Kristines Company Chaos Other Business...

2012-01-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

This is one of our family's favorite people... Linda has become like family to us here in Bozeman, MT. She is kind, generous, and so thoughtful. As we approach the time to close the "Bozeman" chapter, we want you to know how much we love and will miss you Linda. (Thanks for the encouragement to keep the blog current so you can keep up with the kids. This one's for you)

2012-01-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, happy memories of the old year... at least the last 6 months anyway of 2011.June brought the celebrating the birth of our little Rex

July was wonderful... it's actually all just a blur in my memory. I do know that Gina went to Germany for 3 and 1/2 weeks. Life here at home just doesn't feel right when she's gone. She had a super fabulous time and we were glad to have her home again.

August was a busy month... we had Great Grandpa Lindman come visit with Grandma and Grandpa Brown for Isaac's 8th birthday. Great Grandpa brought his dog Jasmin and that was a REAL treat to have her stay in the house with all my other animals, I mean children. Before we knew it, school started... Yippee!

September we celebrated Olivia's 3rd birthday! Saying she LOVES her little brother is a MAJOR understatement! Everyone is her Best Buddy

October Gina went to Homecoming with a group of friends (actually the went to dinner and bowling) We attended our first (and last) MSU football game. We also celebrated Eliza's 10th birthday by getting her ears pierced, Oooo la, la! Naturally, we had a fun time roaming the neighborhood all dressed up for Halloween.November was quite the month beginning the Holiday season counting all the blessing we are grateful for. Especially for Mike to be offered a new job with BYU-I the day before Thanksgiving. Gina's 16th birthday was the day after Thanksgiving. What a wonderful weekend we had celebrating so many blessings!December was busy with excitement and then some. Mike worked his last National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas the first two weeks. Came home to dash off house hunting in Rexburg, Idaho. We made it home in time to watch Charlie open his birthday presents and put him to bed. He had a super 5th birthday party the next day. Christmas this year was simple and so perfect! It was one of those days I wish could last a little longer than just 24 hours. Fortunately, it seemed that time slowed down to a snails crawl and I feel I savored every moment of the Holiday season. I enjoyed it all to the fullest, and couldn't wait for school to start Monday morning January 2nd, 2012.

2011-04-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

I love reading the blogs of my sisters-in-law... they inspire me and make me want to be a better mom and blogger. My entire blogging adventure came about to keep far away family in the know and up to date with my children. Specifically, for my husbands dear gram. She passed away over a year ago, and I have felt rather lost in my purpose to post since her passing. I enjoy the "journal-ing" satisfaction of blogging, and hope maybe some other far away family (since ALL our family is somewhere far away) will continue to follow the "company" via my blog.
Spring break was perfect for us. We did something and went somewhere different each day. Our goal was to go somewhere we had never been. How fortunate we accomplished our goal twice, in touring a recording studio (thanks again Jeramiah), and bowling at the local "bowl". Mother Nature provided a generous dumping of fresh snow for us to go sledding. The museum has a fantastic new exhibit about frogs, and the library is still one of our favorite places to go. I am so lucky to have such good children. It was the perfect week, and everyone was ready to resume our regular routine.
In other news, Gina is all grown up and will be leaving the country... She was encouraged to apply (by her German teacher), and was awarded the opportunity to travel to Germany for almost a month this summer. She will live with a host family, attend classes, tour historic cites... along with 39 other students from all over the United States. This is a real honor and we are very proud and excited for her. I was a little nervous at first with the thought of her being so far away from home by herself, but such concerns have been put on the "back burner" since drivers ed. started a few weeks ago. It's hard for me to believe she is already old enough to learn to drive. She continues to keep it all together with a smile and make it all look so easy. Oh to be a teen!
Eliza and Isaac are making great strides in learning to play the piano. Eliza does NOT like practicing, but is competitive enough that she wants to be better than Isaac, who seems to be a natural. Eliza has recently learned to deal with a bully in her class at school. It's been very stressful for her. I'm so proud of the way she faced the problem, dealt with it, forgave, and is moving on. She is very mature, super sensitive and kind. Isaac is my mystery boy. We think he is quiet and reserved, only to learn from teachers and friends, that he is NOT quiet very often, but actually very social and funny. He still has the most infectious smile and laugh. (even when he wakes up grumpy like this morning because of the snow...) he just can't stay mad or grumpy for long. He amazes me with his random knowledge of snakes, reptiles, and frogs. Is it even worth mentioning that they both continue to grow like weeds?!
My littles Charlie and Olivia continue to challenge me the most. I'd like to think it's only because I'm 35 weeks pregnant and lack the energy to keep up with them. Charlie's social circles are expanding, and hanging out with Mom all day just does NOT meet his social needs any more. He too is DONE with the snow and is ready to be outside on the tramp, or his bike. His eczema has and continues to improve, along with his speech. Olivia... her greatest challenge these days is being 2! She wants to do EVERYTHING everyone else is doing. She has become the worst 2 year old back seat driver on the planet! Telling me to "go this way", "go faster", and "just GO mom" at red lights. Actually, her bossiness take control attitude is a good thing I'm sure... if I can just survive it a few more years. She is the best little helper, unloading the dishwasher, sorting, switching, and folding laundry, pushing the grocery cart... you name it, the girl is on it.
Easter weekend was absolutely wonderful! I made the girls skirts...(I've done my sewing for the year) and they were thrilled not to mention adorable. I'm sorry for the minor technical issue that limits me from posting any pictures... Maybe next time. Easter was a beautiful day in every way. The sun was shining (there was NO snow) my children were happy and content (even if they were high on sugar), and I relished the quiet time to think of all the blessings I enjoy because of the Saviors Atoning sacrifice, and resurrection. "Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: '"I know that my Redeemer lives!"'

