D

Another One Year Birthday, no make that TWO more!

2011-09-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

Since we are in Idaho and we both have family in Utah and in Arizona we were able to go visit and celebrate Karsen's birthday again. With how many birthdays we have celebrated she would be 3, thankfully I still have my little 1 year old. Our visits in Utah and Arizona were short but sweet. We made sure we saw friends, family and hit up our favorite places to eat such.

UTAH

My Granny.

Grandma Ida.

Aunt Lisa made this cake. It was so cute and tasted so good.

Some of my favorite people:

What is this scruff young man? I need to take a look closer.

KARSEN LOVED ALL HER GIFTS....

See....

Well, sort of.

This grannie is who I want to be when I am a grandma. Jumping on the tramp? Wow, that woman has some energy.

ARIZONA
Wow, I really missed getting pictures this time. Sorry fam...next time! We did have a great time and loved hanging out by the pool I think that was Karsens highlight,

She is ready for the pool!

Yo!

Yes, I made them. First time and can't believe how fun they are to make. The kids loved them!

Favorite picture of the entire trip.

ONE YEAR

2011-09-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

The birthday girl right when she woke up!!

Dad making her smile as usual. We are off to a great start for her big day.

We had my brother Daniel and his wife Sarah come over for a

BBQ and cupcakes. Karsen thinks it is pretty cool she got a

balloon for her birthday when she was at Toy's R Us picking

out her gifts.

Can we say priceless? I love this smile.

Her first tastes of the best cupcakes in the world! The Coco Bean here in Rexburg.

She really wasn't all that into it. Which means she does not come from my side of the family.

I know I know I am not smiling in this picture. Don't look at me, that is not why I posted it. But look at the little girl down below me. Now that is a happy baby. She was truly celebrated today!

We really made it through the 1st YEAR! She survived her mom and dad's very new parenting skills. Hopefully every year with just get better.

Mama and the happiest kid that has touched her life!

We were so glad to have family here for her first birthday. Here they are just goofing off and having a good time as usual. Love these guys!

And Karsen seems to like them too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARSEN!
YOU HAVE TRULY BEEN OUR JOY, HAPPINESS, LAUGHTER, AND LOVE. I REALLY NEVER THOUGHT I COULD LOVE SOMEONE SO DEEPLY. WE ARE SO EXCITED TO WATCH YOU GROW AND MAKE US LAUGH THIS YEAR TO COME.

LOVE,
DADA AND MAMA

CAMPING WITH A VIEW

2011-08-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Our campus site near Hatchery Ford. Absolutely gorgeous!

Dan trying out the bike

Dean in his element

Karsen loved this water. She didn't know why she was so cold though!

She would just play and play

Look at that lip. She wanted to play in the water so bad!

Sarah and her bear spray. I am sticking with her!

The guys getting ready to go fishin'

She enjoyed the campfire but not the night nor did her parents. Probably wont go tent camping with a baby until they are older. But we can say we did it!

John Muir said it best when he said "The mountains are calling and I must go."

Just Add Water...

2011-08-19T00:26:00.000-07:00

...and a dash of Dad and you have a perfect summer day:

“Sun is shining. Weather is sweet. Make you wanna move your dancing feet.”

-Bob Marley

2011-08-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

OUR LITTLE MONKEY IS 11 MONTHS OLD.

We can't believe she is almost 1 year. She is a happy girl and already has a funny sense of humor. For some reason right now she loves tongues. If I stick my tongue out she falls towards it so it hits her nose and then starts laughing. I have also found that she will only crawl to my jewelry. She is starting her teenage years early, she has been sleeping in until 10am, once or twice its been 11:30am. Enjoying this time and loving her more every day!

Visiting Grandpa Land and Grandpa Judy

2011-07-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

It was great to meet Aunt Barbara and see Grandma and Grandpa Lane again. They hadn't met Karsen yet and so we all had a wonderful time!

We finally caught her cuddling!!

Grandpa making Karsen laugh.

See the hand in the righ hand corner? For some reason Karsen just loves it when you use your hands to play with her. She gets so excited...as you can see :0).

Grandma Judy and Karsen first time meeting!

Of course Grandpa making her giggle again.

GLOBE-TROTTING

2011-07-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

We are finally home after galavanting through the states. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with friends, family and eachother. We visited Egypt, saw dinosars, Africa, GiANT speeeiiders, oh did I mention they were museums? What a summa!

At Carthage Jail Nauvoo Ill.

The cousins.

Our little girl singing or steeling the camera and taking a close up shot of herself. I can't really tell you....

At the Aquarium in Chicago

Wow, that really looks creepy!

Egypt!!!

The Navy Pier

So much fun with the family!

Man we sure missed the other parts of our family! But still so fun!!

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.”

Globe Trotting Continues....

2011-07-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

MY BUTT IS BIG
AND ROUND LIKE THE LETTER C
AND TEN THOUSAND LUNGES
    HAVE MADE IT ROUNDER
             BUT NOT SMALLER
                   AND THAT'S JUST FINE.
                          IT'S A SPACE HEATER
                                FOR MY SIDE OF THE BED
                                       IT'S MY AMBASSADOR
                                         TO THOSE WHO WALK BEHIND ME
                                         IT'S A BORDER COLLIE
                                         THAT HERDS SKINNY WOMEN
                                   AWAY FROM THE BEST DEALS
                             AT CLOTHING SALES.
                      MY BUTT IS BIG
              AND THAT'S JUST FINE
        AND THOSE WHO MIGHT SCORN IT
        ARE INVITED TO KISS IT.
                              JUST DO IT.

I found this in one of my fitness magazines and it was a Nike ad to women. Love it!

10 months

2011-07-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow for babies grow up we've learned to our sorrow, So quiet down cobwebs and dust go to sleep I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep."

The NOISE MAKER is:

rolling
trying to crawl
sitting
standing
singing
smiling more and more
loves her daddy
she gets so impatient! she wants to do it all right now.
making noise...better go!

4th of July!

2011-07-04T21:59:00.000-07:00

We went to Manilla to visit Dean's family. We always have so much fun and it was no different. We caught fish, ate ice cream and chile rellenos, watched sunsets and fireworks, went 4-wheeling and just hung out. It is always a good time. Karsen had her first 4-wheeler ride and first boat ride! She is a girl with lots of experiences. We were lucky enough to have Dean's entire family. What a neat blessing.

