Apple Pie

Well Noah baked his first apple pie this week . . . and the little sticker's turned out to be the best one ever. We are reading a Bob Jones University Book called Pulling Together. In it the family has apple pie and milk for dinner one evening after lightning strikes their barn and catches it on fire. So we decided that it would be fun to make our own apple pie like in the story. We cheated just a little with the refrigerated pie crust - Can I just say that I will probably never make pie crust again. It is already rolled out for you - and it fits perfect no trimming or mess - nothing. I did promise Noah that we would make some cinnamon triangles - so I will probably make pie crust for that, but we'll see.

Have a good Thursday everyone.

Our Little Cinderella

I cannot believe that I forgot to post these photos. This is our very own little Avery-ella cleaning her room. She did a great job cleaning windows, mopping floors, washing the baseboards, and even cleaning out her closet. The funniest part is that she leaned out her window (no screens on yet) and started singing - because "that's what they do mom. They open the window and sing." I never thought of it before, but she was right. In almost all the Princess movies - someome is singing out a window.

Our hard work has paid off. A little cleaning here and there and a little moving around of the furniture and vola - a clean new room.

Our little princess tucked in for some much needed rest after a hard afternoon of work. Well I pray that each of you have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend. I am looking forward to seeing my husband this weekend and spending some time together as a family.

Sac River Stable Trip

Sorry everyone a little tired today so just a short post and a few pictures of our weekend.

Noah and his Sunday school class took a trip to the Sac River Stables this past weekend. They had a great time. Each child got to ride a horse and then brush Lucy a little Shetland Pony. They also gave the kids a tour of the stables. They all had a wonderful time. And Yes . . . Avery did get to ride too (only because Daddy was there - Mommy said no way)

Have a great week everyone - Lisa

God is our strength . . .

I found this scripture several weeks ago. I did not know at the time how much it would come to mean to me. These past weeks I have begun to discover new depth to God's word and I thank Him for allowing us to grow closer to Him through our trials. I pray that each of us would have a broken and contrite heart for our Saviour.

May we look to God for our strength and give Him all the glory and honour -

In Christ, Lisa

Are you Up for a Challenge ? ? ?

Okay today I woke up with an idea for a challenge. I would like to challenge each of you to a Six Week Strength Training Challenge. Now this is not just simply for your physical body, but for your entire body and soul . . . how's that for a grab your attention headliner :) I am going to call it Close To Thee
This is from a song that a wonderful lady from our church use to sing. I love the words of the song:

I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Each Friday I will post about three topics:

My Spiritual Journey: God is really challenging me personally to have a closer relationship with Him. I have neglected the most important relationship I have or will ever have - and that is with my King and Lord - Often times we think a 5 minute prayer is doing our Christian duty, but if I spent 5 minutes talking with my children or my husband a day or even a week I don't think I would have a very good relationship with them. God calls us to that fellowship with Him. He wants to be the one we turn to in times of joy, sorrow, and uncertainty. Right now I am reading through I John and having that Love for God. John is a plain (often times) step-on-your-toes kind of author and I need that right now. Christians (including me) have allowed God to be not only pushed down in our priorities, but lessened in who HE is. HE is my Creator, my breathe, the one who IS and who always WILL BE. I on the other hand am simply HIS Creation. So I truly pray that each of you will take this journey with me - as together we learn to walk closer to our Creator.


My Physical Journey: Dealing with a healthier lifestyle - this could be menu ideas, tips, or just thoughts of what the week was like -With Spring here (I think) I really have been in the mood to get back outside and start walking again - I've missed it this Winter and it is beginning to show :)

A Mother's /Wife's Journey: I think that most of us need encouragement in this area. So this is just an extra area I would like to add. I know that being a mother and a wife is sometimes not the easiest thing that God has called me to do, but He has called me to do them and I need to honor Him in how I speak and act towards my children and my husband. I don't think anyone has perfected this area - but I think we can all encourage each other.

If you would like to see just these posts I have labeled them as Close To Thee so just click on the link on the right hand side and you will be able to view them all.

I pray that together we can take this short journey together that will lead to a lifetime of closeness to God and each other.

Have a Wonderful day everyone. - Lisa

Come though Gentle Spring . . .

