The Ballard Bunch

We were in charge of playgroup today so the girls and I thought it would be a fun treat to bring cupcakes for all of the kiddies (and the mommy's, too!). Here are the fruits of our labors. Yum!



Thanks also for the compliments on the girls' dresses. These are some of my favorites. I also made a version similar to these out of blue and white toile w/ a chocolate brown ruffle and top trim - so cute! I'm happy to teach or to make for others - just send me an email! Tatum was the only one who would pose for me, so here's a better view than in the Father's Day post.

(A day late, but I'm just now finding a second to hop on the computer.)

For the best dad we know...



Happy Father's Day, Beau!

...I had to post one more.

She's getting so much better at coloring and drawing distinguishable objects. :)

Our Family


Itsy Bitsy Spider


Balloons


Coloring Inside the Lines...Kinda

Found this on Lisa's new fun blog and thought I'd try it out. Think Brangelina, TomKat, etc.

Beau + Evonne = Beanne
If you know Beau, you know this is especially funny because people always misread his name as "Bean" - he's even been announced at softball games that way. It's starting to stick. :)

A close second was Beaunne. Do you think this would be pronounced "Bone"? *haha* I'm laughing because I'm having a serious flashback to "Growing Pains" right now.

Try your name out - it's pretty fun!

I've been a good little missionary and converted another blogger to the world. :)

Quick link here...Odoyle Rules

Check it out, yo!

Tatum (aka Tate, Taters, Nonnie, Tater Bug)




Hayden (aka Haydes, Baby Bug, Baby Girlfriend, Denny)





Layne (aka Layners, Layner-Lou, Monkey Man, Buddy)

I am: Beat. So Tired. Exhausted. Sleep Deprived. And my baby sleeps through the night, go figure.
I think: My kids are the cutest in the world. I really do – I believe it. I could just take bites out of them – yum!
I know: How to say “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” backwards.
I want: A new car.
I have: Bigger feet since I’ve had my kids. Only by about a ½ size, but they’re bigger alright.
I wish: I had more wishes.
I hate: Unattentive moms.
I miss: My skinny jeans.
I fear: Something will happen to one of my kids or to Beau. I really worry about it on a daily basis.
I feel: good about myself when I get a good workout.
I hear: Shanna talking to a customer – she sits right behind me.
I smell: Nail polish. I just painted my nails at work – it’s so not busy at this time of night.
I crave: Sweets and carbs all the time. I’ve got to get it under control – HELP!
I search: On Google every day. I’m addicted. Oh, and on eBay.
I wonder: What my kids will look like when they’re older.
I regret: Nothing! Haven’t always made the best choices in life, but here I am!
I love: My husband. He’s the bomb.com. Really, you want him – you know you do.
I care: What people think about me too much. I’m working on it, but I think it’s ingrained in all of us at least a little.
I want: A new car.
I am not: Only a mom. Sometimes it’s hard to remember, but I try and remind myself daily. Otherwise, this girl is overwhelmed with the monotony sometimes.
I believe: That I’m better than I sometimes give myself credit for. Kind of similar to the statement above. I just know that no matter how overwhelmed I get or how stressed out I may be, I’m important to someone all the time. It could be the same person or someone different every day – doesn’t matter; it’s kind of a cool concept if you try and wrap your brain around it and really accept it.
I dance: With the girls when no one is watching.
I sing: Little Mermaid in the car with the girls every time we drive somewhere. It’s getting old. Quickly.
I don’t always: Get my way. I wish I did, but it’s just not realistic.
I fight: With a 3-year old on a daily basis. I always win, but we fight – I won’t lie.
I write: Blogs and emails daily. I need to focus on my book.
I win: At almost every board game Beau and I play. I’m just a storage container for oodles of useless knowledge. Now ask me about the pythagorean theorem, and I’m screwed.
I lose: Nothing! I’m exceptionally good at keeping track of my keys and my cell phone. I know a lot of people who misplace those, but I have never lost my keys – ever.
I never: Go to bed with the living room or kitchen dirty. Well, never say never, but rarely.
I listen: To the word “mom” all day long.
I can usually be found: Changing someone, feeding someone, bathing someone, cleaning up after someone, hugging someone or scolding someone.
I need: More money so I don’t have to work.
I am happy about: Going home to bed.