Karsen and Jesus's Picture

2011-06-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

We hung a picture of Jesus above Karsen's crib. For the past few weeks each time I go in to get her from naps and she has turned to be facing the picture. It is so cute because then I pick her up and she immediately stares at the picture. I then say "is that Jesus?" and she smiles. I have tried asking her if it is "Frank, George, etc" and she turns away but I will then ask "is that Jesus" and she smiles again and looks. I also noticed I will walk out of her room and she will turn and look at the picture as we leave. It is so neat to see her watch him. I can't believe she does it, but she really does.

It taught me that what I have in my home and show her impacts her even now. Here is little video of her doing it. It isn't the best one but at least it gives you an idea of what she does. And I don't know why she sticks her tongue out, but its her new thing.

A wife, grandma, a mother, a daughter, sister, and friend

2011-06-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses? When the surf of the centuries has made the great

pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution, formed outside telestial time. The women of God know this. -Elder Neil A Maxwell

Alice Hultgren Johnson

1916-2011

Born

in Dramman Norway

She left a great legacy. She was a proud mother of 3 children who each were married in the temple. Those 3 children each had 5 children. Each of those children were married in the temple and all the boys served full time missions.

She taught many things but 3 that stand out to me:

1. Drink 8 glasses of water every day.

2. Walk everyday

3. Never put off traveling

She has returned to her true love: Grandpa (Bill Johnson)

2011-06-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

{ today }.......................................................

Karsen turned 9 months today!
.............................................................

Let's find out her thoughts about being 9 months....

"Karsen?"

"Karrrseeen?"

"Hi!"

"I know you are pretty busy right but we want to find out what you think about being 9 months."

"Looks like she is all ears...and mouth..."

"So, princess, what have you LEARNED?"

You have learned Hip Hop?! Impressive!

"More moves?! You can do hip hop while readying your book? Wow!"

"What else do you know how to do?"

"BLOWING BUBBLES, wow?! Not only blow bubbles, but smile and keep the bubbles on your tongue?!" Very cool.

"Learn anything else?"

You have learned how yummy green beans are, and bannanas?! Good for you.

Any foods you don't like???

........

"I take that as a no."

...................

"I hear you moved to Idaho."

"Looks like you didn't realize you moved...."

"Well, so can you show us around your new home?" Yes? Oh, thank you!"

..........

"Looks like you have a nice view, that's the back yard? Do you like to watch daddy work?"

"Oh, mommy likes to too? Yes, it is a nice view, Hmmm" :)

"Oh and this is the front yard, looks pretty with lots of green grass."

"What do you think of this pretty green grass?"

....

"Wow, I think your face says it all. You do not like the feel of grass."

"Grouchy."

"Moving on"

"Can you tell me what you plan on doing for your other next 9 months??"

"Playing and ...

"Playing..."

"Hanging out with the man on the phone and funny grin."

"And eat!"

Sounds like you will be a busy girl~

....

Moved!

2011-06-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Well here is a crazy update from the Devereaux family. We moved! Our quiet life was suprised by a prompting to have Dean finish school in REXBURG IDAHO. Our move couldn't have gone better except for a delay in Utah when our moving truck broke down. Karsen was an angel the whole way.

Once we arrived in Idaho we did not have anyone to help unload our stuff, or so we thought. By the time we unloaded the last box we had about 10 people show up to help! They were just walking by and asked if we needed any help. We even had someone bring us dinner! I can't believe how nice everyone has been. Pretty awesome!

This was all in a matter of 3 weeks and has been a whirl wind! We really miss AZ, our friends, shopping, weather, and restuarants. But I have already made my list of places to visit in and around Idaho. We will be sure to keep you posted!

Dressing Up & Sitting Up: 8 months

2011-05-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

Dress Up & Sit Up!

Karsen is 8 months and I can't believe how big she is getting! Her little head is reshaping great but will probably have her helmet for a few more months. That is ok though, its an accessory and girls can never have too many accessories! Right?
She is sitting up now but hasn't figured out if she looks up- she falls over. So much fun with our little Rooskie!

Grannie & Papa Visit!

2011-02-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

We had Dean's parents come in town for a visit and boy we had a great time! We toured a ghost town called Vulture City, went to the Scottsdale Car Show, Tombstone, Bisbee, and the Chiricauhua National Forrest.

Papa stole my hat?

Vulture City with the fam.

One of the old buildings.

An old plane, of course Dean would find something other than old building :) at Vulture City.

<><><><><><><><>Some of the cool machines that were still there!

Dean and his dad exploring one of the mines there.

Such a fun day!!!

The Scottsdale Car Show!!

Anna was so excited because this was the exact same car she grew up riding in.

Hello little hedge hog.

Our friend Greg has his hedge hog and so Anna thought it would be fun to hold him.

Karsen sure enjoyed her fisrt car show.

Dean and Karsen before the Mine Tour in Bisbee.

Really, I think the cutest ourfit in there is Karsen, with her panda hat.

She was so good down in the mine!!

Chiricahua National Monument

Just some random fun we had with them.

Granny and our little rooski.

2011-01-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

Dean and I went to Sedona AZ to see the Festival of Lights. It was so beautiful! We enjoyed hang'n there with Karsen for her first Christmas. We then spent Christmas with my parents in Show Low and had a great time seeing grandma Allen!! Santa didnt forget where Karsen was and she recieved so many new things like toys and clothes! We are loving our new girl :).

We are so going to have one of these in our backyard!!

2011-01-07T20:49:00.000-08:00

{Daniel and Sarah's Wedding Day. 12.17.11}

My little brother and his new bride! Such a cute couple!

Who is this little lady stealing Dan and Sarah's spotlight??

Must be that little Karsen Devereaux.

It seems to me the groom has an extra spring in his step. Look how high he is jumping, go Dan!

Just some fun pics Dean took at the wedding reception. Good job Dean on your photography skills. He took all of these pictures!!

Such a fun day. We are so excited to have Sarah in the family, she has made Dan a happy man. Congratulations!!

(sorry about the crazy post, the blog was doing some strange things.)

Thanksgiving Fun...In Karsen's Own Words

2010-12-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

What did you do for Thanksgiving?

"We went to Grandma and Grandpa Allen's house in Show Low!!"

What did you do while at Grandma and Grandpa's? 

"Well I ate a lot. It was so good. My first time having turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes and gravy, oh and you can't forget the pies. Pecan, apple, pumpkins! I also hung out with my great grandma Allen, Ester and Dick Moolick, & my cousin's Jayton and Taylee."

