La Vie En Rose...

I've been so preoccupied thinking about all the logistics for 'The Grand European Tour' (shoes, passport, socks, leaving the fridge full....) that I haven't had time to sit down and brush up on my European History.
And I thought, where else better to learn than from Hollywood (haha)?

Now I don't mean foreign films, although they would probably be more helpful.

I mean the American movies about Europe, where everything European is rose-colored, romantic, and lovely (nevermind the history part).

Here is a partial list:

Can you suggest any others??

Roman Holiday

To Catch a Thief

Sabrina (Audrey style)

Charade
An American in Paris

Return to Me (the last 2 minutes)

Only You (warning contains some 80's swearing)


Mary Poppins

Peter Pan

Miss Potter

Artistocats

Ratatouille

Moonstruck

An Affair To Remember

The Godfather (TV version)

Friday Favorites (on Saturday)

Our family experienced many favorites this last week as we visited the Magic Kingdom, saw all the Halloween decor there, visited with Aunt Leslie's family and Uncle Roy's family, and had a lovely stopover for steaks with Grandma and Grandpa and The Mylroies. We had a wonderful time eating our way through Southern California (Rosa's-thanks to Leslie, popcorn by the bucket, and about a million churros)....

However, my real favorite this week is something I noticed along the way. Maybe I particularly noticed this Friday Favorites because I used so many Public Disney bathrooms along the way, but....

Mom's and Leslie's bathrooms and homes were so spotless that I felt ashamed of the way I left mine at home (don't worry they weren't quite gas station material yet). It weighed heavily on my mind, and so the first thing we did when we got home?

CLEAN THE BATHROOMS!

Oh how nice it is to enter a clean bathroom. I don't know why I avoid the chore when really the end result it so nice. So now my Friday Favorite this week is a CLEAN BATHROOM! Hooray!

DAD'S FAVORITE FANTASTIC FRIDAY

DAD'S FAVORITES:

Well, I asked Pop for some favorites and he definitely took the higher road on his answers. He gets an A+ for getting all of his answers right. We're so glad that he participated! Next time I am going to drag some more superficial/shallow answers from him, but for now enjoy these great ones. We are so lucky to have such a good man as our patriarch.

#1 Family (Barbara, Children, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren and all spouses). Dad loves his family. There is no question about that. Who else would put up with all of us if he didn't love us?
#2 Church ( Book of Mormon, Nauvoo Pageant ) Dad has always served willingly in The Church and set a wonderful example for all of us as a man devoted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has made all the difference for our family.

#3 Sports (Fishing, Golf, Pool, Hiking) It is always fun to see Dad head out to the pool with his book and towel. Somehow if there are grandsons around he always seems to end up in a water battle. I'm sure it's all those darn grandson's fault.

#4 College Football ( I know he loves BYU and USC games in particular. HINT: Don't bother him during these games. )

#5 Reading (Church History, American History). He is always reading something good for you. WE LOVE YOU DAD! THANKS FOR PLAYING!

Lucy and Ethel's Wednesday Afternoon Literary Club

As seen on Friday's Favorites, Mom has been reading the Anne of Green Gables Series. Here is a little snippit that Mom liked (it's a fun sample of Lucy Montgomery's writing)....

After the Avonlea school concert got back into it's natural groove and into its normal interests....."To be sure the concert left traces. Ruby Gillis and Emma White, who had quarrelled over a point of precedence in their platform seats, no longer sat at the same desk, and a promising friendship of three years was broken up. Josie Pye had told Bessie Wright that Julia Bell's bow when she got up to recite made her think of a chicken jerking its head, and Bessie told Julia.

None of the Sloanes would have any dealings with the Bells, because the Bells had declared that the Sloanes had too much to do in the program, and the Sloanes had retorted that the Bells were not capable of doing the little they had to do properly.

Finally, Charlie Sloane fought Moody Spurgeon MacPherson, because Moody Spurgeon had said that Ann Shirley put on airs about her recitations, and Moody Spurgeon was "licked; consequently Moody Spurgeon's sister, Ella May, would not "speak" to Anne Shirley all the rest of the winter. With the exception of these trifling frictions, work in Miss Stacy's little kingdom went on with regularity and smoothness."

