Jean and Greg Allen

UTAH!

2010-10-27T22:25:00.004-04:00

I had the opportunity to spend my birthday weekend with Kristi Hill and her family. I really had a wonderful time. Greg and I flew out together and he was able to visit his siblings and Katy and Mark. The delight of my trip was that it actually snowed while I was there. Snow for my birthday is a rarity.

Kristi

This is the view from Kristi's home. Just love it!

Dusting of snow just for my birthday!

Thanks, Kristi, for spoiling me and making my birthday so special!

Is It Fall Yet???

2010-08-29T21:50:00.006-04:00

Can you tell I am excited for Autumn to come with my new blog design? I love this time of year. Never mind that I was born in Autumn. I just love the smells, the sound of crunching leaves, the coolness of the nights, the colors that come alive no other time of year. I realize this day of August 29th that my day-dreaming about the fall is a tad premature, as the weathermen are forecasting temperatures of 103 in a few days. But I am hoping this will be very short lived.

We've had visits from Heidi and Nathan, twice! So I was able to eat up little Landon. He is so sweet and we all love his gorgeous hair.

I have a new calling at church-Nursery Music Leader. I have to admit that I was a tad skeptical at first, but it took only one day with these little darlings to fall in love with them! I think we are all going to have a great time together!

How Sweet It Is...

2010-06-27T22:05:00.007-04:00

Sweet Baby James and Carole King

(web shot)

The highlight of my week was seeing these two very special people at the Verizon Center. Greg and I ordered tickets back in March and were thrilled that we were in the second row. We were amazed at how much energy they had and how fantastic they sounded. I actually teared up when they started singing because when I fell in love with them in the 70's their music made such a huge impact on my life. It was then that I developed my deep interest and love for music. I remember using a Carole King song from her Tapestry album (Beautiful) as a topic for a class presentation in Mr. Alvino's 9th grade English class. Funny how you don't forget certain moments in your life...I was so green then, musically. But by the end of senior year I was strumming and singing tunes from the likes of these two. Music still shapes my soul and I am so filled with gratitude for artists who continually inspire me.

Welcome: Landon John Allen

2010-05-30T22:35:00.004-04:00

I was going to hold out for a whole year to blog again, just for fun, but couldn't wait when this little boy arrived on May 28th, 2010. Landon John was born to Heidi and Nathan and weighed a whoppin' 5 pounds and 2 ounces. I guess he couldn't wait to get here because Landon came almost a month earlier than expected. Greg and I can't wait to get to the Big Apple to meet the little guy. Isn't he adorable? That's three grandsons for the Allen's.

I admit that I have found it hard to sit down at the computer to blog, as it's been that busy to write. So, since my life has gotten even busier, I figure I'd better just do it.

And, as if my life was not busy enough, I decided to take on a part time job at the Apple store. I am working there part time and other than getting used to standing all the time, I really like it there. The people are great! My co-workers are wonderful and it's so fun sharing my passion for Apple with the customers.

Sweet Luc

2009-08-10T22:30:00.003-04:00

We had the privilege of having Matt and Claire's little boy, Luc, stay with us for a few days. What a sweetie! We had a blast celebrating Uncle Chris's birthday yesterday and Luc kept us in stitches with his squinty eye smile and his toe fetish. I think the only thing that Greg and I regretted was that we didn't have enough energy to keep up with him. He sure kept us going, but we loved every minute of it. We hate that we live so far from Luc and his big brother, Theo. Maybe we can convince Matt and Claire to move a little closer to Virginia! ;)

So Ash, what is your opinion of Gainesville's new Chick fil A?

2009-08-10T22:28:00.001-04:00

The Beatles at Rehoboth!!!

