Merry Christmas 2009!

"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

I posted this quote before, but I love its message. Every Christmas I try to sit still for a moment and ponder our Savior's birth and the person I am becoming because of Him.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to our Christmas baby, Michelle!

Funny Haikus and Pie-kus

Yesterday our good friend, Michal, posted on her blog Relishing Motherhood (see sidebar) about haiku poetry. Immediately I thought of Erin because she had a haiku published in the Deseret News over Thanksgiving for a Pie-ku contest. I read the comments and noticed that Erin commented but, of course, did not mention her winning haiku. I did what any good sister would...
I mentioned it.
Michal requested it.
I told Erin.
Erin says she was too shy to share it....but then the truth comes out (and here comes the funny part):


It was really because of this:

This funny illustration accompanied Erin's haiku.

It was too much for Erin. She couldn't handle her name in print right next to this messy-face "Pat" person. It was cracking me up that she won't tell anyone about her haiku (even when they ask) because her name was next to this illustration. And while I agree this graphic is a little unattractive...it is fitting for her wonderful haiku.

I was laughing so hard and all Erin kept saying was things like, "Come on, you wouldn't want your name in print by that either." or "My name was right next to that."

So without any further ado, I present Erin's perfectly lovely first place Pie-ku/Haiku:

Oh, sweet pumpkin pie!

Would it really matter

if I became fatter?

Isn't it great?

Alright if anyone else there would like to try their hand at this ancient form of poetry, here is the basic pattern: 3 lines, with 5 syllables/7 syllables/5 syllables

Happy Haikuing to you all.

Next Up: It's official! Congratulations to the newest FIANCES in the family!

Christmas Poetry

This is a sweet Christmas poem (last verse) that children can easily memorize:

In The Bleak Midwinter (1872)

"What can I give Him, Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb,

If I were a wise man, I would do my part.

Yet what can I give Him? Give my heart."

--Christina Rossetti

**Painting is by Del Parson (Mom's cousin), "Good Shepherd"

If you are interested in reading an interview with Del Parson, here is the link:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.meridianmagazine.com/arts/images/good_shepherd.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.meridianmagazine.com/arts/080425loveprint.html&usg=__7AOugYy4KWwk54QJY6RuPw19BTA=&h=301&w=380&sz=27&hl=en&start=5&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=L0CMgPwxO_hlCM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=123&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dshepherd%2Bimage%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:*:IE-Address%26rlz%3D1I7GGLL_en%26sa%3DX%26um%3D1

Fast Sunday

Fast Sundays at our house are traditionally used for Interview Sundays (I think this idea came from Mary's family). We rarely are able to keep up with any proposed traditions because our life is just too hectic for anything complicated, and I'm willing to admit that perhaps, I am just too flaky. However, this Fast Sunday tradition works for us.
On the first Sunday of the month (Fast Sunday in our Church), each child privately sits down for an interview with Dear Old Dad.
Dad and child usually read a scripture, talk about things they are working on, feelings they have, expectations we have for them, goals, and anything they want to talk to their Dad about (or we want to talk to them about). I would love to attend one day (I think), but for now it takes a full-time warden to keep the other darlings out during the interview.
Lately we have been working on the kid's 'life plan'. Sounds ridiculous for kids so young, but I it's been so funny to talk about. They each made a little flow chart and discussed the things in life they want to achieve...school, baptism, priesthood, temple endowment, mission, career, marriage, schooling, family, hobbies....
Anyway, this week the kids made their 2010 goals to go along with their life plan.
Who knows if any of it will come to pass. Who knows if it will do any good. But our hope is that the kids will want to live up to their goals. (And deep down I hope that during those dreaded teenage years, this interview system will keep the communication from totally evaporating--if that's possible.)
Dad used to have interviews with us, too, though not each Fast Sunday, but many of those feelings have had a long lasting impact on me. I appreciated time alone with him, his interest in my life, and valued the expectations he made clear for me.
Do you have any good Sunday traditions that work for your family? Please share....

