Facebook Status Year in Review - 2011

So this is going to be really, really long post.  I drive people cray on facebook by always posting things my kids say and always bragging about my super cute kids, and this post is exactly why I do that.  People always told me I should write down the funny thing my kids say, well I don't have all day to follow them around with a notebook and pencil.  Therefore facebook has become my outlet for all things cute kid related. If people only knew that I only post about 1% of the funny things my kids say, then they would thank me!  So here goes.  A year full of posts.  It's a great way to catch up on all of the exciting (or not so exciting) things that happened last year.  And by the way, ** separates the different posts.

January

**Happy New Years everyone. X O X O ♥ ** I am loving getting back on routine. Isabelle, not so much..."Mom, I don't like making my bed. I have to practice piano? My hair needs to be done - ahhhh! School, what's school?"  Liam has a yucky cold. I hope he can get some sleep tonight!**I am attempting death by Rolo Cookies today. I can hear my elliptical machine laughing at me right now!**I have a sick Isabelle today :(**Just finished watching Taken with Liam Nesson. As if I needed another reason to be a completely paranoid control freak in regards to my kids!**So Isabelle and I were at Walmart today and I had to get something from the cleaning isle. When we walked into it Isabelle said "WOW, we have NEVER been in this isle before!!!" Why doesn't it feel that way to me?**Our cat just went insane and scratched the living daylights out of me! OUCH!!!**So I started a structured "schedule" today. It’s great except that I am already an hour and a half behind! Oh heaven help me!**Isabelle started a kids choir this morning. After class in the car she was singing a lot and she says, "Whew, I am glad I took that class. Now I sing GREAT!"**Just got back from a Korean language class. Can you say "Out of your comfort zone" in Korean?**My computer won't let me on the internet. :( I have NO idea what’s wrong. It hasn't worked for a few days, no blogging, facebooking for me :(**I ♥ Saturday nights at home with my hubby!**Had to hit the ground running today!**Up all night with a sick Liam :(**Kids in bed, check. Automatic brain shut down in 10, 9, 8, 7...**So sad. Isabelle's gymnastics teacher had her last class today :( Now I am not sure what we are planning on doing!**I love going on dates with Soung-Sik. There is no pressure, just fun!

February

Both kids had Dr's appointments today. Liam is in the 2% for weight but 25% for height – that’s the first time either of my kids have been above the 10th percentile! Isabelle had to get 3 shots and she didn't even think about crying - the nurses were very impressed!** I was just thinking how frustrating it is when everyone doesn't think the same way you do about things. I wonder if God ever feels that way too?** I am a mean mommy today. All of Isabelle's toys are sitting in garbage bags in my living room right now. Not because she wouldn't clean, but because she was complaining about how bad her life is. Oh brother - I will show you bad sweetie!** There's stuff I should do and stuff I wanna do today. I think I am going to go with "wants" over "needs".**Just to update all of you who are worried about Isabelle's toy situation...she got them all back before bed tonight. Happy girl = Happy mom!** We went to a different church today for my nephews blessing. A girl got up to do her testimony and she said "I know this church is true..." Isabelle leaned over to Grandma and said "Hey, I thought our church was the true church!" It was quite a revelation for her!** LOL! I think all of the mommies just got their kids into bed, because I just received about 15 emails from FB in about 30 seconds!  It's FREE time everyone!** So I have an hour to kill with no children. I was so excited and wanted to watch a show online but my computer isn't downloading it - ANNOYING! Now I am going to have to go do something productive like read or clean!** I just left Liam alone in his high chair for 2 minutes with a plate of spaghetti. WHAT was I thinking?** I was re-arranging Isabelle’s room and she kept asking "Did you have this when you were little, how about his?" I would say "No, no, I didn't." After a while she asked me "Did you at least have water?"
I guess that's better than dirt, no?** What am I doing for Valentine’s Day you ask?  Paperwork :(** I need a mitten crochet in the shape of my nose. Seriously.** Yikers Batman! That's a strong wind.** Isabelle and Liam both have coughs and I just feel ooky. The schedule for today has turned into sitting around like vegetables in front of the tv. Except I still have to clean bathroom and do laundry, why do mommies not get sick days?** William had shoved about 5 DVD's in the VCR slot! How's that working out for you?** Pajama Day: The Sequel.** ...but you can't run away from your own feet.** I love hearing all of the news reporters say " Bahhhrrrrain".**I get a kick out of eaves dropping on 5 year olds. They are hilarious!** So Isabelle says "Mom pretend that I am dancing with so many ballerinas, but I am the MOST beautiful...of course I am not more beautiful than my mom!" I may not go in public again, I have all of the adoring fans I need here!** I discovered this morning while exercising that watching Barbie swim around looking like a mermaid makes you want to keep working out!** My debit card # got stolen - I have NO idea how. This is the 2nd account I have had this happen to within the last year! Fortunately I love my bank and they are really easy to work with about it!** Slow down time - just slow down!** I have decided to move to Texas. I can't handle this snow anymore. I would rather have a tornado every once in a while that snow for half of the year -at best!** After 3 hours and $400.00 at the Riverton Instacare the good news is Isabelle probably doesn't have a broken arm. The bad news is there is something wrong and we just need to wait for a while and see if it gets better on its own :(**

