Making Life Count

Its Christmastime! And well it was 60° today, hardly feeling like the end of November.  I want it to cool off but I know I'll regret saying this when winter strikes for reals.

Lou was home for five glorious days!  We had lots of fun, the kids were out of school during his entire visit.  Josh was so excited for Lou to be home, that when Lou got home late Tuesday night, and went down to see Josh, Josh popped right out of bed ready to play!

We did lots together and I realized how much I missed being all together as a family.

 At this time of year I miss my parents and my sisters.  So I get to miss them and Lou this year. My family was all together for Thanksgiving. I realized I haven't been with my family on Thanksgiving since the year I returned home from my mission. Geez that's a crazy long time. Thanksgiving was always so fun growing up, one of my favorite holidays, its weird not to have that anymore and haven't had that for 13 years.

We went up to Jeff and Leann's.  There was lots of people there.  I love his cousins who came so it was great chatting with them. Kira and Josh had fun playing with their cousins, Claire and Jane.

Thanksgiving is over, Lou is gone again and not quite sure when he'll be home again. Hopefully one visit before his Christmas visit.

Life really isn't complete without Lou at home.  Its like we're able to live day-to-day but we aren't able to really live a full life. Its like we are constantly living in limbo, which if you know me well is not me at all.

But to be positive, I love this time of year.  I am determined to be happy and enjoy every moment even with Lou away.  I should make a list so we don't miss out on anything.

This picture is just cute:

Peaceful Snow

It snowed.  The kids could not be happier!

All they wanted to do after school yesterday and all today was play in the snow! The made snowmen, angles and castles. I love that they don't get bothered by the cold.

I preferred to watch them through our big front window, where it was warm.  

The snow is so peaceful and relaxing.  Last night I sat just sitting, not on the computer or my phone, no music, just sat and felt the quiet as the snow fell.

I like our view very much.

Yesterday I didn't want to go out and drive in the snow but Kira had a playdate and Josh had a birthday party so my quest to be home all day was foiled by busy kids.

Today the roads weren't bad at all so we ran a few errands including going to the Creamery, we scored free lower bowl basketball seats for going. And I bought some yummy chocolate milk. We also got to go to dinner with Jeff, Leann and Mark.  It was fun.

Now to go enjoy the quiet and view again.

Dear Time Change: I Really Don't Like You

already failing on my goal! If I wrote a post yesterday it would talk about how much I love my kids and how awesome they are and how well behaved they are since Lou is gone.  (different story today of course). I would write a post about going to the BYU basketball games with the kids and Leann.

Jeff and Leann's awesome seats for the season

Today I have a different kind of attitude, not complaining but someday kids are harder than other days. My very mild manner boy Josh, was not so mild mannered today.  I don't know why but he was so grumpy in Sacrament meeting.  He made big sighs, told me he was angry and did NOT want Kira using his favorite notebook.  I think its due to the time change, I don't know how but I'll blame it on that.  In Primary he gave me a huge hug, I think that was his way of saying he was sorry.

I hate the time change. I think its a dumb tradition that served a purpose back in the day, but it no longer has a purpose. As far as  I know most farmers have tractors and other equipment that have lights.  I imagine most of us don't need it to be light in the morning.  I hate it. I wish they would just do away with it.

So time change and fast Sunday combo isn't my favorite. But now we are home for the rest of the day.  Here's to hoping to happier moods from all of us (Kira has been happy all day)

Cute Friends and So So Many Early Out Days!

Kira had a playdate today with her cute friend Mia.  I like Mia a lot, she gets Kira.  I think we all need people who just get us.  The girls played Minecraft, then we went to the library.  We had lots of fun at the library, I talked to a friend Carol, we worked at the library together years ago. Carol still works there but now in the Children's department. The kids looked at their books, played hide-n-seek etc.  Fun fun times.

Next week the kids have three early out days because of parent teacher conferences.  Does anyone else's schools do this?  It drives me crazy, I hate all the early out days now.  They had two this week, and now three next week.  I dont' ever remember having this many early out days when I was in school. Yes we had early out Fridays like my kids do but that was about it.  Its hard to find a routine when Lou is gone, the kids get out early for 3/5 of the school week.

I will survive Lou being gone (again) and early out days... bring it!

Lou's Home Round 2!

We have had such a fun fun time with Lou home. We will be sad to see him leave tomorrow. Its weird thinking that I think its a privilege to have Lou home.  It should just be the norm, right?

Lou arrived on Sunday, Leann was kind enough to pick him up, we were at church.  It was such a nice feeling getting home and seeing him!  Josh's primary teacher said that Josh spent half the class talking about Lou coming home.  That boy sure does love his dad!

We had a relaxing Sunday honestly can't remember what we did, I think we had frozen pizza for dinner and watched kid Halloween shows from the DVR.  Kira got comfy right away

I don't really remember what we did this week but it was nice to be all together.

