The Stafford Crew

Window clings!

2012-02-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

Korea has some of the most exciting crafts! At our homeschool co-op a few weeks ago my friend Selina taught the kids how to make window clings. Of course, Kayden and Michael loved them and wanted to make more, so we HAD to buy it! :) It comes with clear paper so you can trace the patterns they have given, or you can create your own. We decided to create some with our Star Wars coloring book. R2-D2 and Anakin. The boys had a great time tracing them, and then we learned patience when we had to wait a few hours to paint them and then a day for the overall paint to dry! Michael's Anakin was awesome but was a bit long so it ended up folding in on itself. :( Boo!! Kayden's R2-D2 was amazing and looked great catching the sun!! Plus a picture of Lily and her best friend, Faith!! They are so sweet together!

Raised in the likeness of Him!

2012-02-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

Matthew 3:11

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Isaiah 44:3

3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.

What an amazing day. Kayden has proclaimed his faith and was baptized in front of the congregation at Chapel Next, Camp Humphreys South Korea. He was so sweet and was heard saying, "I want to be baptized because I invited Jesus to live in my heart, and He is my Saver!" So precious!!! He not only is a Savior, but He is also Kayden's Saver! What an awesome way to end our time here in Korea!! We are so proud of you Kayden!! You are walking in His likeness at an early age, and the fruits of your labor are already being cultivated!! Press on, for the prize is Great, the road is hard, but this journey is one you will never have to walk alone!! We love you son!

A video will be uploaded soon!

Valentne's Day Fun!

2012-02-12T15:16:00.001-08:00

A fun craft to celebrate love.

Girls day out!

2012-02-12T15:06:00.001-08:00

1 Princess + pedicure = 1 day to remember.

The boys had a day at the amusement park Lotte World, so Lily and I decided to take some time to pamper ourselves. We had a manicure, pedicure, coffee, and great memories. i just love my baby girl!! There is none like here in all of the fairytale lands! Lilyann, I love you!

The Christmas Story

2012-01-25T04:54:00.000-08:00

Too cute not to share..... MUST WATCH!

CHRISTMAS!!!!!

2011-12-29T17:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas day! So much excitement! So much to be thankful for!! Happy Birthday Jesus!

All girl!

2011-12-29T17:42:00.001-08:00

Nothing really needs to be said about these pictures they are just adorable!! She loves having her nails done and hair blowdryed before bed! She is ALL girl!

2011-12-29T17:24:00.000-08:00

I found this awesome idea on pinterest about making a suprise attack on daddy with a fun note and fully loaded nerf gun! Of course I couldn't pass up on an opportnity to attack my hubby with foam bullets, so this idea hit the spot... Mike was at the computer checking work email when I quietly dropped a note with a full gun on his work space and ran to find a hiding spot... The boys had a great time and enjoyed a fun night in with daddy!.... Enjoy!!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

2011-12-18T04:23:00.000-08:00

What a whirlwind December has been! We have been busy doing normal December things, trying to stay warm in the 35 degree weather, making yummy treats, learning about our Savior and His miraculous birth. I love this time of year, when the music in stores are joyful and staying snuggled in bed under the covers is acceptable. Enjoy the pictures!

Our nativity that Kayden and Michael made. Our amazing friends, the Adams' over at http://no1hasmorefun.blogspot.com/2011/12/advent-day-5-legos.html inspired us to create.

The 3 wise men, bringing their gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Joseph, apparently in the boys eyes, he was a biker dude with flames on his shirt.

And Mary was an aerobics teacher...

Baby Jesus.. Michael thought it was funny that Jesus was just a lego head with no body. Sweet Michael!

Lily being pampered by her daddy. We hate sending her to bed with wet hair, so daddy blow dryed it for her.. She is spoiled!

The mess in the kitchen while making 13 dozen Christmas cookies, 6 dozen chocolate dipped marshmallows, and 10 dozen dipped pretzel rods. MMMM!

Kayden busy being an artist.

He loved decorating, aka eating while he decorated.

Sugar cookies

Gingerbread cookies

The biggest helper in the kitchen. He wanted to be apart of everything that was going on in the kitchen from dipping pretzels in chocolate to sprinkling the marshmallows.. He was a real treat to have as a partner...

Lily's angel that she made from MOPS.

Michael's angel.

Kayden's angel.

When you wonder if you disappoint…

2011-12-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

Found via my favorite blog: Aholyexperience.com. Swing over and see what else she has that moves your heart to say "Amen!"

Sat down with my Mama last night, her hair falling like snow straight down.

She had put this bowl of them out on the end table — these dried rosehips.

They rolled between the fingers perfectly, these whole worlds.

I kept popping them between my fingers… between my words.

“So much….” pop…. “I am just not…” pop…. “getting at all right.”

“Like?” Mama sits in the wingback, twists her long hair around her hands, this turning of everything.

“Like what the speech therapist said about how we’re going to have model things differently if Kai’s going make progress.” I don’t look up.

Just pop one dried rosehip …. stir the bowl…. crack another one. Everything turned and stirred… cracked.

“Like the to-do list that isn’t touched and the read alouds I don’t read with children and the memories I’m not making and the intentions I don’t follow through on. Like the decisions I can’t make– and then do make. And wonder if they were the right ones at all?”

I don’t have to look up. I know how she’s listening, how her eyes are simply waiting to hear, understand. A mother can always be pregnant – full of grace. She must feel it, me all stirring.

“It’s about getting it all right?” Did she speak this softly when I wailed through the nights, when she held me and rocked?

“No…” Why do I always have soul amnesia? Why can your head figure things out so much faster than your heart? Why is it that what runs through your veins learns so slow? It’s about praise, not perfection.

The only right is found in His righteousness and grace is always the most amazing of all.

“No… it’s not about getting it all right.” I roll one rosehip between thumb and index. This one withered world.

“I just — I just know I disappoint.”

I need to look into her eyes.

She nods, waiting for me to deliver into the light. She’s waiting for my head to whisper to my heart the rhythm of truth so I can breathe. “And?”

I say it slow.

“God appoints people who do disappoint – to point to a God who never disappoints.”

I’m the one breaking open…

Appointed to be this mama to these children, this wife to that husband, this daughter, this sister, this church member — appointed to this work, to this home, to this marriage, to this relationship, and it’s not about disappointing as much as Who am I pointing to, Who am I turned to and reaching for and seeking after and walking all of my life towards.

I say it again so my heart can find grace’s beat:

“God appoints people who do disappoint – to point to a God who never disappoints.”

I don’t get it right – but my words and my actions and my heart can exalt the One Who is Right.

Mama’s eyes hold me and I don’t feel withered and she’s nodding, her locks falling like a blessing and everything unlocking.

I don’t pop the dried berry between my fingers.

I just turn it in my hand… turn it all around.

And I can feel that — how the mother and Father both smile and how the whole withered world might…

Reason #9734 why I love homeschooling... SNOW DAYS!

2011-12-08T21:09:00.000-08:00

For the first time this season, we woke up to snow!!! I was awakened to my hubby calling me fom his work telling me to look outside. I was SOOO happy!!!! :) Within a few minutes of lying in bed, I heard the kids start sturring and the blinds start to wrestle. From their room came the sounds of joy! WE LOVE SNOW!! The boys immediately ran to my room and jumped into my bed and told me all about what was going on outside! Of course Kayden asked if we could play hookie from school work this morning and play outside instead!! With much joy, I jumped out of bed and ran to find the snow gear! Off to the snowy morning we ran! My ears were greeted with tons of laughter as they remembered once again, how ceative God is! With each snow flake, I was thankful for the days of hookie, the warm house that awaited our return, and for the little angels that God gave to me, for they were busy this morning making snow angels themselves! I hope your Winter is full of hot cocoa, warm blessings, and all that Jesus has for you each day!

Rag Ornament

2011-12-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

To make a rag ornament, you need glue, scissors, foam ball, skewer or thin screw driver, fabric of your choice, and rope.

I wanted mine to be festive, so I chose bright Christmas colors.

Cut Fabric into 3/4 inch strips. (I cut 15 strips (9 inches each) of each color, and was able to cover my 3 inch ball. Cut more or less depending on the rag you desire.

My pile of strips of all three colors.

