The Allen Family

Monday, January 3, 2011

Halloween collage-2010

Okay, I can't stop making these Blog collages...so bare with me. I'm just catching everyone up on the past 6 months that I haven't been blogging. :)

Halloween 2010

Ellie as a butterfly fairy...er, ya, something like that! :) She sure is cute though!!

My favorite photo shoot pics...

Our family was blessed to go on a Med-School Reunion with some of our buddies this past october. My girlfriend Jenn was gracious enough to bring along her camera, so of course, we made the most of this opportunity! We love how the pics turned out, and many of you may have already gotten a small taste from our Christmas card. Thanks Jenn Merritt! You are the best!

Holiday Pics!!!

I finally figured out how to use Picasa (thanks Jess) and have posted a few of our favorite holiday photos from 2010. We celebrated Christmas, and Ellie's 1st birthday, as well as my own!

Christmas Morning at Home

Thanks for my awesome talking puppy Scout, Momma Lori and Poppa Jerry!

Christmas Eve at Nana Bev's House

A kitchen!! Now I can help mommy with the dishes!

Ellie's 1 year Birthday Party!

She LOVED seeing her guests, opening her gifts, and eating homemade Red Velvet Cupcakes!

(An Allen family tradition)

Sunday, January 2, 2011

A Fresh Start...

So, in the hours that passed from Dec. 31^st, 2010 to Jan. 1^st, 2011 – I became recharged, renewed and ready to embrace my new goal “INVEST” for 2011. I started by jotting down a few personal goals for myself, and even though it’s only been a day, I feel rejuvenated.

I have been in a slump the past couple of weeks. Partially due to pregnancy fatigue, feeling blah, and recovering from a never-ending cold. And partially from being anxious about all that must happen in our lives throughout the next 6 months. It’s almost like when I have a lot to think about and gear up for…without having to tools to tackle the problem…I get paralyzed with complacency. I sit around and do nothing, until my body finally cries out for productivity!

I remember a specific instance where this was the case, at the very start of my relationship with Jon. He was in Germany playing basketball for a season, and his brother Caleb and I had gone over to visit and stay with him for about 6 weeks. Well, all there was to do was work out at the local gym (the gym where Arnold’s trainer still worked out), eat, play video games or watch movies, go check email at the University computer lab, and sleep. Although, most of our free time was spent doing movies, games, eating or sleeping because many shops closed at odd times, it’s was January and freezing, and gas cost a fortune. Anyway, I had been there about a week, and I was starting to go stir crazy. I needed something to do. A project. The boys were totally content to sleep in till noon, work out, eat lunch, play games, eat, watch a movie, sleep…and repeat. I just couldn’t handle it. I don’t know why exactly. I guess I was just used to having more creative hobbies to occupy my time. Not the boys fault, but none-the-less, everyday around 11am…after sitting in the dark on my bed (we had blackout shades), I would start huffing and puffing, hoping they’d wake up so I could open the blinds.

So, this slump was sort of like that because I have been feeling unproductive for a couple of months now. In the past month, I had just finished my usual bout of pregnancy sickness, was hit hard with a bad cold, and then any other available energy I had left was taken up by the holiday craze.

So, after being to a point of boredom, I finally got over myself, and cleaned my room! It felt great! And suddenly, I had purpose again! I was inspired to work on something else. I started this blog as a way to occupy my thoughts and keep myself from worrying about things beyond my control (and let’s be honest…everything else as well). Then I got inspired to finish a project…so I’m working on the digital scrapbook I started of Ellie’s 1^st year.

Now, unfortunately, this seems to be what always happens right as my vacation starts to wind to a close. It’s like I take some time to rest and recover, then I spend a little time being lazy, and then I realize I’d better have something to show for my time off, and I get to work. Oh well, at least I didn’t wait till I was already back to school saying “would-a, should-a, could-a”.

Alas, I will accomplish at much as I can this next week, and will leave the rest for another time. At least I’ve got my spring back in my step. And if 2^nd trimester proves true as the nesting trimester-I may get more done that I’d planned to do!

Until then…I’m off to scrapbook while my bubs plays games with his brothers, my sweet Ellie rests peacefully, and there is a forecast says snow for the Yucaipa area tonight and tomorrow! Crossing my fingers!

Friday, December 31, 2010

Transition...

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Eccles. 3:1

On this beautiful New Year’s Eve, I am surrounded by the resolutions, hopes, to-do lists, and wishes of those around me. I was inspired by a dear friend’s blog who has made it her habit to choose a “one-word” resolution each New Year’s. Being a teacher, I am very fond of borrowing a great idea, so I too am going to think of one good word to sum up my resolution goals for the year 2011.

