The Albert's Adventures

One month ago...

2011-11-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

The happy bride

The Strain's The Strain's The Albert's

oooooohhhhh sparkling Tom's

The beautiful bride and handsome groom

Wedding day 10-29-11

Three generations

LOL

It's a proven fact

2011-08-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

If you have any problems with your male beings just

show him this, I don't know about you but I wanna live a long

healthy life so I'm going to hit the mall.

Anyone want to meet me in L.A.

A BLAST FROM THE PAST

2011-06-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Our first apartment

Bonita High School - this sign wasn't here when

Russ and I attended school

(a nice improvement)

Russ and I have good memories of H.S. Proms and Homecoming dances here.

My house while growing up in La Verne ...

and the baseball field across the street where we spent

many hours watching my brother play and eating

yummy nachos and tacquitos.

Happy Birthday Aubre

2011-05-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

25 years ago this beautiful child was given to us.

She is a strong wonderful young woman who has a heart

of gold and I'm proud to be her mom.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!

Happy Birthday

2011-02-28T10:53:00.000-08:00

20 years ago today these 2 girls joined our family

"No Kelsey, you can't cook pancakes in your room." LOL

The _reat Gatsby

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - COURTNEY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - KELSEY

We feel blessed to have you in our lives

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

2011-02-14T21:54:00.000-08:00

Our Valentine tradition lives on

Laker Land

2010-12-27T23:46:00.001-08:00

Me and my boys

The Zen Master

Kobe watches his team and gives "words of

advice" from the bench

What was that you said coach ?????

Good food, some awesome seats, and a win for the night = two happy boys

(and a happy mom too)!!!

Thanks Russ for finding these for us, you're the best

We've Been Here, There and Everywhere

2010-11-29T22:37:00.000-08:00

The beginning of November we started out to Philadelphia - I shopped at 30,000 feet of course.

During the course of our week with Elder Albert we did alot of touring - We headed out of Pennsylvania Tuesday morning toward Washington D.C. , went through a session at the temple (beautiful I might add) and toured Washington D.C. all day Wednesday morning and night.

Left there and drove to Harmony, PA where the Priesthood was restored and on to Palmyra, NY. We visited the Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, Farm of Joseph Smith and family, the Book of Mormon Publishing Site, Martin Harris Farm, and walked around the Palmyra Temple grounds. We left from there and drove to Peter Whitmer's home a short distance away. That was the end of our church history sites and we headed into NY City - a 5 hour drive.

After a good nights sleep Friday night we hopped on a Ferry to visited Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty and ground Zero. Thought we were going to die when the 3 of us got into a taxi and rode back under the Hudson River to our car but made it safely. On our way back to Philly for some sightseeing we drove through some of the areas Tyler had served in like Allentown and Reading.

Final mileage on the rental car was 1350, and I think we visited 8 states in all. We had a great trip and are greatful for Elder Albert's faithful service and the blessings he brought our family.

We had a few days rest so we decided to go to the happiest place on earth!!!!!

Finally

2010-11-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I'm going to pack this pretty new piece of purple luggage to hop on plane Sunday morning to this place ~

Philadelphia ~ The City of brotherly Love where we will bring Elder Albert home with us.

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

FAMILY VACATION 2010

2010-08-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-15T10:56:00.001-07:00

I was able to spend Mother's Day with my mom - isn't she beautiful

Aubre sent flowers to my office that said,
"Happy Mother's Day to the #1 Laker Fan - I Love you, Aubs"

This is my dad with his two sisters that were visiting from Utah
Aunt Darlene - Dad - Aunt Caroline

I got my last phone call from Elder Albert before he comes home in November. He is in Philly right now serving as the District Leader with Elder Teromoto as a companion. He and his companion have 2 areas that have been combined together so it's a large teaching pool with appointments every hour. He is busy and loves it. He asked me how my missionary work is going........ "Mom, you are the finders and we are the teachers." So I was lectured and promised to do better. I then talked to Courtney and Kelsey who are up at BYU-Idaho. Reading, writing and studying like crazy. They are really dedicated and are having a great time with Debra and Cami as roomies this year.
When my kids were younger I used to think being a mom was hard work ~ I was right all along. But, it's also the most rewarding!!!!!
I LOVE BEING A MOM

Elder Albert and his many Adventures

2010-01-24T21:31:00.000-08:00

He spent New Years Eve in the ER

Elder Bluth looks a little nervous - lol

Two very important things to Tyler are in this freezer. Anybody know?

Elder Albert and Elder Bluth

Merry Christmas

The tradition this family does is they cover the kids up in all the trash (wrapping paper) and then jump out of it, so they wanted Elder Albert to join in. Can you see the baby crawling on him?

