tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-174567892024-03-07T04:22:34.892-05:00A Place We've Never LivedStaci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-4029631507740389132009-10-28T15:06:00.001-04:002009-10-28T15:07:46.712-04:00Admin NoteI've moved! Follow me at <a href="http://staciball.wordpress.com/">A Fresh Start</a>.Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-84160643381307613982009-10-15T12:51:00.002-04:002009-10-15T12:52:39.576-04:00DM #7<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWYKiBVDXOJP4gGsJ5Vq5JKUGJxGE_p286V2YaOCYY3AbIwsMianCbIIHff5tWs1iWgD6Fr3wA2eP9tXQwmF2CUbXaxZyHzxr79p9fselm5k6rQCRQxKuPcp6N3nvUenX9XHH5Q/s1600-h/rush.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392870479941380210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWYKiBVDXOJP4gGsJ5Vq5JKUGJxGE_p286V2YaOCYY3AbIwsMianCbIIHff5tWs1iWgD6Fr3wA2eP9tXQwmF2CUbXaxZyHzxr79p9fselm5k6rQCRQxKuPcp6N3nvUenX9XHH5Q/s320/rush.jpg" border="0" /></a> Originally posted by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/drp/115110599/">drp</a> on Flickr.<br /><div></div>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-5839734773106244312009-10-14T11:08:00.002-04:002009-10-14T11:09:23.020-04:00DM #6<div style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/toniblay/47199389/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/27/47199389_eb33a5342a_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/toniblay/47199389/">There's a light that never goes out</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/toniblay/">Toni Blay</a> </span></div><br clear="all">Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-8592459582465605112009-10-12T13:38:00.002-04:002009-10-12T13:41:03.275-04:00DM #5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunT_JjL8TkJ_yhL3iYY38BiuVRUpI_h32P29qhq4Xpg6WID2ZlMJ94rbo1lnZfoeA0grVu-1gg8K6hiB30qX_ER48nO3fBucwT-i5RqRyhlmQ7IBi-RH-0dn4hALAkgzXFqzJ-w/s1600-h/rain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391769454991048178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunT_JjL8TkJ_yhL3iYY38BiuVRUpI_h32P29qhq4Xpg6WID2ZlMJ94rbo1lnZfoeA0grVu-1gg8K6hiB30qX_ER48nO3fBucwT-i5RqRyhlmQ7IBi-RH-0dn4hALAkgzXFqzJ-w/s320/rain.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/caotieou/3741122628/">*Autorun*</a></div>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-28904402357404447282009-10-10T15:27:00.003-04:002009-10-10T15:30:08.212-04:00DM #4<div style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onegoodbumblebee/839927854/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1252/839927854_7c7150702c_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onegoodbumblebee/839927854/">Bedroom</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/onegoodbumblebee/">Katey Nicosia</a> </span></div><br clear="all">Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-88068653180503433642009-10-09T12:15:00.005-04:002009-10-09T12:19:13.696-04:00DM #3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2xYQeUjpXXwTIm9afGZKxeH0HjcLyqdZlsMNSBRxLdfbEwld_0Gdgu3NlWaW_8683R2E3OaXWjvo1p-f7CnuA_DGcyFXPVlHGqmfXhSHGfJJJUNdbq7OSJ2Rw4aH3mpXjz99kw/s1600-h/joymood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390634767506244338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2xYQeUjpXXwTIm9afGZKxeH0HjcLyqdZlsMNSBRxLdfbEwld_0Gdgu3NlWaW_8683R2E3OaXWjvo1p-f7CnuA_DGcyFXPVlHGqmfXhSHGfJJJUNdbq7OSJ2Rw4aH3mpXjz99kw/s320/joymood.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>From <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gaspi/12944421/">gaspi *your guide</a> over on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>.</div>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-54498820484080314462009-10-08T13:42:00.004-04:002009-10-08T14:00:09.454-04:00Ask the Reader: New Music RecsSo, I am in a slight music rut. I love music, but being busier than I used to be has eliminated a lot of my music discovery time. So I turn to the very few of you who read this to ask what I should check out. In order to help you with my musical tastes, I'll provide lists of my most recent favs as well as my all time favorites. I'm limiting this to secular songs, as my husband has no problem helping me find new Christian artists/songs. Don't be afraid to suggest older songs/artists either!<br /><br /><u>New (to me) Picks</u><br />"Sea Green See Blue" by Jaymay<br />"Sleep" by Azure Ray<br />"You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson<br />"I Love the Rain the Most" by Joe Purdy<br />Shotgun (album) by Tony Lucca<br /><br /><u>Favorites</u><br />"Nightswimming" by R.E.M.<br />"Your Song" by Elton John<br />"American Music" by The Violent Femmes<br />"Ticket to Ride" & "In My Life" by The Beatles<br />"Wild Horses" by The Rolling Stones<br />"Reptila" by The Strokes<br />"Don't Think Twice" by Bob Dylan<br />"Fix You" & "Don't Panic" by Coldplay<br />"Honey & the Moon" by Joseph ArthurStaci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-64979872300872919472009-10-08T08:00:00.001-04:002009-10-09T12:19:00.551-04:00DM #2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGu90PAc0kO9lbQYzElSHt5b1dlrYFzKMikGUwd58FSwgCNaEflwroaAxTGyqQE60we2Hkj5sbBmd3fSQbAAR1UZmvKAwP9qbY4L4gMbXrQ5XXb-BD2c6wVdlDPz7_57GckD6jhA/s1600-h/mood2.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389915873211077762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGu90PAc0kO9lbQYzElSHt5b1dlrYFzKMikGUwd58FSwgCNaEflwroaAxTGyqQE60we2Hkj5sbBmd3fSQbAAR1UZmvKAwP9qbY4L4gMbXrQ5XXb-BD2c6wVdlDPz7_57GckD6jhA/s320/mood2.