The Ballard Bunch

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

{thanks teacher}

2 comments Posted by Evie B. at 6:21 PM

It's that time of year again...

...school is coming to a close.

{anyone else excited and not?}

We've been blessed with

amazing teachers this year

and I wanted to do a little something

to say thank you

for all they've done for my girls.

So, after some searching on Pinterest,

I was inspired {by these} to make these.

SO easy.

All you need is:

an empty, clean can

hot glue

pencils {I used about 35}

flower arrangement foam

skewer sticks

Double Stuff Oreos

melting chocolate

sprinkles {if desired}

cellophane bags

ribbon

craft paper

To make the pencil 'vase', simply glue pencils to the can

and fill with a piece of flower foam.

To make the candy covered Oreos,

melt the candy as per package directions,

carefully dip cookies {on the stick} into the candy to fully coat

{you may want to practice once or twice to get the hang of it}.

Lay the dipped cookie pops onto parchment paper and allow to set.

Place each in a cellophane bag {after setting completely}

and tie with ribbon.

And then you arrange how ever you want.

Seriously, one of the easiest projects I've ever done.

And I'm all about easy, peeps.

Labels: craft, Giving, Tutorials

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

{chaos}

1 comments Posted by Evie B. at 12:48 AM

This is me...everyday.

Crazy and tired, but happy.

I am now the mother of four kids.

Most days it surprises me, still.

Three I had gotten used to,

and four is only more fun.

We're almost at the end of our first school year

where both girls have been gone at least part of every week day.

Where from 12-3 it's just me and 'the boys'.

{that's still so weird to me!}

It's been awesome, but I won't lie, I'm ready for summer.

Lazy days sleeping in and laying out by the pool.

Exhausting our Pass of All Passes

and grilling almost every night.

No more kindergarten drop-off

{we'll get a break for 1 year}

or homework packets for a few months.

And no more dance class.  Goodness, that got old fast.

Mom's excited.

So for memory's sake,

here's an update {end of the school year}

of all four kids.

Ahhhhh, Tatum.

I'll start with my first.

I told Beau the other day that the traits in her

that drive me most crazy right now

are the things I will absolutely love about her

as she grows up to be a young woman.

She's stubborn and feisty.

She definitely marches to the beat of her own drummer.

She's sassy {too much if you ask mom} and spunky and bossy.

She's emotional and loyal.

She is confident and beautiful and smart.

1st grade was cake for her - 100% on every spelling test this year,

reading @ a 3rd grade level and better at math than I am as a 34 year old.

She is boy crazy.

She says things like, 'duh' and 'what the...?'

She is 7 going on 17.

And I wouldn't want her any other way.

Because after every fight, I get a good 'I love you, mom'

And I love her right back, only more.

Sweet Hayden.

Our little peace maker.

She has a smile that lights up the room.

She has the most lovable raspy voice and growlish laugh imaginable.

She holds her own when she needs to

{and with a big sister like Tatum, she needs to more often these days},

but she's the first to give in to solve a conflict.

She begs to be tickled.

{crazy, I know}

She rocked out kindergarten,

even though she is the tiniest little thing in line every day.

She is quick and eager to learn new things.

She is extremely bright and is praised by her teacher every time we speak.

She is kind and empathetic and sweet.

But a little rotten sometimes, too.

{just the right amount}

She will try anything once.

She is our performer.

You can ALWAYS find her somewhere singing

and is always embarrassed if we catch her in the act,

but should do it more because she has a great little voice.

Love, love, love that kid.

Layne the Lover

I seriously get an 'I love you mom' at least 3 times an hour,

every day - never fails.

He loves me a 'gazillion'.

And I love him that much, too.

He is a loner.

He traded his obsession for Thomas the Train for Power Rangers.

And I'm totally okay with that.  We were all trained out.

He fiercely loves his baby brother.

Like, obsessively.

Like, can't stand to be more than 5 feet from him.

Like, cutest thing ever.

He is fearless and shy.

He is amazingly smart.

Could count to 100 last year {he's now 4}

and can do Tatum's math homework.

He reads his letters and numbers and can spell

the names of everyone in our family.

He will be in preschool next year

and already is telling me that he'll miss me because...

He's a mama's boy.

He is freakishly strong.

