke most of the boys, too.

Our Graduate

2011-05-28T22:22:00.003-05:00

Josephine has finished her first full year of school. Kindergarten was a tough transition for this sweet girl. At first she wouldn't let go of my leg, or she wouldn't get out of the van. Her teacher was very helpful and every parent teacher conference was nothing but praise for a sweet little girl who was ready to learn. Now that kindergarten is over, Josephine can read at the level of second semester first grader, she ties her own shoes, she calls her friends on the phone and she shows all the confidence and independence of the bright little lady we all knew she could become. It's bittersweet for a parent to see their little ones become strong independent voices. The mom in me wants the timid baby girl who refused to let go of my hand. But the real gift here is seeing how far our kids can reach and celebrating their accomplishments. We are all so proud of you , Joey. First grade will be even better!

What did he say?

2011-05-27T00:02:00.004-05:00

Jay Michael. Bless his sweet little heart. Sometimes I just can't understand a word that boy says. Mind you, some of it is crystal clear, but, sometimes I just don't get it. The other day we were saying prayers before bed and Jay Michael has a habit of repeating one phrase to himself while the person is praying aloud for the family. I suppose he thinks he is praying, too, and that's just fine. This particular night, Jay repeated what I thought sounded like, Harry Potter, Harry Potter, Harry Potter... I was confused. Samantha was saying the prayer that night and did not mention Harry Potter. I told him, Jay Michael, during the prayer, you need to be reverent. He said, in his sweet three year old voice, Momma, I good. I talk to Heavenly Father. And we thought he was saying Harry Potter? Kids know. He knew he was saying Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father. Good boy, Jay.

And don't you love his summer-do? All curls on top. Delicious!

Lack of....

2011-05-26T22:19:00.002-05:00

....that's the funny thing about a blog. When you are so busy living, you have much to tell the world, many great photos and a host of antecdotes. Ironically, you are also too busy to post anything about your adventures on your blog, because you are living them. So it goes.

New Outlook

2011-04-20T22:22:00.003-05:00

So, a routine eye exam turned into a new look for Rachel and Samantha. They were both so excited to get their new glasses. Not a care in the world that anyone would call them geeky or a bad name - nope. Not these two. They were thrilled with the new perspective they gained. Rachel is far-sighted, so she was excited to see more clearly when she reads, plays the piano and texts on her phone. Samantha is near-sighted and the WHOLE ride home from the doctor's office she was narrating- Speed limit 30, Railroad crossing, no parking, Adams Street, Dave's Vacuum repair....the WHOLE ride home! And don't they look GREAT?!?!

The Lighter Side of Easter...

2011-04-18T23:15:00.000-05:00

Whoa, Boy!

2011-04-15T21:40:00.003-05:00

I love having a little boy in the house. Even more, I love watching him grow into a little man. Let's just slow it down a notch, okay? (Jay Michael, three years old and almost nine feet in the air....) Sorry about all the bikes and trucks in the picture, but, you can tell by all the toys and dirt that all the ladies are also outside-loving kids!

KidBits, April 2011

2011-04-14T23:03:00.010-05:00

In this edition of KidBits - a little news on everyone - we will cover dental hygiene! I took all five kids to the dentist for one appointment! I am ashamed to admit it, but, this was Jay Michael's first dentist appointment. So until now, I never took all five kids. Jay was excited at first, but, not happy by the time we left. We use a pediatric dentist who has televisions mounted in the ceilings above his chairs, so the kids wear earphones and watch SpongeBob while he works on them. My ladies love the dentist. Weird, huh? Jay Michael? Nope. Not so much. As you can see from the picture, it's a kid friendly kind of place.

The Activity Girls at church hostessed a night for the parents this month - a Modesty Rocks Fashion Show. Each of the girls took to the runway in various apparel. Some showed modest sleepwear. Some showed playclothes, athletic gear, or school clothes. Charlotte chose Sunday Best and modeled a modest, respectful outfit that showed her personality - bright and happy. You can't see well from this angle, but, she even has a flower in her hair! And sorry the picture is blurry - she was strutting her stuff down the runway!

Samantha is the oldest of the Activity Girls group and she was the Master of Ceremonies, introducing all ten girls and describing their outfits. She hammed it up and made it fun. She had to coach a little, too, helping the girls know when to come out (Samantha translation: Get out here!) and when to walk (Samantha translation: Go on; strut!), which the audience thought was pretty comical.

When we got home from the Fashion Show, we had this group at our house - the entire Young Women's Presidency and 16 of the Young Women! The were there to give James a Heart Attack! To do this, they marched through our kitchen and living room muttering, Heart attack, heart attack, all the while taping hearts all over our walls. The hearts had been made my them and each had a good wish or a scripture for James. Stuff like, We are thinking of you and your family. Or, We are here for you; we love you. James was surprised and delighted. The group then sang us a song they are practicing for the church Easter program. Just beautiful! Then they took requests and we had them sing our favorite Primary songs! The picture is bad, it was a little too dark outside to take a good picture without a flash; sorry. Such a great surprise! (Well, at least I had a warning....but James was surely surprised!)

(Rachel is the pretty one on the front row in the brown shirt....) They are a great group of Young Women and Rachel loves being a part of it! (Samantha can't wait until she turns 12 in July and gets to join in, too!)

Junior High South Soccer Update

2011-04-07T21:45:00.007-05:00

Rachel was thrilled to make the Junior High South soccer team as a seventh grader. She has played goalie in the local small town rec league for the last three years, so she wanted the goalie spot for her school team, too. Being a seventh grader, she knew she would be back up, since the back up goalie from last year was now the eight grader with more experience. She is riding the bench most games, but, she has had some time in goal - and a few good saves to boot! Rachel has even had some field time as defense and forward, but, she says she'd rather be in the goal! The team travels to away games and rides the school bus. I can remember the same thing in seventh grade (except I played field hockey) and it was a big deal. Fun memories of school! So far, the team has had a great season - with a record of 5 wins, 2 losses. The season has just one more game to go - against cross town rival Junior High North!

I love this snapshot of Rachel's fans! The kids love the games. Jay shouts, "Kick it Rachel", whether Rae is on the field or on the bench. So cute.

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-02T00:04:00.010-05:00

Since I'm now working and James is home and not feeling well at all, we didn't have much chance to to travel for spring break. Instead, we broke in spring at home. Here are some highlights of our week in pictures:

We took goofy pictures with Mom's phone!

Rachel spent three days at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch with friends! Samantha took horseback riding lessons (and loved every minute)! We went out for ice cream - on a school night! Samantha went to Pinnacle Mountain with her bud, Laura! Swimming at the community pool - indoors! See how Jay is holding his toes? Cuteness. We slept late, we played in the backyard and we played at friend's houses. Yeah, we played and played. And spring is officially broken in!