2011-03-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

Here we are in March... where does the time go?! Business has been pretty quiet around here, or so it seems, not much to blog about. For the first time in December I sold my granola, LOTS of it. (140 bags of Maple pecan and "Cookie" granola) It was a one of my new years resolutions for 2010, to "do something" with my granola. What can I say, I'm a last minute kind of gal, and I did "something". New Year was spent with extended family, talk about a party! Then purging the house of Gluten. I decided to try to help Charlie's eczema we would all go gluten free to see if it help him clear up. I'm learning so much, we are eating healthier, and no one has died yet from eating more veggies. Valentine's Day was pretty low key. Charlie had a party with 10 of his little friends, and the next day he was sick. HELLO FLU! Since germs are the only things we really know how to really share in this family... we all got some kind of sick. My littles shared the worst of it with me (the only thing worse than being sick as the mom is being a sick mom with really sick littles) my middles both had the cough, while Gina and Mike worked through some aches and a drippy nose. Needless to say, the last few weeks have been the worst in years! I have a renewed appreciation for good health and happy children. Now here we are in March, awaiting spring break next week with snow, snow, and more snow. Don't get me wrong, I love the snow. It's beautiful, clean and I have a great husband who does ALL the shoveling. Yet I find this so funny, because spring doesn't actually spring in Montana until late May early June. Evidently spring break in Montana means one of two things... a sunny beach, or skiing. Spring break for my little company won't be either of those two things. I'm not sure yet what kind of fun it will bring. So only a few pictures to share this time around.

Short & Sweet

2010-11-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

All month long I've found myself making a mental list of the many different blessings I'm grateful for. A nice warm home to live in, happy healthy children, my husband to love, food, good music to enjoy, and the ability to hear and experience it, family and good friends, priceless memories, good haircuts... I just love the good feelings produced from cultivating an attitude of gratitude.
On another short note... the cuteness had her first hair cut this weekend. We are both very happy with the results.

Business as Usual

2010-11-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

Once again, another delayed photog posting... that's what you get when I procrastinate regular blog postings. The main headquarters of my business has moved yet again... we now work out of the "Leave it to Beaver residence" HA! Seriously, this place is wonderful and we are very happy here. So a peak from the front and the back, my office and my desk, as well as my latest creation. I'm rather proud of the old door I sanded, painted, and mounted as a headboard for the girls bedroom. (sometimes it amazes me what I think up and actually create)
Naturally I had to add some good ol' Halloween pics, as well as a pic of the ever enchanting Eliza on her birthday. What a gal!

