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

Ethan and I went to Utah to visit my family from July 2nd through the 7th. Larry was unable to join us since he had already accepted a position as a supervisor at the police academy. We had such a blast. The Asay family flew in from San Antonio, Texas. The Tyler Tolman's and Todd Tolman's drove in from Reno, Nevada. Mom and Dad also from Reno. The Tran's drove the furthest, all of the way from Kaysville, Utah. Mom and Dad rented a house in Draper, which was at the top of Eagle Mountain overlooking the Draper and Sandy Valley. It was gorgeous! The idea to rent a house was Kate's - she found the listing on Craig's list, and was ideal for a family our size... and for the fact that we all like to spend so much time together, rather than in different hotel rooms. The kids got to sleep in the basement together, it was like a big slumber party all week long. During the week we were able to have a baby shower for Andrea who is Todd's wife and expecting their first - a little girl, in November. We also had the chance to have our first cousin's the Clayton family over with their children, and Dad's first cousin, Duane and Kenna. The week was so busy, we did nothing, but was so occupied with things to do with the kids and just visiting, catching up, teasing, giving and receiving adviced on parenthood and our opinions of discipline, and spending time with each other. On the 4th, the Tran and Asay family's went to the Stadium of Fire nka Freedom Festival featuring The Jonas Brothers and She Daisy (originally from Magna, UT - I know that kills you Tash, that I'm right). Mom and Dad took the rest of us to dinner. The trip was so fun and rewarding to see how each of us have grown and changed and how much our children are like us and each other. I love my family - each of them and am so grateful for my relationships with each of them as different as they are. We are so lucky to have the love and warmth for one another that we do. I appreciate all of you and am so thankful for my parents who have instilled such deep family values.

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.

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.

Happy Happy Birthday Tyler !

I cannot believe that my biggest babiest brother (yes, I meant it exactly how I wrote it - if you took it that way, it is meant that way) is 29 today!

Tyler has always been very sensitive while maintaining logic and serenity. He and Tami have always had a special relationship that when he was very young Tami took him to Hardee's and he asked if people thought they might be a couple... I think he was 7.


As he got older and taller, he and Todd would hang around a lot, but we would go to the mall, and people would always think they were my body guards.

From what we have seen as a husband and father, he is awesome, patient, kind and unconditional.

We love yah, Ty!

Happy Father's Day

First, Happy Father's Day to my Dad...

Thanks, Dad for working so hard and being a provider. Thank you for teaching me the invaluable lesson of hard work and earning a dollar. Thank you for teaching me to trust in myself and being accountable. It is true what they say "you don't appreciate things until they're gone", or more like, until you are in that position (meaning, a parent). I am grateful for the things I have learned from my Dad. I love yah.

Happy Father's Day to John...

Thank you for always being unconditional and caring. Thank you for always thinking of us, and always being sincerely concerned for our well-being.

Happy Father's Day to my brother's (and in-laws)...

I am always impressed and frankly, surprised, with the excellent father's you have become. Thank you all for being who you are - in your weird ways - just kidding. But really, not. No, I am.

Happy Father's Day, Larry...

Thank you for being such a devoted father to Ethan. Thank you for putting your family first. Thanks for always making sure Ethan has everything he needs and for telling him 'no' - we all know I can't =). Thanks for being more of a father to Ethan than I ever hoped you would be and for just loving him so much.

Congratulations, Graduate!

This is our little cousin, Kailee Smith. She just graduated from Kindergarten. Kailee's dad is our first cousin, Rusty. Rusty is the youngest son of my Mom's youngest sister, Linda. Kailee's Mom and Rusty's wife, is Meagan. Unfortunately, we don't get to see them often and we are just now starting to get to know them. We are very fortunate to have family like them.

Happy Mother's Day!

I almost forgot - Happy Mother's Day to all the sister mother's, I know, and especially to the best Mom I know: Mom
My relationship with my mother has really come full circle in the last couple of years, and I have been so fortunate to have many memorable and sentimental conversations with her. Often times, late at night, I will see mom on IM and send her a note. We will chat for a bit. On such an occasion, Mom remembered a story. I guess when I was very young and Dad traveled a lot, all the kids would be in bed and off to the land of nod by 9 or 9:30 (starting with Tami at the earliest of course). I would sneak down stairs and Mom would pop popcorn, and we would watch old Carey Grant movies and snuggle up together under a blanket. I don't remember these experiences at all, but I do love Carey Grant movies, and I do stay up late. Some behaviors are learned and not genetic. This I definitely got from Mom - being a night owl. In turn, Ethan has inherited it from me... crap. Turn about is fair play? Or something like that? There are many other stories, and other memories mom has shared with me, but this one is my favorite, because it is just ours.

The other day I was on the phone with Andrea, my youngest sister (in-law). Ethan was on my toes holding on to my legs because he needed to speak with Andrea. Apparently, he had something very important to discuss.

