It's Been Awhile

Okay, okay, I realize it has been nearly a month since our last update. It is amazing how time flies by. So much for that New Year's Resolution! Oh well, hopefully I will get back on track and keep it updated at least weekly. Where to begin? So much has happened in a month. My sister had triplets, we celebrated Baby Girl Allen with a baby shower, we suffered a family loss, traveled to judo tournaments and started soccer! Amazing what can occur in one month!

Let's start where I left off. On March 6th, I headed to Oklahoma with my dad to support my sister and her husband in the early arrival (at 30 weeks ) of the triplets. We were excited that day to welcome Drew Gregory, Brady Thomas (identical boys) and Jordan Elizabeth to the world! They arrived ranging in weight from 2 lbs 14.5 ounces to 1 lb. 11 ounces. At first all seemed to be doing well. My dad and I returned to Indiana on Monday. Nana Jordan stayed behind to help the newly expanded family. Later that week, we received news that Brady (the smallest of the three) was experiencing kidney problems. The following weekend my dad returned to Oklahoma, along with my sister Stephanie from South Carolina. Although it was difficult, I stayed home since I had just returned. By Tuesday, we had signs of hope and my mom and dad returned to Indiana. Unfortunately, things turned much worse on Wednesday the 18th and my parents and I returned to Oklahoma on Thursday the 19th in time for Brady's baptism. Later that day he went to be with our Lord. He was truly a gift from God sent to warm all of our hearts. He touched many lives in his short 2 weeks with us, as family, friends and even those that we do not know were praying for him! I believe it was the power of prayer that gave him to us for as long as we had him.

Jordan and Drew are growing amazingly and big brother Eli is handling all the hospital trips and visitors with ease! The babies are now sharing an incubater and wearing preemie clothes! Both are just under 4 lbs at 4 weeks old! Check out the picture!

(Drew on the left, Jordan on the right, 4/4/09)

On March 21st, we celebrated yet another pending arrival! My sister Stephanie and her husband Andy are expecting a baby girl in early June. This will be their first child. A family friend, Julie, graciously helped (and hosted) with the shower, along with my sister Cathy. The time visiting and sharing with friends and family was great. Stephanie or should we say Baby Girl Allen made off with a haul! A highlight of the shower was the prayer blanket that matches the ones that the triplets in Oklahoma recieved at their shower. The small fleece blanket is embroidered with a Bible verse. Guests say a prayer as the tie the fringes along the edges of the blanket to complete it. What a blessing for Baby Allen to soon be wrapped in a blanket of prayers! Stay tuned for updates as her arrival approaches! We cannot wait!

Great Grammy saying her prayer for Baby Girl Allen.

At least she'll be wearing the right colors!

Basketball season ended in late February and an awards banquet was held in early March at the school. It was a great evening of celebrating the strides made by both the girls and boys basketball teams, as well as the 2nd grade cheerleaders. Each member was awarded a personal award by their coach. Kaylynn received the Best Offense Award as she always worked to get everyone where they needed to be to run our offense and helped them when they needed it. It was a great experience for me to share in this learning season with the 3rd and 4th grade girls team at St. Paul! They really learned a lot and gave each practice and game everything they had no matter the score!





Over Spring Break, the kids competed in a National Judo Tournament in York, PA. It was an extended weekend for our family. We headed out on Thursday for the long 10 hour drive - we drove through rain the whole way! On Friday morning we headed to Hershey, PA to tour Chocolate World. It was neat to learn how chocolate was made and how much is made. Did you know that the Hershey Kiss was introduced in 1907? We didn't! Kaylynn was our official photographer on our tour. Enjoy the photos!



The kids competed on Saturday and Sunday. The competition was intense as the levels beginning just above Kaylynn were ones that allowed the winners to become part of a US team to compete in international events! The kids held their own and did well, learning a lot along the way. Kaylynn came home 5th and Garrett 4th! We are so proud of them for their commitment to learning and doing their best! I know that I wouldn't have the nerve to go out on the mat and do what they do!

Kaylynn works to make a throw.

And another.

Garrett works to keep his balance.

Comeptition was tough!

With a late return on Sunday evening, we were back to school on Monday; although Eric headed into a week of plant shutdown where he has had to work 7 straight nights as they made repairs to the plant and got it running again! Tonight and tomorrow night to go and he finally gets 2 nights off! Monday evening began our soccer season officially, as Garrett had his first game. He played again today and his team unfortunately has lost both games. However, Garrett has played extremely well and seems to be best at defense! Kaylynn has been having 3 practices a week (2 with her team and one for only goalies) for her traveling soccer team. We do not have a her schedule yet and are anxious to get it. Both kids are also preparing for the Indiana State Judo Tournament that is May 2nd in Portland, IN. Wish them luck!

Defense specialist

It is also exciting for us to share the news that the 2 kids were honored with perfect attendance for last grading period. Additionally, Kaylynn earned all A's and made the High Honor Roll. She was one of only 2 students to accomplish this! Another feather in her cap is that this is her second straight grading period receiving these honors! We are very proud of her effort to learn more!



I think I have caught everyone up with the biggest news from around here. We are enjoying the warm days that we get and are trying to get the pig pen built in the yard as we have to have them here by mid-May. Kaylynn is excited for her first year in 4-H and has taken 8 projects - a lot for her and we told her that! However, she has already begun working on them! Garrett is able to do mini 4-H this year and has already completed one of his projects! Don't know where those habits came from as I know I seemed to always wait until the last minute!

Well, I should be getting dinner ready and starting some laundry. Going to hang out and enjoy the last weekend of college basketball and enjoy the great evening. Again, thank you to all of you for your support during this past month. Our family is truly blessed with dynamic friends and extended family to help us whenever we need it! May God bless you with His grace and keep you safe!



PS - I promise it will not be so long between updates!