Easter and Conference. These two weekends are just awesome. First we get the wonderful opportunity to reflect even more upon our Savior and the wonderful gifts He has given to us. To add to it we get an entire weekend to be edified and uplifted by modern day prophets. What a special moment to be a part of sustaining President Monson. I know I wasn't way young when that moment took place with President Hinckley but I don't recall that day very well and to have that experience again was touching . (Note to self - be a better journal keeper) All of the talks are of course wonderful but it is especially humbling as you sit there and through them hear answers to prayers and ways to improve one's self and come closer to Heavenly Father. As Ryley and Kadyn get older it is especially fun to see them take a more active roll in conference. They had tons of fun with the "General Conference Packet". (Thank you to those who sent them.)
After President Monson spoke on Sunday I said, "Can you girls tell me one thing that Pres. Monson just said to us?" and without hesitation they simutaniously replied, "Amen". I laughed so hard I cried. I guess I really couldn't argue with that. I don't know if this makes sense but I often can't even comprehend life and how blessed we truly are. How grateful I am.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Rock Chalk. . . Tigers?
So. . . you think you know me. (Steven's first official post)
Those of you who know me really well can attest to the fact that before getting married I was a HUGE sports fan. In high school it was all about baseball: following the hometown Royals and NL upstart Braves, running fantasy baseball leagues (on paper mind you), and even taking summer trips up to the college world series with my buddies. At the Y it was all about LaVell and the Cougs. In fact, one of the few journal entries still remaining from my time at the Y (after scratching out pretty much everything relating to college dating angst) details the cougars 14-1 season and cotton bowl win in 1996. For some reason, in my sports obsessed mind, THIS was something noteworthy for posterity that must be recorded. You could say my heart was 'Fully Invested' well before this was the paradigm of BYU football.
My wife will attest to the fact that I am (mostly) a changed man. I am free from Sunday sports, only follow the Royals through April (as they are inevitably out of playoff contention by April 14th), seldom bother with an NBA game, leave hockey to the Canadians, and still consider US soccer not a real sport.
I say mostly, however, because I can't quite give up 2 things:
First, I am still obsessed with BYU football, despite the attempts to kill it by Craig Thompson and the mtn. My daily routine still makes room for reading the trib's BYU blog and commenting (albeit sporadically) on cougarblue.com (Armydoc2k5). I still can't handle close games without a serious rise in blood pressure and heart rate (so much so that if I am on call on a weekend BYU is playing and potentially have to scrub in the OR I can't sit and watch the game because it will make my hands shake from anxiety during the case); and a loss still requires a full week to fully overcome emotionally. (I know, it's lame but I can't help it).
The second item you may not know, is the whole reason for posting. I am a full blooded, Rock, Chalk, beware the phog, nostalgic for Danny Manning, still can't get over Roy Williams leaving, Kansas Jayhawk basketball fan. I attribute this to a fortuitous National Championship in my formative years and the influence of my sixth grade teacher- Mrs. Ready, but I can't give up on the Jayhawks. I have picked them to win my bracket every year since 1988. And every year, whether tantalizingly close or embarrasingly absent, they have disappointed.
So I should be happy at their recent fortunes and the upcoming championship game on tonight, right? There is only one problem. . . I live in Memphis, where basketball is 'King' when they aren't celebrating Martin Luther or Elvis (the other King obsessions here in Memphis).
This year a local furniture store had a sale at the beginning of the basketball season: If the Memphis Tigers win it all, your furniture is free. Being in need of an upgraded bedroom set, Lynette and I thought "We need furniture, what could it hurt?" and we proceeded to splurge on $2500 worth of furniture (which we desparately needed- as almost all of our furniture has been handed down since we got married). Our prospects have soared as the Tigers reached number one in the rankings, lost only to UT during the season and have sailed through the Tourney so far. Each game my wife grows more excited. I, on the other hand, have felt my anxiety continue to rise as the inevitable has happened: Kansas vs Memphis in the finals. Do I cheer for a $2500 investment, or the emotional investment I chose in my childhood and have stood faithfully by through thick and thin for 20 plus years?
What do you think I should do?
(I choose KU. If they lose, I'll be comforted with $2500 of free furniture. If they win- I think I will be happy. We'll have to wait and see if I am $2500 happy. Either way, I can't watch the game- I get too anxious.)
Those of you who know me really well can attest to the fact that before getting married I was a HUGE sports fan. In high school it was all about baseball: following the hometown Royals and NL upstart Braves, running fantasy baseball leagues (on paper mind you), and even taking summer trips up to the college world series with my buddies. At the Y it was all about LaVell and the Cougs. In fact, one of the few journal entries still remaining from my time at the Y (after scratching out pretty much everything relating to college dating angst) details the cougars 14-1 season and cotton bowl win in 1996. For some reason, in my sports obsessed mind, THIS was something noteworthy for posterity that must be recorded. You could say my heart was 'Fully Invested' well before this was the paradigm of BYU football.
