Melissa's Favorite Song of 2009

My favorite song this year is Single Ladies by Beyonce. I know that my choice is super cheesy, but after a hard day my family loves to put on the Single Ladies and dance. It is great!

Liz's Favorite Songs For 2009

Favorite #1: Pearl Jam-Just Breathe


My all time favorite song for the year 2009. I've been a huge Pearl Jam fan for over 15 years and love that they are actually still producing music that's great to listen to.

Favorite #2: Coldplay-Life In Technicolor

My kids were way into this one, which made it one of our favorites for 2009. On Coldplay's Viva La Vida album, the original song doesn't have any lyrics, so it was a treat to hear it with words a little later on and with a great video too. :)

Laurel's favorite songs 2009

Okay, somebody has to be first on this, I guess. Just didn't think it would be me.
Anyway, had some time to ponder this, and here's what I came up with (links are to the artist's website, not to the song, because I'm limited here at my office, but you can find a link for the song from there):

I listen to either KUER or KOHS radio, both of which are commercial free, to the point that I don't like to listen to the other stations, because I am now so used to no commercials, I get impatient about them. KUER is an NPR station, so I listen mostly for the news, and a few choice programs like Car Talk, Wait Wait, and Prairie Home Companion. I sometimes catch an interview with some new artist, though, and I have bought a bit of music over the years based on those interviews, like Gabriella Cilmi and Lady Antebellum. But mostly, I discover my favorite new (or sometimes just new-to-me) artists listening to KOHS, the Orem High School radio station. They play whatever the DJ or their instructor happens to have in their personal collection, so it's a wide range of stuff. It can also be repetitious, especially when they change shifts, but that's usually not too annoying. What is annoying, however, is how the DJ's don't always mention who or what they just played, which has me tracking them down on the Internet by guessing at the songs name. Which is how I had to track down my hands-down favorite new artist for this year, Scouting for Girls.
I first heard "She's So Lovely", then later "Heartbeat" - both of which make me happy every time I hear them. In fact, the entire album is well worth listening to. Very peppy, very upbeat, even when the lyrics aren't exactly happy. It's a fun sound, and never fails to cheer me up if I'm feeling a bit low.
It's a tough call, choosing which is my favorite, but I have to go with "Heartbeat". I hear the song, and I know I'm that girl, the sort of girl he's talking about. Or at least, I was, when I was younger. You can find a link to their You Tube channel from their home page if you want to give it a listen. (I assume it will be on their You Tube, but as I can't check from here, I can't make any promises.)
A close second, from another artist I first heard on KOHS, would have to be Mika's "Grace Kelly", which you can catch me singing, very loudly, every time it comes on the radio when I'm in my car. Usually I'm alone for that, but sometimes I'm embarrassing my kids and trying to get them to join in. No, I can't hit all the notes right, but I don't care, because it's just a fun song. Personally, I don't think he's talking to a girl here, I think he's talking to his mom. Think about it, it'll make sense.

Gingerbread Pigs

By request, here is my recipe for the gingerbread cookies I brought to this year's Christmas party. I got this from the old Betty Crocker's Cooky Book. They've reprinted this book recently, but the recipes were "updated", so I had to hunt down a vintage copy for my own. I grew up with this "cooky book", and there are many family favorites in here. Very many. Mom's copy is in tatters, no longer in it's cover, pages stuffed in a large envelope to keep them from getting lost. We like cookies. If you should ever run across one of these in a used bookstore or antique shop, I will gladly pay you for it. Some of my siblings are still trying to hunt one down for themselves.

Sorry about the smudges. This is a well-used page in the book. Even though I like butter instead of shortening for most cookies, I use shortening, just like it says. I did make one little change to this when I made them last. I didn't have any allspice, and I remembered a friend of mine puts anise in hers, so I crushed about a teaspoon of anise with my mortar and pestle, and put that in instead. I usually under-bake them a bit. I think they're softer that way. When I check mine at 10 minutes, there is a little imprint left, and I take them out anyway. I baked one pan a bit longer, but those were somewhat harder (they were at the bottom of the jar, so you probably didn't get one of those). I like them soft. Mine may be a bit more than 1/4 inch thick when I roll them out as well - I'm just guessing, though. Oh, and, because we're in Utah, at high altitude, I don't bother with dipping (carefully scooping the flour into your measuring cup and leveling off) or sifting my flour when I make any baked goods. We need to add more flour here, and I finally realized a few years back why I don't think I do add more. I scoop my flour and shake or tap the cup until it's level, which packs a little more flour in each cup. You'll know if yours is the right amount more if the dough isn't sticky to touch. You will need a little more flour on the counter when you roll it out, but you shouldn't need a lot more. If you seem to need a lot on the counter, knead some more flour into the dough, and then try rolling out again.

