It's time again for a bit of news from the Allreds in Germany. Our house is quieter than usual this week since Tracy is in Virginia/Washington D.C. (work conference and a visit to Matthew), and Lissie is helping out her injured dance teacher (babysitting and official dance class assistant). It's been just me and the boys (and Turtle the cat) for the past few days. And as much as I love Turtle, I still dread the day when it's just me and the cat. Tracy and I certainly treasure these last few years we have with Christian, Lissie and Bryant before they head off to college. Yikes!
So here is what the kids are doing to help us prepare for the transition: Tracy received a Fender electric base guitar for his birthday from Christian. You may have already seen a picture on Facebook and mistaken him for a "wannabe rock star," but in reality the kids know that their best musical talent comes from Dad and they're tapping into it while they can. Plus, they were minus a base player in their band. So with his new guitar, strap, case, tuner and instruction book . . . Tracy is ready . . . I'm pretty sure all he needs now is more time to practice and maybe some black leather pants!
We have had some beautiful weather and fun fall activities in the past few weeks -- a Halloween dance, Trunk-or-Treating, yummy pumpkin cake, and a Young Women in Excellence program (be sure to ask Lissie about the 50+ hour "Allred Girls' Cookbook" project she completed for the event). Next week our German friends, the Roses and the Kloses, will join us for our annual "Thanksgiving Feier." It is sure to be an enjoyable evening of traditional Thanksgiving fare and warm friendship . . . wishing you all could join us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love, Lisa
p.s. I'm attaching the pumpkin cake recipe and a picture of the braided rug that I recently finished (it looks way better in person -- so come visit!)
Pumpkin Cake
(Claudia Johnson)
1 ½ C. corn oil
2 C. sugar
3 C. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
2 C. pumpkin
2 tsp. vanilla
Mix all ingredients together well. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well. Then add 1 C. raisins (I like the golden raisins) and 1 C. chopped nuts.
Pour into greased tube pan. Bake at 300 degrees F. for 1 ½ hours.
Serve with whipped cream, if desired.
