Allen Family Album

Graduation has come and gone!

2010-07-03T16:00:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures from one of the best weekends ever!!! This was a very exciting time to see Todd graduate from Law School and yet a sad time to say goodbye to some great friends. I am so proud of Todd and all the work he did and continues to do in his pursuit of his law degree. Thank you and Congratulations Todd we love you!!

Baby Blessing Photos

2010-05-04T23:38:00.006-04:00

What a wonderful day!

My little angel

My sweet little devil

Holy Cow! What the Heck!

2010-05-04T23:10:00.002-04:00

So if you have not heard I have a new calling at church I am the Relief Society President. I know it is so crazy I still can't believe it. I am very overwhelmed yet I feel very humble. I am so lucky to have great counselors and a wonderful secretary. I also am so thankful for Todd and his support. I know that this calling can take up a lot of time and he already has so much on his plate and yet he has already been so supportive. Sunday he had the kids all by himself for3 1/2 hours and when I came home the house was spotless the kids were happy. I could not ask for a better husband.

What a Crazy year this has been already!!

2010-04-26T14:26:00.004-04:00

So I can't believe that it is almost May 1st! It seems that the first part of this year has flown by. As May 15th gets close we are shocked to think that Todd will be done with law school. I am so proud of him and all the hard work he has put in the past 3 years. I wish I could say that once law school was over we could relax and begin a normal life but no Todd starts studying for the bar 1 week after graduation. I don't know how he has made it working, going to school, and balancing family life. I am also grateful for the job he was able to find! He is working at the Law Office of Conrad Willkomm and really enjoys everyone he works with. We know how blessed we are in this bad economy to have not only a job but to have a great job! Todd really enjoys working on bankruptcy's and has had a great opportunity to do that were he is at.

Landon has been busy the past few months he has had soccer, t-ball, and swimming classes. He also goes to speech therapy 2 times a week ,he calls it is school. He loves his speech pathologist Mrs. Ruth. She has helped him so much and we are glad that he has had this chance to improve his language skills. He might be having another surgery to help him some more with the soft palate we will find out soon if this is necessary. It is amazing to think that he will be starting school this August. He will miss the kindergarten cut off but the state of Florida has a program called VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten). It is free and we found a great church school to send him to. He is so excited to go and I feel like he is ready to go. He will go from 12:30-3:30 Mon-Fri and his good friend Eli will be going with him. I guess the past 4 years have flown bye. I am so glad that he has a sister now to share his life with. I am amazed at how much he loves Savannah. He is the only one who can really make her laugh.

Savannah has also changed so much. After 4 long months of her having reflux we are glad to have a happy healthy baby! She has 4 teeth in her mouth and loves to bite with them. She has been rolling around for sometime now and is now crawling. Savannah has also started to pull herself up and stand. Every now and then she gets brave and lets go which is why her forehead is covered in bruises. She also just started to give kisses it is so sweet! I love my little girl and look forward to the years we will share together as mother and daughter.

I am so thankful for my life and all that I have been blessed with. I enjoy being a mother and getting the opportunity provided by Todd to stay home with our kids.

Poor Landon

2009-12-16T13:04:00.004-05:00

So yesterday Landon had his tonsils and adenoids removed in hopes that he will breath better, speak better, and not get sick as often. This has been a long time coming and we are glad it is finally over.
He was such a good boy and as always had all the nurses gaga over him. While we waited he played hide and seek behind a chair. He got mad at me when I told him not to run because he could get hurt so he looked at me and said Mom you and Dad are going on to the naughty list and you are not getting presents from Santa. Well by now the Doctor was nearby and just started laughing as did I we quickly had to stop because Landon said it was not nice to laugh.
The surgery was only about a half hour but it took him over an hour to wake up. He did not cry and started drinking when the nurse asked him to. Infact most of the day he was almost to hyper. Today he is not as well but is still being a good patient. He should be totally recovered by Christmas and back to his good old self if not better.
I am so glad for a great Doctor and staff they made it so easy to let my baby go under anesthetic with out having me right by his side. I am also glad Todd was able to help me and be at the surgical center with us.

Our New Addition!!

