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Welcome to the Allred's blog page! Hope you enjoy some of the craziness our lives have to offer!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

A day with the boys

So... Duane had a football game today... and when I say a football game please don't get confused that he was gone for like 4 hours.  No- rather he left at 7:30 this morning, and is still not home. Needless to say the boys and I got some good bonding time today :) 

Started out with Makson coming to my room around 7:45 and jumping in bed with me (remember, Duane was already gone).  Of course he wanted to watch TV, so I turned on the typical Nick Jr. and rolled over hoping to get some more sleep... what was I thinking???  I was still so exhausted from my 3 hr night of sleep the night before (because I had the great idea of going Black Friday shopping at 3:30 am with the sister), I really just wanted to sleep a little bit longer.  I dozed off, 10 minutes later Mak yelled he needed to potty.  I told him just to go, but he insisted I turn on the light.. I can't imagine why he would find it difficult to pee in the dark??  So, up I went and turned on the light... I got back in bed, and actually managed to doze off for maybe 15 more minutes when he exclaimed he needed juice and a bar... of course, it's morning, he hasn't eaten in 12 hrs- he's hungry. Up I went again.  I still was adamant that I was going to get a few more minutes of sleep, so back to bed I went hoping Kaden wouldn't suddenly wake up.  As I was shutting my tired, little eyes, I realized- I gotta take Tobee to the groomers!  So... up I got again!  I rushed to get ready (it was about 8:30ish, and Tobee's appointment was at 9, 15 minutes away...),  then got the bright idea to take the dog to the groomers and run a few errands, while also getting both boy's hair cut...crazy- I know!

I was putting my bra on when getting ready, while of course in complete privacy- hahaha!!! Yeah right- when you have children, I don't think privacy exist anymore.  It all goes away as soon as you go into labor.  Anyway... I was putting my bra on and Mak exclaims, "I need one of those!"  I corrected him and explained that only girls where bras.  He didn't like my answer, and continued with, "Yes, I need one.  I need a boy one with pictures on it.  Like one with Batman!"  I had to laugh.. The only thing I can think of is that he wears "boy underwear" with pictures on it like Batman to hold up the boy goods... and he sees a bra as holding up the girl goods... so he must need one of those, too.  I don't know... I mean I wear underwear, too... so maybe he just sees it as a duo thing.  Anyhow... I managed to get dressed, both boys dressed, get our crap together and out the door by 8:50.  Of course I was late to the groomers, and forgot both pairs of shoes I wanted to take back, but we were out the door in one piece.

We dropped Tobee off at the groomers, drove back home to get the shoes I needed to take back, then proceeded to Southlake to get the boys hair cut!  Mak of course had to have his cut so he would look like a shark- we were successful in that!  Kaden was getting his first major haircut, so I was a little worried at how he'd do.  He did phenomenal!  Never even shed a tear~ Once I spent a small fortune on their haircuts, I had the wonderful idea of going to Old Navy and maybe get a few Christmas presents.  I mean I had the stroller, the boys were in good moods.. it couldn't be that bad.... hahaha!  Mak wanted every freaking thing in Old Navy!  I mean really- when did Old Navy start selling toys???  He pleaded and explained why he needed every single one.  Of course I'm all about bribery, so I told him if he would be really good in the store, I would get him one toy!  It worked- he was good, and got one toy.  Of course he forgot about the toy he got before we even got back to the car, so it has now become a Christmas present! :)

Next stop- DSW.  I had to take some boots back, and thought I could run in with Kaden on my hip, and Makson could hold my hand.. I wouldn't need the stroller.  I think due to lack of sleep in the last couple days, I was slightly deranged today.  Anyway.. I managed to get into DSW, exchange the shoes, with Makson only pulling down two pairs of shoes, 1 pair of socks, hiding behind a rack of belts, and 2 threats of "You better stop and behave or I will take you to the car and bust your tail, do you understand me?  Say yes ma'am!"  Kaden of course was a little angel on my hip and only caused a small ruckus when he threw his pacifier on the floor- which I presumed to pick up, stick in my mouth to clean off, and give it back to him- I know, I'm gross.
I had pondered the idea of going to NordstromTobee!  We get there, and I leave both boys in the car.  I mean the grooming place is this little place in the country, there are a million windows I can see out of to see the car, and the car is only 15 feet away; yet, the whole time I was constantly worried that someone was going to see my kids in their alone and call CPS on me!  And of course I had a tiny, little bit of worry that someone might take them; however, I really feared the call to CPS.  So, the whole 10 minutes I'm waiting to get Tobes and pay, I'm looking out the window every 5 seconds to see if anyone is looking in my car and making a phone call.  I get Tobee, and the lady proceeds to tell me my dog has worms.  I was like, awesome!  What do I do?  So.... we get in the car and head to Wal-Mart bc no vet is going to be open, and I'm sure I need to get my dog some medicine or something.

