His, Mine and Ours

The Short End of the Stick

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Would you be smiling if you were the only one without a cookie?

Taking Over

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

Whack! Girl I'm the star of this blog today!

Happy Hump Day

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

*gasp* Somebody just said Wednesday!

Brotherly Love

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

The Filling

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Help! I'm the center of a Ballard sandwich!!

New Year's Eve

2012-02-03T06:00:00.001-06:00

For the past few years we've hosted a kid friendly, get to bed early, eat tons of yummies, kind of New Year's Eve. This year was no exception.

My View From Here

2012-02-02T06:00:00.001-06:00

Anyone else missing summer?

Happy Hump Day

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Now this girl knows how to do it. Sleep thru Wednesday.

Dang Cute Kids - January 2012

2012-01-31T06:00:00.005-06:00

Charlie

Avah

Ryan

Lydia

Lydia - And yes, she was so cute this month she got two spots.

Holiday Time

2012-01-30T11:00:00.000-06:00

This year Ma Ma Hessel tried hard to start a new tradition of dinner and church services before Christmas (and it would have worked perfectly had some illness not gotten in the way). She made yummy chicken and dumplings and we all attended a Christmas service at Morningstar Church.

Family Night

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hattie - One Month

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

3 going on 28

2012-01-26T06:00:00.002-06:00

Texting Race

Happy Hump Day

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

That's right Wednesday! You stay upstairs! Nobody wants you down here!!

Visit with Santa

2012-01-24T13:00:00.000-06:00

For the past two years we've went to Bass Pro Shop with Avah's family to see Santa. It's never disappointing. My girl was happy to talk Santa's ear off, but didn't want to sit with him. Hattie on the other hand was happy to be help and was indifferent to who did the holding.

Holding Lessons

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Let me show you how you do it Ma Ma. You put your hands right under her neck like this and hug her really tight.

Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head

2012-01-23T11:00:00.000-06:00

Check Back Later

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

Excuse me, but I think we're going to sleep in this morning...we'll be back later. Got to get that beauty rest!

Thanksgiving Time - Hessel's

2012-01-20T11:00:00.000-06:00

My View From Here

2012-01-20T06:00:00.001-06:00

Meeting Hattie - Week One

2012-01-19T13:00:00.002-06:00

Nate

Avah and Jenny

Jenny

Maddie and Jenny

Nana - (great grandma)

Will

Brenna, Carli Grace, Kelly

Sammie

Leap of Faith

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Isn't trust a wonderful thing?!

Hattie - One Week Old

2012-01-18T14:12:00.003-06:00

Hattie is such a very content baby. She is everything a fourth kiddo should be - laid back, patient, observant...perfection.

Happy Hump Day

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Wednesdays aren't even worth both eyes.

Randomness - From Maternity Leave

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

Fun at the Park

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

Painting Party

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Michelle and Jenny had the awesome idea of combining Maddie and Avah's birthday parties into one painting party. So fun! And so girly!

Happy Hump Day

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Momma's saying "no no" to me, but I think she's really talking to Wednesday.

Reserved

2012-01-10T06:00:00.002-06:00

My own special smile reserved just for the little people in my life. Really that's just because it scares adults.

Baby Swap

2012-01-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

Every time my family gets together we spend the time swapping babies. Denise goes for which ever one is closest at that moment.

Angela snuggles well.

Mike plays and likes to get laughs. Oh, and have I mentioned I drool over the sight of my guy with a baby and his tattoo showing. Yep...love!!

And I make crazy faces. It's what I do.

Meeting Hattie - Day One

2012-01-06T13:00:00.000-06:00

Uncle Vince and Aunt Denise

Grandma Hartwig and Ma Ma Hessel

Pa Pa Hartwig

Jamie

Cece

Pa Pa Jackson

Kelly

Uncle Tim

Cousin Lydia, Aunt Angela and Uncle Bobby

Cousin Riley

Pa Pa Hessel, Jenna, Stephen and Tiffany

Stephen

Aunt Katie (aka Mimi)

Stan, Lucas and Erin

Meeting Hattie - Brothers

2012-01-06T11:00:00.001-06:00

Both boys wanted a boy. So George walks in and we say meet Hattie your new sister. "Oh man". You can tell he looks crushed.

Andrew walks in. George says "It's not a boy." Andrew, "It's not. Oh."

Yep, crushed.

