Anniversary Program

A few pictures from our school program.
Parker's class preformed 5 Little Flowers.

The anniversary programs are always adorable!

BIG Kodak moments! (I will upload the video soon. )









Kate, Jacob, Parker, Jannick, Presley


"There are clouds in the sky!"

My class (2 year olds) preformed The Little Green Frog

One child decided that it was to overwhelming to go on the stage, and one child hid down low during the song and popped up at the very end!

It can be pretty overwhelming to preform for over 300 people. :)

Healing Well

After our Dr. Apt today the doctor felt good about Paxson's leg. He was happy with the way that Paxson was walking and the Xrays looked good. We went back on Wednesday for more observations and again he was happy with the healing process. We are going back on Monday for him to do some observations. Then we will have break for a little while. We have so much faith in our pediatrician and feel so fortunate to have him in our sons lives. He is the best!

Still Healing

Well we go tomorrow for another set of Xrays. I am anxious to see the healing process. It was a pretty frustrating week for him. His little temper sure came out a lot this week. Bless his heart he is so frustrated. He hurts and doesn't know why. He started walking (limping) a little on Tuesday, which scared me because I did not want him to make anything worse. But I was assured by the doctors that it would be okay. He is walking around more and last night actually had a decent night, we did start our morning at 4:50 but hey I got 5 straight hours of sleep before that and all moms know how wonderful straight uninterrupted sleep is!



Jeremiah 30:17

"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the LORD.

Worn Out

Worn out after a day of visiting Meme & Dandy!
They were both fast asleep before I got out of town.

I spent the day CLEANING while Parker & Paxson spent the day with grandparents. I was talking on the phone the other day with a friend (who has 2 little girls close to Parker & Paxson) and we both agreed.....we give up. I used to go crazy trying to keep things picked up and I would go in circles. Paxson pulls the books off the shelf just as I put them back on he thinks it's a game...And Parker well he likes to be creative. (hmmm) You never know what you will stumble on to. He is really into making traps right now (he uses ribbon and tape to make traps all over the house they usually go from his room across the whole house to my room it can be dangerous). So imagine books, toys, balls, GI JOES, trucks, and traps everywhere, now you are imagining my house! LOL .........Why pick things up they are just going to be dragged out again and again. Just go ahead and leave it, live life! I give all moms permission to leave your house messy. Then when company is coming rather than try to hurry and clean, simply apologize for the mess! Just explain that you live in your home. :)

( Let's see how this really works. hahah)

Toddler Tumbles

Nothing is worse than your babies hurting! I have said time and time again (as I know anyone with children has said the same) , please take the pain away from them and give it to me. I would rather take the pain 10X more, than know my little ones are hurting. I can't even begin to imagine how God must feel. Our lives seem to stop when Parker or Paxson are sick or hurting. Can you fathom feeling the pain of the whole world! Just another example of his Awesome Love!

...Short story Pasxon got hurt at the park and has a stress fracture in his left tibia. He is doing very well, he has a very high pain tolerance so it isn't slowing him down to much. Children are so resilient it is amazing to me how quickly they can recover from some things. We are trying to take things a little slow but he is still wanting to do everything he did before. We go in a week for another set of Xrays.

Skills

Video of Parker Dribbling (just in case .............press the little triangle to play )

(The quality isn't that great, it is from my phone and it is old and has lived a very abused life...more to come on that story!)

Parker loves playing basketball with his big goal. He has even made shots (all by himself) using a smaller ball. He is so proud! Paxson watches big brother in awww! He plays basketball with the little goal. He gets mad when I lower it to make it easier for him. He screams, then I raise it back to the higher position and he is happy. (Not really sure where his temper came from.....Allen side of the family maybe.... LOL) Paxson has a video playing basketball that I will post shortly!

Easter treats for friends

We made chocolate covered Oreos for friends at school. I wanted to do something a little different and I saw these in one of my magazines. They turned out so cute and were very very simple. I used craft sticks to make them look like lollipops. I think it might help to put a little melted chocolate inside next time to help hold them together. They stayed together well, but I think the chocolate would be extra support. I used colored frosting for the poka dots. You could also use sprinkles.

Parker Choices...

I decided this year Parker was mature enough to handle the responsibility of dressing himself.


We agree that for Church, pictures, and other special events that Mommy may help influence his clothes decisions. But as far as for everyday dressing Parker chooses. It has been very interesting. I don't want to lose these opportunities to teach independence and self confidence. Sometimes it can be a little impractical yet, it always brings smiles to my face. I want him to always have pride and feel comfortable being Parker. Every now and then I capture his choices with photos to always remember these special times. Here are a few of his latest choices. Needless to say when we go places other than school where people know us, we provide strangers with many smiles and sounds of laughter. It is very rare for us not to receive a comment/compliment from someone. Can't help but smile!


We often wear goggles, glovies (latex gloves from the Dr. office), motorcycle boots, various masks everywhere we go!

Hearing His Plan...

