Ahh, these are the days of our lives....

Twothousandeleven...

2011-11-20T12:53:00.001-08:00

Love my life. I do. So much to be thankful for this week, month, year. For beginners, my children are all alive & healthy. ( I say that because we came so close to losing my favOrite- only son this year). Nothing can prepare you for that. ( I still feel like someone has punched me in the gut when I think about it). This season (years in raising children from age 12-20) is so stressful, overwhelming, challenging, sifting, wonderful, sad, joyous, disheartening & mind blowing. There just isn't a way to even express this journey. -I just hope I make it out alive, & still me. I feel like she may be gone ... & I grieve the loss. I stay so twisted-caught up -in what is required of me right now raising these girls. I told Chris the other day that I misssss me. I know he must. Or, maybe (sadly) he doesn't remember me. I don't really know what is worse. One thing I do know is, I have been Redeemed. Reclaimed. & I'm waiting to be Revived. None of that would be possible without our God. I would just be whatever it is that my lying, scornful, deceitful heart claimed. (isn't the thought of that frightening??). I am blessed beyond measure. I have a relationship with a Savoir who daily supplies my needs. I have a committed husband who loves me inspite of, so many things. & I have CHILDREN who know the Lord & will one day, return to what has been planted in their hearts. I pray you find yourselves counting your many blessings this Thanksgiving. You may even have to dig deep. But, rest assured, the mere fact that you will have lovedones to celebrate with, makes You a very Wealthy Individual!!. May You be Blessed & Know it this Thanksgiving & throughout the Year!! LYLAS/B , LA

Vexities...

2011-06-27T17:39:00.001-07:00

(It might be an LAism... I'm really not sure, so I 'll break it down for ya. ;)

This (as 99.9% of you know given my feed #'s) has probably been one of the most difficult seasons of my life, for ovbious (& not so ovbious) reasons. The Kalyb thing shook me to my very core. WOW!. NOTHING can ever prepare you as a mom to watch your baby struggle to survive through something so earth shattering. (I well up inside even writing this). Life basically stood still. And, tho he survived ( to only the Glory of God!) the aftermath can really only be compared to something extremely close to PPD... Bouts of random crying, SERIOUS depression, overwhelmedness- you get the picture...

Just prior to getting the news of his accidental shooting , we had planned a trip to Las Vegas with friends . (Chris & I had neither one ever been, so at the time we were very excited about it).

Slowly in the weeks preceding the shooting I started to focus on this trip together. It became something I really I looked fwd to & it helped me to somewhat start to pull out from under the gray cloud that had set up residence over my home... For unforseen reasons we ended up coming, just the two of us. (I'm actually at the Paris LV sittting by the pool while writing this). We have had a really good time. We ( I ) really needed it, but I have felt feelings of the PPD start to creeeep back in & it's ticking me OFF! Ugh. If I may, I would like to share with you the things I have used to help me try & get over this... The "blessings" that I focus on. I am loved & in a deep relationship with my Heavenly Father, married to a man that accepts me right where I am, flaws, warts & all &, have 5 amazing children. Kalyb is healing & day by day returning to his old self PTL!. I am in a wonderful church & lead (if that's what you call it :) our Womens Ministry Team. God is really blessing our little business, & I have some of the most amazing Godly sister friend's & family. I know that I am blessed & well meaning friend's literally say things like" I wish I could just run off to Vegas" or " What do you have to be depressed about?. Your life is so awesome" . Blahh blahh blah... Ovbiously, it has nothing to do with "my life!"... Please hear my heart, I am by no means bragging, quite the opposite. Inspite of all of this, still I feel such oppression if I am not constantly seeking God & pressing in... Sounds insane, right???. I know. Makes no sence- what.so.ever...

Even now, being here, breeze blowing, sun shining, I am sadly having to capture thoughts & bring them under authority... I know Gods is faithful. So seriously AWESOME.!!. And, I know that He is strengthening me. So, I will continue to press in, soak up these last few precious hours with my man & praise God, even through the valley's... I have been posting pics on FB of our trip. We have had a fantastic time & getting some great couple time in, not to mention the shopping!. (which btw can also become a vice. I have found that sometimes when I am struggling I want "shoppin therapy", which in no way does anything to help me feel better after I have forked over the cash - if you are saying an " Amen!!" right now, see that for what it is- empty!!). I am now getting off my broken down, tattered, soap box & off to hit the town with my man!. If you identify with these type feelings, please be encouraged. You are not alone, & even tho this is NOT a fun experience, He know's, He promised to never leave or forsake us, & this is for His glory. HANG ON & press IN. Thanks for reading & for goodness sakes, TALK to someone SAFE. (I have 2 really incredible safe friends I can "go there" with & it really makes all the diff...).

Till next time, LYLAS. LA

PS. comments let me connect with you so plz don't leave without leaving one ;)

I don't, as of yet...

2011-06-13T10:47:00.001-07:00

I am home & my boy has been released & home now too, healing. I should be jubilent. But, truthfully I'm not. Somthing is looming over me & I feel pressed down. When I think about all that Gods is doing/has done in my life I ask myself what is wrong with me?. I really am so stinking blessed. I am wrestling. With my mind, worry, stress, oppression. God's word says we are to walk in the fullness of His Blessings, By faith. I have been daily, hourly, putting that on like a salve because I know the signs of deceit. Yet still I am disconnected. Kalyb had such a tough battle ahead of him laying in the SICU. I knew God had a purpose in all of it & I was pretty sure I knew what that was. (I think you do too). I am so thankful for that. I should be on top of the world, right?. But the opposite is true. It took such a huge toll on me emotionally. I look at all that is required of me & I feel - see that right there, thats the problem. I'm looking at all that we as a family have going on & I lose perspective. So many things, stressful things going on. Kait is off living a life far removed from her faith. If I reeeeeeaaly allowed myself to go there, I might not be able to stand. I know all the " God's got it, She's His not mine, She's been raised in the truth, she'll be back...'s" But Im sad. We are missing out on so much time. This isn't the way it was supposed to be. With her, or Kalyb. I am a woman of God who had seen amazing miraculous signs & wonders yet here I am unable to connect with who I am in Him. So, I keep walking. Believing. Claiming. Trusting, inspite of the fact that I am teetering. Am I making sence?. Have you ever been here?. The message yesterday was amazing. It talked about Zacharias & his relationship with God. His visions. God used him in very unconventional ways, for His purpose. Inspite of myself, that is what I'm believing He is doing in my family. ( I honestly do trust Him completely. I just wish I could be free from whatever is hanging over me so that I could have Joy about what He is up to)... Sorry for the rambling. I am always so candid here, amoung all of you... Please pray for me & this seperation & depression. -This is a good reminder that even though we are believers we will have struggles. (He doesn't ever say we won't, He does however promise to hold onto our hand through them...). Thank you Father!. Welp, I have my precious Uncle' s funeral to pack for, inlaws arriving in a few days to clean for, & my mom & sister moving in next week to prepare for... So, peace out & thank you! LA

Refusing...

2011-05-26T23:45:00.001-07:00

Its me again. It's 1:30am & I'm back in my room. I was going to stay the night with him but he doesn't sleep peacefully when I do. He remembers I'm there & opens his eyes to check & make sure I havn't left. So I have come back to hang out with my family that have traveled here. My 2 younger brothers, their girlfriends, my baby sister & mom are all here & it's been nice being surrounded by people who love him like I do. One thing about family, they show up. I am also so blessed because I also have friends that are family & my gosh have you showed up. You have blown me away with your capacity to love me & be my rock, encouragers & prayer warriors. Amazing. Thats what you are & I am so thankful.

Tomorrow is a pretty big day. There is a tear in his liver & we are waiting to see (& believing that it will) heal itself. The alternative is horrifying to even consider. If it doesn't, the unthinkable with have to happen. They will reopen him. (The cursor is just siting, blinking in silence as I think about what that will mean for him....). So I won't think that way. He is being healed & God is his physician. Another thing that weighs sooooo heavily is that my time here is drawing near & I can't bare the thought of leaving. Thankfully God gives us strength for the day & just enough light for the step that we are on. I'm refusing to let fear creep in & control me because I know who holds each day in His hand. I'm very tried so I am signing off. I will be back with news as soon as I know anything. Thank you for continuing to pray. I love you.

He whispered...

2011-05-25T17:45:00.001-07:00

Sitting in his room. All is quiet except for the mat he's sleeping on that massages the blood flow (because he can't move) & his oxygen. He's so helpless. As am I. We are in a new room & off the ICU wing. Such a great sign. They keep emptying his seepage tank. So much blood & bile. They said usually 1 oz in a 12hr period. He's losing an oz an hour & his Dr. is keeping a close eye. Where his tubes enter his ribs is also starting to seep. I can't deal with this in my own strength. I feel the Holy Spirit once again minister & comfort me as I imagine the 2 waring Angels standing guard flanking his bed. Thank you God for your protection & promises. How do non believers get through & not be overtaken?. I am not this strong God. ( I have had this ongoing dialog with Him during this whole time. I am sinking in this abyss that has engulfed me. But in His sweet Spirit sweeps in I am once again reminded... He is not mine... Another thought has also kept company with me for the past few days. You. You are here, praying. Claiming. Believing these things for him. For me. If you only knew. Really knew, the miraculous strength & courage you have bathed me in. I am deeeeeeeeply in love with your precious faithful hearts & simply could not do this without you. I feel the need to caress his precious beautiful head & sooooo I will sign off for now. Will you please continue to pray?. I covet them so.... I'll be back. LA

*Please share this udate to those who are praying. xxooo

My boy, my baby. Please Lord send your healing touch...

2011-05-24T21:23:00.001-07:00

Kalyb isn't really a baby, but he is my baby. I want to run, I want to scream, punch somthing, take him in my arms & take all his pain & fear, anguish. Is ANYONE OUT THERE. I AM SO ANGRY! Full of fear, but not dare admitting that out loud. Not even to myself. Until now. Kalyb was shot accidentally by his dad. When the gun went off he told his dad he was cold & couldn't feel his legs. For some reason that has been playing over & over in my mind. No parent wants to hear that. He's been shot in the chest piercing his lungs, kidneys, small intestines & liver. He is in a Lubbock hospital in critical condition. I am helpless. I sit in the dimly lit hospital room right now listening to the machine, breathing for him. Massaging his legs so he won't get edema, swelling. GET UP. Get UP Kalyb. Please..... (tears, streaming down my face...) We arn't done. There's so much I have yet to show you. Share with you.

He is my first born. My only son. He looks so much like me. Everyone tells us so. I have so much to make up for. Please God. Let me have more time with him. I want to crawl right into this bed with him, stroke his beautiful forehead, tell him evenings going to be ok. It is, right?. It is going to be ok? I hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit now (as I often do), "he's mine Leah". I know. I know he is Lord. Do you trust me with him?. I want to say yes Lord.... So for now, for this very moment in time, I am choosing to believe. To not let go. Pleeeease, please continue to believe & pray for us. I seeee that you are praying. All over fb. I am overflowing with thankfulness & utter amazment @ your faithfulness. Plese, don't stop. I am so weak. But knowing you are praying helps me to believe... I couldn't. love.you .more. LA

Blundering through Bad news...

2011-03-29T19:26:00.001-07:00

Blink blinkblinkkkk... Thats what the cursor is doing. While I try & formulate my thoughts. Please be patient while I sort through all of this... What would be the worst news that you could possibly get about your parent. Divorce? Maybe an adulterous affair? Selling your childhood home, & moving? ... I think what I have heard today trumps alllll.

My. Mother. Has. ( very aggressive colon) C. A. N. C. E .r.

Yes. cancercancercancer... As I write this, I'm acutely aware of the tightening in my chest. The shallow breathing I seem to be now only capable of... My mind is a blaze of thoughts of years past. Anger from my childhood for a mother who wasn't what we needed. Brokenness. All lay like pieces of a shattered mirror. She has suffered for years in an abusive relationship. Her body is still suffering for it. Drug addiction, healed. By the grace of God. Last year surrendered her life to the healing resurrected power of the Almighty Christ. & now cancer??? The pain I feel is palpable... My head is chalk full of wisdom, hope, faith that that I would have for you should you ever come to me with this devastation. ( I pray not...) But right now, I have nothing... I'm on the verge of what surely is a nervous breakdown?. Surely not!. I'm a believer. I've seen mountains MOVE!. I've seen relationships restored!!

I know that digging deep is about to be required of me, & right now, I just don't have it in me. Please, will you pray? I know He is mighty to save... Faithful. & thats all I know. Thank you for reading my rambling... LA

A Change...

2011-03-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Dolls! As I was cruising around all of the changes Blogger has made recently I decided to try this on for size. Not sure what I think yet...

On to other business, how in the world is it already nearing the end of March? Wow, Easter is right around the corner!. I joked the other day on FB about having the girls & I wear matching dresses & Chris matching Polo. At first it sounded lame, but the more and more I was challenged the more I warmed up to the idea. (however, getting 3 fashionistas to agree is a totally different story, so we shall see ;)

Soooo much happening here in Allentown. We recently got the twins a car. Its a cute little red 4 door STANDARD!! I emphasise the word " standard" because its become somewhat of a challenge to get driving time in, its taking somewhat longer to master the clutch (as many of you stick drivers realize!) It ain't for sissies, & we have 2 trying to learn it at the same time. God help us! I joke I joke. I actually first learned to drive a standard & still love it to this day. Once you master that you can drive a wimpy old Automatic with ease!! (or at least that's what I'm telling them!! :)

We are also rounding the last leg of shcool before summer & here in the Allen home we get what I refer to as "shortimers fever", then have to sprint the last leg because there has been so much dilly dallying. (we do Virtual Academy, & thankfully, those teachers don't mess around!).

There's already talk of Prom, lil P's 3 week annual trek to Michigan, Summer Vacations & Church Camp. (once again on the Beach, who wouldn't already be longing for that I ask you??!) So I've got to keep the girls moving along. But what keeps me moving along? Hmm, if I'm being honest, I really haven't thought about it?. I guess I would have to say... Prob that I want them to do well , have grades that will catapult them into College with ease & then into Fantastic Vocations... ( doesn't every mother want this? :0/ ). On we march for the A!! ( OK, B maybe -?? I'm just being realistic! ;)

Speaking of prom, the girls (who got home from working a 5th & 6th grade lock in this morning at 8 am) have friends coming over to do a trial run for prom hair, which is in 3 weeks but its been all they have talked about for 2 months... Is this normal??) & ding dong, I hear the door bell, so I guess they have arrived!.

I remind myself allot lately about how much I'm going to miss this time in our lives. I know I will. I was born to be a mom, but I really stunk at it early on. ( before I knew Jesus quite truly...) I was selfish, self centered, self seeking & ill equip to handle their needs & felt like I was robbed of having my time in the sun. The lies satan tell, &we believe!. It makes me sad that I didn't give them the very best start that I could have , should have. So, I spend allot of time thinking about what I needed from my mom when I was that age ( that she wasn't very good at giving to me, & I'll be danged if I'm not going to work and Pray my butt off to change that so that the next little Allen- McMinn youngins are headed in the right direction that much sooner.)

You cant undo the past but you can take your lumps, dig really deep, deeper than I ever knew I had in me, & let your love for them inspire you to heal the past & move foreword, letting God do the work. Don't think that I don't say to my God " what do I do here Lord? I don't have the answers!!!" (because, I very rarely do). So, I just cling to the promises & move foreword doing the very best that I can. Somehow, because of HIS faithfulness, that's enough. God is faithful. Faithful beyond human faithfulness -He is Mighty to Save. Without that little Gem, I couldn't walk through any of this. So YAY that my girls that get the benefit of a mom saved by grace, face down, daily walking with the Lord of Lords , convicted of a dark heart, seeking to do battle with a very -real -enemy , on their behalf!! Woootwooot!!!

Hmmm, I can hear them in their right now talking about up do's & hair clips. I wonder if I can sneak in and snap some during & afters??

Stay tuned, If I do get to, I'll post them on Twitter!! :) ( you can add me , the info is on my side bar :)

Thanks for stopping over, I would love to hear your thoughts, please don't leave without at least saying hi!! LYLAS/B ♥ LA

No. Matter What

2011-01-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

I’m running back to Your promises one more time, Lord that’s all I can hold on to, I gotta say this has taken me, by surprise, but nothing surprises you. Before a heartache, can ever touch my life, it has to go through Your hands, and even though I, keep asking why, I keep asking why...No matter what, I’m gonna love You, no matter what I’m gonna need You, I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not,if not, I’ll trust you, no matter what, no matter what... When I’m stuck in this nothing-ness by myself, I’m just sitting in silence, there’s no way I can make it without Your help, I wont even try it. I know you have your reasons for everything, so I will keep believing, whatever I might be feeling, God you are my hope, and you'll be my strength... No matter what, I’m gonna love You, no matter what I’m gonna need You, I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, if not, I’ll trust you, no matter what, no matter what. Anything I don’t have You can give it to me, but it’s ok if You don’t, I’m not here for those things, the touch of Your love is enough on its own, no matter what I still love You and I’m gonna need You No matter what I’m gonna love you, no matter what I’m gonna need you, I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, if not, I’ll trust You, I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain, but if not, if not, I’ll trust you, no matter what no matter what no matter no matter what...

