What My Mom Didn't Tell You . . . (by Bryant)

Trip to Italy

I, Bryant Allred, went to Italy for an adventurous soccer tournament with my VFB Rauenberg German team. We left on April 1st and and were there over the weekend.

As I was preparing to write this news report, I was complaining at my mother for stealing my idea since now there was nothing interesting to write about my trip. I told her she stole all the good ideas. So while I was pondering, I decided to just write about my trip from my perspective, since I was the one actually there, not my mom.

In my mother's newsletter, she wrote about my “dream soccer ball”. Well, I am just going to elaborate on this a little. This ball was the coolest thing in the WORLD! I am going to show you exactly what it looks like.



So you look at this ball and say: “WOW, this thing looks awesome!” To my disappointment, this actually isn't my dream ball, because I own it. You are probably asking yourself: “How does a ball get any better than this?” Well it does. My dream ball is this same ball except with the yellow being a neon orange. Not to offend Lissie Allred and Erin Clark who bought me this ball for Christmas, but my dream ball looks like the the most awesome, cool, amazing, wonderful, revolutionary thing in the world. Get the picture? I wish I had a picture of the real thing, but I couldn't find one and I looked for it all over the internet. I was so mad! I would have paid all my money for that ball (not really).

So by now you are probably bored of my “dream ball,” so I am just going to take you through some of the main facts of my trip. In the tournament we got ninth place out of 20 teams. We won three games and lost two. We were staying in an absolutely terrible three star hotel. Why was it so bad? Well, first of all, the shower was connected to the bathroom, so when you were taking a shower you got everything in the bathroom wet! The rooms were tiny. The food was nasty, especially the bread and the ripoff Nutella they gave us.

Another great thing about this trip was that we were right next to the beach. We didn't have enough time to go swimming, and I forgot my swim trunks anyway, but it was really beautiful and we wrote REALLY BIG in the sand: “VFB RAUENBERG.” It was awesomely cool.

Here are some more pictures if you want to see:






If you look carefully, you can see my dad videotaping my game to the right of my head. He was very excited about that.

So all in all, this trip was great! I had a lot of fun!

Bryant

By the way, this was for school.

A Picture of the Tower . . .

Here is the castle ruin where the boys spent the night last Friday. They slept at the highest level of the highest tower . . . under the stars!

Trances, Fainting and Meltdowns . . .

When I picked the boys up today from the stake father-son campout (this time without Tracy), Bryant was so drowsy he wouldn't even hug me! WHAT? Christian said he had to “shake Bryant like ten times” before he would wake up once they arrived back! And while Bryant was in his trance, Christian and I decided we were very thankful that Bryant doesn't really sleepwalk – that could have proved perilous last night as they camped in some castle ruins near Trier. Our ward boys decided to sleep in the tower, 300 feet up?, under the stars. Okay, so I'm pretty sure I couldn't sleep under those conditions (let alone under the stars), so I'm just not convinced that they really slept . . . hence, the trance-like state with which Bryant greeted me this afternoon!

Which reminds me . . . Bryant actually fainted last Sunday! I was lying on the couch, taking a rare Sunday nap, when I heard a THUD (like someone had slipped and hit their head)! I rushed over to find Bryant lying still on his back with his eyes closed . . . SCARED ME TO DEATH! As soon as I touched him, he woke up and said, “that was weird.” Apparently he had compromised his circulation while he had his legs propped up (at the computer), and when he got up to walk out to the living area . . . he fainted!

Soon after I arrived back from my stateside trip last month, I helped Bryant make his final Eagle Project preparations – coordinating a clean-up of the Heiligenberg Amphitheater. I was on hand to give some helpful tips on what equipment he might need, how to advertise for help, etc. I even wrote a plea to the district boy scout representative seeking timely approval of Bryant's project since he would like to make a positive impression (of Boy Scouts and Americans in general) on our local German city officials. But the height of my helpfulness included a highly merited “scout meltdown” (something akin to the meltdown I had last year when I learned that Christian's well planned project might not get approved). I don't actually yell or scream, I just shut down, cry (a LOT) and cease to be logical. The boys, of course, have great sympathy for me (lots of hugs) and that is when Tracy steps in and helps make some pertinent phone calls. And yes, Bryant's project was approved – just two scant days before the actual project, and he did a bang-up job leading his troop and other volunteers in a service project for the city of Heidelberg. Good Job Bryant!

CeLeBration! News April 2010

Hello Everyone,

Yes, I know it is May (not April) and that I said I was graduating to a blog (and I will), but since I am behind by a month in CeLeBration! News, I thought I would just focus on April before I launch into May and the much anticipated first edition of www.daysofcelebration.blogspot.com (thanks to Marie).

April was definitely a month to be remembered . . .

Bryant experienced a highlight of his soccer career -- a tournament in Cesenatico, Italy. He loved playing against other teams from Italy, Switzerland and Germany. In his free time he got to play on the beach, and he spied his dream soccer ball -- a black with orange design Nike. He says he has since "looked all over the internet and could not find it!" . . . I guess we'll chalk it up to one of the elusive wonders of Italy.

The day after he and Tracy returned, I left for the states . . .

I spent a week in Seattle with Marie -- met sweet little Juliette Claire (just a week old), did a total sewing marathon blow out (a.k.a. makeover of Isabella and Juliette's room and duvet cover and pillows for Liam's), and had my first ever makeup makeover. Too bad I had an allergic reaction to that "all natural makeup" or my face might have been transformed for more than a day!





Then I was off to Utah where first I attended Emily's graduation from LDSBC, and then a week later -- Lauren's graduation from BYU. In between I did a little shopping (had to check out the mall and Costco), studying (took a final for one of my classes), and hiking (to the Y). It was such fun to be with my girls and in Provo again, fondly remembering my college days. I'm even considering spending a term at BYU next summer to finish up my degree . . . I guess my college years never really ended. I must be on the 30 year extended plan!




Next, Lauren, Emily and I set off for Boise where we quickly said hi to Aunt Julie and CJay and then spent a night and a morning with Grandma Minnie. Everyone was so gracious to get near us at all since Emily and I had the flu bug. Lauren did most of the driving and somehow she miraculously did not catch our bug . . . oh, the wonders of determination and hand sanitizer! From there, we were off to Seattle where Marie met us in time for me to catch my plane back to Germany (with a long layover in DC where I spent several lovely hours with Matthew).

So, yes, April was definitely a special month for us. It was great to see so many of you too. Thanks especially to those of you who came all the way to Provo for the graduation/goodbye party. It was a real treat to be with you again, even for short time.

And a special thanks to Tracy, Christian, Lissie and Bryant for taking such good care of each other while I was gone. It is good to be home again.

Love, Lisa

The Much Anticipated Launch of daysofcelebration.blogspot.com!

Bella in her Princess Bed

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) . . .

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.