Family of Four Living by Faith

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

I know...I am the only one who probably will even read this, as I have been a very bad blogger...when you only blog twice a year, no one is going to read it. But, I do try and get on here to update things every once in awhile, because like I have said, this is one way to record my family's happenings for my kiddos. I don't scrapbook, I don't keep up on their "boxes" the way I should, and so this is one more way to record memories.

With that being said...here are some fun pictures of Easter! Well, the day before anyway! We started out on Good Friday with a new family tradition. We made breakfast and all sat down together to read the story of Jesus' crucifixion. Then, we had a fun day of playing games, swimming, and Caleb and daddy played tennis together. Today, Saturday, we dyed Easter Eggs, and went on an Easter Egg "Hunt" at the community park. I say hunt lightly because none of the eggs were hidden. It was a fun time for all!

Caleb's sixth Birthday!!

2009-12-22T07:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Caleb! The time has come and gone again...wow! Six years! I am amazed that it has gone by so quickly! This year was the first year I let him have a party that wasn't at home. On Sunday, we had just family over to the house to celebrate his birthday. Then, on Monday, the 21st, his actual birthday, we headed to Mukutu's Island. He was allowed to invite the boys from his class, and his cousins, and of course his sister. It was a boy only party (except his sister and cousin, Bella). The boys ran and ran and ran some more! They screamed so loud when they sang happy birthday that he had to cover his ears. The deal was that he would forgo a present from mom and dad if he had a birthday at a "place" instead of a home party. It also meant he was limited on how many kids he could invite. But, he has been begging for a party at Mukutu's for two years now. I must admit, it was so nice to walk away from the mess. However, now the mess of all the presents, left-over pizza, and left-over cake is all over my house! Those crazy boys had fun and Caleb loved having his big cousin, Ashton, along for two days of the craziness! Now...time to focus on Christmas!!!

Playing around in Grandma's yard

2009-10-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't had much time for picture taking or blogging lately. Between working full-time and being a mom and a wife I seem to barely have time to sleep! But, this week has been a nice and much-needed break. One day, we went over to Grandma's house, took her to a birthday lunch, and ended up at the park. Before we left, I got some really cute pics of all the kids together. I love the one of Chloe (Kelly's little girl) and Caleb laying on the floor. Caleb was singing to her while we waited for Grandma to get ready. She was soaking it up! I think he loved it too!!

Evergreen Lake!

2009-07-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, we headed over to Evergreen Lake for a picnic. It was so beautiful there, and the kids enjoyed running around. My mom, sister, and I were all taken aback by the beauty and green all around us. The kids wouldn't stop climbing on this statue, so we finally decided just to make it a photo opportunity!

Evergreen Lake! Cont.

2009-07-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

Family BBQ's!

2009-07-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

The whole point in us driving up to Colorado was to spend time with my grandparents, my father's parents. When we all decided to drive up there, other relatives decided to fly into town, and it became a big family reunion of sorts. We had a family BBQ almost every night, which was so great to spend that time with my grandparents and other family members. At this particular BBQ, my uncle got a pinata for the kids. As you can see below, they had a blast with it! There were lots of great-grandchildren running around, and my grandparents were thrilled to have everyone together! It has been way too long! My grandma is in the pink shirt in the last pic, sitting in a chair.

Family BBQ's Continued!

2009-07-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my dad, my Papa (dad's dad), my uncle Paul, and my Uncle Steve (dad's brother)

My dad and his dad

My cousins, Kim and Gina. We all spent a lot of time together when we were little.

BBQ's and Family, Cont.

2009-07-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Tiny Town!

2009-07-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

On Monday, we went to Tiny Town, which is about a mile from where we were staying. It was so cute! It had all these little houses with a ton of details inside the window. We packed a picnic lunch, bought our train tickets, and headed into the park. We noticed that there were some clouds, but it was hot...so we weren't worried. After about 15 minutes of looking at the houses, we headed to the playground. That was when we felt a couple of raindrops, but we were going to tough it out! We decided to eat lunch while it began to downpour! We literally had to hold the umbrella (which just happened to be in the back of our car!) over our children as they ate! Dae-Sung and I were getting soaked! As we began to realize that the rain wasn't letting up, I grabbed Abby and DS grabbed Caleb and we ran to the car...and had our picnic in the car. As we were eating though, the rain got harder and harder, and eventually, we found ourselves in a full on hail storm. The kids were scared, and having grown up in Colorado, it brought me back to several hail storms where my mom's strawberries and roses were ruined! Needless to say, we didn't get to ride the train, or even play on the playground, but my kids experienced their first hail storm!

Tiny Town, Cont.

2009-07-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Rockie's Game with Dinger!

2009-07-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

Rockies Game!

2009-07-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

The next day, on Sunday, our same friends, Amy and Chris, arranged a suite for our entire family at the Rockie's Game via Chris' mom, who works for them. It was a great experience! We had food catered, a small living room, and seats out to the field. The kids could go back and forth and didn't feel cramped one bit!I am worried that my kids will think this is what a baseball game is all about...couches, food at your fingertips, playing in the box...The view from the stadium was absolutely gorgeous! It was a beautiful and wonderful day! Oh yeah...and the Rockies won!

Casa Bonita!

2009-07-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

We drove from Steamboat Springs down to the house we were staying in for a week with my whole family...in the Morrison/Evergreen area. The next night we headed to Casa Bonita with our friends Amy and Chris and their kids, for Rylee's (their daughter) birthday. Casa Bonita is a super fun place with not so good Mexican food...but it has diving shows, haunted caves, a jail, a puppet show, an arcade, and much much more. I was lazy and only took pics of where we were eating instead of the whole place. I wish I could upload pics from when I was a little girl at Casa Bonita...it hasn't changed a bit!

More pics of Steamboat Springs!

2009-07-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Colorado!

2009-07-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

We headed out of hot Arizona to Durango. We stayed the night there, and drove the Million Dollar Highway up to Steamboat Springs to visit our friends Angela and Dan. They were the most gracious hosts to us...cooking us an awesome dinner, hot tubbing, and even smores in the end! The next day they took us up to the ski resort that Dan works at, and we rode the gondola to the top and had a picnic. All of our kids had such a fun time! This was just the beginning of our cool and beautiful trip in Colorado!

Beach Pictures!

2009-06-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

We spent most of our time in Florida playing on the beach and swimming. What else is there when the beach is this beautiful??

More Beach Pics...

2009-06-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Beach Pictures

2009-06-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

The first one was a view from our balcony...

Our summer trip-Part 2

2009-06-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

While we were in Atlanta, we stayed busy! We went to this awesome children's museum, Stone Mountain (a huge mountain that is granite), and had lots of fun playing with other family members.

This is the top of Stone Mountain where I literally had a panic attack about one of the kids falling.

The kids were sure that this was a giant dinosaur footprint...even though we tried to explain that it was where water eroded the rock. I guess their explanation is way more exciting! And that sent Caleb off hunting for fossils! Just sure he would find them!

I snapped this picture while Caleb was hunting for fossils...because we rode the gondola up to the top and hiked down. I did not like the gondola. Too many people...too much tight space...no air...etc. etc. The next few pics are of us hiking down the 1,000 feet to the bottom.

There were a lot of things we did there! We rode the train that circled the bottom and rode a duck boat...which was a truck that drove into this huge lake and became a boat! They gave us these annoying but super cute quacking duck bills...

Stone Mountain was a full day of fun and exercise. I could post a lot more pics, but I won't! Next, we went to a Children's Museum in downtown and the kids loved it! They loved the shopping carts most, and Abby asked if I would buy it for her birthday...she loved it!

We also made a stop by the very first Chick-Fil-A ever...The Dwarf House...

We ate way too much ice cream...but it makes for good pics!

We also spent some time with DS's brother, sister, and even his nephew! Whom the kids adore! Poor kid...he is 15 and was so good to the annoying little 5 and 3 year old that hung onto him every second he was around! He is a good sport!

Our Summer Trip- Part 1

2009-06-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

We headed off to Atlanta for a nice long visit with DS's parents. It has been two years since we went there. It was so fun to see those memories being made moment by moment of going to "grandparent's" house. I grew up spending several weeks at a time at my grandparent's house in Arkansas on the farm. The way the house looked, the smells, even the trees are etched in my memory forever. Now that my maternal grandparents are no longer here, those memories are held close to my heart. This is the beginning of those same kind of memories for my children.

Summer Fun!

2009-06-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

When you don't have a pool, and live in Arizona, you have to get creative to entertain the children! We had a BBQ a week ago with our small group and this was the best $20 worth of entertainment we have had in a long time!

I did not fall of the face of the earth...

2009-06-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, so blogging hasn't been my strong point this last year. I must admit between grading papers, planning, raising a family, cleaning, laundry, cooking, etc. etc. blogging became low on the priority list! But, since my ultimate goal is to one day print my blog and have it as more of a "memory documentation" for my kids...I decided I better play catch up!

These last 6 months have been packed with action, new additions, and excitement! I picked some pics that highlight some major events these last 6 months...

Below is our newest addition to the Yi family. Her name is Daisy and she is a malti-poo. No, she isn't big, mean, or scary...just the way I like my dogs. She also doesn't shed, can be bathed in 10 minutes, and can be exercised in the backyard...also the way I like it! :)

We also, and more importantly, welcomed a new little girl to the Terlau family (not to be confused with the Yi family). Kelly had a beautiful baby girl, Chloe Ann Lake, on May 18th. She is a beautiful little baby and I can't wait to see how she fits in with the 5 other crazy kids in our family!

This is a picture of us four girls (mom and sisters) at Kelly's baby shower.

Abby wanted to be a part of the girls and come to Kelly's baby shower. I thought it was so fitting as all the girls were together that day. She was so well behaved and so much fun to share this event with. It made me look forward to all the future "girl" events we get to go to together! Plus, she wore a dress!!!

We spent a good part of the last 6 months doing "football". We signed Caleb up thinking it would be good for him to learn to be a part of a team. We had practice twice a week, and games on the weekend. It ended up taking up a good part of our time! It was rocky in the beginning, but diligence pays off! In the end, Caleb loved playing and was doing a great job pulling those flags! Many days during practice, Abby and I would walk to the nearby park and play, feed the ducks, or smell the flowers. I definitely can't complain about that!

The school year ended two weeks ago, and already, we have been busy with swim lessons and summer movies! DS is off for two months this summer...and then next year we dive into Kindergarten for Caleb, preschool for Abby, Mom working FULL-TIME, and dad going back to work! I am definitely looking forward to a summer of fun!

Let's Play in the Snow!

2009-01-04T15:52:00.000-08:00

Being that we live in a desert...we get excited at the idea of taking our kids up to the snow to play! We went up with my sister and her husband and their son, and we stayed in Heber. As you can see, the first night and day there was hardly any snow...but on Sunday morning, we woke up to a nice coating of snow. The kids couldn't wait to go play in it...of course, it made for an interesting car trip home! But, it was a blast! Why are kids so cute in their coats??!!! :)

Merry Christmas Everybody!

2008-12-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

I know my blogging skills have gone down the tubes lately...but I thought I would post some fun pictures of Christmas Eve and Christmas! We had a wonderful time together and my hope is that your Christmas was great too! Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween! We went to my sister's (Kelly)house and we had some yummy chili and some fun times! Our good friends, Kim and Jason, came over with their two kids too! We had so much fun watching our kids get so excited!

Oh yes, and Dae-Sung rocks the pumpkin carving every year! One year he made an ELMO and this year he did Transformers! Caleb was so excited!

scary spiders!

