Happy Thanksgiving

I know that I haven't posted in FOREVER. I guess I haven't felt inspired to write. I know I need to post pictures of soccer, Halloween, our trip to China.

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Stay safe and I hope all is well with all of you. We're having a houseful of people coming for dinner. It should be an adventure.

Brodie's First Day of School

Brodie is now a KINDERGARTENER!! He was very excited about this. His teacher, Mrs. Emery is the sweetest thing. He had gone to preschool and last year he went to a Korean school, so going to school was not a big deal for him. He had a great first day and still loves going.

Silly Cain kids!

Walking up to his classroom.Outside on the Kindergarten playground.

"Where were you born?" Mrs. Emery asked everyone where they were born.

After we dropped Brodie off, there was a WOO-HOO, BOO-HOO party with juice and donuts. Creed LOVED this part!

Jenna's first day of school

Jenna is a BIG second grader now. Her teacher is new to Korea, but came from Germany. She really likes her class and even knows a girl from Camp Humphreys that is in her class. One down, one to go!

Walking down the stairs close to our apartment.

Jenna in front of Seoul American Elementary School.Where Mrs. Lundy's class lines up.Lined up for class.Jenna and Mrs. Lundy.

Jenna's Birthday

Our sweet little girl has turned 7 now. It's SO hard to believe just how fast those years have gone by. Daddy was busy doing an exercise, so he wasn't able to be there for her family party. It was the boys and myself. She opened her gifts from Mimi and Poppa Owl, Buh Buh and Aunt Becky. She had pretty much a full blown Barbie party. Mariposa Barbies, Scuba Barbie and even a Barbie sun buggy! Aunt Becky knows just how much she LOVES to read, so she got her a couple of Clementine books.
Jenna with all of her "loot"!

Castle birthday cake that she wanted me to make her. This was the practice cake.

Jenna really wanted a birthday party with her friends too. So, we had her party at the waterpark on Camp Humphreys. All had a great time, minus the 3 hour, each way, trip there and back. It's the start of Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving. Traffic was terrible, but we made it!
Friends at the water park. The actual cake part turned out much better the second time around. However the cone part didn't work as well since our 1 1/2 hour trip down there turned into a 3 hour trip and the icing was quite melted by that time. Everyone thought the cake was great though!

New Post

I have plenty to write about, just haven't made the time. I'll post about the first days of school here and some birthdays this weekend. Sorry it's taken so long!

George W. Bush

As most of you know, The President, George W. Bush came to Korea. Bill has an important job, just not important enough to be invited to the shindig. So, the kids and I walked down where the motorcade was going to be. I got a couple of pictures of his car, but they were moving too fast to get a picture of him.

It was pretty exciting around post today. Brodie said that his Dad was important and was wondering why he didn't get to meet the President.

Dinosaur play

Not sure what was transpiring here. I thought it looked very cute.

I guess the "smaller" dino's wanted to gang up on the one, lonely "big" dinosaur.

Monsoon Season

As most of my few readers know, it is monsoon season here in Korea. Some days it rains and rains and rains. Today was an exception. It was just plain hot and humid. A day to spend at the pool or indoors. I chose the later after swim lessons today. Here are a few pictures.

This is what the monsoon season brings you.

This is what 3 days of being spent inside look like. We went outside to play. They saw the BIG puddles. How can a Mom resist telling a kid to NOT play in the big puddles. I just said....go ahead, get soaked. They had so much fun. The after that it was bath time. Too much mud, dirt and grass.This pull up just had TOO much!!Korean bunny ears for Brodie...ten for Creed.

September 11th

I know it's July, but when a question is asked about September 11th I had to blog about it. Here in Seoul, we have 5 star lodging. In the main entrance area, there is a sign that has a ribbon and September 11, 2001. Jenna was under the assumption that was the date the lodging was built. In my heart, I knew this day would come. Jenna and Brodie were discussing that date and still were assuming that was the date the lodging was built. I had to correct them and find a way to not terrorize them into thinking the world is full of mean, terrible, terrible people. I know the world is FULL of these people. However, I would like my children to remain innocent for as long as possible. I don't think Brodie "gets" it as much as Jenna does. Jenna is smart, she's reading in a 3rd grade level, she investigates and researches things.

How it broke my heart that I had to tell, knowing that they will never understand what it did to our nation as a whole. Jenna was about 3 weeks old when the planes hit the towers, pentagon and field. I was supposed to fly the following week to visit my family. Of course plans were changed and I had to fly later than I wanted. I wondered how this would affect my husband, what would become of his job and where he would end up. How my heart broke for all those people, families, friends, co-workers and parents who had their lives taken too soon.

All I know is, this terrible thing happened. I want my kids innocence for as long as possible. So, I told them that some bad men took control of airplanes that hit the towers, the pentagon and field. I didn't go further into what exactly happened. They were happy with the answer Mommy was able to give them....for now.

