If I make it it's going to be a miracle

If you didn't already know I am so excited to be done with my BA degree! Here's the thing.....today I really am doubting if I am going to make it. I have 2 more days and they might kill me. I think that college has given me the worst case of ADD! Is that reversible? To make it to that finish line and have the privilege of wearing the funny hat hanging in my living room I have to complete one take home final, study for an in class final, do one on line assignment and......THAT'S IT!!!!!

 I have enough time to do it and not be stressed about it if I would just start. But instead I am listening to my Deborah power music, trying to think of a facebook status that describes my thoughts without revealing to much, blogging, eating teddy grahams, texting one of my best friends about how much we don't want to do the final, fuming about a recent interacting with an ex, and wishing that a certain man who is a perfect specimen of masculinity would call me saying he was ready for a study break and wants to play. And I am doing this all at the same time just because I would so much rather not use my brain for any more Academic thinking!

You'd think that with so little standing between me and a COLLEGE DEGREE I would jump to get it out of the way. HA Well the fact of the matter is I am using that college education to figure out how much it would really hurt me if I didn't take my finals and do that last assignment.

Maybe exercise is the answer! I bet if I go exercise I will be able to come back and focus. (Or it will pass the time until that man or my best friend calls)

Adoption. It's about Love

Man!!!! I have really been stinking at the whole blog about adoption once a week challenge. I missed last week because 1: I was traveling, and 2: adoption is a challenge for me to talk about in this setting. So to make up for last week I will try to make two posts in one.

About a week and a half ago I did another scary thing in relation to adoption. I spoke to the child welfare class at BYU-Idaho about my story. I have shared my story with people before and I am pretty open about it with those who know. But this time I was scared to death. There's something about talking to a bunch of Mormon kids that really gets ya. So, I put on my best dress, wore my cutest heels, used a little extra deodorant, went in there and did my thing. I talked about LDS Family Services and the training they have given me as I have worked with potential birth-mothers to understand all of their options. I shared my testimony of adoption and the beauty it can bring to everyone involved in hopes it would change the closed minded perspectives I often run into about adoption. I feel that social work students are generally more open minded but I am often surprised with the point of view many have in regards to this topic. I still don't know if what I shared was effective or even useful, but hopefully they will remember my thoughts and stories as they work with unwed mothers and are able to make a difference some how in their lives.

Now, for the second post:

I was trying to think of something really good to write and all of a sudden I thought of my good friend Alicia and her beautiful family.


I have known Alicia for about....13 years. She was the Cool, Beautiful, fun Laurel when I was the brand new awkward Beehive. She was so good at making me feel valued and important even though I was much younger. She and her husband Shawn were high school sweethearts (I remember her talking about him in young womens church group) and really they are the cutest couple. They have two beautiful little boys and are so excited to bring a beautiful little girl into their home through the miracle of adoption. Adoption often happens through word of mouth so just keep them in mind as you go through out your day. And when the topic comes up, here is the link to their adoption profile: Shawn and Alicia for you to share and pass along.

(I stole some pictures from their adoption profile. I hope you don't mind Alicia)

Seriously Alicia is one of the MOST creative people I have met on this planet. I am always in awe at her ability to make everything around her look so great! She really has an eye for beauty! She is a strong woman who I still look up to just like I did as a little 12 year old beehive. Her testimony of the gospel always inspires me and makes me want to strive to be closer to the spirit and do good always. I do not know much about Shawn other then "he is the best guy on the planet." (that's what she'd say and how she acted about him when she'd talk about him in young women's) He sure is a hard worker and does great at supporting their wonderful little family.

Their adorable boys!

Please go check out their profile and learn more about them. I wish I could send you all copies of their pass along card above for you to give out and spread the word. Most of you who read this blog are LDS and should be very familiar with the concept of pass along cards. They are a wonderful wonderful family and I would love to see them welcome a new little baby into their home.

One more thing on Shawn and Alicia

Okay I just got on facebook and realized that my friends Shawn and Alicia have an adoption page on facebook. So not only should you go visit their adoption profile but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go like their page on facebook. You may not think that would be a big deal but every little bit helps right!?

Here's the link: Shawn and Alicia


It really does help! Watch this video about how a couple adopted through Facebook. http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Family_Adopts_Child_Via_Facebook_Washington_DC.html

I only wish that more people read my blog so that I could reach more people. For all my blogging readers out there I would love it if you did a post on Alicia and Shawn to help them reach more people and find their birth-mother and sweet baby!

