Monday, November 30, 2009
I will post a proper blog update within the next few days. Life's been busy & exhausting & wonderful & sad & full of thanks & non-stop. And by all of that I mean no time to blog.
In the meantime, here is one of my most favorite photos to-date.
Rock On.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
I know it sounds weird, but some of my favorite pictures of Hayden involve her crying. Not that I like to see her cry, but that kid can make a face!
This is one of my favorites. Karen, Shanna and I had taken the kids to Copperton Park to try our hand at some fall photos. Most of the kids cooperated, but Hayden was having none of it.
Today, two years ago she was a camera-shy, brown eyed, snuggly, mama's girl with a head full of hair and ambitions to do everything her big sister could.
Today, right now she is the silliest, kindest, sassiest, funnest, prettiest little 3-year-old I know. And for the record, she still has a head full of fabulous hair {and the worlds most amazing bed-head} and ambitions to do everything her big sister can. She's just a little better at it now.
She grew up way too fast.
{we love you Haydes!}
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
So, here's my own {hopeful} solution to the before-mentioned poo issue.
Every time it's on the potty, one bean {clever, I know} in the party jar.
Every time it's in the panties, two beans go back to the poop jar.
Fill the party jar up and maintain it, it's birthday party time in March.
Meanest.
Mom.
Ever.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
It could be worse.
I could have SIX four year-olds pooping in their panties.
Seriously.
{help}
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Thanks again, Lindsay - you are awesome!
{thanks also, for letting me play with all the photos in PS. I'm having way too much fun!}
Time to get Christmas cards started...
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Thanks to Lindsay for taking our family pictures today!
I can't wait to see how they turned out!
Here are just a few that I was able to snap with my camera today.
You can tell by the pictures who was most cooperative and who wasn't.
But cooperative or not, I think they're pretty gorgeous kids.
Of course, I might be just a tad biased.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
I love November and December. Simply put, we start out being thankful and end the year giving to others. Emotions run high, families grow closer, differences put aside. Whatever our motivation is, most of us find ourselves being a little more selfless at year’s end.
I‘ve thought about this a lot over the last week. How can I best teach my children to give? What could we, as a family, do to evoke some holiday cheer for others? We’re certainly not wealthy. And then {my ah-ha moment} I simplified. I remembered the one thing that we all have to share, even though each of us has something different. We have our talents! I love taking pictures. I love capturing the bond of a family in photo form. I can give people memories. After all, it’s the reason I started doing this in the first place.
is giving away
Two Free Family Photo Sessions
All I need from you is nominations!
Do you know a family that, because of tough times financially, can’t afford family pictures this year?
Do you have a neighbor that’s had a tough time?
Someone with unforeseen medical hardships?
A friend who just needs a lift?
Send an email to evonneballard@yahoo.com and tell me why you think the family is deserving, what they mean to you, how you’ve been inspired, why you want to help. Please keep in mind that the winning families will need to either live in the Salt Lake/Utah County area or be visiting during the holiday season. Nominations should be submitted no later than November 8th. Pictures of the winning families will be posted on Christmas Day.
Thank you all in advance for your generosity.
I am so blessed to know such giving and selfless people.
I am inspired by you all daily!
Let the nominating begin!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Halloween Preview.
Hayden & Layne soon.
{they haven't had to dress up just yet}
{post edit}
Color, as requested.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
Seasons. Don't get me wrong, I'm a California girl at heart. I never used to think it was odd to go to the pumpkin patch in shorts or to go to the beach on Christmas morning. But now that I've officially lived in Utah longer than I've lived everywhere else combined, I think it's safe to call myself a local. We have rainy, muddy and flowering springs; triple digit, snow cone, swim-filled summers; orange, cool and leafy autumns; snowy, crisp and cozy winters. And I really do love them all.
Self-Esteem. I wish this were supplied in endless amounts and that every adult in the world always did their best to build our kids up. I know it's not always the case, but dammit, I'm gonna try. And the best I can do is to start with my own family. I hope my kids always know how special and beautiful they are. And if I have to remind them every day of their lives, I will. That's my job...I'm the mama.
Siblings. I love when people ask me how many kids are in my family. Well...it's complicated. Not because there are so many - really only 5. But the way we all fit together is pretty un-conventional. And yet, it works. I won't get into the details of the semantics - they don't really matter. Just know that I'm a lucky girl to have them all. And another bonus - no one tells you that one of the great things about getting older is that you just keep earning more! My husband's siblings, their spouses, my brothers' significants. I feel very blessed.
Sisters. I didn't get one for 14 years, but it was so worth the wait. I have the most amazing, selfless, focused, beautiful, smart, funny, loyal, fun-loving, kind and compassionate sister in the world. If you know her, you how much of an understatement this description really is. She is what I hope for my girls to someday be.
Santa Claus. I love the tradition of giving. I like that my children have a real belief in someone who gives unconditionally and makes the world happy. I know there is deeper meaning to be had {and we focus on that specifically, too), but the symbolism that Santa brings is a big deal in our house. Plus, I love playing the role. Not in a freaky-what-are-the-Ballards-into way. But before I had children, I never really got it. The joy in their faces when they wake up on a cold morning to find warmth and love in the living room is priceless. And new bikes don't hurt, either.
Suckers. The end all, cure-all in our house. At almost any given time, you can find enough to treat 20 kids in my purse. Sometimes a mom needs a bribe.
Stain Remover. I have three kids. Need I say more?
{I will finish this grateful list}
I think I can.
I think I can.
I think I can.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Now Selling!
If my girls were small enough, I'd be all over these for fall!
$7/pair or 2 for $12
Here are some samples:
I can make them in your choice of color - all items made to order. Please know, that as supplies available vary, specific patterns and colors will not always be available. But you have my personal guarantee that I will shop my little heart out to find the specific colors and/or patterns you order! :)
If you are interested, please email me at evonneballard@yahoo.com with the quantity and colors desired.
{Etsy shop in progress, but far from complete}
Stay Warm!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Due to a scheduling conflict and a few requests for an alternate day, I am going to need to change the date for photo sessions.
If the new date doesn't work for you, please let me know and we'll work around your schedule as best we can.
I'm so sorry for any inconvenience!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
I will get you your prize this coming weekend.
Everyone else - watch for more giveaways soon!
Everyone else - watch for more giveaways soon!
Congratulations!
Friday, October 09, 2009
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Monday, October 05, 2009
{check below this one for many, many new posts}
Finally Finished
Finally Pierced
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