2nd time is a Charm!

Last year when Camden sat on Santa's lap for the first time he was terrified! This year went a little bit smoother. At first he was scared to death! But once he learned that Santa liked Mickey Mouse he calmed right down.

He asked Santa for Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Daisie, Minnie, and Pete.

We still don't think he quite gets the whole Santa thing...But he's getting better! He loves Christmas Trees and snowmen. He knows who Santa is and can recognize him. He just doesn't get the idea that Santa brings lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.

Pumpkin Pancakes

I wanted to share a good recipe with all of you to try one of these winter weekends! This time of year is perfect for these little treats!

Pumpkin Pancakes

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 TBS sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp each cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
a pinch of ground cloves
1 cup milk
6 TBS canned pumpkin puree
2 TBS melted butter
1 egg

Directions:
Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt, nutmeg, and ground cloves. In a separate bowl, stir together milk, canned pumpkin puree, melted butter, and 1 egg; fold mixture into dry ingredients. Melt some butter in a skillet over medium-low heat; pour in 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Cook pancakes about 3 minutes per side; serve with butter and syrup. Makes 8.

You can all thank me later...!

CAMDEN - 22 MONTH PICTURES

Here are a few updated "professional Pictures" we got taken of Camden.

These 2 might be some of our all-time favorites. The one of him in his Christmas PJ's is classic.

But we love the one of him by the ladder as well.

Needless to say we're happy with all of them...

Right here he has his classic mischievous smiling look.

Gotta love the Radio Flyer - with matching jacket!

And our trip to Central Park - with a real snowman and all...Right!

LEAF JUMPING

So I spent half the afternoon raking leaves into a pile so Camden could jump into them when he got home.

However, he liked jumping off the rock better than playing in the leaves.

This had to be time #50 he jumped off the rock. He is fearless!

He made us all take turns jumping off the rock. It was a bad idea for Dad to teach him how to turn a 720 off the rock. OK...maybe a 180...maybe!

Here he is forced into the pile of leaves. Needless to say I forgot there were a ton of pine needles mixed in with the leaves. Even I didn't want to jump in them again.

Finally got him to look into the camera.

CAMDEN FALL NIGHT AT THE PARK

We took a trip to a Park down in the Avenues to take some pictures of Camden. Jackie and I thought we would get some good fall backgrounds - but it got dark on us too fast. Nonetheless we got a few good pictures of Camden.

Here he is looking into a bird bath. This wasn't one of our desired back drops. Camden just had to see the water.

Yes...He threw the rock!

At this point he was starting to pose.

See what I mean...?

Waiving Hi to a pretend Mickey Mouse in the sky

I'm not sure what he was laughing at...?

This is Camden's Mischievous face - when he is starting to think about doing something silly.

WHO WOULD WIN...?

So as the NBA season begins in another week...I started wondering how long I have been a Jazz fan...? Ever since I was 8 years old - I can't remember not watching a game on TV or listening to it on the radio. OK so I've missed a few. Maybe as many as John Stockton did his entire career. So this being my 22nd season following every minute of every game - then I miss maybe 1 game a year on average. In those 22 years - I have only known 2 Era's. First era being Stockton to Malone and second era being Williams to Boozer.

After that popped into my head I started thinking which era is more entertaining to watch? Which era was better fundamentally and played better as a team? And most importantly, which era do you believe in more to make a strong playoff push?

So here we go...

Point Guards (John Stockton Vs. Deron Williams)

My Pick - John Stockton
I love Deron Williams - but I've had Stockton for 19 years and noting is going to change my man crush....EVER! He was the most unselfish, smartest, fundamentally sound, best passer, best picker ever to play the game. All time steals leader! All time assists leader! Sorry everyone - John Stockton is one of the best - underated players in NBA history.

Shooting Guards (Horny or all others combined)

My Pick - Hornacek
Besides the center position this has been the Jazz' weakness for as long as I can remember! They have decent players fill the role over the years - but never anyone as dependable or as accurate a shooter as old Horny. The Jazz were a mediocre title contender until horny got here. Then they became legitamit threats to win it all. Sorry Jeff Malone, Sorry Bobby Hansen, Sorry Ronnie Brewer, Sorry Ashton Kutcher (Kyle Korver). You'll never be horny.

