"Christmas Around the World"

 

Featuring BYU's International Folk Dance Ensemble members, alumni.  I had the opportunity to attend this wonderful production with my in-laws.  I had never been before and quite enjoyed myself.  The production included dances from around the world. with beautiful costumes.  I recommend attending if you have the opportunity.  Thanks Jan for the invite. 

Ari's Christmas Pictures

Hope you enjoyed Ari's pictures. If you want a Christmas card send me your address please.

Daddy's Lil' Sailor

US Navy Presidential Ceremonial Honor Guard at Norway

Graduation Here We Come!

Just got news that Bryan passed out-PFA.  He had a personal best with 55 push-ups (only needed 41), 70 sit-ups (51) and he ran the 1.5 in 11:19 (13:45).  I feel like I can finally breath.  We still have this week and three more to go.  With the Navy you never know what could happen.  I will continue to pray, but we are one step closer to graduation. 

I love to eat!

      Last night Ari must have been really hungry.  She ate a thing of sweet potatoes and then a container of applesauce, all while munching on her teething cookie.  BTW she finally has her first tooth.  Don't worry I didn't put her to bed like this.  She had to take a bath and get new jammies.

Liberty at Last!

Well, I'm writing this entry from the liberty center here on base in Newport, RI (think glorified student lounge...there are computers, televisions, video games, billiards, bowling, etc.). We were finally granted liberty after our class dominated the 8th week personnel inspection, and then passed (all but one of us) the navigation test. The liberty is on-base, but hey, it's still liberty. I went to Starbuck's with my roommate, who about wet himself waiting for his first taste of coffee in 8 weeks (I enjoyed a nice carmel spice cider), then we went to the store and got some junk food (not too much, though). And I'm writing this while watching the BYU-AF football game. From here, we're off to the bowling alley to get some real food. Tomorrow, the base's chapel is putting on a Thanksgiving dinner for all the students, so I'm going to enjoy myself some fine pumpkin pie (the rest of it will be ok, but I really want my pumpkin pie). We were told that we won't get liberty for Thanksgiving, but that may change between now and then.

Anyway, I just wanted to post a quick note to say thank you to everyone who has supported me through letters, prayers, fasting, etc. It has made all the difference in the world, and I know I couldn't have made it this far without you all. We just have one major evolution left (the exit physical fitness assessment) on Monday, and then we're on to CandiO phase and should be in the clear to graduate on 18 Dec. Again, all your prayers are very much appreciated!

Check This Out...

Check out the new button on my sidebar! Helen, a friend from the vollleyball family, and her husband Ryan are hoping to adopt a second child.

I am posting this to hopefully help them spread the word, so for any of you out there who read this, please, if you know someone who is looking to place their baby or you hear of something; please keep them in mind. They are super great people!!! Feel free to pass the button along. Thanks!!!

Lindsey thanks for the heads up.  Praying for Helen and her cute family. 

Rifle Drill

Bryan got to be a part of class 03's graduation last Friday. 

Can you find him?

If you cannot he is on the left at the very back. 

I knew it was him because of his jawline. 

My first picture of him in 8 weeks.  I cannot wait to see him.

Bryan Update

I am a little behind, but with a good excuse.  Ari and I once again got sick.  This time Ari got it really bad.  She got croup.  My poor little thing couldn't even cry because it hurt so badly.  After two trips to the doctors she was finally able to kick the nasty bug.  I really don't like cold weather, especially when it brings this white stuff. 

Well, last week was a busy week for Bryan.  He was preparing for a test on maneuvering boards and also his class had a rifle drill competition (which they kicked butt at).  Bryan's whole class passed the maneuvering boards on the first try, doesn't happen very often (especially when you have 55 in your class).  Later that same day they had their rifle drill competition.  It is very important that they do well because it reflects on their DI.  Needless to say Bryan's class set the year record in the competition. They were one point away from tying the all time record.  Go class 06!