 

March 

I am pretending that Liam is not awake from his nap yet.** I am stuck in the middle of 4 books. They aren't bad, but I am having a hard time finishing them. I think I have a commitment problem!** Liam just opened a door - I am really hoping it was a fluke. I am so not ready to go down that road yet!!!** I have a headache thiiiiiiiiiiiiis big!** This morning we couldn't find William. Finally we see him stick his little head out from under our bed and start laughing! He got us good - what a tease!!!** Rrrrrr. William is getting in the nasty habit of throwing his dishes on the floor, and then complaining when I don't give him more food. This is the 1st time I have had to deal with this, any suggestions?** My dishwasher just leaked all over my kitchen floor. I guess the good thing about that is my towels are being washed now and I have 1 clean spot on my floor :)** I am banning myself from any more Korean dramas until I get some reading done...probably.** We just found out that Soungsiks brother was in Japan at the time of the quake/tsunami. We thought he went back to Korea last week. Luckily he was far enough South, and he is okay!** Apparently Earth moved at least 10 centimeters with the Japan earthquake. This will cause time to move slightly faster...as if it wasn't moving fast enough already!** I dislike corporate taxes - URGH!** My kids have just been begging me for hours to go to bed early. I am such an awesome mom I granted their wishes! Goodnight babies!** Why do I only cry when watching Biggest Loser and Disney movies?!?** I have so much that needs to be done that I am just running around in circles trying to decide which boring thing to do first.** I just learned how to do something new (and yes completely basic) with my computer. Of course I learned by pushing the wrong button on accident!** I just found a secret stash of binkies in William room. He is a good little hider. I was wondering where all of the binkies were disappearing to!** I should go read the book for book club...I am only a quarter of the way through.** I'm gorging on cookies to try to feel better after the BYU game :( I think it's helping!** Rain rain go away, come again another day...preferably in May.** For those of you who saw the ambulance at our house today, yes it was for my dad. We were very blessed and he is back home and doing fine. I have the most amazing neighbors/friends. Thanks for all you do!** OH NO! My husband just brought out his fly fishing stuff! I am going to be a fish widow before the weather even gets warm!** I feel like curling up and going back to bed for 24 hours. It's not going to happen :(** Apparently you have to get up pretty early in the morning to get a deal on a Tangled DVD. Early in the morning has never gone over very well with me. Oh well!** I was brushing Isabelle's hair before bed. She says "Mom call me Rapunzel". Then she proceeds to sing the "magic" song from Tangled. It was cute and a little creepy at the same time :) I don't wan to be the bad mom!** Loved the weather today. We actually played outside - with no coats on!**

