April is almost over...

It's hard to believe that April is almost over with.  It's definitely turning Springy here; flowers are starting to blossom, trees are getting their leaves finally, and the weather is warming up.  However, this time last year, we were already in shorts.  No complaints though.

I hope that everyone has had a great Easter.  We spend that Saturday, at Suwon, and celebrated Easter with the kids from the Orphanage.  There was an Easter egg hunt, and some crafts, along with some food at the DFAC.  Nothing fancy, just enough to put a smile on your face.  It was great to witness the kids hunting for eggs with some of the Korean kids.  That's always a sweet sight.

We are in our last weeks here, approximately 38 days left.  So, things are a mess, and busier then the norm.  Stuff getting cleaned before packing out, figuring what's worth keeping, and what's worth giving away, lol.  Our transportation pack/pick up is this coming Monday, and well, we will be living with the bare necessities till getting out of here.  (Luckily we will be using loaner furniture till we move into the hotel our last week and a half.)  We will be getting out of this apartment on May 8th, and into the lodge till we get on the bus to the airport.  Then it's going to be "See ya hopefully never again Korea", haha.  Nah, I think there are several things that I will miss, but I am just not thinking about that yet.    So here are a few pics from Easter.  There will be another blog coming before getting out of here, I think?  I will have to see how busy we truly will be, and well, the computer is getting packed--so if I get time to either get over to the library, or win the fight for the laptop, then there will be another.  Hope everyone had a blessed Easter!

March is here!!!

Wow, it's hard to believe that it is March already.  Where are these months going?  Oh yeah, they are passing us by, one by one.  Before we know it, we will be back on US soil.  I really can't believe that we spent three whole years here in South Korea.  Who would've ever thought that we would get to even be a part of another culture, Korean culture of all things?  Nothing like El Paso, or North Carolina, lol.  It's a totally different world over here, but I am so grateful that the kids and I got to experience this and we are all a little sad to leave.  Only a little.  =) I will miss the shopping, and of course, all the wonderful movies we get for super cheap.  Our DVD collection is outrageous, and well, it's going to not get any bigger in the states.  I will also miss the calmness and laid back environment here.  I have never been anywhere that lets their kids roam all over, at whatever time it is at night, and not be fearful.  I know that this will never be the same for us.  Not that we let the kids roam, off base, but Mason has been able to go out for a few hours on the weekends, with his friends.  Maddie also has been able to walk to the park, and we didn't have to panic.  (Ok, well I still do but I am getting better.) I know for sure, this will NOT happen in Oklahoma.  I will be back to being Mom's Taxi.  It's just been truly a blessing over here, more then anything.  There have been some times where we were nervous about things, i.e. the typhoon last year, and the drama up North.  But, we made it through that, just like us Hockenberry's have made it through everything else.  I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

There has been some news since the last update.  First of all, in case everyone doesn't know, we are headed to Fort Sill Oklahoma in June.  Tim was offered a Brigade Sergeant Major position at Sill, and it was an opportunity that doesn't happen to a lot of SGM's.  So, we accepted.  We were sad to kiss our orders to NC goodbye, but we are thrilled to see what's in store for us in Oklahoma.  I never pictured us ever going to the midwest, but it is what it is.  The Lord must have bigger plans for us there.  I am excited to be near my family in Arizona.  Maybe they will visit us now that we aren't in a foreign country?  (I know they will..  My dad will love to camp and fish there!)  We will have to wait and see.  We do have a few friends that are already there, so this will make Oklahoma life so much better.  I hope.

We had some devastating news this month as well.  Tim's grandmother passed away, and this was a blow to the family.  Nan was a wonderful woman, with a heart of gold, (as most grandmothers have..).  She loved my husband with all her being, and she accepted me with open arms.  She was an amazing piece of our life and she will be missed terribly.  Tim was able to fly home and attend the funeral, and spend much needed time with his family there in Massachussets.  He says the funeral was a beautiful celebration of a life well lived and of a person so very loved.  I was sad that I couldn't be there with him, but it was best that the kids and I stayed back.  Travel from overseas, for a funeral, with more then one family member is ridiculous.  The prices are high, but the layovers are what would have been horrible.  So, I am just thankful Tim made it home for everything, and is currently on his way back as I write this...

