Summer Sensation

Bella and Daisey

It's a perfect fit.

It starts with skipping one day, next thing you know its been 2 weeks and you don't know where to begin (heavy sigh).

Family friends...

We have made friends with the "Director" of Sophia's school, Jenifer. Jenifer's family has had a significant impact to our life in Korea, it's been a blessing.

Jenifer's mother has advice on health improvements through the Korean diet. She introduced the "organic black bean". I would describe it as being similar to the kernels of popcorn (the ones you dig for when the popcorn is gone) but not nearly as hard. I was told that it aides in keeping your hair black and improving your digestive system. I simply fell in love with the black bean as a snack, all the health benefits are a bonus! When I sit down to read a book I find myself reaching for the bean bag. Isabelle has also found that the beans make an excellent snack. She also gave us "Organic Sesame Oil". I use it for cooking but I was also told that if I take a teaspoon every night before bead, it will help in the texture of my skin. I don't think I have ever smelled such pure sesame oil. I'm apprehensive to use it, as if its a magical serum and to use it sparingly. Jenifer's mother is very wise.

Jenifer's husband is an avid cyclist. I have seen him with various bikes. In a conversation on the Fourth of July I expressed my love for biking, at the end of the evening, he offered one of his bikes as a gift. I don't think we were able to communicate our happiness. The "Dahon" is the perfect commuter bike. It's light and folds up to fit in the back of our minivan (space in the back of the mini-van was not one of the selling points) I can carry it down the stairs with one hand. This is the perfect commuter bike. Once it was registered, I couldn't wait to take it for a spin. Since then the bike has become Chris's new form of transportation to and from work. He's a lucky guy.

a week lost...

About 2 weeks ago I came down with a head cold. It left me tired and out of sorts for an entire week. I'm very glad to see it gone. Luckily I was able to keep it from the rest of the family.

the ladies...

Isabelle and Haley completed the "Korean Culture" class. They have a better understanding of the language and have become pros at origami. As soon as the "Korean Culture" ended "Soccer Camp" began. The camp was just a week long. On the 4th day of camp, the camp counselor came running up to a few mom's (myself included) and said there was a child who had broke his arm. Slowly walking up behind him was a little boy with an arm that looked like it had 2 wrists. I volunteered to drive Ben to the clinic, 2 blocks away. I had never seen a clean break, it looked like a spaghetti string. Isabelle went with me for moral support to Ben, she was great! The clinic on post was unable to do anything but put him in a sling. The military American orthopedic doctor in Seoul requested that he come up to have it repaired and highly encouraged the parents to not seek out medical attention that would be given in a Korean hospital (only to be used in a life or death situation, this worries me). Seoul is 2 hrs. away on the bullet train, 4 hrs on a traditional train. His parents had to drive to the train station and then take the 2 hr ride. I can't imagine doing this myself. Two days later and Ben was at Soccer practice showing off his new cast. What a brave little boy. His mother was very sweet and gave me a bouquet of flowers as a thank you.Ben's family...

We had met the family about 2 months ago and have been bumping into each other ever since, not that this post is large enough that this is uncommon. Kate came her with her 5 children and set up home while waiting for her husband to complete his year long tour up north and move out her to begin his next 2 with his family. Kate is a very vibrant woman, she makes me smile every time I see her. I think that's her gift. The entire family is very motivated about assimilating to the Korean lifestyle, its very encouraging to see another new family so motivated.

workout buddy and friend...

In my fitness frenzy I have finally met someone as passionate and committed to the gym as me. Crystal has 2 kids, Kayla (11) and CJ (9). Conveniently, they live a building away. Kayla is a nurturer at heart and taken to Sophia, Sophia adores her. CJ is Isabelle's buddy, both rough and tumble. Last weekend Crystal invited Sophia and Isabelle for an overnighter. This was Sophia's first overnighter, it went over with great success. Crystal's house is kid heaven... cable, chips, candy, ice cream and so much more (it's all the things I wont let my deprived children have) not to mention her personal sweetness. Sophia had a blast, she didn't even want to come home!

Things are going very well. Chris says, "this tour in Korea dedicated to getting fit". I couldn't be more excited or agree more.