It is actually raining again here right now, but we had a beautiful Saturday - so I took the day and planted some flowers for the front. It was nice just to be out in the sunshine and fresh air. I hope you all will see the flowers and green grass soon. I am in the mood to spring clean, but I have to get a few other things done around the house first.

Well I am off to finish the morning chores and start laundry. I love Tuesday's for some reason. I think it is because usually we do not have anything planned and it has turned into our family night. I think this evening we are going to go to McAllister's if I can talk my loving husband into a family date night :-) Plus kids eat free on Tuesday nights.

Have a GREAT day everyone - Lisa

Not only is it good . . . it's good for you

Okay just a quick note to show you my new favorite drink. It is V8 Fusion Light - Strawberry Banana. It only has 50 calories and it gives you an ENTIRE serving of Vegetables AND Fruit in one serving (8 oz glass).

Avery loves it and I actually got Noah to drink a glass the other day. It is a great way to make sure they are at least getting a fruit and vegetable - although remember that it is always better to eat whole fruit and vegetables because your body digests them differently, but this is still a great way to add vitamins to your diet.

I am off to conquer my monthly meal planning menu today. Once I get it done I will try to see if I can upload it here.

Have a great morning everyone - Lisa

A little jet lag I believe

Well the GREAT news is that Bobby made it home yesterday - the BAD news, I think he was just a little tired. Actually I think we all were as we were in bed before 9:00 last night - We are getting so pathetic around here :) I think we all were just tired and didn't sleep well from being away from each other, so a couple of good nights of sleep and we will be right as rain.

Speaking of rain - we are getting a little water logged down here and I think we are in for some more. I am actually one of those odd people who enjoy the rain. Now don't get me wrong I wouldn't want it all the time, but there is something refreshing this time of year with the smell of rain and the grass turning green. I love a few cloudy cozy up days - for some reason it just reminds me that we need to slow down and snuggle in for some together time.

Well I am hearing the sound of little feet this morning - so I guess I better jump off of here and make "pam-cakes". I would really like to know how many pounds of "pam-cakes" I have made these past 7 years. Actually I would just like to know how many my daughter has eaten in the past 4 years ! ! !

Have a wonderful and blessed day everyone - Hugs Lisa

Whose Child is this anyway ? ? ?

MINE . . . MINE . . . MINE . . . I couldn't take a picture of Noah and not get one of Avery too - the only problem is that she was in her goofy mood . . . Well actually she got down in the football picture pose when she saw the camera because that is what they did for their pictures yesterday - so I told her that I just wanted her to act normal . . . well I got it. If she is not a hambone then she is our little princess.

When we were at JCPenney's yesterday waiting to get our pictures taken they have a spot for kids to watch a movie now - so I watched as she very carefully pulled the sides of her dress out and sat straight down and then foldered her hands in her lap - "That's how a princess sits mom." - Way too cute. Unfortunately no camera.

Well off I go to get some laundry done - Bobby is coming how tomorrow - one more night on the couch and then back to my pillowtop matress I go ! ! !

Hugs to all - Lisa

One of those moments

Have you ever had one of those moments when you realize just how quickly time goes by? Well that was me this afternoon as we were having a picnic lunch on our kitchen floor. (Oh such a good mom right - well actually my table was just covered in scrapbooking stuff as I am making bookmarks still) Anyway I was sitting across from Noah and realized that he is 1/2 way to his DRIVER'S LICENSE ! ! ! ! ! That was such a big moment for me right then. I know . . . I know. . . but he is already almost up to my shoulders and I am just not ready to be looking up to my "baby boy" yet. . . Well no stopping time is there - so I will have to have Bob make me some very HIGH platform shoes (hehehe) and convince all automobile companies that cars are VERY overrated and we don't really need them in another 8 years. Or I guess I can thank God for giving me such a sweet and loving boy that makes me smile everytime I look at his goofy (right now) toothless grin.

Have a great Wednesday everyone - Lisa

No pictures this time (sorry Grandmas). Just wanted to drop in and say hi to everyone really quick. Bobby is still gone to Atlanta - this job thing is really interferring with my cuddle time with my husband :-) Oh well I guess the job thing allows us to have the house to cuddle in - it's a love - hate relationship for me :-)

Well I FINALLY took the kids and got their pictures taken today. I really wanted some casual pictures just for fun, but Avery HAD to wear her spinning dress (AKA her poka dot dress). I did find Noah a shirt that matched pretty well - so when we get them back I will post them for you to see. They did really well and had fun.

