The Allred Family

Welcome Jacob Garland Allred!

2010-11-14T14:47:00.003-07:00

We were blessed with our sweet little boy on Monday, November 8th at 5pm! He was 7 lbs 15 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. He's already calm, mild and sweet (yea!). We can't really say wether he's blond or dark haired. It's kind of humorous actually. I think he has "old man" hair. There's very little blond peach fuzz on the top. Around the back and sides he has quite a bit of hair which is both dark AND blond (salt and pepper!). we might be sticking with hats for a while :)
Abby and Joseph were so fun to watch when they came to the hospital to visit. Abby kept squealing and making funny comments like "it's a REAL baby!" "ooohh, look at his little ears!". Joseph was curious but more cautious at first, he was also worried about me. He would go see Jacob for a minute and then come back to check on me. But soon enough his curiosity would take him back over to Jacob. He loved pulling Jacob's hat off and rubbing his head. We are home and doing great, sorry for taking a bit to get this posted.

Joe loved giving him kisses.

Rubbing his head is so fun!

Happy Halloween! (all week long)

2010-11-07T12:39:00.006-07:00

We have been counting down the days until Halloween . . . well, since LAST Halloween! Abby has been planning to be Snow White since last year! (thank goodness she picked a feasible costume since she was so determined!) I had fun making Joe's little pirate outfit (not the hat and hook of course) and we had to add a cape to Abby's, since of course Snow White has a cape.
On Wednesday we went to Story Time at the library with my sister Jessica and her little boy, Blake, where of course we. . . dressed up! (Well, more specifically, they dressed up)
Then of course we had to got trick-or-treating down town on Friday. Joe picked up on this VERY quickly, by the third or so store, he was walking ahead with his bucket held up high, saying "twick-r-tweat!".
Finally on Saturday we headed out to my family's for some great Halloween parties! First a visit to Grandma and Grandpa Whitlock's, where I sadly took no pictures, but will get some from Grandma. Then we headed to the Westwood's for their grand kid party full of games and fun!

Blake, Joe and Abby at story time

Abby, then Joe with a donut eating contest
(little stinker using his hands!)

Spencer and my uncle Steve doing a GIANT marshmallow eating contest!

Oct 27. . .SNOW DAY?!

2010-11-07T12:31:00.003-07:00

A couple Wednesdays ago we woke up to snow! Abby was so excited that Santa was going to come before Halloween, yea!! (I wish I could say I was actually so on the ball we could have celebrated then, but no.) The weather was crazy enough that Spencer came back from work by about 9:00am because their power was out. It was so fun to have him here and take the kids out in the snow. Abby loved showing Joe how to make snow angels, eat snow, and sled! They were so cute and excited! (To top off such a great day, my sister Jessica and her little guy, Blake, came to visit from Logan for a few days!)

Jacob Gandolf?

2010-10-07T22:39:00.002-06:00

Well, we've had a lot of people ask us if we've picked a name for the baby. . . no, not yet. But, Abby overheard Spencer joking with me about some "great" Lord of the Ring names and decided Jacob Gandolf Allred sounded good. So now she's been telling everyone our son will be named Jacob Gandolf. . . yeah. . . probably not my first pick ;o) I thought it was still funny and wanted to share.

The Queen of Hearts

2010-09-21T15:24:00.004-06:00

The Queen of Hearts

she made some tarts
all on a summer's day;

The Knave of Hearts
he stole the tarts
and took them clean away.

The King of Hearts called for the tarts
and beat the Knave full sore
The Knave of Hearts
brought back the tarts
and vowed he'd steal no more.

So after reading this rhyme one day, guess what we had to do.

Didn't taste great in the end, but she didn't care,
she just liked how they looked.

Delicious Sugar Cookies

2010-09-20T14:04:00.003-06:00

My aunts kept making these yummy cookies at our reunions
and we finally got the recipes, which are easy! So, we wanted to share them with you!