A ride...

2011-01-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

I took a stroll through my side bar last night and was saddened to see that so many others had also either closed their blogs or had taken up to a years hiatus. Its funny that when you start out on the blog journey its really a choice that you make to make public all of your family stuff. The good times, heart breaks, challenges, victories, and often times the dark parts of you that your struggling with . You think that sharing might help someone going through rough times. Maybe minister to them, give them hope. I thought I could be that, do that, share that, but what I found was that during a very difficult time in my life, the things I was sharing here were being used against me, used to hurt me. So this blog became a source of pain and anger for me instead of what it was meant to be, a place to share my heart and life with friends and loved ones. I started to wonder what had taken place in my bloggy friends lives that would have them not returning to their blog. Obviously they had attempted to do the same thing I had with hope for it and an expectancy of what it would be to them. The person that caused me so much pain is still around. In fact, hasn't changed one bit except has seemingly gotten even better at not being very Christlike and has moved on to continue to hurt and take advantage of other people (whom I pray have a close enough relationship with the Lord to learn the lesson I had to learn, way before I did). Which brings me to my long winded point. One very valuable lesson that Ive learned is while " I walk through the valley of the shadow of death" what does God promise us? That it will be easy, nope. That we can get revenge on that person? No. For me it is that although I allowed what was going on to deeply hurt me (and cause me to for quite a while to kick scream wallow and get very depressed) He. never. left. me. His promises were and are true (despite my circumstances) and that if I can just believe Him through these trials He promises to refine me, make me into what I was created to be and bless me for my obedience!!. ( although He does also promise that He will [defend] me, [protect] me and be the final judge for all things done good or bad, but thinking about those things will keep you in bondage to that situation. You must forgive to truly be set free!) . Whew. He must really think I'm something ( and He does you too!!). And because He does, it has given me the courage and strength to rise above the ashes and once again set claim to the things satan tried to steal from me, one of which is the joy this blog and all of its attributes brought me. (&You dear friend are one of those attributes). I'm sure you are prob wondering why in the world I'm being so candid here once more after just having shared all that with you. Well, honestly right now at this moment I'm really not sure except to say, I know this life is a journey, and Ive given this little bump in the road WAY to much of my time and energy. I'm ready to get on down the road. Wanna take a ride??
Till next time (very soon, I gatta lot to say ;)
LYLAS/B ♥LA

I will fear no evil, for thou art with me...

2011-01-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

Here I am ya'll, & only by Gods grace & mercy!! . So much going on in our 4 walls. But, I'll start here. Boy, have I missed you! So often have I thought about my bloggy girlfriendz & your precious hearts. I have been asked often, especially lately, about when I would return to the blogesphere? My answer was always, when I felt a peace about sharing my heart again. I as so many of you, have had such a season of sifting & I needed this time with my family & the Lord to regain what was slowly being eaten away by not focusing on what God was calling me to. Now, I am clinging to the promises & believing His best for the incredible adventure that He has called me to. I hope you'll join me once again on this precious jorurney, it just wouldn't be the same withoutcha!! I'll be back to dig in & share more aftera much needed date night,LYLAS/B!

ummm, may be dead by friday...

2010-04-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

*& thats if I stall!!...
Ok, sit right back & let me share with you just how & why I am in this perdiciment... It is NOT however my fault, I'll just go on and get that right out of the way!!.
Soooo, I have this children's boutique saved in my ebay fav's ( yep, you know right where I'm headed) today I get this email reminding me of how fabulous & thrifty their adorable "Couture" clothing line is. "Ok ", I say to myelf, "I'm just going to take a look & see what they have that's new", then I hear myself say, right out LOUD " & lil P is 8 years old, & pretty soon I won't be able to dress her in these pretty frilly clothes any more" ... Oh- No- I- shouldn't- Have, that my dear friends, was my downfall... Before I knew it somthing came over me & I'm knuckle deep in "Buy it Now's", & "Is that your final bid"?... Enter, Enter , Enter~ then I remember that my other daughter dropped her blackberry yesterday. "Well", (I say to myself) "We certainly don't want to have to replace her $100,000 dollar phone DO WE? & besides, that's not really fair for P to get somthing & not her". So, off I go on another search... WHAMO~ I'm now the proud winner of the cutest lil Leopard Bling case!!At that point I've got to go & get my a big ole Un~Sweet Tea (because by this time I am just plain parched & wore nearly plum out!) & think, "You know, if I can get free shipping & find me a case from that same seller"... Well, you guessed it!!. A proud owner of a super cute blingged- out Palm Pre Case to boot!! Seriously cute, you should see it!! Then............... it hits me & I can see Big Daddy's face.. DBLE GULP.... Here I sit, finger sore & sweat beading on my foreghead, the excitment fading &, I get the "Summary Purchasing Email" on my Palm... Now, Im in strategy mode... Well, it's just got to be this diet. Doesn't he know that I havn't had sugar in 2 WEEKS??? I bet he couldn't nearly starve & get an email like that just taunting him & not atleast go & see what all the fuss was about, after all I'm weak!! Well, if he thinks he's going to act like that & get away with it, he's got another think comming (meanwhile, he doesn't even have a clue about any of this~ Hey, don't you dare judge me, didn't you just read that I havn't had a lick of sugar in over 2 WEEKS & frankly if you arnt going to help me, then until you are ready to appoligize, I frankly have nothing else to say.......................... Oh yeah except, I'm open for any & most all suggestions... ;) I better get going before He comes home. Heyyyyy, maybe if I get back on & get him somthing too. What was the name of that cell case place... Or, he does have a golf bag that I'm just certain would love to have another................................................................................................. LYLAS LA

Serious Thankfulosity!! ;)

2010-04-19T21:56:00.000-07:00

A lil backround... That guy right there (in the middle of those beautiful precious girlz) is my Dad. And for over 30 years I really didn't know him. Then about 4 years ago he contacted me & told me he had given his life to Jesus & asked if I'd be open to seeing him to talk about things. I. Was. Blown. Away!!. This guy was, well lets just say "the furthest person from a relationship w/ God" in my opinion. A total loss to me... But God knew, & reached into the darkness to reach my dad & totally transformed his life!
Since that time he & I talk regularly & now my 4 babies have a grandad that loves the Lord!! Woooot!
If there's somone in your life that you have written off, or that you have unforgivness for, God has a plan. He knows your heart. His plans to bless you & he wants to reconcile the lost to Himself & your loved ones to you- don't give up believing Him for them! I've got plenty more loved ones on my "hit list" & when I feel discouraged or like it's just to impossble, I look @ this pic & thank God for the new legacy my girls will be a part of!. I never could have even dreamed this big!! In the famous lyrics of Steve Perry"Dont Stop, Believin"!! LYLAS • LA

Leah Allen
--Sent from my Palm Pre *Which totally Rocks!

What the Hizeck Wednesday?!

2010-04-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

So, this precious lil girl @ church told me (very excitedly) that I remind her of Rain.bow.bright!!!........Rethinking the haur ya'll!!!...

Leah Allen
--Sent from my Palm Pre *Which totally Rocks!

Not me Monday...

2010-04-05T11:36:00.001-07:00

I did NOT go to an Eggstravaganza on Saturday & not wear sunblock- nope, that would just be silly!!
I also did NOT not put sunscreen on lil P... :(

I did NOT overeat @ lunch & vow to never eat again, ughh!

I was NOT tempted to push one of the girls in the pond by our home today as they were leaning over looking @ turtles! Nope, now that would just be down rite mean!

We are NOT heading out in a bit to see "How to Train your Dragon" on a school day, no we are not... ;)

I did not sit & think about how in the world I can eak out a trip again this year to fly home (Florida) & lay on the beach w/ my bestie... & Ahhh, I'm NOT dreaming of it now...
So, what did you NOT do today? ;)
For other Not Me Mondays head on over to My Charming Kids and see what everyone else didn't do ;)

LYLAS LA

Leah Allen
--Sent from my Palm Pre

What is it really??

2010-03-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, Yay, we are going to talk about "Forgivness".~ DO NOT HIT THE BIG RED X IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER, I seeeeeee YOU!! ;) **Well, maybe more about my struggle with it( among other things). The Bible speaks forgivness & I'm preeeetty certain that everyone reading this has someone (s) in their life that they can think of right now that they know they need to forgive?!. (Im not judging) . The good Book says that we are to turn our cheek 7x70 times. Also, that our Heavenly Father will judge us the same way we judge others, and so on and on... And, here's the rub~ we are all called to forgive, despite the other persons deservidness. Good stuff right!!... Well, I have this problem. I am given opportunities often to overcome this little issue that I struggle with and often I fail at. Its called "Justice".I .Want. Justice. When someone wrongs me, I want justice. If you are my friend, and you get wronged, yep. I want justice for you... Well, justice,mercy & forgivness dont really go hand in hand... If Im waiting for them to pay for what they have done~ for the truth to be revealed~ for them to be held responsible, then I am not walking in forgivness. The problem with me not being able to accept them not paying the piper seems to be a running theme in my life ( hence the " I keep getting opportunities to overcome") is because the Lord continues to allow me to be in situations where things happen and I'm the one that has to have all the yucky poop squeezed out of me. (stuff that I know He wants me free'd from because it isnt Christ like. But, what about them Lord?. Why do they continue to be allowed to do wrong; lie, cheat, decieve, portray themselves as somthing that is soooo ovbious to me & seemingly only me) that they are NOT, "yet noone else can see it" type stuff.. This is all really ugly. Im not proud of it. It makes me deal with things that I dont want to think are even inside my heart. But if it wernt in there, I wouldnt do, feel or think them, right?
In the past I could pray & have a peace knowing , one way or another, that I would be delivered, God would be glorified & also show me the way to handle it. Now, I am in a season of raising my 3 teens & their younger sister & for whatever reason, just can't find it in me...
The older 3 girls's pop ( I dont call him their dad, he isnt. A dad sends birthday cards, is dependable, calls on special occasions even when he is 2000 miles away, makes you a priority. My husband is the one that holds them , loves them, talk & prays with them. When they have had a bad day he's the go to guy & deals with all the emotional teen girl drama along side me~ thats a dad... See, I told you..)
I digress, Im finding more & more in the season of life that I'm in there just seems to be quite a bit of yuckyness in me. I think that I am just in such as state of constant stress that all of my emotions are right at the top, just under the surface. I'm just not dealing with things very well. How do people do it? How do people have a functioning, normal life, a thriving marriage, dedicate time to friends & other family, all the while managing to raise teens?? It is so far beyond me.
The reason I mention all of this is because prior to the past 3 years, I feel like I cared more about things. I was way more patient. I would have considered things before I just said no. I was more gentle and loving. I feel like she's gone? ( I'm praying she isn't, I really liked her so very much more. I know my husband did too, & I grieve for her return.)
Which brings me back to forgivness. Because I am feeling like Im in a fight for my life every single day here at home, when something else happens that adds to my daily stress, I dont seem to have the capacity to even deal. I just have a "not very nice thought" and simply move on. Wheres the freedom in that? Where are the years I have spent seeking God? The peace that I had before this season in my life when I could just lay it down? The time I put in growing should account for something, right? Is anyone tracking with me, or am I insane?...
For instance: In the past with the girls pop, I knew he wasnt in a good place & I would give him so much grace. I would oftentimes tell the girls about how difficult his life is & how his choices have led to the place he finds himself in now, that they needed to pray for him & offer him forgivness. I would infuse hope into all conversations about him. Now, I just almost snarl. Its been 10 + years and he hasnt changes a bit. He hasn't really ever helped support them & my hubz hasn't ever held the slightest grudge. He feels like they are his and he will do whats necessary to provide. He says "God is our provider , & thats that..." I have always agreed, until recently. I can't hardly even stomach the whole thing anymore. I know it isn't Christlike. I just can't deal with it & I feel like I just can't pretend anymore. So, I just sit quietly instead of trying to defend him to them. Thats just one example of my new & un~improved attitude. Im bringing this into the light because I need help. I want freedom. I also want to know if I am alone alone in this or if this is truly just a season that I'm in. (I have also wondered lately if its pre menapause? Maybe I need anti depressants? Eather way, its bondage & I. want. freedom).
Thanks for reading peeps. I feel like I don't even want to share this now after reading it, but I'm going to. I need advice, & where better to get it than from all of you, ladies who eather; are that mom too, have had that mom, been that mom, had this struggle, or know somone who did/does...
Sorry so serious girlz. I know you prob came here maybe needing a laugh, to look at some cute pics, or read somthing lite hearted, but today~ this is where I'm at & hopfully not for long ;)
Ok, off to visit you now, make me laugh ladies!! ;) JK, Maybe you've got stuff going on, & if so, I'm your girl. I would love to pray for you or offer any advice. (I know given my prior confession you might be prone not to want to share, but I'm great at helping you, just not so good at helping me... ;)
LYLAS LA

Now I know why!!!

2010-03-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

Im not really sure how to to do this so I hope it works, soooo funny!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q2wD6HHdUY
LYLAS LA

It Just Happened.

2010-03-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

I just had to have a talk w/ my 8 year old about how un nice she is to her older sister's. (especially her & the cute one in the middle up there) I talked to her about what it will be like once they are all gone & how it hurts me to see them treat one another so poorly. Punk (oldest on the rt) is a junior, so 1 1/2 more years is about all we have w/ her here & Shorty & Pooh are twins & freshmen, so 3 yrs w/ them- it will be gone in a flash. How in the world did we get here so fast? It. just happened!... I was 14 yrs older than my lil sis & wanted a sister for yeeeears before she came along. We were to far apart in age & when I left home she was 3 so we never really had much of a relationship. I reminded lil P of that & told her how special "sisters" are & about how she'll miss them & wish she could have these years back. -he teared up & made a commitment to try & do better.I don't know if it did any good & if so, for how long but I could see that she hadn't really thought about how her attitude effects them or that she's not been very easy to share a room with. I called Shorty in & had them hug & talk it out. Uncomfortable for them? - Uh hu!! Necessary, yup!. As they left my room I have to admit that I was somwhat doubting that the truce would last for long (they are both type A & lil firecrackers!) I know that they may have to be reminded from time to time, & that's ok. I just want them to realize how special it is to have 3 sisters & how truly blessed they are. Just now I heard lil P ask if Shorty wanted to get a snack & then say " I love you..." Hmmm, & I didn't even have to threaten.. It just happened!!
I'm gonna go see if I can get in on that snack! I hope you have a Teriffic Tuesday! LYLAS LA

Leah Allen
--Sent from my Palm Pre

Teen Miles?

2010-03-18T20:36:00.001-07:00

Hi. I'm Leah & I've recently discovered that I'm an age aholic... Ok, let me explain. My father in law made a comment to me when we were there for Christ mas about how we have all aged. He said (paraphrasing here) that I can't deny that even I'm looking quite older since my wedding (in 03). I can't stop thinking about it.
Shortly after that I heard someone say that the "teen years" raising your children will put 20 (years) on your face. OMGAW!!!! It's seriously happening to me right before my eyes!! (or right around my eyes! ) Since hearing that lil life changing statement I have noticed tons of lines!. Crows feet, stress highway right between my eyebrows & now - laugh lines too!! I'm to young (39) to look this dang old!. So I am on a mission to find any reversing agents allowed by law. (ok, maybe even illegal!) :o" So in my quest to look my age (what? 39ish is YOUNG PEOPLE!) I'm asking for any (Tested, Tried & True) products that you might have used to keep your youthfulness (just please no Yak Urine or anything of it kind!!) Any & all - ok, most any & some suggestions will be tested by yours truly (& any of you that wish to join me :) for the alloted time & then I will report back w/ said results!! So, whatcha know of?? Yes, you back there w/ the glowing, very youthful complexion!! :) lylas LA

Leah Allen
--Sent from my Palm Pre

No~Stinkin~Way!!!

2010-03-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

You guys... You are NOT going to believe this!!!. In Touch Mag is reporting that Jesse James is cheating on Sandra Bullock!! They say that he had an affair with tattoo model Michelle McGee while she was filming "The Blind Side" in Texas. Sandra and Jesse have been married now for 5 years & have seemed to be a very happy couple. James has been to all of the awards shows this year to support her for the all the nominations and awards she has won for The Blind Side. Did you guys see when she won the Oscar and James was seen in the audience with tears in his eyes?. She has even referred to her him as “having my back”.

Michelle McGee is telling InTouch magazine that she was having an affair with Jesse while Sandra was filming The Blind Side saying “We ended up on the couch,” “He wanted to watch movies, but I asked him, ‘What’s going on with you and Sandra?’ He said, ‘She doesn’t live here. She has a house in Austin. She is filming, and I can’t talk about it.”

