Bella in her Princess Bed
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
CeLeBration! News March 2010
Hi Everyone,
My favorite laptop died this week. I knew the end was near when a few months ago it exhibited some sickly symptoms . . . audible whirring and noticeable sluggishness. Tracy then wisely rescued all of my important documents by putting them on the external hard-drive. I have tried to revive my laptop (by pressing really hard on the "on" button), but it is all to no avail. The end was inevitable and its death seems final. So for now, Bryant shares his school computer with me . . . good thing he's the amiable, sharing type.
I know I really can't complain . . . my computer had a good life (probably about eight years). Contrast that with my mom's new laptop (not even a year old) which melted in a house fire! Yes, a few weeks ago, the house I spent my teen years in caught fire in the middle of the night (darn that old wood burning stove) and essentially burned to the ground. We are so grateful for an alert neighbor who shouted and pounded and finally woke everyone. The house is destroyed, but Mom, Rick and Kris are safe and sound. Thank heavens! Little things like computers really don't matter in the big scheme of things.
For the sake of family history, should I still give a recap of little, quasi-important events?? Okay, here goes . . . Christian completed his internship at the library, made the Heidelberg HS soccer team, and put the finishing touches (base guitar and xylophone) on an original song entitled "Memory." Lissie finished her performances in Footloose -- overall, a positive experience (see attached newspaper picture - she's on the far left). Her singing and dancing were a joy to watch -- so fun that we had a really hard time watching the lead performers. Bryant has read several book series in the past month or so -- Percy Jackson, Ranger's Apprentice and Eragon, but he is still refusing to read Harry Potter . . . sorry all you HP fans!
I'll be making a trip to the states in a few weeks . . . first to see Marie and family (meet sweet little Juliet - due TODAY) and then on to Utah for Lauren and Emily's graduation ceremonies (Go BYU, Go LDSBC!). Matthew has even promised to meet me in DC during my long layover at the airport on my way back -- the perfect way to top off my whirlwind trip.
Of course, Christian, Lissie and Bryant all have valid reasons why I should be taking them with me --
Christian: "You should take me so I can get my driver's permit!"
Lissie: "This could be a girl's trip - mother/daughter bonding time!"
Bryant: "It's MY turn for a trip!"
But alas, my skymiles ticket plan fell through . . . I wish I could bring everyone, but I'm going to have to do this one alone. I hope, however, to get a chance to see many of you while I'm in Utah (15th-23rd) and passing through Idaho (23rd-24th).
Oh, and by-the-way, I think this will be my last official newsletter. I've decided to graduate in April (from newsletter to Blog - haha :) . . . Marie (my blog hero) is going to tutor me . . . more to follow!
Love to all,
Lisa
The house (or what's left of it) . . .
My favorite laptop died this week. I knew the end was near when a few months ago it exhibited some sickly symptoms . . . audible whirring and noticeable sluggishness. Tracy then wisely rescued all of my important documents by putting them on the external hard-drive. I have tried to revive my laptop (by pressing really hard on the "on" button), but it is all to no avail. The end was inevitable and its death seems final. So for now, Bryant shares his school computer with me . . . good thing he's the amiable, sharing type.
I know I really can't complain . . . my computer had a good life (probably about eight years). Contrast that with my mom's new laptop (not even a year old) which melted in a house fire! Yes, a few weeks ago, the house I spent my teen years in caught fire in the middle of the night (darn that old wood burning stove) and essentially burned to the ground. We are so grateful for an alert neighbor who shouted and pounded and finally woke everyone. The house is destroyed, but Mom, Rick and Kris are safe and sound. Thank heavens! Little things like computers really don't matter in the big scheme of things.
For the sake of family history, should I still give a recap of little, quasi-important events?? Okay, here goes . . . Christian completed his internship at the library, made the Heidelberg HS soccer team, and put the finishing touches (base guitar and xylophone) on an original song entitled "Memory." Lissie finished her performances in Footloose -- overall, a positive experience (see attached newspaper picture - she's on the far left). Her singing and dancing were a joy to watch -- so fun that we had a really hard time watching the lead performers. Bryant has read several book series in the past month or so -- Percy Jackson, Ranger's Apprentice and Eragon, but he is still refusing to read Harry Potter . . . sorry all you HP fans!