"Taylee was so pretty!"

"and I couldn't believe how big Jayton was!"

"Ester and Dick told me about the places they had traveled to and all about the Leadville Museum that Dick founded. WOW, What an interesting couple!"

"Great Grandma listened to me tell her stories and jokes."

Was it cold?

"Yes! It was very cold. It even snowed. It was the first time I saw snow and it was so pretty. But Grandma Allen kept me warm. See..."

What was the best part of Thanksgiving?

"The Thanksgiving dinner of course! And hanging out with mom and dad."

"Mom dressed me really warm and took me to to some antique stores and dad...

played on the floor with me. He is teaching me how to dance."

Seeing my soon-to-be Aunt Sarah. (Uncle Daniel loves her alot and is marrying her in a couple of weeks!)

What was the funniest part of Thanksgiving?

"When Uncle Paul kissed Aunt Andrea on the nose!"

What do you think now that Thanksgiving is over...

Karsen's Baby Blessing

2010-11-19T16:20:00.000-08:00

We had Karsen's baby blessing last week! Lots of family and friends showed up for her big day. Enjoy the pictures of her and the family.

Karsen getting ready for her special day!

Karsen singing her favorite song

Proud Grandparents! We were so excited because Grannie and Papa came all the way from Utah to meet Karsen and be there for her blessing.

The Grandma's with the not-so-special-touch. Come on ladies, where is your special touch to calm a baby...hmmm looks like the Grandpas are the ones with the special touch.

Grandma and Grandpa Allen

Karsen and her cousin Taylee.

Dean and his mission president, President Martin. We were thrilled to have them attend her blessing. President Martin served with Dean on his mission at Ivory Coast, Africa. Boy, do they have some stories!

Papa holding Karsen after her blessing.

Good ole' grannie, always helping

The Allen Fam! Sure is getting bigger.

The Devereaux Fam, well with a few missing :)

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

Karsen's FIRST Halloween she was a spider web. We dressed her in a white onesy and then drew a spider web on her with a little spider crawling down it and then a bow with a little spider inside. Dean was Death/Obama and I was a witch. Karsen was trying to figure out who was holding her and as you can see she was not real sure of this person...

We had so much fun!

Broken Things

2010-10-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

God uses broken things--and I quote: It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. . . . it is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.
["Broken Things," an excerpt from Vance Havner, The Still Water (Old Tappan, NJ: Flemming H. Revell, 1934). Quoted in Guideposts, October 1981, p. 5]

Update: A Little This and That

2010-10-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

My goodness, Time just flies! Here are some random pictures - just to keep you updated on all the fun we've had so far.

Waving hello!

Oh, so grouchy! Thats her hungry look.

I really could just hold her all day!

Hanging out with Uncle Dan and Uncle Paul

Her favorite place when hanging out with daddy!

Precious

2010-09-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Can she be three weeks already?

A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on.

Carl Sandburg

A child reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

Author unknown

A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on.

Carl Sandburg

When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies. And now when every new baby is born its first laugh becomes a fairy. So there ought to be.

James Matthew Barrie

If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle.

Vincent Van Gogh

My friend has a baby. I'm recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant.

Stephen Wright

A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.

Eda J. Le Shan

Welcome Karsen Anna

2010-09-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

Dean and I welcomed Karsen Anna Devereaux into our home on September 9 at 11:11pm. She was 5lb. 6oz. and 19 inches long. Words can't express our joy and love we have for her already. We are having so much fun, even the long nights are worth it! She is so alert, it is cute to see her eyes follow Dean or if he starts talking her eyes try to find where he is. I can tell this sweet girl is going to be a blessing and an adventure in our lives.

My sister Annaka took this picture and you can see more of her work here.

2010-08-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

CRUIZ'N TO CALIFORNIA

Dean and I went to San Diego for a little vacation. We had so much fun!

THE BEACH

While we were hanging out at the beach we found a bunch of jelly fish on the shore.

Dean found a sand dollar

He also found a water camera floating in the ocean. It had tar all over it but it still worked!! He cleaned it up and had a great time taking pictures in the water.

I don't know how many we pictures we took so we could both get in the picture. Here's one

Oh and another one

and finally!!

Very cute, I know, but you try taking pictures in salty COLD water and holding your breath :0).

THE HOTEL

Our hotel room was awesome! It was at the La Jolla Shores Hotel on the top floor! We made friends with the front desk girl, who was from Mesa AZ and she totally hooked us up on the third floor for a great price. It had a wrap around balcony overlooking the ocean, and two large screen TVs. It was so awesome!

Me at 7 1/2 months

THE SIGHTS

We decided to go look at the old Victorian beach house that is in the movie Top Gun. Built by retired physician Henry Graves in 1887. It was the only one left on that entire lot, I think they are trying to relocate it so a resort can be built there. It was pretty run down but fun to see where Tom Cruise had been.

OLD TOWN

We went Old Town and we toured around. One of the places we went was the Mormon Battalion Historical Site. That was really cool. They had it remodeled and the tour was super fun and interactive.

PINKBERRY

Let's just say this place has the best frozen yogurt ever http://www.pinkberry.com/. My friend Erica had tried it when she was in New York. She told me it is only in New York and California and said if I found one while in San Diego I had to try it out. It really was AMAZING!! I sure hope it makes it way to Arizona.

GOODBYE CALI!!!

Next time we will bring our little girl and introduce her to the waves of California.

Devereaux Family Time!

2010-07-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

Dean and I went up to Utah to visit his family. We had a great time! We were able to be there for Dean's cousin -Casey's wedding. It was so good to see his whole family.

Here is Max and Sam helping Grannie make pizza dough. They were so helpful. I think the pizzas tasted better because they helped out.

Uncle Dean teasting - as usual!

At the Salt Lake Temple for Casey's wedding

Dane and Alisha

The Devereaux Family

Justin and Lizzy

Me and Dean and our growing family :)

The beautiful couple!

Cousins

Drum Roll Please.....

2010-05-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

Yep! The Devereaux's are having a baby GIRL!

Her Nickname: Rocky

She is going to be a boxer. I can already tell! She has been using me as a punching bag for practice :). Dean has been able to feel her kick one time- but, I am sure she will get stronger and he can start feeling her more.

Her Personality:

Way chill- she enjoys just "Hang'n Out", but at the same time she likes being the "center" of attention. Typical girl, can't figure out what she wants.

Favorite Food:

Watermelon and chocolate milk.

