Family Four Pack

baking/cooking blog

2009-12-04T22:32:00.000-08:00

So I decided to start a baking/cooking blog... I was being asked for lots of recipes and thought I might as well start one to share the recipes on... so here it is... http://thesnarkycook.blogspot.com/
I have just posted my first recipe and my goal is to post about one a week... as long as things don't get too crazy!
Right well! Go pop on over and take a look... by the way I know I need to do some decorating on it... but I forgot how... hahahaha

Guess who is sitting... FINALLY!!!

2009-11-17T18:08:00.000-08:00

Sure Why Not...

2009-11-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

Why not finally update my blog...

So I have not done this in a while... in fact it has been a LONG while... so I am not going to do a catch up blog post... mostly because I just don't want to do that... if you want to know what I have been up to you can call me and ask... no what I am going to do is post about Halloween. And yes I will attach a few pictures... so you have that to look forward to.

This Halloween Elwood was a Dinosaur and he was pretty cute... there was a little sound chip in it and when he squeezed it it would roar (is that what dinosaurs used to do... roar... it seems wrong... I usually put lion and roaring together... oh well... moving on!) so he would press the button and even... roar... along with it.

Lilah was a fairy, we bought some wings for her when we went on vacation a month and a half ago. I made her a little tutu thing... she was pretty cute... but I might be a bit bias.

I was a 50's girl... I did not have to do much for this as I tend to dress that way a lot to begin with... I did make a new skirt for the costume, but it goes into my regular circulation now... In fact I made the skirt on Halloween... yes that is procrastination at its finest. I also was able to use a pair of actual 50's glasses that someone lent me for the night **Thanks Emily** but I only really used them for pictures as they would mess with my eyes after a bit. Oh and I also cut up the petticoat from my wedding day and used it to give my skirt the true puffy look they had back then...

Dave was a tourist... I spent my day in search on a fanny pack, but could not find one but I did find a cd holder that could go around the waist... so he used that... hahaha... ummm yeah...

What next... oh the trick or treating... We met up with some of our friends (Emily, Beau, Arden, Scott & Anna) to go trick or treating... We hit up the really nice neighborhood and it really paid off... hahaha... Elwood's candy bucket was basically filled after about 15 houses so we did not even have to stay out all that long. A plus given how cold it was last night.

Then we went to dinner at California Pizza Kitchen with some friends... it is our little tradition... It was pretty fun... we have some pretty great friends who dress up in really fun and crazy outfits... they always put ours to shame...

Welp here are the pictures I promised... Enjoy!

Steph

Oh What Fun...

2009-08-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

So last week I was without a computer for a while because my lovely son decided to stick a key in the back and kill it... Not fun! To say the least I was very very VERY upset with him... I made him stay in his room for an hour. (Don't worry he has enough in there to keep him entertained I do not even think he knew he was in trouble) We tried everything we could think to try to bring the computer back to life...Unplugging the battery... letting it sit for a while... repeatedly hitting the power button while begging... nothing was working. We decided it was time to hand it over to the geek squad... you know those guys who work at best buy and eat, sleep and breathe computers... the guy looked at it and took it into the back and did some stuff and then came back out... Bad News... He said Elwood had blown the mother board (sounds kinda star trek to me) and we would need to buy a new computer and then take the hard drive out of our old computer and get the info off it with this thing we bought and back it all up onto our new computer. So we went out looking for a new computer and found one we liked at Costco... next day we went back and bought it...We went home and started the process of removing the old hard drive but it got late and Dave decided to put the hard drive back into the old computer for safe keeping... when he did guess what... ??? Have you guessed it??? The old computer somehow came back to life!!! What the crap!!??!! So now we have two computers...and I get the nice new one!! Wohoo!!! Now here are the lessons to be learned from this situation:
1. Never leave keys, a toddler and a laptop in the same room unattended.
2. Geeks don't know it all... so don't be fooled.
3. When in doubt, pull out and put back in the hard drive.
4. Costco has super good deals on computers.
That is all I can think of but I am sure there are other lessons.

Random Picture Post. :)

2009-08-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

well here we are... another random picture post... enjoy!

Here is a picture of Dave and Elwood... They went on a father/son outing...

Elwood likes to get apples off the ground and throw them... He loves to throw things.

Here he is getting ready to throw an apple... that is a face of 100% concentration.

Here I am reading a book while Lilah watches me.

Elwood and Lilah outside on a blanket...

Here is one of the skirts I made... Took a while to post a pic huh??? Slacker!

Here is the other one I made... Fun Fun!

Here is Lilah... Still not much hair... Oh well Elwood was the same way!

okay Okay OKAY!!!

2009-06-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

I will finally get off my fat duff and post a blog... Let me see what has been going down...

Delilah is no longer sick and neither is Elwood... I can hardly believe it has taken me so long to update this that I have to go back to when they were both sick... yeesh!

Umm Delilah was blessed June 7th... She looked so cute! I did not get any really good pictures of her in her dress so I guess I will have to take some before she grows out if it... I hope she has not done so already... Yikes!

I have been a little crafty this month... sew sew sew some more! I made two cloth books a couple of rice bags and some infant dresses for baby shower gifts... I also made myself two skirts... I am getting a little better at sewing... everything still looks very homemade... but hopefully my stuff will start to look a lot better... but as they say practice makes perfect... I can at least say my zippers are starting to look a little better...

Well here are some pictures...

Have fun!
Delilah in her blessing dress!

Elwood chillin with the baby animals!

Elwood wishing he could drive!

Elwood Daddy and Delilah!

Eww Dad! You are embarrassing me!

Delilah sitting on the chair in the living room!

