The Cain Clan's Escapade in Korea

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T18:25:00.002+09:00

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

2008-09-08T13:44:00.004+09:00

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

2008-09-08T13:42:00.004+09:00

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

2008-09-08T13:36:00.004+09:00

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

2008-09-05T21:42:00.001+09:00

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

2008-08-06T14:30:00.004+09:00

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

2008-07-29T20:41:00.002+09:00

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

2008-07-29T20:28:00.002+09:00

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

2008-07-22T20:29:00.003+09:00

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

2008-07-17T07:02:00.002+09:00

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

2008-07-06T17:01:00.002+09:00

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

2008-07-03T12:03:00.003+09:00

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

2008-06-23T20:46:00.002+09:00

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

2008-06-19T20:44:00.002+09:00

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

2008-06-14T06:54:00.002+09:00

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

2008-05-31T15:32:00.002+09:00

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

2008-05-25T20:05:00.002+09:00

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

2008-05-18T07:09:00.003+09:00

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....

2008-05-15T11:38:00.002+09:00

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

2008-05-14T19:48:00.002+09:00

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

2008-05-13T11:27:00.002+09:00

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

2008-05-12T21:13:00.002+09:00

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

2008-04-27T21:52:00.002+09:00

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

2008-04-26T17:09:00.002+09:00

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....

2008-04-26T17:05:00.002+09:00

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

Seoul

2008-04-23T16:36:00.008+09:00

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!

I know!!

2008-04-18T18:04:00.002+09:00

I know that I need to post some pictures of our visit up to Seoul. I have been SO busy this week!!! I'm the PTO Book Fair Cooridinator. Our book fair starts next week. We had to set up this week. Bill was on leave this week....vacation for those of you who are not in the military. We spent some time together too.....just us!!! It was nice. I'll post next week, either Tuesday or Wednesday. The maintance people will be here both days. One to clean the ducts, the other to fix the floor. Maybe to fix our a/c too. I'm getting a letter from Creed's Dr. to have our a/c turned on for his ezcema. It's starting to get HOT here!!! So, I'll be back next week!

Guess what????

2008-04-14T06:39:00.001+09:00

It's Monday!!! That means....SPRING BREAK IS OVER!!!! I'll post later on about our trip up to Seoul.

Creedie Pie

2008-04-05T20:59:00.003+09:00

Creed is our very active 3 year old. When I took him in for his well child check, I asked about his speech. He's no where close to where Brodie was at his age. I can understand most of what he says, but then there are times that even I can't understand it. He went in for a hearing test and at that time he had a "flat" left ear and what they call conductive hearing loss. Meaning that at the time he couldn't hear much of anything in that ear.

He is SUPER congested ALL of the time. I've tried EVERYTHING known...without going to the Dr. to get a prescription to get him decongested. Like over the counter meds, humidifier in his room, cool in the house at night, saline in his nose...yes, everything. Nothing works long term. It isn't too bad when he's upright, but sleeping, well it's not good. He wakes up most nights at least once. On a bad night, he can be up three to four times. This means not good sleep for him and for me. So we're both cranky. I do have an appointment with the pediatrician, but of course that isn't until April 18. I'm hoping once I take him in, she can give him something better for his congestion. Of course she may tell me that I have to wait until I see the ENT too. That would REALLY suck!! For the both of us!!!

Bill and I took him back to the audiologist. His "flat" left ear was peaking some, but his right ear was "flat". Both of his ear drums look "dull". I guess when you look at an ear drum, it's supposed to look "shiny" or have a "reflection". Neither of his ears has this. We have to take him to the ENT, but will have to wait until May 20 for that appointment. The audiologist said that most likely Creed has fluid always behind his middle ear and most likely he'll need tubes put in his ears. I'm not sure about his adenoids, we'll have to find out about that.

So, if you're saying a prayer, please say one for him! I'd really appreciate it!

Easter and other stuff

2008-03-26T09:57:00.006+09:00

After celebrating Creed's birthday, we've been keeping busy. The kids have activities everyday after school. I got a little wise and started having Brodie's bus drop him off at Tae Kwon Do instead of coming home and having the opportunity to not want to go. He knows that he's going straight after school and seems to really like that. Me too!!

Jenna lost her third tooth. It's the same tooth Brodie had to have pulled out this past summer. Now I have two children with that tooth missing. Jenna will get that tooth a lot sooner than Brodie though.

We had an Easter Egg hunt here. It was me with three kids....BY MYSELF!!! I'm a very lucky person to have friends here to help me out. They had the egg hunt sectioned out by ages...0-3, 4-6, 7-10. How am I supposed to be in 2 places at the very same time??? Luckily my friend Laura took Jenna and Brodie with her and her son Andrew for their egg hunt. I took Creed for his. After the hunt, they had these huge blow up bouncy things for the kids. My friend Amey watched the kids for me so I could put everything in the car. Then she helped me get in line for food and got a hot dog, chips and drink for Jenna. This is what the Army calls our "military family". Without them, a lot wouldn't get done. I'm so very thankful that these friends were so willing to help me out! Bill had just returned from going out to the field and had to stay at work while they finished getting everything accounted for.

After the egg hunt, we came home, decompressed from all of the activities and then...GOT TO DYE EASTER EGGS!! All of the kids had a wonderful time. Creed's hands were completely blue by the time we were finished. Jenna and Brodie shared the stickers and the egg holder like good friends. Of course after all of the fun activities of the day, bath time.

Easter morning was early for us. Brodie got up around 6:00 wanting to know if the Easter Bunny came. We tried to hold him off for as long as possible, but then Jenna got up shortly after that. Creed on the other hand, was sound asleep and didn't want to get up. Needless to say, he was quite a "cranky Creed" as Brodie told Mimi. We went to our good friends house for dinner and it was so delicious. We all had a very nice Easter.

The next day when I took Brodie to his bus stop, this cute little Korean lady gave Creed these two Easter eggs. She always has a smile and a "Anyahasaeoh" each morning for us. I'll have to get a picture of her with the boys. Creed kept telling me these were "his" eggs.

Of course we can't finish this post without a picture of this. This is what happens when your 3 year old finds the camera and drops it. Ouch!!!

Guess who turned three???

2008-03-12T15:27:00.002+09:00

It was Creed's birthday Sunday. We had a small party for him on his actual birthday, because Daddy was gone and then he got back home, then he's leaving again this Friday. He had a good day, but we think he was a little embarrassed by everyone paying attention to him. Maybe being the third child does this??? Out of all of our children, he didn't want to blow out the candles on his Cars birthday cake. Jenna had to come help him out. He did enjoy eating the cake and ice cream.

I made the cake myself with some ideas from the web.

The birthday boy!Eating cake...yum.Opening presents with help from Avery.

Hi there

2008-02-28T13:44:00.003+09:00

Hi. I'm really not missing, I guess I just haven't had much to say. There are things going on in our lives that I really should be blogging about. Maybe it's the fact that Bill and I are completely addicted to Toontown and that's what I end up doing after the kids have gone to bed. First things first. This is what you call a BIG owie. Creed threw a "Little Pony" and where it landed was our awesome computer monitor. It shattered the LCD. It won't work anymore. We are very sad. On the up side of all of this, we still had our old monitor so we didn't have to go buy a new one!!!

Brodie started Tae Kwon Do last month. He tested for his yellow belt and Master Choe(pronounced chae) said that he needed to work a little harder. The next time that he went back, they re-tested him and he got his yellow belt!! He was SO proud. We were too!

Jenna had World Thinking Day for Girl Scouts. Since we've moved from Daegu it's a little different. Last year we were with some Korean Girl Scouts. This year it was just our girl scouts and the girl scouts from Osan and we had it at the indoor pool in Osan. It was different, but Jenna and the girls had a great time swimming after it.

Creed is almost 3 years old. It's SO hard to believe that my baby is going up. I took him in for his 3 year well child check up as our pediatrician is going on vacation for 30 days in March. He's doing pretty well, but I need to take him in for a hearing test. His eczema is terrible now. It's so dry here that he's constantly scratching at his ears, wrists, behind his knees, etc. She gave me some new cream to try on him. We'll see how this works out. Yes, he's dressed as a Princess, but when you're older sister has all of this really cool stuff to wear, he thinks it's ok.

