Shoes/Moved

Lariah and I were looking at blogs. We had gotten to Cup of Jo and saw this picture

Lariah yelled "CUTE SHOES MOMMY!" Extremely surprised by her reaction I started to laugh and then she continued to say you should buy them. I said yes, those are cute and in my head I was thinking way out of my league (price) so for fun I looked up the price – $280. Although my sweetheart, the Diane von Furstenberg 'Roxanne' pumps are really cute and would look great with many of my pants and skirts, I will not be purchasing these lovely shoes EVER! However if you choose to have this great taste in shoes when you are older you are welcome to get a job, save your money and spend it on as many shoes as you like:)


In some new news we have been blessed with a new job that Chris loves down in the great south Salt Lake City. I am hoping to be all unpacked by the end of the month...we shall see.

Funny Windy Wedding

Six years ago I was married forever to my favorite person

This picture is one of the perfect examples of our wedding day

We did get some great shots and they all make me laugh

Sometimes the wind makes you look like you're floating in air

which I was

I LOVE YOU CHRIS

Photo Booth Fun

It was so much fun playing with Lariah in photo booth today.

She loves performing!

In the end she started licking me and saying she
was a dog. It was hilarious and of course I didn't get a photo.

For Grandpa and Grandma…

It seems this blog has become dedicated to Lariah's growth so here is a montage of her first few times at gymnastics. We always planned on putting Lariah into gymnastics early on because of her desire to climb and hang on things, but never got around to it. So thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Landon who decided to give her an early start as a birthday gift…



We attend Airbound Gymnastics at the Mommy and Me classes once a week on Wednesday nights. Luckily they had this option so I could go with them and check it out after work. It is a nice break from our usual routine and hopefully will help Lariah to take some direction. Each kid takes turns going through an obstacle course doing somersaults hanging on bars walking the beam and Jumping on trampolines. She immediately wants to run around and play with everything but were trying to teach her to be patient, and share time and things with others. Her favorite things to do are the parachute and pit of soft squares, but her shining moments are while hanging on the bars…

Funny Girl

I told Lariah to go get her clothes on....





this is what she put on

Not a Big Blogger

This is Litte Lariah who loves her boots...

Halloween & Disneyland

I love Halloween and going to Disneyland's Halloween party was the best Halloween ever!



Lariah didn't like him but I was totally starstruck



She ran right up to Tinker Bell and hugged her

Water Wonderland…

Tiffiney's new dress for Sunday School. She loves this thing, so if anyone is willing to make it for us let me know!

This weekend Tiffiney decided we were due for a date night, just the two of us; Lariah hasn't been the best lately during our movie experiences. Anyway, being a fan of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp films, she knew I wanted to see the new Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" movie in theaters, so I got out of work early to see the 5:15 matinee. Although, she being a fan of Disney and Alice, it wasn't like she was against the idea. In fact in the end, although we both thought it was well done, she probably enjoyed it more than I did. After this, I plan on having some crazy tea parties with Lariah in the future.

Later we got a call from Tiffiney's sister to hang out up in Idaho at Lava Hot Springs. I don't recall ever going before, but I was happy to go, especially when I found out they had a rock climbing wall and indoor pool as well. It was pretty pricey for being a "natural" heated spring but we had a lot of fun. We left our camera in the car during the indoor part and missed out on some fun shots of Lariah but we have the memories and all summer to make up for it. Luckily she really enjoyed the water and had a lot of fun splashing, swimming and floating around on her blow-up turtle. Tiffiney wouldn't let me dunk her quite yet, but it won't be long. For those wondering, I made it to the top of the rock climbing wall; victory for me. I've decided I need to move to a place with a pool or near the ocean. I love swimming under water; it is so relaxing…


Lariah and I enjoying the Hot Springs. She was playing with cousin Araya's Star floater…

Bathroom

Lariah is extremely fast and gets into everything. She especially loves paper, what's cooler then an endless roll of it.
We usually close the bathroom door...

A Little Lady – Growing Up Under A Lens…

The other day Tiffiney and I were transferring photos to the computer from the camera and decided to take a stroll down memory lane. We were looking at Lariah as she has been growing up and we realized how much she has changed. Although her personality has stayed intact and her prominent features remain, she is changing and growing up to be a such a little lady. I love coming home everyday to see her smiling face and it always is disappointing when I hear she is down for a nap.

