Great Party - No Pics!

We had a great time at our party last week, but, somehow, nobody took any pictures!
(I even had my camera right there in my knitting bag, and I forgot to get it out.)

We did gifts right when we got there, before we ate or anything, which I think was nice, as it gave us time to ooh and aah over everything before anyone had to get going. Lots of creative, fun gifts! (Kiki, Michelle, and Margie - I have your gifts. Colleen - Sarah took yours. Missed you all!)

We ate, talked, laughed, and generally enjoyed each others company. So many good things to eat!

The white elephant exchange was a tad boring, to be truthful. Hardly anything was stolen, except the adorable Sesame Street shirt - I think we all wanted to take that home, Alisa!
And, I should really apologize...next year, my white elephant won't be in the least bit suggestive or unfit for mixed company. Promise. I'm all done with that. Really. (Not that I was the only offender there.)

We tried to talk about next year, and what to read, but we didn't get far with that. I'll let Sarah fill you in on our plans. Basically, we're thinking every other month, but couldn't decide do we start in Jan or Feb, so maybe we should all weigh in here? I vote Feb, but only because Jan is so very busy for me at work.
Either way, we all need to come up with some great books - so get thinking, ladies!

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Party Info

2010 Christmas Party is:

12/16 (Thursday) @ 7pm
located @ Stately Jorgensen Manor (that's my parents home) Great Room
A white elephant
A potluck dessert or side dish or whatever (soup & homemade bread provided)
Optional gift exchange
Mandatory good cheer!

(call or email for address/directions)

December Book Club!

Hi Ladies! It's almost December. YIKES!  Last time we met at Sarah's and watched The Enchanted April. It was hilarious and adorable. I feel like there is a bit of every woman from that book in me. It also got me thinking about how lovely it would be to get away for an entire MONTH to someplace wonderful.

Sarah brought up a great idea that I think many of us were already thinking about.  Our lives are really busy and we should be focusing on the essentials in our lives.  If we met every other month, we would still have a chance to get together regularly without disrupting all of the important items on our full plates. Meeting less often may perhaps also give more incentive to come if it worked out with your schedule.

So, for our December Holiday Party, you all are invited over to my home for 2011 planning and hot tubbing. We talked about doing it earlier in the month rather than later. What say ye?

Jane Slayre

I know, I know, who reads this stuff? But after reading Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (and Sense & Sensibility & Sea Monsters), I had a taste for it, so I bought this one, too.

Recently, my sis-in-law remarked to me that she'd decided the Bronte's were very dark, maybe too dark.

Surprisingly, the addition of zombies, vampyres, and werewolves doesn't make it darker. In fact, I think it lightens the mood considerable.

"Curious, that!" Jane is often heard to remark, particularly after a slaying.

It's like Buffy meets Shaun of the Dead, but all proper and Victorian.

I can't really describe it better than that.

Not to mention, I think this one much better done than either of the aforementioned Austen re-writes.

Meeting Haley

Once again we had another great night together for September. Our first time meeting the author of the book we read was a success. A big thanks to Haley for spending her evening with us. We really enjoyed reading her book, A Future For Tomorrow, and discussing it with her. Her story was amazing! We had a great discussion of insights and awareness of our own self worth.

OCTOBER BOOK CLUB: The Enchanted April

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim.

It's a delightful classic!  Available in libraries, and on half dot com for 75 cents.  Should be easily accessible.

Where would you like to have it? Kiki, we really don't mind coming to you! :) Let us know!

Masterpiece Theater Jane Eyre

I highly recommend Masterpiece Theater's Jane Eyre. Mr. Rochester was so much more what I'd always imagined him than in the two or three other versions I've seen. I loved it.

Charms for the Easy Life

I couldn't put this one down; I love it when an author is such a good storyteller that you forget that you're reading. Definitely a chick read, without being cheesy, and not juvenile lit. They've made a movie of it; I'll let you know what I think when I see it!

