The Allen Family: Hello again.....it's been awhile.

Sooooooooooo, one of the real bummers of being a teacher is that it is an all encompassing job! I haven't had time to blog in almost 6 months, among other hobbies of mine, and I used my summer break to do some long overdue organizing around my house. One of my summer goals was to blog at least once a month. But, alas-8 weeks came and went like a flash and the dream of updating everyone on all that has changed with Ellie as she's grown, along with the latest in the the lives of the Allens' became a daunting and overwhelming concept that I managed to continually avoid...until now. Whoa run-on sentence!

Anywhoo, I have decided that even though in a perfect world I would have blogged and posted pictures relating all of the important events and activities that have occurred these past months, I am a perfectionist and a procrastinator-a terrible combo. And so, I shall bid adieu to those dreams of being an amazing blogger.

The entire purpose of starting a blog was to keep family and friends posted on the details of our little lives in a more personal way than via facebook or email. And so, all expectation aside-that is where I'm starting from today. I have finally worked up the courage to sit own at my computer and post something...anything. It's like that scene in You've Got Mail (a fave of mine & Jon's) where Meg Ryan or Tom Hanks, and I can't remember which at the moment "it's starting to get fuzzy", are pacing back and forth looking at their respective computers deciding how to respond to that day's email sent from “NY152” or “shopgirl”. I have paced, day in and day out, and been too afraid to post a "below par post". But, I have finally faced my fears of inadequate posting, and am moving on.

So, now for the update. Here is the Allen family's last 6 months in a nutshell:

-Jon has entered his 3rd year of his Orthopaedic program and has survived the "hazing" years of Residency...for now anyway. He is enjoying spending time with Ellie and can't wait to enjoy her through the holiday festivities this fall and winter.

-Erin (I) am a 5th year teacher at Smiley Elementary and am loving my too cute class of 34 bright-eyed 5th graders. However, I long for the day when I can stay at home, and dote on my Ellie Rose, and do "stay-at-home-mommy things', but this too shall pass, and I will keep hoping for my heart’s desire. Meanwhile, Ellie is in the care of a wonderful, God-given woman who is only 1.1 miles from my work! Yay, God!

-Ellie Rose -"with the beautiful nose, and a beautiful pose, and beautiful toes" (a song composed by my 6 year old niece, Bella) is growing like a weed and is now a 24lb. 37" 8-month old dreamchild! She is the easiest and happiest baby ever, and I can't believe God chose me to be the mommy little one. She has broken her first two bottom teeth, is nearing crawling very soon, can sit and stand (with help) and loves sweet potatoes! Just like her momma! Atta girl! :) She sleeps like a champ in her own bed, and after learning 5 new words in one week (Momma, Dadda, LaLa, Baba and Nana) she has decided she likes saying "Dadda" and "Nana" best. I have hope that "Momma" will be put back on the list of faves someday-but for now, there's nothing sweeter than watching her Daddy's face light up everytime she calls or whispers (yes, she whispers) his name. :)

We had a busy and eventful summer-a family wedding in San Diego, another in Napa, and my precious Brother Tim getting married to his beautiful bride Jamie as well!!! Ellie and I had our 1st 8-hr car trip together as we trekked to a family reunion with Jon's family in Tahoe, and finally-I was busy tackling some much needed projects around the house. Ellie and I even enjoyed "Mommy and Me"swim lessons! Pictures will be coming soon, hopefully.

But until next time (and hopefully that will be sooner than next year), enjoy the blessings that God gives you and yours each day. I have been reflecting on that Steven Curtis Chapman song that goes "Be still and know that he is God, be still, and know that he is God. Be still, be speechless". And so, I am trying to listen a little more-and speak a little less. I'm sure my husband will be pleased! :)

1st time swimming