Something I wish I had more of, is candid photos of me when I was a child. I have a few shots here and there but most of them are from vacations and school portraits. I told Tiffiney to take as many pictures of Lariah as possible and get her on video as well because, while at work, I miss out on a lot. Plus something I have never had is video of me as a child. I am sure Lariah will love seeing her as a baby someday. Right now we have a lot of photos, but it is more likely to increase when I get my new camera. I am really excited for taxes this year. Getting out of debt and buying fun toys is going to feel oh so nice…



Above is a little video of Lariah and one of her toys she got for Christmas. She loves getting pushed around in it but it wears me out. I need to dance again, because that is the only self motivating means of exercise I'll get right now.

It's Me Again…

I was going to use an image of the resurrected Christ or an empty tomb, but I figured it wouldn't be very appropriate, so you get this.

You would think that since my last post was shortly after the death of Michael Jackson, that I died as well. While a part of me did, the real reason for neglecting our blog was due to the loss of internet. We have been working hard to pay some bills off by the time the new year rolled around that we had to cut some costs in other areas. Luckily I have had FREE internet from neighbors to keep my sanity but the downfall is it is very unreliable and slow.

I have been meaning to write and have missed out on viewing blogs of friends and family as well, but when the internet is working I choose reading my news first. Anyway I feel like I can contribute once again and I sense internet will become a common thing once again in my home. Until then I will write things first in Word and then when the stars align I will upload for the world to read and see. I hope the Holidays were good for everyone and am glad that I was able to see many of you. I hope you didn't forget us within these last six months, but don't worry anymore, I'm Back…

TIMELESS…

I am sure the entire world has already heard the news, but I am just barely coming to terms with the idea of a world without Michael Jackson. For those that have already spoken to me you are aware how funny it is to grieve for someone that I don't even know. After supporting and defending him and following his life and music for 10+ years however, I start to believe I did know him on a personal level. So may you rest in peace, Michael. Thanks for the music…

Saved By The Bell Reunion

Zack Morris made an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and he hasn't aged a bit. For all the fans out there, Jimmy Fallon is attempting to reunite the class together again, and only Kelly and Screech are left to confirm their appearance. Check out the awesome video above for some SBTB memories. This is one reunion I support fully…

RECIPES: Asparagus Risotto…

To add some variety to our blog, I thought I would share recipes every now and then. On occasion (usually Sundays) Tiffiney and I will set out to cook something new to eat. We have a few big cook books and try to add some spice into our meals by selecting a recipe, buying the ingredients the night before, and attempting to cook something good for dinner. We have had some successes in the past as well as some major fails, so I will also share what works and what didn't as well as tips that may help those who attempt to make these dishes. We will start out with a recent dish that was very successful. I was proud of how it turned out.

Asparagus Risotto:
1kg (2lb 4oz) asparagus
500ml (2cups) chicken stock
500ml (2 cups) vegetable stock
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
360g (1 2/3 cups) risotto rice (arborio, vialone nano or carnaroli)
70g (2 1/2 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons thick (double/heavy) cream

1. Wash the asparagus and remove the woody ends (hold each spear at both ends and bend it gently-it will snap at its natural breaking point). Separate the tender spear tips from the stems.

2. Cook the asparagus stems in boiling water for 8 minutes, or until very tender. Drain and place in a blender with the chicken and vegetable stocks. Blend for 1 minute, then put in a saucepan, bring to boil and maintain at a low simmer.

3. Cook the asparagus tips in boiling water for 1 minute, drain and refresh in iced water.

4. Heat the oil in a large wide heavy-based saucepan. Add the onion and cook until soft but not browned. Stir in the rice, season, and reduce the heat to low. Stir in a ladleful of the stock and cook over moderate heat, stirring continuously. When the stock has been absorbed, stir in another ladleful. Continue like this for about 20 minutes, until all the stock has been added and the rice is al dente. (You may not use all the stock, or you may need a little extra - every risotto will be slightly different.) Add the Parmesan and cream and gently stir in the asparagus tips. Season.