I load the boys in the basket and into Wal-Mart we go!  Of course first thing Mak sees is all the Christmas decor!  Long story short we ended up with 4 candy canes, 2 stick in the ground things that say, "Santa, Stop!", and a package of lights for the bushes.  He was adamant about decorating today!  He was also adamant that I buy him a crocodile decoration thing that went in a fish tank, but that argument didn't get too far.  I finally got the dewormer medicine... the only thing I went to Wal-Mart for, and proceeded to checkout.  Kaden insisted on holding the dewormer medicine, and tried to throw a fit when I took it away to buy it, but I managed to distract him with food after the keys didn't work and he threw them on the floor!  Out of Wal-Mart we finally went, and home to attempt to start decorating!

We get home and of course the first thing we had to do was get the candy canes up and running.  The boys were having a great time playing in the dirt, and with the rocks and leaves, I actually managed to get some decorating done.  They were perfectly content for about the first 30 minutes, then they both REALLY wanted to help mommy.  Mak was pulling lights out of the basket dragging them around, and Kaden was trying to eat the rocks while also attempting to help with the lights.  Once Mak tried to plug an extension cord in, out of fear of him electrocuting himself, I finally explained in a firm way... which got through to him that this was a mommy job and he could not help with the lights.  While streaming the lights around the bushes, and with both boys nicely watching, I began to smell cat crap.  Of course- I stepped in cat crap somewhere among my flowerbed.  Cat crap is like the worst smell in the world.  I was gagging and yelling at the boys to stay away, in fear they would get in it, while also yelling at Tobee to go lay down so he wouldn't eat it.  It was greatness.  Mak exclaimed he was freezing, so with that and myself smelling like cat crap, we called it a day and went in.

To top off the day, we had chili dogs, cookies, took baths and watched movies!  It was a crazy day, but was so much fun!  Even when Mak was pulling socks of the racks in DSW and proclaiming that his daddy, "really needs these snowman socks," I remembered to cherish every moment.  Watching them play, wrestle, fight, giggle, scream, and Mak fixing K's hair so it looked just like his shark hair, was all such a blessing.  Taking the boys out and about can really be a chore, but today, it wasn't a chore... it was fun day with my boys that I'll cherish!! 

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Introduction, Recent Pic, 15 Interesting Facts

I don't even know where to start... the fact that I'm writing this blog on very little sleep frightens me a bit... I seem to be a tad delirious.  But.. whatever- my friend invited me to do this 30 day blogger challenge, so here we go~ :)
A little bit about myself....
My name is Tara.. use to be Parker.  I loved my last name.  It was a bittersweet thing when I got married and took on my husband's last name as Allred.  I am proud to be an Allred, but the last name Parker has such a tie to so many wonderful things for me.  I guess down deep I will always be a Parker and just consider it a blessing I got an amazing husband that shared his last name with me :)   I am 26 years old, and will turn 27 this next February.  I just finished my masters degree in counseling and development last May, and am currently a school counselor.  I LOVE my job and the opportunity I have to influence so many people on a daily basis!  I work at a middle school, which I'm not sure are good times for anyone- in hopes that during student's most impressionable times, I am making a positive difference!  I have amazing parents and sisters whom I would do anything for~ I would not be half the person I am today without their constant love, support and guidance- they are absolutely amazing people!  If you don't know them, you're missing out on some wonderfulness!!

I have an incredible husband, Duane, whom I have been married to for 5 1/2 years now.  We began dating in March of 2003.. if you ask others they will give you an earlier date; however, technically- March of 2003.  We got engaged a year and a half later, and were married on July 16th, 2005.  He's my best friend who loves me and knows me better than anyone else in this world!  I'm thankful for an amazing man~ :)

On December 21, 2007 we welcomed our first son- Makson Dace into the world, and on November 15, 2009 we welcomed little Kaden Wayne (or who Mak calls K-dub).  They both are incredible blessings that I adore, that like to run me ragged and at times make me think I'm going crazy!!  Makson tends to have a personality most like me, so needless to say he and I go round and round pretty much every day!  Duane tells me, "just whip him, don't let him go round and round with you..."  Of course I spank his little butt... usually multiple times a day, but my husband doesn't quiet understand the bond between a mommy and her son.  I can whip him, and get onto him like nobody's business; but some times when he grins at me, gives me a hug and says "sorry, Mommy...I love you..." that's all it takes.  I'll go round and round, and tear my hair out, and even sometimes scream...it's all worth it to get a hug from my baby and hear those sweet little words!  He's definitely my hard-headed one, and will fight you to the end... I can wait to see how he uses that in life- Since I was pregnant with Mak, people have told me he is "special, and God is going to use him."  I think God has amazing plans for my little boy!