At this point you are ready to start your ornament! First, spread a small amount of glue over a small area of the ball. Place your skewer at the middle of a strip of fabric. Wrap the side of the fabric up and push each piece of fabric through the foam ball. Only press though 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Continue with more fabric strips until your area of glue is covered. Repeat until your ball is covered with rag! Trim your ornament as you like. Tie rope string and push through ball with skewer. Secure rope with glue or hot glue gun. (I did hot glue for this step, simply because it dries faster and my ornament was aready for immediate hanging!) :)

Bam!! Rag Ornament!! So Fun!

Daddy's Birthday!

2011-12-08T20:28:00.001-08:00

Well, Mike is officially in him 30's. He turned 31 on November 30, and he was not very happy about it. Luckily we were able to teat daddy to a relaxing evening in with all of his favorites! The kiddos waited patiently for his car to pull into the garage so they could hide and surprise daddy when he go off the elevator. He was bombarded with kisses, hugs and homemade cards fom the little ones and treated to hid favorite dinner, pot roast. We had an amzing meal and shared a few laughs ove the card that little Michael picked out. It says "Oh, poop! Another Birthday!" Mikey's favorite word these day's is poop, (YUCK!) He is definately all boy! Then we surpised daddy with yummy cake and fresh strawberries! MMM!! He even got a few special presents. A coin rack and a new stunt kite. Here is the excitement from that night!

The Case

2011-11-27T04:09:00.000-08:00

About a month ago, Mike and I found little Michael sleeping in his pillow case. Not for warmth, but for snuggle... He is obviously a child who still loves to cuddle, so when I asked him if he wanted me to make a Michael case for him, he assuredly said, "YES!" Off to the fabric store I went (kicking and screaming!):)and found some cute super hero fabric, I mean, super manly, super hero fabric!! I sewed up a Michael case in under an hour, and my baby boy has been smiling from ear to ear, everytime he is in his case... This of course caused case envy, so I undoubtedly needed to make one for Kayden, so back to the fabric store I went!! (YIPPEE!) This blog post is a few pictures from tonights adventures in our storage room... Sewing 101 has never looked so manly!! :) Enjoy!
Oh, and please disregard the cowboy hat, for some reason in tonights game of tag, the person wearing the cowboy hat was the good guy... I guess the good guy feeling was cozy for sewing, so the hat stayed. Yeah for sewing accesories! :)

Lotte World

2011-11-20T06:34:00.001-08:00

We have had a busy Veterans Day weekend with Mike home. We enjoyed our first 3 consecutive days together since we arrived in country over a year and a half ago. We enjoyed waking up to daddy making breakfast, having him around to play games, and I enjoyed listening to the children giggle while being thrown up and down, in the sky, on the couch, and over his shoulders.. Daddys make for more enjoyable days and extremely tired children. One of the things that we had a chance to do with daddy was head to Lotte World amusement park for a fun filled Friday... This is Kayden and Michael's favoite place and get ANNOYINGLY high pitched when we tell them where we are going there. Which brings me to my next point....

Sorry I haven't posted recently, but the camera has been dead since this trip and has been left in the car day after day after day, because it was in the trunk with some Christmas presents that the children couldnt see... Needless to say, I havent been able to get in the trunk with the kids around.... And crazy thing about these kids, THEY ARE ALWAYS AROUND!! I do like it that way, but it makes for a lonely camera and a blog hungry momma... Anywho, the camera has been rescued and is now in the warm and safe home of its charger! WHew!

Back to the point! Here are some pictures of that trip... Enjoy!!!

My Family!

2011-11-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

I love these people!

My Mom

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Another year has passed without my mom. November 4th was 15 years since I last saw her radiant smile and heard her contagious laugh. November 4th, 2011 was the first year that will pass where I have spent more time without her than with her. My mom died when I was 14. A far cry from the 29 that I am today, but the pain that accompanies that type if loss is one that will sting no matter how much time has passed. I wish she was here to meet my husband, to see my beautiful children, and to know that all the work that went into raising a strong-willed, stubborn child was not without its reward. As I think about my life since her passing, I shed a tear at how much she has missed.. I shed a tear at how much wisdom I have missed.. She is all I hope to be.. An amazing mom, a wonderful wife, and woman who loved the Lord. . I know one day, in the Glorious Heaven, with our God, we will be together again.... Until then, I will remember her like this...........

A treat from my kiddos!

2011-11-01T23:24:00.000-07:00

The kids were extra quiet this morning when they got up. So quiet in fact that when I woke up they had secretly colored and hid special treats for me to find. Kayden was the mastermind behind it all and asked Michael and Lily to draw pictures for me and then wrote down his brother and sister secret messages to me on sheets of paper. They sent me on a scavenger hunt shouting clues as to where the gifts were hidden. When all was said and done, I found 4 pieces of paper, 2 notes and 2 drawings, all from my sweet children. What a way to start my day!!! I was happy to know that while I slept that were working together on a sweet gift and not up to trouble!! Maybe, after all, we are doing something right!!! :0)

I like you mom and a drawing of a queen from Michael!

I love you mom and a beautiful piece of art from Lily!

Lily working on school. She is mastering some fine motor skills!

She's so stinkin cute!

Pinnacle Land.......

2011-10-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went on a little outting today with a fun group called the SOKO shutterbugs. We went to a beautiful location called Pinnacle Land and had a great day hiking to the top of the hill where there was a gorgeous waterfall for the kids to enjoy. We ate lunch and snapped a few shots of our adventure. This is one part of Korea that I will miss dearly! I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Seriously, I just LOVE these kids!

Lily bug Jumping

2011-10-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

Halloween fun!

2011-10-31T04:57:00.000-07:00

A sweet video from the kids, I mean, superheros!

Kayden's Piano Recital

2011-10-31T04:30:00.000-07:00

Kayden's Piano Recital

I know, 2 days in a row!!! WOW!

2011-10-30T00:49:00.000-07:00

Last night and today have been exhausting, but exhausting in a good way! We had 7 rowdy children at our home yesterday evening and today we spent our morning/afternoon in Osan for the air show, bowling, and ice cream. What a treat the last 24 hours have been! Here are some pictures of the excitement!

Hello again!

2011-10-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

I did it!!! I posted twice in 2 weeks.. Yeah me!!! Well, this week has been busy!! We have been doing school, socccer, piano recital, and exploring. Kayden and Michael did a presentation at co-op and taught the other kids how to polish pennies with lemon juice! Kayden spoke and Michael handed out pennies, cups, and lemon juice! They did great!! Also, Kayden's piano recital was this week. He has spent a lot of time practicing and it really paid off. He did great! I will post a video later. Aside from tripping on his own feet when he was done, he had a flawless performance! He is such a musician!! Michael's plants in our windows grew like crazy!! In only a few days roots sprouted and in a week we had leaves!! The boys loved watching them grow so much, that we decided to do it again! :) Lily has been busy potty training and terrorizing her brothers... We also had our Spooky Hallow on post and the kids got to dress up and get candy from some of the vendors.. They had a great time and loved seeing their friends dressed up as well!!! I hope you enjoy the pictures!!

Kayden measuing himself against the apple peel.

Using our new toy.....

Taste testing the Red Delicious apple against Granny Smith.. We apparantly are a red apple family!!

Wonder Woman taking a break on daddy's shoulders.. Even Super heros need to rest!

Best Friends!

The boys were so happy to find the clone troopers... I think thats what they are called!

Its okay Superman, Ill take it from here, you can go take a nap!

Kayden's piano recital.

I just love this face!

Oooopppsy!

We even school on the potty!

Science with daddy!

Yeah Science!

Using my sense of smell to figure out what daddy has!

Kayden loves science!

We even learned some letters in Braille and wrote a letter to our friend in KY. Hi Braden!

Kayden presenting his science experiment to the kids in our co-op. He did such a great job!

Kayden teaching Michael how to make a more realistic machine gun sound with his mouth!

Telling his sister goodnight (playing) for naptime!

Muah!

Pictures Michael made for his best friends, Grace and Tristan!

Lily loves her Geoboard!

Michael posing with his "J"aguar and "K"angaroo

He LOVES to read!

Our handprint Turkeys, courtesy of Pinterest! Kayden's has only one eye because its an alien turkey, apparently!

