Ode to Ice Cream

"I LOVE ICE CREAM"

For years this bumper sticker lopsidedly sat on the back of my Pop's yellow Cadillac's bumper.

It's true though.

Dad loves Ice Cream.

As kids we often walked to Baskin Robbins for a few scoops of the happy stuff. I remember once after a bad day, Dad took me to Baskin Robbins and said these words of wisdom, "There is nothing so bad, that a little ice cream won't help feel better." It is true. A scoop of ice cream somehow makes everything seem brighter and bearable; two scoops is even better. Try this magic formula sometime after a bad day. (My personal favorite: Baskin Robbins Chocolate Chip and Mint Chip).

On a side note: Making Homemade Ice Cream is such a fun family summer activity. Here is a recipe for making Ice Cream in ziploc bags and you can even make it with milk--in other words, you can make this NOW without a trip to the market or target.

Make sure you seal everything properly or you could end up with a huge mess.
I also read about people who shook up their bags by jumping them on the trampoline or putting it all in a large can and kicking it around the yard.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Summers!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup half and half
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup salt (The bigger the granules, the better. Kosher or rock salt works best, but table salt is fine.)
Ice cubes (enough to fill each gallon-size bag about half full)
1 pint-size ziplock bag
1 gallon-size ziplock bag

1. Combine the sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract in the pint-size bag and seal it tightly.
2. Place the salt and ice in the gallon-size bag, then place the sealed smaller bag inside as well. Seal the larger bag. Now shake the bags until the mixture hardens (about 5 minutes). Feel the small bag to determine when it's done.
3. Take the smaller bag out of the larger one, add mix-ins, and eat the ice cream right out of the bag. Easy cleanup too! Serves 1.

Renouf Family Reunion 2008

Phew! What a fun filled Family Reunion! I'm exhausted!
It was so much fun to see everyone. A BIG GIGANTIC HUGE thanks to Mom and Dad for providing such an amazing vacation for everyone. Thanks to everyone who helped. We are a big group and it takes a lot of work to keep us moving. THANKS!!!
These pictures were taken by Shane (I will add more as I get them. SEND ME ANY PICS YOU WANT POSTED). I hope you enjoy the memories! I can't wait until the next reunion.
See Favorites and add your own below:

Some favorites:
My (H#7) favorite activity was probably the Marv's Party. Although my baby was sick and miserable, I had such a fun time watching Leslie and Laurie run the party, and seeing Michelle and Erin Hoola Hoop. I felt like a kid again watching my cool older sisters make everything fun and hip. I loved watching all the kids dance, too.

Reeve loved Uncle Mike's boat the best. It was his first boat ride and he was so excited--it was killing him not to stand up and tigger jump on the ride. Reeve also loved his surfer birthday party.

Ivy loved playing in the sandbox and seeing Grandpa and Grandma.

Lavender loved her cousins and finally getting that ear healthy.

PLEASE COMMENT ON YOUR FAVORITES!!!

Lollipop Tree Part II

The Lollipop Tree adventure continues:

I have looked all over the place trying to find the Lollipop Tree music...aside from contacting Miss Riddle myself, which probably would have been the easiest, but would require me to go against my Boo Radley ways and actually speak instead of type.

Sadly, all I could find was this very very strange and confusing video. The music is great. It really is. It is Mr. Burl Ives singing (classic!), but why oh why there is a teenage boy dancing around, I am not sure. Please close your eyes and listen to the video, then you too can experience the magic of the Lollipop Tree. Don't forget to scroll down and STOP the music at the bottom of the page first, otherwise you will have lollipop overload.

I love this song, and wasted many a birthday wish on such a tree. Although I must confess, lollipops are tricky little things. They looks so delicious, but after two bites, the love is lost for me. Anyone else have this problem? Luckily, the song's charm lasts forever!

Rumour Mill Sidenote: Is Miss Riddle really retiring? How can she do this to the Renouf grandchildren? Sad sad news! I need a lollipop.

Raise your hand if you remember this song?

The Lollipop Tree

One fine day in early spring, I played a funny trick.

Right in the yard behind our house, I planted a lollipop stick.
Then every day I watered it well and watched it carefully.