I'll be making a trip to the states in a few weeks . . . first to see Marie and family (meet sweet little Juliet - due TODAY) and then on to Utah for Lauren and Emily's graduation ceremonies (Go BYU, Go LDSBC!). Matthew has even promised to meet me in DC during my long layover at the airport on my way back -- the perfect way to top off my whirlwind trip.
Of course, Christian, Lissie and Bryant all have valid reasons why I should be taking them with me --
Christian: "You should take me so I can get my driver's permit!"
Lissie: "This could be a girl's trip - mother/daughter bonding time!"
Bryant: "It's MY turn for a trip!"
But alas, my skymiles ticket plan fell through . . . I wish I could bring everyone, but I'm going to have to do this one alone. I hope, however, to get a chance to see many of you while I'm in Utah (15th-23rd) and passing through Idaho (23rd-24th).
Oh, and by-the-way, I think this will be my last official newsletter. I've decided to graduate in April (from newsletter to Blog - haha :) . . . Marie (my blog hero) is going to tutor me . . . more to follow!
Love to all,
Lisa
The house (or what's left of it) . . .
Sunday, February 14, 2010
CeLeBration! News February 2010
Hello Everyone,
Well, the “snow day” that I mentioned in my last newsletter has extended into a “snow month.” It just keeps snowing and snowing and snowing . . . much like it does in many parts of the United States. Church and seminary have been canceled a couple of times, but not school or work! What’s up with that??
C, L & B have recently completed a semester of school and are now working hard on their second semester . . . hoping to get it all done in time to make a trip to Italy and Garmisch in the first two weeks of June. Christian saved (or put off?) most of his French 3 class until the end of the semester requiring him to think and live French lessons for most of his waking hours in the past month . . . amazing how he got a perfect score on his midterm -- I’m just not sure he’ll want to repeat his language learning method (a.k.a. cramming) for his second semester. He also started an internship at the library . . . learning how all those shelves and shelves of books are organized!
Lissie has been busy with Footloose play practice after school with Saturday all day dance rehearsals -- a dream come true since dancing is her favorite pastime. She even taught the youth of our ward how to do the “Hoedown Throw-Down” for a joint activity this past month. On January 26th she earned her Young Women Medallion (ask her about the beautiful embroidered pillow she made for one of her projects -- truly a work of art that even matches her bedroom). And now with the newly implemented Personal Progress program for the young women, she is anxious to start earning her Honor Bee charm.
What can I say about Bryant? He seems to have a soccer ball attached to his foot! I often find it under the table (next to his foot) as he is doing his schoolwork. Just don’t ask me about how he tries to kick it around the living room. He is a die hard member of a die hard soccer team -- they even practice in the SNOW! He is working hard at finishing up a few merit badges that count toward his Eagle scout requirements. He has even corresponded (in German – natuerlich!) with the Heidelberg city officials in an effort to plan out his Eagle service project – a cleanup of a WWII era outdoor amphitheater. He hopes to have all of his requirements completed by the May-June time frame.
I’ve nearly completed one of my BYU classes (on parenting -- since it’s about time I learned how to be a mom) . . . just one more paper to write. I highly recommend a couple of articles from my required reading list: One is entitled Family Work and the other Raising Righteous Children in a Wicked World. Here are the links if any of you are interested:
http://magazine.byu.edu/?act=view&a=151
(Family Work)
http://magazine.byu.edu/?act=view&a=333
(Raising Righteous Children)
I also wanted to share a new favorite recipe: Spinach-Feta Cheese Pizza (thanks to my good friend and wonderful cook--Jeanette). See attachment. Yummy!
And for those of you who haven't already seen this--here's the link to the news coverage of Christian's Eagle Court of Honor:
http://heidelberg.afneurope.net/
Happy Valentine's Day everyone . . . we love you!
Lisa & Tracy,
C, L & B
White Bread Dough
(Enough for three pizza crusts)
(also from Jeanette)
4 C warm (not hot) water
2 T yeast
Dissolve yeast in water for a few minutes and then add:
1/3 C vegetable oil
1/3 C sugar
1 ½ T salt
And then slowly add 12 C flour. The last few cups of flour have to be added by hand and then kneaded for several minutes until the dough doesn’t feel sticky. Shape into ball, coat with small amount of oil, cover, let rise until about doubled.
