Tending Roses

Our book club book for January was "Tending Roses" by Lisa Wingate. The best part of the book was the pearls of wisdom the Grandmother shared in her journal. Our favorite was, "The best times in my life were when the roses grew wild." We all realized that just because we might not have tons of personal time to explore our own interests and hobbies, this crazy, wild time when our children are little will be looked back on as the best time of our lives. Many of the girls were a little choked up during our touching discussion, and I think all of us were inspired to be better mothers.

Thanks to Shimber for choosing such a heartwarming book, and for her clever twist on pot pie, and the fantabulous almond shortbread.

My New Pet Project

I am so excited about this wonderful Children's Book Company I have discovered. It is Usborn Books at Home. I am so in love with their books, I have become a consultant. It's two of my favorite things, books and my kids!

Richard was quick to point out my less than stellar success as both an Avon and Pampered Chef rep., but once I convinced him how excited I am to share these books, he became his usual supportive self. In true Richard style, he made sure I ordered the biggest and best start up kit they offered.

So . . . go check out my new website at http://www.juliesbooks.com/

My featured, favorite product of the day is the multiplication wrap ups. These are way cooler than boring old flash cards. It's like a game, you can race your kids, or as a whole family all while learning the multiplication facts. It is self correcting, and a little bit addictive.

FYI

Jake got his mission call to . . . . .drumroll please . . . . .

Houston, Texas

Do they let missionaries wear cowboy boots?

My New BFF, Dr. Oz

So, funny thing. My mom got Val and I both Diet books for Christmas and Mikelle a cookbook. Hmmm, you know you have a good relationship with someone when they give you a diet book and you are happy, because they know you so well and that is just what you wanted.

Mom is aware of my commitment to getting and staying healthy in 2008, so she got me the new Dr.Oz book "You on a Diet." I read it the week after Christmas and really loved it. I like that it is so scientific and not gimmicky. I think the advice is practical and sound. The focus is not really on how much you are eating so much as eating the right foods. The goal is to control your hunger so you don't feel deprived. Now, my scale bit the dust right around January 1, so I don't know if I have lost any weight following the program, but the focus of the book is really about waist size, not weight anyway. I do feel that my muffin top is beginning to loose its fluffiness.

The whole plan is available on the website including menu plans and shopping lists, so cool and helpful, but I still recommend reading the entire book (you knew I would) even if you just get it from the Library.

Here's a quick tip from the book, "1/2 tsp. of cinnamon each day has an insulin like effect, enhancing the satiety center in your brain while also reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels." Who knew that tons (1/2 tsp. is quite a bit in one dose) of cinnamon can make you feel satisfied. I've been putting it in my oatmeal each morning, but may start splitting it and doing 1/4 tsp. in my afternoon yogurt as well as morning oatmeal.

Check out http://www.realage.com/ for a fun test, cool tools and all the program info.

Meyer Family Top Ten of 2007

10.Rhett turns two and develops a love for cars

9.Landen starts preschool and has his first crush.

8. Richard becomes the Automotive Sales Manager at the Idaho Statesman.

7. Julie starts working at the hospital as a baby photographer.

6.The family has a blast camping a few times this summer.

5. Richard gets a new motorcycle.

4. Ryker earns his bear in scouts. (this picture is of him as a wolf, but you get the idea.)

3. Julie goes to England with her girlfriends.

2.Two new baby cousins, Deakan in June . . . .

and Kensley in December!

1. Braxton is baptized this November.