The Allen Family

Halloween pictures

2011-02-25T22:14:00.000-08:00

This is really late I know. I promised i would put these up, so here you go.

Colton absolutly loves Phineas and Ferb on Disney channel. One of the characters, Perry the Platypus, is a secret agent who fights the evil scientist Dr Doofenshmirtz. Colton wanted to be Perry for Halloween so Grandma Susan made him the outfit. I thought it was awesome!

Here is a picture of Perry for your reference.

Here are the best pictures of Coltons costume. He is not a fan of the camera, so sorry these are not that great.

I thought the costume turned out perfect!!

What was funny is all the kids knowing who he was supposed to be but none of the adults had any idea who he was dressed as.

Dave update

2011-01-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

Dave has started a new treatment for his brain cancer called Avastin. It is an infusion drug he gets every two weeks at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital. He could be on this for 1-2 YEARS. Yikes!!! So far it doesn't make him too sick. The biggest problem so far is that he gets lots of bloody noses. We just hope it will help with the recurring growth. We will keep you posted.

Santa visited the infusion center the last time we were there. Dave was a giddy as a school girl. Really, I am not joking. He thought it was the best thing ever.

Santa is a former patient and likes to come and help cheer all the people up. Nice guy!!

Dave's infusions have been about an hour to and hour and a half to administer. I feel really lucky because some of the people are there when we get there and are still there when we leave. I think some infusions are an all day thing. That would be so hard! I am grateful Dave does not have to be there all day. The nurses are wonderful and do all they can to make the procedure as painless as possible. They even let me have a warm blanket while I am waiting with him. Dave doesn't need the blankets. He just makes me get him a roast beef, pepper jack panini. The grill at the Huntsman is YUMMY! As you can tell he has not lost his appetite.

Christmas pictures 2010

2011-01-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

I absolutly LOVE these kids!!

Colton, Courtney with their cousin Mckenlie

Pumpkin Patch

2010-11-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

I love going with Grandma, Grandpa and the kids to the pumpkin patch. Not only do they have fun picking pumpkins but Grandpa gets some great pictures too.

ONE!!!

2010-11-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my baby is one. Happy Birthday Courtney. We love you.

Grandma made her this awesome tree house cake.

Colton could not keep his hands out of it.

Going Private

2010-09-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

We have decided to go private. If you would like to read my blog give me your email address and I would love to add you.

Do I have somthing on my face?

2010-08-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

Colton loves Chocolate!! Grandma loves to spoil him with Chocolate. This is what you get when you let grandma give him a chocolate ice cream sandwich. Plus if you look real close you can see the spot of melted Popsicle goo on his forehead from letting the Popsicle melt on the cement outside and then licking it up off the ground. I know I really need mom of the year award for that.

Dave Update

2010-08-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

Dave had Radiostatic Surgery a few months ago because he had a new spot of growth on his brain. We got the results of the MRI last month and it looks good. His tumor has swollen a bit but that is good news since that means the tumor is dying. So he has until October before he has any further treatments or MRI's. Yea!!! He needed the break from chemo and radiation.

Thanks for all the prayers and support. We couldn't do it with out all of you!!

Love ya!

The Allens

Hello. Its been a while :)

2010-08-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry, its been a while. I will try and update you without boring you to death. Let start with some fun stages Courtney has been going through.

1st stage-Sitting and just all around cuteness!!

2nd stage-Crawling

3rd Stage-Crusing

4th Stage-Walking

Colton wanted to show us that he could walk too!! He is too dang funny.

Prunes

2010-05-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

I think she is wearing more of the prunes than she ate. But can you really blame her. Prunes, yuck!!

More firsts

2010-05-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

First foods. Yummy rice cereal.

First Shot...ouch!

Not very happy.

Easter Stuff

2010-05-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Fun Glasses from Grandma

The Easter bunny came!

So messy, So fun!!!

Easter

2010-05-17T20:49:00.003-07:00

I know I am sooooo late with all these pictures. Better late than never.

Easter hair. I never do the kids hair so when I do there are pictures.

Cute dress from Grandma

I sure love these two!!