(Side note for flour: I use Gold Medal, always, for cookies. Western Family has a blend of other grains in with their flour, which I think gives it an odd flavor, and also makes it react differently in your baked goods. I use Lehi Roller Mills for breads. Used to use Gold Medal, and it was good bread, but then I tried the Lehi (Costco has the 25 lb bag for about $7), and I've never gone back. It does seem a little heavy for cookies, though, so that's why I have both.)

I use the pig shape because that's a traditional Scandinavian shape for Christmas, and I happen to like pigs, so it makes me happy to eat a gingerbread pig.

Happy Almost December Ladies!!!!!!

(excerpted from Michelle's email)

Book club will be Michelle's place Tuesday, December 15th at 7pm. We closed on our house the day before Thanksgiving, and move into it until December 12th. So, we'll have it at my new place. (will send out new address later)

Originally I wanted to read the book Marcy recommended, Two From Galilee, but after stopping at deseret book, seagull book, and barnes and noble with with no luck, I gave up. If you want, you can still read it and tell me all about it. or loan me your copy. :)

But I had a different idea. In an effort to simplify and to really focus on the Birth of our Savior this month, I came up with this little plan.

1. Read the December Ensign. Cover to Cover. Yes, come on, you can do it!!!
2. Share article(s) that touched you.
3. Come prepared to share the gift you want to give Christ this year.

In addition to that, we will be having a delicious pot luck dinner. How do I know it will be delicious? Because you ladies will be contributing! I'll provide the soup AND gourmet hot chocolate. (water with lemons and limes for those pansies who are still cutting back on their sugar)

we will need the following:
1. rolls
2.salad/fruits/vegetables
3.dessert

After our delicious meal we shall partake in the lovely tradition of a WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EXCHANGE!
So bring a WRAPPED white elephant gift.

And my final request? Come wearing the ugliest/funkiest/most festive Christmas Sweater. DI is calling your name. Oh wait, now Savers is. Who's it gonna be?

Best sweater (judged by Kyle) wearer gets a gift certificate to some wonderful place.

Love you ladies!

yours truly forever and ever,
Michelle

Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust

This month's book!

Chicken and Cream Cheese Dip

Heres the recipe for the dip I brought:

2 cans cream of chicken
1 can diced jalapenos
2 blocks cream cheese
1 large can cooked chicken, with a little of the broth

Warm all ingredients and eat with chips.

I actually halfed this last night and made it with diced chillis instead, 1 can cream of chicken, 1 cream cheese, and a whole can of shredded chicken from Costco, and some of the broth.

LOVED the book, can't wait for next month :)

pumpkin fudge

I got the recipe from this book:

which it appears may not be in print anymore, so I don't feel bad about sharing the recipe. The book has a cute gift presentation for each of the recipes. Lots of other great recipes in the book, too, so if anyone wants to borrow it, let me know. (Or, you can get a used copy on Amazon for .01 to 2.99)

Creamy Pumpkin Fudge

1 1/2 c sugar

2/3 c evaporated milk

1/2 c canned pumpkin

2 T butter

1 1/2 t pumpkin pie spice

1/4 t salt

2 c mini marshmallows

12 oz pkg vanilla baking chips

1/2 c chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted

1 t vanilla

Line an 8" square pan with aluminum foil, grease foil.

Butter sides of a heavy medium saucepan.

Combine sugar, evaporated milk, pumpkin, butter, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in saucepan.

Stirring constantly, bring mixture to a boil over medium heat; boil 12 minutes.

Remove from heat. Add marshmallows, vanilla chips, nuts, and vanilla; stir until marshmallows and chips melt. Pour into prepared pan. Chill until firm. Cut into 1" squares. Store in airtight container in fridge.

my notes on this: The total cooking time here may need adjustment depending on the weather or whatever. Basically you're looking for the mixture to reduce to about 1/2 and thicken/darken.