2009-08-10T22:21:00.004-04:00

From a distance...there they were! John, Paul, George and Ringo! I could hardly believe my eyes. Playing at Rehoboth Beach, no less! Okay, I knew that a "Beatles" band was playing covers at Rehoboth, so I wanted to get a peek. And, from a distance, they looked pretty doggone cool. They had the suits, the hair, and almost had the sound. But as I got closer to the stage for a photo op, what I saw were four aged men, three of whom had wigs on! It really made me laugh, they tried so hard. But no one could resist dancing to their tunes, even if it was raining. A good time, indeed!

Sheryl Crow

2009-07-04T12:09:00.007-04:00

web photo

As you may know, I was able to score a front row seat to Sheryl Crow's concert at Wolf Trap last night. It was really great, okay, incredible! She is one amazing singer and guitar player. Her singing is effortless. Her band members were really, really good! She sang a variety of songs from her Detours CD and oldies, too. When she and her band came out for an encore, the intro to the very last song confused me...didn't sound like any Sheryl Crow song I had heard before. In fact, it sounded like Led Zeppelin! Sure enough, she closed her set with Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll!" They did an amazing job with it and of course everyone was out of their seats rocking along. Did I mention that my ears are still ringing?

One thing I didn't realize about Sheryl (we are on a first name basis, now), is how petite she is. I mean really tiny! When she came over to where I was sitting, I noticed that she was wearing under her jeans, shoes that had about 2 inch platform and spiked heels. Totally cute. Very petite.

While I was thrilled to have a ticket in the front, it wasn't nearly as fun as I thought it would be because I didn't have my sweetie there to share it with me (only one front row ticket was available). Note: concerts are not as fun when you go alone!

Anyway- the other bummer was, before I left for Wolf Trap, I checked the website to see if cameras were allowed. "All cameras are prohibited." Okay, so why chance taking the extra luggage? When I was seated, the usher said, "Be sure not to use your flash, if you take pics!!" What do you mean IF I take pics????? He said that it's up to the artist and tonight cameras were allowed without flash! Grrrrrrrr. It was killing me throughout the show that all I had was my camera phone. The images look like some sort of singer, but pretty sure you wouldn't be able to tell that it was a female, let alone Sheryl Crow! She actually came to stage left a couple of times where my seat was and I could have shaken her hand, she was that close! Let it go, Jean. Let it go.

It was a great experience and I am even more in awe of her talent. Made me want to pull out the 12 string...

In My Back Yard...

2009-06-23T20:22:00.003-04:00

2009-06-13T16:55:00.002-04:00

I think have known Mary since she was about 12 years old. We've grown up with her family in the Manassas Second Ward. Mary is the same age as Lindsay and perhaps that is why I have always held a special place in my heart for her.

I was honored when she asked if I would take her wedding photos on hers and Tim's special day.

Mary has said to me on several occasions what a wonderful guy Tim is and what a great husband he is, her eyes getting misty just thinking about him. I have no doubts that Tim is a catch- you can see it in his eyes. But it is Tim who is getting one of the sweetest, humblest, loveliest women on this earth. In other words, I believe that they were made for each other.

Baby Dove

2009-06-13T10:18:00.003-04:00

For quite a while now, I have shared a friendship with whom I call, "Mama Dove." I visited her every day in her home, located right in the middle of our butterfly bush. Okay, maybe it was a one-sided friendship, but she did tolerate me somewhat.

Today was the first day that I noticed her little family- two baby doves! Mama took a few minutes long sabbatical and that is when I pulled my camera out to see these cuties. Two of them, nestled inside their little home, not even chirping yet, but sweet enough to "smile" for the camera!

It's Only Been Four Months!!!

2009-05-24T23:53:00.002-04:00

Any guesses as to who this sweet, smiling dog is?

So, yes, it has been 4 months exactly since I have posted. It's been a crazy spring. I have kept myself busy with gardening, more painting, and photography...trying to keep my mind off of my job for next year or lack thereof. But, I think the stress has been alleviated as I found out that I will have a job in the fall, although it won't be what I am currently doing :( It's always hard to change from some thing you love doing to a different type of work. But I am sure that I will love this job as much. I won't be traveling all over Fairfax County as I have been. I have been assigned to work with students with disabilities (yeah) at Annandale High School! I will be working with a colleague that I like and I am sure we will make a good team.