Spinach – Feta Cheese Pizza
From Jeanette:
For the spinach pizza, I kind of made it up as I went along, but, I did something like this-- I melted 1 cube of butter in a frying pan, and added 3 cloves of chopped garlic and sauteed for a minute or two. Next I added about a 1/2 a bag of fresh, cut, and washed spinach and cooked until wilted. Then I added about 6 oz. of feta cheese and about 2 cups of cheddar cheese and cooked it until it all melted together. (I may have added a little salt and pepper, and/or a sprinkle of nutmeg). I put all of this on a pizza crust that I had pre-baked for about 7 minutes and covered with pizza sauce. Then I sprinkled a just a little mozzarella on top and baked it for another 15 minutes or so.
Well, the “snow day” that I mentioned in my last newsletter has extended into a “snow month.” It just keeps snowing and snowing and snowing . . . much like it does in many parts of the United States. Church and seminary have been canceled a couple of times, but not school or work! What’s up with that??
C, L & B have recently completed a semester of school and are now working hard on their second semester . . . hoping to get it all done in time to make a trip to Italy and Garmisch in the first two weeks of June. Christian saved (or put off?) most of his French 3 class until the end of the semester requiring him to think and live French lessons for most of his waking hours in the past month . . . amazing how he got a perfect score on his midterm -- I’m just not sure he’ll want to repeat his language learning method (a.k.a. cramming) for his second semester. He also started an internship at the library . . . learning how all those shelves and shelves of books are organized!
Lissie has been busy with Footloose play practice after school with Saturday all day dance rehearsals -- a dream come true since dancing is her favorite pastime. She even taught the youth of our ward how to do the “Hoedown Throw-Down” for a joint activity this past month. On January 26th she earned her Young Women Medallion (ask her about the beautiful embroidered pillow she made for one of her projects -- truly a work of art that even matches her bedroom). And now with the newly implemented Personal Progress program for the young women, she is anxious to start earning her Honor Bee charm.
What can I say about Bryant? He seems to have a soccer ball attached to his foot! I often find it under the table (next to his foot) as he is doing his schoolwork. Just don’t ask me about how he tries to kick it around the living room. He is a die hard member of a die hard soccer team -- they even practice in the SNOW! He is working hard at finishing up a few merit badges that count toward his Eagle scout requirements. He has even corresponded (in German – natuerlich!) with the Heidelberg city officials in an effort to plan out his Eagle service project – a cleanup of a WWII era outdoor amphitheater. He hopes to have all of his requirements completed by the May-June time frame.
I’ve nearly completed one of my BYU classes (on parenting -- since it’s about time I learned how to be a mom) . . . just one more paper to write. I highly recommend a couple of articles from my required reading list: One is entitled Family Work and the other Raising Righteous Children in a Wicked World. Here are the links if any of you are interested:
http://magazine.byu.edu/?act=view&a=151
(Family Work)
http://magazine.byu.edu/?act=view&a=333
(Raising Righteous Children)
I also wanted to share a new favorite recipe: Spinach-Feta Cheese Pizza (thanks to my good friend and wonderful cook--Jeanette). See attachment. Yummy!
And for those of you who haven't already seen this--here's the link to the news coverage of Christian's Eagle Court of Honor:
http://heidelberg.afneurope.net/
Happy Valentine's Day everyone . . . we love you!
Lisa & Tracy,
C, L & B
White Bread Dough
(Enough for three pizza crusts)
(also from Jeanette)
4 C warm (not hot) water
2 T yeast
Dissolve yeast in water for a few minutes and then add:
1/3 C vegetable oil
1/3 C sugar
1 ½ T salt
And then slowly add 12 C flour. The last few cups of flour have to be added by hand and then kneaded for several minutes until the dough doesn’t feel sticky. Shape into ball, coat with small amount of oil, cover, let rise until about doubled.
