Favorite Celebrations

Steven and I laugh each year as the end of April approaches. Within a two week time period lies my birthday, our anniversary, and Mother's Day. It's tough on Steven as his creativity is tested for new ways to surprise me, however, it's definitely two of the best weeks in the year for they truly celebrate the greatest gifts I have been given.

Of course, being born was nice. :) Then, eleven years ago I married my best friend for time and all eternity. He is the greatest person I know and I'm one lucky girl to have him. If that wasn't enough, together we have been given the 4 (nearly 5) best children that a couple could ask for. It's truly two weeks that leave me in awe of my many blessings.

To celebrate this year we headed to Topeka where Steven had read excellent reviews for this little restaurant called the RowHouse. Even the stellar reviews did not do this place justice. The experience reminded our taste buds what a treat really, really good cooking is in life!

The restaurant is small and intimate so it was packed, but we happen to be put in this cute little room all to ourselves. The chef changes his five course menu each week to incorporate items from his garden on the roof, along with fruits and veggies from the local farmers market. In fact, it is only open 4 days a week, with the other three days being used to plan and prepare for the weeks menu and service. We got lucky that our anniversary fell on a Wednesday this year, because Wednesday evening is "preview night" at the restaurant. This gives patrons the chance to sample every dish on the menu. Isn't that an awesome idea?

Not one item was worth missing! I regret not leaving with a menu, but I do know that between the fantastic appetizer, amazing salad, soup, 3 entrees, and 3 desserts, we were in food heaven. It sounds like a ton of food too but the portions were perfect in size, and more importantly, everything tasted amazingly delicious. We are sad to leave the area after discovering this hidden treasure so close to our move. I guess it gives us a great excuse to come visit.

Mother's Day was another great day. It started with a long hot shower and a smoothie. After returning home from church the kids sent me straight to my room for a long nap while they prepared to set up all of their Mother's day treats. A day that begins with a hot shower and ends with a nap - I'd say the perfect day for my needs at this point. It's funny, when I was younger I used to think that a homemade card just wasn't enough to show my parents how much I loved them. Now that I'm a Mom I realize I was completely wrong. Those homemade cards are the very things I treasure the most.

Baby In A Box

My Mom's amazing. A few days ago our doorbell rang and upon further investigation through the window I discovered two large boxes sitting on the doorstep. With the kiddos help I pulled them in and ten minutes later found myself completely prepared and ready to have a baby. She even made two different quilts so that either gender would be fully covered! Amazing.

In addition to the first wonderful package, the second box completed a job that we have made a tradition with our children. When Steven and I head for the hospital Grandma passes out "care package" bags. They contain everything necessary to help entertain the kids during our time away. We had already purchased some items to place in their bags, but, thanks to her we now have those completed and squared away as well. I'm quite certain they will have more than enough to keep them busily entertained.

Fairs And Fathers

With summer fast approaching and the school year soon to end (yea!!) there are many activities keeping the Ballard family busy. Marlatt Elementary held their annual fair and the kids had a blast. Every room in the school had a different game or activity, with the outside being filled with rides and additional games. The cafeteria was filled with food and baskets that various classes were auctioning off and every ten minutes they gave away gift certificates and prizes. By the end of the evening the Ballard clan walked away with a dozen cupcakes, flowers, and coupons for free pizza hut breadsticks and a meal at Chilie's. Not bad for a few hours of fun and games.

Our church also held their annual father and son's campout which Steven and Thatcher enjoyed together. With great excitment they packed the car and headed for a lake about twenty minutes outside of town. I'm pretty sure Thatcher was in heaven during the entire adventure. When they arrived home I asked Thatch what his favorite part of the campout was. He said "skipping rocks on the lake and making smores". I also asked him what his least favorite part of the campout was. It took him a long time to even come up with an answer but he finally replied, "going to sleep". Talk of the next father and sons campout has already begun and I'm quite certain that both Ballard boys are ready to go. I can't fail to mention that the Ballard girls had a lovely evening as well that started with friends and food and ended with a "campout" snuggled warm and cozy in Mom and Dad's soft king sized bed. When Mom is this pregnant, it's the only way to camp!

