Under our Christmas tree

We don't do things quite like normal here at the Allen house and that, my friends, is why if you look under our Christmas tree right now, you would see something like the above photo.

A couple of years ago, the kids wanted to write a letter or draw a picture to each member of our family. And so they did. And put those envelopes under the tree until the tree skirt was covered in white envelopes. And last year, the same thing.  And ditto on this year, as you can see.

I love this tradition so much.  I love walking by the living room and seeing only white envelopes under our tree.  And I love how each of the kids take some time during the Christmas season to think of each other and do something simple and kind for everyone in the family.  I have no idea why I didn't join them the past two years, but this year I will most definitely be a part of it.

Now to see if we have any envelopes left in the house...

Christmas decorations ~ Part IV

Our Christmas tree filled with so many ornaments that are meaningful to our family,
a few more close ups of some of those ornaments, our Christmas basket of books,
a gorgeous wooden nativity ornament from my parents, our kitchen chalkboard
with a message for the season and our BELIEVE sign that definitely isn't referring
to Santa Claus (even if I do love the magic and wonder of jolly Saint Nicholas).

Christmas decorations ~ Part III

The beginnings of our Christmas card wall (good grief we love you all!), a beautiful music

box from Germany, more of our tree ornaments that mean so much to us, several of the
meaningful angels I put out only during the Christmas season, the kids' nativity (that is getting
plenty of use this year by a certain baby) and my absolute favorite part of our nativity set.

Christmas decorations ~ Part II

More of our ornaments that we love, part of our nativity given to me by my mom as a
Christmas gift many years ago, our wooden manger that Jacob helped the kids make,
the kids' advent calendar that is definitely a yearly tradition, more living room photos
and the small tree that holds all of the ornaments from my wonderful grandma to the kids.

Christmas decorations ~ Part I

A few of our many ornaments we adore, two music boxes from my parents that
I love so very much, a beautiful framed picture from one of my most darling friends,
our table centerpiece, a Christmas trivet passed down to us from Jacob's sweet grandma
and our decorated living room that makes me happy to walk by over and over each day.

New trick

 

 Do you want to see what I can do?

 Pretty cool yes?

Yeah, I thought so.

I even impressed myself.

Oh the sweetness

I cannot believe this was a year ago. My sweet boy.

What I'm doing today...

Mary's Meals

(This has been one of the hardest posts I have written. If I could, I would write a novel with all that we have learned, all that we have felt and how this has changed us--especially Jacob because he has been so close to it--but it isn't possible. Not only because of the time it would take, but because I don't have the ability to share our thoughts and emotions in a way that could actually convey how we deeply and truly feel. But because I at least wanted this recorded on our family blog, I've tried to share a little bit. And oh how it lacks... But in this case, something is actually better than nothing.)

In September, Jacob had the opportunity to travel to Malawi, to learn more about one of the cases he is managing at work. The non-profit that he is consulting for is called Mary's Meals and to say that this organization has grabbed our hearts, would be a huge understatement.

I don't know how many people have the opportunity to really look closely at a group of people that are doing incredible good in the world, that are truly changing lives, but Jacob has had just that privilege. And our family will never be the same because of it.

Mary's Meals is an organization that an amazing, humble, good man from Scotland began in 2002. In short, he set about to find a way to feed children that were going hungry because of poverty. And at the same time, help them to get an education, in order to help them find a way out of their poverty.

In just ten years, this organization has gone from feeding one child, to feeding more than 700,000 children every single day, in some of the world's poorest areas. If you want to see something that will touch you deeply, watch this trailer and see if it does not do something to your heart.

Even after hearing so many of the stories that Jacob shared when he returned from Malawi, I watched the trailer and just cried. I can't handle the thought that children go hungry. That a lot of children go hungry. That a lot of children go hungry day after day after day.

And then Jacob returned from his second trip to Scotland with a DVD that the founder of Mary's Meals had given him. It was the full film that was being shown all over the world, but only at certain times and places. It wasn't being released to the public. And there are no words for how I felt after I saw it. All I know is that few things have affected me or changed me like those thirty minutes did. How I wish everyone could see it.

