More of Gamma's Visit

Whew...........I didn't realize until I looked through all 300+ pictures from Mama's visit that we did do and see a lot! This is a brief run-down. I'm so happy she came to visit us, and not to mention the added benefit of her being here over Christmas. My daddy told her that after 37 years of being together for Christmas, this would be the last time they spent it apart. I think he missed her! Thank you Daddy for sharing her with us!

We went to a pottery shop and painted our own pottery pieces. It was fun, and I saw a creative side in Jordan that I've not seen before.

I took Mama shopping for a kimchi pot (they are the big pots behind her, used for making kimchi, a popular Korean dish). She got a small pot and I found a pretty fruit bowl for myself. I'm pretty sure you can't find these in the US! We also went purse shopping, but failed to get pictures of that fun outing. We did walk away with some great deals on a Coach bag, a Prada and 2 Jimmy Choo bags....we got a little crazy!

Eating at Greg's favorite Thai restaurant, Chang Pwuck; it's buffet style, so Mama got to try all kinds of food. Our friends, the Watts' joined us. Mama agrees with us, Thai food is PRETTY GOOD! I will miss it so badly when we move from here! Speaking of moving, we are anxiously waiting to hear word on where that might be; we only have 6 months left in Korea, time is flying by.

My dearest husband gave me and Mama gift certificates to get manicures, pedicures, and Dr. Fish at a salon off base. For those of you wondering about Dr. Fish, let me tell you about it. It's popular in European countries. These fish (which I can not remember what the name of the fish is) are in a small whirlpool type tub, and they eat your feet! They provide exfoliation, and if you can get over the tickle sensation, it's somewhat of a massage. Greg was doing his best to expose Mama to as much of the culture as possible!

Mama fully immersed her feet, me on the other hand, I was a little squeamish about it. After Mama's coercing, and me getting ahold of myself, I did let the fish eat my feet...the thought still grosses me out!

We took an overnight trip to Seoul, and stayed at the Dragon Hill. It's a very nice hotel on an army base, that's in the heart of Seoul. While there, we went to the Coex mall (a huge underground mall). We also ate at Fridays, which was surprisingly good. Just because there's an American restaurant doesn't mean it's full up American food, but some items on the menu were close. After indulging ourselves at a breakfast buffet at the hotel the next morning, the girls set off to the fabric market. This place is a crafter's paradise. I couldn't wait to show it to Mama; and we did have fun!

Driving in Seoul; someone once said that Seoul is a concrete city, which is very true, you are surrounded by high rise buildings; grass hardly exists.

outside of the fabric market

Mama making a purchase and probably trying to understand exactly what the gentleman is telling her. I don't know Korean, except for about 10 words, at best. But somehow, I have figured out how to communicate, a little bit with a Korean that knows a little English....well, sorta kinda!

Playing in the SNOW!

Baking Christmas sugar cookies, yummo!

And that's just about all folks!

Merry CHRISTMAS

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a spectacular New Year!!

my Shepherd and Angel in MBC's play

my Jordi, all smiles

As we came home last night, Santa walked into the towers with us...the kids were stunned! He was making some visits, I'm just so thrilled we got to ride in the elevator with him!

I knew this would happen...

It wasn't too long ago that I wrote a post about Jamison's fascination with the toilet. My fear was that he would be playing in it, so I had a talk with the older two J's and informed them that they are to always, ALWAYS keep the bathroom door closed. Well, Jamison was up early today, in fact, too early! I needed to take a shower and wanted to do so before J and J woke up (I always like to get the day started before they wake up, or else I feel a wee bit behind). So, I brought Jamison in my room, along with some toys, and put the safety gate up, so that he couldn't come in while I was in the shower. I did notice that the door to the kids' bathroom was closed, just not all the way, and the light was on. Why I didn't take 2 seconds and close it is beyond me. As I was showering I peeked on Jamison a couple of times; upon my next peek, he was gone. I wondered where he might be...no one else was up, and it's unlike him to go crawling around a dark house, because it was still dark outside. I thought to myself, I hope he's not in the bathroom, in the toilet. I dismissed the thought, because I really didn't want to end my hot shower; and besides, he wouldn't do that.....would he? Oh yes he would! I did end my shower, because I got worried. Sure enough, I make my way to the other bathroom, and he's there. Playing in the toilet!! There was toilet water everywhere, and he was at that very moment playing with his passy, it was wet too! I'm sure he was dunking it in, I don't want to think about anything beyond that. I snatched him up and washed him off, with soap in the sink. Oh let me tell you, he was not happy; but that's okay, I wasn't happy either. I washed the carpet, it too was wet, I threw the passy away (boiling it can't even make me feel OK about giving it back to him), and changed him into clean clothes. My fear now is that since he's tasted the freedom of playing in the toilet, he will go back for more! My friend Leah calls this Murphy's Law of Mothering!