A Picture Says A Thousand Words...

2010-03-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

Or Maybe Just 3 Words...

I Am Pregnant!

We will be welcoming the Devereaux baby in September 2010!

2010 Mutual Theme: Mutual and Personal Progress Activity

2010-02-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

This was the first one I made, I didn't measure anything so it is a little off center, so don't look too closely:0).

This year the mutual's theme is: "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be though dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)

We had a fun Mia Maid activity. This is what you would need:

Materials

(You can get all of it at Michaels or Hobby Lobby)

5X5 in. square blocks of wood ($1.00 a piece)
foam brushes (enough to use for painting and mog pogging)
spray adhesive
mod pog Matte Mat
ribbon
hangers
black paint
Scrapbook paper

-scrapbook paper cut 3 3/4 in.

-scrapbook paper cut 3 1/2 in.

The 2010 mutual theme. The scripture should be cut to 3 1/4 in. You can use this one I made and send it to Walmart and get the 4X7 print and then cut it yourself.

Directions

1. You paint the wood black and let it dry
2. Spray adhesive on the bottom of the 3 3/4 scrapbook paper and place on top of the painted board.
3. Spray adhesive on the bottom of the 3 1/2 scraphbook paper on top of the 3 3/4 paper, so it has a layered look.
4. Spray adhesive on the bottom of the theme and place on top of the 3 1/2 in paper. Let dry.
5. Mod pog over the scapbook paper and theme. Let dry.
6. Place the hanging wire and decorate with the ribbon if you want.

Obviously there are probably other ways to do this activity, but the girls had fun and they also could use this activity as on of their Personal Progress activities: Divine Nature value project bullet #4.

{T}is The Season for Adventure

2009-12-29T23:11:00.000-08:00

1. Dean and I took his Bronco for a ride!
Look at that smile.

Weaver's Needle to the left.

2. Built a snowman for Santa.

3. We went sledding.

Tayler running up the hill after sledding.

Me and Taylee getting ready to ride!

Alisa and Taylee on their way down!

Dean and Jayton building a race track.

Christmas: Daniel is excited to see what Santa brought him, it doesn't look like coal this time :).

Dad and Paul helping cleaning the kitchen.

Christmas Eve

The Allen Girls

Mr and Mrs. Devereaux

Paul and Andrea

4. I bought Dean XBOX for Christmas!

5. Our remodeling is DONE!

6. Halloween: taking a step back in time with Sacajawea and the Lumberjack.

For Halloween we played Electric Janga. They hook up those electric shock treatments that chiropractors use to your arms. When they turn it on it makes your muscles start to twitch. So you can imagine what's its like to play Janga with those attached. You can see what they did on these videos. It's hilarious!!!

Eric playing Electric Janga.

Dean playing Electra Janga

6. I cut my hair...short!

THIS HAS BEEN A YEAR FOR ADVENTURE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

11.4.09

2009-11-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

{Paul's Engaged!}

Fact or Fiction:

Fact: Yes! He did it!

Fact: He asked her last night, didn't even blink an eye that the Yankees won the World Champions.

Fact: He must really love this little lady :).

Fact: The little lady: Andrea Larson!

Fact*: Here is how he proposed. *Now I might not have it all quite right, but this is what Paul told me was going to do...so you'll get the idea:

He asked Andrea if she wanted to go get frozen yogurt. Instead of Paul picking her up his roommate (Steven) picked her up and said Paul was having car problems. Then he blindfolded her and asked her questions like if Paul was going to ask you to marry him would you want him to wear a black shirt or a white shirt, roses or tulips, cheesecake or carrot cake, have tall candles or short candles, dance to this song or that song, look you in the eye or kneel when he proposed? While Steven was asking her all of these questions they had a friend in the back of the car under a blanket texting Paul her answers. Paul was at Freestone Park and had either answer she chose there. So when she arrived he had everything she chose ready set up! They had their dessert danced and then he proposed!

Fact: Would she rather have cheesecake or carrot cake? Cheesecake: (Cute little side note: She told Steven she would choose cheesecake since Paul was going to be there. But if he wasn't, then she would choose carrot cake. Now, isn't that kinda cute?!)

Fact: She would rather have him wear a black shirt.

Fact: She would rather have tall candles instead of short candles.

Fact: She said YES!

Fact: They have this on video! Perfect for their kids!

Fact: They have a date- Feb. 26th, 2010

Fiction: These pictures were taken last night.
Fact: I stole them from his facebook.

No clue when this was taken. But what a hot little couple!

Valentines Day last year.

2nd Allen Family Reunion

2009-10-29T11:50:00.001-07:00

A Tradition Worth Keeping!

For the past two years now my family has gotten together for a family reunion. It all started when my dad was talking about going and getting firewood. We felt that as a family we should all participate in this, since it was something we did when we were younger.

We have now made this our second reunion and had a good time coming together. We gathered wood, sat around the campfire, made lots of goodies.

I forgot my camera when Dean and I went to Show Low for our family reunion. I was in luck though, because my sister had her camera! She did a beautiful job capturing pictures throughout the weekend. Check out more of her work here. She does a great job if you are on the lookout for a good photographer.

I will post more once I get some more but for now here is one she took of us. Sure glad I forgot my camera, now I have a professional taking one of Dean and I. Didn't she do great? Of course the couple was beautiful too, which added to the picture as a whole. What fun!

"Knead I Say More?"

2009-10-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

I made bread this weekend. I think I am going to need to brush on my baking skills! The bread was good, it was just HUGE!!! These pictures don't even do it justice. It was almost the height of our oven.

2009-09-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

{DAN the MAN}

So do you remember this picture from my last post? Well the practice paid off. Good job Daniel! He got it early this morning.

Need I say more? A picture is worth a thousand words.

2009-09-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

9.9.09

dean and i went exploring labor day weekend. we haven't done that is so long! we went to flagstaff and went to the county fair and derby races and then went to show low to see the family. we had a great time, sitting around the camp fire listening to don williams and the judds. we even got the boys to dance a little! i got my first daddy daughter dance, it was pass due because i never got my daddy daughter dance at my wedding so we made up for lost time.

we were driving though holbrook and found some cool old buildings. one in particular was this old hotel. it is now a goat farm, but it still has a unique building behind it.

a picture of my parents yard.

driving through winslow az. everyone has to take a picture by this sometime.

in show low with the girls.

just another cool old building, with a very cool man. mmmm that is my man! he was patient enough to pose while looking around these old buildings.

bow skills:

my brothers got drawn for archery elk in this area. they are so excited, they have really been practicing. it is pretty tough to get drawn where they did so it is exciting!

paul shooting his bow.