Brother and Sister

2010-05-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

They really do love each other. I am sure that will change as they get older

All about Courtney

2010-05-17T20:12:00.001-07:00

First Day ever!
First day home.

First day to Church

One of my first baths. I love them!!

Random fun pictures

2010-05-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

I am two!

2010-05-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

More really old pictures of Coltons 2nd birthday party.

Its all about the CARS!!

2010-05-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Im a big brother!! This is the cute t-shirt his grandma gave him when Courtney was born.
Very cute with Courtney when she first came home.

He loves his sister and she adores him. Just stares and laughs at him all day.

As requested

2010-05-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

I know I am a terrible blogger. Here are some very old and very new pictures of the kids.

COLTON
Last summer at the game with mom and dad. He had a blast!

Gotta love ballgame food.

Too cute!

Sledding

2010-01-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

We went sledding today with Daves family. It was fun, fun, fun.

Mom and Colton heading down the hill

Courtney slept through it all.

Dad and Colton

What??

2009-12-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when you leave a two year old alone with his sisters headbands.

Smile

2009-12-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

My little sweetheart is starting to smile.
It just melts my heart!

Red cheeks

2009-12-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

Colton had red cheeks for days after being out in the cold building the snowman.

Snowman

2009-12-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

Coltons first snowman!

"It's this tall"

A job well done.

The best of times, the worst of times

2009-11-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

These past few weeks have been some of the best in my life. Courtney is such a blessing and we love her very much already.

But the past few weeks have also been some of the worst of my life.

I was lucky enough to be among the mass amounts of people to get the H1N1 virus. I contracted it 2 weeks before Courtney was due. I have never felt so miserable in all my life. But I got through it without any complications (or so I thought).

Next C-section. It all went great except for the fact that I still had this lingering cough from the H1N1 flu and boy does it hurt when you cough with stitches. Thank heaven for pain medicine.

Then just when all seems like it is going great I develop a terrible pain in my side and shoulder. Well now comes the complications. I have pneumonia. I did not know that pneumonia was so miserable. Pain like I have never felt before!! Absolute exhaustion. Shorness of breath. It goes on. Thanks heaven again for pain medicine.

Thank heaven for my family. My mother and Daves mother have come to the rescue. I could not have done it without them. I love you ladies!!! Thanks to Dave sister Jenny for being willing to watch the kids while i have spent everyday at the doctor for one thing or another. My wonderful boy Colton has not really recovered completely from the H1N1 flu yet either. We have been to the doctor many times to try and get him healthy as well. Lets cross our fingers it is only better days from hear on out.

Thank you everyone for the help you have been. I really appreciate how everyone has pitched in and helped us through this time.

Thank you!!!

Fall Fun

2009-11-04T19:51:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures from halloween and picking out the halloween pumpkin.

Too Cute!!

Colton hated putting this costume on. But once on he was fine.

Colton is such a happy kid. We love him more than words can express.

Its a girl!

2009-10-31T13:20:00.001-07:00

Courtney Lynne Allen
Born: October 23, 2009
7 lbs 4 oz
20 inches
lots of dark soft fuzzy hair.
She is a wonderful baby.

Garbage fun!

2009-09-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

Watch out for that can. Its an angry can.

Why am I buying so many expensive toys when he gets so much enjoyment out of everyday household items.

Dave update

2009-09-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

I realized that I forgot to give an update on Dave's last MRI. It was good and bad. Really mostly good because we found that the tumor has finally stabilized again and is not growing. Yea!! That really is the best news.

Bad news is that they want him to keep on the Chemo treatments for at least another 4 months. AAARRRGGGG!! The doctors want to make sure they really sock it to the silly tumor and make sure it has stopped growing.

Heres the problem. Our baby is due to arrive next month. Which means Dave will be sick and tired while i am sore and tired. What ever happened to the pregnant wife getting pampered after having a baby. Shouldn't I be able to say "honey do this and honey do that"? Shouldn't he have to help with the diapers and midnight feedings? I mean really those doctors just don't know what they are asking me to sacrifice while Dave is on Chemo.

