we're going to look like a zoo

Seth is certain we are going to look like a zoo. My sister said we'll look like a circus. And while I'd like to respectfully disagree with them, I think they may be right.

In April we will have our 5th child, or should I say son. Because we know that's all we can have in this family.

On October 27th, we should be able to confirm it's a boy. I'll be 12 weeks along this week - which means morning sickness should be ending any day now. Hallelujah!! And I'm due April 11th, which means I'll probably go into labor April 15th.

So there it is, I should probably change the name of our blog to The Allen Zoo.

may the force be with you

Easton turned 7! I still can't quite believe he is 7 years old. Wow! That sure makes me feel old.

He had a Star Wars Birthday Party and it was tons of fun. But I did decide two things - 1) I really need want to take a photography class, so all my pictures don't turn out just BLAH and 2) For the next birthday party that I put so much effort into, I am going to specifically ask someone to just come take pictures. We did many fun things, that took a lot of effort but I didn't take pictures of any of them because I was too busy running the show. ;) Anyways, here's some of the things we did - without pictures to prove it. Destroy the Death Star Pinata. Star Wars Bingo. Jedi Training Course. Pin the Ship in Outer Space.

When the kids arrived (on a side note, since when does every invited kid come to a birthday party? East invited 14, so I planned on 10 plus my 3 older boys, but we ended up with everyone there. So poor Peyton and Cole didn't get their own lightsabers. Maybe if people would've RSVP'd like I asked them to...I totally understand not calling when you aren't coming, but when you are?! Really? Anyways...) they got to choose the color of their lightsaber and Seth made it for them. Then they got their Jedi Knight Robes (made by my fabulous mother!). Then it was off to the Jedi Training Course. Seth set up an obstacle course - with lava and rocks, jumping, tunnels, balancing and then to fight Darth Vadar (Seth :) at the end. They loved doing that!!  

Then we came inside and played Star Wars Bingo (made by me, so if anyone wants to borrow it, I'd love to get more use out of it) until Seth got back with pizza. After lunch, we played Pin the Ship in Outer Space (I have no idea what it is actually called, but it was an actual Star Wars game I found at a party store), which was kind of hard to keep everyone's attention, so that didn't last long. Then we went outside to Destroy the Death Star. They loved hitting the pinata, but who doesn't? 

Then we had his Lightsaber cake and ice cream (I'm bummed this is the only picture I got of the cake, cause it actually turned out pretty cool.) and then opened presents.

It was such a long, fun time for all. And it was definitely worth being so exhausted afterward. But it did make Seth and I re-think how we'll be doing birthday parties in the future. As we were getting things ready the night before, Seth said "4 times a year? Are we really going to do this 4 times a year?" Hmm... I'm not so sure.

Happy Birthday Easton! You are such an amazing example to your younger brothers and mom and dad. So smart. So sweet. So sensitive. So hilarious. We love you East the Beast!

kitchen tools review

I was contacted by CSN Stores to do a review on items of my choosing. It was SO hard to choose. They have so many fun, exciting looking things. Their selection of items really seems endless. I spent so much time looking at toys, outdoor stuff for Seth, home decor and on and on and on. In the end, I chose items that I had been wanting to buy for a while. I had been wanting a couple new cooling racks, since I only have one, and I really, desperately needed some new pans. My pan set was the $30 one from Wal-Mart, and I really hated it.

So first I chose the Nordicware Kitchenware 16" Stackable Cooling Rack Set. Not only do you get 2 large cooling racks for a great price but they can stack to save counter space. How awesome is that?! I love these racks. They stack easily when I make cookies and they are large enough when I'm cooling cakes. They are very heavy duty and sturdy. They are fabulous! 

Next I chose the Rachel Ray Porcelain Enamel Skillet Triple Pack. All I can say about these pans is that I love, love, LOVE them. They are very heavy duty. The handle isn't heavier than the pan, causing them to be tip (like my cheap set). They are truly non-stick. They cook evenly, even when using burners smaller than the pans (which once again is not something my old set did). They are just simply put- fantastic! I'm so glad I decided to get them! I will say I would have chosen the Brown Set, but they were out of stock, so that was a little bummer. So instead I went with the ones that match with (or clash with) my beautiful countertops.

Thank you CSN Stores for the wonderful opportunity! I am totally and completely satisfied with everything!!

first day of kindergarten

Cole started Kindergarten on Monday. He was nothing but excited for it. He did get a little nervous and was holding on to me once we got to the school (I think he thought I was just going to take him to the door and leave.) Once we got inside the class he found his name tag and chair and got right to work, he didn't even seem to care or notice when I was leaving. He rode the bus home the first day which just made him look so big as he was getting off of it. When he was telling me about it, he loved everything except that "it was SO long".  

waiting in his class line before his teacher came out to get the class (it was cold and I didn't think to have him grab a jacket cause who needs a jacket in August?!)

getting right to work on his worksheet