:: The Ballard Bunch ::

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Today

Today wasn't perfect. It certainly wasn't anything exceptional. But it was wonderful. It was a wonderful snipit of our life right now. It's busy. It's hecktic. It's messy. It's funny. It's filled with joy. Some days it's downright exhausting. But it IS wonderful!

Today Michael left early to attend Stake meetings. The girls begged to eat leftover waffles for breakfast, then we proceeded to get ready for church. All three of them looked so cute today! Hazel and Eliza wanted their hair to match mine. So all three of us had a bit of the front part of our hair French-braided back with the rest down. Lenora let me put on an adorable headband that matched her dress perfectly and actually kept it on for church! We were in a hurry to get to church and set up chairs for Primary so I didn't have a chance to get a picture, but boy were they cute! On the way out the door Lenora really wanted to wear her fancy sandals (which was fine with me), but she also REALLY wanted to wear the ruffle socks I'd grabbed to match her normal church shoes. Socks with the sandals were obviously not an option. She was mad! I threw both sets of shoes in my bag and figured we could sort it out in the parking lot at church. Then I loaded them all in the car then did my makeup quickly in the car before driving over to the church.

I was so relieved just to be making it to church today. Earlier this week I had 3 days in a row of cramping and lots of contractions that left me thinking I could have this baby any day. But I had so much for Primary that I NEEDED to get done today! I prayed he'd stay put, and yesterday and today I felt great! I got everything I needed to done for Primary. We also had a teacher training after church and it turned out wonderfully. All of our teachers came and the Spirit really attended our meeting. I had a great talk with one teacher after the meeting and also had a wonderful chat with one of my counselors as I drove her home. It was one of those Sundays where you work hard, but you come away feeling rested and refreshed!

During Sacrament meeting the girls and I sat in the front row even though Michael was still off at his meetings. They were really good overall. Lenora kept making cute faces at the family behind us. She is at such a cute age! She also kept trying to twirl during the closing song. It's one of those moments when you wonder if you should let her because she's just so sticking adorable, or teach her it's not okay to twirl during church. Those are tough decisions. Eliza colored yellow carrots in her notebook and "read" over the talk she had prepared to give in Primary. Hazel wanted to learn how to braid using one of our quite books where you braid the lion's tail. I showed her once or twice and she picked it up! This afternoon she insisted on practicing over and over and has already mastered a simple braid! For some reason, it makes me feel like she's growing up way too fast.

I had Michael take the girls outside for a bit while I cooked. We ate a yummy dinner. Lenora decided the sweet and sour chicken and fried rice were"bleh!" and threw a fit when I made her try a bite. So she just ate broccoli for dinner. But the rest of us enjoyed dinner. Then we were able to catch Skype with both Michael's parents and my parents. Eliza "read" the book Bad Kitty to grandma and grandpa Ballard (she's been listening to it on CD over and over all week). During Skype with my parents Hazel was cracking up about my dad sneaking the treats for their Primary class while my mom was teaching the lesson.Of course Gram spent some time reading the big girls books.

Lenora went down for bed but since the older girls had napped a bit we let them stay up and play a game. They picked "Bubble Talk." It's honestly a bit over their heads, especially for Eliza, but they love it and it's a nice change of pace from Candy Land and other kid games. Tonight a few of their picks that had us all rolling in laughter. Sometimes Michael and I were just laughing about how hard Hazel was laughing. That and how my belly shakes when I laugh. I'm smiling just thinking about it.

The big girls went to bed, then Michael and I cleaned up the kitchen and general clutter. Now we're settled for the night watching football and typing this up while checking on the lunar eclipse that's occurring.

I'm so thankful for today and for our lives right now. I look forward to reading this someday and remembering what a normal "today" looked like at this time in our lives.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

First Days of School

Back to school is already here! We started our back to school preparations with a little back to school FHE. We talked about ways we can show kindness and love for those around us. Both girls gave some thoughtful responses. Michael also gave Hazel and Eliza each beautiful blessings.

Hazel was the first to head back to school. She started 1st grade this year with Mrs. Zimmerman. I cannot tell you how excited she was to get back to school. She thrives off a routine and loves learning. She picked out her outfit and insisted on wearing her hair in a high bun. She looks so grown up to me! This year I get a lot less out of her when I ask her about her day. She told me, "Mom, you know what I do at school."

Sweet Eliza started pre-school the following week. Here is Iowa 4-year-old pre-K is part of the free public education system so Eliza goes to school in the same building as Hazel. She's there in the afternoons four days a week. She was so, so, so excited to go to school like a big kid! I was a bit worried she would be shy or afraid, but she wasn't at all. Eliza has really come out of her shell. She had to dress in her signature color of course with her yellow skirt from Gram and her big yellow ribbon. I love all the pictures I caught of her because you can see just how excited she is! She came home from her first day most excited about playing a game with "Grandpa Randy" the foster grandparent that works in the class room. How neat is it that they use grandparents to help out in the classroom? She also loves her teacher Miss Stacy and the aid Mrs. Jenn.