After a week like that his class was hoping for some liberty, such as phones. They didn't get any liberties, just a nice well done.  Bryan is actually fine with this. He thinks that it will keep his class focused and it gives him something to look forward to at the end of the week. 

This week he has his last test and it will be on navigation.  He will also have another PI (personal inspection), which he will be wearing his blue uniform.  Next Monday he will have is out PFA and then he will hopefully be secured and get those phone privileges.  There is only one class left ahead of his, which means his class will have more responsibilities. 

We are on the home stretch and continue to pray that Bryan will be able to make it through these last couple of weeks.  With the Navy you never know what could happen. 

Super Sunday!

Well, I got a phone from Bryan today and he is doing great.  Continuing to work hard and enjoying the experience.  He has three more weeks until he is secured.  He prays that his class will stay on track and not ease up.  He has a lot of prior military in his class and that helps a ton.

This week he has maneuvering boards and rifle drill competition on Thursday.  His class was going to practice for two hours today.  They will only have Monday and then if the class chooses to they can practice on Wednesday.  They have Wednesday off for Veterans Day. 

He wants to thank everyone for the letters and says to keep them coming.  It is the best part of his day.  Mine don't always say much sometimes it is just sports clipping about one of his favorite teams or my team the Colts.  Go Colts!  But Bryan says he still enjoys getting them.  Bryan and I would also like to thank everyone for the prayers. 

I almost forgot he got his blue uniform and informed me he looks very snazzy.  I know it is hard for you all to believe that Bryan would make a comment like that about himself.  :o)  Have a great week everyone.

He passed!

So I have been dying today wondering how Bryan's Physical Fitness Assessment went along with his ORLP.  I told myself that if I made it to 5pm Utah time then I didn't need to worry anymore.  Yeah right!  When I got home tonight I had an email from Bryan stating that he passed the Mid PFA, and the ORLP. The following is from his email: "The Lord really had his hands full with me today!"  I am thankful that he realizes who is helping get him through this adventure. 

Our family truly appreciates all the prayers and fasting that has been made on our behalf.  We hope that we will one day be able to do the same for each of you. 

We're almost half way!!!

Bryan is almost half way through the program.  Week four was a big week and week six is pretty much like week four.  He has ORLP, which is room, locker, and personal inspection done by an officer.  A little less stressful than a Drill Instructor doing the inspection. They will have the inspection done while they are wearing their white uniform.  Bryan will also have is mid physical fitness test on the same day.  Tomorrow is a big day for Bryan.  If you can include him in your prayers please. 

The journey so far has been one of faith for Bryan. He has trusted in the Lord that he will help him pull through when he feels like he can go no further.  I almost forgot he had two academic tests last week and he scored 94 and 96 percent.

Halloween 2009

Well, Ari and I didn't do much for Halloween since I was working the 1A, 2A, and 3A State Volleyball tournament.  Thanks to Unc and Auntie Christina, Ari had a fun halloween.  Here are some pictures of the little bug.

Pumpkin Carving

Sunday night we decided to carve our pumpkins!  Little did I know it was going to take me 2 hours to carve my pumpkin.  Josh and Christina bought a carving kit and we picked out our designs.  What Josh and Christina forgot to tell me was that there was a rating system.  I thought I was picking a cool design.  I didn't know that the 4 pumpkin rating ment it would take forever to carve.  It was a lot of fun.  Josh even played us the Pumpkin Harvey song.  Hope you enjoy the pictures.

This big pumpkin on Josh's head is what I am going to put Ari inside of and take her picture.  Picture coming soon!

Pumpkin Patch

A couple weekends ago Unc and Auntie Christina took us to a pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin.  Ari and I had a lot of fun.  Thanks guys!

Ari's Halloween Photos!

Ari's 6 Month Photos!

RLP (Room, Locker, Personel Inspection)

Well, week four was a big week. They had RLP Inspections on Thursday.  If you didn't pass you had another inspection on Saturday.  Needless to say the past couple of days has been high stress. 

