The Allen's Adventure

12" for Locks of Love

2010-10-17T08:55:00.000-04:00

Storyland

2010-09-12T21:11:00.001-04:00

We finally made it to Storyland! There were a few bumps along the way but overall we had a great time and can't wait to go again....when it's not raining.

Is there anything that doesn't take credit cards?

Are we there yet?

Got the map.

Beautiful views.

Lauren Joins the Grasshoppers!

2010-09-12T20:52:00.000-04:00

Lauren Starts Kindergarten!

2010-09-12T20:36:00.000-04:00

So I know everyone says this day comes so fast and boy are they right! I made sure to enjoy every moment with her as she grew up so I feel like we were both ready for this moment. She was so cute and of course I shed a few tears as she walked off with her class. I am so proud of her!!

Lauren ready to go!

Tyler waiting for Lauren after school. He did not like his "Laurlen" gone.

End of her first day. She was exhausted and thanked me for not putting her in a full day because "there was no way I could stay awake for that".

My 2 Silly Billies!

2010-08-18T16:31:00.002-04:00

They were sitting together not fighting and I thought this was a great chance to get a picture of them together.

The first one was so cute and then they went silly. I can't complain about it because it is one thing I love about them.

Feet Painting

2010-08-15T09:36:00.003-04:00

The kids were driving me crazy the other day so I put them outside and grabbed the first thing I saw in the playroom. Large pieces of packing paper and paint. I had a fun time taking their pictures and they had a great time putting their feet in the paint and walking around. I especially love the picture of Tyler with the hand marks on his tummy. It is very rare to find that kid's stomach free of markers, hi-liters or paint.

Tea Party Time....Poor Tyler!!

2010-08-15T09:32:00.002-04:00

Swimming at Grandma & Grandpa's House

2010-08-15T09:31:00.002-04:00

Lauren's Gymnastics Year End Show

2010-08-15T09:27:00.000-04:00

Camping with the Tweedie Clan - Monmouth, Maine

2010-08-15T09:19:00.002-04:00

Music, Music, Music

2010-08-15T09:14:00.000-04:00

Our Piano Player

2010-08-15T09:10:00.001-04:00

"Not quite right."

"Why won't you work???"

"Awww.... there we go."

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

2010-08-15T09:03:00.000-04:00

We joined the Mass Audubon this year and this trip was our first. It was a really neat place and we saw tons of wildlife.

Water Fun!!

2010-08-15T08:46:00.000-04:00

2010-08-15T08:43:00.000-04:00

Bringing Spring Inside

2010-03-12T11:13:00.002-05:00

These were a wonderful surprise from a wonderful husband! I can't wait to get the garden in and flowers planted!

I Can Help You Buy or Sell Your Home

2010-03-11T23:36:00.000-05:00

I have found my calling. I am not sure why it took me as long as it did but I finally heard it. You would think that with a love of realtor.com (yes I went on there frequently for fun), wanting a tour of every other house I drive by, a business degree and a strong desire to find a job that allows me to be there for our children it would have been obvious. Whatever the reason I am up and running with Prudential Consoli and ready to help anyone looking to buy or sell North of Boston.

A Day at the Park......in Winter?!?!

2010-03-11T23:22:00.000-05:00

I have never once in the 5 years of having children thought to go to the park in the winter. Well boy have I....I mean the kids.....been missing out! We went sledding on the hill next to the playground, which is how we ended up there. It was perfect for Tyler who is an expert crasher because the snow provided extra padding. I had fewer heart attacks watching him crash and Lauren had a blast making me ice cream sundaes in her pretend restaurant. I will be adding this to my list of things to do in the winter.

2010-03-11T23:14:00.001-05:00

Sledding at the Park

2010-03-11T23:10:00.000-05:00

Lauren's First Ski Lesson

2010-03-11T23:05:00.001-05:00

I love watching Lauren try something new for the first time. It is even better getting to see her dad be the teacher. Tyler was upset because he couldn't join them. Next year we will all be out there thanks to John. I was lucky enough to have him teach me as well. He is a very patient man :)

Decorating Christmas Cookies with Nana and Aunt Sandra

2010-03-11T22:55:00.002-05:00

Tyler takes cookie decorating very seriously!

The Snowman That Needed A Shower

2010-01-02T21:18:00.000-05:00

We made "Frosty" using a great kit that my mom gave us. There wasn't much snow so he is very dirty. He lasted one day before he was melted but with this nor'easter we are getting right now we can make a clean one. Two clean ones since we have two kits. Stay tuned for pictures on "Frosty and Mrs. Frosty."

