We got Pictures.....Go Pokes

We went for a quick overnight trip to Oklahoma to see family, visit friends, and CELEBRATE OSU!!! It was OSU's annual alumni appreciation celebration and after experiencing last year's fun and excitement we wouldn't consider missing it. We opted out of some of the autographs sessions. It's a little challenging to stand in line for hours for a three year old (for a 33 year old also)! The field activities were awesome. Parker proudly enjoyed every minute. To top off our evening the football players came down on the field and we were able to get photos! Parker was completely overwhelmed with excitement!!!

Look who Parker is giving "five" to...
(Kendall hunter)

When we arrived in Perkins the town was hosting a FREE family fun day. They served FREE hot dogs , hamburgers, chips, fruit, and water. They set up booths and activities for the children to visit. They also provided tons of wodnerful FREE "giveways". The most exciting events were the bounce houses and "face painting/ tattooing".

Parker getting his "tattoo"

Parker's tattoo----- a lion (a very difficult decision)

Parker going down the first water bounce house!

Parker & Gigi enjoying our FREE yummy lunch!

Me & Paxson enjoying our FREE yummy Cheetos!


OSU

Waiting outside T.Boone Pickens Stadium

Aunt Kas Kas and Parker discussing what they are going to do when they get inside!







The festivities

Parker with Kye Staley, Hubert Anyiam, Taylor Sokolosky............He was so so so PROUD! He said "you know why they wanted to pick me up mom, because they thought I was soooooo cool!!!!!" Priceless moment....I'm not sure they have any ideal how much these little guys already look up to them. So nice of them to take the time to come on the field.
Absolutely can not wait til Sept. 5th!!!!!

After the celebrations at the field we went to YOST Lake to visit a a very dear friend and her two Precious Grown up boys. It was a step back in time. More to come very soon, I think I have already made this post long enough...

Operation Nice..

I wanted to give you a little information about the recent tab posted on our blog. I came across an incredible site called Operation Nice. It is such a an interesting site. It reminded me of some of the ways my family showed/shows one another how much we love one another. I encourage each of you to visit the site and hopefully enjoy the ideas and incorporate them into your life.
A blurb about the site.

"Don't you love it when people go out of their way to be nice? Like when someone waits to hold the door for you. Or when a stranger waves you into a line a traffic. Or even when a coworker shoots you a friendly smile along with a "have a nice day." If everyone was a little bit nicer to the folks they encountered each day, perhaps the world would be a more pleasant place. Operation NICE was initiated to remind you that a little NICE goes a long way."

Who are you?...

The other day I was listening to KLOVE. They were asking the question. "Who are you?" I was completely amazed by the remarkable responses. I am a saint. I am a child of God. I am a Believer. I am forgiven. I am reborn. I am loved by Christ. I am redeemed. Their honest initial responses. Very thought provoking!

It really made me reflect. If I was asked that question, my honest initial response would be.... A Mother, A Wife, A Daughter.... My response was more detached from theirs. I could help but wonder how would others describe me. Then I began thinking do I "wear" my beliefs. Is it evident and apparent to others that I love God, that I believe Jesus died for me. My thoughts genuinely depressed me. I don't believe that I show my love for God enough! I want others to sense his presence within me. I do believe others view me as a loving, caring, devoted mother, wife, and daughter. Yet, I'm not so sure if others perceive me as strong devoted Christian. I am reminded on a daily basis how fortunate I am. I look at my boys and thank God for bringing Casey into my life and allowing us the opportunity to create Parker and Paxson.

I suppose KLOVE did it again, my personal prayer and goal is to shine with his LOVE! I want it to be apparent and evident to everyone I meet that Jesus is my Savior and I am devoted to him. I am grateful to him and he makes all things possible.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Romans 12:11

They repeat eveything...

Okay I have to apologize in advance for this story. Actually I am a little embarrassed well really it is quite embarrassing. However, it is to funny not to share. And I believe laughter has a powerful, positive and lasting impact. I also believe God has a sense of humor and intends for us to laugh daily! Everyone says inappropriate words sometimes. Casey and Parker play a game and whenever daddy accidentally slips and says something that he shouldn't Parker gets to slap his hand. Well here it goes... Prepare to laugh... The story that follows can be a typical day with the Allen household...