Weekend Whereabouts

We headed for St. Louis this past weekend in hopes of finding a home for fellowship starting in July. This wasn't an easy task as our wants and needs limited the homes available to only a few. We knew we needed to be close to the hospital so that Steven could go back and forth with ease. We knew we wanted a home that could easily fit a family of seven and was in a safe area with great schools. Nine homes and four hours later: mission accomplished. With a fifteen minute commute to the hospital, a great school, and safe area there was only one home that fit the bill. The only thing missing from our "wish" list was a huge, fenced backyard. You can't win them all. Besides, St. Louis is filled with so many wonderful attractions, a year without the ideal backyard isn't much of an issue.

After our house hunting adventures we ate a yummy dinner and headed downtown to our hotel. As we pulled up to the hotel we past hundreds of fans heading to the Cardinals game. We were surprised at this since the radio had reported tornado warnings throughout the area. Not twenty minutes passed after checking in when the sirens began, accompanied with crazy wind and rain. It lasted fifteen minutes but didn't phase Thatcher or Haley one bit. They were too busy playing with all of the toys the hotel had given them at check-in and eating the complimentary ice cream and cake they had sent up for my birthday. Awesome hotel, right!?

Two hours away in Kansas City the girls were busy preparing the best birthday surprise a Mom could ever ask for. Kadyn was having a very hard time due to our departure and their wonderful cousins took them under their "wings" and made the two days pass enjoyably. The boys played with them non stop while the older girls taught them how to make friendship bracelets and beautiful necklaces. They wrapped everything up cute and made wonderful cards and a bouquet of flowers. Steven had bought me a kindle for my birthday and it was waiting there as well. They made and decorated a delicious cake and had everything waiting as a surprise upon our arrival back. Our weekend ended of course with a wonderful Easter Sunday at church surrounded by family. It truly was an amazing way to turn 33!

Stumping Steven

Before our last visit to Kansas City Steven turned the big 36. Knowing we would be traveling on his actual birthday we prepared a party for him the evening prior. He loves cheesecake, and since I love making them it works out well. We picked a Key Lime cheesecake that turned out perfect in looks, and most importantly in taste.

We had found some great presents for him this year and the kiddos were excited to see his reaction. When Dad began shaking the boxes in hopes of guessing his presents they began jumping and giggling . They have tried for a few years now to stump him. Usually he's 100% accurate so when he only guessed 5 of 7 correctly they were beyond excitement. Wireless headphones for his computer and a GPS watch were the two items that got him. A friend had told me about this watch and said how lots of military guys loved it for exercise and their PT tests. The watch maps his runs, tells him when to speed up or slow down, and does about a million other things. It's amazing. He also got (and guessed) new shoes, a pediatric surgery book, a ps3 game, and the p90x system with the pull up bar. The last item is a duel gift for the two of us. After this cute little bundle arrives we are excited and ready to roll.

Happy Birthday to an amazing husband and father! We love you!

Blog Equals Book

I started our families blog a little over three year's ago. At moments I have wanted to quit but the idea of one day publishing it into a scrapbook has kept my motivation continually going. With our many moves and experiences. With the wonderful countless people we have been blessed to meet. For all of life's amazing moments and memories. How could I not document those gifts?

So, here's to three wonderful years and 200 pages later. After receiving the finished product and watching the excitement of our children as they read and remembered the past, I was so grateful to have not given up. I was also a little overwhelmed. Now I won't be able to stop until the last kiddo is out of the nest! I think I'm going to be doing this for quite a while.

Kansas City Cousins

We had a great time in Kansas City this past weekend. Our brother in law turned the big 50 last week and his daughters planned and executed an amazing surprise party in his honor. The gym was decked out in a 70's theme and guests were surrounded with food, dancing, treats, karaoke, and more. The kids had a wonderful time as well and had I brought my camera I would have solid evidence that Ryley can "get down" with any 70's song thrown at her. The entire evening was awesome. We spent the remaining weekend hanging out and enjoying their company. Saturday included The Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, Gelato, and riding horses. On Sunday, after a great afternoon of church, lunch, and visiting, we began gathering the children to head back toward Manhattan. There was much sorrow and lamenting with the idea of leaving their cousins behind, however, we'll return in two weeks as we pass through heading for St. Louis in hopes of finding a home to rent. Though tears still came, this new information made leaving at least bearable.

Thatcher's face at the start of his ride.

Thatcher's face at the end of his ride.

Haley J's face when you mention the words "horsey ride".