Haley Pageant 2011

What an awesome day of momma and daugther time :)  It was Jenni's birthday and Haley's pageant.

Lunch with the girls - Subway no doubt :)

Off to Haley's hair appointment...then to the pageant...

Isn't she beautiful??

My baby girl

Haley and Hayden

On stage...make it or break it...

1st runner up!! YAY!!!

Camryn - Queen....Haley - 1st.....Anna - 2nd....Kami - 3rd

Haley - "Thinking" or better yet, being a clown :)

I love her!!

Haley and Camryn

Blessing:  Spending the day with my 2 daughters!! What a great blessing!!

Quote:  Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.  ~Kahlil Gibran
A mother's treasure is her daughter.  ~Catherine Pulsifer

First Sports Memories

Today has been very busy...busy getting the kids ready to play ball.  We went all the way to Montgomery because we wanted to get the kids equipment from Academy Sports Authority (we love their prices).  Of course the shopping trip was a success.  We ended up becoming famished so we ate at Zaxby's - one of our favorite places to eat as a family!!

The car ride home was a lot of fun. Of course we were talking about hurrying home so we could get the to the field and learn some basic skills.  We got on the subject of "firsts" for each of the kids sports wise.  I will talk a little about that now - for humor of course...

Jenni's first soccer game - we had no idea of the rules so, we would yell "get the ball" and cheer if Jenni could get the ball away from her own teammate Ben (he was a ball hog)!

Kristen's first track meet - we were so proud of her ability to out run all of her teammates half way around the track - only to see her stop mid-track and walk because she didn't pace herself...and then throw up all over the ground.  It wasn't funny then but, it sure is now!

Jenni's first softball game - we really thought she would never get to play then, they put her out there and realized if she just ducked, no one could pitch to her...she was one of the best base runners on the team.

Chandler's first t-ball game - so precious...Chandler showed out with his ability to hit the ball to the outfield and make a home-run because the other team had no idea what to do with the ball.

Kristen's first softball game at catcher - oh my, it started off terrible.  That is one of the most difficult positions to play...she was overwhelmed to say the least but, becuase of her ability to throw the ball so well, coach left her in there. We really thought she would quit that night - she didn't and that made her one heck of a catcher.

Haley's first cheerleading - it was MHS football which she and the squad knew nothing about the game....they cheered the cheer "butterfly" (this is a laugh out loud funny cheer to watch little girls do the butterfly).......and it poured rain...and Haley got a nose bleed.

Jenni's first basketball game - she played point guard and could actually double-dribble very well :)

Haley's frist t-ball game - she enjoyed the batting part everything else was a waste of her time. Some how standing out in the field made her legs tired.

Haley's first gymnastics meet - this was actually a lot of fun to watch.  She performed so well under pressure!  We all realized that a single sport all about her was probably right on track.

Kristen's first cheer session - it was interesting watching a squad of 12 year olds (all which knew everything) stand on a football field and cheer for a game they knew nothing about...she sure came a long way!

Now, we are getting ready to watch Chandler play his first year of baseball and Haley her first year of softball....I can't wait to see that first game - I know there will be lots of memories after that - but, those first ones are the ones that stick the most!! Tears flow from my face just thinking about it...

Chandler getting ready to 'hit' one home!

Haley & Jenni....Jenni making sure baby sister was ready to play ball

Blessing of the day:  New firsts games with the kids....and a baseball training session.

Quote: 

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.
Thomas Jefferson

“I don't want to live. I want to love first, and live incidentally.” Zelda Fitzgerald

I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich.  ~Dan Wilcox and Thad Mumford

Losing a Tooth

The tooth fairy is so not a good tooth fairy in the Ballard House….this morning though, she was very good.

As you may or may not know…all my children have discovered there is no tooth fairy.  Haley of course, was the last to know.  Her words to me last year, “Mommy, I am heartbroken!” Me, “About what?” Her, “Because I know you are the tooth fairy.” We got over that hurdle and she forgave me for keeping it from her…praise the Lord. 

Last night, Haley informed me, “OUCH!” I said, “What?” She said, “I just got my tooth very loose…oh here it is!” Just like that she pulled her tooth out!  Chandler would never pull out his own tooth.  The first tooth he lost I thought Nana has pulled part of his brain out – he cried and cried and cried and cried some more.  Haley on the other hand has no fears or reservations about losing teeth.