Bill is doing an exercise right now and we can't wait for him to be back. He'll be back in time for Creed's birthday and then off to the field.

If I find anything else really exciting to write about. I'll make sure that you're the first to know!

Not much going on

2008-02-12T09:18:00.000+09:00

There really hasn't been much going on here. I've had sick kids and hoping they are all on the mend now. The only one who hasn't been sick....knocking on wood.....is Creed. Thanks goodness for that. This weekend we didn't do a whole lot. Jenna went to her friends birthday party. We went to Osan on Sunday and ate at Chili's. The kids are back in school now and all of their after school activities as well. This weekend is a long weekend too. Jenna has World Thinking Day for Girl Scouts. Other than that, Bill and I may try to get a date night in before he has to leave for a couple of weeks. Hope all is well with all of you! =)

Super Bowl

2008-02-03T17:39:00.001+09:00

We're all better here now. It was a rough week, but we made it through. Everyone but Creed got sick and I'm still waiting for it to happen. I'm really hoping it won't.

We're also getting ready for big Super Bowl Monday morning for us!! Yes, it starts at 7:20 in the morning I believe. Of course, we don't get all of the commericals and we'll have to watch them online, but hey..it's ok.

Bill and I were just discussing how we don't have much time here. This summer will be a year left. We can't believe how fast our time has gone here.

We hope you all have a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday and enjoy the time with family and friends!

SICK

2008-01-31T19:41:00.000+09:00

Well, there's this thing going around Korea. It sucks big time!! Brodie started out with it. Bill and I had it last night. I'm feeling much better, but Bill's still in bed. Jenna started up tonight. Not sure if she just ate too much at her friends house or has the illness. Creed hasn't gotten it YET. It sucks. Tonight I had to take Brodie in to our Urgent Care Clinic (like an ER, but probably sucks worse). His fever was up to 104.5. To me that is WAY high. They gave him some Tylenol and it brought it down. His body is fighting something. He was supposed to be going sledding tomorrow with his school, but he'll have to miss out on that. He does not have strep, but is very congested. Please say some good prayers that our family starts to mend rather quickly. I HATE being sick, but I hate it worse when my kids are sick.

Brodie's School Program

2008-01-27T08:07:00.000+09:00

Friday night brought our family to Brodie's school program. From what I hear, they do this program every year. I'm not sure if it's a graduation type program or just a dancing and singing program. All the kids did was dance and sing, but with Korea you just never know!!! Now in the good ole US of A, the programs there last around 2 hours....tops! We were thinking much of the same thing. It started at 6 and didn't end until 9. Of course we left post around 5, so lets just say there were two of our three children not having the best time by 8:15. We walked in door around 9:40. We were all spent. We did get some great photos of Brodie who was in three different dances. A lot of the costumes were kind of girly looking, for even the boys, with lots of hearts on them. From what I'm gathering, the Koreans really like hearts. Here are a few pictures.

Brodie's class board with pictures of all the kids.

Brodie's picture.

Brodie's treat box from his teacher. They were these cute little mice!! I didn't want him to open it up to get the candy inside of it!

The stage.

Bill with Creed.Creed.Jenna.The emcee for the show. Of course all of the show was in Korea and we didn't really understand exactly what they were saying.Brodie's first dance. Dressed as boxers.

Brodie's second dance.Brodie's third dance.
You wouldn't see many Americans walking around with this bag!!

I know that you've all missed me!

2008-01-15T10:13:00.000+09:00

I've been around, just not posting. My parents...Mimi and Poppa Owl came to visit for 25 days. They got here December 16 and left January 9. We all had a good visit and we didn't want them to leave at all. My Mom and I went to the "Happy Quilt". We thought this would be much like the fabric market that we went to in Daegu. This was NOTHING like it. It was a steel warehouse with tons and tons of fabric all around. It was not heated. Needless to say....IT WAS VERY COLD THE DAY WE WENT!!! With my toe still healing, I was still wearing summer sandals. My Mom was so cold that she couldn't even concentrate on what fabric she'd like to buy. After that we had a wonderful lunch at Chili's and then did some shopping in Osan.

Bill took my Dad to the DMZ. I think they both REALLY enjoyed the trip. Bill must have had someone looking out for them though. You take the DMZ tour through the USO. The tour from Camp Humphreys wasn't until after my parents left. So, they took their tour through the Yongsan USO. The USO up in Seoul is at Camp Kim. This is located not far from Yongsan. However, Bill couldn't find it in the dark. You leave on these tours very early in the morning. It was a very good thing that he couldn't find it. Since he couldn't find it, he parked on Yongsan and took a taxi there. While they were sitting on the bus, they heard a loud POP, looked out the window, waited for the dust to settle and saw.....a Seoul bus had gone through the wall. It totalled 3 cars and damaged 5. Where the totalled car was, that was where Bill would have parked, due to our large vehicle. Yea for not getting our car totalled!! While they were up at the DMZ, there were some North Korean soldiers right by the line taking pictures. Since we got our new lens for our camera, Bill got some great pictures.

We went bowling with the kids and did some other things. My parents were here when we had our ball in Daegu. So, Bill and I got a overnight date night. We had a good time and saw a lot of our friends from that area. While we were there, we were talking about how we did miss our little "Mayberry".

Once school started again, we've been very, very busy. Jenna's in Brownies and they've started to sell Girl Scout cookies. She's also in ballet once again, take a fitness fun club on Wednesdays and possibly do keyboarding (this is like piano lessons, but on the keyboard) on Thursdays. Brodie has started Tae Kwon Do and that is 5 days a week. Creed has been to the CDC more and hopefully I can get him potty trained soon!! Wish me lots of luck, as Brodie potty trained himself.

Here are some pictures that were taken at Christmas and other events! I'll try to do a better job at posting. Between trying to keep my house clean (I've actually been doing that!), keep up with the laundry (been doing that as well) and being a taxi driver to my kids for all of their events....not to even mention that Bill and I are addicted to playing "Toontown" I've not done a great job at posting. As for those of you who have no clue what Toontown is...it's a computer game from Disney. Brodie found it and the kids basically taught me how to play it. Bill said that there was NO WAY he would play that and now every night after the kids go to bed, we spend it at the computer defeating cogs with our gags. I hope all of you are well and are having a blessed New Year!

Jenna, Brodie and Creed with Santa.

The fish Uncle Randy got the kids. Barney the Beta, Fuzzy Muffin and Cammy.The kids opening gifts.
The DMZ tour. I have more pictures, but for whatever reason, I can't upload them at the present moment. I'll post them later.

Jenna's class project

2007-12-11T18:31:00.000+09:00

Jenna is doing a "family" unit in her classroom right now. She had to color a family crest yesterday. Today she had to write things about each family member. For her Dad she wrote...my Dad likes to save the USA. It just about brought tears to my eyes!! She's a thoughtful one!

Can anyone tell me what this means???

2007-12-08T10:12:00.000+09:00

We have our Christmas decorations out. Creed was playing with the Nutcracker and this Snowman. He shouldn't be playing with them as they are glass and will break if they hit the floor. I thought it was cute that he has them "talking" to one another!

Advice from your husband

2007-12-01T08:21:00.000+09:00

Most of the time I try very hard to listen to the advice from my husband...whom I love very much! However, there are times that I choose not to do so. Needless to say, the other night I should have listened.

Our boys are pretty much destroying our tower computer. I previously had put the tower on this brace on the desk. He said something to me then and I told him all was well, and really it was. Then Jenna got a new computer game. Being the big 6 year old she is, she can put the games in by herself. In order to do this, she had to take the computer down and she did so....without hurting herself! Yea Jenna!! So, I was putting it back up on the brace. Needless to say, it wasn't as secure as it was before. AND. IT. FELL. ON. MY. BIG. TOE!!!!!!! It did hurt when it happened. I did do the owie owie dance. Then I went to put the boys in bed. I was in a hurry to do this because by this time my toe is really starting to hurt. I walked from the back of the apartment to the front, as this is where the living room is. I had just stated to Bill that my toe is hurting and I need to sit down. I look at my black socked foot and notice that my toe is bleeding. Take the sock off and know immediately that I have to go into the clinic....NOW!!!