Winter Classic 2010

2010-01-02T20:45:00.001-05:00

In November I was walking out of the local Stop N Shop when this cute little kid, standing outside in the snow, asked me if I wanted to buy a raffle ticket. So $20 later I had entered my name 5 times into the raffle. I had no idea what the prizes were and I forgot about even entering by the time I was home. November 28th I got a phone call saying that my name was drawn. The prize: overnight stay at the Westin at Copley Square (which was awesome), dinner at the Palm (which was awesome), and 2 tickets to the Winter Classic at Fenway (WHICH WAS AWESOME)!!! So here is a link to my picasa web album because I haven't quite figured out how to post more than 5 pics at a time and I thought it would be easier this way.

Winter Classic 2010 Photo Album

2010-01-02T20:39:00.000-05:00

Winter Classic 2010

Tyler Turns 2 Today!!

2009-10-22T20:07:00.004-04:00

I can't believe that he is 2. Wow, how time flies and I know that I sound like a broken record saying that. He's a character no doubt about it. Tonight he came into my room with his hands behind his back. He just stood there like that looking at me and I finally said what's behind your back. He gets a HUGE smile and pulls his hands out. Yep, they are completely black on one side and orange on the other with both markers in his hands. Not only did he color all over himself he colored all over the floor. And where was I you ask. Posting pictures on the blog. From now on the blog waits until he is in bed.

Happy Birthday Little Man!!

2009-10-22T19:53:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how hard it is to get these 2 to sit together and smile. This is the best I can do for now.

2009-10-22T19:52:00.002-04:00

This is a bobcat that we saw running across the field with something in its mouth. It didn't see us until Tyler started yelling "Hi" and waving. Going to explore the sign.

Yep, Tyler can read! He was telling us that we can't go that way until further notice.

2009-09-26T20:08:00.003-04:00

Painting

2009-03-18T01:50:00.003-04:00

Lauren working on houses she made out of Popsicle sticks.
Tyler's first time painting.

Where Can I Fit Today....

2009-03-17T23:28:00.005-04:00

Tyler has this thing, maybe all toddler's do, where he likes to try and squeeze into places that he just won't fit. We did some rearranging and moving of stuff and as soon as I unblocked the sides of the entertainment center he went for it. Well go figure he fit behind it and spent most of the day going back and for behind it each time stopping where the T.V. goes to smile.

Juice Break!

"Tonight the forecast calls for more snow!"

This makes me think about when you see kids make a T.V. out of a box and then sit in it.

He is giving me his "I know you don't want me back here but it's not something you are really going to get mad at me about because I am making a silly face at you then laughing because I am having so much fun back here" expression.
(Excuse the mess it happens when moving things around.)

Me and My Coupons

2009-03-17T14:31:00.003-04:00

Ok so today, in this economy, we are all trying to "save" a little more. Well being a SAHM and having one income means trying to save on everything. We have had to cut back but it's worth it to me if I can be the one to raise my children.

Anyway....... after dinner I clean the kitchen and watch the news but on one night I found myself cleaning at 8:30 and the ONLY thing on was Dr. Phil (I have basic cable). I NEVER watch this show!! But the show was about saving money so it caught my interest.

One part in particular was about a woman who cut her shopping bill by a ton and at the same time was buying more. Who doesn't want to do that? She was using coupons, sales, and rewards to do it. Yeah...ummm......I don't want to do that.

I have had a complete misunderstanding of coupons my entire life!

Now my new obsession is coupons........... BUT IT IS HARD!! There is a real method to it and it takes me about 2 days to figure out my shopping list and plan meals as well as figure out which stores to go too. Not only that I can't seem to find an accordion folder to organize my stuff in that is not overpriced. If you go on there today there is a conest to win everything you would need to be organized. (LOL.....I entered twice and am watching for the other 2 ways to enter) I could really use that stuff.

I am supposed to be forwarding the links to a bunch of you, but I added a button on the left side of this blog for www.FrugalCouponLiving.com (she was the one on Dr.Phil) and there is also http://www.couponmom.com/ that I like too.

I keep reading that the more you do it the easier it gets and there are a ton of websites out there to help. I am on week 3 and it is getting better. I just need to get organized and to be honest I love seeing how much I can save. It's a fun challenge and it benefits my family. Now I am not sure how many of the people behind me in line at the store or the cashiers appreciate it but I am not worried about that because I am so focused on seeing the "Amount Saved: $$$" part on my reciept.