What else is going on this month??  Oh yah, I am getting older.  I turn 34 this month, ugh.  Not getting any younger that's for sure.  Although I have taken up running, since January 16th.  And I have been sticking to it pretty well.  At least 3 times a week, I am up and running on my treadmill.  What started as walking and barely running, I am now at running a full 3 miles in less then 34 minutes, and sometimes I feel like more-so I am pushing for 4 miles.  Yay, I am so happy.  (Tina, get your sneakers ready!!!  Lol.)
This has been making me feel so much more energetic and I do feel a difference in my moods as well. Great form of medicine!

And, drumroll please.....  Tim's and my anniversary is March 29th!  We have made it!!  The TEN YEAR mark.  Whohoo!  I am so very blessed to be married to the most amazing man on this Earth.  He has given me so much joy, and so much to be thankful for.  I LOVE YOU TIM!!  Here is to many, MANY more!!  For our gift to one another, we are renewing our vows in Hawaii when we leave here.  (We have a 6 day layover in Hawaii, before coming to the states) I am so super duper excited to re-marry the man I love, with our children at our sides.  It's going to be so beautiful and I can't wait to share pictures with everyone when we get home..

Well, I will throw some recent pics that I took of the kids so everyone can see how big they are getting!  Hope everyone is good and we will all get to see you soon!  xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

 

Happy 9th Birthday Maddie!!!

Happy Birthday maddie!!  Our lil girl is officially nine years old now.  Yesterday, she had a party at the indoor pool, where we had pizza, cake, and lots of swimming...  Several of her closest friends came and helped us celebrate the special day with her.  It was lots of fun!  It's hard for me to fathom that this time, 9 years ago, she was coming into the world whether I was ready or not, being she was 3 weeks early.  =)  Madison just wanted to "get the party started" then just like she does now.. Lol.  There is never a dull moment with her and we are so truly blessed to have such an amazing daughter to brighten our lives and make it special.  We love you baby girl!!  Happy 9th, and many many more to come..  xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxox

February already....

Well well.  It's February already and we are on the countdown to heading back to the good ole' USA.  Whohoo, we are approximately 90-something days till leaving the ROK (Republic of Korea).  We would be leaving sooner, if the schools would promote early.  The new policy for DODEA schools is that they can only leave about 20 days before the end of the school year.  That makes the kids' last day May 16th.  So, sometime that weekend to follow, we will be on our way.


This month was Madison's first Dental appointment, that consisted of getting a filling.  Phew!  I was worried.  I know how I was at her age, having to be strapped down to a board just to look in my mouth.  =0  But Maddie, was the bravest little girl I know.  No crying no screaming.  She took it like a real big girl. Seems that she has teeth like me, with the deep grooves, (whatever they call it), so we are going to pay extra attention to oral care.  Thank goodness the cavity was on her baby tooth, yet they still gave it a filling.  Good news is, it will fall out and then she can be free of a metal filling, LOL.  Here is a few pics of her first dental work:

Styling...

Here they go!

The finished product!!!

Also this month, we are proud to say that Mason has made the Honor Roll, once again!!!  We couldn't be prouder.  He is still very involved in basketball, and has a few games this week.  He truly is amazing to watch, and that boy can make some awesome 3 pointers..  Hehe, that's our boy!  Other then this, it's kind of a busy month with Tim having to go to the field three times this month and so he will even be there on Valentine's Day, BOO!  Guess the kids and I will eat chocolate and watch chick flicks, and then snuggle together while he is away.  ;) Yah, probably not but it sounds good.  I have found a new love in learning to run.  Don't want to blow it.  I have been pretty much, running everyday on my treadmill, or when Mason has practice at the big gym, they have a track above to watch and run all at the same time.  So, that's what I have been doing.  My goal is to be able to run a 3/5K with my stepmom, and not puss out.  Wish me luck.  Plus, I want to rock a bikini when we go to Hawaii this summer....  =)  Hope this finds all well. 

