There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. -Jane Austen

Super Hero's!

2008-12-21T10:19:00.001-08:00

I was downstairs in the basement last night, wasting time away. As I was tinkering with the computer, I heard little whisperings that were getting closer to me. I wanted them to know I was surprised as I waited upon there arrival. They jumped around the corner and both yelled: "Yah-ha'!

Meet " Jungle Boy and Monkey Girl".

(I am mean for posting this. But can't help myself).

Osborn Christmas Party

2008-12-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

This last Thursday we got together for our Osborn side of the family. (my mothers side).

My Grandma has a wonderful talent playing the Organ and piano. She and my cousin Michelle (who also is very talented and teaches lessons) played a organ/piano duet for all her children and grandchildren/great grandchildren. We had a great time getting together as we always do.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived shortly after and entertained the little ones. Thanks Julie and Ron for putting together another great family christmas event.

This is just a small portion of the family christmas parties that me and my family attend.

More pictures to come...

Merry Christmas!

Ice Skating!

2008-12-15T12:19:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we spent the night downtown ice skating and enjoying the holiday season. Our kids loved it! Austin and I were amazed with them, after falling over and over, they never gave up and wanted to continue! They didn't want to go home. In the words of Houston, "This is my favorite sport"! By the end of the night, he was able to skate on his own. And Taryn was doing just as well! She is a natural! I was impressed with them both! I think I will be able to take them on my own now. Cause they "want to skate all the time now"! Thanks Austin for planning a fun family evening!

Polar Express

2008-12-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

Last week, my parents treated all of there children and grandchildren

to a fun night filled with hot cocoa, cookies, music, and christmas

stories all taken place on the Polar Express!

My kids had a blast taking the ride all the way to the

North Pole. We met santa and Mrs. Claus.

Thank you Dad and Mom for that special treat!

I

2008-12-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

Your Invited!!!

2008-11-17T08:51:00.000-08:00

Boutique Holiday Headstart

Wednesday November 19th 6-9 pm

Allred Resisdence

2737 West Sanborn Drive

Riverton, UT 84065

approx. 13500 South

Vendors Attending:

Faithful Homes (home decor)

Home for the Holidays (holiday Decorations)

Quilary (baby clothing)

Jessi Stringham Photography

Rebbecca Halliday (pillows, Sweatshirts, and Interior design)

Scentsy

Jewelry

Heritage Makers (scrapbooking)

Princess Trends (tutus)

Lily's Edge Clothing

Spooky costumes this year...

2008-11-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Gone are the days of superhero's and fairy princess'. My kids both wanted to be spooky this year. Oh, well. We had fun! They have such a festive mom. I enjoy Halloween just as much as any young kid. I always have. I love creepin' out the house and blasting the scary halloween sounds for the trick or treaters that come by. Houston was a scary phantom (the costume originally came with a mask, but after he saw me paint taryns face, he wanted to do a scary face for all to see). Taryn was Mortisha from the Adams family. I love how each time I take a photo, they stay in true character.

Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point with Allred cousins

2008-11-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Strolling through thanksgiving point

Thank's Meme for planning fun activities

I love the holidays!

We loved this Hayride!!

We got lost in the corn maze

Our Home

2008-10-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

Ok , Natasha... Just for you. :)

This was taken under construction. Since I have been so busy getting things settled

with the home (plus I mistakingly spilled soy sauce all over my camera)... I have not taken any recent photos of our house since the yard has been

completed and the home finished. We are loving it!!!! My favorite part about the home are the stairs and the kitchen. I will soon update with more pictures. This whole process took forever, but we are happy it's over with. And don't even ask...No Austin and I WON'T be adding more children to fill up the space. *Just built for us and our entertaining purposes. ;)

No computer :(

2008-09-29T14:48:00.001-07:00

I am using my friend Shandells computer due to the fact that I miss blogging but we have no Internet set up yet. How sad... So just a speedy update for the Allreds.

