GREAT News!!!

The doctor released David today, and Matthew was released last night. So . . . both of our boys are home! Thanks so much for your prayers and continued prayers. The doctors originally thought David would be in the hospital for 4 or 5 days. Until yesterday, he was just doing okay, but not great. Then, he really went down hill, and the nurses increased his oxygen to 3 1/2 litres. So . . . the doctor was saying that we were looking at 3-5 more days on top of how long we'd already been there. However, last night we struck a little bit of hope. He started breathing a little bit better, so they lowered the oxygen. Today, the doctor looked at David and decided that he should try to breath completely on his own. They took off the oxygen and their plan completely failed. Immediately, his oxygen saturation level started dropping super low. So . . . they put him back on oxygen. Only to try one more time a few hours later. And his oxygen never dropped after that. They watched him for another couple of hours, and then released him. We definitely feel so blessed. A great team of nurses, doctors, and staff worked with us, staying positive, happy, kind, and loving to us our entire stay. They didn't have to send David home on any medicines or oxygen. We really feel like Heavenly Father answered all of the many prayers on our behalf. Miracles still happen in these latter days. We are witnesses of that!

Prayers Are Always Accepted

Please keep us in your prayers. David has been in the hospital since Tuesday evening, and the doctors intend to keep him there for many more days. Also, Matthew is being admitted today. Both boys are dehydrated from the influenza and struggling with their oxygen levels. David also has pneumonia. Because we are in Colorado, Medicaid will not cover oxygen at home or the medications David needs.

We know that Heavenly Father blesses us with trials to strengthen our relationship with Him and His Son, to help us grow, and He never gives us anything we can't handle. However, that does not mean that we cannot ask for help. If you would, please take a minute and say a prayer for our boys today. Ryan and I would greatly appreciate it!

Zealous Personalities in Bloom!!

Matthew loves his new tools from Grandma and Grandpa Qweesh. He insists on fixing things around the house and building things. It's quite funny to watch, and David thinks that he should be right there, doing whatever Matthew is doing. David ran off with a cookie and the end results were priceless! Yes, this is one of your cookies, Natalie. :D) Thanks again for that yummy dinner--you saved the day!

You can see a little bit of David's pink eyes in these pictures. Poor kid. :(
During the four days of no sickness, we did get a few pictures of the boys playing. Who knew that a box could be so entertaining??
Here is another picture of Matthew giving David Building 101. It's pretty complex--mostly he just whacks things. Yikes!
David didn't do too much fixing, but he loved playing with this hat.
This is the most handsome boy in Sunbeams. Actually, he's the most handsome boy in the hallway. We are yet to have a completely successful day in Sunbeams. Mostly, it consists of horrific tantrums of screaming, crying hysterically, throwing hisself on the ground, and going limp. It's a good thing that I already love this boy. I didn't know church could be so difficult. Nursery was a piece of cake--he didn't even look back. As my mom tells me, "This too shall pass." And one day, he might actually like primary.

This was taken at the beginning of February, when we got to spend the weekend with D'Lonna's boys. We had a houseful, and it was a great time!
Mr. Mischief returns!!! On this particular day, we let Matthew play outside in the fenced in backyard. Typically, we are out there with him. However, Keri was fixing dinner, and Ryan was tending to David. Matthew was mostly playing on the big patio, but decided he needed a little more action. He hooked up the hose and sprayed himself down. Crazy boy!!!!
David was sad that he didn't get to join in Brother's fun.

Okay. Before I explain these pictures, does this jog anyone's memories (say Steven, Ryan, maybe?)??? Matthew decided it would be so funny to try on Mommy's bra. He actually grabbed a pregnancy bra out of the drawer and began prancing around. I could not stop laughing!!! What are we in for?

Birthday Surprises!!

Matthew has decided that it's time for his birthday already. I told him that it's not until September. He went on to tell me that he was going to have another Thomas cake. I asked him if maybe he would like a Buzz Light-Year cake. He thought that was an excellent idea. So . . . when his grandparents came home, he announced, "Guess what? I'm gonna have a BUDWEISER cake for my birthday!" Both of my parents were like, "What?!!" We couldn't stop chuckling.