Whew I feel better now that I have gotten that off my chest.

In all seriousness I really am very grateful that the tumor has stopped growing and I would take all the poopy diapers all the night feedings all the lack of sleep and absolute craziness that will happen with a newborn, a terrible two year old and a husband on chemo just to make sure the tumor has stopped growing. I want Dave around for a long time so he can help with the terrible teen years!! They are all his then :)

We love you all and thank you everyday for your prayers.

A boy and his dog

2009-09-16T15:11:00.001-07:00

A few days ago at 5:30 am I had a feeling something was different in our room. I brushed it off but then I was hearing strange noises. I listened close for awhile and realized that it sounded like Colton sucking on his binki. So I got out of bed to look. This is what I found on our bedroom floor.

I am not sure how long he had been on the floor sleeping with our dog Jake, but it was too funny.
I found him in the same place yesterday morning as well.
Gotta love him!!!

Finger Paint

2009-07-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Here is Colton's first attempt at finger painting. He loved it!

Hair today, gone tommorow

2009-07-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Colton was in desperate need of a haircut. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Well I think the rest of the family was tired of listening to me complain about it but doing nothing. So my wonderful sister-in-law came down last Saturday and offered her hair clipper and expertise. She trimmed his hair quite nicely and he looks so cute. Although, the hair cut really makes him look like a toddler and not a cute little baby boy any more. Sad!! My little boy is growing up. Now if I could just get him to talk.

Before

After

(I will try and get a better after picture)

The Zoo

2009-07-31T12:50:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from our adventures at the zoo.

My sister and her daughter Athena.

Sooo tired. Colton catching some zzzzz's going home.

Summer!!

2009-07-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

Colton loves his little pool. He really likes the whale slide and would happily let you help him up it over and over and over again. Whew, this little kid gives me a workout!

He loves to play with his cousin McKenlie. Because he thinks playing involves torturing her I am not sure she really enjoys playing with him. Look how darling she is in her brown and pink polka dot suit. Cute!!

TAZ

2009-07-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Here it is...

This is the picture Dave and Mike created this year at the chalk art.

I think these guys are incredible (Of course I am a little biased since I think Dave is the most wonderful man out there).

Here are some more shots while they are working hard at creating the picture.

I am sad the colors do not show up in the picture as vibrant as they do in real life. The other drawings down the street are also amazing. If you have not had the chance to go you should next year. They have lots of fun things for the kids to do as well as all the art.

Good times!!!

Too cute!

2009-07-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I should have posted this long ago, so here you are.
For those who have not yet heard. Its a Girl! Isn't she cute!

Update

2009-06-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

Dave's last MRI showed the tumor to still be growing even though he is on Chemo. This is not what anyone wants to happen so he has been changed to a different course of chemo. We will let you know how that goes.

CRAP!!!

2009-04-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

We got the results of Dave's MRI yesterday and the scan showed some new growth. The doctors want Dave to start Chemo ASAP.

This is a little troubleing because usually after treatment Dave has at least a good year before we see new growth but this came back in 5 months. Dang!!

Let's pray the Chemo will do its job again.

We will keep you posted.

Surprise

2009-04-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, It has been a very long time since I have posted anything. But I have a really good excuse. Lets just say I have been sick, sick, sick!!! All due to a little surprise our family will be expecting in October.

Yes, I am pregnant. Surprise!!! Believe me it was for us. After 8 years of doctors, needles, tears we were able to have Colton. What a blessing! We really thought that was it for us because we were not going to go through 8 more years of doctors, needles, tears in the small hope we could get pregnant again. We are very happy with the little bundle of energy we now have. Well somehow Colton must have kicked something into place while he was there, because without any outside help I am pregnant. I mean Dave and I were not even thinking about trying. This really did come out of the blue.

I did not believe it. I took about 6 pregnancy test before I would even call the doctor because I thought for sure they were wrong. Even after the first ultrasound at 6 weeks I was still skeptical. But at my last appointment at 10 weeks I had another ultrasound and there the baby was again. Little heartbeat and all. Wow. What a wonderful experience. I really am pregnant. I am almost 12 weeks and loving every minute of it.