2008-10-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

Every year, I usually have so many things that I want to do with my kids during the holidays...well, this year, seeing that I am a working mom now (I say that lightly since it is only part-time), I realized yesterday that my time was dwindling! Yesterday, I finally put the Halloween decorations out...I made it by 5 days! Now, I have to say, I am a "cute" Halloween person, not the scary kind...I have some issues with truly gruesome stuff...so I pick carefully. I also decided to make these quick little spiders with my kids...they are more like blobs than spiders! But, they are tasty and cute! I think my kids enjoyed them too!

Ashton's 8th birthday party

2008-10-28T14:11:00.001-07:00

My nephew turned 8 last weekend, which is crazy to me because he was the first born of all the grand children....so to be 8, just means that time has flown by! Rachel had a nice party for him at my parent's house and we had fun. The best part was the hula-hooping! My parents got a wii fit...for those of you that have a wii, this is a BLAST! The hula-hooping is hilarious to watch and do (sorry mom and Rachel to post the pics) but it is great fun...and it makes your abs sore! :) That is a bonus! Well, the kids had to get in on the hula-hooping as well...so there are the pics. Abby skipped her nap and ended up crawling up in papa's lap and sleeping there...I don't think he minded a bit!

Happy 8th birthday Ashton!

First trip to the zoo....

2008-10-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

since April anyway! We don't go to the zoo here in the summer...talk about being miserable! But, it has finally dropped below 100 degrees (although, by not a lot)...so we headed to the zoo with Grandma and Aunt Kelly and Parker. It was our last day of Fall Break today...and I have been promising the kids that we would go to the zoo this week, and today was the only chance to go. We walked around for a couple of hours and then the heat got to be too much, and it was lunchtime and naptime, so we left to come home. This time, my battery was charged...so I got some good pics!

Dae-Sung's parents have come and gone...

2008-10-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been since Caleb's 100 day celebration since BOTH of DS's parents have come to town. Miracles do happen, as they came this past week. We fully enjoyed eating his mom's food (Korean food of course) and having extra hands around to play with the kids. The kids took to them right away, even though it has been so long since they have seen each of them (8 months for his mom, and 1.5 years for his dad). I do hope they will start coming more often...the kids LOVED having them here, as did we.
Below are some pictures during their time here...if it hadn't been for the battery situation, I would have had more!

The butterflies!

2008-10-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

We had this great idea of taking DS's parents and the kids to go see the Monarch butterflies at the Botanical Gardens. Last time we went, there were butterflies everywhere! The whole way there, my mind floated to the awesome pics I was going to be able to take. Now, we all know that I am no professional...nor do I claim to be. But, the last time we went, butterflies were literally landing on my kids...and I couldn't wait to capture that moment again. We walked into the butterfly pavillion, and I take 1, 2, 3 pictures...and then someone shook the tree and up flew 30...maybe 40 or 50 butterflies. I grab my camera...but something is not working. I start to panic as I realize that I missed the "moment" of all the butterflies right above me. Then, it dawns on me...I look at the battery, and it is gone. I have no battery left. :( This is one of the first times I have had my new camera in such an awesome picturesque (is that a word?) place. The kids loved it...and DS's parents loved it too...so it was worth it. Maybe I will make it back before the exibit is gone to take more pics...better pics!

2008-10-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

I am so behind on all this blogging...we just ended our first nine weeks at school, so I have been super busy with report cards and parent/teacher conferences. Whew...that is over now though, and I have one week off! YEAH! The in-laws are coming, so I am sure I will have lots of pics to post after this week. :) So, come back and take a look!

These are from almost a month ago, from my dear friend, Nicole's, son's birthday party...
(did that make sense at all?)

2008-09-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day. We had fun eating and playing this weekend. Of course, for us, Labor Day does not mean the end of summer, but it does mean we only have a month or two left of 100 degree weather...then comes the nice 70 and 80 degree winters. That makes it all worth it! :)

It was so nice to have a day to play as a family...I was bummed when I had to come home and grade papers for a couple of hours, but hey, it was all worth it! :)

My parent's dog, Izzy

Caleb jumped (below) and landed right on the mat (above)...it was hilarious

Abby loves to swim with her own noodle "all by me" says Abby.

My nephew, Parker

Caleb and Ashton doing what they do best...playing the Wii

Abby and Caleb goofing around at home before we went to grandma's house...gotta love their giggles!

Where have you been?

2008-08-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

I am here...I have had a couple of people ask if I am around because it seems my blog is frozen in time! :) I don't mean to ignore it, but this "working mom" stuff is not easy! It has been two weeks now, and it is definitely hard to balance...and my sleep anxiety this week has been evident to that! I thought I could catch up on my sleep this weekend, but to no avail. C had a 103 temp all night, and kept us up...then Abs decided to start screaming she was scared at 5:20...and I haven't slept since. Maybe tonight...

Other than sleep issues, I have actually really enjoyed being back on my game. The reason why I chose teaching in the first place is that it fits my personality perfectly. I knew I had been missing it for quite awhile, but I really have felt in my element this past week. It has been nice to work my brain, and I love "getting things done". Because I knew time was crunched, I spent all day yesterday doing laundry and cleaning...so my entire house is clean at once. This would not have happened even two weeks ago. I use to just clean one or two things a day...so it was never "dirty" but it never was all cleaned at once. It is one of the best feelings to me...to have all my work done for the week (okay, well most done), and to have my "house" work done...ahhhhh....maybe tonight, I will sleep a full eight hours!

More Birthday Celebrations!

2008-07-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

We must have a family party...and that was just what we did! Needless to say, I am kind of birthday'd out right now! Luckily, Caleb's isn't for several months! Abby and Parker celebrated together since they share the same bday (he is one year older). I think they had a great time, and enjoyed their new presents. Abby absolutely loved her new little dog that Rachel gave her. I tried to include some pics of adults too...which I rarely do! :)

Happy Birthday Abby...until next year and we do it all over again!

Abby's Birthday!

2008-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

We started the day with a candle in a muffin...which she loved (as did brother). Then, we headed to the mall to do build-a-bear with my nephews and some of our close friends (Abby was born on my nephew's one year old birthday--so they are exactly one year apart). The experience was slightly overwhelming for her, but she loved it! We then went on to Red Robin for dinner with the family. It was a busy day but a fun one!

Happy Birthday Abigail!

2008-07-23T08:32:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

San Diego!

2008-07-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

We headed out super early on Thursday morning and arrived in San Diego just after lunchtime. The cool breeze and salt water air was so incredibly refreshing from our very humid and hot air we are use to (don't believe anyone when they say it is a dry heat). We went with two other couples who both have kids the same ages as ours....you will see in pics below that Abby now has a boyfriend. I don't know how her dad feels about it, but I think it is cute!

One of the days, the moms all took the older kids to Seaworld, and I would have LOVED to post some pics of that fun time, but...I didn't take my camera, which I very much regret now. Caleb loved SeaWorld and we got to see so many amazing things there! I love SeaWorld myself, so to get to share that with C was amazing for me. I felt so blessed that DS was willing to stay home with Abby and let me have that time with Caleb getting to do such a fun thing.

The kids LOVED the beach and we all agreed that they were best behaved on the beach. Sleeping arrangements are always difficult when you have 6 kids...three of which are 2 and under, but we survived (trust me, it was worth the lack of sleep!).

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More Swimming...

2008-07-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Anyone I have spoken with this summer, knows my extreme frustration at how my son would not try to swim on his own. Well, right before Shelley, our wonderful swim teacher emailed us, he decided to try it. And now, for three weeks, we have been making a 40 minute drive EVERYDAY with gas costing $4 a gallon, and I can honestly say it is worth it! He swims the length of the pool, using his arms, and breathing to the side. He is no longer afraid to go deep...and in the pics below you see him going through a hoop, which Shelley no longer has to help him do...he does it all by himself. I have found that him being able to swim doesn't just make me proud, but it makes me feel "safe"...or "safer" anyways. Every time I go in the pool with him and Abby, I had two kids holding on to me for dear life...now he can actually swim, so I can breath a sigh of relief...not that I would ever let him swim alone though!

Abigail on the other hand, had a much more difficult time with swimming lessons! She screamed, and cried, the entire first week. Then, suddenly she decided this jumping in stuff is fun. Now, she runs and jumps in whether you are there or not! SCARY! She can keep herself afloat for a couple of seconds and when she puts her face in the water, she can actually swim!! When we are swimming at my mom's house, she loves to swim from mommy to daddy and back again, over and over again. This is the girl that wouldn't put her face in the water at all 3 weeks ago...much less "swim".

Now, though, I have to watch her even more to make sure she doesn't leap without someone looking! But, this is the stage we must go through in order for her to learn to swim on her own. These three weeks have been priceless...living in Arizona, where our kids are constantly around pools, means that they have to know pool safety, it just isn't an option.

The Circus!

2008-06-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Caleb and I have what we call "Caleb and Mommy dates" (daddy has "daddy and Caleb hangouts"). This was something that we started after Abby was born, and we realized he needed some quality one on one time. By far, these are my favorite times with my son. I get him away from everyone else and it is just him and I, and the conversations are endless.

This last date was to the circus! We loved it! We had a fabulous time together! Towards the end, he started to get a little bored, and that is okay. His favorite part was the motorcycles in the cage. I will admit, that was really cool! My favorite part though, had to be the trapeze! Those people are crazy! :)

I had promised him if he was good, his treat would be cotten candy. This is because I seriously would never let him have this on his own. He did some extra chores around the house the morning of to earn some money for his cotten candy. Little did I know that it would cost us $12 for cotten candy! That is TWELVE dollars! YIKES! He ate it like a champ...but wouldn't touch it with his hands. He got very hyper, then crashed on the way home...typical!

It was a really fun day together!

Summer Fun!

2008-06-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for no posts...I have had trouble getting my pics to load up onto blogger for awhile. I think it is time to get some more memory for my computer!

These pics below are from Father's Day...but they are what we do every Sunday pretty much. We get together with the family and swim our little hearts out! It is fun, and we are creating such amazing memories for all the kids.

This last week, my kids went to Shelley for swim...so I must admit that if I were to take those pics yesterday, Caleb would no longer be in a vest. The vest did somewhat slow him down in his progress, but it became necessary for him last summer in order for me to have a peace of mind about swimming with him and a one year old. In just 4 short days of swim lessons, C is now swimming the length of the pool, and coming up for breaths along the way. It is great to be able to relax even though he has no vest!

Abby on the other hand, still hates to go under water, and it is really hard to watch her at swim lessons. In these pics, that is why she is on the outside of the gate, as she was mad for going under with me one time. We have two weeks of swim left, so I do hope to see as much progress in her as I did in Caleb!

A day hiking...

2008-06-09T07:06:00.001-07:00

My dad got this great idea that we should all go hiking. We knew we would have to go early, because we live in such a hot place.

The kids started out running and energetic...and then by the end, they were having to be carried out.

The desert is not my first idea of beauty, yet, I am growing to appreciate it. Slowly but surely, after 17 years here, I can finally appreciate the beauty of the desert.

It was such a fun time together. The boys LOVED it, and even the little girl loved it.

The kids took their shirts off after they saw some other kids with their shirts off. Then, of course, Abby had to follow whatever everyone else was doing.

I think Papa carried Abby most of the time...but he doesn't mind. He loves that little girl so much...

Thanks for a great idea papa! It was so much fun, and we had a blast! We should definitely go again soon...well, maybe not so soon...definitely when the weather cools off.

Summer days are here...

