The Ballard Bunch

...for amateurs!

As you can tell in most of her pictures, Hayden wasn't feeling all too "photogenic" today. I think my most favorite of her is where she's crying and has her hands to her eyes. Ugh, I die! Still, crying she's cute as can be! Minus, of course, all the bumps and bruises evident of a new walker. Photoshop, here I come!

My sweet Tate looks so grown-up and pretty in these pictures! I can hardly believe she's going to be 3 in March. And she was relatively cooperative, compared to past photo experiences (those of you who know her know that she tends to lean towards the disagreeable side of requests). I think it helped that her cousins, friends and especially her BFF "B" were all there to play along.

Enjoy!

Today Karen, Shanna and I took our kids up to Copperton Park to see if we could possibly take good pictures of our kids. I'll post the pictures of mine that I love (and that were taken with Karen's awesome camera) in my next post. I snapped these with my camera before we got started. Just thought they were cute!

Beau and Hayden playing before church on Sunday. She loved it!

It's been brought to my attention that I neglected to tag a very important blogger the other day.

Shannon, you asked for it! :) You know I love ya...let's hear your six!

So, I'm obsessive-compulsive, I know. You'd think a girl could wait at least a couple of weeks after finding out what she's having to get rolling on decorating plans, but not me!

I've found some bedding on eBay that is super cute, but not exactly what I'm looking for. BUT, it's super cheap (I'm getting it all for $40 - bumper, quilt, sheet, bed skirt and a couple other random items) and has never been used (still in packaging), so I figure it'll work perfectly for a foundation. One side of it is this beautiful chocolate brown faux suede material and I'm going to cover the other sides of everything (except the bed skirt and the fitted sheet) with these fabrics:




I love the idea of the retro-cowboy material. Plus, Beau's got loads of stuff from Texas (hats, ropes, long horns, etc.) that we can decorate with, so why not go for it? Plus, what fun colors to coordinate with, right?

The kid will have bedding galore, but no name as of yet. We're thinking that when we decide, that might be the secret we keep to ourselves to announce at the birth. Then again, if you read my post from earlier today, you'd know that I'm not the best at keeping my own secrets so it might be told sooner than March. I'll try my best, though! For the record, nothing has been decided, so that makes it much easier to keep. *haha*

Last post today, I swear. I forgot that I had video of Tatum trick-or-treating. At the end you can see her bow, but it's not the best shot.

I've been watching our friend's little boy a couple of days a week for the last couple of weeks. He and Tatum are quickly becoming fast friends and had a blast playing in the backyard yesterday. I had to post the pictures - they turned out so cute!

You'll notice the beautiful hair both of my girls have in the morning. I once saw somewhere a mom who posted a picture of her daughter's hair in the morning and then a picture of the same daughter with her hair done cute with a caption saying, "This is how I know I'm a good mom. I can turn this...into this." That's exactly how I feel some days.





Tatum's always been into dress up and it's fun to see Hayden getting in on the fun now. And, to make for even funnier pictures, Hayden's started saying "cheese" and flashing the silliest smile ever. I'm just glad they get along...sometimes!

Thanks Jami, this was fun!

The rules of the game should be posted at the beginning of the post. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1. I am 95% complete with my Christmas shopping for the girls. Mind you, I haven’t been on a major shopping expedition, I just watch sales all year long and stock up. I’ve had clothes and toys saved for both of them since this spring. It’s all a matter of keeping your eyes open at all times. All I have to buy now are stocking stuffers – tights, sipper cups, crayons, candy, etc. I’m thinking that I’d be smart to save some of the Halloween loot they gathered on Wednesday and throw that in the socks. Is that horrible?