The hotline is now open

It's me again, the middle turkey.
Ever since we published our little Renouf family Thanksgiving cookbook, my holiday phone calls have significantly decreased. Everyone has all the recipes they need, which is very lovely. No one has a question about lumpy gravy, pie crusts that brown too quickly, or turkey cooking times. How wonderful! But I miss chatting with you while you're chopping. I miss mingling while you're mixing. I miss yammering over the yams. So I just wanted to remind you all that the phone lines are open for Thanksgiving, even if you don't have a cooking question. Don't be a stranger, even if you are estranged. Even if you are only across the street at Grandma's house. Call me and we'll talk turkey.

Happy Voting To You

Hello. It's me, the almost birthday girl, the middle child in the middle of the November birthdays. So to milk my day for all that it's worth, I thought I'd beg a few votes for my French's recipe contest.
Here's the deal to vote: You must create an account. It's one page long and takes about 30 seconds. Next you vote. The next day, you come back, log in and vote again. Each person in your home with a registered email account can vote once a day. We have such a big group, perfect for monopolizing voting contests. It's not very fun to vote, but what do we have family for if not to help us with out with our unpleasant tasks? And it's not as hard as say, babysitting or helping someone move heavy furniture.
Do I sound desperate? It's because the grand prize is $25,000. Yep, $25,000 big ones. Wouldn't that be a lover-ly birthday present? (I'd put in a backyard AND take Sailor and West on the same Europe trip that we went on last Fall.)
The last day for voting is November 25th, at which time we can turn our attentions over to the younger birthday girls. Until then, you're all mine. Mwah hah hah. Sending much love and good cheer to all and a heartfelt daily thank you. E
Click right on this link to go directly to French's.

Europe Remembered II (and more)

FIRST,
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Renoufs!
Happy Birthday to you!

Birthday season has officially started in the Renouf family...So Happy Birthday to Dancing Grandma, Roy, Leslie, and upcoming Erin, Catherine (and her lopsided birthday twin), Lisa, and Michelle.

NEXT, It has been so much fun looking at the old Europe pics, that I thought I would post more. Sorry for any repeats.

Europe Remembered

Has it really been a year? Has it Really been a YEAR already?
It was the trip of a lifetime. Really. Hope you enjoy the memories. I miss and love you all!
PS...These are a combination of Shane's and my photos. I tried to find ones with everyone. Feel free to send me more.

Self Worth (Elder Uchtdorf's Talk)

Last Sunday Mother heard a wonderful CES fireside talk by Elder Uchtdorf that she thought could help us all in our daily struggles. President Uchtdorf spoke about realizing our self worth living up to our potential. Mom asked me to post the link for everyone and if you find a moment today to listen to his wise words.


I liked this quote.
He said, "Much of the confusion we experience in this life comes from not simply understanding who we are. Too many go about their lives thinking they are of little worth. When in reality- they are elegant and eternal creatures of infinite value with potential beyond imagination. Discovering who we really are is part of this great adventure called life. ”


This link will guide you to watch/listen to the talk.
Here is the link http://www.lds.org/broadcast/ces/0,7341,395,00.html

Halloween Plans

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE FOR HALLOWEEN?

Can you guess who this is?
Have you ever seen such a cute little witch?

Halloween Joke: Where do vampires keep their money?

Answer: In the blood bank.

Got any better ones?

Please, LEAVE A COMMENT SAYING WHAT YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS ARE GOING TO DRESS UP AS FOR HALLOWEEN. PLEASE oh PLEASE.

VOTE for Erin

Erin/Prudy has entered a new contest which needs your votes.
You can vote once a day for Erin's dish.




Here is the link
http://frenchs.com/Contest/recipe/cheerycherry-chicken-with-crispy-onion-grits-2099.html

On the left sidebar there is a "VOTE" button. Just Click 'VOTE" and it will count your vote. This is one of those times that belonging to a huge family has it's perks :).