McGee claims that she had a 5 week affair about 2 times a week with Jesse James. Just because she says it does not make it true, but having Sandra Bullock pull out of the movie premier in London makes me wonder if there is truth to this story. It would be a shame if in the best year of her career, her marriage to the man she is head over heels in love with falls apart... Well, I for one really don't know what to think. I truly thought/ think they are that 1% in Hollywood that will last. I have so much respect for her and I truly hope this is all just part of an evil pan to destroy all Great Marriages in Show biz. Thats what Im gonna believe until I hear otherwise. JUST PLAIN SAD... PS. I dont usually ever talk about this kind of stuff, but I feel like I know them. Ive watched her movies for ever and have watched Jesse on his various TV programs for years . We have seen him go through alot of family trials & a divorce all while trying to protect his babies. For some reason, this just really shocked me...

LYLAS xoxo LA

To Big For Her Britches!

2010-03-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

Kait is growing up- to fast! In the last few months she's started dating, 3 weeks ago she got her driving permit, & now has a job that she started on Friday. WOWEE! Mama not ready... I keep trying to remember what I was like @ that age. How boy crazy I was, how much smarter I was than everyone else. How I was never ever going to be like my mom. When they say those things to me it hurts me so deeply, but I remember feeling those same things... ( I just don't think I ever said it to her face!!! I am however trying to encourage honesty! Ugh...) I know now that God purposes this time in our life to help her grow those wings we all dred, & for me to let out more & more net, but boy is it difficult. I'm so proud of her & the woman she's becoming - I just hope I have taught her everything she will need to know to be the person she was born to be. Love you Kait. I believe in you Kait. I'm always always right here for you Kait. Just turn around.

Leah Allen
--Sent from my Palm Pre

Precious Girlz & Fellowshippin...

2010-03-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

Just look at these faces...

Arnt they beautiful?.....

God pours out His love for us in so many different ways...

Not the least of these are in our "Friendships"....

Isn't girl time good! Last week one of my bestest friends was able to be in town to go to the retreat w/ our church. We all got together & had dinner to love on one another & basically celebrate these friendships. God is teaching me ALOT about boundries & healthy relationships- not an easy lesson... These arn't all of my good friends (& all the pics wernt taken this night). Thankfully, I've got a few & I'm so blessed to have girlz in my life that are going after Gods heart. ( It truly makes all the difference). I want to celebrate all of us "True Blue" girls!! I bet everyone reading this has those friendships in their life~ some may even be kin!. Eather way, Praise the Lord for the love that He is showing you through these precious relationships!! **& to my sweety gf's, I want tell you that I appreaciate you & I'm inspired & blessed by you in so many different ways! I pray for " True Blue girlfriends" for my 4 girls & you & I are who they will model after ;) I pray also that they'll know how to be ones! LYLAS LA

Leah Allen
-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Please,if not for yourself, do it for others..

2010-03-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

~First, please go and mute my playlist player, or turn it off on your speaker's, My music rrrreally rox and I want your undevided attention..~

Ok, Hi , welcome back!! Now, I want to share with you why it is that I feel strongly that we as a people need to continue using the Character Verification thing. Let me see if I can perhaps persuade every single one of you to put it on your blogs. (and be sure and tell all your friends). I am one of those people who realize that when something happens to me (even tho I'm still only 39) that it is a sign of things that are bound happen to me in the future.. Such as, sometimes when I am drifting off to sleep, I have a tremor (and lately it's not just when I'm drifting, its also starting to happen when I'm just chilaxin reading Twilight for the 11th time ( it had to be said) , or watching TV. All of the sudden my leg, (or arm) will just spasm , very briefly, just slightly. In that moment, I know, this is just further proof that I am having early signs of Parkinson's... I know, it's Ok, they are making major advances in this disease every day, and with a strong support system ( My Lord & Savior, Hubz, and good insurance) I am determined to make it...In my weaker moments I think that it's unfortunate that since I gave my life to the Lord I know I wont be able to throw back a Jack and Coke (or 3) when the time gets nearer, to help ease the pain dontcha know... Well, I prob. wont be able to hold the glass steady enough anyways.. Its perspective...
Also, there are times when I cant remember how to spell the word 'The" or remember my own phone # . Just today I was on the phone with the Dr. at the Parkinson's research dept, He wanted my phone # when he was threatening that if I don't stop calling and leaving messages for him about the weird things that are happening to me, (like just now, I'm on the toilet as I'm typing this and my knee just jerked as I leaned over to get the tp ( you totally thought I was going to say as leaned over to wipe , didn't you!? ) and nearly fell of the toilet!! Hold on, I have to write the knee thing down for when I call the Dr @ the Research Center here in a minute, be right back... Ok, back, where was I? Oh yes, I'm sure you'll agree, those are definitely signs that I am due for Alzheimer's to set in at any minute. Which brings me to Character verification. I seek them out. I'm thankful to those of you that, against every ones badgering, pleading, threatening and waging to never return to your blog, that you stay strong and continue to use them. I strongly believe that they might just be what will help to stave off the Alzheimer's, at least for a bit longer. Let me explain. When I pull up someones comment page, and I see it there I type my reply, then I scroll down to it, take one look at it and then try, in one take, to type it out without looking again.. I feel so good when I get it in one take.. Some of those are difficult, like 'cremuhged' how many of you could remember that in one take?? I am building my brain back with the help of this wonderful Character Verification! So I just want to say "thank you" , to all of you that have made this a reality for me!! I also want to encourage you to stand your ground, don't give in to the threats and the nay sayers that say that they arnt going to come back, or that because it takes a extra 30 seconds to leave a reply it makes them shy away from reading your blog's. Waa waa wa, who needs those replies anyways, not us my dear friends, NOT US!! So, wont the rest of you join us in building a stronger future? Its such a tiny way to give back, but the brain you strengthen may just be yours, or maybe even someone you love... Take all the time you need, just remember every tick of the clock may take you closer to a ......... what the heck was I going to say...Wait, No, that wasn't.... well, maybe I'll... aw, forget it .......
Till next time, LA

The ladies Retreated!!

2010-03-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

Hullllo peoples! Boy did I have a wonderful time last weekend on the retreat. We had 53ish ladies & I'm telling you, it was so much fun! Our theme was 'Emerge' & that's just what we did. You know how sometimes when you go you know Gods eather going to move in your life, or you are just there to refresh & renew? Well GOD truly moved & soooo many of us were freed from years of bondage!!! ( I'm still reeling from it!). He is so good! Also, the 'weirdest' thing happened!. I was sick for 3 days prior to going & guess what happend?. As soon as I was driving up, I started to feel so much better & I felt great the entire time! (thanks to those that prayed;). As soon as I got home I was sick again! - God healed me for the weekend!!!. HE IS SO worthy of our praise!! This pic is a few of us just after we repelled from 6 stories on a zipline. ( I nearly couldn't do it! I literally had to be forced to let go!) But, I trusted God & here I am- alive & everything!! lol... I am so excited to see all my visitors that stopped by over the weekend- You Are JUST PRECIOUS to me!!! I can't wait to pop around & see whatchall be up to- I just LOVE you girls!!!. Ok, I'm gonna head on over to your place :) LYLAS/B LA

Leah Allen
-- Sent from my Palm Pre

My MIL

2010-02-25T17:52:00.000-08:00

This is Diane... The mother of my Hubz & Grandmother to my girlz. Wanna hear some amazing awesomeness??!. God has healed her of Breast cancer this last year!!. Isn't He good!. I am truly thankful to God for giving me her as my mother in law & for seeing to it that she's around for years to come. I pray (literally) that He will show the same kind of favor to my 4 girls in their future MIL's! ( I'm honestly claimin it in Jesus name! ;) . I'm supposed to be packing for this weekend, but I came across this pic of us @ Christmas & wanted to share it & just how blessed I am (we all are) that He has healed her!. What do people do that don't know of His love, favor & just plain awesomeness?! Breaks my heart... We don't worry. No matter what may come! Excitin huh?... Well, I leave tomorrow for my Womens retreat, (wooohoooo) & won't be here to visit w/ my teriffic friends (you:). But, have a wonderful weekend & if you think of it, plz pray that I start feeling better & soon- this stomach thing is cramping my schedule!! :) I'll check in as time permits! xoxo & Be Blessed Ya'll! LYLAS/ B... LA

Leah Allen
-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Da Man, Big Daddy, Hubzie, Dad....

2010-02-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

That (and a silly name that only I call him)

is whats he's known by. My "wordfull Wednesday" post is about this man. Isn't he cute? He met and married myself and my three girls, never having been one to date someone that had children. Since then, we have added another youngin to our posse ~and he hearts them all the same... He is the dad that I needed (prayed for) as a little girl. One that prays with them, kisses their boo boo's, tells them they are precious. Stops what he's doing when they need to talk. Still wrastles ( its a word, we in the south ya'll) even tho the older 3 are teens . He has taught me how to love. Love so madly and deeply that I have been able to let go , trust in him, & be healed of such deep wounds that even I wasn't fully aware of~ (except for the fact that I couldn't fully trust, or love). He saw me as broken, but worthy of love. Desperatly clinging to this " I dont need anyone" mentality because the little girl inside of me had been hurt so many times. Dont tell me that God isnt real. That He doesnt know us (me) intimately. Doesnt search our hearts. Plan our lives. Give us Hope and a Future. I cant even put into words the lengths I went to to try & confirm my fears (& the lies satan told me) in our relationship to be true. I call it "the other shoe's gonna drop mentality". And Hubzie? He just stuck... He was so patient with me. He's been stickingnow for 10 years . Not only has God used him to help to heal all of my brokeness, but He has also used him to restore what the locus tried to steal in my girls lives. I. Am. Loved. Blessed. Thankful... I am Whole...

Please post one of your Favorite Pics and what it means to you and join us over @ "7 Clown Circus" for "Wordful Wednesday" & check out other awesome Pics and stories & get to know fellow bloggerettes!!!! Thanks for visiting, & happy Blogging!! LYLAS/B .LA

Soppin Sweetness & a side of Smooch...

2010-02-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

It's been rainy & cold here for what seems like forever! Now, that seems to bother quite a few people, but not Moi. Actually, I LOVE it!... You get to bundle up all warm & toasty, you get to cuddle w/ your hunny, & for some reason the darker the sky- the happier I am!... I know, weird! On this particular cloudy, rainy day this weekend my sweet man took me for a ride through the countryside where we drove down by this little bridge & stream. We stopped the car & got out in the mist to walk down to the streams edge & I just had to capture this memory. Just looking @ the pic envokes such a wonderful feeling in me... It's just the little thoughtful way he stole away w/ me & we talked & laughed & drove. It's those times that get me through all the times that arnt fun.(& if we arnt careful, start to weigh us down). The best part is, it didn't cost us anything except for time. What does it for you? Somthing that wells up pure joy & contentment in your heart? I wish you lost of time spent in that place (but not so much that it looses it's flare). Make time for your "somthing". - Thanks for reading & I can't wait to read about yours! LYLAS/B , LA

Leah Allen
-- Sent from my Palm Pre

This seriously made me laugh till I cried ~ & Sunday Citar..

2010-02-19T21:49:00.001-08:00

This may not be somthing that inspires me, but it certainly is somthing that brightend my day, and Im certain you wont soon forget it!! I Got this from another blogger who got it from someone else- Author unknown...

- All hair removal methods have tricked women with their promises of easy, painless removal - The Epilady, scissors, razors, Nair and now…the wax. Read on…… My night began as any other normal weeknight. Come home, fix dinner, play with the kids. I then had the thought that would ring painfully in my mind for the next few hours: 'Maybe should pull the waxing kit out of the medicine cabinet.' So I headed to the site of my demise: the bathroom. It was one of those 'cold wax' kits. No melting a clump of hot wax, you just rub the strips together in your hand, they get warm and you peel them apart and press them to your leg (or wherever else) and you pull the hair right off. No muss, no fuss. How hard can it be? I mean, I'm not a genius, but I am mechanically inclined enough to figure this out. (YA THINK!?!) So I pull one of the thin strips out. Its two strips facing each other stuck together. Instead of rubbing them together, my genius kicks in so I get out the hair dryer and heat it to 1000 degrees. ('Cold wax,' yeah…right!) I lay the strip across my thigh. Hold the skin around it tight and pull. It works! OK, so it wasn't the best feeling, but it wasn't too bad. I can do this! Hair removal no longer eludes me! I am She-rah, fighter of all wayward body hair and maker of smooth skin extraordinaire. With my next wax strip I move north. After checking on the kids, I sneak back into the bathroom, for the ultimate hair fighting championship. I drop my panties and place one foot on the toilet. Using the same procedure, I apply the wax strip across the right side of my bikini line, covering the right half of my hoo-ha and stretching down to the inside of my butt cheek (it was a long strip) I inhale deeply and brace myself….RRRRRRIIIIPPP!!!! I'm blind!!! Blinded from pain!!!!…. OH MY GAUD!!!!!!!!! Vision returning, I notice that I've only managed to pull off half the strip. CRAP! Another deep breath and RIPP! Everything is spinning and spotted. I think I may pass out…must stay conscious…must stay conscious. Do I hear crashing drums??? Breathe, breathe………… OK, back to normal. I want to see my trophy - a wax-covered strip, the one that has caused me so much pain, with my hairy pelt sticking to it. I want to revel in the glory that is my triumph over body hair. I hold up the strip! There's NO hair on it. Where is the hair??? WHERE IS THE WAX??? Slowly I ease my head down, foot still perched on the toilet. I see the hair. The hair that should be on the strip…it's not! I touch. I am touching wax. I run my fingers over the most sensitive part of my body, which is now covered in cold wax and matted hair. Then I make the next BIG mistake…remember my foot is still propped upon the toilet? I know I need to do something So I put my foot down. Sealed shut! My butt is sealed shut. Sealed shut! I penguin walk around the bathroom trying to figure out what to do and think to myself 'Please don't let me get the urge to poop. My head may pop off!' What can I do to melt the wax? Hot water!! Hot water melts wax!! I'll run the hottest water I can stand into the bathtub, get in, immerse the wax-covered bits and the wax should melt and I can gently wipe it off, right??? *WRONG!!!!!!!* > > I get in the tub - The water is slightly hotter than that used to torture prisoners of war or sterilize surgical equipment - I sit. Now, the only thing worse than having your nether regions glued together, is having them glued together and then glued to the bottom of the tub…in scalding hot water. Which, by the way, doesn't melt cold wax. So, now I'm stuck to the bottom of the tub as though I had cemented myself to the porcelain!! God bless the man who had convinced me a few months ago to have a phone put in the bathroom!!!!! I call my friend, thinking surely she has waxed before and has some >secret of how to get me undone. It's a very good conversation starter 'So, my butt and hoo-ha are glued together to the bottom of the tub!' There is a slight pause. She doesn't know any secret tricks for removal but she does try to hide her laughter from me. She wants to know exactly where the wax is located, 'Are we talking cheeks or hole or hoo-ha?' She's laughing out loud by now…I can hear her. I give her the rundown and she suggests I call the number on the side of the box. YEAH!!!!! Right!! I should be the joke of someone else's night. While we go through various solutions. I resort to trying to scrape the wax off with a razor . Nothing feels better than to have your girlie goodies covered in hot wax, glued shut, stuck to the tub in super hot water and then dry-shaving the sticky wax off!! By now the brain is not working, dignity has taken a major hike and I'm pretty sure I'm going to need Post-Traumatic Stress counseling for this event. My friend is still talking with me when I finally see my saving grace….the lotion they give you to remove the excess wax. What do I really have to lose at this point? I rub some on and OH MY STARS!!!!!!! The scream probably woke the kids and scared the dickens out of my friend. It's sooo painful, but I really don't care. 'IT WORKS!! > > It works !!' I get a hearty congratulation from my friend and she hangs up. I successfully remove the remainder of the wax and then notice to my grief and despair…. THE HAIR IS STILL THERE……..ALL OF IT! So I recklessly shave it off. Heck, I'm numb by now. Nothing hurts. I could have amputated my own leg at this point. Next week I'm going to try hair color…… I told ya ~ You are wel come!!

(If ya barrie, link back & let me know plz :) ~Also, Please check out "Sundar Citar" over @ "Fresh Mommy" w/ my friend (& if you dont know her, soon to be yours too!;) Tabitha!
And as always, LYLAS/B LA

Leah Allen
-- Sent from my Palm Pre

That's right. Stay off the sidewalks!!

2010-02-19T07:19:00.000-08:00

Kait got her permit yesterday!!!! I cannot even believe it... I said that I still see her as the 3 year old w/ pigtails & a scratchy lil voice. It's funny how God prepares us for each step in the journey. When they are little you think "I'll never be ready to let go", but along the way somthing strenghtens you. I have 2 15 year old right behind her & they are just as independent & brave as she is& every bit as excited to spread their wings. Lets hope I'm as brave when "they" are sitting in the drivers seat. Thank you my heavenly Father for strength for the day, peace on the joirney(should I CHOOSE to accept it) & a vision for your call on their lives!. Till next time, I still LYLAS, B ;) LA.

