Update Again!

Well, lots has been happening in our little family, and it's about time that we let you know all about it.

Ryan left TAG on April 15 and beginning June 11 will be working for cash edge as their IT Manager for US operations. The exciting thing about this company is that they are in expansion. They are also INC's 101 ranked privately owned company and they will go public next year. There is also room for him to climb the corporate latter, and he will more than likely be Director again in a year or so, we guess. We are all happy and excited for him.

I officially was diagnosed with a partially collapsed left lung and with asthma. I go to Stanford in July to either have my lung re-inflated or to be told that it did it on its' own. I have been feeling better since I've been exercising, but some days are completely unbearable. At least I know what I have and that really does help. I should be back and around to normal activity soon.

Chloe is almost out of school, and on her last day we are going to take her to the Montecito Resort for a couple of days. It's a surprise so we're looking forward to astonishing her. I'll update our blog when we get back. Ciao.

Just an update

All is well in the Clark home. Chloe is still awesome, Ryan is fuzzy, and I'm still sick. The good news is that I either have asthma or a partially collapsed lung. I went to Stanford this last week and feel that I am finally getting to the bottom of what has been keeping me ill for months. As soon as I hear anything I'll post it so this way everyone knows without having to repeat myself multiple times.

Chloe's Party

Chloe's party was a great success and full of fun. We can't believe that she's actually 7. God we're old!

The menu consisted of a Goat cheese tart, homemade pizza, lasagna, shrimp skewers, meatballs, and of course drinks. The royal jacks are deadly, so next time you guys come over, let me make you few. The food and conversation were good and the weather was perfect, so we were able to enjoy the patio for most of the day.

Things got a little heated however, when Ryan's family started playing the Wii that Ry got Chloe and I for our birthday. Needless to say, competitiveness runs in his family and it got frantic for a while. Chloe had 5 of her friends spend the night, and it won't happen again. Little girls are NUTS!

Well, I guess that's it. I want to Thank all of you that came. We really do appreciate and love all of you. Chloe scored with all of her AWESOME gifts and cards, as did I.
Love you!

Chloe is part of the club

Yesterday Chloe and I went to the Optometrist and guess who needs glasses? Chloe is now part of the "sophisticates" club. Although she is in need of the glasses she also looks quite dapper in them. I told Ryan she looks like a mini lawyer.

At first, Chloe resisted, but once she saw them on her face, she commented on how pretty they made her look. Any suggestions from those of you that had to wear them as children to her would be great. You can email me, and I'll pass along her email address. For those of you coming to the party you'll see them on her.

As for me, I still have my reading prescription, so I was able to get a back up pair thanks to the insurance company. I'll take lots of pictures of her and I and post them on my "my space" page when we pick them up in a couple of weeks (just search for Katia Clark or the Visalian).

Chloe is the Top Dog

Chloe is the "Top Dog" in her class this week. This honor involved us making a poster that symbolized who she is as a person. We included pictures and wrote down all of her likes and dislikes. She's adorable!

The crowning glory of this honor is having lunch with her teacher at McDonalds this Thursday. Chloe is very excited. I'll let you know what happens with that.

2006 Recap

Our 2006 year was hectic to say the least. Our family got into a house and our Chloe bear started first grade. Chloe is growing so fast, we wish we could stop it a bit so that we can revel in all that is Chloe.

We are beyond happy with our home and what we've done with it. 1516 has had a great history in the "BOSSOM", and we're glad that we are now part of that too. We, meaning I, put a lot of elbow grease into the house. I painted, and pulled, planted, and remodeled a bit, and have created a haven for us. I love our Art Decco / Mid Century Modern home. It's new and old, and we all LOVE IT.

Our Baby Bear is still in a Private School and is thriving. She is one of the top readers in her class, and is doing well in all of her subjects. Big surprise, she talks too much and this keeps her from focusing sometimes. She's bright and funny, and larger than life. We don't know what our life would be without her.

Ryan is still working in the Bay Area during the week, and for those of you who know us know, he is frustrated with his job. It's been hard for him to work away from home. We'll just have to see what happens.

Katia is still working as a Massage Therapist. She loves the people that she works with. She has moved offices and although it's been great personally, it still hasn't panned out professionally. Cross your fingers.

2007 will most certainly be a better year we hope. We are very bad about keeping in touch so we really hope that this blog will allow our loved ones to participate in our lives more. All our love The Clark Clan.

Royal Jacks - Recipe / Food Network

Ryan and I made these for New Years Eve 07' and they are fabulous. Will always be served on New Years Eve and at Chloe's party.

This is enough for two drinks

Ice
2 oz Apple Jack (we use Lairds Bonded)
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz lemon syrup (recipe follows)
1 to 3 TBS homemade grenadin (recipe follows)
Brut Champagne
Sliced or diced apples for granish

Lemon Syrup
2 lemons juiced and zest removed
1 c sugar (I use Splenda)
1 c water
Put lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and water into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 mins..
Cool before using. Can be stored in Fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Homemade Grenadine
2 c unsweetened Pomegranate juice
3/4 c sugar (I use Splenda)
Put juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and continue to cook until reduced in half.
Stir in the sugar to dissolve thoroughly and simmer to thicken slightly.
Cool before using. Can be stored in container in the Fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Back to the drink......

Fill shaker with ice and add Apple Jack, Lemon syrup, Lemon juice, and grenadine.
Cover and shake.
Strain equally into 2 Champagne flutes and top with the Champagne.
Garnish with apple.