Picture This - Photo Journal: 12/1/09

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year 2010

We can hardly believe it has been almost a year since we moved back to Korea. On October 2008, we found out there was a civilian Apache helicopter Instructor Pilot position becoming available, working for the Department of the Army in Korea and we would have the possibility of moving if James was accepted to the position. In Less than two months, we found ourselves once again packing to move across the Pacific Ocean to Korea.

2009 has been a great year for us! Most of all we continue to be humbled and in awe of how God leads and provides for our family. Yes, there have been trying times and we’ve faced difficult decisions, but we have learned some great life lessons and have been continually reminded that “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is his faithfulness. The Lord is our portion, therefore we will hope in him”. (Lam 3:22-24)

One of the blessings we most enjoyed was the abundance of family time. James was able to manage his work schedule (he has been just so busy for the last several years) so that we could take several road trips and have some great experiences together as a family enjoying Korea.

Our home is located in a local farming village, which is quiet and safe with lots of open space for our boys to run around, ride bikes and explore - what a great place to raise two busy boys! We are able to enjoy many evening bike rides down by the river and into ‘our’ city Pyongtaek to the sports park. The boys love to go over Pyongtaek Bridge!

James enjoys flying and teaching. He and another civilian instructor lead ‘Green Platoon’ which provides classroom and flight instruction to new pilots arriving in Korea, teaching them about local procedures and progressing them into their unit. He has made some great changes and improvements to their program of instruction and enjoys the challenge. In his spare time he gardens, does projects around the house and also built a playhouse/swing set for the boys which he has been wanting to do for quite some time.

Hyun Joo is enjoying life in Korea – her ‘Mother Land’ - does she need to say anything else? lol:). She stays busy keeping the house together for three busy boys, but also continues to enjoy photography – family pictures as well as taking photo’s for friends - and managing our picture blog. And of course enjoys all the Korean food readily available.

Caleb is 6 1/2 years old and is working on loosing his second tooth! He is already in the 1st grade and attends Humphreys American School on post. He is very active and his favorite class is PE – of course! He reads by himself, is great at spelling and is learning Korean culture and Spanish. He loves to play outside and rides his bike with his brother - they call themselves 'biker boys':)

Ben is 4 1/2 years old and growing like a weed! He stays home and does his preschool time with mommy - he is really a quick learner! He loves to sing, draw (even on the walls:) and just play! He is our little comedian and comes up with some of the funniest things. Often he is just chattering something to himself or his toys.

Both boys played soccer this fall. Once they figured out which direction they were supposed to run and that they all weren’t supposed to kick the ball at one time, they did pretty well. Caleb got the hang of things by the end of the season and was doing well for the team. Ben was mostly in his own little world. I think we had the most fun watching!

Time is flying! We will be here in Korea at least another year or two and look forward to see what God has prepared for the next chapter of our life. We are grateful for so many blessings He has given to us and we trust Him wherever he leads!

We wish you all a Merry CHRISTmas and a Happy new year 2010. May God bless you and your family!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Snow day, cookie baking..it's 5 days till Christmas.

We had some more snow - not enough to make snowman but the boys played outside in the snow while James baked cookies -of course, I helped him some:). I'm so lucky to have a husband who likes to bake cookies. James said it brought a lot of good memories from his childhood.