I got an email from Bryan earlier today letting me know the following:

That was such an adorable picture! So obviously we are able to use the computer right now. We went to another building today to do some surveys and study for an exam on Wed. There is a new Indoc class that came in today, so we can't use the computer lab on the 3rd floor of our dorms. This week was a rollercoaster. I failed the initial RLP inspection on Thursday, and then passed the 2nd one on Saturday. The drill instructor that inspected me the 2nd time is widely known as the toughest DI inspector at OCS. She hit me right off the bat with some made-up things (like boots not being shined, etc), which were completely bogus, but I think it was all to test my bearing and see how I'd react. I didn't flinch, and just shouted answers to questions at the top of my lungs (which apparently earns you favor in their eyes). Only 5 people out of the 62 in our class failed both inspections, and they have been rolled out of class. That's a pretty good percentage, apparently (he means a high percentage of candidates passing). Well, we are half-way to the Candi-O (candidate officer) phase, at which point we should get cell phone use, liberty, and all kinds of privileges. We might get off liason from the senior candi-o class this week, which means we'll be on our own all day, except for drill times, PT, and the occasional beatings. :) We changed dorms again, and are now in a new hallway. I have a new roommate, and he is great. He has prior military experience (9 years in the Navy), so he will be very helpful in studying for these exams. He also has lots of questions about the church, and God and religion in general, so we've already had some good conversations. Speaking of church, we went again today, it was just so nice to get into that peaceful environment. It really makes you appreciate what you have. Anyway, I should go (I think we're getting ready to head back to the dorms). I love you, and will talk to you a little later tonight, anyway!


-Bryan

The Cold Bug got me!

So it was brought to my attention that people are actually interested in what I have to write. Not really they just want to know how Bryan is doing. I have a good reason for my tardiness. I picked up the lovely cold bug. I guess I should be grateful that it isn't the flu bug.

Now for the real information every wants. Bryan is doing much better this week. He still has a chest cold, but they have him on mucinex and clariton to help clear it out. He never heard back about the results on his test for pneumonia. He is taking it as no news means good news.

This week there is a big inspection on Thursday. He has been spending most of his free time preparing for this inspection. He is trying to do all he can, but realizes it will really be up to the DI doing the inspection.

Bryan was able to go out to the car and pick up a few things they wouldn't let him bring in with him. He was able to get more socks, the iron, and the new pair of running shoes. He has been saving some things for this inspection so they look new.

Oh, he thought his Naval Warfare test was going to be on Thursday last week, but it was on Wednesday. He passed it with no problem. The classes are not very interesting. But this doesn't mean much to me because most classes in college were not interesting to Bryan.

A few more people from his class have been rolled back due to health issues. They have rolled a large number of candidates into his class from the 05 class. They are up to 67. The normal is between 30-40. The reason so many have rolled into their class is because the 04 class gave the 05 class bad information. They have changed things now and Bryan's class is not allowed to have contact with other classes on those who are past the 9th week.

Bryan appreciates all the prayers and the letters he has received. Bryan's positive outlook is helping him. The whole class is trying to help one another pass. They don't want anyone else to roll back, unless it is due to health.

No News, Good News

I didn't hear from Bryan yesterday so I am hoping no news is good news. 

I realize I have only been updating the blog regarding Bryan.  I thought I would do a quick update on Ari.   Ari loves sitting up like a big girl playing with her toys.  She also likes drnking from a big girls glass.  Whenever we go out to dinner she grabs for my glass.  She is also trying to crawl, but doesn't quite get the hang of it.  Enjoy the pictures.

Positive Attitude!

So after talking to Bryan last night I was really worried about him.  My dad suggest I send him a quick email telling him to ask for a blessing.  The following are bits and pieces from his email today. 

