Did you hear about Happy Merry Share Day?? Ryan created it last Thursday and we have been celebrating it since. It's when you share your stuff with others who don't have enough. Can you share your time to help others in need? Can you share those homebaked cookies, pies, etc with your neighbors? Can you share your toys with other children in need?
Think how much better this world would be if we all learned to share and give of ourselves...my children know the meaning of Christmas. It's not to receive gifts from others but to give them TO others. Those gifts may be the gift of time, the gift of knowing how to read, the gift of giving toys, clothes and food to others in need, and more. And my children are 5, 4 and 2 years old.
So Happy Merry Share Day to you and I hope that you celebrate it by helping others in need each and every day of the year and not just during the upcoming holiday season.
~Jen
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
HUGE BREAKTHROUGH!!!
Ryan had a huge breakthrough last night and today. He has been thinking about himself for awhile and not helping others who are in need. Last night while we were out shopping he wanted to pick out toys for the poor children who don't have any. Jeff and I had discussed before about donating a toy to Toys for Tots so he picked out a matchbox car set for a boy. The girls picked out a musical instrument set for the girls who don't have any toys.
We also shopped for Operation Christmas Child as well. It was suggested to us by several people as a means for our children to further help others. We are joining a homeschooling group to help pack up the shoeboxes.
This morning, Ryan was upset that we couldn't do more. He told me while he was eating breakfast that he wanted Nana and Papa to not give him a Christmas present but to give it to the "poor children who don't have any toys". I told him that this means he may not get a present to open from them at Christmas this year, he said "that's okay I have alot of toys Mommy". Per his insistence, I called my mom up at work so that he could tell her. Then we made two more phone calls, one to my dad and one to Daddy at work.
After the chiropractic appointment this morning, we went to the local dentist who is collecting Halloween candy and paying $1 a pound for it in our Halloween Candy buy back program. We dropped off our candy and got $3...one dollar for each of them for their piggybanks bringing them a step closer to going to Korea.
After we got home, Ryan had a snack with his sisters and asked to help out those poor people who don't have any food. We filled up two grocery bags with peanut butter, rice, jelly, canned goods, and more. After that was done we bagged up the stuff for Operation Christmas Child and got that ready to bring with us to next week's meeting.
Tonight he asked me if I was proud of him. I couldn't be more proud of him. And now he understands why I help out the local mothers who need clothing and baby supplies for their newborn to 2 year olds. He also understands why this past Saturday his Daddy mailed out 5 packages to a friend of mine from one of the adoption boards. She and her family are helping the less fortunate in Mexico. Children that have next to nothing along with their families.
He might be a 5 year old boy but he is wise beyond his years right now. He can't understand why others don't help the poor and needy. He can't understand why people are hungry, why people live on the streets instead of homes, why their children don't have toys to play with, and more.
Can you answer him? Can you help others less fortunate than you this year? While I realize this comes during a difficult financial time, can you afford to purchase one more can of vegetables this upcoming holiday season? Can you afford to buy one gift for a child who has none to open this Christmas? Can you donate coats, hats, scarves, or mittens for those children who have none this winter? Can you pass on the word to help others?
We also shopped for Operation Christmas Child as well. It was suggested to us by several people as a means for our children to further help others. We are joining a homeschooling group to help pack up the shoeboxes.
This morning, Ryan was upset that we couldn't do more. He told me while he was eating breakfast that he wanted Nana and Papa to not give him a Christmas present but to give it to the "poor children who don't have any toys". I told him that this means he may not get a present to open from them at Christmas this year, he said "that's okay I have alot of toys Mommy". Per his insistence, I called my mom up at work so that he could tell her. Then we made two more phone calls, one to my dad and one to Daddy at work.
After the chiropractic appointment this morning, we went to the local dentist who is collecting Halloween candy and paying $1 a pound for it in our Halloween Candy buy back program. We dropped off our candy and got $3...one dollar for each of them for their piggybanks bringing them a step closer to going to Korea.
After we got home, Ryan had a snack with his sisters and asked to help out those poor people who don't have any food. We filled up two grocery bags with peanut butter, rice, jelly, canned goods, and more. After that was done we bagged up the stuff for Operation Christmas Child and got that ready to bring with us to next week's meeting.
Tonight he asked me if I was proud of him. I couldn't be more proud of him. And now he understands why I help out the local mothers who need clothing and baby supplies for their newborn to 2 year olds. He also understands why this past Saturday his Daddy mailed out 5 packages to a friend of mine from one of the adoption boards. She and her family are helping the less fortunate in Mexico. Children that have next to nothing along with their families.
He might be a 5 year old boy but he is wise beyond his years right now. He can't understand why others don't help the poor and needy. He can't understand why people are hungry, why people live on the streets instead of homes, why their children don't have toys to play with, and more.
Can you answer him? Can you help others less fortunate than you this year? While I realize this comes during a difficult financial time, can you afford to purchase one more can of vegetables this upcoming holiday season? Can you afford to buy one gift for a child who has none to open this Christmas? Can you donate coats, hats, scarves, or mittens for those children who have none this winter? Can you pass on the word to help others?
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Doing Something to Help Natural Mothers in My Area
My church is helping an organization that helps out Natural Mothers in my area. Heck the place is about 5 miles away from us!! I decided today that we are going to help them out with their donation drive that they are having. So the like new clothing that I have that is 2T and under is going to this organization which helps the mothers
~Jen
~Jen
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
My August Birthday Girl
I now have a 4 year old in the home. Katie turned 4 recently and we had her birthday party here at our home. She is into animals but extremely interested in elephants. She wants to know everything there is to know about elephants. We have stuffed animal elephants, books on elephants, and elephant figurines. Her invites were covered with elephants.
For her birthday she was asking for a baby elephant.