2. I’m addicted to the afore-mentioned Halloween candy. It’s bad. I wake up and I want to eat Smarties. After breakfast, some Laffy Taffy would do the trick. A Snickers? It always satisfies…for a few minutes. I’m anxious to get rid of it soon, I just hope that my way of getting rid of it isn’t me eating it all. You know what sounds really good right now? Sour Patch Kids…

3. I’m very anxious to get going on the baby’s bedding. Like, I want to make it today. I’ve got an idea of what I’m doing and have won a few items to work with on ebay, but I really just need to dive in. If I can tackle that part of the prep work, all I’ll need to focus on after that are the dreaded clothing needs. Where do you find cute boy clothes?

4. I’m terrible at keeping secrets. Keep in mind, I am really good at keeping other people’s secrets, just not my own. Christmas is especially hard for me – I’m the girl who would open presents and re-wrap them and could still act surprised. I can read the last chapter of a book and still totally enjoy knowing how it’ll end while reading the rest. It’s a sickness, really.

5. I have the CRAZIEST dreams! Especially when I’m knocked up. I dream about everything and anything, but they all seem to be more vivid when I’m pregnant. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve woken up totally affected by a dream. Several times at night I’ll wake up and talk to Beau and he’ll have no idea what I’m even talking about. It’s usually about one of the girls getting hurt or forgetting something. Totally weird, I know.

6. I’m so pumped already for the Day After Thanksgiving Sales. It’s not even about the great score to me. I love the thrill of it all! I love having to push and shove my way to a desired purchase and I LOVE that Shanna’s got my back. Every year we seem to get into it with someone and it’s secretly kind of fun. That probably makes me sound horrible, huh? Maybe there is a little fighter in me after all. Look out ladies; I’ll pull your hair!

I tag: Amanda, Kim F., Kimm H., Chelsea, Megan and Tanya

We've got a little time in between visiting Grandma Tammy and Papa Glen and our trip out trick-or-treating, so I thought I'd quickly post some pictures of the kids in their costumes.

Hayden's makeup was super cute until I had to touch up and it got a little goofed. But, you all get the idea. Tatum was SO crabby this evening and took way longer to get ready than I'd planned on. The end result, however, is exactly what I was going for. She even bows when she goes to the door to say, "Trick or Treat!"

We were able to get a quick picture of five of the grandkids (minus Jakelle - she was coming a little later than we were). Everyone looked great!








Happy Haunting! May there be lots of candy in your future tonight! :)

Every year we give our nieces and nephews a little something special for Halloween. And, since I can't leave the girls out, I usually make them the same treat. This year I was inspired by Martha, of course. She had these in her October magazine and I thought they were too cute to pass up. I only wish I'd had larger sticks for the broom handles, but you gotta work with what you have.

All they are made from is simple brown paper lunch sacks (two per gift), a stick and a bag of candy (really any kind will work). If you want instructions, let me know.

I was so in love with them that I even made a few extras for Kaden (I've been watching him a few days a week) and Hunter, Logan and Jackson (their grandma always spoils our girls on Halloween)!

Happy Halloween!

Just another awesome deal to share with you moms out there with little girls who love Polly Pocket.

If you go to Mattel's Website there is a coupon for $5 off of any Polly Pocket toy at any store. It's good through 12/31/07 and, if you shop smart, you can get some toys for free or under $1. I'm stocking up for Tatum's birthday in March already! The coupon is good for one toy per transaction, but I've been making a couple trips a week to Target and Wal-Mart and getting good use out of this deal.

Christmas deals, girls!

Jami!

Thanks to everyone for participating! It was fun enough, that I might have to come up with another contest soon - just not another baby guess, please (that would mean another baby - ahhhhh!) :)

Jami, I'll be getting something together (not sure what yet) for you soon. Congratulations!

Now I've got a lot of work to do! We are a VERY "pink" house...no boy stuff at all. Where do I even start?!?!!?

p.s. I'll be drawing names in the morning. :)

Sorry to tease, but you'll have to wait another day or so. We still have a few family members to inform. You know I'm an addicted blogger, but I just can't bear for some people to learn the results over the internet. :) Very soon, I promise.