Delilah in her blessing dress... full body shot!

2009-05-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

I made the most wonderful cake! Of course I got it from Orangette's blog! I just love her food blog! Her desserts rock my world constantly... So if you have not looked at her blog lately or if you have no idea who orangette is please look at her page... I have a link under my friends tab... meanwhile here is her recipe... I am just copying and pasting it... since I do not want to have to re type it... Enjoy... by the way... I am not joking when I say this cake is amazing!!!

Gâteau au Citron,
or, French-Style Yogurt Cake with Lemon
Adapted from Gâteaux de Mamie
Copied from Orangette's Page

This type of cake is an old classic in France, the sort of humble treat that a grandmother would make. Traditionally, the ingredients are measured in a yogurt jar, a small glass cylinder that holds about 125 ml. Because most American yogurts don't come in such smart packaging, you'll want to know that 1 jar equals about 1/2 cup.

For the cake:
1 jar plain yogurt
2 jars granulated sugar
3 large eggs
3 jars unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 jar canola oil

For the glaze:
Juice from 2 lemons
1/2 jar powdered sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, sugar, and eggs, stirring until well blended. Add the flour, baking powder, and zest, mixing to just combine. Add the oil and stir to incorporate. At first, it will look like a horrible, oily mess, but keep stirring, and it will come together into a smooth batter. Pour and scrape the batter into a buttered 9-inch round cake pan (after buttering, I sometimes line the bottom with a round of wax or parchment paper, and then I butter that too).

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cake feels springy to the touch and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.

Cool cake on a rack for about 20 minutes; then turn it out of the pan to cool completely.

When the cake is thoroughly cooled, combine the lemon juice and powdered sugar in a small bowl and spoon it gently over the cake. The glaze will be thin and will soak in like a syrup.
Serve.

Finding Comfort in Waffles

2009-05-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

**If you just want the recipe skip on down... this is a rather long post!**

So when you have had a bad week like I have had sometimes you need to find comfort in the small things. This time my comfort came in the form of amazing waffles... Shortbread Waffles to be exact! I found this most amazing recipe on Orangette's blog (Which you can find under the list of blogs on my sidebar... check her out!!)...
First to fully grasp the wonderfulness of these waffles you must understand the totally horrific week I have had...
First lets start with spending 7 hours between the doctors office and the emergency room with Delilah. She had caught a virus from some family that was in town over the weekend. She was having trouble breathing and it was one of the scariest things I have had to go through. The final prognosis is bronchitis. I have four more days of watching her super close... after that we are out of the really dangerous zone!
Second, Elwood woke up in the middle of the night, on the same day, running a fever of 102. We gave him some Tylenol and set and appointment for Friday, since our doctor is out on Thursday. Well when we got there the doctor took a look at him and here is the not so good part... He already had an ear infection we were trying to get rid of and when he too caught the wonderful virus it made his other ear flare up as well as keep the original ear infected. So we have him on this ultra strong medication which gives him horrible diarrhea. If his ears are both not better by next Friday we have to get tubes placed in his ears... which as you might have gathered means surgery!
Third, we were supposed to have Delilah's baby blessing and Dave was supposed to walk this weekend... however with Delilah being sick we are not able to do either...
Fourth, Elwood pooped all over my leg today because the poor boy can't really help it with the meds he is on... and Dave and I are so stressed out that we can hardly help but snap at each other over the stupidest things!
That my friends is why I needed to make this recipe:

Shortbread Waffles

1 3/4 C. Flour
1 C. Sugar
4 Lrg eggs
1 C. unsalted butter @ room temp
Touch of Lemon Juice

Combine flour and sugar in large bowl, mixing well. In separate bowl beat eggs until fluffy then add to flour mixture and beat together. Add butter and juice, mix until smooth. Do not over mix. The batter will be very thick. Use ice cream scoop or small measuring scoop to dollop batter onto hot waffle iron. Cook until golden.

These waffles are very sweet... In fact I like to eat them plain, with no syrup on them, but that is up to you on how you want to eat them... but I do suggest you try them! Enjoy! Hope your week was better then mine!

Pictures and a few words

2009-04-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here is Delilah striking a pose!
Elwood and Delilah... He loves to rub her head.

Elwood taking pictures of Daddy!

Daddy grew his scruff out while he was home for 2 weeks!

Delilah loves to smile when she sleeps!

Elwood Walking Delilah

2009-04-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

Elwood was having a great time at the hospital pushing Delilah up and down the hallways.

D'Lilah

2009-04-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

SO the funny thing is that Elwood says Delilah's name pretty well, however, he still has yet to say his own name. He loves to watch Delilah and see what she is doing and everything, he even gave her a kiss on top of her head the other day... but for the most part he does not touch her... in fact he hates it when people try to force him to touch her. I am sure it is a phase he will very soon grow out of. I can tell there is not hate towards her, he just seems to be over cautious. I know he will be a great brother. After all he already throws her diapers away (even the poopy ones!).

Delilah tends to sleep alot... as do most newborns... but this is something I had forgotten. I think babies are super cute when they sleep. Not because they are not screaming and crying... but because they are just so peaceful... It makes me wonder what they are dreaming about... I am sure it is about Heaven... What dreams those must be!

SO for those of you who were wondering if that first dress I made Delilah actually fit, here is a picture of her in it. It was a bit long, but that is good... It keeps the legs warm... but other that that it fit really well. I think she looked pretty cute in it if I do say so myself.

I made her a matching hat, if you recall, but the One-size-fits-most should have a disclaimer... will not fit until your baby is about 6 months at the earliest, unless you have birth to a huge headed baby, in which case it could fit sooner!