That's a good idea (the blessing). I'll try to do that. Unfortunately, the other LDS guy in my class is quarantined (flu-like symptoms) right now, but maybe tomorrow. I'm doing better today, after my talk with you. I'm sorry I sounded so down and miserable yesterday. I know the purpose of the program is to break you, so that they can remake you into the kind of officer the Navy needs. Through all of this, the one thing I have decided to focus on is that I know I'm supposed to be here right now. I wasn't meant to wait until November, or January, but right now. So that means I am going to work my hardest, give it 110% every day, whether it is classroom work or physical training. I'm going to push myself until I fail, then do it again and see if I can go a little further. I've also decided to change my attitude about the whole thing. I remember when I was on my mission I reached a point where I started to just go through the motions. I realized that I was miserable operating like that, so I just decided that when I woke up the next morning, I was going to be excited and have energy to face the day. I'm going to do that here. I'm going to be excited to PT because I know it will make me stronger. .....I guess I'll be able to call and email on Sundays and holidays (I didn't call today because I'm trying to get ready for the RLP inspection in a week and a half). ..... And keep those letters coming, I love getting mail. Oh, I received a letter from the Tiltons! Anyway, just thought I'd give you a heads up.  The weather here is getting pretty crisp (which isn't necessarily bad, because now there is one sand pit that we won't get thrown into...they throw officer candidates in there and hose them down with a fire hose in the summer). We had 2 more people get quarantined today because of illness (one of those went to the hospital). It's crazy how fast this thing (whatever it is) is spreading. Anyway, I should go, but I love you so very much! Tell everyone hi for me!

I am married to one of the most amazing men out there.  Thank you everyone for sending your love and support to Bryan. 

Greetings from Officer Training Command, Newport!

Hello, everyone! I just wanted to drop a quick note and tell you all that I'm alive and well. I have a couple of minutes to use the computer, and apparently I can still access the blog. Reiko's done a great job of keeping everyone updated on what is going here. Today (being Columbus day) was laid back. We did some drill, but have mostly been preparing for a room and personnel inspection in a week and a half. It's pretty stressful, but hey, that's the idea here. It's also amazing how much you start appreciating the little things. Like peanut butter. :) Only 7 more weeks before I can start eating like a civilized human being again. Please feel free to send letters. Pictures are always welcome, too, of course. Oh, and Brent...OCS is nothing like ODS...in fact, we make fun of the ODS candidates...only not to their faces, because they outrank us from the moment they start...:) Anyway, take care everyone, and I will talk to you all later!

Week #2

Well, week number 2 has come and gone with some ups and downs. Bryan called today and I was able to talk to him for 27min 10sec. It was really nice to be able to talk to him for more than 5 minutes. He filled me on how the week went and what is new. He was able to start classes towards the end of the week, but he missed some due to a hospital visit.

On Thursday he went to see a nurse because he had fluid leaking from his eyes so he thought it might be conjunctivitis or something like that. It was found that it was a bacterium, but the nurse wanted him to go have an x-ray done on his chest due to something she saw. He had to go over to the hospital to have this done. They think it might be pneumonia. They will not get test results back until Tuesday due to Columbus Day on Monday. If it does come back positive for pneumonia they will roll him back 8 weeks. This was a blow to Bryan.

We will continue to pray that his health will return so that he may continue on with the graduation date of December 18. At this time Bryan could really use all the prayers he could get. He says that the hardest part of his day is the morning drill where he must run a mile and a half at a fairly fast pace. Starting tomorrow they will run 2 1/2 miles. He enjoys the rest of his day for the most part

Bryan has most of tomorrow off besides the morning drill. This means he needs to at least survive four days this week until the weekend again.

He was able to attend church today which was nice. He also got to eat a Blimpie sandwich. Bryan stated the best part was he got to use his hands to eat. I guess meal time is kind of a stressful time. They have a routine they must go through. They also eat everything with a big spoon and there is some kind of number system that you must eat by.

Bryan has his first academic test on Friday. It is on Naval Warfare. I am sure he will get caught up on his studies. I almost forgot they vote people in each class to a couple different positions and Bryan is in charge of the class’s linens.

I know in my heart Bryan will make it, but prayers never hurt. The hardest part for Bryan is knowing that if one person messes up the other 55 people in the class pay for that mistake.
Oh, for those sending packages, don’t send candy because he can't have it. He has to open packages up in front of his DI. Bryan also wants to say thank you to those that already sent a letter. He apologizes that he will not be able to write back, but really really appreciates the letters. They help him get through the week.
 

