On My Way Home, Seventh Day Slumber

Missing You like crazy

I feel a million miles away

A part of me is empty

That no one could replace

So I’ll run to You despite the shame

And leave it all behind

On my way home

On my way home

I’m running back to You

How could You ever love me

When I didn’t love myself?

When my brokenness consumed me

And everyone just walked away

You took me by the hand

I’m nothing without You

All those years without You here

A life with so much pain

And on my own, I’ve tried to change

I’m simply lost without You

I’m tearing down the walls

The walls that kept me here so long

I’m tearing down the walls

It's beginning to feel like Fall~

Can I just say how beautiful the morning and evening are here in Korea lately?   It's been in the 60's and the it's starting to finally feel like Old Man Winter is not that far away anymore...  Thank God, I can't stand the heat with this horrible humidity!  Anyways, everything here has been peachy.  The kids are really enjoying school, and they both have been busy with homework and friends.  Always such a lovely time of year for them and me =)  We spend Labor Day weekend, hanging out and taking a last trip to the beach with some friends of ours.  It was too cold for me to get in the ocean, but the kids didn't seem to care.  Madison and I found some starfish and we attempted to bring them home alive, however, they began to stink and out to the trash they went...  Ugh, dying starfish smell horrible.  What were we thinking?  We did get some great pics of them though.  It was lowtide so there was lots of neat lil creatures to see this time.  

It's Chusok here right now, which is the traditional Korean form of our Thanksgiving.  Traffic is horrible this time of year, so the kids have another 4 day, but this time, we aren't leaving base.  If you seen the traffic, you wouldn't leave either.  Just for Tim to get home from work today, took over an hour and half, which it normally is like 20 minutes.  

Mason's TENTH birthday is the 14th, and he decided he want's a bowling party this year. I can't believe he will be double digits already...  Where has the time gone? He has become the avid little bowler and as a matter a fact, this may be the only sport he will get to do this year.  It turns out the Air Force is cutting the Youth Center sports due to the budget cuts and not enough volunteers.  He is not happy and neither are we about this outcome.  Another reason we much rather be on an Army base..

Madison has decided that she wants to take part in K-3rd grade Drama club?  This to me, is so surprising.  She is so shy, wait till she has to act out a part in front of the whole school.  I am hoping that she will enjoy it and find something she enjoys.  She isn't big into sports or dance, cheer, or anything.  So, it would be a dream come true if she found something that she takes part in.  They don't offer much so we will take whatever we can get. Right?

Our good friend took this family pic of us =)

As for Tim and I, we are great.  Still counting down the time of leaving here...  Not soon enough.  But, it could always be worse so we are grateful with what we have.  I can't wait till he is done with 6-52, (his unit) and has some sort of normalcy as far as work goes.  The unit here is killing him, I swear.  Although we know what we are going to be a part of in NC, deployments and such.  We are just happy that the kids are happy and healthy, as well as us.  Thank God for that.  Well, I will be in touch again soon, maybe after Mason's party, I will have pics I am sure..  

The School year has begun=)

Wow, was it just me, or was this summer the longest?  School FINALLY started this morning, and what a blessing it truly was.  I was dreading the alarm clock this morning at 0630 to be honest, as I am NOT a morning person till like after at least 2 cups of coffee.  I swore that the kids were both going to give me a hard time... But, they were up and out of bed with no issues.  Can we say EXCITED???  Mason complained all month about school starting soon and how much he was hating the idea of going back; he even begged me to homeschool him.  Lol.  Yet, a few nights before, he already had his outfit picked out..  Isn't it funny how even though they complain about school, you know they are looking forward to seeing their friends and actually having some schedule to go along with.  Madison always loves school and unfortunately she has begun the school year with Swimmer's Ear..  Ugh, if it's not one thing, it's another.  I felt reluctant to keep her home, being the first day of her Third grade year, so she got a dose of Motrin and some ear drops, and she was good to go.  However, after school, we headed for the clinic to have a professional look at it, and sure enough, she has Swimmer's ear again..  I think she is done swimming for sure now.  I distinctively remember getting the same thing as a kid, after the numerous times I swam in my parents pool in Arizona.  So, the kids may not look much like me, but they sure get all my problems...  Wow, isn't that special? 