Well, we are all still doing good. Life is a little crazy right now, but it will all smooth out as time goes on. We are eagerly awaiting better weather so we can speand some time out of doors and get some fresh air for the kiddos! Hope all is well with you all!

~Steph and The Gang!

Look what the stork dropped off!

2009-04-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

Delilah Mae Allen

Born April 1, 2009 at 12:45 p.m.

6lbs 14oz 20.5 inches

Mommy and baby are doing fine! The C-section went smooth and Steph did not freak out this time, so she was awake to welcome Delilah into the world. She is feeding well and is adapting to the world just fine. Love you all stay tuned for more post and updates. The hospital now has wireless Internet!

Love

Dave and family

A mostly picture post!

2009-03-29T14:42:00.001-07:00

SO I have not posted any picture with my posts lately.. due to the fact they are on the laptop and I do most of my blogging from the good lod fashion PC... SO I recently stole some pics from the laptop... Just a few of my favorites... They are all about a month old to maybe two months old... But I hope you enjoy... The newer ones are still on my camera... I know I am bad... I am sure you will see more pictures once Delilah is here... After all you have to sport the new mommy pride... :) Though don't worry I still am proud of Elwood... I am just getting lazier as my stomach gets bigger! Ha Ha!

More fun things!

2009-03-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

So just a little update.... Elwood is sleeping wonderfully in his toddler bed... In fact he takes his two naps a day in the bed and sleeps all night in the bed... so we think it is time on saturday to take down the crib! Wohoo! The only sad part is it means my little man is really growing up... once Delilah is born and things have calmed down we will start really trying to potty train him...
Next, I am about 1/3 of the way done with Delilah's baby blessing dress... It is kind of hard with all the many layers and the connecting of them all, but I think it will turn out decent... Nothing close to store bought but it will have been made by me with love for her... so I am hoping that will help me (and others) overlook the imperfections.
Lastly we had to take Elwood to Kidscare tonight because he started running a low grade fever and just being very whiney and clingy... well guess what... he has an ear infection... poor guy just got over a horrible cold to now have an ear infection...
Oh and Dave has finely hung up all the curtains that I have made... so that is one more thing off our LONG list of things to get done... But we still have more to do... so we are going to keep on truckin!

Another Baby Announcement....

2009-03-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well for those of you who do not know... We are having Delilah on April 1st. You might be tempted to think so but No this is not an April Fool's Joke... It is the day that worked with my doctor and the doctor performing the c section and the hospital... I was a little shoked... but I had the thought in my mind for quite some time that it was going to be that day and I am fine with it.
What I am a little worried about is it gives me one less week to get everything done... She will be here in 14 days... I still have a long list of things to do... So if anyone wants to volunteer some of their time to help that would be great... we have to still clear out some of Elwood's stuff out of the nursery, take down the crib (So Elwood does not go crazy when she is sleeping in it 2 1/2 months from now), put together the bassinet and bouncer thing, and I still need to find the time to make her dress before she comes because I doubt it will get done after she is here... oh and with the baby blessing on my mind I will tell you the day is May 3rd we are planning on... Dave is graduation May 2nd so we figured we would try to get her blessing done while family is in town... We are busy busy busy around here... all is going good though and we are excited... Hope all is well with you all! Better get to work!

The BIG project!

2009-03-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

So this past week I have started my BIG project... Why is it such a BIG project you might ask... well I am making the dress that Delilah will be wearing for her baby blessing. Now I looked at the pictures on the outside of the pattern package and picked the one that looked less intimidating. I bought all the fabric and notions I would need to make it, then I traced the pattern onto a trash bag so I would not have to cut my pattern. I like to keep them whole so I can make a different one in another size if need be. Then I cut out the trash bag pattern and transferred them onto the fabric and have cut all my pieces... I was thinking to myself... "Wow... This is going really smooth!" Then I looked at the assembly directions... Now I usually can make heads or tails out of pattern direction due to the help I have had from my M.I.L. last year... but these directions have me lost... so now my new thought is "What the heck was I thinking!!!" So to all of you reading this... wish me luck... I am definitely going to need it!!!

I'm opening the Vent....

2009-03-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

The vent of my frustration that is... Why is it that people seem to not care about other people... Let me just get to the point... IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK WHY TAKE THEM TO NURSERY!?!?!?I know some of you have had similar experiences in your churches...Maybe some of you are the offenders ( I dunno)...But I have to know why it is that someone who has a sick child will drop them off where they can infect all the other kids? On Sunday when we went to church Elwood went to nursery... When we went to pick him up there was some other kid hacking away in there with what sounded like a VERY MUCOUS sounding cough...I overheard his mother tell another woman that her other child was just getting over a horrible cold...The kicker to me was that the one getting over the bad cold... yeah you guessed it...She was in Primary infecting other kids...I am sorry to be rude but if your child is sick... STAY HOME and QUIT infecting others with your sick germs! Needless to say but I will say it anyway... Elwood is now sick... He has a horrible hacking cough... can barely breathe... and will not really eat or sleep... My poor baby feels like crap and since he is still too young all I can give him is Tylenol and Motrin... I went to my doctor yesterday for my check up and he took a quick look at Elwood and told us if he gets any worse or starts to run a fever to bring him back to be put on antibiotics... What worries me the most is I only have 4 weeks (max) left until Delilah comes... what if he still is not better... will I have to keep him away from Delilah... or better yet what if I get sick too... People need to realize that it is not fair to others to bring their sick children, or even themselves (if they are sick), to church, daycare, school, work and other suck places, if they/you are contagious... OK... that is all... I will drop it now... sorry if I have offended anyone...