Oh Baby! Oh baby!

Here are the latest of my beautiful pregnant sister and my little nephew! Have I mentioned that I can not wait for him to get here?!? Well I can't!! She is looking more and more pregnant every time I see her! I am so excited for little Smudge (that's his nick name right now because a smudge is a little Mark.....get it?) to come because I want to see if he gets his good looks from me! Just kidding! But really......

Love you Liz!!! You are one good looking prego!

Can you cook a frozen turkey?

The older I get the more I realize some things don't change. You always, have bills to pay. There's always laundry to do. And you always act the way you did when you were 5 around your siblings. We all grow up and change in different ways but I have found I ALWAYS revert to the same old role I had growing up.

This week I played that part again when I got together with a few of my siblings for Thanksgiving. Let me introduce the roles we play when we are around each other to you.....


This is Elizabeth. She is the oldest and the most responsible. She seems to always know what the right thing to do is and she does it. As the oldest it is understandable that she is a bit motherly. (not to mention she is obviously in the motherly way) She is patient but sometimes forgets that fact when the next character comes into play.

This is Deborah. She is the second child and a pretty bossy one at that. She doesn't take much seriously and is a bit of an attention hog. She is full of rambunctious energy that can get the party started. She struggles censoring her remarks and often just says exactly what is on her mind. Oh......and heaven help you if you cross her.

This is Eldon. What a guy he is! He is the go to man taking every order that Deborah throws at him. (Eldon, put your shoes on before you walk in the snow. Eldon, use a plate. Eldon, please come turn off the light for me. Eldon, don't do this. Eldon, don't do that. Eldon, wear a coat!) HE is paaaaatient. This man fixes everything and is always looking for ways he can help. He is pretty inventive in how he does things and is always trying to stream line everything he does to either save time or work. He likes to joke around and is one REALLY smart dude! (I sure do love him. I tease and boss him a lot but I'd also defend him to the death if any one messed with him)

And then there is this guy. He joined our sibling squad a little late in the game so I can't tell you how he acted when he was five. But I can tell you how he acted 5 years ago when he joined rank. This is Mark. He is the brother in law but we just call him brother. He is a very smart analytical thinker and enjoys explaining how things work and likes a little spotlight himself. He can be a sarcastic dude who likes to tease ya here and there. He has a way he likes to do just about everything and likes for you to do it that way to. He is lots of fun and very handy to have around.

Now that you've met everyone hopefully you can picture us all in a room. Liz, explaining to me how to make candied yams....I'm giggling as I drop green beans into the uncooked pumpkin pie and tell Eldon not to pick off the veggie tray....Eldon decides to try to catch olives in his mouth as he wipes up spilt something by skating across the floor with towels on his feet.....and Mark is....well he was in the other room watching TV mostly.

We cooked all day and ended up eating pretty late. But for the most part all of Liz's experimental recipes were great and the frozen turkey made it out of the oven very moist. We had a great thanksgiving and I sure am glad I was able to spend it with the people who bring out the worst in me! (just kidding! I love you guys!) Here are some pics....

Okay, these candied yams...or sweet potatoes (apparently they are the same thing) took me all stinking day to do. You have to boil them peel them, slice them, make the stuff that goes on top.....to much work if you ask me.

Eldon making a floral center piece to get extra credit in his class.

Our beautiful Center piece! Good Job Eld.

What a good brother! When you grow up in the middle of 4 girls you can't escape getting your hair done or your toe nails painted. He humored me when I wanted to see if I could straighten out the waves he'd been complaining about.

Our awesome turkey! Thanks Liz!

The sibs

Oh look! The married people.

Our beautiful table Liz created

The food we slaved over ALLLL day minus the turkey. Boy was it yummy

The first snow of the season

A few weeks ago Rexburg Idaho had it's first snow of the season. Let's be honest, this desert grown girl is NOT a fan of the cold. I would so much rather play in the sun then the snow. However, I do appreciate the snow for about a day. Lorelai Gilmore always takes a walk in the first snow of the season because she says the snow is romantic. I couldn't agree with her more. I do think the snow is romantic and that is why Devri and I went for a long walk to appreciate it. Here is proof that I did appreciate the snow for at least one day!

Best Roommate ever!

We had to take a taste of the fresh snow

Dev showing the fact that she can do WAY more push up then me!