Tag, y'all! :)

Today was Layne's blessing - we had such a great day! After a busy morning (lots of babies to bless around these parts!), we made it home in time to clean up a bit and set up some tables and chairs in the back yard.

Beau did a great job with the blessing - I tried to take some notes for Layne's baby book, but I was crying and trying to shush Tatum most of the time, so we'll see.

We had lots of friends and family come to support our family - thank you all so much!

Here are a few pics of the day. I haven't gotten a real pic of Layne in his outfit - he barfed right after the blessing so I'll have to wash it and dress him up again for pictures. :)

Well, I guess I'm the last to post about our trip to Palisades to camp over Memorial Day weekend. For additional pictures and commentary on the trip, please see Jami's blog here and Lisa's blog here.

The Good
Time w/ Friends
Beau's "little piece of heaven" marshmallow treats
Kids playing
Bathrooms & showers
Jami's snickerdoodles
Playground
Fishing w/ dad
Row boat rentals
Shared meals (loved only having to make one big dinner the whole trip)
Benadryl babies (don't judge)
Bunco
Layne sleeping through the night


The Bad
The weather
Sick kids
The price of gas
Tent malfunction (ie. leak) during Sunday night storm
Single moms (some of the time)


The Rainy
Friday Night
Saturday Off & On
Sunday Night - All Night
Monday Morning - Packing to Leave

Kendra, I had to dedicate this post to you. I found some old pictures (and, subsequent proof) of a few old memories.

Missing you, friend.

In no particular order...

Entertainment for all: Summer and Kendra "fighting".


"Couching In" Amy & Nici - they were usually on the receiving end of pranks those days.


The "Wall of Fame" - it all started w/ Kendra's awesome collage poster (see pic). There were many more additions before the wall came down. We didn't have Hasselhoff on the wall, though.


Midget Wrestling: Amy & Kendra getting ready to announce the fight. I particularly like that they're both holding up cans of Mountain Dew - not sure of the reason, though.


Midget Wrestling: Me wearing a fighter mask. 1) The event really was billed as "Midget Wrestling" - we weren't entirely to blame for the lack of political correctness. Thanks Heber High! and 2) I love the kid's face in the background of the picture. I wonder what he's thinking...


Me returning "Butch"s Hair. For story, please refer to #79 on the "100 Things About Me" post found here.

Tatum's been on a roll with the funny comments today.

1) "No,I think he sharted." When asked if Layne was okay (he was crying in the backseat and she's my binky patrol). Don't ask me where she learned that word. I never say that. What she meant to say (after some investigation) was "No, I think he's shoted", meaning he got shots today at the doctor's office.
2) "You're so funny, man" Said to Hayden while playing in the computer room as I checked emails.
3) "Rock On" while giving the universal pointer and pinky rock star salute. Lessons from dad.

She's awesome.

Ever have one of those days?

Woke up from a much needed nap (3 hours of sleep last night) to Tatum asking me to wipe her bottom. When I go into the bathroom I find poo EVERYWHERE. And I mean, everywhere. 1 1/2 hours later, clean bathroom. Timeout lasted longer than usual today.

As Kimm so accurately reminded me, I was also hit by the Papa John's driver near Windsor Park while going out for a run the same year I ran into a deer. Maybe there is a good reason I don't run anymore...

The good 'ole days.

Posts below. Be sure to check them out!

At least for awhile! Here are all the kiddies together. I can't even express to you how frustrating it is to try and get eight kids - six of whom are three and under - to all look in the same direction for a picture. This is the best of the bunch.

Tatum has The Little Mermaid all but memorized. I guess that comes from watching it multiple times a day, but she's a girl obsessed. And she's taken her little sister along on the ride.

Here she is singing "Part of Your World". Usually this is at the top of her lungs w/ lots of dramatic flair (dancing, sighing, sad faces, excited faces - you name it). She was a little shy to be on camera.



And not to be outdone...Hayden Ruth

Here are some random shots of the three cutest kids I know.

Layne is now 12.5 lbs and going strong.
Hayden has eternal bed-head.
Tatum almost always has peanut butter on her face.

Enjoy!

