.:January Reading:.

Hi ladies!

Here is the book for our January book club. You can find it at the library to check out. I also have a copy that others can borrow - after Sarah Selin!

I hope you like the book. Asian culture fascinates me, and this book shows the interesting roles that women play. Enjoy!

Happy Reading!

Thanksgiving

I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving! I wanted to take a minute to let you all know how grateful I am for our book club! I am so glad that we can all get together as friends and share our thoughts on some good books! Have a great December and may I recommend a good book to read for this month for fun, Glenn Beck's The Christmas Sweater. I just started it and already love it.

Tuesdays with Morrie

Hey girrrrls!
I wasn't able to be at book club last Thursday, but I just finished reading the book and was wondering what comments and ideas were passed around. If you don't mind, I'd like to hear from you!
As for me, at first I thought this Morrie guy was actually kind of cocky in a way, thinking he had something to say to the whole world. In the end, I was touched by how much he does know the world and how well he handled his own death. It made me think about my own life and what is important. How DO I spend my days? Back in college, I frequently skipped out on schoolwork to spend more time with people, because I thought that people were more important. Over time things changed and I got more selfish, spending my time on frivolous things and less time with the people I love (ahem, like this chat?). It definitely made me reconsider some of my priorities, so THANK YOU MORRIE! I wish I'd spent some Tuesdays with you.....

Tomorrow!

Can't wait for book club tomorrow! Is it at 7 or 7:30???

.:Summer:.

Top 5 books:
Twilight series
Memoirs of a Geisha
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Kite Runner
Kabul Beauty School
Harry Potter
Freedom Writers Diary
Any crime book
(Sorry, I couldn't pick just five!)

5 Things on my To Do List:
Put Millie (my niece) down for a nap
Clean up the toys that are all over my living room
Dust our living room
Drink some more diet coke! Yum!
Get Reece dressed for the day.

Quote: "Dwelling on the negative only contributes to its power."

If I were a building, what would I be?
A nice house with a big, wrap around porch!

Katy

Top 5 books:
Harry Potter!
The Goose Girl
Twilight...
Believing Christ
Stargirl

5 Things on my To Do List:
Bathroom...waah.
Plan primary activity
laundry
make and something absolutely delicious (maybe apple crisp)
return library books

Quote: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." Thoreau

If I were a building, what would I be?
The Salt Lake or San Diego Temple!

Top 5 books:
Small and simple things-Marjorie Hinckley
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire/and the Halfblood Prince-JK Rowling
Shopaholic Series-Sophie Kinsella
I am a mother-Jane Clayson Johnson
Kruistocht in Spijkerbroek - a Dutch book about the Children's Crusades in the middle ages, awesome!

5 Things on my To Do List:
Clean the bathroom
Paint the last 2 pictures for Jonathan's room
Buy garbage bags, milk, yogurt
Call my mom
Bring the paperstack to be filed upstairs to file.

Quote: "The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead."-Marjorie Hinckley (so motivating!)
Another quote from her (I love her!): "The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."

If I were a building, what would I be?
A Church building. Hopefully somewhat peaceful and spiritual, but it is also used for fun (bball, crafts, xmas performances) and it gets cleaned regularly! (by that I mean....I wish my house got cleaned as regularly, I'm getting better though).

Girls, I am SO sorry! I've been so busy lately, and just haven't had the time to send you all invitations to be contributors. BUT, I suddenly have a lot more free time, so I should get the invites out to you all today or tomorrow. Check your email, and make sure to accept the invitation. Thanks for all your patience, and happy blogging!

-Melissa

TOP 5 BOOKS:
The greatest salesman in the world-by Og Mandino
No doubt about it-by Sherie Dew
What to expect when you are expecting- for obvious reasons
The secret
Highly effective people



5 THINGS ON MY TO-DO LIST:
Gloucose test
Buy Soy milk
finish putting away laundry
pick up dry cleaning
Take a shower...:)


QUOTE:
"I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it"

IF I WERE A BUILDING, WHAT WOULD I BE?
I would probably be department store?

Thanks for the tag

My Top 5

TOP 5 BOOKS:
Farenheit 451-Ray Bradbury
To Kill a Mockingbird-Harper Lee
The Twilight Series-Stephenie Meyer
The Poisonwood Bible-Barbara Kingsolver
1000 Chairs-Fiell, Fiell, & Philippi (I know it's a reference book, but it's the best!)

5 THINGS ON MY TO-DO LIST:
Find a job!
Paint the rest of my baseboards.
Finish sewing my curtains.
Paint the guest bedroom.
Get Lulu's shots.

QUOTE:
"Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune or temporary defeat." -Napoleon Hill

IF I WERE A BUILDING, WHAT WOULD I BE?
Hands down, I would be a cozy Craftsman two-story! The large eaves, earthy tones, and hand-crafted details always make me weak in the knees.