Most of you know that Paxson prefers to be "nakey". Therefore, if we are home his desires are usually fullfilled. Normally at any given time he is without clothes. However he also detests wearing diapers. He will NOT keep them on. I have resorted to using tape to tape the tabs down. He has mastered removing Scotch tape so now I am using packing tape to tape the tabs down so he can not remove his diaper at his own free will. He thinks it's so funny when I am changing him to get up and run away. It is a game of chase. He usually wins for a little while and gets to run around "nakey" with NO diaper. The other day we came from swimming and I took Paxson's swim diaper off. He was running around loving be FREE. I got distracted and started doing something and Paxson and Parker were playing in their playroom. All of a sudden Parker yelled "SH#@"!!! Casey and I looked at each other in disbelief. Casey asked him "WHAT did you say" he replied "I said poop!!! Paxson has poop on his bottom...and there is poo poo on the floor." Casey and I looked at each other and smiled... he was right and I totally understand the intensity and repugnance in his voice. Honestly, I'm not sure if there was a better word for him to use at that moment.

Please pardon the crude humor.....Hopefully it provided a laugh or two..........

Tip Toe Angel...

About a month ago Paxson started tip toeing everywhere. In the beginning he mostly tip toed when he was dancing. It has now become his favorite way to move around. It is so cute to watch! Casey says it will help his jump as he gets older. (haha--Already planning) I tried to capture a few images but he is very quick. Paxson and I woke a little early this morning and we played around and let Daddy and Parker sleep in a little. I thought this one showed his baby blues so well!
dancing
crawling

jumping

spinning falling

He became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him.

2 Sam 5:10

Rude People at Wal-Mart

Since I have started "couponing" I have really come across some very thoughtful and eager people as well as some disrespectful and boorish people. I try to be a courteous "couponer". I let those checking out behind me know that I have coupons so it may take a little while. I share my great "finds" and I offer apologies for any inconveniences. However, I am admit that my coupons are accepted and that I am "checked out" with respect.

Well, the employees at Target, Walgreens, and CVS are always friendly and supportive.Bravo to those stores! Wal-Mart is completely different. Every time I check out at Wal-Mart they seem to be bothered by the fact that I am trying to save money. They complain about he coupons and frequently try to tell me my coupons will not work. (Which means they have to type the number in opposed to scanning it.) I hope that not all Wal-Marts are this way. I hope it is only the Wal-Mart on Green briar! I have said time and time again that I detest that Wal-Mart and that I will not go there again. Yet, it is close, convenient , and often cheap so I keep returning.

Let me share my latest experience.

Parker keeps track of the coupons for me. It is a big deal to him. Earlier today after he proudly and successfully handed "checker outer" the coupons she looked at him then looked at me with dismay. I smiled in return. She looked at me and asked "are you going to use ALL of these" in a very shameful tone. Like I was doing something wrong!?! I smiled and looked back at her and replied "No, I just thought I would hand them all to you for you to hold." Then I smiled again and said "yes, I am using everyone of them." The gentleman behind me smiled at me and giggled a little. I just thought how rude lady!!! Here I am using my precious time to organize, print, cut out , and look through ads for the best deals trying to save my family money and becasue of that you are going to be RUDE to me. How hateful. I need to pray for you lady! (Me to, I need patience for rude people.) I am usually rather accepting of rude behavior towards me, (now my boys, it's an entirely different situation) but I am worn out with RUDE people at Wal-Mart. I am taking a long break from the Wal-Mart on Greenbriar! ugh!!! and grrrr!!!


I did save $18.00 using everyone of my coupons! hehe haha to you grumpy lady...

Eskimo Joes Shoot Out....

