Rachel and the Lion - Book Release Party

This day marked a huge step forward in our lives. With the support and love from family and friends we had our first book release party. Rachel and the Lion is the first book in a book series that Stephanie has written. The event was marvelous in itself. There was music, food, drinks, books, posters, smiles, joy, book readings, raffles, cake and plenty of love. Our website is up and running if you would like to inquire more about our project http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/.

Rachel is a 7 year-old girl who lives in a small town in Africa. Malaria has hit her town and Rachel who is sick, never stops fighting for her own joy. She discovers love in the wealth of her family
as a tragedy hits her household. Her special friendship with The Lion helps her cope and find her inner strength.


The Lion helps Rachel understand grief, conflict and truth. The Lion not only helps her during her loss but challenges her to be personally responsible for her actions. He lovingly correts her and opens her
eyes to a deeper level of courage, honesty and abundance.

This book is a great tool for parents in creating a platform in which to discuss pressing life issues such as sickness, death, honesty and espect.

This is a new generation of classic stories, the first of many more to come. So enjoy the journey as Rachel and the Lion become your child's new found friends.

Here some pictures of the the book release party. Many thanks to Open Box Designs for their time and execution on putting this event together and to Marlin Munoz for capturing this event with his talented vision.

Table Arrangements

Merchandise Table

Book Signing Table

Book Reading

Cake - Rachel and the Lion Book

The Author and Cake

FACE PAINTING

Another FUN Christmas

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Be Santa

Here is another fun site for the Christmas Holidays.

Me as Santa!

Documentary - Michael Jr... On The Road Less Traveled

Here is Michael Jr.'s Documentary Trailer. We shot this a few months back, it will be something that will touch your heart in many ways. Looking at a Spring 2009 release.

Audi Experience

For the second year I participated in the Audi Experience where you can try out new Audi models and have your way with them. This year Stephanie came along to experience why my fascination with Audi's. They gave us the opportunity to drive their new 2009 A4, but also try out the competition as well a BMW 328IX, Lexus IS250 and the Mercedes C300. We both agreed that the new 2009 A4 is not only above the competition in performance, braking and handling, but in some cases much more affordable. Their slogan is " Truth in Engineering" which is very obvious once you drive the car to its limits! We also got to take the new A5 around the inner track of California Speedway as well.

Below is a video when I drove the IS250 through the course, you can hear the "beeps" warning me that the car is losing traction. I commented the only positive feature (braking) that I found about the car towards the end, and you can hear Stephanie's true sentiment about the car

Audi Experience from Robert Lainez on Vimeo.

Baby Maker 3000

Having a little fun with what our kids might look like!! Thanks to Volkswagen..

So what do you think?

Baby Maker 3000 Link

Midnight Drive

I had a blast last night driving an Audi R8, in my neighborhood. My nephew got a one day free pass on the car and stopped by to let me take it for a spin ($1800 a day rental fee). I was pushing the car and checking its balance and acceleration. I was in awe of its performance. I took the wife around the block and she was afraid of something.... I was so pumped that when I had to return the car I was so pumped with adrenaline.
Looking forward to November 9th for the Audi Experience at the Fontana Speedway when I get to drive other Audi's as well.

Mission Inn

We had the opportunity to spend some quality time with some dear friends this weekend. One of the couples was celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary, and we are close to celebrating our 2nd. I have visited the Mission Inn before, but never at night. It was unbelievable to think all the gorgeous architecture takes somewhere in western Europe.

70's Skate Party

Here are some fun pictures that we took from Marvin's Suprise 70's Skate Birthday Party! this weekend. I had not put on roller skates for about 25 years. Needless to say I was wobbly all over theplace. Stephanie was able to master the skates much better than I could. We still had a blast!!!

From Drop Box

Seattle - Tacoma Trip - Documentary

I spent a few days in Seattle and Tacoma to begin the filmimg of Michael Jr's documentary. Also, had the opportunity to see some friends (Forrest, Rebecca and Jason) that live in the area. Here are a few pictures of Seattle and a mission in Aberdeen, WA. The pictures of the homeless camp in the woods, the prison, and a church will be available later. This is the first leg of the documentary stay tuned for more details and pictures.... there will be more details once all the legalities are taken care of.

Seattle from a bird's view

Space Needle

Union Gospel Mission's Miracle Truck

This tiny kitchen serves over 50,000 meals a year!!!

I remember days like these......

