The Allred Family

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-12-29T23:28:00.001-08:00

Christmas was a blast this year because McKenzie seemed to sense the excitement that comes with the season. She enjoyed visiting Santa and refers to him as "HO HO". We spent the holidays with family and friends visiting and eating delicious food. I can't believe Christmas has come and gone so quickly. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and we wish you a happy New Year!

Palm trees, ocean breeze, salty air, sun kissed hair. That endless summer, take me there.

2011-08-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Craig and I experienced our first cruise this summer and loved it! After being catered to for a week it was a little bit of an adjustment returning home! We had a great time parasailing and jet skiing in Cabo and sightseeing in Puerto Vallarta.

We had the Budge family reunion here in California and had a great time. All the adults went on a Hollywood tour and had lunch at the best brazilan BBQ restaurant called Fogo De Chao in Beverly Hills. Later that night we went bowling with the kids. After bowling all the girls got an hour body massage and we loved it! The next day we went to Huntington Beach for swimming, biking, and playing in the sand. We ended the night roasting hot dogs and making delicious smores over the fire pit. Our last day of adventure ended taking family pictures and partying at my brother's house. The kids enjoyed the water park and playing with the cousins.

The rest of summer we enjoyed going to the different beaches in Cali. McKenzie is a beach bum! No joke, she runs to the water and wants to keep going deeper into the ocean and screams when I take her out. She rolls all round in the sand and even lays in it like she's taking a nap. She cracks me up, she's one funny girl! I love her to pieces and am amazed at how fast she's growing.

Two weekends ago Craig and I went on a little get away to Palm Springs and stayed at the Marriott Resort. We had such a great time relaxing at the pools. If you ever go to Palm Spring you have to eat at this restaurant called Mikado Japanese Steakhouse. It's seriously the best steak you'll ever eat! In order to get to the restaurant we had to take this cute little boat ride across the resort. I could definitely do this trip again.

Craig started his 2nd year of medical school this week and is already studying like crazy! I'm so glad I'm done with school. However, I continue to consider a return to further my education. We'll see what the future brings. Next week I will be starting a new job as a labor and delivery nurse at San Antonio Hospital. I'm a bit nervous! Actually, I'm more like a nervous wreck because this department is so foreign to me. Despite my nerves, I'm seriously excited to be working in labor and delivery and having the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing moment in the lives of others. My number one goal is to never drop a baby! Yikes! Could you imagine?

Already this has been one of my most memorable summers and we still have several outings planned before it ends! It's been an endless summer!!

Fall Memories

2010-10-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Heritage Park pumpkin patch. The cousins loved to be with each other. I remember going to this pumpkin patch as a kid.

Love this pic: Hailee, Kylie, and Lia

Grandma Allred with Tori & McKenzie

Tyler holding a baby chick

Tyler

McKenzie was scared of the pumpkins.

Hopefully next year she will lighten up!

Lia was so cute, she wanted me to hold her hand & pick her up. She even called me "mom".

Jeffry as a Scarecrow

Tyler, Jefftry, & Hailee

Jeffry is all about sports. Every time I see him he says "ball"!

McKenzie is happy now that she is away from the pumpkins!

The Budge Cousins

Kylie, Tori, Derek, & Tyler

It's impossible to have all the kids look at you at once!

The Allred Cousins, that's right McKenzie is cousins with Derek, Tyler, Kylie and Tori squared!

The 3 Girls: Brooklyn, Tori, and McKenzie

UCLA White Coat Ceremony

2010-08-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

I'm a proud wife. Craig is now officially a medical student. The road to get here has been long and yet we have another long road to travel. Craig's first two years will be on the URC campus and the last two years he will have rotations and classes at UCLA. That means we probably will have to move to L.A. in two years, YIKES! For now I'm just focusing on being a wife of a med student, a full-time mom, and a full-time RN at San Antonio Hospital.

Class of 2014

Hair Bows

2010-08-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law's sister makes amazing hair bows. She can craft a beautiful bow to match any outfit. Here are a few pictures of her work. If your interested you can contact her by email at lindsayjwoolley@yahoo.com

Our Love Bug

2010-07-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

Craig and I are enjoying McKenzie and can't get enough of her. I finally get it now, how parents feel about their own children. You would do just about anything for them.

McKenzie's Baby Blessing

2010-06-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

Craig gave a beautiful blessing to McKenzie this past Sunday. Both our family and friends attend this special occasion. Thanks for all your love and support. Afterwards we had a luncheon with great company and delicious food.

