The Allen Family

December

2012-01-05T14:32:00.007-06:00

December flew by!!! Took lots of video Christmas morning but not too many pictures. I LOVED the fact that the kids were not as interested in the presents as they were about the candy in their stockings. And Reagan ran straight past the presents to see if Rudolph ate the carrots she left for him on the front porch.

Here are the kids playing with the Cheerio book Memaw got them. I think they may be more interested in eating the cheerios than putting them in the book.

Reagan and Bennett playing with their tool bench Santa brought them.

This is the granola bar I found in the tree one day. I guess someone was saving it for later???

The library had a make believe Polar Express one night that we got to go to. The kids wore their Christmas pajamas. It was really cute. They reinacted the movie with tickets, a train conductor, backdrops from the story, and then Santa at the end. Bennett wasn't too crazy about sitting in Santa's lap but LOVED the train.

The Angel Breakfast was a success this year! Each year we have a breakfast for the kids. They eat breakfast, meet Santa, bring a gift for the kids at Scottish Rite Hospital, and get to play games and make a craft.

Reagan got a big hug from Santa. She was so excited to give him her picture that she colored for him. She put it in an envelope with stickers and everything.

I love this one of Bennett waiting to do the bean bag toss. He looks like such a big boy!

Decorating the tree. I think he was more into playing on the step ladder.

We had a Play Group Christmas Party for the kids. This year we had a book exchange and decorated Christmas cookies. This is our attempt at a group picture. You can see everyone's face except for Ava...if you look close you can see part of her head.

Mimi and Pepaw took us to see Disney on Ice! It was so much fun watching their faces light up when Mickey and Minnie and all the Disney characters came out on the ice.

Our friend, Michael, sportin the Santa headband. Too cute!

Reagan, Bennett, and Michael watching the snowglobe.

We did lots of other fun things this year too. We took the kids to see the Trains at Northpark. Reagan got to go to look at Christmas lights at Highland Park with her cousins, Trey and Lane. We attempted to see Arthur Christmas at the movie theater. Not a great idea with our wild man! But mostly we just enjoyed having Tim home and spending time together.

November

2012-01-05T14:22:00.003-06:00

I know it's not November anymore but I'm really behind on my blogging! No good excuses except the holidays kept us busy! These are pics from our Thanksgiving visit from Memaw and David. The kids LOVED playing with David. Bennett got to practice his wrestling moves on David and even though Reagan only gets to see him a couple of times each year, she still talks about David all the time.
Bennett and Memaw looking for bugs.
Tim and David playing at the park.

Cousins are the best!

Octoberrific

2011-10-22T13:34:00.007-05:00

We love the fall! Haven't posted in a while so there are several random things to post about. Our attempt to take pics with our pumpkins in the front yard. This is what happens when I tell Bennett to sit in Reagan's lap.

Reagan hugging her pumpkin

Love that sweet grin

Family outing to the park. We found a new park that Bennett can do pretty much everything without any help. So nice!

Reagan getting a little adventurous on what she calls "the spider web"

This week we had lots of playdates. Adeline and Reagan love playing dressup and wanted to take a picture with the little ones. I think Bennett has a crush on Ava. He follows her around the whole time they're at our house. And he's even smiling at her in the picture.

So, I let Michael play with knives just the once

Little kids at work!

Reagan and Brielle are busy fixing something.

Reagan was so excited about Rodeo Day at school yesterday. She was so excited to dress like a cowgirl.

Checkin out her hat

Reagan's buddy, Allison heading into school on Rodeo Day

Today we went to a little local farm to feed the animals and go on a hayride. Both kids were a little unsure about the animals. Tim's showing Reagan that there's nothing to be afraid of.

So proud of Bennett for feeding the cow!

Even if it did freak him out with it's long tongue! Poor guy!

This is as close to a goat that Reagan would get.

Then I bribed her with some fruit snacks. Yea Reagan!

Waiting for the hayride! So excited!

Our little family!

Me and my girl

First Haircut and Zoo

2011-09-17T13:33:00.003-05:00

We didn't want to cut Bennett's hair but he was starting to look shaggy. We took him to get his first haircut today and there just happened to be one of those frozen yogurt places right next door. He did really well for the first half but then started getting upset towards the end. But he survived and was so happy to get a balloon afterwards...his very favorite thing. Reagan was excited about the chocolate ice cream.

Not sure what to think yet. The lady was so sweet and was making all of these loud crazy noises.

Starting to get a little worried. Big crocodile tears!

Trying to be a big boy.

All done! He looks so different without the curls! Maybe they'll grow back...

It was a perfect day for the zoo. Me and a couple of my girlfriends took our kiddos to the zoo and it was not crowded, overcast, and perfect! We had a great day.

Great view of the cheetah

Allison, Reagan, and Alyssa on the turtle

Bennett was so happy I actually let him out of the stroller for a few minutes.

Beautiful girls!

Family trip to Build a Bear

2011-09-03T20:36:00.003-05:00

Nana got Reagan a Build A Bear gift certificate for her bday and we finally got to go use it tonight. She was so excited yet a little overwhelmed when we walked in. She thought the green panda was the funniest coolest thing there so that's what she chose. Apparently it's made of soy and they plant a tree if you buy him. So there's our contribution to the environment today.

This is Reagan and the bear she later named "Cody" before they stuffed him. She looks a little worried about what they're gonna do to him.

Cody being stuffed. Bennett thought it was pretty great too!

Cody all dressed and getting a big bear hug.

Had to take a picture of this. Reagan wanted to carry the box herself but there's not much room left for her in the stroller.