Fourteen Years

2011-03-28T22:51:00.011-05:00

Fourteen years ago today at 4 in the afternoon of warmish spring day, James and I were married. Here's a story from that day: James and I were sitting up on the pulpit at the church. He was sitting on one side of the aisle and I was sitting on the other. We stood to agree to our vows, with the Bishop standing between us. After we finished, James kissed his new bride, and we sat back down on opposite sides of the aisle. The Bishop said few more words to the congregation and James smiled at me from his seat - over there. Two seconds later, James jumped up, cut across the aisle, sat down next to me and kissed me again. The congregation watched it all. A sweet giggle spread through the crowd. The Bishop didn't quite know what was so funny, until he turned to sit down, and saw that James had switched seats. He turned back to the congregation and announced, "I don't blame him!" More laughter and the beginning of a new life.

Today, to celebrate, we ate out - TWICE! My folks sent us a gift card to Olive Garden, which we used for lunch - thanks to Melissa for keeping Jay! - and for supper we went to Chili's, using a gift card we were given by a secret Santa at Christmas. It was nice to spend time together - one long date, interspersed with the reality of children, but, still a great date.

James ordered ribs at Chili's. (He ordered ribs on our first date, too. Ribs go down big in BallTeam family lore.) And after supper - a stroll in dreamland. James and I checked out the 2011 Chevy Camaro Convertible. We left it on the lot.....

A Game

2011-03-24T19:37:00.006-05:00

I grew up watching public television. Ah, the days of Electric Company, New Zoo Review and Sesame Street. (Anyone remember Mulligan's Stew, or HR Puffinstuff? I can still sing those songs in my head...)

So let's play a game.... One of things doesn't belong - Can you guess which one? And why?

pumpkin pie, a dozen long stemmed roses, homemade shamrock cookies, and Quaker Oat Squares in the mail..... give up? They ALL belong together!!

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This is a made to order Tina Ball birthday celebration - I'll explain: no birthday cake, instead, my friend Mandy made me a pumpkin pie - my FAVORITE!! My parents are too far to celebrate in person - so I got roses at the office!! Shamrocks on my cookies, homemade by another dear friend, because my birthday is March 17th - St. Patrick's Day - and the cereal from my dear friend who remembered my favorites and sent it to me half way across the country!!

Also, not pictured, another friend sent me kits to make cards - LOVE THEM - and another friend gave me a pretty basket full of fresh fruit and chocolate! My kids and husband took me out to eat and I got a gift card from my folks! Plenty of texts and FaceBook greetings - I love my birthday, THANK YOU!!

Rachel, the teenager!

2011-03-20T22:39:00.005-05:00

Rachel turned 13 this week. Wow. Poor girl. Our first teenager. One week into it and so far it's going well. At 13, Rae is in the seventh grade. She doesn't love school for the academics, but, her grades are great. Rachel is busy with her class at church, she made the Junior High soccer team and she is a big help at home. Rachel is funny, in dry and witty kind of way. She is ambitious and works hard. Rachel loves to be with her friends, has become a pro at texting, and has recently proven herself at being independent. Rachel loves to bake, and she's really good at it! Rachel's brother and sisters know she can handle herself and they look up to her, whether they know that yet or not. As her parents, we can count her and we are proud of her. Rachel loves to write and dream. She can create a world with words and pull you right in with her. We all love you, Rachel; keep up the good work!

New Apron! (it's reversible!) ::: Game day (with Lindsey, left)

Fitness Challenge

2011-02-25T11:25:00.003-06:00

Samantha is in the sixth grade and the school sponsered a Fitness Challenge, with the students participating in various fitness tests - the point being to test their fitness levels. Students could choose their events - everyone did three. The choices were: basketball (most baskets in a minute), hula hooping (longest time with a hoop in motion), pull-ups (most pull ups), jump-rope (longest time, and most jumps in a minute). Girls were a separate category from boys. In sixth grade girls, Samantha brought home three ribbons - one for every event she entered! She won second place in Strongest Man (Pull-ups) with three pull ups in a minute. Samantha took first place for Hula Hoop; she kept the hoop in motion for 15 minutes, 8 seconds. Her time set a new school record! Samantha also took first place in Speed Jump; in just one minute, she jumped rope 140 times, without missing. Wow. Way to go, Samantha. We are not worried about your fitness level!

Jay is Three

2011-02-23T15:52:00.005-06:00

Three years have flown. Literally flown. Jay Michael went from a fragile little NICU baby to a full fledged B-O-Y, reeking havoc in his wake. Actually, he is quite sweet and tender. He'll hurl a ball at you with no mercy, mind you, but, he'll kiss you on the head where he hit you.

His birthday was low key. Just the ladies as party goers:

Some presents from the family, which Jay Michael knew exactly how to handle. (Open bag. Look at it, show Momma and smile for the picture.)

a new big-boy backpack for his allergy meds. Chillin...

New hot wheels and a cross stitch from Grandmom!

Jay Michael gave us a present for his birthday - he's potty trained! Thanks, Jay, it's just what we wanted! At three, Jay is a pro at the church nursery scene. He walks right in (usually) and loves singing time. He's always so proud of his picture when they color. Jay Michael will tell you "I Jay Miiiiiicool", with a sweet southern draw, when you ask him what his name is. If you ask how old are you? He answers, "I tree." He can dress himself, knows where everything in the house needs to be put away, and he loves the trampoline. He can feed the dogs, help set the table and loves to "help" Momma unload the dishwasher. Jay Michael can sing his ABC's through around H, after that it gets a little messy. He still loves any kind of ball - from footballs to lemons (which really get some distance; be careful). He eats everything, and if gets too close to anything nutty, he'll tell you "No, that tickles me".

Sweet, boisterous little prince...we love you Jay Michael.

KidBits February 2011

2011-02-19T09:43:00.012-06:00

KidBits is my way of adding a blurb about the ladies and Jay; it's usually stuff that isn't big enough for a full post - grandparent's kind of news, but, all are welcome to read on...

Rachel has been asking for Taylor Swift hair for a while now. She's not too into Taylor Swift anymore, but, loves her hair. Who doesn't? We relented on the "side bangs" and this is Rae's new hair, when it's naturally curly. She straightens it for church and school, which changes her look entirely, but, I like the curls! ps - Don't you love our Minnesota Vikings shower curtain? We do! Rachel's school conference this semester went well. She has some work to do in math, her least favorite subject, but, she was invited to AP English starting next year, in eighth grade. Soccer try outs are next week, and she is a Counselor in the Beehive presidency. Add texting her friends, and you get one busy pre-teen!