We have moved into our new home in riverton (just a street behind our old one) pretty weird I know, but we are happy with this decision we made. Come stop by and say hello! We have been here about 3 1/2 weeks so far and it has been the easiest move yet! I will upload pictures soon.

We got straight to our yard as well. We built a great fire pit, it's great for those nights with friends and family just chillin ... Austin and I are quite proud of this new home of ours, cause it took soooooo long to build (a full year) and was extra stressful on us with all the hassle we had to go through. But in the long run, we are in and settled now (well not quite, we need more furniture now) and hoping that Austin can stay put for about 10 yrs. in this one!!! I am sick of moving!!!

I have to go home , Houston is about to return from school.

That's our update in a nutshell!

wedding bells

2008-08-18T07:41:00.001-07:00

Taryn and The Groom,Andy Adam and Aubrey

Holli,Andrea,Amber,Ashlee,April,
Aubrey,and Me

Cute Pictures of daddy and his Kids

Me and my kiddos all fancied up

Sunday is our FUN day!

2008-08-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here a a picture of beautiful little cottonwood canyon.
On our way up to have some fun!!!
Eatin' lunch before we go up on the Tram.
Houston didn't want his picture taken Looking down from the tram to Alpine slide. Houston wanted to go again, and again!

Camping at Bear Lake

2008-07-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

The night before we left to Bear Lake, our kids were so excited to sleep in a tent that they requested that we pitch a tent in our backyard. It was fun!!! Bear Lake was the typical... choppy and cold. But hot out side, burnt skin, sandy bottoms, sandy food, but best of all precious time with extended family. This has been a yearly traditon(I have been going for almost 28) with all the Hanson Family. Austin and I have just missed a few years, because of pest control season. Each year the family grows and grows. It gets harder and harder to try and find places to stay, this year we camped. My kids loved it and were happy the whole time! Our camp was right next to the beach and kept the kids entertained for hours burying cousins in the sand! (that picture is of Taryn coverd)

Linquist Cabin with the Allreds Over the 4th

2008-07-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some random pics of the allreds. We all stayed at the Lindquits cabin. We took our boat up, no one would ski cause the lake up there was freezing!!! But the kids did at least want to tube (slowly). :)

10 Year Reunion

2008-06-29T10:18:00.001-07:00

Skyline Eagles 1998

It has been
10 years so far!

It was good catching
up on lost friends.

Kelli, Christy,Me, and Jen

Texas

2008-06-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

I seriously hope this was the LAST time we go to Houston, Texas. But...

Those HOT and MUGGY days were spent with friends, and alot of quality time with the kids. This was Taryn's First

professional Pedicure/manicure. She did well!

Taryn "Flips" out!

2008-06-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

This was taken at 'Monkey Bizness' last week in Texas.

I was so suprized Taryn taught herself how to do a front flip!

She nailed it on her first attempt! She kept on doing it

again and again. She has always been such a dare devil.

Training wheels off!

2008-06-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today, Houston learned how to ride his bike. Pretty great considering we didn't get him one until last year and he only got on it with the training wheels still on a few times. There was no motivation behind it, just wanted an identical bike like his friend Jag. So he asked to break it out for the first time this summer (I figured I wouldn't pressure him into it, he would let me know when he was ready). He was so willing to get right on it again! (Taryn Lended him his knee pads) that also seemed to help him along his way. We are SO proud of you Houston! Congratulations on your success and bravery! (the cutest part of this clip is where he mistakingly let's go to do "rock on"!)

Updates... (by request)-you know who you are!

2008-05-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

This is a short update on my 'bear'.
Daddy snapped this candid pic of my beautiful girl, playing in California adventure. Cute!

The picture of her on the rock was her idea (she is normally camera shy and hates to be in the spotlight, you probably didn't know that)

Running away from the waves with daddy was so fun, she did it for about 15 min. Until she wore out Austin. (this day at the beach was bitter cold, goes to show how much she loved this!)

she is so smart! she did it all by herself! I am so proud of her! (yes, I am driving and taking footage at the same time... promise I won't do this again! I had to capture my excitment!)