More News!

So to my surprise I got an email from Bryan, but not only one email, but two.  He was setting up his email account for one of the classes he will begin next week.  He is not sure how often he will be able to use the account, but sure it will be a privelege his class will have to earn. 
He states "It's pretty tough here, but I'm surviving. We only get about 4 hours or less of sleep a night, and then we drill and get thrown on our faces (or in the sand) for several hours a day. It's definitely tough, but I'm hanging in there. Please pray for me, I'll need all the help I can get."
His days consist of waking up at 4a, starting physical training at about 5a ("it lasts for about an hour, and is positevely brutal"). M, W, F, and S they run, and T and H they do strength and conditioning. After which they go to breakfast, and then do some admin stuff. They usually drill in for about an hour, during which time they spend about half of it on their face doing pushups and getting screamed at. After lunch, he will start having classes, drill for another hour, then have dinner. After dinner, they have most of the rest of the evening to study and prepare their things for personal inspections. Their supposed to go to bed at 10p, but they always have so much to do that they don't get to bed until around midnight.
Bryan's graduation date is set for Dec 18, so with hard work and your prayers he'll be home for Christmas!

News!

I got to hear from Bryan today. It was only for 5 minutes, but I still got to hear from him. For the update he is doing well, it is tough, but he is going to survive. His legs and back are sore, but he knows they are just beating him into shape. He has a great DI named Gunnery Sergeant Anderson. His days are long and grueling.


If you would like to write him you can write to him at the following address. I was informed that receiving mail will help him make it through the next 11 weeks.

OC Bryan Allred
Officer Candidate School
Class 06-10
Officer Training Command Newport
291 Kollmeyer St
Newport, RI 02841-1641

Joining the Navy

So Bryan did it. He joined the Navy on September 18, 2009. The day before his 30th Birthday. He was offered a position with them back in April, but it took some long consideration before joining. We had made the decision back in June, but with all government jobs the paperwork took some time.

We were hoping to start at the beginning of September so that he would be home for Christmas, but as those who have government jobs know it is not up to us, but rather the government. In August we got some troubling news that he wouldn't be able to start until the end of November. This was a problem seeing as we had rented our home out, given work notice and Ari and I moved to Utah.

As a family we decided not to let this get us down. We continued to pray that things would change. Well, a couple weeks later Bryan got a phone call and Chief Roberts stated Bryan could start September 27. This only gave us a week and half to get things in order. I hopped on a plan with Ari and headed to Southaven to help Bryan get things in order and get himself ready to go.

The adventure has begun. Bryan is off at training for twelve weeks and Ari and I are in Utah. We are so proud of Bryan and his decision and pray that he will have the strength mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to make it the next eleven weeks.

We don't know what adventures are ahead of us, but we look forward to them. We will be off to VA the beginning of next year.

Ari's 6 Month Wellness Check-up

Well, since we moved to Utah for a couple of months we had to find a new pediatrician. I was really worried because we really liked Dr. Phillips in Southaven. I decided to ask a friend where she took her daughter since I really trust her. Well, the verdict is that we love Dr. Terry Omura with Cottonwood Pediatrics. He was so cute with Ari and explained to me where she is at and where she should be at in a couple of months. I also found out interesting information regarding how they determine the height of your child. They take dad's height and subract three inches and then average that height with mom's and that is an estimation of the height of your child. Now here are the stats since I know that is what everyone really wants to hear about.

Weight: 19lb (95%-100%)- cousin Taija we out weight you!
Length: 26inches (50%)- hoping the weight will level out and we will grow taller
Head Circumference: 17.2in (80%)

FREE Nursing Cover!

http://uddercovers.com/ This website is giving away FREE nursing covers! Put the item you want in your cart, and then put backorder into the discount code box. All you have to pay is the $8.95 for shipping. Just wanted to let all of the mom's out there know about this fantastic deal! Thanks Erin for posting this on your blog!

