Please, just stop!!

I felt the urge to post this because it was so heavy on my heart today.

I was standing behind a lady in a business office today and observed the way she treated her (I am guessing) 20 mo. old son. I'm not one to judge other's parenting styles but this made me sick. She was talking to the clerk & kept forcing the child (who was being VERY well behaved after observing him for at least 10 minutes) to stand perfectly still and hold onto his two week old brother's carrier. I noticed that he lost his balance a little and swayed, she spanked him a few times and yelled at him. Still obeying his mom and holding onto the carrier, he shifted his feet a little, she then proceeded to thump him hard on the head a couple of times then he started crying, she then yelled at him and told him, "I'm gonna beat you if you keep crying." Seriously though, I am all about discipline, even spanking if necessary for discipline, but this type of behavior from a parent is unacceptable.

I went through several things I could have told the lady but decided to just remain quiet as to not make a scene. The boy looked at me with tears in his eyes & I have to say I was choked up for him. As she left she was literally pushing him out the door with the carrier of her 2 week old. I really just wanted to take this poor boy home.

Kids most certainly need discipline but it is hard to watch when the God-given responsibly of a parent to discipline a child is so blatantly being abused. It was a good reminder for me today to take every situation with my kids with patience and love. To access where my kid is coming from when making a poor decision and accessing if he or she is being willfully defiant or just making an honest mistake. These things are good to think about before we as parents go whaling about, abusing our authority.

Our Nephew, Howard Ray Allen is here!!

Howard Ray Allen was born (a week earlier than his due date) this past Monday, November the 16th at 3:49pm weighing 9 lbs 8 oz. We like to call him Ray.
He was named after our dad.

He is such a beautiful little baby. Big sisters are so happy he is finally here. Drew and Charlotte were beaming with pride and of course Charlotte did awesome (as usual) and says she feels great.

One of the best things was seeing Drew holding his son as he beamed with pride.
I know their bond will be very special.

Congratulations Drew and Charlotte.
I am so happy for you and your sweet family.

I love lunch!

I am a big fan of the Improve Musicals. I think because I have this desire to be a part of one someday.
Maybe I will set one up in Longview. Watch out - You may be somewhere with my family and we may just bust out in a musical. Seriously though, we do bust out in musicals at home all the time :)

Coming Soon: Baby Ray Allen

This past month has flown by with all of the activities we have had going on and with going to school three days a week.
I can hardly believe that our little nephew will be here soon! It seems like just yesterday that Drew and Charlotte delivered the news that Charlotte would deliver a baby BOY! This will be the first (and probably only) Allen boy in their family. I was elated when I heard that news because I knew how badly they wanted a little boy. I know his big sister's, Alyse, Alex & Allie, can't wait to meet him either. I am so curious as to who he will look like. I can't wait to hold him! I am getting plain giddy as I am typing now. Charlotte told me she would be induced (if Ray does not come on his own) on Nov. 23rd. WOW, that is soon!!
Here is a sonogram picture taken of him in August:


Ray will be the 7th cousin of Aubrey and Pete's on my side of the family, making a total of 9 grandkids for my mom :) This is a collage I made of all the cousins on this side of the family. If Charlotte or Amy has anymore babies, I will just have to get a bigger collage. I thank God for all of the healthy children in our family. I pray this delivery will be a smooth one like the rest of them.
You know Aunt Dre will be there awaiting his arrival.

SO HAPPY FOR YOU DREW & CHARLOTTE!!

Fall Festivities

We didn't actually do anything on Halloween night except pass out candy at our house because Pete was a little under the weather AND because Aubrey was so tuckered out. She had no naps for several days in a row, and a late night the night before so she fell asleep around 5:30pm that evening and was asleep for the night. She did not get up until 6:30am the next morning. CRAZY! Her body obviously needed it.
I am so glad that we had went to Fall Fest the week before. ACA (Alpine Christian Academy) parents & staff did a great job at putting Fall Fest together. It was a fund raiser to benefit our school that raised close to $3,000.