(I can't figure out how to change this format, sorry for the ugly layout)

See how precious she is?

"Mom, take more pictures of me on this".

2008-05-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Park Hoppin' at California Adventure and Disneyland
Thank you Dad and Mom for these wonderful memories of Disneyland. We love our family and are blessed to have such a great relationship

with eachother. Thank you for spoiling us Rotten!

2008-04-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

How do you load a picture from the internet onto your blog? I need to start getting better at this thing so you all can look forward to mine being the favorite blog you visit daily... That is my goal.
You hear that Natalie? My blog is going to kick your blogs butt!
Now, a little help from the peanut gallery... Pretty Please.

2008-03-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

ABCs of Me
I've been tagged by my friend Tanya, so here goes:
A- Attached or single: AttachedB- Best Friend: Austin and Shandell and Natasha Cake or Pie: Chocolate Cake- Day of Choice: Saturday!E- Essential Item: shiny lip gloss. addicted to the stuff.(me too Tanya) F- Favorite Color: purpleG- Gummi Bears or Worms: wormsH- Hometown:Salt Lake .I- Indulgence(s): Chips and Salsa!.J- January or July: I love the 4th of July!K-Kids: 2...Houston and Taryn L-Life is incomplete without: Learning from mistakes.M- Marriage Date: September 16, 1999 N- Number of Siblings:2 sisters 3 Brothers- Oranges or Apples: Oranges P- Phobias or Fears:I am haunted about house fires, and I can't get to my kids Q- Quote(s): "Just be yourself , it's all that you can do". - Audio Slave R-Reason To Smile: funny... I HATE my teeth, so I try to avoid smiling. My kids will alway get me to smile. S- Season: SUMMERT- Tag Six:Heather, Holly, Amber H., Kelli, and Jen U- Unknown Fact About Me: I had to give up training for my first half marathon cause I could focus on my family, and my new business, and building a new home. Next time as soon as things calm down with Divas... V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Carnivore.
W- Worst Habit: Tardiness. I have never been late to taking my kids to school or picking them up... that is huge for me! I can't be rude anymore. X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Both are overpriced. I'd say ultrasound.Y- Your Favorite Food: A chipoltle burritos( they just opened one up in sandy! yay!)Z: Zodiac: Gemini

After the show, at Luxor Casino

2008-03-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

We fooled around playing games after we watched Tournament of the Kings. Houston loved the Show. It was a good choice for him. Unfortunately they wouldn't let you take pictures of the show.This was a fun weekend! We were celebrating Austins end of pest control!!! That's right, he sold his ownership and we don't have to move away for the summers anymore! Praise the Lord! We can have a real summer vacation once again. Bear Lake, Lake Powell, California, or just going up the Utah mountains and roasting some marshmallows , here we come...

Sand Monster

2008-03-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

Taryn being funny as the "Sand Monster" as

she called herself. Luckily no sand got in her eyes. Houston copied

her later, after hearing me laugh hysterically with Taryn.

2008-03-03T09:58:00.000-08:00

Our little family a night on the las vegas strip. Made us miss our old house, so much that we shopped around for houses there in Henderson. When Las Vegas homes are cheaper than utah homes... we had to at least play with the idea.

History Buff

2008-03-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

My Son has a thirst for knowledge. He loves history, and space the most. Last weeks lessons were on space. At Parent T. Conferences his teacher said he was so fun to have in the class because he would get all the other kids excited about space. This is why we have decorated Houston's room in an outer space theme. This kid can teach you many facts about planets, comets, outer space. I thought this was cute that he could tell us about statue of liberty on the New York New york hotel in Vegas.

Gap tooth smile

2008-03-03T09:34:00.001-08:00

Here is the latest news with my big 6 year old. The "tooth fairy" came to visit him a few days ago. We put him to bed with the normal routine. About 30 later, Austin and I were curled up on our couch watching t.v and we hear a "YES"!!! He had been wiggling it over the past week straight. He quickly ran down the stairs to show us the prize! (I think I am hanging on to both his and taryns first tooth lost for sentimental reasons, the rest I have to throw away... yuck). He was soooo thrilled and did the dance of joy over and over that night. Kids are sooooo cute.

