Thanksgiving 2008

I'm one of the worst bloggers. A few weeks will go by without any new posts and then I'll post about a few different things all at once and the cycle continues. I thought I would impress you all by blogging about the events that took place TODAY! I know- crazy huh!?

Thanksgiving 2008:


I grew up on Whidbey Island an rarely go back. Both parents still live over there but for the most part they come over to the "main land" for most family activities. I think the last time I went over was the beginning of summer so I was excited to go back today for Thanksgiving. Monica was thrilled as well and was so excited to see grandpa and her Nina (grandma Rosie). She loves the ferry ride and had to go up to the observation deck to, well.. observe.

The girls

The boys

Our Family


We made our way to grandpa's and of course the first thing I did was head for the kitchen! I found the rolls (which has always been my favorite part of any feast) but wasn't sure if it was taboo to dive in with out being invited to do so, so I was left with only one option- closet eat. I was 2 bites in when Rosie caught me. I was pleased to see she had a sense of humor about the incident.


Dinner was soon after our arrival and we all marveled like little children at the delicious spread that laid before us! Dad and Rosie did a fantastic job at preparing a wonderful thanksgiving dinner

the table was pretty with fall decorations. I have always loved the warmth and joy that comes with the winter holidays. It much appreciated because I hate the winter and would go insane if it wasn't for times like these.

It was Carter's first thanksgiving so we gave him a little bit of everything and he scarfed it down.

It even got in his hair.

The only thing he didn't care for was the ambrosia salad and spit it out.

After dinner we packed up leftovers (what kind of child would I be if I didn't bum food off my folks)and stashed it away for later. It looked really good though and I was tempted to do a second round of feasting.

The turkey kicked in fast and Monica fell asleep immediately after dinner.

I passed out on the couch with my rolls and bloated stomach.


We were reminded of how much Carter is like his Dad

and then Carter zonked out close behind and the rest of us enjoyed a little competitive game of Taboo.

When the kids woke up, my Dad took Monica and Carter and played a little guitar for them. Carter LOVED it and danced and tried to play a little himself. It had to be the sweetest thing ever.

We had the most wonderful thanksgiving and enjoyed being with family. We have so much to be thankful for and although we have faced many trials this year, we have been blessed with so much. Thank you for your support friendship and love!

Twilight

The much anticipated movie "Twilight" came out this weekend! I read the books a few months ago during some down time while sick and got hooked! Although I found the fight sequences lacking, I loved the story and characters that Stephanie has created. Like most mother/daughter duos around the country, my mother and sister have read the books as well and she treated us to see the first movie last night. My opinion: Awesome! I am always nervous about a movie that is based on a book but I felt the actors were good choices and the stuck very close to the story. Edward and Joseph were heart-pounding and I felt childish cheering with the numerous preteen age girls when they came onto the screen! Ha! I had a fabulous time getting back into the story and although I am sad the book series has finished, I look forward to the three remaining stories to make their way onto the silver screen!

Jumping Jellybeans part 2

So we had another fun day at "Jump Planet" in Bothell. Casey has had a few extra days at home lately and so he watched Carter while Monica and I had a play date. As you know already... I love it! I am sure the other mothers there find me very annoying while I jump, slide and giggle like I'm any other kid but I don't care - its fun!! Monica and I always have a blast and were happy the Ross' could make it as well. Brysen and Monica are good friends and always have fun together.

In training

Carter continues to amaze us in his physical growth and strength. At work he loves the walkers and can maneuver suprisingly well! Here are some photos and videos of our little quarterback in training!

pucky

The word "pucky" dates back in the Allred family to when Casey was a boy. I don't know how it started but I know Casey was the one who first came up with the word. It is used in reference to one's buttocks. We still use it in our family today and are the proud parents of two very cute and tiny puckies!

Madagascar Escape to Africa

Loved it! We saw it Sat night with the Marsons and thought it was hilarious! Monica makes us watch the first Madagascar movie almost every day so Casey and I were pretty psyched they made a sequel. Finally something new! We give it two thumbs up and recommend it to anyone, even if you're without kids!

After the movie went went to Red Robin to eat. What a fun night!

Ivy's Bridal Shower

My sister Ivy is getting married in December and as her Matron of honor, I was so excited to throw a bridal shower for her. This past Saturday, the 8th, we had 15 girls join us to celebrate Ivy's upcoming wedding. We ate good food, played a few bridal shower games and opened presents. I had never thrown any kind of shower before so I am positive it could have been better but I was pleased with how it turned out and I think all the ladies had a good time too! Ivy ended up getting to see many of her close friends and hauled in some amazing gifts. With only 3.5 hours of sleep, I seemed to have plenty of energy and had loads of fun. Congrats Ivy!!!

Baby Sitting

On Friday the 7th, after work, Monica and I went over to our friends the Ross' to babysit while they went out and had some fun. We had a fun night that was a lot calmer and relaxed then I was expecting. The kids played and we watched movies and ate popcorn. I had a blast and look forward to doing it again! Next time we're partying while the parents are away!

