Ethan IS like me...

Maybe more than his father hoped, but still, I'll take what I can get! Last night I was sitting at the computer while Larry was on the couch and watching Ethan. I hear this disappointed or moaning "oh no"... "what's wrong?" I ask. "Just look at your son!" Well, they are cute shoes!

Woo Hoo WaMu?

I think not... I'm sure most of you have heard about the current financial crisis... well, I'm proud to say that I work for "the worst bank failure in US history", which is super sweet. We were seized by the FDIC and immediately sold to JP Morgan Chase. This is actually a good thing because the deposits are more secure and the mood is better than it has been in a very long time. It is business as usual and we will be okay at least until Jan 1, 2009 - who knows after than, but at least til then.
You can read more here http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2008/09/26/highlights-of-the-jp-morgan-wamu-conference-call/?mod=googlenews_wsj

Happy Birthday, Ethan

I cannot believe my little monster is 2 years old. This year we didn't make a big deal out of it, but we had a little party for Ethan's birthday on Sunday. It has been so special because Nana (my Mom) has been here on his day since birth. I am grateful for her.

Grandma and Grandpa live close enough that they were also able to make it for the day.

Ethan flipped out with excitement when Daddy brought in the balloons (he loves them). It has been awesome because he actually gets "presents" and cards. He read cards and opened his presents with Connor and Dylan's (Gramley) help. Thanks, boys.

Grandma and Grandpa spoiled him rotten and he loved this remote control truck - he has been playing with it non-stop giving his 'tools' rides in the bed.

Of course, we are so appreciatetive of eveything and our friends and family.

Two Years Old...

Photo shoot did not go so well... not very cooperative, as you can see, but so cute nonetheless.

Okay, when we were kids Mom used to take pictures and say "Tori, make your eyes big". Mom is in town visiting and celebrating Ethan's 2nd birthday (I know, can you believe it?) and brought me this picture. We all get such a kick out of this now.

"You Say Hello..."

I said, "Hel-lo!" and, "get out!" So, I'm at Baby Gap/Gap Kids (surprise, surprise), and found these awesome T's! Of course, I'm ecstatic especially because I just watched A Hard Days Night on IFC. I was even more excited to tell my friend Lavinia because she is the biggest Beatles fan, I have EVER known. In high school we used to watch A Hard Days Night and I Wanna Hold Your Hand... A LOT!

60?

Mom's (Nancy Johnson) birthday was on the fifth, but we celebrated last night.

John and Rhonda planned a surprise birthday party with friends at Alexander's in Peoria. Nancy thought it was just going to be just the kids. So, we drove down yesterday afternoon and went to the fair up the street for a few minutes, then got changed and went to dinner.

Boy, was Nancy surprised when we went in and she saw her friends waiting. It was fun to see her so excited and I think she really enjoyed it, even though the hostess publicly announced her birthday :0

Happy Birthday, tObDY!

When Todd was learning to write his name since he was left-handed - he got the lower case 'b' and 'd' mixed up, so he would always write his name as tobby.

Todd was another "surprise" and had a lot of health issues when he was an infant. As a pre-teen he was in a major accident from which he almost died. Todd has been in and out of the hospital for one reason or another his whole life, and for whatever reason is here for a purpose, even if only to be my brother!

I love you, Todd! Todd and I have always been very close and I am so fortunate. It is also a relief that he married someone I didn't have to dislike. Just kidding (not really). Todd and I have always seen eye-to-eye on many things and have been able to discuss everything. I am so happy to have you in our family.

Happy Grandparent's Day!

This is a holiday that may have been thought up by the Hallmark people as a marketing scheme. Regardless, it's always a good excuse to show extra love to your grandparents.

In loving memory of my grandparents: Vince "Bish" (who Ethan was named after) & Donna Tolman, and Cletus "Bud" & June Buddenhagen. I love my grandparents who have both greatly influenced my life throughout my life, and continue to do so with the memories I have.

To Larry's Grandma, Dee Albers - we love you and appreciate your affection and sincerity.

To Ethan's Grandparents: Vince & June Tolman, and John & Nancy Johnson - You are such great examples and influences to Ethan and have been so supportive and generous to us.

Honestly, what is wrong with this child? Notice his father in the background... not even flinching or moving a muscle. Why, you ask, this is considered "normal" behavior in our home...

Last weekend, I stole the opportunity to sneak out of the house to visit the Logsdon's while they were in town (they live in Champaign, which is about 3 hrs South). Cynthia's parents live in Addison and have a luau every end of summer. Charlotte was just born in July and y'all know how much I love babies. I was so excited to meet her. And yes, I did get to hold her, so eat your hearts out Tolman family!

... I have NO idea...

This is a new cat post, but please, I have no idea what is going on here...

..."Forever Strong"...

Y'all have got to check this out. Dustin is a long time family friend who grew up down the street from us (or us them... whatever). Tyler and Dustin were good friends, and Mom was the Den leader for both boys for some years. Dustin would come over and hang out sometimes while waiting for Tyler to finish his "jobs" he would fiddle around the piano. Dustin has never had lessons (I don't think) and he does not know how to read music. He is just gifted and blessed with talent. We used to hum tunes to him and he would plunk around for a minute or two but then he'd just start playing whatever it was. He is seriously awesome. Dustin has done many things of notoriety but just recently I found this (as I was nosing around his blog). It is so awesome to see and hear his talents recognized. I am such a huge fan. One day when he is hosting some big awards show I can say "I used to know that kid".
http://dustinonline.blogspot.com/2008/08/forever-strong-song-clip.html
This is the theme song from a movie that is coming out later this year, I think, which Dustin wrote and perfoms. I am always in such awe whenever I hear something he does. Dustin is also Jerrytown.

Flashback

Okay, it's not Friday, but flashing back nonetheless. I have been sporadically digging through old pics and trying to get them all scanned. Here is one - it's a fav for sure!

Todd was working on the set of Pool Hall Junkies in 2000 as a production assistant. I was visiting the family and got to stop by and meet one of my crushes. Yep, you guessed - The Ricker (that's Mister Rick Schroeder to you)! I have always been a huge fan and he was between NY PD Blue seasons. I love him. Not in a creepy-psycho-stalker way, but in the not-creepy-because-I'm-cute kind of way.

This is actually fun - I got it in an email from my mom-in-law, but it would be a fun tag:

YOU fill in the blanks about ME and send it back to ME. It only takes a few minutes, so just do it! First send (forward) this survey to everyone you know to see how well he or she knows you. Second, hit 'reply' and fill this survey out about the person who sent it to you and send it back to them.

Where did we meet?
Take a stab at my middle name?
Do I smoke?
Color of my eyes?
Do I have any siblings?
What's one of my favorite things to do?
What's my favorite type of music?
Am I shy or outgoing?
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?
Any special talents?
How many children do I have?
If you and I were stranded on a deserted island, what is one thing that I would bring?