2008-01-15T17:51:00.000-08:00

There was no snow by our home, everything had melted. So we decided to drive clear up on the east side to make certain it would be worth our drive. We ended up finding a great hill located on a elementary school field. It only took two runs until Houston got injured. I am keeping an eye on him, meanwhile... I he is acting normal. I hope he didn't break his nose.

2008-01-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

some more christmas morning pictures with my angels

Rain or Shine

2008-01-07T20:19:00.001-08:00

We thought we would inform you of our Cancun trip we spent over new years...

I wish we had some pictures, but... Austin lost our smart card to our camera. :( Which means our valuable Christmas 07' are kaput! We are just sick about it. I took about 5 pictures on Christmas day with my large Nikon camera, so that is all we have. (we do have some video too).
Somehow, when he was taking out the battery to charge it, the card dropped out along with it. He didn't notice it, until we took the camera out to take pics it was M.I.A. SAD,SAD,SAD!
I told Aust we should replay a part of Christmas. He thought that was silly. Years from now... they wont know the difference. The ones of Christmas that I do have, I will post.

Anyway, Cancun was eventful. Three out of the 7 days I was quarantined to my hotel room miserable with a horrible case of Strep. I wanted to go home early. But could not. Since no prescriptions are required in Mexico, I was lucky to send Austin on a quick errand to the pharmacy that was 5 min. away from where we were staying. We were trusting enough (and I was desperate) for any form of relief. I needed to be relieved of this misery. With glands swollen large enough you could see them on the exterior and interior, even down to the smallest task of opening my mouth to brush was painful! My words were kept down to the bare minimum. Those Damn Antibiotics didn't kick in until I was LITERALLY on the flight home (it took 2 1/2 days to work).
Other than that, we were made great use of being on our own...
The first few days were spent trying to get some sun in the overcast and windy weather.
Just the novelty of being with ourselves as a couple is priceless, we have so much fun together and are able to reconnect. It is fun just to be silly, immature, dorky friends together.
Although Cancun was not what I had hoped for... It came at a good time. Upon arrival, Austin and Tom are on the cell phones, scheduling, consulting, selling, bargaining, brainstorming, stressing their little hearts out! IT'S PEST CONTROL TIME...AAAAAHHHH!

Holiday Celebrations

2008-01-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

It's sad to think yet another Christmas has come and gone. In song:"I cried, the day that I take the tree down, for I want this season to last all year round"...
Alot happend to our little family over these last couple weeks. So, I hope your seated.

Christmas always happens the same... Austin swears it we will spend a bare minimum on eachother, I stick to it... he doesn't. I find my dads christmas spirit in me, he spoils everyone rotten. I buy things for my kids, then I see something elses that would bring another smile to their faces. I end up with a crap load of things I forgot about, and am now reminded on the night before... wrapping some and saying, "holy crap... I'm taking this one back, and that one", etc.

All in all this was a wonderful christmas because my kids are now old enough to understand what is going on. The looks on their cute gleeming faces... it's all worth it.

2007-12-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

Although this was last years nativity play... it is darling and I wanted to share with you my little darlings. They were so good at paying attention as daddy read the stories about why Christmas is such an important holiday to many.

I have made it a point to let the kids start using their own money for gifts for friends and family this year. With there new "reaching for the stars" chart... they earned plenty of cash doing there own chores. After we exchanged the christmas gifts to our friends, Houston tells me"Mom, I feel good inside". I am so proud of Houston and Taryn for how they grasped the whole christmas spirit this year!

All wrapped up in Momma's wrapping paper!

Allred Cousin's at Meme and Papa's christmas party.

Santa was a little weird this year, I think he spiked his egg nog with some peppermint schnapps!

My kids told me on the way home, "that was a FAKE santa, I know it"! You blew your cover santa! Not very good considering my kids are 6 and 4!

Santa, you never asked the kids if they were being good little boys and girls this year. You also forgot to ask what they are asking for christmas this year.