So maybe, since I am feeling better about the future, I will be posting more! Check back and see!

Inauguration Day Memories With Pics!

2009-01-25T19:21:00.005-05:00

Greg just came back from being in Utah for a week. As he plans for his trips, I usually have a few lightbulb moments when I'm thinking, "What can I do to the house while he is away?" This time was no different. I schemed for a few weeks about painting the kitchen..what color, can I do it alone or should I recruit some help? So, many days in advance, I picked out the desired color from Lowe's multitude of color swatches. Greg left last Sunday, and on Monday morning, I purchased my paint. I thought I'd try solo at first. I did one section at a time and kept admiring the new look. That inspired me to continue on to the next section.

Now painting the walls above the larger cabinets was next to impossible. My arms, even with paint brush in tow, simply didn't reach the back edge. I didn't let that stop me, oh no! Brilliant of all brilliant ideas...I would tape my paintbrush to a long piece of narrow wood. Voila! It really worked! And it looks pretty darn good! By Tuesday evening, I was completely done. So, when people ask me where I was on Inauguration Day, 2009, I will have fond memories of painting my kitchen a bright sunny yellow while watching the inaugural proceedings taking place on TV.

You are wondering what Greg's reaction to this was when he returned? He said simply, "I'm glad I didn't have to paint it!" Indeed.

And A Good Time Was Had By All...

2008-12-26T22:57:00.012-05:00

We had such a nice and fun Christmas. My mom was able to fly in from Ohio and celebrate with us. It was so nice to have most of the kids home (Lindsay, Chris, Mark and Katy, and Nathan). We really missed Matt, Claire, Theo and Luc. We understood that Theo hadn't slept for a couple of days before Christmas, he was so excited! It sounds like Matt and Claire probably didn't get much sleep either.

It's always lots of laughs here when the Allen brothers get together, so opening presents together was again, too funny. Mark played Santa and distributed gifts to everyone. Perhaps the most creative wrapping came from Nathan- he wrapped Greg's tie in a tube that was the length of the tie. I think the most fun gift was sent by Matt and Claire and the kids, to Lindsay, Nathan and Chris: each received a small case (12 packs) of candy cigarettes! No one expected that! Here are a few favorite moments:

Mark and his new watch!

Wait, is there a Transformer in the family???

You can't go wrong with a "Y" shirt for Greg.

It appears that Nathan has picked up a new habit. Love those "Lucky's," candy cigs, that is.

Happy Jean got her favorite "signature" cologne, Red Door. You can't tell from the pic, but I am wearing the coolest Lucky Brand earrings that I received from Lindsay. Does she know her mom or what???

More Christmas Pics...

2008-12-26T22:48:00.007-05:00

Greg proudly showing his new Columbia University tie.

Grandma Gladys looking great at 87! We are so happy to have her in Virginia with us for Christmas again!

Hmmm...do we have an Aussie in the fam???

Katy with her new "Pretty In Pink" sweater.

Dapper Chris modeling his new pea coat.

Stellar Has A New Buddy...

2008-12-07T22:19:00.003-05:00

I bought this HUGE stuffed Bernese Mountain dog for a friend the other day at Costco. Not sure where to store it, I just put him under the tree. I thought it was so funny when I walked by and saw that Stellar decided to use him for a bed. She has been sleeping on him any chance she can get- which is quite a lot, since we know cats sleep all the time!

Fox Trot

2008-11-23T21:19:00.006-05:00

If you've read my blog a few times, you know it's no secret that I get excited over pretty much any animal. I love that living in Piedmont, I have found rabbits, deer, hawks and herons, literally in my backyard. It tickles me to see these wonderful creatures. (Okay, I really wasn't tickled to smell a skunk). But I was totally thrilled when, last week, as I was letting the pups out, a fox was hovering around our fir tree! I wished I could have watched him for a little while before he trotted off, but it took no time at all for Sandie to catch his scent and drive him from our yard. Sandie ran the length of 5 neighborhood yards before he decided to come back home. There was no getting Sandie to retreat until he knew the fox was long gone. But it was exciting to see, nonetheless. And I think Sandie felt like a hero as he protected our property! :)

Going With The Flow...