Meeting Hattie - Sisters

2012-01-06T06:00:00.003-06:00

Carli Grace meeting Hattie is probably my single most favorite memory of Hattie's birth day with the exception of meeting Hattie myself. We didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl and we didn't tell the kids until they arrived at the hospital. My big girl strolled into the hospital with Cece and Pa Pa. Peeked over the bassinet. And I said "This is Hattie. Meet your baby sister."

She was thrilled and has been ever since. She tells every one she meets that she is a big sister. That Hattie is HER baby sister.

She said that the baby in my belly would be a girl...and she was right.

Here She Comes

2012-01-05T07:47:00.002-06:00

GASP!! Aunt Rachel is finally going to blog again! Look out!

How She Got Here

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

My water broke at 6:40 p.m. Mike and I got all three kids situated and got to the hospital.

Hattie Cecile joined us just a few short hours later at 1:21 a.m. on November 13.

She was a smooth and easy delivery and has been a smooth and easy baby ever since!

November 12

2011-12-14T13:00:00.000-06:00

We spent November 12 like this.

Hanging out, watching George's two soccer games while Mike worked.

We snacked and played.

I was almost a week overdue with Hattie, so Vince and Denise came along to give me a hand.

George played well.

And Carli Grace had a great time playing with all of us.

She may have known what was coming that day because she gave Uncle Vince some baby care lessons.

And was sure to prove herself as an awesome big sister.

Seven hours later...my water broke and November 12th became and even better day then it had started out as.

Announcing

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

Introducing Miss Hattie Cecile

Weighing in at 9 pounds 8 ounces and 21.5 inches long...

...she joined our family on November 13, 2011 at 1:21 a.m.

Happy Birthday Princess

2011-12-02T06:00:00.002-06:00

Today is Carli Grace's third birthday. When I look at her next to Hattie I just can't get over how grown up she is and how much I remember her being SO little.

This is the first year Carli Grace completely understands birthday. She knows that, as of this morning, she's 3...and she knows which fingers those mean. She picked out treats to take to Ms. Kelly's for her friends, she's getting a special dinner and treat tonight and she knows...oh, does she know...that there will be presents.

So, as I do on each kids birthday. Three things of interest this year:

This year my big girl has gotten over being shy. We started this year with a girl that wouldn't talk to anyone but us, wouldn't go outside if someone was mowing their lawn within 3 miles, and wouldn't go on most things at the playground. Well let me tell you...that is no longer the case. Between her dance recital, trick or treating and her introducing her "new baby sister" to every stranger in Target she has definitely moved past being shy and reserved.

This year my big girl has become independent. Sometimes we roll our eyes and shake our heads at her sass, but let me tell you...secretly, I'm proud that she knows what she wants and even prouder that she knows how to talk you into also wanting it. I'm sure this post will come back to bite me in the years to come, but I still just can't help smiling every time I hear her reason with one of "her boys" or Daddy.

This year my big girl has fallen in love with her new baby sister. It was immediate and it is beautiful to watch. I'll be honest. I worry about the huge responsibility it is to raise two little women...sisters. But when I see how Carli Grace gravitates towards Hattie I just feel like it's all going to work out just fine. That my Carli Grace has it under control.

Happy birthday my princess! I love you more then you can possibly know until you're a momma yourself.

Happy Hump Day

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

Did you know if you pound this really, really loud you can actually drown out Wednesday?

Happy Hump Day

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

How would you like it if somebody left you down here, alone, on a Wednesday!?!?

Lady Driver

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

So I'm just curious...how do you feel about younger men?

My View From Here

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Halloween 2011

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Everybody got to draw a pumpkin for Daddy to carve.

George carved his own for the first time. He was so proud!

Mike did his best with what Carli Grace drew.

Our little kitty cat just wanted to show everyone her tail.

And our girl who used to be SO shy has really exploded out of her shell lately. She figured out how this whole thing worked quickly.

And then RAN to the next house "with a light".

Carli Grace's First Dance Recital

2011-11-17T06:00:00.002-06:00

My girl's first dance recital was a success.

She did not just stand there. She participated...and even made herself a star of the show.

Mark and Carli Grace after the show.

Happy Hump Day

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hold on...I think Wednesday is trying to sneak up on me.

Grant's Farm

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last month we spent some family time at Grant's Farm.

Everyone fed the goats.

We thought Carli Grace would be apprehensive and want Daddy's help.

But she quickly corrected us. "I want down."

After feeding the goats we walked around and saw all the animals, had lunch and snow cones and went through the stables.

Thief

2011-11-14T06:00:00.001-06:00

Daddy! Daddy! Give me back my bike!!!