Can you say "ONE MONTH"!

2009-03-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well Folks you heard me right...
I have one month left until Delilah's due date...
I go to the doctor on Tuesday of this week to make sure everything is still going good...
It is hard to think about how fast the time has gone.
My little baby boy is growing up...
last night he slept in his toddler bed ALL NIGHT...
We are hoping he will do it again tonight...
He did not do so well with his naps and we had to resort back to the crib for him to even take one nap...
But we will try again tomorrow.
He has been getting a little better about going potty in his toilet...
He usually does his business first thing in the morning and then the afternoon...
We usually can catch one of them a day in time to make it to the potty...
He talks a bit, however, you need a special Elwood talk decoder (i.e. Mom) to understand him.
With this pregnancy things havebeen a little different from mine with Elwood...
With Delilah I seem to want to bake my butt off...
Every other day I am making some sort of dessert...
Now the funny thing is I really do not eat a ton of sweets anymore...
So lucky for Dave's work they have had a supply of cakes, cookies and other delectable treats to get spoiled...
yes I said spoiled (I have even had them make requests for what I should make next time)...
I also have enjoyed some sewing projects...
I have made curtains for Elwood's new room, curtains for the nursery, a dress and hat for Delilah and a memory board for Delilah's room...
My current projects I am working on are a memory board for Elwood's new room, a fitted sheet and flat sheet for his toddler bed and Delilah's blessing dress.
Last week I pulled a bunch of weeds and dead flowers out of my garden so my spring flowers can grow and have been researching on the internet to find shade loving plants so I can start a garden on the side of my house too...
In the past two weeks I have developed a new craving to replace my greasy food craving I was having most of my pregnancy...
I am now addicted to Fruity Pebbles...
I sometimes eat three bowls a day (I am in fact eating one now)...
Well that is all I can think to write for now...
Hope you all enjoyed an update...
I would put pictures on but I am on the stupid computer that wont let me load any...
So until next time!

OMG! A New Post!

2009-02-28T16:59:00.000-08:00

Ha Ha! I have always thought it was funny when people said OMG... So I had to use it as the title for my new post... Anyway... Just found the cord to upload pictures so I just thought I would post some new ones of Elwood... a dress I made Delilah and a picture of me taken a few weeks ago.. SO here you go!

Made by Me!

2009-02-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

{Lucky you!}The first 5 people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be.It may be a story. It may be a picture of myself, or a handmade piece of artwork for your living room. I may sew you something. I may bake you something. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
The catch?Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! LETS PLAY!

Baby Update

2009-01-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

So I had a Dr appointment yesterday and it turns out that she is sideways instead of head down. So unless she changes naturally in the next six weeks we might be looking at a scheduled c-section. My Dr told me about this other proceedure they could do to get her head down, but I don't think I want to do it. Elwood was head down since like 24 weeks, but he never dropped fully into the canal, so I was not able to have him naturally. So if she decides to turn herself around we will continue to try for a natural birth this time around, if she does not turn, we will just go with it and do a c-section. The funny thing is that if we do schedule a c-section he wants to do one at 39 weeks so I don't risk going into labor with the baby breech. That would make Delilah's birthday April 1st... Yeppers! April Fools Day... Well, other than that baby and I are fine. Elwood is getting bigger and growing up so fast. Dave is counting down the days until school is done and he gets a much needed break... To bad school ends for him end of March and then Delilah is here first week of April... not too much of a break!

Did you know that the male seahorse is the one who gets pregnant?

2009-01-09T18:08:00.001-08:00

New Year... New Post!

2009-01-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

***WARNING: THIS POST IS LONG WITH NO PICTURES!***

Well, for those of you who have been waiting for a new post here it is. I do not know why it has taken me so long to do one... but I just did not feel like it... Or maybe after my last blog (that came out a bit on the crabby side) I felt like maybe I should take a breather! I have been reading everyone elses and have found myself turning a little green now and then... green with envy that is... not because I was going to be sick or anything!

Well let me see... where to start. We spent Thanksgiving with my folks. They are doing great! They bought Elwood a ton of toys... of which we only let him take 5 home with us... We would have allowed more, but we did not have room for them all.

For Christmas we just stayed home. Since there is no family who is really close we just kept to ourselves. We had a nice relaxed day. Dave got a digital camcorder and I got a sewing machine (!!!!). We had a couple of other small gifts but those were the big items! Oh and Dave also got a replacement wedding band! Yea! I no longer look like I am cheating on my husband with another man!
Elwood got a ton of toys for Christmas! He loved them all, his favorite gifts though werehis guitar, xylophone (sp) and his table w/ chairs. He was so excited by thexylophone that hedid not want to open anymore giftsafter that one... He also refused to take a nap until 3 or so in the afternoon! Did I mention he woke up at 6:30... yeah the kid needed a nap bad!!!

For New Year's I was a butthead and went to bed at 9-ish! It was just us again and I was really tired. So yeah! We did go out on New Year's to the fabric store. I am already putting my sewing machine to good use and am making some curtains for Elwood & Delilah's room and then I need to finish Elwood's PJ's I started... Then it is back to the fabric store to look at fabric for my BIG project!!! I am going to actually try to make Delilah's baby blessing outfit! I am crossing my fingers I can do it. If not I guess I can always buy her one... but I thought it would be fun to try and make it! Wish me luck! Well I guess that is all! Have a happy 2009 all!

This one is for you!

