Outtakes

Before I left PDX Sunday night we "attempted" to take a picture of mom, Avi, Noam, and me.  Ben was manning the camera and there were more "outtakes" than perfect shots.  

So for your viewing pleasure I give you the insane antics of the Strauss-Benjamin-O'Glasser women (and Noam).

Ben, "Avi, put down the camera, I am the one taking the pictures of you 4."

Ben, "Look at the camera not at the baby."

Avi, "Rundi wants to be in the picture."

Mom, "no do not give the baby bunny ears!"

Clearly (and probably fortunately) Noam didn't inherit our inability to look at the camera.

And Avi is doubled over laughing.

They say laughter is contagious.

There we go, out of 49 pictures there were two where we were all looking at the camera, not talking, and also smiling.

Now. What that so hard? 

Yes. But at least it was fun!

I Heart - Black and White

The theme this week over at I Heart Faces is scenic black and white photography.  It took me some searching but I finally found what I think is the best picture I have to enter. 

I took this in Chicago a few years back in Millennium Park. The park is on Michigan Ave in the heart of the downtown.  They have a gigantic metal bean in the park.  It is probably one of the coolest places to take pictures.  It's huge, it's reflective, and you can get some awesome pictures of the skyline.

I love this one because you have the awesome view of the buildings on Michigan Ave and can see all the people walking around the bean, someone them you can also see their reflection in the bean.

To see more scenic black and white photos head on over to I Heart Faces!

24x24: Thanksgiving Day

I give you, our Thanksgiving day, in pictures!

24x24 is a series posted at totally irregular and unpredictable intervals hosted by Katherine H over at Grass Stains.  It's simply 24 pictures from a 24-hour time period.  

Whoa this means I'll be turning 23...

10 years ago this Shabbat I became a bat mitzvah. How is that possible? Seriously, sometimes it seems like it was yesterday, but other times it seems so long ago.  

10 years ago! Wow, I was in 7th grade, still had braces, and was so young compared to now. 

I still remember that day so well. It was during Chanukah and for Friday night dinner we had kosher Chinese from Philly (since I didn't like "Jewish" food and we were having that on Saturday) and sufganiot.  

There was a magical layer of snow on the ground too which really made that weekend extra special.  I was so happy that so many family members and dear friends came from near and far that weekend, I love being with lots of family and it was so special to also be able to celebrate Chanukah together.

I read nearly all of my parshah that day and helped lead much of the service, I haven't had much of a chance to read each year, but not this year! I have the opportunity to read at Avi and Ben's shul tomorrow.

Now, hopefully 10 years later I won't look like such a dear in headlights....

Oh so thankful

There is so much to be thankful for this year in my family.  I really feel like this year is the first time I can stand here, or sit as the case may be, and really feel thankful.  

I mean I am always thankful at Thanksgiving, thankful to live in a country where I have rights and freedoms, thankful for my family, etc.  

But this year, 2010, has been a huge year for me and the family.  After a few years that were filled with some sadness and loss this year has been full of wonderful gains for which I am so happy and grateful for! 

First and foremost, my mommy!  I mean I wouldn't be here with out her, but over the past 3 years she has been there for me for every loss and every gain - there is no way I would be as strong as I am today or aware of everything I need to be grateful for if it weren't for her ability to ground me and love me unconditionally! That is something to be grateful for! 

My sister! I am so grateful that over the last 9 months we were talking online numerous times a day! It really made the distance between Boston and Oregon seem shorter and I am so grateful that we are so close!                              

My dad, again without him I wouldn't be here, and even though I don't see him as much as I see my mom or sister I know he loves me I am grateful to have him in my life.

Um hello - couldn't be any more grateful for having graduated college this year! I am most grateful for my personal effort and perseverance over 4 years of studies, it wasn't always easy but I am so thankful I stuck to it because walking across that stage is an amazing feeling and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to experience that.   

And now I am so grateful to have the chance to go to grad school and study to be a teacher, it really is my dream job (okay, astronaut may be my dream job).  I am loving my studies and so thankful for that!

 

And last but certainly not least! Noam! I am so thankful for a new life in our family.  He is such a joy and what a better way to enter a season of thanksgiving than with a new sweet little life in the family!

Happy thanksgiving to you and yours!

Turkey Recipe

This recipe is great if you are someone who has a hard time telling if the turkey is cooked through, but not dried out.

8 - 15 lb turkey

1 c. melted butter

1 c. stuffing

1 c. uncooked popcorn

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 350º.  Brush the turkey with the melted butter and sprinkle with the salt and pepper.  Fill the turkey with the stuffing and popcorn.  Place in the baking pan with the neck towards the back of the oven.  Listen for the popping sounds.  When the turkey blows the oven door open and the bird flies across the room, it's done.

**disclaimer - I am not going to be doing this! I don't eat meat! But, if you decide to try this (haha) please video tape the last part of the recipe (-: **

It's been too long since Noam got any face time on this blog

Just another wonderful thing I am thankful for this year!

No the baby is not on the menu for Thanksgiving...

 Mr. Bright Eyes - he is so alert for a nearly 3 week old!

Chilaxing in the bouncy seat

Seriously, Auntie Mar, no more pictures!