My View From Here

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Memorial

2011-11-10T06:00:00.002-06:00

Today marks ten years since my Dad died. My brothers and I decided that since our spouses (with the exception of Angela) and all of our kids had never got to meet my Dad it would be fun to get together some folks that knew him and have dinner and story telling.

The theme of the night kind of revolved around the idea that - "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure."

Unfortunately the night we chose for the event turned out to be a bad night for many folks, but we still got to hear some fun stories and I think Mike and Denise got a taste of the guy that they've only heard about. Thankfully Denise remembered to pick up my camera since I didn't. Here's a few pictures.

Carol - Lydia - Carli Grace

Lydia - Bridget - Charlie - Danny

Lydia - her Great Grandma Kruse

Bobby - Charlie

My boys - Bobby - Vince - Me

Deborah - Grandma

The entire "Kruse" clan...SO glad this happened.

George - Grandma Kruse (or great to the kids) - Me - Carli Grace

Grandma - Lydia - Angela

Vince - Grandma - Denise

Happy Hump Day

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

What?!?!? Hey, we all have to find our own ways to get through Wednesdays. I don't judge yours!

How Tall This Fall

2011-11-08T06:00:00.001-06:00

Every year we are sure to get our "How Tall This Fall Pictures". This year was no exception.


Carli Grace

Lydia

George

Andrew

Baby Ballard - we have this same picture when I was pregnant with Carli Grace.

Denise - I tried to tell her that this doesn't actually apply to her, but she insisted I still take her picture.

Vince - And I'd be willing to bet that this doesn't shock anyone...and you'll note he's on his tiptoes. :)

My View From Here

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

My View From Here

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Simon Says

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's amazing what Mike can get these kids to do sometimes. Mike and Andrew decided to teach Carli Grace how to play Simon Says.

It was definitely a night full of laughter!

Happy Hump Day

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

You ever just feel like you can't get off the ground on Wednesdays?

Big Sister Duty

2011-11-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

My girl...

has totally...

got this big sister thing...

under control.

Dang Cute Kids - October 2011

2011-10-31T06:00:00.004-05:00

Jake

Brayden

Carli Grace


Lydia

George

Happy Hump Day

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Yep, this about sums up Wednesday...everyone has treats but me.

Daddy's Big Helper

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Daddies and Babies

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Brayden and Brian

Olivia and Mat

Lucas and Stan

Do You See It Now?

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Trust me...if you heard her talk you'd see me.

Happy Hump Day

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

This cannot be happening! Let me out! I can NOT be trapped in here with another Wednesday!!!

Crash Landing - Almost

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered what it might look like if a hot air balloon almost crashed in your back yard?

I'm thinking it would look at lot like this.

So close to our backyard...and to the ground that we could hear the people on board sounding more than a little stressed.

But the driver, I must say, pulled it off and missed our yard.

And narrowly missed our neighbor's house!

Just Us Girls

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Right now there are days where it is just me and my girl. Daddy's off golfing and the boys are at their other parents.

I'm hoping she'll remember that we had mornings like this. No where to go. Cinnamon rolls to eat. Things to paint.

Just us girls.

Just Watching

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

She'll Be a Lawyer

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's amazing the things a two year old can talk adults into.

Happy Hump Day

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Mom, just let me hide here until Wednesday is over. I can't bare to look!

Short Stuff

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Vince and Denise finally found a car she can reach the pedals in.

Look at Me, Look at Me

2011-10-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

Aiden!...Aiden!...what are you looking at her for...I'm over here!!!

Big Brothers Rule

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is what you might call an awesome big brother moment.

He allowed her to tuck him in with Laura (Carli Grace's baby doll).

And even pretended to go nigh-night.

In fact, he was such a good sport it will be hard for me to use these pictures against him someday in his dating future. Hard...but not impossible.

Apple Picking

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Hump Day

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is how I get through my Wednesdays.

Princesses and Ultimate Fighting

2011-10-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Princess Brenna - Princess Maddie - Princess Carli Grace

First Haircut

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

My girl recently had her first haircut.

As with everything else my serious girl took it all in stride.

And did her best to ignore her embarrassing mother completely.

That pretty braid lasted in the car about 3 minutes.

Dang Cute Kids - September 2011

2011-09-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

Brayden

Avah

Sammie

Brenna

See You Next Year

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Summer's End

Happy Hump Day

2011-09-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

So what you're saying is we HAVE to dislike this day?

Big Boys Don't Share

2011-09-27T06:00:00.002-05:00

If you think I'm putting any of MY cake in there you are crazy!