And Michael's is a mutant turkey... 2 big eyes and 3 small eyes.... I love boys!! They are out-of-the-box thinkers...

I don't want to hear about it. I know its been a long time!

2011-10-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

A really long time!!! I refuse to try and play catch up. Too much time has passed and I wouldnt even know where to start. We are all here, all growing, all learning, and all still loving each other!!! YEAH!

I have set a goal to try to update weekly with new pics of the kiddos and what we have been up to. If you know me well, you know that I am not much of a goal keeper, but I am praying this one will be the one that changes my whole world!! Who knows, maybe next Ill aspire to run a 10 miler. Oh wait, that too was a forgotten goal! Oh well... Here goes nothing!!

We are still here in Korea. We are loving the country and enjoying all of the adventures, but are looking forward to our return to America in April. We just recently found out our next assignment will be Dallas, Texas and I am beyond excited because 3 of my favorite things are there; In N Out Burger, Ikea, and Beth Moore! :) Also, we are trying our hand at homeschooling this year and that has been a huge adjustment and blessing all at once. Kayden has been such a joy to have around and it has been so awesome to be there when the light bulb goes off and things make sense. He is so smart. He gets the brains from his daddy. Little Michael is also homeschooling and is really our class clown. He works so diligently and then quietly ( VERY LOUDLY ) sits still ( CRACKS JOKES ) as he waits for the rest of the crew to be finished!! He is a bundle of energy and can make me laugh AT LEAST 100 times a day! He also gets this from his daddy!!! Lily has been a great sport about this new schedule and really enjoys having her brothers around. When her big brothers are around she is constantly protected from all evil and injustice in the world. EXCEPT of course for the torture that they endure on her. She is spoiled and I think she knows it!! :) Here are some pictures from this week thus far... And folks, its only Tuesday! So far, my goal is being met. Yeah me!

Our science experiment. Seeing which beans will grow in a ziplock....

The art in our school room. Who knew our kids names were in alphabetical order... We made them out of crayons. Thanks Breanna and Pinterst for inspiring!

Michael working hard at unwrapping the crayons for melting.

Our finished product. Star crayons!

Starting the pumpkins. Michael hated the smell.

Finally having fun and embracing the smell!

Lily loves working with daddy!

Michael wanted to do it all by himself. He was mad I wouldnt give up free reign of the knife!

The finished product.

Our superhero lanterns. Superman and Green lantern

Working on our clay "playdoh" tablets. Practicing our cuneiform, one of the earliest forms of writing.

Writing a secret message to daddy!

Lily gave up and made playdoh balls.

Coloring her picture of Mesopotamia.

Being silly

Making a necklace while her brothers finish up work.

Lily and Michael's new place to relax, our back porch. They sit and wait for Kayden to be done while enjoying a delicious treat from our friend Jeni Beni. Thanks Jen for the "Vampire teeth."

Michael had a scavenger hunt while working on his number 7

Thats right, sometimes we dont get dressed for school... Michael working on his letters with a bag of shaving cream!

So proud of his "K"

Our science experiment of poliching pennies. Learning about oxide and acids.

Our shiny pennies!

Enjoying a snack in his favorite seat!

At the playground before heading to the pool for some PE.

CHEESE

Learning about yeast... Making bread with little Michael....

MMMM...

It was delicious!! Thanks Selina for the awesome recipe!!!

More from us!!

2011-03-13T01:56:00.000-08:00

We have been busy... Busy being sick, busy sanitizing, and busy raising kiddos who love the Lord.... Amidst the craziness of life, I managed to catch a few shots of the joy that the kiddos bring!!!

Last week was "H" week, so we were chalk full of Healthy snacks, Hotwheels, Hats, Heaven, Happiness, and such... Our memory verse was Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother." Michael enjoyed making his Hat out of his verse, cutting out Hearts, and making a House out of his H...His favorite project was making stick mom and dad.... We were able to start the lesson earlier that morning, so daddy was able to help Michael out with the project... He really liked that! He is so smart and really seems to enjoy the quiet time with mommy... I am really not certain who enjoys it more...

This week was "I." We made an Iguana, practiced numbers, read TONS of "I" books, and learned about Isaiah... He seems to like bible time the best and gets excited when we get to do our hands on lessons... We studied full armor of God and even made helmets of salvation to wear during our "battle." In the pictures you can see the belts, shields (cookie sheets,) swords (light sabers,) shoes, and breast plates (shirts). After we made our helmets, the battle was on... They were "fighting" and saying all of their past memory verses... This weeks verse was Phillipians 4:13 " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Mixed in with all the school pictures you'll find family tickle time... Kayden loves this time with daddy! He is so tough and after a few minutes of tickling he always wants to team up with daddy and get Michael and Lily... I think he figures out early that Daddy always wins... Kayden is doing so well in school... He is quickly picking up reading and loves math.. He is great with numbers and, of course, loves recess... Last week we got a great report from his teacher that he was really helpful to the new boy in school.. It doesnt surprise me, since he is always so approachable and he always makes himself available... I just love him....

Lily is pure girl, wrapped in a tough little shell... She can wrestle with the best of them, can destroy a house in 3 seconds, and knows how to push every button... She is definately a handful, but Mike and I are so grateful for her energy! She keeps us on our toes, and always has us laughing... She is such a doll!!! Every moment spent with Lily is a new memory... She doesnt do anything twice, always keeps us guessing, and can make her eyes water at the drop of a hat!!! She has the whole family wrapped around her tiny little finger; brothers, dog, and all!!!

Life her is never dull...

Hope you enjoy the pictures!!!

Family Fun....

2011-02-24T16:06:00.000-08:00

For all one of you who read this blog… Here are a few pictures from last week… We had a great 4 day weekend with daddy and we even enjoyed a nice start to “G” week… We made Gooey Gems, painted and Glued with Glitter, memorized our “G” bible verse, made a Goat, ate goldfish, and even did a little gardening.. My favorite part was learning about our Great God… We watch the clouds He made, played outside in the beautiful weather He provided, and even learned about Gratitude and Giving… This week, we also moved Lily to her big girl bed and had to part with the kiddos crib… (Tear).... Although, by some of the pictures, you can see just how well she sleeps in it and just how much bed-head, independence creates…. She is awesome and is more mischievous than ever. She even loves to sport her new pigtail hair-do…. J Michael is fabulous… He is loving homeschooling and really enjoys quiet time with mommy.. I can tell that he thrives off alone time and really enjoys one on one learning… Each new day brings more excitement with him…He is always spouting off some random comment that often leaves Mike and me giggling for days… He has a real sense of humor and love for his brother and sister… In fact, he loves Kayden so much that he is currently in the middle of his “copy” stage…. He is repeat.. It drives Kayden nuts… Which in turn drives mom and dad nuts… Let’s just say that is a work in progress…. Kayden is doing great in school and loves to relax on the weekends… He is learning to ride his without training wheels, beginning to really grow into his role as a responsible big brother, and has even made a huge decision on Tuesday night, and accepted Jesus Christ as his savior….That’s right, you heard it… Kayden accepted that he needs a Savior… He is so sweet and sincere… I am excited to see God working in his life… As you can see, we have been busy… It is never a dull moment in the Stafford household….. Always going to or arriving back from… But in the middle of life’s craziness, we are giving our all to glorifying the One who gave us another day…. To many more days and many more opportunities to show his love, we say Goodbye from Korea…

A random day… A forever day….

2011-02-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

A random day… A forever day….

The days before were hectic…. He had asked my hand weeks prior, and a smile was my “yes.” All the catalogs of what the big day could be, made my heart frantic… Frazzled and anxious the random morning turned into our forever day… We dressed, headed to a judge at the clerk’s office and said our vows to a dancing man who made our hearts giggle away the nervousness… The day two hearts became one, the day that started the book of our life together…

On that day, I loved him… Today, the love is even more real, even more a part of who I am… I see a man who has never questioned my need for more fabric, more time to sleep in, more help…. A man who is eager to spend time with his family, one who gives freely, and loves unconditionally… A man who has fought for his country, said goodbye to fallen friends, and come home a better man, simply by serving..... A man who encourages me to be creative, always tells me he loves my work, and listens intently when I sing... A man who still makes me buckle when we kiss, glows when he sees his children, and finds joy in the simple life... Most importantly, I see a man who puts God above all else.....He resembles the younger man I married, but today I see him as a selfless, God fearing leader who never ceases to make me laugh and can always find just the words to express his love for me…

3 children later, my love has grown…. The years of fathering, loving, learning, and trusting, have added age to a man who seems to only get better with time…. To more laughs, more triumphs, and many more years…. Happy Valentine’s Day Mike…. I love you!

