The Ballard Bunch

Me: "Layne's got a cute little bum!" (as I hold him just after a diaper change, ready to take him in the shower with Beau)
Tatum: "I like the front better."
Me: "Why?"
Tatum: "Because it's different."

This pretty much summarizes my Friday. And I loved every minute of it.

And yes, I was punched*. But not in the eye as illustration would indicate. And no, I didn't get the Barbie Jeep. It wasn't worth the physical assault charges.

But I did get the XBox I wanted (ordered online at 1am) and some other awesome goods.

'Tis the Season!

*So the punch. Story goes like this: We got to Wal-Mart at about 4:00am or so, got our carts and headed to scope out the scene. As we were approaching the toy sales (in the middle of the store), craziness ensues and people are mad rushing for toys that - might I add - were not supposed to be released until 5:00am. So, I left our cart and purses with Shanna and I dove in. I first headed for the Barbie Jeeps ($88 ea). Keep in mind, they had about 12-15 in stock - what a joke. I have my hands on the last girl one, picking it up (it's heavy) and this girl and her two friends start to rip it out of my hands. I'm not letting go (if you know me, you know) and as I put up a (non-assault-type) fight, I get punched in the shoulder and called some choice words. I must admit, a few flew from my mouth as well at that point. I gave up the fight after stating my case because, honestly, it wasn't worth the drama. People are seriously messed up. Side note: the same girl that assaulted was arguing with Brienna about something else later in the shopping trip. I maintain that people at Wal-Mart are basically bee-otches (with the exception of the lovely girl in front of us in line) and people that go to Target were generally more good natured. Not sure why, but that was my observation this year.

Speaking of eggs...

Here are pictures from Brie's baby shower today.

Thanks to all who helped with games, favors and food.

We had a great time!

{this is the awesome diaper wreath that the Glines girls made}

{baby bottle drinking contest}

{burp rags, blanket & boppy cover from Shanna, Tiff & I}

{my diaper cake}

{not a picture from this shower, but still cute}

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping Paper (unless a bag is necessary) It’s way more fun to open!

2. Real tree or Artificial?
Real all the way. It’s one of the few traditions that Beau and I agreed on from day one.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Sometime after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down?
Around New Year’s

5. Do you like eggnog?
Sure do, but in limited quantity. Beau just bought Dryers Egg Nog ice cream and it’s divine.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
I can’t think of a specific, but I know I was happy about something every year.

7. Hardest person to buy for?
Beau

8. Easiest person to buy for?
The Kids

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
No. I really want one, but I don’t have the $$$ to get the one I want. Jealous, Karen.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. I love receiving a card!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Can’t think of one

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
All the classic animated shows. Frosty, Rudolph, Santa Claus, etc.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
January. I’m a bargain shopper and I’m almost done completely!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Not that I can remember

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Neighbor treats!

16. Lights on the tree?
Yep – white

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home?
Stay at home. I wish I could see family, it’s just a hard trip with the kids.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?
Sure can!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Yes. I have a kind of rustic, metal angel that goes on the top of mine. I love her.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
The usual pajamas on Christmas Eve and the rest Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Christmas is out earlier every year and I feel like it kind of minimizes the feeling of Christmas after awhile.

23. What theme or color are you using?
To decorate? I’m pretty traditional. I tend to stick with the reds, whites and greens. I made some killer stockings last year that I am in love with. Think of these when you think of our theme.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Not a huge ham fan, but I love me some turkey with all the trimmings.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
Everyone to be happy and healthy!

26. Who is most likely to respond to this?
Shanna & Megan. You’re my girls, blue.

27. Who is least likely to respond to this?
Brienna

28. Does Christmas mean Santa or Christ's birth to you?
Both. And I love playing Santa. It’s so fun to have kids at Christmas!

29. Do you go to Church on Christmas?
Not usually

30. Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
Happy Holidays! It just always feels more inclusive to me. I’ve got friends and family that are all VERY different from one another.

31. Do you wear Christmas sweat shirts or sweaters?
Totally, this old lady borrowed mine last year and I haven’t gotten it back yet.




32. Do you put up outside lights?
I don’t, but Beau does. He’s very cute and particular about it. I let him run that show.

The blog was getting to busy for me. Not the traffic, the design. Keep the visits coming, I'm just simplifying the look.

Ahhhhh. Much better.

(as soon as I can get my hands on Photoshop - mine died - family pics will be up)

8 Shows I like to watch:
1- America’s Next Top Model
2- The Amazing Race
3- Dancing w/ The Stars
4- Jon and Kate Plus8
5- Heroes
6- Day’s of Our Lives (and I’m hating it so much right now)
7- The Hills
8- Ellen

8 Restaurants I Like To Eat At:
1- Cheesecake Factory
2- Wok King Cafe
3- Red Robin
4- PF Chang’s
5- Goodwood
6- Buona Vita (Lunches @ NuSkin)
7- Wendy’s
8- Macaroni Grill

8 Things That Happened Today:
1- Cleaned the House
2- Took a Shower
3- Finished Brie’s Baby Shower Gifts
4- Finally Made My OWN “Thankful” Block Set
5- Picked Up Toys (more than once)
6- Talked to Shanna on the Phone
7- Bought 3 for $1 Gatorade @ Smiths
8- Went to Work

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:
1- Black Friday!
2- Twilight
3- Thanksgiving
4- Brie’s Shower(s)
5- Hayden Being Potty Trained Some Day
6- Watching Layne Master Crawling (it’s so cute)
7- Finishing Duvet Covers for the Kids (Mine & Shanna’s – pics to follow)
8- Going to Bed

8 Things On My Wish List:
1- New Paint/Trim/Carpet Throughout the House
2- Lenses for My Camera
3- No Debt
4- Pre Baby Weight
5- Vacation w/ Beau Only
6- Hayden to Be Potty Trained (ugh)
7- A New Car
8- All My Family Living Closer

8 People I Am Tagging
1- Shanna
2- Karen (Oh wait, where’s the blog?)
3- Megan
4- Sandy
5- Amanda
6- Tiffany
7- Brienna
8- Kim

Back story: Beau's unofficial calling in our ward is "CTR Guy". The Primary created a program where kids who helped out at home, made good choices, etc. are recognized during church on Sunday via Beau's alter ego. He comes in - mask, cape, shield, sword and big personality - to surprise the children with recognition and a cookie prize. All the kids are used to it and often tease Beau in his "regular clothes" that they know he's CTR Guy. It's a Clark Kent kind of denial and he loves the game.

Beau didn't get to relax as much as the kids and I did, but we still all had a great time!

Am I the only one who gets a "vacation" hangover?

So, as you've probably noticed (or not), I'm trying out ads on my blog. Just to see if it's worth the money - potentially I could make some.

SO...

Help a girl out. Click on the link, check it out, help me earn money. It can't take that much of your time. :)

Much love,
Evonne

p.s. Who is in Wasilla, Alaska looking at my blog? I'm so intrigued! Seriously, check the map on the right sidebar. Sarah? Can you read this? I'd love to know who all the international readers are as well. Everyone - comment away, please!