Preschool Graduation!

Jared Junior (Rebs) graduated from preschool last week! It was a big day and I recorded several short videos but for some reason they are not loading properly. So, I am posting all the photos I took and will post the videos later.

All set up- anxiously awaiting the big entrance!

Here in her cap- she was the youngest in our family to graduate from preschool- we have high hopes for her! The Pledge of AllegianceThe post pledge of allegiance round of applause- of course.Miss Sheryl's Preschool- CLASS OF 2010!
Rebs protector and hero the whole year...Introducing...the future son-in-law! (in 30 years of course)Rebs' wonderful teacher, Miss Sheryl (but Rebs calls her Aunt Sheryl)
Yesterday, May 24th- snowstorm. For real.Peapod- super excited about the snow
Congratulations Rebs! Harvard or Bust! ;-)

And remember, if you are able...please donate to Relay for Life- we are running in a couple of weeks! The instructions are on the previous post!

Relay For Life!

In the past 2 years, we have known people who are suffering from Leukemia, Colon Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Liver Cancer. My Grandpa passed away 9 years ago from skin cancer and during his fight, I felt like I wanted to do more to help him but didn't know how. In 3 weeks, my kids and I are running in American Cancer Society's, Relay For Life. We are hoping to raise at least $100.00 toward the cause. If you are able to make a donation, click on the link and give what you can. This year's theme for the relay is "Celebrating More Birthdays". If we can help even one more person celebrate a few more birthdays, we've done our job. Thanks in advance for your support.

Rich Goade, Shelly Lomu, Karli Poyfair, Stephanie Keith, Candie Bodrero, David Ahlstrom, Harold Kalso, Rebecca Orrico, Buck Buchanan, Geneva Sanders, Marvin Sanders, Paula Rae Johnson, Janis Allgood, this is for you both in heaven and on earth.

When you click on the link below it will take you to the main page. Click on "DONATE" and then type my name- "Kim Allgood" - and make your donation. Thank you for your support!

Utah County RELAY FOR LIFE- MAKE A DONATION!

the pre-celebration party

post celebration bath

the mess!

the slacker mom cupcake for pre-celebration party

Peapod turned 1 today but Jared wasn't around tonight so we celebrated really quick between Jared getting home from work and leaving for a meeting. When I say really quick, I mean 30 seconds quick. Zoo is scheduled for Saturday but for now, this will have to do.

Time flies. Fast.

It is Peapods first birthday today. Jared went to go get him from his crib this morning and I got emotional watching him smile and play and kick me in the face. I can't believe it has been a year. The flashback of the last year makes me wonder if I held him for a few more minutes a day if he would be more of a cuddler. I wonder about the boy and man he is going to become and in the world today, that frightens me more than you can imagine. I understand that fear and hope cannot coexist. I apparently need to get a refill on the hope juice. But, for today he could not be a more perfect little baby boy. He doesn't crawl or stand or walk and that makes me happy. Don't get me wrong, he gets heavy but I love that he has his own timing. He is stubborn and I think he gets that from his mom (and that makes me happy too.) Peapod has been a light in our family that we didn't know we were lacking until he joined us.

Pea, I can't believe you are 1. You are so very much fun. I can't believe your hair went blond. I'm thankful we have such a strong bond. Baby Peapod you are 1 and to you I say Happy Birthday little boy, this 13th of May.
Okay, I know that was cheesy but I was in the mood to write a weak sauce ode. Love you Peapod! Hopefully that ode will not be interpreted as a measurement of my love for you.

Peapod's first day home from the hospital with his adoring sis!

Here is the birthday boy, on his birthday- 1 year later!- could he possibly look any more different?

the 2 middle kids, posing for their blog photo

Rebs and I on Mother's Day- she painted a tile for me!

Rebs after her Mother's Day performance at school- all tuckered out.

Beautiful little Dee on Mother's Day

For Mother's Day, Jared branched out and made me this amazing salmon, salad, and garlic, feta mashed potatoes. It was amazing. Even though I am not his mother, I appreciate that he hooked me up since our kids aren't old enough to cook on their own quite yet. I love you!
I am so very grateful to be your kids mom!

sabout time!

Hey dear friends and neighbors. It is finally time to sing little Peapods praises! He is doing a one armed, rolling, push with a knee, lurch forward army crawl! He did it for the first time yesterday. Once for me, once for Jared. I thought I would wait until he did a duplicate today before I posted the freaking awesome news. HE CAN MOVE! ;-) Perhaps by the time he is 2 he'll be able to walk.

Ten

1. Peapods super cool inchworm lunge
2. Black bean salsa soup (can be made in 20 minutes with 5 ingredients)
3. Playing a hymn on the piano without messing up
4. Having the young women come over for a service scavenger hunt and reading bedtime stories for the kids
5. Getting all the laundry done
6. Leftovers for dinner (minimal dishes)
7. Rebs haircut
8. Homemade Thai food from a neighbor!
9. Going out to lunch with a neighbor!
10. Piano lessons for the kids (thanks Karli!)

Black Bean Salsa Soup
3 cans black beans (rinsed and drained)
2 1/2 c. chicken or vegetable broth
1 1/2 cup chunky salsa
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
toppings ideas: light sour cream, tortilla chips, cheese, green onions, chopped tomatoes

Blend first 4 ingredients in a blender or food processor and then transfer to a medium-large stockpot and heat on stove. Ladle into bowls and add desired toppings. It is so quick and easy to make and virtually fat free! (unless you really dump the toppings on!)

Hollywood, here we come!

It was the week of performances! Dee had her 1st grade singing program on Thursday and MJ had her theater performance on Wednesday and Saturday. Both were fantastic and we the parents were very impressed.

Our Oscar winners! MJ and her pal totally stole the show!
"I'd like to thank the Academy and all the people that helped me get THIS far!"
this song was performed with all the kids doing sign language. "because I knew you, I was changed for the better." It made me cry during both dress rehearsals and both performances. Look at MJ, she looks so very sweet!
The end of show applause!
Glenda the good witch (MJ is looking on right behind her)
Our Star!
Aren't those adorable costumes?!
Peapod wondering why they were doing it wrong- when doing "jazz hands" your fingers are supposed to be completely spread out and straight! SHEESH!
Pre-show jitters!
Peapod is still mad about the jazz hands!
Pre-show jitters for the first grade program! The stress got to him.
The first grade concert was also a highlight! It was well-rehearsed and well-performed!
Dee didn't look at me one time once the performance began- she was very serious about her singing!
My beautiful 7 year old- wow!
It concerns me how many parents are at these things sometimes. The entire place was full- it causes me to wonder...don't you people have jobs? Then I look at Jared and realize- oh yeah, you're here too!
Before the show photo shoot! (and Rebs before her haircut!)
And here is the COPPERTONE BABY! Isn't that a wicked new do?
Um, yes.

Hope ya know, we had a hard time...

During these times of economic difficulties, natural disasters, wars, media infiltration in our homes, disintegration of family relationships- it's easy to get depressed and sad. This is a great video by an LDS apostle but is for anyone who feels the pressures of the world weighing on their shoulders. I know several of you are dealing with health issues, issues with money, taxes, children, concerns about the state of the world--- this one is for you...