I am sad to know there are only a few more teeth to lose.  The little kid days are passing by so fast.  These events remind me to be thankful that I can be the tooth fairy, even if I forget to leave money for a whole week (and yes, that has happened before, just ask Chandler – or the fact that Kristen used to and now Jenni does help us remember the kids lost a tooth).  I am thankful that everyone still likes to talk about losing their teeth and that we are lovingly building memories for a lifetime….because once the memory happens, it can never be recaptured.

Blessing:  Paying for baby teeth….because they are only baby teeth once.

Quote:  Other than a dimple in a cute little chin, what’s more adorable that a toothless grin?  ~Azu “Betty” Espezia

Losing baby teeth were a part and parcel of one’s life – a symbol of growing up, and it is the tooth-fairy that makes this otherwise dressed and painful process an exciting one – something to look forward to.  ~Mansi Maheshwari

Haley - showing off her tooth

The tooth :)

The hole that it left...and you can see on the bottom there is another tooth growing in too

Haley in 2007/2008 - she has no front teeth...how precious!! I will look for a better picture and repost to this blog! 

I am...

A child of God.

A Christian.

A wife.

A mother.

A daughter.

A sister.

A friend.

A lover.

A healer of small bumps and bruises.

A hair brusher.

A costume designer.

A personal maid.

A mender of broken hearts.

A mentor.

An example.

Mending my broken heart.

Tired of lies.

Sick of drama.

Terrified to take down these walls.

Afraid to be vulnerable.

Someone who will only be ignored for so long, and I close the door.  Then, you will have to beat it down to get me to reopen it.

The only Jesus freak that some people will ever see.

A cook/chef – well, I’m getting better!

A team player.

Not a person who will say the word “I hate you” to people who have at least made an effort in keeping me on track.

Not someone who will disown those who helped me succeed in life.

Not the person who puts blame on someone else for my failures.

Accountable for my own actions.

Easy to upset at times.

Willing to give forgiveness because God has told me to.

Strong.

Loving.

Deserving of love and respect.

A woman.

Always learning to be more humble each day of my life.

Dedicated.

Proud of where I came from.

Still accomplishing my goals.

Fearful of God.

Amazed by my children – both good and bad.

Passionate.

Living in urgency for God because we are living in the last days.

Always self-examining and changing what God wants me to change.

Not a runner from my problems.

Not afraid to say, I’m sorry.

A taxi driver.

Happy.

At peace with where my life is.

A daughter who is proud of the sacrifices my parents made for me.

A sister who loves time with my sisters.

A mommy who loves bike rides with my children.

An emailer because it means I care enough for someone to send them a message.

A wife who has learned what true love is.

The girl that will take you at your word, at least once.

Not easy to give trust back once you break it.

Disappointed in certain people that I expected more out of.

Ashamed when someone points out my faults.

Growing older.

An aunt.

Confident.

Passionate about spreading God’s word.

Called to be set apart.

Far from perfect.

In need of a second chance at certain things.

Learning to let go.

Always willing to listen.

Never too proud to take criticism.

Looking forward to the future.

A hard worker.

A girl who is no longer lost in this world.

Fearfully and wonderfully made by my perfect Father.

Me.

Blessing:  Remembering not to lose myself – for God created me.  And although I stumble the moment I realize it, I look to Him and He picks me up, dusts me off and says, “Let us try this again.”

Quote:  We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.  ~Kurt Vonnegut

Psalm 23 – my words at the end of each line of the “Lord is My Shephard”

“The LORD is my shepherd, and I shall not be in want.”  ~ Thank you Lord for reminding me to be content

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul” ~Thank you Lord for making me take time outs because it reminds me that I am doing your will. And for restoring my soul for You.

“He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”  Thank you Lord for showing me Your path because it means I am listening.

“ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” Lord you reveal to me often that in the valley you are at work, you are always with me and know my heart even when I don’t.

“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  Thank you Lord for disciplining me in my time of rebellion – for it means you are showing me great mercy! And Lord, when my punishment comes down, please help me remember not to rebel again.

“ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”  You show me Lord that I am to face my enemies in grace and love – and God, sometimes I do this only because you ask, not because I want to.

“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. “  Your love and mercy are so undeserving yet, you always fill me up.

“ Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Thank you Lord for your goodness and love and for preparing a place for me, I will follow you and keep your commandments and convictions at my heart center.  I will live for you and love you forever! AMEN

A Best Friend

My words for today are much different than yesterday!

