How Time Can Fly (Part II)

During the first year of our marriage Steven and I had an experience that taught us both an important lesson about ourselves. We had borrowed my brothers Nintendo 64, along with ExciteBike, and returned quickly to our home in excitement to play. We began playing that evening around eight or so and decided around midnight to turn it off and sleep. The next morning we woke at 6 am and immediately began our challenge of beating the game. I'm sure the sun rose and set that day but neither Steven or I could tell you because, with the exception of a few bathroom breaks and running once to the refrigerator to grab some leftover pizza, we neither left the game nor saw the light of day. Around 8 pm that evening we looked at one another, looked down at the calluses that had formed on our thumbs, and then set the paddles down. We frequently laugh about that experience and are grateful we had it early on. Since then we have been ever mindful of our time spent with "technology". Friday night however offered us a gentle reminder of how "time can fly" if your not paying attention.

Our area has received large amounts of rain over the past few weeks. This meant little time outside and a lot of time coming up with fresh ideas to occupy our children. In large part I have been able to accomplish this with ease, but when the weekend arrived I was more than excited to hand the responsibility over to Steven and allow him to assist in producing a fun idea for the family. Boy, did he ever. (I must interject one thing here: The Wii was brought home by Dad as a "get well family present" when Kadyn banged her head last year, which ended in the ER with bonding glue. It has since been a daddy/daughter bonding tool for a few minutes now and then on weekends.) This past Friday evening we gathered upstairs and were excited to discover that for five bucks you could purchase the "old school" version of Nintendo's Mario Brothers. Steven went first and was quickly taken out by a flying turtle. (He did not have a Nintendo growing up) I was next and to my hubbies great surprise cleared the first three boards in record time and even remembered where to pick up the hidden whistles that transport Mario to future worlds. (Unfortunately, I did have a Nintendo in my younger years and despite the wisdom of adulthood had not yet learned the lesson of "limits".) The kids were amazed by this new game, and while each was willing to take a turn, for the most part they only wanted to watch in hopes that Mom or Dad could indeed save the princess. We continued in our attempts, for what seemed like an hour, but couldn't seem to overpower world eight. We decided to head for bed and were more than surprised to find it was 11:15 pm! A wonderful lesson and perfect example of why our family strictly limits "technology time". We are proud to report that it only required wasting one of our Saturday hours to complete the task of conquering Mario Brothers and saving the princess. Congratulations to us all.

Kadyn's Violin

This past Christmas Kadyn heard the violin being played during a concert at our church. I saw her shift in the chair and as I glanced over noticed a light of excitement appear in her eyes. This was a big deal to observe in Kadyn. While she can surprise you with moments of great independence she is definitely the child who stays close to Mom, and in regards to new activities ventures no further than, "If Ryley's doing it, I will too". When I observed this reaction of excitement toward the violin I knew I must take action. She is most excited to begin piano lessons (Of course - Ryley is doing it) but since we are waiting to begin formal lessons around mid mark of kindergarten, I thought this would be a great opportunity to introduce a new instrument to our family, while at the same time offering Kadyn something unique of her very own.

She has taken for seven weeks now and her favorite activity currently is attempting to "trick" Dad by playing various bow changes and having him guess their names.

OKAPS

Believe it or not, OKAPS is not an acronym for
O.K.
A post would be nice,
Promise to do it
Soon

Over the past few months our lives have revovled around these five little letters. During residency Steven has the task of preparing for and taking an extensive exam each April of his three year residency entitled OKAPS.

It's not something new for us to have Steven studying but due to the April exam however, around January, the usual studying becomes increasingly intensified until that fabulous day in April arrives. I call this day fabulous because many things happen at once. First, you get your hubby back and head out on that long awaited date. Next, your children get their, "wrestling/airplane" buddy back. Lastly, and best of all, the entire family returns to their less complicated and relaxed schedule.

I guess one of the beauties of life is that everything experienced becomes a teaching moment or reminder. I am so grateful for a wise Heavenly Father who understands the importance of both husband and wife. A fathers influence is tremendous. While our children may not have noticed Dad's increased absence due to the beautiful weather we have been enjoying, the "tag-team" help he offers mother is an incredible blessing not to be overlooked!

With a little extra time now on my hands I am more than happy to update the family blog with various Ballard happenings that have taken place over the past few weeks.

Strawberry Surprises

Strawberry season began. With our first pickings we turned these:

into this:

The kids had a lot of fun picking the strawberries. Granted, it doesn't come even close to Grandpa Ballard's garden where they can eat them right off the bush. With Utah out of reach though it will have to do. Since Ryley missed the first round we will return together Saturday and hopefully create more jam and make a possible attempt at pies.

Baseball Begins

After experiencing soccer we were under the impression that Ryley didn't particularly enjoy sports.

Wow. We're we off.

It's now clear that Ryley enjoys sports, just not ones that involve having to "fight" for a particular object, i.e. a soccer ball.

She therefore gave T-ball a shot and loves it.

Her age division is actually coaches pitch, where (of course) the coach pitches to each player.

She signed up with a good friend and is the only female on a team of twelve.

Is this a concern for Ryley? Oh no.

I love this picture. It was taken the same day Ryley "lost" her tooth and I love that she's so proud to show it!

Here's Ryley running to first after a strong hit to left field. She made it to third, with a teammate then hitting to bring her home.

It's great fun to watch. I will try to put video on soon.

Annual Aging

Steven and I both got a little older this month. One of us being three years elder than the other, but we don't need specifics now, do we?!

Here is Steven shaking his gifts. Yes, that's right. Shaking them. Each one individually.

He loves to do this, and then guess what's inside.

What's truly sad is his 99% accuracy rate.

These beautiful flowers were one of my favorite gifts.

The cute toes below them belong to me and are a picture of my first pedicure.

I learned a good lesson with my first pedicure.

If your feet are ticklish, don't get one!

Sun and Smiles

Spring has been a joy to experience.

On this day the kids took chalk and created an entire town complete with individual homes, a doctors office, and various stores. They played this for three hours before Mom's had to unite just to drag each "homeowner" inside for their baths.

I'm not sure the girls are very fond of large furry rabbits. Who is really?

Everyone was allowed 30 eggs but once Thatcher discovered candy inside he was more than happy to sit down and get started.

We had frequent easter egg hunts around the house but Haley J wasn't that impressed.

Easter is of course the best part of this time. While living in this area our family has had incredible experiences in sharing our faith and beliefs with others. Beautiful wooden crosses could be found in many of the front yards of our community, with the cross being an significant symbol of many friends and neighbors faiths. It was a wonderful experience to not only remember His sacrifice of death, but having opportunity as well to share our beliefs and gratitude

for the wonderful knowledge as well, that He lives!