Good Luck to Erin.

ps...more coming up a Erin's BIG Better Homes and Gardens win

Mikey Testing, Testing 1-2-3

Whenever Mikey mentions that he is going to be on the #1 SLC radio show on Monday morning at 9am, everyone assumes it must his moment in the sun--his ever-dreamed-of comic debut.

Surprisingly and much to his secret disappointment, it is a radio show about Corporate Fraud and since Mikey works in Corporate Audit, the radio producers of 97.1 "The Morning Zoo" asked him to come in and discuss his work.

Now somehow I know that Mikey will find a way to make this funny, but what seems even funnier is that his long awaited 'discovery' is about Corporate Fraud--if you know him that alone will give you a chuckle. Shane shook his head and said, "He's going to go in there and never come out."

Anyway if you want to listen at 9am MST Monday morning (10/19/09) you can click this link

http://www.971zht.com/main.html Click on the 'Listen Live' tab. (Sorry, some of the pictures are a bit crass. Just minimize and listen, don't look) and get a kick out of Mikey talking seriously for the first time in his life.

I can guarantee you a laugh.

How The Westey Won...

We have some good news in our family.

West entered a Nestle Push-Up Popsicle contest and he won!!!!!!!!

He had to design (on the computer) his very own push pop wrapper using graphics they offered on their website. He decided to go with a robot theme and he won the grand prize. He won a nice wad of pocket cash which he kindly plans to share with his sister, Sailor, and a donation of $2500 smackaroos to the institution of his choice.

If I understand correctly, then there is another part to the contest--the voting phase. I guess we can all go here http://www.scholastic.com/pushupandcreate/ and vote for our favorite design. I already know which one I'll vote for :).

Best of all, West's push up wrapper will be on the push-ups in summer 2010. We can't wait to hold a West original push up Popsicle in our hands.

Congratulations to West. We are all so happy for him! YEA WEST!!!!

Don't forget to vote at http://www.scholastic.com/pushupandcreate/

REMEMBERING...

Fifty Years Ago

There is a once upon story that those we love should hear.
Its beginning took place in ordinary junior high school.
Such an early place to meet one’s eternal soul mate
One can hardly believe it’s true.
Friends, carefree and silly, all the manner of youth
Serving on a committee, sharing a game, doing homework
Or having a conversation on the phone.
A feeling of trust and respect, good qualities are sensed.
Young people really have not an idea or clue of what the future will hold.

As time went on and important decisions were made
One tall, lanky young man and a short young lady
Became a married couple who agreed to face the future together.
Over desert hills and mountainous terrain,
They fought their way finding at last the place called bliss.
It was not a smooth even ride but learn they did
To calm their tempers, watch their words and share the good and bad.

The children of the couple soon stretched their homes to bursting
Happily each new offspring made the family stronger
And filled their lives with sublime happiness.
And then one day, it all came to a halt
The busy household was quiet…..and the once young couple were alone.

Until on a beautiful evening in a small desert remote town,
A celebration was held. The guests of honor were the same couple now growing old.
The man and wife, for which the event was planned
Could not believe their eyes nor hearts, as their children, great and grand
Gathered to remember that fifty years this year, that married life began.

Old photos, skits, flowers, hugs and song filled the evening air.
Beneath the darkened sky with lights of twinkling blue
And a garland of lace overhead, Jack and Barbara remembered quite well
The love, resolve and the strength gained from Temple and wedding vows.
Twas a grand moment for them, it will never be forgotten through time and more.
A wedding of two opened the door for children, for opportunities, for learning and for growth. A wonderful tale with a happily ever after. Better than a novel, more profound than any poem, woven with threads of white and gold and tied with the strongest of cord;
As an ordinary couple embarked on a extraordinary journey to a future without end.
Fifty years, only a moment some might say as the days and years race quickly past for: Jack and Barbara Renouf’s future, there is more love to follow and many happy moments yet to be.
To all their Family and Friend alike, they express their deepest thankfulness…. for helping create for the two of them an exquisite wonderful life!