It was SO much fun and the kids looked adorable :)

Aubrey was Annie from the musical (obviously)

It was fun that Aubrey followed in her Aunt Gi's footsteps as dressing up like Annie AND got to wear the same dress her Aunt Gi' wore:
Aubrey's has been interested in Annie since she watched the movie AND went to Austin and saw (these are Aubrey's words) "The real Annie on stage."


So Debbie came over to help get the kids ready and Aubrey tells her that she wants Debbie (Nana) to be Miss Hannigan. SO guess what? Of course, Nana goes home to dress up like Miss Hannigan! I was VERY impressed with the costume she whipped up in 10 min. But not surprised because my mother-in-law is a pretty remarkable lady :) It was fun for Aubrey AND Nana. Thanks Nana for being so loving and so willing to be there for your granddaughter.


And of course, we can't forget about Pete who was just as cute and adorable. Pete was a cowboy (wearing an outfit Bryan wore when he was a young lad. (Precious to me)
(thanks Mindi Collier for taking this picture)
Pete has grown so much since last year!
Oct. 2008


It was fun to see him interact more and really enjoy himself this time around. Bryan is pretty cute too ;)

Feelin' Better Now, Thank You

Bryan and I went to Tyler on Friday night and left the kids with Darrell in Longview.
After we arrived in Tyler, Darrell noticed that Pete was looking a little sluggish, and was VERY short of breath (up to 55 breaths per minute). Pete's temperature also got up to 103. After talking with us, Darrell took Pete to the ER and Pete was given a breathing treatment just before we got there. By then, Pete had slowed down his rapid breathing quite a bit.

A similar episode happened a couple of months ago to Pete but thankfully we had a breathing machine in our possession.

Our Dr. thinks that Pete is having asthmatic attacks triggered by something. But what? The only correlation I know of is that he has been congested both times. The great news is that the breathing machine (a nebulizer containing albuterol) seems to help him get back to a normal breathing pattern and temperature.

We will go back to school tomorrow if all goes well. Pete is doing well as far as breathing is concerned and has not had a high temp. since leaving the ER. THANK GOODNESS!

God is Good!! I thank God that Pete is well and is a tough little guy. He has been so awesome through this. I have enjoyed spending lots of time with him lately (playing, cuddling, ect.)
We will probably get back in the regular swing of things tomorrow by going to school and resuming activities.

MONDAY'S MENU for the week

What's for dinner? Food for the week:

Monday: Soft tacos, fixings & Rice (Chips)

Tuesday: White Cheddar Shells, bell pepper & Sausage (Salad)

Wednesday: Taco Stew & Quasadillas (Chips) + CHOIR PRACTICE & CHURCH

Thursday: Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole + PUMPKIN CARVING

Friday: Johnny Carinos!! :)

Saturday: Chicken Salad Sandwiches & Fruit + TRUNK OR TREAT


My awesome sister-in-law, Angie, gave me this recipe:


Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

1 can (10 oz.) Cream of Chicken Soup

1 1/3 cups water

3/4 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice

1/2 tsp. onion powder (optional)

1/4 tsp. black pepper

2 cups (1 bag) frozen mixed vegetables

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese



1. Stir soup, water, rice, onion powder, pepper and vegetables in 11x8" (2-quart) shallow baking dish.

2. Top with chicken. Season chicken as desired. Cover.

3. Bake at 375 for 50 min. or until chicken and rice are done. Top with cheese. Let casserole stand. Stir rice before serving.

ALSO, we had so much fun this weekend at the Fall Fest at church. I will post pictures of my little orphan Annie and Cowboy soon.

You lookin' at me?

I just thought I would share this random picture I yoinked from our friend, Jean Paul. This is him and a Female Golden Eagle who he had the privilege of being close to and working with. This picture made me step back a bit. Awesome, yet creepy.

Cars are getting stuck!

This is a note to you who attend Alpine Church of Christ or take your kids to Alpine Christian Academy. I have passed by two similar scenarios at Alpine. I would not want this to happen to you!!

A parent goes to pick up their child/children at the nursery area (at the Alpine Church building), there is a car parked in front of them so naturally, they back up to exit. The only problem is -> there is a drop off to the right side of the nursery entrance. I'm not really sure I know what a great resolution would be for this. What do you think?