Samsung Childrens Museum

2011-02-07T20:47:00.000-08:00

Lucky Charms

2011-01-31T23:41:00.000-08:00

I hear the bag wrestling in her room….. I peer through her door, to find her huddled in the corner with the box of lucky Charms…. She peers through her fallen bangs to see me catching her in the act… She smiles sheepishly, as though she knows she has been caught….. As I walk to her, I see a pile that she is making on the floor… In a heap between her Indian style, I see marshmallows… She is picking out the good and leaving behind the bad… I try to explain to a one year old, she has to take all or nothing…..

Is this when it begins?… Our struggle with only wanting the good, forgetting that the bad often makes us full and complete…

There have been many times in my life that I have questioned God’s provision for my life, especially when he gave me what I felt was bad….. The loss of both my parents, the struggle to find myself, the rock bottom of who I was… The bad cereal that God was allowing in my life, so that I would find the good in him… So that I could be full on His word and complete in whom He wanted me to be….Through my parent’s deaths dozens of people came to the Lord, one of whom is my husband. Through the struggle of self searching, I found a Savior who carried the burden of sin that was much too heavy for myself , and in the rock bottom, I found joy, for my Heavenly Father was searching for me, his one sheep who had wandered astray…
Gods plan for my life is often different from the plan that I have for myself, but I trust him… Because I know all too well, what too much sugar can do to child……

Job 2:10 “Should we only accept good from God and not adversity?”

The post of all posts...

2010-12-14T15:44:00.001-08:00

A few months have past since I last wrote.. A LOT has happened... I have always thought that once I sent a child of to school, life as I knew it would be a tad bit easier.. Less children to keep an eye on would result in more stuff getting done... Oh, quite contraire... My life has been filled to the brim with my list of things to do.. To top it all off, I now have been serving in Kayden's class as well.. My list gets longer!

The demands of life overseas have left me moving at a more rapid pace than before... When I would usually shop for Christmas after Thanksgiving, living overseas requires the shopping to be done early enough to allow ample shipping time.... The availablity of things on the peninsula are scarce, so online shopping has taken over my regular trips to Target and Walmart... The hustle an bustle of a life spent running from store to store is over, but the hustle in itself has only just begun..

Here are a few pictures of some of the things we have been up to... Please forgive me for the out of order posting....

Enjoy!

I blinked...

2010-09-09T00:21:00.000-07:00

Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. "

I've heard it said a million times... "Don't blink, because before you know it, they will be all grown up. Cherish these moments, because one day they will be gone...."

Really? Really!

I have only reached the threshold of these days... Kayden has started kindergarden and now more than ever am missing "those days."

I remember when Kayden was attending pre-school in Alabama... He would cry, his body would go limp, and I would be the red faced mom verging on tears as I carried him to class each day... Like it was yesterday, I vividly remember calling my hubby, my friends, my pastor, all trying to seek guidance on how to handle the situation... I asked anyone who would listen all the questions that came into mind..... Is he too young? What am I doing sooo wrong? Is this the right program? What should I do? To them all, I said..." I can't wait for this season to pass....." For now, it has... He gladly wakes each morning, he willingly walks into his classroom, he smiles as he tells me of his day... He loves it... I am sad.....

As I droped him off for his first day, he formed a line and followed his friends into the classsroom... He looked back and smiled... I hurried to him, reminded him of his happy and obedient heart, and asked him who he wants his friends to see... He assuredly looked up to me, smiled and said " Ill show everybody Jesus!"

The funny phrases, the silly faces, the mouth open stare... I miss him... Because he is simply awesome!! I know I am doing my best... I know he will shine Gods love... I know for now he is doing school work, but one day he will be doing HIS work...

For he is not mine, but God's...

I lay him at your feet, Lord.... Protect him, guard his heart, stand by him...

For it is not my will Lord, but Yours... Make him the salt and light of the world...

And the greatest of these is Love....

2010-08-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

My list of things was already long and when Michael came in first thing yesterday morning saying he was sorry, I knew it had just grown bigger…..

Mike still sleeps in pull-up and after a restful night sleep it was full… he sat himself down on our couch and overflowed onto our cloth sofa… He immediately came into my room, where I was still sleeping and said, “Sorry mommy, I peed on the couch….” He was so embarrassed… I hushed his shame, reassured him that everything was going to be okay, and made my way to see the damage done…. There, perfectly placed on my recliner was soiled pee… I soaked it down dried it up and waited for a better time to shampoo the sofa…. As I rushed through the morning routine, one thing after another made its way to the top of my priority list…. I cooked, I did “school work,” I cleaned, I folded, I played, I loved, I kissed… My day had reached its capacity; I was quite content with my workload… Dinner was working in the oven, 20+ meals were cooked and in the freezer, laundry had been folded and put away, bathrooms were cleaned of their usual pee trail, and I knew it was time to deep clean the sofa…

I hate cleaning the sofa.... Our shampooer is large, extremely noisy, and since the last move it grew 2 leaks (thanks movers. J) It takes forever to do, forever to dry, and all of the energy in me to do the job right….

I ushered the kids outside to the patio with their car mat and tracks, tons of cars, and room to giggle… I started in the on the daunting task, making sure to keep a good eye on the boys playing… As I got going, I looked over my shoulder and saw the boys laughing… They got up, smiled, hugged, and sat down again to play…

I left the shampooer running (as not to arouse suspicion) and got my camera…

From my living room, I saw true brotherly love…. Kayden was patient, kind, and giving…. Michael was intrigued, loving, and joyful….. Kayden gave Michael his favorite ‘Sheriff’ car, Michael mimicked Kayden’s every move…They shared the toys with ease; they laughed at each other’s jokes, listened to the others ideas, and played… This is what life is all about… Michael’s accident overflowed into my greatest joy of the day… Neither knew I was watching…… Their smiles were sincere, their laughter was contagious, and their love was real…..

Yesterday was a great day! No, yesterday was an AWESOME day!! My kids are truly amazing…….

1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

Painting masks....

Rooooooaaaaarrrr!!!

Our family puppet show through the laundry room!!!

Playing Memory......

Asleep after playing Wii....

Balloon hats that Mike made... He should be a clown!!!

Kayden's glasses!!

Lily loved her hat!!!

Beautiful

2010-08-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

Psalm 51:7 “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” KJV

As the years pass by, as the clock continues to tick, as the calendar pages turn, I find myself farther and farther from where I used to be, yet somehow, it is also bringing my closer to where I came from… As a girl who was grounded and raised in the Truth, I am returning to my roots…

I come to this point often.. A turning point in my week when I realize how merciful and gracious my God is… I read His word, I pray, but when I see the Lord working in my life, I am at awe of His glory.

I stumble often… Really, if I were being truthful, I would write, I stumble A LOT! Because I do…. I fail, I fall, I am picked up… Each time to be forgiven if I ask…

I remember years ago, when I was living the prodigal life… Drinking, smoking, partying… I would wake up in the morning, cry, and pity myself for the mistakes that I was making.. I always knew the road I was on led to death… I knew that road I was missing led to Him.. I feared Him… I thought He would never forgive… I certainly knew I was having a hard time forgiving myself….. How could He? After all I had done!

After years of destruction and pain, I was faced with my past… Not the past I was running from, but the only part of me that was never going to give up… God was there… Through every missed step, every glass raised, every failed attempt to fill my own void, He was there… I soon realized that His death, was only the beginning… I thought that my sin was too big, too large to cover up…

In all reality, I thought my sin was bigger than His death…

But His death is enough… His blood covered my sin.. His resurrection washed me white as snow....My life was buried with Him…

I was made new….

“ I see no stain on you my child, your beautiful to Me.” – Beloved, Kari Jobe

Wont let Satan woosh it out.... Im going to let it shine...