Craig, McKenzie, & Me

Family and Friends at the Luncheon

McKenzie's Cousins

Brooklyn & Tori

First Day of Church

2010-05-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

Is This Real Life

2010-05-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

This made me laugh over and over again it's hilarious!

McKenzie's Photoshoot

2010-04-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

Our talented Sister-in-Law Nancy took some amazing photos of McKenzie at a week old. She also put together an awesome slideshow. Check it out here. Thanks Nancy, we love you!

Baby Girl Arrived

2010-04-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

McKenzie Christine Allred
April 3, 2010
Born 1:04 a.m. * 8.2lbs * 19inchs

Go Bruins

2010-02-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

We recently received the great news that Craig was accepted to medical school. He will be receiving his MD from UCLA! I'm so proud of him for his hard work and dedication. In 8 years we might actually be able to buy something and I can retire!

Pink It Is

2009-12-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

It took three ultrasounds to convince me that we are indeed pregnant with a baby girl! Thanks Coral for your expertise and patience. We were thrilled to find out it's a girl because she'll have 2 adorable girl cousins Brooklyn and Tori to play with. My coworkers joke around and say that I lied about being pregnant due to the fact that I don't show much. I'm five months and 2 weeks along and feel great.

New York Traveling

2009-10-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

Craig and I had a great time in New York for 3 days. We packed in a weeks worth of sight seeing into 3 days. My first impression was shock in how busy New York City is. We arrived in the city during rush hour and I felt like I was marching in a parade of ants.

M&M Factory: Every color you can imagine they had it!

Our way of Transportation included: the hotel's shuttle, Air Tram

at the airport, and our favorite the Subway.

We took a double decker bus tour around downtown Manhattan

and jumped on and off to see the amazing sites.

This just shows how busy the city is from a birds eye view!

Every girls favorite! I went to the largest Macy's it was a block wide and a block long with 8 levels of merchandise. It was huge! I could have spent a week there and not have seen everything.

Empire State Building

Elementary kids painted tiles in memory of 911.

If you look close you can see the Statue of Liberty

Famous Street: Broadway

Directly behind the trees is where the twin towers stood.

We watched Lion King and Loved it!

Central Park, breath taking!

Craig and I would love to go back and spend more time in NYC.
Who's up to going out there with us for a trip? You'll love it! It is a must see and do trip!

Major Brownie Points

2009-07-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

Craig received major brownie points! He set up an overnight stay in San Diego with my good friend Summer, and arranged for me to receive a facial and Swedish message. Someone please fess up and tell me who gave him this idea. He is the greatest and I love him so much! We visited all the tourist spots and had a blast. We even stopped by the San Diego Temple and did a session. Two girls from another country asked if we were Cameron Diaz and Keira Knightley, haha lol! Thanks Craig your the greatest!

My Family

2009-06-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

These are my brothers and sisters:
Anne Marie, Cindy, David, and John
I love them so much!
If you come across this post, you are tag to post a picture of your family!

The Man Rules (I Love It)

2009-04-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Man Rules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down

Finally, the guys' side of the story.
(I must admit, it's pretty good.)
We always hear "the rules"
From the female side.

Now here are the rules from the male side.

These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered "1 "
ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon
or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days..

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one

1.. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done.
Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit.
We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched.
We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball or motor sports

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;

But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Pass this to as many men as you can -
to give them a laugh.

Pass this to as many women as you can -

to give them a bigger laugh.

"

San Diego Get Away

2009-03-24T23:42:00.001-07:00

Craig and I headed to San Diego for a 2 day get away. We checked out the Flower Fields in Carlsbad and San Diego Zoo.

The Ultimate Tag of All Tags

2009-02-26T13:11:00.000-08:00

Can you say procrastination. My sister-in-laws Heather and Natalie, and my friend Sheri has tagged me and I'm finally getting around in responding to their tags. Here it goes, hold your breath, ha j/k you'll pass out:

1st Tag from Heather

rules:

Post the rules on your blog

List 6 random things about yourself.

1) I see people literally head to toe (naked) on a weekly basis: it's part of my job of being a nurse
2) I love sweets, after each meal I crave sweets
3) For a time I wasn't into having kids, but now I have the urge to have kids
4) I love fashion, color, and design
5) My dream job is to be a designer

2nd Tag from Natalie
My Bucket List....Tag

The "Bucket" List.....Things everyone should do before they die. I enlarged the things I have done .