No not a stuffed animal.
No not a book about them.
No not a figurine.
A baby elephant as a pet. She has it worked out that it would live in the home and she would take good care of it. She is beginning to realize that maybe we can't do this. But she can hold out hope can't she??
And since my girl is now 4, she wants to learn how to play soccer. So this fall, after some investigating on my part, we'll enroll both her and Ryan in soccer.
Now I need to figure out where to bring her to see live elephants...I see a trip to a zoo in the future.
~Jen
For her birthday she was asking for a baby elephant.
No not a stuffed animal.
No not a book about them.
No not a figurine.
A baby elephant as a pet. She has it worked out that it would live in the home and she would take good care of it. She is beginning to realize that maybe we can't do this. But she can hold out hope can't she??
And since my girl is now 4, she wants to learn how to play soccer. So this fall, after some investigating on my part, we'll enroll both her and Ryan in soccer.
Now I need to figure out where to bring her to see live elephants...I see a trip to a zoo in the future.
~Jen
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Camp MuJiGae is done for now...
Camp MuJiGae is over for this year for us. Mommy was the coordinator for the youngest campers (5 years old and younger) this year. She had learned 2 new Korean songs to teach this year and didn't get to do them since the SIWA women had their own program this year which was absolutely wonderful. The group had a play about a Goblin and most of the 24 campers sat their and listened with their parents to the play. They handed out masks for the kids to decorate. If the campers showed their masks to the SIWA students, they got a prize of school supplies which included a ruler, a pencil case, a pencil, an eraser, and more.
After the SIWA students' program, the older campers (the 3 to 5 year olds) had a Tae Kwon Do program that a Korean adult adoptee who is a 4th degree black belt did for me. He was former camper and former counselor for camp and wanted to give back. The kids had a blast and they got to break boards at the very end of their session. He signed the boards for the kids and handed out gift certificates for one month free lessons with 2 private lessons and a uniform. That was totally unexpected and I thanked him several times. He stayed through the family day events and made sure that he said goodbye to us before he left.
Every time that I saw "The Big Kahuna" for camp yesterday and today, he mentioned to me that he got rave reviews from parents that this was the best camp for the youngest age group in several years. The last thing that was said was this: "we've filled the position of coordinator for Curiosity campers and you're doing it". Wow
I'm taking some time to relax and regroup and then start planning next year's camp for the youngest group of campers for MuJiGae.
After the SIWA students' program, the older campers (the 3 to 5 year olds) had a Tae Kwon Do program that a Korean adult adoptee who is a 4th degree black belt did for me. He was former camper and former counselor for camp and wanted to give back. The kids had a blast and they got to break boards at the very end of their session. He signed the boards for the kids and handed out gift certificates for one month free lessons with 2 private lessons and a uniform. That was totally unexpected and I thanked him several times. He stayed through the family day events and made sure that he said goodbye to us before he left.
Every time that I saw "The Big Kahuna" for camp yesterday and today, he mentioned to me that he got rave reviews from parents that this was the best camp for the youngest age group in several years. The last thing that was said was this: "we've filled the position of coordinator for Curiosity campers and you're doing it". Wow
I'm taking some time to relax and regroup and then start planning next year's camp for the youngest group of campers for MuJiGae.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Preparing for Camp Mujigae
Camp Mujigae is around the corner. Yours truly is the co-coordinator for both Rising Stars and Curiosity campers (so all of the campers 5 and under). I am coordinator for Curiosity (the 3 to 5 year old group of campers).
So far I have learned Arirang on the recorder without using sheet music I might add, still learning 3 Korean songs (can't seem to get one in time to the music just yet---arrrggghhh so frustrating for me), designing some lovely things on Publisher (gotta love that program and the ideas that I have), chopstick classes and more.
I'm just a little nervous in performing on the recorder with a solo and pray that I don't get performance jitters or be overcome with stage fright!!! So far the kids have been my audience and they have been humming away to the music.
Back to the prep work!!
So far I have learned Arirang on the recorder without using sheet music I might add, still learning 3 Korean songs (can't seem to get one in time to the music just yet---arrrggghhh so frustrating for me), designing some lovely things on Publisher (gotta love that program and the ideas that I have), chopstick classes and more.
I'm just a little nervous in performing on the recorder with a solo and pray that I don't get performance jitters or be overcome with stage fright!!! So far the kids have been my audience and they have been humming away to the music.
Back to the prep work!!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
"I'm 5 years old..."
Ryan greeted me the morning of his birthday with the ususal "hello Mommy" but added "did you know that today is a special day?...I'm 5 years old". Where did my little boy go??
It seems like only yesterday we got into the limo and took the trip to NYC to pick our little boy up. His first diaper change was there in the women's bathroom at the airport. His first bottle was there. He came over with 3 other little boys. Shortly after he came home, it was his first birthday. We had just family over...we didn't want to overwhelm him. He looked so handsome in his Hanbok that his foster mother picked out for him.
Each year since I have taken pictures of him in his Hanbok for his birthday.
Here's a photo review:
First Birthday
Second Birthday
Third Birthday
Fourth Birthday
Fifth Birthday
Wow...my little boy is growing up so fast on me and into a little man.
It seems like only yesterday we got into the limo and took the trip to NYC to pick our little boy up. His first diaper change was there in the women's bathroom at the airport. His first bottle was there. He came over with 3 other little boys. Shortly after he came home, it was his first birthday. We had just family over...we didn't want to overwhelm him. He looked so handsome in his Hanbok that his foster mother picked out for him.
Each year since I have taken pictures of him in his Hanbok for his birthday.
Here's a photo review:
First Birthday
Second Birthday
Third Birthday
Fourth Birthday
Fifth Birthday
Wow...my little boy is growing up so fast on me and into a little man.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Space the Final Frontier...