April

My philosophy today: You can't do it all, so just do the fun stuff!** Spring Fever has hit me hard this morning...watch out house, here I come!!!** Mom advice needed. We want to put up some bunk beds but I need to know how to keep a 1.5 year old from climbing the ladder and playing on the top. The last thing I need is another kid with a broken limb. I have to have the ladder on, so no ladder is not an option :)** Today Isabelle tells me and Soungsik "You two make SUCH a cute couple!!!" Who am I to disagree?** We are trying the kids in the same room tonight - wish me luck!** What the? American Idol - lets send home the most talented most beautiful person! Grrrrrrr.** Isabelle is LOVING sharing a room with Liam. She just asked if she could go take a nap too - so now I have 2 kids sleeping. Is this awesome or what?** Baby it's cold outside!** I swept and mopped my kitchen floor yesterday. Today Liam figured out how to open the sugar bucket and spread a few handful nice and evenly all over the floor. Guess what I need to do again...** I wish the stinky child would walk farther away from me...** I was singing a bedtime song to William. I got about halfway through when he stuck his binky in my mouth. I knew I wasn't the best singer, but I had no idea I was THAT bad!** Isabelle threw up 5 times last night. Pajama day today, poor girl :(** If someone cooks for you just say "thank you" and then eat. Is that hard to do?!?** Must go exercise....some days are harder than others!** Bummer - my Korean class got canceled on Saturday because of the marathon:( Oh well - you people running better have extra fun on my account!** Let the crazy busy day begin!** ARGH! William keeps turning the dishwasher on. Now I can't unload them and do the dirty ones, because everything it wet again!** My child is outside playing - with short sleeves no less! Yay Spring!!!** Up ALL night with a sick Liam! I am just glad we are on vacation this week - today is going to be a movie day!** I found a plastic Easter egg in our yard yesterday...from last year! I hope the kids do a better job finding this year. ;D**Happy 10th Anniversary to my honey! It's gone by so fast I can't believe its been that long! I ♥ you Soungsik!** Isabelle just asked me if she had a sweet tooth, and if so, which one is it?** Garden planted. No more snow please!** This morning Liam came downstairs while I was still I was still in our room. He managed to get into the vinegar and spill it all over himself. Our house smell ooh la la great now.** Oh my husband. I just don't know what I am going to do with him :) He tells me today... My friend is coming from Korea to visit...On May 2nd...for 3 months! Thanks for the heads up babe!** Isabelle called my friend on my cell phone 3 times this morning. Finally my friend came to my house to see if I was still alive, how embarrassing!** Liam figured out how to climb to the top bunk with out a ladder AND how to open doors tonight....Heaven help me!**

May

Bye Bye Bin Laden. I hope you enjoy your afterlife!** Crazy busy day. I had to pick up Soungsik's friend from the airport this afternoon. He doesn't speak any English and my Korean, well it sucks, this should be an interesting 3 months!** Just finished boxing with our guest. Now I am thinking that either Soungsik has been going easy on me (and I thought he was brutal), or our company isn't happy with his accommodations! It was still pretty fun!** I have a FB pet peeve. I don't want to offend anyone, but there are about a million posts that tell you to repost or do something if you agree. So I am just going to cover my bases: I love my country, I love my parents, I love my children and siblings, I want cancer to be cured, I am thankful for Jesus Christ, fill in the blank. Now you will know that I still care, even if I don't re-post.** Isabelle tells me "Mom, I think I need some quiet time can you please go take a nap?"** Back from a day at Sugar House Park followed by Isabelle's choir performance. She did great! And Liam did pretty good to considering he had NO nap!** Now that was a busy, fun and laugh filled weekend! Loved it, but I am super tired now!** I have the feeling I am forgetting to do something right now. I wonder what it is?** I put Isabelle's name on a list for a charter school that has a really awesome 1 day a week program. I really, really want her to get in, but our chances are so slim! Keep your fingers crossed for us! C'mon lottery, it's not like I'm asking for 34 million dollars!** We were enjoying the beautiful weather in our backyard when Liam fell and hit his head on the corner of a cinder block. After an ice pack he's all better, but he is going to have a shiner!** Ahhhh - I broke out shorts and capris for all of us today! It's the official return of the whitey white chicken legs!!!** Loving this weather! My kids are boycotting being indoors, ducks are visiting our yard, and everything smells springy!** Ouch! The sunburn I got yesterday is starting to hurt!** I just finished reading the "Tiger Mother" book. I loved it - I must be controversial too! I hope my children can survive!** Enjoying a Klondike ice cream bar in front of a crying Isabelle. Someone choosing not to finish their lunch was never so sad :( Although I am feeling great about it :)** Drowning in paperwork & work today! I pledge to get it all done today though!!!** Why are children so loud and energetic in the mornings? It's a little annoying.** My brain is in a cloud today. Probably a rain cloud.** I wonder if living vicariously through face book takes the pressure off your children?** Isabelle just told me "mom you could use lifestyle lift (aka plastic surgery), because you have a some wrinkles on your forehead". WHAT??? When I was 5 I didn't even know about about face lifts...they probably hadn't been invented yet!** I'm officially out of excuses. I must go exercise!** Breakin' out the shorts and t-shirts...again!!!** There are so many people around me who are having very hard times right now. I wouldn't even dare complain about my life, I think I'll keep walking in my own shoes!** Back home from the cabin. Nothing is better than a shower after 3 days without one!