Organic Snow cones! (Way better for your body and way better for the environment)

Beautiful Rexburg in the snow

Oh Christmas Tree! Oh Christmas Tree!

I love Christmas! I love the sounds, the smells, and I even love the cold! (please note as soon as Christmas is over I am ready for the cold to be over too!) In our house we always had to wait until the day after thanksgiving to put up our Christmas tree and decorate the house. My roommates have found that tradition to be the same in their houses as well.

This year I have just been dying for Christmas to come! I can't wait! So last Saturday we had our own little roommate thanksgiving feast since every one will be out of town starting this weekend....aaaand then today we put up our Christmas tree!

I bought this tree for twenty dollars last semester and I just LOVE it. It's a bit of a charlie brown Christmas tree but it works for a charlie brown college apartment.

Devri and Kaiti were in charge of the "fluffing"


And we all hung the ornaments.

And the finished product! (well at least until Kaiti brings back more ornaments from home)
Merry Christmas!!!!!
I am sure I am not the only one who is stoked 2010 is almost over!

Adoption

Some times I read The R House Blog. November is adoption awareness month and it's author has issued a challenge to celebrate by blogging about adoption everyday. When I read her challenge I knew there was no way I could blog everyday, but I decided I could blog at least once a week. I don't know if it is the lack of sleep or what but I am finding myself a bit emotional tonight. I have never spoken about adoption before on my blog and honestly I am at a loss as to what to say. It may be because this is something that is so close to my heart that I don't share my feelings about it very often if at all. The thought of talking about it on cyber space is a bit paralyzing. But I made the goal to take the challenge and so here it goes.....

I feel like I should write something quick and uplifting about adoption and then my goal is done for the week! With regards to the topic....This year has been a hard one for me. HA How is that up lifting? I am getting there. Yesterday as I was cleaning the kitchen, I couldn't help but think about how different my life could have been. I am usually pretty strong when it comes to this but sometimes.....you just can't help the what ifs. After my minute vacation on the other side of the fence I began to think of all of the joy in my life because a choice was made for adoption to be a familiar thing.

I feel very strongly that adoption blesses the lives of all parties involved.
For those who for whatever reason are hoping for children, adoption blesses them with the gift of parenthood. People often say that no other joy exceeds that of being a parent. Adoption gives that joy to couples who are not able to experience it otherwise.

For the birth parents who choose to place for adoption it gives them opportunities to provide their child with a home they always imagined for them. Although adoption is made with the welfare of the baby in mind it often allows the birth parents with opportunities to grow and develop in wonderful ways.

But most importantly adoption is a blessing for the child. In most cases the child is loved and adored by both a mother and a father in a stable home. That sweet child is often given every opportunity the adoptive couple can afford. That little baby not only has one family who thinks about them and prays for them, but they have two families who do that.

I wish I could express the joy that can come through adoption but I lack the words.

My heart is full when I think of how it has touched my life and the lives of those I love so dearly. I feel like in this society adoption is thought of as the easy way out and is very under appreciated. However adoption is probably one of the greatest tender mercies the Lord can provide. It requires a great amount of selfless love that in my opinion makes adoption a difficult choice but a huge miracle to the lives of so many people.

Adoption is an incredible gift and I truly am grateful for it's blessings in my life. It enriches my life daily and continues to refine and bless me.

I can't think of a title for this one!

This morning I am really worn out! Saturday afternoon I went down to Utah to pick up my sweet roommate from the airport. Then last night we drove through torrential rain to get home (it was kind of scary at some points). Can I just say Utah I love you but I am sick of you! In the last three weeks I have been down to utah three times. And the first two times I did the trip in one day. I'm done! For the next month at least. On our way home we stopped by Liz's house and talked about babies the whole time. So much fun! I have been asking her to post prego pictures and I am sure I am not the only one who would enjoy seeing one. So while I was there I took one myself and here it is!

What a cute pregnant lady! It is so much fun to see her with a baby growing inside her tummy! And that maternity shirt is just adorable! I can't wait to be an aunt and have a fun little baby in the family to play with and love!

And this is their new stroller. Liz says that she is now really impatient for the baby to come cuz she just wants to try out the stroller! (she's tried to make up for it by putting a teddy bear in there) I don't know if you can tell but it's like the safest around and pretty high tech. Would you expect anything less from my brother in law?

My life: Build your own adventure!