4 Month Check Up!

Ari had her 4 month checkup today and she received an A+ from Dr. Phillips. Bryan and I did some of our own measurements the other day and we were pretty close.

Here are her stats:
Weight: 16lbs 12oz (95%)- cousin Taija you better watch out
Length: 25inches (75%)
Head Circumference: 41cm (50%)

She also had her second set of shots and did great once again. She only cried for a second and then I picked her up and gave her some loves. Bryan and I are amazed that she is already four months old. Time is flying by and she is growing so much. We love her personality. It is great when she smiles and giggles. We are so thankful that she is growing strong and healthy.

Great Product for New Parents!

DISCLAIMER: Reiko would like it to be known that she in no way contributed to this post.

So I decided to start my Christmas wish list early after I saw this great new product! Let me know what y'all think.

Mike Miller Volleyball Classic

Well, Bryan had the opportunity to play in the Mike Miller Volleyball classic with Jared Klepko yesterday. It is the first outdoor tournament and competitive volleyball he has played since last summer. They played in the Open division and had a good time. They were teamed up with two other guys from Memphis. Ari and I enjoyed the nice cool weather with no humidity. Ari stole some of the attention from her daddy. Everyone thought she was just the cutest thing ever.

Ari's Future Husband

Cara and I keep telling Hudson and Ari that they will one day find each other and get married. Cara took these cute pictures of the two babies.
Hudson trying to be cute while Ari wants nothing to do with him, typical girl thing.

So Cara brought over a disk with a bunch of pictures of our family from the past two years. And I thought I would post some of them. Bryan and I have really enjoyed our time here in the South and are sad that it is coming to an end. We have made so many great friendships and memories and hope that they will last.

Our friends the Ketchers spoke in church on Sunday kind of as their farewell address. They are also moving in a couple of weeks to begin John's externships. John made the comment during his talk that he will always be able to look at their son Evan and remember the great times they had here in Southaven. Bryan and I feel the same way when we look at Ari.

We came to Southaven only planning on staying a couple months and it turned into two years. We have both grown so much mentally, spiritually, and actually physically (we do live in the most obese state). Hope you enjoy the photos. Thank you Cara for always being on the ball having your camera with you.

I believe Jen's Birthday Party

Bryan and me at the Memphis in May Music Fest (It rains every year, you would think they would change the date)

Katie, Me, and Cara at the Haunted Corn Maze

Kash, Josh, and Bryan working on a project in the dark

I love this picture, I think it was taken the Fall we arrived in Southaven. We sure miss those elders.

Cara, Margaret, and Me outside the Fedex Forum after a Grizzly Game

The Sullengers and us at the Coke Factory in Atlanta. I am sure going to miss our vacations together. We can't let distance stop us from vacationing together.

Don't you love those Fall colors? Thank you Kash for always taking great pictures for us.

Help! Addiction Problem!

So we have an addiction problem at our home. The addiction is Guitar Hero World Tour. We played it when we went to Utah last time, and when we got back we knew it wouldn't be long before we purchased it. We ended up being able to purchase it sooner than we thought thanks to the Collins letting us know that Amazon had discounted it by $100.00. We couldn't pass it up with that discount. We have been playing it every chance we can. We have also tried to recruit people to play with us. There have been some late nights at our house and some babies staying up late.

It's Soooo Hot!

Well, it has been so hot this summer and the only way to deal with it is by going swimming. The Anderson's have been so nice to allow us to use their pool while they are on vacation. We are so thankful for their generosity. I have also decided that if you are going to have a pool,then a salt water pool is the way to go. Here are some pictures of us swimming.

Oh, yesterday Bryan decided Ari needed to go under the water. We will post the video as soon as I figure out how to do that. Until then enjoy the faces she makes.
This is Ari coming up from the water.

And this is infamous dunking in action.
Ari under the waterfall

Ari's buddy Hudson

Ari's buddy Evan

Ari's buddy Morgan

Ari and Daddy