Happy Birthday, Mike!

Hope you had a great birthday, to the oldest of the cousins! (And, now I really mean OLDest).

Hope you have a great day!

Happy Birthday, KK!

Happy Birthday to Aunt KK, who turns -- Oh, wait. Let's not go there (j/k!)

Happy Birthday, Karen!

Happy Birthday, Loren!

Happy Birthday to Loren today! Another great addition to the craziness of the Balices (I think you help calm us down a notch, maybe???)

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Jamie!

A big Happy Birthday to Jamie, who turns 40 today! Janet -- that must hurt a little! 40!!!

Happy Birthday, Jamie!

A long-awaited victory

I suppose it's not nearly as exciting as the Dan v. June Scrabble win, but after a year of playing Maggie in online Scrabble, I've finally won! (And kind of by a lot!)

Part of me almost thinks it was a gift, but I don't think Maggie would ever "let" me win!

Thought some of you might appreciate this. :)

Fall fun in Ionia!

Here are a few shots from last Thursday -- both at Shadow Ridge during a photo session with Becca and downtown during the chili dog challenge (and I hear it was one heck of a challenge -- I heard they ran out a couple of hours in!)

Happy Birthday, Danny!

Are we still allowed to call you Danny?

Either way, Happy Birthday to Dan Burrows!!

Happy Birthday, Jbizz!

Happy Birthday to little Joseph Clayton, who turns 25 today! (HOly cow, feel old yet, mom???)

Happy Birthday!

Passion Through My Lens

You'll notice if you look to the "Links" category to the right, you'll (finally!) see a link to Nick's photography blog, Passion Through My Lens.

Check it out to see the amazing shots Nick's been getting lately!

K-K's latest column -- of particular family interest!

SHENANIGANS

Headline: SMALL CHILDREN WALK AWAY FROM HOME...Two little girls (ages 3 and 4) were found wandering on a busy street yesterday carrying a little puppy. They were picked up by a stranger and taken to a local business where one of the grandparents was employed. They were returned home safely to their mothers who had been having coffee and lost track of time (and kids.) No charges filed.

Headline: YOUNG GIRLS CAUGHT BURYING BARBIE DOLLS...Three prepubescent girls admitted having a “Barbie Cemetery” in a neighborhood backyard. A dirty doll was found by one of their sisters and reported to the parents. When asked why they did it they responded “why not?” No charges were filed.

Headline: INCIDENTS OF NEAR FROSTBITE ... Several hundred children ranging in age from 8 to 18 have been suffering near frostbite conditions at the local skating rink. Not only do the parents force them to walk several blocks to get there but conditions in the “hot house” are not conducive to proper safety standards. Although they are given free reign warming up at their convenience, the smell of mittens, hats and scarfs scattered on the wood burning stove is stifling. On top of that, their parents often make them walk all the way back home. No charges were filed.

Headline: LARGE NEIGHBORHOOD DOG BURIED IN BACK YARD WITHOUT PERMIT ... Several people witnessed what they believe was a pet funeral carried out on a city street the other day. A number of children (as many as 30 or so reported) gathered for services when a beloved family dog (named Blondie) succumbed to old age. A large stone baring the animal's name marked the site as evidence of the incident. No charges were filed.

Headline: AT LEAST A DOZEN KIDS CAUGHT SKATEBOARDING HAPHAZARDLY ... Several kids were caught skateboarding down a steep alley through a busy street and down an “off limits” church driveway recently. They stated that they had “look-outs” stationed on the street to forewarn skateboarders when the Monsignor protested vehemently actually grabbing the shirt tail of one of the participants. A few days later one of the girls broke her arm stopping the mayhem. No charges filed.

Headline: NEIGHBORHOOD PLAY CAUSES CONCERN ... About 20 children entertained friends and family in a garage last week. Not only did they charge admission, they sold popcorn and drinks without a permit. Treasury is looking into the matter because they cannot account for funds raised. The director of the show stated “We really didn't know that we were doing anything wrong. We've been performing for people on our street for years sometimes going door to door singing.” They have also allegedly held unsupervised street dances. So far no charges have been filed.

Headline: CHICKENS SLAUGHTERED IN BACK YARD WITHIN VIEW OF NEIGHBORS ... A local “immigrant” couple was reported for regularly placing chickens on a tree stump and removing their heads. The clincher is that after their heads are removed they sometimes run around the yard scaring children. When interviewed the couple stated “We don'ta know whatta the problem is...we raisa them in our basement (next to the wine vat), kill them and eat them. It'sa natural order of things.” No charges have been filed although a conflict of interest issue has arisen due to the fact that their son is a City Official of the highest order. Public Health officials refused comment.