2008-06-05T06:54:00.001-07:00

Growing up, there was one thing that meant "summer" to me, and it was watermelon. My grandparents owned a farm in Arkansas that we visited every summer. One of the things that my grandad grew was watermelons. In fact, he grew HUGE watermelons, that tasted absolutely wonderful.

I have memories of getting HUGE slices of watermelon and having the juice run down my chin and onto my clothes. I never did like being sticky, but something about tasting that wonderful and sweet watermelon made my mouth melt. For me, it is the sum of the whole picture...

playing on the farm, racing our lawn mowers, painting the house, making mud pies, setting off our own fireworks, blackberry cobbler, corn on the cob, chicken n'dumplings, a pet deer (don't ask), naming the cows, fishing in the catfish pond (I think I just liked throwing out the food on the water), taking walks to the chicken coups, and yes, even going to church in the ultra-conservative town. All of these memories remind me of wonderful summers that are now gone. My grandparent's both passed away when I was in college. They will never know my kids, and my kids will never know them, or the joys of the farm. This is one of the sad details of life...however, we always have memories, and I will pass those onto my children. So, grab a slice of watermelon, and make those wonderful summer memories!

Busy week...

2008-05-27T07:22:00.001-07:00

Last week was one of those weeks, where I could have written every single day...yet didn't write at all! It was just a crazy busy week! I will post the pics. The week ended with me getting my LONG awaited new camera! YEAH! No more blurry snap shots! The little camera we had was just not good indoors...as you will see in some of the pics below. I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend! :) I have to enjoy the summer months, as I am going back to teaching in the fall...yes, you heard me. I accepted a part-time job teaching 3rd-4th grade in the mornings. I am really excited, nervous, and a little sad about putting my baby in childcare. I think all in all though, it will be a good thing...no a great thing! Please pray that we will find the right sitter for my precious girl.

Yes, it is official...I am officially 30...we went out to eat for my birthday!

(if I had had my new camera, these pics would have been so much better!)

My kids highlight of the week, "jump jump" as Abby calls it...gymnastics for Caleb!

Then onto another splash pad!

Caleb graduated from preschool! We were actually a little teary eyed as this was his first year of school completed! Only 13 more to go...(not counting college)

Pics taken with the NEW camera!

Happy Memorial Day! We spent it with our closest friends...who had that monstrous water slide thing from COSTCO. The kids...and the dads had a blast on it!

Splash pad fun!

2008-05-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Today was a fun day in the sun!

Mother's Day

2008-05-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all my friends and family! I have so many friends (and especially my sisters) who encourage me daily to be a better mom and friend to my children. Thank you to all of you who lift me up and keep me going! A special thanks goes out to my very own mother...if I could achieve being half the mom that she has been to me, then I know I will be successful. She is truly an amazing person! It is my honor to have her as my mother and friend.

On Saturday morning, my hubby surprised me by taking us to Crackers and Company, which is this amazing breakfast place. I wanted the huge cinnamon roll...and I mean huge...but I ordered an amazing (and healthy) omlette. Then, we headed up to Scottsdale mall, where we let the kids eat cookies and play in the play area. It felt relaxing and fun to have no agenda but to enjoy ourselves.

Then, on actual Mother's Day, DS and Caleb made sure I stayed in bed, and they made me breakfast in bed...yes, you read that correctly, breakfast in bed. It was cute how the kids sat next to me and probably ate more of my food than I did...but just the novelty of it all was so fun. After church, we headed to the parent's house to enjoy lunch and swimming, and more important, fun Wii times! We got home late, and tired, but it was a great weekend. No laundry got done, the house looked like a tornado hit it, and I can say that I wouldn't do it any differently again. This was just a fun weekend of enjoying each other as a family.

Cousins enjoying a popsicle together!

I hope everyone else had a great great weekend!!

The BIG BASH!

2008-05-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we had our long awaited big "30th" birthday bash, as both DS and I turn 30 within a couple of weeks of each other. We planned and planned, and then on top of the stomach flu last week, I had to pull it all together for an eventful night on Saturday. This is by far the biggest and most expensive party I have ever thrown (other than my wedding). I learned some really important lessons when doing this, but number one lesson by far was that my closest friends and family are what matters the most. I had 12, yes 12 people say they were coming who then never showed. Considering that this party cost us about $15-20 a head, it cost us a serious amount of money for the no-shows. This was hard for me to swallow...and at first I was upset. My sister spent two days fixing the food and pushing her family aside for mine...of which I am ever grateful. But, here is the thing...we did have 18 people come...whom of which are our closest friends and family. So, even though I was annoyed at those that said they were coming and didn't, and those that didn't even bother to respond, truthfully, we had the most amazing time with those that did come. My closest friends wouldn't have missed it for the world, because they knew just how important it was to us. They showed up excited to be a part of our exciting night, and that support meant more to me than they will ever know!

Alisen, myself, and Kim...two of my very closest girlfriends

To my friends and family that came....thanks for coming and honestly, I couldn't imagine ringing in my new decade of life with anyone else!!

The Chocolate Fountain was the BEST hit!

My two sisters and I...

DS singing Kareoke...he could do this all night long!

My oldest sister, Rachel, and I...

Isn't she beautiful? My middle sis, Kelly, who did all the food and rocked! Thank you will never truly express my gratitude!

Disneyland!

2008-04-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

We took a really fun trip this weekend to Disneyland. It was Caleb's very first time...and Daddy's too! We had so much fun, and my little man (meaning Caleb) definitely can keep up at an amusement park! There wasn't a single ride that he was too scared to go on. He LOVED Space Mountain, and the Tower of Terror. In fact, in the Tower of Terror, when we would get to the top (13 floors up) and the elevator doors would open, he would wave, and DS and I kept telling him to hold on. He didn't quite understand that right after the doors opened, we were going to drop again. The picture snapped and in it are two very concerned parents yelling at their son to hold on, and this little 4 year old waving and smiling...I wish I had it to show you, but I wasn't going to pay $15 or whatever it is for that picture. He also got to see playhouse disney live, which was an absolute treat. He says the Ferris Wheel was his favorite, and the rollar coasters.

We went with our friends, The Boddy's,

and we had such a great time. We left our little gal at home with Grandma, as waiting in lines is not exactly her forte.

Caleb and Chip...or is it Dale? At the Chip and Dale breakfast...

Caleb and Mommy at "Honey I shrunk the audience"

Daddy and Caleb in line with Buzz Light Year behind them

Caleb and Maddyn on a firetruck in Toon Town

Mommy, Daddy, and Caleb

Caleb on the Ferris Wheel

2008-04-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so now I can't figure out how to get the link to work...but here is the site...

http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

You can copy and paste it into your browser and it should work. I don't know why I can't get it to work as an actual link.

2008-04-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

Check out this video if you get a chance. It was made by a 15 year old girl...and no matter what your stance on war is, you must agree that this video is heartfelt.

2008-04-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

Last week started out kind of differently...on Sunday afternoon, I noticed these red bumps popping up on Caleb's face...and then his arms. On Monday morning, he had 12 bumps, and of course I took him to the doctor only to find he has CHICKEN POX. And yes, he has been vaccinated. Can you believe it? It was a pain to have to keep him home all week, but really, all in all, 12 chicken pox compared to the 500-1000 or so that they get when not vaccinated, it really wasn't a big deal. By Wednesday, he was really bored...no school, no playing with friends, no social life...and to be honest, I WAS BORED. So, on Thursday morning, most of his pox had scabbed over, and those that hadn't went away, so we hopped in the car and headed to the zoo. It was a really fun morning. He was so excited to be out and about that he ran everywhere and really wore grandma out! Kelly and Parker went with us too...

Construction Man turned Surgeon....

2008-04-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

Caleb has always said he wants to be a construction man. If you suggest something else, he infatically says, "Well...I am going to be a construction guy." Last night...I caught him playing surgeon...using his air compressor and hammer. Check it out...

The Victim....

Performing surgery on her broken arm...

Future doctor of America...

She may look innocent...

2008-04-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

BUT SHE ISN'T!! Okay, anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely adore my little girl...but she really is an instigator. She knows exactly how to get under her brother's skin, and she does not hesitate to do it for a second. I have a memory of her at 9 months old in the church nursery sitting on the slide and absolutely not letting any other baby enter "her" slide.

Let me explain what happened yesterday...

Caleb hadn't eaten a very good lunch, and Abby had slept through lunch. She woke up hungry and wanted chicken. Caleb asked for some too, because he hadn't eaten much. I made some for each of them. Abby started eating. Caleb played. Abby ate all of her chicken. I offered Abby Caleb's food. This did not go over well. Caleb started eating. Abby eyed his food. So, I offered her cheese. I had an idea that this would be a good time to vacuum. So, as I am vacuuming, I realize Caleb is now half naked and walking around the kitchen. Apparently, a small dribble of ketchup is an excuse to change a gazillion times a day. I paused and watched my two little ones. As Caleb danced around without a shirt on, Abby watched him very closely. As he walked over to the dining room table to get a clean shirt (laundry day), she waited until the exact moment that his back was turned, and I saw her take not one, not two, but three bites of his chicken and shove them in her mouth. She caught me staring at her and she gave me a half smile and looked away. He then approached back to the chair and asked for help putting on his clean shirt. As I was helping him, I noticed she waited until the shirt was on his head, and there went two more bites. As he climbed back up to eat, his face turned red, and I saw his lips start to tremble.

I had told him that unless he ate some protein, he could not get a cookie when we went to the grocery store. He knew, at that moment, his sister had killed all chances of cookie heaven. As his bright red face opened up to explosion, he turned and looked at her and let out the loudest scream I have ever heard. She only half smiled and waited until he was done. The tears are starting to roll down his face he is so mad at her, and she smiles and reaches up and slaps him in the cheek. Then, she looks at me and says, "hi mommy".

I watched this unfold with complete and total amazement. Anyone who says that a one year old, "just doesn't know better" or, "just doesn't know the difference", or "just doesn't understand"....oh bet me! She knew every single move she was making. Every single one completely and totally calculated.

Mommy at this point, stepped in and saved the day. I decided I couldn't really let this unfold any longer. I realized though, she knows...oh boy does she know.

Happy Easter! (a day late!)

2008-03-24T19:14:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone had an awesome Easter! This year was great, because we actually did 3 Easter Egg hunts. The first one was somewhat disasterous, but by the second one, they both cleaned up! The third one was at my parent's house, and although Abigail was sleeping, Caleb cleaned house! He was a pro by that point! :)

The Easter bunny did visit our house this year, but Caleb called him the "pretend" Easter bunny. He had learned in school that Easter was not about a bunny but about Jesus coming alive again and going to heaven. He has been asking a ton of questions about this, and his matter of fact approach is amazing. The "pretend" Easter bunny left a trail of "pretend" eggs to their baskets, which contained small toys for each of them and that oh so wonderful 99 cent chocolate bunny. Caleb has officially gotten his appetite back after last week, and he has already devoured his wonderful bunny. Abby on the other hand, is confused as to why she is eating a bunny, and loves to play with it verses eating it.

Each year Holidays get better and better as they get older. Each year is another memory that will live on in the Yi Family traditions...I love it! :)

A Day in the Life...

2008-03-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

Some people may question what it is like to be a stay at home mom…I have had a day today where I have questioned my decision of staying at home. I would gladly pay someone to do what I have done today. Before you judge me for that statement, please keep reading.

