This morning, Landen went downstairs to play after finishing his breakfast. I hollered down to tell him he needed to come back upstairs to drink his milk to which he replied, "I have milk down here."
He was referring to the pretend plastic bottles of milk he and Lauren have in their toy kitchen. A few seconds later, he said, "See, Mom." I looked down the stairs to see him displaying a miniature bottle of milk with a picture of cows on the front. "It comes from cows," he said. "Yep," I replied.
A few minutes later, he hollered to me again. "See, Mom. I have chocolate milk, too." I looked down so that he could show me the miniature bottle of chocolate milk with a picture of cows on the front. "It comes from chocolate cows."
I love my son.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
34 Random Things About Me
I recently compiled this list for my Facebook friends and thought I would post it here as well. Enjoy!
1. Being organized comes naturally to me. I first realized I was organized in 6th grade when my teacher, Mrs. Cupp, complemented me on how organized my loose leaf folder was. :)
2. My dream vacation is France and Italy with Jim. Someday!
3. My parents are the wisest people I know--and they keep getting smarter as I get older. Go figure!
4. I never longed for a sister. Having two brothers was great…they protected me and I didn’t have to share a room or clothes!
5. I'm related to many people in my hometown of Scott City. Out of my graduating class of 80 students, four of us were second cousins.
6. I was student council president in high school and tried to play tennis and basketball. My brothers got all of the athletic genes.
7. I’ve had eight fender benders (don't worry--all but one were before I got married), but have never been in a serious wreck and have never been injured or injured anyone. Unless you count parked cars as victims!
8. I had the most wonderful college experience imaginable and still treasure the friendships I made while at Ottawa University.
9. I started out as an art major in college, but graduated with a degree in communication. It has served me well.
10. I went to church camp in elementary school (Camp Christy) with the girl who would later become my college roommate. While we were in college, her sister found an undeveloped roll of film with our picture on it...from Camp Christy!
11. I had never been on an airplane until I went to college. By the time I graduated, I had been to 7 different countries (thanks mostly to the music program).
12. I loved working at Ottawa University, but Ottawa never felt like home. Until we moved to Salina, I got teary nearly every time we left Scott City…seriously. I will always love going “home” to Scott City and my family.
13. I can’t imagine leaving Salina because Jim’s wonderful family is here, we love our church and the kids’ school, and we have made some amazing friends. Not to mention that we’re getting Kohl’s & Freddie’s Frozen Custard—woo hoo!!
14. I’ve never lost anyone that I was extremely close to…if only that could last forever.
15. I told my dad after meeting and becoming friends with Jim that I knew I was going to marry him. We started dating a few months later, were engaged after a month, and married one year (to the day) after we met.
16. My husband is my favorite thing about this life. I can’t believe how blessed I am to be married to a man who is also my best friend and true helpmate.
17. Jim is five years older than me, so I figure I'll probably be a widow someday. I just hope it's when I'm really old. If this happens, I'll miss everything about being married and already have plans to buy an electric blanket.
18. Jim and I lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, during our first year of marriage. Jim still sounds like he’s auditioning for a part in Fargo when he pronounces the word “home.”
19. I completed my master’s from KU in higher education administration while working full time at Ottawa University. The second year I was pregnant, too. I graduated three weeks before Lauren was born.
20. I love my children more than life and enjoy each new stage so much. I wish I could make time stand still.
21. I like to scrapbook, blog and journal so I don’t forget the little things. The best part is that the kids absolutely LOVE looking at their albums. It makes it worth every minute and every cent!
22. God captured my heart at a young age and I pray the same for my children. I alslo pray for loved ones who don’t know Jesus as their Savior and Lord because I know what they are missing out on.
23. I can't imagine life without my amazing girlfriends! Having friends that really know me and love me anyway has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.
24. I’ve been offered every job I’ve interviewed for...so far, anyway. What this boils down to is that I know what I’m qualified for and have really great references. :)
25. I’ve enjoyed all of my jobs, but was most surprised at how much I enjoyed being Resident Director of a men’s hall during our early years of marriage. We had the best RA staff imaginable—and they have grown into amazing men. You know who you are!