Spinach – Feta Cheese Pizza
From Jeanette:
For the spinach pizza, I kind of made it up as I went along, but, I did something like this-- I melted 1 cube of butter in a frying pan, and added 3 cloves of chopped garlic and sauteed for a minute or two. Next I added about a 1/2 a bag of fresh, cut, and washed spinach and cooked until wilted. Then I added about 6 oz. of feta cheese and about 2 cups of cheddar cheese and cooked it until it all melted together. (I may have added a little salt and pepper, and/or a sprinkle of nutmeg). I put all of this on a pizza crust that I had pre-baked for about 7 minutes and covered with pizza sauce. Then I sprinkled a just a little mozzarella on top and baked it for another 15 minutes or so.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
CeLeBration! News January 2010
(Ezra Clark, Bryant, and Matthew Steffen)
Happy New Year Everyone!
It has been snowing and snowing here so the kids had their first day of sledding out in the hills behind our house today. And we just found out that church is canceled tomorrow so I guess we really are having a "snow day" . . . the perfect time to make a newsletter update.
We had such a wonderful Christmas and New Years with our good friends, the Clarks. Besides the pure fun of the Christmas celebration itself, we enjoyed the Heidelberg Christmas market, an evening in Munich, skiing in Garmisch, duets and band numbers, ice skating, movies, a "hoedown" and fireworks on New Year's Eve, plus board games and snowball fights! Their visit was such a blessing to us and made our holidays truly memorable.
Another highlight of the past month was the joint Eagle Court of Honor held for Christian and three other boys from his Boy Scout troop. I had hoped to have the link to the local media coverage of the event, but it is not yet available. If you're interested in more details, I attached the news article I submitted to the local paper -- we are so proud of all four of these boys!
(Aaron Steffen, Taylor Clark, Christian, and Brandon Campbell)
I've started off the new year with a long list of goals AND a new look -- blond and reddish highlights in my hair. I actually only wanted to go a little lighter, but I look like a tiger! Sorry, no picture. I guess you'll just have to come and see me!
Love to all,
Lisa
A Special Year for Troop 59 of Heidelberg
The rank of Eagle is achieved by only about four percent of all Boy Scouts – an elite group which includes some famous past recipients such as Neil Armstrong and Steven Spielberg. The year 2009 proved to be one of honor for Troop 59 as six young men from their troop completed the rigorous requirements to earn this highest award in scouting. Brothers Dayne and Jordan Poulton led the way in the spring, closely followed by Taylor Clark and Christian Allred. Brandon Campbell and Aaron Steffen were able to complete their requirements by the fall of the year.
Leading and organizing a community service project is one of the main requirements needed for this outstanding achievement. Dayne led a painting project at the Patton Gym, while Jordan oversaw the installment of the new volleyball sandpit located on Patrick Henry Village. Taylor implemented a recycling program for several businesses in the Heidelberg Military Community, and Christian led a headstone beautification project at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial located in St. Avold, France. Brandon organized a group which worked to beautify playgrounds and the skate park in the Mark Twain Village housing area, and Aaron headed up a Red Cross blood drive which yielded a record quantity.
Four of these Eagle Award recipients were honored in a joint Court of Honor held on 2 January 2010 in the Heidelberg LDS Chapel in Wieblingen – Taylor Clark was even able to attend with his family despite a PCS move to Georgia earlier in the year. Parker Crandall, Eagle Scout and former member of Troop 59, gave the keynote address with the theme of setting and achieving goals. Jeffery Steffen, the former scoutmaster who had played an integral role in assisting each of these boys, was not able to attend due to his deployment to Afghanistan, but the honor of his presence was nonetheless felt as each boy received an American Flag (flown in Kabul) accompanied by individual letters of commendation from LTC Steffen. The letters were read by each of the boys’ mothers -particularly poignant as Mrs. Steffen and son Aaron fought back tears as she read the letter from Aaron’s father.
It was definitely a special year for Troop 59. These fine young men have set the precedent – one that several young scouts from Troop 59 have already undoubtedly noted.