Leah Allen
-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Daddy Daughter Valentines Dance!

2010-02-11T17:03:00.000-08:00

Tonight an elementary school is having a dance for little girls & their daddy's, so Daddy took lil P! Chels got her all dolled up & she looked so precious! He also brought her flowers & her first pair or heals! (Mary Janes ;) You should have seen how excited she was, I started to well up! She's not gonna be excited to dance w/ Daddy for to much longer, so we'll take it!!

Leah Allen
-- Sent from my Palm Pre

My Pops...

2010-01-28T21:34:00.000-08:00

xoxo

Pops...

2010-01-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say a word about the most- most important man in my life (before my Hubzie & before I knew the Lord) my Pops. This fella here was the man who raised me w/ so much love & security(& @ the time, hands that seemed as tho they belonged to a giant). I went back & forth from my moms to her parents house all of my young life (for reasons I won't share). My grandfather had a ranch in NM, where thankfully I spent quite a bit of my youth. There I got to be a cowgirl, explorer, treehouse co builder & basically anything that my young mind could dream up. While on my trip back to NM last week I had a really wonderful visit w/ him. (now 85 years young) It was such a reminder of who is in my life. He's a really great man & one to whom I have measured all of the men in my life.( so many will never measure up). So I just want to say,"Thank you Papaw, I wouldn't be the woman, wife, mom & friend that I am today, if you hadn't been there to love me & to teach me how to love." I love you...

Leah Allen
-- Sent from my Palm Pre

New year, I'm here!

2010-01-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

Hi peeps! Well I'm posting this from my Palm Pre in the middle of an ice storm, so we'll see if it works! I wonder if any of you know if you can post pics on here from a mobile? Anywho, I just returned from NM. My mom found a lump so off I went. We just got the results back & Praise God, it was just a tumor! Things have been crazy here as usual when anyone has 3 teen girls @ home! Kait has a boyfriend- whom we really like! - (God-is-so-very-faithful! ) We also really like his parents, which is such a nice bonus! Man, I can hear the sleet hitting the window right now! Brrrrr! The girls just went on their church ski trip last week. They had so much fun but were sore! The place they went is only 5 or so hours away & we are thinking of maybe going back before winter is gone. Everyone seems to hate this time of year (including hubbsie) but I just love it & I really can't explain why, but for you I'll try :). Theres just somthing about bundeling up ( scarves, gloves & nice warm fur boots) & feeling the snow on your face. Looking out the window & everything is covered in white!. Makes me feel all warm & cozy inside- nevermind the excuse it gives me to make a fire ;). What's your favorite part of winter? Or are you one that just wants it to hurry on by? %ve missed you guys & what's happening in your world (although a good number of you are friends of mine on FB ;) so I'm gonna get going & pop around to your places & see what's up wicha! (also lil P has just asked me to start a fire. How could I say no to that :) LYLAS/B. & stay toasty warm! LA

I'm A Winner!!!

2009-07-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

Helllllo, hows my peeps? I hope your all having a fabulous summa. We are having a really great time!! Im just a lovin this Oklahoma heat ( ok, not really, but what can ya do??) I have alot to report but we"ll take it slow. First off, 2 of my teens are off in Iowa visitin family and boy has it been quiet round here!!
I have also been on a "Eat Clean" diet for 3 months. I have now lost .. wait for it.... 54 lbs. Ohhhh YEAH! I was in a "Summer Slimdown" challenge & I won 1st place, also $450.00!!!... Not to Shabby eah???. I am going out tonight w/ Big Daddy (for the first time in over 90 days) to celebrate & I am reallllly looking fwd it it!! I know I have told a few of you how I lost the weight, but if any others of ya wanna know, just zip an email over to me and I'll spill the goods!!
Syd is back from camp & we have had such a good time hanging out & having one on one time. I love it! Although, she has a busier schedule than I do so we have to squeeze in time... Ahhhh, to be a teen again!

Also, I dont know whats going on (other than I prayed specifically for it) but I have started meeting some of the most precious women (in computerville & round town!) & have really enjoyed these precious, genuine, loving friendships!!. Here are just a few pic's of em: ( Lisse above w/me & JW down with my man;) Very excitin, God is so very faithful aint He?!!

Well gang, we are off to our fav. local Mexican joint, but I hope you guys are enjoying the sun, fun & freedom the summer brings.

I LYLAS/B and I'll post again reallllly soon! ♥ LA

Oh the fun that was had!!

2009-07-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hi gang! I surely do hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful July. Its been nice here the past few days, in the 80"s, a little rainy & I love the rain!! We have had alot going on this summer (as Im sure you all have!). Two of my older girlz are out of state seeing family, and the other (older one) was in Waco last week on a poverty mission trip w/ our church. She had some amazing stories. One was that they did the prayer of salvation with two sisters who wernt saved. I cried. Its such an awesome feeling to see how Gods plan is unfolding for your baby. We are very proud of her!!! Lil P hasnt gone anywhere except over to a friends to sleep over. She said the other day that she is LOVIN the sisters being gone. She's "not treated like poo and she gets to do what she wants" ( her words!!) We had a wonderful 4th of july party with friends.There were about 12 people and lots of food n fun. The kids swam for hours then we did fireworks for even longer. Here are some photos of the fun filled night...(at the top in our bff Kevin and Syd!)

This lil P and her friend Abby.

These are my sweet friends Christy & Jw.

This is Abby's older sis. Makenzie...

My bff JW & my man!!

lil P and her bff Kenzie

and JW's sweet lil self w/ moi!

The forth was one of the first nights that I had been out in awhile, for 2 reasons. One is that Im doing this weightloss challenge and OMGAW its been realllly difficult. Ive lost considerable weight, but I've barely made it through!!(thank you honey for your love and patience!!)

The second reason is because I fell in my back yard...(ugh!) Sprained both ankles, my right knee, anddddd peepled all the skin off my big toe on my right foot.( I posted pic's on FB case yer interested ;)

So Sat. night was a very special treat, not to mention the fact that we were celebrating the men and women that have fought and are fighting for our freedom. I am so very thankful to live in this counrty, and am deeply thankful for the sacrifices being made!!

I miss all of your beautiful selves and promise to be here way more! Hope your having a fabulous week!!

xoxoxox ♥ LA

We survived!!!!

2009-05-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

Friday night we had a lock~in birthday party for Kait's sweet 16th. Oh man was it a BLAST!!! I am so dang tired but it was totally worth it!! We had her fooled into thinking that we were meeting friends in Tulsa at her fav. mexican place & that we had to stop by our church for camp papers. So off we go upstairs to the youth area where a room full of people lay in wait to jump out & scream "Happy Birthday" to her. She,was SHOCKED!! The whole thing went off w/out a hitch, including the fact that 5o people from our church & friends knew & managed to keep it a complete secret~ Amazing!!

I had a cake made with a precious pic of her when she was 1.

(It's sitting in the kitchen right now beacause I cant force myself to cut into her precious lil body!! We did eat some, all around the edge, lol!) . 7 or 8 of my girlfriends came up to hang with us. I love my friends. They are truly supportive & sincerely love the girls & myself. I can see it in their actions, & I couldn't feel more blessed!!. Jenn Wedemeyer & Kelly Grubb did above n beyond & were there to get their "up -all- night" on & I am soooo thankful that they were. We played a series of games in the dark & after the boys went home these 2 ladies kept right up with the action & totally joined in on the chaos! The alarms went off somewhere around 1am & we missplaced the code, we ran around for 20 minutes trying to find it, imagine 15 girls running around , SCREAMING for 20 solid minutes!! I called 911 to let them know what was going on so they wouldn't send anyone, they didn't know a thing about it!!. The poor security company chap showed up around 2 am, I guess he didn't get the memo?! Mayyyyybe we need to re-evaluate our alarm situation?? lol. At one point Kelly & I hid in an area together that one of us could barely fit in, let alone both of us. We laughed, & laughed our henies off!!!. (also lost feeling in our butts & toes, & still continued at a ridiculous pace well past 4 am!!) And this is a pic of Jenn stuck, in a secret location that we cannot devuldge otherwise there might be consequences!! ;) Thank you ladies for taking time away from your families to embark on that adventure with me, your awesome!!

Kait & her friends are still talking about it & are already ready for the next one. Which is perfect because Kevin & Jenn are already offering to chaperone so I gatta get it on the calendar!! ;)

I cherish this time in our lives & hope to drink it all in. I just really hope that I'm not to worn our when lil P gets this age & needs me to participate in her life, lol!!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend & I can't wait to read all about it!!

LYLAS/B ♥ LA

My baby is turning 16 tomorrow....

2009-05-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

Kait my oldest turned 16 in ummm, 28 minutes ago. I seriously cannot believe it!!! Where in the world did all the time go, huh? A few days ago on Mothers day I was sitting doing somthing & suddenly realized that I only have 2 more mothers day's with all four of my girls under one roof~it hit me like a mack truck. I'm just not ready.

Tomorrow we are having a surprise lock-in birthday bash up at our church, & I'm having a pic of her on her first b~day put on her cake. As I sat going through all of the pictures of her over the last 16 years, I started to really struggle with how quickly the time has gone by. Did I spend enough quality time with her?. Does she know how very special she is to me?. Have I been a good mom to her?. Have I listened & encouraged her?. She was born 13 months before her twin sisters, & the first few years were really hard on her & took some adjustment (for all of us!!). I have wondered over the years if she got to be a baby long enough?.

She has really been a great big sister. When lil P came along she just jumped right in and was such a huge help to me. She has always been so mature & level headed & before she was a teen she was already offering to watch our friends children so that they could have a break!!

As of late, our life hasn't been one filled with very many tender moments. She & I are so much alike & there have been times when I wondered if I would make it through, but I have realized is that this is a time in her life where I am working on letting go, & she is working on going......

I couldn't have asked for a more precious Kaitlyn. She was hand picked just for me. I cherish every tick of the clock that God has gifted me with her as my daughter, & right now more than ever I want to celebrate having her in my life.

I love you very much Kaitlyn. Always know that I believe in you. I'm always going to be on your side. And you always , always, have a home here with me.

I cannot wait to see all of the wonderful things you have yet to do, & all of the mountains you have yet to climb.

Happy Happy Birthday Baby!!! ♥ MOM

Florida, Girlfriends, The Lord Jesus, & a sunburn! Ugh...

2009-05-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

Had the best week, nearly ever!! I flew off to Fl. last Sat. for a week on the beach with my girlfriends. Just some time to rest and renew & boy did I. We moved from Florida 4 years this Sept. & until last week I really didn't think I missed it. I quickly realized, I do. I not only miss the white sandy beaches, 90 degree days, aqua marine water, but I realllly misss my friends.
I know God moved us here for a few reasons. I have seen our buisness blow up, I've seen God truly work in my family's lives, but theres somthing about girls who know your dirt, & still love you...The friends I have there are strong,so loving, very tan (lol) real women of God who were (& are) such a special part of my life. I came home on thursday & told hubbs to pack it all up!!( although I couldn't leave my friends here.......... with out a few weeks advanced notice... :)
I have found some awesome friends here too. Why, just last night I had a teriffic G.N.O. & feel truly blessed that God has placed them in my life!!
I have just realized that the saying about season's of friends in your life is so true, but it takes alot of time & dedication to grow "old friends". I truly hope you are growing some of your own...

LYLAS/B ♥L.A

Well, It's official!!

2009-04-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Summer has arrived!! Hi ya'll, boyyyy have I missed you!!
Today (as most of you know) is Earth day.We went to see the movie Earth with some of our friends... (this is a pic of the little girls that went). It was really good and I just love how they filmed it.
It's so beautiful here today and 95 degrees right now. A few months ago I wasn't excited about summer, but after these last 3 windy cold months, I am READY!!
I have said this before, but I am so vexed about what to do with this blog. People have been getting on to me about not posting, but I just think of so many things I want to tell ya'll!!!
Well, lets see, I have recently lost some weight. It's been a toughie but I have had the most awesome support system of girlfriends and hubby, and I am well on my way. I am doing this wonderful eating thing, and if any of you want it, please email me and I'll be thrilled to share it with you. The weight has been seriously dropping. I had lost quite a bit of weight a few years ago on atkins, but the eating was so darn strict I couldn't stay with it... This isn't like that ;)
The girlies are at church right now so my casa is quiet. Ahhhhhhh.I love getting on here and not having a bazillion interruptions.
Things are going really good. We still have the typical life stuff, and parent of teen stuff, but I couldn't be happier. Our summer is already booking up. We have church camps, then 2 of the girls are going to Iowa to visit their cousins and Nana, and then in Aug. we are going on a vacation with some of our bestest friends. I can't wait, and hopefully I'll be 40 pounds thinner!!
We are about to start getting the pool ready. The girls have started to mention it often, so week after next I'll do may annual trek to the pool store and begin my daily ritual. I don't mind it, they spend alotttt of time in it during the summer.
I am also going to Florida next week with my girlfriends. I can't wait. I'm gonna sit my self on the white sandy beach and lay around laughing, loving and visiting the entire time!! I'm going to spend time with one of my bestest friends in the whole world! For some strange reason the girls are very excited for me to go. I think I might need to install motion censored security cameras in my house whilst I'm away??!!
Oh and I am twittering now. If you wanna add me shoot me an email and I'll be happy to link up!!
Okay, I have about covered it for now, and I want to pop around and see what you have been doing... I Heart you and can't wait to hear from you!!

LYLAS/B ♥ LA

wii are a lil late in the game!!

2009-03-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

The older three girls stayed over at their friends last night, so lil P, hubbs and I went to dinner... Ahhh.

Then after, we wanted a coffee naturally and hubbs asked...

"Hey, how bout we buy a wii." Well, how could I say no?? So he and lil P stayed up well past midnight kicking each others butt at the various games. Why did we wait so long?? The girls and I created our wii~selves this morning. Ughhh!.

I've been working out with a personal trainer and the girls still made my wii girl chubby~ Sooo not fair!!!

The older three girls wern't home an hour and 2 have already been sent to their rooms!!

Well just as most of you, we got snow. It started early this morning and is still comming. We have a total white out!! We've got satelite TV and it's out today due to snow, which gives me the perfect excuse to be on here, for hours!!! ( I should have said" to do my bible study", but who am I kidding??)

Welp, I just sent # 3 to her room... This day just gets better and better!! I seriously just heard thunder right now, THUNDER & SNOW??? I have never heard of that in my whole life!!

Well,thanks to Keli's (Dream Imagine Live) update on facebook, I am heading out for wing's today~ Yum and eakkkk!!!

Okay, well I'm off to check some of you out, then get dressed to head off into the white, cold yonder to get me some wing's.... Man is it quiet here, Mama likie!! ;)

LYLAS/B ♥ LA

Is cause kansas blows and texas sucks?

2009-03-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

I don't believe that for one minute, but we have had seriously hurricane force winds and some people here have a theory, and that's it... I grew up in Tx. have a lot of family there and miss it . Might even someday end up back there if the good Lords willing..
I miss you guys so much tho, I can't hardly take not hearing from you!!
God is so good to me. I haven't slept in 6 days, and finally slept last night. A group of ladies from my church are doing the bible study Esther ( I know, I do have a point in this lil story;) and last night one of my close friends called me and told me " You HAVE to do day one right now, it's about God keeping people awake when He is trying to deal with them about something!!" Well, I naturally had to go right away and get it. Sure enough, He had me snotty nose and sobbing in the first 5 minutes!!! I want to encourage any of you that aren't sleeping to please get this BM study and look at week six, day 1. This part of the study is where Esther told her hubby King Xerxes that she wanted to throw a party and asked if Haman would come as well.. Well, this was the night following that party and the King couldn't sleep. God revealed or rather used this time to unfold a turning point in the Kingdom. I don't want to give it away, but God was up to something HUGE. I have been wrestling with so many things lately. One is a life changing thing that has got me in it's grips & needless to say, I had a time with God last night... It was a good, draining time. I am hard headed and sometimes He has to just let me wrestle. He is so patient with me. Is there anything He is letting you wrestle with?Is it your babies, family, finances , your marriage? Well, He already knows the outcome you just have to release it so that He can work it out on your behalf.( Or so He told me last night. And I am seriously trying...)
How are you, whats going on in your world?? I Miss ya like crazy... I'm off to see what you been up to!!
LYLAS/B ♥ LA

A trip Home....