Now the clinic is not that far away. I can see it from my balcony. I know THERE IS NO WAY I CAN WALK THERE OR EVEN DRIVE!! Yes, really, it was that bad. I called my ER nurse friend and she isn't answering her phone. I knew my other friend was at school. Finally I called another friend to ask her to take me to the clinic as my husband needed to stay here with the kids.

She takes me to the clinic, they take a look at it and say that I might possibly have to go to Seoul to get stitches, after they take off the nail that is split and broken. Luckily it wasn't that bad, but it will take about 3-4 weeks for my toe to heal. Nothing is broken and I didn't need stitches.

Now my BIG problem is....I HAVE NOT ONE, BUT TWO BALLS THAT I HAVE TO GO TO!!! ONE I MAY BE IN THE RECEIVING LINE!!!!!!! So, I'm going to look so great wearing one very nice Cole Haan shoe and one birkenstock sandal. I can't even wear a sock at this point, so we'll see what the week brings. I know that I won't be able to wear the other Cole Haan.

So, maybe I should listen to my husband...at least some of the time!

Lotte World

2007-11-28T18:33:00.000+09:00

The Friday after Thanksgiving, we DID NOT go shopping. They don't really have "Black" Friday here. In the PX and BX they do, but nothing like it is in the States. Instead of shopping we went to Lotte World in Seoul. We drove there and only made one minor error in getting there. This is GREAT on our part!!! Once we got inside the kids went crazy!! Lotte World is an indoor amusement park. It was really nice when we first arrived, not a lot of people. However, around 3 pm it started to get crowded. We knew we had a long drive back to the "Hump" and wanted to beat the HUGE traffic jam in Seoul. We had a grand time and hopefully when Mimi and Poppa Owl come to visit over Christmas, we can go again!

Bill and Creed on the carousel. Here you have to ride the horse with your child, you can't just stand there and hold on to them!

Jenna and Brodie on the jumping frog ride. The start of the Christmas parade.Christmas parade. If you ask me...the short baker looks a little scary!!!

Santa was in the parade too, but in the US Santa is the BIG finale. Here, he was just part of the parade.

Creed finally waving to all the people in the parade! He didn't get that at first!Gingerbread houses and men.The wind up ballerina. Jenna really liked her!

Some Korean girls that wanted their picture taken with our kids. This happens all the time here.

Papa, the kids and myself in front of one of the decorated Christmas trees around Lotte World.

I've been lagging

2007-11-28T17:21:00.000+09:00

On my blogging. Nami and Papa came all the way from Arkansas to visit us. Here they are!! Just getting their luggage and walking out the doors.

During this time, we had Thanksgiving. Bill and I ate at the dining facility for lunch.

Then for the dinner hour, we had our own Thanksgiving. We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

Nami and PapaThis is what carving a turkey does to you!!!

Our visit to Pyongtaek Lake

2007-11-17T07:54:00.000+09:00

Last weekend we had a little family trip to Pyongtaek Lake. This is right by the Yellow Sea. It was a tad bit chilly, but the kids had a great time at the playground.

Fall colors.

Bill and the kids.A swan boat.A sunken boat....is sunken even a word?? If it's really not, then my husband thinks it is.These are bushes that are cut into deer.Brodie and Mommy.BrodieCreedJennaMommy's "model" shot!

Nami and Papa made it here!!!

2007-11-17T07:47:00.000+09:00

Nami and Papa Cain have come for a visit. Nami has NEVER left the USA until her visit to us here. They have adjusted to the time difference very well. I'll post more exciting posts of our visit later on.

First view of Nami and Papa.

Done getting their luggage.Are you ready for our 2 hour drive to Camp Humphreys???

Things are fixed

2007-11-05T19:19:00.000+09:00

Not sure how it happened, but things are all fixed now. Now on to the good stuff!!

Jenna and Bill...Dollar Bill as some of the kids in her class call him, went to a Girl Scout Father/Daughter dance. Daddy took Jenna to Chili's for dinner and then on to the dance. She got a corsage before the dance and then he bought her a rose at the dance. They had a very good time together. Jenna was exhausted!

Daddy and Jenna dancing.

Daddy and Jenna dancing some more.Daddy and Jenna at the dance.

Not sure what is going on

2007-11-04T07:40:00.000+09:00

I haven't been able to read anyone who has a blogspot blog. I'm not sure what the problem is or even how to fix it. This is what I'm getting when I try to access the blogs...

Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage

Most likely causes:
You are not connected to the Internet.
The website is encountering problems.
There might be a typing error in the address.

What you can try:

Diagnose Connection Problems

More information
This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, including:
Internet connectivity has been lost.
The website is temporarily unavailable.
The Domain Name Server (DNS) is not reachable.
The Domain Name Server (DNS) does not have a listing for the website's domain.
If this is an HTTPS (secure) address, click Tools, click Internet Options, click Advanced, and check to be sure the SSL and TLS protocols are enabled under the security section.
For offline users
You can still view subscribed feeds and some recently viewed webpages.To view subscribed feeds
Click the Favorites Center button , click Feeds, and then click the feed you want to view.
To view recently visited webpages (might not work on all pages)
Click Tools , and then click Work Offline.
Click the Favorites Center button , click History, and then click the page you want to view.

If anyone can help me...e-mail me please!!!

This is what your son......

2007-10-30T08:39:00.000+09:00

Comes home from school with. Korean sweet potatoes. He told me last night if I made them for him today that he'd try them.....yeah, right! He dug them out of the ground yesterday at school. He brought 5 of them home. One for each member of the family. His exact words.."Mommy, the hugest one is for you. The teeny baby one is for Creedie pie."

Trick or Treating

2007-10-30T08:24:00.000+09:00

This past weekend we had our trick or treating in our housing area. We will have Spooky Hallow on Wednesday evening. The kids had a great time and got a TON...this is something I AM NOT EXAGGERATING!!, of candy. An entire big bowl and basket filled to the top! Needless to say, none of us really needs to eat that much candy and a lot of it was....not the "good" kind. We're giving that to a friend to hand out at Spooky Hallow. Jenna was Sleeping Beauty AKA Princess Aurora, Brodie was Buzz Lightyear and Creed...well, lets just say that he decided to be a typical 2 1/2 year old and NOT dress in his Woody costume. I'm hoping to convince him to do this tomorrow night. Brodie didn't want to wear the purple thing that Buzz wears on his head, so Creed wore that instead.

Buzz Lightyear to the rescue!!

Beautiful Princess Aurora.Creed with the purple hat on and well...my fat butt! YUCK!!!Jenna with her friends Raina and Avery.YUM!!! Candy!!!

Chicken cracker sandwiches

2007-10-17T19:51:00.000+09:00

Brodie made these creations all by himself. He thinks they taste just delicious!

Face update

2007-10-17T19:43:00.000+09:00

Here are some pictures we took of Brodie today to show you just how well his face has healed!! It's been one week today that he fell. We've been keeping neosporin on it and it's worked great!

Funny picture of Brodie and Creed.

Brodie's healed face.Something we just SO proud of!!Creed acting silly.Jenna and her new glasses.

Brodie

2007-10-13T10:45:00.000+09:00

Brodie is our little dare devil. He was pushing a little boy on a trike and ended up doing a face plant. Here is the evidence of his "crash".

Can you say "OUCH!!'

He really likes his skeleton shirt....it glows in the dark!A close up.

Air Show

2007-10-07T08:32:00.000+09:00

As most of you know, one of the "perks" of living at Camp Humphreys is living close....as in 20 minutes to Osan Air Base. We like going there a lot. The shopping is better, the BX (not to be confused with the PX...one is a base exchange and the other a post exchange), not to mention being able to eat at Chili's. I just found out yesterday that this Chili's is the only one on the peninsula.