It all started yesterday, when my vibrant four year old boy was sitting quietly on the couch at grandma and papa’s house. This was out of character…but he perked up when his cousin walked in and he played for about an hour before I brought him home. He had a slight temperature and had been complaining of his ears hurting. Of course…one more trip to the doctor’s office. So, we put him to bed, and are awakened at 3am by a sniffling boy complaining of his tummy aching. Being the kind parents that we are, we tell him he can only stay in our bed if he stops snorting and sniffing and whining. The snorting is soon replaced by sounds I cannot repeat through writing, but in my sleepy mind, I realize…those sounds are not good. I immediately yell for Dae-Sung to get him out of our bed, and in his sleepy mind, the four year old gets tossed up out of bed and onto the floor. I soon realize, he can’t stay there, so I jump out of bed and pull him by his arm (I wasn’t going to get any closer to him than that) to the bathroom—just in time.

In the morning, the four year old acts as if nothing happened the night before. He is up chatting with daddy while daddy gets ready for work. I come down the stairs (sleepy from my very interrupted sleep), and he is dressed and ready for the day. Was I dreaming last night? He tells me his ear still hurts, but he is okay. I call the doctor, and get an appointment right away. I get the kids fed, dressed, brushed and rush out the door, just in time to realize I have not eaten breakfast. Oh well…it will have to wait. I know when I start shaking from my very caffeinated coffee, at least I will be in a doctor’s office.

The doctor takes one look at his ears and throat and tells me that he has strep throat. She also looks at the one year old’s ears and tell me that she has ear infections. Great. Should I start begging for money now or later for all the prescriptions? I walk out of the doctor’s office with a notebook full of medications to fill, and hope that cold and flu season is almost over. On the way home, the one year old and four year old pass out, and I enjoy the chance to turn off the kid music and turn on some music of my own. I sing at the top of my lungs, knowing that they won’t wake up. I drop off the prescriptions and ask if I can transfer the money straight from their college funds to Walgreens. I think that is a fair trade.

Upon returning home, both children are out and I actually enjoy some peace and quiet. Okay, so peace and quiet meant getting laundry done and prepping dinner. But, I felt good because my kitchen was clean, dinner was prepped, and kids were soon to be drugged back to healthiness. Daddy came in as a night in shining armor with all of the medications in tow. We wake the four year old up to give him his medicine, as his fever is now pushing 103.5. He, in his very cooperative manner, spits the medicine back in our faces. Awesome. I now have strep throat. After threatening his life (okay, maybe just the life of some toys) we finally manage to get the medicine in him. Thankfully, things are looking up now, as he begins to perk up and get an appetite. I make him my classic strawberry shake, with yogurt (good for the tummy, right?) About an hour later, I am browsing recipes (my new exciting stay at home mom hobby), and the one year old comes in and says, “Caleb, uhoh, uhoh, spit” (this was accompanied by spitting noises). I immediately jump up and run into the family room to find the most disgusting sight I have ever seen. I gag. I picked up the phone and told daddy to come right back home. I gag some more. I take the one year old upstairs and lock her up…only to realize that she sat right in his throw up. I gag some more. I run back downstairs, start the bath, and take the four year old straight to the bathtub. I really gag as I take off the soaking wet clothes. Yogurt doesn’t smell so good the second time around. Daddy walks in just in time to catch the diaper of the one year old, who has decided to take this exact moment in time to soil it. I really didn’t think I would make it through this, but I did. With lots of gagging.

I called the doctor and told the nurse what happened, and the first words out of her mouth were, “Did you give him dairy?” Me…nooooo…that was that other mom that thought yogurt would help. Ooops.

The four year old fell asleep on the couch again, and the one year old was left to play by herself. As I was getting a load of laundry out of the dryer, I hear something that sounds an awful like drinking. I run to see what has happened, and sure enough she is drinking his sprite. She gets a big grin, “Caleb’s”. That is all she has to say for herself. Awesome. Now she has strep throat.

Now, Caleb is awake and must carry his bowl with him wherever he goes. He seems to like his bowl. His bowl and him are friends.

Two hours until Daddy comes home for the night…and two hours until I get to leave. Where? I don’t know…but somewhere far away from children.

Five Years Together!!

2008-03-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

On March 15th, we celebrated our 5 year anniversary! I cannot believe it has been five years already! We had an amazing day spent together without children...thank you mom and dad for taking them off our hands for the day. It was amazing to have such a great time and know that our kids were safe and happy.

As we went throughout our day together, we just kept saying over and over how blessed we were. In five years, we have had 2 babies, 3 houses, moved out of state and back, taken several vacations, had job changes, yet...we feel that all of it has been an incredible experience and the blessings overflow. That isn't to say that we haven't had some tough times, we definitely have, and we acknowledge those times and how we grew from them. Truth is, there isn't anyone else I could ever imagine doing life with. Dae-Sung is a loyal, loving, trustworthy, hilarious, and witty person, and he is the best partner in life. I love you so much!

Here is a recap of our day...

We took the kids to grandma and papa's house, and headed out to the desert to do some horseback riding. Dae-Sung was reluctant at first, but the weather was perfect, the scenery was gorgeous, and the ride was relaxing. Of course, I got the horse that wanted to stop and eat every few feet.

Next, we headed on to get some amazing massages. This was perfect planning (although, we both wished we could have taken a quick shower after leaving the stables). After riding horses for an hour, a couples massage was just what the doctor ordered. We then headed on to get a light lunch and a quick stop at the mall. We actually accomplished a TON at the mall that we could never have accomplished with the children around.

We ran home and quickly got ready for our nice dinner at an amazing restaurant at a gorgeous resort. My husband called ahead and reserved the table by the fireplace on the outdoor patio. He had ordered my favorite wine to be chilled and waiting for us upon arrival. They had lit candles all over the table and the bottom of our menus said, "Happy 5th Anniversary". Even our desserts said "Happy Anniversary". It had to be one of the most romantic nights of my life.

To my wonderful husband...I love you. Thank you for one of the best days of my life.

I've Been Tagged!

2008-03-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged! I am suppose to write 7 random facts about myself…so here goes! I am tagging Stephanie, Angela, and Kelly!

1. I have a mouth aversion…okay, so I know this sounds totally bizarre…but I absolutely cannot stand to share a drink with people, touch someone else’s saliva (including my kids), and think the worst possible job in the world would be dentistry (no offense Stephanie and Blake). I literally buy my kids new toothbrushes every couple of weeks because I am disgusted by them. I buy my hubby and I new toothbrushes quite often…and when I have to clean the toothbrush holder, I gag through the whole thing.
2. I HATE cats…sounds harsh, I know. But, I really do…I am so allergic to them that my eyes puff up and I can’t stop sneezing. I can’t stand the fact that people let their cats walk around in my yard and do their business in my kids’ sandbox. I wouldn’t let my dog go and do his business in their yard…not sure why it is okay the other way around.
3. I love photography…I love taking pictures and looking at pictures. Even in high school, I always took the camera and took pictures. It doesn’t mean I am good at it, but I love pictures. I feel like pictures are all we have when life is over to preserve our memories. I really want a good camera and for one of my MANY friends who do photography to teach me their secrets. Even if it never becomes a major talent of mine, I just absolutely LOVE it.
4. I LOVE to talk…no secret there! Get me on the phone at the right time, and you may be stuck for an hour!  Believe it or not, I do get tired of talking sometimes…but good conversation with a good friend is what makes life good for me!
5. My Life Long Dream…is to help young moms. I have a dream of being a house for teenager mothers to come, learn about being a mother, educate them on their choices, give them medical health, and then if they choose to keep their baby, help them finish their education and teach them skills for success. It is ultimately the baby who suffers from uneducated mothers. If they chose adoption, then I would want to help place the baby for little money…since adoption is sooooo expensive.
6. I LOVE to travel…I spent a semester in Florence, Italy and traveled all over Europe every weekend. This was incredible to me. I am fascinated by people and the way that they interact (hence the sociology minor in my degree), so I LOVED seeing how others lived. I would love to go to Austraila, Ireland/Scottland, Greece, South Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, Israel, Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, and many many other places.
7. My Largest Fear…is something happening to my children, husband, or a close family member or friend. I live in fear of my children having to be hospitalized or something happening out of my control. I feel like it is my job to protect them, and the idea that they may get a disease out of my control is almost paralyzing to me. I also have a fear of them falling from tall heights…like the second story of the mall, or from bridges over water, things like that.

trains trains and more trains...

2008-03-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we spent the day going to the great train expo...and then we headed on over to the train park nearby. The kids had so much fun and were such a joy to be with...Caleb loved the train expo, but truth be told, he probably loved the park a whole lot more! They both crashed out in the car on the way home, but it was such a wonderful day spent as a family!

Say CHEESE!!

2008-03-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

This is our new saying with Abby..."say cheese"...she takes this job very seriously! She will then go on to pose for the camera and say "cheese" numerous times in a row. It really is too cute to watch! Oh, the difference between boys and girls...when Caleb was 19 months old, I couldn't even get him to look a camera, much less stop and say, "cheese". She is such a goofball!

Our newest addition...

2008-02-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

We have a new family member! His name was Papi, but I think we are going to call him Jax. He is a poodle- shih-tzu mix, and is as sweet as can be. He is somewhere between one and two years old...and so far LOVES his new home and family. He is looking kind of ratty because he needs to go to the groomers, but he has the sweetest face...
Welcome to the family Jax!

Do you like it?

2008-02-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

So in the wide world of "Blogging" I am a complete amateur who knows NOTHING! I know how to post my pics and my posts and that is about it!! I got adventerous this morning though and decided to do some looking around on the Internet. Through my discovery, I found out that blog templates are also called blog skins. So...after looking through several "skins" I chose this one to use. Every time I changed it out, I lost a lot of info...so I think I am done looking for now. So, do you like the new look? Take the poll...

All my by self...

2008-02-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

When Caleb was little, he use to tell us, "all my by self"...meaning, I want to do it all by myself. Well, he truly did a "big boy" thing all by himself this week...he now knows how to ride his bike without training wheels. He has tried off and on for about the past month, but yesterday, daddy took the wheels off, and he was off and riding. He is so proud of himself, and we are too. We both remember the day we learned to ride a bike and we really wanted to make it special for him. We celebrated with Gelatto! YUM! He truly is this amazing little kid that doesn't give up...he will try and try until he gets it down. Good job Caleb! I love you buddy!

Crazy Hair Day!

2008-02-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

Okay...so I have complained numerous times on here about how my daughter has no hair. Well, the good news is that it is growing...the bad news is that it is that fine wispy hair that loves to be totally unruly. One day last week, she woke up from her nap with the CRAZIEST bed head I have EVER seen. I had to snap a few pics! Then, a few days later, Caleb pulled daddy's wig down out of the closet and put it on. They are so funny sometimes, and I appreciate the times I can just laugh at them and not stress about being "mommy".

MONSTER JAM!

2008-01-28T04:47:00.000-08:00

So, Monster jam came to town, and anybody who knows my son knows that he LOVES everything trucks. Especially BIG trucks! He has a Grave Digger that he got for his birthday, and he LOVED seeing Grave Digger really race. This was a daddy and son event...not so much a mommy event. They had a blast! The next morning...Caleb kept telling me about how "a big wheel popped off and the truck kept going mommy!" Here are some pics!

To do kindersteps or Stay where we are?

2008-01-23T06:09:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am having a very hard time making a decision that I (luckily) don't have to make for awhile. Caleb is eligible next year to do kindersteps at our local school. What this means is that he will be going to school every day, for a "pre-kindergarten" program for half a day. The cost is free. The class size is between 20-25 and the teacher has an aide. HOWEVER, the kindergarten class the next year isn't so lucky...they have much higher numbers and no aide (or a shared aide). Having been a teacher this drives me crazy...

