Allen Christmas Letter 2015
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Or Happy Valentine’sday, Easter, Labor day, or Election Day…depending when we finish this letter and you finally receive it. The Allen family has had so many changes this year the Chinese have actually recognized 2015 as “the year of the Chameleon” in our honor. So let’s start with the “catching up on our year” section, then some fun stuff.
The first change and one of the biggest to mention right out the gate is that we moved. We left our home in Powell and moved in with Lindsey’s parents in Dublin. Long story short, we wanted a different life for our family and selling our house to save for a new one was our choice. An easy one, no way. The best one, definitely. Lindsey’s parents were gracious enough to take us in: 2 more adults, 3 kids under 10 and 2 dogs to join their house of 2 adults and 2 dogs. So doing to math, 4 adults, 3 kids and 4 dogs. They went from empty nesters to “there is no more room in the inn.” The move went great and the transition even better. The boys now get to see their grandparents every dayand have cable and Lindsey and I get to sleep on 2 twin beds pushed together. I do enjoy sleeping in Lindsey’s old bedroom with Rainbow Bright and my little Pony and next to posters of Joey McIntyre and JTT (Johnathan Taylor Thomas.)
I started a new job this year and now work in Delaware as a Therapy Manager at a skilled nursing facility. I manage an enormous team of therapists, actually just 1, but I manage him well. I also lead worship at our church playing guitar and singing for Jesus.
After 10 years, Lindsey re-entered the corporate world and got herself a job this year. Because Lindsey’s mom retired and could watch the boys, she was able to start her new career as an optometric technician. What does she do? I believe she plays with eye balls. It’s all very gross to me so I don’t ask. She says she gets to take pictures of eyes and order contacts and “cool stuff” like that. The other day she said she got to take a contact out of someone’s eye and how awesome it was. I gagged in my mouth a little and I wipe people for a living. But she loves it and the people she works with. She also loves to walk and spend time with boys.
Zachary is now 10 years old and in 4th grade. He is our expert reader, never stopping until he runs out of book, which is often. The library is officially running out of books for him to read and he will soon turn to pamphlets and restaurant menus to get his reading fix. He also loves to swim and has taken to it like a… fish to water.
Drew is 8 years old and in 2nd grade. He loves arts and crafts. He also loves to read but only about factual topics like history and animals. He loves sharks and hopes to one day resurrect a Megalodon and raise it like a pet, no joke. He wants to be that scientist from Jurassic Park, the one not eaten.
Nate is trying to kill us. I could tell you he is 6 years old but we only represent that time as the number of years he has allowed us to live. He is in kindergarten because he is too young for prison. The boy has his moments of utter and complete cuteness, when he is a perfect, sweet cherub of a boy who can do no wrong and loves you unconditionally. And then the rest of the time, he is awake. And that is a different story. If you have ever seen Family Guy, Nate is the real life Stewie Griffin. We think he is secretly always plotting to destroy Mommy. But seriously (since he will read this when he is older) Nate is a sweet boy and so funny. He loves to wrestle, play with his brothers and cousins and loves school. So there is still hope. I see good in him. -Luke Skywalker
As far as activities this year, we kept busy. And what I mean by that is “we killed time.” We went on a family trip with all 11 boy cousins to Hocking Hills, the 3 boys were all involved in swim team this summer, and Lindsey and I went with her parents and brother and sister-in-law to Nashville Tennessee this December. It’s been a great year even with all the changes but that’s just a testament to how good our God is and how much He loves us. So here’s wishing you that same love, grace and mercy He pours out on us daily to you and yours this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas,
Mark, Lindsey, Zachary, Drew, and Darth Nate
Playing Beat the Parents with the boys, their question was “where did Adam and Eve live?”
Zachary: “Bethlehem” Drew: “Jerusalem.” Nate “Cincinnati? No.”
Zachary: Mommy, which stuffed animal should I bring tomorrow for our pajama and movie day? Lindsey: I don’t know it’s up to you.
Zachary: Ok, well lets solve this the scientific way; Eenie Meenie Minie Mo….
“Teamwork is the best power to have. Well, besides God and Jesus.” -Drew
Drew left a plate outside his door. “So people can leave me an offering if they want.” -Drew
“Hey Mommy, guess what. I let Lilly (our dog) lick me in the mouth. Here, watch. Now you do it!” –Drew
“Can we bring this to church because Jesus loves it?” –Nate (Scooby Doo Wrestle Mania Mystery)
Nate started freestyle rapping at bedtime. “Read your bible! Or I’m gonna punch you in the faaaaaace!”
“Mommy and Daddy. I’m going to read and don’t tell me if I am wrong. Just let me do it. Ok...this is Batman and he has a sidekick, Robin, who doesn’t really do anything. It makes Batman mad because he has to do, like, everything.” - Nate
