Three more adorable pictures

Happy 1st Birthday, Will!

Happy Birthday!

September, October, and November are busy birthday months for us as well. All three kids have their birthdays during this time, which is actually kind of nice because when one of them gets a little jealous of the attention, we can say, "you just had a birthday," or "your birthday is in a few weeks!" We have tried really hard to focus on the joy of giving and celebrating each child and encouraging them, especially the girls, to do the same, rather than feeling sorry that its not their birthday. This is a tough lesson for selfish, sinful little creatures. Another thing I seem to pray daily for is that God would show us how to teach them in love, how to love one another--with joy! Nevertheless, we had a lot of fun celebrating. We have a few traditions, one is going to dinner on your birthday to Red Robin, two seeing as the circus has been in town every year around Syd's birthday, we make an effort to go (sans all of the expensive treats and toys!), and three being not a lot of gifts! Not sure if anyone feels overwhelmed by the attention given to giving gifts to children, but it almost makes me sick to my stomach. So we gave each girl 2 gifts (one from us and one from their siblings), and in fact, Will didn't get any gifts from us (but plenty from the rest of the family!) Katie is our content child who rarely asks for anything. She did ask for the talking "Sharpay" doll, which we did get her--against our better judgement. Two full months later the batteries have yet to die. Not to be outdone, Sydney got the talking Gabriella doll, because of course she wanted what Katie had. Oh well. I love the pictures of Will eating his cake--he dug his hands into it before we could even set it down all of the way, and he went NUTS when I took it away. Now that we are done with birthdays for awhile, we can turn our attention to preparing our hearts for the greatest birth in history. Yeah for Jesus!

Stuck in the middle

I am not sure what it is like to have siblings since I am an only child. I loving having 3 kids although it definitely has its challenges on many days. Sydney is my middle child. She is the most cuddly and also the most persnickety. There are many-a-day in our house where she gets pretty emotional when Katie is at school and she does not get to stay, too. I have found that somewhere deep inside of her she is (already!) struggling with being a little sister AND a big sister. I pray every day that God will show me how to love her the way she needs to be loved; and at the same time not give into her whining and pitty parties. When Katie is not around, Sydney relishes the role of being Will's big sister. I have found that she is a very willing and abled helper, and she loves the praise that comes along with her positive attitude!

This is Bronco Country

The most famous Bronco fan, Barrel Man, paid a visit to our section; and the cutest little cheerleaders you have ever seen! Go Broncos!

Happy Fall, Y'all

I love the autumn season. Growing up in the midwest, it was my favorite season--Purdue football games, the Feast of the Hunter's Moon, baling hay at the farm and the new barn kittens--you could even say that Fall has its own scent, and I loved it. I am beginning my 10th year in Colorado and this has been, by far, the most colorful and fragrant Fall thus far.

School is in session!

The end of August wrapped up a very fun-filled month. While we were still enjoying the hot lazy days of summer, and fellowship with sweet out-of-town guests, in the distance you could almost hear the school bell ringing; and feel the excitement of the kids as they anticipated the start of the school year. This was BIG news in the Baller household. Katie started kindergarten and Sydney started preschool at Cherry Hills Christian. We are so grateful to have the opportunity for our little ones to be in an an environment where the values we have at home are supported and encouraged. Our girls have 4 of the most wonderful, loving & nurturing, and most importantly, Godly teachers a mom could ever hope and pray for. What a blessing.