As a teenager I some how got the reputation in my fam of someone who doesn't plan very well and who is not....how do you say it? Reliable? I wouldn't necessarily agree with that description. I like to say I was spontaneous and instinctive. When I was a kid and we got lost on family outings with my mother she'd simply say, "Let's follow our nose! We are on an adventure!" I may have taken that a little more seriously then my mother intended because I made it my motto. I would just follow my nose to the next adventure in life. Hakuna Matata!

I had friends who before my next exploit would ask me things like, "where are you going to stay?" and "how are you going to get there?" They always laughed and were never surprised when I'd shrug my shoulders and say, "I don't know. I guess we'll see!"

The last few years I have really surprised myself! Normally I do not stay in one place long enough to unpack my suit case let alone earn a Bachelors degree! But here I am two months away from wearing a muumuu and square hat! And you know what else? While I so uncharacteristically lived in Rexburg for three years I made some plans!

I planned to go straight to grad school in the advanced standing program, get my masters degree in clinical social work in one year, and then complete my advanced licensure to become an LCSW doing addiction counseling. Sounds pretty good right? Yeah I thought so too! For the first time I knew exactly where I was going to go and how I was going to get there.

A new discovery that I have made is: it feels really good when people ask me what my plans are to have an answer!

Okay, So what's the point? The point is that apparently you CAN'T teach an old dog new tricks. One night as I was preparing for the oh so planned out new adventure in my life, I hopped on line and sabotaged the whole thing! I applied for a great job that would definitely put a kink in my current life plan. I haven't heard much back from the employer other then they would LOVE to have some one with my experience and know how. I am pretty confident in my ability to land this post-grad job but I am not sure if I want to do it and stray from the map I had made.

So.....Deborah Diane is back to following her nose to the next adventure in life. Where am I going to go? What am I going to do? Where am I going to stay?

*Shrug* I don't know. *Wink* I guess we'll see!!

Just a Quickie

Seriously I am exhausted. The last few days I have felt like....like...well I really can't come up with a good metaphor because my brain is still spinning and I just can't think. It has just been one thing right after another! I have probably gotten about 8 hours of sleep in the last few days combined. As I type this I am literally laying on the floor because I am to tired to get up and go to my bed. Plus I don't want to leave my dear roommate in case she needs something. I really shouldn't complain. Despite the last few days, life is fantastic and I have so many things to be grateful for!

I am grateful I live so close to my parents
I am grateful I am blessed with so many ridiculously amazing friends
I am grateful for Sarah Jimmy and the huge blessing she is to me. Sarah, you make me happy because you laugh at my quirks, you take good care of me, you are tough as nails, and because you have put up with me in your space and business for the last two years! I love having you as my roommate!
I am grateful I have a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ
I am So grateful for the power of the atonement and it's all encompassing power.
What a blessing prayer is!
What a blessing it is that I am almost done with school.
I am grateful for the new adventures that lay ahead of me. Until those adventures unfold and life slows down, I am laying on the floor feeling and looking like I've been hit by a truck!

Spoiled Rotten!!!

I have come to the realization that I am spoiled rotten. And you know what? I am completely okay with that. Now, I do try to do my best to show my appreciation for everything that people do for me and serve others in return but it doesn't change the fact I am treated well and LOVE it!

When I was in California my Aunt and I had a conversation that went exactly like this....

Aunt Jan: "Your Uncle Richard (her brother) tells me that we Allred girls are high maintenance."
Deborah: "That maybe true, but you get what you pay for and you can't get better then an Allred girl."

I've been wondering lately how I came to expect to be treated so well by the men in my life.

I thought about my father who has loved me so well that I never doubted my siblings and I were the most important people to him. (second only to my mother of course).

Then there is my Brother. This guy is the best ever! He treats me like a princess! Opens doors for me, tolerates my irrational rants about the latest frustration in my life, gets me water or pillows or whatever I need upon my request, etc.

Yesterday I was woken up by a phone call from my mother and two other ladies in their 50's just giggling. They told me they wanted me to teach a dating class to a few return missionaries and before I knew what was happening the time and place was scheduled and set up. I decided that I would recruit my army of male friends for help. I got out my phone and sent out a text asking their thoughts and advice on how to treat girls. Within minutes I had 20 responses. Here are a few of the responses from my closest friends.....