2010-07-20T23:44:00.000-07:00

Psalm 18:28

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

I lost my patience yesterday…

Kayden and Michael were acting like they were, well, 5 and 3 (go figure)… After my morning of rounds through the house, they wrestled with a bottle of lemon ginger soda (sprite), the boys lost… Doogie the dog won, and I was left with a dog prancing sticky foot prints all throughout the house…

The couch was the first target, next came the patio, then the bedroom, my bed, the boys room, and finally the bathroom…. Footprints everywhere…. And after he hit the patio, he was not only tracking soda, but dirt too… Yuck….

If you know me well… You know I LOVE a clean home… I am not certain if it stems from my upbringing, or if I am just an obsessively clean person, but dirt and sticky make my skin crawl… literally….

As the fumes surfaced and fire came from my mouth… I saw Kayden get small… His beautiful blue eyes got big; I could hear his heart break….

Kayden is tender…. The type of child that really only needs a strict word of disappointment to put him on the right track… He is gentle…. He is pure… He was the brunt of my anger…

“What in the world are you thinking? Get a towel… No, Kayden….. A dry towel… first you need to clean up the mess… then we clean up the floor…. Faster Kayden… Doogie is playing in it now…. KAYDEN SCOTT, do you see my face… The dog playing in this mess is NOT funny…. Move your tail!”

By the time he made it to me… He was so disappointed in himself… With every demand to move… every demand to pick up…. Every demand…. He politely answered, with his head down...

“Yes, Ma’am”

His heart was so broken… As the tears welled in his eyes, I realized how I had overreacted…

No, they shouldn’t have been playing with their drink…. No he shouldn’t have lolly-gagged around in the process of pick-up...

My list of should haves grew…… I should have remembered that he is only 5; I should have been calm and rational in my punishment… I should have rebuked with love……

I often think to myself “Why are they not getting this… I have told them 20 times!” I often forget about my own sinful desires… I forget my own mistakes… The things that I did… fully knowing in my heart that they were not right….. Things my parents told me more than 20 times… I have to remind myself that my kids are not saved; they don’t have the light of God living inside them… They are battling with their flesh…. The sinful desire that makes them want to wrestle with a soda knowing full well that it probably isn’t a good idea… Until God lives in them, the light that they see will be through me… through Mike…… through the love of God that they see at church, and through friends who love the Lord… I pray that my light will shine brightly enough for them to follow the path to salvation…

Yesterday, my light was dim…

Thankfully I have a forgiving son and a forgiving Father!

Rainy days are for puddles....

2010-07-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy 32:2-4 Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. 3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! 4 He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.

We have been walking, talking, and growing... The days have been filled with moments of sunshine, hours of downpour, and times of learning God's faithfulness....

With rain, comes food for plants and animals... It settles dust, calms my home, and leaves plenty of down time for movies...

It brings teachable moments... curious hearts.... questions that leave me in awe of my beautiful children....
"Where is God?"
"Is Jesus crying?"
"Is Jesus the sun?"

I love days like this.... I dread the endless list of things to do after days like this, but for the moment, I relish....

My soul marinates on His word....

My kids ask more....

I smile at the joy that even the mention of His name brings.... My kids, not yet believers, still smile the moment His name leaves their lips....

Jesus......

In the rain I remember His faithfulness.... His promises...

He is truth...

At the Coex Aquarium in Seoul, South Korea

Passed out on the way home... Eyes and mouth open...

Lily's first time puddle jumping..... She loved it!

Mike loves the rain...

Kayden's new pose.....

Some of the gardens behind our home....

On our nature walk.....

Some of the rice patties growing....

Roly polys.....

Bug hunting...

Doggie waiting for crumbs.....

At the indoor pool on another rainy day!

At lessons....

Kayden and Michael at their swim lessons....

Lily loves to eat

At the waterpark....

Michael

Welcome Home……

2010-07-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome Home……

Psalm 84:3
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

The day was here… The LONG awaited day to receive our furniture from home… We were ecstatic, to say the least!! The boys were beaming with excitement… Their Wii was coming, what more could two boys need? You could see the energy welling up inside…… The 2.5 month wait was over…

The time was set….

Our temporary furniture was picked up…..

The loaner coffee pot and knick-knacks were sent back to their home…..

Today we were getting OUR stuff!!!

Yippee!!!

As the packers begin the tedious job of unloading and assembling all of our luxuries, the reality of our new home sank in… We are here… in Korea… This will be our place of residence for the next few years…

With the borrowed furniture from the base we felt, well, borrowed… Like we were here for a short while.. Not permanent, but temporary dwellers in this home… Although our place is beautiful it never felt comfortable…

I am sure most of my comfort comes from what my dear friend calls “creature comforts.” The things you don’t really need, but now make it difficult to live without…. The recliner… the squishy mattress…. The bread pan… the trash baskets… the soft pillow cases… Things that make life more enjoyable…..

The type of enjoyment that one can begin to rely on… The comfort that friends bring….

As I unload the boxes… I began to realize how close my "home" really is.....

In the pillow that reads “A Granddaughter is sunshine, flowers, and rainbows.” I think of my Grandma...

*Smile*

In the clay french onion soup bowls that I display in my china cabinet, I see the shoulder that gave me strength when my kids were pushing me beyond myself… My dear friend Amy Barnes…

In my bright green hospitality plates that read “I find my rest in God alone, He is the One who saves me.” Psalm 62:1…. I think of my best friend Lanessa, who LOVES the color green.. And not just any green, but the vibrant sage…

In the Scentsy that fills my home with the sweet aroma of honey pear cider… I think of my sister in love, Jenna…. Who knew just what I would need to make my home feel warm and inviting…

The Willow Tree figurine of a mom with two young boys, will forever remind me of my greatest confidant Amanda…. She could encourage my darkest days with her soft voice and beautiful prayers for strength…. Today it sits atop our kitchen mantle…Forever reminding me to love like Jesus…

My sewing machine…. Well… giggles of excitement and jokes rumble through my head… My machine will forever remind me of my 3 best friends, Amy, Jennifer, and Allison… I am reminded of the wife of noble character in Proverbs 31…. For these 3 have taught me by example how to serve in my home and laugh at the days to come…

From the art work to the couches, the fake flowers to the frames, I begin to realize why I sent everything we own…. The thought of my family brings me joy…. The thought of my friends make me giggle… The memories that surround each item are emotional…

And I am a very emotional person….

Just ask Mike….

Now, I know the memories are tucked away, and that they are not in the things…. But for now… I un-wrap the boxes, clean the shelves, and reload Wii remotes… The memories surround me…

I move forward… More memories will still be made…. Many more will laugh on these couches… more nail polish will be spilled on our table, and more joy will come through our new doors….

This is now, officially, our home….

Welcome to our home….

God bless our home, and all who enter…..

The plate that reminds me of Lanessa........

My scentsy that reminds me of Jenna

The shakers that remind me of my greatest mentor.... Jeannen

My Amanda memory....

The picture that reminds me "WWAD?"... what would Angela do?... Reminds me to be mission minded..

My grandma.....

My Megan.....

My Amy....

Kitchen....

Living room

Mudroom at the entrance of our home....

Boys room....

Master vanity and bathroom with large soaking tub...

Master

Playing with the neighborhood kids and pets....

Soooo fast!Whatcha looking at?

Team Stafford

People you begin to resemble your dog after awhile... So true....

The volcano we made with our science kit from home...

my little chemists...

Your hands, Your feet

2010-07-02T17:33:00.001-07:00

Just when I needed it, a woman walked up, tapped my shoulder, and gave me a gentle reminder, a small word of encouragement to keep me pressing on to the ultimate goal…

Salvation…

I have been in daily prayer for my children… especially these past few weeks… Not just the type of prayer that you do at meals and bedtime, but the minute by minute prayer… The constant dialogue for strength and endurance..... The type of strength that it takes to combat the difficult demands of parenting a preschooler… I have been ending my day with left-over’s, my mind has been wrestling with the days happenings; what I should have done or what I could have done… The anxiety of my skills leaves me paralyzed… Do I have what it takes to do this right?

I pray for my anxiety….

I pray for direction…

I look for a light that will surround the answer… To be an immediate fix to a difficult 3 year old.. An instantaneous transformation… You, God, can do that…. Please reveal to me what will work… What will make the screaming and whining come to an end?