I guess I should explain this...on the car ride home we were discussing that today was Cody's bday. Reagan wanted to bake him a cake when we got home. Tim mysteriously stopped at the grocery store by our house on the way home and wouldn't tell us what he was going in for. He came out with a bday cake for Cody! Reagan was ecstatic. This is us singing Happy Birthday to Cody. Are we the cheesiest family or what?!

Shoes, yard work, and 1st day of school

2011-09-02T14:10:00.002-05:00

Bennett has an obsession with shoes...probably like most 18 month olds. He sorts through our shoe basket each day. The cool thing is he does usually match them up correctly! I can now tell him to go and get his shoes and he gets both of them and brings them to me. Now if I can just get him to fetch his clothes, diapers, drink...
Everytime Tim mows the yard the kids have to have a tractor ride with Daddy. They each get a turn driving. Reagan's actually getting pretty good! I wonder how old she'll be before Tim actually lets her mow the yard.

Today was Reagan's first day of Mother's Day Out. She was so excited! We are only sending her one day a week this semester. We think she will do great! It's me and Bennett that are going to be sad. She loves her new backpack and new tennies.

Bennett giving Sister a goodbye hug...so sweet.

Reagan and her sweet friend, Allison, are in the same class! They've been friends since they were babies and now they're so big and going to school together!

This is Reagan's teacher, Mrs. Amy. She is so sweet and Reagan really likes her.

2011-08-18T13:41:00.003-05:00

So we just started keeping Baby Michael. Bennett's learning how to be gentle and sweet to a newborn baby. Reagan is such a good helper. She wants to do everything for him. We stayed home the first 3 days so we could get used to each other. I was getting stir crazy so today we ventured out! We went to play group and it was a huge success! Everyone stayed happy the whole time!

Jan Walker is a very special lady at our church. She's an awesome seamstress and sews every new baby their own taggie when they're born. This is a picture for Jan. Each kid has a taggie that she made them. Several kiddos didn't make it into the picture. They were getting tired and hungry by that time!
Reagan feeding Michael a bottle. She got herself really comfey!

Bennett "reading" books. We're just now starting to trust him with books other than the cardboard kind!

This picture cracks me up! Reagan's favorite thing to do is see how much she can stuff into a basket, backpack, walmart sack, gift bag...you name it! She's constantly going around the house stuffing something. Today she was in the play room being really quiet for a long time. I didn't even bother to go in there cause what trouble could she be getting into in the play room??? Making a mountain of every toy she could find on the train table! THEN she insisted on climbing on top of the mountain. I had to take a picture.

Summer Randomness

2011-08-10T07:28:00.004-05:00

Just a week left of our summer and then Tim goes back to work! He's excited about his new job and the kids and I are excited about taking care of Baby Michael. We have kept busy but really haven't done anything worth blogging about. Here's what we've been doing...

Have you heard of planking? Teens around the country lay face down with their arms to their sides pretty much anywhere. Google it and you'll see pics of people planking in trees, on top of tvs, on the McDonald's counter. I don't know why I think it's so funny. Tom Green started it a few years ago. Anyway, Tim fell asleep and so me and the kids put his arms down by his sides and took pictures.

The kids walking the "Daddy plank". Actually Reagan walking the plank. Bennett just enjoyed sitting on Tim's head.

The family at the Dallas World Aquarium.

Reagan's 3rd Bday

2011-07-19T13:54:00.010-05:00

Our baby girl turned 3 this weekend! The past 3 years have seriously flown by. She is such a precious gift from God. We adore her and love watching her become a little lady. Her birthday party was supposed to be small but turned into a big birthday bash! Which was so fun because we love having people over but next year we will have to keep it small. Don't want her to expect that much every birthday! :) Poppy and Kitty were able to drive from New Orleans to help us celebrate.

Tim worked so hard on Reagan's very own splash kiddie car wash. It worked great and Reagan loved it.

My Lil Man is growing up! Maybe he'll play football like his big cousin, Lane.

The water slide was a hit too. Thanks, Dustin and Julie for letting us borrow it!!!

Zoe pushing Hunter on the swing. I'm so happy we have a sweet girl next door for future babysitting.

Reagan and Aubrey having fun on the tire swing

Bennett is showing us the grass on his feet. He loved walking through the kid wash too.

Marvalee organizing the 3 year olds for a game of whiffle ball.

Birthday Girl was so excited to get sung to.

Daddy passing out ice cream

SO excited about a My Little Pony

Kitty trying out the hoola hoop.

Reagan loves the new hat Belle's mommy made her

Can't believe she's old enough for a scooter!

The morning of her real birthday...she wanted pancakes with chocolate syrup, chocolate sprinkles, and whip cream.

We had to take the soccer goal apart 3 times before we got it right!

Love this picture of the Allen boys. Allen Baby, Allen JR, and Allen SR

2011-06-27T22:16:00.003-05:00

Yea for summer! I seriously can't believe it's the end of June. We have been having so much fun being lazy inside, swimming, the beach, play groups, and swimming some more. We love having Tim home!

Playing with Daddy's iphone

Swim lessons really paid off. We had so much fun swimming this weekend because Reagan isn't afraid of the water anymore.

I love this picture of Bennett and his daddy in the ocean.

and this one too

Reagan LOVED the beach. I knew she would play in the sand for hours. And that's just what she did.

Me and my honey

Brady, Reagan, and Peyton...my college roomie's 2 boys.