26. I like to walk on the treadmill while watching Friends reruns and like walking with real friends even better!
27. I love music. I grew up playing piano and trumpet as well as singing in various choirs.
28. Church choir is one of the highlights of my week.
29. I like to read and wish I had more time in the day to do it.
30. My favorite gift ever was a framed quotation Quinten gave me when we were younger that starts out "I love you for seeing me as I wish I were" and ends with "and helping me to grow." It's still on display in my office/scrapbook room.
31. I love to eat out.
32. I don't like to cook, but I like to bake (usually with a little help from one or both kids).
33. I once set a roll of paper towels on fire while cooking macaroni and cheese. Ask Brady if he remembers it.
34. This was only supposed to be 25 random things, but it's appropriate that I end at 34 b/c I'm 34 years old. Man, that sounds old!!
1. Being organized comes naturally to me. I first realized I was organized in 6th grade when my teacher, Mrs. Cupp, complemented me on how organized my loose leaf folder was. :)
2. My dream vacation is France and Italy with Jim. Someday!
3. My parents are the wisest people I know--and they keep getting smarter as I get older. Go figure!
4. I never longed for a sister. Having two brothers was great…they protected me and I didn’t have to share a room or clothes!
5. I'm related to many people in my hometown of Scott City. Out of my graduating class of 80 students, four of us were second cousins.
6. I was student council president in high school and tried to play tennis and basketball. My brothers got all of the athletic genes.
7. I’ve had eight fender benders (don't worry--all but one were before I got married), but have never been in a serious wreck and have never been injured or injured anyone. Unless you count parked cars as victims!
8. I had the most wonderful college experience imaginable and still treasure the friendships I made while at Ottawa University.
9. I started out as an art major in college, but graduated with a degree in communication. It has served me well.
10. I went to church camp in elementary school (Camp Christy) with the girl who would later become my college roommate. While we were in college, her sister found an undeveloped roll of film with our picture on it...from Camp Christy!
11. I had never been on an airplane until I went to college. By the time I graduated, I had been to 7 different countries (thanks mostly to the music program).
12. I loved working at Ottawa University, but Ottawa never felt like home. Until we moved to Salina, I got teary nearly every time we left Scott City…seriously. I will always love going “home” to Scott City and my family.
13. I can’t imagine leaving Salina because Jim’s wonderful family is here, we love our church and the kids’ school, and we have made some amazing friends. Not to mention that we’re getting Kohl’s & Freddie’s Frozen Custard—woo hoo!!
14. I’ve never lost anyone that I was extremely close to…if only that could last forever.
15. I told my dad after meeting and becoming friends with Jim that I knew I was going to marry him. We started dating a few months later, were engaged after a month, and married one year (to the day) after we met.
16. My husband is my favorite thing about this life. I can’t believe how blessed I am to be married to a man who is also my best friend and true helpmate.
17. Jim is five years older than me, so I figure I'll probably be a widow someday. I just hope it's when I'm really old. If this happens, I'll miss everything about being married and already have plans to buy an electric blanket.
18. Jim and I lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, during our first year of marriage. Jim still sounds like he’s auditioning for a part in Fargo when he pronounces the word “home.”
19. I completed my master’s from KU in higher education administration while working full time at Ottawa University. The second year I was pregnant, too. I graduated three weeks before Lauren was born.
20. I love my children more than life and enjoy each new stage so much. I wish I could make time stand still.
21. I like to scrapbook, blog and journal so I don’t forget the little things. The best part is that the kids absolutely LOVE looking at their albums. It makes it worth every minute and every cent!
22. God captured my heart at a young age and I pray the same for my children. I alslo pray for loved ones who don’t know Jesus as their Savior and Lord because I know what they are missing out on.
23. I can't imagine life without my amazing girlfriends! Having friends that really know me and love me anyway has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.
