December 14, 2006, Charles Oliver Ballard made his grand entrance into this world to be part of our family. NOW... three years later, he is a little man full of determination and strong will or character developing an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Charlie IS the entertainer of the family. He is super smart with a quick wit and the most charming smile. He told me that for his birthday, he wanted a motorcycle "I can ride in the street" Naturally, because real motorcycles are not ridden on the sidewalks. And he wanted a blue jet airplane, because he wants to be a pilot when he grown up.
Happy Birthday my Charlie!

Mike was gone for two weeks, working t.v. camera for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas... most importantly, I SURVIVED! (again as we've been doing this for 5 years now)
So the following are a few photos to documenting my survival tactics. I think this year was actually easier for me. Crazy I know, being that I was the one home single parenting our 5 monkeys. (correction: 4 monkeys and 1 teenager) Braving the snow and -10 degree weather. Needless to say, I stayed plenty busy and slept good and hard (most nights)
Mike on the other hand... came down with a nasty cold and I think met his Las Vegas limit within 48 hours. Eliza especially missed her dad, and her missing him rubbed off on everyone else (in part because he sent her flowers)
So to sum up, a line or two (naturally the only ones that partially fit, because this is SO NOT how I feel about my incredible man of a husband!) from one of my favorite songs... "at first I was afraid, I was petrified, kept thinkin I could never live without you by my side".... (blah, blah, blah) ..."I grew strong, I learned how to get a long"... "I WILL SURVIVE!" and I did. Let it be known, that I believe "I survived" because of my fabulous children, unseen helping hands, and answered countless daily prayers begging for help. So I may have survived, but it wouldn't be right for me to take all the credit. Enjoy...

Thanksgiving

Yes, I know I'm slow... Thanksgiving was a few weeks ago already. I figured I'd post about it anyway, even if it is old news.
It was the best Thanksgiving ever! It was so relaxed and gratifying, I didn't even make pies... until Saturday.

Gina is officially 14! Her birthday was celebrated in grand style (with a new cell phone) the day before Thanksgiving.
It's been a busy month... full of baking and socializing. Mike has finally finished the Mission Mountain Wood Band documentary "Never Long Gone". HOORAY!!! Way to go Mike, I'm so proud of you! This is the sight we came home to after celebrating with the band. ≈ Thanks Gina for all your help tending the little monkeys.

I started listening to Christmas music as I prepared the turkey. I was singing "Happy Holidays". Charlie was right by my side helping and without skipping a beat he piped up and said..."Happy Halloween to you too mom!" OOOOH, I love that little boy!

Every year, I am so impressed with the generosity of my children. After all the trick-or-treating, and all the trading is complete... our kids go through their stash and divide out what they want to keep from what they want to give away to the "Great Pumpkin". (the more candy they give to the GP the better the surprise the GP leaves for them) This year I collected all the candy for the "GP" and weighed it. 9 POUNDS of sticky teeth rotting, gooey butt and gut building, immune system supressing Candy! Gratefully, I couldn't believe they gave so much of it away. Keeping maybe 20 pieces for themselves. I can't relate to this at all... so they must get it from their dad. Sunday morning was dark and early, as everyone was so excited to see what the Great Pumpkin had left. And now it's all OVER! On to November...

Halloween was a super fun day... we beat the dinner problem this year by eating a late lunch/early dinner of Mummies (pigs in a blanket more or less) scrambled brains (mac & cheese) and twice baked ghosts (potatoes). It all was a successful meal. Someday I hope to understand why changing the name of food items makes it more desirable to kids... oh well, bring on the CANDY!
There are so many reasons I love this time of year... making sugar cookies (naturally the frosting is the BEST part)and other spooky treats (this brownie spider was created by Gina) Crazy hair day! Our kids can't dress up in costumes for Halloween at school, but they are encouraged to participate in "CRAZY HAIR DAY" so this year Eliza was a pumpkin and Isaac was a Ghost
We celebrated Eliza's birthday in relaxed simple style. (I don't mind saying that's my favorite way) Naturally we had party pancakes and strawberry soup for breakfast. Then, she was content to play with her new things and siblings, watch "Barbie three musketeer" and pig out on cake and Ice cream.Happy Birthday Eliza! Eight Great years, I love you!

Well so much for weekly updating my blog... it's sketchy highlights and too many pictures for this past month.
Our most current cause for chaos in the house... One week ago today, Isaac had surgery to remove his tonsils and adnoids. They were "pretty big for a little guy his size" straight from the doctors mouth, as he handed me a little jar containing said body parts He has done so well! I couldn't believe it. (thanks to the wonder of drugs/steroids)

The week before I participated in a chili & cornbread cook off contest. Thanks to Marie Calandars cornbread mix with a little 1/2 and 1/2. The Chili was ground elk & beef with 2 large cans of chili beans... and the "secret sauce"... was the topping to Grandma Mona's meatloaf (adjusted to scale) with a dash or two of crushed red chilies. The results... I came home with two second place medals... SWEET!
Naturally since we're talking about CHILI... it should be CHILLY outside... The following Monday we woke up to at least 10 inches of snow. It continued to snow for a day and a half. Blah, blah, blah,what's that you say? Quite your whining Kristine... YOU DO LIVE IN MONTANA! Okay, okay I know... it's just that I needed fall. Oh well... it's another 9 months of winter.≈
A big CONGRATULATIONS to the Bozeman High School Marching Band!!! Gina (and the BHS Marching Band) went to Spokane, WA. for the All Northwest Regional competition. They got 1st place in the open division, and 4th place overall. Way to go Gina! (this pic is from the Homecoming parade. G.B is the shorter one on the left)

The frosting was a hit!


Happy Birthday sweet baby Olivia

Birthday season is upon us here in the Ballard home. We begin in August with Isaac, Olivia in September, Eliza in October, Gina in November, and Charlie in December. (Ya, I guess I like to party... I'm not sure what I was thinking, clearly I was NOT!)

Anyway, Isaac is way into Star Wars! How cool is that, birthday presents and a Halloween costume. LOVE IT!

Kristine & Co. family photo
Gina 13 holding Olivia nearly one, Mike, Charlie 2.5, Eliza 7.5, Kristine holding Isaac 6

For those who didn't know, we moved on July 3rd. It all happened so fast, it's been one miracle after another all month. Here are a few pictures of the place we now call home. We've all adjusted rather quickly and easily. (it's not hard to adjust to a little more elbow space) Charlie has stopped telling me he's ready to "go home". These last two weeks, he's asked "is this my house mom?" I think he's beginning to figure it all out, since he has found a new favorite spot to read. " Our door is always open for friends (and family) who pass our way..." We even have a 'guest room' to offer now.


Company is the best way brake in the new home. We had a BLAST with Aunt Lorene and cousins! We went hiking, swimming, shopping at the farmers market... and we did lots of chillin.

Moving On

All boxed up...

Kickin off summer with a "for Sale" sign. The owner of our house decided to sell, providing us with the motivation to get out and find a bigger house. This week is moving week.



Look out, Olivia is on the go! She is just steps away from walking all by herself.