I know, scary huh?  Me n the kids playing around. =)

January is almost over...?

Well, now that we are recovered from the holidays and onto other exciting things, I decided to come back to my blog and update.  I feel like since Christmas alone, so much has happened.  Kids went back to school January 3rd, and that was a blessing in itself.  I have also started nannying for one of Maddie's friends' mom.  Andrea, the mom, just had a baby boy and he is adorable.  Anyways, to make a long story short, the Child care center here on Osan, has a waiting list till who knows when, due to how many families are now living here.  The CDC can only hold so much so they are in the works of preparing one for more kids.  In the mean time, I am watching him M-F and it's been nice.  His name is Anthony and he is growing so fast, and I am so happy to be a part of it.  Even if it's for only a lil while longer.  So this is one new thing that has changed.  (Yes, I was subbing, but they have hired a lot more subs and those of us that have been subbing have been put on the back burner.)  So, I decided to help another family out, as well as pay off some bills before leaving here.  Win-win situation if you ask me, plus, I get my baby fix =).

Second new surprise, Tim has been chosen for a Brigade CSM position at Ft. Sill, OK, so we are no longer going to NC! This has been a little saddening, yet we are so very proud of Tim's accomplishments that have got him this far.  We never even expected this.  It was a beautiful surprise.  Sure, I am a little freaked about heading to Lawton, OK, where there is basically nothing, and tornadoes...  But, I believe the good Lord has bigger plans for us there.  Why else would He change us from the beautiful NC, to the Midwest right?  I have to believe that there are plans for us there.  Not to mention, that when we got the news, a verse from Jeremiah came to mind that day:

Plus, this is the season for basketball here, and Mason is playing again.  He has improved so much and we love going to support him and the team, and cheer them on.  It's so good having a child who loves to play anything and everything, and be amazing at all of it.  We are truly blessed.  Madison loves to come cheer her brother on too, but she really isn't into sports.  She'd rather find one of her friends and chitchat with her. Lol.  That's ok.  She is too girly for basketball, although she tries to make shots too, but needs to grow some more height before making it in I think...

Other than this, not a whole lot new.  Just trying to mentally and physically prepare for what lies ahead, with all the moving, pets, etc.  Ugh that is the worst part of military moves, but what can you do right?  Can't stay here in Korea much longer.  May couldn't come any sooner.  Oh by the way, this part is for Deborah~look sweetie!  Your plant is still alive and BEAUTIFUL!!!  Sad that I can't bring home with me now, that I kept it alive. =(

Oh yes, and one more thing.  We hope and pray that this blog finds everyone in good health and happiness.  We love and miss you all so much!  Pretty soon everyone, pretty soon.  We will be USA bound! =D

'Tis the Season...

Another Christmas has come and gone.  For Christmas Eve, we all get to open one gift, and it's ALWAYS new jammies...  Then we crouch together and get a family pic of us, in them.  We then make cookies for Santa, and set everything out that night.  The following morning, We were awakened at 0515 by Maddie, asking us if we were ready..  Haha, Tim was like-"Nope, and you need to try and sleep a little longer."  So, once 0530 came around, Maddie tried again, and then there was Mason as well.  "We're up!!"  We crawled out of bed, barely, and made it down the hall to the living room.  The kids squealed with glee as they seen the goodies that Santa had left them. What was the Big man thinking?? Santa and I were going to have to have a talk, that was for sure...  Every year, we say, "not that much", and well-every year we get worse and worse!