The moms and kids

My Dad

2011-06-19T15:17:00.008-05:00

Just a little post for my dad. I loved worshiping the Lord with him this morning. I can always tell when he really likes a song cause he'll always sing louder than usual. I love it. He loves my husband and loves my kids so much. When he goes to Whataburger he saves the ketchup pouches for me cause he knows it's my favorite. I think he'll always watch me back out of the driveway when I'm at his house. He would seriously do just about anything for me if I asked him to.

My favorite memory of my dad:
When Alisha and I were kids he would come home from work and sit down in his La-Z-Boy recliner. We would each take a boot and pull with all our might until it would come off. Then some nights we would play our favorite game...the Silly Putty Game! My dad would put the silly putty in a tight fist and my sister and I would do everything we could to get it out. It would be such a victory if we got just a pinch of silly putty. We still talk about the Silly Putty Game with fondness.

Hey! Maybe we can pass the Silly Putty Game on to Timmy and Reagan...but only if they promise to have as much fun as we did.

Love you, Daddy! Happy Father's Day!

Zoo Day

2011-05-26T14:51:00.002-05:00

Well, I have the sweetest future sister in law ever. My brother's girlfriend, Samantha, offered to go to the Dallas Zoo with me and all 4 kiddos today. It was the PERFECT day for it...the weather was awesome. We got there soon after they opened and stayed for almost 3 hours. The kids had so much fun and they were so good. Yea for the zoo!

Bennett loved the chicken! We fed it our animal crackers. Bennett was actually barking at it cause that's the only animal sound he knows how to do.

Reagan loves her Sammi. I didn't tell Sammi this but Reagan cried the whole way home after we dropped Sammi off at her house.

Seriously, Halle and Bennett adore each other. He's really going to miss her this summer. I told Schauna that she'll have to bring Halle to us every once in a while to play with Bennett.

We all look so happy...probably because we were! We had just eaten lunch so our bellies were all full.

The whole gang. Only half of us are looking at the camera. I think the jeep was much more interesting than the camera!

Play Group

2011-05-18T13:45:00.010-05:00

We hosted play group today. The weather cooperated somewhat and there was no bloodshed. So, I would say it was a successful day! There were 7 of us mommies and all our kids. They pretty much entertained themselves on the swingset and toys. They all played really hard...I bet they're sleeping really well right now as I type this!

Will finishing a goldfish.

Halle pushing Cashe in the Cozy Coupe.

Batter up! Reagan, Kaden, and Belle waiting for the ball.

Ava finds a frisbee

Adeline and Allison climbing the ladder.

Peekaboo!

Jennifer, our pitcher for the day.

Alyssa sliding down the slide

Adeline gives her sister a big hug!

Cashe filling up the tank for Harrison.

I think maybe Michelle and Susan see something concerning on the swingset?

Autumn and Kaimi enjoying the adult interaction.

Me and Stephanie...very old friends!

Adeline, Reagan, and Halle laughing on the hammock.

Bennett chillin in the pink chair...before he fell. :)

Ring around the rosies!

Michelle with Ava and Piper

Shiver me timbers

2011-05-11T13:08:00.000-05:00

Today was a very sad day. It was the last storytime at the library until next fall. They will be having a summer program, so Reagan and I will take advantage of that. But now we don't have anything fun to do on Wednesdays for the rest of the school year. Rockwall Library was done with Storytime 2 wks ago so we actually crashed the Rowlett Library today...just the next town over. It was a pirate theme and the kids LOVED it. Of course, no one payed attention to the stories but the songs and crafts were neat...and then at then end the lady came out with one of those parachutes and all the parents helped hold it while the kids jumped around in the middle...THEN she got out the bubble machine and every kid had Christmas morning smiles. It was great. So, we may be saying goodbye to the Rockwall Library. I'm all about being supportive of your own community but, c'mon! Talking parrots and parachutes and bubble machines??? Can't beat it.

One pirate on deck...loves Daddy's shoes

He always turns Reagan's art tray into his chair.

Pirate hug! Poor Halle got a pirate sandwich.

Pirate buddies

Reagan said she wanted to be the pirate princess...ugh...here we go...

Ay, Ay, Matey!

ARRRRRR!

I want to be like my mother

2011-05-05T14:12:00.007-05:00

Reagan and her Mimi at Reagan's 2nd birthday party.

This post is in honor of my mother for Mother's Day...a few days early, I know, but I've gotta blog when I've got the time.

I was at Walmart with all 4 kiddos this morning. I only went because we were desperate. We were completely out of milk and bread. They actually cried this morning when I gave them water for breakfast. So, off to walmart we went. I got everyone in the basket and my phone rang. It was my mom. She said, "I went by your house to bring you donuts but you weren't home. They're on your front porch." I felt really bad that we missed her and mad that we ate Great Value poptarts instead of enjoying delicious donuts. But just smiled because that's my mom. Always performing random acts of kindness for people. She's hands down one of the most giving and encouraging people I know. Donuts on my front porch is just a tiny example of her thoughtfulness. No matter how busy she is she always makes time for me.

Growing up, I knew my mom always loved me more than anyone else in the world. But I wasn't aware of how much until I held my baby girl in my arms. I continue to think when I hold my babies, "So this is how much my mom loves me." And still my love for my children grows everyday...I can't imagine what my heart will feel 30 years from now. Knowing that love makes me love my own mother even more.

Lately I'm having a rough time sacrificing my sleep for my kids. Bennett's been cutting 3 molars at one time. We. have. not. been. sleeping. I "slept" on his floor last night for over an hour. Reagan still wakes up each night to go potty. Not sure if it's now a really bad habit or if her bladder actually does wake her up...every single night. I know it's just a season but I'm not the happiest girl when I don't have at least 6 hours. I want to have a good attitude and embrace the night time but my self-sacrificing heart just isn't there. But I know my mom did it willingly. I want to be like her in so many other ways too.