The other option is to leave him where he is at...I haven't spoken much about preschool on here...but it was a HUGE battle in the beginning of the year. I LOVE his school now, and so does he. It is a Christian private school that goes all the way up to 6th grade. Once he gets into Kindergarten, we can get his tuition reimbursed. But next year, he will be in their pre-k program, which is $225 a month (OUCH!!)

To most people, they see the dollar signs and say, is there even a choice? But, I know how much Caleb thrives on consistancy...he needs it. Once I put him at kindersteps at the local school next year, he will not want to transfer back to his old school. And what worries me isn't kindersteps, it is the following year of kindergarten. At his school now, there are 8 kids in the kindergarten, as opposed to upper 20's at the local school.

He keeps telling me he wants to go to kindersteps next year at the local school (which we walk by almost every day)...

So, take the poll...PLEASE...should I do kindersteps (free) or keep him where he is at next year and make the sacrifice.

2008-01-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

Green Shoes

2008-01-18T11:56:00.000-08:00

Abby has always been obsessed with shoes...from the time she was very little. There is one particular pair that we catch her wearing daily...Caleb's green crocks. After she lost them the other day, we decided it was time to get her her very own crocks, so that she would leave his alone. We ventured to the mall, where I tried my hardest to get her to try on pink or purple crocks. Well, needless to say, she screamed and pulled her foot back at every try. Then, I held up a small green pair, just like brother's, except smaller...and her face lit up. She got so excited and held out her little feet just waiting for her new glass slippers (okay, bright green crocks). Most people would ask what the big deal is…and it really isn’t a big deal. It is just that she has no hair…so she is called a “boy” almost daily by somebody. Bright green crocks are not going to help the matter…so I picked two little flowers to put on them and called them her “pretties” (which is what we call hair things—my hair things since she has no hair, and therefore no pretties).

The first thing she did this morning, was put her shoes on…over her footie jammies. I then picked out a green sweater and sparkly jeans to wear with her bright green crocks. At least I know she has one outfit that matches her new shoes (which I know she will be wearing every day for a long time).

Back to the grind...

2008-01-08T05:44:00.000-08:00

I have officially been a stay at home mommy for two days now, going on my third! Daddy had 2.5 weeks off at Christmas time, so I got very use to having a second set of hands around. But, I did start to feel useless around the house. I can honestly say that I felt like I didn't really have a sense of purpose, because for me, it wasn't vacation, it was my daily life. So, although the last two days have been hard in some ways, I can honestly say I am in my element. We haven't gone anywhere because Caleb was so sick over the weekend, it has been raining, and is pretty cold. But, I have cleaned out almost every closet in the house...the pantry...done almost all the laundry in the house...given baths...fed the kids (several times a day, managed to keep my kitchen clean throughout the day...and still had time to play with the kiddos in between. I actually think I have been more productive now that daddy went back to work...maybe mentally I was on vacation too! Here are some pics of bathtime...I mean, how could I not enjoy this? (Until 4pm hits and I am trying to do dinner...and have two very crabby kids...every mom knows what I am talking about...4-6pm...the hardest time to be a stay at home mom.)

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

So, every year I make at least one resolution and break it...usually by mid-January...and that is why I am not up for resolutions. However, this year, I really do have some resolutions that I REALLY want to carry out. My number one resolution is to keep my mouth shut. Yes, you heard me...I want to talk less and listen more. I have always prided myself on being an open book...it means I am real around people. The problem is, as I get older, I am learning very quickly that there are things I don't want people to know. I actually had someone flip tables on me the other day, and spill some beans about me...exposing some of my secrets. I am so hurt by it, and now I have kind of a "mess" to clean up. BUT, with that being said, I have forgiven that person and it really has opened my eyes to the fact that sometimes a big mouth is not a good thing. In fact, I would venture to say most of the time a big mouth is not a good thing. I want to talk less, and listen more. I am asking God to teach me to be quiet. Sometimes, I just need to be quiet in social settings, or else I will say too much. I have been known to blurt out something I really feel, and it comes back to haunt me. Having the tables turned on me may have been the best thing to happen to me in a long time in order for me to really look at who I am and how people perceive me. I am not a mean person, and in fact, I show compassion to almost anybody I meet, but I realize this is hard to convey when I might say somthing rude or sarcastic because I feel the need to talk.

My less serious resolution is to grow out my hair for locks of love. I have this really thick and fast growing hair...I need ten inches to do it. So, I am going to grow it until next December (only getting trims) and then I will chop it off and donate it. I am trying to get a bunch of people to do it with me, but so far, I think I am the only one. It really is a great cause...these poor kids have no hair, and I can't imagine being a 13 year old girl without any hair. http://locksoflove.org

Then, of course, I am resolving to lose this belly fat...of course, who doesn't resolve that. I went to realage.com and found out that I am actually 27.4 years old. You have to put in all of your info and eating habits and exercise habits, and I found that I am actually 2 years younger than myself. That is great and all...but truthfully, I want to be 21 again. So, since I am turning 30 this year (yes 30) I want to be 21 on my 30th birthday. Go there and check it out! See how old you really are and challenge me to become younger than me! It could be fun!

Some Pictures

2007-12-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

We conquered the tree this morning...and had a wonderful time! I just wanted to take a minute to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of my friends and family out there. This is a time to reflect on loved ones and the most wonderful gift of all...the birth of Jesus Christ. Thank you friends and family for your love and support!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

2007-12-17T13:33:00.001-08:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Busy Busy Bees

2007-12-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

This week has been truly one of the craziest, yet BEST weeks ever! On Tuesday, my husband came home with a new addition to his body. It is beautiful and creative, and although I know some people are against "body art", I can truly say I love that it stands for everything we believe in.

Then, Wednesday morning we woke up to crazy fog...which never ever happens here where we live!

We left on Wednesday afternoon and headed to the mountains with my sister and her family. It was super cold...but we had a blast spending two days in the snow. The kids, of course, LOVED the snow and especially LOVED sledding. They are both definitely dare devils!

On Friday, we packed up and headed home as quickly as we could because we had a birthday party to throw for Caleb. He doesn't actually turn 4 until next Friday, but we decided to do his birthday a week early (we try to seperate it out from Christmas). I did cupcakes and a pinata and that was about it. I kept it simple and fun, and more importantly SHORT. Caleb LOVED the attention and the presents, but he does seem to get really overwhelmed in these situations. I think it ended at the perfect time.

Needless to say...I am tired and ready to get a good night's sleep. But, I would do it all over again if I needed to! This week has been fun, exciting, tiring, and wonderful all at the same time.

Who dunnit?

2007-12-09T21:25:00.000-08:00

So, our friends hosted another fun party that we really enjoyed last night! It was our friend's birthday, and his wife threw a dinner murder mystery party. It was a blast and I highly recommend throwing one if you have ever thought of doing it! Cheers to another fun night without kids!

Robbie and Alisen

Kim and Jason

Dae-Sung and Robbie

Oh the things they say...

2007-11-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

Over the last 6 months to a year, our son has been filled with questions about Christ, God, heaven, the cross, etc. etc. He hears these stories and words coming out of our mouths, and is trying to piece it all together. We have talked a lot about how if you believe in Jesus, you will go to heaven. I am really trying to teach him that it is about FAITH and not ACTIONS that save us...with that being said...here is a little conversation that took place last night.

Caleb: "So, if you die, daddy dies, I die, and Abby dies, we will all go to heaven?"
Mommy: "Yes, we will, because we believe in Jesus"
Caleb: "Will we come back to this house ever again?"
Mommy: "No...we won't, but that is okay because we will be heaven. God tells us that heaven is the most wonderful place ever."
Caleb: "But, what about my tools? I can't leave my tools...I will be sad without my tools in heaven."
Mommy: "No, I don't think you will...we will be with God, and the Bible tells us nothing is better than that."
Caleb: "OHHHH...God is a toy."

Oh, the minds of little ones...to him a toy is the best possible thing...and so to him, I will allow his little mind to think of God as the BEST POSSIBLE TOY ever, because that is on his level. I wanted to write this down because one day, my precious little boy will be older and not say these kinds of things...and I want to remember his "child like innocence".

"Then the little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven blongs to such as these." Matthew 19:13-14

Giving Thanks

2007-11-27T14:21:00.000-08:00

When I really stop to think about what I am thankful for...my heart screams out "family". But, it goes so far beyond that...I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams! One thing I can honestly say, is that I am so THANKFUL for the family I grew up in, and the family I now have. My children and my husband are everything to me. I don't know what I would do without them.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent at my sister's house with her husband's family as well. The two families got along so well, and the kids played until they couldn't play anymore! It was a warm day, and I wish I had pics of Abby from that day, but I don't, because she decided to go through all the clothing I had with me by dirtying her diaper several times. I did, however, get pics of my handsome little man. He is in a tie and nice shirt, and let me tell you, this is the FIRST time he has ever worn this! We don't dress up for church at all...so he was very excited to look so handsome. These pics make my heart melt...

5 weeks...

2007-11-20T12:59:00.000-08:00

until Christmas! I am so excited! I LOVE Christmas...my mom always got so into Christmas, and in turn, I LOVE doing the same! I am not one of those people who goes shopping in September or anything like that...but I just love the decorations, the lights, the feelings, and most of all, celebrating the birth of our Savior. I have to fight myself from putting the decorations our too early...but after Thanksgiving...all bets are off! Thanksgiving is the holiday that for me proceeds the best holiday ever. Happy Decorating!

My Top 10...

2007-11-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

things I have learned from a one year old this week! Abby is just spunky and absolutely crazy right now. Everyday, there is some new challenge or cute thing she decides to do. So...I thought I would make a list of all the things I have learned this week...yes...just this past week from my sweet one year old.

1. When your one year old is sleeping, and you hear a loud thunk that is followed by a loud cry, and then silence, GO CHECK ON THEM AT THAT MOMENT! It probably means they have figured out how to break free from their prision cell of a crib. As you open the door, do so slowly so that you do not wack them in the face (since you wouldn't normally be expecting your 15 month old to find a way out of their crib and stand in the middle of the room giggling.)

2. Ketchup makes great shampoo (the pictures say it all)

3. Anything that is soft can be swiped and used as a blankie (even mom's clean white duvet cover)

4. Baby does not throw up if father is present, only mother. It is more fun for baby to watch mommy squirm as she cleans up her throw up one more time and daddy just hears about it once again on the phone.

5. There are certain words that are automatically repeated throughout the day...over and over and over...our word of the week was, "mommy".

6. One year olds lack the intelligence to understand repeated failure. For instance, baby insists on throwing herself backwards both as a joke and when she is mad. She constantly bonks the back of her head due to this...I am beginning to wonder whose side of the family this gene is from.

7. All shoes are wonderful, especially brother's beloved Lightning McQueen shoes. If brother loves it, baby must love it even more.

8. All phones are wonderful inventions. Especially mommy's bright red cell phone, it trumps all other phones. The best part for baby is when she gets to drop it and say, "uhoh" and giggle.

9. Apparently, everything is meant to be climbed on. I mean, isn't that why it is there? It doesn't matter if it is a chair, bathtub, potty, or the couch. If mommy turns her back for a second, baby will be climbing.

10. Nothing is sweeter than a great big hug and a kiss from baby. This can make your day better than you ever expected.

It's so over...