Monday Mourning

Keeping it Real.

This.....

And This.....

DO NOT MIX....

As much as we love to focus on the happy joys in life, I have to take a Monday moment to 'keep it real'. Somehow a mysterious ink pen entered into my laundry and jumped for its last escape into my dryer. It ran the full cycle....

And now what am I left with (after the oxyclean, nail polish remover, and hairspray soak/scrub method)?

A trip to Target!

On the brighter side, the kids thought the tye-dye underclothing were amazing.

JACK'S BAPTISM

A GOOD BOY!

Little Jack Renouf's baptism is going to be Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 2:00 pm in Lake Elsinore, CA. It is going to be a wonderful day and we are all so proud of Jack's decision to be baptized.
His parents both describe Jack as a happy child who is always making friends and loves playing video games.
Jack said, "I feel excited and nervous to be baptized." He also said he knows he making a good choice.
He wants his two sisters, Eloise and Mingi, to sing 'When Jesus Christ was Baptized" at his baptism. He also wants Potato Cheese Soup for his reception afterward. (a family favorites)

Here is some more information about Jack (in very particular orders):

Favorite Color: blue, turquoise-blue, turquoise-green, blue-green, black
Favorite Food: Hot Ramen Noodles
Favorite Candy Bar: Butterfinger
Halloween Costume 2008: Darth Vadar or Dragon Ninja
Favorite School Subject: Math
Favorite Animals: Humans, Kangaroos, Cheetahs, Lions, Elephants
Best Friends at School: Sammy, Josh, Bobby, Jose
Favorite Movie: Iron Man
Favorite Video Game: Lord of the Rings, Lego Star Wars, Star Wars 3, Star Wars 1
Favorite Books: Ralph S. Mouse, Ralph and the Motorcycle, Runaway Ralph, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
If he could go anywhere in the whole world, where?: St. George, Utah.

MOM'S FAVORITE FANTASTIC FRIDAY

MOM'S Friday Favorites (by MOM)

1. Anne of Green Gables illustrated by Mary Engelbreit. She has been reading this and enjoying rediscovering Anne with a cute little Engelbreit flower on each page.

2. Cinnamon Floss. Mom has always always always, anywhere and anytime been an expert flosser. She says cinnamon is her favorite.

3. Pumpkin colored Cardigan Sweater from Eddie Bauer. She bought a brown sweater and a pumpkin colored one. (I couldn't lift the picture but it is a long sleeve cardigan from EB)

4. Mom's latest Fruit Salad: 1 can of pineapple chunks with juice, 1 can of mandarin oranges, add fresh fruit such as apples, strawberries, and/or pears. The joy of this salad is that the pineapple juice keeps the fruit fresh. Drain the pineapple juice before serving, and serve over a bed of lettuce. Mom says you don't have to convince yourself to eat fruit you don't like, if you do it this way.

5. Reading the WallStreet Journal Editorials

Hope you all have a happy peppy Friday!

COMING NEXT FRIDAY: DAD'S FAVORITES

FAVORITE FANTASTIC FRIDAY

After Mary Kate's fun post about 'FAVORITE THINGS', I racked my brain for some products that I love. I was trying to think of non food items which is very difficult for me these days, instead I turned to the mirror.

I finally thought of two favorite things.***

I put three asterisks because they are only favorite things when you are A) on a budget, B) don't shop at malls, and C) have under 2 minutes on any given Target/Walmart aisle.

If you have at least 2 of these 3 ***s then these products might qualify as a FAVORITE.

Number One: MAX FACTOR 2000 CALORIE MASCARA

This was a suggestion for Real Simple Magazine and it is truly a great mascara.

Number Two: REVLON POWDER BLUSH ('Wine with Everything', so cheesy I know).

This just happen to be lucky grab during my 2 minute crunch time on the TARGET aisle, but I it's been a good friend (although I must confess he is currently in pieces thanks to some anonymous baby).