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
1 cup butter (softened) 2 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar 1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla 5 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon baking powder

Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla together. Add eggs, then alternate adding sour cream and flour, then finish adding salt, soda, and baking powder. Dough will be slightly sticky, won't feel as stiff as regular sugar cookie dough. Roll out dough to 1/4" or 1/2" thickness (can use lots of flour on counter top, just don't mix too much into cookies. Slice with pizza cutter or cookie cutters. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Don't bake until brown or they'll go hard, the bottoms will be brown but nothing else. Within a couple minutes move cookies to cooling racks.

Strawberry Frosting (This is what really makes it great!)
1 cup butter
1 cup strawberries, diced (or chopped)
2 lb powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Blend well, at least 5 minutes. (I don't worry about chopping strawberries too tiny because they tend to get broken up a little more here). If too thick them add a few strawberries, too thin then add a little powdered sugar. Be careful not to over thicken or strawberry flavor won't come out as well. Pipe or spread onto cookies and enjoy! (I just used a gigantic piping tool and it was done in no time at all!)

Just a few pictures. . . .adios summer

2010-09-19T22:18:00.005-06:00

Water Fights!

who says you can't mix horse shoes and kids

Abby's first hair trim, by her Aunt Julia at Cosmetology school!

Oh there are so many fun pictures, I just picked a few quick. . .
sorry they don't do the summer justice.

OOPS! Not such a good blogger. . .

2010-09-19T21:56:00.003-06:00

So, WOW it's been just a little while since I've posted last. It's a good thing blogging isn't my job, or I'd be fired! Well, since I won't be able to ever catch up even though there are a lot of fun stories and pictures, I'd better just start keeping up instead. (ha ha everyone's thinking, I know).
Let's see if I can catch up on a few of the basics. Our summer was super busy and extra fun! We were able to go to a couple fun reunions, camping and boating included. The kids LOVED getting to be outside so much and Abby is already talking about next year at the "unions".
I'm loving my calling in the young womens, our ward is seriously the best, no offense to everyone else :) Spencer was called as the new Elder's Quorum President a couple months ago and was VERY busy with it at first but things are starting to settle down that way.
He's been gone a lot with work and fires, and we've really missed him, but when he is home he makes every moment count. I just can't tell you how much my love for him has grown as I realize his whole life is dedicated to taking care of our family and making us happy and comfortable. I just want to find every way possible to make his life as great as he makes ours.
Our little baby is growing fine, only about 7 more weeks and he will be with us! I am trying really hard not to count down yet, but it's hard when I'm CONSTANTLY reminded with kicks and punches. Holy cow, Abby was a very active baby in the womb, but she can't even hold a candle to this child! (I tell you I wouldn't be surprised if my belly is covered in bruises by the time we're done!)
We've also visited with my family and friends a lot, canned peaches, gone to the Zoo, and the Dino Museum at Thanksgiving Point and all kinds of fun things, including lazy days when we just stay home. Anyway, I'm embarrassed it's been so long since I've posted but if I keep waiting to "get caught up" you'll never hear from me again. So, here's the quick and dirty version and we'll see how well I do after this!

What are Sisters and Aunts for?

2010-03-22T09:06:00.003-06:00

So, a few weekends ago Becca came out from Provo to visit. It was so much fun seeing her, we stayed up til the weeeeeee hours talking each night and had a blast. Abby and Joseph both loved seeing her, but Abby was especially pampered. Becca brought her Pretty Pretty Princess game AND they had a tea/juice party. This wasn't just any old tea party, it was with Becca's special China tea set from her trip to China. They were so cute together! I love you sis, thanks for visiting, it means a lot.

Happy Birthday Spencer and One Year Joseph!

2010-03-21T20:48:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to the men in my life! (you know, from February 18th and 20th) I love you both and can't imagine life without you!

Running Anyone?

2010-03-21T20:39:00.002-06:00

I got caught taping my arches before exercising and of course Abby had to match. Well, when Joe saw her getting attention, he HAD to join in. Hence, we are all ready to go with our supported arches. Joe cried when his tape finally fell off.

Peanut Butter Play Dough

2010-03-21T20:26:00.005-06:00

The first step in any play dough is to follow the recipe and knead well.

