Volume 3

The tree, or most of it. Trying out the manger.
Find the happy person.

Volume 2

A new Star Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and the nanny
He has the touch with the grandkids

How I Spent My Christmas Vacation - In Photos

A truely appreciative audience

Boys are the best The Wise ___________

Christmas morning

Corn Tomalito Recipe

This is the sweet corn pudding recipe. It is my signature recipe here. Every time I make if for someone they just love it.

• 5 tablespoons margarine, softened
• 1/4 cup masa harina ( I always use cornstarch instead of this. It is easier to find.)
  
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can of corn undrained
  
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons milk

1. In a microwave safe medium bowl, mix together the margarine, masa flour (corn starch), and sugar until light and fluffy. In a food processor or blender, blend can of corn with the water and cornmeal just until smooth. Stir into the masa mixture. Mix in the baking powder, salt, and milk until the batter is smooth.
2. Cover the bowl with saran wrap, and place in the microwave for 7 minutes at 30% power, take out and stir, and put back in for 4 minutes at 100% power. Stir again, and serve. Don't eat immediately after microwaving it. We learned the hard way that it gets super duper hot.

Enjoy and tell us how it turned out.

Anybody?

Once when we were in Bakersfield someone made a sweet mexican corn pudding and I would love the recipe! Does anyone remember that or am I making things up?

FIND THE BIG, PUFFY, PINK MARSHMALLOW

OK, so the last time we played this game Teresa complained about the quality of the pictures... my pictures will look better when I can find a USB connection for my real camera.
Laura complained that she couldn't find the elephant. I thought the contest was pretty easy but I guess Laura needs a hint because she is not all that good at games. Afterall, she lost to the Master of Catan last night who drew 9 soldiers. (Hint: It's a Utah marshmallow)

Christmas

I have loved reading your blogs and seeing the pictures of our Christmas together!!! I had a wonderful time, too, despite the dead tree and not doing everthing I had planned. I cannot remember ever not making sugar cookies for Santa. I am so happy that everyone was here and comfortable. I think as a parent, when your children are happy, you are happy. I also think that I have finally reached the age where it is not so stressful to have company and I have realized that I don't have to keep everyone happy - maybe it is because you have grown up and can now keep yourselves happy and I am not the first in line to keep grandchildren happy.
Thank you for making the effort, sometimes large, to be here. I love having everyone together and watching you interact as adults. I love being with my sisters and their families and Dads brothers and their families, and for you to see your cousins. It was a perfect Christmas for me, too. I am happy that everyone is safely home and starting their lives again.
Evan will be home in two years.

All because two people fell in love...

Proctor Family Party

This is a photo of the Proctor sisters' family party. The only one that was playing Waldo is Sue.
We had a great time together and appreciate the sacrifice of those who had to come long distances to be at our home.
Please notice the well-behaved grandsons in the foreground.
You can also see that our black & white baby joined the festivities, much to the delight of our daughters.

My Christmas Tree

Just so that you don't think that all New York is, is subways and their contents. Here is a picture of our Christmas tree. It is also shipped in from the north. Putting the lights and decorations on is left to a group of professionals and the "lighting" is attended by hundreds millions either in person or via television. It is the lovely tree in Rockefeller center.

If anyone tried to steal a silver bell off of this tree they would be arrested. Watch out Brie!

Merry Christmas!

Santa on the Subway

So the other day as I climbed on to my subway on my way home from work I realized that a very special person climbed on with me and took a seat. He sat by himself and didn't say much, just like everyone else. I was thrilled as I realized that given the option of sleigh and subway Santa chose to ride the C local. This particular Santa Claus was about 6'7 and black. Then a woman got on at 86th street and wanted to take a picuture with him. He would say nothing but HOHOHO. Which I thought was odd, since it doesn't say anywhere that Santa is like an animal with only one generic noise to make. Then I realized that this was a Harlem Santa (I realized this because he was on the local and didn't get off at 110th so he must live in Harlem) He was probably some crazy, drunk bum that found a Santa suit and thinking it would be warm put in on and slid the beard and glasses on just to be stylish.

Lesson Learned: When you are a dirty bum, dress up like a well beloved figure like Santa and Buddah and Tinkerbell and people will be happy to see you.

I hope you are all learning valuable holiday lessons this season.

PS Consider this my Christmas card as I have no plans to send any.