That's all for now folks! I hope you all have a fantastic, FAVORITE FRIDAY!

ps...I should add Fridays to my list! WHOOOOPEEEEE!

Autumn

Am I the only one who thinks that Fall is the best season of all?

Maybe I am biased because of the birthday season....?? I don't think so though.

You've got the bright changing colors, harvest time, pumpking patches, apple picking, BYU football, Halloween, delicious food (see Erin's blog), hoodie weather, school supplies, Thanksgiving, did I mention birthdays?, and just that comfy stay home feeling.
I love it and had to just send a quick 'shout out' for my favorite season which officially began on Monday (and so did this post until it was interrupted :)

This is a poem that I love to read in Susan Branch's Autumn Book:

Vagabond Song
There is something in the autumn that is native to my blood ---
Touch of manner, hint of mood;
And my heart is like a rhyme,
With the yellow and crimson keeping time.
The scarlet of the maples can shake me like a cry
Of bugles going by.
And my lonely spirit thrills
To see the frosty asters like a smoke upon the hills.
There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir;
We must rise and follow her,
When from every hill of flame
She calls and calls each vagabond by name.
---- Bliss Carman

SOME IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME (from Susan Branch--many adopted by mother)

• Lamps are cozier and make much prettier light than celing lights.


• Gather/Display games and puzzles for cozy nights at home.
  
• Brew mulling spices, particularly when friends come over.
  
• Display old favorite books (Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights....)


• An old clock that ticks sounds wonderful on quiet nights.


• Quilts make great tablecloths.


• Candles, Candles, Candles surrounded by autumn windfall and a fire in the fireplace.

Some MUST ENJOY Autumn Time Favorites (Please feel free to add some in comments!):

Multimedia: Meet Me In St. Louis, To Kill A Mockingbird (book and movie), Rebecca, The Birds, Woman in White, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Great Pumpkin, The Ghost of Mrs. Muir, Disney's Halloween Treat, Ichabod's Sleepy Hollow....

Food: Doughnuts, chili, cinnamon rolls, apple pie, fritters, nachos, chili dogs, pumpkin chocolate chip bread, cookies, and cider...(again, see Erin's blog)

HAPPY AUTUMN TIME!

Mom Plays Tag!

Hooray! Hooray! Here are Mom's answers for the game of TAG! Enjoy!

Thank you for including me in the fun….I hope my answers will be up to all of your cleverness. What lovely daughters and sons we have been blessed with.

1. WHAT WAS THE LAST MOVIE YOU SAW IN THE MOVIE THEATRE?
Kung Fu Panda, I loved the scroll part. And feeling like you just don’t fit sometimes. Also anything about cooking is always appealing and the noodles looked pretty good. And I love fireworks; I think there were some of those in the film.

2. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
I like to read everything I can get my hands on. This is a sample of what I read yesterday, President Harold B. Lee’s biography, the Book of Mormon and a talk from past General Conference past, my little self book of quotes that I collect, the Nauvoo Independent and I wrote three letters. But I am anxious to read the entire Dickens series that a friend brought to our front porch and left !!

3. FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
My favorite game is UNO. I love playing it with little kids. They are so illogical that I find it quite hilarious. Making rules as we go along is just the way I prefer, because we can be more flexible, don’t you think?

4. FAVORITE MAGAZINES?
I mostly prefer the Liahona and Ensign. But, when I visit the doctor or Michelle, Leslie and Erin’s I am fascinated by their collections of magazines. There is something about seeing other people’s homes, and new recipes that are displayed colorfully I do enjoy.

5. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Flowers like gardenias, carnations, basil, and baby powder

6. FAVORITE SOUNDS?
Music, music….I love what it does to my heart and soul. I think today, the music of the Pageant is my ultimate favorite. But, then there is Grand Canyon Suite, Big Country and the Tabernacle Choir’s “The Lillies of the Field.

