SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Oh what a beautiful place. I absolutely love it here. Check out my view from the oceanfront patio. I am so glad that Anthony and I decided to come here. All we've done is relax. Nothing more we've wanted to do. Sat at the beach and watched the waves crash on the rocks and on the shore. I can't wait to come back to PR. Loving this....

IKEA

Who would have known that those four little letters would mean love for me! I went to my church convocation this past week and Anthony's family reunion was this weekend. Well since we were in Round Rock I said, Hey let's stop at IKEA. That store is absolutely awesome!!! They have some of everything in there and the prices are so reasonable. The style is very modern. Love the store and we will most def be returning soon.

Remodeling Again..

So the guest bath wasn't good enough. We are starting the remodel process all over again, this time it's the master bath. Not even started good and I can't wait for it all to be over!

In Love

Sometimes in life men are blessed to find the perfect someone that makes every aspect of their life more enjoyable. I do thank God that he has given me my love. I can truly say that God made her especially for me and I am eternally grateful. She is in every thought I could ever have of happiness. Everytime I see her smile it takes my breath away, and I realize how much I love her and what she truly means to me. I am honoured that God chose me to bless with the opportunity to love her. She is truly an "angel". Honey thank you for loving me and supporting me. Thank you for making my life complete.

SURPRISE!

Anthony and I went to my friend Christina's "surprise" engagement party. It was super sweet. Eric put so much thought into it all. The DVD was super sweet and the whole thing was so romantic. Can't wait for the wedding!!

Me and the Mr.

Roses

The Ladies


The happy couple

Gilbert and Brenda

Veronica and Elida

Pretty

It was my cousin's wedding today. We were not able to make it out to Houston though. I heard it was a very beautiful ceremony. Now on to Shayla's wedding. So much talk about weddings make me excited about our 10 year anniversary. We plan to renew our vows in Hawaii then. Beautiful!!

Something New

So I'm starting a new venture in my life. I am going to be a Premier jewelry lady. It is a Christian based organization and a way to make some extra cash. The jewelry is beautiful and you can get it for free!!!! Ask me how!

I am super excited and just believe that God is going to bless this business venture. I hope this can be a start to my master retirement plan!

In the House Finally

Today is a good day. I finally am able to add comments to our blog. I thank my wife for holding it down while I was in limbo. She is a remarkable woman and I love her with all my heart.

WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU LEMONS.....

Throw the lemons back at life!

We've started demo on the master bathroom renovation...well Anthony started. We're waiting for a bid for labor and installation. That's the piece I'm waiting to hear about. This is going to be very nice when we finally get done. Not looking forward to being without a bathroom for any length of time.

In other news, the a/c compressor went out yesterday evening. What's that you ask? Didn't we just replace the furnace LAST SUMMER? Why YES we did. Oh, boy was I frustrated! But Anthony did help me out. There are worst things that could have happened. So to God be the glory anyhow! Pray for my strength and patience. This is HONESTLY an area that I'm asking for assistance in.

I'm SUPER excited about the upcoming vacations and trips. We have the convocation/Waco trip, then Ant's family reunion, then the PR vaca and then my Dad's fam reunion. Can't wait to see Puerto Rico though. Operation Puerto Rico is still in effect.I fell off for two weeks, but I've maintained. I just have about 10 pounds to lose by Aug 2. Can I do it? Of course! I have to cause Anthony issued a challenge. I told him that I was getting discouraged and he said that if I can meet my goal we will go to Greece next spring break! I got this man!

My lil' sister, Shayla is getting married Aug 15. So much still to do. We are going out today to register and pick up her dress. We started putting the invitations together last night...fun stuff. It is going to be a beautiful wedding. We need to find time to fit in a bridal shower and batchlorete party.. whoo hoo!!!

Wonderful Saturday...WAIT, it's only Friday!

It's so GREAT to get up late (7:30) and chill! 3 day weekends are wonderful. I don't have any special plans. Maybe we'll go out for breakfast... maybe take in a movie....maybe just chilax!

And to think...we get to do this all over again tomorrow. I love when Anthony and I are able to just spend time together at home.

We are planning to remodel our master bath. Last spring break we remodeled the guest bath ourselves... IT was a HUGE job and I don't think I want to tackle that again, so we are going to hire folks to tear out build and move things around. I am super excited about this remodel. We had the first piece happen today. The designers came out to measure today...step 1 down.

