Years of Love Notes

Feb 2020

Ms. Amy,
 
Thank you so much for all you did for our testing team this season.
I appreciate you and your special talents. 
I am so honored to work with you and am so proud of all that you do for our children.
 
My overall goal is accurate scores for all children but to reach those goals, the playing field must be leveled and You are the leveler.
 
I love you, friend!
 
Scottie Shull

Nov 2019

A note I wrote to my Mom- 

Since you are my mother and since I don’t feel like this is calling that I should be doing I would appreciate it if you would tell me why you think I would be a good teacher. I see so many of my faults and not my strengths.  I say dumb things all the time.  All the time. 

A reply from my Mom-- 
I’m so glad you asked. I have been thinking for a while that we need some fresh new faces teaching Sunday School. I was delighted to hear your name. You are just what we need. You will approach things in a way that people will relate to. 

We all say dumb things and make mistakes. That’s our human nature. Don’t discount yourself for that. We just need to learn from our mistakes and move on. That’s the way the Lord would have us do. 

Yesterday as I was with Ronda she told me how much Jeff Rupp has grown and developed in his role as stake president. She was impressed with the baby blessing he gave his new daughter Jane and the way he conducted himself showing respect for the Lord. You will learn and grow in this calling. Trust yourself and trust in the Lord. He knows what he is doing by having you teach. 

We need someone who can pick out the important concepts of the lesson and address gospel principles as they apply to our lives. You have the ability to cut through the chase and get to the point. 

Your are not afraid to speak out and get people thinking and participating instead of allowing them to sit silent in their seats. 

These are the last days. The Lord is hastening his work. I believe you will be an instrument in his hands to hasten his work. The Lord will help you know what to emphasize and what our ward members need to hear to prepare for his second coming. 

YOU are extremely capable of many things.....take Tyler’s eagle project for example. That was a very big deal and YOU proved YOURSELF very capable.  Having proved that you are responsible and capable in so many areas the Lord has entrusted you with a different responsibility. I’m positive you will also be just as successful carrying out this calling as you have done with other assignments. 

If you read your patriarchal blessing it will help you understand a little more about yourself. Your loving Heavenly Father is aware of you and what you will be asked to do to build his kingdom at this time. I’m sure you are living on the earth now because you demonstrated in heaven when you lived with him that you had  traits he would need in the winding up scenes before he came again. 

Your blessing, no doubt tells you the things you have been blessed with. These are not someday blessings. You have them now.  It is like a new baptized person when they are confirmed and told to receive the Holy Ghost. You just need to receive the blessings you have been given. They will help you In this calling.   

You will be an influence for good every time you teach and lead the discussion. I fully support and sustain you as I  know we need you and what you will bring to the classroom. 

Of course I know you will have to study and prepare each time you teach. You prepare for all the callings you have had. The Lord is pleased with what you have done and knows you can do this. He will bless you and expand your mind to fit this calling. You will see him giving you inspiration. He needs someone who is humble and will receive His instruction. Just another reason you have been called.  

I do believe what the Lord needs is not to have a perfect teacher who is educated and skilled in her ability to teach the gospel and never make a mistake. In fact that can sometimes be a deterrent as pride is a factor and turns the Spirit away.  

We need someone who is willing to study, ponder, pray, receive revelation and teach with a personality that can reach out to others. You have that personality. 

Be yourself. You are enough and if you lack the Lord will fill in. This is His work and he wants to help you carry it out. 

I love you Amy and am so proud of what you are doing in your life with your your family, church, friends and work.
Thank you Mom.  Here is a quote that is you.  I believe it’s true and your above text was like a priesthood blessing from my mom.  

My reply to my mom

Your words to me were like you using that priesthood power through your covenants.  Thank you! 

Her reply back to me
I’m glad they helped. Frankly I did pray and tell Heavenly Father that you had concerns about this calling. I asked what He would have me say to you. Those thought began to tumble into my mind almost faster than I could get them into words. 

Oct 2019

Also, thanks for the peaches! Also, thanks for being amazing. You are one of the number one people in my life that I love to be with and know I can count on. So thank for making time for me. I hope I am that to you too (you know, now that I am not just needy-getting-divorced-Ang.) I'm so super proud of you and this journey you are on towards knowing yourself better and improving your mental health. It's easier, I think, when you get shoved into it by some big life event and you have to. But you are choosing to do the hard work for YOU, and I think that's badass.