Silly Santa!

Houston was an angel for his school Christmas play. (wearing daddy's white golf shirt)

2007-12-18T14:26:00.000-08:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1513591675

Take a look how I elfed the Allred crew...
Christmas 2007

Oh my gosh! It has been since july I posted new updates. Thanks Natasha for hounding me, because of your persistance, I am alive once again.

My love bug

2007-07-24T00:57:00.001-07:00

My little, little guy...I could not go to bed until I commented on you could I?

This was such a fun year. An old pic but a favorite of mine. You were a two year old that never went through the "terrible two's". Have you ever gone through a "terrible" behavior yet?

"I have the bestest Idea" says Houston. "We can go to bowling! Is it your day off dad; so we can go today"?
You are always coming up with ideas on how to have more fun with you family. You are the glue that sticks us together, my little man.

You are SO Strong!!!!
The night before you started you skateboarding camp you made certain that I would prepare you a healthy breakfast. Just so you would preform at your "bestest". You requested scrambled eggs (you hate eggs) and oatmeal with a glass of orange juice. Oh, and don't forget to make me a mommy drink that I can take with me (which is sustain, like gatorade). You gobbled every bit up and afterwards flexed you muscles and said... "See, look it worked, I can lift up a table". (you lifted the coffee table, so proud of you :) )
I am so fortunate to have you personality around. You keep me sane. You always know when I need a hug. You are so delicate. You automatically come up to me or rub my back and say, I love you mom. I know you do. I thought you would have grown out of it by now, which I feared. To this day, you give me constant affirmation. You are a softy like your daddy. And that my sweets it one of the best traits I find in him. Don't ever stop. Love you 16. -Mom

My Porcelain Doll

2007-07-23T23:44:00.000-07:00

To my darling and precious daughter ;Taryn Melle Allred.

I have been gazing at you a bundle, this past month as I watch you spring up like a weed! Where has all the time gone? Why do I feel like I have forgotten so much? Yet, I have been with you every step of the way. I tell you this frequently "Will you please stop growing for me"? But Mommy, you answer, I can't". This I know, but I just wish sometimes you knew at your young age how much you mean to me. How can I ever interpret my thoughts and feelings about you?

I say "Do you know how beautiful you are"? You humbly reply, "Yes".

You remind me every night to "tickle you back, the hard rubs"... after I had sprayed "monster-spray"(which is my little secret; it is just fragrant spray) in 5 specific areas of your room, and given you some water, 4 times in a row. You do carry a long list of things that please you, but your affection you show to me makes it all worth it and to the highest degree!

Your level of competition with your big brother constantly keeps me in stitches. Today, you were on his skateboard barefoot repeating "look what I can do"! You are such a big girl! You amaze me! The way you get along with him is such a blessing. You two are wonderful buddies. Always willing to share and play what the other wants to do at the moment.

Taryn, I pray that you are happy in you family. My one wish from you is for you to understand how grateful I am to be you mother. You feel me with such joy. Please forgive me in the future if I ever upset you, be patient with me, I am learning too. Always, Tare-bear. 16.

one of my rare solitude pics of just me...

2007-07-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

This was taken at Mama's fishouse, on our last day in Maui. Wish I could have stayed there longer. It was so peaceful. Our first ever vacation with just Austin and I after almost 8 years of marriage. This made us want to start traveling more. It's easy to get lost into our daily hectic lives to take time for ourselves. The smile on my face truly explains it all. Not a worry in the world until I get back home at least...

My first blog ever!

2007-07-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

This is for all of the slacking I have been doing as far as not updating our family scrapbooks. I spend quite a bit on the computer anyway... Here is to a fresh start.

I got a little sad as I have been looking back on my kiddies lives. These years have flown by. And I have not kept up on sharing/documenting the great things they do. These two kids constantly teach me so many things and never cease to keep me smiling. Blogging... here we come!

There may be an occasional oldie but a goodie picture on here. Like I said, I need to play catch up. Pardon me for my out of date photos.