I am also very sick. This baby is kicking my trash. But I couldn't be happier. I can be sick for a wonderful blessing like this.

Hopefully I will be able to post more often soon. This morning, noon and night sickness should end soon ( I hope).

Pictures, pictures and more pictures

2009-02-14T23:11:00.000-08:00

Family photos

Happy first birthday!

You cant tell but it is a Curious George cake. He loves that Monkey!!

Not so sure about touching the cake

Yum!!

Christmas 2008

He looks just like the elf in the book behind him. Cute!

Moo!

Kickin it with his cousin

First Steps

2008-12-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

This is a really old video from back in September but I wanted to post it because it was the first time Colton really walked.

I am just a procrastinator so here it is just a few months late.

Fall Leaves

2008-12-17T20:09:00.000-08:00

We had our family photo taken this fall and this is a very cute picture of Colton we wanted to share.

He loved the leaves and would not stop laughing when Grandpa threw the leaves in the air. We got alot of great photos. I will post them as soon as they get developed.

Bah Humbug

2008-11-24T13:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas Q & A

Because of the triple-dog-dare...here you go.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Bags all the way. I am so lazy!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial.

3. When do you put up the tree? Well.....last year..... never! It was great. This year right after thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? When I get tired of thinking about it and feeling guilty that it is July and still up. haha

5. Do you like egg nog? Ugh. That stuff is nasty.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My quala bear.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? yes, from willow tree.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Dave's parents.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Myself!!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Cards, which never leave the pretty box I bought them in.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Sports stuff from my husband that he really wanted. I still love you babe!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas story, elf and White Christmas'

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can think of

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fatboy peppermint sundae on a stick. To die for!!!

15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear

16. Favorite Christmas song? White Christmas.

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Nope, and I don't really want to try. Bah Humbug

19. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning.

20. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Christmas decorations before halloween.

21. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red is one of my favs

22. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Green bean casserole. Seriously!

23. What do you want for Christmas this year? Have I ever mentioned that I would like a cure for Cancer!

Ok, now it is your turn. Have fun!

1 year old!!

2008-11-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe my baby is a year old this week. We took this picture on the way home from the hospital. He looks so small. He has totally outgrown this car seat now.

I hope to have new photos soon. That way you can see how big he has gotten.

Another Tag?! (If your squeamish do not continue)

2008-10-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by a few people to do the 4th photo tag. So I went to my 4th photo folder and found my 4th photo in that folder and this is what I found:

I hesitated putting this up not only because it looks horrible, but also it brings up some really intense emotions. I remember these days. The absolute devastation of being told your husband has brain cancer. The worry through both surgeries. The helplessness of watching your husband go through so much pain and trial and not being able to help him make it all go away. The MRI's and radiation. The chemotherapy. The worst of all was when he forgot my name (its ok sweetheart I still love you). Blah, blah, blah......

Whew!!

Thats in the past for now. The good news is that yesterdays MRI showed no new growth. The tumor is gone and he has officially ended chemo. Yes!

I love it because he has no good excuse now for not doing the housework. He can't exploit his brain cancer any more. If he tries to give me one of his lame excuses that he is too tired or sick I can call his bluff :)

Seriously, I am very grateful for the miracle we have been given.

Here are some more pictures for your entertainment.

1 Day after surgery.

Finally home!!!

Our Dog Jake would not leave his side when he got home. He was very loving and protective of him. It is amazing how dogs know something is up.

I hope you had fun going down memory lane with me!!

Yum!

2008-10-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than licking the frosting from the beater! Thanks Grandma!

Twilight

2008-10-16T15:30:00.001-07:00

Here is my confession for the day. I am so excited for the Twilight movie to come out!! My friend has rented a theater the day the movie is released and I will be going to watch it there with all her friends and family. I can't wait!!

Tagged

2008-09-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged. I normally don't do these things but hey, why not. I guess I need to stop being such a stick in the mud.

