Ice, Ice Baby!

I'm not sure who is the well trained one in this picture.  The dogs or Jeff.  As everyone knows, we don't feed the dogs table food.  Not only is it not good for them, but Jeff insists it's to make sure that they never learn to "beg".  Ok, so a little popcorn now and then doesn't hurt anyone...but that's as far as I'd push it.  Who knew that the one thing they would learn to beg for was ice?  You can't go anywhere near the fridge without both dogs following you, standing at attention, just waiting for their piece.  They're addicted to it.  If they hear the ice machine start, they come running.  And from the picture, you can guess who got them started, right?

Oh well, I guess there are worse things they could be begging for.

What's Your Game?

Just Do It.  Nike's decade old tag line encouraging you to find your game.  Breaking my arm playing basketball in the 7th grade pretty much ended my desire to be a professional athlete...so I had to find a different game.  The combination of being slightly competitive and a tech junkie has made online games my passion.  Thankfully, Jeff shares the same interest.  W is a PlayStation junkie, so I guess he got the gene too.  H is just as competitive, but only in person.  Just ask his baseball coach. 

Anyway, our current favorite is Bejeweled Blitz.  We've been playing it for a while, trying to one up each other each week.  Thankfully, scores reset each Tuesday, giving us the opportunity to work our magic and outscore the others by weeks end.  Every once in a while, I'm sure the neighbors can here one of us celebrating a victory.  And make no mistake, we aren't celebrating being at the top of our leader board, we're just celebrating outscoring the other.  No, we're not the least bit competitive.

When the Dogs Away....

The cat will play.  Sorry for the less than stellar picture, but my phone was all I had handy when I walked in the bedroom to put laundry away and found Fancy taking a cat nap (no pun intended) on Willow's bed.  It's not the first time I've caught her, just the first time I was quick enough to snap a picture.  If there was any doubt on who is the queen of the animals, there shouldn't be now.

A Pinch of Salt

Table salt, not one of my favorite things.  Himalayan Salt Crystals, definitely now my favorite thing!  While we were in Blue Ridge, we ran across a new store, The Rusted Buffalo.  It was a quaint little store full of salt crystal lamps.  I was in love, long before the store owner overwhelmed me with the benefits of having the crystals in your home.  Cleaner air, less dust, no more allergies, etc.  While all of those would be nice, I fell in love with the look of them.  A bowl of embers, glowing 24 hours a day.  And I wasn't the only one who fell in love with them.  The boys each picked one as their vacation souvenir, Jeff and I picked two beautiful baskets for the living room and bedroom, Mom took one home for her book shelves, Jan and Gary picked one up, as did Jenny and Chris.  I'm sure we've kept The Rusted Buffalo in business for another couple of months, at least.  I'm hoping that we'll all have to dust a little less often and sneeze a little less frequently.  But if not, I'll be just as happy with our purchase.  A beautiful reminder of a wonderful vacation.

More Toes

Yes, we're home and this is still a picture of Blue Ridge.  Leaving this morning was difficult, but we're all glad to be home.  I know we'll all sleep a little better tonight in our own beds.  We'll each spend the next couple of days getting back into the swing of things, a dose of real life.  I'm excited to get to work on H's senior pictures, take W to Kings Island and catch up on some season finales with Jeff.

But just in case I'm grumpy over the next few days, I thought I would post this picture from last night.  To remind us all that times flies...and before we know it, we'll be back on the lake with our toes in the clay.

All Good Things Must Come To An End

Such a bittersweet day. As always, the weather was beautiful and we got to spend most of the day on the lake. I have a nasty sunburn to prove it. But the morning started with Mom and Dads departure, signaling the end was near. By late afternoon, the boat was out of the water and the dock was cleared. After dinner, the refrigerator was cleaned out and the cars are now all loaded. A quick rain shower threatened our last evening on the deck, listening to the lake. Thankfully, it passed quickly. The boys have their souvenirs, I've collected my quartz and clay. Jeff and I are memorizing the sound of the lake so we can replay it in our minds on those cold, Ohio days. Abby will miss the boat. W will miss skiing. H will miss the jokes and the laughter. Jeff will miss the lake. Chris will miss the thrills. Jenny will miss the quiet. Mom, Dad, Jan and Gary will miss the relaxing days. I will miss seeing those I love most being so carefree and happy.