2008-11-23T21:05:00.004-05:00

Well, I was about to write that not much has happened in the last couple of weeks. And I guess that is true for the most part. Work has been very busy and I have enjoyed the students in the schools where we have been working. However, there is one big thing weighing on my mind with regard to work. You may have read that there is going to be a BIG budget cut next year in Fairfax County Public Schools. Several positions from my department are going. There's a good chance that my contract will go from 11 month to 10 month, which equates to a cut in pay. Would I take that instead of losing my job? Of course. But I guess the hardest part of all of this is just not knowing! We're not sure when all of the final decisions will be made. I think that no matter what happens, it may be a tough adjustment. So for now, I am trying to be calm and just go with the flow.

I think the sad thing here is that so many people across the country are going through the same thing and my heart truly goes out to them. I read where one guy left the east coast to take a job in the west, only to find out that he was laid off after one day. I pray that our devastating economic situation that is affecting each and every one of us will find recovery soon.

Sweet Love

2008-11-04T18:34:00.006-05:00

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of photographing Amy Blodgett, the daughter of one of my dearest friends, Diane, and Amy's sweetheart, Joe. I have known Amy since she was about four years old. I couldn't be happier for this sweet couple. It was so wonderful to see two people so in love! Congratulations Amy and Joe!

No HOV For Me For A While

2008-11-02T19:14:00.006-05:00

It felt more like Friday the 13th, instead of Friday, the 31st! Last Friday, I went to Costco after work and as I was leaving, a huge Toyota Tundra truck backed right into me. He got out and yelled at me, "What do you think you're doing???" Hello!!!!! I believe that I had the right of way, buster! Anyway, $2300 later, my car is in the shop getting repaired and for 2 weeks, I don't get to use the HOV lane. Boo hoo, right?

On Top of the World

2008-10-05T21:49:00.004-04:00

Greg is sillouetted against the beautiful expanse of the Shenandoah Valley.

Shenandoah In Autumn

2008-10-05T21:06:00.003-04:00

Greg and I took a short trip to the Shenandoah this weekend. I was hoping to see more bears, but no luck. We did take in some of the autumn sites in the area.

Here are some interesting looking green pumpkins we saw at a Pumpkin Patch in Luray, Virginia.

It was a bit too early to see the mountain side filled with blazing reds, oranges and yellows, but we did see an occasional tree that had turned red.

We drove through a tunnel on the Skyline Drive and here we see the light at the end.

Some interesting looking gourds...

A multitude of pumpkins..

Autumn Family Photo Shoots

2008-10-02T16:37:00.003-04:00

As many of you know, for the past few years, I have been doing photo shoots of families, grads, pregnant moms, a few weddings, and even animals! My usual rate is $100 per session, which includes approximately 30-60 minutes of shooting, post production editing, and a disk with the final photos on it so the recipient can print as much as he or she wants.

I decided to offer an "Autumn Photo Session" at half price! $50 would include the same deal as the $100 session, taken at my home. I am willing to come to your home (I have a stand and a few backdrops) or a nearby scenic location for an additional $5 to cover my time and the cost of gas.

Autumn is a wonderful time to have family or any other types of photos taken.

Please contact me at allenjm@gwu.edu if you have any questions or would like to schedule a session.

True Love!

2008-09-27T23:10:00.006-04:00

Wow! I can't believe how quickly time has flown by! Just five years ago, on September 27th, 2003, Greg and I had a really sweet, small wedding attended by those we dearly love. I remember that Greg commented to our guests that he had received a fortune cookie earlier that week letting him know that he would be having a romantic encounter soon! And we know fortune cookies never lie!