The Christmas Tree

Well, our tree is here. It is a grand fir and it is GRAND!!! It is really, really huge. The top goes to the top of the upstairs hall ceiling (15 ft.) it is 9 ft in diameter and beautiful and smells great. The 5 strings of lights I found won't even start. I am so excited, it is braced so the grandkids can play around it.
I was thinking - since the picture is on the 28th, and we want it outside, if we undecorate the tree, we can be in front of it. With a 9 ft diameter, we will fit. It could work really well.
So, I will consider this my Christmas present. We will send a picture when we get the camera back from Tawna.

nother letter

We got Evan's first letter from Seattle! It is on e-mail; does everyone look at e-mail, or do I have to put a note on the blog every week? We still don't know his e-mail address, or if he will have one, though I can't imagine he won't. Bryce do you use your byu account or your other one? Also, Alicia and Teresa which account do you use? Thanks

Family Foto Again

I couldn't imagine what this would look like, so I tried to look it up. This is right. Right? Except for we'll have 5 or maybe 7 different colors and the colors will be darker.

Regardless, in interest of a deadline to get this decided, Sarah is leaving on Sunday (out to Utah while I take finals) so if you want her to influence my choice of shirt/pants/shoes etc. (I really do) then we'll have to know by Saturday.

Also, this is going to be outside right? So sweaters are okay?

Allred Christmas 2006-shirt idea

I think Jessica was supposed to be in charge of this but we still don't have "Allred Christmas 2006" puff-paint shirts. I think this needs to go to a vote. To puff-paint or not to puff-paint?

I'll let Rod know we want to take the family picture in them. Is that okay with everyone?

Any thoughts? Do we want to create your own puff paint?

Materials Needed:
1 Cup Salt
1 Cup Sugar
Food Coloring

Instructions:
Mix together the three ingredients and place in a squeeze bottle. Squeeze paint out of the bottle onto shirt!

Tis the Season to be in NYC

So, I love NYC this time of year. It really is magical and amazing and hasn't been all that cold until very recently.

Mercedes and I love the NYC Marathon. We went last year and again this year and find it so inspiring. The runners run by our street at mile 22 so some of them are in pretty bad shape. It was so much fun to scream and yell with lots of other people.















A tradition for New Yorkers is to go and watch Macy's blow up their balloons on the Upper West Side. So a few friends of mine and I went and watched. This is me in front of Snoopy.

















Then on Thanksgiving day we went and watched the parade. It was cold and rainy but lots of fun. We went for the last half of the parade so most of the parents with kids had given up and gone home because they were cold and wet.

Evan's Spot

Since Evan was really bad in scheduling his whole mission thing, we now have an open bed for our Pismo trip. The choice came down to Scott's bee girl and Gma. Gma Won!!!!

Lights at Temple Square

I realize that many of you aren't around to see the lights at Temple Square so I thought I would attach a link for you.

http://kutv.com/slideshows/local_slideshow_331025246

Evan's 2nd letter

We got another letter from Evan today. It is great! I will put it on email because we need to start using that in 1 week when he gets to Seattle.
If you write to him on dearelder.com, his MTC address again is Box #321, departure date is 1205, which is when we will start needing to pay for the stamp.

Yokuts Park

I was going to go to Hart Park on Saturday and check out photo sites, but I didn't want to miss the glorious event on that day. So, I went by Yokuts Park on the way home from Rotary. This is what Bako looks like on 11/27/06. You cant see it in the picture but there is beautiful white sand and water in the river. Just for your consideration...

I have signed up with dearelder.com to send mail to Evan. It costs nothing while he is in the MTC and then is 39 cents (there would need to be an account with money) when he goes to Seattle. They print and deliver the mail everyday at noon MST so it can be same day delivery. Evan will be at the MTC until 12-05, so this is a good way to assuare that he will get our mail. The account is under Sue Allred, the password is Tudi52.

Evan's First Letter Home

Dear Home,

I am here safe in the MTC with my companion Elder Keller. They told me I have to write even though I just saw you a few hours ago so here's what I've done so far.
We waited in lines for everything. I got a Hep A shot and a tetanus shot which came to a bill of 66 dollars which I took out of my account with my debt card. Dad I need my line of authority mailed to me please. We then had lunch which we waited in another line for, it was good though. I've already seen one girl I knew from BYU-I but it was a little awkward. We just got out of a meeting with our branch in which Elder Keller was named District leader. He will do a great job I know. Hope everything at home is going great. I love all of you.
Love,
E Allred.

