Mother's Day Eve

Today is otherwise known as Bryon's Birthday. I'm sure to Bryon that is a big deal. Thirty-one years ago, it was probably a big deal to Granny too, as she was, I'm certain, pretty thrilled to be a mommy for the first time. But, these days, she too should be more excited to be honored on the mommy part of the deal; mostly because she did such an awesome job raising her boy that he doesn't care that I make fun of his birthday being overshadowed by Mother's Day among other things!

It's shaping up to be a pretty good weekend too. I had to spend half the day at the mall today picking up glasses that were supposed to be ready half the day earlier. Grrrr. But, I think they look cute with my new Snuggie blanket, don't you? Bryon broke down and surprised me with an early Mother's day present of the "as seen on t.v." blankie. I love it! What could be better than looking like a Jedi warrior princess in your own home? The thing is frigging HUGE! There is absolutely NO chance of toe peekage out the bottom of it and there is nothing better than sleeves on a blanket. Nothing. I'm not sure what the pockets are for. Snacks? But, it's great. Even better? It came with two; so, there's no need to share my snuggie.

He says it's my present from Collin, so I can't wait to see what he got for me tomorrow. Don't tell him that I recognized the return address on the UPS package. I have a sneaky suspicion I know what it is. It's a good gift! I'm excited! Yep, he done good...which still brings me back to Granny anyway. It's all her, right? Happy early Mother's Day, everyone!

I do have to add this one thing though...who taught my man how to spell? I can't blame (or thank) Granny because she writes us lovely letters that are intelligible. But, I asked Bryon to leave me a note to remind me to call the baby-sitter today. This is what I was left with. I asked him later how he might spell the word, "baby," if I were to ask him and his response was, "babie." So, two different spellings, both clearly wrong-O. Yeah, smart guy. Engineer with a master's degree. Babby? Babie? And is that an "f?" I love you, Bryon. Tomorrow, when I tell everyone what a lovely gift you got me, you'll be redeemed. You're already half-redeemed for letting your wife go around the house in a Snuggie.

Ding Dong the Korean Friendship Bell

Can you believe how lucky we are to live in such a beee-u-teee-ful place? Collin got to go play at the Korean Friendship Bell park today after visiting with the seals and sea lions at the rescue place this morning. It was a gorgeous day. Can you tell?

A little peek-a-boo palm bush anyone? I'm not sure if it's cool to walk all over the plaque the way he did to get under the tree like that; but no one but me saw, so shhhh.

Did you know that even Korean Bell parks have play structures? I did. Did you know that at even Korean Bell parks, little boys named Collin like to have their Mamas climb up there with them, just for the heck of it? Did you also know that they don't like their Mamas taking their pictures? But, since we went there with our super friends, Kari and Grace, Mommy got them to take a nice picture that included her for a change. Anyone with kids knows that the Mommy is often the picture taker and is usually the one left out of photos of her precious kiddo. So, look how pretty it was where we were and how happy she is to be able to hold her precious kid for a millisecond before he decided to run off.

P.S. That's the Koren Friendship Bell behind us. In case you were wondering. No, I don't know what it is or means but it's about five minutes from our house and I'm pretty sure it doesn't ring.

Pop Goes the Collin

I apologize now to my son's future mutant children. This is because I've probably doomed his little sperm to be deformed with radiation from errant microwaves. What could I do but let him watch the popcorn? It is fascinating, right? And, it was the first time he'd ever seen it. It was a special treat. He'd been a good boy all for a whole week, something new for him lately; so, I decided to walk him across the street and buy this crazy treat. What a novelty for him. Yeah, can you tell he's impressed?

A Snuggly Day

This morning, Collin insisted on laying down on the couch with me to watch, "just one show." He even used his chubby little finger to indicate the "just one" part. How can I say no when he asks for "just one" of anything? Heck, he even snuggled up like that himself and looked that darn adorable. He had me worked up, man, worked up! He knew what he was doing!

Of course, once the blanket is unfurled, it doesn't take Homer long to get in on the action, regardless of who's underneath it, even a grabby-handed-squirmy toddler. How cute is it that not only did Collin snuggle up on me, but the kitty snuggled up on him. Yeah, it's a crummy picture, but I loved the moment of the cat loving on my kid.


Apparently, snuggling was such a fantastic idea that later on that day, while I was away getting my eyes checked, Collin wanted to get garbage man in on the idea...and monkey too! Can you tell he's digging it? I'm not sure what else he's got under the blanket in this shot; I wasn't home, but he sure looks pleased with himself about it.

Of Things to Come....

Does this make you think of what he's going to look like going off to kindergarten, or what?! It almost makes me want to cry!

Daddy took Collin on a man-date to the movies this weekend and for some reason, inexplicable to me, that required a backpack. Don't ask me, I'm just the Mama around here. I don't ask for explanations when Daddy takes him out of the house for two hours and leaves me in peace. I'm sure there were lots of necessities in there though.

I missed my little guy though. I got in some snuggle time by the evening. He happily obliged a hug...for a piece of candy!

No Pain, No Gain

No one said that we don't suffer for the sake of health, strength and all around well being. I mean that's why we see people panting on the side of the road or puking at marathons, right? Wait, you mean, it's supposed to be FUN to work out? Oh, wait, I kind of love running to the point of insanity. Well, today was an exception...at least for the first five minutes; that's because the hill at the beginning of our run put us at an elevation that I'm pretty sure was the equivalent of Mt. Everest. I'm not joking. I saw skeletons on the side of the path belonging to people who didn't make it. I stole their oxygen masks and energy bars to make it to the top. It was awful.

Collin was similarly afflicted with the side effects of this workout. Eddie was so tired afterward, that he panted non-stop the whole drive home, despite my giving him my ENTIRE water, (yes, I'm that selfless). The worst part of the pant-parade was that he chose to pant atop the boy. Sad, sad state of affairs for Collin as he seemed not to enjoy it at all. What can I say? It's hell to look that good, my boy, just hell.

You Can Lead a Horse to Water....

I'm beginning to think that it will take me longer than anticipated to teach Collin colors. I'm also beginning to think that teaching Collin anything may be a struggle considering that providing him with the answers doesn't seem to help any.