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Wow I honestly don't know where to begin. My mind has been filled with possibilities, scenarios, opportunities, trepidations, prospects, and apparition for the past few weeks. I wish I had a box to label and store each thought. Simply pack my thoughts into their coordinating box and put them away. It is all to easy to be single minded and stay focused on on these "stressers". However by doing so I am missing out on experiencing the joys of right here and now. I realize I am not in control but how easy it is for me to forget and try to be in command. Once again I am reminded (by a friend who probably isn't even aware of the power of her influence) I can turn it all over! I can simply pack my thoughts and worries away. JESUS is standing by waiting for me to ask, for me to say I need help. Why is it so easy to get distracted and forget and try to do things all alone? Isn't it an amazing feeling to know that he has a plan. That we are constantly being watched over. He knows what is best for us and all we have have to do is call upon him and he is more than ready and willing to lead us down a paramount path. I pray for guidance, knowledge, and the ability to truly hear his plan!


I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:81


"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Luke 11:9-10

Easter Treats

I have never claimed to be a good cook. As Casey says on a regular basis, "I didn't marry you for your cooking skills", I can claim to be a good baker. I love to bake cookies, muffins, cakes, bread, any yummy sweets! I wanted to share a few yummy Easter treats that we have been making!

Peeps Smores

They were so bright and easy to make and lots of fun to eat. The boys mostly enjoyed taking them apart. However, I thoroughly enjoyed eating them I ate one of each color.





Cadbury Egg Muffins
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 butter melted and(cooled)
1 tsp. vanilla, 1-2 1/2 milk
12 mini Cadbury eggs



Preheat oven to 350. Line muffins tin.
Large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt
Small mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla until smooth, whisk in milk.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined and not streaks of flour remain. Evenly distribute muffin batter into muffin tin. Place 1 mini Cadburry creme egg in the center of each muffin. Bake 14-16 minutes, until the top of the muffin springs back when lightly pressed and the edges are a light gold. Cool on wire rack.

**The pictures don't do justice. These were very good, something different and special for Easter.**

Fun Website....

In the weee hours of the night, while everyone is alseep and I have some pure MOMMY time, I enjoy "surfing" the internet seeing what I can find. Recently I came across this website PhotoFunia. It is great, fun to play around with and see you what you can create. I did check the box so that my photos would not be posted to their "faces" section so you may want to check into that. I posted a few that I created. :)

Super Powers....

Here at the Allen house , you should never fear because Super Heroes are always here! You never know who is going to greet you at the door, fly from the kitchen table, jump from the top of a closet, spin a web from the kitchen counter, or jump from the back of the couch. All to save the day!!! Our latest Super Hero fascination is Wolverine (thanks to Gigi). I have a great appreciaton for watching children engage in creative and imaginative play! As adults wouldn't it be nice to let go of our inhibitions and feel free to pretend! Play is the base of everything for children and look how happy they are. I pray for the ability to feel free to let go, and purely pretend everyday! (At least a little bit everyday)

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.(Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)

Flawless Procedure

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.Philippians 4:5

His presences was certainly with us today! Paxson did extremely well. We were home by 9:40! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Paxson Prayers

Paxson will go at 6:30 tomorrow morning to Kell West to have bilateral myringotomy (ear tubes surgery). Allowing your child to have general anesthesia is a terrifying feeling. He will only be a sleep for aprrox. 10-15 minutes but it is still incredibly unsettling. Parker also had the surgery so we are familiar with the process however the fears and anxiety are still extremely intimidating.

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? (Psalms 56:3-4)

The surgery was a success for Parker he only had one more ear infection after the tubes and they stayed in until around his 2nd birthday and we have only had one ear infection since. I previously said that if Paxson had ear infections like Parker that I wouldn't wait as long to have the surgery. It is to hard on their little bodies to be on antibiotics (the pro biotic drinks only help so much) plus they are so painful. So we are praying for a gentle procedure, highly qualified anthesialogist, and overall successful outcome.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6),

Simplicity

I was recently reading a friends blog and she was talking about her father. She reflected on how he lived his life. The word SIMPLE sums it all up. Her words really got me thinking. At a time in our lives when our family may be facing some transitions to think of the word SIMPLE really helps. It is all to easy to get wrapped up in the latest Ed Hardy t-shirt, new spring line from Mini Boden or Wonder Boy, or the latest designs from Coach. It is easy to focus on the material things in society what kind of car you drive, or the house you live in. I know that these things are not what life is all about, but how easy it is for me to forget and get side tracked from God's plan and purpose for creation. I realize how fortunate we are and yet there are times I sway and still think about wanting more. That is when God sends a message and brings me back to what life is really all about. Today I received and email from friend it was a poem called The Dash. It humbled me once again and helped me to reflect on what is truly important in life. Our family is in the midst of making some complex decisions and and I am grateful to know that we are in Gods hands and he has a plan. We SIMPLY have to listen and follow! A link to the poem: http://www.dash-movie.com/




This is what it is really about!

(nap time hahaha)

Sam I Am

Parkers Preschool Class celebrating
Dr. Suess's Birthday

They concluded their week by having a pajama party and making

green eggs and ham!