Of course I am on the scene to document the whole thing.

Wordless Wednesday

Refer to similar blog post.

Unexpected splash time

We were playing at the park this morning and an employee of the City of Longview came over and opened a fire hydrant to drain water for about 15 minutes. (The gentleman told us someone had complained about their water tasting a little funny) We seized the opportunity! Here are some pictures from our fun and random adventure. I treasured this 15 minutes.
It was fun explaining to Aubrey about fire hydrants and their availability to fire fighters and the Longview water supply where we get our water.


Pete wanted to use it as a water fountain.

NOTE: I am really happy with the quality of iPhone pictures.

Child like innocence

Angie put this picture in a 8x10 frame and gave it to me. I hung it in Aubrey's room so I can see it anytime I enter. I love it! I am reminded of how fun it is to be childlike.

There's just something about a child running free, without stress, worry or anything of that nature. Something about the peacefulness you see on a child's face. The pure joy you see in their eyes. Something I vaguely remember having at one point in my life but seems so long ago. I want to get back to that place.

What things can eat away at a childlike nature while growing up?
Becoming sophisticated, worldly, cynical, suspicious, sarcastic, prejudiced, self-centered, uninvolved, and many other negative things. Also losing a zest for life. SIN DOES ALL OF THAT!

Many times, God reveals through His Word where he wants our attitudes to be. He desires for us to come to Him with a childlike attitude.
I just love what WikiAnswers defined child like innocence to mean: the attitude of heart where one is untainted by pride, self importance and open to the good with a pure heart. Children are naturally pure, innocent and trusting, and these are characteristics of childlike innocence. Jesus Christ stated that, "... unless you become like little children you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 18:3). So to be childlike is simply to be open and trusting, with no ill will or evil intentions.

I constantly teach (or at least attempt to teach) my kids lessons but I should stop and learn a thing or two from their example of unquestionable love and innocence.

(Note: The picture above is of my daughter, Aubrey, and was taken with this set.)

2 little Silverthornes jumping on the bed

Happy 33 Sweetheart

For Bryan's Birthday, we got up at the crack of dawn and went to McDonalds! (his favorite place to go for breakfast) I think he really enjoyed it - we may make it a birthday tradition! That morning we gave him a goody basket filled with coffee beans, random toys that Aubrey picked out for him, gum, oreos (ya know, just a few of his favorite things) We also made him a chocolate cake later on that day and enjoyed it along with chicken spaghetti (Debbie made) for dinner. It was a good day.

I created this post simply to recognize that the love of my life turned 33 this past weekend. Okay, "love of my life" was a little cheezy, but true. And, it is a bonus that he is the most awesome dad to our children!

Sometimes in the hustle/stress of life, tending to kids and taking care of basic things, it is easy to overlook that he is also my best friend.

NOTE TO BRYAN:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEST FRIEND!
I plan to grow old with you so I guess we are on track.

Your devoted wife,
Andrea

"We could have a whale of a time"

Last weekend we went with Darrell & Debbie (AKA Grandad & Nana) to Dallas and stayed a couple of nights in a hotel, went to fun restaurants, swimming at the hotel, fun at the Dallas World Aquarium AND it was so awesome because Angie & Aaron (AKA Aunt G' & Uncle Buss) met us up there.
The DWA (Dallas World Aquarium) was awesome. It seemed to never end! We saw all kinds of interesting, exotic animals. We all had a great time. Pete kept saying "wow" and Aubrey loved seeing all the interesting creatures.
PICTURES FROM DWA








Before we went, we created a little Aquarium Scavenger Hunt to add to our visit. Aubrey really was into it and was so excited to check off things she discovered. I was pretty impressed that all of the sea creatures we came up with were there!













AUNT G'
Aubrey just loves her Aunt G' - She was so excited to see her! AND Uncle Buss.
They really are awesome with kids and I appreciate them so much for taking such and interest in our kids lives. LOVE YOU GUYS!
Gotta love those beautiful blue eyes.

