Go Cats!

It may be a couple of months away, but Jack is already pumped about March Madness! Go Cats!

Snow Storm of 2009

The Riddell's survived the first major snow storm of 2009 and Jack aka Randy (from the classic...A Christmas Story) bundled up to brave the cold, blizzard like conditions!

4 months old!

Check out the recent footage we took of our little man. He just turned 4 months this past Sunday and Brian and I are amazed at how quickly he is growing. We hope you enjoy the video!

Domestic Goddess vs Working Mother

As some of you Taco Salad readers might know by now, Brian and I made the decision for me to leave my full-time job and stay home with Jack and look for something part-time in marketing.

I returned back to work on January 6th after being home with Jack for a little over three months. My first day back was very hard and made me realize things that were once important to me ranked a little lower now. Family has become front and center and I needed to make a choice that would accomodate this lifestyle change for me.

As I returned for the second day of work, I still was upset at the fact that Jack would only see either of his parents for 2 hours out of the day. The stability that he needs of a parent being there for him would not happen if I continued to work full-time. Jack was having a hard time adjusting to the change as well. At this point, the decision to stay home became a fairly easy one for Brian and I to make.

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and as I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to what the next chapter will bring. I also want to thank Brian for being such an amazing and supportive husband during this transtion in our lives.

"It's time to remake America"

"We are in the midst of crisis."

"Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred." "Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many, and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet."

"Today, I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time."

"But know this, America — they will be met."

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America."

Republican or Democrat, I'd say he hit the nail on the head.

Tina & Brad's Winter Wish

Although she loves her life in sunny and warm California, recently, my sister-in-law, Tina Riddell, lamented the fact that such a life does not afford her the opportunity to observe and live each season (see Let Me Explain, 1/12/09, The LA Dime, http://www.bradriddell.com/). Notably, my brother Brad has expressed similar feelings on many occassions. As such, Brad and Tina, Taco Salad gives you "January 2009". These pictures were taken this week...it was 8 degrees.

Hello Newport!

On Saturday, January 10th, Half Barrel front man and rythm guitarist, Robbie Hartman, stepped away from his usual gig to head the pop/rock quartet, Jack Trigger, at the Beer Sellar in Newport, Kentucky. Friends and family gathered together to catch-up, take in the awesome show, and enjoy a few tasty brews. Although Half Barrel drummer Jimmy Thomas could not attend for personal reasons, Half Barrel bassist Craig Gruelle and lead guitarist Jaden Zerhusen were in the crowd, and reported that Hartman's parlay with JT has caused "absolutely no rift whatsoever" among the long-time bandmates. In fact, Gruelle and Zerhusen allowed that Half Barrel intends to continue on with Bobby Hartmanship peforming with both bands, and, fans can expect Half Barrel 2009 Summer Tour dates to be announced sometime this Spring.

Photo Credit: Shelly Walters

Developments

Tasha and I cannot believe how much Jack is growing and changing each day. Here are some more pics from the last several weeks.

The Riddells' Rock'n New Years Eve

Dick Clark's Rock'n New Years Eve with Ryan Seacrest has nothing on The Riddells' Rock'n New Years Eve with Greg and Kelly Seelbach. After last year's mega-bash at the Riddell abode (pictured below), we had a very nice low-key evening at home, with our good friends Greg and Kelly, enjoying cocktails and playing Rock Band and Dancing with the Stars. Too bad Jack missed the new year by a couple of hours.

Christmas 2008

Yeah, I know. These are a little late. But, better late than never. Words can't describe how wonderful Christmas was with our little man, Jack. Here are some pics from Jack Pot's first Christmas.

The Magic Kingdom

This is a picture of my friend Danielle's two-year-old son, Logan. It was taken last week at Disney World. We agree that this photo epitomizes the shear awe, wonder, amazement, and disbelief of him (or any child for that matter) experiencing the grand spectacle of Disney World for the first time.