The Help

I really liked this book.  I gave it four stars out of five on Goodreads.  I thought the story was engaging, well pieced together.  Sometimes books that go back and forth between different character's points of view can be frustrating to me because they interrupt the flow of the storyline, but I felt that Stockett did a really great job with keeping a good flow of the story going.  I also liked the different characters.  I liked Minnie especially well because of her spice and wit. 

Somethings I didn't love about the book.  First, after studying a little bit about the American South, I find it hard to believe that Skeeter had such an easy time coming into the black neighborhoods.  With more militant black power groups forming during that time, I can't imagine she didn't get more resistance from the black community.  I also find it hard to believe that she was so aloof as to the hostility toward blacks in Jackson, Mississippi, possibly the worst place for blacks to live during that time frame.  However, even though I thought she would probably have been more informed, it did seem very realistic that white women failed to see how their involvement in black people's lives was detrimental to them, a lot.  

I also didn't love the over usage of the Lord's name in vain.  But basically, that was all.  I really did like this book.

Hey all- are we still using this blog? If so, we need to start planning a summer visit NOW. Lindsay-any news of if you are coming to the States this summer?

Surrogate Motherhood

Lately I've been in a lot of conversations which center on surrogate motherhood.  I've heard lots of opinions.  For example, one of my sisters-in-law on the Enger side would do it in a heartbeat for someone she really loved, and the other feels really hesitant about it.  I know someone who just had a baby via a surrogate mother (in this case, the surrogate mother was a woman she did not know), and it seems more widely practiced. I have mixed feelings about surrogate motherhood, and was interested if the Church has said anything aboutit, and so I looked it up in Tim's Church Handbook of Instructions.  The only thing they say is that they strongly discourage it.  I feel like I can see the wisdom in discouraging it, but I am interested in what you think.  What are your thoughts on it? 

cool blog

Hey check out this blog:
knockoffwood.blogspot.com

This lady shows how to make furniture... it looks really fun.

Banana Split Cake

I have a delicious recipe for banana split cake. It is simply divine... at least I like it.

Step 1: The crust

2 c. crushed graham crackers

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. melted butter

Mix together and press into glass 9 x 13 dish

Chill for 1 hour

Step 2: Delicious cream over the crust

1 egg

1/2 c. soft butter

2 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

-cream the butter and sugar

-add egg and vanilla

-spread over crust

-chill for 1 hour

(I know, there is a raw egg in it... but it is still fabulous)

Step 3: Layering the Fruit

-spread one can of crushed pineapple over the top of the crust and cream.

-slice a few bananas and layer over pineapple

-slice strawberries and layer over bananas

-slap on a layer of whipped cream and call it wonderful

I should have a picture of this delectable treat but I don't. I'll make it again soon and take a picture. It really is quite a delight.

Question: Does anyone know how to keep onions from stinging the eyes? Since we moved my eyes have been so sensitive to onions and it is kind of bugging me.

Laundry Miracle

My friend gave me a recipe for getting stains out of laundry...and it is a miracle.  I've saved so many of Maddy's clothes this way.

1.  Dampen stain; rub laundry soap bar (Fels Naptha brand is the best) on stain and let stand for 1 minute.
2.  Add 1 c. borax and 1 c. dishwasher detergent (I just use Sun brand, it's cheap) to washer load
3.  Throw in stained item and run a normal cycle.

Works every time. 

You're beautiful...

You women are so beautiful. Here are a few pics to prove my point.

Ummm...hello?!?! Elin may be one of the most photogenic people ever.

And here, even though Ryanne looks like she's taping an infomercial on the water gadget she's holding, she is still as lovely as ever.

Rachell with her fabulous new haircut. Which I love more and more each time I see it.

Of course next we have the newest Roberts woman, sweet Miss Maddie.
(more photos to come of her)

And who could forget our honorary Roberts woman, Lolipop, as Beckett so lovingly refers. (photo taken while playing a very intense game of Volleyball)

Finally, our wonderful and beautiful mother who exudes beauty and grace.

And I'd be remiss if I ended this post without including an image of Paula who was greatly missed.

I was inspired, rejuvenated, and uplifted from being with you wonderful women this past week. Miss you all already.

xo,
Linds