The Ballard Bunch

{but}

The pumpkins are out!

Have fun and be safe today and tonight!

I love:

• Her awesome mis-matched pj's. In order to avoid embarrassing clothing choices during the day, I tend to let the girls have nighttime freedom when it comes to their attire.
• "No Way" Even though it's used to be a little sassier than mom would like at times, it's so darn cute. She honestly thinks she's the cutest person in our family. We can play this game a million times and she will always say "no" about everyone but her when asked. We might have to work on that - diva much? She is cute, though.
• The girls spent a good part of yesterday practicing for Halloween. One would stand inside a door and the other would knock and Trick or Treat. Then they'd switch places. They both had pretend bags significantly full of invisible candy by lunchtime.
• Those big brown eyes. I melt.
• You couldn't hear it very well, but she's got the cutest "Yes" in town. Because of the tooth she knocked out, it's the only word that she says with a slight lisp. Beau jokes about it so much I think he's starting to develop the same habit!

Those of you who know my blogging habits know that I'm especially obsessed w/ anything NieNie these days.

In summary: Small plane crash. She - burned over 80% of her body, slowly waking from a medically induced coma and multiple skin grafts. He - burned over 30% of his body, but recovering. Four lovely small children and an amazing extended family taking care of business like you've never imagined. It's a love story for the ages.

Nie's amazing and if you want to be inspired (and have hours to kill), check out her blog (linked by the button on my sidebar) and read it all from the begining. Her sister's pretty awesome, too (other link). Women who love to be women, wives and mothers and survive with sauciness, humour and unconditional love. I want to be them when I grow up.

But, I digress. Read this. It'll catch you up on the whole story and tug at your heartstrings. If this doesn't make you cry...I'll call you Mr. Bing. (please say you know the reference there)

Lotsa Love,
The Girl Who Goes to Bed at 1am Tonight

Grocery shopping w/ the kids

After hearing all the hype and recommendations from friends, I decided to check this out.

I am currently at my desk at work laughing hysterically.

I don't care who you support, this is funny stuff.

Before




After




I am addicted. Let's take pictures!

We're going with the classic Halloween theme in our family this year - can you guess which kid will be which creepy classic?

{by age}

...and they don't have enough parking.

Don't get me wrong - I love me some Gardner Village. But I don't think you could pay me enough money to go again when school is out. The parking lot chaos was enough to drive a girl batty.

Other than that, a good time was had by all - the cousins had fun spending the day together and running around trying to complete the witch scavenger hunt. My kids had more fun than they knew what to do with - a day at Gardner Village and "Mickey Donald's" at the park? What more could they ask for?

Mom is tired.

I’m a weirdo. I know it. Here’s why.

1. I can touch my tongue to my nose. I can even, technically, stick it UP my nose, but it’s not a talent I’m known to practice often. *ew*
2. I have the world’s deepest bellybutton (maybe not as deep as my husbands, but still). When I was pregnant (and those of you who know me know how large and in charge I was), my bellybutton is still a major innie. I secretly love that it doesn’t pop out – something about that is a little unsettling to me.
3. I know every word to almost every old school 90’s rap song made. “The Humpty Dance”? Alright stop whatcha doin, ‘cause I’m about to ruin the image and style that you’re used to…(I challenge you to a game of horseshoes!)
4. I’m obsessive about my kids noses. They HAVE to be clean or I go nuts. Cold season is the bain of my existence. That and teething.
5. Sometimes I go to bed without brushing my teeth. I know it’s a horrible habit, but sometimes it’s low enough on the priority list that I just neglect it all together.
6. I have a fear of community food. Buffets, pot lucks, etc. I don’t like not knowing a) how my food was prepared and by whom and b) who has touched, sneezed or otherwise contaminated it since it was dished out. I can overcome the fear when necessary, but I would never choose any of the above on my own.
7. I HATE Café Rio. ‘Nuff said.
I am tagging: Angie, Nan, Shannon, Jami & Chelsea

p.s. If anyone can tell me the second song reference in #3, I’ll send you a big fat kiss from West Jordan. You’re my #1 homegirl. Or boy. Do boys really read blogs?