After viewing it the first time, we sat down with our children and watched it together. (Well, except one part that really is too much for young children.) And then we talked about it.  And how we could help.  And how we are so blessed. And how our being blessed doesn't need to make us feel guilty, it needs to make us feel grateful...grateful enough to do something about it.

Which we are doing.  Even if it is small compared to some, it is still something. Because when you find out that child in Malawi can eat a meal at school, for an entire year, for about as much as you spend on a dinner out for one night, you know you can make a difference--that you have to make a difference.

After all, look at some of these photos Jacob brought back from Malawi. The light in the eyes of those children does something to your heart. At least to this mother's heart.

There are no words for how grateful I am that Jacob was put on this consulting case.
I want to be changed by what is happening in this world. At least as far as what should change me.
With the deep hope that somehow, in some small way, I can change the world right back.

Thankful

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise.

Cleaning, soccer and memories

Earlier today, we went as a family to spend some time cleaning the church--which was actually really nice. I was so impressed with how hard the kids worked and when we walked away, the church felt clean and right. We loved it.

But before we walked away, yet after all was finished and just as it should be, we treated ourselves to a family indoor soccer game in the gym of our church building. And there are not words for the happiness I felt during it.

I wish I knew how to explain it. There was just something about all of us, after having worked hard, being together, just our family. There was just something about doing something together that we all loved so much. And there was just something about several things that happened that made my heart swell with happiness and made me never want to forget those memories.

I loved sitting with Nate on the sideline (I did join in for a while, but most of the time, it was best for all if I occupied Nathan away from actual game) and seeing him watch his dad and siblings, you could almost see the awe in his eyes and how much he was into it. You could almost see him hoping and wanting to be a part of it someday. And he will be. I can't wait.

I loved seeing Ben hold his own with the big kids. That boy is good at soccer. As in, really good. He was stopping the ball, redirecting it and even scoring at times. And not because others were being kind to him. That boy doesn't need anyone to take it easy on him anymore. He is officially a part of the big kid group and they all love having him join them.

I loved seeing Matt's energy just spill out of him. At one point, he turned to Cam (who was on the opposite team) and yelled, "Watch this, it is my signature move!" And then proceeded to pull a paper towel out of his pocket that he had drawn all over. (Don't ask, I don't even know.) And wave it in Cam's face to distract him. Maybe you had to be there, but boy howdy, it was beyond hilarious.

I loved watching Annie be herself, but play tough. She is still one of the sweetest, kindest people I have known, and yet, she no longer hesitates or worries about being aggressive when she plays soccer. She is never unkind, but she is tough. And she will take you down if necessary. And then smile and laugh and make sure you are okay.

I loved seeing Cam the man not only play soccer with the same competitiveness he always shows, but listen to his absolutely side-splitting commentary. That boy is funny beyond words and makes us all laugh and laugh. And yet, so thoughtful and kind. When Annie decided to take off the boots she was wearing (bad choice for soccer for sure), it was Cam who suggested we all just play in our socks, like Annie.

And yet, with all of the above that made me so happy and definitely made my mother's heart swell, I'm pretty positive my favorite moment of the afternoon was watching Jacob play soccer with his kids. He just loves soccer so much and his kids even more. And makes everything he does with them so fun. And at one moment during the game, he did something that makes me smile like crazy just thinking about it.

At one point, the ball came toward him and in order for him to control it and kick it the way he wanted to, he did a pretty incredible trick. I haven't seen the likes of it on most young kids, no less a father of five that has a few years behind him. And the second it did it, he immediately looked toward me, to make sure I had seen. He wanted to make sure that I had seen his incredible soccer feat. Not because he cares what people in general think, but because he is mine and I am his and he still sometimes likes to show off for me. I loved that. A lot.

Oh happy memories. I'm so grateful. And so very blessed.