Daniel showing us his bow skills.

no he did not release the arrow, yikes!

I think they have a good chance at getting one! good job boys!

we hope you all had a great labor day!

{A Thought For The Week}

2009-08-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

"..To cease learning is to cease existing. And the best way to prepare for your future does not consist of merely dreaming about it.

Great men and women have not been merely dreamers; they have returned from their visions to the practicalities of replacing the airy stones of their dream castles with solid masonry wrought by their hands.

Vision without work is daydreaming. Work without vision is drudgery. Vision coupled with work will ensure your success."

Thomas S. Monson (May 1st, 2009-UVSC Commencement Ceremonies)

2009-07-31T08:57:00.000-07:00

Utah!

Dean and I went to visit his family. We went four-wheeling, fishing, water skiing, and did lots of swimming.

Dane, Alisha, Gabe, and Sarah Hunstman. Cute family, huh?!

Dean getting ready to water ski

Anna teaching me how to water ski. I have never done this before, it was super fun. I got up for a split second but fell down again because I wasn't use to the feel of being on top of water like that.

Here is my brother-in-law Dane water skiing. Great job Dane!

Watching fireworks for the Fourth of July with Anna and Terry.

S'mores!

Swimming in the backyard.

Fishing.

And this year I caught the biggest fish! A 4 lb salmon.

Lots of places to take pictures, such a fun vacation.

SCC Film School wins Sarah Darling Music Video Contest!

2009-07-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

At Scottsdale Community College our Film School, won the voting on the Country Music Television Sweepstakes Sarah Darling's Music Video, "Can't Call Love." Their Music Video, "Can't Call Love," won the month-long voting against a major entertainment University, Full Sail in Florida.
Sarah Darling called the Film School today and expressed her personal appreciation for the professional treatment she received during the shoot and the enthusiasm the students had for the project.
Our Film School Department takes great pride in sharing this news with the community so I thougth I would share it with you too. Here is the video: http://www.cmt.com/interact/sweepstakes/sarah_darling/
They also did another called "Whenever it Rains."

Watch for her on CMT!

2009-07-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

I hope you all have a great 4th of July, whether you are spending time with family, eating watermelon, or oowwing and ahhing over the fireworks. I know Dean and I will be doing a lot of this:

along with this:

spending time doing this:

and of course this:

and probably watching this:

and watching a rodeo with fireworks and eating watermelon while thinking how cute little boys look in cowboy boots.

2009-06-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

"To Grandmother's House We Go"

Dean and I went to Chicago and Rockford for a couple of days to visit my grandma Johnson (my moms mom) and my cousins. I had not been back there for about 10 years! It was so awesome. If you are thinking of going to Ill, go the beginning of June, the weather is amazing. We had a good time visiting family and going to garage sales, touring Chicago and going to the Blue Man Group. Too Fun!

Dean and I on the Farris Wheel.

Father's Day Weekend

2009-06-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

Dean and I went up to visit my parents for Father's Day. We did two things this weekend that I haven't done in so long! We went:

I know I can't see any frog but he was there and must have jumped away.

We also went night fishing.

and roasted some sausage.

Alisa with her fishing pole.

Alisa is checking out the sausage we are about to smoke. She is a little leery since she accidentally ate Daniel's crawdad bait= old hot dogs.
So here is the story:
My family has this bad habit of putting old meat in the freezer for fishing; whether it is for crawdad bait or for fish bait they put it in our freezer. Of course my mom does try and label them but sometimes they get put in the freezer without her knowledge.
Alisa, was craving a hot dog (which never happens) so she finds some hot dogs in the freezer, yum! So she helps herself to not just one but one and a half! She mentioned it did taste a little funny but did this stop her? Nope, she kept on eating. That evening we were getting ready to go night fishing and Daniel goes to get his fish bait. As he rummages around the freezer, he asks where his fish bait went, "they were hot dogs" he said. We turned to Alisa and she about threw up. Daniel was laughing so hard, he said he had left them in his fishing kit for a week with no refrigeration! My dad, who is a die hard fan of peptibismol says drink some peptibismal. Petibismal is a cure for all, according to my dad. She did follow his advice, and I guess he is right because, she never got sick. Or it just shows how preservatives are in hot dogs. Oh the fun times in the Allen home.

Here is our one and only catfish that we caught. I can say "we caught" it because this fish was caught on Dean's pole, but he was putting more wood on the fire so Alisa saw that the pole had a fish on it and started reeling it in. Daniel didn't believe her, took it from her to see it there was a snag, but low and behold there was no snag- but a catfish on the other side! We could ask the question: how many people does it take to reel in a fish and the answer would be 3. We did throw it back because it was pretty small. We had a fun weekend, I wish we could have stayed longer.

2009-06-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Dad:
I know the squeaky wheel gets the worm

and not to count my chickens

until I have walked a mile in their shoes

And all this time he thought I wasn't listening.

-Peanuts Fathers Day Card

HAPPY

FATHER'S

DAY!

Happy Father's Day to this man as well. Even though we don't have any kiddos yet, he is still gonna be a father! And a great one, I might add :).

As you can see the tile is done!

2009-06-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

A Ladies Road Trip
{shh...no men aloud}
My friend Erica is from ID and decided to make a quick trip to see her family. I was ready for adventure and really had nothing else going on that weekend and would just be in the way of what was going on at home (scroll down and you will see what I am talking about) so I thought "why not." The trip was fun and was everything a ladies road trip should be: junk food, girl talk, and music- lots of it!

I had never been to Idaho before and was blown away by the beauty! We spent a day in Swan Valley helping around Erica's family ranch. From there we went to Jackson Hole, WY. Erica and her family showed me all around Jackson, they have been there numerous times, so it was so nice of them to show me around.

Me and Erica on our way to Jackson Hole.
It is just weird taking pictures by yourself. I wish a handsome tall man by the name of Dean was standing next to me.

A picture in Jackson Hole "then"

A picture now.

The day we went to Jackson we drove to see the Teton Mountains. It was very cloudy so I wasn't able to see everything. It was still beautiful though. Again, another one of those pictures by yourself.

While I was in Idaho having my road trip my husband was working on the house. I felt sort of guilty leaving him, but really I would have just been in the way :). He and some tile guys put in new countertops and now our next move is paint and carpet. It looks beautiful. The tile we used for the counters is a green granite and will look so good with the paint we have chosen. The color of paint is a light gray and then the carpet will be a very dark green. So exciting!