Emergency 911

Does this title remind any of you of that show?? I guess that dates me and tells others just exactly how old I am. On with the show or story I should say. Of my three children, I have one sweet one that tends to faint at the sight of her own blood. Yes, this has happened on a few occassions, one time even at the playground. I know what to do in these instances. I prop her feet up, keep talking to her to have her look at me, get some orange juice. Once she's come to, she's completely fine. It's pretty much gotten to the point where she knows she's going to faint and can tell me/us. It still gets the heart racing, but we know what to do, so really it's not that big of a deal.

Yesterday Jenna went over to her friends house, I guess I can be techincal and say apartment, since we're living in an apartment building. She'd been gone for a little bit. I know where she's at, no big deal. I guess her friend was at art class at our local arts and crafts shop. Her friends Mom had Jenna walk down to get her friend. Friends mom said that they bring the friend out to the parking lot so Mom doesn't have to go in with her 1 year old twins. They waited and waited. Finally someone came out and said that the friend had dropped some ceramic thing she was working on and cut herself. From my understanding, there was a nurse there(not sure if she was just there or worked there) and was getting the glass pulled out of friends fingers. Jenna was walking around and said she wanted friend to see her and then saw...BLOOD! Of course all the talk about bleeding didn't help. She called out to friends mom and then down she went. Friends Mom was completely freaked out. She called me and said that Jenna was on the floor and wouldn't wake up or get up and that she had called 911. I had no clue what was going on, so I gather up the boys, speed over there to find the EMT's loading her up on a gurney. I found out that friend was bleeding and what had happened. Jenna fainted at her friends blood. She's fainted at her own blood, but not anyone elses.

At the hospital they asked me all these questions. I told them that I've taken her to the Dr. for that in particular and there is nothing medically wrong with her. That's just how she deals with blood and pain. I should have know this would happen to at least one of my children since their father will faint when he has blood taken and his Mom faints as well.

I talked to friends mom and now she knows what to do when this happens. Hopefully it won't happen again on her watch.

E-mart

Today we ventured out into the city and went to E-mart. It's within walking distance, so we don't have to take the car out into the city. The downfall is, we can't buy too much or we'd have to take a taxi back to the gate. I guess that's not too much of a problem.

When we arrived to E-mart, it reminded us of Wal-mart, Target at Christmas. Very crowded with people. I'm sure that it's not that crowded during the weekdays. I'm sure I'll find out at some point. We got some things and then made the trip back to post.

On the way back, we noticed this alley. I turned and looked at Bill, saying something to the effect of, "Is that a hooker back there?" He said that it looked like some of the alley around CP Casey when he was here 13 years ago. I told him that I didn't notice it on the way to E-mart, neither did he. He also said something to the effect of "I bet that area is off limits." I'm pretty sure that it is. Unless you want to take a visit to the Dr. shortly after. Reminded me of a story he told me when we got here. The first time he came to Korea, we weren't married, actually didn't even know one another then. So, he was by himself. A guy had just arrived to Korea and was told about the "red light" district. He was told that was asking Bill about the water here. He said that it hurt everytime he peed. Bill knew where he'd been by just that one comment. Bill told the guy he needed to go to the Dr.

Next time I go, I'll try to remember the camera. Then I'll have some pictures to show you all.

We're moved in

Well, we finally moved in last Friday. I promise to post pictures of our new place when it's presentable enough. I'm sure it will get done sometime this long weekend.

Here's some pictures of our view at dusk. I must say, we do have a much better view than our last place. Our view there was some barracks and the class six shoppette. For those of you non military...the liquor store. We could tell you just how many beers were going to be consumed on any given weekend. Of course pay days were better because they all had money!

Here's a view of E-mart. I've talked about this store before. We like to shop there.

These are just some pictures of the view around. Not really sure what type of buildings they are. Either apartments or office buildings I'm sure.

Lodging

All I've got to say is....it sucks when you have sick kids. It sucks worse when you're in lodging and have sick kids. Jenna had some bug right before Father's Day. Creed had a bug today and who knows if Brodie will get it, but if I'm willing to bet, I would say yes.

Please say a few prayers that they all get better and stay well. We'll be moving into our new apartment on Friday. I'm ready....well, I can honestly say, I think we're all ready.

Dragon Hill Lodge

Well, we've been here at the "Dragon" since June 9. It's gone much better than I anticipated. Maybe it's because we've been keeping busy.

Brodie has been "discovered"!! When I say this....he's been working. When we were living at Humphreys, my friend had this modeling agent come down. She knew some people who had modeled for this lady when they lived here in Seoul. She loves Brodie. He's worked just about every day this week. Needless to say, he's made a lot of money!! I think that Jenna and Creed will model at some point, but they really like Brodie. I was also approached at the playground here to have them model too. We'll see if they get any jobs.