If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can make up your own mixture: 1 t cinnamon, 1/4 t nutmeg, 1/4 t ginger, 1/8 t cloves. OR 1 t cinnamon, 1/2 t cloves, 1/4 t ginger. Both combos are slightly more than the total of 1 1/2 t called for in this recipe, but just put it all in.

For the nuts, I use pecans, the original recipe calls for walnuts. I toast them in the microwave on a stoneware plate. 2 1/2 to 3 minutes for the 1/2 cup called for here. You will know they are toasted by the scent - be careful not to overheat/burn the nuts.

I don't think I store mine in the fridge, just in something airtight. But it doesn't hang around very long anyway.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

If you've never read this or seen the movie or play, you are SERIOUSLY missing out on one of the best stories ever!

Chocolate Eclair Pie Recipe

Because it's always easier to be able to look it up online...

Chocolate Eclaire Pie

from Sherry Whyte

1 Cup water

1 Cup flour

1 stick (1/4 lb.) Margarine

4 eggs

1 5.1oz package of instant vanilla pudding

3 Cups milk

1 8oz package of Philadelphia cream cheese (softened)

Cool Whip

Chocolate Syrup

PIE CRUST:

Boil water and margarine. Remove from stove and add 1 cup of flour. Stir with whisk until smooth. While warm, add 4 eggs–one at a time, mixing well.

Spray 2-9" pie pans with Pam. Divide above batter between two pie plates. Smooth batter with large spoon or spatula going up the sides and across the bottom, distributing the batter evenly.

Bake these pie crusts at 400 for 22-28 minutes. Make sure the crust is firm and golden brown. Due to nature of the crust, it will rise in areas and take on an unusual appearance. Set a bowl inside the pie after cooking to help flatten the crust down. Let crusts cool.

FILLING:

Mix one large package of INSTANT vanilla pudding with 3 cups of milk according to package directions. Refrigerate until almost firm (2% or whole milk work best if you are short of time). Next add one 8 oz package of previously softened (the microwave works great) cream cheese (I use the light–Neufchatel). Whip until smooth.

Divide the filling between the two pies. Top with whipping cream or Cool Whip. Drizzle top of cream with chocolate syrup in a fine, crisscross pattern. (I like the magic shell chocolate better because it doesn't get runny and the pattern you make freezes)

Refrigerate.

Book to Read for Oct. 13th book club at Alisa's

Here is the book we are reading for Oct. 13th book club, as a reminder. It's a page-turner!

Happy Birthday to Liz!

Cafe Rio Recipe

Hey Ladies!

Marcy asked for the recipe of the food I brought last month to book club. So here you have it. Enjoy!

Cafe Rio Dressing

2 cups mayo

1 clove garlic (crushed)
1/2 bunch cilantro (leaves only)
2 tbsp water

1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 jalepeno- no seeds

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp salt

combine all in a blender

Cafe Rio Rice (I got this one from Cumorah)

3 c water

4 garlic cloves minced

1/2 bunch cilantro

1 can green chiles

3/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp butter

1/2 onion

1 1/2 cup rice

Bring cilantro, green chilies, and onion together in food processor. Bring water to boil and add all ingredients. Simmer covered for 30 minutes.

With the rice, I added black beans and corn and we used both the rice and the dressing as a dip and it was really yummy! Can't wait to see everyone in September. Good luck with getting back into school routines!

Peace Like a River

Leif Enger is a superb writer. The main character is asthmatic, and I swear I had trouble breathing while I was reading it. I highly recommend it.

I was wondering where the phrase "peace like a river" comes from and looked it up. Isaiah 66:12 says, "For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees."

It's true!

Hello my beloved ladies!!!

I just wanted to drop you a line and say I REALLY am here. I am sad I didn't catch the movie with you guys last Tuesday. :( It's a little tricky getting a sitter when a. you'd be getting one to stay with your kids in a house that's not even yours (it was my sisters) b. you don't know any sitters. c. you'd have to wake the kids up to take a sitter home. It just was not worth it. :)

Anyway, the news is I found a house to rent and it's great. Love the neighborhood, ward, and my bedroom closet. We (or should I say "I" since Kyle was gone before I had found a place) moved in over the weekend to a great little twin-home. Love it. We will be in it and in the mean time Kyle and I will be looking for a home to buy to take advantage of the fantastic buyers market. Don't know how long I'll be in this actual home, but we plan on being in Utah County for a looong time. "Loooong Time" in Woodbury Speak is probably the equivalent to like 4 years, but who knows! We are here indefinitely and I couldn't be happier. It's really nice to be able to settle back in to my dear friends I was so sad to leave behind when I went to Chicago. Really, your friendships mean so much to me.