Samantha wanted to play basketball this past winter, but, we just couldn't swing it at the time. Meanwhile, we were leaving the house the other day to drop somebody somewhere, when we saw a basketball goal with a FREE sign on it. Yeah! I had the ladies push it the three blocks to the house and voila - driveway basketball court! For her school conference, Samantha was nervous. Sam is an athlete, and school in general has never been her favorite thing. She walked into this conference not being able to tell me if she was doing well, or if she would leave there in trouble for her grades. What a great conference! Mrs. Hicks, her advisory teacher (she has five different teachers, since they switch classes, but, you have a conference with the homeroom, or advisory, teacher) is her math and writing teacher. She told me that Samantha's conference was one of just a few she was looking forward to, since Samantha is doing so well this year! You go, Samantha! She has three A's and two B's! Keep it up 'til report cards come out!
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This picture is of Codi, I mean Charlotte, but, mainly of Codi. He's a great Pyrenees mixed with lab or something. He's huge, but thinks he's a lap dog. The dogs have been coming inside to sleep in the kitchen at night, since the temperatures are dipping below freezing. In this picture, Codi is yawning, not being fierce. He's a big teddy bear. Charlotte's school conference went perfectly. Her teacher tells us she is attentive, focused and well mannered. Her teacher made it a point to tell us that she appreciates a student who says yes, ma'am, or thank you ma'am, and Charlotte is a great example of manners. Wow. I'm so proud of her for using her manners at school. Great job, Charlie!white

Josephine, at six years old, is becoming our resident artist. She loves nothing better than to sit at the kitchen table and color and draw. I found her some How-To-Draw books, which walk her through each step and let her learn some drawing basics. These are Josephine's creations: a fairy and a princess fairy. She writes her name in the squiggle letters, on the fairy drawing, so I was showing her real cursive writing on the princess drawing. She likes her squiggles better. Joey's conference was great. She's reading at first grade level and, not surprisingly, loves her art class the most. She's still really attached to me when I drop her off at school, but, at least now she will get out of the van without too much drama. Every day, though, she leaves me with this command - Mom, check me out today, if you can, please?! Every day, Joey.

Jay is potty trained! Wow. What a load off our minds and our budget. He still wears a diaper at night, but, he asks to go to the bathroom first thing, and he can go all through church and nursery on Sundays without an accident. He likes to ask to use the bathroom in new places, I think just to see bathrooms everywhere. Whatever it takes, he is potty trained! Yeah, Jay Michael! This creation of blocks was a group effort. We used every block we had and he was so excited to get his picture taken. He loves building towers. Then he loves knocking them down! Jay is talking a lot, eating a lot and his allergies are still going strong. He is healthy and busy and full of personality -

his birthday is next week, but he already says, I three!

Ahoy, Pack 354

2011-02-13T22:48:00.008-06:00

I am the Webelos Leader in our Ward. Whew. These boys are ten years old and for an hour three Wednesdays a month I get to hang out with them. They work hard, play hard, and if we do it right, they learn something along the way. This month, for Pack Meeting (which is a meeting for my Webelos plus the Bears and Wolves in our Pack) we had a pirate theme and supper. Plenty of awards to hand out for the work they have been doing, plenty of games and fun. Here are some highlights, courtesy of Sister Woffinden, our Primary Counselor, Scout Mom and general super woman. Thanks for the pictures! The Scouts really went all out when we told them to dress like a pirate, didn't they? Good job!

The scouts "fighting" with their Dads to receive their rank advancements. Then everyone wanted to sword fight - even the little sisters!

And the cake/cupcakes. Treasure Map Cake! Don't you just love it? I do. I also love the way the families of our scouts are supportive - from impromptu sword fights to making great decorations and treats - I could never do any of this all alone! Thanks everyone!

Snow Balls ......

2011-02-11T00:09:00.009-06:00

This week we had almost eight inches of snow. Rachel is hoping for exactly seven and three quarter inches, since one of her teachers at school is giving extra credit for the student who predicts the exact amount.

All eight inches fell in one day. It was pretty, but, it called our little town to a dead standstill. School was out for three days, we had no babysitting kids come over, and Mom and Dad were home all day. No one left our house for three days, except Samantha playing with her friend down the street and Rachel walking to her friend's house, almost a mile away.

The ladies and Jay got out into the snow, but, it was fluffy and didn't pack well. What good is all that snow if you can't pack a decent snowball? For the most part we stayed inside and rearranged furniture, played video games and cleaned out under the beds. I did laundry. I did a LOT of laundry.

The cute kid quote of the snowstorm goes to Josephine, who after being amazed at how dark the inside of the house is after playing in the snow said, "Mom, it's a wonderland out there!"

It felt great not to get out of the house for three days. No schedules, just a mini obligatory stay-cation in the winter. I ventured outside only for pictures....

Joey and Samantha making snow angels

Rachel, with Samantha in the distance, and Codi

Jay and Charlie, trying to pack a snowball

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I honestly hope this is the last of it. The weatherman promises me it will be in the sixties next week. I'm ready for summer!

SNOW ... again

2011-02-04T18:16:00.003-06:00

I'm not a snow person. I miss the heat of summer from the first day I see a leaf fall. I wear flip flops ALL year long. It was really snowing when I made the ladies and Jay pose for the picture in the splash. They hate snow, too. Good kids.

This morning I got the ladies off to school. That was 8 am. At 9:30 I got a phone call from the school district. The voice said, "Schools will be closing today due to inclement weather and projections from the National Weather Service." Closing at 10:15. Ugh...

The snow on this blog is on the only kind I endorse! If you want it to snow on your blog, go here for instructions!

Cute Kid Quotes

2011-01-29T14:49:00.006-06:00

Jay Michael gets his first entry in the Cute Kid Quote category! He will be three next month and he is really starting to chatter! They do grow up so fast...

So for Christmas Jay got a train engine. It has lights and sounds and the wheels turn. It takes six size D batteries and Jay has loved it so well that the batteries are dead. He still plays with it, pushing it around and making the sounds himself.

One day last week he took it to James and this is the conversation I overheard:

Jay - Tain na wuking, Daddy.
James - No, Jay, the batteries are dead.
Jay - Baddries are dead?
James -Yes, we need to get more batteries.
Jay leaves, and a few minutes later, Jay returns.
Jay - Look Daddy, scooter baddreis na dead!

Charlotte's Baptism

2011-01-26T12:18:00.006-06:00

Our family belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints - also known as the Mormons. For an introduction to basic beliefs, you can click on the colored words. I wanted to share the links for non-members out there who are reading.
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Turning eight has the significance of responsibility. Charlotte is now old enough to decide if she wants to become a member of the Church and be baptized. As a member, she becomes responsible for her actions. At eight, she is old enough to know right from wrong and make her own choices.
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Charlotte chose to be baptized. Charlotte's friend, Atira, also turned eight a few weeks after Charlotte, and we held their baptisms together. There must have been twenty families there, even the Stake President came, all there to support these young ladies on their path back to their Father in Heaven. Family that couldn't attend called and wished Charlotte congratulations on her decision. It was a great day.

The Ball Team -January 2011 - Samantha, Tina, Jay (on lap), James, Josephine (on lap), Charlotte and Rachel on the floor.

Charlotte is wearing the baptism dress that my Mom (Juanita Brumbley) made for Rachel on her baptism day. Samantha wore the dress when she was baptised and Josephine is already looking forward to wearing it, too. I hope all our grandaughters will wear this dress, maybe it will even last to great-granddaughters?white

The Primary Presidency in our Ward has a sweet gift for the eight year olds that they receive when they have their baptism interviews - this towel. It's soft and white, clean and pure, and embroidered with the CTR logo. It's a great remembrance of the day!

Fishing Trip - June 2004

2011-01-22T14:42:00.013-06:00

In an attempt to make this blog a true Ball Family History, I have decided to start adding stories of our past to go along with our daily happenings. I just discovered these pictures (so sorry that the images aren't as clear as the originals) from June 11, 2004. Rachel was six, Samantha was almost five and Charlotte was two and a half. I was pregnant with Josephine. We were living in Reidsville, North Carolina and we had some friends with about twenty acres of land. Back in the woods, not too far off, was the cow pond and it was stocked. James decided the ladies needed to go fishing.