Little Boo is 2

2010-09-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

How is it possible, that our baby has turned two? Olivia Kaye is such a delight, with a hint of trouble. She is much like a very small chili pepper... as the smallest chili peppers are always the HOTTEST! I wouldn't have her any other way. We kicked off her "terrible two"season with presents, cake and ice cream.

The other day, she was racing around the house as if she was racing from 2 to 22 in a race car. Watch out!

Off to School We Go

2010-09-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Another summer has come and gone. It's been great! (but I don't want to repeat the events of August)
In keeping with the "TRADITION" we take pictures of all the children before we send them off to the first day of school. My FAVORITE FIVE starting with
BiGGer
bIg
mIdDLe
SmAll
sMalLeSt
Oh my, how I LoVe them!

2010-04-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Only my middles (Eliza, Isaac. Charlie) could morph into "mighty massagers" and perform massaging techniques so magical to make Mike and I feel better.

Our Easter weekend was as fun as these bunny cupcakes look.

4 of the 5 pose for a picture... Easter duds dawn our Easter morning.

Olivia our cute little chick.

Good, Better, Best

2010-03-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

Spring break was fantastic, and the following are a few photos or our activities. Our Monday night "staff meeting" we talked about "color code personalities". Whites, reds, blues, and yellows... why we NEED everyone to be their own unique person (color personality) and how beautiful and colorful the world is BECAUSE of different personalities. It was a fun and "colorful" discussion... with a delicious colorful and equally fun to eat treat. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we made bread... LUCKY 4 leaf clover bread. Making bread is my new thing these days... it's so much fun! We took a road trip to Helena, touring the state capital building (meeting the Governors dog Jag), the Exploration museum, riding the carousel, playing in the park... it was a grand adventure enjoyed by all. With the weather so beautiful, and the schedule so flexible, the best part of the week was not having an agenda, and doing whatever whenever (playing outside mostly). Not pictured is the granola I made, almond blueberry and maple pecan. After 5 years of talk, I've finally taken a step in the direction to selling it. So kudos to me.
The final photo is our practice run for Easter morning Sunday duds... It's been a good, better, best kind of week here in my little company.

New Post

2010-03-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

Okay... so I've fallen off the blogging band wagon. This is my honest effort to climb back, do some serious business in the blogging community, and keep any followers up to date with my company's achievements.
So we all survived the Olympics... I'd like to take this moment to thank all my dear friends (and family) for their support. To be honest, that was THE HARDEST 3 WEEKS of a very long time! "POP" that was the bubble around my little comfy cozy world. I am most happy to have that over and in the past.
So, updates... and pictures Eliza has a new look. BANGS! She wears them well, beautifully I think (especially when brushed)

And Olivia finally has enough hair to do fun things with...
"And who couldn't love a girl with hair like that?" her daddy that's who little boo
That's enough hairy business for one post.

my hard working Olympian

2010-02-17T20:30:00.000-08:00

Mike is in Vancouver working hard covering all events on the luge track between turns 11 & 12. A few pictures of my favorite Olympic camera operator.

2010-02-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

So we have been back for almost 2 weeks, to be sure my intentions were to have posted this almost two weeks ago. Such is my life... We had the most wonderful trip! Michael's Gram Ballard passed away in early January. Thanks to our favorite Aunt Anne, (Michael's Aunt) the entire family was able to fly back to Connecticut for her Memorial Services. (along with a trip to the "Big Apple")
Since our last visit with family in Connecticut, (3 1/2 years ago) we have added Charles and Olivia to the family. Needless to say, we had plenty of catching up to do, so our days were long and packed full of fun with the cousins.
We flew out on Thursday. To be sure, being on two airplanes in 8 hours time was the most exciting day of Charlie's life thus far!
Friday Anne took myself, Gina, Eliza and Isaac to NYC. Riding the train into the city, we were able to take in Grand Central Station, the American Girl Store, Rockefeller Center, Toys R US, Time Square, AND we even managed to squeeze in an interview for the Today show with Kathy Lee and Houda. Finishing off the day with dinner at Friendly's (Michael's favorite Ice cream/eatery joint)
Saturday we attended the Memorial Service, and a reception after. I'm amazed at how kids can instantly pick out cousins they have never met and play together as if they do so every weekend.
Sunday, after church we made it over the the cemetery with balloons to write messages on them before letting them go. Then we were off to Aunt Sarah's house (Michael's sister) for dinner with everyone. (Michael's siblings and children) What a special night to see Uncle Seth and Aunt Carrie who just returned home after serving in Iraq for a year. What a night! It was so good to see everyone, kick back and visit while the kids ran wild!
Monday bright and early, we boarded another airplane to head home. Thanks again to Anne for making it possible for us to have such a memorable weekend!