Last to start school was this handsome guy. His first day of his Doctorate was last Saturday. A lot of his work is done online then they meet in person several days per semester. He has been very excited to get going school again. It's been intense though! Lots of reading and time invested. already. I'm amazed at his work ethic. Michael has been carefully budgeting him time at ISU to complete all of his work during then day. Then he comes home about 5:30 and enjoys dinner and playing with the girls. Once they're off to bed, he hits the books for a few hours. He is also back on the High Counsel for our Stake so he has plenty of church duties as well. But he does it with a smile. I sure do love him!

Last but not least Lenora started nursery last month! She was old enough to start while we were in Utah but it was just not happening with people she didn't know. Once we got back in town though she's done well adjusting. She is at such a cute age right now. Her language has exploded. She is literally starting to talk and sign in sentences. Today she told me "No Yaya mine puzzle" when Kiara tried to sit on her puzzle. Having Hazel gone again all day and Eliza half the day has been an adjustment for her though. She naps almost the whole time Eliza is gone but as soon as she wakes up she's asking "Zi-za?" (Eliza) and "Hazey?" (Hazel)

Now that kids are back in school it's time for me to really get ready for this baby! My goal is to get every corner of the house really well organized. Now that we've been here almost a year I feel like I can safely start getting rid of those things we really "need" but haven't touched haha. I was also called as the Primary President at the end of July so that is keeping me busy, busy.

Life is good! The school routine is still novel and exciting. We're all adjusting well. And in a few short weeks we'll be welcoming a baby to the mix. It might just get crazy, but we love crazy!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Summer 2015 - August

August we spent lots more time making the most of our summer! The girls caught a bit of a cold and I got the stomach flu the beginning part of August so we had one week without much going on. Otherwise, we've been busy playing with friends, discovering more fun hikes in Iowa, swimming, and just having a blast.

Michael built a bigger fire pit in our backyard and helped bale more hay. In fact, he even drove a tractor. He pretty much wants to be a farmer now.While he worked on the fire pit the girls helped out and played cowgirls. We never dreamed we'd like rural living as much as we do, but we love it! After spending busy weeks in Utah, it was so nice to come home and get back to a slower pace.

I adore this picture.

The fire pit in progress.

One of the highlights of this month was spending a day at the State Fair. Here in Iowa, the State Fair is a big deal. It was huge! We were there from 9am until 7:30pm and not once did any of the kids ask to go home. In fact, they were sad to leave. We saw animals, enjoyed hands on kids farming exhibits, watched a few shows, played and played, and of course had some amazing Fair food! We will definitely be going back next year.

The butter cow! 600 pounds of butter sculpted in to a cow!

Hazel, Eliza, and Haley

Lenora ready to help on the farm.

She sticks out her tongue when she concentrates just like Mommy and Hazel.

Eliza gathering eggs.

Clayton and Eliza.

Lenora driving the tractor.

"Milking" a cow.

Pink Tractor!

Corn Brat!

Lenora and graduation Cy.

It's been an incredible summer, but it will also be nice to get back to a regular schedule. Michel went back to teaching yesterday and has started his Doctorate classes as well. Hazel starts school Thursday, and Eliza starts pre-school the following Monday. With school starting fall is just around the corner! Fall is always my favorite season, and this year it's bringing something extra special - our baby boy!

Sunday, August 16, 2015

July week 4 - Camping in Colorado and Back Home!

We spent the last few days of our vacation in Colorado at a family reunion for my dad's family. Spending time in the mountains was good for my soul! We camped, enjoyed fires, played in the lake, and relaxed. The girls had a blast playing with their second cousins Max and Josie.

Hazel and Max

Daddy in the kayak.

Mommy and Lenora on a ride!

Max and Hazel chopping wood. They did surprisingly well.

Paddle board

Little E!

Jake and Brenna

Eliza and Gabby

Lenora napping in the shade. In her suit of course.

We went on a kayak "date" one afternoon and paddled around by ourselves.

Sunday we decided to head to town for church. We had no way to shower so we just stopped at a gas station to wash up a bit and change. All things considered we looked okay and it was great to be at church.

Crafts with cousins.

Ms. Adorable

Brenna and Eliza.

One night my aunt Jennifer taught Hazel and Max a dance and they put on a show for us.

Then we let them stay up late playing with glow sticks and flashlights. They were in heaven!

Meanwhile the boys played horseshoes.

After a few nights of camping we headed down to Denver to visit with my Grandpa. Sadly, I didn't get a picture. We met our good friends Doug and Cristy for dinner then spent the night in Denver. Tuesday we started the drive back home to Iowa. After a long trip it was nice to come home. And the amazing thing is, right now, Iowa really does feel like home. We may not be here forever, but for now, we feel we belong and I'm so thankful for that!