TIPS: Don't rush this meal, and give it the TLC that it needs. Tiffiney made fun of me because I kept picking out the brown onions so it would look perfect. The hardest part is making sure the rice cooks thoroughly and not burning it in the process.

PHOTOS- left: what the book showed, right: how it turned out

She's Growing Little By Little…

So after graduating, quitting my job, and starting my new job, I think I can get back into the swing of things updating you with our lives. Right now the center of our attention is focused on little Lariah or, as our Sunday School class is calling her, La La Ri Ri. She is growing up now and she is letting us know by always wanting to be fed. Also, after some difficulty, she is learning to take the binky and comfort herself rather than always wanting to be held, in turn giving mom some free time to herself.

We recently went to Idaho Falls over Memorial Day Weekend and had a good cookout. Tiffiney's dad always spoils me knowing how little red meat I eat in our own home. We got to see Samantha's baby as well who was born shortly after Lariah. It will be fun having the two kids so close; Lariah and Araya will definitely be close cousins. It was a good time and we look forward to going back over the 4th of July weekend. Speaking of weekends, It is so nice to always have Saturdays and Sundays off, as well as having the nights off…

MOM…

Celebrating the greatest new mom in the world…

DAD

Dad your great!


Just too cute not to share!

Lariah Ann Saunders: Take Two…

May 2, 2009
Weight: 6lbs 9oz
Length: 19.5 inches

Here's the official non-April Fool's Day Story:
Tiffiney told me early on that this baby wouldn't be coming until I got my homework done. By the time she had enough of the whole pregnancy, she was getting on my case about turning in my final essays so Lariah could be born. She was praying a lot that everything would go well, and it seems God was listening intently.

I was preparing for graduation and in order to do this required my procrastination skills to be put aside for a few days. I prepared and studied a little for my final on Monday and then I finished my website, printed my portfolio, and had my final BFA exhibition on Tuesday. The only thing holding me back were a few essays I had yet to finish in my Evolution class.

On Thursday Tiffiney's doctor swiped her membranes in hopes of progressing her more than she had been; she hadn't felt any contractions yet. Early that week I had the option of having a job interview on Thursday or Friday. Once again Tiffiney assumed that this baby's birthday relied on me getting my responsibilites in order and out of the way. She wanted the Thursday appointment, but as I didn't have school anymore I let the company decide on the best day; they chose Friday.

That afternoon, I ended up finalizing my essays and sending them in before heading to work. Friday morning came and I got dressed all fancy for my interview. It went well and I came home thinking that the membrane swipe wouldn't have much effect because she still hadn't felt anything. Tiffiney is not one to so easily give up, so she planned a short walk.

Well I have been eager to install the carseat, so if she felt there was still a chance I figured we should be prepared. As soon as the carseat was latched and tightened, Tiffiney gave a surprise "I think my water just broke." Since it was just a leak she didn't want to spend the whole day in the hospital so we began our walk. After we went around the block, and made a call to confirm the leakage, we went home and called the hospital. They told us to come right in and as for the rest of the story, well they lived happily ever after…

And The Countdown Begins…

We are anticipating the arrival of our little daughter within the next few weeks, although the quicker the better as mommy has hit her breaking point. Above is a quick recap of what has happened so far. Hopefully we will be holding the baby in our arms soon instead of trying to give her affection through the belly…

Dreams Do Come True…

I know many of you enjoy your American Idol and on occasion I enjoy catching up by watching YouTube clips of the contestants, but overall I think Britains Got Talent is a much better show. If any of you have watched it before you have probably seen a little girl named Connie that stunned the judges some time ago, but the story I want to share is on the other side of the spectrum with a woman almost in her 50s.



These are those moments where I really enjoy "reality" TV. Just like the sappy show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, I get so emotional about these types of stories. I make fun of it until they say "move that bus" and then it justs pulls me in. The same can be said about Susan Boyle. As soon as she sang the first line and the audience was blown away by her performance my heart melted. The song choice was perfect and I am glad that her dream came true, even if it wasn't on a Broadway stage…

*NOTE* YouTube is disabling the embed features so if the video above doesn't work you can check it out HERE