Still Seoul Searching

5/27/2013

5/08/2013

Our primary kids, gathered together on a Saturday morning to go hiking together. How we love these sweet kids! It's amazing to Joel and I how well they get along with each other, with our kids not knowing much Korean and the other kids not knowing much English. The language barrier does not seem to get in the way. They are one great bunch and will grow to be awesome people!

All I Want for Easter is My Two Front Teeth

Joel and I tucked the kids in bed. About five minutes later, Lizzie came out, joyfully announcing that she had just lost a tooth. We congratulated her as she prepared to put it under her pillow. We kissed her goodnight a second time and tucked her in. About five minutes later, she came out again, "It's a miracle!" she loudly exclaimed. "I lost my other tooth! In the same night!" We rejoiced with her. And then, with two teeth under her pillow now, our happy, sweet first grader fell asleep. Sweet dreams, lovely Lizzie. We love you. And we love your cute lisp that you have now.

Clever Sarah

Sarah loves bathtime. And she knows what she needs to do to make sure she gets it. ;)

Four Months

5/07/2013

More Korean Cooking Lessons

My Korean cooking lessons continue. Here are a few of the latest menu items I learned to make:

Hobak-Juk - Pumpkin Porridge (those are sweetened red beans & rice dough balls in it)

Tofu Ji-Gae - A spicy tofu, vegetable, beef soup

Pa-Jun - Seafood pancake (those are green onions and chopped squid that you see)

I can't remember what this is called, but it is rice pasta, squid & veggies in a spicy sauce. You serve it with white rice.

A Visit from Grandpa

We were so lucky last month to get a visit from Grandpa. He was visiting Korea on business and was able to spend a couple of days with us. We loved having him here! Sarah got quite attached to him and really cried when he left. Come visit us again when you can, Grandpa!

Crab Time

Another father-son seafood science bonding experience. Lobster, shellfish, squid, crayfish, mantis shrimp, and now crabs. Joel loves spending time with Andrew, doing things Andrew loves.

Morning Smiles

I love waking up to this happy face every morning.

5/05/2013

Seaweed Soup for Breakfast

When we first moved to Korea, seaweed soup was one of the most unappealing foods. Now, it has surprisingly become one of my favorites. Joel also really likes it. And now that Sister Kim is teaching me how to cook, I have learned how to make it myself.

One morning, I thought I'd try giving some to Sarah. And to my surprise, she loved it! So now, she and I have it often for breakfast.

Seaweed soup. What a great way to start the day!

Snapshots

5/01/2013

100 Days

In Korean culture, when a baby reaches 100 days in age, it is a cause for celebration. The family of the baby gathers with friends and family to share traditional rice cakes and kimchi in honor of the healthy, thriving baby. This tradition has gone on for generations in Korea. After all, it was only forty years ago that South Korea was a third world country. Many babies did not live to be 100 days. So reaching 100 days was definitely a cause to celebrate. Traditionally, the mother and baby stayed indoors, practically in bed for the entire 100 days, being cared for by the baby's paternal grandmother. The mother was brought seaweed soup and bone broth and pumpkin porridge, as well as other warm foods. No cold foods allowed, only warm ones.

Today, most Korean mothers don't stay inside being pampered for the full 100 days, but the tradition of celebrating with friends and family at the 100 day mark continues. And so, Joel and I decided to throw a 100 day celebration for Caleb when he reached that mark. We ordered fresh rice cakes and kimchi for our whole ward and shared them after church together. We wanted to celebrate Caleb's life and health, as well as thank our ward for all the service they gave our family following Caleb's birth and also during his hospital stay with pneumonia.