(I know Laura hates when missionaries write "Elder" so I figure she can imagine whatever she wants the "E" to stand for.)

Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

I hope you all eat lots of food, and remember all the wonderful blessings we have in our lives. Here are some things we were Thankful for in 2004: If you would like to add yours to our lists, please do.

DAD
"As Thanksgiving approaches I have been thinking a lot about how blessed I am. I invite everyone’s participation in an exercise that helps me realize what a wonderful life I have. List 10 things that you are grateful for that do not relate to your family or the gospel/church. This is my list, in random order:

1. To breathe
2. Root beer floats on a hot day
3. Sequoia trees
4. The smell of a pine forest after a rain
5. Back rubs
6. Sunshine
7. Clean clothes
8. The sound of ocean waves breaking
9. Sunday afternoon naps with soft music
10. Chocolate
OK, so a couple of those had to do with your mother but you get the idea.

Love, DAD

UNCLE RUSS
Here's my list. I am grateful for:

1. A job that pays enough to pay my bills
2. My association with people who willingly give service
3. Fall leaves
4. A sense of humor
5. Good music
6. Food
7. Historic Architecture
8. Applause
9. Hope
10. Talents


LAURA
Great Idea!
Here's my list:

1. Fall- the colors, the smell, the fog
2. Home Ownership and the Equity that comes with it
3. 2:00pm-4:00pm... Nap time for the kids which allows me to read emails
from all of you.
4. A sewing machine- (okay, I don't have one. But what better place to do
a Christmas wish reminder.)
5. Cheddar Bialy from the Bagelry- a 12 year tradition
6. Airplanes- allowing you to live and explore places that before, could
not have been possible (Hawaii).
7. Epidurals- I have only recently discovered the joys of drug use.
8. America- and the men and women who are protecting it this very minute.
9. Weekends- We(Davin, Kea and I) get Brian all to ourselves-- unless
their is a football, basketball, baseball or tennis game on.
10. Cameras- to be able to remember our kids the way they once were, and to
send picts around to those very far away.

GMA
My list

1 St George
2 The Computer
3 Sun Rise and Sun Set
4 Flowers
5 Vegetable gardens
6 Letters to read and send
7 The face of a child
8 Not to have a operation on my knee
9 Good people to be with
10 Quilts
Do you want more?

ALICIA
My Thanksgiving List

1. Sharing a bed with someone at night.
2. The beach, the mountains, the forest, etc.
3. More experience with (and thus a better
understanding of) different people, cultures,
lifestyles, experiences than I ever thought I would
have.
4. Hope for a happy future
5. A BYU education (that one is for Scott)
6. First time experiences
7. Sunday naps
8. Travel
9.Self confidence
10. Feeling happy and satisfied with life every day

JESSICA
So here is my list, I could go on for days.

1) Dental Hygiene, as I have dealt with some people without it I have come to value it more.
2) Carpet without fleas
3) Warm jackets and blankets
4) Hot Chocolate with junior mints stirred in with a candy cane and sipped through a grasshopper cookie.
5) the founding fathers & the constitution
6)Economic and political stability
7)Computers- word processing, spell check
8) A job- Thanks Melody
9)The internet- Email, attachments, blackboard, google, online databases and journals.
10) Technology- airplanes, cellphones, satellite transmission

I am especially grateful that all the statues of BYU remain safely wrapped in their saran wrap cocoons to protect them from the heathen at the U of U the whole week.

TERESA
Some of the blessings I was thinking of have already been taken, but I will try to be
unique:

1. Watching a child learn
2. Way of life in the United States (today, particularly the way our government is run.)
3. Yummy, inexpensive restaurants
4. A constant paycheck (even when it doesn't go as far as you would like)
5. Crafts
6. A comfortable warm home that keeps the cold and rain out
7. A body, especially a fully functioning one. (the missionaries where over last night, and inspired that one)
8. Wonderful friends no matter where we live.
9. Marriage
10. Second hand stores! :)

LANDON
the Thankful for things seems like a good appetizer for thanksgiving, so
here's another addition.

