Lesser Known Memories of Dave

My first memory of Dave was actually just 'hearing' about him. Around the time that I announced to people at school that I would be moving across town I was exchanging notes with a mutual friend. I hadn't yet met Dave, and somehow my friend knew the ward boundaries even across town. When he learned my new location he wrote in a note, "You'll be in Big Dave's ward." My thought was, "Who is 'Big Dave'?" Neither Dave nor I recall the first time we spoke, but I do remember the day that I put a face with the name. Our first Sunday in our new ward, the Sunday school teacher introduced everyone in the class to me. After he introduced David Allred I thought, "So that's 'Big Dave'. He's not very big." :)
During our senior year, I got rides with Dave a lot to school, partly to make sure that I could be on time to ballroom (he's very punctual). One day that I'd gotten a ride with him I had some errand that needed doing and somewhat urgently apparently because I asked him to drive me there during the lunch hour. We had AP English together after lunch and we arrived a little late. We walked into the classroom separately and tried to  stagger it slightly to try to avoid teasing, but it didn't work. Boy, we got a lot of ribbing from our class mates. That was the first time that our teacher ever got a hint that we might be more than friends.
After his mission, and after our first post-mission date someone that came through my checkout line invited me to go swing dancing that evening. I didn't really know him, but he was a friend of a friend from work and so I said yes. I was a little nervous since I couldn't even recall the guys' name, but not nearly as nervous as mom was. She was so upset with me for accepting a date with a guy that I didn't even know! While she was still at the store Dave came in and I invited him to come with me, as a safety measure and because I just wanted him with me. Mom was so relieved. I was driving somehow - the guy (Travis) met me at the store, and then I picked up Dave who wasn't too thrilled to go (since he really doesn't love dancing) but was going to keep me safe. Dave was in the backseat by himself and Travis held up the conversation single-handedly, talking about himself and horses. *eye roll* We ended up meeting a group of people at the dance that Travis had planned on meeting up with, which meant that he definitely had a ride back home. I danced with him once (he was awful), and then Dave and I got out of there. So, it all worked out!
Dave got me out of more than one scrape while we were single, and keeps me sane now. I always knew I could count on him for anything - even after I'd broken up with him (I did try not to take advantage of him since I knew that I'd broken his heart, though)! He's always been a gentleman - completely respectful of me as a woman and as a person. He's a really smart and steady man, but he's never made me feel inferior. In fact, he's made me feel like I am capable of doing anything. I am profoundly grateful to have him in my life, and to have had him in my life for so long. He's just my favorite person ever. The end. :)

Mom's Memories of Dave

My first memory of Dave was in the foyer at church.  I thought he was quiet and shy and needed encouragement with girls, so I gave some in connection with a dance at school ---you know, that he should ask someone.  (Insert from Rachael: she was telling him that he should ask me to Homecoming. Per my instructions. :)
It seems he was always at church and always doing what he was suppose to be doing, like he had his own liahona.  I don't know what kind of instruction he had in his home, but it seemed that he had his directions internally and nothing would get him off course.  When he is converted to a principle, I don't think anything could move him.  Like in the Book of Mormon when Lehi is counseling his sons and he says something like, "oh that you were like this river, always flowing into righteousness or like this mountain, always steadfastness and immovable in keeping the commandments of God".  I know this is my favorite attribute of Dave's.  I don't think anything could take him off course with his Father in Heaven.  As the Lord teaches him, he will follow.
I appreciate how he takes care of Rachael by putting the kids to bed, by getting them dressed, by getting them something to eat...whatever, so she can sleep or visit or whatever.  I know he works a lot of hours; but when he isn't, he is right there helping her out.  Another favorite memory is when he took us all tubing on his family property and had a snowmobile to take us back up the hill.  Dave seems to want to contribute to our family and that is so nice.  When it was Raymond's birthday, he went over the top, arranging for horses and a ride.  It was kind of a dream of Raymond's.  And when there is work to do, Dave doesn't talk, he's there to assist in any way he can for his family or ours.  Thanks Dave! 

3 Marches and a December

I've got some time to make up, so let me backpedal and start with Mike.... Michael Maughan! A Christmas gift for the whole world! :) We first met Mike while he and April were dating down at BYU. She was soon giddy in love, and still is! We had the incredible good fortune to live next door to them for their first couple(?) years while they finished up school. It was neat to see him help fix up that house for April, first the basement and then the upstairs. Susan loved running over to visit them, and they would often babysit the girls in order to send us out on a date (a gift they probably only now realize how much we appreciated!). They were also invaluable at helping me pull together party details. Mike has a talent for exactness and precision that I can only dream of, but definitely admire. He has a profound sense of honor, yet also a side that is playful, and he is particularly good at entertaining children. It is so inspiring to see the beautiful family he and April are creating together. Happy belated birthday, Mike!