24. I’ve been offered every job I’ve interviewed for...so far, anyway. What this boils down to is that I know what I’m qualified for and have really great references. :)
25. I’ve enjoyed all of my jobs, but was most surprised at how much I enjoyed being Resident Director of a men’s hall during our early years of marriage. We had the best RA staff imaginable—and they have grown into amazing men. You know who you are!
26. I like to walk on the treadmill while watching Friends reruns and like walking with real friends even better!
27. I love music. I grew up playing piano and trumpet as well as singing in various choirs.
28. Church choir is one of the highlights of my week.
29. I like to read and wish I had more time in the day to do it.
30. My favorite gift ever was a framed quotation Quinten gave me when we were younger that starts out "I love you for seeing me as I wish I were" and ends with "and helping me to grow." It's still on display in my office/scrapbook room.
31. I love to eat out.
32. I don't like to cook, but I like to bake (usually with a little help from one or both kids).
33. I once set a roll of paper towels on fire while cooking macaroni and cheese. Ask Brady if he remembers it.
34. This was only supposed to be 25 random things, but it's appropriate that I end at 34 b/c I'm 34 years old. Man, that sounds old!!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Happy New Year!
For the first time in many years, we decided to stay home on New Year's Eve. We played games with the kids, watched a movie, and toasted the new year (way early) with some sparkling white grape juice. It was wonderful way to bring in the new year!
Signs That My Daughter is Growing Up
Much to my dismay, my sweet firstborn is starting to grow up. Here is the evidence:
*Her face. Sometimes, when I'm looking at her, I can't believe how grown up she is starting to look. Her baby face is disappearing and when I study her face, I'm amazed by how pretty she has become.
*Her teeth. Gone are the cute little baby teeth and in their place are the real grown up ones, a bit crooked.
*Her questions. She asks the most interesting questions of late, proof that her thoughts are becoming deeper.
*Her habits. She is finally reading for enjoyment!
*The hand written signs on her door read: "No Boys Allowed (except Landen)" and "Please Knock Before Entering."
"Her wishes. She is already asking for a cell phone of her own. Are you kidding me?!?!
Lord, just don't let her grow up too quickly!
*Her face. Sometimes, when I'm looking at her, I can't believe how grown up she is starting to look. Her baby face is disappearing and when I study her face, I'm amazed by how pretty she has become.
*Her teeth. Gone are the cute little baby teeth and in their place are the real grown up ones, a bit crooked.
*Her questions. She asks the most interesting questions of late, proof that her thoughts are becoming deeper.
*Her habits. She is finally reading for enjoyment!
*The hand written signs on her door read: "No Boys Allowed (except Landen)" and "Please Knock Before Entering."
"Her wishes. She is already asking for a cell phone of her own. Are you kidding me?!?!
Lord, just don't let her grow up too quickly!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Who Will It Be?
When I arrived at Lauren's school today, I was surprised to see Jim standing there. I had asked him to pick her up and had forgotten to let him know that my meeting had been canceled. After getting hugs from his girls, he went back to work, but I think seeing us both there got Lauren's wheels turning. I was asking Lauren about her day on the way home when she asked how I had known that daddy was the person I wanted to marry. I did my best to explain how we had met and become friends, went on dates, fell in love, and decided we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. (She asked about kissing on the lips, too, but I'll spare you the details).
Then she asked, "Mommy, who do you think I'll marry when I grow up?" I told her that I didn't know who she would marry, but that he would be a very special man and that I was already praying for him. She thought about that for a minute and then said, "I hope he doesn't want me just because I'm pretty." Only a child could be so honest as to admit that they think they're pretty! More importantly, my daughter already knows at the young age of 7 1/2 that she wants to be loved for more than just her outward appearance.
I told her that I was sure her husband would love her for her beauty on the inside, too!
Then she asked, "Mommy, who do you think I'll marry when I grow up?" I told her that I didn't know who she would marry, but that he would be a very special man and that I was already praying for him. She thought about that for a minute and then said, "I hope he doesn't want me just because I'm pretty." Only a child could be so honest as to admit that they think they're pretty! More importantly, my daughter already knows at the young age of 7 1/2 that she wants to be loved for more than just her outward appearance.