My kids, but most particularly Ryan, is highly interested in the space shuttle. For an hour and a half yesterday afternoon, we had it on TV watching as NASA slowly counts down, does all of their last minute checks with inspecting the shuttle until the final minutes and seconds before it lifts off into space. We learned how far away the moon was from the Earth...a question that Katie had.
He made a rocket out of his bristle blocks and blasted it off into the air as the space shuttle lifted off. Then all of the kids cheered and clapped over this.
Ah the joys of the simple amazing things as the space shuttle lifting off to space as seen through my kids eyes!!
We'll be watching NASA TV as they do their mission. And maybe we'll be able to watch them land as well...
~Jen
He made a rocket out of his bristle blocks and blasted it off into the air as the space shuttle lifted off. Then all of the kids cheered and clapped over this.
Ah the joys of the simple amazing things as the space shuttle lifting off to space as seen through my kids eyes!!
We'll be watching NASA TV as they do their mission. And maybe we'll be able to watch them land as well...
~Jen
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Parents Day
Did you know about this holiday??? I will admit that I really didn't either and as I looked up Mother's Day, I found out about this Korean holiday as well. It is celebrated on May 8th.
Parents Day in Korea
Family Month in Korea
More information about Parents Day in Korea
And just like Mother's Day or Father's Day, parents in Korea on Parents Day don't get a day off from work either.
~Jen
Parents Day in Korea
Family Month in Korea
More information about Parents Day in Korea
And just like Mother's Day or Father's Day, parents in Korea on Parents Day don't get a day off from work either.
~Jen
Mothers
Each of us have at least one. My kids have three. I think about three of them often. Their First Mom and the two foster moms. I hope that they are well. I wonder what they are thinking about now.
My kids think about their foster mothers often. My son has his own wishes for his foster mother...all good stuff but private things that I can't mention here. It's between them that he has relayed to us. We feel privileged that he can come to us with his feelings and open up from time to time.
I wish that their First Mom is well as we think about her often...I will admit right now that I think it's more me than my kids. My kids do know that they have a birth mommy who was unable to take care of them. Eventually I know that there will be questions from them that I may not have the answers to and that they might look elsewhere for those answers. I am fine with that. It's only natural to have questions. I would be more concerned, I think, if they didn't have any.
For my kids, they think about their foster moms. Two incredibly special women who took in these three children nutured and cared for them as if they were there own and gave them up to strangers who whisked them away in a van to head to the airport for a plane bound for a country far away. Many tears were shed by these women. I know since I cried many tears in that van on the ride to the airport myself just seeing Bella's foster mom crying.
To them, my husband and I are eternally grateful. For our children, they think about them and mentioned them often and pictures are drawn just for them and sent to them. Drawings that are sometimes described to me, held by me briefly before I send them off through our agency to Korea for others. I am overdue on letters and pictures to them and hope to rectify that situation soon.
While all of us have mothers be it a bio mom, an adoptive mom, a foster mom, or somebody that we look(ed) up to as our mom, I want to wish you a Happy Mother's Day. I hope that you find some peace this Mother's Day.
History of Mother's Day in the US
Happy Mother's Day to all of you...
My kids think about their foster mothers often. My son has his own wishes for his foster mother...all good stuff but private things that I can't mention here. It's between them that he has relayed to us. We feel privileged that he can come to us with his feelings and open up from time to time.
I wish that their First Mom is well as we think about her often...I will admit right now that I think it's more me than my kids. My kids do know that they have a birth mommy who was unable to take care of them. Eventually I know that there will be questions from them that I may not have the answers to and that they might look elsewhere for those answers. I am fine with that. It's only natural to have questions. I would be more concerned, I think, if they didn't have any.
For my kids, they think about their foster moms. Two incredibly special women who took in these three children nutured and cared for them as if they were there own and gave them up to strangers who whisked them away in a van to head to the airport for a plane bound for a country far away. Many tears were shed by these women. I know since I cried many tears in that van on the ride to the airport myself just seeing Bella's foster mom crying.
To them, my husband and I are eternally grateful. For our children, they think about them and mentioned them often and pictures are drawn just for them and sent to them. Drawings that are sometimes described to me, held by me briefly before I send them off through our agency to Korea for others. I am overdue on letters and pictures to them and hope to rectify that situation soon.
While all of us have mothers be it a bio mom, an adoptive mom, a foster mom, or somebody that we look(ed) up to as our mom, I want to wish you a Happy Mother's Day. I hope that you find some peace this Mother's Day.
History of Mother's Day in the US
Happy Mother's Day to all of you...
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A Blog Posting for You to Read...
Dear Readers,
If you want to understand the mindset of a Korean adoptee, read this blog's posting. It IS very enlightening. When you are done with that posting, feel free to read the rest of her blog. Don't criticize her (or any other adoptee) for her (their) thoughts and feelings.
We need more adoptees who are willing to put themselves out there for all to see. We need to support them not tear them down and call them an angry adoptees.
And while we who aren't adoptees may not understand, we can just say that we ARE listening and learning from you so keep talking. Thank you to all of the adoptees out there willing to talk. Without them, there is only the adoptive parent voice out of the three parties of the triad (First family, adoptee, and adoptive parents). And this adoptive parent doesn't want to seem like a bully.
If you want to understand the mindset of a Korean adoptee, read this blog's posting. It IS very enlightening. When you are done with that posting, feel free to read the rest of her blog. Don't criticize her (or any other adoptee) for her (their) thoughts and feelings.
We need more adoptees who are willing to put themselves out there for all to see. We need to support them not tear them down and call them an angry adoptees.