Angela Isaacs

Aug 2019

Just looked at the pictures again. Amy. You really are looking great. I want you to be mentally healthy and happy. And to feel good physically. Looking good is a bonus. I don't want to encourage body shaming by focusing on your physical appearance but you do look happy and healthy in these photos

Katie LaRiviere

A note from Angela Isaacs

You guys!!! I know we all have our own paths, and sometimes we don't get to be together very often. And we are not even always the people that really fill each other up (like how Amy needs her ward moab friends because they are in a similar place in life and Rowe needs her business friends because they build her up and inspire her and they are all doing this thing together, and Katie needs Tyson to really just swear a lot and cut through the bullshit of life). But you guys are part of what fills me up. I hope you all know I love you and want to celebrate all your growth and success with you. Just like you do for me. It's been amazing getting to know Katie on a new and more vulnerable level now that she can talk about life post divorce. Amy is working so hard to figure out herself and what she wants out of life and it is a hard journey to make that she is facing bravely. And Rowe, I am so happy for you and your success with your business and with your reconnection to yourself and how passionate and supportive you are with the people around you. I could say a million more things, I just picked one from each of you that is inspiring me rn. I love seeing us all fight for the lives we want and for that fire that we have in us, especially after all of our histories!

March 2018

Ruby’s best race of the year! Tucks and turns were amazing. I gave her a huge hug and she said “all because of Coach Amy”.  WOOT WOOT WOOT!!!

Carter Rees, Maverick Athlete Parent

Feb 2018

I know I might have said this before but I am so grateful for you and what you do to help all the young women. You help me so much in my life and with personal progress! I would never be here without you!! Even though sometime I act a little weird around you, l think that you are sure an amazing person and I don't know what I would do without you!

Keatyn Goodrich

Dec 2017

Rowie's post she did about me for her company

I am very excited to welcome to our team one of my closest friends. Amy Harston Balls. She was climbing mountains with my husband before I even knew him. Amy loved the 30 day program, lost 14lbs and is going on for a second round and sharing it with people who want to be their best selves. This woman is a machine. She is an amazing mother to three smart, well rounded children. She is a gardener and a great cook - she is the hub for all the party's.
Amy is a Special Ed teacher, a rock climbing coach, a ski coach, now a health and wellness coach!   She is an all round adventure athlete. Running Marathons, climbing mountains and Rocks and traveling whenever she can. She is the busiest person I know - currently with 4 - 6 jobs. I have lost count. If you need to get anything done.. just ask Amy. For the last 14 years I have stood in amazement at her organization , her energy and her incredibly productive life. Amy is all about adventure and constantly giving her self goals to strive for. She cares about people. She serves. She is always helping someone.
( including me) She is curious, she ask's great questions, she asks more questions than she talks about herself. She is disciplined and does not care about what other people think of her. She works hard and she doesn't give up until she has made it to where she wants to. When my husband heard Amy was starting a business " oh... she's going to kill it.. like way better than you" I believe this with all my heart Amy! i know you don't believe it.. but borrow my belief. Can we please get matching Sprinter Vans? Welcome Amy!

Nov 2016

Amy, Amy, Amy, thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm so glad Angela has you in her life. You're such a true friend and caregiver to her. You've been there through all the thick and thin things of her life. I truely love you. She said you were there again today fixing her breakfast and taking a walk to get her mind off of things. Thanks again, Myrna Carter, Angs mom

May 2016

Dear Amy,

This seems like a lame Mother's Day present to me but I'm assured you will like it. I want you to know how much I love you. I'm sorry I'm not very good at expressing it. I want you to know that I appreciate everything you do for me and our children. You are always thinking of others before yourself and that is a great example to all of us.  You have done an excellent job in raising and teaching our children what is really important in life. I feel like our children are great kids and have a great understanding and sense of what truly brings happiness. This is mostly because of you and your great efforts of being a wonderful mother to them.
 

I love that you are hard-working and value that in life. I love that you also know how to relax and have fun. I appreciate your testimony and strength and know that it takes two of us to raise a family in the Gospel. I know that our family is blessed because we are raising them with gospel principles in mind.

I do enjoy spending time with you and have great memories of times we spent together and I hope to have many more memories of similar times.Thank you so much for your patience with me I know sometimes I don't show my love to you the way you need to see it and feel it. I don't know where I'd be without you and your love and support. Thanks for letting me go to this bike race on Mother's Day weekend another demonstration of your love to me. Don't forget I love your body. 

 Darren

Dec 2015

Amy, I am so sorry that you are sick on your birthday.  You deserve to be healthy and well and vibrant like you usually are.  I love you so much. i was just thinking the other day what a wonderful mother you are and how you are raising your children so well from Abby, to Ella to Tyler.  You are a good wife to your husband also.  I really appreciate you getting the family together on occasions such as Thanksgiving.  Thank you also for looking after the cabin.  I really appreciate your help there.  

I don't remember it being a problem when you were born.  I was so grateful to get another little girl because I hoped that my daughters would be close sisters for each other. I felt more comfortable raising girls than I did boys so having another daughter was perfect.  I was also grateful to have another daughter because after those miscarriages I was worried that we would not be able to have more children and I definitely wanted a larger family.  

