Happy New Year's and Birthday to Grandma Ruffolo

Mother's Mother, Connie Ruffolo (to the left), was born on January 1, 1920, so in her honour we will bring in the new year. Happy 2008 everyone. We hope it only brings the best for each of you.
THE BEAUTFIFUL BABY by Barbara Renouf

“Would you like to hold my baby,” the young mother asked.
‘Oh, yes,” the old one replied.
“She is my treasure,” the mother replied.
“I know, I remember,” was the quiet sigh.
Wrapped in a blanket of white, tucked in
to keep the child from chill.
“What a lovely gift, God has fashioned just for you,” said
The Grandmother as she softly whispered.
“I know just the way the baby should be held
Close to the heart and my arm turned inward to cradle her head.”
The thoughts of the three were not shared by audible words
Or with the generations from the past?
Love brought the beautiful baby from heaven.
The eyes of the two looked down in wonder.
Perhaps the eyes of others, no longer visible
Too, long to hold the cherished child.
With hair of downy hue and brow so finely drawn,
A whisper of a tiny nose
And a mouth of palest rose.
Her hands are dainty size.
Hold her gently, hold her close
For this smallest of human kind
Will soon want down to see her world,
And few will the times that
protective arms may gather her close.
A beautiful baby is a delicate way to
Begin one’s mortal life.
And for a brief moment in time,
Reverently, Mother, Grandmother
And baby child are one.
Barbara Renouf
Santa Clara, Utah
December 2007

Happy New Year! from Mom

THE GIFT

by Barbara Renouf

There is a present coming that I anticipate
Will be here in just a few days,
It won’t be wrapped in paper
Or tied with a gold bit of ribbon.
Yet I know it is a gift quite abundant
With promises, dreams and joys.
It cannot be purchased with silver coins
Or even crisp bills of green
I needn’t go on line or sift through catalogs
And no delivery person will leave it at my door
But I can use it every minute for the
Next three hundred sixty some days.
It is just around the corner from the last
Moments of the December month
And is welcomed to the strains of
Auld Lang Syne.
I have no need to fret or mind
Or long for better times, for it is the
Beginning of high hopes and goals yet
To be eagerly achieved
It is welcomed at the midnight hour
At the dark of night; we’ll be waiting
For the bells to peal from the town clock tower.
And when the strokes ring twelve
The gift is here and it will stir our heart
As we sing and shout, Hurray for the
Happy New Year!


Barbara Renouf
December 2007
Santa Clara, Utah

We wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"If as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to bring to life"--Author unknown

Some Renouf Family Christmas Memories

*Michelle's Birthday--whatever the 'tradition' happen to be that year. I always loved to see her stocking that she was brought home in. My kids love to hear about it, too. Happy Birthday Michelle!

* Going to Sackett Peters or Whittier Stats stores for Christmas Decor

* The older cool college kids coming home and filling the house with fun, or in later years all the grandkids coming over in the evening.

*Squishing together Christmas morning on the couch in our pajamas, and trying to time the picture just right.

* Decorating the house, especially the stairwell banister and finding an old bent nail for your very own stocking.

* Climbing on the roof to hang lights ( it was like a rite of passage to becoming a big kid)

* The year the entire family got bikes (how did we fit 12 in the family room??)

* Trading names for stocking--shopping for your person with mom or dad, even if was at Alpha Beta some years

*One year Dad let us get that snow spray for the windows...I thought it was great, now I know why Mom did not :)

*The Rounkles Christmas Parties (especially the year we did the Scrooge play) or breakfast with Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Rick's family.

*Baking with Mom and all my sisters and brothers in the kitchen.

* Hearing Mom and Dad read the Christmas story and bear their testimony before opening any presents.

HAVE ANY MORE???

All ABOARD The Polar Express With the Briscos

Polar Express Highlights:

• Reeve begged and pleaded to take an elf home with us. Sprinkles and Winky were adorable, friendly, fun little elves.
• Reeve spilling Hot Cocoa all over his new and only change of pajamas


• The trains still had that historic, millenium feeling to them and were decorated .


• The cookies were tasty and the cocoa wasn't bad either
• Mikey and Reeve ran to the bathroom (there are none on the train ride) and on their way out, noticed that strangely this bathroom had a) no urinals b) was clean and c) had feminine-product dispenser.....hmmm???
• Santa took the time to visit with each child by name and hand each child a bell. Reeve's was from Rudolph's harness, Ivy's from Dancer's, and Lavender's was from Blitzen's.

All in all, it was very fun and the kids can't stop talking about it!

Here Sailor Comes A'Caroling

Sailor Celebrates Christmas Around the World!

Here is a pic from Sailor's yearly Caroling party.

Sailor's favorite part was the caroling. She will report soon.

The other pic is of Sailor for Santa Lucia Day, a Scandinavian holiday celebrated on December 13th. For more about celebrating Christmas Around the world....ask ERIN!