We had a beautiful cake that was decorated in edible sea shells. One of my dearest friends, Diane Blodgett, played a favorite piece on the piano for us, Enya's Watermark, making the day even more magical. We left the next day for a wonderful honeymoon at Panama City Beach, Florida. We practically had the whole beach to ourselves. It was a great way start to a wonderful marriage.

I still marvel that Greg took on a peri-menopausal woman with a teenage daughter, two dogs and a cat. No small feat, as he has four sons and no daughters and no pets. He states emphatically that he never said he didn't like animals, he just felt that they should live where they belong- outdoors, not inside with humans. Well, that all changed very quickly for Greg. All of our pets are comfortably lodged inside our home. I think Greg might be fond of at least one of the pets, although "fond of" may be a slight exaggeration.

I continue to discover new things about Greg that, frankly, I never had a clue about. I recently learned that he plays piano! When did this happen???? His sister told me that that of course he plays! Where have I been??? Then there was Mark's wedding reception. Who knew that Greg could dance to disco the way he did that night. I just stood there on the dance floor with my jaw on the floor. I certainly knew that he could dance a mean Foxtrot, but disco? Who knew?

So, five years later, I love even more, this sweet, funny man. No one can recite quotes like Greg. His love for sports has increased over the years, if that is even possible (much to my dismay). He is smooth, steady, strong and sensitive. He knows when to leave me be when I am in one of my moods and he knows when to gather me into his arms when I need a BIG bear hug. He is easily the most thoughtful and kindest man I have ever known. I have a big stack of sentimental cards to prove it. He sends me cards for holidays, when he goes out of town, when I am not feeling so well, to cheer me up, and for, well, ... just because.

Am I one lucky chica or what???? Yes, I am. And I am truly grateful for this wonderful blessing in my life that I call husband.

Trigger Finger

2008-09-20T11:40:00.004-04:00

Guess what I am enduring? Trigger finger! No, it doesn't mean I am quick with a 6 shooter, though I do enjoy a bit of target shooting. What it means, in layman's terms, is that my tendon in my left index finger has decided to lock up. When I reached for something yesterday, I felt a very sharp twang near the middle joint- it was like a current of electricity shot through me. So what does this mean??? I am left with an index finger that is temporarily bent and I cannot straighten it out at all without excruciating pain.

The first time this happened, a few years back, it lasted for only an hour or so. The last time it happened, a few months ago, it lasted for 2 weeks. I am thinking it's time to see a doc about this. What do ya think?

I have new, heartfelt empathy for people who have ANY kind of physical limitation. I know that this is just a minor inconvenience compared to many. But I forgot how difficult it is to bathe and wash my hair with one hand. Definitely not fun or easy!

Okay, my whining is over. If you'd like to read a sweet love story, read cjanerun. You know I have been following Nie Nie and Christian Nielsen's recovery. Her sister Courtney wrote a touching piece on her blogsite about when Stephanie and Christian met. Very sweet.

New Friends I've Never Met

2008-09-07T07:43:00.004-04:00

Okay, I am not the greatest blogger. I knew that going into the blogosphere. I guess I just don't think a lot of exciting things are going on in our everyday lives (which is not necessarily a bad thing). More than updating my blog, I truly enjoy reading other blogs so I can keep up with the lives of my dear friends and family. From there, I love to check out the links to their families and friends, people I have never met. I have become acquainted with many new moms and families, people who have brought a smile to my face and inspired me to keep trying new things and to hang in there.

One blogsite I stumbled across came from a friend of a friend. I learned about Stephanie and Christian Nielsen, who, on August 16, were involved in a fiery, private plane crash. A pilot was killed. Christian, who is also a pilot, sustained burns over 20% of his body. His lovely young wife, Nie Nie, has burns over 80% of her body. Both are in critical condition. Even sadder is that they have 4 small children waiting at home for them, who are being cared for by relatives. I don't know Christian or Nie Nie, but I check Nie's recovery blogsite on a daily basis because I care about her and her husband and checking her site reminds me that I can help by praying or donating to help with their rehabilitation costs.