I still remember the feeling I had after a really bad day at school...Holding back tears all day long. Then, the moment I saw my mom and she hugged me, everything was right in the world. I probably let all those tears come right then but she just gave me peace that no other person could. Now I get to be that comforter for my children. I feel like I fail each day. I want to be like my mother.

I was painfully shy when I was a kid. My friends at Harding helped me out of that but in high school I let my insecurities get the best of me. My mom was my best friend during those rough years. She always told me, "I'm your biggest cheerleader." And she really was. But not only did she cheer me on through high school, she prayed me through it as well. I know her prayers were answered because I survived high school and am now I'm married to a wonderful Christian man, have 2 beautiful healthy kids, and I live 6 miles from her and my dad...definitely an answered prayer that my mom prayed. ;) I want to pray for my children just like my mom prayed for us.

I love my daughter's face when she sees my mother. And Bennett's starting to get the same excited smile. She just a has a way with people. Not only children but everyone that meets her. I'm so proud to call her my mom. I want to be like her in so many ways.

Wacky Wednesday

2011-04-20T13:20:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I really have a lot that I need to be doing right now but writing was always good therapy for me and to share my crazy day will really help me feel better, I think. Wednesdays are library days. We go to storytime, hit Sonic for Wacky Wednesday (Wacky Packs are half price), and then take it to the park. I really look forward to Wednesdays and so do the kids. Well, we all got dressed and headed out, opened the door to discover that it was cold! Yesterday was 89 degrees. We were sad cause that meant no park. We were all in shorts and sandals and I wasn't about to go back inside and change everyone. Got to the library, got the double stroller, got the 2 little ones in the stroller and the 2 big ones holding onto the stroller, locked the door, closed the door, and then I realized...ah!!! My bag is still sitting in the passenger seat...with my keys...and my phone...and my library card...and snacks...and diapers and wipes...I have 4 kids and I'm stuck at the library by myself! Inside I'm freaking out but on the outside I'm calm and collected...smiling at everyone. The librarian directed me to the public phone in the lobby and while I'm trying to remember my Uncle Sam's number (who's a locksmith, lucky me!), my old high school friend who I haven't seen in years walks up. Lovely. I'm so frazzled and I'm dying to catch up, embarrassed about my situation. She finds me a smart phone and totally helps me out. Thank you Angel Kentopp! You really were an angel today! Well, My uncle said he would be there in 20 minutes. Oh, good. By the time we're out of storytime he'll be here. During storytime Bennett started to get antsy. I looked all in the stroller for something that entertain him for 10 minutes. I found a girl scout cookie in the zipper pouch that somebody had stuck in there a couple of days ago...and they only took a tiny bite! Yes, of course I gave it to him. And I didn't feel bad at all. I believe it was our manna from heaven. Well, remember how my uncle was supposed to be there when we got out of storytime? Wrong-O. He had to take my grandma to the eye doctor and was there with her while we sat in the lobby and greeted everyone that walked in the door. Lots of songs, games, bathroom and water breaks later, he comes to our rescue! The great news is that I didn't have to pay a dime...cause I'm family and all. But the bad news is when we finally got the kids in the car, I looked down in my seat and there was chocolate smeared all in the seat. Yeah, I had chocolate on my bobo. Everyone that saw me today had to think, "Poor girl, not only does she have 4 little children hanging out in the library lobby but she doesn't know that there's chocolate on her hiney."

More Spring Fun

2011-04-18T13:34:00.003-05:00

Spring time for us is all about Easter egg hunts, playing at the park, and eating fruit that's now in season. We've been eating lots of watermelon but I haven't taken any pictures of that yet. That will have to be my next post. Our neighborhood Easter egg hunt was a success! Reagan made out with lots of candy. In fact, almost everyone one of our pictures, Reagan is eating candy. And, if you notice...there is a little chubby hand reaching for one of her eggs. Look out! It's the Baby Easter Egg Bandit! This one shows you how windy it was! Reagan's hair was everywhere!

Aww...Bennett's sharing some grass.

Could not get them to look at me. I tried everything. Too interested in their eggs and candy.

My 3 favorite people in the world

Went to the park for play group today. It was a really pretty day for it!

Reagan and her friend, Brielle

This picture cracks me up...they would not look at the cameras...but you have to give them credit for sitting still for so long!

Poor Kaden! He was being so sweet and Bennett did not want his arm around him!

Proof that we don't just watch TV all day! :)

Easter Party

2011-04-15T13:39:00.007-05:00

So, we stay at home mommies put together an Easter Party for the little kids. I got everyone dressed and knew that they wouldn't stay that way for very long so I tried taking some pictures before we left to go to the party. I got a few keepers. :)

The Easter Party was "hoppin". Heh, heh

The 3 sweeties waiting for their sweets.

One more sweetie.

Tryin on the bunny ears...still not too cool yet...and I'm so glad! :)

Will, the birthday boy! One year old today! Happy Birthday, Will!!!

Michelle and Ava Jane

Bennett thought it was so funny everytime I tried to get him to put on the ears.

Kaden is the big brother Bennett will never have. He really takes good care of him.

Reagan giving Allison her classic strangle hug.

All the kiddos...except for Kaden cause he was in the boys room.

The babies...minus Will Happy Easter, Everyone!