Mi-Mi-Mi-Mi....MiMi's Cafe

Mom's old favorite Christmas Breakfast tradition at Mimi's Cafe lives on.

At one time mom gathered over thirty women for her annual 'come one, come all' breakfast (we think relief society might want to consider moving their location to Mimi's). Although the numbers have dwindled a bit, we still enjoyed breakfast on Saturday, and our famous, adored, handsome, mysterious, male visitor (see pic ). It is a wonderful tradition and and early celebration for Michelle's Christmas Eve Birthday. We hope we can convince more sisters to join us next year.

Help For Mom by a Mom

HELP FOR MOM

by Barbara Ann Renouf

There was a young mother with so much to do
Overworked and frantic with tasks, not a few
With children so small their daily needs to be met
From hunger to boredom and a house unkempt.

For little hands never still, minds curious beyond measure,
Tho’ heaven know they are life’s dearest treasure
This is not the home I envisioned was the mother’s sad call
Nothing stays in place, no nothing at all.

Clutter is all that the eye can perceive
Were the words she offered in a pitiful plea.
From laundry all soiled piled high to the sky
And fussy palates that never seemed satisfied.

Then finally on a terrible, typical day
From dawn to eve, life was in total disarray.
The mother just gave way to pent up emotion.
I want a home quiet without such commotion

This is how it should be to be she said to herself
Blocks and toys should be stacked each on the shelf
Laundry fresh and folded, table set with linens so fine
Everything cooked to perfection and ready on time.

Quickly this fanciful thought was banished from mind
For children need space to run, investigate and climb.
A bit of life’s wisdom…… assuring comfort and joy
A wise mother learns in the daily care of her very own girl and boy.


Barbara Renouf
2007

All ABOARD The Polar Express

Each Chrismtas we are thrilled by the Polar Express book by Chris Van Allsburg and if you are lucky enough to be in Utah during the holidays, you can take your own trip on the Polar Express...as did the Telles Family last week.

Stay tuned for more....

Here Comes Suzie Snowflake

Remember that old shredded piece of sheet music with the snowflake lady on front, that used to always find its way out each Christmas?? From young to old, we could all plunk out the fun little tune....Here Comes Suzie Snowflake, Dressed in a snow-white gown, Tap, tap, tappin' at your windowpane To tell you she's in town.

As per some requests, here are martha stewart's directions for making the perfect snowflake....so below is the link.
http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=2ec8d0f19132f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&autonomy_kw=paper%20snowflakes&rsc=header_1

Ode to a See's Candy Box

Our family loves See's candy during the holidays! And we can always count on our darling parents to share a delicious box with us.

ODE TO A SEE'S CANDY BOX by Mikey Brisco

GRANNY SEE'S ALL

The perfect wrap
With the gold granny stamp
Can only mean one thing ..Its time to unwrap

I start by attacking the box with my paws
But encounter a problem, white bubbly gauze
Placed in the box by the granny with care
To prevent any damage to her chocolate heir

After an hour of popping each tiny white bubble,
I look to the chocolate as if it were trouble
And nothing lies between the candy and I
Now its time to indulge on my very first try

The first one I choose looks perfect and sweet
So I wipe the tears and begin to eat
The sprinkles above the shiny brown glaze – seems so inviting
And I start to graze

All time stood still and I started to grin
And all of the sudden my taste buds kicked in
A cherry beneath the chocolate indeed - hidden in white sauce and covered in seeds
Gold Stamp Granny pulled a fast one on me, but I still have faith in a truffle I see.

I forgave the granny from the stamp of gold
So I tried again, and how could she be so bold?
To cover beneath a chocolate disguise, crunchy stale coffee drizzled in her web of lies

Alone in the kitchen I tried again
Just my luck it tasted of crickets and *Gin
My love for this sport would not let me quit
So I saved the last one and hoped for a hit

And then the voices of angels had sung
At that very last moment of the very last one
The toffee covered in my favorite thing,
A creamy brown chocolate that made me sing

Upon the last gulp of that last piece of heaven
In walked my wife and the other wee seven
She said that the children could all have a treat
And she saw all the wrappers, and was not so sweet.

So next time gold stamp Granny appears at the doory
Let her in kindly and tell her your story
Life is similar to her nuts and chews,
That there’s only one Toffee and the others are goos.

*Author does not claim to know exactly what Gin tastes like. This phrase is only used to enhance the poem.

Did you know???? The investor who decided See's Candies was a golden opportunity was Warren Buffett. Gotta have some? Go to: http://www.sees.com/

WEST MYLROIE FLIPS OUT

Check out this cool video footage of Mr. West Mylroie flipping out (submitted by Shane Mylroie).

Erin Renouf Mylroie + Rachael Ray = BFF

Need Professional help this holiday season? I do!
Have you checked out Erin's Rachael Ray Blog yet?