1. Sarah (she is not yet technically "family" so it is okay to list her)
2. Computers (half of my classes wouldn't exist without them, but I don't
know how life would work without them either)
3. A science based major
4. Cars
5. Christmas songs
6. The Coco-Motion
7. Shoes that make walking all day comfortable
8. Climate control
9. Taste buds
10. That no one has to stay simply "engaged" forever

that's all folks.
Landon

STEVE
Here are mine, in random order:

1. Germany
2. Bed Time (Kids)
3. Missionaries that appreciate me
4. Arabic Studies
5. Naps on Sunday
6. The computer
7. Arriving in Germany and already having friends in the church
8. Calling my folks
9. The Christmas season
10. A Blue-Eyed Brunette sleeping next to me

Outside of those, I am thankful for the missionary work and for the
chance I have to serve those embarked in the great work.
And for all of you.

Steve

MOM
Here is my list. I left off bedtime because that was copying Steve.

1. Freedom and ability to travel
2. Freedom to have so many choices
3. A busy life - something to wake up to each morning
4. Health
5. Changes in the weather
6. Friends
7. Teachers
8. Mountains - different geography
9. Love
10. Being a stay at home Mom

Love, Mom

Are you sure?

I know. I know. We have given up on the beach family picture idea. And I understand why . . . although I don't think it would be that hard - we are going to be getting ready for the day anyway and we have less going on that day than the day of the Proctor party. Just as I was coming to grips with the new plan, my sister-in-law (Laura) posted her family's newest family picture. It is gorgeous. They were at the beach as a family and had it taken. Here it is. What do you think? Are you sure you want to give it up?
I've also included others that I found on the internet a couple months ago when I was looking at what colors might be good for us to wear. Looks pretty nice, huh? I guess Rod at Hart Park will do.

Christmas travel times

Jessica is buying her ticket home for Christmas. So that there is some coordination, here are the travel times as I understand them.

ARRIVALS:

Hughes - Thursday, December 14, 7:00pm at LAX - we pick up
Buchanans and Sarah and Aiden - Wednesday, December 20th, 12:30pm at LAX, renting a car.
Landon - Friday, December 22, 3:45pm at LAX - pick up or shuttle
Bryce - driving down Friday, December 22nd


DEPARTURES:

Buchanans - Thursday, December 28th, LAX return car
Hughes - Saturday, December 30th, LAX - we deliver
Allreds - Wednesday, January 3, LAX - we deliver
Bryce - BYU starts Monday, January 9th

Other agenda items:

Housing - Hughes downstairs at Allred's house
Allreds big bedroom upstairs at Allred's house
Bryce at Allred's house or Davin's bunkbed
Buchanans guest room at Skinner's house
Jessica at Skinner's house with Kea or at Allred's

Itinerary -

Saturday, Dec. 23: Proctor party here
Sunday, Dec. 24: Church, Evening program and dinner
Monday, Dec. 25: CHRISTMAS!!!,
Tuesday, Dec. 26: To Pismo, morning
Wednesday, Dec. 27: Home from Pismo, evening

The family picture is not finalized yet. We will let you know. We are very much looking forward to this time together! Any additional plans, let me know.

In Response

As you might suspect, there are a lot of Political Science Majors in law school, and I get my fair share of political opinions. So, in response to Dad's editorial, here is a video possibly representing the other side's position.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD6qZSsgv-8

Enjoy,

Landon and Sarah (and Aiden)

Everyone is Entitled to My Opinion

Laura gave me a sign that says, "Everyone is Entitled to My Opinion." Accordingly, I am sharing the Letter to the Editor, dated November 14, 2006.

New minority
As I read the paper recently, it struck me. I am a minority.
I know that now because I believe that: we are at war with Islamic fundamentalists; you need to shut up if you don't have a better idea; "W" is smarter than all of his critics and has more sense than the rest; Wal-Mart serves me well; the government serves me sometimes; attorneys made unions obsolete; man has an inconsequential impact on global warming; God and our Founding Fathers know that marriage is between a man and a woman; killing an unborn baby is not just a choice; a culture of hedonism is more dangerous than overpopulation; politicians cannot repeal the law of supply and demand and the moral majority is neither.
-- ROGER C. ALLRED, Bakersfield

PS We had a great time in Utah. You have heard the stories. I am just glad that Elder Evan is under the supervision of a good mission president to whom he will listen.