Happy Birthday Bennett

2011-04-04T14:47:00.003-05:00

If you don't know our story, here it is. Our son, Bennett was born with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot. He had a hole in his heart and several other things wrong. We were told that if he didn't have surgery as an infant then he would eventually turn blue and suffocate. I know that sounds horrible but it was true and that's what we were afraid of happening the first 4 months of his little life. He had open heart surgery when he was 4 months old and came home from the hospital 6 nights later. Praise God! When his first birthday got closer and closer we learned that the It's My Heart CHD Walk was taking place...on his birthday! So, of course, we got the whole family together and a couple of friends and walked in honor of our precious baby that made it to a year old. Happy Birthday, Bennett!!! We love you and our so grateful for you everyday! Some of the family beginning the 2 mile walk. It was so touching to see so many people there for these little kids. Lane ran 3 more laps than everyone else! He loves his cousin! :)

Everett and his mommy, Jenny, drove all the way from Oklahoma to participate and help us celebrate.

Our birthday boy!

The mommy, Mimi, and Aunt Lisha

Reagan was showing off her dancing skills all morning!

Trey and Lane take good care of Bennett. They are so good at entertaining him!

Reagan had fun riding on Uncle Josh's shoulders. And she loves her Sammi!

All tuckered out...

More Birthday

2011-04-04T14:14:00.005-05:00

Our little family of four Go Team Bennett!!!

After the walk we came back and partied!

Bennett was very polite adn read the cards first before he opened the gifts.

Put my ragtop down so my hair can blow

I love this picture of all 3 girls wanting to help blow out his candle.

First taste of the cake...Mmm...I think he likes it.

Look Trey...I have messy fingers!

Daddy trying to help him eat his ice cream.

Just help yourself!

buy me some peanuts and cracker jack...and popcorn

2011-03-31T13:13:00.008-05:00

Did you know Bennett has 3 mommies these days? Reagan and Halle love helping take care of him. Bennett's favorite thing is for the girls to hold him and spin around in the rocking chair.

The boy just learned to crawl 6 weeks ago and he's already climbing stairs at Aunt Lisha's house and on top of the trampoline! This is after he already found his way up there.

Our favorite little pitcher! We got to watch Lane pitch his baseball game last Saturday.

Bennett loves his Aunt Lisha.

All the guys watching the ball game.

Lane on first base. Go, Laner!

Trey is so sweet to Reagan. He shared his cotton candy and let her sit in his chair with him...And even let her give him a kiss! She adores her cousins.

Movie Day! All 4 kiddos sitting together waiting for popcorn. Bennett couldn't eat popcorn so we just put some toys in his bucket instead.

Spring has sprung

2011-03-24T13:48:00.012-05:00

We are really enjoying the warm weather around here! We finally got a new camera so I can start posting pictures of my cute kids again! These are just us playing in the backyard. They will swing and swing and swing. We lead an exciting life, let me tell ya!

Our friends, Kaden and Halle...2 of Reagan and Bennett's favorite people.

Reagan's first kite. She did pretty good for a while. Then she let go and it ended up in the neighbor's yard.
Bennett puts everything in his mouth! Even dirt.

One of their favorite things is for their daddy to throw them in the air.
Goofy Mom!

2011-03-12T19:54:00.004-06:00

Woke up this beautiful Saturday morning at 6am to 2 starving children with cute little bedheads. Tim tried desperately to stay asleep while Reagan played peek-a-boo in the sheets...squeeling everytime she came up. Bennett's sweet "good morning mommy smile" when I picked him up from his crib. Powdered donuts and chocolate milk. A nice long shower where I actually had time to shave my legs! All because my wonderful husband watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with the kids...yes, our 11 month old watches tv. Saturday mornings are so much different for me and Tim these days but we wouldn't trade them for anything.

A thought came to me this afternoon during naptime. I plopped down on the bed for a minute to check my email. After a run to target, lunch out, laundry, dishes, picking up toys, I was pretty tired. I thought, "I can't wait for the day when I can say, 'I think I'll go get a pedicure.'" It's just not that easy right now to grab my keys and walk out of the house...not without actually planning something like that in advance. But do I really wish for that day?

Bennett turns a year old in 3 weeks. The days when my kids still want to snuggle with me are flying by. I read another mother's blog the other day. She was at Kroger with her 4 out of control kids. The very moment that she wanted to crawl under the shopping basket, an elderly woman approached her and said, "I would give anything to trade places with you." I may be that elderly lady one day wishing for these precious days back.

So, no matter how loud my 2 year old cries because she doesn't want me to mix her chocolate milk with white milk....Or how fast my 11 month old can crawl over to the ficus tree and grab a fistful of dirt out of the pot...or how high the pile of laundry can still grow after washing clothes all day...I still want to remember to be thankful for these priceless days. Days of flying kites, splashing in the tub, picnic lunches, ice cream cones, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and swingsets won't last forever.

My friend the Lysol can!

