The Tie Obsession

I don't know what it is about ties, but Talmage just loves them! I guess it stems from his mission. Male missionaries know what they're going to wear everyday except for the tie. That's the only big decision a missionary has to make each day. For two years having to only decide one important piece of the wardrobe...you have to get creative. Hence, the need for a lot of ties. Talmage has been wearing button shirts and ties to school everyday this school year so he wanted to make sure he knows which shirt goes with which tie. It was much easier to lay them all out on our bed and take each shirt around. What a process!! I think we got it all figured out. He's going to be the best dressed teacher at Escalon! And of course he's already the cutest!

What a reunion!

So, we had our 10 year class reunion on Saturday night. I was really glad we went and I look forward to the next one, although I hope to be a part of the planning committee next time. It was fun to see everyone although there were a lot of people I was surprised were not there, and the food was good. We could have done without the entertainment, or at least a shortened version of the entertainment. No, we could have done without the entertainment entirely. There was a hypnotist show for our entertainment and I'm sure he does a great show, it was just the wrong idea for a class reunion. The participants were willing to give it a try but no one was really hypnotized. After about an hour I was wondering if this guy was planning on going all night! It just got to be too long and he lost the audience after about 15 minutes. I think people just wanted to visit and socialize. Of course we didn't stay too long after the show got over. We had three little kids at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Two of them were probably as content as could be, and Tyler was really happy and content too after his second bottle, but we didn't feel like we needed to stay any longer. Although I did hear it got better. Once the music and dancing started I'm sure it was a lot more fun. But I'm also glad we didn't stay to see how drunk some people could get. Talmage and I left realizing we want to help plan the next. There were several things we would have done or suggested. For one, the class president has a photography business so her husband was taking pictures the whole evening. Maybe they did after we left but I thought it would have been great to take a picture of all of the class of '98 that was there. Second, I would have tried to get more information about what people are doing now whether they were able to make the reunion or not. Have a wall with postings and pictures. They did have one poster board that had pictures, but it would have been nice to see more. And lastly, it was nice that there was something thought of for entertainment but something more involved would have been better. Talmage suggested a Mentalist show. He has a good friend that does it and when I saw him "perform" it was amazing. Very interesting and intriguing. Also a slideshow would have been so much fun. Overall it was fun and we're glad we went. It won't stop us from going to the next one, but made us realize we want to be involved for the next one. And to think that for the next one I won't have a 6 week old baby!

Facebook

It took me a while to join the world of blogging because I'm just not into this kind of thing. And my sister Brittany has been trying to get me on Facebook for a long time but I really tried to avoid that. I just knew I couldn't be into that sort of thing. Well lo and behold I've done it. I've joined the networking world of Facebook and actually enjoy it. Mind you, it's only been a day...or maybe two...but it's fun to see who I can find. I almost feel like I'm stalking. Searching out long lost friends that I lost contact with because I'm not good at keeping in contact. Well I found my best friend from 1st grade all by accident. Beverly Wien (a.k.a my Bopsey Twin) was my BEST friend in Mrs. Woods' first grade class at Cloverland Elementary School. I thought she was so cool and she had a twin sister...that made her even cooler. After 1st grade we changed schools and I didn't keep in contact...obviously. First of all because I'm not good at that, as mentioned before, and second of all because I was only in the 1st grade! We were reunited again when we got into junior high and stayed great friends until her family moved away our sophmore year of high school. Throughout the years I've thought about her and her twin sister Georgina. I've wondered what they were doing and where they were. I had no idea how to ever get in contact with them so I never tried. Who would have thought that Facebook could be the one to thank. It's been fun catching up on what each of us have been doing over the past 12 years. Makes me wonder who else I can find...in all my spare time?? Let the fun begin!

Mother of 3!

So today was one of those crazy days having 3 kids. Grant was invited to Garrett's birthday party this afternoon and with Grant in school it's not as easy to pick any time of the day to go to the store. I knew I would just have to pick something out without Grant. The new balancing act is time. I wanted to leave right after I fed Tyler so he wouldn't be fussy and I knew I had to be back in time to get Grant from school. Well things never work out exactly as planned. I didn't leave until 30 minutes after originally planned because Tyler wanted to eat again. Then I had to fill up on gas. Tyler cried the whole way to the store and luckily stopped crying when we got there. Then Kenzie told me that her tummy hurt because she had to go potty. I just tried to hurry through the store before Tyler woke up and told Kenzie to just hold it and we would go really fast. Amazingly enough we were all loaded back in the car when my little alarm went off for my time limit in the store. That's a first! I usually take so long because I love to browse...and I really wanted to but knew I had a little girl that needed to go potty and a little boy that needed to be picked up from kindergarten and another little boy that was sleeping soundly and I didn't want to chance him waking up. We made it home in plenty of time and Tyler stayed asleep even on our way to and from getting Grant. Kenzie went to the bathroom when we got home. And we were early picking up Grant. I was feeling pretty proud of myself for getting everything done and keeping everyone happy until Grant told me that Garrett already has the books I picked out. I guess you just can't get it all right!