Osan does have other fun stuff as well, they had the fireworks for the 4th of July. This weekend they are having what is called Air Power Day. This is an airshow. We went for a couple of hours yesterday, as you know the kids can't take much more than that. Creed had fallen asleep before we arrived, so was in his stroller for the beginning of it. Once he was awake though, he really liked to look at all of the airplanes, but did not like the sounds the jets were making!! We all had a grand time. The kids got balloons and cotton candy.

Before the jets came along!

Brodie, Jenna and Daddy in a C-130. Daddy has jumped out of this type of perfectly good airplane.A-10 WarthogCreed not liking the sound of this jet!!!F-16 Fighting FalconNavy aircraft.Now...the most exciting part of the airshow!!!

After the Warthog makes a ground pass, engaging targets with it's 30mm gatlan gun. The A-10 banks hard left and releases flares to spoil any ground to air threats.

2 A-10'sNow, if any of you have questions about any of these aircraft....you'll have to get in contact with my husband as I have NO clue what any of them really do!

The Dragonflies--part II

2007-10-07T08:13:00.000+09:00

The kids had their second soccer game yesterday. Jenna had the BEST game!! She was in the crowd, kicking the ball. She even made one of the best plays of the game, by kicking the ball through one of the "Sharks" legs and another Dragonfly almost scored a goal. Now, on to the one who really likes to get in his uniform, get ready for the BIG game, but doesn't play one second of the game...not because his coach, other players and parents don't want him to....because he's just stubborn like that!! We'll just see what next week brings.

Brodie with the correct name on his back. Practicing, but not playing.

Jenna warming up for her big game!The back of Jenna, which we did not get any pictures of last week.Once again, practicing...but NO PLAYING!!!

The Dragonflies!!!

2007-09-30T15:29:00.000+09:00

Jenna and Brodie had their first soccer game of the season yesterday. I'm really not sure what the score was, as they don't really keep scores for the younger kids. I do believe it was a tie. Who really knows! So, Bill made the most perfect analogy....when Jenna first started playing soccer, it took all we had to keep Brodie off the soccer field. Now that he can actually play soccer and is a part of the team...well, he just doesn't want to do it. He's the player that all the parents look at and smile because he's just standing there. I'm sure if our field had flowers in it, he would be the one acting like a pony, picking the flowers. He'll be part of the game when the ball comes to him, but just forget about actually RUNNING after the ball!!! Jenna is really understanding the concept of the game now. She loves to run after the ball and kicks it every chance she gets. We'll see how the next game goes. You'll notice in the pictures how the Koreans spell Brodie....they happen to spell it Brodle. The coach went to get this fixed. There was another player who had to have his name fixed as well.

Jenna getting ready to start playing.Creed REALLY wanting to get out on the field and play soccer.Brodie NOT playing soccer, but playing with a whole bunch of other stuff.

The tooth fairy

2007-09-30T15:18:00.000+09:00

The tooth fairy came the other night for Jenna once again. Daddy got to pull her tooth out this time. It was just hanging there by a thread and didn't want to pull it herself. The tooth fairy brought her some ponies this time. The package was so big that it couldn't fit under Jenna's pillow, so she laid it by her clock.

We're just so proud of her when she makes these wonderful faces!Now, we know her eye is a little "crazy" as she calls it. It doesn't do that when she wears her glasses. Her prescription has changed for the better and we are now waiting for her new glasses to be done. We ordered them this weekend, so I'll be able to pick them up next week.

Quick note

2007-09-29T19:52:00.000+09:00

I know that I need to write a few posts, but am very, very tired tonight. I'll blog tomorrow about Jenna and another tooth as well as Jenna and Brodie's first soccer game.

Sorry to keep you all anxiously waiting, but I must go to bed now.

Some Wacky Pictures

2007-09-23T19:39:00.000+09:00

There are a few pictures that we took this past weekend that are quite wacky. I think you would only see these here in Korea. The first picture was taken as Osan Air Base. It's self explanatory.

The second picture was taken by this bridge that we cross to go to Osan. Can you even imagine?? =)This is a picture I took in June of the rice patties...nice and green.These are a couple of pictures of what the rice patties look like now. They kind of look like wheat.Chusok is this week, Monday through Wednesday. This is a huge holiday for the Koreans, it's like our Thanksgiving. They go to their relatives house and the younger women cook for the rest of the household. They eat lots of rice cakes....no not the kind that we eat in the states. As a matter of fact, Brodie actually made some in his school. However, when Bill opened up the plastic baggie....well, all I can really say is...they stink. Not appealing to the smell factor at all. Needless to say, neither Bill nor I could bring ourselves to try even one and they ended up in the trash. On Friday when Brodie got off the school bus they handed me a couple of bottles to this drink. Brodie really wanted me to open it up for him so he could try it. It smelled like vitamins. It did say energy drink....like Brodie NEEDS any more energy! Anyway, he did like this drink and drank both bottles. I tried a sip and well, to me, it tasted like vitamins. Who knows!

Open House

2007-09-12T20:20:00.000+09:00

Tonight was Jenna's open house for her school. This is where we got to go to her classroom, see her teacher and a lot of other neat stuff. After all of this, we got to have ice cream in the cafeteria. Yum yum!!

Jenna and her teacher, Mrs. Gist.

The board outside of Jenna's classroom.

Jenna's frog.

On this paper Jenna has drawn a soccer ball.This was Jenna's interview from the other students. She drew the picture of herself.Jenna drew a jar of jam and a leaf for the letters j and l.

I've been told

2007-09-10T12:27:00.000+09:00

So, I've been told that I need to update my blog. I guess I haven't really much to say.

Bill got home on August 31. We had an ok Labor day weekend, except the minor fact that we had 3 sick kids. Luckily, it didn't last TOO long! We celebrated Bill's birthday. I won't disclose just how old he is, but I bet that you'll be able to figure it out on his cake! =) Bill was home just one week, then gone again this week. Then he'll be home for a short while, then gone again. NOT THAT I'M COMPLAINING....well too much anyway!! I always tell myself that at least he's not gone for 15 months playing in the big sandbox.

It has FINALLY quit raining!! If this rain indicates how our winter will be, I'm guessing it will snow A LOT. It's a lot colder here than it was in Daegu, so I'm guessing that I'll probably have to buy a winter coat. I really haven't had the need for one in many, many years.

Tonight we find out who the kids' soccer coach is/are. We're hoping that they'll be on the same team. Not too sure how they feel about it, I just know that Brodie is super excited that he'll be able to play this year!

Wednesday night we have Open house at Jenna's school. I'll make sure to take the camera to take some pictures of her classroom. I know that she loves school and her teacher. She's very excited at the end of the school day to tell me what color is on her paper. Her teacher has implemented a green, yellow, orange and red color code. You start out on green and then if you talk or do other things you know that you are not supposed to be doing you move to yellow and so on. If you have green all week, then Monday you get to go to the "treasure" chest and pick something out. Last week Jenna picked out a pink bouncy ball. Now, it made some conflicts with her younger brother who REALLY wanted it. However, she did share and I'm proud of her for that.

Well, I'm off to do things not so fun and adventurous....like laundry! YUCK!

Daddy's birthday cake.

Daddy and BrodieJenna and Creed singing "happy birthday to you!"Daddy blowing out the candles.

First Day of School

2007-08-27T19:54:00.000+09:00

Today was Jenna's first day of school. She's a big first grader now! She was a little nervous, but I think was comforted once she found out that she knew another little girl in her class. Her teacher is a friend of ours and I think that helped too.

Jenna and Brodie ready for school.

Brodie with a big grin on his face.Jenna ready for her big day!Jenna walking to school. I know it looks foggy, but it's just the lens going from a cold place (our apartment) to a really hot and steamy place (outside!).

Creed acting like a pirate. Aaargh!

One More Week!!!

2007-08-25T07:54:00.000+09:00

One more week before Bill gets back!! I know that we are very fortunate and he's not playing in the "big sand box", but it's been a very long couple of weeks!

