When it rains, it pours.

So, one rainy night Larry hydroplaned into a barricade - luckily no one was hurt, but it caused about $1500 in damages to his car. We started having problems with our vacuum. It isn't that big of a deal, but I want to get this really awesome vacuum that is about $1,000 - well, just under. In the midst of the research and talking with the sales woman, the dryer went caput. Then, my transmission went out at work requiring a costly rebuild of over $2,300 not to mention the rental while it was being rebuilt, followed by the garbage disposal. It's not like any one thing is a big deal, but it really adds up and as the cliche goes... when it rains, it pours, and boy does it!

Voila!

More during

See that putty/seal... I may be the cause for default. Let's blame it on my OCD... I thought it was just crud, so I obsessively scraped it all out. Apparently, you're not suppose to because it causes a seal to prevent leaks... Oops.

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