Submitted by Lisa M. Allred
Thursday, December 17, 2009
CeLeBration! News December 2009
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Every year on December 6th as St. Nikolaus Day is celebrated here in Germany, I always remember Lissie's first reaction to the concept of Nikolaus (pronounced Nee-Ko-Louse). She had just turned four and St. Nikolaus was scheduled to visit her German kindergarten class the next day. So I excitedly said to her, "Lissie, Nikolaus is coming to your school tomorrow!" And she thoughtfully replied, "Nikolaus? . . . Mikolaus? . . . Mickey Mouse? Mickey Mouse is coming to my school tomorrow?!" Our dear little Lissie celebrated her 15th birthday on December 3rd, but every year during her birthday week our thoughts hearken back to her delightful first interpretation of "Nikolaus."
(Lissie with her birthday guitar)
In addition to preparing for the holidays, our past few weeks have been busy with high school play auditions (Lissie got a part in the chorus), ballroom dance and piano recitals (see attached pictures), and an Eagle Board of Review for Christian (he passed with flying colors). We only have a few more things to prepare before our good friends, the Clarks, arrive from Georgia on Monday. We are so excited to have them stay with us for two weeks -- definitely not long enough. Their visit will be just the remedy we need to help us cope with only having three children home for Christmas this year.
Just this past week we had our first snowfall of the season . . . very light, but just enough to lift our spirits and raise our hopes for a white Christmas. We hope you all feel the joy of the season as you celebrate the wonder of Christ's birth together with your families.
We love you,
Lisa & Tracy
C, L & B
Every year on December 6th as St. Nikolaus Day is celebrated here in Germany, I always remember Lissie's first reaction to the concept of Nikolaus (pronounced Nee-Ko-Louse). She had just turned four and St. Nikolaus was scheduled to visit her German kindergarten class the next day. So I excitedly said to her, "Lissie, Nikolaus is coming to your school tomorrow!" And she thoughtfully replied, "Nikolaus? . . . Mikolaus? . . . Mickey Mouse? Mickey Mouse is coming to my school tomorrow?!" Our dear little Lissie celebrated her 15th birthday on December 3rd, but every year during her birthday week our thoughts hearken back to her delightful first interpretation of "Nikolaus."
(Lissie with her birthday guitar)
In addition to preparing for the holidays, our past few weeks have been busy with high school play auditions (Lissie got a part in the chorus), ballroom dance and piano recitals (see attached pictures), and an Eagle Board of Review for Christian (he passed with flying colors). We only have a few more things to prepare before our good friends, the Clarks, arrive from Georgia on Monday. We are so excited to have them stay with us for two weeks -- definitely not long enough. Their visit will be just the remedy we need to help us cope with only having three children home for Christmas this year.
Just this past week we had our first snowfall of the season . . . very light, but just enough to lift our spirits and raise our hopes for a white Christmas. We hope you all feel the joy of the season as you celebrate the wonder of Christ's birth together with your families.
We love you,
Lisa & Tracy
C, L & B
Thursday, November 19, 2009
CeLeBration! News November 2009
Hello Everyone,
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.
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.
Friday, October 16, 2009
CeLeBration! News October 2009
Hi Everyone,
It's time again for a bit of news from the Allred clan in Heidelberg. I was making a mental list of the few things I could report on from the past few weeks, but that all changed when Christian and Lissie fell ill earlier in the week and many of our activities were curtailed or canceled. A few days after Christian became sick (he just wasn't getting better or acting himself) the alarmist mom in me was sure he had pneumonia or meningitis! But the doctor concluded it was severe bronchitis brought on by a suspected case of swine flu -- the lab tests couldn't confirm it. And now Lissie and Christian are both quarantined to the house for ten days and the rest of us are trying our darndest not to get sick as well (Clorox is my friend). We are also thankful this week for the wonders of modern medicine: antibiotics and Tamiflu!
You may be wondering what we are doing with all of our time at home? Our math whiz, Lissie, is determined (sick or not) to complete her Algebra 2 class within the week. When I suggested that she watch a movie while she convalesced, she replied, "I think I'm going to work on my math class." Her math smarts must have trickled down from Great Grandpa Allred. And I knew Christian was starting to feel better when he spent most of the day practicing his guitar and trying to add some synthesizer sounds to the new song he is creating. He was looking forward to the homecoming dance this weekend, but that and guitar lessons and a trip to the temple (along with everything else) had to be canceled. Bryant, however, is determined to not get sick. He keeps busy playing soccer or learning new tricks on the skateboard (his newest hobby). He spends a lot of time out front doing jumps and tricks on a ramp he rigged together right off our front step -- amazing! All that frische Luft (fresh air) must be keeping him healthy.