My Top 5

Top 5 books (in no particular order):

*Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen

*Twilight-Stephenie Meyer

*Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban-J.K. Rowling

*Goose Girl-Shannon Hale

*Hearts in Hiding-Betsy Brannon Green

5 things on my to-do list:

*Finish my window project

*Get new piece of crown molding for my headboard

*Scrapbook, scrapbook, scrapbook

*Finish making cards I started a month ago!

*Make Izzie a hooded towel

Quote:

Friendship is like peeing on yourself. Everyone can see it, but only you can get the warm feeling that it brings. -unknown

If I were a building what would I be?

*I would be an old, historic building, the ones you look at and think "Oh how beautiful, look at all the detail and hard work that went into that building" I love old buildings and the architectural detail that they all have.

P.S. reading over my building answer I realize that it sounds like I want people to look @ me and say the same thing, but that is not what I was going for there...ha ha.

This Blog...

...is kinda neglected. Since we are a book club, we should all talk about books! I LOVE to read...in fact it is one of my most favoritest things to do in me little abode.

Top Five Books (in no particular order)

-An Inconvenient Book by Glenn Beck

-The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

-Jane Erye by Charlotte Bronte

-Persuasion by Jane Austen

Quote

"Tragically, too many women, and an increasing number of men, seem to think that having the small things made bigger and the big things made smaller is the key to looking and feeling young. Invariably, these people want us to pretend that they look mysteriously younger and more fabulous, when in actuality they look like spooky freaks who got tired of only feeling insecure on the inside and decided to show some of it on the outside as well. I make fun of these people, and I encourage you to do the same." Glenn Beck on Plastic Surgery

Five Things on my To-Do list

-Make dinner

-Make cupcakes for Sami

-Clean kitchen (most likely will NOT get done)

-Go to Library

-Go to Walmart

If I were a building, what would it be and why...

I would be a library because I love knowledge and reading.

I tag EVERYONE in our book club and you'd better respond...or I'll...do...something you won't like. ;)

PS: I like what Mitch says about really listening to people, being there, making eye contact, not thinking about anything else besides whoever is talking to you...very important!

PPS: What time is the book club next week? (I don't want to be 45 minutes late like last month...oops!)

Need info

Hey everybody, I realized that I don't have any info for Camilla Congrove or Jennifer Harding. I need email addresses, phone #'s, street addresses. If anyone knows this info, or if you girls can see this blog, please let me know. Thank you. You can email me sarahjane.nuttall@gmail.com

Awesome Book!

Not to confuse anyone...this is NOT this month's book selection. I have been reading it though and have been so impressed and uplifted! It is very good! So, if you finish "Tuesdays with Morrie" early, check it out! "I Am A Mother." By Jane Clayson Johnson. Happy reading!
Katy

Thanks Stacy

Thank you Stacy for the fun night and yummy refreshments! We missed some of you and hope that everyone can make it out to Sarah Selin's this next month. We are meeting on November 20 and reading Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom. Read it, it's so good. Hope you are all doing well and see you soon!

"The little unremembered acts of kindness and love are the best parts of a person's life"
-William Wordsworth

I found this quote and wanted to share...I think it ties into this months good reading. Thanks lindy

7:30

It will be at 7:30! Hopefully you can all make it.

What time is book club?

Did we ever decide on a time for book club? I'm excited to talk about this book, I loved it!

A Heart Like His!

I have had a few people ask me what September's book is....A Heart Like His...by Virginia H. Pearce. I hope you all enjoy it. My mother in law recommended it...so if it is no good it is her fault...ha ha no I'm sure it will be good. Also I was wondering what time is best for everyone? Just let me know what time is best.

September Book?

Hey all! I am so sad that I missed last month. I never finished the book, but I still wanted to be able to come see all of you! I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what the book is for next month? I am excited to see you all this month.

August's Reading

I'm so sorry I wasn't able to come to book club last week! I had some family stuff come up that kept us super-busy all week. It took me so long to start reading The Wednesday Letters that I couldn't finish it by the end of the month. So, just before I took it back to the library (sorry, Vonnie--I think I owe you about $1.00 in late fees) I decided to read the epilogue. HUGE mistake! Now I'm dying to find out what happened in between! But, it's been a while since I've read this month's book, so I have to re-read it before I have you all over to talk about it! As a reminder, we'll be reading The Poisonwod Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. We'll be meeting at my house on the 28th. So, until then, happy reading!

The Wednesday letters

Book Club at Tara's house on Thursday the 31st. Thanks Tara for hosting it again! You are the best!

The Wednesday Letters

Hi everyone,

Please leave your comments on "The wednesday letters". I think it would be fun to find out what you loved or hated about it...This months book club has been cancelled (sincere apologies for those of you that had set apart that day, I hope you can fill it with something fun and exciting), but I am totally looking forward to Poisonwood Bible hosted by no other than Melissa Ritz in August. Happy Summer everyone!

Yvon

Suggestions

Hi Everyone!

I can see that Thursdays are definitely better for everyone. I will be leaving town on the 30th (last minute unexpected cali trip) & will be coming back the 2nd week of August and i would be happy to do it on that Thursday, perhaps we can have book club twice in august?!! Well let me know what everyone suggest and I guess we will go from there...Thanks everyone!