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-43437839732751159562009-10-07T11:49:00.004-04:002009-10-07T11:58:51.238-04:00Menu Plan Oct. 5-11<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctsutevh8U8eNEb1d8QVkBq4uEngX4YHo3pM8dzcaND4V-EuSLP3n_fvG8yWoCkoesH3FMV3RMLBu9fD3AJGZzxBDhklTdyO3V_jxeECsmgWVieUgmJ3bgHMLqPKanZiPWHZ6aw/s1600-h/menubutton.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389886372940968354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctsutevh8U8eNEb1d8QVkBq4uEngX4YHo3pM8dzcaND4V-EuSLP3n_fvG8yWoCkoesH3FMV3RMLBu9fD3AJGZzxBDhklTdyO3V_jxeECsmgWVieUgmJ3bgHMLqPKanZiPWHZ6aw/s320/menubutton.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />Hey, I'm starting a (hopefully) weekly feature. Mostly, it's to give myself some accountability with menu planning, as that seriously saves money with the grocery shopping. I'm not deluded enough to believe that most of you reading this will actually want to know what we're eating for dinner! Also, you may note that it is Wednesday, not Monday. What can I say? I just decided to do this. We eat pretty simply around here, for the most part.<br /><br />Monday: spaghetti with meat sauce (ground turkey instead of beef)<br />Tuesday: chocolate chip pancakes with eggs and sausage (boys had a salad as well)<br />Wednesday: boiled shrimp, french fries, carrot sticks<br />Thursday: hot dogs, mac n cheese, broccoli<br />Friday: BBQ chicken legs, rice, green peas<br />Saturday: chili with cornbread, salad<br />Sunday: grilled cheese with chicken noodle soup, pineappleStaci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-37249960869276119652009-10-07T11:46:00.002-04:002009-10-07T13:50:01.630-04:00Daily Mood<div style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><p align="center"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pensiero/131919594/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/51/131919594_ab00f60a57_m.jpg" /></a></p><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pensiero/131919594/">Orange mood</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/pensiero/">Pensiero</a> </span></div><br clear="all">Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-84008142951981498122009-07-14T11:54:00.005-04:002009-07-14T12:12:29.690-04:00The Boy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1m6-ZGUI6x5q5zBuE6F7oQVpDDO5-GtIIoCReNOSYlAEqIx4KDv_nzSjv7wcZVRUuI7shzNkld3pRSJ7iTFEWP-wH4t_FVwiaSvk3sg0wxLAmJ5lPM3acLNiM7McPkDVvZPHNw/s1600-h/Picture+212.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358345107417986914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1m6-ZGUI6x5q5zBuE6F7oQVpDDO5-GtIIoCReNOSYlAEqIx4KDv_nzSjv7wcZVRUuI7shzNkld3pRSJ7iTFEWP-wH4t_FVwiaSvk3sg0wxLAmJ5lPM3acLNiM7McPkDVvZPHNw/s320/Picture+212.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Last Thursday was my husband's birthday. I told him that I was going to blog about him, and then I promptly did not follow through. Well, after the events of this weekend, I decided that he really did deserve his very own blog. </p><p>This weekend, Kenn did a family reunion gig at the G-Ville Hilton. On Friday night, he did some strolling magic, meaning that he walked around from table to table doing some magic meant for close up. However, on Saturday night, which I was able to attend, he was booked to perform his full evening show. I had not seen the full show yet, so I was very excited to see his performance.</p><p>It is an emotional experience to see the person you love best on the earth do what he loves best. I was so proud of him I teared up a couple of times. He was so happy on stage, so confident and assured. I love him a little bit more after Saturday night, and, in honor of his birthday and fantastic show, I am going to present a top ten list of my favorite things about Kenn Ball. </p><p>10. His hip hop dancing</p><p>9. The way he laughs when he is laughing really hard</p><p>8. His willingness to talk in our special dialect</p><p>7. The fact that he was my first Lost friend</p><p>6. The way he wants to make sure the boys have tons of fun memories from their childhood</p><p>5. His singing to me -- whether it's full versions of country songs that I didn't ask for or songs that he makes up when I go to sleep, he will pretty much always sing to me</p><p>4. The way he plays Bible, Disney, and magic trivia with Josh & Caleb</p><p>3. That he is WAY better at decluttering and picking up the house than I am. I'm the better cleaner, but he makes sure the house isn't messy.</p><p>2. That he has the same spiritual AND political views as I do. That's not all that easy to find around here.</p><p>1. That we are each other's best friend. I can always talk to him, about anything. </p><p>Happy belated birthday blog post, babe. Love you!</p>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-31504722756544918192009-06-17T13:50:00.009-04:002009-06-17T14:18:43.213-04:00More Things I WantI don't know what my problem is, you guys. I cannot get it together to post regularly. Sorry. Whatever's going on that keeps me from posting regularly has not kept me from browser window shopping. Here is a list of the current faves in the "I want that" category.<br /><br /><div align="left">1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charley-Harper-Illustrated-Life/dp/0978607651/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245261107&sr=8-3">Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life</a>- This book is so pretty. I love his illustrations, particularly his birds. And this coffee table book comes with tons of full page size prints, so whenever we have a baby (NOT pregnant, NOT trying), I'm stealing <a href="http://www.dooce.com/">Dooce</a>'s idea and using them to decorate the nursery.