Halloween 2008

This year was a very busy halloween for the Allred's. Monica and I woke up halloween morning and went ding dong ditching. It was something I remember doing when I was little and now am passing the tradition on. We made cupcakes and left them on the doorsteps of a few of our friends. We went through a few batches until I found a good alteration on lemon cupcakes that made them soo yummy. I included a poem I wrote, I can't remember it, delivered it to their doorsteps, then ran for it! Monica loved it. It was fun however next year I may include a hint or just deliver in person as a few people tossed them and a few more questioned me until I broke. Poeple aren't as trusting in random pastries left on their doorsteps as they were in my day. What is this world coming to?

Then we went to the mall and did some indoor trick-or-treating just in case the weather was too bad at night. She was pretty shy about asking store employees for candy but I couldn't blame her, it would take a lot for me to do the same. However, she was very pleased with her hall in the end.

After the mall we headed to our good friends the Marson's in Lake Stevens to enjoy the evening eating pizza, watching movies and trick-or-treating! The weather was crazy on the drive and I saw such a pretty rainbow I had to take a picture!


We had so much fun that night. Monica was a monkey, Logan was Ironman, Larry was the joker and Carter was a banana. Monica and Logan were really into trick-or-treating this year and they could have outlasted the adults I'm sure! When we got back to the Marson's they dumped out their loot and ate candy all night... and so did I!

One word tag

One Word Tag:

Where is your cell phone? purse

Your significant other? work

Your hair? frizzy

Your mother? lovely
Your father? humble
Your favorite thing? laughter
Your dream last night? confusing
Your favorite drink? water
Your dream/goal? unfulfilled
The room you’re in? clean
Your ex? which?
Your fear? heights!!!
Where do you want to be in 6 years? house
Where were you last night? Ivy's
What you’re not? satisfied
Muffins? fattening
Where you grew up? sticks
The last thing you did? blogspied
What are you wearing? vanilla
Your favorite TV? big
Your pets? nonexistant
Your computer? slow
Your life? crazy
Your mood? sleepy
Missing someone? chelsea
Your car? small
Something you’re not wearing? shoes
Favorite Store? clothing
Your summer? FUN
Like someone? Lots
Your favorite color? blue
When is the last time you laughed? today
Last time you cried? dunno
Who will/would re-post this? nobody
Bath or shower? shower
Holiday? Christmas
Writing utensil? pencil
Vacation activity? history
Bedding preference? crisp
Pet peeves? lots
Cookies? warm
Eggs? Sunnyside
Favorite thing to do on a rainy day? soup
Your biggest strength? heart
Favorite thing about school? learning
Most awesome gift received? compassion
Neighbors? pot
What do you collect? compasses
Oldest kept item from childhood? lamp
Greatest indulgence? shoes!!
Your house? apartment
Fruits or vegetables? both
Quiet or loud? loiet

Tag: Shannon, Heather and Laurie

My sister Alex

Today I went to my Sisters who lives in Everett. We have been talking about doing some yard work at her place all summer and now that its almost November, we finally decided to do it! We weeded her garden and even made some lasagna boxes! If you're wondering, lasagna boxes are compost-like boxes that you add a layer of compost then newspaper, then yard clippings and more newspaper. Next, a layer of rich bark and leaves and then another layer of newspaper, etc... You keep building up the layers until it reaches just over the top of the box. Then you put plastic over the whole thing and let it sit. The layers will heat up and break down over the winter and be fresh, rich soil to plant in the spring. It was a lot of fun to learn how to do this and help out my sis!







When we were done we went in and ate some pot roast tacos that she created! The were soooo awesome. I'll defiantly be making these again! Thank you Alex for a fun day!

Pumpkin Patch, Dress Up and Halloween at work

Last Saturday Monica and I were going to meet some friends at the pumpkin patch for some fall fun. Unfortunately due to miscommunication we ended up at different pumpkin patches. So with Carter in the snugly (which he was way too big for) and holding Monica's hand, the kiddos and I decided to stay and have some fun by ourselves. Monica wanted to do the corn maze first. However once we got in, we both really wanted to get out. It was not difficult. Then we decided to find our perfect pumpkins! We searched and searched until we find the perfect 2. Lucky me I got to hold a pumpkin in each hand and carter hanging off my front through the pumpkin fields and back to the barn. After we paid for our pumpkin, the kid's maze caught Monica's eyes and she went through it over and over again. I think it had the reverse effect as a rat in a maze because the more she went through, the more confused she got. After the pumpkin patch we met up with the Mason's for some pizza. It was a fun day!







Later that same night, Monica and I played and played. We had tea parties and played princesses. I played a dad and she was the mom. We rode bike around the apartment and were fishes too. She still asks for me to dress up with her every chance she gets. I love to take opportunities to play with her when I get the chance. Sometimes I get to busy and wrapped up in the everyday that I neglect to focus on what she may want to do.







On Friday Gold's had a parent's night out where we got to dress up. I decided to dress up just an hour before work so I was a little short on options. However, the typical 80's garb is always a great fallback! I got a few confused looks however. Unfortunately for me, the 80's look is back in style and I think people had a hard time figuring out if I was in costume or in my typical Friday night attire. So sad!