And while we who aren't adoptees may not understand, we can just say that we ARE listening and learning from you so keep talking. Thank you to all of the adoptees out there willing to talk. Without them, there is only the adoptive parent voice out of the three parties of the triad (First family, adoptee, and adoptive parents). And this adoptive parent doesn't want to seem like a bully.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Random Acts of Kindness Part 2
Okay no takers on the suggestions for Part 2 so we are donating some food to our local food pantry. The kids had a blast getting together the food to donate. We try to involve them in everything that we do with the community (whether that community be local or thousands of miles away). We have a bag and a box of food for them.
Random Acts of Kindness Part 3 coming soon!!!
Random Acts of Kindness Part 3 coming soon!!!
Pictures from Inauguration Day 2009
Here are some pictures of the Inauguration that I took of the kids. Watching it with them was amazing just to see and hear their reactions.
Ryan saluting all of the former Presidents just like the guards did. My girls did it too but I couldn't move fast enough to capture it on camera.
Ryan taking the oath of office for both Vice Presidency and the Presidency. Katie and Bella did the same.
All three are glued to the events unfolding on the TV while having snack.
Bella waving her flag to President and Mrs. Obama while not giving up her snack. Did I mention we also said "Hi Michelle" alot of times like every time we saw the First Lady on TV?????
Ryan saluting all of the former Presidents just like the guards did. My girls did it too but I couldn't move fast enough to capture it on camera.
Ryan taking the oath of office for both Vice Presidency and the Presidency. Katie and Bella did the same.
All three are glued to the events unfolding on the TV while having snack.
Bella waving her flag to President and Mrs. Obama while not giving up her snack. Did I mention we also said "Hi Michelle" alot of times like every time we saw the First Lady on TV?????
Our 2 Year Old
Bella is now officially two. Her birthday party went off wonderfully. We had invited family and friends over to celebrate it with us.
Jeff and I cooked for nearly a day and a half preparing for this while watching the kids. We made her 2 cakes (one was a flower-shaped orange flavored cake with orange buttercream frosting and the other were applesauce cupcakes for the birthday girl and one of her friends who both have food allergies). We made chicken bulgogi, seasoned mung bean sprouts, carrot cole slaw, and oven roasted broccoli (all requested by the 3 kids). We served up kimchi. My mom made Penne Vodka and my dad made bread especially for the birthday girl and one of her friends.
Bella had 3 helpings of food for lunch until she realized that she had presents to open up. All of a sudden she was done and wanted to open up her presents immediately. She had 2 helpers (her brother and one of his friends) to get rid of the wrapping paper. We oooed and ahhed at the various presents she received from others.
Here are some pictures of the birthday girl from more formal pictures that we took of them to the pictures of the birthday party....Enjoy!!!!
She had to take a picture with one of her Hello Kitties and her Panda bear.
The gang
1st outfit change
2nd outfit change...this outfit used to be mine!!! Yes I had fun doing the outfit changes.
Both of my girls have worn this outfit.
Bella's special heart shaped cupcakes!!
Bella with her Papa
Yeah!!!! We found the puzzle piece that was missing!!! 2 of the adults had a head to head puzzle making tournament game going on with 25 piece puzzles to see who could complete theirs the fastest. One of the beat out the other by 1 second. I am not reporting who was involved or who won...sorry folks!!!
~Jen
Jeff and I cooked for nearly a day and a half preparing for this while watching the kids. We made her 2 cakes (one was a flower-shaped orange flavored cake with orange buttercream frosting and the other were applesauce cupcakes for the birthday girl and one of her friends who both have food allergies). We made chicken bulgogi, seasoned mung bean sprouts, carrot cole slaw, and oven roasted broccoli (all requested by the 3 kids). We served up kimchi. My mom made Penne Vodka and my dad made bread especially for the birthday girl and one of her friends.
Bella had 3 helpings of food for lunch until she realized that she had presents to open up. All of a sudden she was done and wanted to open up her presents immediately. She had 2 helpers (her brother and one of his friends) to get rid of the wrapping paper. We oooed and ahhed at the various presents she received from others.
Here are some pictures of the birthday girl from more formal pictures that we took of them to the pictures of the birthday party....Enjoy!!!!
She had to take a picture with one of her Hello Kitties and her Panda bear.
The gang
1st outfit change
2nd outfit change...this outfit used to be mine!!! Yes I had fun doing the outfit changes.
Both of my girls have worn this outfit.
Bella's special heart shaped cupcakes!!
Bella with her Papa
Yeah!!!! We found the puzzle piece that was missing!!! 2 of the adults had a head to head puzzle making tournament game going on with 25 piece puzzles to see who could complete theirs the fastest. One of the beat out the other by 1 second. I am not reporting who was involved or who won...sorry folks!!!
~Jen
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Random Acts of Kindness
As some of you know I'm Catholic and I'm doing some Random Acts of Kindness this Lenten season. I've given up chocolate in past years along with popcorn, going out to eat, doing take out and more. This year I wanted to do something for others.
Act 1 will be done this weekend...I can't say what it is but hopefully you'll hear about it afterwards on here. I'll need to chat with the other person to make sure it's okay with him/her.
As for Act 2, I'm open to suggestions...I'm thinking of a few things (clothing donation to my local domestic violence center, donating food to our local food pantry, donating pet food to our local food pantry and more). Anybody have some different ideas??? Please share them...
Act 1 will be done this weekend...I can't say what it is but hopefully you'll hear about it afterwards on here. I'll need to chat with the other person to make sure it's okay with him/her.
As for Act 2, I'm open to suggestions...I'm thinking of a few things (clothing donation to my local domestic violence center, donating food to our local food pantry, donating pet food to our local food pantry and more). Anybody have some different ideas??? Please share them...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A bit of Korean News...