If you're local, you know it. 50 Cent popcorn (BYOB) at the Carmike on 90th and Redwood. I wasn't up for the movie after BUNCO, but I sure did make the trip to fill up a bowl for us (that subsequently was spilled all over the kitchen floor) and a bucket for Grandma Tammy and Papa Glen (thanks for babysitting!) It's a steal of a deal!

Here are Tatum and Hayden "camping" on our back patio. Not sure what prompted the idea, but they sure had a good time. If only they had really fallen asleep. Hey, a girl can wish.

1. Currently, the only skinny thing about me are my fingers. Maybe it’s because they get a “work out” w/ all the computer time?
2. I love to cook, I hate to clean up. But I hate someone else cleaning up even more – I’m super OCD about where things go.
3. My secret goal in life is to be a wedding planner.
4. I’m the oldest of five kids, but only two of us have the same mom and the same dad. Blended family, baby.
5. I know every word to “Parents Just Don’t Understand” (DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince), “What’s Your Fantasy” (Ludacris), and “Supercalifragalisticexpyalidocious”. I think Connie and I paused and played a tape for an hour or so in Jr. High to memorize the last one. I can even say it backwards. Geeks.
6. I have a total freak crush on Neil Diamond. Love everything about him.
7. I’d make out with Justin Timberlake if given the opportunity. Beau knows.
8. I’ve had three kids in three years.
9. Only one of my kids has pooped in the bathtub and she’s only done it once. I feel extremely blessed. 
10. I can’t go to bed w/ a messy kitchen or living room – even if I get home from work at 2:30 in the morning, I will stay up to clean it.
11. I once ran into a deer while rollerblading. Really.
12. I’m very accident-prone.
13. I broke my arm doing push ups. Nothing will make you feel chubbier, I promise.
14. I swore I’d never live in Utah permanently. Been here 10+ years. It’s official.
15. My daughter and I have a freckle in the same spot on our bum cheek. More info than you wanted, I’m sure.
16. I’m addicted to blogging. Updating my own. Reading yours. Stalking your friends. I love it.
17. Beau likes Miracle Whip, I like Mayo. For the rest of our lives we’ll be a two jar family – neither of us will budge.
18. I only wear real clothes (ie. Jeans) when I have to go somewhere. The second I get home and up until the moment I leave, I’m in comfy pants.
19. I will wear flip flops all year long. No matter the weather. They’re just so easy.
20. No one can fold my towels the way I like them.
21. Rodents of any kind freak me out. This includes guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits (I know), ferrets (again, I know), etc. Not just rats and mice, but they are the worst.
22. I’m currently writing a book, but it’s still in the development stages. Can’t really elaborate, but it’ll be for all you moms out there!
23. I went to high school w/ Cherie Johnson from “Punky Brewster”
24. I could kick anyone’s butt at “Saved by the Bell” Trivia. Bring it.
25. I long to go on a vacation w/ my husband and not have to worry about the kids or money.
26. I do the same thing every day. I do the same thing every day. I do the same thing every day.
27. I make a mean chocolate-butterscotch-oatmeal cookie.
28. I was born in 1977. Three years before my husband.
29. I, too make lists. And sometimes add items that I’ve already completed just so I can see something crossed off. Makes me feel accomplished.
30. I’m addicted to sewing projects lately.
31. My husband works harder than anyone I know.
32. I have the world’s cutest kids. I really think I do.
33. When I get really mad, I cry and I HATE it. I wish I was super tough in instances like that.
34. Shanna and I are not girls to cross on Black Friday.
35. I think boys are just as fun to shop for as girls. I was scared about this, but I find the cutest stuff for Layne, too! This isn’t a good thing – just makes me want to shop more.
36. I hate most of the moms at McDonalds. Three Words: Watch. Your. Children.
37. I’m obsessed w/ Big Brother and America’s Next Top Model. I have issues.
38. I use my TV as a babysitter sometimes. *shhh* But really, who doesn’t?
39. I want a professional camera, but don’t know that I’ll ever afford one (at least not right now)
40. I can get along with most anyone.
41. My husband and I met at The Gateway. If we hadn’t found a spider in Cathy’s car, we probably would have been long gone before they came out and hollered at us our their truck window. Weird to think we could have not met because of timing.
42. Writing 100 things about yourself is harder than it seems.
