Open Facebook Site

Here is a link to an open facebook site. It will be a family history reconnect site. This was put together by Mike Reindl, Buds son so our cousin. I know some of you already signed on but anyone can read it and you don't have to join.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?filter=app_2309869772#/group.php?gid=159968997306&ref=share
So if you have time check in and see if anything is new. Julie

Sweet Babies

Hi all! Just some pictures of my grandkids. Keep warm. Julie

Short and Sweet.

I just wanted to update y'all on a couple things. First, Dawn has added Audrey's and Rob's wedding website to our blog page. Visit it. There's good information, and it's fun to read. Then sign the guest book.

Second, Kimberly's restaurant/bar is open!!!! Coach's Club in Cross Plains. It's on Hwy 14. So, if you're in the area, stop in and have a bite to eat and a drink. They don't have a website yet, but that will be coming soon. I know this will shock you, but I've been there to eat a couple times myself. The food has been delicious! This is a whole new adventure for Kimberly, and she has been working sooooo hard. Sometimes it's a bit overwhelming, so any words of encouragement/advice for her would be greatly appreciated either here on the blog or facebook her.

Alright, I gotta get back to work. I need a longer lunch time!
Love to All of You!!!!
Rita

LEMONADE

Hi everyone! Just a brief post before I forget my thought. When you are given lemons make lemonade and there is nothing that sweetens lemonade like grandkids/kids. If you ever need to smile mindlessly just look for a playground full of kids and I'm sure you will smile as it is so contagious. Life is great so smile. Julie(Inspired by Lexi and her pocket full of sun)

The Growing Family

The Griepentrog Family has grown by two feet.
Ella Kathleen arrived into the family yesterday January 8, 2010 at 2:36 p.m. weighting 7 lbs. 2 oz. and measuring 19" long. Her big brother Oliver is very much in love with her and both Mom and Dad are doing well.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Doughty Family

Dear Family and Friends,
I can hardly believe that it is 2010 already! Where did the year go?! Here are just a few of our highlights of the year.
We had lots of visitors; Jason’s Dad and Step-Mom aka Papa and Nana visited in January and again in November; Jason’s sister Jen came in Feb; and his Mom visited in March and August. It is always great to spend time with them and do all sorts of fun things when they are here.
We also did a bit of traveling; Bridget to the women’s retreat in feb in Prescott AZ, Bridget and the kids to WI in April for 2 wonderful weeks, during this time Jason was in Minneapolis and then at a retreat and finally in WI for 2 days; We all went camping with a group from church to Greer AZ at the end of May; June we had VBS and then a short get-away to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon; In July we went to Toronto to visit Jason’s family; we went to Family camp in Pine Valley CA and La Jolla CA for a family beach vacation. Lots of fun was had by all.
Justin and Isaac learned to ride their bikes without training wheels and are loving the new freedom of bike riding. Justin still loves to read, his current favorite is the “Red Wall” series. Isaac is reading as well, but prefers to build things out of LEGOS. Both love sports and look forward to playing soccer this spring.
Kiah and Tobin play well together, and get into trouble together! Kiah talks all the time and has an active imagination! She loves dresses and her dolls and all things princess and pink. She also attends the Church’s Pre-school 2 days a week and loves it. Tobin also is a chatter box, with more and more words every day. He trails after his older siblings and tries to do whatever they are doing. He thinks that LEGOS are good to eat, and that toilet paper is for him to pull off. His favorite things are balls, cars and being outside.
Jason stays busy with his job, but also has time to play some golf and hang out at home with the family.
Bridget is busy home-schooling the kids, keeping up with things at home, reading the occasional book and a little sewing and photography.
We have been so blessed this year, we serve a wonderful God! We find peace and contentment in knowing that He loves us and cares for us and ultimately is in control.
Love,
The Doughty Family

Photos Are Online!!!!

Alright, so we can all be very happy for a big holiday on a Thursday, so we can get some work done at home during a 3 1/2 day weekend :)
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for making photos on Christmas go so smoothly. I have posted all the proofs on my website in a client gallery under Session Viewing. The gallery is protected by a password, which is the six digit date of the party. In that gallery you have the option to order prints. Also, don't forget to pick the one of your family for the Family Wall at Grandma & Grandpa's.
Oh, and if any of you are just a little curious as to why Mae and Doug's family isn't included in the gallery, even though most of us were there, it's because most of them had their pictures recently taken.
Below is the direct link to the gallery.

http://www.imagequix.com/photog.php?id=S9ALZ9G&ec=reindl

Thank you and Happy New Year to you all, and God bless your 2010!!!!

Amber & Matthew's Vegetables Vinagrette

I'm still reminiscing over all the wonderful dishes we had at our Christmas party. I really enjoyed the multiple potato varieties... heck we wouldn't be Irish if we didn't have a potato feast, right? LOL

I also enjoyed the fresh vegetable salad that Amber & Matthew brought. I asked Amber to share the recipe because that is one dish I would love to make again! I'm guessing I'm not the only one that loved the Vegetables Vinagrette, so here's the recipe for all to share! Thanks Amber for making a great dish! Much love to all and a very prosperous 2010!

Vegetables Vinegrette

Grape Tomatoes - One package ( 16oz.? )
Yellow Pepper - 1.5 large
Sugar Snap Peas - One package, cut in half short ways
Button Mushrooms - One package ( 12oz? )
Shredded Carrot - Not much, just to add color

Dressing:
Balsalmic Vinegar - I didn't exactly measure, I'm guessing about 1/3 cup
Olive oil - 1/4 cup?
Lemon juice - 1/8 cup?
Minced Garlic - 1/8 teaspoon
Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon, I think it coulda used more, but I ran out!
Salt to taste

This was the first attempt at making this, so I experimented with the dressing.
I suggest mixing it up and tasting it as you go to make sure the measurements are appropriate.
I am delighted that it was enjoyed by many. I will definitely be making this again!