VACATION TIME

We just booked our vacation....We're going to Puerto Rico. I'm super excited and can't wait until August when we hit the airways. I'm dreaming of beautiful beaches and days of relaxation.
With that said I have about 7 weeks to get a few more pounds off. YAY!!

Bring on the salads and treadmill!!!

Just A Lazy Saturday Afternoon

So I am just sitting at home after a full morning of cleaning and grocery shopping watching Valkyrie...so far so good.
Still nothing new here. Preparing for our church anniversary program tomorrow... STILL trying to lose this weight. 15 pounds down a billion more to go!!!
My niece is a trip. I got a call from my sister this morning with a very interesting story which began,
The police just left Mom's house!!! (I'm sorry who did WHAT) Apparently Tay called (991 as she called it) Long story short, the police did not get an answer when they tried to call back so they came out to her house to make sure all is well. That little girl is too smart for her own good.

Is Anyone Out There???!!!??!!?!

We'll I'm baaackkk. I've had quite a hiatus. Not much new here. Still trying to loose weight. I'm down about 14 pounds now... and counting. Still working...playing...going to church. Not much else new. My niece will celebrate her 4th birthday tomorrow. I remember when she was born! Oh how time has passed.
I have been away from electronics for a while and decided to pick up my notebook only because of the peer pressure which caused me to join facebook.
Anthony is out of school for the summer and will be teaching summer school. I'm trying to put together some sort of vacation for us. We'll see what happens.
So, I'm back now and will be in more often now.

My Girl

She loves taking pictures

Taking pictures of herself

And Posing

LOVE HER LOTS!

Going to the Chapel....

Aren't they just the cutest couple. They are so sweet and you can see their love for one another. My prayer for them is that they stay that in love for the rest of their lives!

A sweet young woman from my job was married this weekend. They are such a cute young couple. It was a beautiful wedding and reception. It made Ant and I want to walk down the aisle once more.

The new Mr. and Mrs.

Me and the Mr. after the wedding / before the reception

Me with the ladies from the job.

Look at what I made with my camera!!! I love my camera!

Mira que bonita!

The ladies with the groom.

Mr. Allen and I at the end of a long day.

brown paper packages covered in string...

These are a few of my favorite things!

I LOVE good scents. My house has to smell delicious. This is my oil burner. I bought this from the company that sells body butter. You place droplets of scented oils in the top and place a tea light underneath. It burns for hours and will light up the house with beautiful fragrances. I LOVE this thing! My current favorite"flavor" is GRAPE mixed with CRANBERRY believe it or not. Smells WONDERFUL!

This was an '08 Christmas gift from my sister. She know how I like for my home to smell she got me this thing. It's a Pod Warmer and it came from the Gold Canyon co. This plugs into the wall. You have to buy fragrance pods (this one is cinnamon vanilla I think) The unit heats up and the pods melt and produce such aroma in the house. Again, I love this thing. I turn it on just as soon as I walk in the door.

TULIPS are my FAVORITE flower. I do not HAVE to have fresh flowers in the house, but it is nice when they are there. I'm not a flower person.... but I do like tulips. They are such a beautiful flower.

One of my many obsessions. Shoes! I have almost 90 pair at last count! That is so sad y'all!! Now don't get me wrong, I don't go spending lots of money on my shoes. I love shoes, but they MUST be inexpensive. That's probably why I have so many! I feel so accomplished when I find a shoe bargain! This is SO opposite my purse obsession.... but we'll talk about that in another post.

Need I say more!?!?! I absolutely LOVE Jelly Belly jelly beans! I specifically like the watermelon, red apple, peach, grape, and sours. I could honestly sit and eat an entire bag... but I force myself to stop!

VALENTINE'S DAY 2009

It was a lovely hearts day in the Allen household. My sweet husband gave me flowers, balloons, and candy. This is what I woke up to Saturday Morning.

I also got a cute singing stuffed animal. I think it is too cute!!!

As for the rest of the family, it was a good hearts day. My family is the only one I know that will take any holiday and make it a major gift giving event. There were lots gifts exchanged. It was not for the sake of giving gifts alone, we just love one another and enjoy showing it.
Lot's of LOVE!

Pre Hearts Day

Do I have a wonderful husband or what?So I'm not a big mushy girly girl or anything, but I am a sort of a romantic. He is very sweet and always goes all out for special days. Every day leading up to Valentine's Day he has left a bear, box of chocolates, and a letter for me to find around the house. (the chocolates are uh..... gone. I didn't eat them all alone) I can not say enough just how much I love him! Thank You for loving me. Thank you for showing it and saying it.