We are all very excited to meet the newest member of the Ballard Bunch! This babe fought it's way through some serious birth control, so I'm expecting another feisty one. *haha* The ultrasound technician had a hard time getting baby Ballard to sit still enough for some photo ops. Tatum even got into the spirit watching the DVD at home and saying, "Oh, it's pretty!" I don't think she really knew what she was looking at, though. Because Beau and I were the ones that went to the doctor, she thought we were both in the video somewhere. "Where's daddy? Where's mommy?" Didn't quite catch the concept, but she did try.

Now we just need to narrow down a name.

Here's a profile picture for all of the grandmas out there. Lil' bug has the EXACT same profile that both the girls did! Cute little kissable nose...

No, I didn't find out a day early. My dreams have just come true, that's all!



Pregnancy + Cheesecake Factory = Bliss

Yep, it's coming to SLC! I could not be any happier. This is, by far, my most favorite restaurant ever. Those of you who haven't tasted yet, be prepared to be amazed!

Anyone up for a dinner date in November?

Tomorrow is the big day! If you haven't already, make sure you submit your guess as to what we'll be having so that (if correct) you can be entered in the drawing for a fun prize!

I've got my guess...but I'll keep it to myself until tomorrow. :)

While the husband is away, the wife will play...right?

On Friday night we had a late, late night of crafting. Chelsea came up (so glad we've finally met!) and Karen and the kids came over. Each of us brought a project and all of the supplies for everyone and we created away!

Karen
We started the night with Karen teaching us how to make these awesome candle holders for the fall. I was even told that at the $1 store they sell battery operated tea lights - you know I'm going to check that out ASAP!


Chelsea
I've had my eye on Chelsea's felt banners for quite awhile so when she offered to teach us how to make them, I was more than excited! They were relatively easy to do, you just have to have patience for prep work. Can't wait for another!


Today I hung my banner up on my wreath in the dining room. This might be my new favorite way to display. Bring on the other holidays!


Evonne
My contribution was tutu making lessons. Karen and I both made Halloween-themed skirts and Chelsea opted for an all-white version. They turned out cuter than I'd even expected - adding the flower and ribbons was the best touch! And Bree will look so cute dressed as a witch for Halloween wearing hers.


We had so much fun that we've talked about getting together like this more often. And, as with any fun night, the more the merrier! I hope that some of you can join in as we plan more craft nights. Viva Crafting!

It's been a successful day at the Ballard house!



Yep, Tatum's had chocolate milk.

For those of you that don't know, Tatum's been on an involuntary chocolate milk fast for the last few weeks. It's become the prize for pooing on the toilet, instead of an every day treat.

Today she runs in to tell me she has to go poo. Usually, this means she went in her panties and is letting me know "gently" as if to get my hopes up that she really is going to make it to the toilet, only to be disappointed finding it already in her pants. Today, a change. Nothing in the panties, but something soon to follow. I rushed her into the bathroom and began my motherly cheers. "You can do it!" "I'm so excited!" "Chocolate milk, here we come!"

That's when, she looks at me and says, "I can't push, mom. Maybe I need to wiggle a little." And then proceeds to wiggle her bottom in hopes that it'll make it all happen. After some wiggling and one final "push" (sorry to be blunt) - SUCCESS!

I've never been so proud in my whole life. And who would have known, all it took was a little poo.

Well, the ultrasound is scheduled and it's just about time to find out what this little babe is! So, in honor of the occasion, I'm giving a gift!

Here's how it will work - reply to this post with your guess as to what we'll be having (boy or girl). Those of you that are correct will be entered into a random drawing and I will send the winner a very special prize!

Deadline for comments will be October 22nd. The ultrasound is scheduled for the 23rd, so we'll let you all know as soon as we do.

So come on, what's it gonna be?