Yvon

Book Club Night

Host:
Yvon Smith
Location:
My Home at 6677 W. Merlot way
Book:
The Wednesday Letters
When:
Tuesday, July 29, 7:30PM
Phone:
801-282-5216

Hi Everyone!
There has been a slight change on this month's book club night. I will be hosting it, this coming Tuesday July 29th . I hope it works ok for everyone. I am excited to see all of you at my home next week!. Let me know if you will able to attend by replying to this message..see ya all there.

Yvon

P.S. Please pass along this message for any gals that are not on this blog...Thanks

The more the merrier!

Just wanted to let you all know that my adorable upstairs neighbor, Adriana, is joining the group! She is a sweetheart, and you all will love her!

Also, I know it's early, but next month's book is a little longer than other books we've been reading. I thought I'd give you all a head's up so you could get started if you're finished with Yvon's pick. It is another book by Barbara Kingsolver--The Poisonwood Bible. The writing style is definitely unique, and it was featured on Oprah's book club. So happy reading, and I look forward to seeing you all at Yvon's on the 31st!

July's reading

I am excited to host July's book club! and can't wait to see all of you and have another great book chat. I am sorry I missed this last one, I enjoyed the reading and recommend this book as well. Thanks Tara for sharing! I am actually already about 20 pages away from finishing The Wednesday Letters! and as I had previously mentioned, I am reading it for the first time. Totally not what you expect to read, so I am sure we will have plenty to discuss next month. I will see you all and yes YOU better be there Melis Melis! Take care everyone...Happy reading

I'm a slacker!

I missed TWO book clubs in a row! I was really bummed out about it because they were both great books that I wanted to talk about. I started writing a post last month about the book, but never finished it (I'm sure none of you are surprised--I'm kind of the queen of unfinished projects). So I decided to ditch that post, and just get around to putting in my two cents about this month's book instead.

I remembered reading this book a long time ago, and I kept waiting for certain things to happen, but they never did. Then I remembered that I actually read "Pigs in Heaven", which is the sequel to "The Bean Trees", but never actually read "The Bean Trees". It was great to finally have a new understanding of the lives of Taylor and Turtle (and can I just say that I absolutely love Taylor's sass in this book?). I highly recommend reading "Pigs in Heaven" if you liked "The Bean Trees". In it, Turtle's adoption is contested, and Taylor fights again to keep Turtle with her.

I'm excited to see you all next month at Yvon's, and to meet all the new girls!

Welcome New Members!

We have a few new members in our group! Sarah Seline, Summer Andrus, and Alice Griffith. Welcome new comers and we hope you enjoy our book club! Just a reminder that next month's book is going to be The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. It should be a good one. Yvon is hosting it! Happy reading!

Ritz Chicken

No, I didn't name this chicken after myself. Although, it is awesome, and I am awesome, so maybe someone should have. :)

3 cups Rice (cooked)
2 cups Chicken (cooked and diced-I like shredding part of a store-bought rotisserie chicken)
2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup
1 pint Sour Cream
1/2 cup Butter (melted)
2 cups Ritz Crackers (ground)
1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds

Mix cream of chicken soup and sour cream in a bowl. Set aside. In a 9"x13" pan, spread the rice along the bottom. Spread chicken over rice. Pour sour cream mixture over chicken. Mix Ritz crackers, poppy seeds, and butter in separate bowl. Put mixture over the sour cream. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

I also like mixing salt, pepper, and parsley in with the soup mix to give it just a little more flavor.

For Sarah...

Chicken Pie

Mix together in a 2 quart baking dish:
Cooked chopped chicken (My mom uses a whole chicken, I use 2 chicken breasts)
1 cup chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken, celery, or potato soup (cream of potato is my favorite)
Salt and pepper, if desired

Topping:
1 cup self-rising flour (or all purpose flour with 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt)
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup milk

Cut butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk just until wet—will be lumpy. Pour over chicken, broth, and soup. Bake at 375° for 45 to 50 minutes or until golden brown on top. You can also add cheese or veggies to the chicken, but cook a little longer for frozen veggies. This recipe came from my mom.

I make this ALL the time because it is delicious, it is good for me...and, bonus, it is EASY. You just need to plan ahead a little bit because it bakes for 45 to 50 minutes. Sorry, I don't have a picture of it.

Recipes?

Hi all! I'm putting a shout out to see if anyone has any easy, quick recipes that they like for dinners? I am sick of making the same old things, or I should say Drew is, and we are in need of something new to eat. Thanks ya'll.

Sarah Jane

Chocolate Decadence???

I would like to know if there are any objections (allergies, preferences, etc.) to this.

Chocolate Decadence with Sweetened Cream

2 cups chocolate chips, divided

3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 cup flour

1/4 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350. Line 9 inch round pan with foil; lightly grease.

Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in microwave (1 minute, stir; then, 15 seconds at a time; stir until smooth.) Cool to room temperature.

