Jody Ballard:  

Life I grew up in Southgate, but my family had a cottage on the North shore of Sand Lake. My mother was a school teacher, so we would pack up all 6 kids and spend the summers at the "Sand Castle" in the Irish Hills. We have since sold the cottage, but still cherish the memories! After graduation I attended Kalamazoo College. I married my high school sweetheart who joined the military. He was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in CA. The marriage did not last, but I fell in love with CA. I currently live in Northern CA. About 20 minutes from Napa Valley and 3 hours from Lake Tahoe; 1 hour from either San Francisco or Sacramento. It is a great location and the weather is wonderful! I am married (17 years)to an awesome man (Matt). My husband works for Lucky grocery (31 years-Well you knew he was crazy-he married me!) And to further prove his insanity he wanted children. Did he not know that you get apples from apple trees? We are blessed with 2 bright shiny apples that did not fall far from the trees. Mariah 16 yrs and James Riley (J.R.) 11 yrs. They attend a Christian school and are both doing well academically as well as spiritually. Mariah is a cheerleader and a gymnast and J.R. is an avid sports fan - He Loves to play and watch. I am currently the ...Expand for more