7. TELL ME ABOUT FOOD....
Food, I have discovered I can never get enough of it. Chocolate Sodas, Pistachio ice cream, Icy Milk, homemade bread with butter of course and mashed potatoes.

8. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE?
Really dumb things….Sometimes the bills, tasks that still need to be done, I wonder how my foot is coming along but also amazed to be feeling so well at my age..

9. FAVORITE FAST FOOD?
Del Taco and their half pound bean and cheese burritos. It makes me hungry just imagining it. They are not served here in the Midwest much.

10. FUTURE CHILD'S NAME?
I think I would choose Nancy, Hope, or Emma.

11. FINISH THIS STATEMENT, "IF I HAD LOTS OF MONEY I WOULD...."
“If I had a lot of money….I would purchase more musical instruments, a harp, a violin and even a flute, Oh, and a guitar. Then with the rest I would send small gifts of money to those I think could use a helping hand. And help the Nauvoo Public Library.

12. DO YOU DRIVE FAST?
I am so delighted to have a driver’s license. I do not like to drive fast, in the car I like the windows down and I love to drink in all the scenery. I do not like the idea of getting a ticket for speeding.

13. DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?
No

14. STORMS--COOL OR SCARY?
Some storms of life are scary and should be avoided at all costs. But some are wonderful, the sounds of thunder and flashes of light assure me that Heavenly Father is still there, keeping an eye on things.

15. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?
My first car was a 1938 Chevrolet. I did not know a thing about taking care of a car. And I did not appreciate it, who ever knew it needed oil? I just thought keep the gas, I was young, what can I say? Finally one day it would not start, I went on vacation with my friends and poor Dad had it taken away somewhere and I decided I would rather pay my fried for gas a ride than to be a car owner. Oh what a carefree dumb girl, I still have some of those same tendencies, I admit.

16. FAVORITE DRINK?
Hot cocoa with a dab of whipped cream, root beer freezes, orange Nesbitt and of course Chocolate Sodas. Sorry once I get talking about myself, I don’t know when to stop.

17. FINISH THIS STATEMENT, "IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD...."
If I had time, you know me I would go to school, I would not like tests, but the idea of learning more has always appealed to me.

18. DO YOU EAT THE STEMS OF BROCCOLI?
I have nibbled the ends of broccoli. Actually the first time I ever tried them was because of Ardeth Kapp’s sister, Sharon Larsen. We met her at Public Affairs Training in Salt Lake, at a dinner we attended, she said they taste just like celery so I couldn’t resist. She was right…..but it is not something I ever do on a regular basis.

19. IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE?
A beautiful reddish brown and I would dye my eyebrows to match.

20. NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT TOWNS YOU HAVE LIVED IN.
East Los Angeles, Downey, Whittier, La Mirada, Nauvoo, St. George, Santa Clara. That is pretty much it.

21. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH?
Hmmmm. BYU football is my ultimate favorite.

22. ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
She has been my friend for 31 years and we love to share music, recipes, Max and Ruby videos and if you need a hand and she is going to help, you can go the bank on this one, she will get it done. Thanks Catherine

23. WHAT IS UNDER YOUR BED?
Under my current bed are three beautiful paintings by Del Parson, there used to be box of family history all about Great Grandma Margaret Freeman at home in Santa Clara, sometimes there is a bit of dental floss.

24. WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN?
Yes, I think so…..but if I could be several I think Joan of Arc, Maria Von Trapp, Marie Curie, Florence Nightingale, Louisa May Alcott and Collie McLaughlin. That should do it….oh, we can’t forget Marjorie Hinckley.

25. MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
I love the morning. And I have the cutest little table to sit down and watch the sun come up and over the trees. Please refer to ‘Morning in Nauvoo.”

26. OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP?
Over easy….my father used to have these for his lunch, and I used to pack his lunch for him, at least I think I did. He ate them on Helm’s Bakery Hollywood bread, pretty tasty. And of course wrapped in wax paper. And placed in his dinner bucket (To me it was a lunch pail. But Dad was from Kansas).

27. FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX?
With a good book, anywhere, in a soft chair, at the table, in the car.