Beat butter and sugar in large bowl until creamy. Add eggs; beat on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually beat in flour alternately with milk. Stir in remaining 1 cup chocolate chips. Spoon into prepared pan.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Lift cake from pan using edges of foil; remove foil and top with sweetened cream.

*Sweetened cream: Beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla in chilled bowl until soft peaks form.

June Book

Howdy girls! We will be reading The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver for the month of June. We will be meeting June 26 at 7:30 pm (if that time works for everyone) at my place. I will send out an email with the date, time, and address later. This is my second favorite novel by Kingsolver (The Poisonwood Bible is my first favorite.)

Here's a synopsis: "Meet Taylor Greer. Clear-eyed and spirited, she grew up poor in rural Kentucky with two goals: to avoid pregnancy and to get away. She succeeds on both counts when she buys a '55 Volkswagen and heads west. But by the time she pulls up on the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona, at an auto repair shop called Jesus Is Lord Used Tires, she has reluctantly acquired a three-year-old companion named Turtle. What follows -- as Taylor meets the human condition head-on -- is at the heart of this memorable novel about love and friendship, abandonment and belonging, and the discovery of surprising resources in apparently empty places." (taken from www.kingsolver.com/bookshelf/bean_trees.asp)

Also, does anyone have requests for treats/snacks? I am willing to make more than one thing. :) In my opinion, you can't have too many kinds of treats! (And Zach would be happy b/c he gets the leftovers.)

PS: Sorry the image is so small.

I hope I did this right

Sorry it has taken me so long to do this...My internet has been down. I really hope this works also. I am not that great at computer stuff.

Where were you born? South Jordan, Utah
What is your middle name? Vilate
How old will you be this year? 24... I think?
What nicknames do you have? Lind, Linny Mouse when I was little, and it was just my dad that called me that
Are you taller than your mom or dad? Taller than my mom
Do you cry often during movies? Not too much, but I will have an occasional moment.
What is your biggest pet peeve? I have a lot...When people say they are going to do something and then dont
What is your favorite color? Blue and purple
What are your favorite foods? I love pasta, and cafe rio.
What is your favorite beverage? Milk
What is your favorite cold cereal? Honey bunches of oats or some kind of sugar cereal. (not the chocolate ones)
What is your favorite smell? Bread...and suntan lotion...it reminds me of summer days!
What is your favorite time of day? I would have to say when Jarem gets home from work!
What are your favorite make-up products? eye makeup
Do you play any instruments? the piano, but not very well. Jarem is really good and I can play like the little kid songs.
Did you play any sports in High School? No, I was nothing
What was the last movie you saw in the theater? We went to chronicals of Narnia. I think you should all see it. It was very intense though.
What is your favorite article of clothing? I would have to agree with alicia...wondertees...
What is your dream vacation? Jarem and I are trying to save for Hawaii, so right now that is my dream...oh and with just me and jarem...no kids. I love my landon but I would just love to go with just the two of us.
What was your first impression of your spouse? That he was really hot, and how I could get to talk to him.
If you were an animal what would you be? I am not a big animal fan. But maybe a dog...they seem to have pretty good lives.
What is your favorite me-time activity? Read, relax, stitching, or any other kind of craft for my house.
What are your favorite TV shows? American Idol...Good things Utah, and the price is right!
What is your dream car? Ummm pretty much just my own car. But if I had the money an infiniti g20...I think?
What is one weakness that you have? I have a lot...I am not that great of a cook, but I am working on it.
What do you make for dinner when there is nothing to cook? Jarem will usually make breakfast food.
If you could live in a different decade or era, what one would you choose? I have never really thought of that. I really love the time that I live right now.
What emotion do you feel the most? Well right now my emotions dont count. You know being prego your emotions are all up in the air.
Do you consider yourself outgoing? I would say it depends on the day and situation but I think I am pretty outgoing.
What is something you are constantly working on? I will agree with the dinner thing, and also being kinder to a certain inlaw in my family. I dont know why that can be so hard sometimes.
Do you have any hidden talents? Not really but I always wished I could just do back handsprings and flips when ever I wanted. Me and my brother thought that would be cool.
What is one word or phrase you overuse? I cant think of mine but I can think of other peoples that is not a good thing.
What is the hardest thing that happened to you this past year? raising a baby
What is the best thing that happened to you this past year? raising a baby. That is ironic how those both go together so well.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? learn how to take care of two kids.
What is the best piece of advice you learned this past year? To be patient. I learn that everyday from Jarem.

Randy Pausch

Yvon sent this video to me, and I thought it was something all of us should check out. Reading this book this month has made me evaluate how I'm choosing to live my life right now. This speaker is an amazing man, and will really make you think...

http://mx.youtube.com/watch?v=hKRgLvmamUY&feature=email

So, I've officially become a working mom once again, its kind of fun to join the workforce ( part time) and still be a mommy, although I am totally bummed since yesterday that I got my schedule for the rest of month ,guess what? Yes I am working on Book club night! uhg...I am off the whole week but that one Thursday night, it figures right? I was totally excited to discuss the Message, which I really enjoyed as most of you have or will, anyhow I will miss you all! ;0)
I am hosting July's book night so if you want to get a head start on your reading ,I have picked this book called "The Wednesday Letters" I haven't read it or bought it for that matter but I will sometime this weekend, so I will be reading it for the first time with all of you that haven't read it either. See ya all soon...