A doctor here in the US (that I think we met at the KAAN Conference in Boston in July 2007) is working on getting help for single moms in Korea (read the article in the Korean newspaper). I am hoping that his efforts there will help others in the same situation in Korea so that the First Mom won't have to choose between her child and their social status. I hope that more and more single birthmoms will be able to parent their child if they so desire without feeling shunned by society and have the financial ability to do so.
This particular AP (adoptive parent for those of you not up on adoption lingo) thinks that his efforts are a good thing.
This particular AP (adoptive parent for those of you not up on adoption lingo) thinks that his efforts are a good thing.
Adoption Fundraiser for a Friend of Mine
First some background as to who this is: Beth is a mom who is fundraising to adopt a little girl from Korea that she and her husband have affectionately named Jocelyn. Jocelyn is a biological sibling to one of her other children (so you can see how this hits home for me). Beth is also somebody that I know through a group of women who have adopted either domestically or internationally. We are helping her do some fundraising. I hope that you are willing to help.
Please visit her fundraising website for more details. I'm hoping that you will help her out.
Thank you from my heart and from Beth's heart as well...
~Jen
Please visit her fundraising website for more details. I'm hoping that you will help her out.
Thank you from my heart and from Beth's heart as well...
~Jen
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Bella's 2nd Birthday...Where Oh Where Did the Baby Go???
Soon I will have a 2 year old in my home. She knows how to operate a mouse, click on things on a computer, and play some computer games. She knows how to host a mean tea party. She loves eating Kimchi and is finally learning that veggies are a wonderful thing to eat. She loves to be a Mommy to her dolls and stuffed animals. She loves her Hello Kitty (otherwise called affectionately Kitty). She still loves to hug. She still loves to be held. She is still very much a Momma girl but loves her Daddy as well. She loves her big brother and sister. She loves to talk on the phone.
She sings the ABC song, can count to 10 on occasion, , loves to smile and lights up the room when she does, has an infectious laugh and so much more. She loves her Omma and I know that her Omma loves her. She loves her puppy (and her puppy loves her too!!) and when she calls her puppy to come Maggie will go to her (but not to the other two kids).
We talk about puppy dogs, butterflies, Dick and Jane, letters, Elmo, Hello Kitty, her dolls, music, flowers, her wanting to help, Korea and more. We talk about her mentor, Jen, and how she came from Korea too. We still wave hi to the First Lady that Bella is on a first name basis with when she says Hi Michelle all while waving at the TV at the First Lady.
My little girl who came home 2 days before Thanksgiving was so afraid of us and then afraid that I would leave her sight so much so that she had a deathgrip on me for about 48 hours. Slowly that grip loosened to the point where she felt comfortable to have me out of her eyesight but within hearing. She took no time to warm up to her siblings and her siblings took no time to warm up to her. She slowly started solids and has had little problems except for a few allergies/intolerances that she seems to have to dairy and to berries. She disliked most veggies at the beginning but now loves beans, corn, broccoli, and a few more. My little girl who tells me every day love you and then smiles. My little girl who tells me hug me please and then says thank um afterwards.
Where did my little baby go???
She grew up into a wonderful 2 year old
~Jen
PS You'll see the traditional photos we take after the party this weekend with our family and friends.
She sings the ABC song, can count to 10 on occasion, , loves to smile and lights up the room when she does, has an infectious laugh and so much more. She loves her Omma and I know that her Omma loves her. She loves her puppy (and her puppy loves her too!!) and when she calls her puppy to come Maggie will go to her (but not to the other two kids).
We talk about puppy dogs, butterflies, Dick and Jane, letters, Elmo, Hello Kitty, her dolls, music, flowers, her wanting to help, Korea and more. We talk about her mentor, Jen, and how she came from Korea too. We still wave hi to the First Lady that Bella is on a first name basis with when she says Hi Michelle all while waving at the TV at the First Lady.
My little girl who came home 2 days before Thanksgiving was so afraid of us and then afraid that I would leave her sight so much so that she had a deathgrip on me for about 48 hours. Slowly that grip loosened to the point where she felt comfortable to have me out of her eyesight but within hearing. She took no time to warm up to her siblings and her siblings took no time to warm up to her. She slowly started solids and has had little problems except for a few allergies/intolerances that she seems to have to dairy and to berries. She disliked most veggies at the beginning but now loves beans, corn, broccoli, and a few more. My little girl who tells me every day love you and then smiles. My little girl who tells me hug me please and then says thank um afterwards.
Where did my little baby go???
She grew up into a wonderful 2 year old
~Jen
PS You'll see the traditional photos we take after the party this weekend with our family and friends.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Today's Events Part II
This afternoon, after the kids napped, we watched the Inaugural Parade. Jeff and I had to convince the kids to have dinner at the big table (the one in our Breakfast Nook). After dinner, they could watch the parade. Bella sat on my lap after dinner on the floor of our family room and waved at Michelle Obama every time she saw her wave. My littlest one then started in with "Hi Michelle" every time Michelle waved. I'm not sure if Bella thought The First Lady was waving directly at her or not. It was so cute just the same.
My oldest two were excited...they waved their flags and jumped for joy. I printed off Obama paper buttons for them to wear and they wore them for as long as the tape lasted.
So I hope that President and Mrs. Obama know that my 4 1/2 year old son wants to work to rebuild America and my nearly 2 year old just wants to say "Hi Michelle". All of my kids loved to wave their flags, both of them...their Korean flags and their American flags.
~Jen
My oldest two were excited...they waved their flags and jumped for joy. I printed off Obama paper buttons for them to wear and they wore them for as long as the tape lasted.
So I hope that President and Mrs. Obama know that my 4 1/2 year old son wants to work to rebuild America and my nearly 2 year old just wants to say "Hi Michelle". All of my kids loved to wave their flags, both of them...their Korean flags and their American flags.