Kaden- my one year old, I will admit... is my baby.  At this point, I'm not sure he can do wrong.  Now that I have two, I totally get why people are the way they are with the "babies" of the family.  I don't know if it's the thought that they could possibly be your last, so you have to cherish every stinkin' thing because you might not get to experience it again... of if it's just the fact that Kaden is so amazingly sweet, and cute, and I'm just blinded by everything else.  Regardless, he let's me cuddle and kiss him whenever I want, and makes me feel like the most important person in the world!  He is beginning to really develop his own little personality, and become his own little person.  He has some strong-willed tendencies like his brother, and tends to want his way now and then... just not to the extreme like his brother!

God has given my husband and I this incredible opportunity to raise two boys- what a privilege.  Watching Kaden and Makson  interact is an amazing experience~ To see their love and that brotherly connection develop- there's nothing like it!

Here are 15 interesting (maybe) facts:

- I've always wanted to be able to sing well... and at times, thought I could! :) Rockin' it out at church camp!! ha!
- Forever wanted to have different skin- I don't think many people long to have lots of freckles!
- I have a desire to travel the country speaking to youth, and hopefully  making a positive difference
- Going to Mexico on a mission trip when I was in high school was an amazingly, humbling experience.
- I would like to one day get my doctorates.
- I secretly love to dance.... but only by myself, or two-step with  my boys
- I sing loudly in the car sometimes and pretend I sound really good!
- I also, Holly, would love a boob job!  Babies do a number on the girls!
- I despise folding, hanging and putting up laundry.
- I would like to go back to cosmetology school just to learn how to cut hair right!
- I'm realizing while making this list... I'm not that interesting.
- I really don't want a girl... and would be completely satisfied with all boys. This might have something to do with the fact that I'm around teenage girls 5 days a week!
- Some of the best times I've had were on the basketball team in high school- Our team my jr yr was pretty legit ;)
- I love pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks
- I really don't like cats.. they creep me out.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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Kaden's 1st Birthday

All the planning, spending, and decorating was totally worth seeing the smiles on my baby boy's face at his 1st birthday party! He was in a great mood the entire time, and totally dug into his "Birthday Cupcake"! I'm pretty sure he ate almost all of it!  It was awesome!

After his birthday party I remembered why I do not like to do birthdays at the house... they totally wear me out!  I was so exhausted by the time everyone left and we got things cleaned up... I just wanted to lay on the couch and do NOTHING!  Don't get me wrong- I LOVE having the family over to celebrate my babies, but I'm not sure there's anything more tiring than planning a party, buying everything for a party, making sure your house is clean for the party, decorating for the party, entertaining during the party, then cleaning up after the party!  However- his party was super cute, and it was all worth it!!  I will say though... it will probably be Chuck E Cheese next year! :)

Kaden wasn't too interested in all his presents... he really seemed more interested in the boxes and tissue paper- go figure!  He did really like the weeble wobble one that Jen & Matt got him... Mak really liked it, too! (Thanks Jen & Matt for causing tension in the house! ha! ;)  Both boys have been fighting over it since Sunday!  Kaden tries to play, and Mak takes the weeble wobble away, Kaden screams, grabs it back, Mak says no, takes it back... and the pattern continues!  He also really appreciates all the clothes and shoes he got!  A BIG thank you to Ms. Lisa- the shoes you got him he can't seem to manage to get off his feet- it's amazing!! I can keep shoes on him for longer than 2 minutes now! 

Mak did really well overall at the birthday party.  I was worried there would be more jealousy and what not, but he handled it pretty well.  I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that he got a few  presents himself thanks to Grammie and Grand!  He also had his fair share of cupcakes.  I'm pretty sure he ate the tops off a total of 4 cupcakes on Sunday!  I limited him to two at the birthday party... he apparently didn't think that was enough.  That evening I was in the bathroom and Duane was doing something with Kaden, and I realized I hadn't heard Mak in awhile.  I walked around the house, then heard some snickering in the kitchen... that little toot managed to break open the gate somehow, and steal two more cupcakes off the table.  I caught him after he had already eaten the top off of one, and he was working on the 2nd.  I couldn't help but laugh and grab the camera!  ~   His dad took care of the discipline on that one (Mak had already been told no to having more cupcakes!).   Anyway- fun day celebrating K's first year of life!  Can't believe how fast time is flying~  
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Dinner Time

