Constant Beginnings

Notes of this kind are found all over Korea--DMZ, Seoul Tower, etc. People visit, then leave notes behind declaring their love for one another. All the gear. When in Rome... All geared up and ready to GO! And he's off! This is me. The one and ONLY picture. I tried to go no handed,  which I discovered is challenging to do while in a seated position. Much easier laying down as I did in course number 7 and 9! Chris. On this one we had a magnetic dart that we were to throw at the target.  Chris throwing the dart. Victorious. A fitting add to his birthday, Chris hit the target! A view from mid-flight. The view looking down. Chris refused to look down, but I did! ;) Another beautiful mid-flight view. It was a picture perfect day. The truck of death. We were more afraid riding on this open rear truck than on the zip line; however, I was thankful I was able to ride up the mountain rather than walk! Chris' prize f...

Yesterday morning was a tough one at our house. Things started out great, but quickly went downhill. Very quickly. Chris is working mids (6 pm to 6 am) this week, which means it is all me in the morning. I've got it all figured out down to a science. I know precisely how much time I need to get ready, how much time I need to make breakfast (yes, the kids actually request breakfast before they go to school where they eat another breakfast, so I make eggs/cereal/waffles, etc.), and precisely what time we need to get out the door to ensure I get to work at a reasonable time. It is a science and I've mastered it. Or thought I had--until yesterday came upon us. One area I struggle with in being a Mom is holding strong to the boundaries I set. Let's face it, when I say my child needs to bring a jacket, but she chooses to bring a sweatshirt, does it really matter? No. I pick these battles everyday and struggle on the psychological end of things. I've read the parenting books ...

In a few days, this will be me: And this will be Chris: BEFORE and AFTER he takes the leap.  I CAN'T WAIT! I have wanted to zipline for some time. Chris actually suggested we do this to celebrate his 35th birthday. I am pretty sure this will be one birthday we will both remember forever ;) 

Claire has been working so hard at learning to ride her bike on 2 wheels. She really wants to be able to ride alongside Ava this summer, which means 2 wheels are required to keep up. We've been practicing and practicing and practicing some more. She is definitely her parent's child as frustration was plentiful along the journey, but she finally got it! She is super proud as are we. Pretty impressive accomplishment for four years old!

Chris just asked when I was going to update the blog. I am sure my family is wondering the same thing :) Sadly, there isn't a whole lot happening in our lives. I guess that isn't exactly true, we've been doing alot, it just isn't things you'd care to hear or see. My school was on spring break last week, which meant the kiddos and I stayed home and spent alot of time sifting through boxes, organizing, and preparing for our move. I think we've finally finished that task. In one of my boxes were some hair pieces. Claire and Mya loved them and wore them for the entire day, adding their princess dresses to the display. It was rather cute. Princesses and babies are an everyday activity at our house, along with playing school or restaurant. Those are the "go to" activities. Overall, they play so well together. Love these girls to the moon and back.

Our Easter bunny likes to hide the kids' baskets. They are usually hidden in pretty obvious places, but being the kids are getting a bit better "seekers," he got tricky this year. Claire searched and searched. Finally with some assistance via a job, she discovered her basket. She was quite surprised! Our bunny doesn't give much (if any) candy in their baskets. By the time Easter rolls around, we've typically done 1-2 egg hunts, plus we always do our own later in the afternoon. Instead, baskets are filled with little things. Both girls got a Hello Kitty pillowcase. They were beyond thrilled, but the real happiness came in the mail the next day--they each got money from Grammy & Papa. We had a deal with Claire where if she read 2 books fluently, we'd buy her the Hello Kitty blanket that she has been oogling for so long. Well, the kid pulled one over on us. She opened her card, pulled out her money and announced that she can go buy the blanket! Little bugger...

Nothing says "Spring" like the birth of babies, so we made some bird nests out of shredded wheat biscuits. This particular recipe wasn't the greatest (I've since found a better one that we'll try next year), but the girls enjoyed. Claire's classroom has a little nest perched on a stick in their classroom. Claire came home one day and told me that a teacher found a baby bird's egg to put in the nest. She was 100% convinced that is was going to hatch soon. Each day we go into class and she has  to check on the egg to make sure all is still well. Low and behold, after careful observation, Claire noticed the egg now has a line on it. She is certain this means that egg is going to hatch open VERY soon. One of her friends has tried to stomp on her innocence by telling her the egg is fake. Thankfully, Claire is holding her own and sticking to her story. These are the stories I truly cherish. I am so thankful that she truly is an innocent soul even though there a...

It was "crazy hair day" at school a few weeks ago. This was my concoction.  Pretty good.  Can you see Claire in the midst of that cuddly delight? Korea is home to some of the most AMAZING blankets! I picked one up for myself a few weeks ago, but I am pretty sure I'll be back for one or two more before we depart. They are super soft and ooo so lovely.