happy birthday, bro

Last weekend we celebrated my bro-in-law's 3_th birthday at the amazing Terranea Resort in Ranchos Palos Verdes.  Well, actually, my sis and bro were there for the weekend and we just crashed their party for a quick lunch and a major photo session.

The resort is, seriously, UH-mazingly beautiful.  Even the drive up to Palos Verdes is gorgeous.  When I was younger, our family called that amazing city our home and I guess I was too young to appreciate it.  But this weekend, as we drove on the windy road overlooking the ocean and cliffs, I was in awe of God's handiwork.

What a great way to spend the weekend, no?! Happy birthday to the best bro in the world!!!!!  He is the kindest, sweetest, most generous brother anybody can ask for.  He is total Gangnam style!  Happy birthday, hyungboo.

non stop eating

I went a lil crazy stuffing my face with delish food this past weekend.  Probably shouldn't have eaten so much... oh wellz.  Healthy eating starts TOMORROW!

Mint, coffee, and salted caramel

Cali burger

No Korean meal is complete without kimchi and garlic. 

Saturday afternoon started at our lil brunch spot, The Pan, where I got the "Lumberjack", as usual.  2 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausages, potatoes, and my fave - banana pancakes!  Then, off to meet my sis and bro in law for some ice cream at Sweet Rose (same owners as this amazing place).  After that, we sent straight to their house to eat some yummy kimbap my mom made, followed by pizza and salad (not pictured).

Sunday, the Lord's day was spent with our amazing church family.  I was super hungry, I scarfed down a chili dog.  When we decided to go to Umami, I told everyone that I couldn't finish the burger and I would "only take a few bites and save the rest for John".  Yeah. That didn't happen. Enjoyed the entire Cali burger.  Took an hour break then went to my mom's and scarfed down some grilled up meat.

I'm still full from the weekend. I have major problems. Portion control starts tomorrow! Yeah, right.  I can do it!

momma's weekend

First things first - thank you for all the encouraging words on my previous post... but, after reading the bff's post, I realized I should be (even more) grateful that I have amazing friends, siblings, and cousins that allow me to "mother" my little nieces and nephews.  Thank you for letting me mother and smother them!

To celebrate our amazing momma, we hung out with her all day Saturday and Sunday. It was pretty tiring but I haven't seen my momma that happy in a while, and in the end that's all that matters.

Most of Saturday was spent in the momma's garden, bbq-ing and s'moring.  Here are some instagram shots from my lil & big sis.

We decided to arrange our own vase with flowers from the local wholesale florist.

Best s'mores ever. EVER.

Sunday was a busy day too!  Per my momma's request, lil sister and I went to church with her, where John picked me up (he had to work), then off we went to eat lunch with my MIL and John's family. Then back to my momma's house, so we could go to dinner w/ the big sis and bro-in-law at Mastros.

My cute momma, the most delish butter cake, and my mouth watering pork chop.

My mom is an amazing, strong, stubborn, loving, smart, motivated, caring, hilarious person. You will not meet anyone like her.  She's bossy as heck and likes things done her way, but that's her charm. I really think she should have her own reality show because, seriously, there is no one like her! 

Mom,

Thanks for being your crazy self. You are amazing. I love you and can't thank you enough for all you do for me (and our family). And to close, I'll quote my favorite poet, Tupac, for you - "... there's no way I can pay you back but my plan is to show you that I understand. You are appreciated."

Too bad she doesn't read my blog...