What's up with the Allreds?: January 2009

Thursday, January 29, 2009

What season is it?

I got this pillow case pattern from my friend, Kayleen and I am having a blast making pillow cases. I started just using fabric I had (hence the different holiday patterns) but they are so cute and easy to make. My sewing machine is wondering where I have been. Happy to share the pattern with anyone. The three pieces that make the body, border and accent piece are all sewed magically at the same time and you don't see any seams. Very clever. So Happy Holidays - whichever one you want!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Wuthering Heights - Wow!

If you have not seen this, try and find it. I watched the first part and couldn't wait for the second part. I started watching the second part last night and it was getting too late (10 p.m.) as I have to get up at 6 a.m. I had such a hard time going to bed - I wanted to watch the end. I can't wait to get home to finish this. What a beautiful job they have done on this timeless classic. I highly recommend it. I want to read Emily Bronte's books again. I can't say it like Tammy says it, but "rarrrrrrhhhhh" that Heathcliff!

You can also watch this online:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/index.html

For those of you not experiencing Spring yet -

If you click on this photo to enlarge it you can even enjoy the smell! Just kidding, but it is a cool shot of the pollen. Go Bees!

Monday, January 19, 2009

I just like this shot, I don't know why -

My "stay"cation - Pasadena

I had to be in Pasadena yesterday, so I went up on Saturday and went to the Arboretum and this house was in the park. This park is gorgeous and BIG! Next time any of you come to visit us we must go to Pasadena....that city is just amazing. The peacocks below were all through the park as well. Also chicks and ducks and geese.....okay, why do I feel like singing "Oklahoma" here?" See you don't have to travel far from home to have a little vacation.

What a gorgeous bird this is, but I wouldn't want them in my yard! Noisy!!!

Does "proud as a peacock" say it all? This was great fun to see this male bird strut his stuff. The back of the tail is also very beautiful. Great fun to watch these birds. The one walking down the sidewalk reminds me of a bride. The feathers are so detailed and gorgeous. God really worked overtime on this bird.

Monday, January 5, 2009

T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house. . . .

Here are some photos from our Christmas Eve festivities -it was lots of fun! Misty made copies of songs and played the piano - thanks Misty! They kids loved playing with the jingle bells.

This is Cooper's list to Santa - he is into Starwars big time! Porter too!

Piper putting out the cookies and carrots for the big man himself!

Sean and his girlfriend, Tina and his Mother, Natalie.

Brit and Caleb enjoyed the night!

Have to have the yearly goofy shot of Grandma - this is why I don't let go of the camera!

Rob and Kathe joining in song!

Cute couple - Alisha and Ken!

The boys choir!!! Ryan, Rick and Dad!

Mark is such a good sharer - he let Kristen wear his new gift. It is the hat from the Christmas Story. It is signed by the Head Elf, Sharon Johnson. I got this hat when I was in Cleveland and Sharon was there signing autographs. Mark has to be the biggest fan of this movie.

Jingle all the way -

Santa's helpers? Who needs gifts, when you have boxes!

Mark wearing his new hat!

Not done with Christmas cheer yet!

Here are a few photos I forgot to put on the blog - just too cute to leave out. The three little ones decorated their own trees and just loved doing this. It was great fun to watch.

Snow in Redondo Beach?

Well, actually it has been cold enough for snow, but our neighbor Mark Podoll brought in (oops, Santa delivered) this snow to his house and the kids had a blast sledding and throwing snowballs at Grandma and each other.