All good things must come to an end....but the memories will last a lifetime.

Zippity Doo Dah!

When the boating weather is a little less than cooperative and you're looking for a fun, family activity, what do you do? Zip Lines, of course! Ok really, it's not an activity that I would normally think twice about. But since Chris was interested and we had a little time to kill, the boys, Jeff and I decided to tag along. Jeff was a definite no go, I was skeptical but the boys were in...no doubt about it. When we arrived and saw the starting point was the side of the mountain, Jeff and I were sure that we could do it. At an altitude of 300 feet, we were harnessed to 1750 feet of zip line and sent on our way. It was at the coolest 1 minute of my life. The boys thought it was awesome and I think Jeff enjoyed himself a little bit. One more thing that we can cross off of our bucket list. It was certainly an event that none of us will forget!

A Good Nights Sleep

The boys have slept like babies all week with the fresh air, tubing and water skiing. Blue Ridge has that effect on all of us. But last night, Jeff and I were able to sleep just a little sounder. Its not often that we are lucky enough to have all three of the boys sleeping under one roof. Stormy weather delayed Austin's visit by an hour or two, but nothing got in the way of all of the fun the boys had today. Hopefully this short visit is one of many.

Aquired Tastes

There a million foods in the world that I probably won't eat. W and I have made a pledge to try at least a few of them. So when we passed a sign today that said "Fresh Boiled Peanuts Sold Here", we made a quick turn and found ourselves running in the front door. As a kid, I grew up on boiled peanuts. At one point, I was sure that they were a food group. But Ohio doesn't have the road side stands, so I've been living without them for years. Today, I was determined to get W and everyone else to try them so that we could add it to our list of foods. The boiled peanuts were a hit with W, but not with everyone else in the house. So Jeff, W and I have eaten half of the package....which leaves the rest for tomorrow. I wonder if the corner store will be open on Sunday before we head back. Just in case it's not, we'll have to find a recipe to make them at home.

The Masters

It's been a great week so far! The weather has been beautiful (up until tonight's thunderstorm) and we've been able to boat for hours each day. Hopefully, it will continue. It's also been a week of firsts. Abby took her first boat ride. Chris jumped off of the top of the dock for the first time. And finally, the boys were able to stay up on their skis for more than a second or two. In fact, Will skied around the lake. It's been a lot of fun for them....they'll go home as Ski masters. Maybe I will too, we'll see how tomorrow goes.

It's Not Bed Time, It's Boat Time!

There are always some surprises that come with vacation. Especially when you have an explorer in the group. In the few minutes that Abby was out if the water (and I mean a few), she was off exploring the yard and reporting back with all of her findings. The prettiest thing that's she's found so far was the beautiful lily. She's also found a lizard, shells and some "really pretty shiny rocks". Most importantly, she's found a love of boating. Uncle Jeff was told that no less than one ride a day would be acceptable. Thankfully, it doesn't take much to convince Jeff to take the boat out.

Happy Fathers Day!

First, let me wish a Happy Fathers Day to all of the wonderful men in our life....Dad, Jeff, Gary, Charlie, Scott and Chris.

To say how thankful I am to have spent Fathers Day with Dad is next to impossible. There just aren't enough words to express it. I had planned to write a long list of things that Dad taught me or a list of my favorite memories....I'd been planning it for a month. But today, all I want to do is express to everyone how amazing it is to have wonderful parents in our life. Friends will come and go. Siblings are awesome. Spouses are life changing.....but parents, they're forever. They keep you humble and grounded. They remind you of every minute of your life because they've been there for it all. The ups, the downs, the great moments, the broken hearts..all of the experiences that make up your lifetime. No one can take their place.