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">2.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Spiral-Sterling-Silver-Earrings/dp/B000PVEN48/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I30VN5OU9WMRUW&colid=3A3DHA9DPX0AF">These earrings</a> - So cute and silver.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">3. <a href="http://www.kangaroomstorage.com/product/office-accessories/295/wally-wall-organizer.html">This wall organizer</a> - No, it doesn't organize your actual wall. It hangs on your wall, and I can organize so many odds and ends with it. Like my passport. And spare keys.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">4. <a href="http://www.pareumbrella.com/umbrella.aspx?name=Soda%20Pop">This umbrella</a> - Now, I never actually carry an umbrella, so why I feel as though I need one that is $65 is beyond me. But it is adorable. Perhaps more so than the Old Navy one that sat on the top of my blog forever. Speaking of Old Navy...</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">5. <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=42722&vid=1&pid=655440&scid=655440002">This scarf </a>- I'm not even sure about how I feel about summer scarves, but I feel as though this would add pizzazz to my rather lackluster wardrobe. Also, pretty.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">6. <a href="http://www.target.com/Cosmopolitan-7-pc-Comforter-Set/dp/B000TR4BDQ/qid=1245262493/ref=br_1_2/180-7832349-1432023?ie=UTF8&node=124122011&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=124122011&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=1">This bedding set</a> - So we've only been married a little over a year, and I'm already kind of bored with our bedding. Kenn probably does not enjoy this. Of course, I'm not planning on actually replacing it, but I would love this set if we suddenly came into a windfall of cash.</div>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-82596078339097626672009-05-19T16:43:00.002-04:002009-05-19T16:54:23.805-04:00Threes<em><u>Three Books I've Read Recently</u></em><br /><ol><li><strong>Columbine</strong> by Dave Cullen</li><li><strong>Shutter Island</strong> by Dennis Lehane</li><li><strong>The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets</strong> by Eva Rice</li></ol><p><em><u>Three Movies I've Seen Recently</u></em></p><ol><li><strong>Star Trek</strong> (yes, the new one)</li><li><strong>What Happens in Vegas</strong> (I didn't say they were good movies!)</li><li><strong>RENT (Filmed Live on Broadway) </strong>(not technically a movie, but I saw it on a DVD)</li></ol><p><em><u>Three Things I've Gotten for Free</u></em></p><ol><li>20 bottles of 10 calorie Vitamin Water</li><li>a set of 4 photo coasters for my grandmother's Mother's Day present</li><li>1 Schick Intuition razor</li></ol><p><em><u>Three Words To Describe Me</u></em></p><ol><li>awesome</li><li>legendary</li><li>humble</li></ol>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-34621454492129801392009-04-21T21:06:00.014-04:002009-04-21T21:49:00.511-04:00More Vacation Photos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdN9otMMFF11kbjq40Sh2gStQfNU_O8yi74vfOJR4-6X2z2GAhaWgqkRD11x5_yfO-xNC9THOVr5UFQMIpg922keFws-vYoXhWH_KInDyc_6tEczt5n2Ng9d9rSg0WAeHS0ZsEg/s1600-h/071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327325041956183090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdN9otMMFF11kbjq40Sh2gStQfNU_O8yi74vfOJR4-6X2z2GAhaWgqkRD11x5_yfO-xNC9THOVr5UFQMIpg922keFws-vYoXhWH_KInDyc_6tEczt5n2Ng9d9rSg0WAeHS0ZsEg/s320/071.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGkku1hmpCdYUwBDXsmcrSNqJzBeQPwaU3Hgp3RA_nXHcz7QSNnMXMQ6amGOQv-mCP9oh8xAfZAzDvag1Z6CcOlrsaSvfFiY3YLSW60FAvnzErNYp2wayq6oRcsrFeHQBb4ITXQ/s1600-h/073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327323673163614578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGkku1hmpCdYUwBDXsmcrSNqJzBeQPwaU3Hgp3RA_nXHcz7QSNnMXMQ6amGOQv-mCP9oh8xAfZAzDvag1Z6CcOlrsaSvfFiY3YLSW60FAvnzErNYp2wayq6oRcsrFeHQBb4ITXQ/s320/073.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWBr625iinS98EgpKyqKe9U4vU10wy33fB7ZEg1oJ9S-BywmbWS3WYb8fPx4lQiKkuKAn87x2216dMJ-wbCZ1Sr3Lq3epMiCbqhVkN4D1d8M0NKgVs0CDac8o6Vw2hxU9YfeJzg/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327323140431800914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWBr625iinS98EgpKyqKe9U4vU10wy33fB7ZEg1oJ9S-BywmbWS3WYb8fPx4lQiKkuKAn87x2216dMJ-wbCZ1Sr3Lq3epMiCbqhVkN4D1d8M0NKgVs0CDac8o6Vw2hxU9YfeJzg/s320/074.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTduwfUmDH1AioNo0X6e9jjHyeQwGvc1UbyDqiQshzi6nALHm_6uxBMMVHbYurLH30PTXnno9nOvs96NAposnj3Tt-FFwVu4Vtku2Unkc_BYVdyNxuKMDj4ZW0KsMySL-hzpxBg/s1600-h/077.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327322386544733410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTduwfUmDH1AioNo0X6e9jjHyeQwGvc1UbyDqiQshzi6nALHm_6uxBMMVHbYurLH30PTXnno9nOvs96NAposnj3Tt-FFwVu4Vtku2Unkc_BYVdyNxuKMDj4ZW0KsMySL-hzpxBg/s320/077.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvVhO7wCykeOIQVCUfm4-6UNZMzi0lMljXZNOMUpZYiZ446mvQx-MdqdtjKBenVwQwFjezFJckbF4Cn816ZJdlrE-hDD7SakNXdvalWZnCUTcan6jq9Xap8f0LEUUX51mA4M4mw/s1600-h/084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327321032089097554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvVhO7wCykeOIQVCUfm4-6UNZMzi0lMljXZNOMUpZYiZ446mvQx-MdqdtjKBenVwQwFjezFJckbF4Cn816ZJdlrE-hDD7SakNXdvalWZnCUTcan6jq9Xap8f0LEUUX51mA4M4mw/s320/084.