So we trekked back into the woods, and under the shade of the trees, the big ladies caught their first fishes, using cane poles. The ladies had various opinions of fishing. Rachel was happy with the process. She would hold the pole, string the line and was very interested in all the surroundings. Samantha, meanwhile, was not inclined to just sit and hold a pole over water. She was throwing rocks, climbiing trees and chasing the cows. But when her more patient sister caught the fish, but, didn't want to touch it, Samantha was all about it. They made a good team.

love those expressions! Charlotte looks so amazed!

Charlotte (2 1/2) "pets" her fish.

Daddy-daughter Moment, Samantha (almost 5 years old) and James

Cute Kid Quotes

2011-01-13T20:41:00.005-06:00

I haven't done one of these in a while, but, it's not 'cause the kids haven't said some amazing things; I've just been behind. But now, brought to you by Charlotte (eight years old):

James has this saying he uses whenever the kid (or I) start giving possibilities. "He says, If, if, if....if a frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his bum every time he jumps."

Tonight Charlotte said, "No, Daddy. If a frog had wings, I'd grab his legs and he'd say, Get off, get off, I'm trying to fly here!"

That's what would happen if a frog had wings.

Snow Carting!

2011-01-11T22:55:00.004-06:00

What to do with a second snow day? Well:

Sydney, Josephine and Charlotte driving!

Rachel, Lindsey and Samantha driving!

This treat was courtesy of our friends, the Hazeslips! Thank you for a great afternoon of speed and twists and turns in the open snow! The only injury was to an innocent mailbox....

Sixty to snow in two days!

2011-01-09T17:22:00.003-06:00

A few days ago we had weather in the 60's - it was wonderful. For a day or two of that week we even had the windows open - unseasonably warm and clear! Christmas was great for being outside and playing with friends. This shot of Jay on the dome is just what we enjoyed for almost a straight week - blue skies ultra-mild temperatures and plenty of time outdoors.

white line

On a side note, Jay has discovered that he can climb to the third tier on the dome - one more, the one at the steepest angle, and he'll be at the top! Not bad for a two year old. He'll be three in just over a month...Wow...He's so adventuresome and growing so very fast!

white line

Today - January 9 - we have snow! First snow of the season, and I hope, the last. But, the ladies enjoyed it....and there is no school tomorrow.

Charlotte is Eight!

2011-01-08T10:24:00.006-06:00

Charlotte turned eight! It's just amazing how time flies. Charlie girl. Our Christmas baby. Eight? Yes, eight! She is in second grade, she loves to swim, she loves to cook and she loves to swim. Yes, I know I said she loves to swim twice. She really loves to swim. Charlotte is strong, healthy and full of life and personality.

At school, Charlotte will tell you she loves recess and gym. Meanwhile, she is making straight 3's - the equivalent of an A in second grade. Her teacher says she is a friend to everyone and just this week she earned the music award in her class.

Turning eight is a big milestone and carries with it some weight. She is old enough to choose for herself to baptized at church (more on that in another post). She is old enough to be more accountable at home and take on more chores. She is growing up and Charlotte carries it well.

For her birthday, we were out of school on Christmas break. We had babysitting kids for the day, and Charlotte only wanted to invite her friends to go swimming.

So we made it happen:

Da Gang at the pool and a picture of Charlotte and her buds - Sydney (left) and Atira. Swimming in the winter is such fun...

Birthday Cross Stitch from Grandmom - and a much anticipated bean bag chair!

Faith in God Girls at church. It's a twice on month class for the girls between 8 and 12. Charlotte has been just itching to go for a year - since Samantha and Rachel get to go, she was ready to go with the big ladies, but she had to wait until she turned eight! Rachel has since turned 12 and left for the Youth Group, but, Charlotte got to join Samantha (yellow sweatshirt) and her friends - with Sister Gibbs, their wonderful leader - for her FIG's! They grow up so fast...

Happy Birthday, Charlotte. We all love you.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T14:56:00.006-06:00

Christmas Morning, 2010

Jay (2), Samantha (11), Charlotte (7),

Rachel (12), and Josephine (6)

Christmas is supposed to be a time of giving and surprises, a time of sharing with friends and traditions. It's a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior and His gift to the world.

This year has been one of the most stressful years. Ever. I know I said that on the last post, but, it's true. James hurt his back in January and hasn't been to work since then. His treatments and recovery have been hard on him, and hard on us all. We all believed that something would work and we would all go back to our pre-injury lives, but, he is still in a lot of pain and no surgery or rehabilitation worked for him.

Pain and suffering is one thing, but being broke with pain and suffering is quite another. I am not going into the details, but, it has been hard.

Christmas came and we didn't have the money to cover the utilities, let alone Christmas for the kids. All I want to say is thank you to all the Santas out there - my parents, James' Dad and our ward family at church - Thank you for bringing Christmas to our kids. Thank you for the gifts left at our door, the sweet treats and the gift cards slipped into our Christmas cards. Thank you all.

Another Christmas surprise came from a friend of Rachel's. We will call her M. M is a team leader at her company; she has nine people on her team. At a meeting, she emphasized that Christmas was a time of giving and that the Christmas bonuses from their company this year were generous. She told her team that they should use it for their families and their communities. Then she told a story about her daughter's friend, Rachel, although M didn't use her name. M said this family was busy - five kids - all sporty, all active and always on the go. This family was a good friend to her daughter, who spent plenty of time there and was friends with all the kids. She said the Dad had surgery and that times were hard. M admonished her team to think of families they knew, and make it a great Christmas.

M came to me about three days before Christmas, and said she had something for me. She said she wanted to come over. I said Sure, we'll be home. M pulled into our driveway and it took three people two trips each to bring in all the gifts she brought us. It was overwhelming. Each of the kids had three or four little gifts - crayons, socks, new toothbrushes, hair pretties,books and little toys. There was even a remote control car for James and dishes and silverware for me.

M told me that her team got together are decided that the family in her story should have a great Christmas. They donated gifts, or gave cash for gift cards, which M shopped for and wrapped for under our tree. The kindness of strangers! Thank you.

I tell this story not to make anyone feel bad for us - we are blessed in so many ways, and we WILL make it through this injury and rough spot with the budget - but I tell it because I want to remember it. I want it included in the history of our family - which I think this blog is. I want to tell my kids and my grandkids and my great-grandkids. I want them all to know how blessed we are.

Merry Christmas, and God Bless us, every one!

Ornaments? Sure...

2010-12-29T14:35:00.006-06:00

I haven't blogged it what feels like forever. Christmas is a stressful time of year. Life is general has been stressful this year. Add the biggest, most important holiday of the year with all its commitments and traditions, and, well, part of me has to shut down. I guess I took the blog down with me.

Now we're back.

We'll do this a little backwards. Look what I found when I disassembled the tree - new ornaments! I love my kiddos....

nerf bullets, Jay's new airplane

an animal cracker

Cinderella and the three kings!

Town Square Christmas

2010-12-04T23:27:00.006-06:00

Our little town in rural Arkansas has a town square. It's bordered by the police department, the water company, a bank, the post office and a barber. There's a big fountain in the middle and the parking lot for these offices is where the carnival sets up every summer.