Afternoon Naps Gone Wrong & Reading Books

2010-01-17T17:07:00.000-08:00

So this last week, I half heartedly attempted to put my two little monkeys down for an afternoon nap. I realize it was my fault, because I wasn't as serious about it as I should have been to be successful. Anyway... Charlie had escaped and Olivia followed him... I was distracted by something so I didn't give chase. When they came back into the bedroom, Charlie had pinned his hair up with all of Olivia's hair bows. He was so proud of himself, I couldn't resist taking a picture, followed by tickle torture. Forget a nap at this point Kristine.
Isaac has become quite the reader, reading anything and everything. We are so excited for him, and we often sit down and listen to him read. Charlie is Isaac's #1 most devoted fan, so naturally he has become quite the reader too. Last week his favorite book was "Super Hungry Dinosaur". He "read" it to Mike several times, and now you also have the opportunity to hear Charlie "read" his favorite book of the week.

2010-01-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Gram,

Christmas was wonderful! Perhaps the best we have ever celebrated. Going off of the "less is more" theme if you will, we had less chaos and clutter and more of a genuine Christmas Spirit. The children were all so happy and content. For Gina, Santa brought a new open holed flute, a marching band sweatshirt, and duffel bag. Eliza was tickled pink with her Ruthie character American Girl Doll. Isaac was up to his happy gleaming eyeballs in star wars action figure stuff. Charlie couldn't get enough of his "red and blue speed racer cars" A fast and cool shake and go race track. Olivia was just so fascinated with every ones goods, she hardly noticed her own leap frog farm fridge magnet thingy. Michael and I both received what we asked for too... a new coat for him, and kitchen stuff for myself. It was the perfect kind of day I wish I could freeze frame and go back to on the not so perfect kind of days. I was amazed at how magical it all worked out... we had very few presents under the tree. But the kids did chores and saved up to buy something for everyone. I was impressed with their generosity and ability to think of others wants and needs instead of themselves. For the first time, I hated to take down "Christmas" and put it all away. Charlie and Olivia were tremendous helpers. Unpacking boxes just as fast as I'd packed them up.
We celebrated the New Year like never before! The Mission Mountain Wood Band (Michael's 'Never Long Gone' documentary) was playing at a place in Big Sky. We were able to get the last room for the night. The kids partied in the room, and Mike and I partied in the ballroom with the Band and over 200 other guests. Did you know it was a Blue Moon on New Years Eve? Well it was, and that explains why Mike danced the night away like Michael Jackson (ha ha okay, not really. But I sat out more dances than he did) Normally I can't get him to dance. However, on New Years Eve, I couldn't keep up with all his dancin moves... Only once in a BLUE MOON! Seriously, I can't remember the last time we had so much fun party-n it up into the wee hours of the morning.
It's been the most fabulous Holiday season, and yet we are all ready to resume our regular routine. I've thought about you so much during the last few weeks. I miss you already, and you haven't even left yet. I wanted to tell you one more time how much I love you, and to thank you one more time... for your example of all that is good, and gracefully enduring when it's not so good. Thank you for encouraging me to dream big, and believing in me. You are an amazing woman, and I am grateful I've been so blessed to have you as Gram these last 9 short years. "God be with you till we meet again..."
Love
Kristine

2009-12-21T06:12:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-20T16:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-10-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-09-28T10:59:00.001-07:00

The frosting was a hit!

Happy Birthday sweet baby Olivia

2009-09-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-26T21:53:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

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.

Reunion

2009-06-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

Everyone was so excited to go to the airport to pick up Mike and Gina. It was a rare occasion that all 4 children were buckled in the car ready to go (with a few minutes to spare). We're all so happy... but what's this?... the car won't start? GET OUT!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS? Long story short, I borrowed a car, some of us finally picked up the weary travelers, charged the battery in the car, and had us a happy fashion show.