Small Forward (Thurl Big T Bailey vs AK-47)

My Pick - Tie
Thurl Bailey was the ultimate team player. He wasn't a huge threat on the offensive side of the ball. He wasn't an all team defensive player either. But he was an all-around good player. Andrei Kirilenko - as we've all witnessed the past 2 seasons isn't what you'd call a dead eye shooter. He can be a good offensive player when he buys into the team concept. He used to be a defensive threat until recently he started worrying too much about his jump shot or lack thereof. Both of these guys make their teams better and sometimes make their team worse. To me it's a toss up.

Power Forward (Karl Malone vs Booooooooooozer)

My Pick - Mailman

Carlos Boozer's good! He might be really, really good if John Stockton was passing into the low post - but he'll never be as good or dominant as Karl Malone was. We all know Karl Malone couldn't deliver in the playoffs - and either can Boozer. But Karl Malone could deliver all season - every season 18 years in a row! Malone improved his game more and more every year. Boozer up to this point has not. Sorry Booz - Not only do you have huge EYE BUSHES but you come in 2nd to the best power forward to ever play the game.

Center (Mark Eaton Vs Memo Okur)

My Pick - Tie

Memo can hit the 3 - but can't play D. Mark could play D and not come close to hitting a 3. They both give up a ton of 3 point plays when fouling. Eaton because he was too slow and Memo because he's soft. But both are valuable to their era's teams. Big Mark in the middle and the money man on the perimeter. This one is a tie to me.

Bench (Old Vs. New)

My Pick - New

I think the Jazz have their best starting five right now from top to bottom. Starting five. I think during the years they went to Finals back to back they had their best bench. But if you put todays players coming off the bench on the old Jazz team - we probably win 2 or more championships!

Coach (Old Vs. New)

Oh wait...Never mind!

Final Totals - Old 3 to New 1

SNOW BASIN

A few weeks back we took a trip up to Snow Basin for an outdoor concert. Uncle Toby was in town so the whole family got together for some good tunes, cold brews, and some laughs. Here we are at the top of Snow Basin after riding the Gondola to the top.

Here is a nice view from the Gondola looking down towards Pine View Reservoir.

Camden and Grandma Robyn on the Gondola.

Camden and Papa Kim listening to the music.

Here are 2 drunks we met up there.

Camden and his Beautiful, Sweet, and lovely Mamma.

TIME FLIES - WHEN YOU'RE MARRIED

So Jackie & I celebrated our 1 Year Anniversary on Monday (August 11th). Even though we've been together a little over 3 years...Monday marked the 1st wedding anniversary. Time really does fly when you're having fun I guess!

That's right people...The passion is still alive today like it was a year ago...In fact, like it was 3 years ago.


So here's to my beautiful bride from 1 years past...I still love you more than you'll ever know! I get many, many compliments from people about you - telling me how lucky I am to have found such a wonderful wife, mother, and best friend. I couldn't agree with them more. THANK YOU for being who you are, doing what you do, and loving me and Camden like you do. I can't imagine my life without you and our wonderful son. Let this 1 year anniversary be the first of many. I love you baby...

UNCLE TOBY COMES TO TOWN

A couple of weeks ago Camden got a surprise visit from Uncle Toby. This was only third time that Camden was able to spend time with his Uncle Toby. Toby and his family live in Vancouver, WA.

Camden is a Steelers Fan - Toby tried his hardest to convince Camden the Cowboys were the best team. Camden told Toby that he would rather have a BIG BEN than a little Homo...I mean Tony Romo.

It was nice to see Camden get to spend some quality time with his Uncle Toby. I think it was good for Uncle Toby to get to spend some quality time with his favorite little nephew. Now all we hear around the house is TOOOOBBBBBYYYY....TOOOOBBBBBYYYY! Toby might have to come down more often to satisfy Camden's man crush on him.

ALMOST FOOTBALL SEASON

You know it is getting close to the start of the NFL season when Camden puts his Steelers jersey on all by himself. With a little bit of help from his Dad he has learned the word Steelers. He told me the other night that he loves Big Ben Rothelisberger and hopes to one day become the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Anyways, get ready for some good old fashioned BLITZBURGH STEELER FOOTBALL here in a few weeks. Even though we have the toughest schedule in the league we're still going to win it all.