Spoke Too Soon!!! :(

Okay, so maybe Heavenly Father is trying to teach our family a huge lesson in humility! We got better for about 4 days, just to have a calm before the real storm set in. We're going on 3 weeks of stomach flu, strept throat, ear infections, pink eye,, and now influenza. Yesterday, we had to take David to the hospital. His fever was 103.4--SCARY!!! It turns out he has influenza, and it's super contagious. I've been running a fever since last night and coughing really hard. Now, Matthew is complaining that he doesn't feel well either. I had no idea that the actual "flu" could be so bad. David just screams and doesn't want to eat or drink. It's not fun.

Anyway, I do have lots of pictures to post, but I'm just not up for downloading them right now.

TAG- sort of to anyone out there who needs to post something today!

1. What time did you get up this morning?
7:45 a.m., which was wonderful, because yesterday Matthew was up until 4 a.m. with a sore throat and cough! I'm so glad we're on the mend!!

2. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Step Up 2: The Streets--I loved the dancing, even though the acting wasn't very good.

3. What is your favorite TV show?
Right now I am hooked on American Idol. I know, it sounds so cheesey. This is the first season I have ever followed, because now we have t.v. since we're at my in-laws. I even vote--pathetic, I know, but I'm okay with that!!

4. What do you usually have for breakfast?
1 egg, 1 piece of multi-grain bread, 1/2 of a Pacific Rose apples, and 17 grapes or 1/2 of a banana. I also drink 1/2 cup tomato juice and a glass of water.

5. What is your middle name?
Nicole

6. What food do you dislike?
This is a hard one. Allreds and McLeishs LOVE food! I guess I'm not into sushi, much to my husband's dismay.

7. What is your favorite CD at the moment?
I don't really have a favorite CD. However, I like Rascall Flatts, Colbie Callait, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift.

8. What kind of car do you drive?
Right now I drive a green Ford Windstar. Thanks Mom & Dad for lending us a vehicle while Ryan is student teaching. It's been a lifesaver!

9. Favorite sandwich?
I love chicken salad on a croissant! Yum!! Love it! Love it!

11. Favorite item of clothing?
I love handbags! They're so fun!

12. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Greece, Italy, & Spain are my dream cities! Someday . . .

13. What color is your bathroom?
Right now, I live with my in-laws, so I don't have my own bathroom. However, the bathroom I use is the Ralph Lauren room. It's blue and red, and tastefully decorated!

14. Favorite brand of clothing?
Before I got married, J. Crew was my absolute favorite stores. Five and a half years later, I still cannot afford to shop there. Reality check--whatever fits, looks good, and is economical is what I wear!

15. Where would you retire to?
Near my family, a temple, a big city, and God's creation (either the beach or the mountains).

16. What was your most memorable birthday?
When Ryan and I were dating, he took me to SLC for a night of eternal bliss! He put all of these signs up all over campus, decorated my room with tape and balloons. He gave me two very thoughtful gifts, and then we drove to SLC in a really nice car (he borrowed it from a friend). On the way down, he played a CD of songs he had burned for me. Then he took me to this yummy Italian restaurant of great food and music. After that, we headed to Temple Square for a surprise carriage ride, during which time it snowed and then stopped when the ride was over. He also told me he wanted to be the last one to celebrate my birthday with me and that he would take me inside the temple one day. Nine months later, we were sealed for all eternity!

17. Favorite sport to watch?
I love watching tennis, volleyball, and basketball.

21. Favorite saying?
"When life gets too great to stand, kneel.", "This too shall pass.", different poems and scriptures, and "I love you."

22. When is your birthday?
December 10th

23. Are you a morning person or night person?
Neither

25. Pets?
Two little boys and a husband--just kidding :D)

26. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us?
I think my family is over their sickness! We're going to play today!!!