2009-03-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone...I suppose alot of you are eather about to have spring break, or its week after next. Well , I can't wait to see pic's and hear all about it ;) Being that we homeschool, we can do ours whenever we see fit. We will prob. take it the last week in March and take a trip to my dad's in Paragould Arkansas. I was born in Arkansas. Moved from there when I was 5ish. My grandparensts ( moms parents) moved to NM from Ar.and we followed. My dad's whole family lives in Ar. and has my whole life. He and I hadn't really known one another until just over 2 years ago. God totally reunited us. My dad is now saved and a totally different man than I knew growing up, now we see him often. He has grown very close to my dh and girls. He has a twin sister and they celebrated their b-day last weekend, so off we went to hang out for the Birthday Bash. Any of you have Southern roots?? I am here to tell you that if you do & get together "Southern Style" then your gonna grub, aint no two ways about it!!!.... I ate till I couldnt eat anything else. Let me just take you through the the meal we had for lunch Sunday...
This here is a good ole pot of Beans and Southern Cornbread...

OH MAMA!!

Alongside this delish dish "Fried Taters n Onions" gatta have em!!

With some "Franks And Kraut"

And lastly but certainly not least, "Banana Puddin"!!

All this followed a huge batch of Biscuits n Gravy for breakfast!!

Have I told you that I have been seeing a personal trainer??? Well, it was totally worth it and I can't wait to go back for more!! My kids are still detoxing....

What kinds of food do you eat when you go home? I just can't wait to hear about it... I have so missed you all, and I am going to go and see what has been happening in your world!! ;)

LYLAS/B!! LA

Bink Blink Blink....

2009-02-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

Thats what my cursor is doing as Im sitting here trying to figure out what to blog about...

Do you ever have those times when you have so much going on all at once and yet you can't even think of anything to say... No?? Me neither... Lol.

Hi Ya'll , wow how I've missed your beautiful faces!!!

Lets see, where to begin...

Well, K & the boy broke up. We let him in our home and lives (against Chris's better judgement). He was right, I was very wrong. The boy was sneaking over when I went to NM to see my fam & also on Tuesday nights locking himself in K's room with her when hubbs & I were at a class at church. K got busted, & asked him to come over & take his lumps with her, he said nope & left her out to dry-alone. She cries every night, has trouble eating & sleeping, has no life, no cell, has lost all her priveledges & is on complete lockdown... He has already asked another girl to Prom, & has pic's of himself with a girl already up on his facebook.

I'm very happy it's over. I can see now that he has no character & certainly didn't care about her. This was her first love. She really loved him. My heart breaks for her, & yet I am so thankful that God was faithful & removed him. She and I are fractured. She blames me, & I am very angry. But I am also prayerful & know that God is the God of restoration & forgivness. I cling to that. Also to the fact that He say's that they have the truth in them, have been brought up knowing , so they will return to it...

I have made an appt. w/ a christian councelor next week for her. S (other former wayward daughter, ok still wayward, but Im speaking it as tho it were... ;) & I saw him today. Awesome man of God and hugely annointed. I truly believe God is guiding my steps right now because I am at the very end of myself with all of this -with both of my babies. I'm sure I'll have more to say as the next few week's unfold round here...

So much has happened, and so much deep dark pain~ I am really working towards forgivness in some other areas too, inspite of their underserving-ness ( its a word, uh-hu it is...) . I am making friends now. For about the last 7 months I wasnt the least bit intertested in moving foreward because I went through such a painful season.... Maybe not interested isnt the right phrase. I was just stuck, didn't know how... But God is placing some really wonderful girlz in my life & I am finally at a place where I can open myself up to them. Boy, relationship stuff is work huh?? I know God had work to do in me about why it was that I let myself get sucked in to such disfunction. Looking back I see it so clearly now. How exciting to realize over and over that I don't have to fight this on my own. Any of it. He is here fighting, all I have to do is know who I am in Him & stay prayerful. Ahhhh. Do that with me, okay??... Ready, Now say " Ahhhhh" & realllllly let it out.

Feel better?? I know I do. Okay, its your turn. Whats been going on in your world. I am seriously anxious to hear from you. It can be anything you wanna share. Just know, if you need encouraging or an ear (eyes) I am your girl!!

I just love getting to know y♥u better!!!

LYLAS/B ♥ LA

A Tragedy...

2009-02-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

We lost a 14 year old boy Sunday night here in Owasso. He was with a friend & crossing the freeway that runs through town. They were crossing to go home after meeting friends at a local pizza joint & didn't want to go all the way around. 3 cars hit this boy going 65 mph and he was dead on the scene. The tragedy isn't just that he is gone, it's the uncertainty of where he will spend eternity... His mother just dropped dead in the parking lot of a local grocery store a few years ago & this was this couples only child together. The boy occasionally came to our church & after his mothers passing, some of the leaders in our youth took Jesse in. He stayed with a couple for a few moths & they got to love on him and share Gods love & purpose for his life, but he never was able to forgive God for "taking " his mom....The friend of Jesse's has barely been able to breathe since watching this happen to his friend, I cannot even imagine.. I am unable to express the sorrow that I feel for this family & for this young boy as I write this, it's one of those times when things just don't make any sense. As a Christ follower you know that the only way to get through it is to know that God is here, in the midst of all of this pain & to turn to Him, but as a child who really doesn't know God & His love n grace you are just left with all of this pain & wondering, why... And as we as believers all know, satan could very easily use this in Josh's life for a very long long time... Please join us in praying for this family, his best friend Josh & also please pray for wisdom for the couple that got very close to Jesse as they minister to this man who has lost his baby boy...

We love and miss you Jesse....

Please, tell your babies what they mean to you, & if you haven't already, make sure they have asked Jesus into their precious he♥rts. It's never to late, until it is....

Thank you all, ♥ LA

H♥ppy Frid♥y!!! ( the 13th)

2009-02-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

We had our co-op party today and what a fun time!! Lil P ran around all hopped up on sugar and sprinkles for 2 hours...

Aint it precious!!!

We had close to 50 kids, 5 diff. age groups, totally un-organized but arn't those the best kind?? I am really growing to love this special broup of kiddo's and I remind myself daily, before I know it, lil P wont even want to decorate cookies & play tag using Moi for the base... Yep, These really are the days...
Last night my ex. MIL came into town. We met at incredible Pizza( heard of it? Its a huge pizze eatery, arcade, go karts, putt putt & prizes!!
Fun for the whole family!!) She's in town for a few day's so the older 3 will be staying and hangin with her in Tulsa... Which means we will have P for V-day!!
Soooo, what to do, whatttt to do??
Okay, now its your turn, Please let me know in your comments what your planz are for Valentines day!!
I hope you all hav a wonderful weekend!!
LYLAS/B ♥ LA

Wow, 162 posts & Missed You!!

2009-02-09T16:37:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang!! Well, I've never celebrated my post # before, & I just noticed that I have 162. Thats a good # to celebrate huh??
As some of you have noticed, I have been MIA. We have had a busy few weeks, & also going through some things with one of my daughters has honestly T totaled me.
You just arn't ever prepared for the choices that they start to make when they get to be a teen. She's been headed south lately & as a mom & someone that loves her , has dreams for her future, it's honestly overwhelming.
I'm taking some steps to get her help, but I just have no idea where to go from here.
So I'm here letting it out with you, my blogsphere bff's.
If you want to talk more about it & you have my didgits , just text me ;)
I also wanted to share with you all how great the womens retreat was that I went on. God is sooooo Goood. He knew I was stuck - some awesome things happend there.

One thing was that I kept teasing a girl that was a personal trainer to give away 5 free sessions , well she did & guess who won... THATS RIGHT I DID!! I tripped out & so did she. Well I met with her last Thursday & she told me that she wanted to offer me 3 months of training for FREE!! 12 weeks, no moola. I told ya He is good!!! She said she just felt like she wanted to do thast for me. I was blown away. On the flip side of that, she's having me keep a calorie journal... OMGash, its soooo difficult. I just tallied it all up since last Thurs. and I am now having an apple for dinner, lol!! I also got to do some very cool things like skeet shooting.. I rocked at it!! My shoulder ached after for 2 days but it was totally worth it... What a stress reliever...Here is a pic of me during one of the talks just being silly...

I have also put a bunch of new pix on Facebook - check em out ;)

I have been tagged in the 4th of the 4th pic( you go through your 4th folder or page in your pic's and choose the 4th pic... by Mayberry so heres the pic..

This is a pic of myself (2nd on the right, black shirt) and 4 of my girlsfriends on a girl trip to Mexico!! Soooo much dang fun.....

I would love to have another one of these!! Anyone game for a few day's in our condo in SW. Florida right on the water?? ;)

I also have to choose 4 peeps so I choose

Eye glasses & Endzones

Kam@ Faith Family&Adoption

Dana My neighbor here in Ok.

And Last but by no means leastanother very special feller Okie

Jen of Living our own Fairtytale & is 10 weeks Pregnant! Yay JEN!!!
I'm watching the bachelor right now, quick, who do you think he will choose??
I thought it was really wierd that Melissa 's family wouldnt meet him...
What's up with that & what do you think he thinks about it??

Okay, well, I'm off to wrestlle with Lil P, she's on my bed and fiesty!!...

I hope you all have a teriffic Tuesday!!

LYLAS/B ♥ LA

Twitter Schmitter....& Other Random Thoughts!!

2009-01-29T08:36:00.000-08:00

Okay people, what is this "Twitter" you speak of? I have checked it out & just don't get what all the fuss is about... All I can figure out is that you post what your doing right at that moment, but isn't that what we do on facebook? (If you have facebook, whats your name on there, mine is " Leah M. Allen" feel free to add me...)
Also, on twitter its seemingly not a community, its like this random screen where you are only connected to , you? What fun is that? Please enlighten me!!

Also, are there any of you that have teen girls & had a terrible time with them, & are now back on track w/ a good relationship?? ( need encouragement!!) It's sometimes (often) feels like we won't ever recover from this time in her life. And as a parent, you can't help but think that it's something your doing wrong & you just want to fix it.. Your never prepared for this child you know & love so deeply,to turn into this person you don't even like or enjoy being around.( I'm just being honest.) And you certainly don't have a peace about where this child's bad choices & behavior will lead them... No one & nothing prepares you for what has become the hardest season of my entire life. I really miss her .
Lastly, I have found out about this precious family (from another bloggy girl friend whom I have grown to dearly love, Elaine @ Matters of the heart, listed on my blog roll).
The Macks desperately need our prayer's. Please stop over & see whats going on in their precious family, I'm certain you wont regret it.
Thanks for reading gang, & even if your just a typical lurker, please share your 2 cents with me!!
I will be away this weekend @ a much needed Women's retreat, but I will receive all of your comments right to my cell, ( which I love getting!!) & I will come in and check you all out as soon as I return ;)
Have a fabulous weekend, & stay warm!!
LYLAS/B ♥ LA

Glory, I made it!!!

2009-01-27T18:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, what a day!! We are having a major snow/ice storm here In N.E Oklahoma...

& thank God we havn't lost power.. Last year we had a bad one & some folx were without power for upwards of 2 weeks. We also lost 5 of our 8 trees( one of the main reasons we chose this house was the yard!)

See that poor lil stump?! ^^^^

Here is a pic of our neighbors house and my rose garden...

At this point we only had a dusting, but now have quite a bit more!!

This year we are just enjoying the shut down of daily life .

The girls have had a ball playing outside

They play so well together, and are so loving and kind..

(no teenagers were hurt during the taking of this pic)

I have just chilaxed here

all nice and cozy in my great room w/ my latte, laptop & a book "The Shack" (If you have not read it, I seriously suggest you do, it is such an inspiring and deeply profound book... ) I'm not quite done with it, but it has really caused me to reverse some of my life long thinking. 10 thumbs up!. ( okay, I know we dont have 10, but if there were 5 of us here, I know you would all include your thumbs in this!!)
Also,I'm not sure if it was my laptop (pleaseeee no) or the cloud & snow cover reaking havoc with my wireless card, but I have attempted to get in here alllll day.. And I'm in, YEA, but I am having the hardest time posting pic's and getting any other windows to pull up...grrr!! I took some of the girls outside today, I hope I get can them on here...

Oh and this is a "Wordfull Wednesday" Post.. Be Sure to stop by

Angie's

for more great WW posts!!!
Big A just got home, & I made guacamole & taco's for dinner, so I'm off to get him all fixed up, then I'll be back to see what all of you-my sweet netty friends- have been up to today !! ;)
LYLAS/B ♥ LA

Not Me Monday- & Now remember No Judging yo Neighbor...

2009-01-26T12:41:00.000-08:00

Ohhhh Girls , batten down the hatches, this aint your typical Not me Monday... ( No judging, you know , it's in the Book!!)
I did not desperately want to take one of my 14 year old twins over my knee 3 times this weekend.( Came sooooo close, by the grace of God I restrained myself!!)
I did not tell Big A that if he didn't get right home after work he might find a note that read " I'm at the Rennasiance (Hotel) , might see ya Friday-ish...It was Saturday.
I did not turn the sabath into deep house/yard cleaning for the whole fam... Sorry Lord.
I did not have a thin shred of hope pinned on meeting with said 14 y.o's therapist today at 2:30- then he called to postpone because of this weather!!!! Ughhhh
I did not turn Big A down 4 times this weekend.. I know, it just aint right...Sorry babe, seriously it's not you, its me.
I did not drive through starbucks 6 times this weekend ( fri, sat sun..do the math)
I did not sleep in an extra hour & have Big A leave after Sunday school & come home to get me for church, nope, not moi.
I did not stay up on face book till 2:30 am last night and sleep till 10.....

I am not sitting here watching 'Lizzie mcGuire the movie" with Lil P...
I did not just find my bichon digging through my bathroom trash!! -ewwwwwie
I did not just say "ewwwwwie"
Okay, I'm off to pop around and see how your monday's are going.. Oh yes & -If your lurking and just planning to read this and not reply, I cannot see that you stopped by on my blog tracker & I will not do the same to you... :)
LYLAS/B ♥ LA

Hey, where's my Aunt Jodi???

2009-01-23T14:57:00.000-08:00

Have you guys seen John and Kate Plus 8? Well, God love her, she has her best friend Jodi right around the corner. On Friday's Jodi comes & gets all of the kids so that Kate can have a break. She sometimes will keep all 8 kids overnight!!! She go's on trips with them to help out, she calls in the evenings to see how Kate is doing, she cooks dinner & has Kate over ,they just sit and chilax... . She and Kate have a wonderful relationship, never get competitive, always say nice things about one another. Yep, I'm jealous. I want an Aunt Jodi!!!
OR SO I THOUGHT!!! Okay, so I'm writing this & I do a google search for a pic of aunt Jodi to put on here-you wont believe what I found- I'm totally shocked- here's a video clip of Aunt Jodi crying because of all the fall out from what has been touted as Kate thinking that she comes off looking better than her on the show, & also Discovery Channel offered Jodi $ to be on the show to which Kate says NO WAY-That only her family can receive money for the filming of this show . Read one or read them all, it's up to you.. I found it interesting.
Here is part of a letter about it:
... http://www.supernannyrules.com/jon-and-kate-plus-eight-aunt-jodi-on-a-blogging-warpath/
And here's a video about it from Aunt Jodi:
http://evilbeetgossip.film.com/2008/08/23/jon-and-kate-plus-eight-gets-nasty-aunt-jodi-tells-her-side/
And here is the blog she refers to, where all of this is talked about by Aunt Jodi's sister:
http://truthbreedshatred.blogspot.com/
Gheesh, I really thought they were tight as the spandex on a cycle cop making his usual rounds at Duncan Doughnuts...
( Umm, I apologize in advance if you are one, or are married to one :)
What are your thoughts on all of this & as usual, am I the last to know???
Oh yes, & sweet Jodi when your ready to talk , I'm here for you girl - stay strong!!
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** & on the prom dress front, my instinct doesn't have a flash so I wasn't able to take pics :( but as soon a we have some options, I'll post them.
Thanks to all of you that replied to my post!! ;)

LYLAS/B
♥LA

Puffy Prom Dresses & Pain In My Pocketbook!!!

2009-01-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

Hi Ya'll!! I'm home & getting back into the swing of things!!

Kait & the boy are going to prom together in April so first thing today she had me out looking. I was shocked @ how much dresses cost these days... Pretty much every thing we saw was around $300.00. I will show ya one we looked at ( she didnt choose this one so I'll post it, we don't want the boy seeing it!!)

We didn't have it laced up tight so its a little poofy round the middle,

but it was a beautiful dress...

This is another one that she didn't try on but really likes..

We may go back tomorrow so that she can try it on, I really liked this!!.

The dress shop here

asked her which school's prom she's going to because she wont

sell the same dress to more than one girl going to that prom...

We thought that was a great idea!!!

Tonight they are having a formal dress show, so

she and I are going to look at more dresses!! Anyone wanna join us?

( I could sure use the help!!)

I'll take pics and show them on here tomorrow!

So are any of you getting ready for prom, we can chat!!

IM NOT READY for my baby to go.......

Okay, I better git so I can check & see what you

have all been up to...

I'll be back!!