2008-12-05T20:06:00.001-08:00

SO I have been getting asked alot if we have decided on a name for Baby Girl Allen... So this post is for you! We have decided on the name Delilah Mae Allen. This can always change up until she comes, however, we do not forsee that happening. We are pretty happy with the name and have already been calling her by that name. We have a few other questions asked so here are the answers:
1. This name is not all too common and we know that. That is the charm of it... since we have such a common last name.
2. Yes there was a song that recently came out with the name in it... that is not why we chose it.
3. No it is not a family name... so there!
4. Yes it is a biblical name....

If I have missed your question, please feel free to ask...
By the way... if you are not a fan of the name... please remember what your mother taught you... If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. :)
Thank you!

** Sorry but we got a lot of scetch looks and "Oh.....Uh.... Elwood" comments last time. **

By the way... I love you all so don't take offense to this post... chalk it up to pregnancy hormones... They are a B!

So I was going to post a picture... but no!!!

2008-11-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

So we went and found out the sex of our baby and they gave us this CD of all the pictures so we could post them to the internet but the thing is stupid... apparently we are supposed to download this trial software (which I did) and tada it is supposed to work (which it does not) so there will not be any oictures attasched to this post! Sorry!

Anyway, as I said we went and found out the sex of the baby and it is going to be...

A GIRL!!!

That is right baby girl Allen... WE just need to start working on those names... We have a few we really like, but noting is totally set yet... I am the type that likes to have the name all settled before I go in... so don't be surprised if I have the name picked out by the new year!

Well, I hope all is well with everyone!

Thanks for reading!

Sunday

2008-11-11T17:23:00.000-08:00

So Sunday was our primary program and I am in Primary so of course that means that I was up on the stand. Well, this year they decided to give a few (3) teachers parts. Mine was like a paragraph in which I also had to tell what my favorite story of Jesus is and why. Well, I get pretty nervous in crowds like that, but I figured as long as I did not look up I would be fine. ( I know I am such a baby!) Well, I went up and got my part done aEnjoy!nd sat back down. After church on the way home my loving husband says to me... "So it looks like they did not have you do your part afterall." I was so shocked... I can not believe it... He fell asleep and did not see my part! Not only that but it turns out he fell asleep in the first five minutes and slept through most of the program.

Anyway, on to happier things.. Here are some pictures we took on Sunday! They were taken before we went to go visit Dave's cousin's grandma... Here is a belly shot at 18.5 weeks. Here is a picture of Elwood carrying around the charger to Daddy's shaver.

And the one below is of Elwood looking at Mommy's belly... The angle of the picture and the flash make my belly look a little bigger in this picture! Still cute none the less!

Snow Day!

2008-11-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Elwood sporting some of his winter gear.. I could not find his little scarf... but he seemed to be warm enough for now... However his jacket will not last all winter... in fact it will probably only last til the end of the month... so time to go shopping... Which actually I do not like to do... I hate malls!

Well today we got a bit of snow so I figured I would let Elwood go outside and investigate. At first he seemed a little worried about the stuff that was falling to the ground.Then after a while he seemed to enjoy being out there. I was even surprised that he did not try taking his gloves off. I tied on his beenie because he really detests things on his head. I am glad that he likes snow... because I remember playing in it a few times growing up and I always loved it.
In fact, he seemed to like it enough to walk into it without needing to be dragged... Snow seems to be among Elwood's favorite things... Let's see if it stays that way as it get even colder out.

Four!

2008-11-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

A) Four places that I go to over and over: Church, Dick's (grocery store), Costco and Library.
B) Four people who e-mail me (regularly): Huggies, Surveyspot, Joann Fabrics and Baby Center. *** I get a lot of junk emails!
C) Four of my favorite places to eat: Cafe Rio, Outback, Noodles & Co and Chick-Fil-A
D) Four places I would rather be right now: England, Ireland, Astoria Oregon and closer to my parents.
E) Four people I love: My hubby, Elwood, My Parents & Baby #2
F) Four TV shows I watch: House, Bones, Gossip Girl (Don't Judge me!) and One Tree Hill
G)Four people I tag are:Briann, Jessica, Uncle Steve & Caralee

Very Good

2008-11-03T08:03:00.001-08:00

So I was looking through my recipes, for something my mom wanted, when I came across this one called Streusel-Topped Peaches... It looked absolutely amazing so I decided to make it. Let me just say that I was not let down in any way... It is the perfect dessert! So I decided I can not keep this great recipe to myself.... so here it is:

Streusel-Topped Peaches

Ingredients:
1 (29 ounce) can peach halves, drained
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar, divided
2/3 cup granola
3 tablespoons butter, melted

**If you do not have granola you can make an Oat streusel by combining 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar and 5 table spoons butter. Mix with a pastry blender until crumbled.**

Directions:
1. Preheat broiler. Butter 9x9 baking dish.
2. Arrange peachescut side up in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle peaches with 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Broil about 5 inches from the heat until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.
3.Combine granola (or oat streusel), remaining brown sugar and butter in small bowl and mix well.
4. Sprinkle mixture on top of the peaches.
5. Broil until bubbly and browned, about 1-2 minnutes. Top each serving with ice cream or whipped cream and spoon baking juices over the top.

Enjoy!

Sick Baby!

2008-10-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

SO Elwood is sick... I am not sure where he caught it from but the last two days he has been super cranky and has had a very boogery nose... He will hardly sleep and cries all the time. I kinda feel like pulling my hair out... He will not take any of his bottles and he hardly eats... I am sure he is crying partially because he is hungry... but if he will not take anything what am I to do. He is usually a little grumpy when he is sick, but today has been attack of the giant grump! Is he old enough that I could put vicks vapor rub on him I wonder... I have the soothing kind for babies... but that does nothing for opening the nasel passages... I can not wait until he is old enough for actual cold medicine... I have been trying to get him to sleep for the past hour and a half... so far all he does is roll around in his crib and sometimes start crying... I have tried rockin him... giving him a bottle... singing to him... rubbing his back as he lays in his crib... nothing is working... I have tons to do around the house but I can not get any of it done because I am tending to a sick baby who won't sleep... He is super clingy when he is tried... so yeah! In other word I am sure today will be a waste of a day!