So today, Nie Nie and Christian, this blog's for you! May you recover steadily.

Happy To Be In Primary!

2008-08-12T12:44:00.002-04:00

Well, I just was sustained on Sunday to teach CTR 6 in Primary! I am really happy about this. Don't get me wrong. I totally LOVED teaching Relief Society. That was a wonderful opportunity where I learned soooo much from each sister! But now, I get to learn from 5 year olds and can't wait! I only had one sweet boy in class for my first lesson, Cameron. But we had a fun time getting to know each other.

So, I believe that change is a good thing and I feel honored to be able to teach these sweet kids!

Skyline Drive

2008-07-25T23:00:00.004-04:00

Greg and I spent a wonderful couple of days on Skyline Drive. I was thrilled to see all of the deer, but what I really wanted to see was a bear. Lo and behold...

Here is one pretty deer we saw on the drive.

Gorgeous scenic overlook!

We LOVE Our Grandsons!

2008-07-25T22:51:00.006-04:00

Matt, Claire, Theo and Luc drove all the way from Indiana to be here for Mark's wedding. We were able to spend some time with them before they drove back. Just when the boys got to know us, they had to leave. :(

Theo loves his Grandpa! What is so cute is that Theo always calls Greg- Grandma Greg! They look happy, don't they?

Grandma and Luc

Who couldn't help but fall in love with this sweet little boy! I could just eat him up, he's so cute!

A Wonderful Wedding

2008-07-22T10:46:00.004-04:00

The day could not have been more perfect! Okay, maybe a little less heat. The bride and groom never looked happier! The ceremony was just beautiful and the reception was fantastic! We couldn't be more thrilled for Katy and Mark! Here are some of the photos from the big day.

The Allen Family
(Walter Williams, Greg, Jean, Katy, Mark, Matt Allen, Nathan Allen, Nancy Gill (Mark's Aunt), and Matt Gill (Mark's Cousin)

The Haddow Family

Katy, A Few Days Before The Wedding In Her Gorgeous Gown

This Kiss, This Kiss

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Allen

Happy ___th Birthday, Greg!

2008-07-13T20:26:00.003-04:00

We celebrated Greg's birthday last week. Chris, Andrea, Mark, Katy, Lindsay and I wished Greg a happy day! We ate Greg's delicious homemade lasagna, and for dessert, snacked on Greg's homemade birthday cake and a wonderful Edible Arrangement that Katy and Mark brought. It was fun to have everybody over which made the day special for the birthday boy.

Jungle Cat

2008-07-13T20:20:00.002-04:00

After spending some time looking for her, Lindsay and I found Stellar on the side of the house, lurking under some tall plants. Despite the very hot temperature and her super long fur, she looked quite comfy and seemed annoyed when we brought her back into the cool house.

In All Fairness...

2008-06-19T21:32:00.004-04:00

It's only fair that I include a pic of sweet Cammie, our 12 year old poodle. Yes, she only has one eye and can barely see out of it. Where Sandie tends to be feisty, Cammie is super sweet, although can be quite a barker. Other than the rare brawl over treats, Cammie and Sandie are pretty much inseparable.

One Happy Pup!

2008-06-18T21:39:00.005-04:00

This is our sweet pup, Sandie. He is the younger of our two poodles. Sandie is eight years old and still acts like a puppy. He always seems to have this smile on his face! Seriously, he is always happy!

Sandie recently got into a brawl with Cammie, our older puppy. The fight was over the contents of a Kong toy. Sandie got a little greedy. He ate his treat and then thought he would snatch Cammie's. But Cammie would have none of that! Cammie defended her Kong with all of her might. I literally had to pull Sandie off of Cammie. What was really frightening was that when I got Sandie away from Cam, I noticed that Sandie had blood dripping from his eye! Now this was particularly upsetting to see because we have had a history of eye problems with our pets. Two of our pets (Cammie included) had to have an eye removed. I was worried that Sandie might be the next. A trip to the vet determined that it was a minor cut and he healed within a few days. Whew! Sandie is back to smiling again.