Briefing meeting

This is the hotel where we stayed, I found out a few things about Tacoma. Tacoma is a unique contemporary city that values its history and has a strong historic preservation. They host various amazing art institutions Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and so on. The Hotel Murano has a plethora of glass art displays on every floor from artist from all over the world. As you can imagine their motif is all about glass from lobby to bathrooms.

Fantasy Football 2008 Week 3

Here are my results on my Fantasy Football Week 3.

Teams - Head To Head Rank - W-L-T
Yahoo Leagues:
3rd String - 4 of 12 - 2-1-0
Handpicked - 1 of 12 - 3-0-0

ESPN League:
Team Lainez - 2 of 10 - 2-1-0

Fantasy Football 2008 Week 2

Here are my results on my Fantasy Football Week 2.

Teams - Head To Head Rank - W-L-T
Yahoo Leagues:
3rd String - 8 of 12 - 1-1-0
Handpicked - 1 of 12 - 2-0-0

ESPN League:
Team Lainez - 1 of 10 - 2-0-0

Fantasy Football 2008 Week 1

So here are my results on my Fantasy Football Week 1.

Teams - Head To Head Rank - W-L-T

My Yahoo leagues:
3rd String - 10 of 12 - 0-1-0
Handpicked - 1 of 12 - 1-0-0

ESPN League:
Team Lainez - 3 of 10 - 1-0-0

Texas Weekend Trip

This past weekend I accompanied Michael Jr. on his trip to Dallas and Austin. I was fortunate to have the opportunity that we were close enough for my sister-in-law lives close enough to attend.

Although she did get lost on the way to the show, she was able to make on time to catch the some comedy. Thank you Sonia & David for making the effort to come to the show and bring the kids.

Elijah having a good time!!!

Sonia, David and Hannah

Michael Jr. and the kids!!

Yearbook Yourself

I found this website and I thought I would share it with you all. You can upload a picture of yourself and relive your "Glory Days" from High School. http://yearbookyourself.com/.

Here is a sample of our pictures for your enjoyment!!!

Stephanie M. Alvarado - Circa 1991

Robert Lainez - Circa 1989

Mi Abuelita

What does Grandma means to me?
Growing up in El Salvador, I had the accessibility of having grandma live right around the corner from us. Going to grandma's was an escape from my little world. Every time I would see her she would hug me and kiss me dearly. She was known as "Mamá Beny" which is short for her name which is Benita. She had a little store where she sold candy, soap, and little things. I knew that if I visited her, I would get some sort of candy or gum. She truly embraced the essence of loving everyone. Her generosity made a huge impact on me at an early age. I recall when someone in the neighborhood would be in need of food or necessities, Mamá Beny would be there to give what she could. She was loved by everyone around her. It always made me proud to see true love in her heart. I will miss her dearly as she was a great example to me and my family. She passed away on July 15th at the very young age of 94. She was a fighter, a mother, a friend, a wife, and best of all she was MY GRANDMOTHER.

Here is grandma & grandpa renewing their vows after 40 years of marriage.

Grandma visits LA in 1996

Grandma's 90th Birthday

Steph's Photo Shoot

Here some of Stephanie's headsots that were taken Monday for her book cover. Many thanks to Marlin Munoz the nicest photographer I have ever met.

We are thankful for him and his awesome family. Here is is website http://marlinmunoz.com/ check his work out.

On Hood Canal Bridge

Waiting on a floating bridge for the water traffic to pass through.

In Seattle

The weather in Seattle was

MUCH better than LA's!! Gorgeous city!!

On a ferry on my way to Port Angeles, Washington

The Edge

Overcoming fears sounds easier than done. But when the opportunity arrives, what are you going to do? Act in fear or act as an overcomer?

Driving back from Fresno

Making A Difference!!!

As I have a passion for making a difference in this world, I decided to partner with a great organization. Project Mercy is a non-profit organization that builds homes and schools for the homeless in Tijuana, Mexico.

This is a shack where a family resides.

This is the family.

This is their blessing.

I want to thank all of you that helped with donations, prayers and thoughts. Thank you for being commited to changing this world, one family at a time.

Marathon Training has BEGUN!!

Stephanie has made a personal goal to run the LA Marathon 2009. Preparation will consist of participating in several tune up runs. Today she did a 10k in the Malibu Canyon Mountains... It was NO JOKE!!!! I am so PROUD of YOU!!!!!

The face of DETERMINATION!!!

The FINISH LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!