The Ballard Bunch

I really need to start up a blog for photography only so that I don't have to bore everyone with long picture posts. Sorry! I'll work on getting that together soon.

Either way, enjoy. These are some of my faves.

I {heart} Chris Harrison. The hostess with the mostess. {details to follow}

The first hour? Boring. Recaps, commentary, ''never-before-seen'' footage, blah, blah, blah. Oh, and one moment I didn’t really need to relive? Shannon’s snot kiss attempt. Grossy.

{Touche, monsieur} Favorite Chris Harrison Quotes of the Evening:
(to Jason) ''So, you're in the hot tub with Jillian — your friend — in New Zealand... things got really heated."
(to Jason) ''What you did in the hot tub almost consummated marriage,'' and ''Cinemax called — they said it was too hot."
(to Jason) ''Three hours of sex is a lot.''
(to Natalie) “So are you one of those girls who thinks she’s laid back but really isn’t?”

Please say I’m not the only one who totally dug him tonight! He was awesome!

Moving on…The girls bicker, I’m reassured that the opinions I had of the girls while in the house were pretty accurate, Jillian takes the hot seat.

Love is shown from the audience and we’re pretty much told she’ll be the next Bachelorette.

Can. Not. Wait.

Although, I just hope that after she takes the coveted position of “chooser”, I won’t start to dislike her like I have Jason towards the end of this season. I mean, really, how allusive could this guy be? He tried to avoid every question, shuts girls up with kisses (I’m still bitter about this one), and plays the friend card and looks shocked when Jillian finally steers him in the direction that the comment might not sound all too positive when you’re hearing it from the man “you’re hoping will propose to you.” You go girl.

Time will tell, I’ll assume. I really think she’s rad, though, and won’t disappoint.

Did anyone else feel like Molly got lots of air time tonight? Is it one of those situations where we’re led to believe one way and it turns out another? I refuse to be fooled. If he chooses Molly, there is something seriously wrong with the reality tv universe. I do secretly wish that he’d lost the golf bet, though – how funny would it have been to see him in that ridiculous golf skort? Classic. Especially considering that it would most likely fit him.

The more footage I see of DeAnna’s return, the more I think she’s going to just give him some sound advice while making his decision. Then again, why would they fly the girl to New Zealand to just give last minute advice? The anticipation of it all is brutal! I still think it’s Melissa in the end. I might be most looking forward to Molly’s “limo of shame” interview. *sigh* A girl can dream.

Jason falling of the horse had me laughing. They kind of looked like miniature horses for a mini-guy. And was he wearing a vest with a t-shirt in one of the group date flashbacks? Color Me Badd called, they want their duds back.

Also, what’s up with the media-whore reject’s from past seasons? They are total nasty-pants-make-out-with-each-other-at-will-and-then-blame-it-on-the-fact-that-we’re-all-beautiful-and-drunk losers. I really was shocked at how much I disliked most of them after that “reunion”. Although Fred and Noelle were pretty cute. I thought for sure we’d have another bachelor first…ex-contestant proposal. I was left disappointed. And I was secretly happy about the Charlie/Sarah rekindling – especially after hearing it was because he got his act together. Not sure that I was ever a big fan of his, but I do like when people are honest.

Anyway, it’s late and I must go to bed so I get at least a few hours of sleep. I can’t wait to read all of your comments and find out what you’re expectations for next week are!

Whatever will we occupy our Monday nights with after the finale?

p.s. Biggest disappointment of the evening? The sideburns were hidden away from their encore opportunity! I was really looking forward to laughing at them one more time.

Okay, so I have some beef with my boy Jason. It’s not even because he got rid of the wrong girl – if the spark’s not there, it’s not there. (I do, however, think he’ll regret that in the end.) What I am bothered by is his reaction to Jillian pouring her heart out.

