Christmas Day 2008

Christmas Morning 2008-Little did we know that it snowed all night long and all Christmas morning. We got 18" of the white stuff and it just kept coming. It took Darrin and I over an hour just to shovel out our driveway and sidewalks-good exercise! Needless to say, we definitely had a white Christmas.

The children were so busy enjoying their toys, that eating breakfast would only interfere with their playing time. So instead, Darrin and I sat down to fresh fruit, fruit dip, and toasted egg sandwhiches-yum!! It couldn't have been a more perfect Christmas morning. Well, let me revise, I could have lived with less snow.

Morning shot, definitely not glamour shot material.

You can't see it, but we have yard lights throughout our yard. They are obiviously hidden in all that snow. The "snow drifts" on the sides of our driveway are over 4' tall-no joke.

After managing to finally clear the driveway, we headed out to my parent's to spend with family and of course, eat fabulous food. Thank you to my wonderful neighbor, Jana, her Cafe Rio ranch dip was a hit. (FYI-my food is never a hit. I am always delegated the premade items like butter, soda, Costco Pie, ice cream, etc... because I am a lousy cook!) In fact, I am awaiting the recipe to forward to my family to forever keep in our Ford Family Cookbook.

Me and My Dad!

Nous sommes bien manage!

Christmas Eve Night

Christmas Eve at the Allred's 2008-When I was a little girl, my mom would sew all 7 of us (5 children and 2 adults) new pajama's for Christmas. As we grew older, she sewed less and bought the "Old Navy" version. I have continued with that tradition in the Allred home, with the exception, that I have never attempted the sewing part. Instead, the notorious Santa's Helper (me) has chosen the retail route instead and so starts searching for the perfect PJs weeks (sometimes months, like this year) to find all matching pajama's. Well Santa's Helper didn't have much luck, as hard as she tried; however, each person was more than thrilled with what they got! (OK, it took a little coaxing for Megan to put on her candy cane PJs, as she really wanted to wear her princess nightgown. And Santa's Helper had to branch out to GAP and Target, oh well.)

Megan, Jack, and Mommy (Aly)

Instead of "Cheese" they wanted to say: "Santa!"

Daddy (Darrin) with Megan and Jack

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve 2008-Afer shoveling, shoveling, and more shoveling, we managed to take the adventurous drive south to Eagle Mountain to spend Christmas Eve with the Ford Family. We enjoyed fabulous food (what would Ford family even be without fabulous food?), talked, and then had a special gathering. We were divided into 4 groups, where we had to rewrite famous Christmas songs. We were given "Frosty the Snowman" and changed it into "Barry the Roadkill" (Barry was our famous roadkill back to the Los Gatos days...) Afterwards, my dad related a story of Rush Limbaugh's childhood of Christmas (I want to get the actual story on paper...) and then my mom passed out ornaments, each with her grandchildren's name on it, and a candy cane. (Ok, for those who have common names, otherwise, you got "Precious Child" something like that. Fortunately, this was one reason why Jack and Megan are Jack and Megan-to get things with their names on it. Never had that growing up.)

My Christmas List

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real
3. When do you put up the tree? The Day after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the Tree down? The Day after Christmas
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes!!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My tea set.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Darrin or my dad

8. Easiest person to buy for? the kids

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes
10. email or Christmas cards? Both

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A fleece Christmas vest with bears, deers, trees all over it
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In the Fall

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can remember
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? everything

16. Lights on the tree? Yes and lots of them

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay Home for sure.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolf (Thanks Jana)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? An Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? we usually open on present (which is PJs) and then the rest in the morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The crowds

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? red, silver and gold

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Prime Rib
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Well now it's a new computer and Santa already bought it-Merry Christmas!

More Hawaii-November 2008

Allred's in Hawaii-November 2008

Aly, Jack, Darrin, & Megan

Allred's in Hawaii- November 2008

Aly & Megan

Happy Third Birthday Angel!