2009-10-02T12:46:00.004-04:00

So I really needed to get on here and announce our little girls birth!! Savannah Ruth Allen was born on September 18th at 8:32 am she weighed 6lbs 12ozs and was 18in long. We had a scheduled c-section which you think might remove some of the anticipation that comes with waiting for a birth WRONG! We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 am and we were scheduled for at 7:15 surgery time then some woman decided her baby should come first so we had to wait for another hour. The best part of waiting was the couple on the other side of the curtain who was also waiting for a c-section. This next part is not an exaggeration!! As we waited we hear her saying how much gas she has and the next thing you know she just let it rip. Ok so you might think oh poor pregnant lady give her a break well I would have if it stopped after one time but no she kept going. She would just let them rip over and over again and then laugh and talk about her gas. Now keep in mind we only had a curtain between us and she knew we were next to her. It took everything Todd had to keep from telling her to put a cork in it. Oh and did I mention it began to stink. I felt we got a little revenge when I got wheeled in to surgery and she had to wait for me to be done ( she had arrived at 4:30 am).

Surgery went great and before we knew it our daughter was born. Savannah came out screaming and wiggling the doctor said we have a wild one. She was beautiful and I will admit I started to cry. She has dark hair that when wet has a little curl to it. Todd had the sweetest face when he saw her. He was able to stay with her while they finished my surgery and I was in recovery. I had to wait an hour to see her again and it was killing me I was so happy to finally get to hold her! My mom stayed with me in the hospital the first night so Todd could be home with Landon and I very much appreciated that. I was very happy that I could go home on Sunday and our family could start to settle in.

I am so lucky to have two beautiful children who are healthy and happy. As look back on the years and the hard times we went through to get to this point I realize I would not change it for anything. I am so touched when I see how much Landon loves his sister. He loves to sing to her and kiss and hold her. I know down the road he will not be as kind and patient with her nor her with him but I hope they will always love each other.

We have a date!!

2009-08-25T14:29:00.003-04:00

So we are so excited that we have a c-section date for Savannah! She will arrive on September 18th one month shy of Landon's 4th birthday. It just seems crazy that it is here. I have to admit that I am ready. She seems to be so active and is taking up every last bit of space in my body. I guess it is just the usual lots of heartburn, no sleep, hard time breathing, and moving.

Sometimes it still seems so strange to see the pink and think that not only will we have another child but a girl. Landon is really excited and can't to wait for his sister to come. He tells everyone what her name is and that he loves her. He loves to kiss my belly and whisper things to her. For now he is even excited to be sharing a room with her, I am sure that could change.

I know that we were so blessed to have Landon and now to have Savannah is a absolute miracle.

A Full Moon

2009-08-11T15:17:00.002-04:00

So I think I am having a nice quiet time this morning with Landon. We went to the Library yesterday and picked out a few books and we were reading together this morning when all of a sudden he pulls down his pants and moons me. He thought that was the funniest thing ever. I know that this so comes from his father and I know his father is so proud of this. One thing is for sure Landon keeps me on my toes and always has me laughing.

Wow has it really been that long?

2009-08-01T14:42:00.003-04:00

So I realize I have not kept up at all on my blog. I am sure for those of you that know it is not suprising with how our summer has gone. For those that don't know here is the low down.
We left Michigan in the middle of May to move to Utah for the summer so Todd could work for a law firm in Cedar City. The first week was like a dream Todd loved the job but by the second week it became a nightmare. The attorney was arrested and we were without a job and out all the money it took to move. During this time I had also lost my wedding ring which broke my heart.

We then headed back to Michigan to load a moving truck to head to Florida where Todd will be attending his last year of law school. We were so grateful for the wonderful friends we had in Michigan who helped us during this difficult time and who on short noticed provided us with food, fun, and help packing the moving truck.

Our trek to Florida was long and exciting we were trying to line up our apartment while on the road and just focus on moving forward. We found out the day we pulled into Naples that we had no place to live and 24 hours to find one. We were grateful that we found a nice place and it is feeling like home we were frustrated that we were spending almost $300 more a month then anticipated. We had some good friends here in Florida who helped us unload the truck on a very hot and humid day and for that we are grateful. What I was not ready for was my kitchen table being broken and so many other things damaged or broken. At this point I start to laugh and cry at the same time. I am sure I look like a crazy lady at this point. All was not lost though Todd had a job lined up and the guy seemed ok that we were going to leave for 2 weeks and told Todd to contact him when we got back.