Evan's address

Thank you, Alicia, for a great blog on Evan's entry into the MTC. He seemed excited to go, but in a very subdued way. I am proud of him for his choice to serve.
What I noticed during the trip was that he spend a LOT of time on the cell phone. I really wondered how he would do when it was time to give it up. I half way expected there to be a new part of the MTC program that was the giving up of the cell phones, I am sure that he is not the only young man who uses one.
After he took his luggage in, he called the company to disconnect the service. He was shocked that the phone went dead as he was listening, but I am proud of him for his obedience. He will be a great missionary.

His address is: ELDER EVAN STANLEY ALLRED
MTC Mailbox #321
WA-SEA 1205
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604-1793

The 1205 is his departure date from the MTC. He will be in there for Thanksgiving. We were able to have a good dinner together at Tracy and Lauren's house on Sunday.

We had a great trip home. It is really nice to travel with 4 mature people in a car large enough for every one to have there own row.
Have a wonderful time together, Teresa and Jessica!!!

Evan Goes to the Temple

On Saturday, November 4th, Evan went to the LA Temple for the first time. It was wonderful for your mom and me to greet him as he came into the Celestial Room. What a blessing for us all.
As we stood there, I told him about the time that we were all together in the Jordan River Temple. The satisfaction of knowing that your children and children-in-law are faithful is greater than I can express.
I will let Evan respond to this Blog, since he says that he doesn't know how to post one.

Christmas exchange

I made the change on the Christmas list. Landon now buys for Laura.

Arizona

This is a picture of Sue and Lenny. Lenny was our guide to see the Apache Nation, just outside of Scottsdale. Lenny was raised in the "country" and is married to an Apache woman. He was illiterate until he was 28 years old. He now speaks 7 languages (three of them Indian languages) and has lectured many times on the Sonoran Desert at Arizona, Arizona State and UCLA. He was kicked in the eye by a horse a couple of years ago. He survived the operation and is back doing tours. He was a wonderful guide and a fascinating person.
Sue and I went on a 1 mile hike by ourselves. It was beautiful. The Superstition Mountains are behind me.
Oh, and I am a much smarter CPA now. Thanks to Millennium Energy.

Rotavirus

Little Brie is sick. Apparently she picked up rotavirus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotavirus) in Bakersfield - thanks a lot Tawna!

Brie has had terrible diarrhea and a horrible rash to boot that sends her into a screaming tantrum everytime we have to change her diaper. I have found that the best solution is to just stick her in the tub in some nice warm water. When we get her up in the morning she has usually filled one leg of her pajamas with poop (I say poop because I know Davin thinks that word is hilarious), so bathing her right away is our only real option.

Dr. Brian said that Rotavirus usually lasts about 10 days so we should be nearing the end. He also wants us to watch that she doesn't get dehydrated because that is usually what hospitalizes the kids that catch it.

I can't wait until Christmas in Bakersfield when all the cousins are getting each other sick. Teresa will be bringing some crazy Euro-trash virus with her kids. Aiden will probably have Cavalieritis, the Skinner kids Valley fever and we are freezing some rotavirus for Brie to bring back to b-town. Gee can't wait, should be lots of fun! Really though, could it be any worse than when everyone got sick in Christmas 2003?

Bumble Buchanans

Because we liked the idea so much of dressing like the Bumble Buchanans in the family picture, we just found the perfect outfits?

Good luck to the rest of you in coordinating with us.

Love,

Bumble Buchanans (BZZZZ)

Allred Family Portrait

Yep, it's true. In just a couple short months we will all posing and smiling together for the new and improved Allred Family Portrait. We have lots of new additions - Sarah, Aiden, Jacob, Kea, Blake and Brie. And we have a deletion - Evan. You know me, I like to help with the coordinating of clothes for each and every family picture, so I thought I would start that discussion. Hopefully the plan will be to take the picture on the beach during our day at the beach after Christmas. Dad says he is finding a photographer. If that is the case, I'm assuming our clothes should be casual instead of formal, right? So, two ideas that Laura, Mom, Dad and I (Brian wanted nothing to do with it) threw around were:

1. We all wear jeans. Then each family will have a base color that is theirs for their sweater type tops. Mom and Dad want to be able to tell who belongs to which family. Laura is thinking this might look like "Rainbow Bright on the Beach", but I'm saying the colors don't have to be primary colors. And we aren't going to have all matching brightly colored Hanes t-shirts like we are going to Disneyland or a family reunion. You simply have your top mostly that color. The colors could be muted colors in blue or green or brown, etc.