8 TV shows I love to watch

Chuck
Bones
30 Rock
The Office
My Name is Earl
Life
Myth busters
So you think you can dance

8 Favorite Restaurants

Johnny Carinos
Teppanyaki
Lone Star
New Dragon Dinner
Costa Vida (love the mango salsa)
Macaroni Grill
Guadalahonky's
The Olive Garden

8 Things that happened to me yesterday

Got to Church late
Forgot breakfast
Had visiting teachers over
Had Home teachers over (can you tell its the end of the month:)
Played with Colton
Got ready for Monday
Cried about taking Colton to day care for the first time
Went to bed

8 things I look forward to

Seeing Colton
Fall (that crisp air and changing leaves are the best!!)
Disneyland
Jenny's Baby
End of Chemo for Dave
End of Daycare for Colton
Did I mention Colton
Oh, and i guess seeing Dave :)

8 things on my wish-list

Cure for Cancer
Hawaii (never gonna happen)
Being a stay at home mom
Losing 50 pounds
World Peace
French Fries that did not add back the 50 pounds i was trying to lose
Did I mention a cure for Cancer
How about a cure for Cancer :)

Sweet!!!

2008-09-22T15:08:00.001-07:00

Dave had an MRI and doctors appointment Tuesday with the new Neuro-Oncologist at the Hunstman Cancer Institute. Dr. Glanz seemed very nice and knowledgeable about how to help Dave. He let us know that there is no reason Dave should be so tired and so sick when there are many different types of medication out there that could help with his problems. We were very excited to start the new medications in hopes of it really helping Dave out.

We had a very normal visit and Dr Glanz indicated that he was going to look at the MRI and he would be right back. When he returned we expected the normal response of "things look great and the tumor has stopped growing" but instead he dropped the bomb. He said "things look great I don't see any tumor at all". WHAT!!!!! Did he just say there was no tumor at all? Yep, he did!!!! I could not believe it. I think I asked him a dozen times if he was really sure. We have been told all along not to expect the Chemo to shrink the tumor, it would just stop it from growing any bigger. Not only did it stop the growth of the tumor but it got rid of the remaining tumor left after the surgery!!! SWEET!!!

Dr Glanz asked Dave how he felt about ending the chemo early. As you can guess Dave jumped at the chance to be done with chemo. So instead of the 12 months of chemo he will finish this month and only have 8 months of treatments. NICE!!

Now we are praying for many years of no new growth. That would be the best present ever.

The Lord really love us all and blesses us everyday!! I am so grateful for all your thoughts and prayers. We could not get through this without all your support.

Moving AGAIN!!

2008-08-19T14:02:00.001-07:00

If all goes well, we should be moving into the South Jordan home at the end of this month. Yes!! We have been very blessed with all the family and friends who have always been there for us! Thanks you for all you do. A big thanks to Dave's family who are sacrificing so much to help us! Words cannot express the deep gratitude we have for you!

Colton is getting very close to walking!! He is very good at walking along all the furniture and will take one tiny step to you before falling into your arms. It wont be long before he is running all over the house.

Here are some new pictures of Colton.

Coltons First Basball Game

Peek a Boo

Summer Fun

Moving

2008-07-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Yes it is true we have moved :( It was very sad to leave our wonderful home and fabulous neighbors. It is all for the best since Dave is going to be on Chemotherapy for another 7 months. I need all the help I can get with Colton. He is growing up so fast!!! I love watching all the new things he is learning. He has mastered the army crawl and moves like lightning speed. I will sit him down across the room and the next thing I know my computer has turned off and I look down to find him under my feet playing with power wires. Needless to say we have taken some immediate steps to Colton proof our home.
We have some good news to report from Daves last MRI. The doctor says that the tumor has stopped growing. Yeah!! This is great news to Dave who is glad the chemo is not kicking his trash for nothing.
We wanted to give a HUGE thanks to all those who helped us move. We could not have done it without all of you. We will let you know when we are in the new house.

Keeping you posted

2008-05-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

We have decided to enter the trendy world of blogging so you can keep updated on Dave's condition and more importantly see cute new pictures of Colton. So stay tuned and we will start entering information soon.