27. What did you want to be when you were little?
Since third grade, I've wanted to be an OBGYN. Then I met my own when I was 13. That idea changed very quickly. I've also always wanted to be a mother.

28. What are you now?
"Honey", "Ker", "Yes, Sir.", "Mommy", "Mamia", "Bear Care", and many more.

29. What is your favorite candy?
Anything chocolate is always a hit with me. At Christmas time, I love almond rocha!!!

30. What is your favorite flower?
I love any type of flower. It depends on the occasion. However, I do think that peach-colored roses stand out, and sunflowers--they're so happy!

31. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
The weekends are always welcome around our home. It means time with Ryan and datenights. I love going on dates with my husband!

32. What church do you attend?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

33. What is your full name?
Keri Nicole Allred

34. What are you listening to right now?
I've been singing primary songs this morning to my boys.

35. What was the last thing you ate?
A delicious chocolate chip cookie, which Anneli taught me to make. They're wonderful!

36. Do you wish on stars?
Yessss

37. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
I'm not sure. I guess I've never thought about it.

38. How is the weather right now?
Beautiful sunshine and clear skies!!! Thank you Heavenly Father!

39. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My mom. She's on her way to NC for a friend's wedding, and she's currently layovering in Atlanta. Hang in there.

Delicious Updates!!!

Thanks so much for the referral to allrecipes.com, D'Lonna! I used these two recipes for part of Ryan's Valentine's Day dinner tonight, and the meal was to die for!!! Each recipe has been rated 5/5 by over 1,000 people. Actually the fruit salsa was 5/5 by 1,348 people and the artichoke dip was rated 5/5 by 1,024 people. It's apparently not just me. Try it and enjoy!!! On the artichoke dip, I used an Alfredo sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. Also, we made a few substitutions on the fruit salsa. Instead of raspberries, we used blackberries, and we used raspberry preserves. It tasted amazing!!!!

Annie's Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips
SUBMITTED BY: Ann Renzino Page PHOTO BY: Allrecipes "Easy to make, tasty fruit salsa and cinnamon tortilla chips. Great as an appetizer or a snack. Great for anytime!"
PREP TIME 15 Min
COOK TIME 10 Min
READY IN 45 Min
SERVINGS & SCALING
Original recipe yield: 10 servings
USMETRIC

INGREDIENTS
2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor

10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray
2 cups cinnamon sugar
READ REVIEWS (1,348)

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture.


Artichoke & Spinach Dip Restaurant Style
Submitted by: TerraD Rated: 5 out of 5 by 1024 members
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour 15 MinutesYields: 12 servings
"Alfredo sauce brings a rich, creamy twist to an old favorite. Serve this hot dip with bread sticks, chips or crackers."

INGREDIENTS:
4 cloves garlic
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (10 ounce) container Alfredo-style pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

DIRECTIONS:
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.Place garlic in a small baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 20 to 30 minutes, until soft. Remove from heat. When cool enough to touch, squeeze softened garlic from skins.
3.In an 8x8 inch baking dish, spread the roasted garlic, spinach, artichoke hearts, Alfredo-style pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and cream cheese.
4.Cover and bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until cheeses are melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

Why Are Kids So Honest???

I am bug-eyed from lack of sleep, cold because my hair is wet because I had to take another shower because David puked all over me, and sore from working out. Not that I am wanting to complain, because I have a wonderful life. But I just feel drained--emotionally and physically.

We kept our four nephews this weekend, and it was a lot of fun. The boys are really sweet and have tons of energy. However, six boys under the age of eight was a little bit taxing on me. Plus, David has some type of flu bug and their baby has pneumonia or RSV or something of the like. The crazy thing though, is that after all of this, Ryan looked at me today and told me that he is just fine if we don't have anymore kids. I told him that this really changed my mind too, but I now want to have more children. I didn't expect this. I mean, have you felt like even though the trials and challenges are so great, that the joy is sweeter? Amidst all of the chaos of trying to meet so many needs, I really got lost in the work and love for the kids. It was a really sweet experience.