From the looks of it, it was an intense conversation, one not to be taken lightly...

and apparently, none of my business.

Happy Birthday, Tami

It is my older littler sister's birthday (8th). She is very young, of course. I am so happy to have a sister and friend in her.

Tami is my best friend - but it was not always that way. Growing up we disliked one another, and she was way too smart to be hanging out with the likes of me. Tami was a debater and on the fast path to being a gold medalist gymnast and lawyer. I was not. In fact, I was just in the now and having fun.

When we were very young, Tasha and I were so antagonistic (yes, I know, hard to believe!) and would make Tami so mad she would yell at us (but she was taller than me then). When Tami yelled, the vain in her neck would pop out, so we were antagonistic to see it pop out. It was way cool. Not like Tyler puffing his face, but that is another story for another time.

Even though we shared a family and some of the same friends (her senior year) or friends in the same families we did not hang out that much together or even talk. The day Tami & Ly got married is the day that changed. I don't know but for some reason we have been very close ever since.

I know I have scared her and tested her and ticked her off, but she has always been by my side.

I love you my sister, my friend! (I hope she approves of the pix I've used here)

Happy Birthday To You!!!!

Happy Birthday (April 6th), Andie! I am so happy that Todd and Andrea chose each other. Andrea is a great addition to our family, and she is just like another younger sister I can boss around. Okay, I'm kidding. I don't really boss anyone around, they just humor me. Andrea is such a sweet girl, and we are lucky to have her as part of our family. Happy birthday!

I can't believe I forgot this. My Mom sent a package to Ethan because Mom is always thinking about us, since I am the favorite child (of course this is not true). Ethan was very excited and jumped around saying 'bit bit, bit bit', which of course is ribbit ribbit... duh!

Mom also sent this very cute book, "I Love You More Than..." and there are lights and music, which Ethan loves! But is also has a picture of us at the very end.

I have a little brother, not my baby brother, but he is the eldest of the little brothers. Although, neither of them at over 6 feet tall is very little. But as you can see, at one time, he was very little.

Todd - since infancy - has been in and out of the hospital for one reason or another. When he was very little, up to two years old the doctors thought he may have had leukemia. It turned out he did not. He was always pale and thin and lethargic and would not keep anything down. Hard to believe? Kidding. When he was in junior high he was in a rolling blading accident that he very nearly did not survive. He had several broken and crushed bones and was very mangled, as being wrapped around a pick-up truck tire would leave you. He had a broken femur for which he had a metal bar in for a very long time. Several years later, Todd was in the hospital with his friend Tom because of a 'work-out' thing, which again, he almost did not survive, since he was officially dead for about 8 minutes. When he was revived they thought he would be in a vegetative state, or mentally traumatized at the very least. He was not... well, dead anyway - mental is a different story... ha ha (my facts are probably not 100% accurate, but it's as I remember, and I may remember things a little more dramatically, because I am a drama queen).

Of course, all these do not include the many trips for 'other' things - please, he's a boy who played football and rugby in high school and college.

Most recently, Todd has been laid up with a shattered ankle (right?) and a busted up knee (left?). Bummer, huh? He fell on ice at a job-site, and drove himself to the hospital, he had to army crawl into the emergency room. A couple of weeks ago, he had surgery on his ankle because it was healing the wrong way and needed to be re broken, set correctly, and stabilized for healing with yet again, another bar.

I can't help but wonder - with all of these things - what is HIS purpose? I can't help but think he is destined for great things and at the very least, to touch and bless our lives, especially mine!

Sisters... in-laws...

I have to say - I really do love my sister-in-laws. Not to say, I don't love my brother-in-laws, I do - I adore them. I feel like they are definitely part of the family: they are involved in the insanity, part of the chaos, and sometimes the cause of it. But that's what makes us 'family' right? Each for different reasons, Kate, Andrea, and Rhonda each add something to my life in which it is better. Love y'all!

Rhonda is much like Larry, very even and smooth. She doesn't let much get to her, and she is a good example of patience. Rhonda has also invested a lot time and mileage in visitng us, and we are very grateful for that.

Kate is also so patient, but I am so grateful that she has adopted Mom and Dad as her parents too - they all have such a close relationship that I am often envious of the time they all spend together. Kate is my example of devotion. Tyler and Kate have uprooted their lives, with Mom and Dad from Utah were Tyler was born to Las Vegas and now to Reno in a few short years, but always so willing.

And Andrea... my little Andie (she said I may call her that, but only me). I am so grateful for the relationship she has with Todd and in turn with me. I think it has been difficult at times for Todd and Tyler to bring home girls with such a judgmental and opinionated sister. Andrea has taken it all in stride. I have always wanted someone that would look out after my brother and love him as much, or at least try, as I do. Andrea does.