We then left for Hawaii with my family which was a wonderful escape and we were certain all would be well in Zion when we got home. Well we get home and Todd calls the attorney and he has already hired someone else. So now we have an apartment that costs more then we planned for and no job. Life seemed perfect at this point NOT!

Now I want you to know that as tested as we were we would not trade our trials for any others. I have a wonderful husband who is hard working and diligent and he continued to look for a job. Now this is were the story gets good! Todd was contacted on a Friday and the attorney wanted to interview him on Saturday to which Todd said yes. So the next day after a good interview the attorney asked Todd to wait for about 10 min and when he came back he offered him a job making more then we had been offered at any other position this summer. Todd now works for a man who seems to be honest in his dealings and is a wonderful teacher. We now have a job that will last the whole year and for that we are grateful. We even wonder at times if this is who he will be working with for awhile. We are a little gun shy still and don't get our hopes up to much.

I do know that as crazy as things have been we are so blessed. We look at our situation and are thankful for the peace we have in our lives. We are so happy to be preparing to welcome our daughter Savannah soon. We have a wonderful son who brings us so much joy. Hey and he will go to the potty by himself now and that is a huge blessing. I also could never ask for a better husband who never gives up. Todd is a great husband, father, and over all great priesthood leader in our home. All the tears and sorrow this summer really have been worth it and I am grateful that I could be given these trials so that I could see how lucky I am.

Yes I am shocked to!

2009-02-05T13:30:00.002-05:00

So we had totally given up on having another baby. Todd and I had a bad experience with the fertility clinic in December so we were done. In short they were going to be closed on the holidays which meant no treatments. I just don't get who gets into this industry and is not open 365 days a year! So we took things into our own hands and did the drugs ourselves. I know, I know now you are thinking I am like the crazy lady in California who just gave birth to 8 after she already had 6. Well those that really know me know I am a little crazy. I took a pg test 2 days before my cycle was to start and it was negative which was not shocking. We thought from the beginning this would be a long shot. So then about 5 days later I saw the pg test under the sink and just thought why not and then a nice little plus sign showed up. I called Todd to see when he would be home when he said not till 9 pm I just let the words I am pregnant come out. He thought what the heck she would not joke about this. Next thing I know he is on his way home and telling me to drink up because he was picking up more tests. So 2 tests later and we were sure. We are so excited and even Landon is really happy. He tells us all the time his brothers and/or sisters are coming. We can not believe how blessed we are. We are very thankful for this opportunity to be parents again.

I can't keep up!

2008-12-15T10:32:00.002-05:00

So Todd got me doing facebook and I guess I can't do two things at once. We have had a lot going on since Landon's birthday. Bruce and Shanon came for Thanksgiving which was wonderful. We are really excited for this Christmas. Landon has finally picked up on the Santa thing and that he will bring gifts. I love seeing the excitement in his face when he talks about Christmas. We are also glad that on Wednesday Todd will officially be half way done with Law school. I am so blessed to have a great husband who works so hard for his family. As thrilled as I am to watch Landon this time of year I have not at all forgotten why we celebrate. We have been so blessed and we are grateful for the greatest gift we will ever receive and that is the gift of Christ.

2008-10-20T22:42:00.002-04:00

2008-10-20T21:25:00.002-04:00

No more binkies YEH!!!

2008-09-19T14:03:00.004-04:00

So a few weeks ago we finally go rid of the binkies. Todd and I have gotten sick of having to pull them out of his mouth when he is talking. We also figured it was a good time since we have nothing major going on to disrupt his schedule right now. So one afternoon I told him big boys do not need binkies and that he should take his and put them in the garbage. Imagine my surprise when he just did it with out a fight. Since that day he has asked a few times but has been ok with it over all. We did not even have any problems with him going to sleep a night without it. Now to be honest part of the reason for that maybe that we have been keeping him from taking naps. I am sure some of you moms are questioning my sanity regarding this, but let me explain. Our church time has changed to 1:00 pm and I knew it would be hard if he was used to having a nap during the 1-4 time period. So our solution was cold turkey on the naps. The funniest time of day now is around 6:00 pm sometimes he can't even keep his eyes open and falls a sleep just sitting on the couch or laying on the floor. We have to be creative to try and keep him awake until at least 7:30.