Love Is In The Air!

2008-06-04T21:36:00.003-04:00

I had the great privilege of shooting Mark and Katy's engagement photos. They make a wonderful couple and were so fun to photograph. We are all getting excited as the day draws closer!

Wedding Update!

2008-05-19T22:06:00.001-04:00

Mark and Katy have moved their wedding date up to July 19th! I will continue to post updates as I receive them.

Kathi Hansen

2008-05-16T18:43:00.004-04:00

This is a portrait that I shot of Kathi Hansen a couple of weeks ago. I didn't enhance her eyes at all! That blue is the true color of her eyes! I just made a layer of B/W and kept her eyes the same color. Yes, her pregnant torso is pictured below a couple of posts ago.

Congratulations To Mark and Katy!

2008-05-11T20:27:00.005-04:00

We received some exciting news this week! Mark and Katy Haddow are engaged! Both are attending BYU in Provo. From what I have heard, it looks like it will be a December wedding. I will post more news as I receive it. Congratulations, Mark and Katy!

Who Is This Beautiful Woman With Child?

2008-05-10T23:44:00.002-04:00

While I don't consider myself a professional photographer, I sure have enjoyed having photo shoots with friends in my make-shift studio in my basement. I particularly loved this shot. Any guesses as to who this might be?

My Latest Read

2008-05-04T22:48:00.000-04:00

I am, admittedly, not a voracious reader like some members of my family. But recently, I read with pleasure Randy Pausch's book, "The Last Lecture." Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and was asked to address students in a lecture series that was once referred as "The Last Lecture." The idea was to get speakers to talk to students about whatever they felt was important, if this was to be their last lecture ever. For Randy Pausch, this was his last lecture. Ever. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the past year or so and is literally dying. He has surpassed doctor's expectations for surviving, fighting with every fiber of his being to live a little longer for his wife and especially for his three young children. He knows that his time is running out.

His book is based on the lecture he gave at Carnegie Mellon University, but with more elaboration. In no way is this book maudlin. In fact, it reflects Randy's positive outlook on life, and do I dare say, is quite inspirational to read. I found the book to be very poignant and really will make you think about how precious your life really is! A must read! Here is the link to the actual lecture if you decide not to get the book: "The Last Lecture," by Randy Pausch.

Monticello

2008-04-20T23:48:00.008-04:00

Yesterday, Greg and I drove to Charlottesville, with the goal of visiting Monticello, former home of Thomas Jefferson. We got there late in the afternoon and thought we wouldn't be able to get onto the grounds. We were fortunate enough to be able to get there before they closed. Both of us had seen the inside of Jefferson's home before, so we concentrated our time on walking around the gardens. What a perfect day to be there! I don't think I have ever seen so may different types of tulips before! And on the the grounds were the biggest, most fragrant lilac trees ever! It was truly heavenly!

Owie!

2008-04-14T21:49:00.002-04:00

Okay, this is almost embarrassing to admit...but I did something today that I have never done in my entire life. I actually got a paper cut on my eye! OUCH! The weirdest thing...I was writing something on a Post-it Note and I guess, as I was pulling it off of the pad, the little 4x4 green Post-it Note flew up out of my hand and caught the outside of my eye. I don't think it's anything serious, but how strange is that??? I guess it's never too late to experience something new! :)

Reminiscing

2008-03-31T08:50:00.006-04:00

I was going through some older photos that were taken a little over a year ago and found this one of me, Lindsay and Theo, when Theo and Matt were visiting for a few days. We enjoyed having them so much. We miss them when they are so far away.

Times surely have changed over the decades. Long ago, when couples got married, they often lived very close to their parents and grandparents. Families saw each other frequently, because they lived so close. It is rare that this occurs today. The crucial need for sound employment takes families wherever they must go, often to different parts of the country. When I grew up, all of my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandmother lives within the small radius of one town, so visiting them was a weekly occurrence. I think I might have been one of the first to leave our area in Northeastern Ohio. I have to say that I really do miss the closeness that I had with my extended family.