~Jen
Thoughts about Today's Events
As soon as I came down the stairs of our home and went into our family room, I turned on the TV for today's events. I mention to the two oldest that I know of somebody who is there...who is in that sea of people that look like little ants since the pictures are coming from buildings like the Washington Monument. My oldest was shocked that I knew one person in that crowd of people...that his Mommy knew of somebody who is there right now.
We watched history unveiling herself in front of our eyes today. My kids are too young to understand it all yet...too young to comprehend what this means. We are decked out in our Red White and Blue today...just like the colors that I vote in.
We heard that the National Mall reach capacity of 1.2 million people and is closed to more people at 9:15 this morning. We heard the cheering of the crowds who lined the streets as the motorcade went from the White House to the Capitol Building. We watched in awe that these events were happening right in front of us, in front of the world to see. We heard the heard the words from Bruce Springsteen "no retreat baby no surrender".
We saw the eyes in the crowd fill up with tears of joy to see this event.
Katie had to dress up for the occasion with her tiara, butterfly wings, high heels, princess wand, necklace, and pink princess skirt on.
The kids waved their flags. They saluted all of the former presidents just like the military guards did. They cheered with the crowds. They screamed out OBAMA (OBAMA-MAMA, or OMAMA) all on their own. They pointed at each time an American flag was on the TV and waved theirs in return. Bella waved hi to Michelle Obama as she waved at the crowd there. Ryan and Katie took the oath of office just like Vice President Biden did. They took the oath of office just like President Obama did. They cheered, they jumped around the room, waved their flags, and screamed out OBAMA afterwards. Bella "sang" to our National Anthem.
During Obama's speech my kids ate lunch in the family room (something which we rarely do) but it was important for them to see him in this historical moment for our country. Obama had mentioned that starting today, and I'm paraphrasing here, we need to work to remake America...so Ryan pushed back the chair from the table, stood up and put down his spoon and said "okay I'm ready to work". My four and a half year old was serious and wants to help...so where do I sign him up to help our country??? I'm thinking being a good citizen, being helpful and kind towards others, clean up the world around him, and more.
At the end of the speech, Katie screams out that she sees Kathaleen there and Ryan says and I see Maggie. It was too precious. I didn't have the heart to say that I didn't think so...not after seeing them with so much pride.
So today we had the fanfare...we had the pomp and circumstance. We had the jumping for sheer joy that Obama is president. We paid respect to the former Presidents that are still living. We waved hi to Michelle Obama. We stood and took the oath of office ourselves. We saw and cheered with the crowds there. We are decked out in our red, white and blue.
Now we have the lull until the parade so we are playing with toys until then.
We watched history unveiling herself in front of our eyes today. My kids are too young to understand it all yet...too young to comprehend what this means. We are decked out in our Red White and Blue today...just like the colors that I vote in.
We heard that the National Mall reach capacity of 1.2 million people and is closed to more people at 9:15 this morning. We heard the cheering of the crowds who lined the streets as the motorcade went from the White House to the Capitol Building. We watched in awe that these events were happening right in front of us, in front of the world to see. We heard the heard the words from Bruce Springsteen "no retreat baby no surrender".
We saw the eyes in the crowd fill up with tears of joy to see this event.
Katie had to dress up for the occasion with her tiara, butterfly wings, high heels, princess wand, necklace, and pink princess skirt on.
The kids waved their flags. They saluted all of the former presidents just like the military guards did. They cheered with the crowds. They screamed out OBAMA (OBAMA-MAMA, or OMAMA) all on their own. They pointed at each time an American flag was on the TV and waved theirs in return. Bella waved hi to Michelle Obama as she waved at the crowd there. Ryan and Katie took the oath of office just like Vice President Biden did. They took the oath of office just like President Obama did. They cheered, they jumped around the room, waved their flags, and screamed out OBAMA afterwards. Bella "sang" to our National Anthem.
During Obama's speech my kids ate lunch in the family room (something which we rarely do) but it was important for them to see him in this historical moment for our country. Obama had mentioned that starting today, and I'm paraphrasing here, we need to work to remake America...so Ryan pushed back the chair from the table, stood up and put down his spoon and said "okay I'm ready to work". My four and a half year old was serious and wants to help...so where do I sign him up to help our country??? I'm thinking being a good citizen, being helpful and kind towards others, clean up the world around him, and more.
At the end of the speech, Katie screams out that she sees Kathaleen there and Ryan says and I see Maggie. It was too precious. I didn't have the heart to say that I didn't think so...not after seeing them with so much pride.
So today we had the fanfare...we had the pomp and circumstance. We had the jumping for sheer joy that Obama is president. We paid respect to the former Presidents that are still living. We waved hi to Michelle Obama. We stood and took the oath of office ourselves. We saw and cheered with the crowds there. We are decked out in our red, white and blue.
Now we have the lull until the parade so we are playing with toys until then.
Monday, January 19, 2009
My Dream...
Like MLK, I have a dream. Like him, I hope that one day that our founding forefathers' words on the Declaration of Independence will ring true...that all men (and women) will be created equal.
I hope that one day my children will not encounter racism anywhere and to dream big (and if the dream of theirs is to become President of the US that is fine with this mom).
I hope that my children will be able to have open adoption relationship with their First Mom.
I hope that one day all children that are given up for adoption are truly orphans and aren't sold or stolen from their First Families.
I hope that one day men, women and children aren't bought and sold into slavery.
I hope that we can live in a society of peaceful existence without any prejudices or stereotyping.
I hope that one day I can say that I don't have any white privileges since all races have the same rights and privileges as I do.
I hope that my readers do something to help the world that they live in whether that be the world inside their homes, outside their door or the online world.
I hope that my readers understand that racism does indeed exist (whether it be subtle or not so subtle) and do stand up against it.
These are my hopes and my dreams today.