Monday is going to be one great day too! Jenna goes back to school!! She got to meet her teacher yesterday and she's in the 1-2 multi grade class room!! Yea!! We also happen to know her teacher. She's a friend of mine that I met basically via e-mail. She came from Leavenworth and I had a friend there that knew her. She knew that they were coming here and asked if we could correspond via e-mail.

Not sure what we'll be doing today. Maybe bowling, the water park?? Who knows. I know that I'll have to get the kids out of the house today. Probably play at the park tonight. Tomorrow I have a baby shower to go to. Then get ready for the start of the week.

Happy Birthday Jenna

2007-08-21T08:54:00.000+09:00

I just wanted to say Happy 6th Birthday to Jenna. Her birthday was yesterday, but I wanted to post pictures from the "tiny" party we had.

We had some new friends over, Risa, Raina, Avery and Brett to help celebrate. We ate some pizza and cake. All had a great time!

Blowing out the candles.

The Birthday Girl!Jenna with Raina, Creed, Avery and Brodie

Meme

2007-08-20T10:18:00.000+09:00

Ok, since I was still "with" Dawn, and I've FINALLY been tagged for a meme. So, here we go.

5 THINGS TO DO BEFORE I DIE....
1. travel as much as possible
2. exercise at least 5 days a week
3. visit D.C. and learn all about the history of the United States
4. live in Germany or Italy
5. run in at least a 5K

5 THINGS I CAN DO...
1. cook
2. spend some money :)
3. scrap book pretty well
4. read a novel in a day
5. cross stitch, but haven't done so in a very long time

5 THINGS I CAN'T DO...
1. exercise like I'd like to
2. math....don't laugh!!
3. run 5 miles at one time
4. keep up with cleaning my house
5. keep my laundry caught up

5 THINGS MY FAMILY WOULD SAY I CAN'T DO...
Of course my husband would say there are a few things that I can't do, however my kids....at the present moment...think I can do all! =)

5 THINGS THAT ATTRACT ME TO THE OPPOSITE SEX...
1. kindness
2. honesty
3. sense of humor
4. eyes..they tell more than we think they do
5. smile

5 CELEBRITY CRUSHES...
1. Joe Sakic that plays for the Colorado Avalanche...he's my boyfriend and my husband already knows about this = P
2. Tim McGraw
3. George Strait
4. Jake from Sixteen Candles...I know this ages me, but who didn't love him?
5. Josh Dumel from Las Vegas

Whew! Are you still with me??? If you are consider yourself tagged!!! This was fun! Thanks Dawn!!

The Tooth Fairy

2007-08-18T07:00:00.000+09:00

We had a visit from the Tooth Fairy last night!! I felt Jenna's loose tooth and told her tonight may be the night. After bath time she laid on the couch while Mommy twisted and turned that tooth right out of her mouth. She was VERY excited.

Jenna without her baby tooth.

You can see where the tooth used to be and where the new tooth already is!Her teeny, tiny tooth.Brodie acting silly!Creed, just being himself.

Not much goin' on

2007-08-16T13:29:00.000+09:00

There isn't a whole lot going on with us. Bill left a week ago for the "big" exercise they do every year down in Daegu. Funny thing is, if we lived there right now he wouldn't be working all the long hours he has. Oh well.

Here are a few pictures of Jenna and her "tattoo". She got this butterfly tattoo when she went on a field trip to Building 63. They had an aquarium there and a lot of other fun stuff!!

Yaki Mondu anyone???

2007-08-08T09:55:00.000+09:00

While my Mom was here, we found the local E-mart. This place is kind of like an upper scale Wal-mart, or Wally World as my better half states. I've taken my Mom here before at the E-mart in Daegu. Once we walked in, my Mom stated that she forgot just how bad it smells in there. I however, am used to all of the weird and sometimes yucky smells. I was thinking it smell kind of good. I guess it just shows you how you can adapt to different cultures. When we were in the grocery section, they had some ladies out giving samples. I've had yaki mondu before and really like it. My Mom hasn't tried it before. So, I saw this nice lady making samples of yaki mondu, the kind I like and kimchi yaki mondu. My Mom thought it was SO delicious!! Of course, I make sure NOT to get the kimchi kind. So, one day for lunch my Mom and I had some yaki and there was plenty left over in the freezer. We never got around to having the rest.

Monday night I just wasn't sure what we were going to have for dinner. I made the kids their typical food, mac 'n cheese and chicken. Then I thought I'd make the yaki mondu for Bill and I, have some shrimp and green beans on the side. He came home and thought that I had ACTUALLY made the yaki mondu. I told him, well I did make it....from the freezer.

If you like different types of foods, then I suggest Yaki Mondu. They will probably have it at a Korean restaurant. It tastes like a little dumpling type egg roll. Just go have some!!!!

I want you all to see what you're missing!!

2007-08-08T09:44:00.000+09:00

I belive that Monsoon season has FINALLY arrived. When my Mom was here, it did rain a few days. Since she's been gone....and it's only been since Saturday, it has rained EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! I took these pictures this morning. Yes, what you see on the road is a build up of rain. It's been raining for 1 hour...yes, all of this in 1 hour.

The parking lot in front of our building. Yes, it does look like a river.

The playground on the side of our building. Brodie said to me today..."Mom can we go to the beach today?" Me..."No, it's raining." Brodie..."But there's a beach at the sandy park by our house." Enough said!!Just a mountain photo.

North Korea

2007-08-05T07:15:00.000+09:00

I can tell you all that Bill and I have offically been to North Korea. Now I know what you're thinking....are you kidding me??? Did they ship you over there??? No, we went on a tour and in this little building, we were on the North Korea side. It was a little scary thinking that quite a few communists were watching ALL of our moves. I know you all don't believe me, so here are some pictures. North Korea

The building we went into.A building they call the Monkey House. They call it this because sometimes the North Koreans go in there, open the curtains and make faces, etc. to get the Americans to point or gesture towards them. This is a big NO NO.Bill and I in North Korea.Republic of Korea soldier doing his tae-kwon-do stance. He can kick some booty!!

The wall where the Republic of Korea soldiers make a human chain as to not be pulled into North Korea when checking the locks.The "line". The sandy side is North Korea, the rock side is Republic of Korea.A sign.Me

Bill

A memorial for a couple of Americans that were killed by some North Korean soldiers with axes, over the trimming of a tree.They call this place propaganda city. It was a very hazy day, so it's hard to see.A map of Korea.This was at the tunnel. Bill said it was only a quarter mile, but coming up it was ALL up hill. I'm so glad that he was able to push me to continue on. This also tells me...I really need to start going to the gym and lose a lot of my fat ass!!! Hope you enjoyed the tour. We had a great day. Then we went and spent the night in Osan. By ourselves.....NO CHILDREN were present!!! We did some shopping and then went back to save Mimi. The kids listened to her and got their things picked up without any fights . We say a big "THANK YOU" to Mimi for the quiet time.

Yes....finally a post from me

2007-08-05T07:08:00.000+09:00

I know it's been FOREVER since I last posted. Well, I really wanted to spend a lot of time with my Mom and she had to leave yesterday. =( I know that she was ready to get back to my Dad and their cute little puppy Chelsea, her own bed and more clothes!! I could have had her here just a little longer, but I'm VERY glad that she was able to come at all.

We went to the water park a few times. We went bowling. We found
e-mart. We went to Osan a few times. We played many, many games of Scrabble in which she kicked my butt all but ONE time...hey that's ok we did have fun. We took the kids to the playground. We ate lots of ice cream. We just really had a ton of fun. I forgot to get the pictures off her camera, so I'll have to wait for her to send them to me.

I have more to post about the "date" Bill and I had at the DMZ and in Osan. Ta ta for now!!

Mimi has arrived!!

2007-07-15T06:25:00.000+09:00

Last night Mimi arrived. After a long layover in San Francisco and a very long flight....one with about 5 hours of turbulence due to typhoon Man-yi that is over Japan. She made it safe and sound. She's very tired, but glad that she's here.

Today we're going to the water park!! With more adventures to continue!