September Book Club- A Future For Tomorrow

Okay Ladies, If you haven't read the book yet, you've got to get started on this great read! I just finished the book today. I can't wait to hear what you all thought about it. What Haley went through and survived was an amazing miracle. I can't wait to get together with her at the end of the month so we can all meet her and discuss her book! Those of you that got a copy don't forget to bring your books and she will sign and personalize each one. I have talked to Sarah and Alisa who have also finished the book and loved it. It will make a great conversation so don't miss book club September 28th at my house!

Crocodile on the Sandbank on August 31st!

Bring your swimsuits! :)

I think this date is better.  Thanks for the correction....crocodiles, dragons-- apparently they are all the same in my foggy brain. Haha! Sorry for the mix-up ladies!

See you in a few weeks.

August: Bring your swimsuits (and your blinders)

Hi Ladies! for the month of August we are reading:  The Dragon Princess (I AM PRETTY SURE?!) I still need to hop over to the library to check it out.

So the previously discussed plan is to have it at my place.  I'll be post baby about a week at this point so just ignore the disaster that I am sure the house will be. But, bring your swimsuits if you'd like to go for a dip in the pool and when you get cold you can hop in the hot tub. We can plan the next year.

So if we do it the last Tuesday of the month, it's the 24th of August right?  Is that okay?  That would be the night before the first day of school... so just an FYI.... If you want to change the day, speak now! :)

Love you gals.

Mississippi Mud Pie

Preheat oven to 325.

Crust:
1 cup flour
1 cube butter (melted)
1 cup chopped nuts (I used pecans)
Mix and pat into 9x13 and bake for 20 min. Let cool.

First layer:
12 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups whipped topping
Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar. Fold whipped topping in. Smooth over cooled crust.

Second layer:
1 small pkg. chocolate pudding
1 small pkg. vanilla pudding
2 1/2 cups milk
Mix and smooth over first layer.

Put a layer of whipped topping on top, garnish with nuts or shaved chocolate or toffee bits, etc. Chill until serving.

Wuthering Heights

This book made me grumpy. I had to shake myself mentally after finishing it. The characters were so confusing too; a few times I had to think hard to remember who was who. Did anyone else finish it? Anyone like it? My copy is going to DI unless someone wants it.... I'm looking forward to a pleasant book next :).

really short book

This is our pick for July's book. (Sarah picked it, but as I was already posting my review on my blog, I figured I'd come over here and put this up while I was online.)

It's a very short, quick read. Better written than her earlier stuff.

I'm already done, so my copy is up for grabs.

Read This Book!

I just finished reading this, and I absolutely LOVED it!

Basic story: Retired Major, widowed, very traditional Englishman, living in small-town England, becomes friends with the Pakistani shopkeeper (a widow), and said friendship develops into something more. He knew her for years, she mixed up special tea blends for him, but they'd just never become friends, outside the shop, until the day his brother dies. Events unfold, family is, well, like family, a little odd, a little less than you'd hoped, and nobody is in favor of their romance. He wasn't looking for it, and neither was she, but, there it is.

If you're on the waiting/hold list at Orem Library, I'm returning it today, a whole 5 days early, so your spot could come up sooner than you think. If you aren't on the list, get on it! I wanted to make sure this was one to own, before spending $20 on it, as it's new, and not out in paperback yet. I'll be buying a copy, definitely.

A Book for June

Michelle tried to force a decision out of us before we left last night, but nobody would commit to anything.

So we decided that whoever posted first could get to choose instead.

I think we all agreed we should read a classic. We just couldn't decide which one.

After checking both Orem and Provo Libraries, so that those of you who don't own a copy, or don't want to buy a new book, can check one out, I've decided on:

Wuthering Heights (Provo has 6 copies, Orem has 3; you may need to reserve. I have at least 2 copies. Also available for about $6 from B&N's classics series. You could come buy it next Thursday evening at B&N, during Maeser's book fair, and credit the profit to the school. And say hello to me and the knitting group in the cafe, while you're there.)

