Allen Sibling Night

We played Settlers of Cattan. Fun game. I messed it all up when we were done. I couldn't help it.

Tony's organized mind didn't like that.

Yay for game night!

Us girls are the most mature of everyone.

What a fun night! Horray for all of the Allen sibs being together!

Paul & Jenny Got Married!

Congratulations, Paul & Jenny! We love you both!

Smartest Baby in the World

Have you ever wondered who is the smartest baby in the world?

Words Andlie Can Say
Dada
Mama (She's only said this a few times. Most of the time, when we ask her to say Mama, she says, "Dada!" Rebel.)
Santa (Tata)
HoHoHo
Dog (Da)
Woe
Elmo (Momo)
Cookie
Cracker (Cracka)
Rocka Rocka (She says this when she's in her rocking chair.)
Happy
Hi
Eyes
Cinderella (Sada-ella)
Where did it go? (Da da a go?) (She puts her arms in the air in an "I don't know" manner and shrugs her shoulders and gets a very concerned look on her face.)
Work (Wok)
Jump (Bump)
Grandpa (Papa)
Go
Yep
Poop (Pop)
Ball
Thank You (Ta Too)
Uh Oh (Oh Oh)
Milk (Ilk)
Juice (Ju)
Okay (Ka Kay)
Yucky (Ucky)
Stinky (Inky)
Tire (Tar)
Book (Ook)
Two (Doo)
Cheese (Teez)
Shoes (Tooz)
Eyes
Teeth (Teef)
Anything else we tell her to say. She's pretty good a repeating what we say.

Body Parts That Andlie Knows
Hair
Eyes (She usually just looks at us and squints in a "it kinda hurts to touch them" manner when we ask where her eyes are.)
Ears
Nose
Teeth
Hands
Toes
Tummy (She pats her tummy with both hands when we ask where it is.)
Belly Button
Bum
Tongue (She sticks her tongue out like "Kiss" and giggles when we ask where the tongue is.)

Sounds That Andlie Knows
Bunny: Bounce, Bounce, Bounce (Ba, ba, ba) (She also hops up and down when we ask her what the bunny says.)
Lammy: Baaaa
Kitty: Meow (Bow)
Doggie: Woof (Oof)
Chicken: Cluck, Cluck, Cluck (Cuk, Cuk, Cuk)
Tractor: Brrrrrrrr
Bug: Bzzzzzzz
Elephant: Bbbbbbb
Monkey: Ee, Oo, Ee (E, E, E)
Fishie: Open & Close Mouth
Bear/Lion/Dinosaur: Roar (GRRROO) (This one gets very loud and intense sometimes.)

Well, now you know. Andlie is the smartest baby in the world.

Sisters

Mand got some more pics back and I love this one.

So thankful she's my sister. I love her.

Mother's Day

"Let every mother realize that she has no greater blessing than the children which have come to her as a gift from the Almighty; that she has no greater mission than to rear them in light and truth, and understanding and love; that she will have no greater happiness than to see them grow into young men and women who respect principles of virtue, who walk free from the stain of immorality and from the shame of delinquency. . . . I remind mothers everywhere of the sanctity of your calling. No other can adequately take your place. No responsibility is greater, no obligation more binding than that you rear in love and peace and integrity those whom you have brought into the world."

– President Gordon B. Hinckley

I had a wonderful Mother's Day this year, but I slacked in the camera department [gasp] so no pictures. I got spoiled! Bryan gave me a picture of Jesus that I've wanted for forever, a gift certificate for a half hour massage, and the book, "The Beautiful Soul of a Woman!" My favorite gifts though, were the cards from both Andlie & Bryan. What sweet messages.

Being a Mommy is one of the most fun and happy and wonderful things in the entire world! I love being Andlie's Momma. I love that she points at the computer until I put her on my lap while I work. I love watching her learn. I love teaching her things. I love being home with her all day. I love that she puts her little foot on the porch step to lock the door just because I do it. I love her kisses. I love her expressions. I still love her button nose. I love her teeth. I love that she is the smartest girl that walked the Earth. I love her personality. I love every single teeny tiny thing about her and being her Mommy. Sometimes, when I put her to bed, I sing her this song that I made up. (Sung to "Love is Spoken Here.")

I love your little toesies,

And your little nosie too!

I think you're oh, so pretty,

And I love every inch of you!

I'm very, very thankful

That you have come to Earth.

And I am grateful

You were sent to us!

Mom - Thank you for the wonderful example you set of sacrifice and love! You truly are an angel to many. You always put others first, especially your family. You are my hero. I love you and I hope that when I grow up, I'm just like you.

Venice - I couldn't ask for a better Mother-In-Law! Your genuine kindness and love is apparent in everything you do. Thank you for treating me as your own daughter. I love you.

I love being a Mommy. And I love Andlie.

Brian Regan is Hilarious

We went on a date to Tuacahn for a hot date last Friday! We ate pizza and salad. We went and saw Brian Regan live. And then we laughed. For two hours straight.

We were even excited in the car when we pulled up!

We put our "excited faces" on!

Here is a taste of how funny he really is.


Here we are during intermission. Notice how we look a little weak. It's from laughing and wiping makeup off and clearing our throats and slapping our knees. And flat out cackeling.

We had such a great time. We love Brian Regan. We're definitely going again next time he's close. Horray for laughter! And hot dates with hot husbands.

Andlie Loves Blueberries

Mandy Got Married!

The Bridal Pictures:

Waiting for Mand & Tim to come out of the temple: (Andlie thinks she owns the temple.)

Mandy & Tim Hatch:

Definite tongue action:

The Daddys:

The Friends:

The Goodwin Cousins with Grandma 'Rene:

Jack, Grandma Rene, and Granny:

The Luncheon:

The Reception: (Isn't my Daddy cute?)

Beautiful day. Beautiful bride. Perfect match. Love you, Mand & Tim.

Deja Vu

Bryan graduated!! Again! What's the difference this time? I'll tell you. He is now a Master. Of Business Administration.

I snuck a picture right after he walked across stage. (Then I snuck a kiss when he was going back to his seat.)

SO happy! Horray for no more school!!

The fam came to support!

Bryan posing for one of his many ridiculous shots with the statues!

The house was decorated for Bryan when we got home. And, I got us tickets to Brian Regan live!

I am so, so, so, so proud of Bryan. What a giant accomplishment! I am proud of him for finishing his MBA. I am proud of him for not only finishing, but finishing with outstanding grades. I am proud of him for not only going to school, but for truly taking the time to learn. I am proud of him for working, being a husband, being a Daddy, having a Church calling, and going to school all at the same time and all very well. I am proud of him for completing the first six weeks of school with a cast on his writing hand. I am a proud wife. And I love you, Bryan. You are my bestest friend in the whole wide world and my wife buttons are bursting with pride.