Happy Blogoversary to Me!!!

I can't believe it has only been a year since I started this "journal" of our lives.....It has become somewhat of an addiction, I suppose....or a way to vent...a sort of therapy...I have so enjoyed having a place to write about such important memories in our lives...= ) So...Happy Blogoversary to me.....{singing}

We are off to Orlando...I will definitely keep everyone updated on how things are going.....with Miss Macey's competition....Remember us in your prayers as we travel.....Watch out Florida...Here we come!!!!

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

I typically won't post 2 times in one day...but this story is so funny, I couldn't wait till tomorrow...Hee hee....It is right now still fresh in my mind...and I want to get it down, so I won't forget any of the "gory" details....

For those of you who know us well, we love sports....Football, baseball, basketball and soccer....My oldest son plays all 4...and he very athletic(I think)....He takes after his daddy...Because James played sports in high school...and still loves to be a part of the team....so he does this by coaching......I am just attempting to set up the background behind this hilarious story I am trying to put on paper....While my mind is going 1000 miles a minute....So, I say all that to start with this.....Last night was our Padres' team's last game....We had been undefeated until this week....and we lost Tuesday night to the Red's...good game....our boys played hard...and so did the other team....and we lost...that happens....Sometimes I think losses are just as good as wins....They are good for the character...Helps us learn to hold our heads up...no matter the circumstances.....And we did.....Some of the kids on the Red's are Ian's best friends....I took the Red's pictures that night...We lost....No hard feelings..Awesome Sportsmanship showed on both sides of the field......That is what baseball is all about {tear}Now, the dream ends here...and turns ugly!!! This is the point where we go back to last night....The game that blew me away....Not the game itself...but the parents...and their actions....the coach...unbelievable....There are so many little things from the game that I could share...but it is not necessary...because the "juicy part" of my tale...happened today...You may need to know that we lost last night....10-9....Ian scored 3 home runs (Even though they took one of them away....called it a foul ball...after he ran the bases...and it had already been called fair....Hmmmm....Can we change a call, after it has already been made? I didn't think so...} ....He had a double play...He had absolutely nothing to be ashamed of....but losing is hard....especially for the competitive type....{James and Ian ;)} None of the kids did...they all played great...But the negativity coming from the crowd was unbelievable....Not our side...This was one time that all of our parents came together and cheered, and lifted up our boys...{this is why I heart baseball} Come on guys....these kids are 10 years old....Seriously...Calm down....

I had lots of errands to run today...stopping the mail...turning in library books...getting paperwork together for AMTC...you name it...lots of the things you do before going on vacation...Well, I started to go to the library , and decided to run by the post office first....trying to use as little gas as possible.....While I was in the post office....there were probably 15 or so people in line....and 3 people working the counter....I was just standing there listening...when I overheard the following conversation.....

Post office employee asking customer..."So, how was your game last night?"

Customer....." Awesome....We kicked this teams butts (another word was used but I will spare you) ....They were the cockiest bunch of boys I have ever seen....They needed to be knocked down a notch, and we (another bad word) well did it last night....And you should have seen this coach...He was psycho( James? Psycho?)....He was throwing signs to the boys...like it was Major Leagues or something....I mean we killed them....(the score was 10-9--after they took Ian's home run away) We showed this coach a thing or two..."

blah blah blah blah...He went on and on and on......I couldn't hardly stand to listen any longer...

The more I listened...the angrier I got...because I saw this man on the field last night...He wasn't acting very positive....Hmmmm...Things hadn't changed much since last night....So, back to the post office.....

Post Office Employee:"Who is the coach? My son plays in the younger league..and if he is that bad...I want to make sure he doesn't get him....(Are you kidding me?)"

Customer: "I don't know who he is....."

Ok...guys...I have just listened to enough husband bashing...son bashing...my heart was flying...but I walked up to the counter...and said...

"Sir, the coach you are speaking of...happens to be my husband...." =) Yes...I did...I said it...and I am proud of him too!!!! He really looks cocky in this picture...Good Grief!