All of these changes make me realize how old Landon is getting. He is so excited about his birthday that he talks about it all the time. He is also already telling people that he is three. I have been so blessed to be able to stay home with Landon and enjoy all of the milestones. I just love watching his personality. He really is a little man with all his own ideas and talents.

Sorry it has been CRAZY.

2008-08-19T20:56:00.007-04:00

So the past few months have just flown by. I can not believe that Todd starts school on Monday. We will not be seeing him much this semester. Todd will be working full time for the Honorable Judge Annette Berry in Detroit and going to school full time. I am so proud of him and all he has accomplished. I know that this year is going to just fly by and before we know it we will be in Florida.

I have to admit the only reason I decided to post today was because Landon said the best thing to Todd. We were sitting around and Landon told Todd he needed to take a shower. Todd asked if he was stinky and Landon stated that Todd smelt like his bum. I would assume that smelling like Landon's bum is not a good thing. Sometimes Landon makes me laugh so hard I want to pee my pants. For those of you that know me it is not hard to get me to wet myself. I am a big girl and feel secure enough to admit I have this one flaw.

On a better note here are some pictures from this summer which I will go into more detail about later.

Landon and Todd at Tiger Game

Landon and Ben in Chicago

Landon and Marissa

Landon and Shannon at Tiger Game

I HAVE TO PEE!!!!

2008-06-10T12:45:00.002-04:00

So a week ago we started down the potty training road. It all started when I got out of a shower and found Landon naked and his diaper in the garbage he did not want to wear it anymore. I would say that is a pretty good sign he might be ready. One day I did put him in the the tub and he pooped. That was one of the most disgusting things I have every cleaned up. At least he was smart enough to not want to stay in the tub. The best potty training story happened this weekend. We decided to go on a day trip to a local German town called Frankenmuth. It was hot and humid but we had a lot of fun. Landon peed once on the toilet and had no accidents all day. At the end of the day we went to dinner and at the restaurant took Landon to the bathroom twice with no results. As Landon sat next to Todd I saw him start to grunt and I picked him up and ran. Once we got to the bathroom him did not need to poop anymore. What I had not realized was he had already peed in the chair. So as I ran through the restaurant we left a trail of dripping urine. Don't worry I did not leave it I did sheepishly informed someone that they might want to clean up the pee trail my son left. Sorry to anyone who may have been sprayed on the run to the bathroom, my pediatrician says urine is sterile so you should be ok.

Day Out With Thomas

2008-05-29T14:47:00.007-04:00

Landon loves Thomas the Train so what would be more appropriate than to see him in person!! We went to Henry Ford Museums Greenfield Village to see him and we went with some great friends. Landon, Clark, and Cora loved riding the train and waving at everyone. I did not know that Landon had such a sense of humor. They had a magician perform some very 2 year old appropriate magic tricks, in other words it was a little lame. Landon loved it though he was slapping his knee laughing and holding his face in shock and eventually clapping in the end. We actually made this a two weekend trip because we have a membership to the park so we went the next weekend for free ( we did not pay to ride Thomas again). Landon took a new group of friends and had just as much fun.Landon and Sir Topham Hatt

Landon and Ashlyn holding hands

Landon and Clark clapping at the Magician

Update!!!

2008-05-29T09:40:00.002-04:00

So I let a little over a month go by without blogging. I would bet the world has not suffered because of this but who knows? Most may know how busy we have been this past month. Todd has finished his first year of law school and what a relief we made it through finals. The most exciting thing I think happened to me. The Saturday before Mothers day was beautiful!! Landon and I spent the day at the Henry Ford Museum with friends and visited Thomas the Train. The fun really started when we got home and the pains I had been feeling all day got so bad no medicine would relieve the pain. Todd was in the middle of finals and I did not want to bother him so when he got home at 11:30 pm I told him I should go to the ER. Come to find out I have gallstones and had a gallbladder attack. I would like to thank Bruce and Shanon for coming to help with my surgery that we found out I won't be having until June 12th. Sorry about your cross country trip for nothing although Landon was glad they came. Hope everyone else is doing well and I will down load some fun pictures and video soon.