(I was leaning towards Cold Comfort Farm (less well-known, but only 128 pages, and a truly fun read), but there were only 2 copies at each library. Maybe next time?)

bookclub was great - wish you were there

We had a great time at Liz's last night! (thanks for hosting, Liz!)

We had Liz's yummy homemade bread sticks, and Karen's homemade strawberry jam and biscuits, some tasty peach ice cream and fresh green grapes, and some yummy dip Sarah made from I forget what, too. (We sort of wished one of us had made a caramel cake or chocolate pie, but we forgave each other - busy lives and all that. Plus, I forgot to get out the butter so it could be room temperature by the time I got home from work,so I couldn't make this caramel cake I managed to find online. Maybe next time.)

And, wow, did we have a great discussion, too! It kept veering off into our own lives and circumstances, but I think that's how it's supposed to go, right? Reading is how we learn to get along better with the rest of the world, and how we learn to cope with difficult situations, as well as being great for relaxing and entertaining ourselves.
For instance, have you heard how Liz got her revenge on her cheating boyfriend back in high school? Or how much Lisa and Sarah just hate all the Mexicans (just the ones they don't know, really)? Or that Michelle's house is the new neighborhood hangout, but all the kids are a bit older than hers, so it's making her nervous? Or, did you know, that BYU has recently discovered that focusing on academics has somehow decreased the percentage of students getting married - something they must try to amend, apparently? (My response to this, "Oh, so now you can not only think yourself out of the church*, you can think yourself out of marriage? Then, I guess I'm going apostate. Except, wait, the Gospel is true, so I can't do that.")

Did we forget to take pictures? Why, yes, we did forget. Sorry about that.

Liz has a cute little something for all of us. Be sure you get yours next time!

We left next month's book choice up in the air. Has anyone got a suggestion? Also, will it be difficult to meet up during the last week of school?

*this phrase, "think yourself out of the church", was bandied about in my teen years quite a bit. It's a sore spot with me. I will likely be posting something on my blog related to this, soon.

Bookclub this week!

Tuesday, 27th, 7pm, Liz's place.

We will be discussing The Help. Hope you read it - cuz we don't want to spoil it for you!

Anyone for chocolate pie?

April's Book

We are all such slackers. here I am at my office, in front of the computer all day, and even I don't bother. sorry. (not that I'm in charge or anything. unless I am?)

We're reading The Help this month:

Information

What is April's book? I've been checking on this site for info but not seeing any.

Mr Darcy, Vampyre

I just finished reading this. I knew it would be "light" reading, definitely fluff. I don't read much in the way of fluff, but I saw it at the library, figured there was no harm in taking it home. Library books don't cost you anything, after all. Except your time. The only regret I have about taking it back, is that someone else will be enticed to check it out and then they will read it.
I beg of you, do NOT let it be you. Unless you just have nothing else better to do. Or you are just such a HUGE P&P fan that you read everything even remotely related to it.

It is not the worst book I've ever read. But it's close. Really close.

The last two chapters felt "tacked on". As in, the writer finished, with this great scene where he's finally, at long last, sweeping her up the stairs to claim her as his bride (I am tempted to explain all here, to save you from actually reading this travesty filled with overuse of her thesaurus), and you have this lovely picture in your head of the two of them, eyes locked on each other, etc...BUT, the editor says to the author, no, I don't think our readers will like this, you must find a way to solve the problem, to make him not a Vampyre. Which she then does, very quickly, in about 10-15 pages. Seriously. Out of the blue, nothing related to any vampire lore I've ever heard of before, they find some way to magically "cure" Darcy, and every one goes home happy. Even Lady Catherine.

Yeah, right.

Life As We Knew It

This book feels kind of like Hunger Games, but it's not quite as adventurous. It's a "world is coming to an end" book. If you need a push to get your food storage, read this book. I couldn't put it down. The ending was a bit abrupt.

Understood Betsy

I loved this book from Laurel. It's such a sweet book--one I'd love to read my girls.

another great book

Read this one recently. Loved it. Yes, it starts off with an unpleasant event, but it is written with a certain delicacy, I think. Weaves an interesting story. Must see the movie soon.