I hoped one day that stick would grow to be a lollipop tree.

Chorus: Ah ha ha ho, Oh ho ho what a place to be Under my lollipop, lollipop,lollipop, Lolli-lolli-lollipop Tree. Under my lollipop, lollipop,lollipop, Lolli-lolli-lollipop Tree.

Then one day I woke to find a very lovely sight. A tree all full of lollipops had grown in the dead of night. Well I sat beneath that wonderful tree, and looked up with a grin. And when I opened up my mouth A lollipop dropped right in.

Chorus

Winter came and days grew cold, as winter days will do. And on my tree, my lovely tree, not one little lollipop grew. (cry) From every branch an icicle hung, the limbs were bare as bones. But when I broke those icicles off, The turned into ice cream cones.

Chorus

CALLING ALL LITTLE GIRLS!

CALLING ALL LITTLE GIRLS! LITTLE GIRLS ALERT!

I HAVE A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM SAILOR!

ALERT! ALERT! LISTEN CLOSELY!

Please wear your white dresses from Jack and Rosie's wedding (or any white dress you have) on the Sunday during the Reunion (June 15th). If you have a pink sash to go with it, that would be lovely, too. Won't it be fun to all match again?

See you there!

The Wheels on the Chair Go Round and Round

Preface: A few weeks ago, Mom had extensive foot surgery and was sentenced to a wheel chair for 2 months. I asked her to send me her TOP 10 things she 'disliked' about her wheelchair, or on a more positive spin, 10 things she couldn't wait to do when she got out.

The little poet wrote it beautifully:

Aging Wheel Chair Style

The first time I ever thought about a wheel chair
Was seeing Mother Evelyn sitting in one,
Well, I had a small inkling that down the road
I might one day be sitting in one
But I quickly banished that thought from my mind.

Foolish prideful girl that I am
I would also be learning to maneuver my self
In one of those chairs for the aged.
But I am not aged I screamed to my inner self
You may think that but none the less
You are not going to be walking around free as a bird
Your days for the next two months will be
Either sitting, lying down or taking a walk
In the wheelchair.

There are many lessons to be learned
In a brief span of time
And one of them is learning to overcome Pride,
That baneful parasite to the soul.
It depletes sensitivity, compassion and wisdom.
And a wheelchair is the vehicle of choice
That can purify those feelings right out of your heart.

Now and from on forever, when I see a dear soul
Riding around in chair on wheels, I will wince
And think back, remember, and offer to this new
Kindred spirit, my hand or a smile of comfort
And kind sympathy…..this whole aging bit
Is the scene that must be portrayed with all
The courage
That an actor on this mortal stage can give.

The ability to smile through tears, and laugh
In spite of awkward faltering steps and being
Thought of as old and ailing when all the while
You hear yourself, “But I am not old, this is
All some what of a very cruel joke. Yet the
Actress in me, says,
“My show must go on and all will be well
In a very short moment, if I can bear it
In quiet dignity.”

Barbara Renouf June 2008

HERE COMES THE SUN!

2008 Renouf Family Reunion
Santa Clara, Utah
June 13 -June 18 , 2008

Friday Evening June 13 (Arrival Day)
The Homestead Afternoon and Evening: Pizza and Pool Party
After you get settled bring your towel and swimsuit and come over
for a relaxing evening with family, friends, pizza and swimming
7:30 PM: Reevey Brisco 5th Birthday, Surfer Birthday Party

Saturday June 14

10:00 AM: St George Temple Sealing for Roy and Evelyn (Arrive at Temple @ 9:30 AM)
During The Day @ Your Leisure: Green Valley Pool and Facilities 4:00 PM @ The Homestead, Kids Team Treasure Hunt
Dunk Tank, Popcorn Machine, & Snow Cones
5:00 PM Family Picture
6:00 PM Café Rio Dinner at The Homestead
Capture the Golden Plates and Games *(Roy and Michelle)
Just show up for a great Mexican dinner and fun evening of games

Sunday June 15
9:00 AM: Santa Clara First Ward (Sacrament First)
Baby Grayson Elisaldez blessing
3:00 PM: Pine Valley Picnic, hamburgers, hot dogs, dips and somoras (Bring only your appetite)
Campfire Program/Entertainment *(Candice, Courtney, Cammy & Katie)

