Sick, Sick, Sick!

Well, we skipped church today because both Trav and I have been fighting some NASTY colds. We've spent the day either sleeping, blowing our noses, or coughing. It's terrible. Hopefully this day doing nothing will help our bodies recoupe.
On the 18th we had the opportunity to go see the Nashville Tribute Band in concert with our friends Jen and Joseph Buenaflor. Trav's cousin Stoker actually helped them record their album. It was a fun night full of the spirit and excitement from Joseph. He is from the Phillipines and this was a new experience for him. He made it a new experience for all of us. It was truly a special night!

Not Much New

Well, we haven't blogged for a little while because there hasn't been much to blog about. Life is pretty good around the Allred home. Trav's Real Estate job is taking off and he's loving it. He's put in a lot of hard work and it is paying off. His first home closing is on April 7th! My job is fabulous. I'm in contact with some of the most amazing people everyday. The kids I work with are pretty special. They truly make me a better person. They teach me so much about life and remind me what's really important. Travis has been doing a lot with scouting as usual. His new focus has been the local Order of the Arrow. He's currently putting together his Crow Indian outfit (which means I have some sewing to do!). We'll post a picture when it is all put together. So, that has been our boring life, but who cares. We're happy!

6 Random Things

Val tagged me, so here are 6 random things about me.


1- Post the rules on your blog.


2- List 6 random things about yourself.


3- Tag 6 people at the end of your post.


4- Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.


NUMBER ONE--STUDIES

Oh, I know I can be random, and sometimes too much so.
I think one of the greatest inventions of all time is, of course, TOILET PAPER. It is interesting to me the relationship that the different sexes have with this fabulous creation. For instance... Men FOLD the paper before the wiping begins, while Women CRUMPLE and/or WRAP. This is almost always accurate. I would say at least 99% of the time... Go ahead, have a little chuckle.

My other study is the purpous of an afgan blanket... just take off the blanket part. My blanket doesn't have holes, just like my pants don't have holes. Pretty soon we'll have all these little emo kids running around with their "pants and blankets." Might as well just send them out in the bitter cold in their underwear. The afgan cannot be used for anything other than decor.

Lastly, in short, not liking a particular food inmy mind is only conditioned. So get over the fact that you were taught not to like brocoli and man up. Slap your folks around a little for teaching you wrong, and start liking the food that was placed here for us to eat.

NUMBER TWO--PLANNER and LIST EXRAORDINAIR

OK, so sometimes I make a list to help me remember to make a list. So what, that is just good planning. I would have to say that I am often able to get twice as much done in a single day than any other average person. Sometimes I drive Bree crazy when I try to make a list for her to do during the day. 5 years of marraige have taught me to lay off that a little bit. It is safe to say that if smething could possibly have a list formed around it, then I have it. I actually even have daily schedules pinned next to the calendar. As I mentioned before, I get a lot done. I always have my list, and I just go until it is done. I even put things on the list that might be rediculous, like wake up at 7, take shower, etc. It can get pretty particular some days. Just sort of depends on how much sugar I have the night before, when I am planning. A little spooky, I know. At times, OCD comes to mind, but I have a wife to keep me in line.... Thanks Monkee

NUMBER THREE--COOKING

The best for me is definately the taste of food. For whatever reason, I can taste something and almost always be able to tell exactly what is in the ingredients. This has nothing whatsoever to do with the size of my gut, by the way. I love to cook and do most of it here in our household. Bree really knows how to cook, don't get me wrong... I just love to do it. Soemtimes, Bree might think she is in her own live telecast of Hell's Kitchen, but I like her to cook with me.

NUMBER FOUR--SCOUTING

I guess this is not totally random, but I just love to scout. We just got back from a scouting cruise. I am on the council committee and will be on staff next year at NYLT. This is just something that changed my life at an early age and helped direct my course. Hopefully, I can give that back to some other young kids. Bree is a good sport being a scouters widow sometimes.

NUMBER FIVE--PRO SHOWER VOCALIST

Oh yes... I can tear it up in the shower, David Cook, eat your heart out. I cna hit notes, that probably shouldn't be talked about. Of course, this only happens in the shower, and I don't suppose I will ever have an audience. However, Bree can vouge for me. Maybe you can just call me T-RED next time we talk.

NUMBER SIX--SMOOTH TALKER

I guess you could say that I can usually talk my way out of anything. Unfortualtely, this can go in either direction as far as the manipulation card is played. Bree keeps me in check, cause she knows this about me. Make no mistake though, I can argue anything, so test me if you dare.

I tag:

Nicole Mecham ,
Tessa Perry ,
Andrea Campbell ,
Jenny Fischer ,
Rachel Asay ,
Emily Huggins

The Mexican Riviera!

Well, we have finally made it back to reality after going on the Scouters Set Sail cruise. We joined 46 other scouters on the Carnival Pride en route to Peurto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Included in those were Trav's parents and grandparents. We had a blast!!!

January 24th: We got up at 3:30 AM and drove the 12 hours to Long Beach California with Trav's parents and Dale and Lillian Winkler.

