Ballard Bunch

My littlest sister, Sydney Jo, is 16! I cannot believe little Meister is all grown up and driving my kids around now. Sydney and Jason are so cute. He has been around since she was 5, so she thinks of him as a big brother. He takes that role seriously. They have a great relationship. Walker and Lucy adore Jojo, as they call her. She's named after their first favorite show, Jojo's Circus, and her middle name is Jo, so it works perfectly! She takes great pictures and always captures a funny moment!

What's the worst thing I can do to my children? SEPARATE THEM This is Lucy banished to her room, away from her brother Walker wasn't thrilled with me, either I don't use this often, because it has such an effect on them, and I want to keep it that way. If they are not acting nice to each other, they will get separated to their own rooms. They are not in time out, they can play or do whatever they want, I just want them separated from each other . Still, they act like I have just taken one of their arms or something. Teamwork FOREVER! (Walker and Lucy's motto- adapted from the Wonder Pets)

Blog #1: A Year of Crockpotting A woman is using her crockpot everyday for 2008. Most of the time she makes dinner , sometimes she makes dessert and sometimes she makes crayons . But, she uses it everyday... And because of her blog, she was invited on The Rachael Ray Show!! This is one good recipe of hers I have tried: Cream Cheese Chicken - It is yummy, creamy and EASY. Three good qualities if you ask me. (I didn't have a package of Italian dressing mix, so I just put in some garlic and herb seasoning. Use whatever you have...) Blog #2: Want Not This is a good blog to keep handy. She alerts you to sales and clearances from all kinds of websites and also gives you codes for extra percentages off or free shipping that she finds somehow. It rocks. Do you have a favorite blog?

This year for our girl's trip, my mom, sisters and I went to Chicago. I have never been there, and I really liked the city. We had a lot of fun- it is so great to get away for a weekend with my favorite girls! From the top of Hancock Tower Beluga whales at the Shedd Aquarium Deep Dish Chicago Pizza at Gino's East You don't want to know what our waiter told us to say to get us to smile... Crazy Chicago hot dogs THE BEST POPCORN I HAVE EVER HAD (they mixed caramel popcorn and cheese popcorn in the same bag. IT WAS GOOD) Raining on us at the trolley tour- yes, we were up on the top deck! At Lou Mitchell's- they gave us donut holes while we waited in line.

Well, I never started that cooking blog. I REALLY wanted to, but I knew that I would not be able to give it the time and effort that I wanted. I had this whole thing envisioned, and then I thought, that would take about an hour a day to work on this thing?! So, I will continue to post cooking related things here. Today, I want to share some of my favorite tools that help me in the kitchen. My lemon juicer. I know, is it really that hard to juice lemons? Well, no, but this lovely tool makes it even easier, and most importantly, neater. Also, I love the cutting board that the juicer is on. I have marble tile, which is beautiful, but it is not cool getting stuff in the grout or trying to roll out dough on the tiles. This HUGE cutting board is perfect! This is my vegetable chopper. I use it for onions, and I love it because it gets you a nice, small dice. I am not the best chopper , and I don't like big chunks of onion in my food, so this has been wonderful!! Also, it does garlic in ...

Maggie Inlow!! Email me and let me know if there is a specific color bow Maisy girl needs, I have alot of different ribbon. Congrats and thanks to all my commenters! *I know I said I would pick the winner Friday, but I am leaving in the morning for a girls trip with my mom and sisters to Chicago for the weekend. Yeah me!!

Lucy and Walker picking out her own outfits I don't mind them picking out their own stuff or wearing Tinkerbell wings or cowboy boots or Peter Pan hat to go on errands, I just want them to MATCH. This pink ensemble above was completely put together by Lucy, from the sparkle shoes to the headband, and she was trying very hard to make sure she matched (with all pink), so I decided to let it slide that she had a printed top AND a printed skirt. She HAD to do the sparkle shoes, and don't forget the painted nails!! They must be pink! They both LOVE dress-up. This is how we went out and about on our errands one day last week. If we are at home, you can bet Lucy has a costume on. He would also be happy in his jim jammers all day. It is 11:55 AM and he had no interest in putting clothes on! Walker still loves his green ice cream. He loved soccer camp. Luckily, I found one program he is old enough for in the fall. Most of them you have to be 4 by July 31, and he is an August birthday...

My Dad and I went to a cooking class at Central Market this week. I did it for his birthday, and it was a Tamale Workshop. Tamales are one of those food items I have never attempted. You have to KNOW what your doing, so I thought this would be fun. It was a hands-on class, and that was important. My Dad and I love cooking and we cook in much the same way. We have fun with it!!! Me and my sweet dad Nettie, our great instructor Spreading the masa on the oja (husk) The pork filling Folding the tamale Our dinner: Guacamole, salsa, borracho beans, pico de gallo, mexican rice, pork and chicken tamales The dessert: The BEST flan you have ever tasted

We love Aunt Caitlin! and birthday parties! Opening her presents SWEET! Guitar Hero Aerosmith Our Rock Stars What's This!!?? KEYS? ...to your NEW CAR! Make a wish... YUMMY! Strawberry cake

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAITLIN!!! Why Caitlin deserves a happy birthday: 1. She is always cracking me up 2. She takes great pictures. 3. She is incredibly creative and talented 4. She is a great aunt!!! Love you, sweet girl. I am so glad I have gotten to know you better these past few years (thanks in large part to blogging!!). You are funny, bright, and so sweet. I wish you luck in your last years of college and can't wait to see how your life unfolds. Thanks for always making me laugh, and watching my kids when I ask. Happy Birthday, you twenty year-old!!!