By Barbara Renouf

Cheap Help???

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well! As many of you know most successful individuals fail multiple times before they get their ”break”. Lately I have been working on a project which I hope will help me get closer to that big “break”, and if I don’t get the “break”, that is one failure closure to the big “break”.

I have created and designed a website. The purpose of this website is to provide quality work at affordable prices. I know that you are just dying to help me with this project so what can you do to help? You can visit the site and upload any services or items you feel fit what you do. It is free to register. Also please feel free to click on any advertising links, which earns me a whopping 2 cents!!! Because I don’t have a marketing budget we are hoping on word of mouth to get the job done.

Thanks for your help and here is the site, visit and read the about us tab:

http://www.ineedcheaphelp.com/

Mikey Brisco

Meet Sunny B... another satisfied customer!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

A new favorite ice cream is floating in and out of our house, and surprisingly it is low fat.

INTRODUCING...

Dreyer's Take the Cake Ice Cream.

It is definitely on the sweet side, but it really reminded me of the Funfetti Cake that Jack loves so much (Happy Birthday Jackson on the 22nd). And something about the flavor reminded me of the Swenson's Bubble Gum Ice Cream flavor from when we were kids, but I'm not sure why or how. It's delicious--get some....tonight.

Our latest favorite family book is 'My Father's Dragon' by Ruth Stiles Gannett. It is a classic re-read but If you haven't read it, your whole family will enjoy it. It is mesmerizing and we can never just read one chapter. With school starting soon, we relish our free reading time.

Happy Friday Favorites!

Welcome Home and Bear Lake!

First of all we want to welcome home Mom and Dad from Nauvoo! YEA!
We know they are needed and do great work in Nauvoo, but we are all so glad to have them back with us. They had a great summer filled with lots of visitors. They saw the Ogdens, the Dana Ogden-Brandts, the Efnors, the Mylroies, The Roy Renoufs, and The Jackson Renoufs. They were also able to visit with all of their favorite Nauvoo friends.


Luckily some of us Utahns (Jackson and Rosie, Telles, and Brisco) were able to catch Mom and Dad coming across the states on their way home, while we were in Bear Lake, UT last weekend. You can tell the grandchildren missed them immensely as they would not leave them alone. Every photo has someone talking their ear off--I have to admit it wasn't just the children. It was so fun to roast marshmellows and sit by a campfire with Grandma and Grandpa. We just love them!
Anyway we hope everyone is having a fun summer and Welcome Home Mom and Dad!

(Besides Grandma and Grandpa, their UHAUL was the most exciting attraction at the Lake)

Anniversary Weekend Schedule

It has been too long...Sorry! I just wanted to post this tentative schedule for the upcoming 50th Anniversary Weekend Celebration for Mom and Dad. Congratulations to Mom and Dad!

We can't wait to see everyone and spend time with Mom and Dad after their hard work in the Nauvoo Pageant. I hope this schedule helps you plan ahead. See you there!

Thursday, September 3
Evening: Pool Party
Cafe Rio or Pizza

Friday, September 4
Day: Pool Party
Evening: Mary's 30th Birthday Party (It's on the 5th)
Marv's??

Saturday, September 5
Day: Four baptisms, Sailor, Eliza, Erin Leigh, and Land
Evening: 50th anniversary Celebration
Santa Clara City Hall
Italian Dinner
Church Dress/Family Pictures
Dance Band

Sunday, September 6
Day: Possibly 2 blessings: , Telles, and Gute (Sacrament @ 11:00 AM)
Evening: Dinner and Family Home Evening

Monday, Farewell ?

**Of course, this schedule is subject to change, and I will update it as I receive notice.

Tea and Cookies....