Started your own blog
Slept under the stars
Played in a band
Visited Hawaii
Watched a meteor shower
Given more than you can afford to charity
Been to Disneyland
Climbed a mountain
Held a praying mantis
Sang a solo
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightning storm at sea
Taught yourself an art from scratch
Adopted a child
Had food poisoning
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
Grown your own vegetables
Slept on an overnight train
Hitch hiked
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
Held a lamb
Gone skinny dipping
Run a Marathon
Seen a total eclipse
Watched a sunrise or sunset
Hit a home run
Been on a cruise
Seen Niagara Falls in person
Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
Seen an Amish community
Fired a rifle, shotgun or pistol
Michelangelo’s David
Sung karaoke
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
Bought a stranger a meal
Visited Africa
Walked on a beach by moonlight
Been transported in an ambulance
Had your portrait painted
Gone deep sea fishing
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Gone to a drive-in theater
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Taken a martial arts class
Visited Russia
Served at a soup kitchen
Sold Girl Scout Cookies
Gone whale watching
Got flowers for no reason
Donated blood, platelets or plasma
Gone sky diving
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp Bounced a check (oops)
Flown in a helicopter
Saved a favorite childhood toy
Visited the Lincoln Memorial
Eaten Caviar
Pieced a quilt
Stood in Times Square
Been fired from a job
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
Been on a speeding motorcycle (don't tell mom)
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Published something
Bought a brand new car
Walked in Jerusalem
Visited the White House
Had chickenpox
Sat on a jury
Met someone famous
Joined a book club
Lost a loved one
Had a baby Seen the Alamo in person
Swam in the Ocean
Owned a cell phone
Been stung by a bee
Seen Mount Rushmore in person
Learned to play an instrument
Held a tarantula
Touched an iceberg
Changed a baby’s diaper
Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
Had a food fight
Had a snowball fight
Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
Ridden a roller coaster
Visited all 50 states
Taken a road-trip
Milked a cow
Been in a movie
Crashed a party
Made cookies from scratch
Gotten a tattoo
Rafted the Snake River
Performed on stage
Been to Las Vegas
Eaten shark
Bought a house
Been in a combat zone
Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
Touched a stingray
Broken a bone
Ridden a horse
Eaten sushi
Had your picture in the newspaper
Gone back to school
Eaten fried green tomatoes
Killed and prepared an animal for eating
Dyed your hair
Caused a car accident
Saved someone’s life

3rd Tag from Sheri
The Rules:
1.go to the document/ my pictures site on your computer
2. go to your sixth file
3. go to your sixth picture
4. blog about it

Craig and I went to a Rodeo before we were married at the Honda Center and we meet up with Scott and Heather.

Laying Here Lazy

2009-02-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

I'm loving the rain, I have been laying here lazy today. I been having too much fun blog hopping around discovering spectacular crafty folks. I'm amazed of people's creative talents and ideas they magical come up with. Check out the Awe-Inspiring links for Valentines ideas and other crafty ideas it will give you the itch to be creative and create. Happy Rainy Day to you!

Celebrate Good Times

2009-01-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

I celebrated my 24th birthday on January 5th and throughout the week and it has been a blast. My loving hubby surprised this birthday with a candle light dinner and received major brownie points. He made baby~back ribs with homemade sauce and delicious side dishes. A few days later we went to Huntington Beach and roasted marshmallows for our tasty S'mores and reminisced about our memories. Dave and Heidi (my brother and sister-in-law) took Craig and I out to dinner at the famous Lucille's BBQ and finished the date with dessert at Beard Papa's. My fantastic friends Coral and Angie and I had a picnic at the park and we spent the time reminiscing about our memories of friendship throughout the years. Craig's parents had us over for dinner on Sunday and we ate delicious soft taco's and yummy white cake with chocolate fudge icing. I received birthday cards, phone calls, text messages, and emails from friends and family wishing me a Happy Birthday. Thank you to all of you who made this Birthday a special one!