In my quiet time, I have been working on my BYU class, learning a few guitar chords from Christian, and a couple of home projects: drapes and a braided rug for the living room. I'm surprised at how much fabric both projects require, but braided rugs are one of my all time favorite projects. As always, Tracy keeps busy with work and his church assignments. He recently was the keynote speaker at a Stake Relief Society enrichment meeting. His talk was excellent and very touching. I decided long ago that he has a gift for public speaking. By the end of the meeting there was hardly a dry eye. If any of you are interested, I've attached a copy of the true story he shared to illustrate part of his message.
Well, that about sums up our activities for the past few weeks.
Happy October and love to all,
Lisa
Fresh Crab and French Bread
By Garnee Faulkner
Ensign, June 1985, 38–39
It was a typical winter day in San Francisco, cool and damp. We had lived there a few years before and were back renewing memories. Seeing the large, steaming crab vats as we walked along Fisherman’s Wharf, I exclaimed, “Oh, let’s take some crab home to Emma.”
“Crab?” asked my husband. “Why crab?”
“I don’t know. Maybe she would enjoy it.”
Sensing my ever-present desire to bring cheer to a grieving widow in our ward, Ron counseled me to find a more easily transported gift. He suggested that we find something more suitable in one of the souvenir shops beckoning us.
In and out of the shops we went, searching in vain for just the right memento. Empty-handed and tired, we started for our car, only to pass the crab vats once more.
“Ron, I still want to take some crab to Emma,” I pleaded.
He was still resistant to hauling crab 150 miles, especially when I wasn’t even sure Emma liked it. Nevertheless, we asked the vendor about transporting un-refrigerated crab that distance.
Soon we were crossing the Bay Bridge with the crab carefully wrapped in many thicknesses of paper; a long loaf of the Wharf’s famous french bread was tucked in the side of the sack.
On the trip home my thoughts turned to Emma. I remembered the sacrament meeting ten months before when Emma, her husband, Ed, and their oldest son, David, had spoken just before David left to serve a mission. That was the last time we saw Ed. After accompanying David to the Missionary Training Center, Ed suffered a fatal heart attack while still in Utah. He never returned to California.
Ed was a gifted surgeon, highly respected in our community. His passing was felt deeply. In addition to Emma, he left six children, the youngest just a toddler.
Though many grieved with the family, it was difficult to express their sympathy because Emma was extremely reserved and quiet. Few knew her well. As the months went on, her sorrow did not seem to lessen. Grief and poor health found her withdrawing from activity outside her home.
I was determined to be her friend, her sister in the gospel, and not let fear or personal rejection dilute my concern. Each week I went to her home, sometimes to be invited in while she shared her heartache. Other times she met me at the door but quickly terminated the visit with, “Thank you for coming.”
As I rang the doorbell that day I could hear many feet running to answer. The door opened. Emma, surrounded by her children, stood there puzzled at my brown sack and protruding loaf of bread.
“Yes?” she inquired.
My spirits were dampened by her coolness, but I faked enthusiasm over our trip to the city and the gift we had brought.
As she took the fresh crab and french bread, Emma asked, “Is this for any special occasion?”
“No,” I replied, “I just thought you might enjoy some crab from the Wharf.”
“Thank you very much,” she said, expressionless, and closed the door.
I returned to the car and slumped down into the seat, deflated. All I could say to Ron was, “I’m not sure Emma likes crab.” We finished the drive home in silence.
Two days later came the following letter:
My dear friends:
I was very touched by your kind gesture last night and feel compelled to share a few thoughts with you.
Yesterday morning began with the usual daily tasks. I was out sweeping the walks when I looked up to the heavens and, noting the vast, billowing, white clouds, asked, “Ed, do you know what day this is? Do dates have a meaning in heaven? Can you possibly know how much I love you and how desperately you are missed; how I long to be taken into your strong arms and held again just for a minute?”