************************************************

Also, at my job we do an actual valentines day exchange. Yes like you did in elementary school! But it is so very sweet and fun. My co-workers are such sweet folks.

I made this crude v day baggie to hold all of my "treats". And look at those tulips. LaToya knows those are my favorite flower and bought me a pot. The best thing about it is that these are actually tulip bulbs so they can be replanted and HOPEFULLY will stay alive. Thanks LaToya!

OUCH

I don't know how, I don't know what I did, but I seem to have hurt my neck.... my neck AND my back! I was just sitting at work yesterday and turned my head, not too fast or weird or anything, but as time went on my neck and back started to hurt more and more. It was odd. It still hurts pretty bad. I think it is just sprained. How do you sprain your neck?!?!?!?! Just one more thing only Shavonne would do! I've been using something called Blue Stop. It is like Bengay or the like. It works alright, bu I've been using it along WITH my heating pad. Someone told me this afternoon that you should never use Bengay and a heating pad. I wonder if this is true!!! Don't worry though, I've stopped now

The Biggesst Loser WHO!?!?

So after a month and just SIX pounds lost who's going to be the Biggest Looser? Well after some discouragement and a nice juicy burger... I'm back on track and can once again say I WILL BE THE BIGGEST LOSER! I had a sort of plateau and was including some things that I should not have been. After speaking with my coach I'm back on track. I have to cut more carbohydrates out and have to CONTINUE working out. I still hate exercise and still love food, but I must change my life and lifestyle.

I have a healthy mock sundae that you should try. It is delicious!

Cut a few strawberries or apples and arrange them on the bottom of your bowl. Add a serving of yogurt. I like Key Lime or Vanilla but you can use your favorite! Top it off with a good serving of crunchy granola. Delish!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

30 Years ago today my wonderful husband was birthed into the world. I thank God everyday for the gift of a husband he has allowed me to be with. This sweet man loves me for who I am and for the person I wish to be....inside and out....for better or for worse. There is no other person on this earth that I would rather grow old with than him. Happy 30th Babe! Here's to many, many more.

Had a little party for the birthday boy... I think he enjoyed it!

Tay's Art

My niece is absolutely the most intelligent three year old I know (she just corrected me... three and a half!) She was on my new computer.

It's a red mini computer which Anthony bought me for Christmas. I love it.

Anyhow, she went to a painting program and created a MASTERPIECE! She figured out how to work the application all alone. She is too smart, but I think I am a little biased.

As we sat and admired her artwork she decided she wanted to blog a bit herself so here goes...

frw2twu12jwh2jweh32aneedbncdfvo5ittioiioropeoertorirtlttyrioutreriioeeiro0itriri3e-

(I love Shavonne)

rorirrueuieeuwqwqeeeuhdfhddcbdueweiwew0e98i23023923291834923iugr7

(I love Shayla too... Gigi and Granddad too )

Hail to The Chief

I haven't been able to post in a while, but I did want to take some time to recognize the historic event that happened on Tuesday Jan 20. The 44th president of our United States of America was sworn in. How awesome is that! Of course I don't know the Obamas personally, but it just feels so personal for me. Regardless of what other people may think this is a HUGE accomplishment for all people of color. Of course my mother and father told me that I could be whatever I wanted if I put my mind to it, but it feels wonderful to actually see someone of color attain the highest position in the land! It's wonderful to look at the first lady and to see someone like me! She looks like me and like my sisters and like my daughters. I'm sorry if you can not understand this, but it is too awesome! I pray now that God will bless his presidency and keep him safe from all hurt harm and danger

Love that new "first family"!

On a similar note... I saw the "first dance"... the one where Beyonce sang 'At Last'. That was an awesome performance. I know it is gonna sound corny, (Shyra) but it was symbolic and powerful to me! I can just feel the love that those two have for one another. What an awesome time for our country.

Please Pray

Please pray for my family. My grandmother, my fathers mom, passed away yesterday afternoon. She leaves behind a host of children an grandchildren to cherish her memory. It is a difficult for our family. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers

Cherrell This Is for YOU!

Because you were talking about me yesterday and are my #1 fan... this post is for you! Are you watching American Idol? Oh my goodness it's pretty good so far. I think I might be hooked for this season. The crazy bikini girl was horrid, but she got through because of those silly boys! OMGoodness!!!