It's been so nice to have my 'right arm' and my 'better half' back!

Last day of school

2009-06-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

"What time is it? SUMMER TIME!"
we started the school year with photos, so it's only right to end it with more pics.

Grateful 4's

2009-06-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

First off, I am grateful that Mike and Gina are just on the other side of the world, and not on the other side of the veil. I'm grateful for modern technology and the blessing to skype with them. I'm grateful and excited for them to have such incredible opportunities together. (sorry, no current pics of the two)

I am so grateful for Eliza... she is such a good girl, and wants to do what is right! I'm grateful for her sweet voice, and to hear her sing. (she sings all the time, it's so wonderful) I'm grateful she is so generous with her talents... art, dancing, reciting poetry, singing, LAUGHING, and joking/teasing. I'm grateful that she ALWAYS compliments my cooking and tells me I'm the best cook ever! (she always says that when she wants something to eat just before dinner). I'm grateful she is so protective of her sisters and younger brothers. She is a great example!

I'm grateful for ISAAC. Right now he is the MAN of the HOUSE, and he is doing a great job of it! (even if he doesn't know what that means) I'm grateful for his kind, gentle personality, and his SMILE that lights up my day. I'm grateful that he has discovered a new LOVE... LEGO STARWARS. I'm grateful he still considers Eliza as his "best friend".

I'm grateful for Charlie... that he LOVES airplanes, motorcycles, and helicopters. He is the ENTERTAINER of the family a real comedian! I'm grateful for his little crooked smile, and his CONSTANT companionship. I'm grateful that he likes to use the potty and that he has given up his "bob" (bottle). I'm sooo grateful that he tells me "mom, I tired" and doesn't fight me (too much) when I put him down for a nap. (he happened to be napping when I snapped pictures for this posting. so, peaceful)

I'm grateful for my sweet boo boo baby Olivia. She is so much fun! Last week, she crawled into the kitchen after me. (that is nothing new or too exciting) when I finally turned around to see her, she was pushing a chair from the table like a walker to get to me. WAAAAAGGGGGHH! I'm grateful my 8 month old baby is NOT walking by herself.... YET.

Oh Baby!

2009-05-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

In a race to catch up with the other kids, Olivia is a real go go kind of gal. Not only is she crawling, she is in to everything!!! Pulling books off the shelf... cups out of the drawer... dishes out of the dishwasher (she's been fired from the kitchen crew when she broke a bowl).
She is a handful already, but she is so adorable, sweet, and funny.

Sianara

2009-05-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Saying Goodbye... everyone wanted to wave, hug, and kiss farewell to Dad and Gina. In the wee early morning hours on Sunday May 23rd, Mike and Gina literally left their comfort zones. They will tour East Asia with the Montana State University Symphony. Mike is working (of course) documenting the tour for PBS and Gina is simply taking advantage of a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.

Snowy wonderland

2009-04-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning we woke up to lots and lots of snow. It had started to snow Tuesday and didn't stop until yesterday evening. We ate breakfast to "let it snow, let it snow", and "Slay bells ring, are you listening...", (oh wait, are those two the same song?) anyway, Mike took full advantage of the white stuff. He is such an awesome Dad, he walked the kids to school pulling them on the sled. The sled was a BIG hit on the playground!

The tramp was ladened with snow!

It's so nice to have a good warm home to stay in when Mother Nature plays her April Fool's jokes all month long.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

Getting one good picture of all our children is hard work especially at 8:30 a.m. I jumped in the shower while everyone was still sleeping and Mike had gone off to meetings. Charlie woke up first when he couldn't find my hair to pull no doubt. Then when he couldn't get into the bathroom to be with me, he woke up the rest of the kids. They all decided to sample as much of the candy left in their Easter baskets before mom could put a stop to that and feed them breakfast. Charlie was definitely on a sugar high, high, high! His new phrase is "after dinner" This goes for everything! for example, we went to the store and he spotted some motorcycles, he says "mom, lets go ride that motorcycle." I say "we can't Charlie, it's not our motorcycle" he says "after dinner mom! After dinner".
Sugar is sweet, but I think my children are sweeter. I do love them so, and I am so grateful for each one of them. What a wonderful weekend to celebrate with them the resurrection of our Savior. It was pretty low key and relaxed with a little extra sugar.