And he has the cutest way of talking,

kind of like a Boston accent

and I'm secretly so sad that they'll try and 'fix' that once he's in school.

{a bad dream is a 'nite-may-uh'}

Little Sawyer

He has changed so much in the last month.

He is now bald and rolling

{off of my bed today - that sucked}

and can't keep his hands out of his mouth.

He is SO happy

and smiles all the time.

He's started to belly-laugh

{my favorite}.

He has no interest in anything else to eat

besides his bottle.

He is patient,

which may or may not have been by choice

considering that he's pretty much being mauled

by any one of the three little people in this house

that are completely obsessed with him

at any moment on any given day.

He talks

and if you 'talk' back he'll keep going.

But you have to talk like him - he loves it.

He's started to lose interest in his pacifier.

And has gained interest in his thumb.

And he's the easiest baby to put to sleep.

Put any kind of cloth {blanket, burp rag, etc.}

over his face and give him something to suck on

and he's out in seriously seconds.

Oh, and he's really loved.

A lot.

****************************

So there you have it.

Or I guess, I have it since that was really for me.

It's been too long.

I need to be a better blogger.

For memory's sake.

Labels: Family, Hayden, Layne, Sawyer, Tatum, The Family, The Kid

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

{maxi skirts}

5 comments Posted by Evie B. at 6:50 PM

Such an easy project!

Found it, pinned it and actually made it.

Inspiration found here.

{making one for me tonight}

Labels: Crafts, Hayden, Sewing, Tatum, the kids

Monday, May 14, 2012

{bachelorette: i believe in love & fab shoes}

1 comments Posted by Evie B. at 10:48 PM

Here we go peeps!

I had given up, really.

After last season of Ben {gag me},

I thought my viewing days were over.

But, I'm giving it another go.

Emily, you better not disappoint, girl.

First Episode Favorites

Charlie {Head Trauma}

I thought he was sweet and genuine.

I can see her connecting to him emotionally an being attracted to him physically.

I'd take him far if it were me.

And by far, I mean fantasy suite.

Kidding, folks.

Kind of.

But he is totally cute.

Doug {Sleepless in Seattle}

1st Impression Rose, so she's feeling it for sure.

I think he's sweet, too.  The letter from his son was a winning touch.

They have a lot in common and she loves that he's a dad,

and seemingly, a good one.

I can picture them together, for sure.

Jef {SLC Punk}

Although I don't find him extremely physically attractive,

I thought he made a really great impression.

Emily seemed kind of smitten by him, really, which surprised me.

He doesn't seem her type at all.

I've heard some if'y things about him from people who know him,

But I want to give him the benefit of the doubt for awhile.

I hope he's a stand-up guy - I like him.

Arie {Indy 500}

I think she likes him.

And I think the racing thing will be a big draw for the two of them.

Different racing than her ex, but still.

We didn't get to see much of him, but so far I like.

Chris {Bobble Head}

Wasn't sure about him out of the limo,

But liked his fun little gifts for Emily.

Bobble Head wedding cake toppers?

Hmmmmmmmm.  I'm just saying.

Worst First Impressions {out of limo}

Tony {Prince Charming}

I really do think I threw up in my mouth a little.

I can't handle cheesy. 

Unless it's done with a sense of humor.

Like, the guy knows he's cheesy and loves it.

Not a guy who has no idea he's the joke.

And she kept him.  Ugh.

Stevie {Party MC/Paulie D}

That boom box was pretty fly...for a white guy. 

Seriously, he's way too Jersey Shore for me.

GTL, baby.

Randy {Grandma}

That was just super weird.

And I get the feeling Emily thought so, too.

One of those ideas that's way more funny in your head

than it ends up being in reality.

Epic fail, dude.

Travis {Egg Head}

WTF?!?!?  That was so odd I don't even know what to say about it.

And SHOCKED that she kept that nut job around.

Shocked.

And, he kind of looks like Kody Brown from Sister Wives.

With much better hair, of course.

Kalon {Money Bags}

Because the one thing the Bachelor franchise

is in short supply of is helicopter rides.

Ugh.  So annoying.

Pompous and snobbish.

Random Thoughts

Personally, I didn't like Emily's dress. 
I thought she looked WAY prettier at the meet-and-greet for Brad's season {black dress}. 
I was totally worried it was going to fall apart - I don't need that stress while I'm watching!