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!I saw this posted on another blog and had to make one for myself. This site is great if you need a few minutes of mindless fun. :)

Just wanted so share some fun deals with my mamma-friends out there. Today, I hit the jackpot!

For those of you with little girls, check out the sale going on at Toys R Us...all of the "Loving Family" products are buy 1 get 1 free. This includes the doll house, so if you're looking for a perfect Christmas gift and have a friend who needs one, too - split the cost! Tatum loves hers and I stocked up on rooms for the house (sets with furniture and accessories). You can even get the cute SUV! Anyway, check out the new sale catalog online and see if anything strikes you.

Children's Place (online) is having a killer sale (search through every category), but mostly I found shoes! They have several pair on sale for $4.99. And, just because I love you all so much, here's a web code for an additional 20% off (HMNM97). :) Okay, I found it online, but had to share with my girls! The only downside is that there are several items that are already sold out and it can be a little frustrating. But digging through, I found some great deals.

Today I spent $80 and got:
(2) Dollhouse Sets
(6) Pair of Girl Shoes
(3) Pair of Boy Shoes (for Kehl)
(2) Sweaters
(1) Skirt

I hope you find as much loot as I did! Happy shopping...

So, I have a question to send out to the masses.

Shanna, Tiffany and I are planning to make 72-hour kits (backpacks) for all of the kids as Christmas gifts. I'm really excited, but don't know where to start. So comes the question:

Is there a list I can find somewhere that will tell me everything I need to have in a backpack for LITTLE KIDS? I'm sure I can figure it out myself, but I don't want to invent the wheel if I don't have to. I have found lots of information on kits - all very similar, but I would love to find one that is specific for small children (you know, with realistic things that they'll eat, play with, etc.).

HELP!

I know there are super-mammas out there who already have their kits made. Is it you? :) (Blogstalkers included - share, please!)

Just another use for the lash lengthening miracle product.

Think she's onto something?

The girls fell asleep early & so I play. I even had time to revamp the page (thanks Kendra for the inspiration). There are still a few things I want to tweak, but I'll get to those after some sleep.

No pictures to post, but I never did reply to the tag by Shannon on the ABC's of me. I promise, I had every intention - but as life goes, I've been a little distracted lately.

So, here goes...

A- Attached or single: Attached
B- Best Friend: I have a few, I guess. Karen (we’ve known eachother forever – BFF), Shanna (sis-in-law), my husband (he really is the best), my mom (I love how getting older you grow closer)
C-Cake or Pie: Depends on the day. Pumpkin pie is always okay with me, though
D- Day of choice: Sunday (I’m with you Sharn) – we’re all home, Beau isn’t working in the yard/house/cars and we can just relax. The only downfall is getting both girls ready in the morning. *ugh*
E- Essential Item: Downeast undershirt (tank every day of my life, under everything)
F- Favorite Color: Pink/Red
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: Worms
H- Hometown: Thousand Oaks, California
I- Indulgence(s): Does blogging count? I’m a sucker for any kind of reality television and shopping for my girls
J- January or July: I like both – by the time one rolls along, I’m longing for the other
K- Kids: 2 – Tatum (2 ½) & Hayden (1)…baby number 3 in March (I’m hoping we’ll find out what we’re expecting sometime in the next few weeks!)
L-Life is Incomplete Without: My family
M- Marriage Date: April 8, 2004 (04/08/04) – we tried to make it easy to remember, too
N- Number of Siblings: 3 brothers, 1 sister, 3 sister-in-laws, 3 brother-in-laws
O- Oranges or Apples: I love both, but give me a sweet Clementine any day! (Tanya, driving home from Thanksgiving in Idaho ring a bell? Clementines and Mint Chocolate Fudge Oreos)
P- Phobias or Fears: The dark, abandonment
Q- Quote(s): Having a hard time thinking of one right now...
R- Reason To Smile: My husband, my girls, my DVR (haha)
S- Season: Fall
T- Tag Three +: Mom, Jami, Kendra, Tanya & Yvonne (sorry that's more than three)
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I hate blow drying my hair, but it must be done.
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Oppressor – that sounds so awful, though – I might have to change now!
W- Worst Habit: Biting my nails
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds – hands down. I want to know what this babe is!!!!
Y- Your Favorite Food: Lately, homemade salsa and tortilla chips (the saltier the better)
Z- Zodiac: Leo