Our Sweet Little Megan, Happy 3rd Birthday today. We can’t believe that over three years ago, we sat in a hospital, unsure if you were planning to come today (though the night was drawing to a close) or on your planned c-section date of November 13, 2005.

After much concern with the doctors on call, we were rushed into an emergency c-section around 10pm, where you arrived around 10:45pm. We couldn’t believe you were finally here, our little girl. Daddy and I loved you instantly. We had waited anxiously over the past 9 months to hold you, kiss you, and love you. We truly felt blessed that evening.

We still feel so blessed that we have a little girl that ALL girl. Megan, you love make up, shoes, bags, and especially dress up clothes. When it comes to Mommy’s make up, you somehow you magically seem to find all of mommy’s hidden treasures; we love to see what you find, and even sometimes, where you like to hide them! Pretty much everything and anything “princessy” you love it! In fact, we are celebrating your birthday with a Fairy Princess tea party. We have invited all the little girls in our neighborhood, along with their mommies to celebrate this wonderful birthday.

Megan, you are talking so much more each and every day. You are so anxious and ready to learn. You, especially, love story time each night. Instead of letting daddy or mommy read you the story, you like to point out each unique object and ask what it is. If you already know, you like to tell us what it is and the color. Most things for you are pink or purple, but that’s ok, we just enjoy that you are so inquisitive.

One thing about our Megan is that she has an opinion and isn’t afraid to say it. You especially love to do things yourself. Your most repeated phrase is: “Let me do it!” It’s great that you are so independent. We know that you will achieve many great things because of your eagerness to learn and this strong will of yours. You can do anything you want to. But for right now, we-mommy and daddy-would be thrilled to see you potty trained. If not, we still love to kiss you goodnight. We love you, sweetheart.

CNN Interview

For those you haven't seen this interview, take a minute to watch "the rest of the story" so to speak. I believe the media needs to be fair and balanced and a little less unbiased. But since most media is liberal, it's frustrating that you don't always hear the whole story. Here it is...

CNN Interview Part 1

CNN Interview Part 2

I voted today!

Capricorn

Minus the good looking part, mine was pretty right on…Aly


CAPRICORN - The Go-Getter (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Patient and wise. Practical and rigid. Ambitious. Tends to be Good-looking. Humorous and funny. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be Unfriendly at times. Hold grudges. Like competition. Get what they Want.



AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious.. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality.



PISCES - The Dreamer (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Sensitive. Don't like details. Dreamy and unrealistic. Sympathetic and loving. Kind. Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful.



ARIES - The Daredevil (Mar 21 - April 19) Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous. Confident and enthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short fuse. (Easily angered.) Lively, passionate, and sharp wit. Outgoing. Lose interest quickly - easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic.



TAURUS - The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20) Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not.. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings that are stable and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard - passionate. Express themselves emotionally. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulge themselves often. Very generous.



GEMINI - The Chatterbox (May 21 - June 20) Smart and witty. Outgoing, very chatty. Lively, energetic. Adaptable But needs to express themselves. Argumentative and outspoken. Like change. Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense.. Gossips. May seem superficial or inconsistent. Beautiful physically and mentally.



CANCER - The Protector (June 21 - July 22) Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome. Excellent partners for life. Protective. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others. Easily hurt, but sympathetic.



LEO - The Boss (July 23 - Aug 22) Very organized. Need order in their lives - like being in control. Like boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help Others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Full of themselves. Loving. Doing the right thing is important to Leos. Attractive.



VIRGO - The Perfectionist (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Dominant In relationships. Conservative Always wants the last word. Argumentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic.



LIBRA - The Harmonizer (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind. Have own unique appeal. Creative, en energetic, and very social. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible.



SCORPIO - The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and Emotional.



SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Good-natured optimist. Peter Pan syndrome (doesn't want to grow up). Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out.

McClellan Boys-Happy Halloween!

The 3 McClellan Boys

Will, Ford, & Mac

(These are the boys of my oldest sister-Marion.)

Joe Biden...Scary!