Once kneaded and mixed to satisfaction, play away!

And of course the very best part about peanut butter play dough. . . it's edible! Yummm

Thanks for playing with me Abby, you are a sweet girl.

Shave and a Hair Cut. . .

2010-03-21T20:13:00.003-06:00

Abby loves to help with everything we do, laundry, dishes, mopping, sweeping, taking out the trash, and EVEN helping Spencer shave. (can I just say Spencer, you are a BRAVE saint!)

Ahhhh! That's all I can say!

Just a few more. . . .

2010-03-21T19:57:00.003-06:00

Cousin Charlie and Joe hangin' out in the snow!

Spencer and Abby finishing a run. Abby hopped on everyone's sleds so it was difficult to keep track of her and get pictures, but she sure was happy.

Christmas at the Allred's.

Merry Christmas, SOOOOOOOOO LATE!

2010-03-21T19:35:00.005-06:00

Since this is sooo, late I"m just posting a few pictures. We had a wonderful holiday, spending Christmas with my entire family in Utah, all staying under one roof. Loved it! Spent time at grandparents as well and went sledding. Every time Abby is unhappy with us, she asks to go to her happy place--Utah.

Brent, Jess, and Blake had our family (we draw names). Their gift was an awesome labor of love and lifesaver every Sunday at church. Jessica made a gorgeous quiet book for the kids. We love it so much, thank you!!
On Christmas morning before we go down to see what Santa brought (mostly for fun and out of tradition since now we're mostly all grown up), we line up on the stairs and sing carols at the top of our lungs to wake Mom and Dad up. (I love being a kid again).

This was a special moment, where Abby was taking some time to herself and Grandpa Neal joined in! It was sweet to watch.

Joe's First Sled Ride

2009-12-20T19:00:00.003-07:00

Joseph was sooo excited and loved it. Abby did too, but decided she has more fun sledding without trying to keep Joe from falling over. This weekend Spencer took Abby sledding at a nearby park with a pretty good hill. Some kids had even made a jump. She squealed and giggled all the way down and hasn't stopped talking about the jump all weekend!

BUSTED!

2009-12-20T18:55:00.002-07:00

Eeeew! In his mouth and everything. Well, thank goodness it wasn't used. . .

There was an Old Lady

2009-11-18T07:14:00.003-07:00

A while ago I was listening to Abby "read" (more like recite) books to herself. It was fun to hear how much she remembered from each book, most of it was literally word for word. She started reading "There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly", it was going great until. . .

"I don't know why she swallowed the fly,
I HOPE she'll die"!!

I cracked up, not exactly the original version, but is was original.

2009-11-17T10:25:00.004-07:00

Simple and cute. And, this is probably the only "educational" song she knows. (the rest are Disney Princess and believe me, she KNOWS them). My favorite part is "ello-mello- p"
please excuse the nerdy voice at the end.

Bragging Rights

2009-11-17T10:15:00.002-07:00

Now as an new aunt :) I get to show off my sweet nephews. The top two pictures are of sweet little Blake James, and the bottom two are sweet little Charlie Rex. Yea for family!

WOW

2009-11-17T10:02:00.002-07:00

Would you look at the size of that Jack-O-Lantern! When my Dad does something, he does it all the way. This his giant pumpkin (home grown) for the fall. Abby could literally climb right in. How much did this bad boy weigh, Dad?

My Brag Moment

2009-11-02T08:53:00.003-07:00

I just have to brag about Spencer and how amazing he is. He came up with such a cute FHE for Abby. It was sweet and short but is still sticking with her a month later.
We talked about what it means to be on the Lord's side and how we act on the Lord's side. (this maybe took 5 minutes). Then, Spencer stretched out a jump rope to make a line. On one side he placed a small statue we have of Jesus Christ and had Abby stand on the other side. Spencer and I were on the Lord's side and then played "Red Rover" to bring Abby over. We each took turns being the one to come over to the Lord's side. (Of course Abby wanted the statue to have a turn as well :) I'm not sure which was cuter, Abby trying to convince Spencer to do it, or Spencer's face as he said "Red Rover, Red Rover bring Jesus right over!)
Oh the innocence of youth!