2011-02-22T13:49:00.003-06:00

This is the story of why I haven't blogged in quite a while. It won't hurt my feelings if you decide to skim or speed read because when I tell a story I usually include all the details...even the boring, unnecessary ones.
Okay, I'm not complaining because things could've been a whole lot worse but my kids have literally been sick since Christmas. We were all sick. Tim and I had a box of Kleenex sitting next to us Christmas morning while the kids opened their presents. It started with just colds and coughs...that never went away! So, we took them both into the doctor at the end of December and got some antibiotics, certain that that would take care of whatever sinus infection they both had. 10 days of medicine went by and they were still sick. We went BACK to the doctor and got MORE medicine. By January 23rd I was able to go a whole day without wiping a nose! However, the day of our last dose of cefdinir was the same day of our very first play group...that I was hosting. There were about 15 kids at our house and Reagan decided to get a fever. Not just a mild fever...it kept going up the longer the day went by. I had her quarantined in my bedroom watching TV until everyone went home. We took her to the doctor a 3rd time the next morning and she tested positive for flu type A. Yes, we all had our flu shots but for apparently the wrong strand. We started giving her Tamiflu and she got better 24 hours later...still runny nose and coughing...but didn't even act sick.
2 days later Bennett started running a fever, coughing, runny nose. So we started giving him the Tamiflu that the doc had prescribed for him in case he got the flu. Poor baby threw up for more than 2 days straight! He was miserable. Meanwhile, I start feeling like I'm getting a fever. So, I'm taking Tylenol and cleaning up puke and trying to sleep with a sick baby sleeping in between us. We were scared to death that he was going to end up in the hospital because of dehydration and I'm feeling like I got hit by a truck. The next morning Tim took Bennett into the doctor the 3rd day after he started feeling bad and my mom took me to my doctor. The roads were super icey but we all made it. Bennett tested negative for the flu and positive for...wait for it...RSV!!! The doctor was sure that he wasn't dehydrated yet and pretty sure that the Tamiflu was causing the puking. But you can't treat RSV with anything and the breathing treatments they did in the dr office didn't help. So, she just sent us on our way with nothing but the classic dr advice: "lots of liquids and rest". We stocked up on Pedialyte and nursed Bennett back to health.

I tested negative for strep and the flu so they gave me 2 shots. One in each hip. A steroid and an antibiotic. And 10 days of Cefdinir for me too...our family is very familiar with that drug now. I thought I would feel like super mommy after all of that but I still felt like poo. Bennett was feeling much better but the next night my fever got up to 102 point something and I won't embarrass myself by telling much about the crazy painful night I had (I almost had Tim take me to the ER. I couldn't breathe and my stomach hurt worse than labor pains...that I later found out was my colon freaking out). So, the next day Tim took Bennett in for a follow up and my mom took me back to the doctor. I tested postive for...wait for it...THE FLU! Too late to take Tamiflu but I got lots of goodies...an inhaler, some tiny pills for my cough, and stocked up on Musinex. Our kitchen sink seriously looked like a drug store. Well, I started feeling better and Reagan started coughing again. She was wheezing and couldn't finish a sentence without stopping to take a breath. We did a couple of breathing treatments at home but they didn't help. She coughed ALL NIGHT LONG. So, we took her into the doctor for the 3rd time. The pulse ox was reading 94 so the dr told us to go home and do breathing treatments every 2 hours and he put her on a Zpack. Let me just mention that Albuterol makes my daughter a nutty emotional basketcase. One minute she was running laps around the couch and the next minute she's bursting into tears about something as trivial as her poptart breaking in half...isn't it supposed to break the minute you take a bite? It was bedtime and she kept saying "I need to play! I need to play!" 2 days later we took her back to the dr and the pulse ox was reading even lower...low 90s. We were at the pediatrician's office for 2 and half hours that day trying to help her breathe and stop coughing. They eventually sent us to Children's hospital in Plano. They did tests and we found out she had pneumonia. They admitted her and put her on oxygen. Since this story is already way too long I won't go into as much detail. But I'll give you some...SHE HATED THE CANULA. They put it in that first evening. The poor girl did not stop crying until 12:30am. And even after that she woke up every half hour crying for me take it out. I just slept in the hospital bed with her and hugged her and told her I loved her. It was one of the worst nights of our lives. The next couple of days got better. She was exhausted from not getting any sleep at home from the coughing and then not getting any sleep at the hospital cause they came in and bugged her with vital checks, breathing treatments, or medicine every 20 minutes. After everything, we ended up staying in the hospital 3 nights and were kissing the carpet when we walked in our house. And Tim NEVER GOT SICK! Praise God for giving me a husband that took such good care of us. And My mom was such a blessing to have. She took care of Bennett when Tim and I were both at the hospital with Reagan. We are so thankful for all our friends and family praying for us and were very encouraged by all the phonecalls and emails and facebook posts. WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR HEALTHY CHILDREN. And I'm ready for flu season to be over and spring to get here quick. I have lysoled every inch of my house and washed rugs and sheets and blankets and stuffed animals and anything else I thought I could stick in the washer. I think we can finally get back to normal and enjoy life!

Bring it on 2011

2011-01-07T13:48:00.003-06:00

New Year's Day I sat down and made a timeline of all the big things the Allen family has been through and accomplished this year. That night Tim and I sat down to look at it and we decided that we're still recovering from 2010! The biggies were: selling our house, learning our unborn baby has a heart defect, moving to an apartment, quiting my job, Bennett being born, Bennett's open heart surgery, building our new house and moving in, and the year ending with Timmy's aunt passing away. Not to mention the weekly doctor's appts and major family drama that my family would not appreciate me posting. But the wonderful thing is after all of that Tim and I are still here and the Lord helped us through it all. We made it through 2010 so I know we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! We have 2 beautiful healthy kids, a great house, and Tim's aunt accepted Christ just months before going home. So, all I can say is BRING IT ON 2011!

Sorry...no pictures

2011-01-07T13:35:00.003-06:00

Haven't posted in a while because my favorite thing to post is pictures and our camera broke right before Christmas. Still trying to pick out the perfect camera...so I will post new pics soon. But just wanted to share something I wrote right before Christmas. One morning my kiddos we're sleeping late (past 7am) and I had some extra me-time. I could add more to the list now that a few weeks have gone by since I wrote it!

