The Ballard Bunch

I really love Hayden and Layne, too.

Just a lot of Tatum post-worthy moments lately.

Mom Guilt.

Everything quoted is exactly as it was said. In fact, all events took place while I was on the computer so I was able to dictate the conversation for posterity's sake.

Introduction:
After she unplugged the outside Christmas lights, Tatum was told that she was in time out. As is expected, this never goes well.
(Keep in mind, at times she's talking to me and at others she's just talking to herself - nothing is entirely clear, though)

Act One:
“It’s all my fault. I made my own choice. But I don’t want Christmas lights on. You just can’t be mad at me because I turned them off and only dad can turn them on. Because I really, really, really want them off. So please let me turn them off because I don’t want them on. Please, mommy. I love you.”

Intermission of mom laughing as quietly as possible while typing her words verbatim.

You can't make this stuff up.

Act Two:
"Don't laugh at me! This is not a joking thing. I really don't want the lights on and I love you but I don't want them on because it's not Christmas for three more nigh-nights. Only dads can turn them on before Christmas. Mom, I'm going to watch a movie."

And Scene.

Tonight was the annual "Fullmer Family Christmas Caroling and Talent Show Extravaganza". Okay, maybe not the official name, but it's as descriptive as you can get.

Time for a proud mama moment.

Tatum practiced and practiced and sang her song alone, loud and pretty flawlessly. She was so cute that I thought I might as well post the video so you can love her as much as I do.

I mean really, do they get much cuter?

After other talents were shared (and they were all great, but you'll have to take my word for it), we bundled up the kids and sent them out to go caroling. Family tradition is this: we all bundle up and load up on a trailer (truck pulled) and drive around the neighbor hood singing at the top of our lungs. Beau was driver this year and I had to stay back with Layne, so Brie and Sam got to play mom and dad with the girls. I hear that they had so much fun that they were forced into a deep slumber before the trip was over. Oh, the life.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the evening. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did in person.

p.s. How totally cute is Hayden in her snow get-up? Lover her guts.

Oh, and finally finished my neighbor gifts. Check 'em out.

Funny


After receiving this for Christmas from Karen's girls today:


Tate informed me that she was going to drive Polly to "Puppy Town"

I wonder if it's anything like this:

Funnier

She's got a new imaginary boyfriend. His name is Charlie. He has a British accent. I have a sneaking suspicion it's because of watching a lot of this

Funniest

Hearing her version of "Womanizer" (chorus only) all day long. Maybe the pink wig at Christmas last year WAS a telling sign of things to come.

*sigh*

I guess I'll have to retire my Britney CD for awhile.

Or not, it's kinda cute.

{I totally spaced this post - event almost a week ago - but it must be documented as this blog serves as family journal. I'm a multi-tasker, what can I say!}

Karen, Jess and I got the kids together last week to decorate Christmas cookies.

And I've got two big-@$$ star shaped sugar cookies at my house to prove it.

Dear Kate,

This isn't working for me, and I'm finally ready to admit it.

I've struggled with writing this letter for some time now. I mean, really, who doesn't admire your organizational and delegation skills. I myself have some obsessive compulsions and have to balance them with a household full of children. But as I evaluate our relationship I've realized that there's something to be said for tact and compassion. Two items I feel like you might be lacking a bit.

I know your life is crazy, but consider the things in your life other people don't have access to on a daily basis. The hefty income you receive from pimping your children out on this show (I can't say I totally blame you - gotta support 8 kids somehow), the constant in-house and on-location assistance you have (babysitters, laundry folders, etc.) and all the free perks you're constantly offered (I've never been offered a trip to Disney or any other world).

I guess what I'm saying is that I wish you'd work a little harder on you. And I'm not talking shopping sprees and spa trips with the girls. I'm talking major attitude adjustment. A do-unto-others kind of philosophy that applies to your children as well as the others we see you interact with.

Please try to remember, they're kids, for heaven's sake, they didn't ask to be "plus 8" - it just worked out that way. I just get depressed a little watching how you treat people on camera...I can only imagine how different things might be when the cameras are turned off. We all, after all, would most likely be on our best behavior if we knew the world was watching.

And don't get me started on how you treat Jon. I've held my tongue on several instances wanting to come to his defence, but he really does take it like a champ. Hold onto that one.

That being said, I just think it's time for us to part ways technologically. Things just aren't working out like they used to. I'm sure the Kate we all knew and loved in the beginning is still in there, I just can't be the only one trying to make this relationship work. I hope you can understand.

It's time for me to move on. I can't DVR you anymore.

Besides, "The Bachelor" stars in a couple of weeks.

You never really forget your first "reality television" love.

Best of Luck,
Evonne

I'm having MAJOR uploading issues with the video, so for now some pictures will have to suffice. Tatum did a great job today and had a blast.

Enjoy!

{p.s. couldn't resist the last pic of Layne, too - he's just so cute!}

No, I'm not just yet. I guess I'm just wondering what the deal is lately.

I've even thought about it. I just can't find any concrete anything on the pros or cons. I've heard opinions and fears, but really what is someone going to do with the little tid-bits I have to share occasionally online? Even if I do go private, whose to say that the pervs online with savvy computer skills can't still gain access to whatever they want. I mean, we use the internet, we're already taking a risk, right? Plus, what do I really have on my blog that can be used for any real threatening purpose? (again I ask because I haven't heard an answer that convinces me just yet) And who am I to live in fear? I'm a mother of 3 kids 3 and under and I drive on I-15 in Utah already; you know I'm brave.

Anyway...

This isn't a knock on all of you that have decided to go private, I'm just trying to be more educated on the issue. I somehow, at this point, feel more empowered NOT going private, but that could change. Can someone enlighten me? I can't promise that you'll change my mind either way, but...