One Said: "My grandpa always told me, "Bradley, to treat a woman right think of how you want to be treated, magnify it by 10 and if she doesn't feel like the world revolves around her, your not trying hard enough!" When I am around women, I want them to know just how great they truly are. All women are amazing in some way or another.... The first thing I always try to do is make them smile.... Once you know what makes her smile, you hold it in your pocket and pull it out every once and awhile so as not to wear it out. Next, smile at her like she is your world, because she is! Without her life would be less full and empty. I understand this is more for a relationship, but you can do the same things on a lesser level with all woman. It about making them feel like there everything to the world, and that's the most important thing."

Another said: "I try to always anticipate any need my date might have. Being proactive will get you far. The moment you can see any potential need (water... ;) ) jump on it and offer before she has the opportunity to ask. Being a gentlemen these days is something few are...open doors, pull out her chair, offer your coat if she is cold, offer to get things for her, SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU! In general, think of women as someone that needs to be cared for. They have the capability to do everything you can, but do it for them before they have the chance."

Another gave me a list of his rules that consisted of Treating the woman you are with like they are the most important person in the world.

Between my stellar friends and my Father and Brother, it's no wonder I am the way I am. Yep, i can admit it.....I've got a good life.

Best trip ever!

This was the last break I will get while I am in school at BYU-Idaho and so I wanted to make the most of it. Seriously, I could not have asked for a better trip. It started in Utah and ended in Maryland but not without visiting California, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia. I saw SO many friends I love dearly. It reminded me that the thing that makes me the happiest is spending time with my friends and family. Every Monday my week was planned and filled full of fun plans. It was pretty amazing how fast my time filled up.

Some of the things I was able to do:
~Universal Studios with My fab Aunt.
~Lunch with my 3rd grade best friend (I just love her!)
~Visits to the DC monuments and Smithsonian
~Seeing Mary Poppins at the Kennedy Center (pretty much amazing!)
~Family trip to PA to watch a QVC taping and Marie Osmond. (I no longer think she is lame)
~Family trip to the beach
~Family paddle boating on the lake (did I mention I have the funnest family EVER)
~Getting my head banged around on the Roller coasters at Kings Dominion
~Playing in Richmond
~Seeing my two of my favorite seminary teachers
~Bowling with a fav MD high school friend
~Girls night out
~Nacho Nacho night
~Movies, movies, movies!
~Photo shoots and bathroom make up time with my fabulous little sister
~And so much more.....(its really late and I can't think anymore)

I didn't take nearly enough pictures of all the people I saw and the things I did but here are some for you.

Me and Margo after a ridiculous storm

Beautiful Rach at the beach

I love my mom. she is so funny. Paddle boating!

Visit to Richmond (seriously, the only picture I took there. Can you believe it?)
I love my Aunt Jan! She always gets all the hunks

In the QVC Audience

Playing in the bathroom together while I got ready. (my favorite thing to do at home)

What can I say? My life is goooood!

Six Boys

Yesterday we had our favorite family come over and play. I was so excited to see them and hear about all of their latest adventures. Our house is always a blast when they are over. Here are a few ways you can tell when the boys are over!

Oreos behind the vase

Yep, that's a cookie and microwave popcorn chillen on the stairs

He has a cookie in his hand that he completely devoured as soon as I took this picture


The is the immediate place all the boys go to either play in the play room or with the video games


These are some videos of one of the boys showing off for Tressa. (he loves tressa!)



And this is a video of him telling me about how he changed his name and now he's a super hero. It's a little shaky because I was trying to walk closer to him so the video would hear him better. He was telling me about all of his super powers. This kid makes me smile.




(Eve, I can't figure out how to email these to you because the file is too big. I may just have to come over to your house and download them to you computer. But I put them up here so you can at least see them again.....)

Hollywood's got nothing on the Elvis room

My Aunt Jan promised me that if I came to visit her this summer I could stay in the Elvis room and she would leave it all to me in her will. How could I pass up an opportunity like that? She has the best Elvis collection I've ever seen! (not to mention the only one I've ever seen). I went and had a fantastic time! She is one of my favorite aunts and I LOVED talking to her and hearing all of her stories about my grandparents who died before I was old enough to remember them and her life and all her experiences. She is just fantastic. We went to Universal studios the friday I was there. Here are some pictures of all the fun.

Oh the bonding moments Max and I had.......

So my uncle Craig is not the best photographer but this is the only picture I have of us together. This is one amazing woman!