2009-05-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Devereaux,

I love playing house with you. Thank you for being

my best friend, hand warmer & cuddle buddy.

Happy 2nd Anniversary.

Love,

Mrs. Devereaux

Jam Session with SCC Employee Recognition Program

2009-05-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have the goals that you think, "why not let's see if I could ever do it", well one for me was to sing with somebody famous.

Guess what?! I did!

Our Arizona State Historia, Marshall Trimble. Today was SCC's Employee Recognition & Appreciation Program. Here is the video of me, Marsh, and Amy Goff (she is a faculty member we work with, who has a great voice). So ready or not here is the video, I actually haven't seen it yet- so it is brand new footage :).

Hey Good Look'n

Here are some more videos of the rest of the group. They did a great job, obviously my video camera doesn't do it justice. But they were good!

Marshall Singing Jambalaya

Steve singing Old Time Rock Roll

SCC's Elvis Presley

2009-04-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

{A Perfect Day to Wear Denim}

water.sun.ice cream. hike. visit. laugh. crab legs. golf. cactus. baking.

Dean's parents came to visit for the week. There was something going on every day. We showed them Tortilla Flats- they showed us how to eat crab legs.

Me and Anna swam...

the boys got tan.

Anna made no bake cookies and I learned:

1. importance of why you need good pots and pans

2. Use your year supply in a timely manner

3. Don't leave a bag of instant oats open where you are storing paint supplies.

I am sure I don't need to say anymore just that Anna had to make the no bake cookies all over again, after we bought new, fresh, peanut butter and oatmeal.

Me and Anna at Tortilla Flats.

I kinda like this guy.FIRST Golf lesson

As you can see we had a great time.

And some pretty good laughs

Maybe too much fun!

2009-03-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

::Thanks for stopping by::

We had Dean's family come into town last week. His Uncle John and cousin Cadin came to AZ so Cadin could play in his baseball tournaments. It is not too often that we have family come and stay with us who are from out of state so it is always fun to take them to places they have never seen. They had their very own TOUR GUIDES! We took them to Tortilla Flats where Caden got a scorpion sucker. The temple and watched the Joseph Smith movie. A spring training game. The weather was perfect! I think we almost had them convinced to move down here but then John said he would have to talk to his wife ;). Caden was fun to watch in his baseball games, his team did great! Baseball is so fun to watch, it is a sign summer is coming.

Before we knew it the had to leave but what a great time of the year for them to stop by in AZ.

Thanks again guys for stopping

by and hanging out.

Caden throwing the ball in. Great catch!

2009-03-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

{ Chapter: 22 }

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

March Munchies

We had a girls camp fundraiser. It was a NAVAJO TACO dinner. If you are bored with the same ole spagetti dinner fundraiser this is a really fun idea! The theme was REACH For THE StaRS. We decorated with stars draped across the gym ceiling. The center pieces we various glass vases filled with rocks & a small branch with yellow star cutouts dangeling from them. It might sound a little odd, because I had a hard time picturing it but once it was all put together it was super cute. We also had a

CUPCAKE WALK for the kiddos (this was a terrifica idea. We had the kids pay 25 cents and just made those mini cupcakes. Every kid got one turn. Of course the little toddlers didn't quite understand rules so there were some excpetions)

DESERT AUCTION. This was so fun, of course it helps to have an entertaining person as the auctionier.

I made my orbit truffles and these fun cake pops. I got the cake pop recipe off of bakerella here.

We displayed them in this glass jar and then once auctioned off put them in

plastic baggies.

I would suggest making the fry bread about 4 hours ahead of time, depending on the crowd. You can keep them warm in a cooler (I know sounds like an oxymoron). That was a bit of a problem but all in all it was a success for our young woman to earn money for camp.

2009-02-15T08:25:00.000-08:00

happy love day.

Earth's the right place for LOVE. I don't know where it's likely to go better. -Robert Frost

Love, free as air at sight of human ties,Spreads his light wings, and in a moment flies. -Alexander Pope-

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge -- myth is more potent than history -- dreams are more powerful than facts -- hope always triumphs over experience -- laughter is the cure for grief -- love is stronger than death. -Robert Fulghum-
A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous. Ingrid Bergman

i'm not going to tell you how much i adore my husband or about our romantic day. i won't tell you that he made the plans + a slow dance-bare foot in our kitchen+a movie+ a raft and some paddles on a beautiful lake. i promise not to share the love note he wrote me or tell you the trillion reasons why i like him. telling you any of that would just be too mushy + but I will say this: I like playing house with him and dancing barefoot in my kitchen listening to the judds. here's to snuggling up with the one you love tonight. ;)

2009-01-29T18:34:00.000-08:00

::Visiting Some Good Folks::

For my birthday Dean suprised me at my work last Thursday. He had made plans to go to Disneyland, making arrangments and getting the OK from my boss before hand. I was so suprised! Dean had never been and I had not been since I was about 4. While we were there Dean couldn't believe he had never been there. He said "Every kid should experience this!" It was pretty funny- we really felt like kids again. The rides were so fun and creative! We spent two days in Disneyland and California Adventure then we went to Huntington Beach CA and hung out by the beach. I think it would have been for ya'll to be there but since you weren't I captured some footage so you wouldn't feel too left out :).

The Pirates of the Caribbean Ride. Those pirates were so life like, I really thought that was Johnny Depp.

They had High School Musical 3 playing songs at Disneyland when we first arrived.

Out host: MICKEY

This is a great video to watch. If you look real closely you will notice what he is doing....

...

Yes, you are correct! He was taking your Disney wishes :). I couldn't resist but to video this.

Visiting Huntington Beach, CA:

2009-01-18T17:53:00.000-08:00

pioneer treck.

Dean and I were part of the stake trek this year. We were helping with the activities. Do you like my pioneer outfit? I found it all at Goodwill! We were not supposed to wear make up and so that was fun for all to see me without the pleasures of color on my face :), but you know it made me grateful to have make up. Those little pioneer ladies never knew what they were missing :).

Just having fun with taking pictures.