A few weeks ago, I was invited to a "Pinup Photo Party", where several military wives got dressed up, made up, and had some pretty neat photos done.  I was at first, not going to do it because I felt embarrassed for some reason.  I actually had to get dolled up and all that.  Ha, for everyone who truly knows me, that is just not something I do on a regular basis.  But, I did go through with it, and I felt so beautiful.  Inside and out..  I posted a few pics on Facebook and had so many wonderful comments. I think I found something I would love to be a part of when I get to Fort Bragg.  I have begun a fantasy of mine, with becoming a more serious photographer, and I think when our husband's deploy (@Bragg), I want to shoot pinups for the wives and make calendars for them =).  I am contemplating the idea, it's not in the works.  It is just something I am interested in as a hobby.     

I also think Tim and I are finally getting the 'itch' to leave Korea.  We are so excited to be headed back to North Carolina come summer of 2012.  We have even began to look into whether we want to purchase a home, and call it quits with moving anymore; like RETIRING time...  That is so exciting to think of, yet kind of scary as well.  Especially in today's society with the economic issues and all.  At least, being in the military, you have security with a paycheck, medical bills, and always a home..  Even though, it might not be a "forever" home, it's still a roof over our heads.  So, this has been something we are looking into.  We still have plenty of time though to play around with that idea, so we will be sure to keep everyone updated.  

Other then the excitement of the school year kicking off and then the countdown to leave Korea being under a year FINALLY, we are all doing good.  The weather is finally clearing up and cooling off, so the Fall is slowly creeping in on us. Can't wait for all the leaves to change colors and be able to be outside more often without melting..  The humidity here is a killer.  Ugh.  Well, I hope everyone enjoyed my update.  Love and miss you all~

Fun at the Beach!

One Saturday afternoon, we decided to take a drive up to the beach.  It was the first sunny day in a long time and we figured we may as well take advantage of it before it started pouring again..  Seems like that is all it has done this summer, is rain and RAIN some more.  Ugh.  By far this summer has been the worst yet.  First we had a month straight of rain, then a Tropical Storm.  So as you can imagine, there isn't a whole lot to do during weather like this.  On my previous blog update, we were able to go to an indoor amusement park, thanks to the lovely rain.  There was also an outdoor part to it, however, the pouring rain didn't want us to see it.  That was fine, it was fun indoors too.  But, back to my talk about the beach.  We drove to Daechon Beach, which is where the Mud Festival is held every year here.  It's an awesome city to visit and the beach is beautiful.  It's about an hour and some change from Osan Base, and for us, that's a pretty easy drive.  It's about the length the kids are able to deal with, as well as Tim and I, before wanting to jump out the windows from driving in a small area that long with each other.=)  Just kidding, it's a fairly easy trip and one we definitely like making.  ;)

The kids had a blast.  I took a ton of pics of them in the ocean, just because it's not that often where I can get them playing so nicely together.  Tim and I swam too.  Mason didn't want to come out, and Madison--well, she didn't have a good "sand in the bathing suit" experience.  Poor thing.  But we were able to get the sand out and survive.  Sandcastles, seashells, and sun burns, we were done after a few hours and on our way back to post.  Ah, it was fun while it lasted, but now we are back to our tiny airbase, and waiting on the day when school starts.  That is the day that I am looking forward to.  It's been a LONG summer.  Here are the pics from the trip.  Enjoy!

Lotte World Trip

Lotte World, Amusement Park/Mall

 July 28th, 2011

Well, we finally took a family trip with the four of us.  Tim was on leave and was able to come with us this time.  Lotte World is an amusement park/mall.  There is an indoor park as well as an outdoor park;  however, it poured all day, and we were only able to visit the indoor park.  There were tons of rides for everyone, and Mason even got to FINALLY go on a rollercoaster that went upside down!  He is so brave.  And yes, Tim took him-not me.  I would have never  took him on there yet but apparently he is just the right size.  =/  Me and Madison hung out and went on a few rides there were appropriate for her.  She wasn't too interested in anything that was loud, upside down, or out of the norm.  I use to love rides like roller coasters and upside down things, but now my stomach doesn't permit things like this...  Ha, I would literally get sick.  Well, I guess that means I am definitely getting OLD.  Just wanted to share some of our trip with you all.  Hope this blog update brings a smile to your face.  We miss you all and can't wait to be stateside with  everyone.  Yay, only 10 more months!!!  Whohoo!

