It's real enough

As many of you know, Korea is the mecca for all purse shopping. I haven't partaken yet, mainly because I don't know what to look for in a good quality, genuine fake purse, but this weekend I took my good friend Bevin with me and she showed the the ropes.
I had been wondering where people are getting these great purses because every time I had walked into a purse store all they had were really...bad ones. But then. ~cue heavenly music~ they move a closet door, and there's a stairwell, and then you go through another secret door, and another stairwell! And THERE are all the purses!
So this is my newest love, and I can't stop smelling it (because it smells like it fell right off a calf - yes, It's real leather.) and I LOVE this thing.
Cory loves that I didn't pay for what a real one would have cost.

Let's just say the difference is over $1,500.

We're done with diapers! Well, at least one kid is....

On Monday we started potty training. I wasn't necessarily planing on starting it then, but that morning, Carter really didn't want to wear pants, so I figured we might as well give it a try.
I kept him naked the whole day and he only had two accidents! And he pooped on the potty three times that day!
The next day we even left the house (with pants on, mind you) to celebrate Charlie's 3rd birthday for a few hours! He only had once accident that day (and it was at home later, not at the birthday!)
He's been doing so great so far, and I'm absolutely shocked this hasn't been harder than it is. I had been preparing for potty training like it was the Apocalypse (you know, shelter, extra food and water, a radio and my Bible in hand!?)
He's been telling us he has to go, we're able to leave the house when we want (as long as we remember to take him before we leave and when we get there) and the most accidents he's had in one day is 3!
Today he had none!
I know that nighttime potty training is a whole different ballgame and we're not even attempting to tackle that. He wears a pull up at nap time and bedtime and that's it.
And I think I'll break my "no pull ups while awake" rule for my upcoming trip to the states, but that's it.
I couldn't be more proud of this guy. He's getting so big!

Long Weekend

The huz had a four day weekend and we tried to take full advantage of it.
We went to the favorite Everland on Friday



We had friends over Saturday night for 'game night'. I have a video of that, but I'll spare everyone the footage of drunken guitar hero and Dance Dance Revolution.....

Sunday was spent recovering for me while Cory and Carter went for a bike ride in Carter's new bike seat!




and Monday we ventured up to Seoul.
We had planned on visiting the Samsung Children's Museum but found out halfway there, from a lady on the subway, that it was closed on Mondays.
We should've known, if anything's going to be closed, it's closed on Mondays here.
Monday was our first time trying the subways and it was...interesting.
I could see it being very convenient if you're staying on one line or if you don't have small children, a giant stroller or anxiety that makes you want to curl up into a ball and die right there on the subway floor.

We only had to transfer once, but the station we transferred at didn't have an elevator and we had to climb (and then descend) lots of stairs. It wasn't very crowded down by Osan, but the closer we got to Seoul, the more crowded it got. Cory stood the whole time (both ways - that's 4 hours!) And I stood the whole leg home (while feeding a baby).
Carter climbed and whined and had to be bribed with suckers and potato chips....Which didn't even work that well.
We ended up at Lotte World, which was nice, but I just didn't like it as much as Everland. It's mostly indoors and very pretty, but I think I didn't like it because it was smaller, with less to offer, and not worth the loooong subway ride.
Maybe if we lived closer I would like it. We had lunch at Sizzler up there, and ate some hot dog things from a vendor for lunch...Oh I can't wait to get to the states for some decent food!
Of course I forgot my camera that day, so no pictures.
We made it home by bedtime and Cory and I went to bed early, exhausted from our long weekend.


I just want to add, thank you to all the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom, and for others' as well. You and your families were in our thoughts and prayers this weekend!

Clay

Clay's turning into quite a cute baby these days (If I don't say so myself....) and here's some of his latest and greatest.

Draggin Ball

Cory and I had a great time at our squadron ball last night. Cory definitely owed me a fanacy "dress up" night and some dancing! Plus, he knows how much I love that kind of stuff.
It was so great spending time with each other (and all of our friends) without the kiddos.
We had a great speaker (a One Star General), great food, great cosmos, and some great dancing!

Me and McGraw


Love this guy!


Dip Me!


Our fuzzy camera focus!


Delao, me and Booster


I love Anna Jane! Definitely the most fun dance partner!


Workin' the dance floor!


Me and Dene!


Many a people were sent to the grog!

My Mother's Day

My mother's day was filled with washing the dog, and playing at the park. It was nice to spend time with everyone....
(Note: other child was asleep in the stroller only a few feet away. But I don't care if it is Mother's Day, I'm not waking him up to take a damn picture.)

Mama's Day

I don't think I can even give what my mom does for me (or anyone else) justice.
So I'll leave it simple.

My Mama is my best friend, my confidant and sometimes, my reality check,
She has sacrificed her whole life to take care of me and my brother, sick in laws, then sick parents of her own.
Not only is she the most wonderful mother on the planet, but she has to qualify for best sister, daughter and in law out there too.

I am so lucky to have her and I would never be able to live without her.
I miss her so much and I can't even stand it.

Even if I thanked her everyday for the rest of my life, she would never know how much I appreciate her. It's indescribable.

I love you Mama.