Then I get a tap…

“It is nice to see a mother who is raising her children in the Lord…” the woman says….

Wow!!!!!!

Thank you God!

I know You sent her… I know You are using her to be Your hands and feet… The light You are revealing to me is not an instant fix, but instead a reminder to press on… To keep the course… To lean on You! My instant fix will come with Your return…… Sin will be no more… and You alone will transform….. Give me the guidance to show who You are, to be Your hands and Your feet… In your time… I will wait….

I say a prayer of thanksgiving, for you always answer….

What happens when daddy feeds Lily breakfast... In his defense, he gave her sausage and pancakes first!

Sweet blue eyes!

Covered!

Smile!

The new "cheese" What happens when I tell Lily to smile!

Daddy is the best!

One of those days....

2010-06-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

Exodus 18:18 “You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”

The day has been rough… In all honesty, the last few weeks have been fairly difficult…

Terrible 3’s!

For most parents, nothing more needs to be said, but for me, my heart aches to fix whatever it is that is bringing me to tears over my son…

The times when you question what you have done wrong? Where you made a wrong turn? Are we ever going to get back on track?

Michael is independent! Stubborn! He is just like me!

He knows the buttons; he applies just the right pressure to push me beyond my limits, to a place that I feel out of control… A place that I am uncomfortable in… I am a mom of love, of hope, of learning, or patience… but today, I became someone new… Someone I am not happy to have been!

The cards were stacked against me…

Ratio of kids: mom was 3:1

I was highly outnumbered….

The list of things to do grossly outweighed the time that I had, and my head was reeling with endless demands of drinks, snacks, diaper changes, sibling rivalry, dishes, laundry, pee on walls, pee on floors, and dog walks.. Puzzles thrown across the table, markers on the floor, drinks spilling, and dryer washer buzzing…. The time was gone..

As I went to get Lily from her nap, I realized just how bad my day had gotten… As I walk into her room I see a beautiful smile and an angelic baby holding wads of wallpaper from where she had torn pieces from our home… A large 4 foot radius circle ripped into shreds and tossed about her room.. She was so excited for me to see her work… She knew no better, but I sure did… I knew it was going to be a pretty penny to fix, I knew I shouldn’t have tucked her bed next to the wall, I knew…. She smiled and waved, holding up the small pieces that were tucked in between her fingers…

I can just picture her doing it… She loves new sounds…. I bet she enjoyed every minute of the noise… She was probably overjoyed with the sound of tearing paper!

I, on the other hand, was overflowing… not with joy but instead bitterness…

“REALLY GOD! As if my day could handle another ‘thing’!”

I could feel the tears well up in my head as I begin to cry…

My patience had reached its breaking point….

Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”

This day will pass, this season of terrible 3’s will fade, and the age of wallpaper ripping and innocent graffiti will soon be gone…

Everyone tells me that one season rolls into another and that sooner than I can believe I will be relishing in the memories of my little ones…

I smile as I think of the giggles that I will have…. For future Kim will be far more patient and tolerable of button pushing…

I laugh off the day….

Good night…

Prayerfully, a better morning!

Radiant Beauty

2010-06-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

You come early, as the flaming pink sun stretches and yawns long across the unmarked canvas of today and fields of winter white.

You warm me.

Face turned to glow, the words spill. "I breathe, here in these front row seats before the wonder of young day rising. I am! How to thank You?"

And You have words of Your own, words I hear in the still places.

“Then smile. Show me how you appreciate today by smiling…. regardless."

Yes, Father. So simple. So hard. Show me how?

Like a thank-you note one wears, I dress for the day, bejeweled with a smile, a flash of gratitude.

You come again with words from a Psalm sent by Dutch Father-in-Law through cyberspace, words he read last night and woke with and feels are for us today, somehow?And when I read verse 5 of Psalm 34, I knew why You sent that Psalm...

Unmistakably.

Repeating Yourself:

Those who look to him are radiant; ~Ps. 34:5

Reading the words aloud, I break into a smile…a shy, radiant one.

What husband needs to look at a face knitted in frowns and anxieties?What Lord needs to be worshipped in worries and scowls?

Wasn't it Anne Lamott who wrote, "Joy is the best makeup. Joy, and good lighting"?

And aren't You the best lighting of all?

Lord, in You, let us radiate.

-Holy Experience

A little of this, a little of that....

2010-06-26T03:50:00.000-07:00

Children's Seoul Grand Park

Not the Grand Park, but so cute.... I couldn't resist putting this in.....

okay, back at the park!

Botanical Gardens...

Friend Kendra pushing Michael...

Lily on the way to our FUN surprise.... she was excited...

peek-a-boo... covering her eyes so she doesn't see the surprise....

Passed out before we got to the surprise.....

The surprise....

Our newest Stafford... Doogie..... Although Kayden can't pronounce it, so he says " Doobie" Oh, well.... he still answers....

Lotte World.........

2010-06-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

“When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires, will come to you…” –Disney

We were driving home from a long at the amusement park here in Seoul, South Korea. Lotte World, similar to Disney World, was full of rides, adventure, parades, and theater. The kids bodies were tired from the day of walking and giggling, and as we drove home Kayden asked us, “ Why can’t I see any shooting stars?” Mike and I gave the typical 5 year old answer “ because the lights are too bright and it makes it hard to see the stars…..” Kayden was saddened that he couldn’t see them, so we made a deal to plan a camping trip during the next meteor shower… He seemed satisfied with that answer until he asked............

“Then how can I make a wish?”

I smiled as I reminded him of who God was…

Ever present, all knowing, and always available…. No star needed to pray, no waiting, just Him…..

After their surprise drive... they just spotted a giant castle and discovered it was Lotte World.... You can see Michael's excitement!

In the butterfly and bug exhibit... They were ablt to pet a male and female bettle... yuck.....

Lily loves the fish... Just like her Papa and dadda!!!

A miniature town with small train...

The whole gang....

On the monarail to the outdoor park...

Kayden was so excited......

There's me.... free falling....

The boys driving daddy around the track...

Again.... if you can zoom in on the picture, you can see Michael's sweet face... He was having a blast!

Mike doing the crazy bottle spin ride.....

There's Mike......

Kayden........

Somewhere in there is Michael......

The papparrazi feeding Lily corn....

The boys on the hot air balloon ride...

Lily pooped!

Kayden excited to play in the ball pit!!!

This was an awesome coin operated ride.... The kids paid 1000 won ( $1.00) and it drove them around the kid area... No seatbelts, no track.....

The boys treating Lily to a chariot ride... She is such a princess.... and her brothers are such gentlemen!!!

Whooooooooww........

Lily was finally set free to roam the park... She was stoked!!!! As you can tell by her mischevious face!

Free at last!!

The parade.......

The school girls that swarm the boys... Kayden is so popular.... They just cant stop taking pictures of the boys... Michael is anti-photos and Kayden is all about the attention.....

Kayden and Lily posing with their fans....

Lily at the pool...

Michael doing the butterfly stroke....

The boys learning to swim......

In the fort that daddy built.....

Acting like mommy....

Thinking that the glasses bring power... Michael says I am being a bad girl.....

At the river walk where Mike likes to fish....

Lily loving the windows down!!

Names of God

2010-06-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

Give us clean hands......

2010-06-05T04:30:00.000-07:00

I have a fabulous friend who sings to her children each time she washes their hands from dinner... "give us clean hands, give us pure hearts...." She has the most beautiful voice, and just thinking of her singing makes me smile(I miss you Jen)...Tonight as I bathed the kids before bed, I found myself mimicing what she does... Praising my Lord for the promise that each day is made new through Him, that each believer is washed white as snow in His blood, and that each moment is made evident of His glory...

The kids needed a thorough washing after a day of roaming the Korean streets, bunking up the couch for a few movies, and swimming at the waterpark with daddy.. The kids skin was screaming for a good scrubbing as they hurried to the bath for a good cleaning.. The water was tinted with a beautiful purple hue from the color tablets that my besties sent the kids, the bubbles were getting out of control, and the kids with smiling with excitement! What more could a mother ask for than this.... a perfect opportunity to take a "few" pictures of the babies!

They giggled with glee....