2007-11-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

What is so over? That would be our house buying experience. We have felt for over a month now that we should back out of our contract to buy the new house. It all started with a sermon about contentment in this self-consumed world we live in. We both found ourselves asking why we weren't content to just stay in the house that we are in right now. Here is the deal...I don't love the house I am in. I know that sounds bad, but it has taken a long time for me to be okay in this floorplan. It is not a very livable floorplan. I have done a lot of furniture rearranging and decorating to try and make it work. I could list off at least 10 things about my current house that I don't like. BUT, with all that being said...I could probably list off more things that I DO like! So, contentment is a big reason why we have decided not to move. The other major factor in this decision, is the fact that the market is horrible! We will have to lower the price of our current house so much in order to sell it, that we won't be able to afford the new house. We went and talked to the sales guy, and he told us to name our price...but that still means we have to sell the one that we are in. The hardest part about this for me, is that I LOVE that new house. I got to pretty much pick everything I wanted! Much more so than any other house than we have bought. It is pretty much my dream house...3150 square feet, 4 rooms upstairs, plus a loft, 4 bathrooms, a HUGE laundry room...gorgeous windows...but...the house we are in is fine. It just isn't the right timing. Of course, we are losing money by backing out, but I have to let that go. I decided to take a picture of the house, so that I have it in my memory. A dream that didn't come to fruition...I am sad...I must be honest. BUT, I know I am blessed...blessed so far beyond so many people. Dae-Sung works hard to give us what we have, and I am so blessed to have a husband that takes care of us the way that he does.

Thank You Lord for the beautiful house we live in now, and I ask that you will bless whatever family lives in that new house. Amen.

The pictures say it all...

2007-11-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Abby really stole the show this Halloween! She insisted on walking to each door all by herself, knocking, and then she would say "Thank Yoooouuuuu" in this really exagerated tone of voice. SO CUTE! She was a cat of some sort...and Caleb was Sporticus from the show Lazy Town. He kept saying over and over again, "This is so much fun!" I made chili and pumpkin pie for dinner, and all in all, it was a great night. Grandma and Papa even joined us for a little while...what a fun time.

WHAT IS GOING ON???

2007-10-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

So...I don't know if God is trying to tell me something, or if these are all just coincidences. But, I wrote about how I "lost" Caleb at the park the other day...but more has happened since then. On Sunday, we were letting the boys splash around in the shallow end of the pool. There were three of us adults right there, and somehow Caleb managed to step off of the step that takes him from the shallow end to the deep end. I looked over just in time to see his little head bobbing and I can see his mouth saying "mommy"...very panicked. I didn't hesitate to jump into the 70 degree water and pull him out. Right after I jumped in, so did my dad, and my mom was already in the shallow end with the boys. I was shaking and thought if I hadn't looked at that split second, he would have gone under, and I wouldn't have necessarily known it right away. Let this be a lesson to everyone that these things happen, whether or not adults are right there, and that is why adults must be right by these kiddos when they swim. If we weren't there, I can't even think of what would have happened. Well, if that wasn't bad enough, last night, we "lost" Caleb again. This one was weird...I was actually playing around on my blog, and DS had come into the computer room to check it out. Caleb was sitting in the kitchen eating a snack and watching Bob the Builder. DS walked back out (after about 5 minutes) and I hear him saying, "Caleb?" over and over again. I am thinking, oh, Caleb must have fallen asleep. Then, I hear DS go outside and start shouting Caleb's name. So, of course, I jump up and realize Caleb is no where to be seen. I ask DS why he checked outside, and he said the back door was open and the lights were all out in the backyard. SCARY!!! Caleb would never go outside in the dark without lights, and the backdoor being open, not just unlocked, but open was so scary. Did someone sneak into our house and kidnap him? That was the thought we both had! So, we immediately split up looking for him. I checked upstairs to see if he decided to watch tv upstairs...no dice. I looked for him in his room, in his bathroom, in the bathtub...no dice. I run downstairs to see that DS has now gone into the garage and opened it and is starting to chase a car down the road. He is completely panicked and him and I without saying anything both have the same thought...somebody just took our son in their car and he is gone. I ran around the side of the house screaming his name, and then we met back inside. Both in tears, I grabbed the phone and said I am calling 911. Right at that time, we hear a giggle. A giggle from a little boy who thought he was being funny. He was hiding under the table in the nook area. You see, daddy had brought home candy and we had told him he could only have one. So, he had snuck another piece of candy, and the scissors (which is not allowed) and was trying to open his candy. When he heard DS coming, he hid because he was afraid he would get into trouble. He didn't come out when we called him, because he thought he would get into trouble for getting candy. Both DS and I started absolutely crying when we found him, and that set off Caleb crying. He had no idea what that felt like to us. We had a long talk about no matter what you are doing, you answer mommy and daddy the FIRST time they call your name. I have had enough of these scares lately. I feel like God keeps giving me second chances with him, but I wonder how many I get.

Lord, I ask you to protect Caleb and keep him safe and close to home. Amen

Our Big Day!

2007-10-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I know I have shared on here many times about how we are helping to start a new church. We finally launched our first official church service this past Sunday. I had to get there at 6:30am along with all the other children's ministry workers in order to make sure we were set up and ready to go. The past three Sundays have been spent "practicing" setting up, teaching, and tearing down (since we are meeting in a high school). We had 117 children total between the two services, which is absolutely fabulous. We were pleased and yet not overwhelmed. God is good! We had about 380 adults and children come to the two services. It feels as if this day was a long awaited wedding day that I have been planning and planning and planning some more. I am so excited to have been a part of something so amazing! It has been awesome to watch the way God has brought us all together and pulled together this amazing church. I know there will be bumps in the road, and it isn't going to always be easy, but I do know, I am blessed to be a part of this. If someone had told me this is what I would be doing now a year ago, I would have laughed at them. I meant to take my camera, but of course, thinking of all the other things I had to do, I totally forgot it! www.reallife.cc

Halloween Party!

2007-10-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

Some of our really close friends had an adult only Halloween Party last night. We got a babysitter and spent way too much money on our costumes. We stayed out too late and had to get up too early this morning with the kids! It is so funny how times change...by late, I mean we came home at 11pm. Is this what turning 30 means? Staying out until 11 is late? Well, nonetheless, we had a blast. They had a karaoke machine that was the life of the party...or maybe I should say my husband was the life of the party. He went as a 70's pro-wrestler and was hilarious the entire night. I went as a fairy (with blond hair), but my wings came off early on in the night. It was fun to dress up with other people and have a good time without little children pulling on us the whole night.

Caleb and Mommy Date

2007-10-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile, I will take Caleb on a "date". Daddy does "hang-outs". We started this after we had Abby and we could tell how much he thrived on having our individual attention. Sometimes, I take him on my errands, stop and get ice cream, and call it a "date". Yesterday, though, we went on an actual date. He has been wanting to go to As You Wish to paint something of his very own (he got this idea after I went with some girlfriends a few months back). When we got there, he saw all the neat pieces that he could paint, and of all the cars, trucks, and balls, he chose to do a cactus. He is fascinated with cactus. I painted a picture frame with his handprint and he painted a cactus. We then got some ice cream, and I just had to take a picture of it...because it is bright green and blue...with gummy bears. One day, he will learn that brownie and caramel are the way to go...but at least I wasn't tempted in the slightest bit to eat some of his ice cream. We laughed, we talked, and we bonded...I love those moments. Yesterday was a moment in time I hope I carry in my heart forever.

Kiss summer goodbye!

2007-10-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Now, in most places...telling summer goodbye is a sad thing. Most people dread the short and cold days of winter. However, where I am, I LOVE October through May. This is by far my favorite time of year. My children spent so much time outside this weekend. It was so refreshing to have a cool breeze in the air and a fun time playing. We set up the bounce castle this weekend and the kids had a blast!

Love Language

2007-10-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

So, I have taken the time to write about many people in my life, but I haven't really focused on the most valuable person in my life yet. I have wanted to respect his privacy, but that doesn't mean a little braggin can't happen!

DS and I have been married for almost five years now! WOW! The time goes by so fast! He is a wonderful, dedicated, loyal, and loving man. I really can't imagine going through life with anyone but him. He is my partner through and through. We make good decisions together and I think we both truly love each other in an unconditional way.

However, our marriage is not perfect. We have had some really tough times, and yet, we have always pulled through. We have a couple of ways to get through those rocky times. One way, is that we have both decided we are committed to the marriage, not just each other. That way, when the person upsets you, you are still committed. Another way, is that we try to focus on each other's love language. Your love language is the way you "express" love and "feel" loved. The way that you show others that you love them is your love language. We all speak our own language! The problem lies in the fact that your spouse, partner, or child may not speak the same language, and therefore, does not feel "loved" by you.

DS is a quality time person. He wants my time and he wants my attention. In return, he gives me his time and attention. I, however, love words of affirmation. I love to be appreciated verbally for what I do, written notes, or told "I love you." We don't speak the same language! My husband has been so amazing lately, because I haven't had the "quality" time to spend with him because we are getting ready to launch a new church at the end of the month. Every extra minute I have is spent on children's ministry. He keeps encouraging me verbally and through email though. That's my guy!

Love languages can cross over to any relationship, and once you figure out some one's love language, you can make them feel loved no matter what. I am in the process of trying to figure out Caleb's love language. I think his might be touch. From the time he was first born, he has wanted to be held, kissed on, cuddled, and hugged. To this very day, he loves to be in one of our arms. Abby on the other hand, I have no idea! She pretends to talk all day, so maybe hers will be words...I mean after all, she does take after her mother!

Lost and Found

2007-10-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

What I am about to write about, has truly been one of the most fearful moments in my life. In retrospect, it really wasn't that long, or probably as big of a deal as I made it out to be...but other than when Caleb was hospitalized as a baby, I have never been so scared in my life.

The weather has FINALLY cooled down here...not a ton, but enough that park season is on! We normally go to the park right by our house, where I can see Caleb from all angles. Yesterday, I decided to take them to a HUGE park, Tumbleweed Park. As soon as I pulled up, I saw about 2-300 people playing on the various parts of the park. If you are in one area, then you can't see the other. Caleb was playing on the main playground, and I was on the small one right next to it with Abby. I was watching him play when Abby wanted to go down the slide, so I took her down the slide and immediately looked for him. I had seen him playing right before I went down the slide. When I looked up, he was gone. Completely gone. I did the mom thing in my head...he is probably sitting somewhere, on a slide, etc. etc. So, I walked circles for what felt like hours, but really was probably minutes, and no Caleb. Then, I realized, he had parked his bike over on the "street" bike path, and probably had gone back over there to ride some more. I ran over to that side of the park...his bike sat in the same spot he had left it. At this point, chills started to run down my spine. I felt the panick set in. I told myself to calm down, he had to be somewhere. I ran over to the sand pit, and didn't see him there. I looked over at the swings and did not see him there. So, at this point, real panick is setting in and I go around the main playground a few more times. A really nice mom grabbed me and told me I looked panicked, and did I need help. I broke into tears and told her my son was gone. She got up and started telling people to look for my son. About 20 different moms and dads started looking high and low for my son. The tears kept welling up in my eyes, and I would fight them back, telling myself he HAD to be there. I could not have the child that was kidnapped never to be seen again. I think at this point, I floated above myself and was watching it happen...not really, but it felt so surreal. So, I decided to look over at the swings one last time, and this taller kid moved out of the way, and there was Caleb trying to get on the tire swing. I lost it at that point. I ran to him, and immediately started just crying uncontrollably. His reply to all this, "I saw you going around and around the playground. I made sure I could see your pink shirt all the time." This is when I realized, he thought if he could see me, I could see him. Not so much! The one thing about Caleb is that he is very emotional. My little boy wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheek, and said, "mommy, I am so sorry I ran away. I didn't mean too."