MOMMY QUESTIONS:
Questions I’ve had to ask in the past 6 weeks…as a result of mommyhood.
1. When was the last time we ate corn?! Oh, yeah…a couple of weeks ago. The last time I swept this good under the kitchen table.
2. Which sweatpants should I wear today? The blue ones, the gray ones, or the other gray ones?
3. Do you want me to help you clean that up?
(after knocking over a jewelry display in Brighton with the double stroller)
4. How do I explain to my 2 year old that it’s not such a good idea to take off her panties and then ride around the house on her stick horse?
5. Did I brush my teeth today?
(usually asked a few times a week, unfortunately)
6. How did that get there?!
(referring to many items recently…tortellini in shoes, dirty socks wadded up under the Christmas tree, Mr. Lamb inside the stepstool, milk cups in various hiding places…those being the least fun to find)
7. Do you need to potty? Do have to go tee tee? Do you have to poop? Where did you tee tee? Can you show me the spot so I can clean it up?
8. Can you come and play today?
(a question to other mommies that I haven’t asked since I was 8)
9. Should I eat the rest of that donut hole…it looks like she only ate on one side of it?
10. What’s the Mullis’ house number again?!
(after knocking on the WRONG door…with a baby gift and a sack of food in my hand)
11. Should I ask that man to hold my baby while I save my daughter up at the top of the ChickFilA tunnel? Or should I ask HIM to go get my crying child from the VERY TOP?
12. Did anyone see me pick up that paci off the ground and stick it back in my baby’s mouth?
13. Did anyone see me wipe his nose with the bottom of my shirt?
14. Did anyone just see me chase my laughing child up and down the library aisles…and hear my angry loud whisper “DO YOU WANT A SPANKING?!”
15. Is it naptime yet???!!!
16. Do I need to apologize for losing my patience just then?
17. How does my daughter forgive me and forget so easily?
18. Does she notice when I get frustrated with silly things too?
19. How do I teach my kids to be kind even when they don’t want to be?
20. Do I talk to my little girl enough about Jesus?
21. Is Christmas going to be more about Santa and the presents or about Christ’s birthday for her?

Visit with old friends

2010-11-22T14:29:00.004-06:00

Me and my 2 college roomies all grown up!
Rachel and Travis

The Lane kiddos

I actually love this goofy family picture...couldn't get a good one of all 4 of us all weekend! Bennett's the only one that looks good! :)

Bennett getting tired of all the pictures!

My happy boy and his sweet big sister

Brady and Peyton...sweet boys

Seeber Family

Me and my girl at the boat docks

Visit with old friends

2010-11-22T13:57:00.004-06:00

Two of my roommates from Harding came to visit with their families this weekend. We had lots of laughs and fun. Can't believe we're all grown up with families and jobs and mortgages!

Reagan and Cade looking at the lake.

Tim, Dwayne, and Travis

The kids actually organized their own game of "roll the ball"

Lexi, Reagan, MaKenna, Peyton, Brady, and Cade by the fountain

Dallas Aquarium

2010-11-22T13:45:00.002-06:00

Went to the Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park a couple of Fridays ago. Had so much fun! We got to feed the sting rays and would have gotten to see them feed the sharks too but that was in the afternoon. We saw all kinds of animals including: eels, sharks, stingrays, a handicapped sea turtle, lots of fish, and alligators. Reagan was scared of mostly everything for some reason. The stingrays freaked her out when we were petting them and the she just never recovered. But the rest of us had a great time! :)

Adeline and Reagan playing in the octopus arms.
Me and my 2 sweeties in front of the alligators.

Girls in front of the sting ray tank.

Super scared of the huge turtle looking at her. There is glass between them but I don't think that made her feel any better!

Reagan and Bennett with the stingrays.

Harding!

2010-11-09T14:41:00.006-06:00

Jake, Tim, and Adam on the Harding campus
The Girls

I love this picture of us girls one of the Harding swings.

Me and Bennett at Berryhill Park

My sweet and smiley boy

Jake McCathran and Reagan...do I see a future? I wouldn't have any problem with that!

All of the gang...except Ty and Grace cause they were taking the picture.

Just arriving on campus. Under the old Harding sign.

Me and Shannon on the swing.

The Allen's sitting at the Lily Pool...not the greatest family pic...oh well!

Lenora and Reagan...future Harding roomies I hope!

Julie and Reagan playing princesses...another Harding roomie I hope!

Reagan and her daddy sitting in front of the student center. Love how she's looking at him like he hung the moon!

Our Little Halloweenies

2010-11-01T20:31:00.003-05:00

Tinker Bell admiring her shadow.
Our Peter Pan cutie!

Bennett must see something spooky!

Reagan's loot after a successful night of trick or treating.

Aww...Tink loves her Peter Pan.

Enjoying some fresh air before the big night.

Headed to Trunk or Treat!

Pumpkin Party

2010-10-16T22:41:00.002-05:00

Greg and Tim competing in the Spooky Haunted House decorating contest.

Having fun carving pumpkins...

Pumpkin Party

2010-10-16T22:36:00.002-05:00

Lots of fun carving pumpkins tonight!

Day at the park

2010-10-16T16:34:00.004-05:00

"He's eating my hand!" Reagan said.

Reagan giving Bennett a big hug!

Our pretty girl

And our handsome boy

Just chillin in the sunshine for a bit.

I have to mention...the reason we went to the park in the first place is because JCPenney called when we were walking out the door to get our pictures made. They said their camera was broken and that they were backed up for hours. I wanted to say, "Do you know how cute my kids look right now?! And how hard it was to get us all ready in time?!" So, we decided to go to the park and take our own pictures. :)

Sittin Handsome

2010-10-15T07:31:00.007-05:00

Bennett started sitting up by himself this week so well! Here's a cute one of him playing with pumpkins.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-11T13:33:00.004-05:00

I want that one way back there!