Oh, and a few other things happened as well. Tyler asked me if I was expecting another baby. No, Sweetheart, Aunt Keri just has a pouch. Also, we took all six kids to Matthew's first soccer practice. The expressions on some of the people's faces as we walked up were priceless!! We then explained the situation. A couple of the parents let out sighs of relief. I thought of the questions D'Lonna posted on her blog a while back. It was pretty hilarious!

President Hinckley

LDS.org

Beloved Church President, Gordon B. Hinckley, Dies at 97
SALT LAKE CITY 27 January 2008

President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, has died at the age of 97.
President Hinckley was the 15th president in the 177-year history of the Church and had served as its president since 12 March 1995.
The Church president died at his apartment in downtown Salt Lake City at 7:00 p.m. Sunday night from causes incident to age. Members of his family were at his bedside. A successor is not expected to be formally chosen by the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles until after President Hinckley’s funeral within the next few days.

I will remember him most for all of the temples built and dedicated during his time. The conference center was built. The Proclamation to the World, The Living Christ, and The Six Be's will be remembered greatly. I will always think of his love for his wife. He said this of his wife after she passed away, "She was the girl of my dreams when I met her and now, she is the girl of my dreams again." He loved Marjorie so much, and now he gets to be with her again. President Hinckley was very sweet, and yet, sometimes kind of grumpy. I remember when he was dedicating the Winter Quarter's Temple, and his wife was taking her sweet time saying "hello" and giving hugs to all in her path. He started getting onto her, and in a ruffled way, said, "Come on, Dear. Lets hurry it up." We couldn't stop laughing. President Hinckley was in the media many times and did everything with love and goodness. He talked about how the world would be a much better place if everyone was treated the way people treated him. I will remember his talk on forgiveness when he read about the story of the turkey being thrown through someone's windshield. I will think of the podium in the Conference Center and how it was carved from the Walnut Tree in his backyard. I will think of his love and zest for life. The man had more energy at 96 and 97 than I have had my whole life! I just have so many memories of this spiritual, humble, wonderful, and adorable man. He will be greatly missed.

Please fill free to leave any good memories you have of our dear Prophet.

Cupcakes, Dress-up, Walking, Cousins, & More . . .

David was sitting on the countertop while Ryan got his sippy cup ready. Ryan turned his head for a few moments, and the next thing he hears is a sucking sound. David is eating this tomato like it's an apple.
It was really cute and funny at the same time!

If Matthew's going to leave him for a week in Denver, David will find a new partner in crime. This time it's Jamesy :)

We watched Corbin for a day, and Matthew insisted on holding him. He's such a sweet baby, and Matthew's a wonderful cousin.

These were our New Year's Eve cupcakes. I know they're out of season, but I really wanted to try out my new cake decorating tips. The lady bugs were the easiest design, so I gave it a shot. I think they turned out really cute. The only thing they were missing was wings.

This is Davida! Do you like the name? Ryan was really upset with his mother after these photos were taken!!!
David surprisingly makes a really beautiful girl :)
Okay, so another found Texasism. Texas has roaches, and they're creepy and crawly and disgusting, and cause me to scream and cry and climb on chairs!!!!!!!! Need I say more??

Welcome to Texas--Where Everything Is Bigger And Better!

So I have learned a lot since I've spent 1 1/2 weeks of my life down here. Specifically, I have not made it through a day yet where no one has used the phrase, "Y'all". And everywhere I have gone, people offer to help. In fact, when we were passing through a town while journeying down here, a woman came rushing out to see if we needed anything for our kids (Ryan was changing David in the front seat of the Camry.). People talk to me in the parking lots, restaurants, in the stores, at church, wherever. It's kind of amazing! And it is refreshing to see that there are more restaurants in a town than Olive Garden and Chili's. Furthermore, there are signs a few blocks ahead to inform you of the upcoming intersection. It's wonderful!! I still sometimes have to compute over and over in my head what people are saying because of the thickness of their accent; however, most people are pretty easy to understand. If I go in public, I can count at least 3 crosses around people's necks. Anyway, tune in later for more found Texasisms.