Needless to say, all is well now...and I couldn't stop praying yesterday and thanking God for my little boy. At that moment, when I thought there was a chance I might never see him again, nothing mattered. It was the emptiest moment of my life, other than the hospital, when I thought I might lose him. Parents are not made to lose their children, and yet, many do. He woke up last night for an hour, and I didn't even mind being up with him (I am sure that will change soon).

As a mommy, I want to be able to protect my children, and keep them safe forever. I realize that may not happen, but the truth of the matter is that safety only goes so far, and we don't have control over everything...losing them would be the worst.

Thank You Lord for my children. I feel lost most the time in raising them and teaching them, but I do know one thing for sure, I absolutely love them and they are the best thing you have ever blessed me with.

San Francisco!

2007-09-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

So, as many of you already know, Dae-Sung and I got away for our second honeymoon! Well, not officially, but it was the FIRST time we have taken a vacation without the kiddos since Caleb was born. We had a FABULOUS time! DS had to fly up for work on Sunday, and I flew in Monday night. The first night I got into town, we went out to this quaint Italian restaurant, and spent over two hours eating and talking. Now, one without kids might ask why this is such a big deal. But, those of you out there with little kids totally get my excitement over a dinner with no spilled juice, no food dropped on the floor, no whining, no crying, etc. etc. The next morning we hit the town early and went exploring. We decided to go on a cruise around the bay, which was absolutely fabulous. DS had class in the afternoon, so I took it easy, worked out at the hotel, and just relaxed. It was during this time that I asked myself what I possibly did before I had kids! That night we went out to a crab house and enjoyed another lengthy dinner...and laughed at the couple next to us trying to contain their children. We also treated ourselves to a WONDERFUL dessert at Ghiradelli that night. The next day, DS went to class in the morning, so we bolted out of town to Sonoma in the afternoon. Everyone kept telling us to check out this one winery...Ferrari Carano. This was worth the drive! This literally took me back to Italy, with rolling hills covered in green grape vinyards and tall cypress trees. The winery itself was the most beautiful place I think I have ever been! Even if you don't drink wine, this is a place to see! The grass was so green and the flowers so colorful, that it just made you want to sit and soak it up all day long! It truly was a little piece of heaven on earth. Then, we headed into a little town and ate a once again, wonderful, non-interrupted dinner...and dessert...and then drove back into the city.

The next day I had to get up to head home again, but I was chomping at the bit to see my kids! I missed them so much...and although the "couple" life was absolutely fabulous for three days, I cannot imagine my life without them. They are my sunshine in my dark days. I missed their smiles and their laughs. I missed giving them hugs and kisses, especially in the morning and at night. To make matters worse, Abby was really sick while we were gone...so I especially couldn't wait to hold her in my arms and kiss on her. I thank God for my wonderful parents who were so kind as to take in my children and love on them the same way I would. I knew that they would be well taken care of, and it allowed me to relax and have a good time. Thank you mom and dad for giving this wonderful gift to me. You have no idea what it means to me!!!!

My New Job!

2007-09-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it is not necessarily a paying job as of yet...but let me just say that God is good, He knows what He is doing. So, remember back when I was so upset that I didn't get those preschool teaching positions? I was so perplexed as to why I was turned down for both jobs. I also applied for many positions that I was qualified for, and yet, never got called. It was as if the door kept shutting. I knew God had other plans for me, but I just didn't understand what or when (and I kept praying that it wasn't another baby!). At the same time as my job let-downs, we decided to leave the church that we call home to help start another church plant. We really felt called to go. That is still a hard decision. We meet in homes on a weekly basis for our life groups, but we are not meeting yet on Sunday mornings...so we still go to Central Christian for Sunday mornings. It is making it emotionally difficult to make a clean break. ;)

With all of that being said, one night at our life group, the children's pastor, Larry, heard me talking about how I wanted a job, and I would probably go back to full-time teaching next year. He asked me why I wanted a job, and I told him for myself, and the extra money would be nice. He then proceeded to ask me if I had any interest in working in Children's Ministry. Children's ministry has always been on my "list" of one of the many jobs I would like to hold one day, so I told him YES! Well, nothing really happened for a couple of weeks, but the last two weeks I have been swamped in work! I am at the point now, where I am literally laying out and planning curriculum for the preschool and elementary ages. I LOVE IT! Anyone who knows me knows that this is my passion--curriculum development. I get excited just when anyone mentions curriculum! I really do feel that this is what God had set aside for me. I don't know when I will officially be "on staff" and at this point, I am not really seeking monetary value...but something different--a value that goes way beyond money.

The really weird thing is the way that God works...I don't know why I have moments lacking in faith, but I guess, I am human. A few years ago, we were in Portland for Dae-Sung's job. I got very involved in the church there, and was asked to help with being a lead teacher over the nursery. There, I decided I really wanted to go into children's ministry and applied to a seminary school here in Phoenix. I got nervous about going to seminary school, and the cost, so instead I decided to take classes towards nursing. A few months after that, I applied for a job in Children's ministry at Central Christian...but I chickened out at the last minute because it meant that Caleb, who was only 18 months at the time, would be in childcare. Ever since then, it has been on my mind that I wanted to work in children's ministry, but I never dreamed it would be here and now. It is truly amazing the way that God has brought me to this point. I don't know what the future holds, and maybe I never will go on staff, and God is just using me right now...but maybe I will. I think he has been pushing me in this direction for a long time, and I have found ways to skirt around it, but not this time.

Too sweet...

2007-09-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

My son and I had a moment this week. Actually, we have lots of moments...some good, some not so good...but this one was beyond good--it was a moment to remember. I put Abby in bed early because she was so cranky, and Caleb and I were eating our dinner together before Daddy came home from work. He put his arm around me and told me he loved me. I did the same. Then he laid his head on my arm and said "Your my best mommy ever". I laughed and told him I am his only mommy ever! Then he squeezed me again, and he said, "Mommy I pray for you everyday." This melted my heart! I am sure he doesn't actually do that...but the fact that he thought about me in that way, and that he is understanding that we give special care to the special people in our lives.

He really has been a different child lately, and I don't know if it is because he is off of his asthma medicine, or if he is just finally getting it. We started a gummy bear jar (thanks to Stephanie for donating us the jar before she left--full of gummy bears!). We put a gummy bear in for things such as saying thank you and please, or brushing his teeth, getting dressed, taking baths, etc. etc. The things that have always been so hard to get him to do unless he really wanted to. Needless to say, we take a gummy bear out for rude behavior, disobedience, or a lack of respect. He then has to "earn" the gummy bears to get a new toy. I love it! He sees something he wants, and he works so hard to get it. It is funny when he really wants something new...he says please and thank you for everything, just hoping that will be the time that I reward a gummy bear. I am so happy that he is finally at an age that we can work these things out together, instead of just constant time outs and spankings. That was getting so frustrating...I am sure in a few months, the newness of this will wear off, and we will have to do something different...but whatever, it works for now!

Thank you God for my sweet sweet boy! May you bless him with a long healthy life!

End of Summer!

2007-09-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess Labor Day is suppose to mark the end of summer. However, for us here in the southwest, I think summer is going to be around for at least another month if not another 2 months. It seems each year, October stays hotter for longer. Anyway, we had a blast yesterday celebrating the supposed end of summer. We went to my parents house where my mom made these incredible Greek burgers...oh they were delicious. Our friends Robbie and Alisen came over with their kids and we all had fun swimming. Abby seemed to have a little cold, but it didn't really stop her. She started playing outside for awhile and every time I would ask her if she was ready to go inside, she would shake her head "no". This is now her new thing...if we ask her if she wants to go night-night, she shakes her head "no" and runs away. Just like her brother!

Shall we say Tomboy?

2007-09-01T09:24:00.001-07:00

So, I hate to admit it...but I think I might have a tomboy on my hands! I dress my little girl in pink and put bows in her hair (what hair she has)...and put on cute shoes...BUT...truth of the matter is that she loves everything Caleb. She LOVES cars and trucks and most importantly, all of his tools. She is a climber! She climbs on EVERYTHING and tries to climb out of everything. This morning, she got into a fight with a marker, and the marker won (while I was checking my email of course)! But, I had to take pictures of her this morning because not only did she have marker all over her face, but she was playing "Nascar". See, we have this little car with wheels and it has a door on one side. She absolutely INSISTS on going into the car on the side that has no door. We joke around that she will be the next girl Nascar driver. I don't know how many times we have tried to teach her to go through the door...she wants to climb through the window. These are some pics of her this morning...as you can see, she climbs on everything and is into everything.
This morning was actually cloudy...so the kids got to play outside for once...even though it was like 95 outside already...but no sun means a little play time.

I've been tagged!

2007-08-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

4 jobs I've had
1. Rainforest Cafe hostess
2. Robinson's May (men's suits)
3. Teacher
4. YMCA site director

4 movies I can watch over and over again
1. Clueless
2. The Notebook
3. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
4. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

4 Places I have lived
1. Arvada, Colorado
2. Malibu, California
3. Florence, Italy
4. Portland, Oregon

4 Guilty Pleasures
1. Internet/email
2. Ice Cream
3. T.V. shows (Grey's Anatomy, Friday Night Lights, Desperate Housewives etc.)
4. Wine (must have a glass at night...I just gotta)

4 Places I have been on Vacation
1. Myrtle Beach, SC
2. The Virgin Islands
3. Hawaii
4. Paris

Favorite Foods
1. Pizza
2. Good salad- with yummy add-ins... light on the lettuce please
3. brownie
4. Greek food

4 websites I can visit
1. my blog/friends blogs
2. craigslist
3. target
4. old navy

4 places I would rather be right now
1. On the beach
2. at the mall
3. taking a walk with a friend ;)
4. on an airplane with my hubby and NO KIDS flying to some exotic vacation

4 books I love
1. Harry Potter
2. The Notebook
3. 40 Days of Purpose
4. The Power of a Praying Wife

4 things I would like to know how to do
1. Be a nurse
2. sew
3. Plan meals efficiently and economically
4. cut/color hair

Neglected Body Parts
1. tummy
2. derrier
3. legs
4. the milk bank (formally known as breasts but now known as saggy things which hang from my chest)

Things that I worry about
1. About my children growing up to love God and love others
2. Eating healthy and teaching my children to eat healthy
3. money
4. Something horrible and catastrophic happening to hubby or children

4 Happy moments
1. Saying "I do" to DS
2. Graduating from college
3. Both children being born
4. Trying out for Deal or No Deal

4 things I want to do this year
1. Sell the house!
2. Train for a half marathon
3. Get a job for myself that doesn't compromise my children/family
4. Plan a party for our 3oth birthdays

4 people I am tagging (you can do it in an email)
1. Nichole Hammontree
2. Anna Smith
3. Dae-Sung Yi
4. Vicki Diemert

Too obsessed...

2007-08-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

It has been almost two weeks since I posted, and you want to know why? I am completely and totally obsessed with a show...Friday Night Lights. It isn't on right now...so I have been watching the first season on nbc.com. I am telling you, it is the BEST show I have seen in a LONG time. I can't get enough...after each episode that I watch, I have to control my hand from clicking on the NEXT episode.