So yes, this is a sappy little post to just say Hi! I am here and I can't wait to see you!! I'm happy to volunteer my place for the next book club. September. Rumor has it we are going to attempt to go literary again! Book ideas? Oh, FYI I am also happy to drive to anyone else's place, too. I just feel like I've been such a mooch over the last few years with book club. I'd love to contribute however.

xoxo,
michelle

Michelle is back!

Totally random event: last night I drove one of Steve’s friends home, just after 10pm, so it’s a nice drive with the top down, etc. On the way back, just before we passed Target on Orem Center, this cute girl (Steve actually thought it was one of his friends, she could still pass for a teenager) in the car next to me (which is all loaded up with stuff on top and in the back) starts yelling and waving, and I look over, and it’s MICHELLE (and the rest of her family)!
So we pull off the road into the Target parking lot for a nice mini-reunion right then and there. She and the fam all look fabulous, of course (though it was way past the kids bedtime, and they were not so happy right then).
Turns out, they came for a wedding this week, and figured the timing was right to move as well, so here they are! She says she won’t have Internet for probably a week or so while they get settled, but you can call her, same number as always. Kyle will be going back to Chicago to wrap things up with work (for about a month), so for a while she's kinda on her own, but she's HERE!
Welcome back Michelle! we've missed you!
When are we getting together?
(sent an email this morning on this, but just found out some of you might not have gotten it, so I decided I'd post this as well)

group email

I have set up, and sent invites for, a group email. If you didn't get the invite, please comment so I can send you one. (Charity's email didn't "allow" me to send the invite?) My family uses one to stay in touch, and we really like it. When you send to the group, all replies go to everyone in the group automatically, making sure that everyone can stay in the loop. If you want to only reply to one person, you would have to put in their email instead. I know sometimes you don't want to talk to the whole group, but so often, we hit reply, thinking we hit "reply all", and we wonder why nobody else knows what we're talking about later.
Google also archives group messages. I have made it private. I have to invite someone if we add a new book clubber, or if someones email changes. I invited all the girls, including those out of state. If we think we'd prefer to have two groups, one for all of us, and one for locals only, I can do that, too.
I think we'll like communicating this way - especially when it's time for book club, and we want to be sure everyone gets all the important info!

update: please be sure you look for the email from "noreplygooglegroups" or something like that, which may have ended up in your junk mail (it did in mine) and click the URL to accept the invite.

Lost in Austen on DVD

I know we're supposed to post about books and get-togethers here, but I just had to tell everyone about this fantastic (book-related) movie.

They ran this on KUED recently, but as I missed the first couple episodes (it's almost 3 hours, so they ran it as a mini-series), I had to get this on my Netflix.

If you are a fan of Jane Austen, especially Pride & Prejudice, you MUST see this movie!

Basic plot-line: Pride & Prejudice is Amanda Price's favorite novel. She'd rather stay at home alone reading about Elizabeth and Darcy than spend an evening with her boyfriend. One evening, she discovers a door in her apartment that leads into the Bennet home, and meets Elizabeth Bennet. Next things she knows, she's somehow swapped places with Elizabeth, coming in at the very beginning of the novel, and Elizabeth is living in present-day London. Elizabeth has no intention of coming back, so Amanda must try to keep events flowing as they should, all the while trying to re-open the door and get back to her own reality.

So many great plot twists and unexpected moments, details of the characters lives we have never known before. LOVED this movie!

Small Crowd

Not many of us were there, but we still had a good time. We had dinner at Iggy's and then visited on a patch of lawn in front of Laurel's work (just across the street from dinner). Thanks for the fun night girls! We missed all of you who couldn't make it! Hopefully next month we'll have a better turn out.

Maggie's Miracle

So this is one of those books I like to call a Candy Read.

It's endearing, emotional and I can finish it in a couple sittings. I would put Kingsbury in the same category of Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans.