I don't usually watch Rachel Ray. Something about her totally bugs, but I'm not sure what it is exactly. Today, however, I ended up watching her show (mainly by accident - wasn't paying attention to what was on) and found the yummiest dinner recipe. It was so good, I had to share! And, to top it off, there is enough to make dinner for the next night (a Thanksgiving-style shepherd's pie).

Turkey-Stuffin’ Meatloaf With Scallion Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Ingredients
· 7 tablespoons butter, divided
· 1/2 large onion, cut into small dice
· 3 pieces celery heart, cut into small dice
· 1 bay leaf
· 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 1 bag stuffing cubes (I used the cornbread flavor and they were so good!)
· 2 quarts chicken stock, divided
· 2 pounds ground turkey
· 2 eggs
· 2 1/2 pounds (about 4 to 5 medium-size) peeled Idaho potatoes
· 1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream
· 1/2 cup milk
· 1 small bunch scallions, chopped
· 1/4 cup flour
· 1 pound green beans


Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter. When the butter is melted, add the onions, celery and bay leaf to the skillet, season with poultry seasoning, salt and freshly ground black pepper and cook until the veggies are tender.
3. Add the stuffing cubes to the skillet and mix in about 2 to 3 cups of chicken stock to moisten. Take the bay leaf out of the skillet, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, eggs and cooled stuffing mixture. Form the meat mix into 2 long loaves on a baking sheet (or in bread pans, like I do). Drizzle them with olive oil and cook in the oven for about an hour, until brown and cooked through (165ºF internal temperature), about 45 minutes.
5. Once the turkey loaves are about half way done, start the sour cream and scallion potatoes: Add the potatoes to a medium-size pot of cold water and boil until tender.
6. While the potatoes are boiling start the gravy: Add the remaining four tablespoons butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and cook for about a minute. Whisk the remaining 6 cups of chicken stock into the skillet with the butter and flour mixture, and cook until thickened and bubbling, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside half the gravy for tonight’s meat loaf and mashed potatoes and reserve the other half for the Shepherd's Pie.
7. Heat a pot over high heat with enough water to come one inch up the side of the pot. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water from the pot and mash up the potatoes with the sour cream, milk, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the potatoes are mashed, stir in the scallions.
8. Serve one of the loaves of meatloaf and the potatoes with the green beans alongside. Save the second meatloaf for Shepherd's Pie.


Bon Appetit!

Yesterday was an interesting one, to say the least. :)

The morning started out calmly with the girls and I making breakfast for Beau (who got to sleep in). We went to church and came home without incident. That is, until the most accident-prone child alive decided to get a shiner.

My mom was going to the store and Tatum wanted to go with her. While mom was getting dressed. Tate was playing in the playroom. After a few minutes, mom and I both heard "the cry". You know the one - where you know your kid is really hurt, not just upset about something. We found her, having fallen off of the Ikea kids table stool, with a huge goose egg next to her left eye:



After some birthday celebrating (with a fantastic cake, I might add):




And lots of playing with cousins and friends, this morning it woke up looking like this (If she closes her eye, you can really see how purple the entire lid is):



I wonder what the injury for October will be? *ugh*

This is a couple of hours early, but I didn't want to neglect a little tribute post with all of the "busy-ness" tomorrow will bring.

Happy 27th Birthday to my amazing husband. We all love you so much!

Like Daughter, Like Mother (at least like me in 1984).
What a good little sport she is!