It was such a good idea to help bring the message home. Spencer, I love you , my eternal companion. Thank you for all that you do to keep our family strong and faithful.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T06:45:00.004-07:00

Our cute neighbors brought over a pumpkin just Abby's size for her to paint. She had so much fun that when she woke up the next morning she said "I'm ready to paint another pumpkin"

Cinderella, there really was no other choice. We took the kids downtown where they do trick 'r treating on Main Street with all the vendors. She got so excited and kept telling everyone "Trick or treat, look, I'm blue!"

Our own Super Baby

I'm officially an Aunt!

2009-11-02T06:42:00.002-07:00

Jessica and Lizzie have both had their little boys during the month of October (Jess a few weeks ago and Lizzie just barely last Tuesday). Yeah!!! Now my kids have cousins and I get to be an Aunt! Both boys are adorable and sweet as can be. Jessica and Brent named their son Blake James Thomas. Lizzie and Landon named their son Charlie Rex Smith. Now hurry and grow up a little so the cousins can get together and really play!

Fun with Fall

2009-11-02T06:39:00.003-07:00

Spencer was so cute. We all went outside one afternoon and hunted for great leaves. Abby has come to love "crunching" through the leaves with their fall crispness. Once we had a couple handfuls of different leaves, Spencer brought Abby inside and the did leaf rubbings with crayons. Abby enjoyed this and wants to do it again and again.

Just Hangin' Around

2009-11-02T06:00:00.004-07:00

We're just enjoying Pj's and fun while it snows one day. Abby love to have Joe ride with her.

Smile for the camera, Mrs. Potato Head

Abby discovered how to be a mermaid! She just puts both legs into one pant-leg and wala! "Look I'm a mermaid!"

Bear Lake - Happy Birthday Ang!

2009-08-14T22:24:00.002-06:00

For Angie's birthday (Spencer's sis) this year, she decided to celebrate by renting a wave runner on Bear Lake. Yesterday was a blast! Abby was so excited we couldn't even get her to eat because she was so busy. She loved the sand, mud, water, kids, and pretty much thought the wave runner was for her.
Joseph also enjoyed it. He didn't like getting his feet wet until he realized he could squish his toes in the sand. Spencer and I had a lot of fun celebrating with Angie and even got a chance to ride the wave runner together! I felt so carefree, probably one of the most relaxing moments since having kids. All in all, thanks Ang for picking a great way to celebrate!

I Scream, You Scream!

2009-08-14T22:10:00.004-06:00

Last week Abby took her Grandma to Scoops for ice cream. She had so much fun that today she called up her Grandpa and asked if she could take him. I think she assumes this is a regular thing now.

The Many Faces of Joseph!

2009-08-14T21:31:00.003-06:00

Woops! I'm a slacker!

2009-07-28T20:32:00.002-06:00

Sorry I haven't updated in forever! Life gets going and I get very forgetful. So, hmmmm, the last little while what have we been up to? Well, my mom was AWESOME and took both kids for a full week so I could go to GIRLS CAMP!!! It was great and amazing. The girls in our ward are truly special and I've learned so much from them. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to get to know them better and grow spiritually, I really do have a special place in my heart for each and every one of them!
We really did have a blast, from them quoting Abby (you know, so I wouldn't miss her), to testimony meeting, skits, water fights and injuries (which received names by the way). I had a riot and can't wait to go again next year! Sorry to anyone who tried to contact me while I was away, I wasn't just trying to ignore you!

Joseph the Giggler

2009-06-08T11:15:00.002-06:00

PICTURES!!

2009-05-25T18:54:00.004-06:00

We finally got Joseph's 3 month and Abby's 2 year pictures taken.
Sadly Abby was coming down with a cold and
really just wanted to lay on the floor instead,
but I think they did pretty good considering :)
We love our little kiddos!

2009-02-28T21:42:00.008-07:00

Joseph Allen Allred
Born on February 20th, at 7:57 am
7 lbs 8 oz * 19 1/2 inches
Stinkin' adorable!

