Swelling with Pride...for no apparent reason

A mother's love...songs, sonnets, books, movies-many people have tried to capture the essence of this immeasurable love.  As a mother myself, I know that this love is awesome.  I am often caught off guard when it's beauty overcomes me.  For instance, tonight, at Applebee's (this is getting so profound, isn't it?) we had our little meal and Haydn actually ate all his corn dog. So, I said he could get a dessert since it was his bday week and all. Well, the server said, "your birthday? How old are you?" Haydn replied, "3, I'll be four on Sat. (actually Sun.) she then said, "You get a free Sundae for your birthday!" We sat patiently, waiting for the treat to arrive. And then, it started.... the clapping  hands, the voices heralding a celebration, the parade of servers chanting and headed in our direction. Haydn's eyes grew wide as they stopped at our table. Our server asked Haydn if he would stand up. He did. She asked him his name, "Haydn with an H" he replied. She then asked how old he will be and  could she share that news with a few people. She then yelled to all the patrons, "Haydn is here to celebrate his 4th birthday with us" (Actually I just didn't feel like cooking, but o.k.)"Can everyone give him a big hand?" And so, they did.  Somewhere around, "Can you stand up?" I lost it. Tears streaming down my face from pride. I am not exactly sure WHAT I was proud of. I guess the fact that he participated, which for my often super shy guy is not always a given.  As the servers left the table, I caught a glance of Zoom Zoom (my mom) in true fashion, she too, was crying. The only good thing was, we hadn't looked at each other. The sight of my mother tearing up has always been the point of no return so far as, whether or not I can choke back the tears and swallow the rock hard lump in my throat or not. 

What can I say? I am one Proud Mama!

Did you hear the one about the Lawyer and the Monk...?

Personality characteristics of my Attorney:
manipulative, Brilliant, Argumentative, Deal Wheeler,
Perfectionist, always ready to debate, knows how to use his charm,
quick to pint out others faults, sees himself as, "above the law",
uses his dimples for both good & evil, factual, contemplative.....
O.k., so I don't have a Lawyer (that's probably a good thing), but if I did I'd want them to have these qualities. The thing is, these are traits of my Preschooler!
Yes, I know it's part of the developmental stage, totally age-appropriate. Well, Me thinks this may be more!
This goes with out saying we think H is fairly bright, but as of the past 8 months or so, this sucker is really giving us a run for our money!
The *attempt* at manipulation, the bold face disrespect (not left unaddressed), the concept that everything is up for debate--ARG! Is this what happens when we give our toddlers, early Preschoolers too many options? That's everywhere in Child Development: Give them choices-let them feel as if they have some power, pick your battles. Well, lately, I question if that has lead us here. No doubt more "seasoned" parents will chime in with camaraderie regarding the Stubborn 3-4's...and Lord, I hope that is what it is. I fear this is a precursor to adolescences, which for those of you mathematically challenged is an awesome 9+ years away, .....or so I thought! : )

I am reassured that he is not this way at school or other environments, actually, reassured isn't the right word. If I were reassured by it, then it would solidify that my darling gift from God is being a "playa' with just dear old mom & dad, and the implications are far to great to even consider! Alas, this is yet again one of those things that only time will tell. : )

Vitamin D 10,000mg daily dose

Despite the -2 ACTUAL temperature today, I am still on my Vitamin D "high" of last week. Basking in 75+ degree weather and literally soaking up nearly 10 hours a day of the precious ViD has really made an impact on my demeanor.  A Mid-Winter Caribbean Cruise should be a required activity for all Midwestern families!  Truly, if we never left the port of Miami, we would have still enjoyed ourselves, but visiting the icy blue Caribbean islands peppered along the Western route only intensifies and extends the notion of "Wasting Away in Margaritaville."  The cruise director consistently borrowed the Vegas PR slogan by declaring, "What happens on the Sun (our ship)...stays on the Sun." I certainly didn't do anything out of character, other than coutning Corona's among my daily fluid intake requirements, but it's amazing how all can be right in the world, with a simple (albeit-not cheap) change of scenery! 

The only problem is, (thanks to my husband pointing this out) I can't get out of my mind that each Saturday a new group of pasty faced Northerners get to tuck their wool coats in their carry on bag for a week or so, while they go and bask in OUR Paradise!

Marked for life?

An innocent forwarded email survey got me thinking about getting a tattoo. It was one of those get-to-know-you little ditties, you know the kind: I have...been to Mexico, kissed under the mistletoe, been known to snort when laughing, etc..., etc.. Well this one came from a childhood friend that was passed on to both myself and another childhood friend. Backstory: We were that trio that when the two best friends were feuding the third "wheel" person previously on the "outskirts" of the friendship circle was suddenly "in." Anywho, I was a tad surprised that both of them stated that they not only has A Tattoo, but more than one! 

The timing of this is interesting,as Marc just mentioned the other day that he is considering getting his first tattoo. Now, I am not opposed to tattoos, I mean, I love "Miami Ink" and "LA ink." At times, I am even brought to tears by the stories of patrons getting tattoos to mark a birth, death, notable life change.

So, all this gets my wheels turning, not so much on, "will I ever get a tattoo?" but more the idea of "if" I did, what would it be of and why? Undoubtedly, I know it would have a connection to a person, but the idea of a name inscribed in my flesh doesn't seem very profound or stylish. Perhaps a symbol, representative of motherhood, my son?  Even then, if I were to find an appropriate symbol, where would I have the tattoo? Somewhere easily hidden, but if its honoring my beloved child, would I really want that some where neighboring my nether- regions? Of course, this is all in hypotheticals, I just can't imagine myself at 85 years old, with my Health Aide assisting me in daily care, exposing some wrinkled, age spotted, stretched out-over the years stork tattoo headed south for the winter.