Why I Love Halloween

Reason #1: I can wear my cute studded skull shirt to work and not get any "looks."
Reason #2: It makes co-workers smile when I "get a tooth knocked out during lunch."

Reason #3: Some people are brave enough to dress up at work and walk around in spooky old lady character all day long.

Reason #4: Homemade holiday eating at work begins!

Reason #5: Both of my parents dressed up this year and both looked darling!

Reason #6: When asked to pose for a picture, my dad pulled one of these:

Reason #7: Our Halloween decorations, including "Spidey" get to come out for our 3rd Annual Allen Family Halloween Party!

Reason #8: We get to dress up! This year, Bryan was a quarter. [Note: Get a quarter out of your pocket. Notice how he is even facing the correct way.]

And, I was a gumball machine! Get it?

Reason #9: Costume Prep: Bryan wore the long wig before we made it into George Washington's hair and it made me giggle.

Reason #10: Our Halloween Costume Party! Look who came:

A Go-Go Dancer, a Go-Go Partner, a Skunk, and Spiderman;

Cinderella and a Lady Bug;

a Couple from the hit show, "The Biggest Loser," and their Trainer;

a tiny Bumblebee, a Beehive, and a Bottle of Honey;

Superwoman, Superman, and a Dragon;

a 50's Lady, her 50's Partner, and a tiny Chicken;

a Caveman and a Cavewoman;

and Sarah Palin and John McCain!

Of course, we had to get a group shot in!

Reason #11: It's close enough to Bryan's birthday that I can surprise him with a cake and 25 candles at our party!

Reason #12: He was actually surprised.

Reason #13: It's the beginning of the holiday season!!!

Halloween Party

What: Halloween Costume Party

When: Friday, October 31, 2008

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Chandi & Bryan's House

Children welcome! Bring a pumpkin to carve or decorate. Dinner will be served. Please RSVP by Thursday, October 30, 2008.

28 Weeks!

24 Weeks


28 Weeks


I'm officially in my third trimester of pregnancy! I can't believe how fast it's gone already! Only a mere 12 weeks and we'll be able to meet our baby girl! Now that all the nice stuff is said, let me tell you about the 28 week appointment.

First, I had to drink the nasty "orange" drink, which was fine the first few sips, but sorta turned all syrupy and sloggy and not orangey. The actual doctor's appointment was wonderful until. . .the nurse asked me if I wanted a flu shot. "No, thank you." "It's recommended for pregnant women." "Uh. . .nah. It's nice of you to offer though." "Okay, I'll send the doctor in." [Insert look of "whatever you say, but you're getting a flu shot" on nurses face.]

My doctor came in, greeted me and Bryan in his nice and genuine way, took my belly measurement, listened to our baby's heart (which we still love), and shared a few laughs. You know - - the normal jolly doctor visit. Then he said, "I'll see you in two weeks and you're getting a flu shot. I'll have the nurse come back in." Even the frowny, eye squint look on my face didn't scare him away and I was forced to get a flu shot.

Back to the juice box. After the doctor's appointment, I had to get my blood drawn for not one test, but TWO. I had to get three viles drawn for the Glucose Screening Test and two viles for the Rhogam Work Up. Did I say no when the lady drawing my blood told me she was a student? No. I was brave and let the student draw my blood. And, really, she did a pretty good job.

So, bottom line, the slow-churned "juice" wasn't that great to drink.


And I still don't like getting my blood drawn and I got tricked into getting a flu shot. (Although I am getting braver and braver and braver. Ask Bryan.)

And I have to go back today to get a Rhogam shot. . .in my butt. The great news is that everything seems to be going just the way that it should and our little girl is developing just the way that little girls should. We can't wait to meet her!

Our sweet baby girl has already blessed our lives and our home with a sweet spirit! We're so thankful that she will be joining our family and feel so blessed to have her on the way!

Go Redmen!

Last Wednesday night, the fam headed down to Hurricane to watch #33, Bret Goodwin, play football!

We love #33!

Gettin' ready for the big play - -Bret's on the far right side of the field.

Another sweet action shot! Great work, Bret!

We had a great time watching Bret, even though the bathroom smelled like sweaty boys and old peaches!

Hiding

I came out of the bathroom this weekend to find our rug all rolled up with something or someone rolled up inside. Curious.

Must be someone.

I think I might know who the someone is.

Getting warmer.

Yep, it was Bryan. All rolled up and giggling inside of our rug. Boys will be boys. I love you, Bryan! Thanks for always making me smile and laugh!

Our Happy Family

SNOW & Baby Room

Yep, it snowed. We got our first snowfall on October 11, and it wasn't a wussy storm either. It was a real, winter storm with lots and lots of snow. [The above picture was taken about 12 hours before it was done snowing.]

In other news, we have started putting a room together for our baby girl! We got this dresser from some family. Price: $1 Hug. Thank you, Bensons!

However, our baby room furniture is dark brown/cherry wood color, so we (by we I mean Bryan) immediately got to work! [Note: Don't worry, I didn't inhale the fumes. I was gone for most of the painting.]

And, we ended up with a beautiful dresser! We're thinking of applying for our own TV show on HGTV.

I also finally finished the top of my first baby quilt! It's darling and I can't wait for it to be finished! Here's the thing though, it has taken so long and a lot of work, so I'm thinking our baby girl might not be able to use it until after the County Fair next September. Thank you, Lenzi! I LOVE IT!

And, for the grand finale, Bryan also put up our beautiful crib! Thank you, Mom & Dad! We love it!

We're so excited for the arrival of our little one and having fun putting her room together! I'll keep you all updated as anything new and exciting happens in there! Oh, and one more exciting piece of news. . .I am due exactly three months from today!!! And, yes, my belly button is on it's way to popping out.

Shrooms

I think our plant that I got for Mother's Day is growing shrooms.

Bellies & Friends

Tomorrow will mean only 100 days, or a little more than three months, [gasp] until my due date! Bryan and I get more and more excited each day and can't wait to meet our goregous baby girl! As time keeps going by, her little house keeps getting bigger!

20 Weeks - You have already seen this one, but it helps illustrate the growth.


And, 24 Weeks!

This past weekend, we finally had a relaxing weekend and spent our time up in Northern Utah. First stop: Bryan's MJM (Mississippi Jackson Mission) Reunion! It was great to see all of his mission buddies and finally have a face for the names he talks about. I only got a couple pictures, but they're the best ones!

Bryan & His Mission Prez, President Blake:

And, Bryan & Sister Blake:

Actual quote from Sister Blake: "Chandi is taking our picture because our hair is the same!"

I love hearing about Bryan from these two people. They always talk about how wonderful he is and how many lives he touched and what an amazing man of God he is. More often than not, the Blakes end up in tears after talking about him. What a lucky girl I am!

The rest of the weekend was spent with wonderful family (I didn't have the camera for that) and fabulous friends! It was fun to be together for a moment with a couple of the couples that became close friends in Las Vegas! They are a blessing in our lives! A special thanks to Todd for flashing us!

Ya, we get a little crazy sometimes, which is why we love these people! Thank you, Todd, Heidi, and Isabelle for letting us share your beautiful home! We had a great time! (Especially watching Heidi push Isabelle down the vigorous hill at 90 mph in the rain.) We love and miss you!!!