I don't want to give it away....but what really struck me is how the book began in the point of view of a young boy. It really began to make me see through my children's eyes. I don't suppose that was the goal of the author, but that is one thing I gained after reading this book. I don't want to give any more away.... just know the storyline that will tug at your heartstrings.

Has anyone else read other books by her?

Child of My Heart

How many of you have read this one? I know it's been borrowed by a couple of you, at least. What did you think of it? It is one of my all-time personal favorites. My dad is writing an article, involving this book, and would like some comments to add from anyone who read it. Anyone willing to share?

The Book Thief

Speaking of good books, I've been meaning to post about this one for a while now. Lisa asked me in December if I had read this, and I said yes, thinking I had. I don't know what book I was thinking of at the time, but this wasn't it. So, since I'd said I already read it, and that she could borrow it, I had to go get a copy. Wow. I was not disappointed! Death, in this book, is something between "Meet Joe Black" (without the handsome) and The Wishlist (another great book). Such a completely different view of the Holocaust, not at all what you'd expect. I highly recommend this book. In fact, give it to your kids, too.

Eve's Daughters

Marcy inspired me to make a post about a book I'm finishing:

Its a great story following the lives of four generations of mothers. It tells the truth and hardships about falling in love, married life, life with kids, and after. I really enjoy this book and recommend it to all readers in different situations in life. I haven't finished it yet, so I don't know the big "secret" that is the background during the entire book.

Let me know if any of you read it and what your thoughts are. There is some things I would like to discuss about it.

Margaret

These Is My Words

I recently reread These Is My Words and it meant more to me this second time. I especially think that Jimmy sounds like my first husband in a lot of ways, and I'm hoping there's a Jack in my (and Laurel's) future (and I hope the rest of you have a Jack to snuggle up to every night!). Anyway, my older sis fought against reading it for a long time, but she finally did this past week and posted this review, if you're interested.

I'm so glad you introduced it to us Lisa!

the sisterhood grows

I just picked it up yesterday, the latest by Ann Brashares, 3 Willows. I'm only a couple chapters in, but it's good. Different, younger set of girls, same location, and they idolize the original sisterhood. First one to email me gets to have it next.

Homemade Oreo Cookies

Mix together:

2 (18 oz) boxes Devil's Food Cake Mix

4 eggs

2/3 c. oil

Shape into balls and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. If you want them crunchy, leave them in longer. I personally like them soft, so when they crack on the top I take them out.

Filling:

1/2 c. margarine (I use butter)

4 oz cream cheese

2 c. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

You can add whatever other flavoring you want. One of our favorites is mint, orange, or even coconut.

Spread frosting on one cookie. Add another cookie on top to make a sandwich and enjoy.

Caution* Can be addictive.

Carrot Cake

sharing my recipe, per request:


I tend to be generous with the carrots, pressing it down in the cup to measure 2 cups, which may account for how moist it turns out for me.

The last couple times I made it, I used a bag of pre-shredded carrots and added a Tbl or so more oil, as the carrots seemed a little dry compared to grating them fresh. I may not buy the pre-shredded carrots again for this, but it's nice to know the cake still turns out if you want that time-saver.

Congratulations Margie!

Congrats on your new arrival Margie Marge Margaret! And she was too late to the hospital and had to do it all natur-al! You go girl! She is still in a little bit of shock about the whole thing, so we will wait for details later. He's a cutie! And she looks great!!

Austin Heider Wright

Born March 16, 2009 7:55 am

7 pounds 5 ounces 19 inches long

basic crochet

I told Liz I'd scan some basic crochet instructions and post them for you. I was all set to do that, but then I realized that I probably shouldn't do that with copy-righted material.

However, since I did scan them already, if you are interested in having these instructions, please email me and I will send them to you. They are in pdf format.

Or, if you feel like buying a fantastic needlework reference book, I highly recommend this one.

There may be a more recent version, but this is the one I have, and it is by far the best reference I've ever seen for all kinds of needlework. The projects are a little dated (this was published in 1979) but the step-by-step line-drawn instructions are awesome.

I'd offer to loan this out, but I don't let it out of my hands.

Twilight Review

My sister sent me here to this great review of the Twilight books/movie.