28. FAVORITE PIE?
Let me see, oh yes, pecan pie with a hint of chocolate chips tucked inside. To me the ultimate pie dining experience.

29. FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Pistachio Almond….I remember Currie’s Ice cream down by Belmont Shores. It was the only flavor Grandpa/Papa Ruffolo ever purchased for us. Nobody ever complained. We were just glad for it after a day at the beach.

****BONUS SECTION****
You didn’t ask me but I would like to suggest to each of you how I loved being your mom. I have spoken to several “empty nesters” and we all agree. We did our best and most profound work when we were right in the “thick of all that utter chaos called family life. No place on earth, no important contribution, no bestselling authorship, no possession……all pale by comparison, from reading a bedtime story, washing their hair, baking in the kitchen or even taking a child to the doctor. You kiss them goodnight and there they are in the morning and you start all over. Don’t wish it away….try to overlook the stuff in the refrigerator, the baseboards, and all the toys, shoes, jackets, books and clutter. You will miss it!!

California's Prop 8

Caryolyne Zuniga Tillery (a Californian Renouf) requested that we put this information on the family blog.

This website http://www.protectmarriage.com supports Proposition 8.

This prop will restore California's definition of marriage, and is coming to the November ballot. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at http://www.lds.org/ is endorsing the website, and she thought that would be a good way to help more people become aware of the website.

So check out the site and see how you can help our fellow Californians.

First Days of School

Why does the 'first day of school' always make me think of this?

Maybe because I sometimes feel like this?

No really, I think it is because I have been reading the Anne books again and I love them again. Anne is such an enchanting character to watch unfold and Lucy Maud Montgomery 's writing style is poetic.

I love school days and school supplies. Don't you?



The smell of pencils sharpened, and peachies, and crayolas wrapped in paper, the pink pearl erasers (some kid once ate Mikey's pink pearl at school), and even old Elmer's glue has a certain nostalgia.


Mmmmmm.....somehow new pencils, crayon boxes, and new supplies makes me feel organized, even though I probably have 562 broken crayons nubs hidden away in a cupboard somewhere. I guess it feels like a mini new year's...the crisp fall is approaching and I have a chance to pink pearl erase the past and start afresh.

Anyway, I hope you all have a GREAT first day of school. I hope that none of you break slates over your classmate's heads (especially since some of your classmates are your brothers and sisters!) or over your student's heads!

Three cheers for the start of another school year.

***Hey! Comment with your first days memoirs.....best and/or worst...***

(One bad year would have to be the year I wore my huge striped big wool school-shopping-with-Dad-sweater and died of heat in southern california, sweating all day long and even walked home....what was I thinking?)

Nauvoo Thoughts

This free verse poem by Mom was PUBLISHED in the Nauvoo paper a few weeks ago. Hooray for Mom!
Mom and Dad have been in Nauvoo for several weeks for the Nauvoo Pageant. (The last night is August 8th. ) The pageant is amazing and so much fun for the whole family. It is so much hard work for Dad and Mom, but they love the rewarding experience. They also love visitors! Enjoy thinking about the beautiful mornings there through Mom's lovely poem below.

MORNING IN NAUVOO
The sun’s rays move slowly
Up, over and through the
Wooded trees and ferns
Here a shimmering ray and there
From the deepest of green
To the palest of light - shadows
Cast across the lawn as
Brightly the solar star ascends.
“Good Morning children of
The earth, it is time to begin once more.”
No, it is not for man solely
To welcome the light of day
God’s creatures all join
This joyful wake up call;
From the tiniest of birds
To the cautious fawn silently
Stepping from her secluded haven.
Or even as the golden butterflies join in the joyful throng
Across this scenic canvas. No artist can truly paint the
Grandeur of the awakening known as morn
The radiance of flecks of gold,
The sounds of nature stirring.
And clamoring for its own daily bread.
The soft chattering of the insects
Or the wind that moves amongst
Thee trees with the pleasant whisper
“It is here, your rest for the night is o’er.”
Nor can be depicted by that same skilled brush
The anticipation of this human heart as I go forth
To a discovery of my very own
This a brand new day.