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS3s3Jq4Mccq-60RgH_dJjxWA2OJjYmQZZbOJT3pV0FeXognBXuAfqHsr7WxFK53og1ufJUeljZoyBp19lzznn56UIYuhcYEMjXGVtk7yjq3ba_oLdb4yMI4LU_z9XAGm6IGOVg/s1600-h/088.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327320236360651858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS3s3Jq4Mccq-60RgH_dJjxWA2OJjYmQZZbOJT3pV0FeXognBXuAfqHsr7WxFK53og1ufJUeljZoyBp19lzznn56UIYuhcYEMjXGVtk7yjq3ba_oLdb4yMI4LU_z9XAGm6IGOVg/s320/088.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCm1GR0vnbJB6JQiQUTTmvWFA_xn19M_d9npTXNTuNsCdwI9aWEzF6e9zc4J3BZ7pDR0m6k1fZFDOraIAq6xDKJlwDCShbE7DcL80a444fCLu25HMXeuJSaRteTOSK_ogImR2aQ/s1600-h/092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327319819943018178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCm1GR0vnbJB6JQiQUTTmvWFA_xn19M_d9npTXNTuNsCdwI9aWEzF6e9zc4J3BZ7pDR0m6k1fZFDOraIAq6xDKJlwDCShbE7DcL80a444fCLu25HMXeuJSaRteTOSK_ogImR2aQ/s320/092.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKWWFrRbsKv5x_efXmF_K4w69DJy6-WsqeJjA3KmAgkKfMcfMfNUzlE8-OUV9KI5Nc_hVLHyx5IghMbIYAZxexGAc7kP_pa4YGixZ-u18vKb1xhz9G9VGyMJmWUGxZDFPN5eigg/s1600-h/094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327319134524529410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKWWFrRbsKv5x_efXmF_K4w69DJy6-WsqeJjA3KmAgkKfMcfMfNUzlE8-OUV9KI5Nc_hVLHyx5IghMbIYAZxexGAc7kP_pa4YGixZ-u18vKb1xhz9G9VGyMJmWUGxZDFPN5eigg/s320/094.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWc4sAW1EHKpjFnFn5jQ98dS2s1IiMNrdVDpqyMjTUVCShYHzlJVCErKbIJMIuZEOUZnEvQMl4aGqagvXWsqppyxtyzQLV4x_s0UUN9Mi5zuuzwyg2yz15KBuHI0wRsYwlaI3JQ/s1600-h/096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327318451572115346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWc4sAW1EHKpjFnFn5jQ98dS2s1IiMNrdVDpqyMjTUVCShYHzlJVCErKbIJMIuZEOUZnEvQMl4aGqagvXWsqppyxtyzQLV4x_s0UUN9Mi5zuuzwyg2yz15KBuHI0wRsYwlaI3JQ/s320/096.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW69H86-eoUq_QmnoFWvqEOUy4XDxMoMi3JQFdPWHmGD4x4LVnJXhzxgBLbt7tV8sbBjFcyTwkfs5_PAAmha3fbYhFgaSTXhfq2eEH2Cm3ndcGqU7vXh6oEg1qVaaSDSXhkaXD-A/s1600-h/098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327317309527662978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW69H86-eoUq_QmnoFWvqEOUy4XDxMoMi3JQFdPWHmGD4x4LVnJXhzxgBLbt7tV8sbBjFcyTwkfs5_PAAmha3fbYhFgaSTXhfq2eEH2Cm3ndcGqU7vXh6oEg1qVaaSDSXhkaXD-A/s320/098.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSb3YxLF8RiWjKyECjkEOSBDP0YS_JOPRKumblN83v94mO50HVMHdfmPDwLCLE3Wi8tBVQOihl2atAJmo9wD9iyDvIcEdCBZ1-r4nIEbY9yCkkg3f_raKGu0_G39D7-tCduEpZuw/s1600-h/099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327316339873264146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSb3YxLF8RiWjKyECjkEOSBDP0YS_JOPRKumblN83v94mO50HVMHdfmPDwLCLE3Wi8tBVQOihl2atAJmo9wD9iyDvIcEdCBZ1-r4nIEbY9yCkkg3f_raKGu0_G39D7-tCduEpZuw/s320/099.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-20074878387463334832009-04-21T19:33:00.017-04:002009-04-21T21:02:31.092-04:00First Family VacationA couple of weeks ago, we went on our first vacation as a family. Though I'm pretty late with the write up, I figure late is better than never. Besides, my friend recently lovingly told me that she was tired of looking at the umbrella.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>For a couple of reasons, we ended up only taking a two day trip (well, we drove home the third day). We went to Pigeon Forge, TN, because the boys had never been to Dollywood, and they love amusement parks. So we set out the Wednesday of their spring break probably after 10:30. We stopped at a neat little restaurant in Hendersonville, NC called Harry & Piggy's. It's one of those mom and pop restaurants that has memorabilia literally <em>everywhere</em>. Nothing is better to kids.</div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327294050691325026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyazERIg44aB0GE6QBWd-m3hHOR9WDN20wHkhTJFmz4-wFTH_ZHoAgmYayjAwiVPhsCjuq8weXMjK8Kj5JEglTDhOQyiopAtcgr7sqtfLtgQb5r7Q1A5wKvRTLMsmXJHLJiJNxA/s320/015.JPG" border="0" />As you can see, they even had memorabilia outside the restaurant. And rides inside (well, one ride).<br /></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327296816146218962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe5pk24eJZLIxCPmwuYDCfv0nQZXGQ2H_glyVqhb9c-hBQRjRJgASdedGIoeSm__8Z8XY-AiD6iphS3-TZ5JQzsP37HrVSvU2B9ntN-UrN0RloDNfMbZiYl2NsYkSI3ZG37wgMQ/s320/026.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>We got to Dollywood a little after 3 p.m. Just a little tip, if you buy a day's ticket to Dollywood and don't enter the park until 3 p.m., you get to come back the entire next day. So, ultimately, you get a day and a half. Kenn and Josh took off ahead of Caleb and me because the first two rides we would hit, Caleb couldn't ride. So we caught up with each other after Josh & Kenn had riden the Thunderhead and Timber Tower. Caleb got to play on a little playground while we waited for the big boys to get off the Mystery Mine roller coaster.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327300300950186850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVAUe9GJaaEqeJh_xInZ3qjFigHrAC1OQL8ZJm7e2OwvzlwZYxeKvc66hi2ZPlIteWL_I8yZC5V-ss7uOWAICneXYgusnvebo48Vq7RtTY7aWuRUPYiNN92xl-qjXL_Tv1qOg_Q/s320/041.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>After the boys pulled their body weight up a big pole (Lumberjack Lifts), we all finally rode something together. River Battle is a water attraction where you ride on a boat. Each passenger has a water gun of sorts to shoot at bystanders. Catch is, they also have water guns, and theirs reach farther. Also, it is a law of human nature that attacking perfect strangers with copious amounts of water is delightful and irresistible. We came off the ride <em>soaked</em>. Luckily, Dollywood had a family sized dryer closet that you could use for $3. It was like being surrounded with hair dryers, and it was a cool day, so the heat was quite welcome.