Halloween was yesterday.  The kids were super excited all. day. long.   Lou and I went over to the school for the Halloween parade. I love it every year and it was extra special this year to have Lou watching it with me.  Instead of going into the crowded gym we elected to watch the parade from the playground where the kids walked from the classrooms to go to the gym.  (awesome choice as in years past the gym is super crowed and stressful)  Kira made a cute little Hermoine Granger and Josh a handsome Obi-Wan Kenobi.  (Josh wasn't allowed to bring a light saber to school).  We missed the annual party (soup pot luck) at the now bishop's house which was disappointing.    But we of course didn't miss the most important part of Halloween the trick or treating!

So tomorrow we go back to the real world as lou returns to Boise. We are so spoiled with him home it will be hard to wait to see him again.  Ugh I really don't know how we will keep doing this until summer.  Thank goodness for good friends, support of family and modern technology!

Oh need to document this, a few days ago the school had a recognition assembly. Kira got this award from one of her teachers.  I loved it.  Kira does make everyone feel like a star. I love our girl so much.

Little Kira is Busy

Lou gets home in two days, yay!  Its weird how use we have gotten to him being gone all the time. I don't  like being used to it but I am grateful we are able to adapt to different situations and grow from them. It helps being busy and having happy kids. Here is some of the business and happiness this past week:

We are all feeling better,  I hope the sick bug stays away for a long time.  I am happy that I haven't been getting as sick lately as I used to when my thyroid was off.

It was nice to have the kids back in school this week.  They both love school a lot and are happy to have that routine everyday.  The kids have been especially happy the last few mornings to wake up and find snow on the ground.  Kira made a snowman today with the very little that was left in our yard and our neighbor's yard.

i have enjoyed the snow also. I like the change in weather and it melts as fast as it falls.  Yesterday it was cold and there was a little snow. I thought I'd stay home instead of going to the gym. I fought that instinct and went to the gym. I am glad I did, I do so much better when I work out in the morning, it makes me happy and more active the rest of the day.

Josh was a lucky boy tonight and got to go to the BYU basketball game with his Nana. We were all lucky to go out to dinner before the game.

Kira and I came home, she had ice cream and we watched a few episodes of Full House together before bed.  Kira was excited go to her room for bed to finish her book she started just yesterday.  It is a  Halloween book, one of the Rainbow Fairy books.  I love that that little girl loves to read so much.

I received an email tonight from one of Kira's teacher. She told me how happy Kira is in class and how nice she is to the other children. She said Kira's joie de vivre is contagious.  Kira is such a happy happy girl who is always trying to make other's happy.  It was a very nice email to receive.

Kira's little life is very busy right now with the musical, piano and she just started a dance class.  She enjoys it all though and she still has time to play so we're good for now.  The musical only goes till december so knowing that its a temporary business makes it fun.

Primary Program and Sick Kiddos

Today was the Primary program. There was a definite hustle and bustle in the air in Sacrament meeting.  Its always my favorite Sunday of they year when the kids have their program.

I was involved in the program this year as primary pianist.  It was fun to be a part of the excitement.  Kira and Josh both had their parts memorized. I couldn't help but remember when Kira was four and Kira had to say "We can receive answers to our prayers" that wasn't good enough for Kira, Kira went on to tell two different stories of when Heavenly Father answered her prayers. This year she stuck to her part :)

Poor Kira started to feel sick in Sacrament meeting. In Primary she looked pretty bad. I asked her if she wanted to go home but she couldn't get herself to leave since they were getting snacks and watching a movie (Mormon Ad's). Kira by the time we got home was burning up, her head was killing her, her hands were numb.  Little Kira doesn't handle being sick very well, she pretty much cried on and off for an hour before bed. I felt so bad for her.  She kept saying she was having bad thoughts of being on a boat with a person without a head.  We said many extra prayers to help her fall asleep

This

reminded me of this:

poor kira

Josh was sick earlier this week

I was sick in between the kids sickness.  So the last few days haven't been super jolly at the Allen household.

I realized I think about my thyroid every day and a lot of the day. I can't keep this up for the rest of my life. I regret every day having it irradiated.  Lou says I can't think that way since we prayed about it and fasted about it at the time and felt it was the thing to do at that time.  Its really coming down to a faith thing with me. I have to trust the Lord that he has taken care of me this long (3 years) then he'll keep doing it. Its so so so hard though.

October is a Great Month!

I feel like sometimes because of Facebook, Twitter, now Instagram and of course my personal journals, this blog gets neglected, which is sad. I love this blog, I love going back and reading old posts. I want to be able to come back and read about this time in our life in a few years.