Nathan. For almost all of his single life, Nathan was Raymond's only brother, one of the most meaningful relationships I think he has. Raymond loved everything about about him--his happy nature, his rolling laugh when he would bounce him on the mattress, his competitive eating and waterskiing, his creative adventures, his drive and ambition. Ray especially loved it when Nathan grew up and came to school and they would lift at the gym together and performed in Fiddler on the Roof. Then that must have been weird for Nathan... he left on his mission and came home to three new siblings--a new brother, a brother-in-law, and a sister-in-law! But he was nice about it (what could he do?). We also got to live next door to Nathan for a while which was fun, and exhausting, for those months that we had to pray so vigorously for him to marry Amy! But what a match made in heaven! And what caring and thoughtful parents to (almost) five very lucky children! They are great friends, and we truly look up to them. I am especially grateful to Nathan for being someone Ray can call and talk about things man-to-man (and to Amy for giving up the husband time!); he sometimes needs a man's perspective and it's a role I just can't play.  Thanks, Nathan.

Charity! I heard all kinds of stories about you before I even met you! Ray told so many "Charity stories," you were a Dancers' Company legend. But to meet you in your little three-year-old person was all the better. Curly hair, painted fingernails, and the vocabulary of a college student. You could hold up an adult conversation with the best of them (I still remember you giving a review of the latest movie while we were hanging out in the hot tub, just like you were a miniature Siskel and Ebert.). And you still have that precocious quality! I love to talk to you and hear about your experiences and plans. You have grown up to be a lovely person, and I appreciate your example, to me and to my girls who are trying to grow up to be like you. They watch the way you talk, act, dress, do your hair, anything Charity. So thanks for making it a worthwhile endeavor! I love you, my friend!

And Dave, let me be the first to sing your praise! It was so fun to watch Rachael try to figure out just what she was looking for in a husband, and to hear about this neat guy out on his mission, that both she and Mom were guessing was it! And you were! I truly admire your dedication and loyalty to your wife and children. You are always there with a watchful eye, protecting them and providing for their every need. I just know you will be ever faithful and true. But as seriously as you take these important roles, there is still a side of you that is willing to dress up in a wig with a mullet and play an air guitar. Totally radical, dude!

This is our Charity . . .

I was so thrilled to get a baby sister! I had been wanting one for as long as I could remember. But then I wasn't the youngest anymore. I wasn't so young that I was truly jealous, but it did turn out to be unsettling. I was suddenly expected to be much more mature than I was used to. Too old to act some ways, but too young to be making certain decisions. It was a confusing time.
I loved that baby girl. I was a master at making her laugh. When I got older she was really insistent that I play with her, which I was sometimes willing to do, but not always. I lost my temper with her more than once, and sadly I would end up hitting her out of frustration. Mom punished me by making me play with her for a solid hour every time I hit her. I always ended up enjoying our time together, but it didn't take Charity long to discover that if she felt like I wasn't playing with her enough then she could goad me into being angry enough to hit her, resulting in a punishment for me that was a reward for her being deliberately irritating. I felt very vindicated later when she admitted to doing her best to get me in trouble on purpose - I knew she was, but mom thought I was crazy. :) Smart little stink.
I missed Charity when I went off to college. We had been sharing a room before that, and still did when I'd come home for the summer (I think?). She was just so smart that I really could talk to her about anything and she'd understand! She's always been very precocious, and I bragged to anyone that would listen about my younger sister who though much younger than me was smart enough to be a real friend that I could have worthwhile conversations with. And I still enjoy having conversations with her. She often surprises me with her insight and wisdom. She's got a good head on her shoulders. :)
My favorite memory with Charity was when I took her out on a formal date for a Christmas present (pictured above). On Christmas day it appeared that all she was getting from me was a card, but in the card I told her about my plans to take her on a fancy date. She loved watching me get ready for the dances at school and wanted me to make her fancy, too. We went the day after Christmas. It was so fun because I could tell that she was loving every minute of it. Totally worth it.
I love you Charity doll. You're my favorite younger sister. ;)

Mom's Memories of her second March baby

Charity.  The name says it all.  This little bundle brought such love and joy into all our lives.  It was 11 days before she could defecate.  What a concern.  It taught me not to hate changing diapers.  Attitude.  Attitude.  Attitude.  Her big words were such a shock and pleasure.  I remember when she wouldn't be reverent in sacrament meeting, so I gave her a little pinch.  Of course, we were in the front, so she turned around and announced to the congregation that girls didn't need to be pinched, they needed to be loved.:) 
Then there was her 2nd or 3rd birthday and she got mad at her dad, so she told him he couldn't come to her party.  He quickly responded that he wouldn't give her a present then.  Quickly she replied, "Well, maybe I overreacted."  What a girl! 
When Andrew came along, she quickly put her mothering skills into play, telling him to do this or not to do that.  They would have long talks in their rooms.  Charity has enjoyed her siblings and the new in-laws as they've come in.  She likes to follow them around talking, talking, talking.  I never tire of her conversations.  I have always enjoyed her voice, speaking, singing, whatever...She is a loyal friend.
She has been faithful in reading her scriptures and loves her Savior.  I'm grateful she knows where to look for all her answers and concerns.  I have appreciated how she has taken responsibility of her own education.  I remember when she announced that she was signed up for charter school and was leaving public school.  I never felt concern because I knew she would just DO IT!  I remember when she made "the deal" that if I would let her quit piano lessons, she would practice on her own.  She kept "the deal". She is an overachiever who doesn't want recognition.  She finished her Young Womanhood Recognition early and then the church added a new value and she wanted to do that also.  And she did.  How grateful I am that Heavenly Father sent me another live baby who had commitment of her own and just  finds the way to DO IT. 