 

June

Happy birthday to my mom! Not that she does FB - but still gotta say it!** So it's 5 in the morning - why on Earth am I awake? Oh yeah, because I got pregnant 6 years ago and now instead of having someone kick me from the inside I have a large child that can kick me from the outside!** Back from a crazy busy day. I had the home school convention and Soungsik had back belt testing. Then we had a baptism for my nephew and niece!** I officially took away Liam's last Binkie last night! He is one sad boy at nap time today!** We are on a roll today! Isabelle has a piano recital and belt testing this week, so it's a little crazy around here!** Tucanos for lunch - yummy. I think I had enough grilled pineapple and Brazilian lemonade to make me explode!** Hello. My name is Gabrielle and I am a chocoholic!** Introduced the kids to "The King and I" tonight. They were dancing and singing and Isabelle cried when the king died! They were too cute!** Had so much fun at the Asian Festival today! Our schools did some demonstrations - everyone was awesome!** Whoever invented childproof doorknob covers did not know my son!** My new puppy! No name yet...** Soungsik left a scale in the middle of the kitchen floor. I wonder if that's his way of keeping me from mid afternoon binging while he's gone to work?!?** Survived our Taekwondo picnic in the park today. Other than having 150 to 200 people there and NO pavilion (sandy city double booked the pavilion) everything went great!** Today I had about 15 things I was supposed to do - have I done any of them? Nope! I took a nap, read,and am now wasting time on FB instead! The kicker is I don't even feel guilty! I love summer! :D**Back from Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Zion's now I need a vacation!!!** William is climbing up and jumping off of furniture at a break neck pace - let's hope he doesn't actually break his neck!** I ♥ that my dog and cat ♥ each other!** Sad day at our house. Doo-Il went back to Korean today. Isabelle and I might have been crying our eyes out all morning!** Our house guest must have packed up and taken my desire to have a perfectly clean house. This is not a good thing!** Summer makes me completely lose track of time! I have NO idea what day it is! Thursday? - whatever, it could be any of them!**

 

July

There were 37 bajillion people at Walmart today!!! I was 1 of them!** Ahhh - my kids are making me slightly batty today!** Back from camping! It was so much fun, but I am totally worn out!** This car needs to be detailed - STAT!** I am going to attempt to cook some new (to me) Korean recipes today! Keep your fingers crossed for me!** Yay! Isabelle got accepted into that Charter school that works with our homeschooling. Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that she'll get some/most of the classes we wanted!** When I went to get William up from nap he was attempting to change a very messy diaper! I got there just a smidge, or a smudge, too late!!!** Finished school supply shopping! Now all that we have left is fall clothes, but I am going to see if we can make it until after Labor Day when the killer deals are!** Isabelle says I should write "Mom and I are going to play all day together!" Sounds good to me little one!** :) We got Isabelle's school schedule today. I am a happy girl, because we got almost all of the classes we wanted!** I really want homemade chocolate chip cookies right now, I just don't want to make them...I will probably break down anyways!** William went to nursery for the 1st time by himself today! Hooray!** Is there anything pointier than a 5 year olds elbows?** We just got back from the Days of 47 float preview at South Towne Expo Center. It's free today and goes until 9:00. They had face painting and balloon animals. There were some really cool floats too!** ***Oh the HORROR***
I think William is trying to give up his naps. Weep, weep, weep...:(((** Am I jealous that my children got a Cadillac SUV before me? VERY!!! They have been playing with it for hours tonight. Somedays I wish I was a kid again!** Isabelle has been reading "made in China" on everything. So she asks me "Mom, why is EVERYTHING made in China? Don't we know how to make it in America? Wouldn't it be better if we just made our own stuff?" Such a wise 5 year old I have, but seriously, how do you answer that?** Off to set up a trampoline! Woo Hoo!** HaPpy BiRtHdAy to William ♥! He's officially 2, how did that happen?!?!** BUSY week ahead! Isabelle is starting school & I am heading back to work! So long lazy days of summer :( I will look back fondly!