<br /></div><br /><div>Kenn took the boys on the roller coaster that Caleb could actually ride (well, that wasn't a kiddie coaster). It was 6 or a little after at this point, so we headed to exit the park because we had something other plans for the evening. On the way, we stopped to watch an employee make some pottery. She was really sweet to the boys, and they walked away with a lump of clay each other. Josh made a candle holder out of his.<br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327301615084439762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BhaPu2F5HhQlnvKTLDoy91tSYlh2Bj7ZFss_MxXPpPdqVVfvbXv3TOy5VM1Gob8pLoK9__DKVFk6lzlG22niPnOPHBwrAt5IxU-kU1AQP_ZUTTpnZNRk3aEqFNRn-ECHHq1TAQ/s320/043.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>We grabbed a quick dinner and headed down the main strip to see Terry Evanswood, a magician, perform. He has his own theater, and for my magician husband, it was like paradise to see posters of Houdini, Blackstone, Thurston, & Kellar. The show was wonderful, and there wasn't anything I felt was inappropriate for the boys. You could take pictures during the show, and later Evanswood sat down front for everyone to go take a picture with him.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327303208038436338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1piD8ioDrDO9k7eJUqWyivt6zKn67KKnc7YqtcLdnhRqtfXvV5EdGS3XU46AOaUVPeinvQxaF74Rn50Q7-wi9YYOsvMXHgqV5ooRJtzKPbocsfhRDnF1RuR0phjjbhJJnYvDCA/s320/058.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327304189785346994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0QnpiC8LJSnUITvkMFDud3muAB2Gyf1XYOc_cuss9gYOAMbSaX8PLbTk8etWhe7HAbS8b0o_tgfhDvVJwjlj249YgEgr8phZKNr2KDdoIMHt1xtZUZ_eBfIuZUANnHdZQSTFcg/s320/064.JPG" border="0" /></p></div></div><br /><p>After the great show (seriously, I recommend it), we finally checked into the hotel. It was after 11 by this point, and I knew there was a Krispy Kreme right down the road. I thought the boys would be delighted with doughnuts <em>after</em> 11. Alas, they were closed, so we just got some snacks at a gas station, which actually had doughnuts. Even then, Josh was really excited. He said, "We went to Dollywood, saw a magic show, and now we're eating doughnuts at 11 at night!" Later, he said it was one of the best days of his life.</p><p>We went back to the hotel and slept on the HARDEST beds ever. Sincerely, I have never felt a harder mattress. Kenn and I woke up to this sweet sight though.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327307121814825186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvogSvwrBN8oQOuci_8aG5m23BrAylMzE9ANnfFsERiKmzcfzCP_Uyl-khvttNwfBBZmL5JU_BYU4GG76QVKVv0arS37xf6XT5rQPyYQPWw-CKvrIjU0dKpxHQLmaRCQJmc9LMRQ/s320/065.JPG" border="0" /></p></div><p>Even though Dollywood didn't open until 10, we ate breakfast and were in the park by 9:45. We went to see Imagine, a special show running during their Festival of Nations, which was like Cirque du Soleil. After that, we basically rode everything in the park that we wanted to ride. We even saw another little show, and both Josh & Caleb were in it!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327311207448123554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB025fVXVmq_SmxfSu0GEGdEBQSNef1FfanibdPI-ewhuEWHhKV93IqmiFkOwa7m3U0DS7dO9EZRXafHqdF58ZVkeqG9ThCHJDRmj3iDk3azwQBDNV6g-otTRRfkVrTO-f8ziRQ/s320/083.JPG" border="0" /></p></div><p>We stayed until closing, eating lunch in the park. We rested for a bit at the hotel then ate dinner at Wendy's. Everyone was tired, so we didn't have a really late night. Next morning, we packed up, ate our free continental breakfast, checked out, and headed home. </p><p>Of course, this was the weather on the way home. The entire way home. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327313290384287026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvzHUz8PJTaPtw7-87DpvMqPDufBpih-aJqcWXKskqbX7eJIUCI0ONE63JN1yMyI_wyFRKA2VKBc-fqahkGfGuWCTvbd9zMxueWrcX6BtjKuZfKlVcaFmqYk193kGp_yKGMiM2g/s320/100.JPG" border="0" /></p>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-60660172038925547622009-01-13T16:15:00.002-05:002009-01-13T16:17:43.617-05:00Product Crush #2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHctgff9z4c-I9tMcN0O62lT_LtayiIkVeyiTYSTwDdAykD0rxr84hUs-MrpGtjWCgO7dAbCIC8rQ9e3SI5OBRxx5KOlhF9AGJT8JAVV9T8O_Uvyl6fIdsVmpiW2x3vWq4UU1kw/s1600-h/on638261-03p01v01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290890278851510754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHctgff9z4c-I9tMcN0O62lT_LtayiIkVeyiTYSTwDdAykD0rxr84hUs-MrpGtjWCgO7dAbCIC8rQ9e3SI5OBRxx5KOlhF9AGJT8JAVV9T8O_Uvyl6fIdsVmpiW2x3vWq4UU1kw/s320/on638261-03p01v01.jpg" border="0" /></a> I so want this umbrella from <a href="http://www.oldnavy.com/">Old Navy</a>. I wouldn't even lose it like I've lost every other umbrella I've ever owned.<br /><div></div>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-87021374343371370852008-11-20T10:04:00.002-05:002008-11-20T10:17:07.599-05:00Swagbucks<a href="http://swagbucks.prodege.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=245195" target="_top"><img title="Search & Win" alt="Search & Win" src="http://prodegebanners.sitegrip.com/images/swagbucks-173x63.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://swagbucks.prodege.