2. (I think I like this the best, but then we can't tell family connections and everyone could think Tawna and Brian are married all over again.) We coordinate using the colors khaki, white, blues and brown. I think that would be gorgeous on the beach. You could wear whatever you'd like.

3. Or a new idea. Does anyone else have an idea for what they think would look good?

Ok. Thanks for your support.

Halloween in the Village

Every year for Halloween there is a HUGE parade in the Village. Anyone who wants can dress up in a costume and march down 6th Avenue or stand along the sides and heckle the procession of costumed freaks. I chose to join with the costumed freaks and march down the street amid cheers, jeers and nearly nude men and women. There were several Steve Irwin’s (Crocodile Hunter) complete with a sting ray stab wound, several strippers (of the firewoman, policewoman, nurse and flight attendant variety) and LOTS of people who chose to let halloween be their excuse to wander around in their trashy lingerie. It was amazing, energetic, insightful, educational and offensive all at once. (As so many things in this city are)

Any who, the shrek couple was one of my favorites. I can't get the rest to load. Which is probably best, so that our family blog doesn't turn into one of "those sites."

Worship and baby news

Laura should be home tomorrow to give the details, but "the boy" is safely here. The baby will come in a few days, when they make sure his lungs are clear. Sue and I will be leaving for Scottsdale tomorrow if Sue is sure that Laura will be OK without her.

Now for worship, thanks to those who took time to respond to my request. This is what I understood from your messages:
1. Worship is "pondering godly things." - Teresa
2. "It involves service." "Understanding their (The Father and Son) motivations and characters precedes becoming like them." - Jessica
3. There is a religious worship and a temporal worship. "Elder McConkie's talk lists dozens of things that are worshipping including: being married, doing service, studying the gospel, paying tithing, using our talents, etc. In fact he says, It is ten thousand times ten thousand things." "Clearly, sacrifice is an integral part of worship." "Like all commandments, if we are worshipping as we should we will be rewarded." - Sarah
4. "It is an active word." "Feelings of deepest respect, love and awe put into action." "The dictionary says it is a religious word to describe respect." - Sue
5. "To say that worship is service or it is going to church and learning about God simply turns a perfectly good word (worship) into a mere synonym with no meaning. I think worship is praising God and reverencing him (kind of a passive, frame-of-mind activity) which leads to other good things like serving, learning about God, etc." - Landon

There seems to be two camps.
1. Worship is a mental thing. (Teresa & Landon)
2. Worship includes service. (Jessica, Sarah, Elder McConkie and Sue)

I am sure that we all agree that people who worship would serve, if they truly worshipped. It is interesting that the scriptures say that we are supposed to, "worship (and love) God with all our heart, might, mind and strength," but there doesn't seem to be a real definitive definition of the word. We go to the temple and to church to "worship" and serve but do we know what it really means?
It seems to me that service is one of the fruits of true worship (Sorry, Elder McConkie) and worshipping is done while bowing down or on our knees, as Landon said. I don't think it is synonymous with praising either. We could spend our lives saying, "God is Great" or "Smile, Jesus loves you, " and I don't think that is necessarily worship.
This is my conclusion, I think that worship means "reverential gratitude for God." It is a mental act of recognizing all the wonderful things that God has done for us and how much we feel loved by him. This is what I ponder during the sacrament and while in the temple. It is uplifting to me to confess my appreciation for my Heavenly Father and my Savior. When I do so, I feel like I am worshipping.

What do you think?

Skinner Update

Laura went to Memorial Hospital with contractions 5 minutes apart on Friday. She is still there and the doctor is trying to induce her, but no luck so far. It looks like she will be there until the baby arrives. I will post more when we know.
And, yes Brian is with her.

Canceling comments

How do I cancel a comment when have posted 2?

Krista's PREformance

These are pictures that I took on my cell phone, so this is as good as it gets. This picture was taken at the end of the concert. The kids surrounded the audience and were singing a African song with drums and other percussion instruments. It was great. The choir members were supposed to be swaying with the beat, like any good African would do. Krista, who you can't see in this picture, was across the room. Based on the swaying, she has no African in her. The gals in front of me and some of the guys in the front of the room were rockin' out. When I commented to your mom, she said that you kids get your "lack of soulfulness" from me.
Does the Driller Cafe bring back any memories?

This is Krista performing. She is the one between the music stand and the piano. She did a good job and, as you know, she loves to sing. The choir sang almost all non-English songs. I enjoyed the Italian and African but I really didn't care for the Japanese, which was the majority.

