Christmas Wishes

2006 was certainly a full year—full of laughter, family and friends. The boys continue to grow with 2/3 being taller than mom (but Mason is not too far behind)! Norman seems busier than ever with the farm work as he has picked up some additional acres as well as his 150 head of cattle. He does, however, find time in the fall to hunt. This year, Matthew, Austin and Norman filled 6 deer tags and are currently making jerky and sausage for the winter. Good thing, too, because the boys sure can eat! During the winter, Jade spends her spare time coaching junior curling and curls one evening a week. We hope to get to Lake Diefenbaker or to the Reservoir for some ice fishing and snowmobiling during the holidays.And we always make time for friends and family so if you are in the area, grab a hammer (we’ll supply food and drink) .. and stop in for a visit!! Merry Christmas!

(Here's us with the Minneapolis skyline in the background. Mason had a fight with a barbed wire fence before our trip and lost, ending up with 12 stitches!)

How Time Flies !

Life at the Ballek farm continues to operate at a fairly quick pace with short stops for rest and relaxation along the way. Our time has been filled to the brim with activities for the whole family—including school, sports, music and of course, work!
Last winter the boys were all on different hockey teams so we spent a great deal of our time in various rinks across this province. This year, Matthew and Austin both play Bantam hockey while Mason is a second year Atom. Two directions is a refreshing change!
They all played ball this past summer with Grandpa Dean once again coaching the older two. Jade took on coaching duties with Mason’s team which was hectic but very enjoyable! We hosted Provincial 2A Pee Wee Ball in Outlook in July with temperatures reaching into the mid-30’s. Our family camped behind the rink so our air conditioned camper was transformed into the Rivercat Hospitality Room for parents to enjoy. No provincial title unfortunately but we were extremely proud of the team and their sportsmanship throughout
With the money we raised from the weekend, Austin and Matt’s ball team (& other family members) went by bus to Minneapolis to watch the Blue Jays in August. (20 adults, 20 boys; 7 females—YIKES!) The Jays won all three games while we were there and Norm (who was stuck at home swathing canola) saw us on TV waving our sign!

On the Road Again

A quick listing of our travels in 2006:

- Prince Albert, North Battleford, Regina, Saskatoon and Edmonton for indoor/outdoor track meets for Matthew
- Craven Big Valley Jamboree
- 94th Grey Cup in Winnipeg
- Vanier Cup in Saskatoon (-350 C brrr)
- Swimming lessons at Hitchcock Bay for kids; lots of relatives visited throughout the summer!
- Celebrated 15th anniversary
- We helped host the Oen Family Reunion in Outlook (Grandma Marj’s mom’s family)
- Hilltop 65th Anniversary in Saskatoon
- Matthew started high school football this year (Grade 9) and Austin (Grade 8) will begin in the fall, following in Norm’s footsteps! - Jade has convinced Matthew and Mason to curl also hoping someone will follow her too!
- Matthew gets learner’s license in February!!!!!!!!!