Katy

Where were you born? California
What is your middle name? Don’t have one.
How old will you be this year? 26

What nicknames do you have? Kate, Kades

Are you taller than your mom or dad? Mom
Do you cry often during movies? Yesiree. I am pretty sensitive.

What is your biggest pet peeve? When I’m trying to walk fast and someone is walking slow in front of me.
What is your favorite color? Blue, green, …

What are your favorite foods? Spaghetti, pineapple, desserts

What is your favorite beverage? Peach Ole

What is your favorite cold cereal? Any kind…I could eat cereal 3 times a day
What is your favorite smell? Fresh mowed grass, rain, Jeff’s cologne, roses
What is your favorite time of day? Evening
What are your favorite make-up products? Mascara (It’s a must for me!)
Do you play any instruments? Nope

Did you play any sports in High School? Cheer, track
What was the last movie you saw in the theater? 21

What is your dream vacation? Tour Europe

What was your first impression of your spouse? Seminary Counsel…good sign.

If you were an animal what would you be? A bird…so I could fly of course.

What is your favorite me-time activity? Reading, Oprah, hiking

What are your favorite TV shows? American Idol, Oprah, The Office

What is your dream car? Subaru Tribeca
What is one weakness that you have? Chocolate

What do you make for dinner when there is nothing to cook? Taco Salad

If you could live in a different decade or era, what one would you choose? Late 1800’s…I think that is the Jane Austen era…fun dresses

What emotion do you feel the most? Contentment
Do you consider yourself outgoing? Yaah.

What is something you are constantly working on? Improving myself…being more selfless…kind…becoming a better Christian

Do you have any hidden talents? Not sure…they’re hidden.

What is one word or phrase you overuse? “Cool”
What is the hardest thing that happened to you this past year? Moving twice in two months.

What is the best thing that happened to you this past year? Jeff graduating from college!

What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? Pay off school loans
What is the best piece of advice you learned this past year? If you love and accept yourself, you will have a much greater capacity to love and accept others.

Contributors...

Okay, I sent out an email, but I thought I'd post it to the blog too. I think the reason some of you can't post to the blog is because you haven't accepted the invitation to become an author. So, I resent the invitations (via email) to you today. Make sure to watch for it--check your junk mail too. Once you accept the invitation, the computer should automatically set you up as a contributor. If you don't get an invitation, let me know, and I'll send one again!

I went ahead and added Alicias email message to the blog...Have a great one everyone!

Alicia

Hey guys, I figured I would just do this as an e-mail since I haven't figured out the blog thing yet. :)
This is Alicia by the way.

Where were you born? Sandy, UT
What is your middle name? I don't have one, I guess now it could be my maiden name Alicia Hardy Hilton
How old will you be this year? 24... although I still feel 21, the age I got married
What nicknames do you have? Leesh, Smeesh, Beetle Bailey or Beetle Bee (when I was little, I haven't heard it for years), the Green Mona Leeshie (my cousin calls me that), Bones (in high school--ironically Parry was called that too by his friends)
Are you taller than your mom or dad? Taller that my mom, shorter than my dad
Do you cry often during movies? It is pretty rare... of course The Testaments and other spiritual ones tend to get me sometimes
What is your biggest pet peeve? I'm like Tara... Clutter/a messy house-- in fact, Parry calls me "Miss Efficiency"
What is your favorite color? Blue
What are your favorite foods? I really love everything (except peppers and onions-unless they are cooked in stuff--eating from Parry's parents' garden is some of the best!)
What is your favorite beverage? I drink water mostly, but lemonade is yummy
What is your favorite cold cereal? Honey bunches of oats or GRANOLA!
What is your favorite smell? Clean Parry and Josh, baking bread or cake, freshness
What is your favorite time of day? In the evening when Parry comes home from work and/or school
What are your favorite make-up products? eye makeup
Do you play any instruments? the piano, which I thoroughly enjoy
Did you play any sports in High School? No, I was a choir junky!
What was the last movie you saw in the theater? For full price... probably Transformers, but I lose track of dollar theatre movies... we mostly do redbox these days!
What is your favorite article of clothing? wondertees... don't they save the day!
What is your dream vacation? It would be awesome to go on a caribbean cruise, or Hawaii
What was your first impression of your spouse? That he was super handsome and probably wouldn't happen!
If you were an animal what would you be? I've always thought wolves were cool and beautiful
What is your favorite me-time activity? Read, play the piano, write e-mail, letters, take a hot bath...
What are your favorite TV shows? I've been into American Idol this year, Parry and I also enjoy watching nature specials
What is your dream car? I used to want a mustang so bad (highschool), but these days I don't really care
What is one weakness that you have? I don't like being home alone late at night, if Parry is going somewhere overnight I usually stay with family
What do you make for dinner when there is nothing to cook? Simple pasta, sandwiches, eggs, etc.
If you could live in a different decade or era, what one would you choose? Maybe 1850-1900, still some modernness, but living in the country, in nature, with animals (horses) and others to enjoy
What emotion do you feel the most? Overall, I'm pretty happy most of the time. I do get anxious for nighttime and weekends though.
Do you consider yourself outgoing? I'm getting there. One on one with people I do really well. In big groups I am not the loud one. I am trying to get to know more people though.
What is something you are constantly working on? Getting motivated to do dinner at night... that is a tough one
Do you have any hidden talents? I can type pretty quickly and accurately
What is one word or phrase you overuse? That is probably a better question for Parry... nothing comes to mind
What is the hardest thing that happened to you this past year? Getting an absessed tooth and root canal! Ahhh!!! Talk about pain!
What is the best thing that happened to you this past year? Moving into our own place and spending time together and with other family.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? I should echo Tara... Build up our food storage.
What is the best piece of advice you learned this past year? Too much to choose from... basically just becoming better and improving areas that need it!