Oh my gosh... she finally did a new post!

2008-10-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know... We were Elwoodless for 10 days this month as we were doing some remodeling of the kitchen and some painting in multiple rooms... So this was the last picture I took before I left him in the care of his grandparents. This picture broke my heart because he kept following me and I was just getting ready to hop in my car and drive away... It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. I have no idea how someone abandones a kid forever...

Anyway... Here is a picture of the finished kitchen... I did not think Dave was going to take this pcture with me in it but he did... If I would have known I would have showcased my belly more... because I am not turned all the way sideways so you are not getting the full affect of the belly... but oh well... This is the belly at 15 weeks.

When Elwood came home he was... I think... the most excited to see his kitty. He followed her around and would try to love on her as much as possible... On a side note... when we went to pick him up from the grandparents... it took him a while until he because used to use again... he did not want us to come to close to him for a while... I almost started crying... but I did not want to look like a fool... so I kept it in... Good thing he got used to me bofore Daddy... or else I am sure I would have cried like a baby!

Some of the leaves have been falling from the trees... One of our trees is fighting the change so I am sure we will be raking alot in November... But we did get a nice little pile and Elwood wanted to help rake as well... My little man is growing up!

I thought this picture was pretty cute of Daddy and Elwood. I am so jealous of their blue eyes... I always wanted either blue or green eyes... but no such luck... but at least I did get hazel eyes as opposed to straight brown... Sorry all you brown eyed girls and boys...

We put Elwood in the middle of the pile of leave... He did not like it so I was jumping around like a weirdo outside trying to get him to smile. This was the closest we got... However, I am sure my neighbors were having a jolly good time watching me make a fool out of myself.

There was a leaf on Elwood's jacket and he picked it off and showed it to use. The picture is pretty blurry but I still love it... The way he is looking at the leaf... it is like "Look what I found... Don't know what it is... but I like it."

People say I am never in very many pictures so I took one with Elwood last night... However, it has lead me to believe the reason I am never in pictures is because I always look bad. I never really do my hair or even dress that nice... I just like to be comfortable... In fact I sometimes wonder if when I am older my kids are going to be so embarrased by me that they send me to a talk show to get a makeover... I really hope that does not happen... So just a plea to everyone out there... If I start looking like someone trapped in time with crazy hair and ugly cloths... please help me yourself... Do not send me to national TV so everyone in the nation knows what a horrible looking person I am!!

But lets end on a good note... Elwood is cute! Elwood loves it when leaves fall on him... I am really looking forward to seeing how he reacts when we get a lot of snow on the ground... Oh and Stephanie... We got our first snow about a week before you... so I know what you mean! Snow in October... :( However, we are pretty clear for the rest of this month I think... ***I just checked weather.com and they said all good through Nov. 1st...Well they did not really say "all good" but you know what I mean!

Enjoy fall!!! Wherever you are! Though I must say those folks who really do not witness a REAL fall with tree leaves and everything are really missing out! Oh and we find out what the sex of baby #2 is on November 12th... so mark your calanders everyone!

What a "Stephanie needs"!

2008-09-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I was looking at my friend Carrie's page and she a fun little post she got from someone else... so I decided to try as well..

Go onto Google and put "(your name) needs."

For example, I typed in "Stephanie needs".

I picked some of the one-liners from the search results page.

Stephanie needs a behavior modification approach to deal with some residual effects and strong-willed ness.

Hmm... residual effects of what? They got the strong willed part right though.

Stephanie needs to get the women together in an alliance.

Yes of couse.. an alliance... but what shall we become allies for?

Stephanie needs a strong manly shoulder to lean on.

I got one... however Dave does have some boney shoulders... any ideas on how to fatten him up a bit?

Stephanie Needs You BAD!

Umm.. a little embarassing... actually I am just fine thank you!

Stephanie needs help.

Well, sometimes I need help. Like with all the unfinished projects that need to be... finished... yep!

Ian tries, Stephanie needs to improve but where’s Alick?

Yes... where is that tricky Alick... never there when you need him. Come on man... Ian is trying...

Stephanie needs a time machine.

Dude, that would be so cool... like Back to the Future... I love that movie... I would definately choose the 50's!

Stephanie needs some help Look at those pants!

Yes... I need help! my taste sucks!!

stephanie needs to be less annoying and should not try to make story lines for herself be trying to steal lauren's new guy.

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Can we be a little more harsh here?

STEPHANIE NEEDS A SERIOUS MAKEOVER AND A NEW LOVE INTEREST OR TWO...WHY NOT..WHY CANT STEPHANIE GET A NEW MAN ..TO HELL WITH ERIC HE WAS NEVER STRONG ENOUGH ...

Well, I knew an eric once... he was not too strong... but I don't see what my old friend has to do with anything... and I love Dave so no need to get a new man... or two... But I might be down for a makeover... just not a serious one... I don't know that sounds a little scary to me... Plus I did not think I was in that bad of shape?!

Remind me never to have a baby with Orlando Bloom!!!