Monday June 16
9:30 AM Devotional and Continental Breakfast (Lisa, Katheryn & Carolyn) @ The Homestead
During Day: Lake Activities @ Sand Hollow or Green Valley Pool
8:00 PM: Sound of Music @ Tuachan
Lunch & Dinner on your own (Hot dogs and other snacks available @ Tuachan)
Tuesday June 17
9:30 AM: Devotional and Continental Breakfast (Jack and Rosie)@ The Homestead
Open Day for Activity Choices: Zion, Pool, Fishing, Sleeping, Whatever
6:30 PM: Fifty’s Party @ Marv’s Dinner included (Laurie & Leslie)

Wednesday June 18
Morning open for individual or spontaneous group activities
2:00 PM Devotional and Luncheon (Mary Kate & Catherine) @ The Homestead
3:00 PM: Pool Party & Kids Activity
7:00 PM: Western Cowboy Catered Dinner (Cowboy and Cowgirl dress preferred)
8:00 PM: Square Dance

Thursday, June 19
No activities scheduled
Mom and Dad leave for Nauvoo

Happy Birthday Daddy-Oh!

Do you believe in love at first sight?
I do.
From the moment I looked up into my Daddy's big blue eyes, I was smitten. Maybe it was because he beat me to the punch; Dad has always been a succor for babies. Either way, there is no turning back now!
I love and adore you Dad, and wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday!
Thank you Dad for always sharing your entire life, your closet, your food, your house, your TV clicker, your exercise room, your clothes, your fancy hairspray, your frozen rootbeer mugs, your toys, your popcorn bowl, your pool, your cars, your yard, your EVERYTHING with us (and whatever stragglers/grandchildren we have brought along with us!). You have provided us with the perfect model for a good husband, caring father, and wonderful man. Happy Birthday and I wish I was their to share a big piece of your Mayo Cake with you!

Just Like A Nephi Boy

Just Like A Nephi Boy

I have no bow nor arrow
To search for food and prey
But dad needs my help
Out in the yard today.
I’d like to be out playing
With my friends, but I will cheerfully obey.

I won’t be walking miles
Ahead to reach the promised land.
But Mother’s in the kitchen
I think I could ask her
If she could use a helping hand.

There is no liahona or compass
For me to see and follow,
yet when my parents call,
“It’s time for scripture hour,”
I’ll come quickly and listen
So I can learn the better way.

At times when my siblings
Are sad from hurtful words.
I can cheer them easily
With kind and loving care
And ease their burdens
Just like Nephi when he shared.

I want to be the kind of child
As in the stories I have been told
I want to be like Jesus
and the other prophets of long ago
Who did kind their deeds so happily.

I want to be that kind of boy and hear
My parents say, “Our little son is
Trying to help us here at home,
With all our daily tasks
He reminds us of a young Nephi boy
He is walking the righteous path.”

Barbara Renouf
April 2008

Cinderella had a Ball...

The Swimming Blues

With the Family Reunion looming and the temperatures heating up, the Swimming Blues Season has officially begun.
I looked online for modest swimwear and these are a few of the options out there for us modest ladies.



Seriously, these swimsuits cannot be safe when wet.
Then again you could always go Mom style.
Mom....the woman is petite, has no cellulite and without much exercise has always had a great shape (ask Dad), and even she won't step foot in a real bathing suit. They say Mother knows best, and ever since I can remember, my dear mother has always worn a bathing suit like this:

As an adult (and after a few very large babies), I can actually appreciate the cuteness of this swimsuit. It's sweet and could be kind of fun to wear, although staying afloat might be a problem.
Can you even imagine a world without tugging, pulling, adjusting, or yanking? Just good old fashioned fun in the sun?
Sometimes I think maybe I should just be the one to follow in Mother's footsteps; take the plunge, throw caution to the wind, forget modern society, and step out in this old fashioned swimming costume. And then other times I think I better just make a quick run to Target and find something (anything!) large and dark to cover up this body with.

Either way I can't wait to see you all at the Reunion....and hopefully no one will be wearing The Swimming Blues!