I wish I were there to take care of you and your children and give you some little thing for your birthday.  You are not normal you are exceptional.  You are above the curve in every aspect.  i particularly appreciate the fact that you are willing to sacrifice your time and energy to help your children with their interests and talents.  I think there are a lot of children out there who could be doing better if their mothers especially would or could help them.  A child left on their own to develop and grow just doesn't have the same advantage. 

I wish you were here in warmer Mexico (68 degrees) weather

love su madre

Nov 2015

That person that sent you that terrible text is going to regret not having you in her life. I'm just wanted to give you my bullet points of why I think your A-mazing. Things I admire about AMY BALLS- • Incredible Organized, you're an exceptional planner, love it. • Fearless and brave, nothing holds you back, love it. • Driven, you can accomplish more in your day then most in a week! Love it. • Sensitive and aware of others. Love it. • Most importantly you're Amy and nobody else is all the great things you are. That's why I love you cause you're you.

March 2015

Thank you, Amy, for your kind letter.   I very much appreciate your remembering some good times from the past.  I really miss those years when you were all small and at home.  You are all launched and raising your own righteous families.   I love and respect the person you have become.   Struggles, sure, but over all you and  Darren are doing what the Lord wants you to do.    Thanks for remembering my small part in your past.  

Love, Dad

Dec 2013

Miss Amy, you are one of the strongest, most organized and dedicated people I know.  I am most proud of you for doing this for yourself, and being able to demand what you want out of yourself.  

Next time I am in town we will get some wheat grass juice to celebrate!  My treat!!!

Hugs- Pam Noyes

Nov 2013

Thanks so much Amy. Pass on any other parenting  tips you have. I think  you are the most awesome person and mum. You are unbelievable really. You are so smart and disciplined and dedicated. Just imagine if you were not doing chores all Saturday when you were a kid. You probably could have been the best in the world at something.....I love how you think and search for knowledge and you are always up for an adventure. Great to see you last night.
Rowena Hyldahl

Sept 2013

Hi, Amy!

THANK YOU so much for sending this to me!!  It came after a long day and brought true tears to my eyes!!  You have made some wonderful memories for me and my kids and I so appreciate you and all of your efforts in planning all of the hikes.  I agree that Lake Catherine was amazingly beautiful and can't wait to do that one again.  I wished that I didn't have to hurry back down that day but it's true that we would have gotten soaked.  I LOVE the above picture and I want you to know that I love you tons and admire and respect you immensely.  I think you are an incredible mother and I love to watch you interact with your children.  Your children are sweet and strong!  You do such wonderful things with them and constantly spend your time so wisely with them.  Thanks for being a great example to me.  I deeply value our friendship and look up to you in so many ways.

Thanks for being "the" woman!!

Thank you so much and have a simply splendid day!!

Love, Julie Rupp

March 2012

Amy,

I need to take a minute and tell you how much I appreciate your friendship.  You are so open and honest and I feel like I can talk to you about anything.  I am sure that you are very important to allot of people, but having you there to just chat means so much to me.  You are an amazing, fun mom, and a wonderful person.  Thanks for letting me be your friend!

Hugs

Pam Noyes

July 2011

I love you. It's a great present to come home to a clean house and not have to spend the rest of the night cleaning. Good night.

May 2011

I'm excited to see you tomorrow. Also very excited to go to Teluride with you.

May 2011

I miss you guys. Especially a warm body to cuddle up with.

April 2011

We have good kids. Thanks for doing such a great job raising them.

 

March 2011

I love you

May 9, 2010

Why I love you:

1. You always are thinking of others and how to help them and make them feel better.
2. You are a great mother to our children and help them learn so much.  You have so much patience with them.
3. You always make me want to be a better person
4. You are a great sunday school teacher
5. You always want to be better
6. You are good with people and a good friend
7. You are beautiful
8. You have a strong testimony
9. You are a hard worker 
10. You are a good teacher
11. You are willing to get our of your comfort zone and try new things
12. You are clean 
13. You are organized and know how to get things done
14. You love to travel and see new places
15. Last but not least, you're my beautiful wife

LYB  Darren

May 3, 2010 From Julie Newman

Oh Sweet Amy,
The people who don't get over it are not your real friends or just have not taken the time to get to really know you. If anyone just takes a moment to get to know you, they know the sweet heart you have and will sometimes agree with you, take a grain of salt with what you say or just let you know that you hurt their feelings...ie Lena Johnson. I sometimes find it very refreshing to hear you say it like it is. Maybe thats cause Im too chicken to do it myself. We all say things we don't mean sometimes and yeah maybe some more than others but we all have other things we really need to work on. Although I know you always will, you must know you never have to apologize to me. I consider you one of my most favorite people on the planet. I know the awesome heart you have and I love you for it. I also really LOVE that big mouth of yours. :) I know you probably weren't looking for a pep talk but I needed to give one. I've been wallowing in self pity lately and it was getting ugly. Thanks for pulling me out without even knowing it. LOOOOOOOVE YOOOOOU!
Jules