The Ballard Bunch

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!

I couldn't make this stuff up.

If you all will recall, we had an incident last year involving Tatum, jumping on beds, emergency rooms and tooth extractions.

Well, we've got a copy-cat little sister at our house.

Today the girls were on their way out to the backyard to play while I worked on dinner and got the baby fed. This is an everyday occourance. Hayden is a pro at the stairs and has never had a fall while going outside. That is, until today.

As I'm making a bottle, inbetween Layne's screams for food I hear "thud thud thud" down the stairs and then the wail cry all mother's know and dread. I run down to find Hayden at the bottom of the stairs holding her mouth. And lo and behold - the tooth is knocked straight out. Not sure at this point if it's on the ground or if she's swallowed it, but it's bleeding like a beast. Good thing I had my handy sidekick with me - Tatum was on the search and quickly found the tooth on the ground. Hayden's okay, just a little sore. I'm going to call her dentist tomorrow to see if we need any kind of follow-up, but if it's anything like when Tatum knocked hers out, he'll just say it's fine and a baby tooth so nothing to worry about. Poor baby, though.

The irony of this all is that Tatum's injury happened at 22 months old and Hayden is just nearing 21 months. And, it's the same tooth. Go figure, only in our family, right?

Attached or single? ... Attached to hot little number named Beau Ballard
Best friend? ... I have several really close friends so it's hard to narrow down. Karen has been my bestest friend since 7th grade and Shanna is right up there, too. Lots of great friends!
Cake or pie? ... Probably cake. I'm a sucker for CostCo chocolate mousse filled chocolate cake. It's pretty much the bomb.
Day of choice? ... Friday & Saturday - no work and time w/ my sweet little family.
Exciting News? ... Nothing major - and that's exciting news for us - haha.
Favorite color? ... I'm with Megan - pink.
Gummy bears or worms? ... Worms totally - the consistency seems different to me. Plus, I was never a fan of having to eat something w/ distinguishable body parts. Although, I guess a worm IS a body part. Hmmmmmm, food for thought I guess.
Home town? ... Cali girl. Thousand Oaks, to be exact. Although I did spend a significant part of my life in Northern Cali, too.
Indulgence? ... Sweets. Just check out my rear, baby.
January or July? ... July! I'm a summer freak - can't wait for the warm weather!
Kids? ... I've got three and my hands are very full. Ask me again in a year or so, but as it is now I could be done. I feel like we have a good balance right now.
Life isn't complete without... My husband, kids, family and friends - sooooooo important!
Marriage date? ... 04/08/2004
Number of brothers and sisters? ... 2 brothers, 1 sister, 1 step-brother. I'm the oldest.
Oranges or apples? ... Depends on what's in season - I love both
Phobia and fears? ... The dark. I'm a total fraidy-cat
Quote? ... Good question. Not sure that I have one. I'll have to work on that, I guess.
Reason to smile?... My kids - weather it's how sweet they are, something funny they said or just watching them play. They're pretty awesome.
Season of choice? ... Summer!
Tag 3 people... Yvonne, Jami, Lisa
Unknown fact about me... If I had the time and money, I'd totally want to start my own business being crafty. And I'm writing a book. Slowly, but surely.
Vegetable? ... Brocolli
Worst habit? ... Biting my hangnails.
X-ray or ultrasound? ... Ultrasound. I love seeing that baby!
Your favorite food? ... Lately I'm addicted to homemade pizza (Karen's Rhodes Rolls way is the best). And green salad w/ Ranch dressing.
Zodiac sign? ... Leo

Today we had to stop at the post office on the way to a birthday party. While waiting in line (always long, of course), Tatum and Hayden were busy entertaining the crowd w/ their usual singing and dancing. After paying for our shipment, I was attempting to gather the kids together to leave and Tate says to me, "Mom, why is everyone here so quiet?!?!?!?"

She then turns to the crowd still in line, arms raised to the sky and says very bossily (word?), "Come on people, TALK!"

Leaving on a very humorous note - we had the place in tears.

Shanna and I got a wild hair to start crafting something this past week and an idea Karen had run by me sounded like a fun project. Pillowcase dresses! Typically these are made using real pillowcases (thus making the process much shorter), but we used our own fabric and ribbon to make these. I can't tell you how easy they were and how addicted I am to them now. The girls look SO adorable in them. I made two different patterns for my girls and two for Shantell (just as cute in bigger girl sizes). I've already had several requests for dresses to be made for others. If you'd like one (or two or three), let me know!




I've been feeling so extra crafty these days - I think I might just start a blog dedicated just to projects. I'll keep you all posted if I do.

***Karen - call me! I've been trying to call you about these and have perfected the pattern so now we can make tons for the girls!***

My CD was in the mailbox today! I'm soooooooooooo excited to have these pictures - Emilie does such an amazing job, as you can see by the pics below.

The first is my most absolute favorite (watch for it on the baby announcement currently in production).

Yep, I've been blessed twice with an up-chuck-a-rama baby. Poor little Layne has been straight-up vomiting the last few days. We've tried a combination of everything I can think of - switching to less irritating formulas, thickening w/ cereal (as directed by the doctor - dang those bottles are thick!), etc.

He's gained weight since leaving the NICU (holding strong at just under 11 lbs), but he has kind of plateaued since the barfing began a couple of weeks ago.

He finally was put on some anti-acid reflux medication starting last night, so hopefully that'll do the trick. Since being on that he hasn't really barfed much with the exception of 20 minutes ago. I have a sneaking suspicion, though, that one of the girls was force feeding him the binkie and it might have gagged him a bit.

Suggestions? I'm sick of doing laundry. But, dang, he's cute.

The girls looked really cute today - finally (this hasn't happened in quite some time), Tatum let me pick out her outfit AND her hair. So, I took the liberty of dressing them alike. They liked it so much they even posed together. I love my girls!

Last post for the night, promise. Really, this one is just lots of pictures of the kids. Oh, and some pictures of projects I've been working on this week (mainly for my mom to give as a gift to a co-worker). Speaking of projects, I really need to get to the post office - I've got several to mail out to you oh-so-patient girlfriends out there! Three kids + post office = nightmare. Procrastinate much?

Also, Emilie came and took pictures of Layne (and a few of the girls) last week that I'll be posting soon. Just need to decide which to use for the baby announcement first. :)

Tatum trying on ALL of her hair bows. Just because.


Tatum posing w/ Layne. She kept asking me to take more pictures and she'd pose different.





Little Layners


My Silly Girls (notice Hayden's "say cheese!" face)


Rag Quilt and Burp Rag Projects