Rikki has the same backpack as my Hayden - although I'm sure
she paid full price for hers @ Pottery Barn.  I am a Downeast girl, girls.

Can the Bachelor/Bachelorette ever refuse or deny an interruption? 
Like if they're talking to someone, do they have to stop
if someone asks to take them away for some one-on-one time?
It seems like they usually act like they have to leave
if asked instead of politely declining to finish conversation first. 
That's always bugged me, every season.

In all honesty, I was expecting a much hotter group of guys,
considering how much they wanted Emily to be the Bachelorette
and how much they catered to her
{moving production to Charlotte, bringing Rikki all over the world with a nanny, etc.}.

6 kids!??!?!?  Did I just hear that right?

What do you all think?

Labels: The Bachelorette

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

{update}

1 comments Posted by Evie B. at 10:50 PM

We have celebrated birthdays

{Tatum 7, Layne 4, several cousins},

Easter and Anniversaries

{Marriage 8 years, Beau's mom passing 1 year},

attended school performances

{for both girls}

and enjoyed time together.

And I've blogged about none of it.

So, this will have to do for now.

Oh, and I need an updated picture

with all FOUR of my children in it.

Sorry, Sawyer.

Love you buddy.

Labels: Family, The Family, the kids

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

{neon trees}

0 comments Posted by Evie B. at 10:23 PM

Want to see an amazing concert and

help a great cause at the same time?

Well, boy, do I have the answer for you!

{details}

Friends Of Giant Steps Presents

Neon Trees

with special guests The Lower Lights

A concert to benefit Giant Steps Autism Preschool

Saturday, April 7th - 5:00 pm

Mt. View High School Auditorium

665 W. Center St. in Orem

$20

Tickets available at www.24tix.com

Velour Live Music Gallery in Provo

and at all SLC Greywhale Locations

*******************************

Really, it's such a sweet and personal cause

for my sweet and talented friends Branden and Emilie

{who just so happen to have a child at this wonderful school &

and who just so happen to be 1/4 of Neon Trees}

If you can, go.

I promise, you won't be disappointed.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

{easter printables}

2 comments Posted by Evie B. at 9:59 PM

I have a slight obsession

with all things printable

{and chevron} lately.

So when I pictured what I wanted

and couldn't find it online,

I figured I'd play around in photoshop.

And now I'm happy

because these are just what I wanted.

I thought you might, too.

So use it and abuse it,

but please at least link back to this site.

Just 'cause.

{p.s. they are formatted to print 11x14 so you'll need to resize for anything else}

Labels: Crafts, Easter, Printables

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

{lucky}

10 comments Posted by Evie B. at 4:15 PM

I don't know about you,

but I don't have much in the way of

St. Patrick's Day holiday decor.

And I wanted some.

So, this is what I came up with.

Introducing: The Lucky Wreath

All you need is:

foam pipe insulation {found at Lowes here}

duct tape {found in my husbands tool box}

a hot glue gun {if you don't have one, buy one!}

six assorted colors of felt fabric {found at Joann or any fabric store}

sewing machine {best purchase of my life!}

ribbon, felt shamrocks & foam letters {also found at Joann}

Using scissors, cut the foam pipe insulation

to the size of your liking {mine was about a yard}

and then tape the ends together to form a large circle.

{so much less expensive than a wreath form found at the craft store!}

Cut eight 2 x 6 inch strips of each color felt fabric.

Using your sewing machine, sew the strips in half along the long side

{the entire strip will need to wrap around the wreath form}

and set aside.

Using your glue gun, start with your first color of fabric

and wrap it around the wreath form, adhering it with glue in the back.

You will find that if you allow the fabric

to bend with the shape of the wreath form,

the ends will come together at the back at an angle - this is okay

just make sure they all are angled the same way

as you put your wreath together.

Repeat until all of your fabric strips are used

and your wreath is fully covered

{obviously, if you want a bigger wreath

you will need to accommodate with more fabric

and possibly bigger pieces, but that's entirely up to you}

Now, cut a piece of ribbon the width of your wreath

at it's widest point making sure to add enough length

so you can glue the ends of the ribbon to the back of the wreath, out of sight

Peel and stick your foam letters onto your felt shamrock shapes

and then glue completed shamrocks to the ribbon across your wreath.