Barbara Renouf
Nauvoo, Illinois

TAG YOU'RE IT! from Erin

ERIN, HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?

Being a shy little gal, this is the kind of assignment that I'm not very good at. But I'm also a bit of a pushover, so of course, for Erin I did it. Actually, I think these questions should be answered by Mom or Dad, not me. I'm only supposed to be the keeper of the blog, not the mastermind. I'll try to get Mom to fulfill this assignment. I won't bother asking Dad--he's way too busy.
Oh Well....I'll do my best.

**WARNING**
A mysterious someone snuck onto my computer and answered some of these--I have a sneaking suspicion in was my better sillier, funner, less-shy other half. Also the questions use the word "U" for 'you' which drives me crazy.

1) LAST MOVIE U SAW IN A THEATRE? Wall E.

2) WHAT BOOK ARE U READING? Gone With The Wind and Daniel Deronda (I'm trying to compare Gwendolyn and Scarlett).

3) FAVORITE BOARD GAME? As a kid, I loved playing 'Life'. I think I just liked driving my own car and adding little pink and blue babies (I still like doing this). I also loved playing late night Monopoly with Roy and Jack, although Roy ALWAYS won. I also love Risk, because I have a love affair with maps and geography. I like to play Clue (Michelle always wins), Uno (Reeve always wins), and Battleship(Mikey always wins) with the kids.

4) FAVORITE MAGAZINE? Real Simple, Cooking Light

5) FAVORITE SMELLS? Rain on cement....mmmmm. . I also love the beach smell and babies bathed and slathered in old fashioned Johnson and Johnson products. Christmas and aftershave. And, of course, Disneyland's Main Street. Oh yes, I also like the smell of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The clean chloriney smells along with drifts of Blue Bayou food just thrill me.

6) FAVORITE SOUNDS? I LOVE the sound of trains, planes, helicopters, and anything that takes me somewhere. I enjoy going places--always have. I also love the sweet sound of my kids calling me 'MOM'. I also love hearing my Mikey come through the front door.

7) TELL ME ABOUT FOOD. noun: any nourishing substance that is eaten, drunk, or otherwise taken into the body to sustain life, provide energy, promote growth, etc. I like it....dilly bread, chocolate chip cookies, tacos, peanut butter...erin's cooking.

8) WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN U WAKE? Are there kids reading this? I don't want to cuss. haha

9) FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE? pass, no offense, maybe Arbys--that was mikey sneaking on my computer.

10) FUTURE CHILD'S NAME? Violet, Willow, Daisy, Rosemary---i'm hooked on botanical names. Boy names are trickier for me.

11) FINISH THIS STATEMENT—’IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I’D......travel, get my Phd, and travel some more. Move somewhere new every year. :) My latest dream is to move to Hawaii, take surfing lessons with the whole family and beome a cellist.

12) DO U DRIVE FAST? pass

13) DO U SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? Do fuzzy Italian little children count?

14) STORMS–COOL OR SCARY? cool

15) WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? Chrysler mini van with wood doors--although it was really Mom's.

16) FAVORITE DRINK? H2O lots and lots of pebble ice.

17) FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD…Read and Write. Write and Read.

18) DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI? ummm....

19) IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOUR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE? Pass (for now).

20) NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS U HAVE LIVED IN? LaMirada CA, Provo UT, Jerusalem, Riga, Vilnius, Liepaja, Brea CA, Draper UT, NY (Fairport, Phelps, Manchester), Sunnyvale, Corona and Pleasant Grove.

21) FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? The Olympics or Seminary Scripture Chase! (Mikey again!)

22) ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Erin makes everything fun--and taste good, too.

23) WHATS UNDER YOUR BED? pass

24) WOULD U LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN? Sure, why not?

25) MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL? Both? Neither? I'm not sure.

26) OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP? no thanks.

27) FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX? In a book.