He's going back for more

Grant loved his first day of school. The first thing he made sure to tell me was that he had snack. Important things first! He's a boy and didn't divulge much information until I pried it out of him at dinner. I had to ask him step by step what happened and what he did. I was impressed he remembered at which table he sat as well as where all of his friends sat. He is a very smart and observant boy. He has a great memory for little details. Another important thing he told me was that he gets to go back tomorrow (today). After day 2 he is still having fun but keeping a lot of the secrets to himself.
I am so proud of what a good boy he is. In his Father's blessing it was noted several times about reaching out and being a friend to those that are lonely as well as being a helper to his teacher. I know he will be. He is so sensitive and caring. We are lucky to have such a sweet boy in our home.

First Day of School

Grant started Kindergarten today! He picked out his clothes last night and had them laid out all ready to go. We had a nice short little walk to school which was faster than driving and finding a parking spot. It was a crazy morning of kids and parents all over the place. But of course we were part of the chaos. And surprisingly enough I made it without even getting a bit teary. I must have gotten it all out already. We went yesterday to meet his teacher and see his classroom and see all of his friends that would be there. I think that was a big help. Yesterday he was a little apprehensive and nervous but today he seemed a lot more confident and excited. I was really glad we went yesterday so today wasn't such a new and scary experience. What's so great is that he already knows about 7 kids in his class from church. Thanks to a little inside help at the school that was able to be arranged. Can't wait to hear how his day was!

I guess it's my turn

I've thought about starting a blog for months but I never wanted to create one. I'm not creative nor do I feel like I have much to share. BUT, I love looking at other people's blogs to see what's going on in people's lives so I thought it was about time I started one of my own. Not to mention that since I'm not very good at keeping in touch with people maybe this will help. I feel bad that my own aunt didn't even know I was pregnant until AFTER I had the baby and she read it on my sister's blog. Opps. Sorry Karen!

I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do for my own personal history as well as for friends that I haven't talked to in a long time. We did have another baby. Tyler Malin Allen (Malin is Talmage's middle name as well as his Grandpa's name) was born on the 4th of July. We expected him to come that day being that the Doctor scheduled to induce me at 9:00 that morning, what we didn't expect is that my water would break at 12:30 that morning and we would have him before 9:00 am. I was hoping my labor would be a lot shorter than it was but I have nothing to complain about. When I was induced with Mackenzie, once my water broke she was out about an hour later. Not so with this one... I was getting a little impatient let alone very tired of contractions and tired physically since I hadn't slept at all. I just wanted to be done. I think I was also crazy for electing to go without an epidurral again. I didn't have time to get one with Kenzie so I thought I would try it for this one as well. About 20 minutes before Tyler was born I knew there was no time to get the epidurral so I opted for a little pain med through the IV. No it didn't take the pain away but at least I felt like I was getting something.

Tyler was born at 7:16 AM and weighed 7 lbs 5 oz and measured 19 inches. He's a little guy but he has the longest fingers and toes I've seen on a baby. Who knows! Maybe he'll end up with a little help in the height department from the House genes. He's been a mostly happy baby. He has his moments like all of us and lucky for him that he's a baby and can cry when he feels like it and no one thinks it strange. I keep waiting for him to plump up a bit. I know that will help him sleep better through the night when he has some chubbiness to him.
Tyler is ADORED by his big brother and sister. I was a little worried that Kenzie wouldn't take to him so kindly. I think she has been very happy being the baby and getting the spoiling that comes with it. But she is a girl that loves dolls and babies so Tyler was a perfect gift for our family and for her. She loves "her baby" and has been very good with him except when she has to get in his face while he's sleeping or stop his swing to give him hugs or kisses. Grant has been an exceptional big brother. The first morning Tyler was home from the hospital Grant was reading him stories as he lay on the couch. And that is just the beginning. He has been so sweet to him and so helpful to me. He loves to hold Tyler and will sing to him or tell him stories. He's already working on their secret handshake.We feel very blessed with these special kids that are part of our family. Of course it's not always easy. We have plenty of fits and breakdowns but I just remind myself that it's only temporary. Soon enough these kids will be going to school then going on missions then getting married and I'll wish I could have a few of these days back again...just without the fits.

Fun in Strawberry

We had a great time in Strawberry. It was our first overnight outing with Tyler so I was a little worried. Who would have thought that 28 people could all sleep in one cabin. We made it work and we had a great time. Thanks Don and Carla for arranging it!

Our little model. I don't know why but Kenzie has this new thing with posing with her hands on her hips. I guess she has to try something new every once in a while.

Here's our pretty little princess. Too bad she didn't enjoy playing in the dirt more. Good thing for the bathtub!

Besides the fact that Tyler was fussy and wanted to eat all the time, I would say we had a great trip. I don't think he minded one bit of it. I just felt bad for everyone else that had to listen to him fuss. At least he still slept well at night.

The kids had a great time playing on the beach. We just got a little worried when Grant walked off for some reason. It was a pretty crowded day.

Grant loved getting to drive the boat for a while. Thanks Don and Carla for a fun time out on the PARTY BOAT. Tyler thoroughly enjoyed his relaxing nap listening to the sound of the boat's motor.

I am not a daredevil nor am I brave when it comes to doing adreneline rushing activities. Even if I hadn't had a baby only a month before I know I wouldn't have jumped off the rocks. I see that same characteristic in Kenzie. She'll hardly even jump from the side of the pool to someone standing only inches away. She was almost 2 1/2 before she was brave enough to climb out of her crib that had the railing all they way down. Talmage had a great time jumping although he only went once. I guess that's what happens when you have 3 kids. Too many of them need attention at the same time you want to do something like this.