Peaches and Cream ;)

I LOVED my spot in the family right next to Nathan. He was so fun, creative, energetic, smart, inventive, spontaneous, and kind. I did fall victim to a few harmless pranks and experiments, like when he had friend over for the night and I woke up with honey in my hair or the time I was wearing rubber soled tennis shoes and he assured me that if I touched the electric fence with  a wet carrot he handed me I would not get shocked and I trusted him so I did it and felt very tricked when I got shocked however, I saw the genuinely surprised look on his face and wasn’t to upset about it. He was very protective of me and I think took only very calculated risks when I was involved. Like driving the go-cart through swallow you whole sized mud holes on our way to get milk from the dairy. I thought Nathan was fascinating, all the things he would make from parts of stuff blew my mind. So cool! The first time I remember singing with him was at a party he threw for all his friends (I think the whole school came) at our Jerome house. I really liked singing with him we sang at church, and Christmas parties all throughout high school. One ward Christmas party we danced a west coast swing that Raymond taught us. It was so fun and I was really glad Nathan didn’t think it was gross to dance with his sister because many brothers would have and I really liked to dance and he was way better than any of the other guys at it. He always treated me really good at school and at home, in fact I was asked more than once if he was my boyfriend. J Our school took a compatibility test for dating and it turned out I was the most compatible girl in the school for Nathan J Although it was still only around 70% compatible, good thing he found the 100% girl in Amy, she’s perfect! He was quite the achiever, he had no problem putting in way more effort than most people at improving his MANY talents. He would drive 2 hrs from Boise to get voice lessons from the best teacher (Marty Mead) I got to benefit from that too and tag along and usually got a Wendy’s baked potato and frosty out of it as well. Yum! He memorized all scripture mastery scriptures plus a few extras that our seminary program challenged us to do to become a master scriptorian. I think there was only 2 that did it the whole time I was in high school (and I was not the other one, but, you know we all have our strengths) I was so impressed and proud to be related. I think people assumed good things about me because of him. I really enjoyed our friendship during high school, group dates, after youth dance talks over ice cream, and watching movies, especially funny ones (he has a really fun sense of humor and a great laugh). I remember him telling me once about feeling really close to Heavenly Father when he prayed and it made me want to feel that closeness with Him as well. I know I’m a better person because of Nathan. When he went to college and on a mission I felt kind of left behind and is really the reason I started thinking about a mission. I wanted to better understand the experiences he was having. I knew he was the best missionary ever. We’ve been geographically  apart for most of the time since but I LOVE getting together still with him and Amy and their fantastic kids. I’m just really thankful to be family so that the miles don’t separate us permanently. Happy Birthday, Brother!

Nathan

Well, to be quite completely honest I don't have a large number of Nathan memories because the span of time between me being old enough to remember things and him going to college/on a mission is not a long one.  However, on reflection I had to chuckle remembering a summer after Dad's collective birthday gift was the wakeboard.  I remember Nathan taking it out to the trampoline and practicing flipping with it on.  He was darn serious about learning to do that!  Ha, I also remember while he was on his mission he sent a tickle-me-Elmo for Christmas.  It came in a giant box full of those packing peanuts and we played bubble bath in it...granted, Nathan wasn't actually there...but obviously it made an impact on me who the gift was from!  I also remember when he and Amy had first had Elle, they were both so protective.  Especially Nathan though.  If you so much as cleared your throat there was always a good chance he was going to make you wear a mask!  At the time it was a little frustrating because I felt like I was walking on eggshells, but looking back those protective instincts are pretty sweet.  It's also always so fun to spend time with Nathan and Amy because they tell the funniest stories!  And they're just cool.  They've lived with us a couple of times, and I remember one summer we played Monopoly with them all the time.  We'd sit outside on the patio with lemonade or something and chat while we played.  It always came down to Nathan and Mom...they're pretty strategic players.  I still love that game, and believe me it's not because I just love playing games that last for hours.  I just have really good memories of playing with them.  I'm grateful to have such great brothers (and sisters) to look up to!  Love you, and happy birthday!