My cup runneth over....

So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let this be
a generation that seeks
that seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
that seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob

For now, just a lot of pictures.. blogging later!

2010-06-01T23:17:00.001-07:00

Lily riding with a boy who just loved her!

My superman, Michael!

Kayden, taking a break!! I love you!

Taking on the baby slide!

Dancing to the Korean music channel.. The artists on TV had on hats, so the boys joined in...

Learning how to use chopsticks with their trainer sets!

Lily enjoying her gourmet meal that daddy made...

Michael learning how to use his chopsticks...

Dinner on the patio....

The view from our laundry room...

The rice patties in the back of our home... In a few more weeks they will be tall and lush green....

A group of school girls who wanted to have their pictures taken with Kayden and Lily....

You guessed it....

A view from the Pyeongtaek market

And another.....

Mike and Lily catching a deal....

Kayden asked me to take a picture of the shoes... so here it is!

Kayden at Art Day, every Friday! Making a Memorial Day handprint wreath... It was precious....

Lily climbing on everything...

Michael working hard....

Lily coloring

Pulling eachother in the laundry basket... You should see them do this with the blankets... its awesome!

Lily getting a ride

Lily choses to not hurt Zurg, but instead love him... Good job Lily, way to be Christ-like..

The boys taking the opposite route and hitting Zurg the punching bag!

Lily exploring with all the fun toys that Jen, Allison, and Amy sent from back home.... I love my friends!

SEE!

Being a little nature explorer....

Lily LOVES this new toy!!!

Michael showing her how it works!

Happy quilt makes me Happy!!

2010-05-23T23:38:00.001-07:00

My Aunt Twila sent me a message the other day reminding me of Gods gentle mercy in putting me at a base with a coffee shop! Today I am reminded of that same mercy..... Today I found a fabric store!! I took the short 25 minute trip with my friend Kristi and her 3 sweet kiddos... There it was, "Happy Quilt" I could almost hear God giggle as I walked in....My eyes were wide, my heart was beating..... I was ecstatic... It was what I always thought a fabric store should look like... It was beautiful and inexpensive....

I bought 18 yards of fabric for 60,000 won = $51.50 which is 2.86/yard... Expensive stuff like Vera Bradley, Michael Miller, Amy Butler.. all there... I had to walk away and remind myself that I could come back later..... That these were not closeout prices... These were their regular prices..I didn't need to buy it all today..... But oh how I wanted to...

I am smiling as I type!

For my fellow creators... Take a breathe, because these pictures might just leave you breatheless!!

What I purchased.. Take a look Megan,that's OU for Emily's birthday present!!

Long overdue, but a post none the less!

2010-05-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

It’s been a few days since my last post and so much has happened, so I will try my best to catch all the family up on what we have been doing.. We have been busy, busy refereeing two rowdy boys who long for friends outside of each other, busy soothing a pained teether, and busy trying to find a church home… So much has happened, where I begin…. This past weekend, Mike had his Hail and Farewell party for his battalion.. We got a sitter for the boys and took Lily for a night out on the town… The party was at a beautiful restaurant in Osan called Blue Opera.. The atmosphere was beautiful and the party was great, Lily on the other hand was a bit fussy, so we headed outside and left daddy at the restaurant… While out, we wandered the main road that stays open long into the night, wandered through shops, browsed the local clothing boutiques, tried on shoes ( which I must pause and say that I felt like a compete ogre simply because the largest shoes in most shops were 9 and I wear a 9.5/10… My feet are apparently so big they don’t even make my size… Talk about insulting! Anyway, off my soap box!) The moment we started out the streets the paparazzi swarmed… Touching Lily’s face, wanting to hold her, making goo-goo faces at my angel… She loved it! No wonder she got fussy in the restaurant, we were surrounded by Americans who paid no extra attention to the beautiful blonde girl.. But outside, she was an original… One of a kind!! After aimlessly wandering for a bit, we begin our trek home…. I looked over and saw a familiar face.. One that I knew was a part of my past… I asked him what his name was, and to my surprise I was looking at a guy that I hadn’t seen for years. His name is Dominic and his mother was my mother’s prayer partner. Our moms were like best friends… They shared their fears, joys, trials, and successes with each other and here I stood, face to face with the memory that my mom loved me enough to give me to God daily…. She was the best! What an awesome way to end my day.. Seeing a face from Modesto, Ca in Osan, South Korea… Thank you God for your daily reminders of your love… You just make me giggle….

On Saturday, Mike’s company was heading up a group of people to go to the local orphanage and play with the children… Mike decided to go and take Kayden along for the experience.. I kept joking with Mike that this was the day he was going to meet his second daughter… He smiled and shrugged off the notion.. But of course, he couldn’t help but find a few favorites in the crowd. He immediately fell for a 4 year old who teamed up with Kayden for the day.. She and Kayden held hands, drew together, played, and even kissed on the cheek a few times…Mike ran around offering piggy back rides to all the children and wore himself out with all the playtime. Kayden and Mike both had a great time there, and were asleep on the couch before bedtime… It is a monthly opportunity, so we are hoping to go again soon and maybe I can meet my new daughter ! (wink wink)

Also, we got our first shipment of stuff this weekend… Our unaccompanied baggage came with toys, clothes, and towels.. We were ecstatic! Like Christmas all over again, only A LOT louder… The kids are adjusting well to the new place and are finally beginning to understand the new rules that come with living above someone and only having hardwood and marble floors..… "No hitting the bat on ground, no jumping from the furniture to the ground, no running before 7:00 am, no being bad when the windows are open and the neighborhood can hear me yell at you, no, no, no"… A long list of things not to do… They are happy though… Happy to have a home, happy to have their toys, happy to see daddy each day… Our joys are too many to count, our trials are making us stronger, and our home is intact… A unit that even language can’t shake….

On to our prayer needs… We tried out two churches on Sunday… One was a missionary church, Lighthouse Baptist, and the second was a contemporary service at the Chapel…Both were great. We loved pieces of each, but need prayer in the decision process… Lighthouse had an amazing service but only sings hymns (nothing wrong with hymns , just not used to them), and Chapel also had an amazing service and worship, but has a few things that leave me uneasy.. Prayer would be greatly appreciated…

Pieces are falling into place.. Our family is back to a regular diet, a regular schedule, and its regular sleep pattern.. Slowly but surely, our home will be back to regular as well… With only a few more weeks until our furniture is supposed to arrive, we are excited to say that we are home and together…. Together is our favorite place to be…..

At the orphanage... saying goodbye....
Kayden and his best friend..

playing

drawingKayden and his best friend again!

Preparing for lunch..

Making friends..

On the zipline

Lily just loved the ball pit... Michael loved wrestling Lily in the ball pit...

Cheese!

Caught off guard!

The kids with Chief the dog...

At the housing park!

Lily showing the kimchi squat!

Michael playing!

Kayden and Michael displaying their sibling rivalry...

Lily sporting her new PJs that daddy bought her.. She likes being a butterfly!

It is definately a girl thing!!

My birthday.....

2010-05-18T05:03:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 14:25
25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.

I was greeted yesterday with the stomping of little feet, the patter of Lily crawling, and Mike giggling as the boys jumped into bed and told me I had wrinkles..

Its official, I am 28! I am another year older; another year wiser, or so I like to think! We made a celebration of my birthday by heading to the park with my new friend Kelly, juggling children back and forth in her car, rest time, birthday cake making, and of course an evening out on the town with the children.. We decided to go to AK Plaza for dinner and finish out the evening making tourists of ourselves. We traveled around downtown Pyeongtaek, did some shopping in the local stores, and made our way through the outdoor market. With tons of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, and seafood, all of our senses were highly fascinated. We were a bit caught off guard as we turned a corner to see a dog, cut on the butcher block and ready for purchase. Kayden's innocence left him longing for an answer to why someone would want to hurt a pet…. We tried our best to explain that pets are not what people eat, but simply dogs that are breed for food. You could see his mind working as he tried to put the pieces to this mystery together.. He was dumbfounded…

As we continued to walk on, we saw beautiful mounds of carrots larger than any I had ever seen, green onions that varied in size from 4 feet to .5 an inch in length, and large juicy apples that left us hungry as we tried our best to only purchase what we really needed…. Then we were again caught off guard, not by an unusual sight, but by an elderly woman who had stopped us to give a religious tract. She stood, stared, and spoke no English.. We once again were lost in translation. The tract was in English so we searched the words to see if it contained the Word, signs that what she was sharing was our Truth.. I was not large in size, but had a few pages to flip… We turned each one, and spoke to her the only word that we knew she would understand…. “Jesus?” She was frail, but you could see here gentle spirit; brave to share her truth with us….