I told her that I was sure her husband would love her for her beauty on the inside, too!
Landen's Bummer Word
"Shucks." "Bummer." "Dang." You've heard them...acceptable (to most people) substitutes for the four letter words we don't want our children to say.
Well, Landen made up his own "bummer" word at the age of three and he's still using it to this day. When something doesn't go his way or he's disappointed, my son likes to say, "Boo-gone." I have no idea where this came from, but it cracks me up every time. Maybe it should be the official Allen family bummer word.
Well, Landen made up his own "bummer" word at the age of three and he's still using it to this day. When something doesn't go his way or he's disappointed, my son likes to say, "Boo-gone." I have no idea where this came from, but it cracks me up every time. Maybe it should be the official Allen family bummer word.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Boys are Cute
Up until today, I had somehow avoided the "boys are cute" conversation with Lauren. Her school is great about disouraging that kind of thing at such young ages, so we really haven't had many conversations about the opposite sex. This is a miracle because by the time I was her age, I had already snagged the only boy in the class as my boyfriend.
Anyway, this morning, as I was helping Lauren brush her hair out, she brought up a little teasing game she plays with one of the boys in her class. She kind of smiled and blushed when she brought him up, which is why I decided against all of my motherly instincts to pop THE question: "Do you think he's cute?" to which she replied, "Yes, but please don't tell Dad."
Aaah, the joys of having a little girl!
Anyway, this morning, as I was helping Lauren brush her hair out, she brought up a little teasing game she plays with one of the boys in her class. She kind of smiled and blushed when she brought him up, which is why I decided against all of my motherly instincts to pop THE question: "Do you think he's cute?" to which she replied, "Yes, but please don't tell Dad."
Aaah, the joys of having a little girl!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Humanity
Remember the days of learning a vocabulary word and then proving you knew it by using it in a sentence? Well, Landen has been trying out his usage of the word "human" lately.
He and his sister were jumping on the trampoline this afternoon and got into an argument about something. Lauren came inside and it wasn't long until Landen came stomping in. "Mom, Lauren is being so HUMAN!"
Correct usage? I'll let you be the judge.
He and his sister were jumping on the trampoline this afternoon and got into an argument about something. Lauren came inside and it wasn't long until Landen came stomping in. "Mom, Lauren is being so HUMAN!"
Correct usage? I'll let you be the judge.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
My Cup Overflows
Have you ever have one of those days that you feel so thankful your heart could just burst? Today is one of those days for me.
No reason imparticular, just a bunch of things combined:
*I got to sleep in because Jim got up with the dogs and the kids
*No one puked last night
*When I got up, both kids and both dogs were excited to see me and full of hugs
*I walked into the kitchen and found that Jim had already cut up the roast and put it in the crockpot for beef & noodles tonight (yes, I have an amazing husband!)
*When I pulled up the computer, I found that several "friends" had found me on FB and I had several new posts on my wall to read
*One of the posts was about how grown up Brady looks in one of the pictures, which made me thankful for my loving family
*Three friends came to mind, so I decided to put a note in the mail to each of them, which made me even more thankful for them (and all of my amazing friendships)
*I have a dirty house to clean
Yes, my cup most certainly overflows!
No reason imparticular, just a bunch of things combined:
*I got to sleep in because Jim got up with the dogs and the kids
*No one puked last night
*When I got up, both kids and both dogs were excited to see me and full of hugs
*I walked into the kitchen and found that Jim had already cut up the roast and put it in the crockpot for beef & noodles tonight (yes, I have an amazing husband!)
*When I pulled up the computer, I found that several "friends" had found me on FB and I had several new posts on my wall to read
*One of the posts was about how grown up Brady looks in one of the pictures, which made me thankful for my loving family
*Three friends came to mind, so I decided to put a note in the mail to each of them, which made me even more thankful for them (and all of my amazing friendships)
*I have a dirty house to clean
Yes, my cup most certainly overflows!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Bethlehem, the Town of David
Lauren memorized Luke 2: 1-20 (the entire Christmas story) in December along with the rest of her 2nd grade class at school. We practiced several verses at a time and were surprised when Landen started memorizing several of the verses along with his sister. Now, every night when we say our bedtime prayers, he thanks God for "Jesus, born in Bethlehem, the town of David." It's a beautiful reminder of how easily children can learn to hide God's word in their hearts.
