I musta eaten too much sugar

Well, I have my Ethan back, and he's as cute as a button. He's been huggalicious all evening. And he's very polite. He says he likes sushi. *?* His cactus is about three inches taller than when he left. His bamboo and venus fly trap died. He earned his bear in Cub Scouts just before he came back. He practically has a crew cut, but not quite. He's very tan. He ate two chicken legs and some left over fried rice for dinner. He says he'll miss his friends in Utah, but he'll see them again. He's still able to wear the same clothes he wore when he left, and for 1 1/2 years before he left. That's because we had to buy clothes that were really tall because he was a chub and to get them to fit around his big ol' belly they were too long. Now he's continued to get taller and skinnier, so the only clothes we have to replace are his pants when they get too BIG for him. Isn't that weird? He's the only little boy I've ever known who wears clothes until they wear out. (Through time and wear I mean, rather than through abuse.) All and all, he's pretty adorable.

I know that my typical trademark is to complain a lot, but lately I must confess, I've been feeling an alarming amount of gratitude. I have the most wonderful boyfriend in the whole wide world. He's so cute and sweet and marvelously kind. On the fourth of July, we went to Logan's Roadhouse with mi familia, and I got a full rack of baby back ribs. For some reason, he really enjoyed watching me eat them. Is that strange? I think it's cute that he takes pleasure in little things like me eating. (A pleasure which could really backfire on him if I do it too much!) I am so lucky that he loves me and wants to marry me despite the fact that I'm difficult and come with insta-family. He talks about grandchildren and what life might be like when we're in our 80's. I am so glad he's in my life.
Last night, I had a talk with Ethan's dad, and he was saying (again) that if Ethan comes down here and just misses his friends and them too much and would like to come back, he's completely welcome. He also said that although I always have finally say, he would really like for Ethan to come back for 5th grade (He'll be in 4th this year). We talked about how hard it is (and in some ways easy) to let Ethan go. We talked about his feelings over the course of the evening, and once again I felt very blessed that I am sharing my child, not with a couple of assholes who make my life a living hell, but with two wonderful people who love my son and want only the best for him. Whom I can talk to and can call my friends. Who can really understand the problems and joys of being Ethan's parent. And who never try to be vindictive or do things just because they can. How in the world did I qualify for all this?
I know, all this glurge is making you all sick, so we'll now return to our regularly scheduled programming. My mom was SO pissing me off today! :)