My Girl and Her Besties

2011-09-26T06:00:00.002-05:00

Carli Grace and Brenna

Olivia and Carli Grace

Carli Grace and Avah

Andrew's Birthday Dinner

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

A New Theme

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Take a picture of my baby Momma.

And this baby.

Don't forget this baby Momma.

Happy Hump Day

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Seriously. Some days just aren't worth sitting up for.

He's For Rent

2011-09-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fan Girl

2011-09-19T06:00:00.002-05:00

The things these kids will do for Uncle Mike!

My Guy

2011-09-16T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday (tomorrow) to my best friend, the world's greatest dad, and the hottest guy I know. My guy!

- All my love. Always.

Happy Hump Day

2011-09-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Excuse me while I ponder how to get around this certain day of the week.

My View From Here

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Vacation - Dog Races

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Vacation - Buried

2011-09-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

Dad's always come up with the craziest plans. And somehow...the kids always think it's a great idea.

They seemed to enjoy themselves.

Little sister helped.

And then was the race to see who could get out first.

Little brother won by a hair.

Disasters in Group Photos

2011-09-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Disaster or not...it's still adorable!

Happy Hump Day

2011-09-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

I hear in Kindergarten Wednesday really matter.

Swingin

2011-09-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hey girl! Catch up! Let's ride together!

Daddies and Babies

2011-09-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Carli Grace and Mike

Lucas and Stan

Gary and Jenna - I know you can't see all of him, but I love this picture!

Gary and Stephen

My View From Here

2011-09-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Dang Cute Kids - August 2011

2011-08-31T06:00:00.004-05:00

Andrew

Mykaela

George

Vanessa

He Knows Me

2011-08-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

I love how lovey dovey this picture looks. If I could just get past the truth of the matter I'd probably frame it. You see...the look on my face isn't as much love as lust. Mike had just whispered the word...

...calamari.

CeCe's Lake

2011-08-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

What do you mean that was your fish? You don't own the fish....I don't care if this is YOUR CeCe's Lake!

Double Digits

2011-08-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today my bonus boy is ten. Double digits...where did the time go. This is my sixth birthday with him and for that I am truly blessed.

I always stress over coming up with the list of things for each birthday, but when I sit down and put pen to paper (fingers to keys) it flows out and I realize...we have AWESOME kids. It's nice to remind myself each year how lucky I am to know these people we're raising.

This year he has studied all things sports and especially football and baseball. He's a walking, talking statistic. He could host a Sports Center show right now.

This year he has branched out and become braver about trying things. He'll put just about any food in his mouth once...just to say he tried it. He'll ride roller coasters, hold alligators, and jump off the top of the slide.

This year he has become quite the smarty pants. His retorts are generally funny and quick...he surprises me with his sarcasm at times. Quite the mini adult!

This year he has proved, once again, what an ideal student he is.

This year he's been chosen by his peers as a stand-out ROCK STAR. They voted...he won!

This year he's found a way to do all his chores with a good attitude 98% of the time. He even wears the noodle strainer on his head while putting away dishes...it's his working hat!

This year he has found his own personal sense of style. No one can sway him. He chooses all the way down to the color of his socks.

This year he's championed the role of big brother. He knows which words to spell so as not to get Carli Grace riled up and he seems to know just when to go play with her in her room or outside.

This year he has grown so tall we'll be looking eye to eye soon.

This year I see a bit more willingness to disagree with Dad...and that's a good thing. Healthy disagreement or difference of opinion is seldom wrong. Independence is coming.

Vacation - The Last of the Randomness

2011-08-26T13:00:00.001-05:00

Daddy and Carli Grace got soaked at the Dolphin Show

We all cooled off at the touch tank...note - I'm again holding an animal.

All four of my favorite kids in the world!

My girl LOVED her some ocean!

Andrew's SUPER deep hole.

Andrew and Olivia...to show how deep it was.

George was the only one to successfully skim board.

Vacation - The Hottest Day

2011-08-26T11:00:00.004-05:00

So, for the majority of our time in Florida the weather was fabulous. And we spent SO much time in the water that we wouldn't notice if it wasn't. But on the one day with a 115 heat index we decided to NOT be in the water. We went to Ripley's Believe it or Not...and then we went to see the alligators!

Do you notice a theme to pictures of me? In order to be in a picture I have to be holding some sort of animal. :)

Then we loaded onto this airboat for a "cool"...HA! ride.

Mike worked hard to keep Carli Grace cool since she had to wear a life jacket.