We did the 12 days of Christmas and each day he had a scripture to read. In that scripture there was a hint to the gift that he got to open. In the picture below he is telling us he is 5 for 5

BRRRRR

Apparently the snow doesn't bother him - even in his suit

A very successful snow angel

Some Happenings

2010-01-15T15:45:00.000-08:00

I was truely spoiled on the day of my birthday ~ it started out with me showing up at work and being greeted with a large bouquet of flowers and balloons, courtesy of my sweet husband. Then for lunch I was served a homemade meal by the office which included beef stew, bread, salad, and cake. Also to munch on during the day were these very pretty birthday cake cookies made by Sarah. For dinner my husband cooked for me, then we went to BJ's for pizookie's. Wow what a day

The latest from Elder Albert in Reading, PA

"President Murray told me in my interview that I ROCK." He and his companion have the highest numbers in the misison!!!!!

Traditions

2009-12-06T21:35:00.001-08:00

Every year we purchase new matching jammies -

The men however, don't participate in this silly tradition, we can barely

drag them away from football for pictures.
Gingerbread House building is taken serious around this family.
First you are assigned a partner, given a contract to sign then told to wear a permit.
Team Brock and Austin

Team Al and Kelene
Team Russ and Michelle
Team Gloria and Monique
Team Jenn and Jason
Team Wayne and Vickie
Team Kristin and Sterling
Total craziness - people steal/eat candy off houses to win in this group

Jason and Jens house with the tootsie roll Angel Moroni

Gingerbread House Ln. with awards given out by the judges

Playmates

2009-11-03T20:46:00.000-08:00

This was a game I've never seen them play. After chasing each other around they just plopped down on the carpet and had a stare down. There was no tail wagging, no whimpering, no movements what-so-ever for a good 30 seconds. I would have expected Roxy to get up and lick Austin in the mouth and lose the game, but Austin started laughing first --- GAME OVER!!!!!
Roxy's Reward????? standing on his chest kissing him while he continued to laugh hysterically.

They Are Having Too Much Fun For Living Away From Home

2009-10-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

Does she look injured to you?

Always having to carry Kelsey around

Aubre and Kelsey

Courtney, Aubre and Kelsey

Aubre went up to see Courtney and Kelsey at BYU Idaho over conference weekend and had a great time (thanks for the pictures and for being a great sister Aubs). On Sunday my cousin Ron, his wife Loretta and son Scott invited the girls to their house in Sugar City to watch conference with them and have dinner. The girls were able to feed chickens (new experience) and enjoy learning alittle bit more about their family history. Aubre challenged Ron to organize another Family Reunion: summer of 2010.

Always Running

2009-08-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

Being a missionary sometimes includes running from dogs

which can be hard work.......

but meeting people like Jeff and Laura Lynds

make it all worth while.

Elder Albert - Jeff Lynds - Laura Lynds

Jeff's Baptism Day

Signed Kobe Bryant card given to Elder Albert
by Jeff Lynds

This Pool Isn't Big Enough For The Two Of Us

2009-08-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

When Austin went out to skim the pool this morning he found this

not so welcomed guest. I said to myself, it serves him/her right for taking a dip in my pool without an invitation. Sorry, I don't have sympathy for rodents. Then I started thinking,

OH NO!

there's not enough bleach out there in the world to make my pool germ free. Austin could hardly wait to show his sisters and all I could do is cry knowing my swimming days are done. :-(

Our Date Night Consisted of Food, Food and More Food

2009-07-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

Since Russ is Young Men's President in our Ward he was put in charge of getting the food purchased, packaged and in bear canisters before leaving for the 40 mile hike on Monday morning with the rest of the YM and Stake Leaders. He and I grabbed a bite to eat on Friday night then came home and got to work. We started by separating dried fruit into 45 small baggies. Breakfast, lunch and snack all needed to be in separate Big Ziploc bags. Breakfast consists of: 2 oatmeal packets, 2 hot chocolate packets and 1 granola bar. Lunch gets a little better: Beef or teriyaki jerky pkg., 1 pkg. of trail mix, and 2 packets of crystal lite drink mix. Snack time: a baggie of dried fruit, rice krispie treat or cookies. Dinner: An MRE meal and one night ice cream. Fifteen people received breakfast, lunch and snack for 3 days in their Ziploc bags, (I'm not sure who will feed them the 4th day :-0).

After we packaged all the food (with the exception of the MRE's) into the Ziploc bags-

they were placed into the bear canisters. One was placed into Russ' backpack and the rest on Austin's bedroom floor until they left for camp. All in all I think it took us about 4 hours to divide up the food and during that time we spent it talking about how hungry they are going to be while hiking. I hope I recognize him when he comes home :D

Vacation Time and a Surprise Picture Text

2009-07-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

I was holding my phone when a text came through from a number I didn't know. I clicked on it and it showed a picture text to which I was hesitant to open. Never knowing what you'll get in the technology world I decided to be brave and I'm glad I did. This is what I got~

It said, "Ur son is teaching my mom Michelle and is doing a good job" This same Michelle is getting married to Pete so Elder Albert and Elder Bakker are the so called wedding planners. Ty asked me in the last e-mail if I had any good ideas cuz "I'm a guy." Boy is he having all kinds of experiences.

VACATION TIME!!!!!!
Courtney with Grandpa in Santa Barbara

Hearst Castle

Kelsey and Austin

Missionaries, Mishaps and Milestones.