Tie another piece of ribbon to the top to allow for hanging and you're done!

This one does take a bit longer and

you'll have to adjust your fabric strips a little as you go

{using these measurements they should match up just about right to go all the way around},

but the finished product is certainly worth the effort!

Enjoy!

Labels: Crafts, St. Patrick's Day, Tutorials

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

{5 days}

0 comments Posted by Evie B. at 10:04 AM

photo challenge: day 2

"words"

to be totally honest,

i don't read near as much as i'd like to these days.

between maintaining a household,

running kids around everywhere,

and tending for a newborn baby

i have very little time for me.

and when i do have time, precious as it is,

i usually try and shower a couple of times a week.

so, for now, the best i can do for 'words'

{with the exception of the kids reading for school that we do}

are the few words i glanced at today - the list for this challenge.

book report to follow.

photo challenge: day 3

"hands"

i won't lie, this one is a cheat.

i didn't take this picture today, but i love it

and this is my blog

so i'll make the rules, okay?

sawyer is still {even though he's a month old}

very newborn to me.

he smells divine {minus poopy diaper, of course}

he smiles in his sleep,

he loves to snuggle,

and he has the sweetest little hands.

they can often be held holding onto one of my fingers

while i sit and feed him a bottle.

he'll grow way too fast.

photo challenge: day 4

"stranger"

this was supposed to be a photo challenge, i know

but when i went to snap this picture of a stranger {sneaky}

i found that my phone was on video mode still

{thanks tatum and hayden}

but there are two reasons i'm posting this for today's challenge

1) obviously a stranger

2) obviously strange

who the crap

walks around smith's

with a sword

tucked into the neck of your shirt?

this guy.

photo challenge: day 5

"10 am"

simple explanation:

this is my view at almost any given time of the day

and i wouldn't give it up for anything,

no matter how tired i am.

dreamy baby.

photo challenge: day 6
"dinner"

 

there are few meals that i can make in our home

that adults and kids alike will eat.

 

orange chicken is always a crowd pleaser.

thank you, costco.

Labels: Monthly Photo Challenge

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

{feb 1st}

1 comments Posted by Evie B. at 3:36 PM

photo challenge: day 1

"your view today"

obviously, this changes by the minute

but currently my view involves

a few unfinished photoshop projects.

baby announcement {check} &

kids valentines {need to take their updated pictures}.

really, since the baby is sleeping, i should be, too...right?

yeah right.

Labels: Monthly Photo Challenge

Sunday, January 29, 2012

{photo challenge}

3 comments Posted by Evie B. at 2:22 PM

i have a goal

{along with most everyone else i know}

to be a better blogger

{among other things}

and i'm thinking this will be a great kick start.

so, if you want to play along...lets.

list/inspiration found @ the house of smiths

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

{sawyer}

5 comments Posted by Evie B. at 2:06 PM

it's official:

i'm now a mother of four.

four!

that's so insane to me,

but really awesome, too.

and although he came into this world

a little differently than i'd had planned

{a c-section for my smallest baby},

i wouldn't change a thing because

he is perfect.

if you don't believe me,

keep scrolling down for pictures

sawyer beau

born 12.30.11

7lbs 7oz, 21 inches

a baby has never been loved more,

promise.

 

Labels: Sawyer, the kids

Monday, November 14, 2011

{last call!}

1 comments Posted by Evie B. at 10:36 AM

If you haven't already, now is the time
to schedule those family pictures! 

I'll be accepting appointments for three more weeks (pre-baby)
and will resume shooting in mid-January (post-baby). 

Come on over to evieb photography and check it out!

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

{hayden/kindergarten}

1 comments Posted by Evie B. at 9:23 PM

Hayden's first day of kindergarten.

She's most excited to make new friends

and meet Tatum after school to walk to the car.

I DID cry.

But only after she didn't.

Brave little child.

Way to go Hayden!!!

We love you.

Labels: Hayden

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

{1st of 1st for my 1st}

5 comments Posted by Evie B. at 10:11 AM

Tatum's first day of 1st grade.

She's most excited to see Taylor (BFF) every day

and to eat lunch at school.

I didn't cry.

She certainly didn't cry.

And I've only looked at the clock 10 times so far (it's 10am).

Man, she's growing up too fast.

We love you Tatum!!!

Labels: Tatum