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/marketing/pyrex/

It is wonderful (of course) and it changes every few days, so keep on coming! Ask Questions, too (there is an 'ask question' button on the lower right side of the blog.)

BON APETIT!

KNOCK, KNOCK....WHO'S THERE??

HUMOROUS JOKES passed on by Mum

1. Why did Billy take a ruler to bed? Answer: He wanted to see how long he slept.
2. Why doesn’t a dalmation take a bath? Answer: He did not want to be spotless.
3. Why did the skeleton go to the movies alone? Answer: Because he didn’t know no body.
4. Where does a bee sit? Answer: Behind.
5. Why did the catsup blush? Answer: Because he saw the salad dressing.
6. Why does the hummingbird hum? Answer: Because he did not know the words.
7. What is blue, gray and bit? Answer: An elephant holding its breath.
8. What is black and white and red all over? Answer: An embarassed zebra.
9. How many petals does a rose have? Answer: Rows and rows.

More Jokes from Antoinette Renouf
Why did the computer go to the hospital? Answer: He had a virus.
My dog is so smart he can answer all my questions. First I asked him, “What is on top of my roof?” He answered, “Woof.” Next I asked him, “ What is on the outside of a tree? He answered, “Bark.” Lastly I asked him, “What does air look like?” He said nothing.
Knock, Knock. Whose there? Amos who? A mosquito almost bit me.

The Recipe for the Perfect Man (Gingerbread)

Gingerbread Man Recipe (passed on by Mum)
This is the Perfect Man Recipe (No trouble at all. And sweet as can be. Shape him any way you want. No problem. Never talks back. Smiles Constantly. He'll even decorate the tree.)

One cup butter softened. One cup brown sugar. One half cup molasses. 4 cups flour. Two and half tsp. ground sugar. One and 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon. One half tsp. One half tsp.salt. Easy as you add the flour. Chill dough for two hours. Bake at 350 degree for ten to twelve minutes.

If you want to give him a smiling face. 2-1/4 cups powdered sugar..2-1/2 tbls vegetable oil. 1-1/2-3 Tbls water. Pinch of salt. Food coloring if desired. (This recipe came from a Cand H sugar add quite a ways back. This is a good recipe, recommended by Mum
(Erin reccomends the recipe on the back of the mollasses--this may be the same)

A NEW HOPE....for this family blog

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.....we made a family blog with a hope that we could create:

*A place to keep in touch with and reaquaint with our delightful family

*A place to learn new things from one another, share our talents, and have FUN!

*A place to gain strength from each other during our daily struggles

*A place to be reminded of the great blessings the Lord has given us through our family

*A place to strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ's gospel as the foundation for a great family.

*A place to feel loved, valued, and important! If you're in this family, then we love ya!

Dear Child by Barbara Ann Renouf

DEAR CHILD

by Barbara Ann Renouf

“Hi, Mom,” is the voice I hear on the telephone line.
“How is everything going today?” I ask.
“Wondering, are you well? Is work going like it should?
How are you feeling? Is life manageable?
Are the children wearing you down?
What are your pleasant plans for the future?
Are you happy?”

If you were young and under my wing
I’d sit down and share a cookie
And a glass of milk and listen and
Cherish whatever you would say.
That is how it once was for you and me.
I could you make you feel better just
By listening and sharing a moment.

Time was yesterday and the present is now.
We no longer share the same roof and
Your shelter is far from my eyes.
I talk to you by long distance telephone instead
Of at the same kitchen table.

And I only can imagine or sense
By the tones in our voice-
That you are safe and well.
How quickly our path that once was
Side by side now has taken you
To that lofty mountain called independence
And change.

I’d gladly wish that barrier away
And return once more to hold your young hand.
My love would cheer you, care for you
And soften life’s blows with a
Gentle Stroke of your chin or
Tossle the strands of hair
across your childish brow

My hand looks weary and care worn.
You have grown up and now there
Are tiny bits of time that we sometimes share.
But there is a place always reserved just for you.
In my rich collections of the past
And no amount of goodbyes can take them
My memories of you my child, and me.

Barbara Renouf
October 30, 2007
Santa Clara, Utah

A Man and a Wife by Barbara Renouf

A MAN AND A WIFE

by Barbara Ann Renouf

Two souls in friendship deep
meet and pledge their fairest vows.
The parents all bid a fond goodbye
and turn their way back to the family home.
So off the new couple march on ahead
an adventure into wedded bliss
Where will their destiny take the happy duo?
A home, children and daily cares
tasks to be shared two by two.
Will the young couple blend
their singular voices into one
and sing the happily every after song?
What bit of advice
can one offer? For love
to grow needs heavens’ help from above.
And if the young friends remember
that abiding affection
is nurtured and shared by one
conversation at a time
In wise careful diplomatic negotiation.

Barbara Renouf
August 2007
Santa Clara, Utah