~Jen
I hope that one day my children will not encounter racism anywhere and to dream big (and if the dream of theirs is to become President of the US that is fine with this mom).
I hope that my children will be able to have open adoption relationship with their First Mom.
I hope that one day all children that are given up for adoption are truly orphans and aren't sold or stolen from their First Families.
I hope that one day men, women and children aren't bought and sold into slavery.
I hope that we can live in a society of peaceful existence without any prejudices or stereotyping.
I hope that one day I can say that I don't have any white privileges since all races have the same rights and privileges as I do.
I hope that my readers do something to help the world that they live in whether that be the world inside their homes, outside their door or the online world.
I hope that my readers understand that racism does indeed exist (whether it be subtle or not so subtle) and do stand up against it.
These are my hopes and my dreams today.
~Jen
MLK Day and Insights from My Oldest Two Kids
Today is the celebration of a man who was shot so many years ago due to beliefs that he had. He had hope for this country that people would live in harmony and equality and that hope that he started so many years ago still lives to this day. He hoped that a black man and a white man could be like brothers without prejudices, without stereotypes, and with love. He truly believed in the phrase that all men are created equal as stated in the Declaration of Independence signed by our forefathers in 1776. His dream lives on today.
I told my kids in simplest of terms for a 4 and 3 year old to understand about a man who stood up to the mean people during his time, who talked to many different people, and changed the country forever. I told my kids that Dr. King wasn't mean back to the mean people but instead did peaceful things to start change. I told them that he was kind even when people were mean to him.
I told them that even though they are different from each other (Ryan being a boy versus the two girls, each of them having different learning abilities and more), they are human and human beings should be nice to each other and be helpful to one another. I then explained that even though they are different than me, we still need to be nice to one another, treat each other as we want to be treated, and do and say kind things to one another. My kids agreed.
During lunch time, Ryan mentions that he doesn't like The Mean People. I asked him what mean people. He responds the people that were mean to the King (Dr. King). He thinks that people shouldn't be mean to each other and should be nice and helpful. He doesn't understand why people are mean to each other...he wants people to get along with one another and help each other. I told him "so do I sweetheart, so do I".
I talked to Ryan and Katie about President-elect Obama with his swearing in ceremony tomorrow in Washington DC. Ryan and Katie want to watch an African-American man become President for the first time in US history.
Tomorrow our TV will be tuned into the the events in Washington DC and hopefully my children will get something out of the events.
~Jen
I told my kids in simplest of terms for a 4 and 3 year old to understand about a man who stood up to the mean people during his time, who talked to many different people, and changed the country forever. I told my kids that Dr. King wasn't mean back to the mean people but instead did peaceful things to start change. I told them that he was kind even when people were mean to him.
I told them that even though they are different from each other (Ryan being a boy versus the two girls, each of them having different learning abilities and more), they are human and human beings should be nice to each other and be helpful to one another. I then explained that even though they are different than me, we still need to be nice to one another, treat each other as we want to be treated, and do and say kind things to one another. My kids agreed.
During lunch time, Ryan mentions that he doesn't like The Mean People. I asked him what mean people. He responds the people that were mean to the King (Dr. King). He thinks that people shouldn't be mean to each other and should be nice and helpful. He doesn't understand why people are mean to each other...he wants people to get along with one another and help each other. I told him "so do I sweetheart, so do I".
I talked to Ryan and Katie about President-elect Obama with his swearing in ceremony tomorrow in Washington DC. Ryan and Katie want to watch an African-American man become President for the first time in US history.
Tomorrow our TV will be tuned into the the events in Washington DC and hopefully my children will get something out of the events.
~Jen
Friday, January 16, 2009
Conversations with Daddy
Let me set the scene:
It's our home about 9 pm in the girls' room. The girls should be sleeping however Jeff can hear giggling and talking from their room. In walks Jeff through the girls' bedroom door...
Daddy: Are you two sleeping in here?
Katie: (sitting straight up) I'm sleeping!!
Bella: (sitting straight up) I sleepin'
Daddy: So how is it that you are sleeping and sitting up in your beds?
Bella and Katie lay back down
Jeff exits out the bedroom door and closes it
So what you do all think?? Were the girls sleeping?? Or were they having a party in there room with lots of giggling and talking??
Next morning scene is that Bella is still sleeping however Katie is up and cranky. Do you have any ideas as to why she might be so cranky??? Could it be that she stayed up past her bedtime and woke up at her normal time???? Naw couldn't be that, could it?????
~Jen
It's our home about 9 pm in the girls' room. The girls should be sleeping however Jeff can hear giggling and talking from their room. In walks Jeff through the girls' bedroom door...
Daddy: Are you two sleeping in here?
Katie: (sitting straight up) I'm sleeping!!
Bella: (sitting straight up) I sleepin'
Daddy: So how is it that you are sleeping and sitting up in your beds?
Bella and Katie lay back down
Jeff exits out the bedroom door and closes it
So what you do all think?? Were the girls sleeping?? Or were they having a party in there room with lots of giggling and talking??
Next morning scene is that Bella is still sleeping however Katie is up and cranky. Do you have any ideas as to why she might be so cranky??? Could it be that she stayed up past her bedtime and woke up at her normal time???? Naw couldn't be that, could it?????
~Jen
Monday, January 12, 2009
Elephants, Counting, Tea Parties, and Music
Elephants
Ask Katie what her favorite animal in the world is and she'll tell you...ELEPHANTS!!!!! We took out books from our public library and she was quite upset when we had to return them. She'll tell you the parts of the elephant (from the tusks to the tail). She'll tell you what the Mommy, Daddy and baby elephants are called. She was absolutely delighted to get elephant stuffed animals and books on elephants for Christmas.