Thank goodness for technology, though. Things like blogsites and cell phones help keep us linked to those we love. Before cell phones, I remember being on such a tight budget that I could only call my parents once a week, and still had to watch the minutes. Now, I talk to my mother almost every day. Both she and I are so grateful for that!

Lafayette, Indiana

2008-03-19T20:30:00.006-04:00

Greg and I spent four days in Lafayette, Indiana, where Matt and Claire and their two sons live. Matt is currently working on his graduate degree at Purdue University. Matt, Claire and Theo recently welcomed Luc into their home and Greg and I were so happy to be present as Luc was blessed on March 16. Luc is such a delightful baby and we enjoyed holding him whenever we could. Theo is two years old and loves discovering new things! It's so fun to watch him get so excited when he is exploring the world around him. We were able to tour the very first fire station in Lafayette, which was built in 1921. Theo loved climbing into one of the old fire trucks and ringing the very loud bell. Coincidently, Greg brought Theo a "Fireman's" outfit from Virginia, which consisted of a raincoat, hat and matching boots. Theo definitely looked the part!

Theo...what a cutie!

Luc couldn't take his eyes off of Grandpa

Sweet Luc

Fireman Theo looking cool

Taken at Luc's blessing. It was fun to see Claire's parents, as they also made the trip to Lafayette.

Angie

2008-03-11T19:47:00.010-04:00

Angie was kind enough to be my second model. It's been so fun to try creative lighting techniques and capturing a side of friends that I have never seen before! Angie is wearing the same fur coat that Heather wore in her photos. I found the coat in storage in the basement. It's something that Lindsay found at a thrift store a long time ago. I never thought it would be this fun to use. If you would like to see more of Angie's poses, see my link to the right under Jean Allen Photography.

New Pics of Baby Lucius

2008-03-05T19:53:00.005-05:00

Photos courtesy of Mon Fiston

Daddy and Luc

Luc

Mommy, Theo, Luc

Baby, Version 2.0 Comes Out Today

2008-03-03T23:16:00.000-05:00

Quoted from Matt and Claire's Blogsite:
"After a long, sleepness night in the hospital, Claire and I were very happy to welcome Lucius into the world. He was born at 10:45 am Eastern time, and is the exact size Theo was (19.5 inches long, 7 lbs 14 ounces) but we had forgotten how small that really is. Everyone is tired but healthy. More news, pictures, and names to follow."

Another Boy in the Allen Family... :)

2008-03-03T17:17:00.007-05:00

Today, Greg's son, Matt, and his wife, Claire, welcomed a new baby boy (details will be posted as we receive them). His name so far is Lucius (Luc)...additional names may be pending. Congratulations to Matt, Claire and Theo!

Heather

2008-03-02T18:51:00.005-05:00

Here are a few pictures that I shot of Heather that I promised to post (with her permission). Doesn't she look just beautiful?

Photography Class

2008-02-29T18:15:00.000-05:00

I am having such a wonderful time in my photo class- learning new, cool ways of doing things. What a difference going to a class that you actually enjoy and have fun in. Above is a shot I caught in our back yard while a mist was just settling in.

My new blogging adventure

2008-02-28T21:40:00.000-05:00

I finally succumbed to bloggersville. My initial reaction to all of this was, "My life is too boring, no one will be interested..." But, through the nudging of a dear friend, whose name I won't reveal at this time, Heather Porter, I decided to jump in.

Speaking of Heather, she was kind enough to be my model the other night, as I have been practicing different lighting techniques with my camera. I will soon post some photos of "Glamorous Heather."

We are awaiting the birth of our second grandson. Matt and Claire are expecting their new son any time now. Theo is also excited at the prospect of a new baby brother. Greg and I are planning to visit them in Lafayette, Indiana, in time for the blessing. We can't wait!!!