Jokers in Portland

2009-03-17T09:46:00.005-04:00

We took a trip to Jokers with my my sister Katherine, Jake, Hunter and Hannah. Tyler had a great time. He rode on the train, played in the ball pit (which really grossed me out and he was sanitized as soon as he came out) and went head first down the slide. Lauren is old enough to play games and did great and won enough tickets to get handcuffs and a few bracelets. She also loved going through the 3 story maze of nets, tunnels, and slides.

Lauren loved this game and was excited when she would get it up over the lip.

Lauren boat racing. She came in 7th!

(I am not sure out of how many...haha)

Tyler going down head first down the big slide.
What a daredevil, hope it isn't a sign of the future!!

Tyler in the ball pit. He was in heaven.......he love balls!!!

Nana and Tyler

John's Birthday and Valentines Day

2009-03-17T09:26:00.003-04:00

For some of us with young ones know how celebrating your brithday or even Valentine's Day is now a little more low key . This year Tim, Kristi and kids (Travis and Dylan) came down to celebrate John's birthday with us. We had a nice pizza , cake and then ended the night with some Rock Band 2 (thanks to John's parents). By the way...... John's Birthday and Valentine's Day are on the same day!

Tim and John rocking out!

(Picture by Lauren)

John's Cake

(Lauren took this picture. It was a heart shape.)

Travis and Lauren

Dylan ..... what a cutie!!

A Charity Dance with a Luau Theme

2009-03-17T09:16:00.002-04:00

John and I attended a fundraiser dance with Tim, Kristi and some of her family. The theme was one that reminded us spring is on it's way despite the waist high snow that still covers the ground in Maine. We may have been the youngest people there by 15 or 20 years (at least) but we rocked out to Jimmy Buffet and some other classic oldies. It was a lot of fun and we were able to support a great cause!

John and Tim Tim and Kristi
John and Michelle

Tyler's First Meal at the Table!!

2009-03-17T09:11:00.003-04:00

Tyler has finally graduated from the highchair to a booster seat and I am so excited. More so because I do not have to wash it again......... but it's a little sad because he is growing up so fast.

Tyler and the Baby in the Mirror

2009-01-22T14:09:00.003-05:00

This one is really dark and I apologize but it was so cute I wanted to put it up anyway. Again I tried to crop it after the kisses but I haven't figured it out yet. So ignore the last 10 or so seconds.

Tyler's Moves Are Getting Better!!

2009-01-22T14:02:00.002-05:00

Sorry that it's so dark. I need to get my actual video camera out.

G Diapers

2009-01-22T13:50:00.004-05:00

***UPDATE****** I am no longer trying to save the environment. These diapers cost me $325 to have the main drain unclogged!! It backed everything up into the shower and toilet in the downstairs bathroom. It was the most disgusting mess ever and I no longer recommend them!

"When Lauren was born I was set that I was not going to use disposable diapers. Well I had planned on using cloth with a diapering service to help ease the pain of them. When I called the local diapering service near me it turned out that 2 weeks prior they stopped servicing my area. So I tried them anyway and it was so hard I gave up and started using disposable.

Well I saw a show about a couple in Australia who came up with a new kind of diaper that is better for the environment. I was intrigued but busy and forgot to look it up. Every time I changed a disposable diaper I had a wave of guilt go through me. Finally, I remembered these diapers I had heard of and went to look them up.

I LOVE THEM!!!! The G Diapers have a cloth outer diaper, a snap in plastic liner, and a pad that gets inserted. The pad is flushable, can be thrown in the trash or the wet ones in a compost pile. They decompose in 50-150 days as apposed to disposables that take 500 years! The only thing I can say that the poopy ones are a pain but once you get the hang of it it's not bad and the trade off of knowing that this diaper isn't going to sit in a landfill makes it worth it.

P.S. We save $10 a month. Below is Tyler modeling the cute environmentally friendly G Diaper. So if you are interested in an alternative go to http://www.gdiapers.com/ "

Finally Warm Enough To Get Out!

2009-01-22T13:45:00.003-05:00

Lauren following the bunny tracks. They were all over the place.
Tyler crawling around. The snow was just powder and every time Tyler would crawl he got a big puff of snow in his face. He was not a fan of it and he won't walk in boots so he just sits there complaining.

We were going to make a snowman but the snow wouldn't pack so we decided to leave the carrots out for the bunnies.

What do you with a snow day and extra baby blankets?

2009-01-22T12:57:00.003-05:00

We live in a spot with a lot of cold snow days. I decided to clean out Tyler's room and found about 15 recieving blankets (pretty sure it is from all the kids in the family through out the years). We decided to see how many ways you can wear the blanket. We had a few more styles than this, but I am the "Battery Killer" so I only got these poses. With all the snow still to come, and the blankets out in my donation box that I haven't called to have picked up yet, I am sure that I can get the pictures of the ones we missed.