This year the town had a Christmas Gathering and set up a Merry-Go-Round and big Christmas tree. Local businesses donated cookies, hot chocolate and the bikes under the tree - which were raffled off. We entered the drawings for the bikes, listened to the carolers, drank hot chocolate and rode on the merry go round.

The whole gathering was free to the town. Just stroll and enjoy the season. The trees had been decorated by the ornaments made by the elementary schools. The fire trucks were available to inspect, and there was a hay ride through town and by the railroad tracks. Small town Christmas.

Charlotte, Josephine and Samantha :: Rachel (far right) and two friends

Jay on his trusty steed :: Josephine goofing for the camera!

As a cute kids quote, I have to include a comment from Josephine about the Merry Go Round. It seems she thought that the ride was called a Miracle Round. For all her six years, she had misunderstood Merry Go Round for Miracle Round. When I heard her call it a Miracle Round at the Town party, I corrected her and said "No, Joey, it's a Merry, like you are happy, Go Round, like it takes you in circles." She said, "Ohh. I thought Miracle Round was right because the horses are on poles, but they still go in circles and go up and down." Joey, you are adorable.

Thanksgiving Week

2010-11-27T13:07:00.013-06:00

The weather in Central Arkansas has been spectacular. Seriously. Low seventies, no humidity. Light breeze. Clear skies. Gorgeous fall colors.

The ladies had the full week of school off. We had plenty of playdates.

Lots of Rock Band. Day or Night? Still jammin'....

We had visits with family. This is Jim Ball, James' Dad. The truck is Jeannie, named for his wife. Rachel, Jay and I went down to meet Popop Jim at work and Rachel got to drive and park the big truck! She was so excited. Jay got to ride and that was thrilling enough for him. He told me, "I ride big tuck, Momma."

We had plenty of artwork and playing school. Tons of jumping on the trampoline and playing at parks. I wasn't kidding when I said beautiful weather. The only rain we had was on Thanksgiving Day.

And, a turkey. Funny story - our house was struck by lightening, and a few random things quit working - one of which was the oven. So, I cooked it at our friend's house (thanks again, Krista) and the picture of Charlotte above is her guarding the finished turkey on its journey to our house to eat it! Her name was Alice and she was pretty tasty, if I do say so myself...

We have so very much to be grateful for. Thank you to all of you for even reading the blog and leaving comments. Each of you, near and far, old and new, family and friends, touch our lives and we are grateful for each of you. Happy Thanksgiving from the BallTeam!

Thanksgiving Tradition

2010-11-20T17:19:00.002-06:00

As a start to Thanksgiving week, I just wanted to share our newest tradition - the Gratitude Calendar. Each day, each family member adds something to the calendar for which he or she is grateful. No repeats. We all help Jay, since he is only two. Otherwise, he would be thankful for footballs and basketballs every day. I know this picture may be hard to make out, but, the list includes sweet and humbling entries like - my parents, testimonies and Jesus; to fun and whimsical entries like - slippers, candy and elbows. In all, by Thanksgiving on the 25th, we should have 175 entries!

Charlotte's New Style

2010-11-19T10:30:00.002-06:00

Charlotte has developed a new style. Bandannas. She won't leave the house or even come out of her room without one. The school lets her wear them; even though they felt it necessary to explain to me that hats are not permitted, they will allow her bandanna since it more closely resembles a headband. Charlotte started the bandanna craze when she got a haircut she didn't like. I think she did a great job of turning what she saw as a negative into a new, stylin' positive. Way to go, Charlotte!

Playground Hopping

2010-11-19T09:56:00.002-06:00

Last week we had some inCREDidble weather. Just perfect. And to boot, the ladies had a day off of school so the teachers could attend some professional training meeting. We can't stay inside with the weather so beautiful outside, so we grabbed our friends and hit the playgrounds. Of the six kiddos in this picture, only three are mine. My older ladies were at friends' houses and I took the little set here playground hopping. We hit three playgrounds, having lunch somewhere in there, too. When school is out we love to go play at playgrounds of schools we don't attend. Fresh Air and Friends!

KidBits -- 9 November 2010

2010-11-09T13:27:00.007-06:00

Our comings and gong, but, not quite enough for a full sized post. This is the Halloween candy fun-sized version.... :)

Our backyard doesn't have much grass. It's mainly dirt. We have tons of shade trees, which are great for shade, but, not so great for growing grass. Shade trees are also great for producing leaves in the fall. This week the ladies raked up the leaves and we had a bonfire. Complete with marshmallows. Good work ladies. We'll do it again next week...

Josephine has curly hair. It's just adorable. This week for church, though, she decided she wanted it straight and Rachel obliged. Which do you like better?

First picture: Charlotte is reading Charlotte's Web with her class. She's read books before, but, this one was exciting because she was the center of attention, since she shared the name in the title. She says she's the spider of her classroom! Charlotte even brought her own copy of the book to class (a Christmas gift from her grandparents last year.) When her class is finished with the book, they'll watch the movie. Second picture: Jay and "K" and I went to the grocery store this week. I filled the cart, and Jay had to be a big boy -- he had to walk AND hold the cart. This was his first time and he was great. Such the little man.

Happy Halloween

2010-11-03T07:30:00.003-05:00

Mario, Cheerleader, Skeleton, Cheerleader and Hippie

Halloween, 2010

KidBits October 2010

2010-10-29T10:09:00.010-05:00

KidBits is my way of posting a little about each of the ladies and Jay. It's nothing huge, and mainly for the grandparents, but, feel free to come along...

Rachel dressed like this for school. Groovy. Homecoming week in Junior High included a court and dressing up in different themes through the week. This was Rae on decade day. I wish I had taken a picture on nerd day. She rocked that one, too!

Samantha went our to feed the dogs last week and found this beautiful chicken on the hood of her Dad's car. Really? She wanted to keep it. James and I wanted to serve it with BBQ sauce. In the end, we gave her to our friend who has a roost of six chickens in her backyard. Red Velvet, as Samantha named her, will be very happy there.

Charlotte is our resident chef-in-training. This lady is all about the kitchen. Last week she made French toast. Her specialty is sandwiches and she always reminding me what we need at the store. She wants to be a chef one day and we are thinking that it's a great idea!

Josephine had her first field trip, which meant her first ride on a school bus. She saw the Wizard of Oz at the high school, put on by the drama classes. The very next day, she had a second field trip, this time to the pumpkin patch. Kindergarten is great fun!

Jay is speaking in paragraphs now and sings along with the radio, which is dang cute. He loves anything that involves a ball. He has even caused a delay of game at Rachel's soccer game, because he was on the field chasing their ball. That's my boy. He throws, kicks, punts, catches, bats and chases any ball he sees. This sometimes includes round fruit. Whenever I say, Jay, let's go to the van. He always says, Ball come, Momma? So sweet.

And, a few goof ball shots. Just because the kids like to act like goof balls in public.....

