Chapter 2.125

Hey, Nora!

I think I’ve FINALLY got a few minutes to sit down and write you back.

We’ve really hit our stride with Tomalee-Two, finally (knock wood!). I got the financial report this morning, and I almost can’t believe how good it’s looking. Profits are so consistent that I think we’re going to break even months earlier than expected—WAY sooner than we did with Tomalee. Don’t tell Tommy, but I’m even kinda-sorta scouting locations for a restaurant in Falkenburg (no, I will not swear not to call it Toma-Three). Oh, and the cookbook is doing better than anticipated, too!

Now that my unabashed bragging is out of the way, I know it’s Toddler Time because it’s just not an email from me without an update on Tomlyn the Terror. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

So, you know I’m doing interviews for a new Tomalee manager since Casey is moving. Thanks to timezones, I was video-interviewing this guy while Tommy was in the other room giving Tomlyn her bath. Or, at least, he was SUPPOSED to be.

Do you even KNOW the mortification of your naked, screaming toddler running through your meeting!? My office needs to be finished ASAP so I can stop working out of my bedroom! lol

I know I need to enjoy the early years, but dang is this girl making it hard! I swear, the boys weren’t nearly, so, well, bratty. Tommy says she must get it from me, but I’ll have him know I have always been a perfect angel! (Shut up. 😛 )

I’m a little worried about Jasper, Nora. He’s on the soccer team (I don’t care what they call it here—it’s soccer) but he doesn’t really seem that interested in it. It seems like he only wanted to play because Logan does.

Tommy and I have both tried to find stuff that interests him, but he just says he’s fine. And he SEEMS fine, so I don’t know why I’m worrying. I guess it’s just a feeling, you know? He IS only nine. Plenty of time for him to figure out his interests, I suppose.

Speaking of Logan, I have the most amazing story and you are SO going to be jealous. I told you about the new school we sent Logan to this year, right?

Well, he made this new friend, Tobias. Tobi came over to the house the other day to work on a project, and he just looked SO familiar that I had to ask him about it. Guess who his grandfather is? Alex Rosebrook!!!

Turns out, I actually met his mom forever ago that day I got Alex to sign his book for you. Isn’t it so funny? Of all the people Logan could’ve made friends with he ends up best friends with Alex Rosebrook’s grandson. He’s a sweet kid, too. Always talking about this French girl he only gets to see at summer camp. It’s kind of adorable, really. Logan’s been so moody since we moved; I think Tobi’s good for him.

Oh, I can’t believe I almost forgot to tell you—Tommy is going to take over the construction business! His boss got diagnosed with cancer (he’s supposed to be fine, thank God!), and he wants to retire. Since none of his kids want to take over, he’s passing the business to Tommy. I know construction has never been Tommy’s dream job, but, honestly? I love it. It’s safer than law enforcement (Cody’s unfortunate accident not withstanding) and the hours are better.

Ava is so proud of him. She has her good days and her bad days (a lot of bad days), but I think we’ve seen more good ones since Tommy told us the news.

Before I sign off, it’s your turn. You need to tell Caleb for me that I’m so proud of him for deciding to learn welding. If he sticks with it, it’ll lead to a really good job.

You also aren’t sending me nearly enough pictures of Ella. You know I need more of that little cherub in my life. And how is she getting along with her teacher? (I still can’t believe she’s in kindergarten!)

Okay, I think I hear Tommy coming, so I better end this. I can’t wait to see you in a few weeks. I know you’re going to be covering the conference, but you’d better plan on spending a lot of time with your favorite cousin! And don’t you even think of booking a hotel! Logan can just sleep on the couch for a few days.

Talk to you soon!

xoxo Loralee