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=245195">Swagbucks</a> is a search engine site that lets you create an account with them. Every so often, as you search, they will give you Swagbucks, worth $1-5. Very rarely, you could win Mega Bucks, which could be up to $100. They have a bunch of gift cards and prizes that you can spend Swagbucks on. (Amazon, Target, BN, etc.) You don't have to input any credit card info, so don't worry that it's some sort of scam. You don't even have to put up your address, until you "buy" something with your swagbucks.<br /><br />Sure, it's not going to get you a whole bunch of free stuff instantly. In fact, they've built in something that makes it so you don't get swagbucks just for sitting at your computer and searching for anything that comes to mind. But, if you're like me, you are already using Google all the time. (By the way, <a href="http://swagbucks.prodege.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=245195">Swagbuck</a>'s search results are powered by Google and Ask.com.)<br /><br />You get 3 free swagbucks for signing up, and you can get a $5 Starbucks card at 50 swagbucks. ($5 Amazon gift card at 45.) Get your family and friends to sign up, and you earn what they earn. (Full disclosure.) Obviously, you know a bunch of people who search online, so <a href="http://swagbucks.prodege.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=245195">sign up</a>, send them your referral link, and get started. It's not some sort of get rich quick scheme, but you could earn enough virtual money to get some gift cards now and then to just spend on fun things.Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-89429790580303847812008-10-24T11:43:00.003-04:002008-10-24T12:17:29.596-04:00Stepmother ThoughtsI've been a stepmother now for a little over 2 months. Certainly it has been an adjustment. I was fortunate enough to have spent a lot of time with Josh & Caleb on our own before my marriage. I'd taken care of them for whole weekends because of Kenn's work schedule. We had a pretty solid foundation, and I was perhaps a bit too confident about the ease of the adjustment.<br /><br />It was an adjustment becoming a full time stepmom. Of course it was an adjustment. Writing it out seems so silly, like duh, everyone knows this. And I did know it on one level. Experiencing the change from you are responsible to and for yourself to you are responsible for 2 children and to them is rather daunting however. The weight of knowing that I help shape who my boys will grow up to be is not as heavy as I imagined. Make no mistakes, it is heavy; it is not crushing, though, as I've often heard.<br /><br />Instead, it is pervasive, always there.<br /><br />When I mess up, and I feel as though I mess up all the time, the voice in my head telling me I just screwed up? It is not yelling. It speaks quietly, firmly. It is worse that way. I am not proud of some of the ways I've handled disagreements, negotiations, and discipline. I have said no too many times. Honestly, last week I felt as though I'd made a huge mistake, interferring in these boys' lives, as though they'd be better without me.<br /><br />And then this week happened, and I came through the major adjustment period, finally cutting through the fog. This is natural for me. I have a cycle that I go through with any major life change. The first couple of weeks I am happy, I am dealing. Then slowly, the hard things seem more like hard things, and I struggle. It is worst right before it lifts. I don't know why I have this cycle; honestly, I'm not looking to know right now. I have been through it going to Budapest, coming home from Budapest, moving to the apartment with friends, moving back home. To a lesser extent, getting married was that way, which is another post.<br /><br />But back to the point. This week happened. And I feel more natural. These children are mine, though they are not mine, and I am not surprised by that anymore. I am not surprised by how little privacy I have anymore. And I can say yes more. I want to say yes to lots of little, unimportant things so the no's I will have to say carry some importance.<br /><br />I have to be now who I want them to be later. I have to be thankful. I have to be considerate of others. I have to be selfless. I have to be devoted to God. I have to be generous. I have to be a hundred other things, and it is not only for me that I have to be those things. It is for them.<br /><br />It is for Josh and Caleb, who cleaned up the living room for me before I got home yesterday. Where did they learn that sort of kindness? I want them to keep it. I don't know where they learned it, but I can return it. I can return it by doing their laundry and cooking their meals with a happy heart. They are chores, yes, but they are chores that can be used as gifts.<br /><br />It is time to wrap up these ramblings. Most people have nine months to prepare for being a parent. I had time as well, but no one really tells you how to prepare for suddenly being a parent of an 8 year old and a 6 year old. When babies are born, they begin inside the mother, and a piece of them always remains. Josh and Caleb, you were never inside of me, and you are not biologically mine. I am not your mother; you have one whom you love. But you are in me now, and I will never lose that. I am your stepmother, and we love each other, but I don't know how a stepmother loves differently than a mother. Because, to me, you are mine. You two, your dad, and me? Not a mistake.Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-82970431201076750902008-10-23T13:25:00.003-04:002008-10-23T13:30:18.155-04:00Ask The Reader #3: Songs Everyone LovesOn my way to work this morning, I was listening to my regular a.m. radio show, Ace & TJ, and one of their call in bits was "Songs Everyone Loves." While no song is going to be loved by <em>literally everyone</em>, it's undeniable that there are songs that transcend musical styles, gender gaps, age, race, etc. I have now made it my mission to make a wicked awesome playlist of nothing but such songs. This is, of course, where I ask for your help, gentle readers. I will throw out a couple of songs that I believe "everyone" loves.<br /><br />"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey<br />"Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot<br /><br />What have you got for me?Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-66057584523139030772008-10-08T16:15:00.002-04:002008-10-08T16:18:29.908-04:00Sweet WordsYesterday, I was doing some cleaning after the boys had finished their homework. I asked Caleb to bring me a trash bag. When he came back with the trash bag, he had this to say.<br /><br />C: Wanna know why this trash bag is for you?<br /><br />Me: Why?<br /><br />C: 'Cause it is for the beautifulest girl in the whole world.Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-49532192052098126152008-09-22T10:56:00.006-04:002008-09-22T11:14:13.598-04:00Weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxq-zoDUbTte26Xy589628LhWAhGIuSgQISsrUbZm04vrFOkH2dg8L3FyxTnKLq3BfD4N93z3gBjGOhyphenhyphenqn1yoo7WP8ZK5hSNVLNMXTsNfnRHrbQYcEQrwSr-aLeKC-DakKLZWOw/s1600-h/print+please.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248864222430499890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxq-zoDUbTte26Xy589628LhWAhGIuSgQISsrUbZm04vrFOkH2dg8L3FyxTnKLq3BfD4N93z3gBjGOhyphenhyphenqn1yoo7WP8ZK5hSNVLNMXTsNfnRHrbQYcEQrwSr-aLeKC-DakKLZWOw/s320/print+please.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><ol><li>So, over the weekend, my husband and I discover that the bottom part of our refrigerator is no longer cooling. Our freezer is still freezing perfectly, but the bottom part is not cooling at all. So, since repairing it would likely be as much as a used appliance anyway, we have opted to replace it. This sounds all fine and good until I say what comes next: this will be the 2nd replacement refrigerator we've had to get since JUNE. That's right. We come home from our honeymoon, and Kenn's fridge had gone completely out. Luckily, my parents had 2, so they let us take one. Now, we have to actually buy one. Yay?</li><br /><br /><li>Kenn and I watched <strong>Superbad</strong> this weekend (no, the boys didn't watch it with us!). Without getting into whether we should/shouldn't watch those movies, it was quite funny in spots. Kenn seemed to appreciate it on a different level than I was able to, having never been a teenage boy myself. I thought it was funny, but I far prefer <strong>Forgetting Sarah Marshall</strong>, which I need to come out on DVD.</li><br /><br /><li><strong>The Emmys</strong> were last night. For those who don't know, I am slightly addicted to major awards shows. So, I watched it last night, but I was mostly disappointed. I'm glad <strong>30 Rock</strong> won so much, but I feel that Michael Emerson and particularly Neil Patrick Harris were robbed of Emmys. And the opening was painful, not funny. Most of the jokes fell flat, and it just all seemed anti-climatic. I like a feel of gravitas to my awards show, which you can feel free to make fun of me for as long as you wish.</li><br /><br /><li>Now, I haven't researched the medical ramifications of what I'm about to request, so if I'm off base or insensitive, that's why. But people, please get your huge huge goiters removed. I know that sounds so callous, but, particularly if your job involves communication, if your goiter is visible enough that you need to cover it with bandages, maybe you should think about removing it (if it's medically possible). Kenn and I visited a church where the pastor had a HUGE goiter on his neck. That he covered with flesh-colored bandages (which I appreciated). I cannot remember what the sermon was about.</li><br /><br /><li>Saturday morning, I have the TV tuned to the Kidz Only music channel. My sons are dancing around, my husband is getting to sleep in, and I am cleaning BECAUSE I WANT TO. I don't know how it happened, but I was not going to be happy if that floor didn't get mopped. It was blissful.</li><br /><br /><li>Also, my friend Heather took that photo. Check out her photo blog, An Even Ten. The link's on the sidebar.</li></ol></div>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-19075905810710795392008-09-13T15:19:00.005-04:002008-10-10T14:44:06.047-04:00Books I've Read/ Movies I've WatchedThis is mostly just a housekeeping post. I'm currently reading and watching movies quite regularly, and I like to remember what I've read/watched. This is the easiest place for me to keep it, so sorry for the boring stuff.<br /><br />Since mid-August, I've read/watched:<br /><br /><u>Books</u><br /><em>The Ugly Duckling</em> by Iris Johanssen<br /><em>I Am Charlotte Simmons</em> by Tom Wolfe<br /><em>The Devil Wears Prada</em> by Lauren W.