LYLAS/B

♥ LA

Hola from the Land Of Enchantment!!

2009-01-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

Hello Peeps, I forgot to let you all know where I've wandered off to... I'm in NM visiting my family!

My sisters 24th b-day was Thursday and my nieces was yesterday so off we went! I've got Syd and lil P with me, the other ladies stayed back with dad ( I think Kait's reason for staying back had more to do with the Boy than I had realized before my departure, otherwise she might have been dragged along too, I'm just sayin!!) Have you ever noticed that when you are around the family that you grew up around, you just instinctively take the position you always have, & no matter how old you are you will ALWAYS see them just as if you were still kids... For instance, I am the oldest sister of 5 . My sister Jor is the baby & we are the only 2 girls. When we are around one another I instinctively boss her around - she acts like a spoiled brat & narcs me out every chance she gets... My brother who is 11 months younger than moi is the middle child & acts as such. He is pushy, moody & acts out to get attention. He is also my mothers favorite child whom can do no wrong, so it forces me to antagonize him to try & get him in trouble- to no avail!!! ... They are both kids to me & we all act just as we did in grade school when we lived together... I have tried to break this bondage of our youth, but there just ain't no sense, its the way it is & always will be I guess- it (whatever 'IT' is) will always be their fault & not mine!!.
I am really curious to know if it's that way for other families too?!
I love being here, but I know why it is that I live 10 hours away!! ;)
OK we are off to the local pizza joint for my niece's party in a few!!

(Okay I'm back & want to share a pic of the kido's waitin for cake, arnt the the cutest!!)

I hope you all are having a fabulous weekend & I'll see ya in Oklahoma!
( Well I will be there, you will be wherever it is that you are when you read my next post that I 'll be typing from my laptop, which is in Oklahoma where I live... :) Hehehe... ( I know, I'm weird, but I heard that knowing it is half the battle!)
Oh & before I forget , thank you so much Ang, for 'Guest Posting' for me whilst I am away!! You are solely responsible for my latest addiction of you tube videos with the cutest kids in them!!! Uhhh, thanx ;)
LYLAS/B ♥LA

Ninja Baby! from a guest poster

2009-01-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

HI! I'm Ang from davisix and I am honored to be Leah's guest poster.

I didn't think I would do Leah's blog justice if I didn't post something funny....so, here goes. I hope it makes you giggle right out loud like it does me. If not, then I will feel alone....and weird! ;)

Have a fun and blessed Friday and weekend!

xoxox

Ang

I hope you still love me after seeing this....

2009-01-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I went in to have major work done... On my Hair. I have a gf and she is a hair magician. I liked my hair before, it was short and dark red, nice...but it was my birthday and my friend wanted to add a littl color, spruce it up some... What I am about to show you I'm quite certain will shock and amaze you,so please put down any beverage you might be holding near your computer & step away from any sharp object that could possible impale you should you faint....

Also, you have to promise that what you are about see will not be splashed you tube, or any of the sort, deal?? Okay, here go's......

I tell ya, I even shocked myself at how down right delish I looked....

I want you to look at the expresion of sheer shock on that fellars face as he gazes upon my beauty.....

I was so relieved to get out of the spotlight of the crowd gathering to look at me in my infinate beauty....

And here is the final product...

I tell you right now, I love it, but I just don't know if I could go through that again, let alone put Kelly through it.....

We have laughed at these pic's countless times, & I have had to block that kid in the second pic from callin me wanting to take me to the local mexican place for taco's...

I guess thats the price ya pay for looks like this....

MEOW!!!!

I bet you wish we could hang out huh??

Well, I'm off to check you out, I hope your having a fabulous day!!

♥ LA

I have a Confession...Very Personal....

2009-01-09T12:29:00.000-08:00

Let me first start by saying that I love the Lord. I rededicated my life 6 years ago. I love knowing that I am not the bottom line, that I have a place I can go where I get rest & answers to those problems that plague us in this fallen world. That being said, I am really struggling & for whatever reason those answers just aren't coming right now... I am ashamed to say that I have had this pious attitude since becoming born again, that nothing could make me walk away from my relationship with God. I shared with Ang a few minutes ago that I read "When Godly People Do UnGodly things" by Beth Moore last year I said right out loud that nothing could make me walk away from my relationship with God. Well, I never should have said that, I think it issued a challenge. For the past 4 months I have been going through somethings that have shaken my resolve & caused me to stumble in my walk in a way that I never would have thought possible. I haven't sinned in it, but I have grown very cold in my conviction level and my faith has waiverd. It first came in the form of my dear "Christian" friend whom I loved & trusted more than any earth bound person other than my Hubbs. We had had our ups and downs over the past few years & at times I wondered what the Lord had her in my life for, but I truly believed that He was using our relationship to work the off rough edges in me... Like sandpaper. I was very wrong. She totally destroyed my reputation, my faith in her & ruined friendships with myself and my other friends. She also would say things to me about others that caused me to alienate myself from them and not give them a chance, I am very sorrowful that I allowed this to happen and I have & will ask for forgiveness.. I know that what she did will be revealed, but I have struggled with the anger that I feel and the depths that she was willing to go to to hurt me...
I am really working on forgiving her in spite of her NOT deserving it. Not an easy task and I am not about to say that I have it down, I don't yet. But I do know God is faithful.. (honestly, I say this more for my benefit than for you...)
I am also trying to be thankful that these other relationships have been culled from my life because as a Christ Follower we are called to forgive & love. I have recieved neither from them...
Recently I have once again been faced with something that I am ill equipt to handel. I am going through something with one of my daughters that has overwhelmed me in a way that I cannot even describe. I just keep clinging to the scriptures about teaching them about Him and they will not depart from it. But I am ANGRYYYYY! I know that's not the "Christian" thing to say, but I'm being totally honest here as the tears stream down my face. I'm angry and so confused/ I don't know how to do this. I have no idea what I'm doing and I am fighting the fleshly instinct I have to cut & run......
I don't know why I'm sharing this with all of you, except to say that I am drowning and would really love it if you would pray for me. I am so tired of trying to fight this on my own , so I am bringing it out into the light.
If you feel compelled to talk to me about any of this, I will be happy to share with you what's going on with my girl, I could surly use the council, but I will not be going into anymore detail about the frienemey, I would very certainly sin in talking further about it....
Thanks peeps and I appreciate you... LA

Do Not Fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Fired Up Friday!!!

2009-01-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many of you are aware ( hopefully you haven't had an occasion to feel the pain & anguish that myself and the hubbs have been recently subjected to, okay, maybe not pain and anguish, more like anger and aggravation!!) but I have unfortunately found out that there is this "Secret underground Society" of looting & wearing of Automobile Bling... Yes, you heard right, AUTOMOBILE BLING!!! -that is seriously what its called. "How??" you might be asking, did I come to hear of this despicable practice...Well, I have a Cadillac Escalade & over the past month 2 of my rim center caps have gone missing.

Evidently the emblems are in high demand for gang initiation & also for wearing on a chain around ones neck. Seriously????? This makes me really angry, an steals my joy, we work hard for what we have!!. Here I am , minding my own business & Bam, right in the mall parking lot I get robbed. I'm on the web right now trying to hunt some down, these babies ain't cheap either. What is this world coming to that a girl can't even have her center caps left alone... Grrrr

............................................................................

Also, since Big A has had this head cold (that followed the awful stomach flu) he sounds like that chubby gay guy that was in that movie "The bird cage" with Robin Williams... What's his name??? It's dring me crazy.....

..............................................................................

On to brighter things... My dear , sweet loving friend Ang @ Davisix gave this to me before the crazy Christmas season so I am honored to place it here on my blog... We all know how much I love & should be apart of the Cullen Clan.. I suppose this will do for now ;)

Ohhhhhhh How I love thee....... And you too Ang ;)

Enjoy ladies!! Now I'm gonna pop around & see who

made off with my New Moon ticker.... LA

Operation, Lil P.....

2009-01-06T17:43:00.000-08:00

Well I am back, still feeling the fog of this flu/head cold/stomach bug thing we have been hit with... But I'm back!!
Lil Miss P has taken full advantage of her daddy and I being home, in bed - basically at her beck and call..... As soon as Big A could sit up and focus she had his undivided attention in between trips to the bathroom...
She lost her top front tooth this week and now has the cutest lisp...

She also finagled him into letting her beat him at removing ribs and kidney bones....

And she didn't even noticed when he passed out and ran back and forth to the restroom... What a gal huh??

I also managed another rendezvous with my dearest Edward...

( yes Okay, that does make 5 times... And??? Well, what was I supposed to do, my sweet friend needed someone to go with, and I was kind enough to join her... Isn't that what friends are for?? ;)

And, humph, now that I am feeling better, Big A asked me very innocently (right) .... " So sweetheart, when do you think you might be up to, Oh I don't know... Doing some of my work clothes or putting some of our things away from out trip??" (over a week ago) To which I sweetly replied , "Your arms don't seem to be broken" ...No rest for the weary... Is anyone else feeling the after CHRISTmas/ start of the new Year blues???

I am so glad to be back, I can't wait to see what all of you have been up to, I'm off to check ya out!!

Oh and uhhhh, I just sneezed and think I might have wet myself a lil bit... Those dang kegals Do Not Work- The Great WET lie!! I've done em in every grocery & starbucks line from here to Great lakes of Michigan....... LYLAS/B!! ♥LA

Ahhh, romance...

2009-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

Last night all of the girls were away at my bff's house.
While they were away Big A & I had the most wonderful night...
It was just so romantic.
Let me share with you our very special night of bliss!!...
We drank thera flu,passed cough drops back N forth,shared tums..
He even got our small trash can ready for me at a moments notice...
( yes thats the little white thing in his arms)

Isn't he truly wonderful!!
Ahhhh romance!!!

I havn't even been able to re-read (for the 4th time) twilight which as you all know has miriculous powers and can make even the sickest cougar,err I mean girl, feel better... thats when I knew this virus was serious!!!

Oh and before I forget, I just thought you all should know that Ang (Davisix) & Keli

(Dream Imagine Live) are hanging out right how @ Ang's & didn't even bother to invite any of us... Thats why neither of them are on posting pic's & letting us know how much fun they are having with out us!!. Just thought you should know...

Okay, I'll be back just as soon as I'm feeling better...

I'm feeling a little loopy right now

so night night!!!

( PS/ FYI: No, I'm not nekked, I'm in my perfectly acceptable for takin pic's n posting them on my blog-rainblow polka dotted brown tube top dress... Smexy heh?? ;) You know you want it!!!

Sit Right Back & You'll Hear a Tale, a Tale of a Fateful Trip.....

2008-12-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hellllooooo Peeps!! Well, we had an interesting week @ my in laws in Michigan for CHRISTmas... We ended up taking the girls cell's the 2nd day we were there so that we might get the chance to actually visit and see the whites of their eyes... ( Let me just say that it was touch and go for quite some time after that) then they started coming around, thank the good Lord, I was thinking about fleeing during the night!!

This the the girlz & Gabe (cousin)

& what looks to be Kait soon to whip out the moon! No, not my Kait!!!....( thats her in the middle, bending foreward, with her hands on her hips. Ahhh,such a proud moment...)

I Think Chels is set to slam big A here and Kait is reloading ... Good times!!

One thing that they look foreword to for the entire year (not) is that we always take them sit on santy's lap ( yes, I know they are 15 and 14, and??)

Don't they just look thrilled?? :)

We also got to see my baby twin Nephews.

Chels holding lil C

Isnt he a doll!!!

We barely survived a category 5 stomach flu, poor lil P was down for 3 days!!!

She missed out on a sleepover, a party and riding the snow machine thingie...

Poor baby...

We left yesterday morning & on the drive I thought I'd share with you a few things that we saw... We always pass this house size chicken,

Isn't it great? I knew just you'd agree & well, I want it!!!

Then we stopped in Indy to see my bff whom I have known for 8 years. Believe it or not, I can seriously tell her anything. I get so much great advice & Godly wisdom from her!! She has never betrayed me, thrown me under the bus, tried to steal my man, stabbed me in the back, told lies or rumors or owed me money... (so rare these days , I know)

I miss her, yes I do!!

All in all it was a great trip...

Except for ... Wait for it......

.............................

...........................

As soon as we left Indy big A started feeling chills , bad gas pains and terrible nausea... Yep, you guessed it- Category 6 .....

We drove straight through, 15 hours & arrived back in Oklahoma this morning @ 3 am. He has yet to venture out from our room, & naturally has needed my assistance for various things that I am trying to block from my minds eye, & therefore shall not discuss here ( I'm sure you are sooooo thankful as you sit there all great feeling and un-gassy!!...)

Unfortunately,as I sit here, I feel my stomach kinda twisting and stabbing a teensy bit... Eakkkk, I dont want it!!! -I better not breathe on you!!!

Sooooooo I may, or may not be back on tomorrow... Stay tuned to find out.

I am just sooooo happy to be back amongst my bloggy Bff's...

Seriously missed you lotttts!!

Oh & please, say a prayer ;) ♥LA

Road Trip,My fav caffinated beverage & 2 feet of Snow, Yeee haw!!!

2008-12-23T14:04:00.000-08:00

Well girl's & boy's, it is now 2 days till CHRISTmas!! We are in Michigan & in the past 3 days have had 16 inches fall-OH YEAH!!!

The girls get so close on our trip's, they are just so loving & charitable to one another, & just mankind in general... (NOT) But boy ain't they cute!!!

We drive like 14 hours to get here, & make a few key stops to purchase what is refered to ( in my circle) as a life sustainin beverage!! Jealous, huh?????

Lil P has 2 cousins here that are her same age, we havn't seen much of her since she got here. When we do see them, we can't really tell who is who, I think this is her, but I couldn't swear to it!!!

I would loveeee to see some of your wonderful winter wonderland pic's/ Hmmm a MEME perchance??? :)

Ok, we'll I am off to have some chinese in a local German restaraunt here, so I hope you are all having a wonderful evening ...

**LYLAS ( & for Goodfather, LYLAB ;) - If you dont know what this means, ask & I'll share it with ya, it might also be fun to hear what you think it means, hehehehe....

Ohhhhhhh yes, & love hookin up with all of you on Facebook!!!

♥ LA

Shopping Frenzy Friday...

2008-12-19T14:42:00.000-08:00

Hi ya'll!! Well, I dont know about all of you but I am just lovvvvin this weather!! The sun showed up today for a bit, but it had been down right fridged here for the past week... LOVIN IT!! The girls all got Christmas Cash so today we all went out a shoppin. OMGAW, running 4 girls all over town looking high n low for new dudds is just plain ole exhaustin!! We are also getting ready for the trip & its just been crazy round here... Let me see, hmmm ...what else have I been up to, Oh yeah... I went and saw Twilight again for the 4th time... Ok yes, yes, I did & you know what?? I loveeeeeed it okay.. It was wonderful & I am not going to feel guilty-Hehehe!! If you were here and wanted to go, I'd even go again , twice!!. I truely love this movie & its ok if you didnt care for it, I will buy you one when it comes out on dvd and we can watch it together whilst I tell you all of the reasons why it is in fact the best movie ever filmed ( to me;) Ohhhh yes , Kait is going with the boy

& his fam tonight, for dinner n to see a movie... (I know that he reads this blog, lol, so if you want my thoughts, feel free to email me & we can chat ;) Oh, also, I want all of you that want to hook up w/ me on Facebook, just look me up@ Leah M. Allen & I'll add ya.

Also, if any of you text & have unlimitedwish to email me & I'll send you my cell # so we can talk incessently about what God has done in our lives n grow closer in our friendship!! ;)
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Lastly, I gat 2 awards!!! Whooo Heeeooooo, made even more special because both are from great girls and it's the same award! Here is the first, it is from Megan!! (INfertile Myrtle) & the second is from Debbie(All things are possible).

Translated: "This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."
Thank you so much, it is seriously wonderful Girlz, I am very Honored!!
Now I nominate:
Elaine-Matters of the Heart
Becky- In the trenches
Jill- Jills believe it or not
Roz- Roz's Ramblings
Valarie Lea- Valarie Lea in Tenn. is now in Alabama
Candy- everyone has a story to tell
Circle of Life
Liz- My crazy Life with 4 boys

Enjoy Girlies, Love ya!
**I miss you all, and therefore, I am off to see what all you have been up to!! LYLAS, ♥LA

What all have I missed "Wednesday"?