 

August

The bad news is every single minute of my day has to go according to plan. The good news is that if I can stick with the plan I can get every thing that needs to be done...done :)** William had his 2 year well child check today. He made it to 20 pounds. which puts him in the 2nd percentile in weight and head size. I guess he figured since he was 2 he'd keep that number for everything!** So I've been working on losing some weight. Not much was happening even though I've been a really good girl (zero sugar for 2 weeks). Yesterday I got depressed by the lack of weight loss and I ate an entire Costco chocolate chip muffin. Then I lost 2 pounds! Did I stumble upon some kind of fantastical weight loss secret?!? We can only hope!** Finally watched "Soul Surfer". It was so good, I even cried a little!** We started out the week by sleeping in a couple of hours - kids included! It was pretty sweet!** At work, and I shouldn't be on FB...I wonder if I could get fired for this...A girl can always hope :)** Doggy sitting for the next week (during my vacation!). Oh the horrible things we do for our friends!** Such a fun day today! Isabelle and I went to lunch, Winnie the Pooh, followed by ice cream and shopping. I ♥ having a daughter! We also went "boating" with the boys this evening, I ♥ having them around too!** I wonder if Isabelle would clean the bathrooms for 25 cents?** My day is packed with fun activities for my children (mostly Isabelle). I am such an awesome mom ;D!** I think I am going to need a real vacation after our "staycation" - phew, I'm tired!** Oh the PAIN! I did something to my neck and now I can barely move...Lagoon should be a BLAST today! (Yes I know I sound like an old foggie!)** Isabelle is not wanting to get back to the routine this morning! :-O**NOOOOO! William just learned how to climb onto the top bunk by himself...without the ladder! I don't know what Soungsik must have done when he was little for me to deserve this!!!** So much to do and so little time!** Soungsik asked if I needed anything at Walmart, so I told him just to get me a pregnancy test. I don't really need one, but it's nice to scare him every once in a while!** I have been so busy all morning. But my head is having a hard time grasping that summer vacation is over!** Isabelle to me "Mom, why is the middle finger bad? Dad says it's not a good finger..."
Me to Isabelle "ummmm....hmmmm....ask dad why."** After watching a temperpedic commercial Isabelle says "Mom you should get that mattress. You could jump on it even while dad is sleeping!!!"
It's one of our biggest marital problems we have at our house! He is such a light sleeper!** Isabelle has her 1st day of "away school" tomorrow. I don't know who is more nervous, me or her!**

 

September

Isabelle had so much fun at school today. Her little violin is so cute!** It make me laugh when people think their dogs are children. Also when they think it takes the same amount of responsibility. It's okay to love your pets, but seriously some people need perspective :D**Just me and Liam today. Finally some one on one time with my little man!** Oi Vey it's really feeling like a Monday this morning!** Ahhh couch...my tooshie has missed you today!** I think I am going to try a cookie diet. 2 cookies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with 4 to 6 cookie snacks throughout the day.** William has figured out how to sneakily slip food to the dog under his chair! I wasn't too happy about it, but I haven't heard any complaints from the dog yet!** Back home from St. George. We had tons of fun, but it's always nice to be home especially because I left my husband here!** I just told William "Ahhh, stop pushing my buttons!" I meant my computer buttons, but I think it applies either way. This child is going to turn my hair gray!** Isabelle had her belt test for blue belt today - she did AWESOME! Good Job kiddo!** I am inflicting forced naps on my children today. They were emotional basket cases at church today!**

 

October

Welcome October! I love this time of year!** I have had a very productive Monday! I wish all of my days went this smoothly!** Watching Ultimate Fighting Championships. I am a big fan - NOT! Soungsik ♥'s to evaluate all of the fights.**

Isabelle: Mom did unicorns used to be real?
Me: No sweetie.
Isabelle: Did dinosaurs used to be real?
Me: Yes.
Isabelle: Did mermaids used to be real?
Me: No kiddo, sorry.
Isabelle: Did pirates used to be real?
Me: Yes.
Isabelle: That is totally unfair! Why did only boy stuff used to be real?!?