43. I get about 4-5 hours sleep a night. And sometimes a nap during the day, if I can time naps properly.
44. I have nursing issues. Can’t do it and it frustrates me beyond belief.
45. I’ve had the same best friend since 7th grade.
46. I love showering, but hate blow-drying my hair.
47. I gained 54 pounds w/ my first pregnancy. That explains a lot.
48. I don’t buy things, I make things. Not in a pioneer-woman kind of way (we buy clothes), but if I can make something I have a hard time paying for it. That’ my mom in me.
49. I’m an impulse buyer.
50. I love pretty packaging.
51. I like to fix my girls’ hair, but I get too frustrated when they mess it up. I usually have to do it a few times a day.
52. I love that my kids all got Beau’s dimples.
53. I love Beau’s dimples.
54. The book isn’t always better than the movie.
55. I really need a pedicure. And my nails done.
56. I wish I saw my husband more. Our schedules are opposite (for kid watching reasons) and I miss him.
57. I miss pranks w/ my roommates.
58. I’m horrible w/ money.
59. I vacuum twice a day. But I hate doing the stairs – those are grossly neglected.
60. I love me some Dr. Pepper
61. Hayden gets wicked ear infections and it stresses me out.
62. The only jewelry I really wear on a regular basis is my wedding ring. I hate things touching my neck, so necklaces are totally out, unless they’re really loose.
63. Spanx are my best friend.
64. The scale is my enemy.
65. I’ve met some of my most favorite people via my blog.
66. I never, ever want to see myself give birth. I don’t think there is anything intriguing about seeing that…no mirrors, please.
67. Tan fat is cuter than white fat. At least that’s what I tell myself.
68. I tried to avoid it, but I’m “Twilight” obsessed.
69. I like to give people things. It’s fun to see happy.
70. I love to surprise, but I hate being surprised. Totally hate it – it’s a control thing.
71. I wish my family lived closer.
72. I hate how they finished our basement, but at least it’s finished, I guess.
73. I love Banana Cream Pie Snack Packs
74. I have a really great husband. He helps, without me asking. That is seriously the biggest turn-on for me.
75. I had SO much fun at my wedding reception. I wish I could do it again.
76. When I was little, I had the best Halloween costumes in school. My mom made them every year and she rocked it.
77. I hate cleaning the bathroom – with a passion. I do it, but I hate it.
78. I love reconnecting w/ old friends.
79. I was once part of a “pretend” barbershop. This made Kendra’s list, too. A boy knocked at our door, said he was there for the haircut and we let him in. He even went home to get his own clippers because we told him everyone brought their won. For the rest of the time we knew him we called him Butch. We shaved his head.
80. I’m not a mom who can’t let her kids cry. I have no problem w/ the “cry it out” theory of sleep. Maybe that’s why all of my kids have been good sleepers. Layne isn’t to that point yet (too little to let him cry) but he’s well on his way to being a superstar like his sisters.
81. I’m afraid of the dark.
82. I refuse to watch scary movies.
83. Not a cat person.
84. I can’t stand the cartoon “Caillou”. The kid is sooooooooo whiney – makes me want to scream.
85. I love it when my kids make each other laugh.
86. I also know all the words to “The Humpty Dance”
87. I would love to take the following classes: photography, floral arranging, cake decorating.
88. I have issue w/ generic diapers, tampons & Mac & Cheese.
89. I can find almost anything for anyone online. It’s a talent, google mamma.
90. The last movie I watched was “P.S., I love you.”
91. I miss running all the time like I did before I got married. Not only because I was in good shape, but I really did enjoy it.
92. I made out with my husband on our first date. For three hours in his truck at the 7-11 parking lot. We weren’t there randomly – we met halfway because I lived in Provo and he lived in West Jordan. He was dropping me at my car and it took awhile for me to get out of the truck!
93. Lately, I’m addicted to Coldplay again. I went through a phase and now it’s back.
94. My favorite websites are: eBay, Etsy, ksl.com, Shutterfly & craig’s list.
95. I change more diapers in a day than a person should ever have to.
96. Crockpot meals are my favorite thing to make. Early prep, early clean up, easy dinner.
97. I can always take a nap. That is, if my kids aren’t running around the house. But I have no problem falling asleep at any time, really.
98. I don’t feel 30.
99. I’m not sure what 30 is supposed to feel like.
100. This was much easier than I thought it would be!

I tag anyone brave enough to try!