We had a memorable time and made some great friends! I think the kids had a very good learning experience as they relived a piece of what the pioneers faced. The kids were divided into "families", each family had a handcart to pull with their belongings and were required to walk so many miles. As the families walked there was stopping places with a story about a real pioneer and they read that persons story. They also had to make their own food and prepare it. We were out their for two nights and three days. One of the lessons they taught the kids was a scripture found in Samuel 15:22, where the prophet Samuel declares to King Saul: “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” They taught the kids that obedience is more important that sacrifice. During this trek I got to know the nurse who followed the kids on the trek (just in case of any accidents). We were talking about how the pioneers sacrificed so much and how amazing it was that they followed Brigham Young to the Salt Lake Valley. They had to go strictly on faith. Unlike these kids who knew the end was in sight and knew where they were going the pioneers were following someone who had never been to the place (the Salt Lake Valley) before. They were so obedient and followed the scripture in Samuel...obedience is more important than sacrifice.

Stick Pull-

There was candle making-

black powder muzzle loaders-

Tug of War-

hatchet throwing and saw pull-

doll making, three-legged race, dancing & horse shoes-

One of the hills the kids had to go up.

Dean trying to get the Windmill to work.

Just another fun picture I took.

2009-01-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the POWER of a touch, a smile, a kind word a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to turn a life around. It's overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt. [Leo Buscaglia]

i love that.

2009-01-06T07:53:00.000-08:00

TODAY is Mr. Devereaux's BIRTHDAY!

Why I fell in love with this man:

(Who knows how to make this bigger?! I have tried and tried and it just isn't working for me :(

Dean and I went to the Lion King Broadway show for his birthday then we had some friends come over for some cake & ice cream.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, I AM SURE GLAD YOU WERE BORN!

.....................................................................

*Pictures from the treck coming up next! What an adventure that was :)!

2008-12-27T20:23:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS FANCY.
................................................

Dean and I went to Utah for Christmas. It was so fun! We just wish we had more time being there. Lizzy, Justin and boys we sure missed you but we hope you had a great Christmas! We spent time with time catching up with friends and family.

IN ARIZONA:
Me and Alisa cooking and baking for the Allen Christmas party.

Paul and Taylee.

Daniel and Jayton.

IN UTAH:

Terry with his 3 buddies.

Dean hanging out with friends....he wants a Wii now ;).

Alisha also graduated from Nursing Program and is officially a nurse. She has worked so hard and we are really proud of her! She even graduated with honors. CONGRATULATIONS Leashy! We wish we could have been there for your graduation (thanks Anne for the picture!).

Anne helped me and Dean make special Christmas pillow cases for Sarah and Gabe. This was a practice run, but they turned out awesome and so I know what my other niece and nephews will be getting for Christmas.:) Here is the poem if any of you like this idea:

Decorate a pillow case and give as a gift with the following poem.
December the first starts a magical time,
With all sorts of colors, ribbons, and rhyme...
Sugar plum fairies will dance in your head....
If you put this special pillowcase on your bed.
The reason its special, as you will soon see
Is that it's been dusted with Christmas Fancy!
Visions of candy canes, Santa and treasures
Will fill each dream with sweetness and pleasures.
When the time comes for it to be washed
Do it quickly so no magic is lost.

The Magic Pillowcase with gabe, Dean, katrina and Sarah.

Dean and Gabe Christmas Eve.

Spendin' some time in Utah.

Sarah in her new High School Musical PJs.

2008-12-25T12:04:00.000-08:00

all is calm,

all is bright.

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-22T13:07:00.001-08:00

The 3 Wise Men: "they brought Myrrh, Gold, and Frankenstein & came from a farm."

We had a Allen family Christmas pary on Sunday. (Dean we missed you. Taylee wanted to know where Dean was). My dad read the Christmas story and when we got to the three wise men he asked my nephew- Jayton what three gifts they gave Jesus. Here was his reply:

"They came from a farm and they brought myrrh, gold, and frankenstein."

I hope you are all enjoying your Christmas and staying warm. Here is a picture I thought might keep you warm...wait it might make you wish it was summer...or maybe wish you were out sailing...well all the same make sure you are enjoying this holiday season with those you love!

Love,

Mrs. Devereaux

2008-12-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

i wanted to give you a gift.

...

A Christmas Message from the First Presidency to the Children of the World: “Peace on Earth”

Throughout this wonderful Christmas season, we often hear the words “Peace on earth,” which is a reminder to us of the message delivered by the heavenly hosts to the humble shepherds at the time of our Savior’s birth in Bethlehem (see Luke 2:13–14).
The great message of peace which the angels proclaimed that night so long ago is the message which we declare at this Christmas season. “Peace on earth” can come to each of us because of Jesus Christ and His love for each of us.
Peace comes to us as we follow our Savior by being kind to others, obeying parents, praying each day, reading the scriptures, and trying to be more like Jesus in thought, word, and deed.
And as the Savior calmed the “great storm” on the Sea of Galilee with the words “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:37–39), so He will calm our hearts and give us peace as we trust in Him and do what He has asked us to do.
At this Christmastime, we bear testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. We testify that through Him we may have the peace which was declared at His birth. May His peace be in your hearts and in your homes this Christmas.

“‘Peace on Earth’,” Dec 1998, 2

2008-12-17T21:20:00.000-08:00

"get your own baby."

we had some friends stay with us over the weekend (which was a blast I might add), they had three cute kids. One was 6, the other 3 and the youngest was about 8 months. The little 8 month old loved Dean, she was so content just being held and carried everywhere by him! Apparently this was not a normal occurance since this little squirt only liked to be held by her mother, even her dad would get shafted. So when Dean for the first time held her we all were a little suprised she wasn't squirming to get away. Dean wasn't, he just gave us a big smirk and said "hmm, it is just a woman thang."
The morning they left we were saying our good byes and joked with them how we wanted to keep her awhile. The little 6 year old, being the older protective sister piped up "no, get your own baby!"

Some of you may be wondering and agreeing:: Yes get your own baby!

We have no news but we sure thought this was a funny story all the same and thought it would be fun to share with you.

I hope if brought a smile to your face.

....................

2008-12-11T20:39:00.000-08:00

Oh heavens, did we not post anything for Thanksgiving?! How time flies! Here is a quick summary of our Thanksgiving:

1. we spent Thanksgiving in Show Low.

2. saw old friends and family.

3. ate way too much turkey and pumkin pie.

4. here is the best pie crust recipe of all time.

5. being thankful.

------------------------------------

Now---Let's get you caught up on what is going on for the Devereauxs:

busy. making memories. working on the house, and making it beautiful. riding dean's new motorcycle. picking out paint colors. learning how to sew. enjoying friends and family. christmas shopping. reading books from this author. making goody plates. dancing. reading you blogs to see what you are up to.

