The Ballard Bunch

I just read this on Julie's blog and thought it looked fun. Enjoy!

1. Typically what time do you wake up? Totally depends on the girls. It used to be closer to 7:00 or so, but lately they’ve been sleeping later – around 8:00. I’ve been watching Shanna’s kids for her every day while she’s in training for work, so latest I get to sleep in is 8:30 (when they’re dropped off).
2. On a good night what time are your kids in bed? This is where I’m terrible. Hayden will usually be down by 9-9:30, but Tate’s a late night girl. We try and try, but she won’t go to actual sleep until at least 10. But, if she misses her afternoon nap, it’s earlier. We’re trying to find a happy medium.
3. How long have you been a mommy? 3 years on March 25th
4. How old were you when you became a mommy? 27
5. What is your favorite kids tv show? My favorite? Not having to watch any of them! But the shows we watch most – Dora, Max & Ruby, Nihao Kai-lan, Little Bill.
6. What is your least favorite kids tv show? Caillu. He’s sooooooooooo whiny – it drives me nuts.
7. What is your favorite chore? Lately it’s the bathroom. Something about getting on my hands and knees to clean is totally unappealing to me in my 9th month of pregnancy.
8. What is your favorite meal to cook? Anything in my crock-pot. Just put all the ingredients in and let it cook all day. Can’t beat that.
9. What is the meal you cook most often? Probably grilled chicken w/ something. We love it and the girls love it.
10. What is your kids favorite meal? My girls both love broccoli. Weird, I know, but it’s awesome. Tatum will even ask for it for lunch.
11. What is your favorite thing your husband does with your kids? I love watching them play together. The girls (especially Hayden right now) are beside themselves when dad gets home. It’s very cute.
12. What are 5 things that make you smile when you're being a mom? Coming home from work to find the girls asleep in our bed with Beau (I think he’s so tired at the end of the day, that sometimes that’s just easier), Tatum’s need lately to have a ton of kisses and hugs and goodbyes from Beau and I if we’re leaving the house, Watching my girls play NICELY together and comforting each other, Tatum finally pooing on the potty and getting so excited to put stickers on her chart (it’s almost full!), nap time. J
13. If you could take your kids anywhere where would it be? On a family vacation anywhere. We’re long overdue.
14. When was the last time you went out without your kids? Honestly? My doctor’s appointment last Wednesday and (if I can find a sitter) my doctor’s appointment this afternoon. Beau has promised me a date before the baby arrives, though. Hopefully this weekend.
15. What is your favorite past time/activity to do with your kids? Swimming – they love it!
16. Name 1 thing you said you'd never do as a mom: Over-explain things. Really, though, it’s necessary. “Tatum, do you know why you were in time out?” that kind of thing.
17. Name 1 thing you do that your own mom did: Don’t overreact to in injury – if you freak, they freak.
18. What is your favorite quality that your mom has? My mom is a great listener – even more so now that I’m a mom!
19. What is your favorite kids book? If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (Tatum laughs reading this one every time)
20. What is your advice for new moms? Don’t totally adjust to your baby’s schedule – allow them to adjust to yours a bit. Otherwise, you’ll end up very overwhelmed and feeling a bit frustrated.
21. What is the scariest or most heartbreaking moment as a mom? Seeing your child sad. Tatum just misses the cutoff for Sunbeams at church and for the first few weeks she would just cry because she’s “a big girl, mommy. I want to go with my friends!” Doing better now, but it’s so sad!
22. What is your most joyful moment of being a mom? The hugs and I love you’s.
23. When was the last time you were told 'I Love You' by one of your kids? About 5 minutes ago by Tatum
24. When was the last time you told one of your kids 'I Love You'? About 5 minutes ago to Tatum. J