I am so completely blessed with a wonderful husband who does little things like... did the laundry yesterday morning, went to the grocery store last night, filled up my car, and cleaned up the kitchen tonight; however.... I really wish he got home from work earlier!  Maybe if he did, my sanity might be a little more stable! ;)

So I pick up the kiddos today after work.  Kaden was still in his pj's because I apparently forgot pants... I swear I put them in the bag, but they were nowhere to be found.  I think I may be literally going crazy.  Anyhow.. he was still in his pj's. I noticed Mak was in borrowed shorts... so I of course knew he had yet again.. had another accident.  Ms. Lisa informed he had had two accidents today.. awesome.  When asked why he tee teed in his pants he really couldn't give me a straight answer.  Finally when asked for the fourth time, he admitted "I jiggle my pee pee."  I couldn't help but laugh.  So apparently my child has accidents because he can't refrain from "jiggling" his privates- wonderful!  He's almost three... how will things be 10 years from now?? The thought frightens me!

On the ride home both kids were fussy, because on top of Mak peeing in his pants twice today, he also didn't take a nap.  Ms. Lisa tried for 3 hours!  That is dedication... but the child still refused to nap.  Needless to say he was a little cranky.  Then poor Kaden is teething so he wasn't a happy camper either!  I was actually pretty relaxed on the way home, but still really didn't want to hear whining and crying, so what shuts up a kid better than junk food?? I gave them each an Oreo and they were happy as could be!  ( I know.. what kind of mother does that??) I relaxed, turned up the radio and enjoyed the peace- so it was totally worth it!  Reaching home I looked at Kaden who had Oreo from ear to ear- and was smiling that gorgeous smile, then there was Mak passed out in his carseat with drool hanging out his lip!  Of course he would fall asleep in the last five minutes of the car ride home!  I hated doing it.. but I woke him up.  God help me if he were to have taken a nap then... he would've been up till midnight!

Getting them in the house, I looked on the fridge at my emeals to decide what would be for dinner... I really wanted to just order pizza, but trying to be the good wife and mom (and to save money) I opted to cook.  The meal I knew was possibly going to be a challenge... but not near the challenge it ended up being!  It started out well with both kids playing and entertaining themselves... then Kaden wanted to be held.  He latched on to my legs and held on while I walked around with an extra 20 lbs holding for dear life.  Of course he began crying because I wouldn't pick him up.  I was like I just want to get the food in the oven! Give me 10 minutes- THATS ALL!  Of course the crying didn't stop... so he's latched on crying and screaming because he's not getting his way while Makson is chasing me from behind doing his karate moves and trying to fight me.  It was fun times!  Kaden finally relaxed a little and he and Mak began entertaining one another.  I sighed a sigh of relief and thought I was going to get to finish without being hit, latched on to, etc.... WRONG!  Soon enough I look and Kaden is laying face down on the tile floor screaming once more.  Mak of course claimed he had done nothing!

He slips often, and is usually always fine, so I didn't panic.  Kaden got up crying ,but seemed fine.. he began latching on to my legs again screaming like a banshee.  I assumed it was because he once again wanted me to hold him.  I was almost done with dinner and had promised the boys we would go outside and play with play dough once I finished it!!  After 10 more minutes of Kaden screaming and Makson running around doing his ninja moves, I succeeded in getting dinner into the oven!  Off to the driveway we went to play with play dough!  I gave Mak his portion and let Kaden play with his.  All was well, we were outside in the fresh air and everyone was happy!  I was thinking to myself "I love these moments~  nice weather, fun times with the kids..."  Then Mak exclaimed, "Mommy, Kaden is eating the play dough!"

Awesome- I looked down and he has green spit running down his chin and is chomping away!  I quickly scooped my finger in his mouth trying to get any of the remaining play dough out. He screamed, that's when I saw his huge busted lip.  No wonder he had been screaming earlier, he busted the crap out of his lip, and where his tooth is coming in at the top was bleeding, too.  Wow- what kind of mother am I?  I felt HORRIBLE!  I had been ignoring his screams earlier when they were actually screams of hurt.  My poor baby had busted the piss out of his lip and I just ignored it carrying away with making supper.

He is fine of course, and his lip is fine, too... but tonight I sucked as a mom by not paying attention to my kid.  Sure, I know I couldn't have changed the busted lip, but I could've given him some mommy loving that I'm sure would have made it all better in that moment!  So I'm not going to win mom-of-the-year, but... on the plus side - I did get dinner cooked, and all my family got to eat!  That's gotta give me points somewhere!