The New Brodie

2007-07-11T19:12:00.000+09:00

Here are a few pictures of Brodie after going to the dentist. He did not like the long car ride. Some of that was due to the fact it was raining and there is ALWAYS traffic in Seoul. The other part is he was hungry. Once we got on post we went to BK and got him some food. He ate it all. Then off to the dentist. There was a delay with the laughing gas as another Dr. was using it. He let them put the thing on his nose and he did great. No cries, whimpers...he laid there, like a brave Soldier (unlike his Daddy, who is a BIG baby when it comes to these things)!!!! He got a few toys before the procedure started. Since he was SO, SO good he got to pick two more toys. I was not surprised at all when he picked out two rings. One for his big sister and one for his Mommy. What a sweet, thoughtful little boy we have.

Showing off his new look. Yes, you can see the hole.

Brodie Cain wearing the exact same expression as his Daddy when he played flag football, at Hicks park in Tulsa. Wearing Number 16.Creed looking like a cutie pie....DO NOT LET THIS LOOK FOOL YOU!!!!

Swimming Lessons

2007-07-11T19:07:00.001+09:00

Jenna had her first swimming lesson on Tuesday. She did pretty good, for never had them before. Here are a few pictures.

Jenna floating.

Creed not happy that he can't go in the water with Jenna.Doggy paddle.

The last picture

2007-07-11T08:54:00.000+09:00

This is the last picture of Brodie with a full set of teeth, well until he grows up a little bit. Today he goes to the dentist to get his "sick" tooth pulled. We're hoping that he'll do well with this! Wish us luck and a few prayers are always good! =)

Brodie's birthday and the 4th of July

2007-07-06T07:49:00.000+09:00

We've had a couple of busy days. Brodie's birthday was a big day! He went to school, came home and played for a bit. Once Daddy got home we had cake, ice cream and presents. Then all three kids went over to one of our friends house while Mommy and Daddy had a Hail and Farewell to go to. Late night for all.

4th of July, well it was pouring rain when we woke up, but in the afternoon it quit. We went to Osan to see the fireworks. It was a good time, but another late night.

"Happy Birthday to Brodie!"

Blowing out the candles

Opening up presents.

One of the last pictures before he goes to the dentist.

If this doesn't SCREAM Happy Birthday America, I don't know what does!!!

Bill and the kids

Bill and the kids..againJenna and Brodie with the dancing "man"Tired, tired boys
Happy Independence Day!!!

The MEANEST parents ever!!!!!

2007-07-01T21:10:00.000+09:00

Today Jenna and I made a little agreement. I would let her listen and dance to her CD that she wanted and once she was finished with that, she would pick up her room without any complaints.

So, I loaded up the CD and she listened to her FAVORITE songs...sung be Raffi. Especially "Down by the bay". She danced and had a very joyful time.

After all of this, she got on the computer, played with her brothers, etc. Basically anything and everything NOT to pick up her room.

While I was making dinner, she was supposed to be picking it up. Dinner came, dinner went. She was sent to her room to PICK IT UP!!

Then the BITCHING AND COMPLAINING started. She can't possibly pick up her room by herself, there was far too much to do. I can go on and on.

I kindly told her that we had made an agreement and she was failing to uphold her part of our agreement. This lead to more complaining.

Her Dad gave her 10 minutes to get the job done. As all of my 5 readers know, it really would only take 5 minutes if you would just get it done. It just doesn't work that way. No matter how many times we explain this to her, she still chooses to ignore these words of wisdom.

I gave her 5 more minutes to get the job done. Then I had it. Bill kept her on the bed while I got the DREADED trash bag. Yes, her things went into the trash bag. Things that she LOVES AND ADORES went into the trash bag. I don't think she will ever get them back. She had a very ugly mouth and paid the price for things that spewed from it.

OH, how much I love that little girl!! She is SO SMART that sometimes I think we forget that she'll just be 6 years old this August. We're aiming for a better day tomorrow. As you know....THE SUN WILL COME OUT TOMORROW!! Well, that is true probably in the States, but when you're in the middle of monsoon season, the sun doesn't always come out and it's pouring buckets of rain.

My sweet little Brodie

2007-06-26T16:00:00.000+09:00

I took Brodie to the pediodonist today. She looked at his teeth and said they all look healthy, well except one. Remember our little water park incident?? I told her about it and the dentist wanted us to take him to her to have a look. She took some x-rays and found out that his tooth is fractured. So, with that said, the permanent teeth do not look harmed in any way. However, they need to remove his front tooth. It will be a little funny that the "tooth fairy" will visit Brodie before he visits Jenna. The poor girl just really wants her teeth to fall out. His appointment will be July 11th, right before Mimi comes to visit.

On a lighter note, we found the school that he'll be attending and will start tomorrow. It's a Korean school and they don't speak a lot of English. Once Creed gets potty trained, he'll be going there as well. It will be very interesting how much Hangul they'll be learning! We are all very excited about this!!

Hope all of your days are a little less hectic than our today, but this is what happens when you RUN at the water park!!

Review of Splish & Splash

2007-06-23T19:46:00.000+09:00

I know there are many of my Daegu friends who really want a review of Splish and Splash. We've been there twice. The first time Brodie fell....from running. After that, he's decided it's better to stay safe.

At the Splish and Splash they have an Olympic size pool. It also features a pool with 2 diving boards that are high and low. 2 different slides, one open and one closed, by this I mean a tube on top of the tube you slide down. A kiddie pool that has palm trees that spray water, 2 little slides, spraying water things all over the structure. It has another little kiddie area that you walk around...NOT RUN! This has water spraying all over the place, but no pool. A playground, with no water. A VERY EXPENSIVE snack bar. They also have life vests for kids and a few noodles. Here are a few pictures to intice all of you to come visit!!

The open tube.

Kiddie area with structure and pool.Kiddie area without a pool.Playground area.We have not gone to the actual pool, just stayed in the kid area. Jenna has gone down both slides and loved it!

What you've ALL been waiting for

2007-06-23T18:34:00.001+09:00

So, I've taken a few pictures of our apartment. Inside and our views. Here they are. I know that you've all been anxiously awaiting them.

This is the view from our balcony outside our family room.

This is the view of the elementary school from the balcony.These are pictures of rice patties on the balcony from our bedroom.This is the playground right outside our building, view from our balcony in our room.

This is the living room.This is the family room.The dining room.
A couple of views of the kitchen.Jenna's roomBrodie's RoomCreed's roomHope you all enjoyed the tour. Hopefully we'll get some visitors!

This is what happens

2007-06-21T05:56:00.000+09:00

We went to the water park here yesterday. The first five minutes of the park were great. Then...the inevitable happened. All I've got to say is, when your parents tell you not to RUN at the water park, then you better listen. This could be the outcome. One scraped knee.

And a visit to the dentist.

We need to keep an eye on his 2 front teeth. If they start changing color, then we need to take him back in. He'll be seeing the pediodontist on Tuesday. We're hoping all is OK with the "big people" teeth.

We're hoping the next trip to the water park DOES NOT END UP LIKE THIS ONE!!!

Our Move

2007-06-16T09:47:00.000+09:00

Well, we've made our move to Camp Humphreys. We was a nice drive and found it without any troubles. We've even made it to Osan twice. The BX is bigger and better in Osan, than the PX we have here.

We're moving into our apartment today. Actually getting our household goods too. We are excited about the move and hope to get our place somewhat functional before the weekend ends. We'll be getting our internet and phone on Monday. We still need to located the cable place. Hopefully we can get that taken care of today.

Once we get our internet, I'll take some pictures and post them, so you can all see what our place looks like.

Posting pictures

2007-06-06T17:04:00.000+09:00

I have a ton of pictures that I need to post, just haven't had the time. Once we're not quite so busy, I'll get them posted.