For those of you who watched the VP debate, when asked if you support Gay Marriage, both Palin and Biden both said no. In fact, Biden continued to say that Obama didn't support gay marriage as well; however, now Biden says he is voting AGAINST Prop 8. What the Hell? Is he confused too, along with his running mate or forget what they say just moments earlier.

Yes on 8!

I got this from my friends blog and felt I should post it on mine. Please read. Aly

Dear Friend,

The institution of marriage is in cardiac arrest in California and I am pleading with you to help save it. Please set aside what you are doing for a minute and pay close attention to what is happening with Proposition 8. Marriage as we know it is in a life or death moment.

Gay activists held a fundraiser on Tuesday night at billionaire liberal Ron Burkle's mansion in Beverly Hills where they raised an astonishing $3.9 million. Even as guests were being entertained by Barbra Streisand, Melissa Etheridge and Mary J. Blige, No on 8 operatives were busy launching a sneak attack on the institution of marriage. They began dumping $3 million into television commercials this week alone. That is on top of the nearly $4 million in air time they already had purchased for this week, meaning they are spending an unbelievable $7 million on air time this week alone!

In the middle of the night last night, they began airing a new commercial featuring liberal Democrat Jack O'Connell, the California Superintendent of Public Instruction, designed to trick voters into thinking that gay marriage won't be taught in California public schools. The No on 8 campaign realizes that this is their Achilles heel, and they are going to say and do whatever they need to in order to confuse and trick voters.

O'Connell slyly but shamelessly misrepresents the law, saying that California does not 'require' that anything about marriage be taught in public schools. What he doesn't say is that his own Department of Education reports that 96% of schools DO TEACH the courses that include marriage. The Supreme Court's legalization of gay marriage unquestionably means that young children will be exposed to gay marriage in school, just as they are in Massachusetts.

Here is the situation we face: Unless we raise $3 million in the next week, we're going to lose.

Our campaign is presently on the right track and has momentum, but we cannot withstand this onslaught of spending – getting outspent by $3 million this week and by who knows what next week. We have emptied our accounts to put $1 million more on TV to respond, but that leaves us bare. We need to add $1 million more to our advertising schedule in the next 24 hours for this week, and at least $2 million more for next week.

If you love the institution of marriage, this is one of those moments that you will remember the rest of your life. This is the moment when people of faith were given the chance to make a great sacrifice and save this precious institution. We have all worked hard as volunteers and contributors, but this is the moment when traditional marriage as we know it will either live, or it will die.

Years from now, when we look back on our lives, this will be a day to remember. The day when marriage went into cardiac arrest, the victim of a ruthless and false assault on the truth. The day when you had a chance to sacrifice greatly to save God's precious gift to us.

This is Code Blue for marriage. What is your response?
Frank Schubert
Campaign Manager
ProtectMarriage.com - Yes on 8

Even though we don't live in California, we are donating because it is that important. Please consider what you can do, and donate here.

If the link doesn't work, here:

https://www.icontribute.us/protectmarriage/initiative/codeblue

Political Trick or Treating...

Tagged by Jana...

8 Favorite TV Shows:
1. House
2. Private Practice (just started watching)
3. 48 Hours Mystery
4. Criminal Minds
5. Cold Case
6. Fox News
7. CSI
8.Kath & Kim (just started watching)

8 Things I did yesterday:
1. Ran with my sister, Marion, and brother, Dan. Sadly, we lost Dan and he ran 12 miles, when he was only planning on running 4 miles...long story. Hope he isn't too sore today!
2. Went to my dad's Hall of Fame
3. Drank 3 diet cokes
4. Ate way too much-what's new?
5. Almost threw up-what's even newer?
6. Got on a plane back to Utah
7. Kissed my children
8. Fell asleep watching tv-surprise, surprise!

