Monday, May 9, 2011

Better (really) late, than never!



I won't even tell you how many attempts I made at trying to update this little family blog of ours. It's just pathetic. I guess I started to think that everyone was on facebook like me and kept up with us there, but I've learned otherwise.
We have made some pretty big decisions the last few months, specifically since the beginning of the new year. Currently, I am living in California with the kids while Ryan is still in Georgia working with the Coast Guard there like he has since we moved there over 3 years ago. We packed everything up in February and drove 4 ridiculously long days out to California. The plan was to see Alton before he left on his mission and instead of making two big/expensive trips out to CA (one to see Alton, and the other actually moving here for another job we anticipate) we decided to just to make one big trip. Based on the knowledge that we had at that point, things were looking pretty solid. As the last couple months have progressed, things of course aren't happening as WE planned them, but I have to have faith that it will all work out like it should.
The kids and I are missing Ryan, and our friends in Georgia a lot. We do love being so close to all our family and making some new friends too. We look forward every few weeks when Ryan gets to come see us, and I especially look forward to the help, and date nights!Parker turned 2 years old last month! To celebrate we had a double b-day party with his cousin Seth who is 3 days older. In proper 2 year old fashion, it was all about trains, and we had so much fun! The last two years with him in our family have been pure bliss. He had a little incident on the trampoline and fractured his wrist, but luckily that healed up really fast. Having your arm in a sling for a 2 year old is not fun! We're so happy it was for such a short period of time. He loves to be funny and make people laugh, he has so enjoyed getting to know his family here in California, loves playing outside, always wants milk, just recently given up his beloved pacifier, has a great vocabulary, has a great fake laugh, and loves his family so much. He is a typical little boy that loves to throw a ball, play with cars and trains, and get dirty. Anything round is a "baskeet ball", and I just love the way he says "yes" with a slight lisp on the end of it. He melts my heart everyday.
Skylee turned 4 years old in November, just goes to show how long it's been since I posted anything. She is a typical girl, maybe more dramatic than most, but still typical. She loves playing with dolls, princesses, wearing dresses or skirts, having a bow in her hair, loves to be tickled, can't get enough of reading, and she especially loves coloring. Skylee is also very thoughtful, she is always coloring a page or making a card for someone else, and offers such sweet prayers. She has been having so much fun with all her girl cousins since we moved here. There are 4 other little girls on my side of the family, it's almost like having sisters. She's a brave little toaster, she'll jump right into a cold pool or give just about any food a try (and usually likes it!) It's been so great to see her grow up to be such a happy little girl. We are so excited to see her in her first official dance recital next month!Ryan is almost at the end of his Coast Guard/military contract, and the last 8 months since he graduated he's been trying to line up a different career once he gets out later this year. For me, it's been such a roller coaster of emotions; things look hopeful, then disappointment- back and forth...it's starting to drive me loco. Before we moved, Ryan surprised me with a little 5 year anniversary trip to Washington D.C. He organized it all without me knowing about it, which included flying his mom to Georgia to look after our kids for the week. It was so sweet and a great opportunity for just the two of us to get away. We really had a great time!

As for me, I'm just in the middle of it all. Being a partial-single-parent has been an adjustment but, I have so loved being in California again, there really is no place like home. Since we've been married and in other states with the military, I missed spending time with my parents, my sisters and their families (and little visits from my brothers), old friends, the endless options of things to do in California, and great weather!
Of course a ton of things have happened since my last post, but there's just no way I'm going to go through it all. For now, generic will have to do, I'll just resolve to do better from this point on :)

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Skylee and Parker's Halloween Costumes

We got back from Disney World last week and had a blast! One trip I'll never forget! I'll get some pictures posted soon... as for now here's what I've been working on :)

I took my time with these costumes, I knew there would be a thousand opportunities for mistakes ( I made my fair share!) but they're pretty much done. A couple last minute finishing touches on Skylee's, and I'll call it good. With Parker's, I'm not very happy with the hat but his is so tedious that I just don't have the time and patience required for my toddlers one time use Halloween costume! On a positive note, at least everyone knew what he was without asking! Skylee's wings are still a work in progress and I've got to figure out what to do with her hair. I may never make costumes again, so this has got to be documented well ;)
Tonight we had a trunk or treat activity on the Navy base that we attended. It was for me so I had a deadline to finish the majority of the costumes, and to give them a try. I found out that Skylee's isn't so potty-friendly. I had to take the entire thing off, ha! Oh well, she looks beautiful in it :) The kids had a fun time and i couldn't go home without a couple pictures!