He's finally here! Jospeh is sweet Abby loves being a big sister. She asks to hold him ALL the time. He never did turn, so I did end up with a C-section. This turned out to be a blessing because he was under some stress in the womb and getting him here quick was important.

Things were a little crazy at the hospital to begin with. His oxygen levels were low , his respirations were too high, and he had pneumonia. He was also throwing up anything we tried to feed him and the nurses weren't able to get an IV into him to give him nourishment. This was scary. Until they were able to finally get an IV in (around 8 pm) we thought he may even be transferred to Primary Children's.

I wasn't able to hold him until that evening when I felt good enough to get into a wheel chair and visit him in the nursery. Thankfully, once he had the IV, things began to get much better! The next morning he was able to be in the room with us!! His doctor decided to keep him in the hospital for a week to monitor him and make sure he received all the antibiotics to treat the pneumonia. And now, we are thankfully home with a healthy beautiful boy, yea!!! Thank you to everyone for all your prayers, concerns and love. We definitely felt your support,

New Calling

2009-02-05T08:47:00.002-07:00

About two weeks ago I received a new calling, Second Counselor in the Young Women's Presidency! Way fun! It actually won't be too much of a change, just a little more work since before that I was the Secretary in Young Womens. Now I get to be in charge of the Beehive Mutual Activities.
But, the timing was a little stressful as far as the baby coming soon, because they still haven't called a new secretary, so I'm doing that calling as well. But, wait, that's not the end! Our Beehive Advisor (who teaches their lessons on Sunday) received a new calling the same time , so I'm also teaching Sunday lessons until they've called the new advisor! Thankfully I already know the girls, but I must say of all the times to be doing three callings, this is definitely a stressful one!! I feel like instead of getting everything in order right before the baby comes, they are rapidly piling up instead, aaaahhhh!! Hopefully the bishop has gotten the new ladies called this week so I can turn over those responsibilities to them on Sunday. And, phew, that will be a relief!

Latest Baby Update

2009-01-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

I went in for an ultrasound today and found out our little boy is breech! Although he still has 3 1/2 weeks to turn, the doctor isn't sure he will! (The little stinker). Anyway, if he doesn't turn we may try to get him to during labor, but if there's any trouble it's straight to a C-section, yuck!
So, everyone pray that isn't the case, because getting cut open terrifies the living daylights out of me! My gallbladder surgery was bad enough and I was asleep for that! I'm just not big on getting cut open, especially while still awake. I know it's probably not that big of a deal, but to me it is, so pray your hearts out and I will too!

Oh yes, the doctor also estimates (key word) that he's already 6 pounds! Hopefully that's an overestimation or he better slow down for these last few weeks! :0) Am I a wimp or what!

Spencer's Crazy Contacts

2009-01-29T21:52:00.003-07:00

Spencer has this great eye condition called Keraticonus, which I won't even try to describe beyond it makes his eyesight terrible! Bad enough that he reached the point his glasses or hard contacts alone aren't doing the job anymore.
So, he went to meet with a specialist in Ogden to see about getting some fancy contact lenses called hybrids, which are hard in the middle and soft on the outside. From what we understood this was one of his last options except a cornea transplant (yuck)! To our dismay the specialist had stopped recommending hybrid lenses because too many people were having problems with them. But, he still recommends the "old school" solution they call "piggy back". The idea behind it is the same as hybrids, only you wear two contacts in each eye, wild!
Soooo, that's what Spencer is doing now (wearing a hard contact on top of his soft one) and it is working great!!! Yea! He can see again and this was a way cheaper option than either a surgery or the hybrids, who knew.

Wyoming Winter Wonderland

2009-01-29T21:32:00.005-07:00

As we returned home from church on Sunday, the snow just kept coming and coming. The only way Abby finally agreed to come inside was Spencer's promise to take her right back out after changing clothes and getting gloves. She held him to his promise!! My favorite pictures are these when she's still in her skirt and loving life! I'm so lucky to have an awesome husband who is willing to withstand the cold to let her have fun (while I relaxed in the warm, dry indoors).

