Grandpa's 82nd Birthday Dinner

Fun times with grandma and Nancy. . . . I think he loved his cake that I made especially for him. I used myself as the model. . . . .lol!

Dedicated to my dear friend

I'm very sad today. I received word that my dear friend, Deniece Liljenquist is not doing well and is in the hospital. She has breast cancer and the tumor is in her chest area and has doubled in size. She isn't able to have chemo due to her poor health. Their hope was to start chemo as soon as possible but now it's too late. She is struggling to breathe. Her doctor said they can't treat her cancer anymore and will make her comfortable. It breaks my heart. She was trying to stay alive until her son, Willie got home from his mission in August. She was determined to prove the doctors wrong. Deniece is tough and has battled this for seven years.

I have been so privileged to spent time with her this past month and in Feb. We had some good times together. She was well enough to go shopping, out to eat and even stayed up late with me watching our favorite shows like American Idol, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars and Lost. She was a trooper. Always so positive, never complaining. We spent hours talking. After talking to Deniece, you feel better about yourself because of her many kind and thoughtful words. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with her. A small miracle in my eyes.

My family was so awesome to let me go for days at a time. Dan took care of everything at home.
I really dreaded driving to Pleasant Grove especially in the winter. I usually had to psych myself up to go. I think I inherited this anxiety or fear from my mom. But this time was different. I was so blessed to come and go with the breeze. I actually enjoyed the drive. The roads were always dry and the sun was shinning down on me. My little bug drove like a dream. I have been praying for a miracle in my life, could this have been it? I didn't care what miracle, I just desired one with all my heart.

If its the Lord's will, she'll be here to greet Willie with a smile. If not, she was needed at home with her Heavenly Father.
Love ya Deneice

The Balls Menagerie

We're hoping our three female goats are with kid (child) and will deliver in May. Cross your fingers. Frank, the goose, is a great guard dog. No one gets by him. He loves to pick on children his own size and corner them. . . sounds like we should put him down. He means well.

The Evolution of my SnowWoman * Frostine

Ethan and I created her, one delightfully sunny Sunday afternoon when the snow was perfect for making a snowman. To our wondering awe, she continued to evolve. The next day, Livi and Megan came over and helped add some very important feminine details to help distinguish her from all the other Snow People. She is playfully known as Frostine but her closest friends called her Frost for short. Frost was a giant among men, measuring over seven feet high.

As she began to melt and the days got warmer (is that possible in Cache Valley), I started adding snowballs to enhance her beauty. To make the process go faster, I filled a small bowl with snow and pounded it onto her. My friend, Emily Ashcroft came over several times to assist me. As you'll notice, there are flowers in her hair.. . flowers everywhere!

She's melting, melting. . . . there's nothing I can do to save her. As a result of my valiant efforts to create my master piece, I herniated a disc in my lower back. My doctor said, "No more making snowmen." She brought a lot of joy and happiness into my life and to those that passed by on the road. I received many comments about her. The only disheartening thing was my family did not notice her. . . they didn't appreciate her girth and magnificence. I have learned to forgive my transgressors.

As she melted it was impossible to keep her face on, I feel that way somedays after experiencing a hot flash! I can relate.

I was wondering. . . .

Is it Spring yet? ? ?

Grandma's ROLLS

The Main Dish. . . . .

Oh my heck! Grandma's rolls are to die for. They are so moist and delicious.

Easter Sunday and Brady's 24th Birthday

I made Brady a special cake. Since his birthday is close to Easter, he usually get a cake centered around Easter. I have to get creative to make a different each year.

Two peas in a pod

How embarrassing. . . Ethan and Dan snuggling. NOT!

Just best buddies

Brady and Jess' Wedding

The Ring Ceremony

Curtis and Jodee McCulloch

Danton and Jenny

Tena, Tawyna, Ashley, Nancy and grandpa Warner

Bride and Groom and Groomsmen

Grandma Balls ans Lucille (BFFs)

The Balls Family in May 2006

One of the very few family pictures that exist. We're not camera friendly

Peek-a-boo

Dare Devil

This is Danton several years ago.

