Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The sun will come up...tomorrow...


The last week or so has been a bit harsh around the Allen household. Without sharing too many details, we are kind of scrambling over here. Like we are trying to regain our footing after being punched in the mouth. But, such is life. 

When bad things happen or hard times come, you have two choices. Try to figure it out yourself or trust in God. And we choose the latter. Because it is so much better. So much more peaceful. The pressure is off of us to "fix" everything. We simply put our trust in Him and listen with intent and passion in our hearts as to what we need to do next. That sounds like a much better idea than trying to do it all by ourselves. 

The kids will read this one day... hopefully. And my hope is that they will understand how our family chooses to deal with adversity. How we choose to handle problems or sadness or the unknown. But also how we choose to handle success. And how we handle great news. And how we handle wonderful days.

It's times like these that can really strengthen a family. That can pull you together and make you look around and be thankful for what you have. Each other. 

So we will pull ourselves together and up by our bootstraps and keep moving. Because kids, that what this family does. 

A great wedding...

We had the honor of being at and in the wedding of one of my dearest friends back in March. Cash was the ring bearer and took his job very seriously. Presley was the flower girl and would much have preferred to just be in charge of breaking it down on the dance floor. 

It was such a fun and magical night. Tons of love. Tons of laughs. Tons of tears. And tons of happiness...

Daddy/daughter dance at the wedding (first of many)

The family...

The ring bearer... 

And the picture of the night. Like I said, P was none too excited. Cash, on the other hand, told me, "Presley ruined my big moment". I told you he took his job very seriously...



Monday, June 2, 2014

Family...

Is there anything greater in this world than family? 

I think not...



A sad post to write...


Tonight we had to say goodbye to our sweet Birdie girl. She was hit by a car and wasn't able to make it.

We had to lie a little to Cash because he couldn't understand why Birdie wasn't coming when he called. It was so sad and I have cried off and on all night.

She was a very good dog. She got on our nerves sometimes and would sometimes poop in the house. She would run off and sometimes whine in the middle of the night. She would play too rough with the kids sometimes and chew on their toys.

But she was ours. And we were hers. And she loved us. It was obvious. Very few things are better and make you smile more than when you come home to a puppy that thinks you are the most amazing thing in the world. That loves you even if you are mad at her. That licks you even when you ask her not to.

Yes, Birdie was a puppy. She was our puppy. Our special puppy. And now all we have left is an empty room with her bed and toys and memories of her and our family together.

We will most certainly miss Birdie.

Dear Cash and Presley...

This tree is special. Special because you guys picked it out. Special because your daddy took you to pick it out. Special because you helped plant it (well Presley, you mainly ate the dirt. But that is your way of helping). Special because it is a baby tree. Just like you both.

The tree is sort of like a symbol. A symbol that the smallest things can be planted in your mind and heart, but with the right amount of encouragement and love...it can grow. And grow you will.

You will hopefully be able to watch this tree grow and one day understand its symbolism. Understand that it was one way that your mommy and daddy could learn to cope with the ever rapid growing you two are doing.

And understand that no matter where you go or what you do, your roots can and always will be planted at home and with family.

The start of a great summer...

Summer is full of a lot of things.  A sense of freedom comes over you. A sense of joy that only comes when you know that there is noting but fun to be had. And our summer has started with some things that she just be a part of every summer. For the history of ever.

Eating popcorn and watching a movie...

Bond during movie night with your sister...

Playing superhero's with your sister...and making her be the hulk

Swimming of course... But swimming with the biggest dog in the land...Now that special

Doing a little yard work...

Making a pallet in the floor and "resting"...

And cleaning up after a long day of playing hard...

I can't wait to see what else summer has in store for us!

School Spring pictures 2014...

This years pictures were a success. At least in my opinion they were. And if you would have seen last years spring pictures with just Cash you would think that any picture every taken in the history of the world would be a success. 

Not exaggerating. 

But these babies nailed it. And it really makes me smile that Cash is so loving and sweet with his baby sis. Well... most of the time.


Mommy and Presley Mae...

You know when everyone asks you who your children look like? And they ask you all the time and you have no idea who your children look like because you are not completely positive that they weren't switched at the hospital.

And then you see a picture of yourself as a baby and put it next to a picture of your baby as a baby. And you think...Ooooohhhh. Now I see it.

I finally see that Presley Mae and me kind of look like each other. My hope and prayer is that she will NOT get her mommy's curly hair.


A trip to Houston...

We welcomed our newest and littlest nugget to the Allen family a few weeks ago. Elijah Thomas joined the family and is so sweet and perfect. He is tiny and loves to cuddle. Perfect! 

While we were down there we spent tons of time with all of the cousins and grandparents and great grandparents. I took random pictures while we were down there and there really is no method to my madness... 


Just reading a little with Mamaw...naked of course

Watching Frozen with her Papi... she is a little "Papi's girl"

Mother's Day 2014...

Love these little nuggets. They make being a mommy the best and most challenging and most rewarding and most stressful job in the world. 

But my oh my it is such a blessing...