Another Song from Marcy

So, I know that other posting of mine was syrupy sentimental--well, so is this song, but it's just a really cute one that I also wanted to mention. I'm sure you've all heard it.

February Bookclub

With a little help from fellow bookclubers, I/we have decided on the book and location for February bookclub. We will be reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society



and eating at Pizza Pie Cafe (2235 North University Parkway in Provo). It's all about pie this month, funny how that worked out. Second Tuesday in February, February 9th, correct? See you there!

Sarah's song for 2009

I chose this song because I love Miley Cyrus. haha j/k.... I chose this mainly for the lyrics, they are totally about my life and it's not about the destination it's about the journey. I think she's a cute girl and I actually saw the Hannah Montana movie which was really cute but I probably wouldn't like my daughter to like her. I do like the Miley Cyrus line at Walmart though! Anyway, I heard this song throughout the year and really love the lyrics!

January Book Club!

The JANUARY 2010 Sisterhood 

Trash to Treasure Event! 

Who: The Sisterhood!

When:  Tuesday, January 12, 7pm

Where:  Woodbury Casa  -- See e-mail for address (this blog isn't private)

It's time to start clearing out and cleaning out!  We're having our second (or is it third?!) annual Book Club Give and Take. Now is the time to bring over all that stuff you've been meaning to donate!  Whatever doesn't get taken (don't take any offense if no one wants what you bring-- we are all trying to simplify) we'll just load up a car for a run to DI the next day so you can say goodbye to all the junk that's weighing you down!

Also, Bring your Planners, Calendars, and memory and we'll plan our 2010 Book Club season. 

Lastly, bring something to dip! Fruit, Angel Food Cake, Cookies, etc.  I'm resurrecting my Chocolate Fountain that has been sitting in storage for over a year now and will have it running so you have something to motivate you to clean out. If you are avoiding chocolate (it is January), know there will be delicious fruit to snack on. :)

 

Just give me a heads up on what you are bringing to dip so I don't duplicate.

Love you girls! See you soon!

Michelle

Marcy's 2009 Song

I've had a hard time coming up with what song I wanted to write about. I decided on Sara Groves's "Love Is Still a Worthy Cause." What do I know about love? Love is a choice. It makes the hard things in life worth it. Knowing of God's love for us brings us profound peace and joy and faith, even in the midst of our greatest heartaches. Having people to love in our lives is a gift; the people that come into our lives to love us (sometimes when we least expect it) are the greatest surprises, and are evidences of God's care of us. Learning to love with a purer heart and without selfishness, while still maintaining love and care for ourselves as well, is the pursuit of this life, I believe. Loving those who hurt us is hard work but brings healing. Above all, if we strive to love like the Savior does, we will have more happiness in our lives and also bring happiness to the people around us. That's why I believe it's a worthy cause. Loving is worth the risk and worth the work.

Laurel's sister's wedding

(how's that for a title?)

My sister Amanda was a bit slow getting out her invites, and then she ran out, and then....

anyway, I'm posting this here so you all know about it. Yes, it's this Saturday. I know...

(yeah, I know, you can see that, right? whatever. don't even ask what the scanner did to the picture. sorry you don't get to see that - the pictures are totally cute.)

so here's the info you probably can't even read on the above:

Amanda and Spencer will be married on Saturday January 9th in the Provo Temple. Reception is 6-9pm, The White Church, 31 W Maple Street, Mapleton UT

Did I Drop the Ball Again?!

Book Club. It's like coming up?!

What book are we reading?

It says on the side bar that Margie is in charge this month, but after last month's locale fiasco, I volunteered to host it this month.  I would love to do that this month--- just want to know what to host.

So the second Tuesday is in a week. Does anyone have the list of books we made to read? Should we postpone it a week?

Or maybe everyone else know's what's up and I'm in la la land.

Whatcha think?!

My deepest apologies,
Michelle