I TAG LINDY!

and I know tag Katy...!

A little of Yvon

Where were you born? Mexico City, DF
What is your middle name? Del Carmen
How old will you be this year? 32! You will come to find out that I am the oldest in the group

What nicknames do you have? yvonnie, Bonnie, Bonita, Nena, Flaquita

Are you taller than your mom or dad? I am about 5 inches taller than my mom and about 31/2 than my dad.
Do you cry often during movies? I do,I don't bawl but i do cry although it has to be a pretty good movie or true story for that effect

What is your biggest pet peeve? people chewing their nails! eww
What is your favorite color? white

What are your favorite foods? I love strawberries with yogourt I could live off of that, love Italian food, A good juicy steak, and ofcourse mexican food.

What is your favorite beverage? strawberry smoothy

What is your favorite cold cereal? Special K
What is your favorite smell? I love the way babies smell after their bath, love the smell of melis hair, love the smell of rain, and the smell of the ocean breeze.
What is your favorite time of day? nap time.
What are your favorite make-up products? a good lip gloss.
Do you play any instruments? It depends, do pots and pans count? if not, then I don't.

Did you play any sports in High School? Soft ball and some track
What was the last movie you saw in the theater? Made of Honor

What is your favorite article of clothing? Jeans and capris for the summer

What is your dream vacation? Puerto Rico or any caribean cruise

What was your first impression of your spouse? I thought he was a cutie, blode hair blue eyes just what my doctor had recommended after my last boyfriend

If you were an animal what would you be? a lioness I think...because I am very calm and caring, but when they mess with my "cubs" oh boy watch out...lol

What is your favorite me-time activity? I like to read anything other than a book, a sports magazine, new childrens book, national geographic??! anyway and sometimes i like to go catch a movie, and yest I do it solo its relaxing for me.

What are your favorite TV shows? Well it used to be friends, I would watch religiously. Now...I just realized I dont have a favorite show!

What is your dream car? BMW M3 or a mercedes
What is one weakness that you have? puppie faces, anyone you can get away with anything with me, if they you do one of those.

What do you make for dinner when there is nothing to cook? Tuna salad or cereal

If you could live in a different decade or era, what one would you choose? Now that I have been reading the message I guess I would pick The MILENNIUM..lol

What emotion do you feel the most? tranquility.
Do you consider yourself outgoing? I guess... I love experiencing new things and meeting new people.

What is something you are constantly working on? recently, Phonics

Do you have any hidden talents? I have skills, real talents you know then ones that are God given, uhm I havent discovered them.

What is one word or phrase you overuse? "yeah I know"
What is the hardest thing that happened to you this past year? my first speeding ticket, I know pathetic!

What is the best thing that happened to you this past year? Marriage coaching, it was the best thing because it reminded us of how special our love is, and after almost 9 yrs its nice to have someone remind you.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? Graduate meli on her ABc's phonics and numbers.
What is the best piece of advice you learned this past year? Plain and simple:"Be Patient"

Tara Lynn

Where were you born? Medford, Oregon (no, I'm NOT one of those crazy tree huggers!)

What is your middle name? Lynn

How old will you be this year? 26...do you ever lose track of how old you are? I just had to use a calculator...

What nicknames do you have? T, ken, Pinky (all from my highschool days), people just call me Tara now.

Are you taller than your mom or dad? Negatory. I'm the runt.

Do you cry often during movies? Sometimes, it really depends on the movie. I cried when I watched Steel Magnolias. Usually if someone dies, I cry.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Clutter/a messy house

What is your favorite color? Yellow

What are your favorite foods? freshly-baked bread, choc chip cookie dough ice cream, and anything my mom cooks.

What is your favorite beverage? Water (boring, I know)

What is your favorite cold cereal? Blueberry Morning

What is your favorite smell? It's a tie between a clean Sami, clean laundry, and a clean Zach.