Well, needless to say...the "customer" didn't have much else to say....He said he saw me there last night....ect...but the game...history...nothing else to say....Well, he left the post office...As the sliding doors closed...Laughter, from my new "friends" filled the place....Everyone was laughing...and saying how funny that was....and the man in front of me...even said he was getting ready to "pretend to be my husband...." because he wanted to take a stand for me....nice people make me happy....=)

I felt good...I stood up for those I love...and it felt good...This "guy" doesn't know my husband...or my son...or the boys on our team for that matter...but I do...I have been on the ball field 4 to 5 days a week with these guys...watching them build each other up...support each other...pray together...cry together....yes...these "cocky kids" cry together....come on....please...and I know the truth....Others can form opinions...and they will...This is something that happens in life...not just on the ball field...People will talk, and cut others down...with nothing to base it on....and it can hurt...and it is wrong...but today...I stepped in...This guy may never see me again...but I do think he will remember running his mouth....at an inopportune time....and maybe learn a lesson...who knows? If nothing else, I learned that I love what James stands for...who he is...and I value how he is such a strong role model in my children's lives...and the lives of these other kids..that he sacrifices his time daily for.....We didn't come in first,(We did place second which is awesome) but that isn't always the prize....All of us are taking something from this season....Respect...love....and teamwork....Coming together is an awesome feeling....I am just so proud of these guys this year....each and every one of them....I don't think I have ever enjoyed a baseball season more....God is Good....All the Time.....Go Padres!!!!

I Would Like to Thank......

Wow...My friend, Tanja, had told me to be sure to check out her blog on Friday(she is vacationing).....So when I did...I had an award....my first blog award...I feel honored...Hee hee.....Thanks Tanja.....Tanja is a friend of mine...not only a "blogging friend"...I have the privilege to know her....She is an amazing mom, dedicated wife, and I wish I could have "it" together like she does.....Tanja's blog is one of my fav's to read...She is an amazing writer...I tell her this all the time...but I might as well tell her again....I can't wait to read her first book....=) So, this award, comes with rules...and here they are....

Here you go.

1. Chose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name of and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.

4. The award winner and one who has given the prize has to show the link of Arte Y Pico blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5. Show these rules.

Hmmm...I read so many...I haven't updated my blogroll to ALL the blogs I read...but this is the few that came to mind.....first and foremost.....

1. Bethanne-I knew Bethanne in High School....We weren't "close", but I sure think we would be now!!! I have told her in many comments...We need to get together....I think she agrees...I love to read Bethanne's blog....It is always full of spiritual posts....She is a woman who loves the Lord, and you can tell how much, just by stopping by her blog.....Waiting for the Shout....

2. Sara-We don't know each other...I don't even know if she knows I read her blog...but I love to read....She is real....She loves her husband...and her children...and takes the time to Live each day to the fullest....Her blog always makes me smile.....The Best Days of my Life

3. Fran-I don't know Fran either...but I love to read her blog...She is always a joy to read...and I smile each and every time, I finish reading a post....And she loves Baseball....just like the Allen's.....Check her out....Blessed by Him

4.Melanie-I accidentally "found" Melanie's blog...looking for another friend of mine...who had the last name of Smith...I found her blog and was hooked...I think we would be great friends if we lived close to one another....We have so much in common it is scary!! She also lives in the great state of Mississippi....where my honey was born and raised....Mel Tells

5.LeeAnn-I met LeeAnn through the Blog party that was hosted my 5 Minutes for Mom...and I loved reading...LeeAnn is a mother of 3, with one on the way...and she is hilarious!!! I love reading, and understand so many of the things she posts about...with 3 children of my own.....I am right there with you...I was also sick from citrus fruit during my last pregnancy...Haven't had orange juice since....The World Through The Eyes of Me

Well, there it is ....my list...You guys are part of my day, just about every day....Thanks for making me smile...I hope you enjoy you award.....

I won't be posting for Flashback Friday today...this took way too much time...=) and I am packing to get ready for AMTC....Have a great weekend....

Opening Gifts

Tonight was Cade's choice of where he wanted to go to eat...He said McDonald's...Only a 5 year old....That was hard for me to write....5 years old....Anyway, he ended up choosing the place that has the "buckets" of peanuts (Texas Roadhouse) We had a great dinner, but Cade wouldn't let us tell the waitress it was his birthday...He didnt' want them to sing to him...It embarrasses him...So, she was nice, and brought him an ice cream anyway....



Cade couldn't wait to get home and open up his gifts...We didn't get him anything at his party...so he would have some things to open on his actual birthday....So here are a few pics from tonight....Yes, I do make birthdays a big deal...considering this is the 3rd time I have posted about Cade turning 5....I promise this is the last one....Ha ha.... I bought cupcakes for him to have tonight...Macey, and Ian loving on Cade....Cade was loving all of the attention.....This face cracks me up...He had wanted this Kung Fu Panda!!! And was so happy to get it.....Do you recognize this "Iron Woman"? Ha ha...Thought you might get a kick out of this shot!!!

Cade is 5 today....Where has the time gone?

