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.

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!