Homemade Lemincello

OK - So today I'm going to start a long process of producing homemade Lemincello. Lemincello is is a bright yellow, sweet and lemony liqueur made famous in Southern Italy and Sicily (which is the home of my ancestors). It is commonly served as an after dinner drink because of its sweet flavor. It's not sour because it contains no lemon juice. It is made from Lemon Rinds (peels to the later folk), ever clear, water, & sugar. However, it takes 5 long weeks to produce a nice batch. Follow these simple steps and you shall be known forever as the pizano!

Step #1 - Buy 2 Bottles of ever clear (750 ml per bottle) & 15-20 fresh (organic if possible) lemons. You will also need to track down a nice big container with a secure lid. I use an Iced Tea jug thing. If you don't have sugar on hand - buy enough sugar for 4 cups. You will also need some cool looking bottles to put the final product in. It is best if your store the final product in your freezer - so find bottles that will accommodate.

Step #2 - Peel the Rinds from the lemons. You must get all the white stuff of the peels or your lemincello will be bitter. Once the rinds are off the lemons you can rinse them in water and put in the large iced tea container.

Step #3 - Put 4 cups of ever clear in with the rinds of the lemons - which should be in the iced tea jug. Tighten lid and swoosh around to make sure the rinds are mostly submerged in the alcohol. Store the jug in cool (room temp), dry, and dark place for 2 weeks. Every 2-3 days swoosh the liquid around to make sure all the rinds are getting their fair share of drowning in the alcohol.

After you let the rinds and the ever clear sit in your iced tea jug, and has been in the dark, is dry, and has been at room temp for 2 weeks and shook up every couple of days. Then go to step #4

Step #4 - Bring 5 cups of cold water to a boil! Add 4 cups of sugar to the boiling water and turn off the stove off! Stir the sugar for a couple minutes until you know it has disolved. Let sit until it becomes luke warm or cooler. While the sugar water is cooling - you can get a strainer out and strainer your lemon rinds. IMPORTANT - discard the lemon rinds and keep the liquid. Transfer the liquid (ever clear) back into the large icead tea jug.

Step #5 - Once your sugar water is cooled add it to the ever clear liquid. Swoosh it around really well for a couple of minutes to make sure it mixes up nice. Then put it back in a cool (room temp), dry, dark place for another 2 weeks. Again, every 2-3 days mix it up a little bit.

Step #6 - After the 2 weeks is up - Re-bottle it in to little cool bottles that will fit in your freezer! Don't forget to share with the neighbors, your friends, and family! It is best right out of the freezer! Some people enjoy a little splash of Lemincello in their chardonay or champagne.

And remember - don't share this recipe with anyone else! Stay tuned for your culinary lesson on how to make homemade Grappa next time!

Montana Summer Trip 2008!

Jackie and Camden headed out to Montana in early July for a week! It was a much needed getaway for Jackie and it was a great opportunity for Camden to spend time with his cousins (Ali & Logan) who live in Des Moines, IA.

It was also the first time Jackie's Aunt & Uncle (Alan & Jamie) were able to meet Camden in person. They were able to spend a few hours together in Grand Forks, ND

Logan (Left) and Camden (Right) are exactly 1 week apart in age. Logan was born on Friday January 12th, 2007 & Camden was born on January 19th, 2007.

Jackie's brother Ryan explaining to Logan (left), Camden (middle), and Ali (right) how good Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers are.

Fun at the pool!

We took a little trip up to the Roy Swimming complex to meet some family and friends! We were actually quite surprised at the cleanliness and strict rules the complex has. They make all kids under 4 yrs. old wear swim diapers and you have to come the diapers up with a plastic liner. So you get double protection against "floaters" if you know what I mean. Camden

had a blast playing and swimming! Jackie was too chicken to go down the steep slide and too tough to go down the swirly slide. Watch out for her...She's an animal when it comes to adventure! I went down the steep slide and did a few old school cannon balls into the diving pool! I thought for sure my 2nd cannon ball was going to get me some praise from the crowd...But when I surfaced all excited to hear all the ooo's and oooh's nobody even seemed to notice that I just took a ton of pain for nothing! At least they weren't laughing!