Demonaters

2010-10-27T10:32:00.003-05:00

How fitting that a girls soccer team with a Halloween-ish type name - DEMONATERS - should end it's season so close to Halloween! Rachel was one of two goalies and played in every game mostly as the goalie, and occasionally coming out to play defender. She is pictured here with her friend Kayla. At the end of the year pizza party, Rae's coaches said a little bit about each girl on the team. Coach said Rae was spunky, worked hard at practice and was not afraid to get after the ball, no matter how many kicks she took. Demonators lost only two of ten games and traveled as far as an hour to play some talented teams. Great season, Rachel. I bet you have many more!

Hick's Farm

2010-10-26T14:14:00.015-05:00

We found a local taste of the season: Hick's Farm! We'll show you...

haybale mazes for the little guys. Sorry Jay's eyes are shut - it was a bright sunshiney day.

cornfield mazes for the big kids - it was about three acres. I got lost...

farm animals to feed

Samantha used her whole hand as the calf's bottle...

hayrides - nothing haunted. Except those goat's eyes. Creepy...

digging for treasure

friendly scarecrows in the field

pony rides

Local friends can call me and I'll give directions. We had a great day out with friends and fresh air. But I didn't take any pictures in the pumpkin patch...

Joey is Six

2010-10-04T13:42:00.006-05:00

Six fingers? Six years old? Can it be? Yes, it is true. Josephine Lisette is SIX! For Joey's sixth "purse-day" she wanted to make purses with her friends and eat Boston Creme Pie. And so we did just that. Plus doughnuts on a string; great fun.

Decorating Purses :::: No hands!

The "loot" :::::: Sign from school

The paper Joey is holding is the teacher's notes to the kids on what will happen that day in kindergarten. Joey got to bring it home on her birthday and it reads: "Happy Birthday Josephine. Today is October 1, 2010. We will make applesauce today. We will go to P.E. today." Joey reports that the applesauce was fun, but not too tasty. She was really excited, too, because hers was the first birthday of the class so far. She felt like everyone at school knew it was her birthday. Her teacher made a big deal of it. Line leader, seat up front for storytime, helper to pass out snacks, all the good stuff!

Later we went shopping with the gift card from GrandDad and GrandMa (thank you!) and Joey picked out a FurReal Bear Cub that makes noises and snores when it sleeps! She named it Savannah.

At six, Joey can ride a two wheeler (to school, even) and write her full name. She is still reluctant to get out of the van or out of the house to head to school in the morning, but, her teacher reports that she is happy and involved while she is there. Joey says she is a "popular" girl and she has lots of friends. She can set the table, put all her clothes away and change diapers, although non e of those activities are really what she wants to do. Joey loves to dance, sing and be outside. She is funny without even trying and has quite the imagination. We all love you, Joey!

Maryland

2010-10-03T15:42:00.012-05:00

I have an amazing sister in law. Her name is Tina, but, since that's my name, we call her Abbie. She is feisty and sweet, all mixed in the perfect proportion. This picture with her and my brother, Eric, was taken while they were enjoying a Caribbean resort after one of Eric's many, many deployments. Army life might not have been her choice, but, she makes it work because Eric IS her choice. They act like newlyweds, still.

So when Eric was about to turn 40 I was asking her what outrageous idea she had. I knew it would be big. It was. She said, Beans, I am flying you and Sydney (pictures later, Eric's daughter, who lives in New Hampshire) to Maryland to surprise Eric - you'll be here for four days, okay? I told her I could be packed and at the airport in less than an hour!

For four days I was in Maryland. I met Eric at the airport, spent the next two days with our parents and other brother, David, at our folks house. We relaxed and chatted and chatted. It was great. And thanks, Ma, for the scrapple for breakfast - fanTAStic!!

The next two days were a different kind of great - the saltier kind. We went down to the shore, where we all grew up, and Eric had his birthday bash with Abbie's side of the family, and I had some down time with the ocean. Ahh. I missed it.

Some photo highlights:

I think I had crabs with almost every meal - steamed, crab cakes, crab balls, crab dip, crab imperial, ahhhh, yum! ::::::: Me with Ma and Dad, September 2010

Eric's Kids: Sydney (18), Tyler (15) and Gavin (9)

Eric with an Ocean City staple - Thrasher's Fries.

Me in the Atlantic and the Kites on the beach.

It was raining and misty, so the pictures aren't good.

Thank you , Abbie and Eric - I had an amazing trip. Oh, and Eric, Happy Birthday, by the way!

Eric, Sydney, Me, David, Ma and Dad: September 2010

Family

2010-09-15T14:20:00.003-05:00

This picture of our family was taken about nine months ago, just before our youngest turned two. I'm awful about family pictures. Photos of the kids - plenty of those - portraits with us all, though, I'm not so diligent.

I am posting this one today because I love it, but also because lately I have been surrounded by people with marital problems, relationship problems, family problems. We are far from perfect. Not every moment at our house or in our lives is complete bliss, but, we are a family. We are sealed together forever. We will work together, play together and learn together. I am grateful every day to a loving Father in Heaven who allows me to fix mistakes, grow as His daughter, and be my own person. In a world that seems to be full of contention and discord, I am secure in the knowledge that my family can be forever.

Success!

2010-09-10T14:52:00.005-05:00

Josephine just loves her mother. She shows me every morning when I TRY to take her to school. She won't just jump out of the van and skip merrily to class. No. I have to walk in the building with her, deposit her to her classroom, where her patient and understanding teacher then peels her away from me so that I might escape. Some of her older sisters went through a phase like this, but, not to this extreme or for this long.

The first help in this situation of cutting the apron strings was a friend from church. "E" is in kindergarten at Josephine's school, though not in the same class. Her family lives not far from us. So all last week, Josephine (and Charlotte) were able to ride to class with "E" and her Mom. The first day, Josephine refused to get into their van, but, the second day, she hopped right in and didn't look back. "E" walks home in the afternoons with our little ladies, Charlie and Joey, so that helps, too.

And then, after about a week of riding with "E" in the mornings, Joey announces that she is ready to ride her bike. Charlotte was thrilled, since she has patiently been waiting for her little sister to brave the bike ride. One step at a time, I suppose. Go, Josephine, go!

Mojo 155

2010-09-07T12:11:00.003-05:00

Mojo Monday had to wait until Tuesday this week - Labor Day picnics trump cards, sorry! (No pun intended...)

First the sketch from Mojo Monday and my entry. Yes, it's a Mother's Day card. Hey, you can never be too early for your Mom, right?

Date Night

2010-09-04T21:13:00.005-05:00

We have five kids. Five kids can get all piled together pretty easily. It's important, but, not always easy, to single them each out for a little time away from the pack. That's what happened this weekend, though it was all by happy accident.

Rachel had a get-together for the youth in our ward. Samantha had an invitation to go four wheeling with her friend at the lake. Charlotte was invited to a friend's house to watch the Camp Rock II premiere with more than a half dozen other friends.

What about Josephine and Jay? We made it a date night. Ice cream and playing at the park. All smiles!

On The Road to Recovery ....

2010-09-02T08:58:00.005-05:00

James has been "down" since January of this year with a back injury and the resulting treatments, physical therapies and surgery. It's been a hard year. Last week, though, he had his follow up with the surgeon and got great news - his vertebrae are fused! James can now get off of the couch he has occupied for the last seven months and join us in living life.

James and his exercise partner, Jay Michael.