Ok, Ok so it has been awhile!

2008-04-20T16:17:00.006-04:00

Yes it has been awhile but we have been very busy. Landon and I have had a great month. Thanks to Sterling and Susan we were able to fly to Seattle and visit for one week. We then drove to Coeur D' Alene to visit Papa Dave and Grandma Kim. After about 3 days we flew to Salt Lake to see Papa Bruce and Grandma Shanon. Now of course I would love to say it was the perfect vacation but then it would not have been my vacation. Lets see was it Landon's really bad pink eye or the diarrhea that lasted one week, perhaps it was the cough that only started at bedtime. I guess I will let you decide what made this trip so special. Seriously though we did have a great time visiting everyone. We got to see so much in Seattle that Sterling and Susan have more than convinced me I would love to live there. Landon and I had so much fun visiting everyone in Coeur D' Alene even is most of the time was in the ER. As always Landon was so excited to see his cousins in Salt Lake. We had a great time at the zoo.

Pay Back Dad!!!

2008-03-10T20:49:00.002-04:00

So Todd may not win the father of the year after this story, but Landon does get his payback. On occasion Todd has not held back when his son was near his rear end. To put it plainly Todd has passed gas on his son. So the other night we were all laying on the floor playing cars and Landon walks up to Todd and puts his rear end by Todd's face. At that moment we both wondered what he was doing until he let it rip. We have not laughed that hard in who knows how long. So perhaps Todd has learned a lesson and will think before he passes gas near his son.

We Have A Genius!!!

2008-03-03T14:59:00.002-05:00

OK so maybe he is not a genius but at least he knows when mom and dad are plotting against him. We have learned that we must spell words out now so not to upset Landon when we are planning something like bed time. So last night I look at Todd ,while Landon sat between us and said it is time for B E D. Within the next instant Landon says NO B E D. So I guess he may not have been sure of what we were spelling but he was sure he wanted no part of it.

I Thought You Were 2 not 13?

2008-03-02T14:41:00.002-05:00

So I thought certain behaviors did not start until a child became a teenager, but Landon has taught me that is not the case. He has a habit of running into his room when he gets hurt or is sad. It is really funny, not that I would ever laugh at my son. So the other day he hurt him self and I was concerned so I followed him in his room to check on him. The next thing I know he points at me and yells get out of my room then slams the door behind me. I have to admit after the shock of what just happened I laughed pretty hard. He is just getting to be so independent in his young age.

Landon's Grandma and Papa Allen can attest to his personality after spending one week with us in Nauvoo. He does miss them already!! When we were almost home from the trip Landon wakes up from his nap and all of a sudden starts saying Papa's car. We could not see anything that looked like Bruce's car but I am sure Landon did.

Watch What You Say!!

2008-02-22T19:10:00.004-05:00

Landon gave me a friendly reminder that you should always watch what you say. Todd did something that caught me off guard so I said "Oh my word Todd" next thing I know Landon repeated the phrase. Of course I had to hold in the laughter but I am sure this will come back to bite me in the behind.

We have had a few fun nights lately also. A couple of nights ago, about 1 am Todd and I woke up to a weird scratching sound in the wall. We just got new neighbors and thought maybe it was them. Then it happened again so I went to the office and they thought maybe we had a mouse in the wall so they set a trap. Well last night Landon woke up and I went in to comfort him, he has not been sleeping well lately and I heard the scratching in his room. I went to the office again and now they wonder if it is a squirrel because of how loud it is. No wonder Landon is not sleeping. I just don't want anything chewing through the wall I know that would freak me out to have a large rodent running around the apartment. I will give you all a follow up as we figure this out just pray I don't wake up with a crazy squirrel on my chest.

OH BOY WHAT A DAY!!