I know, maybe a little scandalous. But really, how could I not post this picture?

Backstory: Tatum takes the clothes off of everything...Barbies (and Ken, apparently), Baby Dolls, Dora, Tinkerbell...you name it. I've heard that this is something they all do at this age - and I hope it is - otherwise, I'd need to start being a little concerned.



Today we found her innocently playing "daddy riding the horse". I honestly haven't laughed this hard in a loooooooooooooong time. How was she to know that the corrupt adults would see it any differently than she would?

Sweet thing.

Whew! The last few weeks have gone by so quickly. My brother is in town visiting and it's just totally slipped my mind that I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks. Here are a few pics to catch you all up: This is Hayden in the tutu I made for her months ago (Tatum's got one, too). Neither of the girls were interested until now. And now, they wear them all the time (at home, to the grocery store, lunch at McDonald's - you name it). What Tatum wants, Hayden wants now, too so I get double tutu-ers. Mom, Jeff, Shanna and I took all of the kids to the Utah State Fair a couple of weeks ago. Tatum LOVED all the rides! We bought the older kids (and Jeff!) wristbands so they could ride without the hassle of "I need more tickets!" and it worked like a charm. Jeff rode with them on everything he could and we only had one freak-out - Shantell on the big ship that swings back and forth and gets really high. Poor thing cried the whole ride. Other than that, incident free.

Not much else, really. Friday night we were up late tp'ing Karen's house (Saturday was her 30th birthday - payback) and didn't get home until 2am. Karen's got pictures so I'll see if I can post something soon.

Saturday Shanna and I went to my ward's "Souper Saturday" and made some cute Thanksgiving crafts (I'll post pictures soon). We were really pressed for time, but ended up getting everything done and left with a couple of fun extras at the "new to you" swap.

After that we both headed over to the Southtowne Expo Center for the "What a Woman Wants" BUNCO tourney and did surprisingly well. Shanna ended up in the finals as a top scorer and I ended up in the finals as a low scorer (the reward for both). Shanna won to prize for scoring in the finals (again) and I won for low score (again). I guess our luck was consistent the whole day, which doesn't happen often. I ended up having to roll off with other low scorers to find the tournament "loser" and rolled the lowest number and was out of competition. But, don't you think that it would make sense to have the lowest scorer win with the lowest roll? Just a thought! :) We had a fun day none-the-less. Shanna even walked away with a gift certificate for a free facial.

Later that night we went to Scott and Karen's house for a surprise get-together to celebrate Karen's birthday. After a late night of fun, we all headed home - only to have to stop and help Shanna with a flat tire a few blocks away from Karen's house. Poor Shanna - she's had that happen a few times since I've known her. Luckily, Beau's really good at a tire change.

Now, it's Sunday morning and we've accidentally slept in until 10:30. Missed church, but I secretly needed the long rest - it's been awhile that I've been able to do that. Thanks Mom and Jeff!

And now, we'll end with video of Tatum. She's addicted to Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" It's a nice change from Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack". Lovely, I'm sure - but she's so darn cute! It's a little long, enjoy...

Tatum is continually making me laugh. Yesterday she came out in the following outfit and told me she was "daddy".





When you ask her what daddy's say, she shakes her finger and says, "No, No, No!" Maybe we need to be more careful of that word around our house? :)

These are seriously my latest favorite thing!



I have been ordering so many lately that it only seemed appropriate that I have a party of my own. I'm even considering selling them, just to have easier access. I'm addicted.

What?
Scentsy Open House

When?
Saturday, September 15th
10:00 am - Noon

Where?
My House (West Jordan, Utah)
(If you need my address or directions, please let me know!)

If you are unable to attend, but still want to order items, please let me know and I'll make sure to get your order processed on the day of the open house! The online catalog can be found at the link above and I have samples of all of the scents for you to smell. Beware - there are a TON.

These really are great products - I'm an avid buyer myself and plan to order a few for Christmas gifts this year! Why not start early, right?