Parker's friend Jacob came over again and they played, played, and played. He always enjoys his visits tremendously! They certainly keep me on my toes. It is so fun to sit back and listen to their conversations. Oh my goodness!!! Well they swam, played super heroes, played with cars, played super hero memory, reenacted The Sandlot, and had a big SHOOT OUT! Very very simple game, but they loved it. I stacked Eskimo Joes Cups (Which are the most useful cups in the world. I don't know how anyone survives without them. haha) forming a tower. Then they took turns shooting the cups with dart guns. We used different guns, and tried different angles and strategies. They really "got into it". Casey was in the other room laughing. (He later shared that he was actually laughing because he can't possibly understand how I do it all day everyday or why I would "choose" to do it.) Here are a few images from our afternoon. Thank you God for little boys!!! It still amazes me their ability to make little things dangerous and exciting, and their fascination with bodily functions. :)

We started out taking turns. But then decided it was more fun to both shoot at the same time.

Paxson decided it was easier for him to just knock them over with his gun. :)

Family visits...

We started the day with a visit to Mamaw. The boys and I made her a "bouquet". In the past we sent flowers, but I wanted to do something a little different. I used photos of all her great grandchildren and Parker and Paxson's hand prints. It turned out pretty simple and cute. Parker was very proud to take it to her.

Psalm 27:14

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Jeremiah 30:17

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

Saturday Savings...

As I mentioned these are a few of my Savings from Saturday

Toys R US ..........(birthday presents shhhh)

Shark Bit Hot Wheels

GI JOE Duke Set

Before Coupons: $43.21

After Coupons: $$30.11

Savings: $13.10

Target:

10 Smart Ones Meals (these are great for quick lunches)
2 Boxes Morningstar Spicy Black Bean Burgers (so good with quac., salsa, onions, sour cream, tomatoes)
1 lg. bottle Irish Spring Body Wash
1 Degree Fine fragrances line
1 oral B toothbrush
2 Soft Soap Elements Pump kits
Before Coupons: $48.78
After Coupons:$16.34
Savings: $32.44

Walgreens:
6 Rolls Scotch Magic tape
1 lrg. bubble mailer envelope
2 bottles AJAX kitchen dish soap
2 GOT2B hair products..hairspray and mouse
2 Bottles of Listerine mouth wash
16 SnackPak puddings
Before Coupons: $52.60
After Coupons: $14.32
Savings:$38.28

CVS:
1 tube Colgate Advanced toothpaste
2 Herbal Essence Hair products ..leave in conditioner & moisture shampoo
Before Coupons: $13.21
After Coupons: $3.41
Savings: $9.80

I won't bore you and keep posting my savings...it's just still so exciting to me right now. :)

Family Matters

Family Matters

Dadaw and Parker discussing if the bridge was safe to cross!




Pasxon stayed with Daddy while Dadaw and Parker crossed the "crickety" bridge.







Enjoying his first watermelon ice cream slush! Think he likes it???



I think it's evident he liked his. He didn't want to put the cup down. He was pretty demanding about the drink. He was a little temperamental. He had previously eaten at least 8 Choc. Covered Cherry Hershey Kisses in about 10 minutes. Hmmmm .....Guess you couldn't stop giving them to him. I'll say it again Dadaw just can't resit his little great grandchildren.


After a wonderful day with Dadaw we spent the afternoon swimming and eating dinner with Meme and Dandy. They brought yummy Gouda, blue cheese, and jalapeno & cheddar burgers for us to grill. And some Windthorst sausage. It was awesome!

Great company, great dinner, Great Day!!!

Isaiah 26:12
LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Enjoy the videos:

A quiet day...

Paxson and I spent the day together while Parker spent the day with Meme and Dandy. It was a great day for Paxson and I to play around and relax. We spent the morning shopping, the afternoon swimming, and the evening eating and playing. Very peaceful.

Paxson held up quite well. We went to the Farmers Market, Walgreens, Hobby Lobby, Toys r Us, Target, WalMart. Can you believe he made it through all that shopping. I'll share my savings later in another post. ;)

Parker Swimming Video

Look at me!!!!

Parker swimming! He does it all. Such an exciting summer! I can't believe he is almost four!!!

Bedtime Stories...