These fictitious headlines are taken from my childhood reality when lawsuits were something worn in court and mothers were genuine “desperate housewives” (not looking for love in all the wrong places.) Some shenanigans are priceless.

Happy Birthday, Miles!

Hard to believe, but Miles is celebrating his fourth birthday today! Happy Birthday Miles!

What the F*@^#!!??!?!?

We got Gigi good.

Mom arrived at Sarah's tonight thinking she was in for a weekend of watching the boys -- for the third weekend in a row. She got quite a surprise* instead.

* CAUTION: Gupp may have used inappropriate language during the filming of this hidden video.

(She came in the wrong door, then took forever taking her shoes off and whatnot... skip ahead to the three minute mark on the first video to catch the main bits of action...)


SORRY -- The first video was too big -- so you don't get to see her real reaction. I'm going to try to teach myself iVideo (Gotta love having a mac!) so I can trim the first 3 minutes. Then I should be able to post it!

K

As American as apple pie

Anthony had his first taste of Gigi's apple pie today. It was straight out of the fridge and cold, so I wasn't sure how he was going to react, but as soon as he finished his first bite (before I started recording) he just looked up at me and said, "More?"

So I gave him a small piece, but that wasn't enough. Naturally he wouldn't REALLY perform when I got it out, but I think you can tell he liked it.

The girl who should have been queen :-) Congratulations Leigh.

Hey Balices - I didn't post Kavaun's photos properly so in order to see all of them you'll have to click on "older posts" at the bottom or click on each individual post/photo on the right. Sorry - I'll try to do better next time :-)

Kavaun's First Birthday Party

The Prince says "Let Them Eat Cake"....

I'm so glad my Oregon family could be here.

Mom and Dad seem to like me...

The Prince is ready to eat....

Is there a celebrity here?

What am I supposed to do with this?

Hey this is good - wanna taste?

Ok - I'm done....

Happy Birthday!

Today is Kavaun's first birthday! I hope to have some pictures up from the festivities soon!

Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!

Happy Birthday to Uncle Dan, who celebrates his 29th birthday today!

And a happy fifth anniversary to Sarah and Loren!

Happy Birthday, Paul!

A big Happy Birthday to Paul today! Somebody buy this guy a birthday beer!

Happy Anniversary!

Congrats to Sue and Ron, who are celebrating their anniversary today! Happy Anniversary!

Kid Quote

Lucas: We have to clean up these cars.

Aunt Kirsten: We? YOU have to clean up those cars. You dumped them out.

L: But I only have two hands. And you have two hands. And your hands are bigger than my two hands. And it's a really big mess. So... you have to help me.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary to Ryan and Amy today! I can't believe how fast time flies! Congrats!

Mildred Marion 1994-2009

Hope you are having fun with Susie, Sadie and all the rest!

Kid Quote

Overheard seconds ago from the next room:

Claire: When I grow up, I'm going to be a babysitter.

Lucas: When I grow up, I'm going to be Uncle Joe.

MetroTimes reviews Dan's album

Hey, everyone, just thought I would share a review of Dan's album, Lazrus.

Here it is, in the MetroTimes.

You can check out the label that put it out (and buy it through iTunes) HERE.


OH -- and HERE is an awesome video made by Danny DiMaggio of one of D's new songs!

Happy Birthday, Amy!

It's Amy's birthday! Hope she's not working today. Happy Birthday, Ame!

Damn it!

Happy Birthday yesterday to Sarah Marion as well -- SOOOOOOOOO sorry. Will someone e-mail me the damn birthday list already?!?!?!

Sorry, Sarah. Hope you had a great birthday and are well on your way to recovering from your surgery!

Kirsten

Happy Birthday, Marc!

Today's is Marc's birthday! Happy Birthday to a fellow Leo!

Our own Rudy

Here's a great article on Tim from the Sentinel about how hard he has worked over the years to play football. We're all proud of you, Tim!

You can check it out HERE or read it below.

Ionia grad living a dream in Kalamazoo

By ANDREW ROBERTS
Sentinel-Standard sports editor
Published: Friday, August 7, 2009 9:42 PM CDT
E-mail this story | Print this page

Western Michigan University fifth-year senior and 2005 Ionia High School graduate Tim Balice warms up last season before the Broncos’ game against the University of Nebraska. It was the first game he dressed for. Courtesy/GS Photo

KALAMAZOO - About an hour and a half from the campus of Notre Dame, 2005 Ionia graduate Tim Balice is putting together a true-life fairy tale story like that of Daniel ‘Rudy' Ruettiger.