We also had the privilege to hang out with Angie and Aaron while D&D kept the kids one evening. We went to see the movie District 9 and had an enjoyable time (NOTE: Bryan & I really liked the movie).
I cracked up at this picture posted on Angie's flickr account just days after we saw the movie. (YOINK!)
She noted that Aaron made her some Alien Prawn glasses. (If you have seen the movie, you might see the humor in this as I did :)


NOTE: The title of this post is a catchy song I got in my head from a movie I watched a long time ago called Hello Down There. Richard Dreyfuss sang "Hey little goldfish"


THANKS DARRELL & DEBBIE FOR TREATING US TO A WONDERFUL TIME!!!

Reid's 1st birthday!!

I just love my sweet niece. It seems like just yesterday that we were anticipating her arrival. Then she arrived! A beautiful, big, bouncing, baby girl! Her smile just lights up a room. I look forward to doing lots of fun stuff with little Reid.
We went to Lufkin this past weekend to a pool/patio/pizza party to celebrate her birthday and had a great time. She got lots of gifts and we all had plenty of sun.

LOVE YOU!! HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY!

Our Professional Photo Shoot

A friend of mine, Christina Massey, specializes in fun photography for families, children, pets & events.
She was trying to build up here group of portfolio pictures and thought my kiddos would be good models (I agreed - as any proud mom would ;) Since this shoot (which was about a month ago) she has had plenty of business to so she has plenty of pictures to had to her repertoire. Check it out!

I was happy with how our pictures turned out. We actually invited Harper & Jennifer to come along with us which was loads of fun.


I the pictures from this session on my flickr account but I will post a few of my favorites Here:
I saved this sweet picture of Harper for last. I love it!


If you are interested in getting some photos done, I would recommend Christina Massey Photography. She did a great job! Here is her info:

Christina Massey Photography
christinamasseyphotography.blogspot.com
903-806-5732
christina.massey@rocketmail.com

Happy 16 months Pete!!

My how you've grown!

AND YOUR BIG SISTER WILL STILL PUSH YOU AROUND :)

I am smitten by Pete (as most mothers are with their sons)

To me, he is the most huggable/lovable little man.
I thank God for him. Pete is growing like a weed. He now weighs 26 lbs. I am not sure his height right now but I will let you know on his 18 month check-up.

I gave a little blurb about his little personality and the things I love about him when I posted his 1 yr blog post. However, I will fill you in on some things in case you haven't seen him lately.

1) new development for him is that he LOVES the quack, quack song by the Wiggles. Even though we do not watch them, we introduced him to their song on YouTube and he was an instant fan of this song (like Aubrey)

2) He is infatuated with cords! I would say he takes after his dad on this one. He loves pulling cords out of walls, finding a wad of cords (good thing Dad has a large collection) & loves to drag cords around. This just kind of happened but he pulled the baby monitor cords out of a drawer one day and got them all tangled up but I decided to keep those knotted up cords in the drawer for him to play with every day.

3) I work with his class at ACA for one day a week this summer and I love to work and have Pete with me (although there are some drawbacks because he can get a little clingy at times when I am trying to assist another child).
It has been fun to watch his interaction with other children. I would have to say the #1 reason he and another kid clash is if they are wanting their personal space because Pete just wants to go up and hug everyone; I guess I would rather have a hugger than a biter :)

4) He still gets a kick out of playing with Aubrey (he calls her Oggin) & LOVES to hug her!
She is an awesome big sister and is always looking out for her little bro. I am very proud of them both. This is a picture I took last week when it was wet outside. They loved playing in the water puddles and getting dirty. I didn't mind that - they seemed to be having so much fun together and I think they were just happy to get out of the house for a little while. It had rained a lot last week and we didn't get out much.




5) Pete recently has grown fond of his little yellow blanket. He usually will grab it and follow me around the house when he gets sleepy. He also loves to just get it and lay with it on the floor.
Words/Sounds Pete can now say: Momma, Dadda, Aubrey (Oggin), Nanna, Grandad (Gaandaa), Buck, apple, quack-quack, moooo, shhhhh, Jump (Juuu), Bubble, Banana (Nanna), Back-Pack
There may be others but I am drawing a blank.

I will leave you with a few pictures of Pete and a few of his friends at school:

(left to right - Trenton, Pete, Cole, Sam)