Let me explain how this obsessiveness has always played out in my life...I have always had somewhat of an "obsessive" behavior pattern. Whatever I decide to do, I usually do it 110% and become absolutely obsessed with it. If I decide to start exercising, I am not okay with 3 times a week...oh no...for me it has to be everyday, or it doesn't count (I know that is not true logically). If I am eating healthy and on a "health-kick", then I go all out...no cheating whatsoever, and it becomes my obsession. Because this has always been my personality, I have always had to control myself when it comes to television shows or books. I can drown myself in a book (like Harry Potter--which was FABULOUS if you haven't read the last one) or a show, or even a movie because I absolutely love being taken to this other world. I love learning about people, places, and how they all interact. It fascinates me. I don't know if this is a good thing, or a bad thing, but I am in the midst of an absolute obsession right now, called, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. Dae-Sung and I caught a couple of re-runs right at the end of the season, and it trapped us. We both wondered why we couldn't get into it at first (we tried at the beginning of the season). So, now, every possible split second I get...I run to the computer, go to nbc.com and I watch my next episode...pretty pathetic.

But, you know I have to connect this to real life somehow...and I started thinking about if I can get that obsessed with fictional characters that don't even exist, how much more does God obsess over us who really do exist? Not in a bad way, but a good way. He is watching my show everyday day in and day out, and he is watching your show too. He knows everything that goes on. The difference is that we can go to Him in prayer and ask for help in our lives, to praise Him for the blessings, and have Him guide us everyday. These poor people in this fictional show don't have that chance...but bringing me back to reality, I DO!! I have the chance to let God in and let him be obsessed with me! How awesome is that? He loves me so much, that out of every person on this planet, he still pays attention to me. That amazes me. Who am I that He could love me so much? But, He does...and He loves you too. Let Him in...and let Him be obsessed with you...

Say "cheese"!

2007-08-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

I wish there was a way for me to explain all of the new and cute things that Abby does each day. She is gaining about a word or two a week, and she is cruising everywhere. She thinks if she puts her hand to her chest (which is the sign for please) then she should get whatever she asks for! Her favorite toy right now is the remote and anybody's drink...we all know how germaphobe I am...so I have to work on breaking her of that!

Today she had her very first peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and so far, no sign of an allergy! She LOVED it and she literally ate every piece off of her tray, which is rare! Now if only she could teach her brother how to eat...

Battle of the buldge...

2007-08-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Meaning my buldge...right in the middle of my body. I am finding it increasingly difficult to maintain my womanly figure. I have had the excuse for the last year that I just had a baby...but that baby is now a year old...no more excuses of the baby. After two children in 3 years, let's just say my flat stomach is still there...it is just hidden under layers of battle wounds (aka fat).

I have gone up and down within a 10 lb range since about December, and right now I am more towards the upper end. I think I am really frustrated because the weather lately has been so hot that it is hard to even think about swimming, much less doing anything else. There still are not any gyms near us, or at least within 10 miles of us. There are about 3 that are "suppose" to open soon...but who knows how long that will be.

So...because of the lack of gym nearby, I decided yesterday to do pilates at home. It made me realize that my 30th birthday really is soon...too soon! I can honestly say that what use to come easy to me just a year or two ago, was so hard. It hurt to lift my legs and contort my body in the ways that the 110 pound girls on the television were doing. They made it look so effortless, while I, kept looking around my family room making sure there were no other eyes on me.

But you see, I am my own worst enemy when it comes to losing weight. I am so motivated during the day, but late afternoon and night time are my times of weakness. I begged my husband to go get ice cream for me last night, but he said just to chew gum instead. Grrrrr...who is he to keep me from my luxuries??!! I am just kidding...it actually worked. So, I chewed my gum and drank water, and I can't say the craving was totally gone, but at least a little bit.

So, I have decided that I must join a gym, even if it is 10 miles away, until one closer opens up. It is important to feel good about myself and to stay healthy so that I am around for a long time for my children. Maybe...just maybe...I can make that goal that I set when I turned 25, which was that I would be able to run a half marathon by the time I turned 30. I turn 30 in May...so maybe...just maybe...

Healthy dose of perspective...

2007-08-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my last blog sounded a little whiny...I know...I know. But, I am telling you, I find this mom thing to be so hard and difficult! I thought it would be sunshine and roses...I honestly did. I have those people in my life though, that bring such wisdom and perspective. My father is one of those people. He is such an incredible man, who lives with complete integrity and honesty. He isn't afraid to tell me like it is, and yet, he is compassionate and understanding. Last night, we were talking and he told me that he remembers just how hard it was when us girls were all little, and then, he remembers how excited they were to get to the next stage of parenting...because it would just be a little easier. Now, we are all grown and they have grandkids. It made me realize, these hard days are just a tiny blip in my life. Before I know it, I will be snapping pictures at prom, giving them away in marriage, and holding my own little grandbaby. I am sure nobody expects life to zoom by them as quickly as it does...and wasting it away whining doesn't do anybody good.

This also made me start thinking that if my earthly father has such great perspective and wisdom, then how much more my Father in Heaven has perspective. He knows my life and what is ahead. He knows the bumps and the bruises, but also the joys and happiness that is still to come. I know I need to lean on Him and seek Him in all that I do...including parenting. I only get one shot at this parenting thing, so that is why I get so frustrated and scared to mess it up. It is by far the LARGEST responsibility that I have ever been given. BUT, I know if I lean on Him, and take the gift of earthly wisdom from those around me (such as my dad), then I know God will guide my parenting.

I love you dad! Thank you for all the wisdom...and perspective.

Had a bad day...

2007-08-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

There is a song out that I kept singing last week, "I had a bad day..."--I don't know the rest, but that was enough for me! The reason I didn't really blog last week was because I was beside myself with depression. This isn't a "poor-me, or self-pity party...I truly was down in the dumps last week.

My son has NEVER been easy...from the day that he was born. He has always been anxious and excitable. But, before I explain him last week, let me say that he has the sweetest side of him...polite and cuddly. That is why I put the picture of him cuddling the dog...when C is doing well, that is how he is. But...last week, he got sick and let me tell you...he gave me more of a run for my money than I think I have ever had. He hit me, called me names, told me he hates me, and basically made my life miserable. Since he was sick, I didn't feel as if I had a real outlet, such as playdates or whatever. So, the thought that this is what I do ALL day EVERY day really started to bum me out...I am staying at home for what??!! To get beat up on and yelled at? This is when I decided, I HAVE to get a job! I WANT A JOB! But, we all know how that went...but alas, I am not giving up hope. I am trying to be diligent in prayer about C and about getting a job.

I think...that if I get a job, then all my problems with C will be resolved...but I know that is not true deep down inside. Truly though, I am bored to tears being a stay at home mom. I have so many friends who truly LOVE it...why can't I LOVE it? I feel like I put all this time, energy, and money into my education so that I can stay home and have babies. I had to take C to the doctor on Friday and it was the P.A. who saw us. I realized, I went to high school with the guy! Here is a guy who has accomplished being a doctor and I...well...I have figured out really well how to pop out children.

Okay, so I know those of you reading this are probably thinking that I need to realize what blessings my children are...and trust me, I do! I just think that it is time...time for a job. Time for me to have something else to do instead of play with play dough and watch Handy Manny for the 100th time. Time for C and I to have some healthy time apart. Yesterday, my parents took him the whole day since A is now sick from C last week, and he came home asleep last night. I felt so refreshed and excited to see him this morning. I realized it was the first day we had been apart since I was in the hospital with A. I need some space, but so does he. He has been an angel today and much easier...due to preschool this morning and a day away yesterday.

I know all of you moms understand out there...and I know those of you who aren't moms will get it when you become a mom! Being a mom is the HARDEST and most DIFFICULT job I have ever had...and I wonder if I am screwing it all up...so I go back to what I always lean on--prayer.

Dear Lord,
I ask that you would grant me wisdom in parenting. It is so much harder than I ever thought it would be. Please bless our family with an outlet for me and space for C, but keep us close together. I want to live for you Lord, and raise my children to do the same.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

For Such a Time As This...

2007-07-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read the story of Esther? Esther is this young "average" girl who ends up as queen, even though she was of no royal heritage. She didn't even want to become queen, and keeps questioning why she has this role. God strategically placed her in this situation so that she could appeal to her husband (the king) to save her people. God put her in the right place at the right time so he could use her for His purpose and His plan.

I am definitely not a queen, and have no plans in the making for that! BUT, my husband and I have questioned several times over why we keep buying houses within the same community and haven't branched out. This new church that we are trying to decide if we are going to help start, is somewhat centered in our community. Is it that God has placed us here for such a time as this?

We are so excited about helping this church, but I specifically, am SO reluctant to leave our home church. I have been fed and grown more spiritually there in the last 5 years than I had my entire previous church experiences put together. To leave Central means to walk away from such a pivotal place in my spiritual growth. Yesterday though, during Communion, I had a conversation with God...and it went something like this:
"God, I don't want to leave Central, I love it here."
"It isn't about you though, it is about me."
"But, I love the sermons, and I learn about you every week, I feel watered here and can grow here, what if I can't at the new place?"
"It isn't abouy you though, it is about me."

I felt God whispering in my ear like I never have before, and I now know, it is time and this is what we are suppose to do. I am excited and scared, nervous and anxious, and yet, I have the Peace that Passes all Understanding...His Peace.

Check it out: http://reallife.cc

Make New Friends But Keep the Old...

2007-07-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

It is truly amazing to me the way that people flow in and out of my life. I don't want that to come out the wrong way, but I have had to say goodbye to some pretty amazing people lately, and it has been really hard for me. I am not good about openly showing my true emotions, such as sadness...but a few months ago, I had to say goodbye to one of my dearest friends, Stephanie. She was my neighbor, and such a great conversationalist, and walking partner! We had so much in common and she always inspired my creativity and encouraged to be the best mother I know how. But, sadly, they moved to New York and I miss her like crazy.

Another good friend of mine is moving this week too...all the way across the country. I was thinking a couple of weeks ago about how I feel like two people very close to me are moving away and how lonely I might feel at times when I couldn't call on them like I use to. However, about a month or two ago, God also brought somebody back into my life that I had met a couple years back and lost contact with. Nichole is this amazingly fun and honest person that I love hanging out with and chatting with. I feel like I can be real with her...and tell her how I lose my temper with my children and how I get frustrated with being a stay at home mom, and she gets it.

About 8 months ago I met a friend named Alisen...and her and I just hit it off right away...she is now one of my closest friends, as our husbands are also really close. It is truly amazing to me the way that God has consistantly provided me with amazing girl friends...and when I think I might be losing one, he has blessed me with more. No friend can ever replace an old friend, and those friendships continue to grow through distance and time. But, I thank God for all of my wonderful girlfriends...

I especially thank God for my wonderful mother and sisters. They truly are the guiding light in my life. They help me when I am down, and give me advice from parenting to fashion. Kelly is so much fun to be around and always looks for the good in people, and Rachel loves to have a deep intellectual conversation. Mom is always up for conversation whether it has to do with make-up or medicine. These ladies make my days brighter and better. I love you all!

Do I dare try to list them all...as I am afraid I might miss one...but this is my tribute to my friends! I love you all so much and wouldn't be who I am without you!!!

To Stephanie in NY...I miss you so badly...to Nichole, I am so excited to see where this friendship goes...to Alisen...you are such a great sounding board in every walk of life...to Kelly, my dear sister...no one compares...to Rach...my other sister...I love it when we talk openly and candidly...to my mother...you truly are my BEST FRIEND...to Vicki and Theresa...I love the way we laugh so hard when we are together...to Lori, Carrie, and Erin...thank you for so many fun playdates...to Kim and Shannon, my oldest and dearest friends, no friendship could compare to the one that lasts the test of time...to Katie, Erin, Anna, and Jenna...my memories of fun college life stays alive and keeps me close to you all the time...Reza, I think you are amazing and hope one day to call you my sister-in-law, and finally, but not last, Tammie thanks for all the MOPS memories!!