January 25th: We boarded the Carnival Pride and set sail....

Our Boat

Waiting to Get on the Ship

At the Muster Station

The Family in Long Beach just before Departure

Some of the Group

Trav Eating Octopus

January 26th and 27th: Our first two days were spent at sea. We spent the days miniature golfing, eating, soaking in the sun, sitting in the jacuzzi, eating, touring the boat, playing bingo, watching shows, and more eating.


On the 27th, Trav recieved his Woodbadge beads. Woodbadge is an adult scout training. Upon completing the course and your Woodbadge ticket (goals made during the course that need to be completed), then you receive a new neckerchief, woggle, and these beads. Trav's Dad beaded him, and gave him his (Trav's Dad's) original beads that he was beaded with in 1996. He also gave him his original woggle. It was pretty special and a huge accomplishment for Trav.



Here's the two pictures that we got with our whole group. It was a wild and crazy trip with a bunch of scouters...


January 28th: We arrived at our first port--Peurto Vallarta. We went on an ATV ride and then went on 10 zip lines that were about 1000 ft or more in the air through the River Canopy. We then rented a boat and rode to some pretty awesome rocks and saw an amazing sunset. Trav didn't especially like this part of the trip. He spent most of the 2 hour boat ride a little green before he ended up feeding the fish off the back of the boat.

Trav and Bree on the ATV

Stopping for a Drink on our ATV ride

Zip Lining

On the boat (at the beginning, before Trav got sick)
A Cool Sunset Pic

January 29th: Today we ported in Mazatlan. Here we went on a Jungle Cruise, toured a coconut plantation, and played on the beach with the star fish.

The Coconut Plantation

A Star Fish

The tour guide had taken in this pelican at one point and cleaned oil off of him. "Bonito" had never forgotten him, and joined us for our trip on the jungle cruise. He was even so kind to pose for pictures.

January 30th: Cabo San Lucas was our last stop. We signed up for a snorkeling excursion. We boarded a catamaran and ended up getting a whale watching show in the deal.

Here's an awesome video of the whales...

And the Dolphins...




We rode past the famous Lover's Beach...

Snorkeled in Chilleno Bay, where Bree managed to obtain a 1/4 inch deep slice in her knee from the rocks (which we super-glued together instead of getting stitches, the picture is after we super glued it)...


And partied and danced as the catamaran made its way back to the dock....


Trav showin' off his moves...

January 31st: Another day at sea. Where we did much of the same stuff we did before.

February 1st: Trav's 27th Birthday!! And our day to drive the 12 hours home. Unfortunately Trav had to spend his birthday in the truck on the road. We listened to the Super Bowl on the radio. Good game, but I bet it was better to watch! Happy birthday babe--sorry it wasn't all that fun. I love you!

Overall, it was a blast. We had a fabulous time and didn't want to leave the warm weather.

Happy New Year!

We had a blast this week. Travis signed with Parker Realty and begins his new job on Monday January 5th. He feels really flattered as this company hasn't ever hired a fresh-out-of-school agent! In fact, when Trav first called they told him that they weren't hiring. He just happened to get the owner's number off of a sign and decided to call again. The owner agreed to meet with him after some persistance. After the interview they were so impressed with him that they offered him a job! He's really excited. This company has an amazing reputation for being the best at what they do as well as for their integrity. We are so excited for this new career opportunity!

New Years Eve was a blast. We went snowboarding up at Beaver Mountain. The day was absolutely beautiful and the snow was perfect for our first day out this season. We are both paying for having so much fun! We can both barely move today! Stupid sore muscles!

We then met up with Trav's family for their New Year's Eve party. We ate lots of fabulous food, played games (well, I think I actually fell asleep...), and rang in the New Year!

Christmas 2008

We were very blessed this Christmas season. Our families were very generous. Thanks everyone for all of your thoughtful gifts. We love you all! Here's a pic of our "winnings" this year...

This Christmas we spent the 24th in Salt Lake with my family. We went to see the Tale of Despereaux, went to eat at the Little America Cafe, and then walked around temple square. It is so beautiful! We then went back to Coalville and participated in the Vernon family Christmas Eve traditions. Every year, my Mom builds her nativity throughout the month of December adding a piece each day. Joseph goes in on the 22nd, Mary on the 23rd, and baby Jesus is placed in the stable on the 24th as we read the Christmas story out of the Bible. It helps remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. We then awoke Christmas morning and Santa Claus had not forgotten us. We must have been good this year! We then got ready for the day and drove to Grandma Vernon's for Swedish pancakes. Trav and I then proceeded to Bountiful to visit both of our grandparents there and then made the trek back to Logan for Christmas dinner with his family. It was a lot of travelling, but it was worth it!

Here's a random pic that we took after taking family pictures with Trav's family on the 23rd...

New Career!

Well, Trav did it....He passed his Real Estate Exam! He is so excited to begin this new career and new adventure. He is currently interviewing with all the Broker's in town and will begin in January. Congrats Trav! You made it and you deserve it! All the hard work paid off! Love ya!