With tear-stained cheeks I wanted to know if he remembered twenty-three years ago, or even two years ago this day.
All day long memories came rushing back. I remembered our first trip to San Francisco and how cold it was as we walked by the steaming crab pots at the Wharf. Ed was so handsome in his Navy uniform. He always took my hand in his, and holding it tight placed both in his overcoat pocket. How comforting the warmth was. I could see him sitting in the cable car, with his boyish grin, a loaf of bread and a crab under each arm. So many times he repeated this procedure.
San Francisco was our playground. I cannot begin to count the number of seminars and scientific meetings we attended there. To learn more was almost a disease with Ed. After each session we always ended our stay by going to the Wharf. A loaf of bread and a fresh crab became symbolic of a wonderful time together. Now that he’s gone, I wonder what mysteries of heaven he is exploring, what avenues are being opened to him. So many unanswered questions … so impatient I am.
Yesterday was a difficult day to get through. In late afternoon a beautiful floral arrangement arrived with a card from the children declaring their love for me. It was heartwarming. As I looked at the two little ones, then at Eddie and Janet and Miriam—then remembered David—I could see a part of Ed in each and realized that my cup runneth over.
Then at the close of day when I opened the door and saw you standing there with a loaf of bread and a package of fresh crab, it was like a direct message. You denied knowing it was a special day. Therefore I felt it was Ed’s way of saying, “Happy anniversary. I do remember.”
As ever,
Emma
It's time again for a bit of news from the Allred clan in Heidelberg. I was making a mental list of the few things I could report on from the past few weeks, but that all changed when Christian and Lissie fell ill earlier in the week and many of our activities were curtailed or canceled. A few days after Christian became sick (he just wasn't getting better or acting himself) the alarmist mom in me was sure he had pneumonia or meningitis! But the doctor concluded it was severe bronchitis brought on by a suspected case of swine flu -- the lab tests couldn't confirm it. And now Lissie and Christian are both quarantined to the house for ten days and the rest of us are trying our darndest not to get sick as well (Clorox is my friend). We are also thankful this week for the wonders of modern medicine: antibiotics and Tamiflu!
You may be wondering what we are doing with all of our time at home? Our math whiz, Lissie, is determined (sick or not) to complete her Algebra 2 class within the week. When I suggested that she watch a movie while she convalesced, she replied, "I think I'm going to work on my math class." Her math smarts must have trickled down from Great Grandpa Allred. And I knew Christian was starting to feel better when he spent most of the day practicing his guitar and trying to add some synthesizer sounds to the new song he is creating. He was looking forward to the homecoming dance this weekend, but that and guitar lessons and a trip to the temple (along with everything else) had to be canceled. Bryant, however, is determined to not get sick. He keeps busy playing soccer or learning new tricks on the skateboard (his newest hobby). He spends a lot of time out front doing jumps and tricks on a ramp he rigged together right off our front step -- amazing! All that frische Luft (fresh air) must be keeping him healthy.
In my quiet time, I have been working on my BYU class, learning a few guitar chords from Christian, and a couple of home projects: drapes and a braided rug for the living room. I'm surprised at how much fabric both projects require, but braided rugs are one of my all time favorite projects. As always, Tracy keeps busy with work and his church assignments. He recently was the keynote speaker at a Stake Relief Society enrichment meeting. His talk was excellent and very touching. I decided long ago that he has a gift for public speaking. By the end of the meeting there was hardly a dry eye. If any of you are interested, I've attached a copy of the true story he shared to illustrate part of his message.
Well, that about sums up our activities for the past few weeks.
Happy October and love to all,
Lisa
Fresh Crab and French Bread
By Garnee Faulkner
Ensign, June 1985, 38–39
It was a typical winter day in San Francisco, cool and damp. We had lived there a few years before and were back renewing memories. Seeing the large, steaming crab vats as we walked along Fisherman’s Wharf, I exclaimed, “Oh, let’s take some crab home to Emma.”
“Crab?” asked my husband. “Why crab?”
“I don’t know. Maybe she would enjoy it.”