I asked her recently what she wanted to do when she grew up and besides being a Mommy who adopts, she wants to take care of animals and have an elephant as a pet. Boy my girl can dream big here!!!! Jeff and I have tried to tell her that we can't have an elephant as a pet in the home and her response was "okay how about a baby elephant??".
Someday we're going to have to take this girl to go see elephants in person. I can't begin to imagine her reaction to elephants then.
Counting
Ryan is doing really well with counting...especially after I created a little game that just he, Katie and I do right now. Before he could count up to 50 with quite a bit of help. Now he can count up to 100 with some help (mainly the 10's spot).
Tea Parties
Bella loves to host tea parties. She cooks in her little kitchen, pours the tea into tea cups, and hands out the goodies to eat as well. She is a very good hostess most of the time.
Music
All 3 kids love to sing and listen to music. Ryan will sing songs that he has learned from PBS Kids or from his computer along with Katie. Bella loves to sing along to me singing "Michael Row Your Boat Ashore" and so far this is her most requested song. I think that if she could, she would put Mommy on repeat all day long.
Ask Katie what her favorite animal in the world is and she'll tell you...ELEPHANTS!!!!! We took out books from our public library and she was quite upset when we had to return them. She'll tell you the parts of the elephant (from the tusks to the tail). She'll tell you what the Mommy, Daddy and baby elephants are called. She was absolutely delighted to get elephant stuffed animals and books on elephants for Christmas.
I asked her recently what she wanted to do when she grew up and besides being a Mommy who adopts, she wants to take care of animals and have an elephant as a pet. Boy my girl can dream big here!!!! Jeff and I have tried to tell her that we can't have an elephant as a pet in the home and her response was "okay how about a baby elephant??".
Someday we're going to have to take this girl to go see elephants in person. I can't begin to imagine her reaction to elephants then.
Counting
Ryan is doing really well with counting...especially after I created a little game that just he, Katie and I do right now. Before he could count up to 50 with quite a bit of help. Now he can count up to 100 with some help (mainly the 10's spot).
Tea Parties
Bella loves to host tea parties. She cooks in her little kitchen, pours the tea into tea cups, and hands out the goodies to eat as well. She is a very good hostess most of the time.
Music
All 3 kids love to sing and listen to music. Ryan will sing songs that he has learned from PBS Kids or from his computer along with Katie. Bella loves to sing along to me singing "Michael Row Your Boat Ashore" and so far this is her most requested song. I think that if she could, she would put Mommy on repeat all day long.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Dick and Jane Story Collection Volume 1 & My 4 1/2 and 3 Year Olds
Both of my oldest two kids are learning to read. Ryan is on page 114 of 193 . Katie is on page 66 and read 13 pages last night with little problem. It's simply amazing to see something just click like this.
Tonight we're reading Dick and Jane again. Bella wants to read but she is learning her letters, colors and numbers for now.
~Jen
Tonight we're reading Dick and Jane again. Bella wants to read but she is learning her letters, colors and numbers for now.
~Jen
Saturday, January 3, 2009
What's for Breakfast in Our Household
Okay the proverbial question "What's for Dinner" is now also "What's for Breakfast?". This morning the kids (all three of them) asked for white kimchi made by Sunja's Kimchi (as they call it--it's the non spicy kind) for breakfast. They ate up the 1/3 of the jar that we had of it. Unfortunately we haven't been able to find more of it at the grocery stores in our area. However I did find it for purchase online and we're just going to have to pick some up. Now should we it up by the gallon???
Now also for breakfast they asked for a rice dish while not Korean is similar to Bibimbop (rice, meat, and vegetables galore all mixed in).
Tomorrow morning should be interesting as we have red kimchi (the spicy stuff as the two oldest call it) only in the refrigerator and the rice dish is all gone since they ate it up this morning. I have tried the washing off of the kimchi to please their palates at the moment but they will not eat it for fear of getting some spiciness. Will there be protesting in our home???
For those of you who read this that are local to us (and you know who you are), please be on the look out for the Sunja's White Kimchi and either pick some up for us or let us know where we can find it.
~Jen
Now also for breakfast they asked for a rice dish while not Korean is similar to Bibimbop (rice, meat, and vegetables galore all mixed in).
Tomorrow morning should be interesting as we have red kimchi (the spicy stuff as the two oldest call it) only in the refrigerator and the rice dish is all gone since they ate it up this morning. I have tried the washing off of the kimchi to please their palates at the moment but they will not eat it for fear of getting some spiciness. Will there be protesting in our home???
For those of you who read this that are local to us (and you know who you are), please be on the look out for the Sunja's White Kimchi and either pick some up for us or let us know where we can find it.
~Jen
Friday, January 2, 2009
As the sickness goes around the house...
It was either Daddy or Bella who got sick first. Then Katie and then myself. Now Mommy is sick as well. It's a cold but it is wiping people out who get it (well at least Bella and Mommy and Daddy). Katie and I don't think that we're sick at all so we're running and jumping and did I mention running around??
Mommy and Daddy say that we should rest BUT that's no fun to do!!! How else are we supposed to play with our Christmas toys???
Can you say that we are going stir crazy in the house?? So much snow outside and we can't play in it due to it being too cold out and us having colds!!! Definitely not fair!!! However when we get over our colds in this home, we will head outside to play in the snow once again. We're sick of being sick here. We're sick of the runny and stuffy noses. We're sick of having to blow our noses.
~Ryan
Mommy and Daddy say that we should rest BUT that's no fun to do!!! How else are we supposed to play with our Christmas toys???
Can you say that we are going stir crazy in the house?? So much snow outside and we can't play in it due to it being too cold out and us having colds!!! Definitely not fair!!! However when we get over our colds in this home, we will head outside to play in the snow once again. We're sick of being sick here. We're sick of the runny and stuffy noses. We're sick of having to blow our noses.
~Ryan
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