2008-12-16T22:15:00.000-08:00

This is a link to a You Tube Video that I saw over on"soawesomewemightgetarrested"... I have no Idea how to Post the Actual Video here,(if you know how, can ya help me? ;).. Big A and I have watched it a few times - he is in here right now reenacting it for me, ohhh yeahh!!!. So please Just Click on this link, its hilarious!! Business time... Enjoy, and be sure to lemme know whatcha think!!. ............................................................................................................................................................... Welcome back, Funny huh??.... Well, I got all of the girls Christmas pressies wrapped tonight, wooohhhhoooo!. I also got all of stuff sent out that I needed to send, so whew!. School has been out here for 2 days because we have had a huge freeze, so we had some kids over & also our very good friends, which made fer a teriffic impromptu party here last night & then again today/tonight.. ( Last night was till 1:30!!) Tonight ended a bit earlier, I think we were all just still pooped from last night!!. This week we leave for Michigan, but until then- we are slammed!!. Saturday night we have a city wide scav hunt and the "Wonderful Mom" (from our youth ministry, that you all have come to know & love through me :) will be on an opposing team, so I might not make it home till sometime Sunday, if @ all lol!!... Pray for your sista huh??
Hehehe!!! Well, I have been away a few daze so I wanna pop around n see what all my BFF's (you) have been up to... Ang, Im praying for Granny.... ( & you too honey♥ ) I hope you are all having a Fabulous Wednesday, - I have missed the heck out of ya!!. ☺ LA

Farewell Friday....

2008-12-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

.......................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

I showed you who's team I'm on,

( as if there were ever

any question!!)

Now you show me your's......

Or , how many of you have yet to read it or see the Epic Movie??

If not, GET TO IT!!!

..........................................................................................

Also, are any of you thinking any differently about Word Verification now??

☺

♥LA

Wednesday -This Aint your Average Wordfull Post!!! (some Violence & Angst)

2008-12-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

We'll Its happened.... My, 15 year old found a boy that quickens her pulse...Frankly, your choices about what to do are very limited !!!

Lets go back in time shall we?? We had her around 9 am in Scottsdale Az. on a beautiful may morning. Precious little baby girl, with beautiful round blue eyes, and the softest sweetest smelling skin I think I had nearly ever smelled. As with every mother who looks foreword to her babies birth, I had so many hopes and dreams about how our lives together would be...
Her birth was scheduled well in advance so naturally we very naively assumed that we knew exactly how it would go down, we didn't then & frankly haven't known much of anything to let her tell it, since then.
What happened?? Where is my baby??? & why is it that she knows full well that I have been on this earth for 38 years & have pretty much been there, done that, yet All that gets me a huff & a roll of the eyes. ( actually I don't really ever see the rolling of the eyes naturally, because by that time, she has stomped away hating me for asking her why, for the billionth time, did she leave her straightener on, & didn't she know it could burn the house down?? ect.....(But then I hear "Mom, shes rolling her eyes again~~ SLAM"!!!) She stands now looking @ me eye to eye as we struggle, her to get me to the ground, me to keep that from happening come hell or high water, even at the expense of not being able to stand upright for the next week and a half!!! ( never , EVER let them see you sweat!!!, or limp around!!) She begins to laugh because I can still take her down ( & thank the good Lord, because if she EVER gets that over on me, I just don't know what might happen to the safety of myself and her sisters. My brute strength just might be what is standing in the way of complete & total anarchy!!!) Then all is well again, until in about 5 minutes,when I do , or say something else that rubs her the wrong way, might even be her name, we just never ever know...
I hear tell that it is her job to hate me, that secretly she doesn't, that when she says go away with her mouth she really means come here, that she needs love and affirmation... But what about when she says it with gritted teeth, screaming, whilst shaking her fist at me with the look of horror, all I see is the whites of her eyes?? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN, HUH??????
I just happen to have kids that are early teens & also a younger one who is 7 ( all girls) so I fit into 2 groups of mothers. Quite a few of my friends happen to have kids lil P's age, so they get a front row seat in this psychotic episode that has become my life and in seeing me muddle through this maze. I hear from them time to time,"Thank goodness that by the time I get there with mine you will have already been through it and I can look to you for guidance... WHAT??? Have you NOT heard my prayer requests??? They go a little somthin like this --" Please pray that I make it through this next week when we will meet again so that once again you can pray for me..... Sometimes you might hear" Please pray that whomever swapped out my baby 14 years ago in the PICU in Scottsdale Az. would contact me and bring my child back, no questions asked. Or it might go a bit like this: " Please pray that I get a word from God soon about when, when will he be coming back for me, I NEED TO KNOW!!!????
I know, its not all that bad, I'm just telling you , if I hear her sisters walk out of their room one more time asking " How does this look?? & hear her HUFF, & make this barely audible noise that has become the benchmark of our rivalry, then see her sister, shoulders slumped, walk back into their room to change for the um teeth time because of her disapproving grunt, I'm going to loose a grip!!!
Ok, seriously I want to end this on a positive note, so as to not offend & so that you don't mistakenly contrive from this that I am not one million percent in love with, & totally adore my child & her three sisters. I know w/ every part of me that they are what I was created for. To love nurture & yes, even mess up in my humanness & imperfectness from time to time. The good news is however, they have parents who pray, & love them plum past the moon and back. There isn't anything that I have ever done (w/ the exception of their births, my wedding day and being in the Lord presents ) that has brought me more pure utter joy or total & complete bliss, than having this life as I walk daily with my babies.
God has been so good to me, & I pray daily that I can be all that He has called me to be for them. If you don't grasp anything else from my mishaps and blunders, please remember this: They are only with us for a minute, after which they are off fluttering around learning life's hard lessons with us hopefully doing in tandem what we are each called to do on their behalf :~~Standing on the sidelines Cheering them on, while we are also " Wearing out our Knees!!" As the word says, "Teach them the way they should go, & when they are old they WILL NOT depart from it....

OK, that's quite enough for now, thank you for your patronage & be certain that I am SO waiting for sage advice and wisdom from ALL of you, because the BOY frontier I have yet to venture in to .... And, as my part of this deal, I will let you know if she gives up the grunt, but as I'm sure you know, its not very likely!! :0)

LA ☻

Yes, I've heard all the Buzz, but I strongly disagree!!!

2008-12-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

First, please go and mute my playlist player, or turn it off on your speaker's, My music rrrreally rox and I want your undevided attention.. Ok, Hi , welcome back!! Now, I want to share with you why it is that I feel strongly that we as a people need to continue using the Character Verification thing. Let me see if I can perhaps persuade every single one of you to put it on your blogs. (and be sure and tell all your friends) I am one of those people who realize that when something happens to me (even tho I'm still only 38) that it is a sign for what will happen to me in the future.. Such as, sometimes when I am drifting off to sleep, I have a tremor (and lately it's not just when I'm drifting, its also starting to happen when I'm just chilaxin reading Twilight for the 11th time ( it had to be said) , or watching TV. All of the sudden my leg, (or arm) will just spasm , very briefly, just slightly. In that moment, I know, this is just further proof that I am having early signs of Parkinson's... I know, it's Ok, they are making major advances in this disease every day, and with a strong support system ( My Lord & Savior, Hubz, and good insurance) I am determined to make it...In my weaker moments I think that it's unfortunate that since I gave my life to the Lord I know I wont be able to throw back a Jack and Coke or 3 when the time gets nearer- Well, I prob. wont be able to hold the glass steady enough anyways.. Its perspective...)
Oh, and there are times when I cant remember how to spell the word 'The" or remember my own phone # . Just today I was on the phone with the Dr. at the Parkinson's research dept, He wanted my phone # when he was threatening that if I don't stop calling and leaving messages for him about the weird things that are happening to me, (like just now, I'm on the toilet as I'm typing this and my knee just jerked as I leaned over to get the tp ( you totally thought I was going to say as leaned to wipe , didn't you!? ) Hold on, I have to write the knee thing down for the Dr @ the Research Center, be right back... Ok, back, where was I? Oh yes, I'm sure you'll agree, those are definitely signs that I am due for Alzheimer's to set in at any minute. Which brings me to Character verification. I seek them out. I'm thankful to those of you that, against every ones badgering, pleading, threatening, that you stay strong and continue to use them. I strongly believe that they might just be what stave off the Alzheimer's, at least for a bit longer. Let me explain. When I pull up someones comment page, and I see it there I type my reply, then I scroll down to it, take one look at it and then try, in one take, to type it out without looking again.. I feel so good when I get it in one take.. Some of those are difficult, like 'cremuhged' how may of you could remember that in one take?? I am building my brain back, with the help of this wonderful Character Verification! So I just want to say thank you , to all of you that have made this a reality for me!! I also want to encourage you to stand your ground, don't give in to the threats and the nay sayers that say that they arnt going to come back, or that because it takes a xtra 10 seconds to leave a reply, it makes them shy away from reading your blog's. Waa waa wa, who needs those replies, not us my dear friends, NOT US!! So, wont the rest of you join us , in building a stronger future, its such a tiny way to give back, but the Brain you strengthen may just be yours, or maybe even someone you love... Take all the time you need, just remember every tick of the clock may take you closer to a ......... what the heck was I going to say...Wait, No, that wasn't.... well, maybe I'll... .......
LA

ahhhh, Friday... (read at your own risk)

2008-12-04T20:32:00.000-08:00

Hi gang, well the weekend is mere hours away. They are very dangerous for my family. You see, where they are a time of relaxation and merriment for the average American family, for us it is a time to be on full alert and protect our young...For we are a part of a secret society, and when you read this, you will see a little bit deeper into who I, L A , really am. Go no further until you can say, right out loud, right now this vow: I, being of sound mind, vow to not utter a word of what I'm about to read, among any living creature, great or small, and if I do not keep my word, I give you Leah full permission to unleash your hijinx on me and my kin for generations to follow... OK, you may now read on- For you see, I am a youth leader -Have been for going on 6 years. And as such, I have a very , lets just say, dark, daring, fearless side to me. ( I think you have to to some degree, otherwise you couldn't stay on your game!!) You know the type, go's to 4 camps, back to back, is in bed for a week after because of sheer exhaustion, has sleepovers & stays up all night so that no one can ambush or ever say that they got anything over on me... ( yes, some might call it paranoid, I call it prepared) I am the one that assembles her troops and gets her hands on that house in your neighborhood that gets tp'd, gummied, forked & wrapped.( if you have any questions about these terms , consider yourself blessed, it means that you are not yet in my line of sight) ..We'll ,its recently come to my attention that there's another seemingly adventurous woman in our ministry, and she's challenging my position as the crazy, fast and loose & unpredictable rogue mom... I just can't have it,it must be settled immediately... Being who I am, I'm sure you can just imagine the kind of rivalry that is about to ensue. I have come to the conclusion that she shall have to see,first hand my unbridled unleashing, the likes to which I am certain will make her whimper off, never to even utter any doubt about who owns this territory, my very reputation is at stake.

I will now give you a glimpse of what will be my first call to action; I have a good friend on the police force, I will 'inadvertently' check to make certain that he is in fact on duty said night, then I will take the week to get my supplies -out of town naturally, in case there's any chance they can trace anything... Then I will........

I cannot divulge anything further, you will have to tune in to find out, and you , my dear friend's will soon be the first to know the depths to which I will go to, to continue to stake my claim on Northeastern Oklahoma.... You will not know the hour, but I assure you that once the heat dies down, I will report back with photo's -it just may be password protected, for your own safety naturally.... Please dear friends,do not think any less of me, I have tried and failed on more than one occasion to simply walk away, the pull is just to great for me... Sweet dreams, dear ones. Mwwwwahahahahahahaaaa..... LA

2008-12-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

I have a 15 year old daughter & to protect the onery, I shall refer to her as ummm, Maria (just because I feel like it, that's why). Well any of you that have teen girls from about the age 13- 17 know that its typically very difficult to get them to do anything that doesn't include a mirror &/or cold hard cash! I don't know why that is, its just a fact! I, (grin) was able to finagle my Maria (exotic heh?!) to agree ( & totally freaked even me out) w/out much prodding, to wash my car in our drive today, Wooohooo!.... Sooo, we get home, she comes in & gets changed, & I start my journey into digging up ( & I say digging because I have a place for everything, but if my precious husband or girls get ahold of it, whatever"it" is, only the good Lord knows where it might turn up).So I imediately feel the pange of my just masterd plan falling apart at the seams, because it seems, that my very well stocked car washing bucket & the instruments of mass dirt destruction ARE GONE! I looook everywhere & then it suddenly dawns on me, my husband had mentioned somthing about cleaning his truck out last WEEK! So, I phone him & to my horror- he did infact take, & not return my beautiful bucket to its home. I felt deflated. I stand realizing that there stood prob. my once in a lifetime, chance of getting my Maria to agree to doing anything like this ever again in our whole entire lives ( ok, a touch dramatic) - shoulders slumped I walk in the house, where she greets me with a loving "Hurry up mom, geeze, I don't have all day!" ... As I'm walking away, stiffeling back the tears, I say" Its , its not going to happen today Maria" - in an almost whisper I say " my bucket, it wasn't returned".....

Moral of the story? Always , Always HIDE YOUR BUCKET! Amen

Ok, I just had to sneak a pic of my fab dueo in, just makes me feel better, thats all... ;)

And to all a Fabulous Thurday!! LA

WOrdFul wEDnEsdAy!!!

2008-12-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

Hey Ya'll- First I want to say that the song your hearing (if your speakers are on) is a song from the Best Movie Of All TIME ( in my humble opinion, naturally)and although the lyrics sound abrasive, I assure , its perfectly harmless, just about love an all ... For those of you that have seen Twilight, this is the song playing during the baseball scene, ( sweet Edward...) If you havn't seen it, please do, see what all the fuss is about, then report back and let me know!! !! ;) And if this song is just to rowdy for ya, simply click on my music player to the next one, Bella's lullaby- Very Beautiful and also from the movie, I wont be offended a tall ;)

Now onto Buisness...Hows everyone's Wednesday? I was JUST now able get on here because Kait finished school & I thought that since the Cullens are talking over their lunch, (sort of!!) I thought I'd share with you some of our thanksgivin lunch Pics!!

These are our precious friends Dave & Kelly, her Mom Sherry, & our families!! There was so much food, & I'm blaming that as the reason that I may, or may not ,have seen a double chin staring back at me this A.M. in the morror. I thought you told me that eating on the holidaze didnt count??!! We'll, we had a really wonderful day, I truely hope you did as well...

For more wordfull Wednesday's , please Check out Angie @Have a Teriffic Day!! LA

As Promised!!

2008-12-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

First, I gatta tell ya, these Twilight books have taken every second of my free time, I am seriously ( for lack of a better word) addicted...I know, I know, surly not me?!! Well, it was totally unexpected and a wonderful distraction over this long weekend!! Found that Rob Pattinson has a gift aside from his acting, he is also a profound singer/song writer LOOk here.... I have a sincere infatuation with him ( which I have shared with Big A, and he is totally ok with it, hehehe ;) I did manage however to steal away from Twilight ( all 4 books I devoured in 3 days) to go and get our beautiful, fragrant tree and as promised, I have pictures to share with all of you.. I also would like to offer a challenge to all of you to please share all of yours with us too!!! I hope you had a teriffic Thanksgiving!!

Now Lets See Yourz!! ;)

LA...

LA hearts EC!!

2008-11-27T17:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, a little background on my beliefs. I am a spirit filled born again Christ follower, and as such I wouldnt ever want to do anything that would quench the Holy Spirit in me ( believers will know sactly what I am talking about! ;) With that being said, I was so skeptical about this " Twilight" that everyyyyyone was talking about. I just had to see it for myself....

I Have Now Seen It 3 Times since Monday!!! I went last night at 10:30 pm and got the book, I havn't been able to put it down. My BFF and her fam came over for Thanksgiving today and as they were leaving I was joking with them, book in hand saying "Ok, goodnight, hate to see you go, byeeeee!" They were laughing all the way out to their car. But I was Serious!!;) I stayed up till 2;30 am reading and am on page 230 right now. I only stopped to share briefly with ,my precious friends ( you) just how special Edward is to me, and now you can see for yourselves the reason(s) why...... If you havent yet seen the movie, I would seriously encourage you to. If you want to read the books first, It is my opinion that the book is so much better because I saw the movie first, and I can now picture them in my mind

Now I really must get back to Edward, he was just about to......

Oh & sweet friends, I hope you had a teriffic Thanksgiving!! Love ya, LA

Catchin up and a Winner!! ( JSYK, Your all winners to me...;)

2008-11-25T16:05:00.001-08:00

Hey Girlz!!! As you all know, last week I had a giveaway to get some of my bloggy GF's in the spotlight and to also get our dear , sweet, Keli some votes in the Photo contest that she has been chosen a finalist in @ 5 Minutes for Mom--wooo hooo!!

Well, my precious friends, our very own Jennifer of My Life with Four Kids showed the most love, Congrats Jen!!! Please email me with your shipping address, WOOOHOOOO, You Rock Jen!!

Since I haven't been on here...( soooooooobs) I have had some time to get out and see the world. It isn't all its cracked up to be, but I did do something fun with the fam. We went a huntin at our local tree farm ( as we do yearly) for the tree that shall be adorned in all of our Christmas splendor!!I shall now take you along on that journey!!.............