When I was in the 6^th grade, my best friend Melissa Christian moved away. Her dad went into the ministry to work for God. She and her family were my 2^nd family. I loved them as much as I loved my own family. We spent every weekend together….and I especially loved going to her house – she had cable!!! In her first house, her room had2 twin beds in it - it was a town home with an upstairs. It was so neat!! And she didn’t have to share her room with anyone. At her second house, there was a pool table – and boy, did I think I loved to play pool!! I can still remember laying in the bed until wee hours in the morning talking about nothing really – just talking and laughing and talking and laughing. When I found out she was moving I dreaded that and time seemed to speed up. She and I sang solos together in church, we even fought over who got to sing the ‘prettiest’ part of the song! We competed for parts in the Christmas play and ALWAYS had something cooked up. My parents would even let me go to the skating rink with them…and I loved that!! But, the day finally came, and I was a crying mess. We had a ‘going away’ party at church – and I wanted so much to sing that night. To sing the song, “Perfect Father” by Sandi Patty and “Pray for Me” by Michael W Smith. We sang those songs together all the time…but, that night all I could do was cry. I knew I would miss her more than I had ever missed anything in my life. After she left, Sunday afternoon’s were never the same – and I hated that so much. My dad let me spends summers and some of my winter vacations with her and her family. It was so nice – in those moments, it was about best friends, catching up and most of all time together. Even now we are friends - she attended my wedding and I attended hers.  She has met all of my children and we talk via computer now.  Back then, Facebook was unheard of - haha!

My son just lost his best friend Yancey this past week because he too had to move. Those 2 boys played together 5 out of 7 days a week. Almost every afternoon – and every weekend Chandler was at home – Yancey was our neighbor. They played video games together, they learned ‘bike tricks’ together, jumped ramps together, shot birds together, had spend the night parties, hit golf balls together, shot fireworks together, built fires & forts together, helped each other in school. I mean those 2 boys were inseparable. Then, Yancey’s parents decided to move back to Louisiana. Kristie, Yancey’s mom broke the news to Chandler first – and he really didn’t believe her. That night he and I talked about it – and I told him it was ok to feel sad. Well, last Saturday Yancey moved – Chandler spent the whole last week and weekend with Yancey. He came home to get only the things he had forgotten. He passed up hunting so he could get a few more hours with Yancey. Chandler came to the house with Yancey and his family on moving day – the look of dread and sadness in his eyes. We all exchanged hugs, Kristie & I cried like babies of course…this is Chandler 2^nd major loss in 2 ½ years………so, he too shed many tears – but, not in front of Yancey!! After they left, Chandler came into my bathroom where I was getting ready for the baby shower, his eyes full of redness and he was wiping tears. I grabbed him and held him and told him it was ok to be sad. At that moment, he began to weep - he literally cried a river. My heart bled for him because I know that kind of loss in a friend. It took me, Nana & Grandpa to get him calmed down and out of the house for a little while. I went home yesterday and he was sitting on the swing, with a look of sadness on his face. I walked over to the swing, sat down with him and just started talking – he really liked that. I pray that he will again find a friend like that – and that his new friend will love him like a brother and love Jesus! He told me last night that he tried to call Yancey but he didn’t answer so, he would try again today.  I can't wait for the summer to get here so the boys can spend some time together...it will be an awesome experience for me as a mother and for Chandler as a young boy!! 

Blessing of the day: Having a friend that lasts a lifetime.

Quote: "A memory lasts forever and never does die. True friends stay together and never say goodbye."

·          

·         Most people walk in and out of your life, but only friends leave footprints in your heart.

·         Best friends are the siblings God forgot to give us.

Chandler & Yancey at Haley's bowling party for her 10th birthday....

 Yancey in the middle...Chandler on the end...at the house - September 2010

TIME & Baby Shower

What a weekend it has been.  Family, friends, crafts, food, laughter, babies, memories, happiness, gifts, fellowship, singing and most of all time!  It is so wonderful to have that – time with people who mean a lot to you.  There are never enough hours in the day – there is never enough days in the week – there are never enough weeks in the month – there are never enough months in the summer…I meant year (ha) – there are never enough years in a lifetime.  So, with weekends like this where everyone puts what they have going on down in their busy lives and come together is always a great blessing!!