2008-02-13T21:29:00.003-05:00

So I about had it today. My sons new favorite phrase is what happened? So for an example lets say he throws his food on the floor he would then say what happened, like some ghost came and tossed the food. So between that and the ever favorite mom,(what) mom, (what) MOM. I was glad to have Todd come home. When he was walking in one of my friends had just left she told him that I was going to be thrilled to see him. I am sure at that moment he wanted to turn around and go back to school. This is why Todd is awesome he walked through the door and took over with Landon. I am one very lucky woman!!

2008-02-11T18:08:00.000-05:00

What a rough life!! This guy always makes me laugh. Although this may be a pose for the camera he really does relax like this. Nothing is better for Landon then his Boppy and a little chocolate milk (Thanks Grandma). Todd and I have been shocked a lot this week with Landon's vocabulary. He is finally associating pictures of his family with names. His favorite now is Ro Ro for his cousin Raul. He also knows alot of his Aunts and Uncles. I knew that he would grow up fast but who thought he would change everyday.

COLD, COLD, COLD!!!!

2008-02-01T14:13:00.000-05:00

We were supposed to get a big storm in last night and Todd was really hoping school would be cancelled. Well all the school districts cancelled school but the universities were still open (Sorry Todd). We may not have gotten all the snow they said we would but boy have we had the cold. When you walk outside your nose hairs freeze instantly. The doors to the car have been frozen shut a few times and everytime Todd is cold all he has to say is "I hate Michigan in the winter". I can't believe how when the wind gets going it makes everything ten times worse. Of course none of this keeps a two year old from wanting to have some fun. So I bundled Landon up and gave him a dump truck and let him have a little fun. This winter sure makes moving to Florida next year look great.

Not A Baby Anymore.

2008-01-29T08:16:00.000-05:00

We have reached a new phase in Landons life. On Sunday night Todd and Landon took out their drills and turned the crib into a toddler bed. I have been impressed at how well he has done going to bed in his big boy bed. I will admit that I cried a little bit at the thought of not having a baby anymore. I am so proud of him though and what a big boy he is becoming. Dad is very proud of his son and how excited he was to help change his bed.

Friends

2008-01-23T16:00:00.000-05:00

Landon's social life never stops to amaze me. I thought I would introduce you to a few of his friends. Kurt is 10 months younger than Landon yet makes up for his age by being bigger. They love playing together with cars. Landon also has some girl friends Marissa, and Cora. Marissa is 2 months older than Landon while Cora is abouth 7 months older. Both girls do a good job keeping the boys in line. Cora has a brother Clark who Landon loves. Clark and Landon like to be boys and get a little crazy sometimes. I am just greatful Clark does not mind Landon always jumping on him.

I am so greatful for our friends and the hours of entertainment they provide for me as well as Landon. We really do love Ann Arbor and will hate it when it comes time to move.

Heavenly Father Must Love A Childs 1st Prayer.

2008-01-22T20:07:00.000-05:00

Landon has been folding his arms and mumbling what he thinks is a prayer for weeks now but tonight was his first clear prayer. It went a little something like this "Bless my trucks, Bless my light, Bless my whoo whoo(firetruck), Bless my light (again)". At the end I thought he should at least say thank you for Jesus so I prompt him and as soon as the word Jesus comes out of my mouth he says "Amen". No one can say that he was not honest and sincere in his prayer it truly came from his heart. As a mother who had a day full of cleaning up an overflowing toilet, smashed play-dough in the carpet, and the constant mom, mom, mom, I was grateful to see his sweet spirit. Who knows he may just live to see another day.

Angie's Fault

2008-01-13T16:40:00.000-05:00

So Todd loves Angie's blog so much he felt I should do one for our family. It will not be as cute or creative but maybe something interesting now and then. Yesterday was a great day to be a two year old. Landon learned that blue play dough up your nose hurts and is hard to get out. It was great when at dinner time he finally sneezed a blue glob into his spaghetti. Who new that life as a mom was so glamorous.

Whoohoo

2008-01-12T22:48:00.001-05:00

Shannon's blogging. About friggin time.

Peace out.

Todd.

-It's all yours now Shannon.