More of Gamma's Visit

Here are a few more highlights of Gamma's visit. We have all been under the weather with colds (Mama has had a bad sinus infection and an ear infection); but all are on the road to recovery! These were outings before the cold hit all of us! We have much more to do, so we better stay well! We would also like some warmer weather to do some outdoor activities, it's hard to enjoy the outside when it's in the 20's!! The first pictures are from the 4/9 market. This is an outdoor market that is on any day of the month that has a 4 or 9 ending. You can get anything you want; from raw meat, socks, spices, pots and pans, and vegetables! We were more looking than buying!

Mama and I spent two full, late nights in the kitchen doing one of our favorites, baking for others

We went to another hot spot here, which is the Seoul Flower Market. There are tons of fresh flowers to choose from, at a very cheap price. There are also baskets, ribbon, and silk decorations on the top floor. They actually had a lot of Christmas decorations, which is where I spent my money and time. My friends Kelly and Susan joined us for this outing.

Gamma and I joined Jannah for a lunch date; we treated her to a Subway sandwich!

What my friends are saying...

Mama has had the opportunity to meet many of my friends here. We keep hearing the same thing, it goes a little something like this, every time. "You look just like your mother, and you sound just alike too!" Funny that we sound alike, I thought I had lost much of my accent; guess not. As for looking like her, I think I do, but I also look a lot like my Daddy. We're having a lot of fun! Thanks to all of my family back home who's having to do without her for 3 weeks, and thank you Daddy for one of the best Christmas presents ever!!

Christmas Card Deliveries

This is the Daisy Troop (the youngest of the Girl Scouts) that Jannah's a part of here. For the last couple of months, all of the Girl Scouts have been coloring Christmas cards to be passed out to every person living in the dorms here on base. The girls colored and passed out 4,765 cards!!! Yea girls!!! After going door to door, and hanging the cards up, they enjoyed cookies and hot cocoa. What an honor to be a blessing to others.

Sunday Finest

We got GAMMA!!!

After much anticipation, we made the trip to the airport and picked up an early Christmas present....my Mama, AKA, Gamma! The kids were so excited, and so begins our 21 days together!

Here we are eating at our favorite restaurant, Thailand. This is the best Thai place to eat at, in my most humble opinion!

Jamison taking a bite of his rice, which was in the shape of a teddy bear!

Jamison enjoying a Baskin Robins cone; so sad that it was an empty cone, but he was happy with that!

Mama and Jannah in the "sock closet". That's what I call this tiny little store downtown. The socks are all 2000 won, which is about $1.50. You can get any brand of socks you might want....Gap, JCrew, Polo, Nike, and the list goes on!

We have already done so much. More posts to follow! I'm doing my best to show as much of Korea as possible!

Talking Tuesday

Here's a recent conversation between Jordan and myself:

Jordan-Mama, when is it gonna be winter?
Me- This is winter. Then a brief explanation of each season
Jordan-When is it gonna be summer?
Me-not for a while, winter is just settling in
Jordan-I don't like winter
Me-why?
Jordan-Because you have to wear your big jacket everywhere, in the car, all the time. I don't like that.
Me-It's best to, or you might freeze.
Jordan-I still don't like it

I should add that we do a lot of walking on base. It's just easier to walk, rather than load everyone and the stroller in the car to only drive 3-5 minutes. Jordan is the one that I have to beg, plead, and sometimes discipline to get his jacket on...every morning as we walk Jannah to school!! He does indeed, dislike the cold weather. I think he really belongs in Florida! Maybe I'll send him to live with his Aunt Lori and Uncle Derek or Uncle Jon and Aunt Kathy for the winter? What do yall think?!? We went to get donuts at our little shop here on base the other morning, it was all of 9 degrees outside. Even though donuts are the kids' favorite treat, Jordan was less than thrilled about walking 5 minutes to get his favorite chocolate covered, rainbow sprinkle donut! That means he really is going to have a rough winter...pray for him...and me!!

2008 Gingerbread House Creation by J and J

This is an exciting time for all of us! The kit has been wrapped and under the tree, they knew exactly what it was when I handed it to them to unwrap...those smart little whippersnappers! I just love watching the kids be creative, and how they interact to create such a masterpiece. They were so proud of their work. This is the first year they both completed the task; last year Jordan only aided in eating the candy! This year, they both ate a lot of the candy, but did manage to decorate the house quite beautifully! I usually fret about all of the sugar intake, but not this year. I just relaxed, and enjoyed the moments of sugar highs with them. Oh what fun it is to be a kid and be so thrilled about eating candy with no limits!!!

Sunday Finest

Check out Jamison's big boy haircut!! It changed his looks so much...where's my baby at?

Another beautiful creation, made with love, by Gamma!

Merry Christmas Ya'll!!

Everland.... in Christmas decor!

Seriously, this place was so much fun! Christmas stuff everywhere!!! We've been to Everland a zillion times now, but this was a perfect trip. The only thing that could have been better would be some western food! That's okay though, I've come to accept that we pack a lunch every time we visit this Disney World equivalent. We had a blast, and managed not to freeze (thanks to all the layers we were wearing). We even saw Santa; the confusing part was that we live in Korea, and we're sure Santa was from Holland (due to his accent). I guess you just never know where all of the Santa's come from!

my friend, Susan

Jordan, Maria, Santa, Jannah and Gabby (Maria & Gabby are Susan's daughters)