Birthday Bash Blog

This is the Birthday present extravaganza from your mom. It included Cherry Mountain candy bars, SMALL tube of Pringles (my salt indulgence), trail mix, black cherry soda, cheese & crackers and more candy. I was thrilled. Then I read the card that said your mom had made reservations for us at the Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia!!! What a wonderful present!!!

This is the view on the front of our hotel. My favorite view is the one in red & white.
I had filet mignon and a your mom ate a little duckie that night. We ate here for breakfast and after our hike too. It was goooooooooooooooood.
This is your mom and the General Sherman tree in the background.
Enlarge this one to see the beautiful creek as a backdrop for the beautiful woman. This was on our 3 mile hike of the Congress Trail. It was awesome.

See the next blog for the last two pictures.

weekend

So....this last week has been just about one of the best weeks of my life, minus finals. Which when half well and half not well, but we'll see when I get the total grades. On thurs I went to the aquarium in slc with friends I hadn't seen, and fri. was the good day, I picked heather up at 7 am, we were together until 2 am. She is nobody special, but we do have a lot in common and I loved being with her. We drove above sundance and went on a 10 mile bike ride through the mountains to 'stewart falls,' which was quite impressive. after the falls we were descending, and my bike doesn't always want to stop as quickly as hers (she has an $800 Gary Fisher) and so I kinda flew off the side of the mountain, she said that I did a flip in the air, I don't remember, but I ahve some nice scars on my leg as a resultAs a result of wanting to take a new trail out, we had to bike up hill 2 miles of extremely sloped mountainside, and then she decided that we were going in the wrong direction, so we turned around and coasted down (lots of fun) and then she decided that it was right, and since we were not going to bike back up, I hitch hiked. We got home mid afternoon, went swimming, made dinner, went out to ice cream, and then were invited to go to the hot springs in spanish fork, so we went and had a marvelous time until 2. Saturday I had a wedding in the morning, which was beautiful, and then again at night, followed by a drive to bako from 8pm to 5 am. We also had a lot of partying as an 'everyone is leaving' last bash. Now I am in modesto with 2 new roommates, the job is coming along well, it is much much easier than last year, I will make more money, so I am thrilled. My roommates are less active professional halo players (going to competitions and what not), but we get along surprisingly well.
friends eating out at the endof the year


part of the falls, we didn't get the whole shot
that is heather
hot springs with about 10 ppl from the ward
bride and groom both have closed eyes, I know him from fresh year, and she and I have become close since they got together

The Great American Clean-up

This is evidence that most members of the Allred household participated in the clean-up effort on Saturday morning. I will let you guess as to what the missing girl was doing.

Happy Birthday

This is a picture of your mom at her birthday celebration. She (with a help from Laura) made this trifle cake. I offered to get Hostess Ding Dongs - Rejected.

I gave her scriptures and a new watch. I put her name in gold on the scriptures. She will keep them. The watch goes back.

Krista's Concert

This is a picture of a BHS Chorus concert. You will notice Jessica Ellsworth doing a solo, with Krista as a back-up singer. It's like Jessica is Diana Ross and Krista is one of the Supremes.

Thank You Sarah and Landon

Thank you, Sarah and Landon, for the great t-shirt for Piko's birthday! We love it, we all startted laughing. She wore it for most of the evening. She actually looks better in it, it covers her nasty hair.

The birthday girl gets ready to blow out the candles to the delight of the guests.
Davin and Blake are appropriately festive.
Kea and the guest of honor share a moment on Piko's birthday, April 15th.
Laura baked a cake (she acted like she didn't know it was Piko's birthday) and Landon said that Sarah sent a gift.
We sang happy birthday, the kids helped Piko blow out the candle ( she didn't like the fire thing), we ate cake and Piko had a MilkBone. A good time was had by all.

Question #4

Do you feel that you have much impact on the lives of people you come in contact with, excluding family? Who, if anyone, significantly influenced your life?

Question #3

If you could change ONE THING about your life, what would it be?

Question #2

If you could take a one month vacation anywhere in the world and money was not a consideration, where would you go and what would you do?

Question #1

Every time I call up our blog, Bryce's blue and white face startles me. I am going to fix that now.

I have heard, "Small minds talk about people, good minds talk about events, but great minds talk about ideas." I know that all of you have great minds. I also know that we are not together enough to enjoy the chance to talk, and even when we are there is always a baby to take care of (like Piko). I would like to hear what you think. So, I am going to post a question/task each week for your response. Anyone is invited to participate, even son-in-laws! I will also participate later in the week.