If you have any questions, please let me know. And don't forget to bring friends - the more the merrier!

Something fun that a few friends have done. Had some time tonight and thought I'd write. I'm a poet, and I know it. Enjoy!

1) Birth Control – It does not work! Okay, well at least not for some of us. 1% of us to be exact. Yep, you’re reading this correctly – I’m pregnant again! At first, honestly, a bit freaked out by it all. But, as I’ve gone through these last couple of months with a secret between my husband and I, I’ve come to terms with the fact that if I still get preggos while doing everything I can (short of abstinence) to not be, this baby needs to be here for a reason not of my own.

And the kicker? Same due date as Tatum – March 19th. Here we go again!

(I wonder how many people will skip over this entirely and not catch the news?)

2) “Newborn” Tights - They NEVER fit right. I have yet to find a pair that I love and that doesn’t gap all over the place. A major plus would be one with a shaped foot – I love kid tights with a heel. If anyone knows of where to get them, lets post it for all. Hayden’s still got the skinniest legs ever and I fear I’m going to have a problem again this fall/winter. And, depending if we keep following suit, we may have another girl to dress come March, so this problem may be never ending for me.

3) People Who Don’t Properly Obey Traffic Etiquette – I know, granny, that you may think you are being nice by stopping when you don’t have a stop sign and signaling those of us that do to “go ahead’, but it really screws with the flow and causes more trouble than it’s worth. Thanks in advance, but please move along.

4) Pads – I said it and you’ve all thought it. I’m already having the dread of the post-birth hoorah of mother-sized pads and mesh undies. Ugh.

5) Cleaning Toilets – I hate this chore. I can do most anything else with minimal complaint, but *ew*.

6) Dog Hair – I’ve never had a dog before, so this is relatively new to me. I don’t care how many times I sweep, vacuum and dust – we always have an abundance of Emmit hair in our house. It’s beginning to take its toll on my patience.

7) ”I Can’t” – The older I get, the more I’m learning to appreciate the ability we all have to be creative, innovative and ingenious. Martha, who? If you see something you really want, try and figure out a way to either get it or create it yourself. You’d be surprised at the things you can do!

8) Unrealistic Expectations – You all know one. If you don’t know one, you are one. The mom’s who can do it all – keep a clean house; tidy, witty, intelligent children; an immaculate garden (or a garden at all), major church calling responsibility, a large circle of friends and subsequent lunches and play dates, dinner on the table, kids to bed at a reasonable hour, etc. I try, but really – who of us out there can do all of that every day? I’m trying to train my husband to really appreciate it if I’ve showered and put make-up on – that should be his first indication that I’m not entirely too overwhelmed. All other days, need no comment. I am a work in progress, after all!

9) People Who Don’t Watch Their Children – Every blog I’ve read so far with this themed post has the same item somewhere on their list, and for good reason. I have a neighbor with a daughter about the same age as Tatum. She roams the neighborhood all day alone. I’ve seen her blocks away from home at times and worry for her safety. She’s come to my house asking to swim and I feel bad turning her away, but I can’t take on that responsibility without her mother around (if it were someone I knew well, might be a different story). I know her mom hates me because I send her home, but it scares me. And now, she asks for Tate to come over and play. I just can’t do it! Call me crazy, but if you aren’t watching your kids, you sure as hell aren’t going to watch mine. I’m sorry if that makes you ignore me when I say hello, but that’s the way it’s going to be.

Oh, and McDonald’s moms – I’ve posted my experiences about this before.

10) Loud Music on Blogs – I hope this doesn’t offend anyone – I promise that even if you have loud music, I still blog-stalk you. I just get irritated when I’ve got my own music playing while a surf and something loud and contradicting comes over what’s already playing. I prefer the option to turn it on or off, but that’s just me. Still love you, Bloggers! Don’t hate! Just a personal preference.