Bedtime stories are a tradition in most families and ours is no different. As a young child I remember my mom and Gammer telling me some extraordinary and elaborate bedtime stories. They are irreplaceable memories from my childhood. I remember the stories my mom shared with my brother and sister. I know that they to treasure them as I do. My mom has shared some of the same stories with Parker and he excitedly listens with anticipation just as we did. My sister has carried the tradition on and shares stories with Parker. It is always interesting to me to hear about others stories. I have made great efforts to share my enthusiasm about bedtime stories with Casey. He has gained a keenness for them and truly values the opportunity. I was listening in the other night when he was telling a bedtime story to Parker. (They usually are about camping.) His story was about fishing with Dadaw and falling in the creek. Big Bubba getting a fish hook stuck in his finger and Parker catching the biggest fish of all. Daddy's stories usually transpire from his childhood. As I layed next to Parker he looked at me and retold the story. His personal version. Then he said wasn't that the "greatest story ever mom". That's why I love Bedtime stories so much!

Gotta Love your friends...

Parker loves his friends at school. He misses them during summer and I try to provided him as many opportunities as possible to see and play with them. His good buddy Jacob has come over for a few play dates this summer and it is extremely evident that they have enjoyed their time together. On the way to our house, Jacob looked at Parker and said "Parker I love you!" Parker replied "I love you more Jacob!" Just one of the many sweet conversations that came up during their time together this afternoon. Now of course a few minutes later they were chasing one another fighting evil and attempting to wrestle. Boys are WILD! Yet, honestly I love it!!!

This picture of Jake and Parker was taken last summer during a play date.

Riding bikes and the gator. Paxson tried hard to keep up. Actually they have been very good to include Paxson.....So far....

Enjoying Popsicles on the back porch.

Swimming....Paxson opted to stay out of the pool. He tried getting but the big boys were a little wild for him.

Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies....I usually measure and then let Parker pour...but today I let them do it all. They weren't real sweet, I think they were a little heavy on flour. They were good and certainly looked homemade. :)

Fighting Evil... Can you guess who is Spiderman and who is Wolverine???

Crazy coupon lady...

I have started following a blog called It's hip to save. The link is at the bottom of my blog if you are interested in checking it out! It is defiantly worth your time! It certainly does take time and lots of organization, however it is so fabulous. I check it in the morning and in the evening then make a list and print coupons every evening. Actually I enjoy the challenge of finding the best deals. I would like to share my first experience using the recommendations from
It's Hip to Save.




Target

• 5 Smart ones meals
• 2 boxes morning star spicy black beans burgers
• 1 16 oz. coffee mate creamer
• Before coupons: $22.95
• After coupons: $ 7.64
• Savings of : $14.95

Albertsons

• 3 boxes of Total Blueberry & Pomegranate Crunch
• 3 boxes of Banana Nut Cheerios
• 1 box cheerios
• 1 box multigrain Cheerios
• 2 boxes of Nature Valley trail bars cranberry & pomegranate
• Total before coupons: $39.80
• Total after coupons: $14.00
• Savings: $25.80

Target

• 10 Smart ones meals
• 1 bottle Axe shampoo
• 1 large box Glad flex shield trash bags
• Total before coupons: $45.66
• Total after coupons: $22.57
• Total Savings: $23.09
  

Today's Spending:$44.21

Today's Savings:$62.84

I don't have really have anything else for the next few days........ Pretty decent for my first attempt! :)

Little Chefs

Nothing fancy...just a few pics from Sunday

Parker wearing his "cooker" hat.

Little Pax coming in to help.

Paxson's turn to run the register.

Paxson serving cookies.

Paxson baking the cookies.

Parker taking my order.

(I think he has tried to wear his new shirt from VBS everyday since. You know it is interesting to me how much he enjoys receiving new clothes. Actually he is so grateful for anything he receives, it is pretty sweet how he shows so much excitement over the simplest things. Don't you just love the excitement that young children see. Everything is exciting to them. I sometimes wish I hadn't lost that. I wish I could still see and feel excitement before anything else. But as an adult I tend to start thinking, reasoning, analyzing, worrying, justifying often to soon and sometimes miss the excitement. So I feel fortunate to be reminded on a daily basis that everything can be exciting. ---even the electricity going out----hahah)

God Bless everyone!! I love you all dearly!!!

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit

He always come through...

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. Psalm 120:1 NLT







It's funny how things work......it just popped out there.........just what I needed to hear!!!