Reagan helping Timmy push the pumpkins.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-11T13:21:00.005-05:00

Reagan helping her daddy put the pumpkins in the wheelbarrow.

Bennet hanging out with Pepaw.

Reagan and Mimi picking out the perfect pumpkin to take home.

Could not get them to look at the camera! Too interested in the hay! But so sweet sitting together!

Two tiny pumpkins!

Happy Friday!

2010-10-08T13:59:00.005-05:00

Adeline got to come and play today. Reagan and Addie wanted to go higher and higher on the tire swing. Kaden loves his blue swing and swang at just the right time to be in the picture too!

Me and the kids got to hang out with their Mimi, Pepaw, and Uncle Josh last night. We had lots of fun eating and playing pretty much the whole time!

Bennett finally rolled over yesterday! I was starting to worry since he already had his 6 month birthday last week. But he just did it when he was ready...twice! I missed it the first time cause I was painting Reagan's toenails while he played on the floor. Reagan and I looked over at him and he was on his belly! The second time I caught him. I got a picture of him and his proud smile.

Goofin Off

2010-10-06T14:01:00.004-05:00

We are so blessed to have Kaden and Halle spend each day with us! It is never boring at the Allen house! These pictures are just the kids being cute and sweet. I couldn't believe I got all 4 of them to sit/lay still long enough for me to take a picture!

2010-10-04T13:36:00.005-05:00

Bennett's still trying to roll over. His big sister, Reagan, loves showing him how!

Sleepover with Trey and Lane

2010-10-01T20:50:00.004-05:00

Reagan's cousins, Trey and Lane, spent the night last night. We had tons of fun playing on the playground and then movie night with popcorn and chocolate milk.

On the belly

2010-10-01T15:28:00.006-05:00

Bennett doin his tummy time. We couldn't put him on his tummy for about 8 weeks after his surgery so he's having to get used to it all over again. He wasn't crying so I snapped a picture really quick! I can't believe how big he's getting!

Great White Hunter

2007-10-03T22:26:00.000-05:00

So we have not been in our home long at all and already I have been bitten by more things than during any number of Knights retreats back in the day. And I found out that while I am mildly allergic to red wasp stings I am not apparently allergic to a scorpion sting. I figure I might as well beat my wife to the punch with both stories, at least so the true account gets out. The wasp incident happened after about four days of buffing our concrete floors (beating). I was somewhat delirious and so when I saw the wasp I did not have enough energy to go get something to kill it with. So I use what was handy...some plastic. Yup, I missed and he got me. My finger blew up and wouldn't bend for a week. Awesome. He flew away but I killed at least one of his cousins. I think his name was Philippe.

The scorpion incident was not really my fault. My wife spied the critter in the living room, I patiently waited for him to climb onto the newly buffed concrete, for a better squash of course. Unfortunately I had on my 8-year-old Old Navy flip-flops that are pretty much the hardiness of a sponge. I got him good, but all I did was make him mad and when I lifted my foot he got me. But then I smashed him with a coaster. But to my defense, I believe he was a ninja scorpion.

Anyone have Terminex' number?

Movin' on up

2007-10-03T22:21:00.000-05:00

Amanda and I are in our new home finally, and we are thrilled to be so. There are still a bunch of little things to do, but we are in. And we actually have a working phone now. In fact, we just plugged our phone in today and we have already won a trip to the number one vacation resort in Cancun. Awesome. If you want our new contact info you can email me (timallenjr@hotmail.com). Website (www.allenbungalow.com) updates to be coming soon.

2 weeks?

2007-08-18T15:22:00.000-05:00

We should be in our house in 2 weeks or less (www.allenbungalow.com). We will see...

(House Key)

Stone Fiasco

2007-08-18T15:12:00.000-05:00

This is the pictue of the stone that we told the brick/stone company that we wanted. We sent them pictures, gave them a CD, and they went out to confirm what type it is in person. As you can see, it is a mix of browns, creams, and tans.

This is a picture of our home. Obviously this stone is much darker and heavy in the colors of grey and gold.

We went back and forth with the stone company and originally they agreed to rip it down and bring in the right stone. Then they took back the offer. They hid behind "natural variance" in the stone (which is true, by the way, but this goes beyond that, it is a deviation, as our mortgage lender, described). They also said we waited too long to tell them (two days too late apparently). They offered some money and stone, but it would still have cost us thousands of dollars to change it. We don't hate it, don't think it is hideous, but it is not what we wanted. It was bad for a few weeks but we have peace about it now. Further action is not likely because of the lengthy and costly process to do anything about it. I will talk more about that at the end of the process where I share my wisdom I have accrued though this process in my "Ten Things you need to Know to not go Crazy when Building a house".

Rain, rain, go away...

2007-07-05T17:00:00.000-05:00

As some of you may or may not know if you are not from Texas, our area has been in a long, difficult drought. Now it has not stopped raining for weeks. So, we are very thankful for the rain, but we are running out of inside things to do to the house. We cannot brick/stone when it is raining, so every day it rains puts our move-in date a few weeks away, so we are hoping for a break now that water levels are above normal level. Good times...

Leave your comments here...

2007-05-16T22:54:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the Allen Bungalow blog, a place to share your thoughts on all the Allen Bungalow happenings. Just click on the comments link below to post and/or read posts. If you are not a blogspot member, you can either become one or just click "Other" when you leave your comment and put in your name...

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