On the down side, I had to iron a shirt for church for him for the first time in seven months; I haven't missed ironing....

Now he'll have seven weeks of physical therapy and exercise then, after another doctor's visit - back to work! Wow. He will back to his old basketball playing, rough-housing with the kiddos self before long.

Off to School

2010-08-19T14:06:00.008-05:00

The school year started today and everyone except Jay is gone. I might be able to blog a little more now. I could clean, or make cards, or fold some laundry, too, but, there will be plenty of time for all of it...first, some pictures!

This year marks a few milestones for the Ball Team in school. First, Rachel is in junior high. Yes, junior high. She was a little anxious about the normal school stuff (where are my classes? who will I eat lunch with? will I get lost? will the eighth and ninth graders be really mean?), but overall she was excited and feeling quite grown up.

white

Josephine starts kindergarten. She did a brief stint in pre-K, but, I pulled her out after almost two months of peeling her off of my leg every morning. You are only four once, so I decided if she wanted to be home, let her. Kindergarten is for keeps, we told her all summer, so she knows there's no pulling her out of school this time. Joey was still pretty reluctant, but I stayed through morning announcements and the teacher very skillfully got the class (with many nervous little ones) engaged and involved. I slipped out the door as they started talking about what the schedule was for the day. She will be fine, just like her sisters all will be, too.

Charlotte has two good friends in her class, so she is good to go. Samantha has a few friends on her team (sets of four classes that all move together, that's the middle school way of doing things) and two good buds in her class. She was more excited than nervous.

Back at home, I intend to get the house back in order after a summer of serious use. (One room at a time....) Jay Michael seems oblivious that he has been alone all day - happy to have the attention of Mom and Dad. Routine is good for us all!

One more group shot...

Hightop Mojo

2010-08-16T12:56:00.007-05:00

School shopping this year had an unexpected surprise - new shoes for Rachel. Rachel did not really need new shoes for school, but, she saw these hightops and loved them. I loved them too, after I saw the price - $3.24. Yes, $3.24. Sold.

Rae's new shoes further served as inspiration for a card! Who knew? (I have to tell you that this cracks me up. Those of you who know me, know that I own one pair of shoes at a time. Always sandals. I only wear shoes when I just have to. To be inspired by shoes is just comical for me.) I love the color combination with the bright yellow and green, offset by the heavy neutral of the deep grey.

Head on over to Mojo Monday to see what inspired others in this week's challenge. And hey, if you are a stamper - play along; get your Mojo on!

KidBits August 2010

2010-08-13T09:54:00.022-05:00

Just a little KidBit from each of the ladies, and Jay:

Rachel has been busy this summer with mowing the grass, going to Girls Camp and earning money from babysitting and cleaning houses. She is already practicing with her fall soccer team and has her schedule for 7th grade. They do grow up so fast, don't they? She even makes amazing pancakes! This picture was just before she left for Girls Camp.

Samantha never stopped practicing with her gym team but has now moved to evening practice, getting ready for the school schedule. She has also made money this summer by dog-sitting! She's had three families call her and ask her to take care of their pets while they are away for vacation. Samantha's swimmers ear came back with a vengeance, so she had some down time, too. This picture is Samantha doing a backhandspring at the gym.

white

Charlotte finished her swim team at the end of July but was on such a schedule of 8am practices that she couldn't sleep in her the summer! She was in constant motion with playdates and swimming - a great seven year old summer. Here she is with her caterpillar friends that she wanted to keep as pets in her room. I said no. She will soon start the second grade and has organized all her clothes into outfits, just to be ready!

white

Josephine took a summer ballet class, and was the ONLY student! For an hour once a week she trained for her future as a prima ballerina! Thank you Shelby! She had some shy days, and Mom had to stand at the bar with her, but, overall I think she's a little more independent and more prepared for next week - Kindergarten!

white

Jay was just Jay. Busy, busy, busy! He's speaking in complete sentences, but, has his own way of saying things. For example, soccer is "kickaball" and blocks are "towers". He's so dang "shute"; here he is worn out and napping during nursery at church!

And our "addition" to the family - Lexi. Sweet, sweet girl. And as I say that, remember, I am NOT a dog lover. We are just "dog-sitting" while her owners settle into their new house, 1,500 miles from here. I will miss her when she goes to her new family home.

Christmas Already?

2010-08-09T16:38:00.002-05:00

I have this habit of sneaking away from my "duties" and playing with my toys. There are others who share my secret getaway - and hope they enjoy the escape as much as I do. Lately I have found a few blogs to help me with design and color schemes (try here for design ideas and here for color schemes).

Just wanted to share a little on me only, since this place is pretty much about the wonderful ladies and Jay, who deservedly take up so much of my time, energy and blog!

And if you are ready to start on your Christmas cards, call me. Let's make 'em!

Samantha, still Eleven

2010-08-05T22:30:00.006-05:00

Samantha wanted a day at the lake for her birthday. We tried three different days to get there, but, we just couldn't get a plan together. As I was taking with some Moms about our plan I learned a little something about lakes. Did you know that lakes breed bacteria and can become unhealthy when a few factors come together. Lately we have had temperatures over 100 degrees for twenty-some straight days. Hot, hot. We also have had no substantial rainfall for any of that time. So, the lake we wanted to visit had no fresh-water feed; it was essentially a five acre puddle. Mix all this together and you get problems. The lakes are known to spread a little condition called swimmer's itch, which you can read more about here, but, it's a nasty little thing, so be warned. Yuck.

So, we decided against the risk and called it all off. Again. Samantha took it well. This poor girl, so looking forward to spending a day with her friends and family, denied again. The more we thought about it, the more we realized, let's just throw a party anyway. I called and texted our friends and said for everyone to come swim at our friend's pool - the wonderfully generous friends who opened their beautiful backyard pool to friends on certain days of the week! We kept it a secret from Samantha, and got some of her favorite food together - watermelon, skittles, veggies and dip.

Success! We had a great afternoon beating the heat in properly chlorinated water - no little nasties to invade our skin!

watermelon candles ::: first piece of "cake"

watermelon smiles!!

Samantha is Eleven

2010-08-02T16:20:00.004-05:00

Samantha turned eleven this week! Wow. Always an original, Samantha did not want a birthday cake. She wanted jelly beans, (the GOOD kind, Mom, she said) and she made everyone in the family the recipes on the package as our "pieces of cake" - blueberry muffins, hot chocolate, pina coladas and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Try that with a regular birthday cake.

We are going to Indian Lake later this week to celebrate, but, we had gifts from the grandparents - school clothes and a cross stitched birth announcement.

Samantha wants to be a marine biologist when she grows up and has decided that she will not leave home. She's going to live at home forever. She is athletic, dedicated and loyal to her friends and family. She is the only girl in her class at church - the only girl in a class of seven. And though she'll complain, I think at heart she's okay with it. Samantha loves her dogs, loves to be outside, and loves gymnastics. She says we'll all see her at the Olympics. winning the gold.

At eleven, she will start the sixth grade this fall. Samantha's favorite subject is science and her least favorite is math. She is in Activity Girls at church, and is anxious to follow her big sister out of the Primary and into Young Women. Samantha is great at saving money and does well when she has goal to work toward. Keep up the good work, Samantha! We're right behind you all the way!