The passing of our precious Ruby Sue

Ruby Sue Balls passed away in her little barn surrounded by her special friends, Frank, the goose, Chester, the duck, and three insignificant chickens, on January 8, 2008 in Hyde Park, UT. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and watch her grow and mature into a big fat pig. As seen in the picture, her life-long friend, Chester will miss laying on her back and sharing her food. Ruby had a big heart and was very compassionate to her loved ones.

The life expectancy of a pot bellied pig is 15-20 years and Ruby was taken prematurely. She was around three years old give or take a year. Her last days were miserable, and it was hard for her family to watch her suffer so they went into the house. She either died of pneumonia or constipation. It's a blessing that she returned to her Creator above.

She leaves behind her adoptive parents, Dan and Jan Balls of Hyde Park. Her three older brothers and one sister-in-law. They'll miss those mid-night Maverick runs. But her roommates in the barn yard will miss her most of all. Her warm back made a nice place for the chickens to roost which was a blessing for Raquel as she suddenly lost her feathers after the snow fell. We must live each day as if it were our last, for no one knows what's just around the corner.

One of Ruby's favorite sayings was, "They never said it would be easy but they said it would be worth it." Ruby is freed of her huge mortal body now and can run like the wind. Picture that.

In Lieu of flowers, please donated to the Pot Bellied Pig Rescue.

Ruby Sue and Chester. . .

Friends forever and always!

A Friend Is Like A Good Bra...

Hard to Find-

Supportive-

Comfortable-

Always Lifts You Up-

Never Lets You Down-

or Leaves You Hanging-

And Is Always Close To Your Heart!!

Happy Couple

May 5, 2006

Jessica and Brady Balls

What a "Stud Muffin"

Ethan has been dying to pose like this all year. He finally got his chance. He posed like this for his driver's license learner's permit and the guy taking the picture had no sense of humor whatsoever, and made he smile like a

"big boy".

I think he's adorable, myself. He's Ethan!

Littlest Angel

Born on Christmas Eve Day. . . .

ready or not here she comes!

*Megan please no mooshing!

Cute as a bug's ear

Aren't they so adorable. . . . . Introducing Taylor and Konnor Preece

Ultimately our own responsiblity

"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And, the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."

Eleanor Roosevelt1884-1962, American First Lady, Columnist and Lecturer

It all started when. . .

It all began in 1983, it was a beautiful summer day, not a cloud in the sky. Jan and Dan sealed their love in the Logan Temple on June 21st. They only married due to the fact that their names rhymed, and they both ended in A-N. What a simple union that has blossomed into a beautiful relationship. This June, it will be the big 25 years of wedded bliss. A nine month cruise has been planned and discarded but no worries. A delightful trip to the Crystal Inn with the gigantic tub that creates bubbles without Dan's help will suffice. Please no gifts.


How glorious it is to have found the man of my dreams after a 25 year search. On the blessed anniversary, I will have been married as long as I was single. . . .that's a big milestone for me to pass.


From this union, came three heaven sent sons. One of which, decided to make his appearance 8 1/2 months after we were joined in Holy Matrimony. I don't share that bit of informaton with just anyone.

That was a pretty dumb post!
More to come. . . . . .

UNCLE ETHAN

Ethan is holding Baylee Preece, his niece. She was born on Christmas Eve, 2007 to Danalin and Jason Preece. Danalin is Dan's daughter and has come back into our lives. We are thrilled. We are having so much fun with her and her darling family. Our Sunday dinners have been awesome. It's a blast to sit in the family room, visiting, getting to know each other better, and watching the kids play. We are so blessed to have Danalin and Jason and family in our lives.

Our new son Gilbert

We inherited Gilbert from Jess and Brady after they held a petting zoo for a Primary activity. Gilbert needed to be bottle fed, which was a delight to everyone. He became like one of the family. One of the funnest things we've done.

Gilbert liked to nibble on my hair. . . he nibbled a big chunk right off.