Wednesdays Hero

2007-06-06T15:45:00.000+09:00

This Weeks Soldiers Were Suggested By Mary'>http://maryannaville.blogspot.com">Mary Ann

Col. David Sutherland(Left)

45 Years Old From Toledo, Ohio Commander,

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

Since being deployed to the Diyala province of Iraq in November 2006, Col. David Sutherland, along with brigade Chaplain Maj. Charlie Fenton, pictured on the right, has made it a point to visit every wounded soldier and say goodbye to each and everyone of his men who've lost their life. Four of his soldiers died on one day in April 2007 and the bad news arrived at his office in waves -- a knock on the door, a note handed in by an aide, heads bowed, knowing glances exchanged. Aides say Sutherland walks to the mortuary affairs tent at his base and embraces the dead bodies of his men. "I hug all my fallen soldiers", said Sutherland. "They are my own". Diyala province is one of the worst places in Iraq. Public beheadings of Iraqi police, tribal wars, sectarian wars and al-Qaida. "I didn't come here thinking it'd be easy. No one told me, 'You're gonna get 9 hours of sleep a night and you're not gonna lose soldiers'. But I believe this is the place for me." "As a soldier, I want to be here on the ground," he said. "As an American, I want it to end."

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2007-05-31T12:05:00.000+09:00

We're starting to get really busy!! Between the end of the school year, that they pack almost every single event that they can think of in two weeks, and our pending move...WE ARE BUSY!! I think it really starts tomorrow. Jenna has a end of the year party at school, then a t-ball game that night. Saturday brings us a bridging ceremony, a combined birthday party for the kids and then our Friendship Circle group over for a BBQ. Sunday is a sprinkler party for the kids, then a BBQ for church. Monday, another t-ball game. Tuesday, a field trip to Woobang Land and t-ball practice. Wednesday, field day. Thursday, t-ball practice and a coffee (for the Mommy). Friday, t-ball game, farewell dinner for Bill and a night out with the girls for myself. Saturday, last t-ball game, possible dinner with Bill's big boss. Monday, packers and movers come. Tuesday clean the house. Wednesday, Jenna's promotion, Brodie's last day. Thursday Jenna's last day and we move up to Camp Humphreys. I'm not sure that we can fit one more thing into our schedule!! We'll see how we all fair after this.

After we get all set up at our new apartment. THEN MIMI COMES TO VISIT US!!! WE CAN'T WAIT!!

Enjoy your Thursday everyone!!!

Tiki's sign

2007-05-19T16:10:00.000+09:00

As most of you know, I had a BIG BOO BOO with the Tahoe back in April. I happen to know the Garrison Commander's wife. I told her my story and asked if she could talk to her husband to get a sign put up so others may be fortunate enough to see the sign before they back over the spikes that completely flatten your tires. Here I am with MY sign.
In this picture you can see the spikes that I ran over. OOPS! I WON'T DO THAT AGAIN!!

Armed Forces Day

2007-05-19T15:56:00.001+09:00

Today is Armed Forces Day. Here at Camp Walker, they opened up the airfield and had helicopters, humvees, demonstrations...well basically a whole bunch of really cool stuff. The kids had a GREAT time!! Creed is going to be some sort of driver or pilot. He had to be in the drivers/pilots seat at all times. We saw a Korean dance demonstration, some kung-fu guys and Korean rifle team. They also had some jumping things for the kids and you could get your face or hand painted. We had much fun.

Here is the Korean Rifle team.Here is the Korean drum demonstration.Jenna and Brodie piloting a helicopter.
Creed being a pilot.Daddy and Creed.

Jenna's 1st T-ball game

2007-05-19T15:47:00.000+09:00

Jenna had her first T-ball game today as last Saturday it was rained out. We had drama to begin with, but ended very well. While warming up, Jenna got hit in the face with a ball. She wanted to quit. We told her that she wasn't a quitter. Then Mr. Sparks got her out on the field to play the game. She did great. She was 2/2 with 2 RBI's. She currently has a slugging percentage of 1.000.

Creed's new haircut

2007-05-16T19:06:00.000+09:00

Creed finally got a haircut. He looks so much like a "little boy" instead of a "baby". How the grow so fast!!

Before:

After:

This is what you get

2007-05-16T09:17:00.000+09:00

This is what I asked for.......

This is what I got....

Too funny if you ask me!!

Wednesday's Hero

2007-05-16T09:05:00.000+09:00

">This Weeks Soldier Was Suggested By http://thepinkflamingo.blogharbor.com/blog - Cindy Lance Cpl. Steven Chavez

20 years old from Hondo, New Mexico

2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force

March 14, 2007

Tears ran down cheeks and strong men choked back emotion as the city of Hondo, NM payed tribute to fallen Marine, Steven Chavez. LCpl. Chavez lost his life on March 14, 2007 in a non-combat incident in which he was accidentally shot. Chavez enlisted in the Marine Cops. right after he graduated in 2005. "You pray and you pray that the day never comes, and then it does," said Novelda Chavez, Chavez's mother. "Your emotions are mixed — it’s not true, it’s a bad dream, a bad dream you never wake up from. "In a letter Chavez wrote before he was sent to Iraq, he wrote:"First of all I would like to thank everyone for your support. When I'm home on leave and when I'm away. That is so important to me. Thank you for your kind, supporting words in your letters and for the packages I've received. Those are awesome. I've been through some pretty hard times, in the short time I've been in the Marine Corp. None harder then what I'm about to face. Yes I'm scared; nothing is scarier than the uncertainty of what your future holds for you. I'm prepared to face whatever lies ahead. I put my life in the hands of the Lord. And pray that He guides my fellow soldiers and I down a safe path, that He will calm our fears, and give us the strength to do the job we have been trained to do, and to do that job well. There are many lonely nights, when you're lying in your bunk thinking of family and friends, wondering what they are doing at that very moment. Wondering what mom is cooking for supper. I can almost taste the tortillas on the griddle. I want to say to all of you tonight, I wouldn't change one thing about my life. I've never been more proud of the choices I made in my life than the day I graduated from basic drill instructor placed that Anchor, Globe and Eagle Pin in my hand I knew then I was a UNITED STATES MARINE! I'm Proud to protect and serve My Country. I'm Proud to protect and serve My Community. I'm Proud to protect and serve you. Thank you so much for your Support. Keep those letters coming. Mail is a precious commodity when you're so far from Home.

YOUR U.S. MARINE

LANCE CORPORAL STEVE CHAVEZ

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesay Hero, you can go http://rightwingrightminded.blogspot.com/2006/08/wednesday-hero-blogroll.html here.

Wednesdays Hero

2007-05-09T13:09:00.000+09:00

Spc. Josiah H. Vandertulip

21 years old from Irving, Texas

2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division

October 14, 2004

Louise Vandertulip fussed at her son about his spending. He bought wild, overpriced hats that had flames on them or horns coming out of the top, she said. While in Army basic training, he bought portraits of himself. His mother told him to save his money. She's glad he didn't listen. The hats and the pictures are all a part of her memories now. Spc. Josiah H. Vandertulip was killed in Baghdad when his patrol came under small arms fire. Josiah Vandertulip joined the Army right after his graduation from Irving High School in 2002. He spent a year in South Korea before being stationed at Texas' Fort Hood in February. Against his mother's advice, he volunteered to go to Iraq. She told him to wait, to go to college. "When he was determined to do something in his heart, he would do it and hell or high water couldn't keep him from it," she said. By going, he knew someone else with a young family could be saved from serving, relatives said. He always had the important things right, Louise Vandertulip said. "There's a lot of rest in knowing that he died doing what he believed in and doing what he thought was right," she said. "We have a much more real sense of the cost for the freedom that we enjoy now," said his father, Robert Vandertulip. "Josiah was the first brand new soldiers I received as a dismounted team leader in Korea. He was one of the best soldiers I have had the honor to train and work with. He loved being a soldier as much as any guy I have met. He was a great leader in the absence of his superiors. I could always count on him to make sure the mission was accomplished. I watched him change over the year I had him from a goofy kid, to a hard charging soldier." Sgt. Nickolas Faul

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesday Hero, you can go http://rightwingrightminded.blogspot.com/2006/08/wednesday-hero-blogroll.html here.

Field Trip

2007-05-04T15:26:00.000+09:00

Today Jenna had her first "real" field trip. The other two surprise field trips were due to bomb threats. We went to a Korean school where Jenna made a heart out of oragami. Then we went to the Childrens Hall. It was a fun time, but I think all of the parents were glad to get out of there. There were MANY children, running and screaming. You know, the basic fun stuff for kids!! Below are pictures.

