Unpredictable

Brad. That alone could wrap up this whole post. My sweet Brad. You never know what will come out of his mouth. Did I ever post that in gymnastic class they play a color game while they stretch? The kids shout out their favorite colors... red, green, orange. Not Brad. Every time - EVERY TIME - Brad wants to be hazel. Ask him the difference between black and white and you might not get a response, but he'll be hazel till the cows come home.

I figured since we'll be around lots of friends and family on his birthday, I should throw him his first ever birthday party!! It appears we're in the middle of a move on all of his birthdays. Well, for his second we went to the River with the Thomas family and had ice cream cone cupcakes. It was fun for the rest of us! This year he's excited, but I'm not sure he knows what for... that's my Brad.

I asked him where he wanted to have a birthday party and his first response was "school". I will remind him of that when I can't get him out of bed for school in 4 years. I'm leaning towards having one at Going Bonkers in Lewisville. We've been sheltered. I'm already nervous it will be crowded. Is it wrong for wanting the party to be a 9:00am as soon as they open?

My next question was what kind of party does he want. His response "sharks". Only Brad. I better get to planning a shark birthday party!! I can't wait - grey. blue, teeth, and a cake from Candy Haven!! Wait, what if Candy Haven isn't cool anymore?

Locker Room Living

I feel like I live in a men's locker room. Not that I've been in one to find out, but I could only imagine this kind of behavior goes on in there.

Cole - Last night at dinner he decided he would only swallow his food whole instead of chewing. Want to know why? That way his food would come out whole and he wouldn't have to wipe. He's tired of all that poop getting smeared all around. Can someone please pass the carrots?

Brad - Is on a mad hunt for budding "man hair". I can't keep pants on the kid. Right now they are drawing pictures. He's doing self portraits of himself complete with a "johnson" Yes, my children know all the slang for their genitalia.

They only think girls have "girl penises". I've told them several times the proper terms and still "girl penis" sticks around. So help me. Is this normal? Does anyone else talk about other events at dinner? Do man hair checks start at the age of 3? I feel a need to hide all the rulers in the house.

Mission Impossible

Keith finally joined the ranks of the 33 year olds this past weekend! Happy Birthday!! He truly feels middle aged and old. Please. It's a good thing I don't.

I did the impossible and I'm sharing my advice to his family. I found Keith a gift he A) likes B) didn't want to return C) surprised him and D) uses. I know. We bought him the wireless magic MAC mouse. Anything MAC related excites him and is on his wish list. There. That's all I know about my husband. Happy Birthday Keith. We are forever grateful for each of the years you've been alive!!

Headache

As if were possible to sit in front of the computer any more, my days have gotten longer. We've been house hunting and preschool shopping ALL THE TIME. I already picked out the elementary school for Cole, so don't think he's been forgotten. My head hurts from reading reviews, MLS listings, and staring at fuzzy Google Earth pictures. I'm pretty certain we could be hired on the spot for our street knowledge at any post office or fire department in Wichita Falls.

Combined with a little game I just discovered: Words with Friends. It's all-scrabble all the time with people who want to play me (not like when I force Keith) and people who can't cheat (like Keith). I'm fairly impressed with my word knowledge. Considering my spelling record combined with the fact that my writing skills read exactly like I speak, you would think I only knew 3-5 letter words. That might be my ploy, like Paris Hilton acting dumb.

To top it off, I'm still trying to finish Gone With The Wind. O my lands has it gotten exciting! I can't say anymore without spoiling it, but alas! You should see this poor book. The pages are warped, the binding has broken, and it's been toted all over Asia. There's no way it could hold up to a re-read. I'm just hoping the pages stay in place before I finish. I already bought the movie from My Korean Blockbuster. There's no way to cram the whole story in a film, so I'm anxious to see what's been cut. I can't imagine editing one single event out of it!

I Don't Get It

Lunchroom humor I heard today:

Cole's Friend: Knock Knock
Cole: Who's there?
Cole's Friend: D'Vonte
Cole: D'vonte who?
Cole's Friend: D'Vonte Carter.

That just happens to be his name. Either way, it got tons of giggles at the lunch table. Then Cole told his joke.

Cole: Knock Knock
D'Vonte: Who's there?
Cole: Gun Show
D'Vonte: Gun Show who?
Cole: Gun Show Exit.

AHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA! Again, it was hysterical to the boys at the table. I'm already afraid of the possible suspension for saying the word "gun" in a school when we return to the States. Then again, it's Texas. Is it possible to go throughout the day without saying that word?

The Mind is Racing!

Now that we have our assignment and my head is already back in the States, it's time to start the countdown. The next two months are going to fly by! There's places to visit still and things to stock up on.... blankets, cashmere coats, pottery, soccer socks, fake watches, and maybe another purse. Or two.

How many more trips to Everland can we get? What about more antiques from Kojeon? I have to decide when to pull Cole out of school and the paperwork that goes with that. We have cars to sell, flights to arrange, condiments to use up ;-)

I started looking at houses in Wichita Falls. Idaho might have spoiled me because we had such a nice rental with the 3 car garage. It's like moving from a king size bed back to a full. Who does that? Everything is so different here. If it has a backyard, disposal, and washer and dryer I promise I'll be happy. Happy right after I incorporate the kick-start kitchen sink we have here in Korea.

I'm researching preschools. My precious Brad, I'm going to find the best for you buddy. I'll look high and low for just the perfect place to get you started on the right track. I've been praying for the teacher with the gentleness and willingness to get to know you and understand you. We will all work together so you can grow and develop with your creativity intact. I'm excited for this new chapter for you!! And maybe we'll get a pet frog.

OH - and we also found out that one of Cole's best buddies here in Korea with us will also be PCSing to Sheppard. He'll have a friend! They are in the same class now and could end up in school again together! He can't wait to get his bike back and to catch bugs in the backyard. I hope it helps when we have to say goodbye (or see you later) to Jake.

I'm beyond ready to find a church that fits us. I'm needing the guidance and ready to dive back into the word, being taught!

Oh, there's so much to do here and there! (because it's Dr. Seuss week, I really want to finish that sentence with a rhyme)

And let me just say:
I made a post on facebook about us moving back to Texas and I am stunned. I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of excitement! I am a blessed blessed girl to have supportive friends and family who take me back again and again. I don't feel like a good friend moving and leaving so often. I don't get to call or visit like I want to. I'm missing their kids growing up and not knowing the small things going on with them. And they still miss me. Crazy to wrap my head and heart around. I love you all. Knowing you care is As Good As It Gets. And for my military family (because that's exactly what friends become), I miss you all as well and can't wait for the times we reconnect in person or via internet.

I'll end with a funny story. We went to have lunch with Cole at school today. While we were there a little girl asked Keith if Cole could have a sleepover at her house this weekend. She even said she had GI Joe boy-movies he could watch. Cute? Thank goodness Cole has no interest in that.... yet!

Not Sucky

We are moving to Texas!!

Carry on.