We'll be moving into our new "digs" next Friday...notice I said...not this Friday, NEXT Friday. We are all anxious to be able to live in our own space.

We hope all is well with all of you. For those of you going back or just arriving back to the good old US of A, please have a cherry limeade for me! Thinking of you at your new duty station and keep in touch with us!

Moving

I know that you're all wondering what has been going on with our family as of late. We moved out of our apartment a couple of weeks ago. We moved into lodging until the Change of Command my husband had to be at. After that, we did some things with the kids...go to their classrooms, etc. Then we were on our way to Seoul. We've been here since Monday. We looked at the apartment we'll be living in, but it really needs maintenance. I would have LOVED to be able to just move in, but I also know that I wouldn't be happy if I didn't get it painted and any other problems taken care of. With that being said, we'll be in lodging until June 26. That will mean that we'll be out of a home for around 23 days. Not that I am complaining too much...look at all those who are without a home due to mother nature. I'm just saying that being in 2 hotel rooms with 3 small children can really wear on your nerves. I'm making it work though. At least they have a play ground here so we can go out and they can expend some pent up energy. I'll post pictures of our new place once we're settled.

Yard Sale

Today I had a table at our post "yard" sale. Fummy thing is, there wasn't a yard in sight! We had it in the parking lot right by the thrift store. I guess they were thinking that once it's over for the day, people can unload all of their prized possessions that no one bought. With our moving coming up, I thought I would go and sell some stuff. Well, actually, my friend told me I really should do this instead of just getting rid of it, which is what I was going to do. So much to do, so little time. Well, I'm glad that I went. I made around $70. Now, that is NO WHERE close to what was spent on these fine objects, but it's better than nothing. Maybe now we can get the lap top fixed. The one where one small child of ours decided to pour puzzle glue on top of the keyboard. That way we'll have computer access once our stuff gets picked up on Tuesday. I hope you had a grand Saturday!

Moving

Bill finally got his orders after he told someone Friday would be too late to get them. With this unplanned move, things are on a tight schedule. When I say this, really, we found out that we would be moving in about a month. There is this AFN commercial that we ALWAYS laugh at...it goes something like this...."I just got my orders. We move in two weeks." We've always been like, yeah right. That REALLY happens. Most of the time, it doesn't. For us, when we got them, we'll be moving in three weeks. We'll be cleaning up around here, walls, etc. The yard sale is next Saturday and I'm hoping to sell a lot of stuff. We'll see how that goes. I guess if I don't sell it, I'll donate it to the thrift store. The packers will be coming on the 3rd. We'll be going into lodging shortly after that. We have a change of command to go to on the 9th. Bill will final out here, then he'll sign in, in Seoul when we get up there. We're not quite sure how long we'll be in lodging, it could be 2-3 weeks. We really hope it isn't that long, but it could be. Hopefully I won't have pulled out all of my hair by then!=)

Orders

Well, Bill did get his RFO on Friday. This is the piece of paper that you need to get your orders. Now we're waiting on some stuff that we need so they can put some special words on the orders. This is how it works with the military. We're moving in.....about 3 weeks. We have a TON of stuff we need to get done. Purge, purge, purge!!! Some of the toys the kids just don't play with anymore...they need to go away. I think I've pretty much weeded out most of their clothing, but my neighbor gave me clothes for the boys that I have to go through. We have to schedule the movers, get our place clean, etc. I did find someone who will keep our fish for us until we're settled. I know that Jenna's heart would be broken if I found a new home for them. I just can't keep them until we have housing. There is no place to clean their bowls in a hotel room.

So, we're headed in the right direction...hopefully it will not take that long to get things scheduled.

Things are....

Looking up!!=) We did have a little bit of a rough night, but this morning the sun was shining and the kids were feeling better. Much better. No tummy aches, no fever, happiness!!

Jenna's glad that she'll be able to go to school tomorrow, not to take her spelling test or turn in her homework packet, but to be able to feed Jenny B. I'll have to take my camera in so I can get a picture of her with the sweet bunny.

We hope you are all healthy and happy!

Sick...again

Well, now Jenna and Creed have the bug. Our friends daughter has it as well. We had them over for Mother's Day. Jenna is very distraught with the fact of her being sick. She keeps telling me that she HAS to be better in two days. You see, they have some class pets. One is Susie and she is a dwarf hamster. They just got another class pet, Jenny B and she is a dwarf rabbit. On Friday, it's her turn to feed Jenny B. I told her that I was pretty sure that she wouldn't be going to school tomorrow, but most likely she'll be better by Friday....at least that's what I'm hoping!!! Say a few prayers for this sickness to be out of our house soon.