So give your Dad a hug today (and your Mom, too!) and remember to say an extra thank you before you lay your head on the pillow. Without the wonderful parents in your life, you wouldn't be who you are.

Looks Like We Made It!

Wow, it's been a long day. We should have known that we left Maineville this morning and the rain started, we should have just pulled over and waited it out. But no, we continued on and the weather continued to deteriorate at a rapid pace. In one eight hour trip we saw sun, rain, hail and high winds. What should have been a relaxing start to our vacation turned into a long day that included lots of cuss words :). Thankfully, W had his head phones on for most of the trip. But I stand by one fact....a bad day in Blue Ridge beats the heck out of a good day in Ohio. Tomorrow I will wake up, listening to the lake and know that life is good.

They Hatched!

Just in time for us to leave on vacation...the babies have been born!  There are four of the little cuties, hanging out in the nest waiting for the next feeding.  Getting them to show their face was next to impossible, but this little guy was up for a quick game of peek-a-boo.  Today, the whole family ventured out of the nest so I expect them to be flying high by the time we get back from Blue Ridge.  What a cool experience for the whole family!

One More Mouth to Feed

I wish I had that kind of balance.  I have trouble sitting that steady on the couch.  Thankfully, I'm not the only clumbsy one in the family...H is a little off balance sometimes too.  Jeff and W are pretty steady, but I'm guessing not steady enough to sit on a tree branch and eat.  Truthfully, I'm just impressed that this little guy sat there long enough for me to go get my camera and snap a couple quick pictures.  He's been hanging around for months, eating nuts in the yard.  But the way I look at it - one more mouth to feed :) 

Possibly Purple

Pretty toes. One of the things that I love most about being a girl. Who knew that a pedicure would become one of my favorite things too. I didn't get the first one until last year and boy, did I fall in love! So much nicer than trying to prop my leg on the side of the tub and pretend that I'm as flexible as a cirque performer while trying not to spill a bottle of hot pink sludge on the carpet. Anyway, with Blue Ridge only a few days away, I thought I would take a few minutes and get my toes done. Half an hour of heaven....in your choice of colors. I chose Possibly Purple. 

 

On a side note, this is my official test - blogging from my ipad. If it works, being away from home just got much easier.

Happy Birthday Reese!

Four years ago, the Ballard Family was blessed with a child that will change the world.  Ok, maybe she won't change the whole world, but she's certainly changed ours.  In her four short years, she's brought so much joy to everyone in the family.....I can't remember what life was like without her.  It's impossible not to fall in love with her the minute you meet her. 

So Happy Birthday Reese!  Aunt Colleen, Uncle Jeff, H and W love you more than you know! 

The Streak Continues...

W's baseball season is rapidly coming to an end.  The rainy spring got us off to a late start, with at least a dozen make up games trying to be worked in.  It looks as though we'll make it back from Blue Ridge for the end of the season, making W a happy player.

Unfortunately, the season has been filled with streaks.  The winning streak ended a few weeks ago when the Reds lost their first game in two seasons.  That started the second streak - the "Mom Curse".  It seems that every game I attend, they lose...or at a minimum W has what he considers a terrible game.  He believes it so much that he didn't want me to go to today's game.  But since it was our last home game, I couldn't miss it. 

Of course, I couldn't be a curse.  Can someone please tell W that?  Because after he was hit by yet another bad pitch, for the 4th game in a row (another streak), he was positive it was me.  Until he was asked to pitch - that must be the end of the mom curse, right?  Not so much.  The game ended with the bases loaded, 2 outs, the Reds down by 1 and W at the plate with an ump that couldn't wait to get home for the evening. 

One strikeout later - I've determined I'll never be invited to another game.  The mom curse streak continues.......