2008-09-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

What do you think about my little new baby love child?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

So despite the obvious NEVER having kids with Orlando thing... I decided to do one of Dave and me to see what our child will look like if we have a girl... I say we have a pretty cute looking child there... :)

What do you think about my little new baby Girl Allen?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

Now I say why don't you all do one too so I can see what your children will look like... In fact... Do one with a celebrity as well... I think they turn out the best... I will not even mention what my child with Bruce Willis looked like... Ha! Oh and Stephanie... I think you should give it another shot... That photobooth one was hilarious... but I would still like to see what this one would look like!

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay!!!

2008-09-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

My oh my what a wonderful day!
Well... It is official the Allen Family is getting a new member in April.
We are pregnant and the due date is April 8, 2009.
We are pretty excited and of course nervous about having a secong child...
but we know it is what is right.
We went in today and they did an ultrasound to make sure of the due date...
so we got to see our new little baby...
Not too much to look at right now but (s)he is all ours!

Elwood and Daddy time... Oh and Elwood's new bed!

2008-09-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

Elwood and Daddy built a fort in the computer room.

Nothing too fancy just a good old fashion blanket and some pillows.

Elwood had a lot of fun. He laughed a lot and was smiling big!
Our little man is growing up!
Elwood likes to be in the chair with Daddy.

He thinks it is fun to try to climb up there, but he still needs a little help.

Elwood loves Daddy! He thinks he is pretty funny too!

Elwood got a new toddler bed. He has only taken one nap in it.

He is still a little too small, but we wanted him to get used to the idea.

We hope to have him switched to the new bed by the new year.

Picture Time!!!

2008-08-16T17:43:00.001-07:00

Today we went and got pictures taken today to mark Elwood being a year old. We thought we would share them with you all. Enjoy!

Here is Elwood playing with some old trucks in a meadow setting.

He loves to play with cars and trucks!

Here is a traditional "I am one year old... see look at my block!" picture.

Still love his smile.

Here he is wearing a little black hat, but with the black backdrop you can hardly see it.

He loved that saw and cried when we tried to take it away.

This picture is our favorite. He just looks way too cute and so natural here...

He kept trying to eat the little fishy.

rub a dub dub Elwood is in the tub... out in the middle of a meadow.

1 Year Old ALREADY!!!

2008-08-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Welp! Elwood is finally one year old! I can hardly believe it! It seems like he was just born a few months ago... not 12 months! He has grown up so much! He is looking more and more like a kid and less like a baby everyday!

He had a ton of fun on his birthday! We went to the Zoo (Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Allen) and then had a birthday party for him! He did get a little overwhelmed around cake time... but over all he handled it like a champ! I am so proud of him and all his many accomplishments over this past year. I wonder what new things he will learn over this next year... Walking all by himself... potty training... talking in small sentances... oh what joy!

Update!!!

2008-07-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

Elwood likes to look in the fridge. I guess it is a pretty interresting thing.Here he is again climbing into the fridge. This always worries me bacuse when I was younger I heard stories about how kids got hurt when they were accidentaly locked in the fridge... I guess it shut on them when they were playing in it... So we take him out right away... but I had to get a picture first.
Elwood just got out of the bath and he did not want to get dressed yet... so we let him play on our bed and took pictures. What a scrawny little baby... Cute though!
Elwood asleep before church. He looks like he is just lounging around... So peaceful.
Dave and I never really take pictures of ourselves. We both hate to be on film... So today I took the camera and got a quick little picture of us... In case you needed to see one...
Elwood is in love with the keyboard. I have to be all my internet things when he is asleep or playing with Daddy... Otherwise he will not leave the computer alone...
He tried his first Chocolate chip cookie this month. He loved it... However they should put a warning on the package...
Warning: Children consuming these cookies may never sleep again!
He did not take a nap at all that day!

He also was extremely messy when he finish eating... But I think he had fun!
The other food item to never give a baby... a glazed donut...

tons of energy... no sleep... crying... oh boy the results are crazy...

Well Stephanie (and anyone else who has been waiting for a post)... There you go... a few pictures and some comments... I will try to blog more later... but I need to go spend time with the family before Elwood goes to bed. Have a fantastic night!

Elwood's Adventures

2008-06-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

Elwood has been having all sorts of adventures now that he is crawling rather well. He loves to climb up on the computer and reach for the wires... I always get him down quickly... but I love that he is getting more adventurous... though I might not think so in a couple of months.

In one of his many adventures he found the dog's water dish... It was empty... but he still had fun moving it all around and smacking his hands around in the bowl as if it were full... Good thing we wont have the dog for too much longer...

Yes sir... elwood has also learned to pull himself up using furniture and enjoys taking small wals in the house with Mommy's help... or with the help of furniture... He is growing up quickly... What fun!

2 Years Down... Eternity To Go!

2008-05-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Well here we are... Happy Cinco de Mayo to everyone and happy anniversary to the love of my life. I am so happy we found each other and that we will be together forever! I love you baby!

I should blog... but I don't wanna!

2008-04-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

I know some of you are looking forard to a new blog... but I do not feel up to it... so here are some pictures to hold you over till the next real blog!

New Stompin & Sleeping Grounds!

2008-04-04T10:06:00.001-07:00

So we now have a pack and play for Elwood. We got it about a week ago. Our main reason for getting it was because we are going to be making a trip down to Arizona and we needed to make sure we had a place for him to sleep.

I have had him take his mid morning nap in it twice and so far so good. I will say though that his naps are not quite as long as they are when he sleeps in his crib... I am thinking this is because the pack and play is not as soft... I have even tried laying down a few blankets...

I am wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to make a pack and play more comfortable for the little guy... I really don't want to have him not sleep to well for 16 days... Cause we all know when baby don't sleep, Mommy don't either... Any thoughts?