Needless to say, we were all very happy and excited to open presents and see what kind of surprises were under the tree.  Santa brought us ALL some wonderful surprises.  Video games, Nerf guns, shoes, Monster High Dolls, books, (of course the unmentionables-socks, and underwear), Snuggies, DVD's, golf push cart, a new putter, smelly stuff, and a whole lot more..  Tim and I were so excited for just the kids and to watch their faces in amazement!  Brought tears to our eyes.  Not to mention, the two awesome gifts I received.  My new Nikon camera, for the photographer I hope to become, and my homemade gift from Madison.  I was balling all over the place.  (I will include the pic and you can see why) This is our LAST Christmas here in South Korea, and we are only getting more and more excited to see what next Christmas holds.  Walmart-here I come! Lol. So, once the New Year arrives, and all the decorations come down and get put back into storage, we will not be seeing them again till our next home, at Fort Bragg NC.

My homemade gift from Maddie <3

We also had a great Christmas dinner, with some of Tim's co-workers again.  It's sad that they were alone without their families here, for the holidays, but we were glad to have them share this time with us.   Roast Beef, ham, and all the goodies that go with it, gave these men a little "home-away-from-home." It was a blessing to just be able to spend time with everyone and share in the Christmas spirit.  It's not the same without our families back in the states, but it's a pretty nice runner-up here overseas.  We hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas back in the states too!

Then, of course, I just had to play with my new toy-my Nikon..  So here are a few shots from that too.

And last but not least, my funny shot of Stormy to end this blog update.  Happy Holidays everyone, from us Hockenberry's.   XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...sorta =)

Well, it’s that time of year.   The holidays have crept in and have taken over us all.  It’s like we have been “zombie-fied” as Mason would say.  The weather here is acting strange.  There are some days when you would think that it was going to snow at that precise moment, and then there are others when you swear it’s time to go for a swim.  Either global warming is acting up, or this year is going to be a very warm winter with NO SNOW..  It isn’t the same if there isn’t snow to play in, and to make a mess in the house with.  How can anyone celebrate Christmas without the cold stuff?  This time last year, we already had several inches on the ground.  =(

We celebrated Thanksgiving with some of Tim’s soldiers that came here with no families.  It was nice spending time with people.  We had a 22 lb turkey and a 10 lb ham.  We also had all the trimmings that go with Thanksgiving.  This year, I made both pumpkin and sweet potatoe pies, from scratch.  Well, from  canned pumpkin and yams.  Lol.  It definitely wasn’t Sara Lee’s frozen pies, but it was actually pretty good.  Surprising huh?  Everyone seemed to like them and nobody got sick, so that was a plus.  We had so many leftovers, that for that following week, we ate so much turkey and ham, that we don’t want to see anymore for the rest of the year.  For Christmas we are going to make Roast Beef.  NO MORE TURKEY!! 

As soon as everyone left for Thanksgiving, I ran down to storage and grabbed all the decorations.  Tim made me wait this year till I could begin Christmas decorating.  I was so anxious to begin decorating.  I feel that once the decorations go up, the time goes by faster, and with us leaving here in May—I couldn’t wait any longer.  However, I was more frustrated this time decorating, then ever…  Somehow, while sitting in storage, all my Christmas lights decided to stop working!! Or, half the strands worked, while the other half didn’t.  By this time, it was after 8, and the BX was closed.  As I sat there and stared at my naked tree, I just looked at it and felt horrible.  I had to wait till morning to run and buy some lights and then we could finish it.  So tell me again, why am I so impatient?

Needless to say, the tree is up and so are all the decorations.  Feels like Christmas in the house, although we aren’t getting any white stuff soon.  This month is already a busy one.  Between Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, having to sub at the school, birthday parties, (Tim’s and all the kids’ friends), wrapping gifts, mailing gifts, and now a Army ball to attend this Friday-I am done!  Can December hurry up and end already and lets get onto 2012! Once it reaches January 1^st, we will only have 4+ months to go, till we are back in the good ole USA.  I am so happy that I can barely contain myself, lol.  It’s been too long, I need to go to rehab from all the withdrawls I am having. 

And even though leaving here will be bittersweet, I CANT WAIT TILL WE COME HOME!

 Hope this season is filled with love, joy, and happiness for all of you!  See you soon!