A Good Excuse

To Whom It May Concern,
Please excuse my daughter, __________________, from her Blog for the last two weeks. She simply did not feel like doing it.
Thanks,
Mrs. Renouf

This kind of thing worked like magic over at the good old La Serna High Attendance Office, I am hoping you will all be just as forgiving as Mrs.Ohhh-What's-Her-Name (Roy will remember).

Besides my two week vacation, I have had much less to say as other family members have surpassed me in their blogging expertise.

Unless, of course, you like to hear about piles of laundry that reach 'high above the chimney tops' and how I'm wishing my messy house would 'melt away like lemon drops', then visit one of these sites instead:



Laurie at http://themacisaacrootsandwingsreport.blogspot.com
Erin at http://prudencepennywise.blogspot.com/
Catherine at http://livingthegutelife.blogspot.com
Mary Kate at http://tellesastory.blogspot.com
Candice at http://thesandersstory.blogspot.com/
Courtney at http://thehenaofamily.blogspot.com/
Katie at http://elisaldezfamily.blogspot.com/

I'll be back soon, but watch for upcoming blogs by Leslie, Sailor, and Reeve!

PS. Mom, I'm counting on you for some new posts as soon as you get back on your feet.

Never a better time to see.....The Nauvoo House!

Some of you were wondering what the Nauvoo House looked like...here you go!

FAMILY SLIDESHOW

The Latest Models....

Here are some of the latest pics of the newest great-grandbabies in our family. Congratulations to the Tillerys and the Sanders Families!

Carolynne Zuniga Tillery with Baby Georgianna Elisabeth Tillery.

Billy, Aubrey, Bradley, and the newest Sanders baby, Amery! Gotta LOVE the bow!

What is there to do around here?

The other day I posted about a new website I found called 'The Crafty Crow'. It is my new found favorite. Everyday Miss or Mr. Crafty Crow gathers the best ideas for children's crafts around the blogging world and only posts the very best ones. My kids and I are having a great time exploring our inner artists, or lack therof.

Here is what we tried today and I found myself enjoying it just as much as my 2 year old daughter. The boy, or course, made his creature with a sword and shield--all created from the great outdoors. We named ours Ruby, Ruby #2, Freezia, Zelda, Reeve the Great Knight, and Fire Shooter the Dragon. Wondering what there is to do around here today??? Check out the Crafty Crow at http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/

APOSTLE SONG

Have you heard the new apostle song? It is kind of silly but a good way to familiarize yourself with the new general authorities. Here you go...

1-800- MICK-MOWS

Anyone need any yard work done? We have the perfect employee....McKenna Henao!
View the video below for her excellent references:

Five Things...

#1. First off, I want to wish Mom a 'Happy Happy Birthday, Mother Dear'. She is doing well after her foot surgery. She sounded great this morning and is optimistic for her foot-ture (future--okay that was a stretch, but Mikey would be proud of me for trying :)

#2. Carolynne Zuniga Tillery and Justus welcomed their baby girl into the world on Tuesday, April 15th. I have not heard the specifics but we will post them when we get them. Congratulations to their family!

#3. Congratulations to Rosy Renouf for her upcoming graduation from U of U Business School. She earned her MBA while working full time. She is also leaving soon to run the Boston Marathon. Good Luck!

#4. Also very important--rumer has it that the famous "FLAKY FLIX" Cookie Wafers are coming back. Mother's Cookies pulled them off the market for a while, but supposedly they are returning soon. Check your local markets !

#5. I found this blog that has GREAT Crafting ideas for children. We tried the 'Microwave Puff Paint' and the 'Flower Felt Boards'. I thought all the ideas were very good for a tactile art experience. Here is the link: http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/

SOME APRIL BIRTHDAYS

Happy April Birthdays to Mom, Noah Henao, Katie, Bonnie Blue, Truly, Mallory, Annie Laurie, Katelynne, Mingi, and Paul.....(let me know if we missed any of you). We hope you have a happy year.

Our Favorite, of course, Mom on April 17th

Katie on April 30th
Paul on April 16

Bonnie Blue on April 23

Truly on April 2

Katelynne on April 21

Mallory on April 9

Mingi on April 23

Annie Laurie on April 16

Noah Henao on April 10th