First Swim Season

2010-07-31T11:13:00.006-05:00

Charlotte joined the swim team at parks and rec in our little town. Practices started in April and continued through July. Once school ended, practice was every day and meets were on Saturdays. It was a pretty grueling schedule for a seven year old, but, since her friend, Sydney was also on the team and her Mom picked Charlotte up every morning at 8 am, we made it a habit to be up early in the summer. (I wasn't a complete slouch, I did the pick up and delivery home after practice....)

Her dive improved, her strokes improved, and now when we swim for fun, she gives pointers to everyone on how to swim. Charlotte is confident and ready to join again next year. I think we found her sport!

Charlotte with her ribbons, and her 'trophy' - the embroidered towel! (Isn't that cool?) The medals are (in order): qualifying for States, Coach's medal (she and Sydney won the coveted "comes to practice looking like she just rolled out of bed" award!), and Silver medal for girls 7/8 25 yard freestyle.

Some highlights: Charlotte qualified for the State Meet in two strokes: backstroke and freestyle. In freestyle, she finished second in the State for 7/8 year old girls. Fantastic, Charlotte! In backstroke, she would have finished fourth, but, she disqualified because she turned over at the very last second to reach for the timer/touch pad. Aw. To her credit, that was her first meet ever using a touch pad for time; she was used to just a kickboard to cushion her head and a timer standing over the pool. Still, she would have had fourth!

Some photos of the season:

warm ups ::: waiting for her event

Sydney and Charlotte, Friends and Swimmers

Flowers

2010-07-17T11:45:00.002-05:00

This is my first before/after post. So many blogs out there are dedicated to the whole before/after conversations. I guess I just don't do much in the way of makeovers. Here goes my first one:

This bag was manly: so sturdy and grey. I loved the size and shape. I loved the inside zipper. What I did NOT love, was easy to fix - the Dickies label on the front and the dullness of it. Blah.

I have a wonderful friend named Katie. She sews, she cans, she sings, she climbs canyons. She rocks. ;} Check out her creations by clicking here. Once a month, she comes up with a craft idea, gets all the stuff together, makes a sample and invites everyone over to try it. I love these escapes where I can learn and hang out with my friends. Glorious.

My bag was the perfect fit for this month's project: fabric rosettes. Here is my made over bag, sporting two different looks:

The red/white/black rosette was not my doing. Credit for that one goes to Tiffanie. She's also amazing. My other amazing friends that were there with us were Megan, Dawn and Brandy. Next month you are ALL invited!

HairBalls

2010-07-15T17:00:00.003-05:00

Quick: Can you identify the HairBalls?

Mad Ball Skills

2010-07-13T22:34:00.002-05:00

This is Jay's newest trick. I am such a proud Momma. Some kids are potty training at 2 1/2, or speaking in complete sentences. Not our boy. Nope. He can do all those things later. Today, he can balance a ball on his heels. I can't do video, or I would have included the second half of this trick, which is thrusting the ball as high as he can - usually a direct aim at the ceiling fan. He hasn't hit it yet. Maybe next week.

Fourth!

2010-07-06T11:45:00.012-05:00

Our Fourth of July was very laid back this year. The great part is that laid back is perfect for the Fourth of July. Our kind of holiday. We had a long weekend with swimming:

Our ward had a picnic with friends, food and fireworks.

Rae made this dessert - it's jello and cool whip. It's a grand ole flag!

And we ended our three day holiday with the town's display of fireworks (thank you Bartletts for having us over! (Josephine took this picture of the fireworks!)

Also enjoyed but not pictured was plenty of watermelon, more time with friends and stories about Fourth of July celebrations past.

When the kids ask for bedtime stories, we have a tradition of Ancestor stories. It all actually started because picking out the book, deciding who sat where and turning all the lights on did more to rile everyone up than induce a sleepy atmosphere. So, with the lights off and everyone tucked, James and I tell stories. The ladies pick the person and subject. We come up with a story. Over the weekend, James and I got tell stories of our favorite fireworks and cookouts.

If you don't want to hear a possibly boring story, move to the next post. But, for those who may be remotely interested, let me tell you about the Fourth of July, 1976...

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. In 1976, the country celebrated - big time. I remember it clearly because we had special props and poses for our school pictures that year, we learned patriotic songs and had a big school production celebrating the Founding Fathers through song. We had fireworks for what seemed like weeks, we even had an Independence Day parade, a first for our little town. I was nine years old. The USA was 200 years old.

My parents threw a party at our house. We had crabs and oysters and hamburgers and homemade peach ice cream. My grandparents and aunts and uncles were there and lots of cousins. After all that food (and horseshoes and kites) we watched the fireworks from our front yard. I remember a crowd showed up. I think the whole Ward was there, because this particular year was the first summer in our new house plus, the fireworks were set off at the Civic Center, which was behind the cornfield across the street. We had front row seats at the perfect viewing distance! (Later that year we could watch as the Civic Center burned to the ground, too.)

I will always remember that Fourth as a great day in my carefree childhood. Surrounded by family, friends and food. When I was nine, that's what America was all about.

Fearless

2010-07-01T00:03:00.003-05:00

No, I'm not talking about Taylor Swift's album...

It's Jay who's fearless!!

When I Listen

2010-06-30T22:00:00.007-05:00

Today I had a card project I wanted to finish. Making cards is a great love of mine. I enjoy the process, the diversity, the discovery, the methods...I just love to escape into a project. In real life, however, I can't always escape. Today I had two babysitting kids, five of my own at home, and somebody, something, always seems to need me. I was still determined to finish this card. At one point in my day, two kids were at sports practices, another was busy in her summer major (more on that in another post...), the little kids were busy with building Lego creations and I thought I might could slip into my cards...

The only one who was not engrossed in something was Josephine. Joey is five. She is just adorable, and I'm not just saying that 'cause I'm her Mom; she has huge brown eyes and luscious curly hair and a demure way about her. She's our dancer and our Mom-wanna-be. Another quality of Josephine's - persistence. Wow. Seriously to the point of nagging and whining.

So while I wanted to work on my card project, Joey wanted me to play with her. I told her to go play in her room, I told her to join in with the little kids, I told her to jump on the trampoline, brush her hair, watch a movie, color a picture, play on my iPhone, sweep the floor - ANYTHING! To every suggestion of mine, hers was the same, No, Mom; come play. Josephine, I said, just let me get this done.

I went back into card-land and Josephine persisted. Play, Mom. No, Jo. Okay, she said. I want to make a card.

Now let me just say that the kids are NOT supposed to touch my stuff. My toys. And I get very nervous when little kids come close enough to touch. I'm not really proud of how possessive I am, but, these are my toys, and the ladies and Jay have heard from the very first: don't touch Mom's toys.

I relented. I gave Joey some scraps from my project, a punch and some stamps. I kept a close eye on her. In no time, she had arranged a nice pattern, tacked it all down and added some sparkle. Next she was asking me for spellings because she was writing inside her card. She had made a thank you card for her friend who had taken her swimming last week. What a sweet little lady.

I was trying to get rid of her, and she was a natural at making a card. I'm such a better Mom when I listen.