What is your favorite time of day? It used to be night, but now it's morning because it is so quiet.

What are your favorite make-up products? My essentials are eyeliner and mascara.

Do you play any instruments? I used to play the piano, but it's been years and I was never any good to begin with.

Did you play any sports in High School? Nopers. Zero hand-eye coordination!

What was the last movie you saw in the theater? Either Harry Potter or the Bourne Ultimatum...it's been so long, I don't recall.

What is your favorite article of clothing? Jeans

What is your dream vacation? Disneyland for a week...but I would stay in the nicest hotel in the park. Or, Mexico, but nowhere touristy like Cancun...I'd want to experience the real culture!

What was your first impression of your spouse? I knew Zach played football in highschool, so when I saw him, I totally thought he was too good for me (you know the sort...jock...popular...etc) and I was such a DORK in HS I never thought he'd give me the time of day.

If you were an animal what would you be? Totally a cat...they live the perfect life! Nap in the sun all day, get attention when you want it...

What is your favorite me-time activity? I love to go for walks or read.

What are your favorite TV shows? Just like Sarah and Melissa, The Office. Is there anything else on TV???

What is your dream car? 1971/72 Camaro, yellow, sweet engine, ghost flames, black interior.

What is one weakness that you have? I have many weaknesses...I suppose my biggest is I am very critical of others and myself.

What do you make for dinner when there is nothing to cook? Oven pancake or grilled cheese sandwiches.

If you could live in a different decade or era, what one would you choose? The time of the founding fathers. Limited government, very simple life, and amazing to witness the miracle that became this wonderful country.

What emotion do you feel the most? Honestly, probably anxiety and joy tied.

Do you consider yourself outgoing? Nope, although I waited tables for almost 3 years and that helped me move out of my comfort zone.

What is something you are constantly working on? Always, the house. I swear, 15 minutes after I clean, the house is a wreck!

Do you have any hidden talents? I'm a pretty good cook. Not necessarily hidden, but nobody really experiences it besides Zach.

What is one word or phrase you overuse? "Do you know what I mean?"

What is the hardest thing that happened to you this past year? The first two months of breastfeeding.

What is the best thing that happened to you this past year? Again, a tie. Zach graduating and having my beautiful daughter Samantha come into my life.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? Build up our food storage.

What is the best piece of advice you learned this past year? To read "The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer."

I tag Yvon.

PS: what about Alicia, Lindy, Katy, and Stacy???

Melissa

Where were you born?
Provo

What is your middle name?
Ann

How old will you be this year?
I turned 26 in April

What nicknames do you have?
Meliss, Melissie, Meli…and there are a few I really just don’t want to admit to.

Are you taller than your mom or dad?
Luckily, I’m about four inches taller than my mom.

Do you cry often during movies?
Not usually. However, the movies that always make me cry are Pride and Prejudice, Braveheart, I am Sam, and Return to Me.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Right now, it’s ANYTHING High School Musical.

What is your favorite color?
Olive green

What are your favorite foods?
Oh my gosh, Steve and I love finding new great places to eat, so I can’t just pick one thing! But, popcorn is really my standby—I could eat it for any meal of the day.

What is your favorite beverage?
Dr. Pepper

What is your favorite cold cereal?
Fruit and Yogurt Special K.

What is your favorite smell?
Aqua di Gio on Steve…yummy!

What is your favorite time of day?
Bedtime! (I love to sleep!)

What are your favorite make-up products?
Mascara! Those of you with dark lashes have no idea how lucky you are…

Do you play any instruments?
I play the piano (though not nearly as well as I used to), and I played the clarinet for about 6 years (I’m really hoping to pick that back up when I have the time).

Did you play any sports in High School?
I swam and played water polo. I can’t do anything on land—I just don’t have that kind of coordination!

What was the last movie you saw in the theater?
Made of Honor

What is your favorite article of clothing?
My brown skirt—it’s so light and flowy for all this warm weather!

What is your dream vacation?
At least a month exploring the Mediterainian & really learning about the places and cultures.

What was your first impression of your spouse?
I wasn’t sure I ever wanted to go out with him again, let alone think about MARRYING him! He made me plan everything, and was SO much more quiet than I had expected him to be! (He says it was part of his winning strategy which OBVIOUSLY worked.)

If you were an animal what would you be?
Hmm…probably some sort of fish.

What is your favorite me-time activity?
Oh, totally a pedicure, facial, and a really great show on tv.

What are your favorite TV shows?
The Office, Arrested Development, Flight of the Conchords, and Hell’s Kitchen.

What is your dream car?
Well, Steve has forbade me from buying all my dream cars, but I would love an Audi.

What is one weakness that you have?
I procrastinate the things I just don’t want to do. It’s terrible how much more energy I put into procrastination instead of just DOING what I need to!

What do you make for dinner when there is nothing to cook?
Popcorn! (But if Steve’s home, I do a little better by at least making beans and rice.)

If you could live in a different decade or era, what one would you choose?
It would have to be sometime in the future, because I don’t think I’d last a single day in any previous era.