I know a few of you are wondering about our move. We're supposed to be up in Seoul on June 9. Bill doesn't have his orders yet. Without these couple of pieces of paper, NOTHING happens!! So, he's talked to a few people telling them our tight timeline. We're hoping he gets them before Friday. If not, then his boss will be making some phone calls on his behalf. So, once I know more, then you'll know more.

Peace out!

Good News

Brodie does not have the hand, foot and mouth disease. He woke up in a great mood and feeling fine. I kept him home from school today, in all reality, he could have gone. I'm continuing to pray so that he doesn't get it.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Brodie may have this. I guess it's going around the Korean schools. I'm pretty sure NONE of my kids have had this. I've heard when one gets it, the others will too. I'm not happy about this, if this is true and he does have it. It's supposed to last 7-10 days. People!! I don't have 2-3 weeks for sick kids!!! We're moving in less than a month. We have stuff to do. No time for sick kids....I REPEAT....NO TIME FOR SICK KIDS!! Had to get that off my chest. Say a prayer or two for all of my kids and hope that Brodie gets better quickly and the other two don't get it.

Seoul--part II

As most of my few readers know, we've lived in Korea for almost 2 years. When we moved here, we lived in Daegu...way down south. Then after living there for 11 months, we were told that we were going to move to Camp Humphreys. Located in Pyeongtaek. About 1-1 1/2 hours south of Seoul. When Bill was on leave...aka vacation for his second week, we were shopping in e-mart(this is the korean wal-mart....but WAY nicer!) and his phone rings. This is a little unusual, since it hasn't rung the entire time he's been on leave. While I'm continuing my shopping, he's talking. It was a pretty brief conversation. Basically he was told he was going to interview for an aide de camp job. This is a pretty important position. You are the aide to a general. He went to the interview. It went well, but due to his timeline for his job, didn't get the job. I was happy!! Not moving again!! Then he was told that his interview would go for this other job. The secretary to the general...and a few other important people. He told me...no way will I get that job. I'm pretty much elated!! Staying in one place. Friday at dinner he told me the person who was supposed to get the job had other things they needed to do, so they didn't get the job. I asked what that meant. He told me he didn't know. Saturday morning he got a phone call. HE GOT THE JOB. You know, the one he knew he wouldn't get. So, with all of this said...we will be moving....AGAIN...to Seoul. It will be this summer. Not sure exactly when. We'll live there for a year. The good news is that we'll pretty much get to go where ever we want to next. I have to keep telling myself there is a silver lining to every cloud. We know that God has a plan for us and we need to go and do what his plan is.

LUKE...I AM YOUR FATHER

Some little boy brought this out to the playground. He said that Creed could use it. I had to call Bill to bring me the camera. He looks like a little bobble head Darth Vadar!!!

You know that you've been in Korea long enough....

When you start eating your macaroni and cheese with chopsticks!!!

Seoul

We went up to Seoul on a Monday. Once we got up there, we decided to take the subway to the COEX aquarium. Let me tell you, taking the subway in Seoul is an adventure with 3 small children. In Daegu, we got on at one stop, got off at the stop we're supposed to get off at, no questions asked. In Seoul, they have several lines on the subway. We were on the yellow line and needed to transfer to the blue line. Once we got off the subway...about 30 minutes later(no kidding!) we walked our way through the COEX mall to the aquarium. I know, strange to have the aquarium right in this huge mall. We made it...FINALLY!!! We got our tickets and started on our adventure. Bill, Jenna, Creed and I are looking at all the cool looking fish. Where is Brodie you ask??? He decided to RUN through the aquarium. It's a good thing we're here in Korea, because that is not frowned upon so much. He did get a big talking to about his behavior though. Onto the pictures.

Jenna and Brodie looking at some fish. This was at the very beginning of the aquarium.

Jenna and Creed looking at some fish. Brodie had run off at this point.Jenna, Brodie and Creed in a divers mask.Creed looking at some fish.All three kids in a funny mirror. Notice how much shorter Creed is to Brodie...not much!!!Oh no!! It's Jaws....or Bruce!!!!This one from the aquarium is just for Mimi. We all know how much she LOVES turtles....not to mention a two headed turtle!!!

Jelly fish and a gigantic crusty crab!!!


Seoul Tower
DENVER, COLORADO!!!View from Seoul Tower. It was a little hazy the day we went. These are kids at recess at a school.A funny sign at Seoul Tower. As well as all of these locks. We're not sure why people put the locks up, but they do.Once we got out of the tower, there was this Korean thing going on. We don't know what they were saying, but we thought it was kind of cool. The kids were getting a little restless though.
These are some views from our room at the Dragon Hill Lodge. We liked the view we got. We did not like the temperature of our room....1 billion degrees!!!!This is a tree with cherry blossoms. They are so beautiful!