Having Tea with the Queen

We sat at the table looking across
From a small queen of a royal family
She was serving our favorites
Lemonade and M and M’s
It was a magic moment for us,
As we gazed at her expertise
Of pouring from a dainty pink
Pitcher into the tiniest of paper cups.
This was her first historic moment to be
The gracious hostess and she
Handled the role with confidence
And with her own personal regal flair
To the top of each cup she generously
Poured and then we both sipped
So nothing would spill.
Of a truth, when dining with a tiny
Queen, occasionally her enthusiasm
For pouring got away from her, but
We were not unduly alarmed
By those minor splashes and puddles.
For when a queen reigns, if things
Are not picture perfect, her subjects
Politely look the other way. And she
Certainly seemed to take no concern, in fact
She could not have appeared more gracious or
Generous as her pitcher needed
Replenishing several times.
When the tea party concluded
And the Photographer had completed
Her work, we reflected on the lovely
Afternoon and hoped that we would
Be invited on another day to once again
Join the small queen for tea.

Barbara Renouf
April 2009

Whittier Pics

Here are some great photos from the Whittier Stake 50th Reunion provided by Laurie and Mark. Thanks!

Mr. and Mrs. WHITTIER

Dad and Mom have been busy visiting good ol' Whittier Stake (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) for the grand 50 year Reunion. We have no pictures (yet--if anyone has some, please send!), but have heard that they are having a wonderful time visiting with our old friends!

They attended the temple, went to the Whittier ball, and even walked across the stage and waved for their role in the Saturday night extravaganza. They also received a special quilt from the Stake honoring Mom and Dad. How very nice of the stake to remember our good parents. We are proud of them too and their dedication to the church during our Whittier years.

We are also so glad that Candice and Bill are still in Whittier to keep the Renouf foot in the door :). We heard that Candice's whole family was in the Saturday play and that Candice with the help of Laurie, planned games for over 200 primary children. They are like the young Jack and Babs :).

YEA Mr. and Mrs. Whittier!!

Heidi's Latest Endeavor

Hello everyone, this is Catherine. I am posting this because I know that Heidi never will. But even more than that, Heidi won't even let me post it on this blog! But I do have permission to post it on mine, because mine is private. So if you'd like to see a picture of Heidi's latest endeavor, pop on over to my blog by clicking here. If you haven't been invited to view my blog and would like to be invited email me at catherineguteATaolDOTcom.

New Family Primary Songs

I'm sure that most of you have heard the new Primary songs that the children are learning this year; they are all about strengthening the family and are very sweet. I know that some of you would like the sheet music so here is the link so you can print it. Even if you dont' play the piano, it is worth hearing and learning the words with your children.

Here is the link for "My Eternal Family" or 'The Builder Song" as my kids know it. http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e36d5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=b6e7c16f55f0c110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1&contentLocale=0

Here is the link for "The Family is of God" http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=36b791ddb6b9c110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

I hope you enjoy the new music!

Great Grandma's Favorite Poem

This was Great Grandma's favorite poem to recite. She would tell it in such a twinkly, enchanting way that we never got tired of hearing it.
Just thought it would be fun to teach it to the next generation.



Betty At The Party

"When I was at the party,"
said Betty, aged just four.
"A little girl fell off her chair,
Right down upon the the floor;
And all the other little girls
Began to laugh, but me.
I didn't laugh a single bit,"
Said Betty seriously.

"Why not?" her mother asked her,
Full of delight to find
That Betty, bless her little heart,
Had been so sweetly kind.
"Why didn't you laugh, my darling?
Or don't you like to tell?"
"I didn't laugh," said Betty,
"Cause it was me that fell."

PS. Happy Birthday to our March babies! (Jordan, Cammy, Laurie, Eloise, David (the younger), Justin, and SungJin!!!)