LOVE IT!

ROW:

2008-11-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

Apricot-Basil Chicken

1 cup of loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup of dried apricot halves
1/4 cup of choppd pecans
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic. quartered
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup apricot preserves, melted

For PESTO, in a blender container or food processor bowl combine basil, apricot halves, pecans, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and garlic. Cover and blend or process with several on-off turns until paste forms, stopping the machine several times and scraping the sides.

Rinse CHICKEN; pat dry with paper towels. Place each breast half between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Working from center to the edges, pound until flat (1/8-inch thickness). Remove plastic wrap. Sprinkle chicken with salt. Spread pesto on each chicken breast. Fold in sides of each piece; roll up from short end into a spiral, pressing edges to seal. Fasten with wooden toothpicks.
Place chicken on rack of uncovered grill. Grill directly over medium coals for 18-20 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink, turning once halfway through grilling time. Brush with preserves the last 5 minutes of grilling. Makes 4 serving.

Nutrition Facts per serving:
324 calories, 16g fat (3g. sat. fat), 62 mg chol., 382 mg sodium, 23 g carbo., 1 g fiber, and 24 g pro., Daily Value: 9% vit, A, 2% vit. C., 7% calcium, and 11% iron.

2008-11-22T21:09:00.000-08:00

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Dean and I were talking about how much we love the fall. Here are some of the reasons why we love what we love:: AUTUMN

.............................

[SWEATER TIME]

.............................

[Cornstocks]

.............................

[picking]

.......................

[We went to my Grandma Allen's house and picked grapes. She makes delicious grape juice from them, love it]

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::::::::::::::::::::::Thanksgiving::::::::::::::::::::::

Elder Richard L. Evans once said, “Gratefully we acknowledge the infinite mind of our Maker, and gratefully ought to offer our tithes and offerings, and earnestly consistent service, in thanks for all that God has given, and keep his commandments in remembrance of the love and providence and purpose of the Creator, the God and Father of us all, the organizer and operator of heaven and earth, without whom all these things would not be so. Thank God for all this: for life and what sustains it, for loved ones that make it meaningful, for faith and purpose and continuance, always and forever. Thank God for all of this—and much, much more.” (“Thanks: for the Organization and Operation of the Earth,” Improvement Era, Feb. 1968, p. 74; KSL “The Spoken Word” broadcast, Nov. 19, 1967.)

Recipe of the Week (ROW)

2008-11-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

We had some friends over for dinner and I served this cake. My mother-in-law told me about it and said I should make it sometime. Needless to say it was a hit! I got the recipe off the Cooks.com website.

When setting a table I always get confused on where the spoon is supposed to be placed, etc. In case you have a fancy dinner you are hosting in the near future here are some little pointers, click here. I know it helped me!

2008-11-11T18:51:00.000-08:00

Dean had to work on Veteran's Day so my brother Paul and I went horseback riding. We went to a place called Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch it was really beautiful. I thought it was a pretty good way to honor our Veteran's. My Grandpa Allen was a cowboy and a war veteran as was Dean's Grandpa Lane. We feel so grateful for them!

Getting to know my SWEET horse: BUCANEER

Paul on his horse NEVADA.

Recipe of the Week:

2008-10-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

I decided it would be fun to start doing a Recipe of the Week. This weeks feast was a recipe from the Shape Magazine. Dean really liked it, which alwasy makes me happy (especially because it was healthy!)

ENJOY!

Chicken sausage with kale

Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes 1 pound kale, tough stems and center ribs removed, leaves cut into
thin ribbons
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 pound uncooked chicken sausages
1 medium onion, peeled, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced into
crescents
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large skillet. Add kale, cover and cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausages and onions; brown for 8 minutes. Transfer sausages to a plate. In same skillet add broth, garlic and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to medium, then add kale. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Add sausages, cover skillet, and continue cooking for 2 minutes, or until sausages are cooked through. Turn off heat and stir in 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt and remaining 2 teaspoons of oil. Nutrition score per serving (1 sausage, 1/4 of kale mixture): 261 calories, 46% fat (13.5 g; 3.8 g saturated), 20% carbs (12.8 g), 34% protein (22.3 g), 1.9 g fiber, 227 mg calcium, 3.7 mg iron, 980 mg sodium.

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” [ Steve Jobs ]

Chapter 19: Home is a Cozy Place

2008-10-14T22:14:00.000-07:00

Starting a Family Tradition:

First Annual Wendell and Ginger Allen Family Reunion

Traditions are formed over time as we repeat the same actions over and over again so we decided we should have our first reunion.

we hadn't been together as a whole family for about 6 months so we were so excited to see eachother!

There was lots of laughs.

Did you know a good hearty laugh can help:
reduce stress
lower blood pressure
elevate mood
boost immune system
improve brain functioning
protect the heart
connect you to others
foster instant relaxation
make you feel good.

"Laughter activates the chemistry of the will to live and increases our capacity to fight disease. Laughing relaxes the body and reduces problems associated with high blood pressure, strokes, arthritis, and ulcers. (Helpguide.org)"

stealing moments

allen boys and girls:

annaka. paul. alisa. katrina. daniel.

Firewood:
We did have some chores to do. But that is actually why we decided to have a reunion. So we could get my parents ready for winter. So we went out and cut firewood.

Now that is a sexy man. Why does cutting firewood look good on a man?

He must have read my thoughts and now has swept me off my feet

Jayton: the mini man who carried wood. He worked so hard and he was so fun to be around. I can't believe how much he has grown!

Family Portrait

Life is made up of moments and choices. We can choose to do the small things we must do with great care, or we can choose to stay focused on the "big things" and miss everything in the process. It's the small, step-by-step, creatively and beautifully engaged act that changes us and ultimately changes the world.
[ todd henry ]
I sure love this picture! No one new the camera was still taking pictures, we had taken a picture right before this and then once it was done we started talking! Perfect moment.

the boys. (Let me tell you guys how hard this picture was to take- in fact I wont tell you I will show you...)

1st try:
"OK focus boys look at the camera. Dad keep you hands to yourself....looks like Dean and Clint are tuning in..."

Laughing...my father has wondered off somewhere (you know what they were laughing about, yep pictures :). )

still trying:
Umm still lauging and for some reason my dad is wondering around...hah there he is! I think we have Jaytons attention.

At last!

thank you for this special time with my family. amen