Thanks for your cell phone answers. It makes it easier for me. I really enjoyed your different insights. Can I make one more request on my "What is worship" question?

Krista's Request

Krista asked that I post this blog for your responses. Hopefully, this will prompt more response than my 10/6/06 request.
First though, Katy and Tyler Nichols are the proud parents of Lucy Ann. She weighed 6lbs 10 oz. and was 181/2 inches long. Everyone is doing well. Russ is a proud grandpa. I can email you a picture if you want. She is a beautiful baby.

Second, I told T&K that I would buy them a cell phone if they got nothing lower than a "B" on their report cards. (We are trying everything to motivate them.) We have talked about getting them cell phones for safety and our convenience when we need to track them down. I told Krista, who was motivated, that the rest of you would not think that it was fair that she get a cell phone when no one else was given rewards for grades. I told her, and all of you, that your grades were your reward and would give you greater opportunities.

So, do you think my bribe was fair?

All about me

This is a picture of me and a couple of my buddies in SanFran. I want to tell you some of my news.
1. I went to my cardiologist at UCLA, Dr. Kobashigawa. He said that I am doing better than before. My ejection fraction is 25-30 and normal is 50-60 but my body is compensating somehow. He gave his approval to go to Europe and do what I want to do. He will see me every 3 months to find out how I am doing. He also said that if he got a heart offered for me, he might just "pass" at this time. I am sure that my heart will not improve but it is nice to be back to a more normal life.
2. Your mom and I are going to S. Lake Tahoe for a business meeting Sunday to Tuesday. We just came back from a 2 day trip to Irvine. What a life. I am going to ask for a raise.
3. We signed our new Trust documents yesterday with Mel Thompson, so my affairs are in order. It follows the details I emailed to you.
4. As I think you know, 5 weeks ago I was released as YM President and sustained as Priest Quorum advisor and the ward bean-counter (Financial Clerk). Brody Buck, Natalie Hawkins' husband, replaced me. He is a great guy and will do a fantastic job. Anyway, I finished my on-line training for the clerk job last week. Yesterday, Pres. Thompson released me because with the new ward bounderies, they have called someone else to be the clerk. I have never been fired so quickly in my life. I enjoyed the clerk job but I understand what is needed and I am very happy being the Priest Quorum advisor. Anyway, I thought it was funny having a calling for 5 weeks.
5. I enjoyed General Conference, as usual. The message that impressed me the most was Elder Holland's strong witness of the involvement of the First Presidency in all the issues facing the church. I have a special place in my heart for Elder Holland. He is the only apostle that has ever given me an abrazo and thanked our family for our missionary work.
6. Finally, I have been pondering the topic of "worship." We went to the temple on Monday and this was still on my mind. I still don't think that I really understand what worshipping God means. Do we worship when we pray, go to church, serve in the Nursery, attend the Stake luau, pay tithing, count tithing.... What do you think?
Love, DAD

FIND THE ELEPHANT

I thought it would be fun to play a game called "Find the elephant." I have pictures taken at The Great Kern County Fair, the Allred house (newly painted green) and the recently decorated Skinner house ( see the Skinner blog for more). See if you can find the elephant. I was going to post one picture but Krista said that it would be rude. I don't know what she meant but I am posting 3 to make it more interesting.

Washington Seattle Mission

Well, the moment finally arrived. Evan, Mary and Bryce came up from Provo at about 5:30 and Evan was so ready to open that big white envelope. But, the family was not gathered in Bakersfield so we waited. To help the time pass we had dinner together. I made my very first meat loaf with Mom's recipe. Finally we had everyone on the phones and Evan tore into his Mission Call. He opened it, read it, then smiled big and announced in a very pleased voice . . . . Washington Seattle Mission. He will be speaking English and entering the MTC on November 15!!! So soon, I know.


A big congratulations to Evan. We know he will be a great missionary and love serving in Seattle.

IT'S HERE!

Evan's Mission Call just arrived at our house. It showed up at Mom and Dad's house on Saturday and Dad overnighted it here so that Evan could open it. I'm dying to see inside, but the church is of course smart enough to make the paper of the envelope VERY thick. I tried holding it to the light and peaking in the sides, but no luck! We'll have to wait for Evan I guess. He will be here about 5:30 or 6:00 pm our time. So be by your phones.