She nodded her head, pointed to her heart, and walked away…

I tucked the tract into my purse and continued on into the adventure that awaited the market.. As we looked at mini crabs, large eels, and pig heads, I couldn’t help but think of this women…
This morning I woke, not with the joy that usually accompanies a good night’s sleep, but instead with a heavy heart. I went to my purse and grabbed the tract from where it was snuggly tucked! I turned it over to see what my heart had dreaded; this woman does not know my God, she doesn’t know the truth, she is lost…

This tender woman, older than my 28 years, has found a false god… She has not only found an idol, but she is sharing it…

My heart shudders and I hear it break…

The Lord calls me to share my faith, to share Him.. An act of obedience, an act that all too often leaves me trembling with fear.. I am afraid to approach, afraid to impose, afraid to infringe.. I, the one who sings for large crowds, can make friends with a wall, and never shows fear, am afraid of sharing the love of God.. Each day I get better, for each day I grow closer to Him through His word. But even now, I am afraid to do what this woman has done...

In the midst of all the language challenges, I know that one word can break barriers across oceans, because “Jesus” is a universal language. A language that everyone can understand… I pray for strength to share His love, for all around us, lost are seeking… John 14:6 “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” NO ONE…. Not one, will enter unless they hear, repent, follow, and believe… For He is the way, the only way!

I pray for the women at the market.

I pray for strength to answer His call.

I pray.

2010-05-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning to a bright blue sky, children laughing, a warm home, and food to eat. I made my way to the kitchen to brew coffee, prepare eggs and pancakes, and change the inevitable dirty diaper… This morning, like all the rest, is a great start to a beautiful day… yet, I find myself with bittersweet feelings about tomorrow.. Tomorrow I turn 28…

Some might feel upset about getting another year older, some might fret about where the last year has gone, but I focus on both the joy of health and the sadness that accompanies an orphaned daughter… For today, 28 years ago, was the day that my parents had longed for… They were getting a baby girl.. I share those feelings as I gaze at my daughter… Feelings of completeness. Of a full family. A happy home! Yet, I still think about my parents.. Desiring to see me walk, talk, thrive, and love the Lord. How their dreams for me far exceeded my dreams for myself, how their vision of all I could become outweighed all I saw in the mirror, and how they knew far better than me how to stand against adversity and not fall for temptation.. I long for them.

As I look back at the years since my parent’s death, I see my testimony!

I see my poor choices, lost opportunities, missed chances…. But through all of that I see His grace….

I have a favorite parable in the bible, the story of the lost sheep. Matthew 18:12-14 10" 12"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” For all too often I have been the lost sheep, gone astray, searching for greener pastures… None were found, and yet, I still searched. I searched for answers to questions about my parents passing…. I felt deserving of answers, for I was just a little girl, needing my mom and dad.. A girl who needed to see the bigger picture.. The picture of God coming to seek the lost sheep, the one who strayed away. I didn’t see that all of the loss would lead me to gain Him… Lead me to seek peace that only He can provide. I didn’t see that through all of the pain, my parents prayers were answered… I love the Lord… At any cost, I pray the same for my children, my family, my friends…

Of course I cry at the things I miss about them and about the things that I never got to experience. I miss their smiles, I miss their laugh, and I miss their love because it had no conditions; they gave it freely and never withheld! I miss them because they sought the truth for me…. As I scale the years since then, I see growth! I see my walk with the Lord growing stronger as the days have ticked by.. He has been gracious to me! He has been with me as I chose His way and He has been by my side as I chose to detour from the blessings that He had waiting for me. He has always been my constant! Even when I didn’t choose Him, He chose me.. That’s what is so amazing about Him. He, the Almighty, still wants me after all that I have done.. My sin and rebellion, my shortcomings, He stands knocking and wanting me! I used to look back and see failures. Failed choices, wide roads of temptation and times when my body was crushed with my past… Now I see Him! With wide spread arms and nail scarred hands, waiting for me to come home… At any cost, I choose him!

Daniel 4:35

2010-05-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

The last few days of our transition here in Korea have been difficult for me… On our last days in the hotel the kids grew restless, my patience grew thin, and my relationship with Mike grew tension. The space was beginning to cave in on my personal space and the kids were invading everyone’s personal hearing space in the rooms beside and below us.. With the limited area, I could feel the attacks coming from all around.. I felt pressure to make decisions, determine volume control, and entertain the masses in a 500 square foot area.. My vision about what I thought it would be like was fading farther and farther from reality, as we sat waiting in a small hotel room! I read the Word when I could a word in edgewise, and prayed for strength… I thought the season of my pain was in missing my friends, but I was quickly brought to reality that my real test of the season was in my trust for the Almighty.. Mike went to work, organized paperwork needed to move from point a to point b and we sat waiting; waiting for Lily to wake up, waiting for lunch time, waiting for Mike to get home…. Waiting! Life was on hold… Or so I thought… As we got everything situated for housing, Mike organized for temporary furniture to be delivered to our new place…. They told us we were on the waiting list for everything but beds.. I thought to myself … “You have got to be kidding me! You bring my whole family out here and you don’t even have a stinking couch for me to sit on!” (For those who know me, I am sure you can picture me saying these things with a faint “huh” at the end!) I was livid! I was angry! I was restless! I deserved a couch! Well, I thought I deserved a couch until God reminded me of the scripture in Daniel. “All the people of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the power of heaven and the people of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him : “What have you done.” Daniel 4:35 I am deserving of NOTHING! I, little princess, do not even deserve a bed… IT’S NOT MINE! NONE of it is… It’s all HIS! He gives it to me… And here I sat, pouting! Complaining about not having a couch, but he gave me a bed! Instead of rejoicing in the fact that I would have a place to lay my head, I complained! “ Could it be your arrogance that makes you think God owes you an explanation” –Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It was sheer arrogance that left me wanting an explanation, left me feeling like I deserved something. And yet in the midst of my tantrum, God taught me something amazing…. He taught me to be still. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 4:10... You know what the funny part is… they delivered our stuff yesterday, and there was a couch… Not only a couch, but 2 lounge chairs, brand new (fresh out of the boxes) LG front load washer and dryers, coffee table, dressers, and night stands! When I was throwing my tantrum, God was shaking His mighty head and wondering when I was going to figure out His greatness! The word of the day is trust! Again, I ask Him to forgive me for my lack of faith, for God calls me to trust Him, even if it is about a place to sit!

Here are a few pictures of God's provision... I just had to take some pictures of how they bring the furniture in.. They brought a lift and brought it all through the window of Lily's room!!
I hope you enjoy!

Michael and Lily in the tub..... They made a HUGE mess with the water, but they had a great time!!

Sweet Kayden ready for bed... I just love this smile....

Starting to move the furniture in...

Through the window it comes!

Our living room with the temporary furniture.. Very roomy!!!

Our new dryer!

Our new washer... Military isnt treating us so bad!! :)

The kitchen... Clean!! YEEAH!!!

2010-05-10T00:09:00.000-07:00

For those who have been waiting to see pictures of our new home... Here they are..
This is our new home....

Our new kitchen...

The hallway leading to the kids bedrooms....

And for those who believed all that, I must say, " I love you," for you are gullible.. Here are the pictures to our REAL place... They are a little more up to par for this California mom..

This will be our bedroom..

The boys room... The desk will be removed...

The wall of closets in our room.. I LOVE the closets....

The door to our master bathroom!

The master bathroom with separate vanity area...

The kitchen...

Lily's room....

Guest bathroom....

Guest Shower....

Living room view to kitchen...

Living room to Patio...

The keypad to get into our home... They don't use keys....

Our new front door...

The keypad front door leads to small mud room with floor to ceiling closets.. a nice place to catch jackets and shoes... This is the door that separates the two rooms..... Kayden loves to slide them open!