I'm also working on a glow worm costume for a friends newborn baby. I'll show it to ya when I'm finished :) Almost done!
Happy Halloween!

P.S. What should I be?

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

September 411

Life keeps us super busy around here!
Ryan has finished school!!! He has worked SO hard earning his B.A. in Sociology, and I couldn't be more proud. He has accomplished this goal while working full time (and then some), taking some of the crazy accelerated courses, and family life that included my pregnancy with Parker, and now our-always-loud-family-of-four! :) Congratulations, Ryan! I love you and admire your dedication to keep focus on your goals! I'm also very excited to have a husband again that can come home from work and help/hang out/play with kids!!! (I need a picture of him, don't I!?)

No news is as exciting as Ryan completing his degree, but we continue to keep busy with dance, preschool, callings at church (Ryan is the 1st counselor in EQ, and I'm the 2nd Counselor in RS), and everything in between. I also try to have friends/new members of our ward over for a play date each week and on the weekends we like to get together with good friends for game nights or a good movie. In my "spare time" (Ha) I still try to create, my latest project I've taken on- both Halloween costumes for Skylee and Parker. Here is a sneak peak, they're not finished yet...

You can see some more pictures and info on my other blog, about the costumes :)

*Ask me what's happening next week...Ok, since you asked...
We're going to DISNEY WORLD!!! 4 days, 3 nights of Disney bliss! I've never been, but have always wanted to go! Where we live now in GA, we're only about 2 1/2-3 hours away, and since our time left here is short (hallelujah) we've got to take advantage! The bonus part, my Mom is joining us on our adventures! She comes next week and we're all so excited! I'll have loads of pictures for you when I get back, betcha can't wait ;)




Thursday, September 2, 2010

Craft Blog GIVEAWAY!

Hey there! Hope you're all doing great :) We've been keeping super busy with preschool, dance, play dates, running errands, and Ryan's crazy schedule. Oh and did I mention that we got a puppy!? Yeah, I know I'm crazy...
Skylee going to her hip hop/tumble class
Parker playing with his buddies, Gunner and Gordon
Daisy (bulldog/basset hound mix)
She is super sweet and great with the kids.
Ok, there's a little update, but the title of this post has the word GIVEAWAY in it (sorry I'm not giving my kids or the dog away...today at least ;) )
I've reached 100 Followers over on Brittney's Budget Crafts and decided to celebrate by giving away my latest creation, this bracelet: your choice of aqua (as shown) pink, or black.

To enter go on over to Brittney's Budget Crafts and leave me a comment there. You have until Monday September 6th @ 9:00 EST. Good luck, and thanks so much for all your support :)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Skylee 1st Day of Dance

Monday Skylee started dance! She was great, and had a great time. I think she's the only one in her little class that hasn't had any classes before, but she had the best technique once she understood what she was suppose to do ;) I'm not biased at all *wink*wink! I think it will be great for her to listen to directions, remember steps, make friends, learn coordination, and have fun!

Ready to go!


loving every minute of it :)

Lookin' GOOD!