8 Things I look forward to:
1. Bedtime
2. Going to the gym
3. Going to Hawaii (hence #2)
4. When Darrin comes home from work
5. Dinner time
6. The Fall (Halloween and Thanksgiving-love them!!)
7. Cooler weather, hot drinks, & jeans
8. Possibilities

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Ruth's Kris
2. Macaroni Grill
3. Houstons (in Boca Raton)
4. Cafe Rio/ Chuy's (Austin)
5. Papacito's (Austin)
6. Green Picalo (Cobham, England- Yum!!!)
7. The Kebab Center (Maidenbower, England)
8. Fish N Chips (Redhill, England-the best fish & chips in the world)

8 Things on my wish list:
1. tile for the basement bathroom
2. carpet for the basement (almost there)
3. to lose 16 pounds
4. a full time maid
5. the 3 L's: lasik, lipo, & laser hair removal
6. a vacation home on the Olympic Peninsula
7. to be prettier, but don't think that's going to happen, even with the most money and best doctor!
8. more money

Congrats Dad into the Hall of Fame!

This past weekend, my dad was inducted into the Clayton Valley High School Hall of Fame for track and football. I was thrilled that I was able to be a part of it. On Friday morning (October 17th), we flew to San Francisco, where we walked around "the town," enjoyed real sour dough french bread, fresh seafood, and, of course, Ghiradelli ice cream!

Later that night, we met up with my dad's brother, Scott, and wife, Kathy for dinner at the hotel. Before that, we drove over to Clayton Valley High, where we walked around the campus to allow my parents to reminisce olds times...

While walking around San Fran, Marion saw shorts with the following:

"If you think I am a b***h, you should meet my sister!"

We wished we both bought a pair... We thought it was funny.

Hall of Fame Brunch 2008

Clayton, California

Dan, Adam, Dad, Marion, Mom, & Aly

Aunt Kathy& Uncle Scott Ford and Rod & MaryAnne Norling

Ford Family Cookbook

This is Adam's picture to our Ford Family Cookbook. Definitely the best drawing for the cover. Thanks Adam for drawing this up for us. Love it!!! Can't wait to have the final product in hand.

So very long ago...

Look How Young We Look!!!

Darrin was even 26 in this picture and I was 24 1/2-we weren't that young either.

July 30, 2000

We both ended up staying the night at Grandmother and Granddad's. (Darrin was supposed to be celebrating his birthday with his friends, but then decided to crash in Bountiful with me...Love sick, poor guy!)

Our Engagement Announcement Photo

(July 2000)

Fall 1977

Fall 1977

Dan & Marion (back row) and then Corrine and me (sitting)

I was about 22 months old in this picture.

My mom just gave me this picture a couple of days ago. I remember exactly where my dad used to have it in his office growing up. This was so many years ago. Heck, Adam is not even in the picture. And what is up with those outfits? I am sure that my children will be saying the same exact thing in 30 years from now.

Aly's Political Soap Box-because I can...

The Newsweek magazine (for some reason, I get the magazine, never paid for it, but it still shows up at my door) this week with Palin on the inside cover says: “Ready to be VP. Please!” The front cover says: "She's One of the Folks. And that's the problem." I am thinking about sending them an e-mail and to one: stop sending me their liberal magazine, as it only ends up in the recycling can and two: for my points stated below. One thing that has really bothered me about this whole election is that if Obama were white and Palin were a man, would they be more criticized or not? Meaning, would the American people vote a white man with only 2 years (if that) of senatorial experience to be the Chief Commander and would Palin be more glorified because she is a man and was able to accomplish all that she did in her office?

Did you watch the debate? On factcheck.org, it says that Obama plans to cut back so much that we will have a surplus of $850? Billion dollars. In fact, they state that with his deductions, he will actually go over $350 billion dollars, only adding to the deficit. Secondly, when McCain announced the $300 billion bail out-so to speak-of the mortgage crisis. That money has already been allocated (almost 6 months ago) and in fact and is not part of the $700 billion dollar bailout. So when people hear another $300 billion mortgage thing, it’s not new money. I wish McCain could have clarified that.