28) FAVORITE PIE? Brown Bag Apple pie or Berry, Hostess or Little Debbies (Drat! Mikey strikes again)

29) FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Baskin Robbins chocolate chip and mint chip...hands down.

Gone With The Wind

Every July I try to read 'Gone With The Wind'. It takes on more meaning when it is literally steaming, wretchedly, sickening, hot outside. It makes me appreciate my air conditioned home and certainly my food! It makes me value my free country and the soldiers that keep war far from my homeland. It is a great July book.

It also makes me feel like I should be burying cash and jewels in my backyard or in my corset in case the d--- Yankees ever come looking for me.

Every time I read it I love Scarlett and I love Rhett and I love Melly and I love Mammy. Is it possible to love such different kinds of people? It must be. (However, I like Rhett, have never cared for Ashely.)

The words on the page play like music. Anyway I love the book. Does anyone else have any great summer time reads?

(Sidenote: Evelyn Keyes who played Suellen, Scarlett's younger sister, just passed away at the age of 91, on the 4th of July this year)

Family Reunion Continued

After the HUGE real, official Family Reunion was over, we, up in Northern Utah were lucky enough to have a vist from Leslie and The Littles. We had a such a great time, we're hoping to make the Montanos our new neighbors.

Here are a few of our pics:

Lavender playing with Sammy at The Scera Pool

Lilly and Ivy at the Scera Pool.


Katie and Reeve drying off.

Spencer taking a snoooooze.

Both Spencer and Sam were so nice to take all the little kids down the big waterslides. Thanks boys!

All the cousins at Temple Square's "I am a Child of God" Exhibit.

We all went on a picnic/s'more-ing in Provo Canyon.
We like to call it 2 hour camping. It was just perfect. Here are three little girls making a mess. :)

More little girls making a mess.

Erin Leigh and Reeve made it the top of the rock climbing wall with only a little help.

We love visitors!

American Girl by Barbara Renouf

I AM AN AMERICAN GIRL

I am an American girl
Red white and blue are the
Colors that I like best.
I get chills when I pledge allegiance to the flag
And I love to stand for the Star Spangled Banner Song
I think to cast my ballot every few years
Is a privilege I never want to miss.
Starting from the first pilgrims and Indians
To arrive here, I am glad my parents grand
Sought for a dream and sailed to this land
From those early 13 colonies than to 48 and fifty
Those stars, stripes on our flag
Win my heart every time I see them flying
Each of the fifty states has its own qualities
As well as the different dialects that I hear spoken
By the people whom I share this common heritage
And within me there is a tender center
That grows with love of God,
for my fellow countryman
the land and its precious history
To live under spacious skies, green hills
And see the fields of corn and wheat,
is more than I can ‘ere describe.
Tis a land for me and my kin
I want my Creator to know
That I am above all else
A Grateful American.

SURPRISE! It's another Renouf COOKIE!

Leslie wrote about these Martha Stewart "SURPRISE cookies" on her blog at http://www.littlerieta.blogspot.com/.

I made them.

They were delicious and I, like Leslie, am not a big marshmallow girl (only after I have a baby, do I really feel like a Marshmallow girl...haha).

Anyway I thought these SURPRISE cookies were even better the next day. If you are in the mood for a fun new cookie recipe give these babies a try.

Chocolate Surprise Cookies by Martha

Ingredients
Makes about 2 dozen
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 large marshmallows, cut in half horizontally
Chocolate Frosting

Chocolate FROSTING
Ingredients
Makes 1 cup
2 cups confectioners' sugar
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Place confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk in butter and cocoa powder. Add milk and vanilla, and whisk until well combined.

Cookie Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, milk, and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add reserved flour mixture; mix on low speed until combined.
Using a tablespoon or 1 3/4-inch ice cream scoop, drop dough onto ungreased baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake until cookies begin to spread and become firm, 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove baking sheets from oven, and place a marshmallow, cut-side down, in the center of each cookie, pressing down slightly. Return to oven, and continue baking until marshmallows begins to melt, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting over each marshmallow, starting in the center and continuing outward until marshmallow is covered.