THE PIONEER TREK by Mom

THE PIONEER TREK by Barbara Ann Renouf

It’s a long harsh trail that the children of the valiant trod.
It weaves along deep ravines, gorges difficult to travail
And raging, treacherous rivers.
Careless and headstrong, the young venture forth.
Alas, some ignore the warnings posted of polluted water,
Wild roaming animals that devour
And menacing prairie winds.
The valiant watch in alarm.
Their warnings go unheeded
As the children wander away from the safety of the fold;
Following dangerous paths and switchbacks
Caution is thrown to the wind.
What can be done as the vanguard must move ahead ?
With heavy hearts the wagon train departs
Alarms and pleadings go unheeded.
Filled with sorrowing hearts, the valiant must leave
Eyes look to the heavens for a miracle.
Must the young be abandoned as they recklessly stray?
Can the voices of reason prevail?
It is not possible to secure a search for a rescue;
The youth must choose to return when they are ready
The valiant will plead and pray and wisely leave it in God’s hands.

Goodbye to an old friend...

If you haven't already heard, a great man--the President of our Church, President Gordon B. Hinckley, passed away this evening. He was 97 years old but remained a vibrant man until the end.

He has done so many amazing things for our church and for people everywhere--The Proclamation on the Family, The Living Christ Proclamation, Increased temple dedications, extensive world wide travel, the Perpetual Education fund, the 60 Minutes interview, and a hope for a better "us".....


He had a wonderful sense of humor, and could see the humor in anything. He was very down to earth, and always encourage us to "Stand a Little Taller" in our daily dealings with people.


We will miss him terribly but feel certain that he has joined his sweet wife, Marjorie, and other loved ones in Heaven. We are so grateful for the gospel and our Savior Jesus Christ and peace He brings during difficult times.

To learn more about President Hinckley or our church visit http://www.lds.org/
Stay tuned for more information about this great man and his funeral proceedings.

The little device that saved our lives (from the Henao Family)

To all those who read this wonderful site, a warm hello and a testimonial of a little device that's worth your family's life!

We had a scary little experience that could have been worse if it weren't for this device. At approximately 7:30am, California time, our Carbon Monoxide Detector went off with the most alarming sound. It was like having 3 smoke detectors going off at once. At first I didn't know what it was because who would have thought that this could be happening. So, we check it and sure enough it had gone off and it was showing a reading that was obviously unhealthful for the family. We called the Gas Company and had them check it out and sure enough, the CO2 readings were in danger levels. They recommended we go immediately to the hospital to get examined and told us we were one of the lucky ones by having that detector in our house or it could have been disastrous.
After 7 hours of waiting, questions, being treated to oxygen and poor Courtney getting jabbed with a needle that made her feel that it was worse than an epidural, they relesed us with the same phrase "you guys are lucky you had that detector otherwise you might not have made this trip to the hospital." We all have heard those dreadful stories of the families that were not as fortunate as we were today.
Obviously, our Heavenly Father was looking out for us when my parents were kind enough to get us one of these because I cannot imagine what the outcome could have been if he would not have made this possible. We have him to thank because he was with us today as he is every day.
But to you our family, we want to pass on this word of advice because we love you all, get yourself one of these little devices because they are truly life savers.

With Love,
Alex, Courtney, McKenna, Noah and McKenzie

The Dark Side of Disneyland

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the Henao kids battled the Dark Side of Disneyland.

Not to worry, there is another hope...

From a 'Birds Eye' View

I think I have discovered a new favorite.

I know it doesn't seem like much, but for those of you who often prepare dinner with one hand and the other hand filled with baby, you will appreciate this. Also, if you are on Weight Watcher's or just want to increase your veggie intake you will appreciate these...Okay here it is. The Birdseye Steam Fresh Vegetables.

1. They don't go bad in your fridge
2. They are already washed, snipped, and ready to go.
3. In the same bag...You take them from freezer, to microwave, and on your plate in 5 minutes.
4. They taste good.
5. They are good for you.

**I realize it doesn't seem like much to wash and clean your veggies, or even get them into a bowl, but some nights at my house--that is a hard task. So if you are looking for any easy shortcut, try these little babies out.