Sensing my ever-present desire to bring cheer to a grieving widow in our ward, Ron counseled me to find a more easily transported gift. He suggested that we find something more suitable in one of the souvenir shops beckoning us.
In and out of the shops we went, searching in vain for just the right memento. Empty-handed and tired, we started for our car, only to pass the crab vats once more.
“Ron, I still want to take some crab to Emma,” I pleaded.
He was still resistant to hauling crab 150 miles, especially when I wasn’t even sure Emma liked it. Nevertheless, we asked the vendor about transporting un-refrigerated crab that distance.
Soon we were crossing the Bay Bridge with the crab carefully wrapped in many thicknesses of paper; a long loaf of the Wharf’s famous french bread was tucked in the side of the sack.
On the trip home my thoughts turned to Emma. I remembered the sacrament meeting ten months before when Emma, her husband, Ed, and their oldest son, David, had spoken just before David left to serve a mission. That was the last time we saw Ed. After accompanying David to the Missionary Training Center, Ed suffered a fatal heart attack while still in Utah. He never returned to California.
Ed was a gifted surgeon, highly respected in our community. His passing was felt deeply. In addition to Emma, he left six children, the youngest just a toddler.
Though many grieved with the family, it was difficult to express their sympathy because Emma was extremely reserved and quiet. Few knew her well. As the months went on, her sorrow did not seem to lessen. Grief and poor health found her withdrawing from activity outside her home.
I was determined to be her friend, her sister in the gospel, and not let fear or personal rejection dilute my concern. Each week I went to her home, sometimes to be invited in while she shared her heartache. Other times she met me at the door but quickly terminated the visit with, “Thank you for coming.”
As I rang the doorbell that day I could hear many feet running to answer. The door opened. Emma, surrounded by her children, stood there puzzled at my brown sack and protruding loaf of bread.
“Yes?” she inquired.
My spirits were dampened by her coolness, but I faked enthusiasm over our trip to the city and the gift we had brought.
As she took the fresh crab and french bread, Emma asked, “Is this for any special occasion?”
“No,” I replied, “I just thought you might enjoy some crab from the Wharf.”
“Thank you very much,” she said, expressionless, and closed the door.
I returned to the car and slumped down into the seat, deflated. All I could say to Ron was, “I’m not sure Emma likes crab.” We finished the drive home in silence.
Two days later came the following letter:
My dear friends:
I was very touched by your kind gesture last night and feel compelled to share a few thoughts with you.
Yesterday morning began with the usual daily tasks. I was out sweeping the walks when I looked up to the heavens and, noting the vast, billowing, white clouds, asked, “Ed, do you know what day this is? Do dates have a meaning in heaven? Can you possibly know how much I love you and how desperately you are missed; how I long to be taken into your strong arms and held again just for a minute?”
With tear-stained cheeks I wanted to know if he remembered twenty-three years ago, or even two years ago this day.
All day long memories came rushing back. I remembered our first trip to San Francisco and how cold it was as we walked by the steaming crab pots at the Wharf. Ed was so handsome in his Navy uniform. He always took my hand in his, and holding it tight placed both in his overcoat pocket. How comforting the warmth was. I could see him sitting in the cable car, with his boyish grin, a loaf of bread and a crab under each arm. So many times he repeated this procedure.
San Francisco was our playground. I cannot begin to count the number of seminars and scientific meetings we attended there. To learn more was almost a disease with Ed. After each session we always ended our stay by going to the Wharf. A loaf of bread and a fresh crab became symbolic of a wonderful time together. Now that he’s gone, I wonder what mysteries of heaven he is exploring, what avenues are being opened to him. So many unanswered questions … so impatient I am.
Yesterday was a difficult day to get through. In late afternoon a beautiful floral arrangement arrived with a card from the children declaring their love for me. It was heartwarming. As I looked at the two little ones, then at Eddie and Janet and Miriam—then remembered David—I could see a part of Ed in each and realized that my cup runneth over.
Then at the close of day when I opened the door and saw you standing there with a loaf of bread and a package of fresh crab, it was like a direct message. You denied knowing it was a special day. Therefore I felt it was Ed’s way of saying, “Happy anniversary. I do remember.”
As ever,
Emma
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