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.