SUMMER IS HERE!!!!

Summer is finally here, and school is out for 2 months, and some change. =)   Kids are so excited.  No early wake-ups.  No homework.  Just fun, fun, fun.  Lots of  Swimming, playing, staying up late, sightseeing, and whatever else they want to do.  Mason has finished all 4 quarters, Honor Roll twice, and Principle's List twice!  He is moving on up and is now going to be in FIFTH GRADE!!  We couldn't be more proud of this lil guy.  He has become such a little man this year.  He has played a sport each term: soccer, basketball, and finishing up with baseball.  He was so proud of he baseball team, The Redsox, (go figure).  The team came in third place, and they took home a trophy and medals.  He is looking forward to playing again.  So are we.  It's such a joy to watch your child excel in sports, and sit back and "dream" about how much money he is going to make you...  Hehe.  I'm thinking MLB, NFL...  $$$$$

Madison is on to the THIRD grade.  She has had such a wonderful year in the second grade.  Going from first grade fun, to lots of homework, a few projects, and a lot of frustration (she hates doing her homework), she has overcome the second grade with all passing scores.  They still aren't doing letter grades in second grade, I believe they start with grades next year?  I tell her she's got all A's in my book! She has blossomed this year too.  I sent my little 'hermit crab' to school and got back a Shark!  Her reading level is top of the class, and she is so artistic and so 'hands-on".  We see so much potential here for a writer or artist.  Its funny because the two kids are so opposite.  Mason is all about sports, and Maddie is all about books.  =)  How did that happen?

Well, Makayla has done it!  She has graduated high school and is on to becoming an adult!  Makayla  is either following in Tim's footsteps and going into the military, or she still may choose college.  We aren't sure yet, neither is she.  But no matter what Mak does, she will succeed and accomplish whatever she puts her mind too.  This was a hard year for her, buckling down and getting things done, but she has survived and got that diploma!  WE TOLD YOU THAT YOU COULD DO IT MAK!!!!  WE ARE SO PROUD~

Other than this, Tim and I are good.  We are so proud of all three kids and are so truly blessed for what God had given us as a family!  We couldn't ask for more.  Hope everyone is well and getting ready to enjoy the summer.  REMEMBER~wear sunblock this summer. ..  Stay hydrated!  And Smile, it takes too much wasted time to frown and complain about things.  =)  Happy Summer everyone <3

May, May, and more May

Wow, I can't believe it's May already!  Where has the time gone?  Pretty soon the kids will be out of school, and actually one totally out-Makayla!  She will be graduating on June 9th here at the newly built community center right off base.  We are so excited for her and what is to come in her future.  Right now, she is serious about the military, but we shall see.  No matter what, I know she will stride for her best and she will succeed at anything she puts her mind to.  "Go Makayla!  Run with your dreams and achieve them. We have so much faith in you and we couldn't be prouder!"

Mason and Madison are good.  I think they are both feeling the summer break itch come on.  I, for one, think it's coming WAY too fast, but at least we will all be able to sleep in.  Yeah, lets hope for that with my two early risers. =)  I am a little bummed that summer is almost here.  That means no work, substituting for me.  But, I know next school year, I will be subbing.  Might even start at the middle and high school as well.  I hear this is how you get more hours, lol.  I have a friend and she bounces between middle, high, and elementary all week long.  So, this will be on my list for the 2012 school year.

We are dealing with some stressors currently.  Our movers have decided to buy, a DIFFERENT house, and have moved out.  So, as of May 1st, we have an empty house.  And, we are paying out of pocket for our mortgage.  If we aren't able to get renters by the end of June, then there is a good possibility that the kids and I will have to go back.  (This will be the only way for us to afford our mortgage.)  If this is the case, then so be it.  I have a good strong sense that no matter what, the Lord will provide either way.  If we aren't able to find anyone for the home, then so be it.  The only problem that I have with this is leaving Tim here for the last remaining 12 months by himself.  Also, enrolling the kids at another school, only to have to prepare to move to NC in 2012 summer.  This kind of military style I can do without.  But, once again, whatever it shall be, will.  All I ask is that you can pray for this.  Pray that we find a decent renter by the end of June.  And if that doesn't happen, then pray for Tim and I, and the family during this time.  It will be difficult but we will overcome any challenge that comes our way.  We always do.

Love to all.!  Will post again soon.