The Yosemite Saga: Some Advice by Alex Henao

The Yosemite Saga: Some Friendly Advice from Alex Henao

So, I've heard the bad news about the difficulty getting campsites. We were able to get site 33 in Lower Pines, but I believe it's because we reserved online. We go camping every year and have always woken up for resevations and had both phone and computer by our side and never had any luck with the phone. You would obviously need a high speed connection to keep up on what happens. Those campsites drop like flies I tell ya. But anyway, to get to the real point:

I believe everyone will try again Feb 15th and the best way to do it is online. I wished I would have realized everyone was going to call or I would have made this suggestion a while back.

What you have to do is sign up at the website http://www.recreation.gov/

It allows access to all National Parks. It's free! It gives you a real time look at what's happening to the campsites and allows for online reservations.

I would be glad to walk everyone through the sign up and reservation process step by step if they want so that they get a chance to sign up on Feb. 15th. The website can throw you off so I don't mind letting everyone know how to work it. We hope everyone takes advantage of this and I'm crossing my fingers that everyone can get sites on the 15th because it will be a blast.

Please forward this email or add the info to the blogsite. If anyone needs info they can email me at ahenao16@yahoo.com

Thanks and good luck on Feb 15th. Hope to see you all there!

Alex

This ones for the children

Some delightful ladies in Mom's ward recited these sweet little poems/song when they were children. Mom thought that maybe some of the little darlings in our family might also enjoy learning these endearing poems.

BECAUSE GOD LOVES ME
God planned the day; he planned the night.
He gave the darkness, then the light,
The sky of blue, the sun so bright,
Because he loves me.

God gave me a family, A cheerful heart
And eyes to see,
That I may live here happily,
Because he loves me.

A BUNCH OF GOLDEN KEYS
A bunch of golden keys are mine
To make each day with goodness shine
"Good Morning," that's the golden key
That unlocks each new day for me.

When evening comes, "Good Night" I say
To close the door of each glad day
When at the table, "If you please"
I take from off my bunch of keys.

When friends give anything to me,
I use the little, "Thank you" key
"Excuse me," "Beg your pardon" too
If by accident some harm I do.

Or if unfriendly thoughts I've been given
With "Forgive me," I shall be forgiven.
I'll often use each golden key
And then a polite child I'll be.

CALLING ON WEIGHT WATCHER'S beginning Monday, Jan 7

It’s January. It’s time to pay the piper. He’s been running a credit check and it doesn’t look good. The party is over. The fun is extinct. We all think it would be best if you just went to boot camp.

All right. It’s not that bad. Really. But it is time to start the diet. Four weeks and we can all do it together. Enlist only if you want to have more confidence, flatter abs, a stronger testimony, whiter teeth, fresher breath, and your wildest dreams to come true. I’m in. I have to be in because I’m poking out. Everywhere.

Mom asked for some sample menus so use the comment section to add on some of your favorite WW meals. Good luck everybody!

Breakfast: Some people like to eat a big hearty breakfast. I know that most Renoufs eat no breakfast at all. These are very light breakfast menus-between 2 and 3 points each. You could adjust and eat a larger meal if that’s how it works for you.
1 egg, diet toast
1 vanilla yogurt, 1 cup berries
Diet toast, sugar-free jam or very thin peanut butter
A banana and 4 ounces of OJ
Rice Krispies and milk
A chocolate chip cookie (I’m not kidding-it’s two points!)
1 package of instant oatmeal or cream of wheat

Lunch:
Diet bread sandwich (veggie and swiss, or turkey and veggie)
Progresso soup
Salad with lemon juice and parmesan
Baked tortilla chips with black bean dip
Light sour cream fiesta ranch dip with fresh vegetables
A chocolate chip cookie. I really mean it.


Dinner:
Baked potatoes, salad, chicken
Pasta with red sauce, mushrooms and zuchinni
Tostadas with pico de gallo (my favorite)
Minestrone
Mushroom burgers
Roasted Vegetables, Terriyaki Chicken or Salmon and Brown Rice
2 chocolate chip cookies.

Snacks:
18 M and Ms for 1 point
A chocolate chip cookie for 2
Light Popcorn for 1 point a bag with sugar free lemonade
Sugar free popsicles-free
Sugar free hot chocolate-check the label
See’s candy suckers for 1 point each
Fruit-usually a point for a fist sized piece

(submitted by Erin Renouf Mylroie)

Interested in joining Weigh Watcher's offcially, visit their website at http://www.weightwatchers.com/. You can join online, or attend meetings, or just join our independent group. We are beginning on Monday, January 6, 2007. I'm trying to find a way to report point totals online....anyone interested???

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