What emotion do you feel the most?
Overall, I’m a pretty happy person, so I think I just feel content most of the time.

Do you consider yourself outgoing?
I try to be. I’m usually pretty shy at first, but once I get to know a person, I’m pretty outgoing.

What is something you are constantly working on?
My house! I have so many decorating ideas, I can’t finish one project before starting another!

Do you have any hidden talents?
I have a talent for organization. I really do like to be super-organized, but most of the time I keep that little talent hidden away.

What is one word or phrase you overuse?
I didn’t think I used to say “Babe” too much, but then I saw The Office a few weeks ago, and I am suddenly self-conscious about my use of that word!

What is the hardest thing that happened to you this past year?
Oh! That list is WAY too long for this post!

What is the best thing that happened to you this past year?
Steve and I had our one-year anniversary! I’m so lucky that such an awesome man picked me!

What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year?
I would really like to finish all my house projects by the end of the year!

What is the best piece of advice you learned this past
“You can only do what you can do…”

I tag Tara H. !

Tag...

Ok ladies...I thought it would be fun to play a little game of tag! That way we can get to know everyone a little better! There are quite a few questions, so bare with me. Also, if you could post a recent picture of yourself with your answers that would be great! Here we go... & I tag Melissa!

(sorry, I don't just have pictures of me alone!)

Where were you born? Salt Lake City, Utah

What is your middle name? Jane

How old will you be this year? I turned 28 in April

What nicknames do you have? Sars, SJ, sarabi james (this one was given to me by a cute little girl that I used to babysit in high school), sar, and of course babe.

Are you taller than your mom or dad? Well, I'm 5'10" and my cute mom is 5'3", but my dad is 6'.

Do you cry often during movies? I don't cry much, I did a lot more when I was pregnant.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Socks with sandals, socks with Capri's, people who slurp their milk while eating cereal.

What is your favorite color? Pink

What are your favorite foods? I love Italian and the ranch burger @ training table (I dream about that one!)

What is your favorite beverage? DIET COKE (preferably with lime!)

What is your favorite cold cereal? I'm really loving Special K Chocolate Delight right now!

What is your favorite smell? Izzie right after her bath

What is your favorite time of day? I love dinner time, cause I'm home with my family and just being together.

What are your favorite make-up products? I LOVE bare essentials

Do you play any instruments? I took piano lessons for about 8 years, I haven't played in soooo long, and I took banjo lessons for about 4 months but never could really get it, that's a hard one.

Did you play any sports in High School? Are you kidding me, I'm like the biggest klutz when it comes to sports, even though I'm tall, I'm no good!

What was the last movie you saw in the theater? 21

What is your favorite article of clothing? sweats!

What is your dream vacation? Italy with Drew

What was your first impression of your spouse? Well, when I first saw him I thought he was really good looking, I also thought he was shy, which he totally isn't, he was just "intimidated!" (whatever) Anyhow, I was excited when he FINALLY asked me out, and then he of course would tell you that he was annoyed with me cause I just wasn't so sure about him after a few dates, but I eventually came around.

If you were an animal what would you be? um....a monkey, cause it seems like they have a lot of fun.

What is your favorite me-time activity? I love to read and take bubble baths, and I LOVE to scrapbook.

What are your favorite TV shows? The Office, Rules of Engagement, Las Vegas, American Idol, Seinfeld, Friends.

What is your dream car? BMW X-5 or Acura TL

What is one weakness that you have? I'm very critical of myself. I need to take a page out of stargirl and just love being me, which I do for the most part, it's just those few little things we all wish we could change, ya know..

What do you make for dinner when there is nothing to cook? We always have Mac and Cheese with hot dogs, so that is our back up

If you could live in a different decade or era, what one would you choose? I think it would be interesting to live for a few weeks in the Jane Austen novels, they are so proper.

What emotion do you feel the most? I would have to say gratitude (is that an emotion?) either way, I'm just so grateful everyday for such a loving husband, and a beautiful baby girl.

Do you consider yourself outgoing? I think so, at first I'm shy with people I don't know, but once I get to know someone I really open up

What is something you are constantly working on? Well, I'm always working on my scrapbooks, they're never ending.

Do you have any hidden talents? I don't know, if they're considered hidden I don't know what they are yet!

What is one word or phrase you overuse? I say "ya know..." A LOT!!!

What is the hardest thing that happened to you this past year? Physically, I would say childbirth

What is the best thing that happened to you this past year? I would have to say the birth of my little princess! She is the best!

What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? I would like to get back to my pre-birth weight.

What is the best piece of advice you learned this past year? To make sure to tell my husband how much I love him as much as possible!

Hello!

Welcome to the Finer Things Club of Ivy Springs! Thank you to Katy for hosting a fabulous evening last week! Everyone had so much to say about "Stargirl", and the angel food cake was delicious.

This month's book is "The Message" by Lance Richardson, and Alicia will be our hostess. We will be meeting on the 29th. Enjoy the book, and feel free to leave your own posts on our new blog!