Saturday, December 27, 2008

She's Walkin', She's Talkin', She's ONE!

We can't believe a year has gone by already! Chloe is walking and talking. We celebrated her birthday a couple days early. She loved the cake as you can see by the look on her face!





Sunday, December 14, 2008

Our yard in 2008

One of my favorite pots this year


A frog living in the "bird"house Sarah gave to me. Apparently it makes a good frog home too!


Here is another bird house with an unusual occupant. A gecko!



Our 50s christmas party in the Villages

My good friend Alyce and I in our poodle skirts!
Alyce in the hoola hoop contest

Friends Ginny, Maggie and Alcye


Of course you recognize Dad and I as Lucy and Ricky



another view of our poodle skirts




Summer in Michigan with the grandchildren
















Friday, October 31, 2008

Saturday, October 25, 2008

50 Strange Buildings of the World

I came across this site with these unusual homes. Check these out and more, there's a bunch of them on the site.

Mammy’s Cupboard (Natchez, MS, United States)

Erwin Wurm: House Attack (Viena, Austria)




Nautilus House (Mexico City, Mexico)


Monday, October 20, 2008

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

School Picture Time

Mallory, age 16
11th Grade


Wyatt, age 13
8th Grade
Note: Nice boogyman shirt for picture day, huh? Yeah, he took his school picture when Mallory and I were in South Africa.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

South Africa Photos Finally Online!


It took us a while, but the photos are up online at our new Shutterfly website. We've narrowed it down to around 400! Go check them out...

http://strausphotosite.shutterfly.com/

Here's just a few to wet your whistle...


This is us with Gary, Glenda's husband and Jenni Bowlin in Cape Town on the top of Table Mountain. That's the Atlantic ocean behind us. Gorgeous!


This is the largest bungee jumping bridge in the world. We actually saw a guy jump! This gorge lead out to the sea. That is the Indian ocean out on the left.




These two guys are Kyle and Stephan, sons of Glenda and Louise - the ladies who were in charge of the Scrapbooking convention . They helped us at the with the overhead projector and moving our laptop from classroom to classroom. They were a lot of fun!

Here we are with our game driver at Kichaka Lodge. (Thanks for the photo, Margie!) His name was Chikeri. I doubt I spelled that right. What a trip!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Another Video!

Things are getting a little political around this Fox Blog. This is the second video that really struck me as remarkable. It's definitely worth watching and makes me proud to be a Catholic and an American.



Thanks for sending me the link mom!

For more info: www.catholicvote.com

Sunday, September 28, 2008

MMMMmmmm...Soup!



We're soup junkies over here in Utah. Now that things are cooling off for fall, soup making is in full swing in our kitchen. Yesterday I made up this recipe and it was a big success. It's quick to make, hearty, healthy and very delicious! Go ahead, make yourself a pot, you'll be glad you did.

Tortellini Spinach Soup
1 tsp olive oil
2 cups onion, chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups spinach, coarsley chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
1 cup diced artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
2 cups cheese tortellini (I used a small bag of frozen)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Heat oil in your favorite soup pot, add onion, red pepper, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until veggies are tender - about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute or two. Add spinach, chicken broth, tomatoes and artichokes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes. Add tortellini, cook until heated. Stir in parmesan cheese and serve.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Vikings Vs. Cavemen



My boy is really enjoying football. Just like his father, uncles and granddad, this is his sport.



A view of the field. There's no stadium or bleachers, but have you ever seen such great scenery surrounding a field?



There's Wyatt on the left.



The other team constantly double-teamed him. It takes at least two Cavemen to stop Wyatt, or at least slow him down.



A half-time break.



The coaches.



And Wyatt on the sidelines during an offensive play. He's just a little bigger than the other guys.



There he is in the center. Again, taking on two Cavemen.






There's Mallory and her friend Chris.



Here's a shot of our shoes.



More action - Wyatt is down in position, ready to block.









Even the Viking cheerleaders made an appearance.

Final score: Vikings - 7, Cavemen - 14