Sulema and Jenna with their oragami hearts.

Out front of the Childrens Hall.

A little area that had these mushrooms, butterflies, birds, etc.A Korean boat.

Jenna, Jonah and Sulema with Mickey Mouse.

Wednesdays Hero

2007-05-02T07:10:00.000+09:00

This Weeks Soldier Was Suggested By http://www.echo9er.net/blog
Hospitalman Luis E. Fonseca Jr.

On August 11, 2004, Navel Hospitalman Luis E. Fonseca, Jr. was awarded the Navy's second highest decoration. The Navy Cross, which is awarded for extraordinary heroism while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States and must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk, was awarded for his actions while serving with Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Task Force Tarawa, II Marine Expeditionary Force.On March 23, 2004, Fonseca, Jr.'s unit were trying to take the Saddam Canal Bridge. Five Marines were injured when their vehicle was hit by an RPG. Fonseca, while still being fired upon by machine guns and RPG's, pulled the Marines to safety and established a casualty collection unit inside his own medical evacuation vehicle. After his vehicle was hit once again, Fonseca organized litter teams and directed the movement of four of the Marines, while personally carrying one wounded Marine over open ground to another vehicle. On November 15, 2004, Seaman Fonseca was awarded the "Grateful Nation Award" from the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs for his actions."I was doing my job," said Fonseca. "I wish I could have done more."

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by going http://rightwingrightminded.blogspot.com/2006/08/wednesday-hero-blogroll.html

Not much goin' on

2007-04-30T11:54:00.000+09:00

Well, there really hasn't been much goin' on with us. Jenna and Daddy had a Father/Daughter dance Saturday night. I was going to blog about it and post some pictures that were taken. However, our computer has another corrupt file and I need to take it in once again. The laptop just doesn't hold much, so once I get the other computer then I'll post pictures.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Wednesdays Hero

2007-04-25T06:18:00.000+09:00

This Weeks Soldier Was Suggested By Sunny Kay http://captaindramaticsmom.blogspot.com

Col. Cyril Richard "Rick" Rescorla"

Col. Rick Rescorla is a multiple time hero. In 1957 he enlisted in the British Army and began training as a paratrooper with The Parachute Regiment of the 16th Air Assault Brigade. He went on to serve with an intelligence unit in Cyprus, a paramilitary police inspector in the Northern Rhodesia Police (now the Zambia Police Service). When his military career ended in England he joined the Metropolitan Police Service in London. But he found the paperwork too boring and quite at the behest of a friend who encouraged him to join the United State Army. Which he did. In 1963, Rescorla enlisted, with his friend, in the United States Army. After he completed basic training he attended officer training school and was assigned as a platoon leader in the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). He was shipped to Vietnam and participated in the Battle of la Drang. While in Vietnam, he was given the nickname "Hard Core" by his men for his bravery in battle. In 1968, Resorla became a U.S. citizen and continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1990 when he retired. In 1985 he joined a financial services firm, located in the World Trade Center, as security director. In 1993, when the WTC was bombed, Rescorla was instrumental in evacuating people from the building. Afterwards, he enacted a policy in which all employees of the firm practiced evacuation drills every three months. September 11, 2001 Rick Rescorla was supposed to be on vacation getting ready for his daughters wedding. Instead he was at work covering a shift for one of his deputies so that he could go on vacation. When American Airlines Flight 11 hit Tower 1, Rescorla ignored officials advice to stay put and opted instead to put his evacuation drills to use. While evacuating the 3,800 employees of his firm in Towers 2 and 5 he kept reminding them "be proud to be an American ...everyone will be talking about you tomorrow" and sang God Bless America over his bullhorn. When Flight 175 struck Tower 2, Rescorla had already evacuated most of the employees from his firm as well as many others from other floors. He then went back in, despite being told he needed to evacuate himself. The last known words anyone heard him say were, "As soon as I make sure everyone else is out". Tower 2 collapsed with Rick Rescorla last seen heading to the 10th floor looking for more people to help. As a result of his actions that day, all but six employees of his firm made it out alive. One of those being him and three others being his deputies who followed him into Tower 2, Wesley Mercer, Jorge Velazquez, and Godwin Forde. These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by going http://rightwingrightminded.blogspot.com/2006/08/wednesday-hero-blogroll.html

Mt. Apsan

2007-04-20T14:36:00.000+09:00

We went to sight see Mt. Apsan with our Korean Friendship Circle friends. It was so beautiful and we saw many things we haven't expirenced yet in Korea. We first started out at the War Memorial Museum. We found out a lot about the Korean war. Our friends told us a lot of information from the museum. This is the first picture you see when you walk into the museum.

Here is a group photo of our Korean Friendship Circle.

Here are some pictures from the top of Mt. Apsan. Dr. and Mrs. Lee.

Aunt Karen taking pictures.

Terry with Moon, Na-yeun, Se-young and Hye-min.

Tiki with Moon, Na-yeun, Se-young and Hye-min.

Jenna and Jenny(Dr. and Mrs. Lee's) daughter.

Alchol that the North Koreans drink. It has a baby python that they put in the bottle. It's still alive when it's bottled.

Creed with Na-yeun and Se-young.Brodie on the gondola ride.

Mommy and Brodie on the gondola ride.

Inside the temple.

Buddah

The temple

Easter Photos

2007-04-12T17:28:00.000+09:00

Here are some Easter photos that I just had the time to download and post. Enjoy!! Much chocolate was eaten and enjoyed!! Especially by Creed.

Before and after

2007-04-12T17:09:00.000+09:00

Here are some before and after pictures of the "big boo boo" I made on the Tahoe. It's fixed and things are grand in the Cain household.

The "turtle" car....our life saver!!!

After photos...much better!!!

Can you say.....DUMB ASS!!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-09T17:32:00.000+09:00

Hello all of my few readers. I just want to let you know that I happen to be a dumb ass...I know, it's hard for you all to believe. However, today I made it official. After a wonderful lunch with Buh Buh, Bill, Jenna and Creed I made a HUGE mistake. After I stopped to turn in Buh Buh's visitor pass, I was backing up. For those of you who haven't been here, at the gates they have these things when you're leaving post they have these spike things that if you back up they will pop your tires. Well, needless to say...yes, I am one of the very unfortunate ones that backed up on the spikes. Not one, but two very FLAT tires. I was hysterical. It looks like it will cost us around $500.00 for 2 tires. Then we'll got to a website and see what it will cost to get 2 more here later on.

I feel so bad about this, but as many people say...Sh*& happens and you get on with it. Also, as my husband says, it's just money and we can't take it with us.

Say many prayers and wish us luck on getting it fixed!!

Getting back in sync

2007-04-06T21:35:00.000+09:00

Well, I've been home since Wednesday, but haven't made it outside yet. Things went well with the surgery, but was kept an extra night because they couldn't find a wheelchair for me to take. It happens all the time in the states and they said this was the first time someone has "asked" for a wheelchair to take home with them. Are they crazy?? Maybe just incompetent. Who knows?? So, Bill took the train home Tuesday evening and then drove up to Seoul to pick me up. On the way home, the power steering went out on the Tahoe. You would think this wouldn't happen since it's only 3 years old. Needless to say, Bill did get us home, but he didn't have to do any bench presses. Called my Dad and he got us the part and now it's here in Korea with my Aunt!!!

Yea!! Buh Buh has come to visit us!! Hopefully we can get the Tahoe fixed tomorrow, so we have some sort of transportation that I'll be able to drive.

With the surgery, not much else has been going on. So glad that we have some good friends here to help us out in our time of need. I'll miss that!

I'll post something new and exciting once we get out and do some fun things. Plus the EASTER BUNNY will be coming too!!

Surgery

2007-03-31T19:33:00.000+09:00

I'm getting ready to go in for surgery tomorrow. I leave Sunday evening and have surgery Monday morning. Bill will stay the night and bring me back home on Tuesday. I'll be out of touch for a bit, but once I'm better, then I'll get back to some comments for all of you!