My weight loss progress: Thus far I've lost approx 4 pounds. While this is not exceptional, it is good. I just have to stay the course. I just want to give myself a pat on the back for cooking at home and not picking up food for dinner. It's not fun and not what I WANT to do at the end of a long day.

Anthony and I went to Corpus this weekend to visit his family. It was an interesting trip. Corpus is a small town. It, to me, is a town stuck in the past. I don't particularly like going and honestly if MIL wasn't there we would not visit. It was nice to see my MIL again. She is doing well. Visited his uncle as well and visited his home church on Sunday. It too is a small family church. Anthony was a member there all of his life. It was nice to see everyone is doing well.

TGIF!

I am so glad it's Friday. I've been looking forward to this weekend since Monday morning. Anthony and I are traveling to Corpus Christie tonight to visit his mother. I'm actually looking forward to the trip. Should be relaxing.
We're using a loner car, an ACURA MDX and can I just say OMGoodness I LOVE that vehicle!!! Anthony has been trying to get me to agree to trade in my pathfinder and I think he may have finagled his way into getting this specific loner car. (Our TL is getting a paint touch up) I think he may be winning me over... but I'm gonna hold on....as long....as I..can!
I'm having a jewelry party. Well, I'm co-hosting a jewelry party on next weekend 1/17/09. Someone I used to work with sells Premier Designs Jewelry and one of my current co-workers asked me to co-host a party with her. It will be at my house so please come and bring lots of money!!!
You may be asking, "So how are you doing on the "lifestyle change". Well thanks for asking! Things are going well. So far I've lost 4 pounds and I'm still motivated. It's been a trying week. I STILL hate exercising and I STILL want to stuff a brownie or cupcake down my throat, but God is giving me an increase in willpower... THANK YOU GOD! We started on 12/31/08 and so far so good. I can't wait to start seeing the results.

I Will Be ......

That's right! Anthony and I have started our "LIFE CHANGE". Now, I don't expect that it will be easy. It's already a bit difficult... well not difficult, more challenging I suppose. I don't get hungry, I just want to eat the wrong things. Just WANT to eat stuff that I don't really want or need (chocolate, pies,cookies, mashed potato sandwich YUM!) We've planned our meals for the month and created a workout schedule for the month. We have prepared for it this time. Breakfasts are planned out....Lunch is planned out....Dinner is planned out. Win Win situation right?!?! The one thing we are doing different this time around is not restricting ourselves. We allow a bit of a sweet or whatever you are craving (for me that helps to curb cravings... otherwise i would binge after a few days)

Now the exercise thing is difficult. I don't enjoy working out! I don't like having to wake up early, but I also don't like feeling overweight :-( Oh well, guess I better just get to bed earlier and push myself. I have a treadmill in the house, but I haven't been using it the way I should. We also have SEVERAL workout tapes and programs. It's almost like some sort of collection. A sad collection. We are going to begin using them now though..... REALLY.

2008: Year In Review

2008 was a good year. I thank God that he blessed me and my family through it with no hurt harm or danger. I am thankful for the blessed year, but I'm very eager to begin the new year. There were changes in our lives and some constants. Lots of work and some resting. Some new faces and a few losses. Here is the year in review.

We Renovated the upstairs bathroom. It was a lot of work, but it was well worth it.


Um, you can't tell from the pics, but I did actually do a lot of the work as well. Someone had to take pictures right?!?!




I was SO proud when Anthony obtained his Masters this year. He has worked so very hard and I love and appreciate the tireless effort he's put into the betterment of our family.




Anthony moved from Thomas Jefferson High School to Winston Churchill High School. This was a huge change for him.

I think he's still adjusting.


2008 Saw Anthony's first flight and and a nice vacation.



We visited Atlanta this year. It was a nice break from reality.


We saw a lot of sights.......

Scary

Emotional

Fun

and did a LOT of walking

Yes....

A LOT of walking


We learned how to use the train

Eventually!



It was a sweet vacation, but we were glad to head back home.



We saw The Color Purple. It was really good!


The political saga which eventually led to the OBAMA election!!!





And on December 21st Anthony and I celebrated six years of marriage! Who would have thought we would continue to be this happy after all of this time. We've been together for 10 years total. What an adventure.


I can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for us. Have a Blessed New Year!