Today is a special day to me....5 years ago today....at 11:16am....my 3rd child came into this world....It is sort of strange when you think about it....I can hardly remember life without Cade.........Who would have ever thought you could love your third child just as much as your first? It really was something that used to bother me...Could I love another boy as much as I love Ian? Could I spread my love to 3 children? All it took was seeing his precious little face, on June 25, 5 years ago....and I knew that a mother's love is the same for all of her children....Cade is such a blessing in our lives.....His little smiling face brings joy to my heart every day we spend together....I just can't thank the Lord enough for blessing me with such a precious little guy....My God is so Good....All the time......We can love them all, in different ways, and yet the same.... I wanted to post a few things that makes Cade such a special part of the Allen Family.....so, here we go......

1. He always has a smile....

2. He is so loving...He loves his "Bubby and Sis" so very much....

3. He is a clown....always being silly, and trying to make us laugh....

4. He is so tenderhearted...Cares for others so very much....

5. A wonderful Helper....always willing to help us out around the house....

6. He loves school...He loves to read (and can read some books already!)
7. Loves Football, baseball, and soccer....must be a boy in the Allen family!!!
8. Loves his Mamaw and Papaw so very much!!! They spoil him Rotten!!
9. Loves to play on the computer...Webkins especially.....

10. His favorite color is green

11. He loves to watch Wonderpets....

12. His favorite movie (as of right not) is Kung Fu Panda

13. He loves chocolate poptarts

14. He loves to "be like his brother"....copies him all the time

15. He loves to ride in Daddy's truck

16.He loves chicken nuggets and apples

17. Millie, our cat, is his little baby...he carries her around, and loves on her all the time.

18. He loves to sleep with James and I....whenever he can....he is a cuddler =)

19. He is so exited about his birthday this year.....

20. He is my Baby....and I love him so much....Happy 5th Birthday Cade!!

Look What I Got....=)

I did it...I bought the BEST external flash EVER, Nikon SB800!!! My pictures look so AWESOME!!! It is amazing what a difference it makes in my photographs.....I love it...Just wanted to share......=) It doesn't take much to make me happy!!! I have played around with it at home, but I have now "officially" used it for 2 scheduled sessions this week...and I am so happy with the outcomes......=) I will post a few of them, once I get finished editing them....

High School Reunion

Not mine....I had the opportunity last night to do something special for a friend....plus give my business, Still Moments Photography a boost ;) My friend, Kim, had her 20 year High School Reunion last night in a town an hour or so from here...and James and I traveled to a Holiday Inn and photographed the event....I had an awesome time...and we took a ton of pictures!!!! I did the photography...and James (my sweetheart!!!) did the paper work, and took care of the money....which is a lot of stuff, under pressure...and he did and awesome job!!! I am thinking he and I would make a great team...I have 2 weddings scheduled this summer and he is going with me to be my right hand man! Love you honey! Thanks for everything....

Thought I would share one of the pictures from last night....It is of my very special friend, Kim and her husband, Rob....Thanks for giving me the opportunity to photograph this special event in your life...It means a lot to me that you entrusted me with this....Lots of love....
P.S. Here is a shot I took of James and myself with the self timer on my camera....I liked it too...

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

As many of you know, I am a big American Idol fan....I have seen Mandisa in concert 2 times...Once in the American Idol Tour...and then this year, at the Extraordinary Women Conference...It is amazing what God can do with our lives...if we put Him first....I love this song by Mandisa....God Speaking....
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Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this. Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)

Together Again

Last night Ian and Macey came home from camp...and our little family is "together again"...I guess you can see the theme that I went with here...; ) Here are a few pics from last night....Cade was sooooooo happy to see his Bubby and Sis....Blake gave Cade a snake Webkins for his Birthday....and he LOVED it...A shot of the kids singing the songs that they learned this week at camp.....
The kids had a great time at camp...but they were exhausted when they got home....We had to go straight to a baseball game, and then the kids were in bed by 1030....Ian got up this morning at 6am to go to DollyWood with Landon...He was so excited...so I am sure he will be absolutely wiped out come tomorrow....Hope everyone has a great weekend....

Flashback Friday

Just thought I would share this picture....This is a picture of James when he was 9 years old...Almost the same age as Ian is now....Still looks like James...just with a full head of hair....=) Love you Honey....