Candle Light Dinner

Huntington Beach

Picnic at the Park

Christmas Cheer

2008-12-27T16:08:00.000-08:00

This Christmas has come and passed so quickly and was filled with much cheer. My sister Cindy, from Kentucky, delivered adorable Jake and asks me every time I talk to her, "Are you pregnant yet?" My sister-in-law Heather delivered earlier than expected and brought little Jeffry into the world. Craig and I are thrilled to add two new nephews to the family. Everyone around me is pregnant, it seems as though the flu of pregnancy is in the air. Craig and I broke away from the holiday rush and looked at the amazing lights in Alta Loma with friends and family. We spent Christmas with our families and had a merry day. I was called off from work, and I was relieved. I was practically crying knowing I had to work on Christmas night. That was the best gift I recieved not having to work.

Many Thanks To All of You

2008-12-11T03:10:00.000-08:00

I have been busy preparing for the Sprinkle The Love Boutique for Nie's Recovey which was last weekend. Many people had been generous to donate their time and talents in donating beautiful crafts and homemade baked goods. Thanks to all of you who participated in this special boutique for the Nielson's family. Thanks to those who came to buy goods at the boutique especially my in-laws. Many thanks to my sister-in-law Natalie who spent countless hours preparing for the boutique and for making beautiful aprons and other homemade crafts. Liza, thanks for sewing even though you weren't feeling good and for helping out with the boutique. Thanks for the homemade baked goods: Nicole, Vanessa, Jenea, Mom, Amanda, Grandma Booth, Heidi, and Summer. Thanks to those who donated homemade crafts, blankets, hair bow, hair clips, and other crafts: Denise, Liza, Natalie, Grandma Hiwiller, Jeanet, Sister Barron and her mother, Sister Murrish, Amanda and her mother, Kathy, Summer, Angela, Karlie, and many others. A special thanks to my parents for allowing the boutique to be in their home and for supporting me. I hope this holiday season we may remember the true meaning of Christmas and serve those around us. I wish you all happy holidays and thanks again for sprinkling a touch of love to Nielson's family this holiday season.

Adorable Aprons

2008-11-13T22:20:00.000-08:00

I had made aprons for the boutique that's coming up in a few weeks. I want to keep them for myself because they are adorable, but of course I'll be donating them to the boutique for Nie's Recovery. I made matching mom and daughter aprons and it makes me want to have kids. The smaller apron melts my heart because it's so cute and little. I figured I'll make as many as aprons as possible for the boutique and once the boutique has passed I'll make some for myself. Thanks to all of you who have responded to the boutique benefit sale. I feel overwhelmed with happiness because of the compassion people have shown toward helping the Nielson's family.

Boutique Benefit Sale

2008-10-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are interested, Natalie and I are having a Boutique Benefit sell for the Nielson's, a family in need. Homemade crafts, buyers, and volunteers are needed. Check out the blog for more information: sprinklethelove.blogspot.com. Spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors.

Want a Button

2008-10-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

Please take a button to share the word.

You're Going to Love Tai Pan

2008-10-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to Tai Pan in St. George, Utah a year ago and was hoping a store would open in California. Sure enough every girl's dream is coming true. Tai Pan is opening in Rancho Cucamonga on October 20th, 08. You will scream with excitement, this store provides all the decor you'll ever need to floral arrangements to stylish holiday decor. You must check out Tai Pan, you'll fall in love! For Directions click here: http://www.taipantrading.com/index.html There's a $10 off coupon in the Latter-Day Trumpet. Happy Shopping! I hope you'll love it just as much as I DO!

It's Official

2008-09-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

I passed the NCLEX and now I'm officially an RN. Craig woke me up at 3:00 a.m. and announced the good news. I was so ecstatic that I couldn't fall back to sleep. That day Craig surprised with flowers and this adorable cake. I can actually write RN behind my name, I'm loving it!

You Got To Love BOB!

2008-08-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

For those who know my dad you will get a kick out of this. I drove up to my parents house and my dad was outside vacuuming pine leaves in the street.

A Glimpse Into the Pioneers Lives

2008-07-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Craig and I had the great privilege of participating in the Ontario Stake Youth Pioneer Trek. We had been asked to be a Ma and Pa for a family of eight youth. Our family's name was Mormon Mafia which was chanted throughout the trek. The trek consisted of three days and two nights. We pushed and pulled the hand cart over 10 miles up and down the hills and lowered the hand cart down a ravine. We pretty much lived like the pioneers: no showers, and slept outside with no tents on the hard and sometimes wet ground. Our personal belongings had to fit into a 5 gallon bucket weighing under 15 lbs. Strangely enough our appearance, body odor, and dirty hands didn't phase us a bit. To give you an idea, we ate food with bugs in it and ate with our filthy hands. Here's a glimpse of our pioneer trek:

_________________________________________________________________

Day One

All the Ma's

Family Banner and Hand Cart

Arriving at Camp Hot, Sweaty, and Tired

The first night we slept here on the grass. We had eventful weather of hail, rain, lighting, and thundering and ended up sleeping under a tarp. Received a whole 45 minutes of sleep that night.