One Tooth... Two Teeth!!

2008-04-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well, Elwood has two little teeth coming in now. It is hard to believe he is growing up so fast! I am not going to lie... It makes me a little sad, but at the same time... really excited! I am sure I am just like every other parent out there who wonders what type of person their child will be. What their personality will be like.

Well, I have taken some pretty fun pictures of Elwood eating. The great thing is he is so smart. If you give him a spoon with some food on it... he can put it in his mouth. The best part is he gets most of the food in his mouth too! Don't get me wrong he is still a pretty messy eater, but for 8 months I think he is doing great! Most of the time I feed him myself... but when we come up on the last bit of food in the bowl I let him take over!

So he is in love with these Biter Biscuts from Gerber. He just sits there and eats them like they are going out of style. I think it is so cute... however, they are super messy! I have given up on trying to wipe him down with a wash cloth after he eats them... I just strip him down and let him play in the bath tub... Or should I say ducky tub... since his tub is an big blow up ducky... The thing should quack... but don't get me started on that!

So as you can see, in this final picture, Elwood is happy with his new two teeth... He loves chewing on his biscuit and getting messy... And as a patial mother... I think I have one of the cutest kids on the planet... Eat your heart out Gerber... This baby is mine!

Dress # 1

2008-03-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well I have been getting asked to post a picture of me in one of the dresses that were made so... Taa Daa! Here are two pictures of dress #1. I did not get a chance to finish up dress #2... but not to worry my wonderful Mother in law finished it for me. I will take a picture if that one when I am in AZ... since that is when I will be reunited with my dress!

These pictures were taken on Easter right before church. As you can see Elwood is growing up so quickly! He is just so dang cute! We did not realy do too much for Easter this year, since Elwood was so small, but we are excited for next year. I think everything is going to be more exciting the second time around... after he hits the big ol' numero uno. Then he will get into things more. Anyway! Back to sewing...

I had a ton of fun... There was a TON of things to learn and I am sure I just scratched the surface... I have asked Dave for a sewing machine... so maybe I will get one for my birthday or Christmas... unless of course someone has one that they are not using and want to give to me... Tee hee! J/K... Those things are pretty expensive! Welp! I hope Easter was great!

Settled!

2008-03-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Tag... Umm... I'm it!!!!

2008-03-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Milkia Forenza
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Drumstick Circus Animal (Ha!)
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) S'All
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Green Sloth
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Anne Alhambra
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Allst
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Pink Pepsi
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Michael Richard
9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy) Lucky Milky Way
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names) Veronkia Anthony
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Larson Logan
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Winter Orchid
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Cherry Pantsy
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Cornbread Cherry
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”) The Snuggling Rain Tour

Let me see... I tag anyone who is reading this who has not already done this particular tag!!

Am I crazy... I think so!!!

2008-03-03T13:46:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I think I am just too crazy!

I am in love with the 1950's!

The dresses and the way of life... the whole sha-bang!

So I have decided to make a dress with the help of my wonderful mother in law.

So I have included for your viewing the two patterns I have bought and also a sample of the fabric I am going to be using.

I will more than likely use this pattern for the dress.

I will add sleeves to it though.

I want to still keep the look of the ties at the top, but they will be for decoration on my dress.

Is it just me... or is this not just a beautiful dress.

Perfect for spring time.

This pattern I am going to use for the jacket.

See the white jacket the lady in the yellow dress is wearing?

I am going to make mine in black!

Again, at the risk of sounding like a complete loser...

I am SO EXCITED!!!!

Go Wagon!! Go Wagon!! Go! Go! Go Wagon!!!

2008-02-28T19:19:00.000-08:00

Well we decided to get a new Wagon to replace our Gas Hog of an SUV. We like it a lot. I think it is quite cute! Not to mention great on gas. We also got it because I was tired of trying to get Elwood into the back of our tiny car. Until he is in a bigger car seat it is a pain trying to get him in... Well it was a pain... now that I have something with a little more room in it I do not have quite as much trouble. I am looking forward to getting the windows tinted and also we want to get remote keyless entry put in... It was not installed into the wagon... and we hate it... so we will get them to add it when we have the time. Which hopefully will be sooner than later.

Growing up!

2008-02-27T06:24:00.000-08:00

Mommy Wow... I'm A Big Kid Now!

Look Everyone... Elwood is sitting! Isn't it just great! I am so excited for him to be getting more experienced day by day. There has been a lot of discussions lately about who he looks more like... Is it Dave or is it me? I do believe it is Dave for sure. There is no doubt in my mind he is totally a Dave 2.0. Sure there are some features of mine he has but not as much as he shares with his daddy... Left you will see a picture of Elwood (6months) and to the right a picture of Dave (7 months). I think you will agree they look alike!

Well now... here we are!

2008-01-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I saw that a few people, had a blog spot, that I know so I decided to give it a whirl and see what I think. More than likely I will not be too good about posting things on here... but I will try.

Just a little info about my little family. We, Dave, Elwood and myself, Stephanie, are the Allen's. Dave and I got married May 5th, 2006 and had our little boy on August 1st, 2007. He is such a joy to have in our lives. We live in Salt Lake City, Utah. My husband is finishing up his degree in accounting. He will be graduating this year. Wohoo!! We have 2 dogs (Kuma & Lluvia) and one cat (Mommas). I have my hands full most of the day with the crazy animals and a my baby, but I think things are going just fine.

Oh and just in case you are wondering... yes the snowman in the picture is real... A lot of people have been asking if it was real or a back drop... My husband spent about 3 hours making the snowman and in the night some people came and knocked it down.. Mean people! At least we got some good pictures of it!