Nana

Like I mentioned in my last post, we were so grateful to have Jacob's mom here.
Which is why it is ridiculous that I didn't take a single picture of her with all of the kids.
Errr. But I did get this one of her with the birthday boy. And gratefully, it is almost
cute enough  to make up for my brain made of mush. Yikes, I'm losing it. 

Thanks for coming Nana! We sure love you.

Time away

Jacob's mom has been here to visit this past week and we have loved having her. And while we have been grateful to have her visit and all she has done for us, Jacob and I are especially thankful because earlier this week, he and I were able to get away for two nights. And while that may not seem like much to some people, it sure was to us and we were so grateful. We had not been away for a very long time and we really needed it.

It was two days of complete relaxation and rest. We just talked and slept and laughed and slept and ate food and slept. Did I mention we caught up on some much needed sleep? It has been a pretty intense few months for us and we were so thankful for the time to get some extra rest. And just be together and talk as much as we wanted without any interruptions.

And of course the kids loved their time with their Nana. They went to the park and played games and just had a grand time. I think they would have been thrilled to give us two, or ten, more days away.

Thank you Nancy! We can't tell you how thankful we are for you spending
this time with us. And thank you for being willing to tend our kids while
we slept and talked to our heart's content. We are so grateful for you!

I'll just pay full price, thanks

Last week, I took Matt out for a little mom and son date and we went by the doughnut place to get some hot chocolate and a doughnut. We placed our order and the young girl at the register punched it in. She then turned around to get us our doughnuts, handed them to us and told us the hot chocolate would be ready soon. She looked up to ask if that was all we wanted to order and then paused and said, "Oh wait, I'll give you your discount."

I was definitely caught off guard, as I wasn't expecting a discount, and I didn't say anything for a second. Then I looked around and noticed that the entire place was empty and I figured (I have no idea why, but it made sense in my mind at the time) she was being nice. I told her thank you and saw that our total went down by about 50 cents.

I paid her and Matt and I went to sit down to talk and wait for our hot chocolate. As I was putting the receipt she gave me away, I noticed the discount line across the middle of it.

Senior discount -$0.54

Um, come again? Seriously, no words. Just bewilderment. And depression.
And a search on Google for the best wrinkle cream.

By the way, does this doughnut make me look old?

More birthday photos

Honestly, the cuteness and sweetness of this baby is too much.
At least to this mom. Love him so much.

Our baby boy's first birthday

This little guy turned a year old today! He was so happy and hilarious
and darling all day. I mean really, his adorableness is off the charts, yes?

Time for a special breakfast. If he can pull his attention away from
the crazy decorations everywhere. He was both concerned and thrilled.

And as any one-year old will do, he wanted to test everything with his mouth.

Eating Froot Loops for the first time is much more delicious than a balloon.

And presents too? Good grief, I could get used to this birthday stuff.

They are all mine! Did you hear mom? All mine.

More presents later on that night.  

 And finally, birthday cake time.

 

 

  And he's a fan.

Oh how we love our sweet baby Nate.
He makes us laugh everyday and our family could never be
complete without him. Happy Birthday baby boy. You are loved.

Continued visitors

These three keep showing up every few days. And seem to be getting closer to our
house each time. (See that lamp post? That is in our front yard, just off the driveway.)
Deer are just beautiful creatures. And I never get tired of them showing up to visit.

One year

Today marks the first anniversary of my parents being in Fiji. And yes, I still miss them. And yes,
I'm still grateful for their amazing examples. And yes, the time has gone by so very slowly, as well
as absolutely flown. And because I feel like I've already shared how I feel about my mom and dad
and about their current calling in Suva, I guess I'll just put up a few pictures--ones that I know will
make them happy and make them know that I am thinking about them always, but especially today.

I love you both so much Mom and Dad!  And so do these cute people you see below.

And yes, Mom, they are growing too fast. And yes, the group photos were just as darling.
But you'll have to be a little patient--I have to save something for the Christmas card. xoxo

Happy Halloween!

From our darling gypsy, our cool nerd, our awesome cowboy and our baby giraffe!
And their older brother who is officially too old to trick or treat.
Oh, and their ancient mother.