Although he is not donning the gold dome of the Fighting Irish football team, Balice will be sporting the golden helmet of the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturdays for a second and final season this fall.

During his five years at WMU, Balice has had to battle through trials and setbacks, and he has put in the time and hard work to keep himself on the Bronco roster.

“I have been released three times and only been to a couple of camps,” Balice said. “But after making it the first time, I knew I really wanted to be on the team.”

Along with being released multiple times, Balice also suffered an injury to his hand that cut his season short last fall.

Last season, after putting in two years of hard work as a walk-on for the scout team, Balice's hard work was recognized by Bronco head coach Bill Cubit.

Before the team traveled to Lincoln, Neb. for their season opener against the Cornhuskers of the University of Nebraska, Cubit told Balice that he would be traveling with the team. During that game, the punter and holder suffered an injury, and Balice got the call to hold on the field goal unit.

“At first I didn't realize that they wanted me to replace him, but then our special team's coordinator (Mike Sabock) told me to get in there,” Balice said. “I was focused so much on the field that It didn't hit me until I got back off the field.

“It was ridiculous. I can't express the feeling in words. It was just something to see 85,000 people in the stands all wearing red.”

Balice was the holder for the next six games before suffering his injury. He also got an opportunity to play on the kickoff team during the Broncos' game against Idaho.

Cubit also gave Balice with another pleasant surprise last year, when he told him that he needed to talk with his mother Maggie Balice.

“After the fourth game, coach asked me to get my phone because he wanted to talk to my mother,” Balice said. “I thought at first that I had done something wrong and was in trouble, but he told her that I had earned a scholarship.

I was on cloud 30, forget cloud nine. If I would have died then I would have still been a happy man.”

Balice said that even though he wasn't able to play in some of Western's biggest games last season, like the win at Ford Field against Illinois and the Texas Bowl in Houston against Rice University. The experience of being on the sidelines was great.

Heading into the 2009 season, Balice has earned a roster spot, so he can focus more on improving in his playing positions. He is also trying to earn a possible spot in the wide receiving core.

During his time on the team, Balice has also played with teammates that have earned national recognition, including senior quarterback Tim Hiller and Detroit Lions second round draft pick Louis Delmas.

“Louis is always willing to help both younger players and veterans as well,” Balice said. “Tim is a great leader on offense, and there are so many others who are great leaders on defense.”

The Broncos will begin preseason practice on Monday as they prepare for their season opener on Saturday, Sept. 5 at ‘The Big House' against Michigan. They will also take on two other Big Ten teams this season, traveling to Bloomington, Ind. on Sept. 12 to take on the Hoosiers of Indiana, and then East Lansing on Nov. 7 to take on Michigan State.

Western will also face Mid-American Conference West rival Central Michigan at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo on Oct. 17.

“As a Michigan and Michigan State fan, I have always dreamed of playing in The Big House, and Spartan Stadium,” Balice said. “Then to get Central at home in my last season, I could not have asked for a better schedule.”

The new Ford Taurus

No, I'm not here to tout the programmable key on the new 2010 Taurus -- though it makes me excited to see what technology will be in place when Claire gets her license.

Dan has been working at a music house since January, composing music for commercials. Some weeks are busier than others, but on any given day he's working far more than full-time hours, creating original music for everything from Papa John's pizza and Jiffy Lube spots, to baby shampoo and down home grocery stores.

There's no shortage of car ads around these parts, and Daniel, who submits his songs along with a roster of other freelancers, won his first two spots recently! One is a U of M song that will play during football games for years to come, which is currently in production.

The other is a Ford Taurus spot, which he just wrote a couple of weeks ago, but went live on Ford's Web site today. His is the spot "The Sophomores" all the way on the right.

You can check it out HERE.

Get Well Soon!

Let's all send some good wishes to Sarah Marion, who will return home tomorrow after undergoing back surgery this week.

We hope you feel better and are up and at 'em soon, Sarah!

Zoo time.

Sarah and I took the boys to the Detroit Zoo last week and it was an adventure! A quick trip (by most standards), but we saw lots of the animals. There's a special "Dinosauria" exhibit through September at the zoo, but it was a bit scary for Lucas. I was outside of the exhibit with Anthony, but Sarah said Lucas moved through there pretty fast!

(Please ignore the poor quality of the pics. I'm in dire need of a new camera!)

White Men Can't Jump

Joe was in a White Men Can't Jump basketball tournament over the weekend. Here are a few pics!