Parker's friend Kate

Cooking in the kitchen classroom.

Parker's friend John

Parker's friend Presley

I feel so fortunate to have found School for Little People! We were truly led to this wonderful place. It has been such a blessing to our family!

Daddy's Boots

Every mom knows how difficult it is to save everything your children create. I already have boxes of crafts, art work , and projects. It's difficult to decide what to keep and what to let go. I also feel the same way about clothes, shoes, toys, blankets, baby memorabilia, etc. I don't ever want to regret letting something go. My mother in law has really made an impression on me. She has kept so many things from when Casey was a little boy, and now Parker and Paxson are able to wear, play, and explore things that were daddy's when he was a little guy just like them. Parker loves wearing daddy's Dallas Cowboy shirt and playing with daddy's GI Joes and Paxson has reached the age where he can now wear daddy's boots and chew on daddy's GI Joes.

Paxson 14 months

Parker 17 months

March Madness....

What a game (OSU and Pitt just in case anyone isn't familiar with the best team in whole wide world ..OSU) , wish it had turned out a little different. The Cowboys held in there and almost had a big upset. It was a tense few hours here at the Allen house. Watching games at home is a little different now with two little guys around. Daddy can't simply sit back and relax. In between plays he is busy shooting baskets (inside and outside), playing GI Joe, Spiderman, Power Rangers, wrestling, and much more. Not to mention if someone misses a free throw well, lets just say daddy is developing a whole new language when watching ball games on TV. We have long said good bye to the days of sitting back having a snack and cold beverage while enjoying watching a game.

Yet, neither of us would trade a second of it!

Spring Break at the Zoo

Upon returning from Quartz Mountain we decided we were not ready for Spring break to end so we dropped Lizzie off at home, got a good nights rest and head to OKC. We are Zoo members and have visited the Zoo many many times the last few years. So we thought no big deal, this will be an easy fun trip. We also love the Cheesecake Factory so we wanted to eat lunch there prior to going to the zoo. We tried to make the timing work just right so Paxson was ready for a nice sit down lunch sometimes he is great and sometimes he has other plans and lets you know!!! We got to the Cheesecake Factory and there was no wait, unbelievable, everything is going great. Nice lunch, wonderful food, I even had a coupon for free cheesecake, what a deal and Paxson was a trooper.

Then we headed to the zoo. As we got closer to the zoo they were directing traffic, hmmmm never seen them do that before. Then as we got even closer and we realized that we were going to have to park in Remington, then as we drove across the street to Remington we had to drive way to the back, Casey and I both looked at each other. However, we knew that there was no turning back now, we had a 3 year old in the car waiting to go to the zoo. Needless to say the Zoo was packed , people were waiting in lines everywhere. It was absolutely crazy. It was a short visit to the zoo but the boys enjoyed the time there. We will be back soon and stay longer we love the zoo but enjoy it more when there are less people. We did learn to never try to go to the zoo on spring break.

Parker Moments: 3/21/09

Parker came running into his room and grabbed his goggles and took off running. I was unloading the dishwasher and getting Paxson a drink so I thought I will go check and see what is going on in just a few minutes. Well, by the time I made to where Parker was I could hear water, I walked into my bathroom and he is kicking & swimming away in the bath tub. (Goggles and flippers included). He also has his fishing poll and was casting it out into my bedroom trying to catch fish. He had set frogs all around the tub and told me he was fishing in the ocean. I just asked him to please invite me to go with him next time that it isn't safe to go fishing in the ocean all alone.

Paxson Moments: 3/21/09

Paxson had is first Oreo today. I love to watch little ones eat something for the first time, especially things so yummy. You never know what to expect. He wasn't to excited at first but once he got a little taste he wanted more. He broke it apart and licked the icing, then Parker tried to hand him a piece that he had dropped and he screamed and let Parker know that he was definitely not sharing his Oreo. Parker was a good sport he just laughed.

Here we go...

This is my first attempt at blogging. It is something I have thought about doing for sometime. I simply have not tackled the task. It's nothing fancy but hopefully will improve as I learn things. I have many friends and family members that are very "computer savvy" and their blogs are very impressive. I may seek assistance as I gain courage (and time) and try to "perk up" the site. For now it will offer family and friends a fun way to stay in touch and see what our family is doing. I hope you enjoy it.


Parker Moments: 3/19/09
Earlier today Parker was sitting at the table having a snack. I was in the kitchen cleaning and he said "you know what mom", I replied what he said "you know some of my friends at school don't even know who Obama is." I asked him more about the conversation. He said "I was talking about our new President Obama and they just kept saying o bomb o bomb and running around", I said hmmmm he then shared "that's not very good is it mom".

Paxson Moments: 3/19/09
Paxson loves basketball! He sits and shoots, stands and shoots and even tries to dribble. He watches big brother in ahhhh. He loves when daddy holds him up outside at the big goal to make slam dunk. He is very determined to make a basket all on his own, he will let you know when he doesn't want any help!