Finishing What You Start

This is a lesson that I try to teach the boys.  Life demands that you finish what you start.  When W wanted to quit football half way through the season, the answer was no.  Why - because you finish what you start.  Same with H wanting to drop band.  Unfortunately, this rule is more a do as I say, not as I do rule.  Now, it doesn't apply to everything...just my craft projects.  I have half complete scrapbook pages, half of a knitted scarf, handmade Christmas card designs that I have never mailed...you get the point.  So when I started knitting a blanket for the studio last week, I'm sure that all the boys in the house laughed a little, assuming it would end up in the craft cabinet, still on the loom, months later - half done.  Not the case!  This is my finished blanket, bound off the loom and ready to be used in the studio.  I was so excited to finish it that I ran out and bought two more colors of yarn to make two more blankets.  Check back to see if I get them done...and if I don't, no one will be surprised.

The Way to a Womans Heart

I don't pretend to speak for all women, but the way to my heart is definitely through my stomach.  Maybe it's living in a house full of boys that can eat us out of house and home.  Then again, maybe it's because Jeff is a wonderful cook and has yet to make a meal that I haven't loved.  Of everything Jeff makes, this is definitely my favorite.  You know summer is here when my dinner consists of two full plates of zucchini!  The season is short, so we take full advantage of it.  If you happen to show up while I'm finishing the last few on the second plate, I may share one or two but it's not guaranteed.  I always make sure I share with the chef though.  W didn't miss much tonight, zucchini isn't a favorite of his....but H, he missed the first plates of the season.

End of the Road

Everyone is aware of our levy issues.  We've seen bus service eliminated, outstanding teachers let go and class offerings whittled down.  We've sucked up outrageous pay to play fees, ignorant voters and State Oversight Committee meetings.  At this point, H will be a LM graduate....we're not sure what it'll be by the time W gets to his senior year. 

None of the above saddened me more than the sign that was displayed at Hamilton Maineville Elementary today.  This is the school at which I attended my first Mothers Day Tea with H.  It was the school that W rode the bus to on his first day of Kindergarten.  In these classrooms, H celebrated Grandparents Day with Nanny and Papa and W dressed as Johnny Appleseed for the Wax Museum.  Both of the boys completed their first Relay for Life here.  They've spend more hours playing on this playground than all the parks in the area combined.  It's the first school that H and W attended together.

My heart is sad today.  A little piece of our family history closed.  It'll only take 149 more votes to reopen it.

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden

Parsley, basil and chives...oh my!

During one of our many trips to Lowes (that's a whole other blog post!), I found this cute little kit to start an herb garden.  In the interest of full disclosure, I've tried to grow herbs on at least two previous occasions.  Since I bought a kit, one could deduce that my first two attempts were not successfull.  But this time, I may actually have it.  We'll know for sure in a few weeks since I have to replant them into the two beautiful pots I found while out scouring the garage sales last week.  Only time will tell.  I've never claimed to have a green thumb, but at least for a short while, my herb garden is awesome!

On the Road Again

Today, H and I took off early to spend the day in Columbus with Mom and Dad.  A little Blue Ridge prep, a little lunch and shopping and a lot of driving.  The drives normally not so bad, but it's orange barrel season in Ohio, which makes any trip a little longer.  Anyway, the highlight of any day is getting to spend a little time with the youngest member of the Ballard clan.  I know Michele is having a ball with him this week and it was great to get to share in a few minutes of it. 

Celebrate Good Times

What an emotional day.  It was one of those days that had happiness and sadness all rolled into one.  Let me start by saying, I am the luckiest mom on earth.  We have two boys that are smart, funny, handsome, respectful and most importantly, they make me smile on a daily basis.

Today was full of milestones in W's life.  It started with him taking the bus to school.  It's the last day I'll stand on the deck, watching him wait at the end of the drive for the bus to pull up.  Definitely a moment to capture.

