Monday, February 20, 2012

Valentines Week 2012

We started with PINK chocolate chip pancakes and PINK scrambled eggs. Thatcher gave it his best shot, but colored food is apparently a bit too much for him to handle. Dinner consisted of normal colored hamburgers, RED jello, and PINK smoothies, all served on RED heart plates and PINK napkins. We also had RED chocolate covered strawberries drizzled with white chocolate (which by the way are SO simple to make - so don't buy them and I'll post how to do it). I believe Azure enjoyed those chocolate strawberries to the fullest (see pic below). Steven has always been in charge of Valentines and has never failed to impress. He returned home with double chocolate ice cream and the newest (and funnest) member of our family...Uno Roboto. We also had some lovely days at the park and squeezed in a great movie, "The Secret World Of Arrietty".

Valentines has and always will be one of my very favorite holidays. I LOVE the love and kindness that you see and witness all throughout the day. I was reading various quotes that morning and one in particular stuck out in my mind. It was shared by Thomas S. Monson who I believe read it on the wall of a relatives home. The plaque very simply stated, "Choose Your Love, Love Your Choice". I thought about that throughout the day, and while Valentines is a sweet holiday of kindness and love, my deep hope is to create a home in which that same mindful and abundant love is present in each and every day.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Kadyn's Baptism

Our sweet Kadyn was baptized on Saturday. It was a very special day for her and our whole family. Kadyn does not enjoy being the center of attention and thus was very apprehensive to have a large number of individuals staring at her. Knowing this, we planned a very simple, very sweet program that included a few of the amazing friends we have had the great pleasure of meeting here in the area. Kadyn is an amazing young lady that Heavenly Father has graciously sent to our home to bless and enrich our lives. It truly was an amazing day that turned out just as it was planned.....simply sweet.


Kadyn's Big Birthday

A week from Friday we had a birthday bash to celebrate Kadyn turning the BIG 8! With each move we've made the kids have always been blessed with one of two situations. They either meet one terrific kid to enjoy and hang out with, or, a whole handful. For Kadyn and St. Louis, the latter has definitely been her experience. Ryley and her friend Julia were my helpers at the party and they did a terrific job running things and tending to the baby. We played tons of games and ate way to many sweets and goodies. The only thing I felt bad about was sending them all home with that much sugar in their systems! It was a great day for a great girl. Happy Birthday Kadyn! We love you tons kiddo!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Ballard Boy Bonding

Two words, "Car Show".
Need I say more?.....

"I'll say more. This was such a fun day. I have fond memories of going to a few car shows with Dad when I was younger. The cars were cool, but just knowing I was out doing something with just my Dad made it more special. Hopefully Thatch thinks the same someday. Of course, from my perspective, it was awesome to hang out with him! Loved every minute of it :)" (Steven)