Friday with "Frog and Toad" Musical

Some of our favorite stories come from Arnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" books. Mom says that when she started reading them to us, no one knew anything about them, but they are certainly considered 'classics' now.
Arnold Lobel's daughter, Adrienne Lobel, worked to develop a fun musical for Broadway called, "A Year With Frog and Toad". She remembered her father listening to vaudeville jazzy records while he wrote his stories, so they borrowed the style for the musical. The play combines seasonal stories from the books, and is about an hour.
Of course, we just just saw it at the local community theatre, but it was really fun to view some of the funny stories put to stage. We all can't stop talking about our favorite scenes, songs, and dances. If it comes to your neighborhood it is worth attending.




PS. With Mom in town, we are scheduling another trip to the theatre with about 15 grandchildren. Luckily they also serve popcorn, candy, and sodas at our local theatre. You can hear some of the music clips at this Barnes and Noble site http://music.barnesandnoble.com/A-Year-With-Frog-and-Toad/e/803607041625/?itm=1. Our favorites were "cookies" or "shivers" and "letter".

Friday Favorites in Books

We haven't done Friday Favorites for awhile, so I thought I would offer two family favorite books. I don't remember my Mom ever missing a night of reading out loud to us (poor woman!). Both our parents were always reading something intelligent and I think it established a love/quest for learning in our lives.
I love reading with my own children, and it is even more fun when the story is brilliant enough for adults to enjoy, too. Strangely I just noticed that both books listed have the common theme of LOVING food--I guess that makes for a funny story. Either way, skinny or chubby, big or small these books will make you laugh.

We've been studying Ancient Greece and we all adore Max and Ruby so this "Max and Ruby's Midas" was a perfect combination. Max whispers sweet nothings to his pink cupcakes, and Midas accidentally laserbeams his family into tasty desserts. We all laugh out loud when we read it!

The second book is "Yummers" by James Marshall. His illustrations are always so so funny; they could stand alone. In general we love all his books, but "Yummers" is particularly funny because Emily Pig keeps eating everything imaginable and then wonders where her tummy ache has come from??? Has this ever inexplicably happened to you???? I never tire of his books.

Hope you have a fun Friday and can get your hands on these books.

I would love to hear the titles of books that your whole family enjoys, too!

PS...DOES ANYONE HAVE PICS FROM MARK AND LAURIE'S WEDDING????

Disney Days

Everyone is getting excited for Laurie and Mark's big day on Saturday. A lot of the Utah group will also be including the Magic Kingdom in the trip itinerary's. I thought that I would post the dates that everyone will be at the Magic Kingdom, here, so that anyone who wants to, can plan to spend some time together at Disneyland or California Adventure.

Mom and Dad - Magic Kingdom - Friday the 13th
Brisco's - Magic Kingdom- Thursday and Friday the 12th and 13th
Gute's - Magic Kingdom- Thursday, Friday, and Tuesday, the 12th 13th, and 17th
Telles's - Disneyland Thursday the 12 and California Adventure on Friday the 13th

If I've left anyone out, let me know. And if you plan to be at Disneyland during those dates, feel free to let those groups know!

A Trip to the Movies by Mom

Once upon a time a grandmother went to the movies with some of her children. She discovered that she could learn something…..that something made her want to share it with her family and others.

Have you ever read a book that gave you a new way of thinking about an idea? A book can do this.
1. A “hero” does not appear until the world needs one.
2. I am a gentlewoman. I am a gentleman. I am a princess.
3. Live by a code of honor.
4. Who are you? Do you know?
5. Some hate light and would prefer to spend their time in darkness.
6. Some cannot even tell the truth.
7. You don’t need to have shame.
8. Remember honor, justice and always tell the truth.
9. There are all kinds of princesses. Some are born that way. Others marry into it. All little girls long to be princesses.
10. Think about this one wrong cause a terrible sadness.
11. When someone is hurt terribly, they will often look for someone else to blame.
12. Some have longing…..
13. Hope means your nobody’s prisoner.
14. Change will come……it is not long now, you’ll see.
15. I’m sorry….those tender words can heal a broken heart.

A book can teach us….A film can teach us….We are never too old to learn…What a wonderful opportunity to look for a better way to face our unknowns. There is nothing to really be afraid of after all.