We arrived full of energy for the task ahead, and they were off!!! Lil P and Big A thought a few times that they had found 'THE ONE" But alas, it wasn't to be.... Big A attempted to venture off on his own to find the fairest tree in all the land but Syd was trailing right behind him, she has a good

eye. And lil P made a made a dash for one 12 feet tall....

Foiled once again by the barren empty back side, that we are all familiar with. Just then, a Christmas Miracle happened, all of the Allens agreed on a tree! (Frankly , I think we were all exhausted and they all started looking the same!!) As we left the Tree Patch, we felt like we were now ready to Face the world -A job well Done....

I am off now to catch up on all of your blogs that I have missed oh so much, and I for one hope to never have this distance between us again.... Much Love LA

(*oh and can anyone of you brilliant , intelligent, thoughtful ladies puleazzzze help me to put my bloggy awards in my sidebar?? :) I know, I'm not as together as you made it up in your mind that I am.... :O ) Thanks , LYLAS

I'm SORRY!!!!!

2008-11-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

I havn't been able to get on because my 15 yo. is in the virtual academy and has until Monday to be completely done, so she's burning the mightnight oil and tying up our internet!! :( Asap, I'll be back to post the winner to my giveaway ;) .... Do you know who it is?..... Also, very important, if you have seen twilight, please let me know!!!! IMISSYOUZ!! Am I missing anything going on in your world? If I am, leave me a snipit so I can be sure and pop over when I am free to and catch up!!! & in the famous words of Cali's now Governor, ' I'll be back'... Hugs, LA

A Shout Out, Vent & A Heyyyy!!!

2008-11-20T21:31:00.000-08:00

Well lets just get this out of the way first... The damoge` to my Car was ........ $4487.52. Yep, 4,500 dollas.... I'm sitting here just staring at that fat # on this screen right now. You might be askin yerself why he parked in the drive ?(for the first & LAST TIME EVER) Well he was actually trying to be sweet. He had bought me a few Christmas pressies & was going to hide them in the garage. So the 100 dollars he spent on my- I'm certain , wonderful, very thoughtful , very well planned out- Christmas presents, have now cost us 4 5 00 DOLLARS.. Ok, I'm moving on and trusting that God will do as He says in His word & will work everything to good for those that serve and are called according to His purpose.
Secondly, I wanna say that I absolutely love you gal's. I got the biggest kick reading my random email replies from you to my last post. A few times I laughed right out loud. I am so thankful that you guys 'Get Me" and love me still....I am just crazy about you too!!!

Even after all of the car drama, I had a really good birthday. My girlies wanted to take me to Red Robin for lunch, and we had the best time!!!

Then 2 of our very good friends wanted to meet us fer dinner, so we went to Cracker Barrel then out fir coffee!! It was nice to chilax!!

Well, it's been getting chilly here lately & Big A wants to squeeze in a few more rounds of golf before its to late. He and his buddy are heading out at the hairline crack of dawn to play golf. I got myself in a bit of trouble because I just happened to mention in front of lil P that she might like to tag along. She & Big A have been hitting the course & she just loves it... Well OMGAW He blew a gasket.. By the way, Do NOT mention this to him because he just cruised by here all nonchalant & said, " Your not posting what happened earlier on that blog are you?? Well, naturally I didn't answer him, but is this, or is this not the perfect forum to bid this question: (YES , Yes it is!!!) "Doesn't he want her to get a feel for the game or not, & if so, is that only possible when none of his buddies have a few hours to spare~ mid week, mid day w/no advance warning?? Well, sounds fishy to me!!! We discussed it at length ( w/ him leaving every room she & I entered for some strange reason) & him asking the question over and over "Why did you ask me that in front of her ??" & I bashfully retort" What do you mean, I didn't know it wouldn't be a welcomed idea!!!?", then proceeded to ask him if he thought that Tiger Wood's ( oh -yes- I -did) dad ever made Tiger stay home because a better offer came along... So after a few repeated outbursts, thrashing about on the floor & the dreaded tears (I tried to console him, but it did very little good) Peyton came strutting in just a bit ago & said, "Well mommy, I just layed out my golfing outfit for tomowow, & if daddy thinks he can wake up before me, he is wong, I had Katie set the alam!!" ( she really did!!!) Ahhhh, She just gets more and more like me every day!!! Alright Gang, Much love and happy Friday!!! LYLAS- LA

Dis Day aint all DAT...

2008-11-19T22:15:00.000-08:00

It's the day before my birthday and was shaping up to be a purty good day... Temps in the 70's , not alot of girly drama goin on, hubb's' came home early , not- to -shabby... Until; The girls all started getting ready to go to Wed. night church, before I realized it, allll 4 of them had taken shower's, and when I go to take mine, NO HOT WATER!! GRRR...I just had to freshen up, so I washed my pits, and my hoo hoooo with a wipey, thats right , I said it... Then Later I was running off to get the girlz at church, and guess who had parked his truck in the drive for the first time ever in over 3 years?? athasright, & guess who backed into it with her Escalade???--- Rightttt AGAIN --- MEEEEE! .........Somebody hold me.... I am still not fully recoved, and its been over 4 hours.... .. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TO A- ME, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO , A- MEEEE.... not. Therefore, I had better be getting some bloggy love and encouragement , I am very fragile People!!!

I'm sure after some sleep I will be fine, its just a vehicle, and thankfully no one was hurt....I shall return when I have recieved from God the Peace that I am about to ask for... Thankfully I know, He is faithful... Right, RIGHT!!! ;) LA

Win this Wednesday....& Ang, your Cat Prayer from Hell was Answered.

2008-11-19T15:23:00.001-08:00

Beauty
Originally uploaded by LA'S DAZE
Ok, it's on Saturday that you actually win...-- Tell all your bloggy Buddies about My Sweet Giveaway and dont forget to give a Klick For Keli ( Klick On Keli's name Below in My last Post) and then Check out My Bloggy Buddy Roll .. Check Back Daily for More Chances to Win!!! All Info and Rules are in My Last post... ;) Leah

..................................................................................................................................................................

We'll just got a delivery of a something that I know is going to really test my resolve..... I didn't realize what I was gtting into when I looked into the deep blue puppy dog eyes of the little girl who was pushing this racket, as she shared w/ me that she was very close to reaching her goal. How could I say no now, hmmmm, How? Well now the 2 tubs (3 lbs a piece )of White Choc & also Black & White COOKIE DOUGH are beckoning me!! How, How am I going to go about my daily buisness knowing that just beyond my freezer door lies pure -unadulterated- Most delish...... GET AHOLD OF YERSELF LEAH MARIE ALLEN...I just dont think can deny it---IF IT's WRONG I jUSt dont WaNnA be RIGHT!!! Pray for strength for me ya'll!! L.A

Hear Ye Hear Ye- I tell you I need your help & I get 8 reply's, but I tell ya I got pulled over & pee'd myself & I get nearly 30?!!

2008-11-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

So I'm gonna try a lil different tactic.-some may call it brilliant, some may call it shady, whatever ya call it, I wanna see those replies rollin in-... As I mentioned before , I really want our friend Keli to win this contest ( we know she's the best) I would also really like for you all to get to know each other and maybe visit blogg's you havn't before. So I'm gonna offer up a lil incentive.... I found the most beautiful 3 candle hanging obra, It will look so wonderful all aglow with red candles on christmas eve - I got one for me & naturally one for you too!! ( Its a foot and some inches tall, smokey glass surrounds on three hanging tiered lamps- seriously CUTE, & larger than it looks in the pic!!) Ohhh, you say, and how do I go about winning such a de'light'ful gift so close to Christmas time??... We'll I'm glad you asked!!! I am having a contest- If you want to win this precious beauty, you must first go and give a click for Keli (Dream Imagine Live-please read the last post of mine for more info) then visit at least 3 of my trusty sidekicks listed on my blog roll to the right-And please tell them that I sent ya ;) --(The first 10 or so of you that arnt listed and would like to be, please let me know and I shall at once add you!!) Then return here and let me know you have completed the task ( you may visit My thread and 3 blog roll buddies once a day until Saturday Morning @ 10 am CST (but YOU CAN ONLY CLICK FOR KELI ONCE, so make it count ;).
At which time I shall count the replies and then the person that showed the most bloggy love and reported back here to let me know shall be the sole owner of this truly lovely lil Beaut!! If there happens to be a tie, I will then put those names in a hat and the Hubbs shall draw the name... On Saturday afternoon I will post the winner , you can then email me with your address, & off shall go your sweet lil prize!! Sound like fun?? & please also check out other posts on my blog if you havnt already;) Okay Peeps, Yes Yes, Be sure & TELL YOUR Friends on your blog about my giveaway, and let the voting and replying begin!!

Hey, can you do me a Favor??

2008-11-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

One of all of our BFF's ( Keli at Dream Imagine Live) is in a contest at 5 minutes for Mom PULEAZE go and give a lil click for her, you all know she rocks out the recipies. HaVe YOu SeEen tHAt loADeD pOtaTo soUp? Whadasay gang???!! Mmmkay I'll se ya there!

I'm Back & it's a Birthday Day day!!

2008-11-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

Today is big A's B-day!!! He's the Big 38 and his B-day precedes mine by 4 days, so I love to rub in his face that he is 4 days old- er!! On his special day he makes certain that we do what he want's so here we sit after going to lunch with the girlies to have pizza, watching 4 football games back to back.... I'm trying to think about what I could have him do on mine that would cause him to whimper just a teence, I would LOVE some ideas!~ :) I have to admit something to all of you, Big A and I changed churches a little while back and it seems that unfortunately when you do that you loose contact with all of the people you have served and worshiped alongside- my friends.. I'm making friends at the church we are now going to also at the co-op we have joined, but it takes some time so this past year a been a little bit lonely for me. I'm sharing this with you to say that since I have started blogging and became such great friends with you gals I'm not lonely any longer. I truly feel blessed to have such special women in my life in you, even tho we don't have lunch or take in a movie together "yet", I am loving having such a Special Circle of Friends!! . . I know this is a Sunday but I want to do a thankful Meme and I hope all of you that pop on here and read will leave a reply letting me know to visit your blog & join me in being thankful.
1. I'm so thankful that I have been bought by the blood. My life otherwise wouldn't amount to anything other than pure utter pain and darkness. Thank you God for loving me when I was so unlovely.
2. I'm so thankful for my husband. I know he was hand picked for me.There are constant reminders in our marriage that resound in the fact that big A was meant to love and build a life w/ me and I w/ him. First off he gets me. I know that sounds so passe but he really loves me in a way that can only be an annointin and he see's the me in me that I wish that I did..
3. I'm so thankful that my girls have parents, grandparents and people who love and faithfully pray for them. I see the fruit in their hearts and lives already, praise God!!!
4. I'm thankful for this blog and those of you that have blogs that I read faithfully. Its just wonderful to get on and see that others of you are laughing, crying ,encouraging, & just generally keeping up w/ myself & each other, What a Blessing!!
5. I'm so thankful that I live in a country where I can openly worship my precious Lord and savior. I am so thankful for those who fight the good fight right now so that we are assured that privilege. Bless them Lord, and be with their precious families while they are away defending our great nation. ~So now that I'm filled to overflowing who's got some blessings seeping out of their lives they want to share? Love ya'll all, LA

Hasta La Vista Baby!!!

2008-11-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

I, my dear sweet friends whom I drealy love seeing daily, am off to OKC to the Women of Faith. I shall be checking in at night from my Instinct and it would be so nice of you to leave me comments telling me how your doing, or what your plans are this weekend, what your latest blog post are about( so I can have it to look foreward to reading when I get home). You know, so I don't miss out on anything - Yes, ok, Yes I do want my cupcake and eat it too!!! Alright, I'm off to the shower, hold down the fort till I return!! ;) Miss you already, LA

Finally someone Recognized How Fab-u-loso I am Friday....

2008-11-13T18:24:00.001-08:00

Yes, I am not one to gossip, so you ain't heard this from me, but I have been honored with my - wait for it.... ....... Second award, and I must say, it's a doosey and I for one, couldn't be happier!! Thank you Briony from here on out, we are TIGHT like my lil red dress after Christmas!! Check her out gang, she's Awesome!!
Now onto the business of getting right with all of you and letting you know what a truly flawed individual I am. I, my sweet friend's have a real problem. I know it's wrong, and I'm not going to sit here on my laptop, in my bedroom watching the office,and make excuses, there just isn't a good way to tell you this, so I am distracting you with my run-on-sentences... Ok, here it is. IlovethesongRockStarandIwalkaroundsingingitallthetime...

There, I said it. The lyrics are seriously terrible and I won't dare let my girls listen to it but I secretly LOVE it I am just so ashamed. Here are the lyrics -

I'm through with standing in line to clubs I'll never get in It's like the bottom of the ninth and I'm never gonna win This life hasn't turned out quite the way I want it to be(Tell me watchya want) I want a brand new house on an episode of Cribs And a bathroom I can play baseball in And a king size tub big enough for ten plus me(Tell me watchya need)I'll need a Credit card that's got no limitAnd a big black jet with a bedroom in it Gonna join the mile high club at thirty-seven thousand feet(Been there, done that)I want a new tour bus full of old guitars My star on Hollywood Boulevard ,Somewhere between Cher and James Dean is fine for me(So how you gonna do it) I'm gonna trade this life for fortune and fame ,I'd even cut my hair and change my name'Cause we all just wanna be big rock stars,And live in hilltop houses driving fifteen cars,The girls come easy and the drugs come cheap,We'll all stay skinny as we just won't eatAnd we'll Hang out in the coolest bars In the VIP with the movie stars,Every good gold digger's gonna wind up there,Every Playboy bunny with her bleach blond hair and well, Hey hey I wanna be a rock star,Hey hey I wanna be a rock star.I wanna be great like Elvis without the tassels,Hire eight body guards that love to beat up #$%holes,Sign a couple autographs so I can eat my meals for free (I'll have the quesadilla, haha)I'm gonna dress my butt with the latest fashion,Get a front door key to the Playboy mansion,Gonna date a centerfold that loves to blow my money for me(So how you gonna do it)I'm gonna trade this life for fortune and fame,I'd even cut my hair and change my name'Cause we all just wanna be big rock stars And live in hilltop houses driving fifteen carsThe girls come easy and the drugs come cheapWe'll all stay skinny as we just won't eat,And we'll Hang out in the coolest barsIn the VIP with the movie stars,Every good gold digger's gonna wind up thereEvery Playboy bunny with her bleach blond hairAnd we'll Hide out in the private roomsWith the latest dictionary and today's who's whoThey'll get you anything with that evil smile Everybody's got a D*@g dealer on speed dial, well Hey hey I wanna be a rock star...

Now what I need gurlz is help!!! I have asked for strength in dealing with the fact that this song is just plain seriously WRONG, and I really don't wanna be a rock star per sea, I don't want a dealer on sped dial, as a matter of fact that appalls me, seriously... I do want to be skinny, and wear fancy clothes, I might like to be on cribs, I really haven't thought about it, I am a fan of the tassels tho... ...I'M JUST SO CONFUSED!!!!

Like Nacy Kerrigan said as she was clubbed by Tanya Harding's boyfriend in Detroit in 1994 " Whyyyyyyyyy?"

2008-11-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

Ya'll may,or may not remember but about 4 or so months ago we got a tornado warning @ like 3am , being a (not so) recent transplant from SW. Florida, we reallllly wern't accustomed to the protocol of a TORNADO WARNING... Well, I awoke to my very calm ,sensible husband yelling @ the top of his screaming voice "Runnnnn , honey, runnnnn for your life" so up I come, eyes dried shut w/ him saying ( still very loudly) "Get in the closettttt"- I still @ this point have no idea why- off I go completely entangled w/ blankets & sheets ( I grabbed them for fear that my not-so-very-un unattractive-fireman neighbor would happen on the scene and find me in my closet unconcious and bra-less). Well, what must have been close to an hour later I awake completely alone, flashlight battery on the verge of dying, suddenly realizing that I have no idea where my youngins and the hubb's are... Off I go in total darkness wrapped in said bedding, get to my closet door & crack go's my ankle! I drag myself, ankle throbbing, down the hall to my loving family who are all cuddled up watching the news in one of the girl's room and hear " Mommy, where have you been, we are under a tornado warning you know?".... I turned right around, dragged myself back to my bedroom and said " Lord, if it's my time to go, you'll find me in my bed plotting my husbands death"....Fast fwd 4 months & here I sit w/ it still acheing, burning & throbbing . I ask my dear husband & precious gift from God (whom I've worked very hard to forgive) to please apply sports cream to it because I am in pain, and he lovingly says to me "Can you do it yourself, OR CANT YOU REACH IT?! (Words his, Emphasis Totally Mine) ... I will let you know how the rest of the convo go's after he wakes up, hopefully w/out a concussion... T( That pic up there ^ mean's to say "months' not days"!!!)

Ok, I gatta go, he's comming to.... till next time, LA

PS. I googled sprained ankle and this pic literally said she looks like this because of a sprained ANKLE!!! Gurlz, am I gonna be ok????