Two peas in a pod!

They are having the best time together. I have really been noticing just how much Bailey copies what Jackson does. He usually is telling her what to do and she is following instruction. Now, it does usually go south when she no longer feels like doing as he asks or when there is only one toy and they both want it. They make me laugh (and drive me crazy) all day! The things that come out of their mouths are just amazing! Oh, and Bailey is slooowly becoming a Mama's girl now...just like her brother ;) there has been a lot of "no Daddy, want Mama" being said ;) I know it breaks his heart, but it sure fills mine up!!!!!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Bailey said she wanted to dress up like a pirate for Thanksgiving...she is very festive ;)  We got to take our family Christmas Card.  It went ok.  Someday they will both smile and the dog will sit still...but not this year ;)  We had a delicious dinner and then we went over to the neighbors for dessert and video games for the kids! ha!

Hide and Seek

This is how John found Bailey when we were all playing hide and seek.  She is hysterical!  That's our girl!!

Zoo Atlanta

I took the kids to the Zoo today and met Nicole and Morgan there.  I have to say, today will go down in the books for one of my all time favorite days with the kids.  We just saw a lot and had a blast!!  We even got to feed a giraffe!!  I tried to take a picture when I wasn't busy being a Mom, and here are a few :)


The kids in the wind tunnel!

Bailey LOVED the flamingos!




Jackson was super cute guiding us through the park.  And I have to say, for the most part...he really was!  He would tell us where we were going next and would show us on the map (he was also keep us moving right along!)


I forgot how cool the petting zoo was.  This was Jackson's "favorite" goat ;)



I can't believe how big they all are...time flies!!!

This last pic was blurry, but just glad we got a group shot.  What an awesome day!

Jackson's Thanksgiving Feast

Today was Jackson's Thanksgiving Feast at his preschool.  I went in to help set up for the HUGE feast they have after the kids perform.  The whole time I had butterflies.  I had thoughts of last years Christmas performance of him screaming and refusing to even stand next to his classmates running through my head.  All week long I have been telling him exactly what he will be doing...seriously...over and over again.  So that it would be familiar to him and he would know what to do.  Well, as you can see from the pictures, HE DID FANTASTIC!!!  He was singing the whole time and was the cutest little Indian ever!!!  I was so glad John got to make it from work to witness it too :)  I do have to mention, his teacher said when they practiced this morning he would not go up on stage, he refused.  Ha.  But, thankfully he was a new little boy an hour later and did it all :) 
 

 When we came out after the program he was telling me all about the Mayflower and the pilgrims :)  So fun!

Election Day 2012

Well, this was my 4th time voting and it was just as exciting as the 1st time :)  Funny, I had no children for the 1st two times, Jackson on my 3rd, and both Jackson and Bailey on my 4th.  Wow, a lot has changed in 12 years!!  I went over many times with Jackson how important voting is.  I didn't tell him who I was voting for, but I probably will when he is 8 and will understand more.  **When I told him how old you had to be he made me show him on my hands how old I was and you should have seen how wide his eyes got! HA!**I think voting is one of the most important things I can do as an American and I think it is so cool that we get to choose who will run our government.  I know that I will also teach him not be a sore looser or a rude winner.  Even when sadly, the man Mommy voted for this year didn't win, it is ALWAYS important to support our country and pray for those that are in charge.  God Bless America!!

Happy 8th Anniversary John!

John and I were very blessed to find each other so long ago.  We have been though a lot the past 8 years.  We have had some really amazing times and some hard times, but I couldn't imagine riding this crazy roller coaster of  life with anyone else.  Becoming a Ballard 8 years ago today was the biggest and best decision of my life.  We are extremely blessed with the life we have with each other and our children.  I think in every marriage their is room for improvement and that's what keeps it interesting :) We are still and always will be working on keeping each other in line ;)  Reminding each other one to always be loving, kind, and respectful.  I learn something new everyday from John.  I got tears in my eyes the other day while we were all playing outside.  We are so lucky to have a beautiful house, food in our cabinets, everyone is healthy, amazing and supportive parents & siblings, lots and LOTS of laughter and humor, and an abundance of love in our hearts.  Just feeling very humble today especially with all that is going on up on the Northeast Coast.  Many prayers to all of those effected by Sandy. I just couldn't simply imagine.  John and I don't have any many pictures we like from our wedding (LONG story), but I would be so very sad if everything was destroyed and I didn't even have a single one.   

 I love you more than life itself John Everitt Ballard. 

XOXOX,

Chell

Halloween 2012

While Daddy was gone...

John was gone for another 2 weeks and thankfully was home for Halloween (we can thank Sandy for that).  It was a VERY busy two weeks and so my posts were pretty lacking ;)  Here is what we were up to...

Jackson had his Open House at school where they did a mock up of his day at preschool.  He was a complete angel!!  Seriously, I could not have asked him to behave any better.  It was a wonderful night for this proud Mama! (Jackson, remind me someday to tell you how you acted the following Sunday at our church picnic in front of about 300 people...oh the Lord always reminds me to be humble!Ha!)

 This is Jackson's best buddy at school...Cole.  They are two peas in a pod!  And does the picture above remind you of anyone?!?! HA!

 Saying the blessing before snack :)

 We spent the night with Grandma and Grandpa too :)  The kids LOVE how much my parents are into Halloween.  They basically play with the Halloween decorations the whole time we are there ;)

We also went over to see Ashley and Tom (the day before was Ashley's birthday).  The kids cried when we left b/c they didn't want to go (or get off their motorcycles)!  Wish we lived closer!

Jessi and Mike had their annual Halloween party and it was awesome as usual.  Luckily for me I had reinforcements come to help for the weekend.  Mrs. Moe even let me get a shower and dressed ALL by myself AND go to Kohl's AND Starbucks!  How awesome is that?!?!  If you don't get it...I am a Disney Tourist, Nana is a calculator, Jackson is Captain America, and Bailey is Princess Jasmine ;)