Thursday night the hunting guys came into town and hunted all weekend.  We saw them sporadically though out the weekend.  Friday my parents and sisters came to town for Sarah’s baby showers.  The shower Saturday was a success.  Little Aaron has more clothes than he can wear in a lifetime – just sayin’.  He is going to be uptown and certainly is already very loved!!  Friday night, the sisters, mom and I sat down and finished up the decorations for the shower.  We laughed, we talked, we laughed some more – Jenni and Haley gave up helping us because we were being too silly….and some of the crafts just were not working out like we thought they would.  Rebecca cannot cut a straight line – but, she is a great helper of cleaning up a mess!  Sarah, is becoming crafty but her nerves itch a little too much.  Mom, well she just laughs at us because NONE of us have her talent. 

I spent a little time rubbing on Aaron – and he really seems to like that…or maybe not.  He would kick me or put his little butt up and roll over.  The kids were amazed at how a little baby in a mommy’s belly could do such a thing.  He was very active but only when Sarah wasn’t.  He has that figured out. I assume he will love for Aunt Rachel to rock him – a lot! 

I am so happy for Sarah and Tim!!  Time – Aaron will be here in less than 10 weeks.  He will be a baby – new to life yet, he will be a baby for a short time. He will be a little boy for a short time. He will grow into a teenager and be there for what seems like an eternity but it will be just a short while. Then, he will be grown.  I pray that his life is blessed with wonderful God fearing, Jesus walking praying parents.  Sarah and Tim will make Aaron the best little guy!!  He will be in their hearts for a life time! He will always be their little boy – their first born and the will cherish their time with him.  Once he is all grown, their jobs will be done – and he will always remember them being there for him!!

Blessing:  TIME with some of the most important people in my life!

Quotes: Time is what prevents everything from happening at once.  ~John Archibald Wheeler

Time is the longest distance between two places.  ~Tennessee Williams

Here are a few captured moments of the weekend! Enjoy – we sure did!!

Here is a sneak peak of Aaron :)

My Baby Sister and A Memory!!

I am on the mend from my vertigo – THANK.YOU.LORD!   Not a moment too soon as the baby shower is this weekend for my first nephew – Aaron Taylor.  How exciting.  The girls have been helping me get ready for the party.  The invitations have been given out, the cake has been ordered, decorations are being made and the menu is coming together.  I love all things blue and brown.  I am going on a limb here and doing a more “modernly chic” theme.  So far, I am liking it – now, getting it all put together is a different story.  I enjoy making diaper cakes – but this time, I am making diaper “cup”cakes….they are quite cute I must say.  I don’t want to spoil the surprise, so pictures will come after the party!

I cannot believe I am planning a shower for my little sister, Sarah Elaine – the one who still seems like a baby to me.  Her tummy is growing so fast and her baby is going to be so lucky to have a mommy like her (and and aunt like me – haha – just kidding).  But really, Sarah will be a great mother – one who makes sure her baby is taken care of, loved and most of all happy.  I search my memory bank for when Sarah was a baby – and I remember that!!

Memories:

I remember her sleeping with me

The night she fell off the bed and rolled under the bed and woke up crying and I couldn’t find her

I remember her having no hair

I remember her laughing even when something wasn’t funny

The times I played her mommy because it was fun

Or the time she was locked out of the house (but, she was a girl by that time)

There was a time it aggravated me that she followed me around all the time, and yes, I miss that now

When she started learning to play the clarinet/flute

Puberty and teenager – enough said! Haha!

Starting high school in the IB program – I was so proud of her for that accomplishment

Graduation…exciting and happy

Coming to Alabama with the family us in the back seat…her having a million things to say

Her loving on my son and holding him

Her wedding day….

And now, making the memory of a new life with her son!!

Gosh, where has the time gone? Now, she will start building memories with her son.  Her first born. Aaron which means ‘to sing’ and I am sure he will sing very well – his daddy Tim sings like an angel.  Precious memories how they linger….

The 3 Hatch girls – this quote sums it all up: When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?  ~Pam Brown There has never been a time in my life where my mistakes or achievements affected my relationship with my sisters for the bad.  We each understood each other in some way – or maybe we didn’t – but, we each never take for granted the time we have together.  We listen to each other and take the criticism we honestly give and know that it was given out of love and from the heart.  And yes, sometimes the truth has hurt….but, sisters are allowed to do that!!  We understand that life is about give and take – and we can never take too much from each other…or our parents.  We help each other when we are hurting or confused or even when our parents upset us.  We do our best to set a good example for each other.  How sweet it is to be close to my sisters.  I love them!!

Blessing:  Preparing for the arrival of my first nephew and making new memories with my baby sister!!

Quotes:  A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.  ~Marion C. Garretty

Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.  ~Author Unknown