I just drove through sleet! You know, that rain mixed with the white stuff we don't want to see yet! Wasn't it around 85 degrees 2 days ago!?!** I got my birthday present early. It's a Roku 2 and it is soooo cool. 3 Korean drama channels - I may be getting nothing done for a while!** I am confused by KFC's new ad. They say something like "chicken's don't have nuggets" making fun of McDonalds. Last time I checked chickens didn't have fingers either!** Isabelle tells me "Mom your lips are more smiley, but mine are more kissy!"** Behind everyone's "perfect" are trials, tough decisions, and hard work. I need to remind myself to stop criticizing & comparing!** I hear my bed calling. It's saying "piles of soft warm blankets, you know you want them, give in, just give in..." I think I will.** Every time Soungsik tries to put William in bed he falls asleep next to him! LOL! I guess I will have some quiet girl time tonight!** The mess in my house on Monday mornings is not to be trifled with!** Isabelleisms of the day...
"My toothpaste says POISON!!! Oh no, what will we do?!?"
(as in contact poison control)
"Mom, I just love dad's name, it's just so particular!"
What a lucky mom I am, she cracks me up daily!

I am feeling a little low on patience. Does anyone know how to remain patient after 6 PM?** Cough, cough, sniffle, sneeze. Movies and jammies please oh please!**

Me: I am so lucky to have 1 girl and 1 boy.
Isabelle: Yeah, but your boy is crazy.

I got a new "smarter than me" phone! Pretty fun stuff. I hope I can learn how to use the thing!** Isabelle informed me that right after her cousins B-day party she's moving to St. George. She decided to leave because she can't stop arguing with her brother. I asked if I could come and she said no :( I will miss her!** I love seeing all of the kids costumes on Halloween. So much fun!

 

November

The little people in our house are WAY more excited about the snow than the big people.** Started to get back to exercising today. It was pretty brutal since I have skipped for a few weeks. Mental note to self, don't skip exercising for more than 2 days, it sucks to start up again. I desperately need a nap now.** Soungsik is teasing me because I have about 10,000 songs that are my "favorite"!**I am making Liam do quiet time in his room while I am munching on his Halloween candy. I think I am officially stealing candy from a baby. Shame and guilt are tasting pretty good though...Yum!** Today I am thankful for kids who actually remember their manners without being reminded! It puts my mind at ease!** I think I am going to plug in an air wick air freshener and put on the sluttiest dress I can find and then twirl around my house in it. When the lady in the commercial did that sparkles flew from her behind and her house redecorated itself. The sparkles I could live without...it's worth a try isn't it?!?** Today I am grateful for an amazing husband. It also happens to be his birthday today. Happy birthday Soungsik!** Today I am thankful that most of the tempting Halloween candy is gone!** Today I am thankful for a great ward!** Today I am thankful to live in a country where I can vote!** Today I was thankful for sunshine, sisters, and smoothies.** Today I am thankful for this beautiful Earth we call home!** It turns out that Belgium waffles with almost frozen cool whip sprinkled with cinnamon sugar is pretty tasty. Even if it is for dinner instead of breakfast!** Today, I too am thankful for all people who fight for freedom... all over the world and at all times.** Today I am thankful to be 98% done with Christmas shopping! Now I can just sit back and enjoy the holidays!** Today I am thankful for ALL of the adorable children in my life! Our TKD students, my awesome primary students, my great nieces and nephews, my kids cool friends, and last most most importantly my funny, forgiving and loving Liam & Belle!!!** Today I am thankful for the gift of life and progress. Even though some progress may be smaller and slower than anticipated - things are still going in the right direction!** William watching a Mission Impossible car commercial:
"uh oh...uh oh...ooooooo.....UH OH!"** Today I am thankful for my dishwasher and washing machine. Without them what is going to be a long and not fun few hours would turn into long and not fun few days.** I have procrastination down to a science. Too bad procrastination isn't a virtue or a really cool hobby!** Isabelle is cleaning up her play room and crying because I won't help. I may be losing my mind, but I seriously don't remember helping her mess it up!** Today I am thankful that William is becoming cuddly and that I am becoming his favorite person! I may just turn him into a momma's boy yet!** Today I am thankful for Kohls cash and discount coupons!** Today I am grateful for all of my friends at book club! Thank you for not exiling me or gagging my big opinionated mouth!** Oh the weather outside is frightful, but my warm fuzzy sock and sweater and hot cocoa and fire are so delightful!** Today I am thankful I survived the whirlwind of fun and that my kids are quietly sleeping now!** I nominate Breaking Dawn for comedy of the year award. Seriously haven't laughed that hard for a long time! So, so, so, funny!** There's something wrong with my eyes!!!  Oh wait, no, there's just water spots all over my glasses - phew!** I have been waiting for ages for the housekeeper to come and clean the bathrooms.  It turns out we don't have a housekeeper...bummer!** Your tears have no effect upon me small child!** It takes along time to delete 1,100 messages from your email. I feel so organized now.** My kids found 1 of their Christmas presents, so they became Happy Thanksgiving presents. I guess I have to hide stuff better next year!** Today I am thankful my husband go the Christmas lights up before a huge storm. Now I am crossing my fingers that they will all work.** Today I am thankful that I was born at the best time in history, into the best family, in the best part of the country, in the most blessed country this world has ever known. I am also grateful I share this legacy with my wonderful husband and 2 amazing children. Happy Thanksgiving.** You little Swedish Fish might be "fat free", but what you don't have in fat you make up for in calories! Sheesh!** Missing friends I haven't seen in too long. I hate that people have to move far away!** 12 days of Christmas is overkill. I just want the 5th day.** Stand back Christmas tree, I've left you alone for too long. You're about to get tackled!** My kids crack me up. After William said the prayer instead of saying "Amen" he yelled "TA DA!" What are they teaching him in nursery?
Isabelle came to me with a stuffed Santa and said "What do you want for Christmas little girl?" I said "I want my kids to be really good." Then she said "Well I don't think I can get that for you...sorry!" Thanks for the laughs little people!