Today was really pretty outside, but chilly. The kids got to play for about an hour, but I made them come back in as they are still trying to get over their coughs. Avery seems to be doing better, but Noah is still having a battle with it.

We went to the library and got some movies for a snuggle party tonight - but I don't think I am going to make it. I was up until 3:00 am this morning - I cannot sleep when Bobby is away. The ice machine about pushed me over the edge last night - scared me to death when it dropped ice (like it does 10,000 times a day) - just sounds different when you are sitting up by yourself in the middle of the night.

Okay everyone - have a great night and rest of the week. I am off to try to get some more things done for a craft show I would like to do (don't know which one yet, but hey there's bound to be one SOMEWHERE).

Love and Hugs - Lisa

All Dressed Up . . . And Off We Go

Just wanted to share a few pictures of the kids all dressed up for Easter Sunday - Noah was so proud of his new suite. He said "Now this is what a real gentelman wears" . . . too funny. What was even funnier is trying to buy this kid a pair of dress shoes. We ended up searching all over town one day and only coming up with a pair of brown ones that wouldn't work - so in despiration last week we went on the hunt again - and found ONE black pair in the entire town of Springfield that would work.





This is actually Avery's second Easter dress - I had originally picked out a bright poka-dot dress, but she found this one while we were shopping last week and decided she would look more like a princess in it - Plus we found a pearl necklace, braclet and earrings to match! I know how did I end up with such a girly-girl :-) - But truth be known I wouldn't want her any other way. Grandma & Grandpa Allen bought her a new purse for her birthday and of course she had to pack everything under the sun and take it with her.

Please continue to pray for Avery - She is still not doing 100%. She caught a cold this weekend after her stomach flu. She hasn't eaten good in over a week and now her throat is just raw from coughing so hard.

The entire family ready to go . . . Have a great Week everyone and we will talk to you soon.

PS. - Thanks Mom for sending me these pictures - I never did get one with the kids dressed up (bad Mom I know).

It's Hard to Believe

I cannot believe how fast time really does go by. We just celebrated Avery's 5th Birthday this past weekend. She told Bob that now that she was 5 she is going to move out on her own :-) Believe it or not - I think she is just independent enough to actually do it ! ! ! We had a wonderful day and the kids enjoyed hunting for eggs - even though Jeremy and Bobby were a little cruel in how they hid them this year. (Yes the big boys still like to have fun as well) Let's just say that trees and gutters were not off limits this year.

I pray that everyone had a wonderful Easter and truly reflected on what the day is REALLY about. Far too often I am guilty of rushing through Easter since everything always seems to be taking place around this time - This year we were able to enjoy the Lord's Supper at church Sunday Evening and over the past week hear our pastor preach on what Jesus truly went through during those last days and moments of his life. I pray that we all remember that he simply did not just die for us - he suffered for us - a suffering like we can never even image. I need to remember how God himself suffered and died for the sins of an entire world both past - present and future.

Have a wonderful week everyone - Lisa

Not Such A Cute Bug . . .

Just thought you would like to see what Avery has been look at for the last two days. Yep the Allen's thought we had made it - - - but no such luck. Our little Princess has come down with the flu bug. She woke up at 2:30am yesterday morning throwing up and running a fever. Can I just tell you how sweet she is . . . she went into the bathroom and threw up in the sink and then started to come and get us up. I never even heard her until she was in the dining room and didn't quite make it. I So I got her cleaned up and sent back to bed thinking she was all done - but no such luck. She threw up about every 10 minutes. I have NEVER had one of the kids be this sick! ! ! I felt so bad for her because she was such a little trooper and made it to the waste basket every time. I thought she would feel better Friday evening, but we ended up calling the doctor because she couldn't even hold water down for more than 1 minute after she drank it. The nurse told us that it was just a bug going around and they have seen a lot of it. She said that she would have to take a teaspoon of water at a time and if she couldn't keep that down to take her to Pediatric Urgent Care so they could see if she was getting dehydrated. After taking water a teaspoon at a time she was able to finally keep liquids down around 6:00 last night and she went to the bathroom - so no urgent care visit. She woke up this morning "thinking" she was better - but back to the tummy ache she went. So another day with this not so cute bug . . . Tomorrow is race day and it will be the first race day that we will miss if she is still no better :-(

Well I better try and get a few things done around the house . . . it is looking as pitiful as Avery these days.