Sweet Macy
After years of begging for a puppy, Lauren finally got her wish Dec. 1st. Jim had finally given in and we were planning to bring home a puppy in the spring when it warmed up. Given our allergies, I was looking at breeds that don't shed and was hoping to find some kind of poodle mix. We had been keeping our eye on the shelter's website when fate intervened...
I was picking up some makeup from a friend on evening when I spotted her new puppy - a poodle/shih tzu mix! I was so excited that I waved for Jim and the kids to come in and see her. We all fell in love and decided to call the breeder to find out if they had any puppies left. Interestingly enough, it was Jim who kept following up with her. That's when I knew he was really ready for the adventures of puppyhood!
Not long after, we drove to Ellsworth to pick out a puppy. Lauren latched on to Macy right away. She wanted a girl puppy of her very own. We brought her brother, Max, home with us as well. We thought it would be good for the puppies to have each other to cuddle with during the day while we were at work/school. But having two puppies proved to be too much and Max now has a new home with some dear friends of ours.
We've all enjoyed the newest addition to our family, especially Lauren. Macy is sweet, shy and reserved. She has become quite the cuddler and prefers touching one of us at any given moment, especially when she's sleeping. We look forward to making many new memories with our sweet Macy!
I was picking up some makeup from a friend on evening when I spotted her new puppy - a poodle/shih tzu mix! I was so excited that I waved for Jim and the kids to come in and see her. We all fell in love and decided to call the breeder to find out if they had any puppies left. Interestingly enough, it was Jim who kept following up with her. That's when I knew he was really ready for the adventures of puppyhood!
Not long after, we drove to Ellsworth to pick out a puppy. Lauren latched on to Macy right away. She wanted a girl puppy of her very own. We brought her brother, Max, home with us as well. We thought it would be good for the puppies to have each other to cuddle with during the day while we were at work/school. But having two puppies proved to be too much and Max now has a new home with some dear friends of ours.
We've all enjoyed the newest addition to our family, especially Lauren. Macy is sweet, shy and reserved. She has become quite the cuddler and prefers touching one of us at any given moment, especially when she's sleeping. We look forward to making many new memories with our sweet Macy!
Get it Out!
I apologize in advance that my first post is about vomit, but you have to hear this story, so here goes...
All four of us stayed healthy throughout the entire holiday season, which was wonderful. We were around a lot of sick people, but somehow managed to avoid the bug...until Wednesday night. Landen came down with the stomach flu and the excitement started about 2:30 in the morning. The poor child didn't have much in his stomach, so after about the third episode, he got the dry heaves. Of course, this is hard for a four-year-old to understand because it felt like something needed to come out.
I got out of bed for the fourth or fifth time and Landen was already standing above the trash can. He was so desperate to feel better that he pointed to his back and said, "Mommy, hit me really hard right here so it will come out." Clever boy! Too bad it doesn't work that way because I sure would have been willing to whack away if I thought it would have helped him feel better!
All four of us stayed healthy throughout the entire holiday season, which was wonderful. We were around a lot of sick people, but somehow managed to avoid the bug...until Wednesday night. Landen came down with the stomach flu and the excitement started about 2:30 in the morning. The poor child didn't have much in his stomach, so after about the third episode, he got the dry heaves. Of course, this is hard for a four-year-old to understand because it felt like something needed to come out.
I got out of bed for the fourth or fifth time and Landen was already standing above the trash can. He was so desperate to feel better that he pointed to his back and said, "Mommy, hit me really hard right here so it will come out." Clever boy! Too bad it doesn't work that way because I sure would have been willing to whack away if I thought it would have helped him feel better!
Something New in 2009
With the new year upon us, I thought I'd start a new tradition of blogging (like several of my coolest friends). Stay tuned for adventures of the Allen family!
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