December

Oh no, I sat down. What was I thinking? This is going to throw off my entire Monday morning!** Isabelle told me she had a date with William today. She said "He was such a gentleman, until he started sucking his thumb!"   That is one of the top 10 ways you know your date is immature.** If I were my business debit card, where oh where would I be? Not in my wallet that's for sure. Soungsik may be killing me in a few hours!!!** Wishing that if I practiced for Isabelle's piano recital today it would help her!** We made it through Isabelle's piano recital. Only a few minor mistakes, but overall she did great! I am so proud of her!!!** I am looking about 4 months pregnant...I'm not, but I think I may have gone overboard on yummy Christmas treats this weekend!** For those of you who saw my too gooey to eat brownies, after 1 night in the fridge they were SOOOO good! Now I've had to finish many of them all by myself!** William is upstairs having the tantrum to end all tantrums. Poor guy, I think he may be coming down with something because he has been so emotional all day today!** What in the heck do toy makers have against square/rectangular boxes? Wrapping trapezoids is incredible challenging!!!** I guess I'll go do what I have to do because I'm not really sure what I want to do right now!** Kim Jong Il has died. I shouldn't be happy about a death, but I am about this one.** Happy 6th birthday to my beautiful, talented, funny, loving and intelligent Isabelle!!! We love you so much and are so blessed to have you in our family!** I'm not going anywhere for a few days, there are way too many sickos out there! You know who you are...** Have yourself a merry little Christmas...to all of you! ♥ ♥ ♥**Isabelleism for the day "Mom, I don't want to go bed yet. Why can't kids just be nocturnal?" Me..."sigh" and walk away...** They kids were walking around in our shoes being mommy & daddy. Isabelle just kept saying, "oh, honey, oh honey." Perhaps I say that a bit too much? It was pretty funny watching her try to walk in 4 inch heels though!** Some of you things in my fridge may not make it to see 2012. Sorry.** Spontaneous mommy/daughter date to wrap up the year??? I think YES!

2011 Resolution Review

Okay so it's the ugliest time of the year, when I have to evaluate how good or bad I did on the New Year's Resolutions that I made last January.  All of the pink writing was done 1 year ago and the black writing are my comments now.
Here goes... 

I have never done resolutions. I must be getting older and this year I have decided to try it out.
Will I be depressed if I don't accomplish everything on my list? No.  
Or possibly a little.
Will I try my best to accomplish everything? Absolutely. 
Or maybe a little...or maybe not at all.

1. Get on a schedule. Now for most people this is a very basic thing to do. For me it is very difficult. This includes going to bed before midnight. 
I was hit and miss with this one.  I made it to bed around midnight most nights, but it turns out that I don't wake up any earlier when I go to bed earlier.  Maybe it's a waste to go to bed earlier? I was substantially better balancing the kids schedules - until about October were I seemingly gave up on pretty much everything!