Abby's first attempt at snow angels!

Once they finally came inside, they had hot chocolate with candy canes to warm their insides.

Children's Discovery Museum

2009-01-29T21:00:00.006-07:00

While in Utah for the holidays, we also went to the museum.
Abby was in Heaven! She could barely stay with one activity
because she'd already spotted the next one she wanted to do.

She definitely takes after Spencer's love for climbing
and will climb everything (including trying the walls during Sacrament Meetings).

This horse was definitely one of her favorite parts and she's still talking about it.

Look who's in the dog house!

Melissa and Abby peeking in the "mouse hole".

Happy Holidays!

2009-01-29T20:32:00.008-07:00

We spent the "after Christmas" holidays at my parents (the Westwoods). David had our family for Christmas and (with Mom's wonderful sewing skills) gave Abby this super cute apron, also the wicked awesome movie Kung Fu Panda!!

She enjoyed playing the piano every day while we were there, and insisted Landon sit and play next to her.

Grandpa got caught with a popsicle and sweetly shared with Abby, she remembers and talks about it"Papa gives Abby pops!".

"Wake up Papa!"
Sleeping on the floor, with Abby's toys in your arms is never a safe plan if you actually hope to get any real sleep!

Melissa, Richard, David and Jennie were nice enough to always make sure Abby had a controller too, while they played Landon's X BOX. She's pretty sure she's in the lead even if her controller is not connected.

Merry Christmas! (a little late)

2009-01-29T15:19:00.006-07:00

We spent Christmas in Evanston which was so fun to be able to be in our own home for Christmas! We went up to the Allreds for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Abby of course was spoiled!!! And, she loved every minute of it. Her favorite seemed to be this lovely bouncy horse and her princess tent which she wants set up all the time!! Spencer and I enjoyed ourselves as well. My favorite gift was an extra special one from Spencer. He put it together completely on his own and called it "The Mother of Two Survival Kit". It came complete with coupons for anything you could think of, from diaper changes to back rubs to a full day where he takes both kids for a day and I get to do whatever I want! He was so creative with it and matched the coupons up with corresponding pictures of things (matches, MRE's, water) that would actually be in a survival kit! He even had an "official letter" describing everything and his own company name (AISI, Allred Indentured Servitude Inc.). How cute is that!

Storytime at the Library

2009-01-29T15:08:00.004-07:00

Curious George came to storytime at the library one day and Abby STILL hasn't stopped talking about it. She got to sit on his lap, give him "high fives" and everything! Many kids were scared and wouldn't even go near him, but Abby liked him so much we had to come back the second day to see him again. She could not even wait her turn in line to sit on his lap.

Her other favorite part of story time is the "lemmy sticks" . After they read a story, every child gets two sticks and they use them to dance to music, while they click the sticks, or roll them or pat them on their heads. She loves this so much, Spencer finally made her some sticks of her own to practice with at home.

Fun With Grandma and Grandpa!

2008-11-14T15:56:00.003-07:00

Last weekend Spencer's Mom (Evelyn) and sister, Desi took Abby to see some horses and play at a park. She was in HEAVEN and talked about it the rest of the evening.

Abby loves to help her Grandpa dress up Max the cat, or any victim that will let her, and of course Winnie the Pooh and boxes are always at the top of her list when she visits Grandma and Grandpa!

Giggling Abby

2008-11-14T12:50:00.004-07:00

This was taken in the end of August, but Liz requested a video of Abby and it's the most recent we have. She was so giggly during this bath time, mostly due to Lizzy who's giggle I like listening to about as much as Abby's. (Liz came to visit us just before Jess and Brent's wedding.)

2008-11-08T21:52:00.003-07:00

We met my cousin Brenda Sheffield and her two boys, Andrew and Brandon, in Park City for lunch and to let the kids hang out. Abby has talked about "Androo" ever since!

2008-11-07T21:01:00.012-07:00

Abby's "helping" me make sugar cookies
for Halloween. She did pretty well until she
discovered how much fun flour can be, and
how yummy the cookie dough and frosting are!