I understand he can’t lead them on with “I love you” and “I’m going to pick you”, but the least he could do is give her the courtesy of conversation instead of a forced make out to disguise the fact that he wasn’t really feeling it enough. You could tell looking at him that he was strained for an “out” – he didn’t have the lust for her physically that he does for Molly (and believe me, I think his motivation is strictly below the belt for that girl) and the excitement with Melissa (although I think they will struggle with the “after The Bachelor” syndrome, big time).

She’s BFF material, I get it. Just what every girl wants to hear - but in all honesty, what every guy needs to be looking for. Those “stargazing amazing” eyes are going to need a facelift or two in the next 50 or so years. The romance of free trips to New Zealand, million dollar jewels and trips to General Hospital will wear off. And, I fear, quicker than either of these two girls are really prepared for. It’s on to real life with a guy that won’t be able to sweep you off your feet with private helicopter rides every weekend because he’ll be occupied trying to provide for his son that will – NEWS FLASH! – be his top priority.

But, I digress.

Point being, every time he didn’t know what to say or how to dissuade her from expressing her feelings more (and I believe he knew full-well the whole time in New Zealand that he wasn’t going to take her any further), he makes out with her. Every time. If he knows anything about women he should know that 1) we want an honest response, even if it’ll make us sad a little, 2) making out with us doesn’t change the conversation, it only makes us think that you are at a loss for words and really feel the same way.

And don’t even get me started on the “fantasy suite auditions” as I so fondly call them. Seriously? I think that’s why Jillian seemed so devastated. She was cool about it all really, but I can’t blame her for the emotion in the end. I think he really did, weather intentionally or not, lead her on by being so physical with her. Her points were valid and I felt sad for her pleading her case on the bench. Ouch – and when she started sobbing as he hugged her good-bye outside the limo. Bawl Baby Evonne!

A few other quick observations:
“Absolutely!” If I would have known how many times in one season Melissa would say this word, I would have created a ticker on my blog.

Molly’s Questions. Props to the girl for actually inquiring about Jason and his life (although we don’t really know how much other girls did and we just didn’t see it). I can be fair in my observations, no matter how much I might dislike someone. All’s fair on The Bachelor, peeps.

I also loved Molly’s admission that she can get ready in five minutes. It’s called throwing your hair in a pony-tail and putting on some chap stick. And you’ve pretty much mastered that on this season of “The Bachelor.” You go girl. Go right on home next week.

How beautiful is New Zealand? I would love to go there with my Bachelor, Beau.

And now, Final Rose Ceremony observations
Molly
Again, I’ll give her credit for looking the best she has so far this season. Kind a boring, but I’m a sucker for a good black dress.

Jillian
Always gorgeous. I especially liked last night’s dress. Different from other looks on the show, but still totally event appropriate. And saucy, as usual.

Melissa
I had a hard time with this look. It was like a bad prom dress for ’95 (yeah, I’m old). She’s definitely looked cuter, that’s for sure.

Predictions? I think Molly will go next week and Jason will struggle between DeAnna and Melissa (who he will ultimately choose). I think it’s pretty obvious who he’s more smitten with of the two still remaining.

So, ladies, what do we all think about next week’s episode? Do you all look as forward to “The Ladies Tell All” as I do? Are you dying to see what happens when DeAnna comes back? Did you think she looked kind of preggos in the jacket she was wearing? (it was cute, but some angles were weird on tv) Do we think she’ll be a factor in the final rose ceremony? Do we think she’ll be up there as a third choice? And why do you think the final rose ceremony was so “private”? I think Ty will be there, but I’ve been wrong before.

Again, sorry for the late post! Keep the comments coming!

I really do love my kids, but some days are definitely harder than others.

For instance, home alone while Beau plows today and Layne is down for a nap, I decide to have the girls hang out in my room and watch a movie while I got these put together:



Surprise!
They found my makeup.
Happy Valentine's Day to me!

In that particular order.

Hot off the presses, peeps!