Describe the three year period that you experienced the the most personal growth and change, since adolescence.

by popular request

So apparently I am supposed/required to keep up with the family now. So, as far as the semester goes....everything is awesome. I am a physics ta, I grade papers for 2-3 hrs a week, but since I have been hired to work 10 hours a week, they pay me for 10 hrs of work, so I am not complaining, and I get to pick my own hours. The semester is seeming to be extremely easy for some reason, so I am enjoying that aspect. The only problem is that this week I have 3 tests, and one of my teachers is ridiculously meticulous. And I got a text message as I was walking into my easiest test today saying that the girl I have been chasing has been caught, so my mind was messed up for the test adn I got about 20% less that what I shoudl have, but I will see what I can do to redeem that misfortune. I also received an assignment today that I will not be living in San Jose over summer, but in Modest (I think taht was it) which will move me 1-2 hours closer to home, so I am excited and this means that I might be able to visit mroe often. That is about all, so now for pictures: this is of our volleyball game, our ward luau with my assigned date Shelley, she is awesome, and some swing dancing that I did with my friend kimmy kim. K, that is all, I hope it is satisfactory. Talk to you all later

The Colbert Report

As some of you may know, I have a deep and abiding love for Colbert. While all of his videos make me laugh, this one actually got me to laugh so hard I cried. He's interviewing a lady about Barak Obama's "black"-ness. Enjoy.

http://colbertondemand.com/videos/Guest_Interviews/Dickerson

flips

The Romance Lives On

Just so none of you think that the romance has to die as you get older, I want to share with you how your mom and I spent Valentines Day.
I got up at 6am to get your sisters off to Seminary. After that experience I usually am too hyped up to go back to sleep, so I went to Home Depot for some plants. On the way home, I bought your mom a rose (wait, it gets better).
Brian dropped off Davin and Kea just as I was leaving for work. When I came home for lunch of pita and guac, Sue told me that Kea had diarrhea and that she had been cleaning up and bathing her from several mishaps. I expressed my undying love for your mom by kissing her and rushing back to work so I didn't have to deal with it.
When I came home that night, I was told that Kea had been throwing up all afternoon. Krista had to take care of it one time and there was a bowl of vomit on the counter in the hall.
Krista told me that she was too sick to do the dishes, so she was really suffering until Cassie called and said that they should go to the YW activity. A Valentine Miracle happened. She was instantly cured.
Your mom took the kids to put them in bed at the Skinners while Brian went to LA to pick up Laura (from Hawaii). I took Krista to YW and Tawna played whined enough so she was allowed to go out on a school night. "It's Vaaaaaaaaaalentiiiiiiiiiines Day."
I was going to join your mom at the Skinners so we could enjoy the night together. But, I had to wait for Krista and Tawna to come home so they could go to bed on time for Seminary. So, I called your mom and told her that I needed to go to bed at the same time and expressed my undying love.
Your mom got home after midnight. She came to the bedroom and said, "I am so sick that I am going to sleep downstairs."
She is still recovering from Valentines Day, but she does have all of those wonderful memories. As I said, the romance lives on.

Tawna's tired

Well, after 2 years of taking Tawna to the doctor to find out why she was tired, after numerous tests and doctors, we have an answer. After Christmas, Tawna said her leg was numb and she blacked out when she screams or stretches. Our family doctor put a heart monitor on her for 24 hours, nothing showed up. So, he said take her to a cardiologist which was simple because we know Roger's - except Tawna is not 18 years old yet so needs a pediatric cardiologist. There are non in Bakersfield, so we called UCLA. Today we saw the head of pediatric cardiology at UCLA. He said she has classic Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which is a virus. He sees it because some of its symptoms are heart related. The sleeping for 36 hours about once a week was the best clue. (She did that about 2 years ago, not so much anymore). He did an echocardiogram to rule out anything else because it is a disease of exclusion.

We are thrilled to know what has been going on! He said it lasts about 18 months, when I said she has been tired for about 2 1/2 years, he said he has heard of that, she must be nearly done. She does have more energy this year than she has for years. There are 3 kinds of chronic fatigue, hers has no medical treatment though sometimes nutrition or yoga or meditation or something helps. He said basically you are tired and sleep a lot so do what you have to do when you are less tired.

Now I can't figure out whether to feel bad for yelling about grades and chores and putting her on restriction for poor performance. Though really, the restriction probably helped because it allowed her to rest. The way I see it, she could have a whole new life when this is over. I am very happy to have an answer that has an end to the problem! Gale Ajootian had this and Rick knows a lot about it, so I am happy about that. I am also relieved that it is not her heart.
I really do wonder why no one in Bakersfield said she had it, probably because they had not excluded enough causes of tiredness. I am very excited to have this news!

Volume Last

Brielle and folks
Aiden
Is Christmas over now?

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!!!!