<br /><em>Stacey vs. The BSC</em><br /><em>Stacey's Broken Heart</em><br /><em>Weep No More, My Lady</em> by Mary Higgins Clark<br /><br /><br /><u>Movies</u><br /><em>Capote</em><br /><em>Deep Impact</em><br /><em>National Treasure</em><br /><em>Interview With the Vampire</em><br /><em>Black Snake Moan</em><br /><em>High School High</em><br /><em>Superbad</em><br /><em>Four Weddings and a Funeral</em><br /><em>Gone Baby Gone</em><br /><em>Far From Heaven</em><br /><em>American Beauty</em><br /><em>Across The Universe</em><br /><em>Derailed</em><br /><em>Forgetting Sarah Marshall</em>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-78599243958593796122008-09-12T13:29:00.003-04:002008-09-12T13:35:38.448-04:00Product Crush<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jghs3U69Mg9z4bUDIKpy6fpCZHRLD19jXZ3aIfZEM1kn0O0FVeasAjfqDrNfu452mggQ-lyEjePhHXzzJvRr6ssl3ol_Wb71PaTdZzYkrHNnyt1wX84oE9wG6vNXJxuOBuXk2w/s1600-h/Shoes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245189733322933490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jghs3U69Mg9z4bUDIKpy6fpCZHRLD19jXZ3aIfZEM1kn0O0FVeasAjfqDrNfu452mggQ-lyEjePhHXzzJvRr6ssl3ol_Wb71PaTdZzYkrHNnyt1wX84oE9wG6vNXJxuOBuXk2w/s320/Shoes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.target.com/Womens-Xhilaration-Samantha-Flats-Brown/dp/B00186KVT0/qid=1221240840/ref=br_1_9/602-2755208-7353418?ie=UTF8&node=3429561&frombrowse=1&rh=tgt%5F2%3ABrown&page=1">These shoes from Target</a>. Cute and comfy.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-10606984396658194212008-09-11T10:44:00.006-04:002008-09-11T11:55:29.494-04:00Rejoining The Blog World<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkjnuPzPMHg5ZWGSOTjT7Hu35hIQ6V6VhL48rvFR8TdtM4oizhOeq32ij1yz08thYNVQJafqnHYX0gTblDYeB10siiOuxPS2LRmcHE8CZ7sdqeQee82k1Wv5LtdJb84HqeGxp9g/s1600-h/laughing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244774954177217634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkjnuPzPMHg5ZWGSOTjT7Hu35hIQ6V6VhL48rvFR8TdtM4oizhOeq32ij1yz08thYNVQJafqnHYX0gTblDYeB10siiOuxPS2LRmcHE8CZ7sdqeQee82k1Wv5LtdJb84HqeGxp9g/s320/laughing.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />So, I've been gone since March. Sorry about that. Been a little busy with the getting married and being married part. Also, being a stepmom takes up a lot of time. I know, news flash.<br /><br />Let's see, how can I condense the last six months? Wedding prep, wedding, honeymoon, home, new cat, 2 months as newlyweds by ourselves, boys come home, Kenn works from home, school, PTA.<br /><br />I am enjoying doing the household shopping-groceries and the like- and today I finally used my slow cooker. I am making some sort of stew beef concoction. If it's good, I'll share the EASY recipe with you, but it's not for food snobs, I don't suppose. I have never really had to COOK for myself or anyone, so I'm learning first to be consistent. I rarely am excited about cooking dinner, and far too often I REALLY don't want to. It must be done, so I'm trying to amass a bunch of slow cooker recipes so dinner and the clean up will be less time intensive. If you know of any good, easy ones, hit up the comment box. You know you want to.<br /><br />So far, my family likes it best when I cook teriyaki chicken, with chicken and dumplings coming in a close second. I'm not a huge beef eater, so I'm never sure what to do with it. I'm working on it, though.<br /><br />Also, over on the right, there's a linked banner to <a href="http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php?n=1&r_by=SmugIndieChick%40gmail.com">Paper Back Swap</a>. You should hit that up if you love reading but don't necessarily need to keep every book you've ever read or might read. I've recently converted to the keeping only the FEW books I really love and read over and over again. As a former English major, I feel some shame in admitting that. But, honestly, most of the books sat on my shelf after I read them, and some had been on my bookcase for YEARS without my having read them. This way I can read what I want for free (well, save the cost of shipping) and send it on to someone else. Check it out, or don't. (And yes, if you use those links, and sign up, I'll get a credit. Full disclosure here. Sorry if I've sold out.) I've gotten a couple of books already, so it is legit.<br /><br />And now, I leave you with a funny story. My husband took our sons (I'm not going to be using stepsons--too difficult) to the Upper SC State Fair. They all rode one of those boats that holds a lot of people and goes up and around in a circle (descriptive skills--not so good). During the middle of the ride, Kenn asks Caleb, the youngest, how he liked the ride. His answer? "IT TICKLES MY PENIS!" Said so loudly that everyone on the ride and standing down below could hear. And laugh hysterically.Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17456789.post-8103988377644212782008-03-20T10:48:00.002-04:002008-03-20T10:52:26.792-04:00A Peek at My Stuff #2 (Not Dirty!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhqkCzQ-0ASAq8IWwqmc-EuGqnev7Y9PX0k9VMeM_ZN9pBuywAp42-i8-eMqUNNv3ngzUd8TijiNKggOqxzL-gA-M43vHIq84GqqQG7k_wZcbOtlpS3lwVrpHeoJQVU6Yyv8h5g/s1600-h/my+invitations.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179836316637537298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhqkCzQ-0ASAq8IWwqmc-EuGqnev7Y9PX0k9VMeM_ZN9pBuywAp42-i8-eMqUNNv3ngzUd8TijiNKggOqxzL-gA-M43vHIq84GqqQG7k_wZcbOtlpS3lwVrpHeoJQVU6Yyv8h5g/s320/my+invitations.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So, these are the invitations to my wedding. I love them -- not completely untraditional, but with enough variance to make them feel like something I would choose. I love the lettering; I've always been a fan of the all lowercase. What do you think?</div>Staci Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11953442278929786239noreply@blogger.com4