During...

Before...

Just ONE of the many things that has crapped out on us this month. Luckily, I have a very handy man that can install a garbage disposal.

Taking advantage of the gorgeous day!

Monday I received a text from a friend of mine telling me to check my email. There, I found this link to one of the City's papers: http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/11/lincoln-park-homicide-shooting.html. A good friend of mine whom I worked with for several years had just died. He is memoralized today with a wake and funeral services tomorrow: http://www.mem.com/ContentDisplay.aspx?ID=17729256. This is upsetting because he was a good person with a good heart and a good friend. I lost touch over the past few years and only recently reconnected via Facebook. One thing that came to mind was the relationships. We take for granted so many things and people. It's unfortunate that death has to remind me of the importance of friends and family.

Why can't Ethan have the pen?

I wondered why Larry wouldn't give Ethan the pen...

Trick-or-Treat!

This year I took Ethan to the Geneva Commons Halloween fest. Some of you may know how this works - if the shops have a sign in the window, the kids are welcome to come in and trick-or-treat. There are so many restrictions in the neighborhoods now, and our neighborhood is not very Halloween friendly that I thought this was a good idea. I was right. Ethan had a blast. Every time he got a piece of candy, he'd say 'we need more tick-or-treats, Mom'. And so we did. My Mom sent Ethan this cute Thomas costume for his birthday. I was afraid he wouldn't be too excited to wear it since he has been wearing it since. I left my camera in the car and didn't realize it till it was too late. There was no way Ethan was going to let me go back. So, I dressed him up again afterwards and took some pics. After the Commons, we went to my girlfriends house where I witnessed the excitement of her husband - boy, does he love Halloween! Julie gave him this rubber bat, which he loves! What a treat.

A couple of weekends a go we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Of course, Ethan gets to do whatever he wants and always gets treats and prizes. Matt and his girlfriend Jodi were there. Matt is Larry's nephew and godson. Ethan and Matt finally met for the first time and they seemed to have bonded immediately.

While were were there, Ethan got to ride Grandpa's tractor, which I think is the best thing that has happened to him in his life - except for riding Thomas, of course.

Picture perfect

What a great photographer, Ethan is

Best Birthday, Ever!

Everyday Ethan likes to say - "It's my birthday, where's my cake?" - thinking I'll give in to the cake request. However, one thing has been constant, and that is the flow of presents and birthday celebrating.

Uncle Piwo (Peevo) came over for a visit and brought this awesome carnival. In true fashion, the toy had a bazillion pieces, but Ethan was so happy.

Grandma and Grandpa brought these balloons and have lasted for weeks!... literally, WEEKS!

Aunt Rhonda, Matt, Allie, and Chels sent a package too - As soon as he opened the box, he saw wrapped presents and yelled "I love presents!"

Playing in my new sand box from Dad

SLEA BA 10-01

For the past 11 weeks, Larry has had the opportunity to be a supervisor at SLEA (Suburban Law Enforcement Academy) - aka police academy. This is a great experience and opportunity for any officer who has the chance to be sent or recommended by their agency. NIU had 4 recruits going through this class. While it's been tedious and tiresome, he has enjoyed every minute. Last Friday, the class graduated. It was an awesome commencement and reminded me a lot of Larry's graduation from the same academy. The Supervisor's were given a few minutes each to speak to the graduating class. I am so proud of my husband - his eloquence, his presence, and composure. What a great job!

Happy Birthday, Ethan!

Today Ethan is three. It's so bitter-sweet, as you all have experienced. Where does the time go? I am so lucky to have such a beautiful and loving child. This year, Ethan has matured and grown physically and emotionally. He has learned the different ways to manipulate and get attention from Mom versus what works with Dad.

Nana and Ye Ye sent Ethan a package full of Thomas stuff, a sleeping aero bag bed, a Thomas costume, a James look-a-like train (which he has been carrying around non-stop), a tree book, a frog - of course, Thomas sticker book! Thanks, Nana.

Aunt Tami, Uncle Ly, Ryan and Allee sent Ethan a Nick Jr "music show" and Backyardigan's play-doh set. Ethan uses the mic to introduce the show saying 'ladie and gentlemen... tonight... here's Daddy... or Kita... or Mom'. Thanks Tran's!

Yesterday Grandma and Grandpa came up with mylar Thomas balloons in hand. Ethan did not leave his new Cranky the Crane all day, and loves his new Radio Flyer tricycle. He's so spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa, but loves them to visit and likes to just randomly call Grandma whatever time of day. Thanks, Gwamma and Pa pa!

Saturday we took Ethan to the Picture People for his photo's... as you can see, he was not entertained, nor would he cooperate: http://smilestore.picturepeople.com/my/images?cg=207294587121335587

Saturday night I got the chance to see Trace Adkins and Toby Keith with a friend of mine from work. It was such an awesome show. I screamed and yelled so much that I am stil semi-horse today. Both are such entertainers and put on such a high energy show.

Thanks, Keri.

Happy Happy Birthday Birthday...

Today was an awesome day. We got to help celedbrate our friend, Cavan's 4th birthday at Chuck E Cheese. Ethan had a few melt-downs, but pulled it together to eat pizza and have birthday cake, of course. Then was re-energized once the sugar kicked in and danced away in front of the blue screen. He gave Chuck E Cheese a five and hug. I think he is the only kid to do this because the character didn't really know what to do and it was a little bit of an awkward moment.

Then, we headed over to celebrate Dylan's 6th birthday at the Gramley house. Conner is only 2 1/2 months older than Ethan so it's been fun to watch the boys grow together. Ethan did not eat at all at the Gramley's as he was too busy playing, but he sure did eat birthday cake! He kamikazied off of the play swing set to the ground and when I asked if he was okay, he said "Ma, please get away". He was sort of the weird child in the bushes. I thought something was going on over there, so I asked if I could help and he says "please leave, Ma".

Hopefully - we'll ALL sleep well tonight!

Where did everybody go?

We are home today because Ethan is sick, although feeling much better than yesterday. Larry had a late night last night having a night shoot with the academy. This morning Ethan has been yelling up the stairs "Dad, where are you? Where did Dad go now?" So, he grabbed my hand and we headed upstairs, on the way up, Trini was under foot - Ethan reassuring her, "is alright honey, Ethan here, we find Dad, Trini". I don't think she was concerned. We got upstairs and Ethan started yelling, hands cupped checking the closets, the bathrooms, etc... running around "Dad? Are you here? No, no Dad" room to room. Then, he realized Dad was not here, it was then "Ma, where did everybody go? Gwamma, Gwampa, Shellsy, Annabelle Rhonda, Nana, Ye Ye, Charlie - everyone is gone"! He began checking under the bed, under the footstools, under the pillows, in the pillow cases, under the chair, behind the TV, in the closet, under the shoes - calling by name... "Gwamma, you here?" Then it was on to Max and Ruby and Uniqua, Tasha, Pablo, Tryone... etc... he finally concluded that Dad was definitely at work checking out the window to make sure, and went downstairs.