Mormon Mafia Brothers
__________________________________________________________
Day Two

Mormon Mafia Family

Pulling and Pushing the Hand Cart

The Second Night the girls slept here in the bunk beds and
oh ya there were spiders.
The boys slept here below on the straw.

A baby rattlesnake was spotted along the trail and was killed.
Bryce skinned the snake and cooked it up for dinner that night.
Boys will be Boys.

Craig and His Many Talents
__________________________________________________________
Day Three

Cherry Picking

The parents of the youth sang while we trekked into Zion
and it was sure a great feeling to have completed the trek.

Yeah, We Completed the Trek!
_____________________________________________________________

We feel beyond blessed to have participated in this once in a life time opportunity and to experience a glimpse of the pioneers lives. Our testimonies have been strengthened because of this experience. We have grown closer to one another, God, and the faithful pioneers. Our hearts have been touched and are filled with joy because of the pioneers for their obedience, faithfulness, sacrifice, and the trails and challenges they endured. Sure enough all of us are modern day pioneers and we must stand strong and firm as the pioneers did.

Silverwood Lake Camping

2008-07-16T19:51:00.001-07:00

Coral, Mik-E, Summer, JR, Craig, and I went camping at Silverwood Lake for a night. We had all made our own gourmet tin foil dinners and made the ultimate smores. We played games around the camp fire and had a awesome time.

For breakfast, we ate scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage and it tasted delicious. After breakfast, we went on a hike and saw this heart in the rock. Supposedly a waterfall had fallen over this area of the rock and had formed an heart.

I Heart You

Happy Anniversary

2008-07-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Tigger Dog! The last two years of being married to you has been unbelievably amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better husband and friend. Together we have shared many treasured memories and laughs. Thanks for your continuing love, support, and kindness you have shown. We have celebrated 2 years of our marriage and an eternity to go. I love you Blueberry Stud Muffin. Love ya, Ju Bear

4th of July

2008-07-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Craig and I celebrated the 4th of July with Mik-E, Coral and her family. We were just finishing up with the sparklers thinking our firework celebration had ended, until the neighbor invited us over for more fireworks. To our surprise he had $500 worth of fireworks! Mik-E and Craig lit off all the fireworks while the rest of us enjoyed the show. I had to get my thrill and lit off a few. Can't beat that for the 4th of July having your own firework show. This 4th of July couldn't have been any better.

Before the firework show. . . . .

During. . . .

And After. . . .

At Midnight . . . .
Coral called the next day and told me this trash can caught on fire at 2:00 a.m. and her neighbors had to put out the15 foot flames. Thank goodness there was no significant damage.

Hip Hip Hooray!

2008-06-15T23:11:00.001-07:00

I graduated from nursing school on June 14. This year at Mt. San Antonio College 12,000 students declared their majors as nursing. Only 141 students graduated from the program. It shows the odds of how many students really make it through this rigorous and difficult program. I had so many sleepless nights, melt downs, and survived living off cereal and top romen. I'm grateful to put this achievement behind me. Thanks for all those who supported me throughout my journey of nursing school, I love you all!

Cheers to Coral & Mikey

2008-05-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

May 24, 2008

All the shopping and preparation of helping Coral with her wedding paid off.She looked absolutely gorgeous and elated. She was the most kicked back bride ever.The wedding was beautiful and tons of fun. Cheers to the newlyweds,
Love ya!

Me, Coral, and Angie

My Peeps!

Friends

Hubby and Me

Raela and Me

Sheri and Me

Natalie and Me

"It's for Girls"

2008-05-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

Craig claims he's not apart of this blog site because "It's for girls." Although, he thought up the blog address. He will convert sooner or later. Today, I had my last final for nursing school and I am way stoked. Let the party begin!

School Out, Time to Party!

2007-12-14T13:05:00.002-08:00

Craig and I finished up fall semester and we are officially party animals until the next semester. Craig, of course did extremely well in all his classes. He received the Outstanding Chemistry Student Award in his chem class. We are both relieved and looking forward to the holidays!