Happenings In and Around

The CREW

The last few months has been a whirlwind of excitement around the family

Elijah started his first experience at organized sports.  As the season went on E really

started to enjoy the game.  He played March through the end of May on Saturday morning. 

 I really enjoyed seeing how he improved each week.

 

Here is the latest addition to the family.  Jack Alan Ballard born May 31,11:35.  Weighed in at an alarming 9.9 lbs. Bella is still in the lead at 10.2 lbs.  I can't imagine how uncomfortable both of these babies and mommies were the last few weeks.

Our red headed darling turned 3 on April 4.  She loves Minnie Mouse... guess that one was easy to guess.



Last weekend we went to Coleman for a long overdue visit with the Coleman Grands...  We had a wonderful time.  Brooklyn is showing off her new biking skills while sporting Thomas PJs and Thomas helmet.

Another happening in and here was Elijah graduating Pre-K.  He was so serious because he led the group in and he was first.  He wants to be a fireman or professional tennis player.  We will wait and see.

 

This little darling is Bella.  Haven't got to blog about her too much.  She is just  getting to the age where all things are interesting.  She is so sweet and happy.  She started out having alot of acid reflux but I think that is some better.   

This was taken last Sunday before we left.  Both girls are so much fun to watch.  Brooklyn is a great Big Sis. 

Well the happenings in and around this neck of the country great.  We are so very blessed to have such a great family. 

New Things in the Country!!

Country Life

I am getting use to country life. Quiet days, beautiful sunsets, wide open spaces... are all part of the great country life..... but if you want to learn patience just try dealing with the internet out here. Our server is called Wildblue and I think I might scream somedays to the "wild blue" as slow as the internet is here in the country. Our friends down the road, Tommy and Frances, mentioned you had to be very patient and called it snail-mail.... YES that is exactly what it is..... So for this simple post of my niece, sister and mother, I have been 30+ minutes loading two pictures. Also I put a post of Craigslist earlier today.... 40+ minutes for two simple pictures... So if your thinking "oh, Janice, the country life is so beautiful"... well it is buttttttttt there are a few draw backs!!!!!

Ok, a few weeks ago my lovely niece from NYC came for a visit. She came over to check out the new house. She had spent many an hour at the old place and was surprised at the country life. She needed to get back to her Texas roots for a little while and stop and breath the good fresh air. We had a great visit..... then off she went back to the hustle and bustle of "The Big Apple". I wish her well in all her projects.... But she will always be my little niece and I love her dearly.

Audrey, Mom and Sharon

New Beginnings

New Beginnings

Our newest beginning is Bella. She is so darling and sweet. She loves to be held and rocked. I did plenty of that and didn't mind one bit.
The other 3 "Grands" 1st Christmas at the new house. Elijah, Sadie, and Brooklyn loved going upstairs and playing in the little room set up for them. All of the toys, trucks, games and the tv at their disposal.....

Another new beginning, Brad's coaching job.

Thanksgiving with family

I certainly enjoyed having Mark, Jo Carol, and Stephanie this year.

Our 1st Christmas tree was a very nice one. It has stayed fresh the whole time. I saw the cowboy hat idea and thought it went well with our new place.

May each of you have a Happy New Beginning to your 2012. May the Lord continue to bless us and this great country.

Moving DAY

This is a short post to say November 18 is moving day on Ave. A. We will be moving to our new house on CR 332. Then we have found renters for this house. I was at the Post Office and noticed a sign that someone wanted to rent a 2 or 3 bedroom house. I called the number and the rest is history.... the person on the other end of the number was looking for his brother a house. So the family came by on Friday and they want to rent it. So I am very thankful the Lord had a hand in all of these affairs...So I have called movers, called the phone company, called the internet provider, call the TV company... put in for a change of address. I must say that was the hardest one to do. I wanted to keep the box in town. Frankie wanted a mailbox in the country. So we compromised... got a mailbox in the country. But it will look very nice~
Come by and see us... there is always a breeze~

Getting Close

Kitchen cabinets are looking great!! The finish feels so smooth...

Cabinets in Frankie's office.

The fireplace is gas. The black plastic on the hearth is covering the mantle.

Things are getting close. I think we should be moving in middle of November.

Compare... I think it looks very close...

Is This My Birthday Present!!!

New Digs!!

As you may know, we are building a house. Here are a few pictures. I took some on my phone, of the inbetween stages, but this will work for now.

Ready to begin, we had to have alot of clay brought in and mixed with the sand.

Those boards are my front bay windows!!



The View!

Wow, what a difference a few weeks make. The crew is making great progress. If the weather holds, it could be a Ballard Thanksgiving....

Front door...

My 60th Birthday Bash

60th Birthday

Here are several pictures of my birthday party at the Stagecoach Inn. Crystal went all out to make it a great time for all. Thanks Crystal! I somehow didn't get a picture on my camera of Erica. I think she was taking all of them. Thanks Erica for serving as the main photographer.

Sharon, Mom and I enjoying the nice evening.
The Lightfoot Gang! Joe and Tim

The Dorton Gang Francine, Kevin, and Caleb. -Jacob

Grand Gang!

Friend's Gang

Carolyn and I have been friends for 35 years!! Wow (don't tell us)

Is that a smile?

Looking good, yall!

Mom, it is only a picture!!!

Thanks, Caleb, for coming!

Thanks Sharon and Tim for spending the evening with me.

Darling, Girl.

Hey, Handsome!!

I had a wonderful birthday party. Thanks to everyone for coming. We missed Brad, Amy, Brooklyn, and the newest girl Bella. Also Vern and Carol, Mark and Jo Carol, we missed yall.