What I'll Miss...

There are many aspects of life here in Korea that I am going to miss. When we moved here, 2 years ago, I was unsure of what to expect; I was somewhat scared and anxious, very pregnant with Jamison and far, far away from the familiarities of life. Why didn't I rest in God's plans and know that He had worked out the many details that consumed my thoughts and worries? In these difficult moments and times of transitions, God was faithful (as he has promised to never leave us, nor forsake us) to guide us and show us His plan. After arriving, life fell into place; not without some trials and some difficulties and a lot of missing our family, but Korea became our home. God placed some wonderful ladies in my life that became my circle of constant friendship and support. Many of those ladies have since moved, some are still here...they have made this a fun experience. He placed us in a wonderful church, where we grew and our children were taught the truth in love every Sunday. We have made some wonderful memories and have experienced another culture...what an opportunity! Jamsion will always have the fact that he was born in Seoul, Korea...that's a conversation piece! I thought my time to leave would never get here; now that it's two and half days away, it's a bitter sweet time. I feel as though I am leaving family again, my military family. So, to those left here at Osan Air Base: enjoy your time here, embrace every moment, and continue to help each other out! Before you know it, you too will be saying good-bye...which is not as easy as you might think!

What I'll miss:

-my sweet friends...there are too many to name!

-Pizza night at the Officer's Club, where the kids went crazy and bounced in the bouncy castle and the parents just relaxed

-the Flower Market, where flowers are so, so cheap...like 6 dollars for a dozen roses!

-the National Anthem at 5:30, every weekday and Taps every night at 10:00...

-the simplicity of life that I have come to appreciate

-Thai food...this was Jordan's favorite, Pad Thai

-Knowing almost every single lady and not being able to go anywhere here on base without stopping to talk to at least 5 people!

-Happy Quilt-where I have spent much time and money...building my collection of designer fabric, it only cost 2.50-3.00 a yard!

- Hallasan Tower-our apartment; and being able to run upstairs, downstairs or down the hall to play, visit with a friend or borrow an egg!

- Everland (an amusement park) that we have been to a bazillion times

-our church, Mission Baptist and my MOPS group there

-Ms. Lee, my ajima (cleaning lady) who gave me freedom from all household chores...I became a bit spoiled and maybe even lazy!

-afternoons at the park or the indoor pool, along with many other mothers

-walking Jannah to and from school

And, here are a few things we won't miss, not even a little bit:

-After 2 years of being here, my children no longer like being gawked at and having their pictures taken by random people; nor does one of my children (Jordan) care to be touched on his cheeks and head by strangers while we are out. What he doesn't realize is that in the Korean culture, he is put on a pedestal because he is a son (and they love his blue eyes and fair skin). So, I hope when we get back to America, they can cope with loosing their celebrity status!

-The smells of Korean cuisine; somehow, we just never acquired a taste or liking for the food here. The smell of these bugs cooking (for your pleasure of eating) still make me sick.

-I won't miss the Exercises (practice/preparation for war time with North Korea) that the active duty participate in and the ones that we as spouses participate in...although, it's for a very worthy cause (like right now, Kim Jong Il is making it all seem real and worthwhile).

-I won't miss the crazy moped drivers that can do you more harm than the buses!

-I won't miss lugging groceries from the parking garage, up to the 3rd floor and down the long hallway to my apartment!

All in all, there is much more that I will miss than I won't miss!

The week in pictures

Jordan, oh my Jordan. I called him my Hawaiian cowboy on this day. I really like the cowboy boots (I'm from the South and can appreciate them). But, Jordan usually wants to wear them with the wrong outfits...I guess that's just how it works! I love that boy and his "unique" ideas and his ability to make us laugh; he's the clown of the family thus far!


Jannah and Jamison in the tent they all made...with every blanket, pillow and umbrella in the house!


Me and Jordan baked some of my favorite cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip...can you go wrong with that combo? I don't think so! I totally lost count of how many hot ones we ate!

20 Weeks!!

These are the children...

These are the children that call me Mama. I am so blessed and still can't believe I am sharing my life with such a wonderful man and 3 incredible children, with one more on the way. On Mother's Day, I was truly in awe of being a mother and having such a wonderful mother. I know I am late, but Happy Mother's Day to all of my loved ones!

On Monday, we found out that our baby is a baby GIRL!! We are so excited to know and call the baby "her" ans "she". Jannah is rejoicing , as she was wanting a sister. And honestly, I wanted that for her too; I love my sister dearly and wanted so badly for Jannah to have that sisterly love later in life. I must say that we would have been equally as happy with another boy, (I was sure this baby was a boy and asked the ultrasound tech several times if she was sure, and she assured me she was)! I am 20 weeks, half way there to meeting my baby girl; I'll post some prego shots one day, I have to look prego first!

I love these days of my life, that I spend being a Mama!

KoJeon Antique Store

I ventured out on Monday with a small group of girls to find this antique store; thankfully, my friend Karen knew where we were going. Good thing! We all grabbed coffee and headed out, it was a rainy day, so there was no better way to spend the morning! This was a big warehouse, frilled with beautiful pieces of furniture and many other decorative odds and ends. I did manage to find some things that I thought I needed; will always remind me of my time in Korea, and the fond memories I have. After we all shopped, the lady working told us she ordered pizza for us...now that's what I'm talking about! We shop and then the owner feeds us, while she totals all of our purchases...will I get that in the US?

my loot...no big pieces...but it still added up to 286 thousand won...wanna guess how much that is? There's a tray, teacup/saucer, candle holders, small wooden bowls, ducks, calligraphy brushes and a drum...yay!

These brushes, Chinese Calligraphy brushes, were the main attraction for me...I wanted to add to my collection before moving (in 3 weeks)!!! Aren't these so gorgeous? I have liked them from the very first time I laid my brown eyes on them, 2 years ago. Most people build a little collection while over in Asia. They are a dime a dozen in China, not so easy to find in Korea. SO, I was thrilled, and like a kid when I hit this jackpot! By the way, we're trying to squeeze China in...we'll see if it happens :)

OAES Field Day

We joined Jannah for field day last Friday; even Jordan was invited to participate. There was much fun to be had with many games to play. The reward was a popsicle once all of the games had been marked off of their card; the funny part was that Jannah wasn't motivated at all to do the games....because we have popsicles at home (her own words)! She did have fun and so did Jordan, the best part for me is that it was warm and sunny...love the warmer days we are having and I had fun with all of the other moms!

Jannah and her teacher, Ms. Lowder

Brooke & Jannah (they were partners for the day)

Jordan doing the football toss...they told him he was so good, he would play for the Dallas Cowboys one day...so that's what he now thinks!

Jordan putting on combat gear (only in Korea would you do that at field day)

Jannah with the popsicle...turns out everyone got one...regardless of completing all of the games!

Pigtails...finally

Back in November, Jannah chose to cut her hair and donate it to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths (they make wigs with hair donations). Her hair has been growing out, and although she likes it short, I have always known that she misses her long hair. Last week, she asked me to put her hair in pigtails, I really didn't think it would work, but I had to try...for her! After little effort, pigtails were in place. She was so excited. She stood in the mirror, just looking at herself and playing with them. It was so very cute and sweet. She's had pigtails in quit a bit since then...new hairstyles are always a good thing!

Sunday Finest