But first, 2010. What an amazing year! At the start of 2010, we were still relishing the sleepless nights of being new parents to our brand new Ellianah, at a mere 17 days old! She has been the main highlight of this year, and Jon and I both have been so humbled, blessed, and overjoyed to experience our sweet baby as she grows and develops a little personality – and my, does she have a personality! I have never enjoyed anything more than the pure joy and delight that comes from doing whatever I can to make Ellie laugh, giggle, or coo – depending on what stage she was throughout this past year! I continually prayed for her to be a joyful baby when she was in my womb, and she is joy personified! She is such an easy, relaxed, peaceful baby. I often pinch myself, thank the Lord for his mercy on this first time mom, and pray that God would simply prepare me for whatever my next little girl will be like!

Ellie celebrated her 1st birthday and it was precious! She is so loved and adored, and it was so special to see how such a sweet little one has already made such an impression on so many. Her smile, her laughter, and her joy are contagious! The one thing that has been increasingly difficult is that I have to leave her to go to work everyday. I know that this is my role at this time, and I will be content. But, I cannot wait to be at home and invest 100% of myself into my little pumpkins!

And by pumpkins, I mean TWO bouncing baby girls! I have spent the last third of 2010 pregnant with baby girl #2, and I am already praying how God will use this little one. I am already struggling with trying not to assume she’ll be another Ellie Rose. I want to give her the opportunity to be her own unique person, with her own set of skills, struggles, and quirks! But, I DO pray that she will be healthy, joyful, and aware that God has created her for great things! I really believe that for each of my girls! God has blessed Jon and I with the task of caring for these precious babies here on Earth. And I can’t wait to see how he’s so carefully knit together each one of their little dreams, hopes and wishes!

Jon has had a tremendous year as well. It is becoming abundantly clear as the years pass by that he was MEANT to be a surgeon! The Lord has so gifted his hands, and although he is perhaps unaware of this, God has transformed not only his mind, but also his heart, and his ability to really care for his patients. He has received many thank you letters and compliments from his patients, colleagues and superiors alike, and I am so proud of him! I remember how shy and unsure of himself he was when he first started med school. His confidence and comfort with “small talk”, new environments, and constant change-have really strengthened his practice as a doctor. I love having been with him through this process since its infancy. And the transformation from man to doctor has been astounding. What an amazingly talented, gifted, skilled, and humble man I married! Thank you Lord for continuing to show me the depth of this man who is not only my best friend and soul mate-but YOUR servant! I pray I can spur him on as he continues to grow in his practice, as seeks how you’ll use him and his skills in this world.

As for me, I have learned so much this year as a child of God, a wife, and a mother. I have really come to terms with some personal demons and struggles. I am sorting through them, and God has been so faithful as I strive to refine myself and be a more Godly mom, wife, and friend. There is so much more “life that has been lived” between the words I’ve just written to sum up my year, but you get the gist. I am a definite work in progress, and the journey keeps getting more and more exciting!

So, my resolution for 2011. What word would be appropriate? Invest…surrender...create…contentment…trust…reach…pursue? So many goals, but I think I will steal my friend’s from last year and start with INVEST. I want to spend 2011 INVESTing in every area of my life. I have many ideas of how this will manifest itself. But I can best think of INVEST with regard to my mind, body and spirit, and all persons and things affected thereby.

I’m exhausted already just thinking about it! ☺

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Wishful thinking....

So, I may have unintentionally exaggerated my daughter's height in my last post. I was cracking up when I realized I listed her height at 37"....not quite. At her 9 month check-up a couple of weeks ago, she was 31 inches. I wanted to correct my wishful thinking-but i didn't want ti change the original post because it was just too funny! I know we'll look back on that one day and giggle at my silly mistake.

September has flown by, and Ellie's first Halloween is just around the corner, and I am at a complete loss as to what her costume will be. I just can't make up my mind! I want to do something creative-but realistic too. I'm leaning towards something involving a tutu-but I guess we'll all just have to wait and see what happens.

We have joyous news to share! My newest little niece was born last night to my bro/sis-in-law, and Caleb and Kirsten Allen, as they welcomed sweet little Aila Marie-3 weeks early-but as beautiful and precious as new parents could hope for in a sweet baby! Congrats and We can't wait to meet the little sweetie!

I have been working on some different projects that past month or so, and i wanted to post some pictures of my progress. I have been working on a photo wall that was inspired by my Aunts' and my Grandmother. When i was young, they started a photo wall of three simple bulletin boards that had a variety of pictures from all of the grandkids and their growth through the years. I remember being really excited to see what new pictures of each of us had been added to the wall each time we made a visit to my Grandma's. Such a simple but precious memory from my childhood. So, i have decided to duplicate this project in my own home. I have three bulletin boards, and I covered two of them with fabric, and purchased a framed one for the center. I hung them with drapery tie backs and it adds a nice architectural element and really makes it like artwork on the wall. I decided to use one board for pictures of Jon's life and family, one for pictures of my life and family, and the center one for pictures of our life together. It's turned out pretty cool, and it's a grate way to display all of those photos that you have and either haven't room to display or scrapbook. Our family that have visited have enjoyed seeing pictures of themselves and i am confident it's going to be a great conversation starter for many a family gathering!

Pictures of all of the above to come.....until then-

Saturday, August 21, 2010

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