My wife will attest to the fact that I am (mostly) a changed man. I am free from Sunday sports, only follow the Royals through April (as they are inevitably out of playoff contention by April 14th), seldom bother with an NBA game, leave hockey to the Canadians, and still consider US soccer not a real sport.
I say mostly, however, because I can't quite give up 2 things:
First, I am still obsessed with BYU football, despite the attempts to kill it by Craig Thompson and the mtn. My daily routine still makes room for reading the trib's BYU blog and commenting (albeit sporadically) on cougarblue.com (Armydoc2k5). I still can't handle close games without a serious rise in blood pressure and heart rate (so much so that if I am on call on a weekend BYU is playing and potentially have to scrub in the OR I can't sit and watch the game because it will make my hands shake from anxiety during the case); and a loss still requires a full week to fully overcome emotionally. (I know, it's lame but I can't help it).
The second item you may not know, is the whole reason for posting. I am a full blooded, Rock, Chalk, beware the phog, nostalgic for Danny Manning, still can't get over Roy Williams leaving, Kansas Jayhawk basketball fan. I attribute this to a fortuitous National Championship in my formative years and the influence of my sixth grade teacher- Mrs. Ready, but I can't give up on the Jayhawks. I have picked them to win my bracket every year since 1988. And every year, whether tantalizingly close or embarrasingly absent, they have disappointed.
So I should be happy at their recent fortunes and the upcoming championship game on tonight, right? There is only one problem. . . I live in Memphis, where basketball is 'King' when they aren't celebrating Martin Luther or Elvis (the other King obsessions here in Memphis).
This year a local furniture store had a sale at the beginning of the basketball season: If the Memphis Tigers win it all, your furniture is free. Being in need of an upgraded bedroom set, Lynette and I thought "We need furniture, what could it hurt?" and we proceeded to splurge on $2500 worth of furniture (which we desparately needed- as almost all of our furniture has been handed down since we got married). Our prospects have soared as the Tigers reached number one in the rankings, lost only to UT during the season and have sailed through the Tourney so far. Each game my wife grows more excited. I, on the other hand, have felt my anxiety continue to rise as the inevitable has happened: Kansas vs Memphis in the finals. Do I cheer for a $2500 investment, or the emotional investment I chose in my childhood and have stood faithfully by through thick and thin for 20 plus years?
What do you think I should do?
(I choose KU. If they lose, I'll be comforted with $2500 of free furniture. If they win- I think I will be happy. We'll have to wait and see if I am $2500 happy. Either way, I can't watch the game- I get too anxious.)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Live and Learn
One thing we do a lot of in the Ballard home is arts and crafts. Each day is a toss up between play dough, paints, stamps, chalk art, drawing, finger painting etc.... You would think I had learned my lesson with young children painting without adult supervision, but alas I had not. Might I add that the lack of supervision in each case was stepping out of the room for no more than two minutes so as to take care of something in another room. I knew there was trouble in Ryley and Kadyn's case when I could hear large amounts of giggling from my bedroom. I thought, "paints and giggling cannot be a good thing". As I turned the corner I saw Ryley's hand coming down upon her sister for another chance at "creating" more art. I said, "Freeze you two". They immediatly froze and probably assumed they were in trouble until I ran from the room and returned with the camera. There are some moments you just can't waste.
Thatcher on the other hand did his artistic work all on his own and I must say for even less than two minutes in his case, he did an exceptional job! Oh well, I guess we live and learn.
Two years ago
Present day
Thatcher on the other hand did his artistic work all on his own and I must say for even less than two minutes in his case, he did an exceptional job! Oh well, I guess we live and learn.
Two years ago
Present day
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
To Grandmother's House We Go!
Over the river, through the woods, seven states, and 2500 miles later; we have arrived back home from our visits with the Grandparents. I know it seems insane to attempt this with three little ones, but they were the biggest troopers ever. With the exception of the occasional "are we there yet?" (a vacation wouldn't be a vacation without those four little words) the kids were angels and did very well on each day of travel. The days spent with extended family were what made this trip worth each and every mile.
Our first stop was to Albuquerque, where the girls had a day on the town with Grandma Darden including a visit to the tram (it's the largest in the world you know), shopping, and ice cream. Grandma's - gotta love 'em!
We then headed for Utah and enjoyed great weather and time with Grandma and Grandpa Ballard. We played in the sand dunes, had picnics at parks, and hiked at Zions. Steven and I LOVE Zions. Whether tackling hard trails alone or easy trails with the kids, you always end up with a beautiful view.
The weather was great for flying kites. An actual airborne kite was a first for the girls. Despite our many attempts in the past, it took great Southern Utah weather and an awesome Uncle about 10 seconds to put us to shame. Now we will forever have to hear: "Why can't you get that up Mom?" or "That's not what Uncle Robert did, Dad" anytime we brave an attempt at home.