2009-06-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-08T16:42:00.001-07:00

Aubre surprised me and sent flowers to my office

for Mother's Day.

Being that it's basketball playoffs and she knows my Lakers

are in the second round she was also thoughtful in

picking out the colors.

I love my Purple and Gold!!! (flowers of course) hehehehehehe

THANKS AUBS !!!

Cookie Dough Egg Rolls

2009-04-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

Someone out there in the cooking world got smart and finally

figured out how to deep fry cookie dough, so this

weekend I gave it a shot. Yes, little 'ole me.

The cookie dough is wrapped in egg roll wrappers then fried in oil.

I rolled them in sugar and served with ice cream and

chocolate syrup.

Let me say the results are delicious!!!!!

Go ahead and try it, the possibilities are endless. :-0

News From the Field

2009-04-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

This is Sarah

Elder Albert loved teacher her kids and says the

little girl is hilarious.

Elder Call and Elder Albert on Sarah's

baptismal day.

What did you say?

2009-03-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe these words came out of my girls' mouths..............

"I LOVE BAKING!!!"

They made homemade banana bread and brownies today.

This is not an inherited trait they got from their mother by any means.

For now, there will be no complaining on our part.

We will just enjoy every minute of it until they leave for college in the Fall. YUM!!!!!

Happy Birthday Courtney and Kelsey

2009-03-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

This was their cake they are holding - I promise it's not fire!

"Hahahahahaha, I'm older than you"

The girls took this picture at exactly 2:20 on Feb 28th when Courtney was 18 and Kelsey was still 17.

I now can say Russ and I have survived raising twins. Although, it has been busy, and the last 18 years have been a blur I feel very blessed that these girls were sent to our family.

I'm one lucky mom!!!

Mom Space Face Lift

2009-02-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

Out with the old

And in with the new.

For my birthday this year my wonderful friends(co-workers) got me the most fabulous gift ever. Nope it wasn't a purse! They set me up with all new file folders and all the trimmings for a new "Mom Space". That means I got to organize - my next favorite thing to do besides shopping. Thanks friends!!!

2009-01-31T16:06:00.000-08:00

I was able to spend a week with my sisters and parents camping in Quartzsite, Arizona. The town has a population of 4,000 people normally but during the time we come in Jan it's swarming with RV's for the Gem and Mineral Show, which is like a swapmeet. There are purses, silver jewlery, antiques, statues and beads. My sisters and I go with no children but bring our spoiled doggies. Daily we dress them up and go shopping, as you can see Roxy thoroughly enjoys this. In the evening back at the motorhome we all play card games with my parents friends that have been camping with them for over 30 years, make jewlery and sit by the campfire. This is a wonderful get away that I look forward to every year.

MTC Elders

2009-01-02T22:15:00.000-08:00

Elder Lewis, Elder Urmston, Elder White & Elder Albert were in the MTC at the same time.

"Here is where we live - in Bakersfield, CA and ...

we've been called to serve in opposite ends of the world"

Mom's Corner

2008-12-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

So in my attempt to be organized I have a "moms corner". This is where the kids put all important papers for me to see and sign. The family calendar is here along with an emergency binder, food storage binder, etc. I wish I would have waited to see "The Amazing Joy" website before I did mine. I like her cute file folder. Mine is closed and ugly but I guess it serves the same purpose. I noticed on her site she has no stack of mail in front, how do you prevent that from happening.

Elder Albert's in his first area!!!

2008-12-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

Elder Albert left the MTC on Nov 25 for PA. I knew Tyler was going to call from the airport before flying to Pennsylvania so sleeping the night before was difficult. I kept waking up afraid I had slept through my alarm. Finally the phone lit up and I jumped to answer it. I let the kids talk to him before they left for school (generous of me huh?) and then we talked for nearly an hour. He arrived in Philly 2 days before Thanksgiving and has been assigned his first area - Allentown. He said his Thanksgiving was good but he didn't have any deviled eggs :-( For anyone that knows Tyler he LOVES deviled eggs and can really down them and hardly leaves any for the rest of us. He has only been out for one week and needs new gloves, apparently the middle finger knuckle has a hole in it from knocking on doors. He says he might try using a golf ball. I think I might send him some for Christmas!!!!!

2008-11-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.

D & C 59:7

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

2008-11-22T17:05:00.000-08:00

Goodbye snowboard!!! Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Tyler has been called to serve in the Pennsylvania Philadelphia mission. As you can see by his picture he is excited to serve the Lord.

Philadelphia was the birthplace of the United States of America and for US Laker fans where Kobe Bryant went to High School.

O.K. back to Tyler - His mission president has a blog that you can visit. It's www.presidentmurray.com

His mission covers Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware & Maryland. He's looking forward to eating Philly steak sandwiches, hoagies, mustard-smeared pretzels & lots of cream cheese.

But most of all he's looking forward to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His experiences in the MTC have been wonderful and we anxiously await for more when he gets to Philadelphia.