Children's Camp

It's not enough that Cade is turning 5....to make me a sad mommy...but now both of my older kids are off to children's camp...( I have done some serious back blogging tonight.....) Ian and Macey are gone to children's camp with our church...This is Ian's 3rd year, and Macey's first year to go...Macey was so excited and nervous all at the same time...She is so independent....so she was looking forward to the time to "be on her own"....but she told me right before she left, that she was a little nervous.....She will be fine...She called us 2 times the first day...and then tonight...to tell me and James she loved us....She is a sweet girl...I miss her....Who would have thought??? I thought I was in for a great week...of quiet....not so sure I like the quiet...I love the sounds of those kids voices.....in the house....Tyler, Ian's buddy, got to attend camp with Ian this year...He was so excited about him getting to go....I have talked to the boys a couple of times...and they are having a blast....Tyler's brother, Tanner even wants to go with them next year.....I don't even really feel like Ian has been gone...because we have picked him up every day for baseball games...and then ran him back up to camp after the games....(Ian's team, the Padres...are undefeated...so Ian can't miss a game...especially when you have James for a coach...love you honey!) Thought I would share a few pics of my little campers right before they left on Monday morning...(thanks to Jayme for the pics) This last one is Mr. Cade as his "sissy and bubby" were getting on the bus...He cried when they left...He cried again this morning...when he got up and realized they were still gone...He loves them...and I am so glad...Ian and Macey...we hope you all have a wonderful week at church camp....but we miss you lots and can't wait for you to be home with us!!!! Lots of love.....

AMTC, Get Ready for Miss Macey!

On Sunday, Macey and I traveled to Knoxville for Macey's final practice for AMTC (if you click on AMTC, you can read the post about Macey's opportunity-we will be attending the AMTC convention in Orlando in July) While we were at the final dress rehearsal on Sunday, our pictures from our photo shoot were given to us...and I loved them....I thought I would post a few of them for you guys to see.....I think my little girl looks so grown up in some of these pictures....We were given quite a few different poses...but I thought I would post a few of James and my favorites.....We are now in countdown mode...getting ready for convention...making sure we have all the clothes we need, shoes, ect....and Macey is getting so excited....She did awesome on Sunday at reahearsal...I can't wait to see how well she does in Orlando...I will be sure to blog while we are gone...so everyone can keep up with how she is doing....(I had a few people ask me if I planned on taking my laptop....you guys should know I don't vacation without it!!! Hee hee....)

Happy 5th Bday Cade (Kung Fu Panda Style)

Well, it has been a while since I have posted....We are just enjoying our summer so much...I just can't seem to find the time to blog....So, once again, better late than never....=)

Saturday, we celebrated Mr. Cade's 5th Birthday, at a local theater in our area....and watched Kung Fu Panda!!! Cade was so excited over his birthday party....that he actually wanted to go to bed early on Friday night...so it would get here 'quicker'....He had a blast at his party...and was so excited to get to see his friends...and to share his birthday with them....We had cookie cake, popcorn and loads of fun....Here are a few pictures from his special day....

Here is Cade cheesing with some of his best buddies....Campbell, Marcus(His Best friend from school), Cade, Spencer, Max, and Mason......

I was cracking up over this picture....Kevin is giving Cade a birthday spanking...Cade was laughing uncontrollably..... Kevin and Christy got Cade this Batman mask....I love this shot....He has been playing Batman a lot since Saturday!!!!an arial shot...ha ha...James stood on the chair and took this picture of Cade's friends with him...after he opened all of his awesome gifts...... Cade's friends, Jett and Blake came by after the party...but just in time for the movie....Cade was so happy to see them.......It is Kung Fu Panda time!!!! All of the kids from the party almost took up and entire row....the movie was so cute...and the kids loved it!!!Macey and Landon sat on the very front row, and Macey's friend, Jordan sat on the back row...they were comparing seats...to see which one was a better view.....too much....James and I with our birthday boy....Thanks Kevin for taking this picture....Great job!!!!
Cade,

Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that you were so tiny, and I could just hold you in my arms....and now you are growing up...getting ready to start Kindergarten...Mommy and Daddy are so very proud of you...and the little man that you have become....You will always be my baby...and I love you so very much...I hope that you had a wonderful birthday....I love you Little Man....

Mommy

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Facing the Giants is one of my favorite movies...and this song, "Voice of Truth" was in the movie...All we have to do is turn to God...He is my Voice of Truth....Love this video....
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Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend....

Flashback Friday

Here is a picture from Fun Fest a few years ago....Ian and Macey look so little...and that is their friend, Parker with them....who just turned 8 a week ago....Time sure does fly!!! We were at Mardi Gras...the reason for all of the beads.... and here is Cade with his friend, Meredith....They look adorable.....Have a great weekend!!

Friends, Friends, Friends...

My kids have been having a blast with their friends this summer....Ian has spent the night with Hunter 3 nights this week, and Macey had Allie spend the night, and then Macey spent the night with Allie the next night....I mean, seems like these guys just can't get enough of each other...which is fine with me...because I love these kids....they are like my own....=) So we never get tired of them being around....Jayme, met us at my mom's for some pool fun...We had a great time, sitting around and talking and playing baseball in the pool with those crazy "cheating" boys....that love to make up rules as they go...Ha ha...Love you Ian and Hunter....but it is true...;) Well, here are a couple of pics from the pool....they swam ALL day...and had a great time....