2009-01-22T12:54:00.001-05:00

I may have to hide this one when he's older. Little Orphan Lo Lo

The classic shawl or wrap.

The Chef

Even I got pulled into this.

Like Father, Like Son

2009-01-22T12:47:00.002-05:00

It's starting already. I am pretty sure we have more computers than people living in this house.
He was so excited to finally be allowed to touch the computer.

New Years Eve 2009

2009-01-22T12:20:00.002-05:00

New Years at The Best Bar or The Greatest Bar (it was some name proclaiming to be better than the rest). I don't know the name of the place but I know it had good beer, a friendly bartender and we were with fantastic friends.

John and Trevor
John and Michelle

Keep all hands and feet inside at all times!

2009-01-22T12:15:00.004-05:00

A fun new way for them to play together.

Lauren 4 - Tyler 1

Lauren singing "Big Girls Don't Cry"

2008-12-28T23:58:00.003-05:00

I tried to clip it but it didn't work so the first 30 seconds don't have much going on. On a side note - Lauren has been begging John for 2 days to get the microphone to work on the stereo. I am sure that we will be listening to her sing along with the Kids Bop cd for the next couple weeks.

2008-12-28T23:42:00.001-05:00

Our Christmas Tree. All of us with mobile babies can appreciate the partially decorated tree.

Lauren and Tyler in their Jump-o-Lene. They can't get enough of this.

Lauren spends a lot of time in it and is constantly asking us to watch the new tricks she can do in it. Most of them are of her finding a new way to jump and land in it. I spend the whole time holding my breath and waiting for her to pop back up unhurt.

Even Tyler has figured out how to bounce in it. He loves it but he can't be left in it because he dives head first over the side.

2008-12-28T23:29:00.001-05:00

Lauren and with some of her stuff from her stocking.

Tyler on his way to see what Santa brought him.

Lauren showed him how to use it and he got so excited.

Lauren and her easel. Unfortunately it had fallen off of Santa's sleigh and got a crack but he left an address so dad could go get it fixed the next morning. Next year Santa will be a lot more careful. She was so good about it that she may get double from him next year.

And.....Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!

2008-12-28T23:21:00.000-05:00

Lauren loved it and Dad shoveled it. (Until the neighbor drove by and told John to go get their snowblower. They are the best!)

Christmas Party

2008-12-28T23:07:00.003-05:00

The Christmas party in Maine this year was good. Not everyone could make it this time and so it wasn't the same. Hopefully next year everyone will be there. Santa came and he was greeted with some kids who were excited and some who were terrified. It was good to just hang out with everyone and play games.

Santa Claus Came to Town

2008-12-28T23:01:00.000-05:00

Tyler wasn't a fan of Santa.

Santa, Lauren, Nana, and Hunter

Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Grace.

2008-12-28T22:55:00.000-05:00

Gavin was so scared of Santa.

Lauren and Sophia were assessing the situation.

Grace wanted nothing to do with him.

Lauren went into a very detailed explaination of what she wanted...."I want something that you draw on and it has a button, one button, that you push and it has these tubes that go up and theres a camera at the top and that takes a picture and then prints it out on the bottom under where you drawed the picture, please." She said she saw it in a magazine. We went through every single magazine in the house but we never found it. I am still to trying and find the thing what she was talking about.

2008-12-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

Aunt Jenn, Grace (10 months), and Tyler (14 months)

Sophia and Lauren behind the furniture playing with their new toys from Nana. It was a good spot so the little ones couldn't get to their stuff.

John and Tyler both looking as handsome as ever.

Tyler (13months)

2008-12-28T22:11:00.001-05:00

He clearly misunderstands what a cleaning closet is. He will pull everything out and just sit or stand in there.

Before and After.

2008-12-28T21:08:00.001-05:00

Tyler is in the "I feed myself" stage. I gave him his plate and he looked like could handle it (1st picture). I turned around to finish the dishes and when I turned around again...... well I think that the 2nd picture explains it well.

Like I say about all these things toddlers do........ it's developmental.

I don't even know where the bib went.

Practicing for college lectures!

2008-12-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

I went to turn Lauren's light out and found her sound asleep like this.

Thanksgiving in Florida

2008-12-28T20:42:00.002-05:00

This year we went to John's parents home in Florida for Thanksgiving. The kids did great on the plane and I was so happy with how well they behaved. It was sunny almost everyday and so warm. Lauren and I spent a lot of time on the beach building sand castles and jumping over the waves. Tyler made his first appearance on the beach and I think it was his last one as well. He didn't really like the sand and he REALLY didn't like it when the water touched his feet. Oh well, maybe next time.