Pray all of you are doing well and have a great weekend - Lisa

Just a little housework to be done. . .

Sorry I have been so bad about updating the blog lately. Our schedule has been crazy these past few weeks. We are leaving for our couples Retreat this weekend, and then Race Day Weekend is next, and then Avery's Birthday & Easter. Can I just tell you that March is an insane month for us. But God has been gracious in allowing me to be able to get things put together this year a little better than I had in the past.


Bob snapped this photo of my mom and Avery doing the housework together. You know when someone is really bored when they ask to iron your clothes. :-) My mom use to iron for $5.00 a basket . . . Avery thought it was fun to join Grandma with her ironing too, but she didn't get $5.00.

Well I need to run and finish up some last minute cleaning things before I run Noah to Bob for music. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. - Lisa

The Mighty Hunter

Well we had a nice day the other day so Bob took Noah out and let him do some target practice with his gun. He actually did really well. (I think even a little better than Daddy :-) sh . . . don't tell him I said that. Noah even got a bullseye. Who would have guessed we have a little sharp shooter in our midst.

Well after Noah took a few turns then it was Avery's turn. She did pretty well as well - At least she hit the cardboard. I think she needs a little more practice. Of course Mommy and Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa all had to take a turn at it as well. Just to let you know I came in 2nd place . . . I know what an upset that was :-) I'll be giving lessons to anyone interested :-)

Well I have to finish up some things - so off I go for the day.

Have a great day everyone - Lisa

Hurry Up Daddy ! ! !

Poor Avery. She was waiting for Daddy to take her out in the snow and play. We actually had snow yesterday that has stayed - so both the kids are pretty excited about that. Bob took Avery out to play while Noah finished up his school.

She was actually waiting pretty patiently. I wish I had waited a few seconds after I took the last picture because as Bob was putting her down, she fell flat on her bottom and just sat there. It was kind of funny :-)

Well off I go to clean bathrooms - I know not a glory job, but somebody has to do it - especially with a boy in the house whose aim is just not quite right yet :-)

Have a great weekend everyone - Lisa

Pinewood Derby Blowout ! ! !

Monday night was the annual Pinewood Derby Races. This was our first experience with this and let me just say some of these people take it VERY serious (all in the name of fun I'm sure). I must say that I am very proud of Bob. He did not get too crazy this year even though I know that he wanted to. Noah did very well. He won all three of his races. His car is the blue one closest to him. He also did great in his interview - - Yes they even have to go through an interview process of how they built their car. The only problem he had was that he takes everything so seriously. I told Bob he was going to have an ulcer before the end of the night. He was just "so worried" about everything. I think next year might be better since he will know what to expect. I think he really enjoyed himself though. This coming Monday is Blue & Gold Banquet so I will have more Cub Scout pictures then to share.

I am off to check on my sick boy. Avery went to bed last night with a "tummy ache" which we didn't take too seriously because it was more of a "I don't want to eat my supper ache". This morning she laid around for about two hours, but seems to be doing better. Now Noah is sick with a "tummy ache" and has been laying in the tub for about an hour . . . so we will see. Have a great weekend everyone.

Lisa

Noah's Music Program

I just realized that poor Avery is getting left out again. I am going to have to take a few pictures of her this week and post them up here, just to even things up a bit.

Here are a few pictures of Noah's Music Program. He did a GREAT job. Bob and I were SOOO proud of him (even if he did forget to introduce us).

He has one more year to go and then we will be looking for a new piano teacher and guitar teacher. Can I just say that I am really going to miss this program. It has been such a great overall music program for him. Avery will be starting this fall and I'm really excited to see how she will do with it as well.

2 out of 3 . . . "It's my best record ever ! ! "

Let me explain the title a little bit. By the pictures I'm sure that you can guess what Noah has done. He lost his first TOP tooth ! ! ! We have been wiggling this tooth for a few days now, but it finally gave way this morning while he was brushing his teeth. He really looks like a toothless grinner now :-) When he called Bob to tell him this morning, Bob said that 2 out of 3 isn't bad (meaning he saved 2 but swallowed 1). Noah said "Not Bad! It's my best record ever!" Kids really do say the funniest things.

I hope you all have a wonderful day - Lisa