Lou is on his second tour in Boise.  I am getting more used to him being gone. Lou did come home for a few days at the end of September. We celebrated our anniversary.

yes everyone has seen this photo by now but hey its my blog.  Lou and I  October 2, 2012

Lou and I walked around City Creek and ate at the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Jeff and Leann watched Kira and Josh for us, they allowed them to spend the night.  It was great to have that one-on-one time with Lou since we *literally* did not get to see each other more than a few days out of the month.

Lately I have really felt so much better thyroid-wise.  I feel like I have more energy, I feel more fit, I feel more happy.  I hope I can always work with a doctor who listens to me and respects what I know about my body.

The kids had Fall Break the past few days.  It was a blast to have them home.  Lets be honest I was not looking forward to Fall break at all, not one bit.  I was worried that I'd feel that stress of when the kids used to be home all day and Lou was gone at work or school all day.  But nope we had a blast, the kids were great and I didn't tire or get frustrated with them home all day and Lou being gone.

It was not as cold as you would imagine with how Kira is dressed.  Nice Fall weather!

We did fun activities including : trips to Target, watching Halloween movies, reading Halloween books, playing with friends, Riverwoods, dinner with Nana and Gramps, dinner with the Jensens, friend's birthday party, and yummy treats.

Kira starts her musical practices tomorrow. I am helping out with the piano. Kira didn't get the lead of Virginia. Kira did get a solo and special dance numbers, we will find out more tomorrow. Kira was crushed but I think she will still have fun. (The musical is "Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus" its by Macy's. )

Kira and Josh's school pictures this year.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) the kids return to school.  I get to go back to my daily routines.  And in a few weeks we'll get to see Louis.

Togetherness

We get to see Lou in a few days. That's all I can really think about! This is the longest we have been apart our entire marriage.  Its hard knowing he'll be home for such a short period of time before he goes back to Boise.  We will sure make the most of and enjoy the days we do get with him.

Saturday will be me and Lou's 11th anniversary. 11 years is a long time but it is really hard to remember what life was like before I married Lou.  In 11 years Josh will be 18.  That is weird to think about, that in the same amount of time that we've been married, all my kids will be adults.

Today I went visiting teaching. I sure love my companion and the sisters we visit teach. It has been such a blessing in my life.  I love that the sisters we visit like to be visited and make it so easy for us to visit.  I like that my companion is the same way.  I have visited the same sisters for the two years we've been in the ward.  We are all in different stages of life, my companion about the same age as me has three young kids at home none in school yet.  One of the sisters we visit teach has three kids ages 12-18.  The other sister we visit has two kids, both returned missionaries attending BYU.  I enjoy talking with these sisters, I like that I am able to learn from their life experiences. Having friends that are not your age and not in the same circumstances as you is a great experience.

I have felt so much love from my friends this week. Robin came over Saturday night, we watched Felicity.  Rachelle has called and texted. Alyssa invited us to spend Saturday afternoon at her house and we ended up having dinner together.  I have such good friends. I don't know if I have ever had as good of friends as I do right now on a whole.  (there it is getting so comfortable with how life is that Heavenly Father makes you pack up and start over again)



I also have been talking to my mom much more frequently on the phone, same with my sister Sharon. Talking with family although they live across the country is so nice. Although it would be much nicer to see them every week, talking will have to do.

Great Comfort and Strength from the Lord

Today we had Stake Conference.  I  am grateful that the kids are older or it would have been much harder taking them by myself.  It felt more like a mini-General Conference. We had six speakers:

A member of the Seventy
The General Primary President
Provo Mission President
Matron of the Mount Timp Temple
another member of the Seventy
Elder Oaks (and his wife talked some so I guess seven speakers)

I liked the talks, especially the last two and the general primary president. I felt the spirit during conference. I learned or I guess was reminded that the Lord hearkens unto us like we are suppose to hearken unto him.  I don't know why that stood out to me so much. It was just a single line in one of the talks.

I think maybe I needed to hear that since Lou has been gone for a week, has almost two weeks left for this trip and has many more trips before we all make it to Boise.  Its good to know that I'm not alone even though I am the only adult in the house.

Before Lou left last week he gave us each a blessing. In my blessing I was reminded to be even more diligent about studying the scriptures and seeking the Lord in prayer. I have been really good lately, but this week I have worked extra hard to make it a priority not just a habit.  I also have been really good about reading with the kids, having family prayers and individual prayers with them even though Lou is gone .

I have felt so much comfort and love from the Lord. Its a blessing to have the Gift of the Holy Ghost in my life.  Its nice to feel this comfort and be confirmed that we are doing the right thing.

Its weird being alone so much, not working anymore, not really being able to go out with friends (not that I did a ton of that this last year since I was working nights) but I really haven't been that lonely. Which has surprised me since I love being around others and feeling like I belong.  Then I remind myself its only been a week.

I think if I continue to take it one day at a time, one trip at a time, we can get through this.

Lou is happy, really enjoying his work, yay!

horrible pic but us driving home from Boise, little did we know how much that trip would change our life.