We went to the Palm Beach Zoo and Boomers. It was a lot of fun. Tyler spent his time pointing and asking "what's that" at everything. Lauren rode the go-karts 3 times, went on the bumper boats, played mini golf, played the arcade games and she was asleep in the car before we left the parking lot. John and I had a blast doing all these things with the girls.

2008-12-28T20:39:00.000-05:00

This was the best family picture we could get.

2008-12-28T20:35:00.000-05:00

Boomers in Boca

2008-12-28T20:30:00.000-05:00

2008-12-28T20:28:00.000-05:00

The Beach

2008-12-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

First time at the beach.
He wasn't really a fan of the sand.

Lauren couldn't get enough of it.

Tyler and Dad

2008-12-15T20:17:00.002-05:00

Palm Beach Zoo

2008-12-06T20:36:00.000-05:00

Tyler saying "What's that?" to EVERYTHING!

Lauren is no competion for these animals!

The kids loved the Flamingos. Very strange birds.

Lauren Turned 4!!

2008-12-06T19:59:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that Lauren is now 4. She chose to have a Fancy Nancy party. The girls got to have their nails done, fancy pictures taken, and a fancy lunch. It was cute and she had a great time.

Lauren's "Fancy Nancy" Birthday Party

2008-12-06T19:54:00.001-05:00

Hulk Hogan and Tinkerbell came to visit on Halloween

2008-11-06T23:15:00.004-05:00

Tyler turned One!!

2008-11-06T23:09:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that Tyler is 1 now. He's standing and crawling. He has taken a couple of steps but I am not rushing the walking thing. He likes....no LOVES....to dance. I will be posting some more of his moves soon. Other than that he is extremely laid back, snuggly, and very happy. Can't wait to see what he looks like with hair and teeth (he still only has 2)!

2008-11-06T23:05:00.002-05:00

2008-11-06T23:05:00.000-05:00

Tyler's First Birthday
October 22, 2008

2008-09-30T21:43:00.001-04:00

2008-09-12T18:52:00.003-04:00

Lauren and I were out on the dock when a gust of wind came along and blew her life jacket into the lake. By the time we got John to get it, it had floated into the lilly pads out of reach from the dock. John went to get a swimsuit to go into the water to get it but while he was looking he found these waders. Talk about a kid in a candy store......

2008-09-12T18:43:00.000-04:00

2008-09-12T18:35:00.001-04:00

2008-09-12T16:45:00.003-04:00

2008-09-12T16:34:00.000-04:00

2008-09-12T16:30:00.002-04:00

2008-09-02T15:29:00.000-04:00

The Tweedies

2008-09-02T15:25:00.000-04:00

5 OF THE 7

2008-08-26T21:28:00.001-04:00

Free Counter

Popham Beach

2008-08-25T10:03:00.003-04:00

Beach trip to Popham. We had a great time and the weather was beautiful.

2008-08-25T10:03:00.000-04:00

Nathan, Lauren and Sophia.

2008-08-25T10:02:00.000-04:00

Nana

2008-08-25T09:59:00.000-04:00

Uncle Brian's feet and Lauren

2008-08-25T09:58:00.000-04:00

Sophia and Sebastian (yes named after the crab in The Little Mermaid)

2008-08-25T09:57:00.000-04:00

Gavin, Lauren, and Sophia

2008-08-25T09:56:00.000-04:00

Jenn, Brian, and Gracie

Sophia turns 4

2008-08-25T09:52:00.003-04:00

Sophia's birthday party was adorable. All the girls were decked out in their best princess gear. Even the adults dressed up. (And we thought we would never were those bridesmaid dresses again!)

2008-08-25T09:52:00.000-04:00

Lauren and Gavin

2008-08-25T09:50:00.000-04:00

Michelle and Lauren

2008-08-25T09:49:00.000-04:00

Hannah (I love this picture)

2008-08-25T09:48:00.001-04:00

Lauren and Gavin

2008-08-25T09:48:00.000-04:00

Lauren and Sophia

2008-08-25T09:47:00.000-04:00

Nana and Gracie

2008-08-25T09:36:00.002-04:00

Lauren and Tyler

2008-08-13T13:09:00.000-04:00

Tyler and Gracie

2008-08-13T13:08:00.000-04:00

Tyler (9 months)

2008-07-08T09:54:00.000-04:00

Lauren(3 years old) and Tyler(8 months)

2008-07-08T09:43:00.000-04:00

Lauren at her first circus.

2008-07-08T09:41:00.000-04:00

At the circus.