Steven also enjoyed a fun day mountain biking with Dad, and of course we made time for some R and R just visiting and enjoying this time with our families whom we love and miss dearly.
Our first stop was to Albuquerque, where the girls had a day on the town with Grandma Darden including a visit to the tram (it's the largest in the world you know), shopping, and ice cream. Grandma's - gotta love 'em!
We then headed for Utah and enjoyed great weather and time with Grandma and Grandpa Ballard. We played in the sand dunes, had picnics at parks, and hiked at Zions. Steven and I LOVE Zions. Whether tackling hard trails alone or easy trails with the kids, you always end up with a beautiful view.
The weather was great for flying kites. An actual airborne kite was a first for the girls. Despite our many attempts in the past, it took great Southern Utah weather and an awesome Uncle about 10 seconds to put us to shame. Now we will forever have to hear: "Why can't you get that up Mom?" or "That's not what Uncle Robert did, Dad" anytime we brave an attempt at home.
Steven also enjoyed a fun day mountain biking with Dad, and of course we made time for some R and R just visiting and enjoying this time with our families whom we love and miss dearly.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
The Power of the Post
It's Murphy's Law. Spring is on our heels and our neighbors haven't seen snow in six years, with the exception of occasional flakes in the air. I guess we cursed Tennessee in blogging about our excitement for spring's arrival, because within the week we were experiencing the coldest and snowiest day here in years. Despite this we loved the weekend. The kids went crazy playing in the "snowstorm" on Friday and it's aftermath Saturday.
We live in a cove which has been so great for playing safely without worrying about traffic. The neighbors' kids all came over and assisted Ryley and Kadyn in building a snowman. The best thing about playing in the snow, however, is warming up afterwards with gourmet hot chocolate and marshmallows- Love it!
We live in a cove which has been so great for playing safely without worrying about traffic. The neighbors' kids all came over and assisted Ryley and Kadyn in building a snowman. The best thing about playing in the snow, however, is warming up afterwards with gourmet hot chocolate and marshmallows- Love it!
Breakfast is Served
Ryley is six years old and nearing the end of her kindergarten career. She has grown in many ways this year, physically adding an inch or two and becoming second shortest in her class as opposed to first (she has Mom and Dad to thank for that.) She has also grown in maturity and self reliance. Recently we have found her on Saturday mornings "cooking" up breakfast for the entire family. Steven and I have had the opportunity of sleeping in until 7 AM while Ryley prepares breakfast for Kadyn and Thatcher. She can get the bowls and spoons, the cereal and milk, and does a great job preparing each order without spilling a drop. The other morning Steven decided to go out and join them for breakfast, but on this particular morning Ryley and Kadyn had decided to broaden their breakfast choices. Luckily Steven entered the kitchen before "breakfast" was enjoyed, but the truly funny part is that both girls couldn't see anything wrong with their order.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Hidden Treasures
It's officially day 70 of winter and Memphis, TN has yet to see one speck of snow. I know, all of you in the West, Mid West, and East have been buried up to your eyeballs this winter with more white stuff than you'd like. Don't worry, we see the news and we know your pain - last winter Colorado Springs saw more snow then ever before and we were lucky enough to be there to witness it.
So, do you want to know one of my favorite parts of moving to a new house? It's all the fun hidden surprises you find over that first year of living in your home. Hopefully they are good surprises; not like a termite infestation, or lightning strike (which did happen to our neighbors), or tornado disaster (but a funnel cloud DID pass over our house last month).
We didn't move until the end of June last year so by the time we arrived things were beautiful and green, but we had missed spring. It had never crossed my mind when purchasing the home to ask if any of the foliage in the yard blossomed with flowers. Still, it's an important question and one to keep in mind next time you move! Anyway, back to my point.
With the lack of winter and the current warm tempuratures we have had the greatest time seeing plants and trees in our yard begin to bloom these beautiful blossoms. The kids have been going crazy, each day running out to check for new buds and more blossoms. As spring continues we will keep you posted on any further blossoming activity.
So, do you want to know one of my favorite parts of moving to a new house? It's all the fun hidden surprises you find over that first year of living in your home. Hopefully they are good surprises; not like a termite infestation, or lightning strike (which did happen to our neighbors), or tornado disaster (but a funnel cloud DID pass over our house last month).
We didn't move until the end of June last year so by the time we arrived things were beautiful and green, but we had missed spring. It had never crossed my mind when purchasing the home to ask if any of the foliage in the yard blossomed with flowers. Still, it's an important question and one to keep in mind next time you move! Anyway, back to my point.
With the lack of winter and the current warm tempuratures we have had the greatest time seeing plants and trees in our yard begin to bloom these beautiful blossoms. The kids have been going crazy, each day running out to check for new buds and more blossoms. As spring continues we will keep you posted on any further blossoming activity.
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