Lastly, for anyone who has ever lived (not vacationed, but lived) outside the United States, knows very well that national healthcare isn't a solution. I firmly believe in the notorious phrase: "You get what you pay for." When the government starts taking control of the healthcare, do you believe it's their first priority when it comes to budgets? Where do you think the government gets their money to back up their government funded health care-from us. When we lived in England, we were taxed at 40%. 40% for anyone making over something like $50,000 year! Also, for those of us who have lived outside the US know that you are no longer allowed to choose your doctor; one is allocated to you by where you live. Your doctors work the normal 9-5 shift. When times of emergency and need to take that trip to the ER, all I can say is: "take a number and get in line."

When I shattered my ankle on my mission in France, I remember vididly my hospital experience. After surgery, I woke up in a waiting room, no nurse or doctor to me found. They were literally taking a smoking break! The pain was unbearable. The hospital didn't have ice for the swelling. So my companions froze water bottles and brought them to me to ice my toes (as they were the only visible thing out of the bandages). I had cockroaches in my room and no air conditioning. When I was released almost a week later, my companions escorted me out of the hospital, no wheel chair, no crutches. I had to go buy them myself, along with the materials for my cast! Yes, my cast. My companions had to buy the plaster and bandages for my cast.

When we moved to England, we happened to have moved to one of the most populated counties in England-Surrey-next to London. It tooks months before we were assigined to the local doctor and that was on the notion that we promised to never get sick...literally, they asked me that. Well, having only been in England two months, I had an UTI-awful! Since I didn't have a doctor and wasn't a UK citizen, the only place that would treat me was the AIDS/STD department at the East Surrey hospital. It was awful. (Darrin's company was fortunate enough to offer us private insurance and in time, we learned how to use it, but it wasn't convenient. [We were only allowed to go to two hospitals: Gatwick BUPA and one in downtown London.]) Needless to say, I firmly believe that healthcare is a priviledge, not a right.

School Pictures

Megan (2 years and 10 months old)

Jack (4 years and 7 months old)

Second Year of Preschool at Monte Vista

I can't believe how fast my children ar growing up. Comparing last year's pictures to this year, what a change! Jack is such a little boy and Megan seems to be growing out the toddler stageso quickly (not enough to want to be potty trained though). Oh, I just love them so much! Every mother has to feel that way about her children, as I know that's how I feel about mine. September 2008

Wendy's Chicken Tortilla Soup

Need a fun soup on a Fall Day, here's my sister in law-Wendy's- Tortilla Soup. It looks really yummy to me and so I thought I would share. Enjoy! Or should I say: Bon Appetit!

Wendy's Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 chicken breasts & stuff to boil w/
2 carrots
1 stock celery
1 onion
1 zucchini
1 yellow squash
1 red (or yellow) pepper
1 c Costco corn
1 can diced tomatoes w/ jalapenos
1 can diced tomatoes
4c water
2 Knorr chicken bouillon cubes
1 can diced green chilis
1/2 bunch cilantro

Boil the chicken breasts (with skin & bones) with some carrots, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Shread the chicken. Save the broth and discard everything else. Skim the fat off the broth. Chop all of the vegetables. In the broth, boil the celery and onion until tender. Add everything else and cook until done. If you want it hotter, add some Cholula. Serve it with cheese and thick tortilla chips.

Ford Family Cookbook

Help!! I am helping (ok, let me rephrase, my sister-Marion-has done most of the work, I am just making the finishing touches) print a new edition to the Ford Family Cookbook. A phrase we so often use in the Ford Family home is: "Never Trust a Skinny Cook." In fact, one year for Christmas, my sister-Marion-had the phrase printed up on a cute block to hang in each of our kitchens. It still hangs... Any who, on the cover of our book, I plan to have it say: "Never Trust a Skinny Cook;" however, I am unsure which picture to go with it. Unless Adam, you would like to draw something up for me. Hint! Hint! (My brother, Adam, is an illustrator for Disney, yes, Disney! You can see his artwork on his blog link below.) In the mean time, please vote on a picture, please, oh please, that you think would look cute on the cover of our recipe book. Thanks!!

Fat Chef #1

Fat Chef #2

Fat Chef #3

Fat Chef #4