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