All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience

I realized I never wrote on this blog how much this book meant to me when I read it a couple months ago. If you've ever had a trial (and who hasn't?) this book will give you some great insight into your schooling here on earth. I copied many quotes from this book in order to reread them!

yup, I caved

I know I said I'd never have a blog, because I just don't want to spend that much time on the computer, and I probably wouldn't keep it up anyway. (I still make no such promises.)

but, since I signed up on LDSSingles, my life has a comical element, which is kind of fun to share, even if it's not fun to live it. (dating after 40 is not for the timid)

so, now you can keep up with my dating life. or at least my online flirts... no dates have materialized as yet.

http://sharemypaindating.blogspot.com/

I'm pretty sure you won't need to be invited or sign in, but let me know if it doesn't work.

I hope I at least entertain.

Beautiful Babe seeks Endowed, Educated, and Employed

These are the pics I took of Laurel on bookclub night so that she can get her sexy self out there and meet some great guys. (hopefully they won't be over 60 and want to consecrate anything). She is looking for someone who is 1.Educated - that means someone who has at least a phd (jk)possibly a doctor I always say 2. Endowed- if they don't have a temple recommend why bother? and 3. Employed- hello are you still living with your parents? Laurel deserves all three! Good Luck and happy hunting!

Here is my peanut butter bar recipe.

Peanut Butter Bars
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup margarine or butter
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
½ tsp. vanilla
1 cup flour
½ tsp. soda
¼ tsp. salt
1 cup oatmeal (quick oats)
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions: Sift dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl cream sugar, butter, vanilla, and peanut butter. Mix well. Then add egg. Add dry ingredients. Stir in oatmeal and chocolate chips. Press into a 9x13 pan. Bake for 15 to 16 minutes at 350 degrees.
Cool Bars for 5 minutes
Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup peanut butter
5 Tbsp. milk
Mix ingredients together and pour on top of bars.

Here's the salad I brought to January's book club.
Everyone else post your recipes :)

Best Salad Ever
1 Head read leaf lettuce
1 head green leaf lettuce (or just all romaine)
1 package dried cranberries (i don't use that much)
1 package feta cheese
candied almonds (see below)

Dressing:
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp poppy seed
1 cup sugar (i don't use that much)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp dry mustard
Mix everything in blender except poppy seeds and then add poppy seeds and mix in.

Candied Almonds:
melt 1 tbsp butter and 3/4 cup sugar. Stir and heat until mixture liquefies. Add 1 package (large size) slivered almonds. Spread on greased foil. Let harden and break into small pieces-toss with other ingredients in salad. Note: the dressing is very acidic and wilts the lettuce quickly. I don't mix in the dressing until right before eating.

Room Service

Thanks Marcy for the fun afternoon! All who went had a great time. We've gotta do it again. I personally think we need to write and act in our own play. We've got the looks and the talent! ;)

St. George Invite

Hey Ladies!

Kiki has invited us to go to St. George this year for our birthday getaway celebration. We will probably do it in June near the end. Is that good for everyone? Kiki's family has a house down there with a pool and lots of games. It has like six bedrooms! I think it will be a great place to celebrate our birthdays, eat lots of yummy food, and stay up late talking about all the juice in our lives! What do you think?

Babe- A- liscious!

After the play last Saturday I decided to do a little photo shoot with Laurel since she just turned 40. Love the dark hair and dark beautiful eyes! Laurel's hair is naturally curly so it always looks great! She will soon be singing, "It's raining men!"

My personal fav.

Girl with a Pearl Earring

Lisa lent me her copy of this book and it was an interesting read. I finished it, though, and thought it was a real shame that the girl in the story had no one to really share her thoughts and dreams with. She was even keeping things from her husband at the end of the book. It got me thinking that the only thing that truly matters in life are the relationships that we build and enjoy each day. We all need someone (at least one person) that we can be "real" with.

Big Russ & Me

A guy I admire recommended this book to me. Very different from what I usually read, but very good. It's about the character-building experiences of Tim Russert's life. It made me think of some experiences of my own childhood in a different way. For instance, when I was 12, living on the bottom road of my very small town, my best friend lived toward the top off the town, uphill all the way. My mom would not drive me to her house when I wanted to play there. I had to walk the 15 or so minutes and I hated it. But now I think she might have been wanting to teach me something and I hope my kids have to do some walking in life and not have everything handed to them. :)

Lars and the Real Girl

Laurel and I watched Lars and the Real Girl last night and I loved it! I've been hearing so many good things about it and it really was worth seeing.