An hour later, we all filed into the gymnasium to watch yet another milestone - the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony.  We sat in the stands, beaming at W.  He received his certificate and headed to Kings Island to celebrate with his friends.  The final day of school was here and he is now a Freshman.  All the while, H was celebrating his new status as Senior. 

The Class of 2012 and the Class of 2015.  That seemed so far away when they were babies and I was counting it out on their fingers and toes.  The next four years will be full of milestones and memorable moments.  I hope to capture all of them on film, but I know I will capture them all in my memory and keep them there for a lifetime.

Un-Social

Ice Cream Social.  I must have missed the "social" part.  The payment table took our band fees.  The outfit room measured W for his summer uniform.  The event tables to sign up for volunteering were abundant.  Actually, now that I think about it....I didn't even see any ice cream.  But it was so worth it.  I'm so excited to see W and H march together in a few short months.  W's got his music to practice, H is preparing ideas for his "kids" since he is a section leader this year and I'm anxiously awaiting Parent Night.  The calender they gave us seems so full and goes through next spring.  Tomorrow, I'll read it...I just don't feel very social tonight.

O-H-I-O

I'm sitting in the hotel room, watching the Disney channel, trying to absorb the day.  Dad is doing much better, Mom and I are exhausted, the boys and Jeff are home safe and sound and I'm having trouble composing a full thought. 

I figured since we'd spend the last two days (that seem like 2 weeks) at OSU, this was the only appropriate picture for the day.  You know you're in Buckeye country when you look out of the hospital windows and all of the flower beds are scarlet and gray, spelling O-H-I-O.

I'm off to catch up on the Casey Anthony trial and try to get some sleep....before we start again.

Life is Good

Who thought a day that started like this would be the most "unpleasant" day of my life.  I remember sitting on the boat, my feet propped up with the sun beating on me...thinking that life was good.  Funny, while it was this morning, it seems like it was a year ago.  I'm pretty positive the entire family aged 10 years over the next few hours.

I'm not really sure that there are words for the amount of fear that comes with a call from Mom saying Dad's been rushed to the ER and they are transferring him to the Heart Center at OSU.  Hours of waiting for answers seem like a lifetime.  But just as the day started, it ended with me thinking life is good.  

Hug someone you love today.  Tell them that you love them an extra time.  And remember that I love you all!

His Yearly Trek

I love garage sale season!  When the boys were little, they did too.  I would give them 2 quarters and we would spend every Saturday morning with them trying to figure out how to spend it.  The toys/items they picked out were always their favorites.  Now, I can't get them out of bed on a Friday or Saturday morning to go with me.  Thankfully, Kristina is an avid garage saler too.  This morning she came to pick me up so we could head out to to find a bargain or two, when she found this little guy in our driveway. 

Twice a year, he makes a trek through our yard.  Once in the Spring, once in the Fall.  In the Spring, he leaves the creek in the backyard and disappears into the field across the street.  In the Fall, he returns and makes his way back to the creek for the winter.  Hopefully, we won't see him again until November.

Season Finale

It's a wrap.  The 2010/2011 television season has come to an end.  We've seen Brothers and Sisters come to an end - and H is more disappointed than I am.  We've seen the last of Sheldon, Penny and Leonard until the fall - the only TV show that W watches with us.  Normally, we would mourn the end for about 5 minutes then we'd run around in the warm weather, forgetting about the big screen until Labor Day.  Unfortunately, this summer season includes a ton of movies on the big screen that we'd all like to see.  Most movies are rentals for us, but there are a few family movies that we always see in the theater - and they're all being released this year.  Here's the sample of movies we'll be standing in line for....



A Few Extras

Since I was lucky enough to spend the last couple of days waiting for repair men and watching the Casey Anthony trial, I had some time to work with a few of the pictures that I took while we were at Pike Lake.  I love how a few of them turned out.  Today, I just want to share with you some of the sights we saw.