Such pretty girls. Eliza isn't very photogenic at all, what a ham

The boys got new matching easter ties. They look so handsome, I just love those two boys!

Isaac poured his own bowl of cereal... the cheerios came out a little too fast, they were all over the chair and floor. He and I shared a good laugh and lots of cheerios!
Charlie is my little Maestro, he loves to listen to music! Especially when it's just like the big kids on his " I pot "

Peas & Carrots

2009-04-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

! I love a good prank or joke! So naturally, I LOVE April Fools Day. This year, I cut up and shaped orange tootsie rolls and added all the green balls from the Sixlets package. It looked so real! The kids loved it and have asked if I will do it every night, then asked if I'll do it again next year. I wish I had a better picture of the looks on their faces. , Peas and carrots, PRICELESS!

New

2009-04-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

We recently did a lot of homework in an effort to downsize my laundry time. I'm shocked at what these newer machines can do.... however, they still can't fold and put away the laundry. New machines also make doing laundry a little more fun. Big boxes are still a hit! we are going on two weeks with these boxes, they are GREAT fun for my kids!

Lucky Day

2009-03-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

It must have been our lucky day, this is the first all together family photo in about two years. Talk about a happy St. Patrick's Day

Wii are a happy family

2009-03-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Wii had a great weekend with Aunt Anne. Mike's aunt from Connecticut came out on Thursday for the weekend to play. Boy howdy, did we play!
Friday we spent some time with the kids before school and at lunch then she took Eliza and Isaac to swim (at the hotel pool)
Friday night we (Gina and adults) went out to a real authentic Montana restaurant Pine Creek Cafe the food was incredibly good and the live music was excellent!
Saturday Mike and the girls went up to Bridger to ski and board with Anne. Everyone went back to the pool later in the afternoon and the adults had a late dinner out.
Sunday we all went to church while Anne did her own thing... meeting up for lunch. Anne came in the house with her arms ladened with bags. She brought lunch and entertainment. She and Gram decided that we needed a Wii, so after a quick lunch, we set it up and played and played and played! Oh what fun, wii are so for Gram and Anne's generosity. Spring break will be a week of golf, tennis, and bowling tournaments.

before & after

2009-03-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

So this week, we have been doing something new.... we're calling it a financial fast. For one week, we are fasting from spending, we won't spend a penny for 7 days. It's been a very rewarding experience! I feel amazingly relaxed and peaceful. It's almost as if going to the store or spending money makes me feel worked up and crazy. I enjoy the feeling of organization and calm. I'm not worried about what's for dinner, or more importantly, what I have to run to the store to get... a great experience I highly recommend to everyone.
Naturally, since we're not spending any money, a few situations have gotten too hairy. ( Mike, Isaac, and Charlie to be specific )
So on Saturday, I put on the Barbers hat, pulled out the clippers and scissors, and went to work. Whew! there were no tears and Mike even kissed me afterwards. I must admit, I enjoyed doing it.

Busy as a Bee

2009-03-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Gina participated in the Annual Gallatin County Spelling Bee. This was her third year at the County spelling bee. She was the only one out of 65 kids to have made it to the county bee for three years. She did real good, but was stung by the word GETA ( Japanese wooden clog type shoes) it's pronounced gait-ah. Gina got the "boot" by a wooden Japanese clog. We stayed to the bitter end. Her friend was one of the final four. Elizas friend Wyatt was also there to cheer on his older sister Kinzy. She is homeschooled and actually took 1st place. It was a fun morning all together as a family.

Kristine's confession

2009-03-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

This is it!

I may be one of the last to become a blogger, but I'll do my best to be the best blogger.

It's that magic time of night, when my "company" is asleep and my brain is struggling to function at full capacity. What better time to create a blog. Especially for one who is computer illiterate and techno challenged. Oh this could be really good humor...

Actually, I just wanted to do better at keeping in touch with family and friends. I want to share the "classics" day in and day out of my life.

Including pictures, if I can figure that out.