Pumped after class

We've got class again today, and Ryan will get to attend! I know Skylee is excited to get to show her Daddy how she can be a little ballerina :) It's so much fun to have a little girl!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Hello out there...there...there...there...(echo) :)

It's been a long time since I've slacked THIS bad with my family blog, I'm sure you've cried yourself to sleep at night wondering what in the world the Allen family has been up to :P Well, I'll fill ya in the best, and shortest way I can.
At the end of June through most of July we took a trip out to Las Vegas/Lake Mead and California. We had such a great time and wished it would never end. I have to admit that those trips home are really good in some ways and others, really bad for me. I just feel so homesick almost the minute I get back "home" to Georgia. It makes me HATE this place even more than all the reasons it naturally gives me...yet, I DO try to be positive and keep perspective! (some good news, I hope about that later...).
Anyways, the trip was full of excitement and opportunities to be with the ones we love. Parker and I flew out to CA 5 days earlier than expected, for my Uncle Jim's funeral, while Ryan and Skylee stayed in GA until our original trip planned to Vegas the following week. The funeral service was really nice, and although it wasn't a circumstance that anyone would have chosen for a family reunion or sorts, it was just that. I am SO grateful I was able to attend. My Uncle Jim was an amazing example to me and I'm glad I could be there to show my great love, and respect for him.
^Baby Brinley, Kayla, Jennette, Me, Laura, and Michelle
^Parker and I at my Uncle Jim's grave site
^Almost the whole (Bob/Kathryn) Skaggs family minus Ryan and Skylee

Once Parker and I were reunited with Ryan and Skylee in Vegas, we kept busy while staying with Jennette (my sister) and her family, who reside there. Mini golf, bowling, dinner, Mandalay Bay Shark Reef, shopping, and a visit to the slash park kept us busy and entertained! It was great to spend some quality time with them, thanks Jennette and Steve for having us! :)
^Seth, Elenna, Eliese, and Skylee at the Shark Reef
^Parker enjoying the sights at the Shark Reef

Black light mini golf at "King Putt" in Vegas

^Cosmic Bowling- strike a pose!
^Cookies!

Ryan's Dad invited us to join them on a houseboat on Lake Mead for 5 days over the 4th of July weekend, and we could never turn the offer down! We had a blast! Jet skis, wake-boarding, swimming, water slides, great food, not a care in the world, boating, Ryan's birthday, and inner tubes! We made lots of memories and really enjoyed our week with family :)^Parker in his "Rex Kuan Do" swim shorts
^Ryan blowing out his sparkler candles on his b-day (4th of July)

^Ryan and Parker at Lake Mead^Skylee and Parker happy little campers
^Ryan in his element :)
^Ryan cliff jumping...
^Skylee on the 4th doing sparklers :)

After the Mead trip, we headed out to California for the remainder of our trip. Laura (my other sister) and her girls came out to spend the week with us too. Skylee especially, loved playing with them! We had park days, trips up the the Santa Rosa Plateau, lots of visits from long time friends, family time, ate out WAY too much, movies, pool parties, bonfires, Chuck E. Cheese and Soak City. Thanks Mom and Dad for having us there, we loved spending the time with you :)
^playing at the park
^A visit with Holli, Carder, and Jake (not pictured)
^Out to dinner with Ashley
^Skylee in heaven at Chuck E. Cheese
^All the Skaggs fam cousins/grandchildren
^Skylee and Papa making popcorn
^Parker, poolside!
See why being THIS far away from family is so hard? There's always so many fun things I could be doing with them if I were closer...one day *sigh*
Since coming home from our vacation, we've settled back into our routine. I participate in a preschool co-op for Skylee a couple times a week with other friends, that she really enjoys. She is also starting dance classes this month... I may be a little more excited than she is, if that's possible?
^Skylee posing after bath time, while dancing
Skylee also loves to pretend everyday is a birthday party, she's getting really into Barbies, and she's also a really good little artist! Parker is 16 months now, and really not the chunky monkey little man anymore that he used to be. We owe that to him walking! He's a mobile little monster now ( I say that with love). He's been one to skip a few "normal" steps in his little life like no baby food, straight to regular solids, no crawling, straight to walking...I expect him to just skip straight to high school :) He is learning new things all the time and such a joy to be around. Ryan and I are trying our best to figure out what will be best for the future of our family, we have a lot of really important decisions coming up, and trusting that prayers will be answered. We'll keep you posted :)