Tatum's throwing a tantrum {surprising}
She's unreasonable and inconsolable {shocking}
After time out and discussion, she's calmed down a bit {finally}
I explain to her why I was upset and why she was in trouble {calmly}
And thus the following conversation {amusing}

"Tatum, bottom line is you were acting like a brat..."
"Mom, I'm not a brat. They're just dolls."
"Tatum, you were being rude."
"But mom, brats aren't rude, they're not even real. And I am real."

I know you shouldn't laugh while you're trying to discipline your child, but come on!
Sometimes you can't help yourself.

Here are the rules:
Link to the person who tagged you (Shanna). Write down six things that make you happy. Post the rules, tag six others and let them know you did it. Then tell the person when your entry is complete.

Six things that make me happy*:
1. Stretch Denim
2. Healthy Choice Fudge Pops (every bite except the part where you have to lick it off the wooden stick – that’s so gross to me!)
3. The Bachelor. Duh.
4. Beau’s Dimples. Simply Adorable.
5. A Good Black Purse.
6. A Clean House. Even better if I don’t have to clean it myself.

The Good
Jillian’s saucy pink gloves in Canada. Seriously, I love this girl's style. Where can I get me some? Oh, who am I kidding - those would end up in the girls' dress up bin faster than I can say "eh".
Big Canadian Flag Hug. I'm a lover of all things and people to the North. And the proof is in the picture.

Granny. I {heart} her.
Naomi. I really liked her more this episode. Too bad she got the boot instead of Molly. *oops* Did I say that out loud?
Jason’s eulogy. He kept a straighter face than I ever could.

The Bad
Molly’s golf getup. I just hate how rehearsed everything is with this girl. I'm kind of a hater lately, I won't lie.
Slot machines in the living room. A little awesome, I guess. But random.
Melissa’s parent issue. I actually can understand the privacy thing, but she did look genuinely disappointed. And, the fact that she’s used to it and it’s normal to her. How about a little support mom & dad?
Melissa’s friends kind of throwing her under the bus about past relationships. I sort of felt like they looked at her as kind of pathetic. Not the most pleasant of dinner conversations. How about a confidence booster, Miss 5th Wheel.


The Ugly
The Molly portrait by Jason. W-E-I-R-D. Her mom, in my humble opinion, is right up there with Naomi's, just in a more socially acceptable way, I guess.
Dove funerals. Even worse, dead dove in a bag in the fridge.
Awkward Religious Badgering. Hector, lay off.


Final Rose Attire
Molly – What was that? I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that the belt did not come with the dress.
Jillian – Love. Of course.
Melissa – A little on the short side, girlfriend. Not very “step-mom” if you ask me. WWTDCCS? (What Would The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Say?)
Naomi – Uh. No comment? Russel Crowe called, he wants his sandals back. I’m not a fan of the gladiator shoes. On anyone. Ever. Sorry to offend, sandal wearing peeps.


Bonus: Random Commentary on Next Week
Molly, do your hair. Please?
Melissa, now's the time to open up - let the guy in so he'll take you to the final two!
Jillian, keep on keepin' it real.
And for heaven’s sakes, when do we get some DeAnna-Drama?!?!?!

Okay, if you know me that would be a contradictory statement - I mean really, underwater & fun in the same category? I think not.

{however}

The kids had a blast at the aquarium today and we have the pictures to prove it. Please take note of the following:

1 - These kids are all deliriously cute. Seriously, I could nibble on each one of them.
2 - Hayden did not want her picture taken all day. Hence the "paparazzi" shot and her glare straight into my soul in the group shot. Seriously, I have about 6 in a row of the same pose and although the other kids mugs changed slightly, she kept the same look and shoved it in my direction in every shot. That's my Hayden, though. Stubborn but cute as hell.
3 - Season passes are a steal at the aquarium! For a few more dollars than a day pass you can go for free all year! Plus, 3 & under are F-R-E-E! In case you didn't know, that is my favorite four-letter word.
4 - Layne's bruise. I guess the other day (while dad was on duty) Layne pulled himself up using the back of a dining room chair and it fell down on top of him. Quite the shiner, if I do say so.