2. Become one hot mama. I could just say lose 15 to 20 pounds, but really it involves more than that. I have to figure out something to do with my hair - seriously what is happening up there?
Hot mama?  Yeah lets not even go there.  I did lose about 10 pounds, so I am not going to complain! And I didn't even start trying until September and I didn't gain weight over the holidays, so I'm happy with that. My hair, is there. And that's pretty much all there is to say about that.


3. Read, and alot more. I love reading, but I never seem to carve out the time to do it enough. Maybe the schedule will help with that.
I did great with this one in the beginning of the year and I lost it at the end of the year.  Book club has helped me a little with this one and not only have I been able to read some books I otherwise wouldn't have (for good or for bad) I have been able to make new friendships and see old friends in a new light!  


4. Become better at my Korean. I can't say learn Korean, because that literally takes many years to do. I would like to be able to hold basic conversations by the end of this year.
I am doing better in this department. My weekly Korean classes are helping, but I am not anywhere close to where I want to be.  If only a girl could live with a Korean that would speak to her in his native language...it's never going to happen!

5. Get my black belt. I have been really close about 3 times and things keep getting in the way. Mostly getting pregnant and the aftermath of that, but no one is pointing fingers.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!! I don't think I did 'actual' taekwondo once this year.  So I am probably worse today than I was a year ago.  Ooops.

6. Learn to cook some different foods - particularly Korean food. Won't Soungsik be so happy?Maybe if I accomplish all of these this year then I can set some extreme resolutions next year. 
I learned how to make pretty great Oi Kimchi and Japchae!  I also learned how to make some side dishes and soups.  I am happy with this progress, but like all good things I am just a baby and have a long ways to go!

Well for what it's worth that how things turned out.  If I set resolutions this year, they will probably be very close to the same.  I am not sure what that says about me.  I guess I need lots of work still!!! 

Christmas Morning 2011

Alas, I didn't take very many pictures this Christmas.

I was way too busy just enjoying the day.

Christmas was on Sunday this year, and that is always my favorite day to have Christmas.

It makes it so much easier to feel the spirit and not get caught up in the hustle of the day.

 William was a man with a mission in the morning.

When we walked downstairs and he saw the gifts he screeched "WOW!"

It was adorable.

We let the kids open just a couple of presents before church.

 William loves his new car play mat.  And he is nice enough to share with his sister.

 Isabelle has been so into her new Legos.

It was somewhat strange to buy "big kid" toys for her this year,

but she was definitely ready for some!

 Everybody got new church clothes for Christmas since it was on Sunday.

 William thought he should get to pose for a picture just like his big sister.

This tall dark and handsome man was in charge of assembly.

Well that's it for the pictures.

The rest of the day I worked on a puzzle and ignored the kids while munching on the dark chocolate Santa brought.

The kids didn't seem to notice or care since they were off gleefully playing with new toys.

We had a lavish and tasty dinner thanks to my mom, Soungsik squeezed in a nap on the couch, and then we played some games.  

That pretty much sums up a perfect Christmas.

We hope you and yours had a wonderfully peaceful and happy day as well!

Christmas Eve 2011

This year we held our Cain family Christmas party on Christmas Eve at the taekwondo center again.

Much fun was had.  Much food was consumed.  Much noise was made.  What else could you ask for?

 

The kids had a great time just running around and playing various games.

I always feel blessed that I have a husband who truly enjoys being with his kids and makes a real effort to play with them as much as possible.  I hope when my children are older they will have fond memories of playing with the dad.

True to his form William, or litle Soungsik as I have taken to calling him,

has to be involved with everything.

He has no concept of his age or size in regards to those around him.

There is nothing he won't try or so far can't do.

After lunch it was time for a little hockey.

Here we have the cutie patootie yellow team.

 They were up against the ferocious fighting blue team.

It's pretty clear here which team was more competitive,

and also which team won.

 William wasn't going down without a fight though!

Present time finally rolled around.

 This year William really got into the opening spirit.

He was a present opening machine, and like most 2 year olds he thought everything should be "mine".

 I love to see how excited the kids get not only for their own presents, 

but also to see what others are getting as well.

 

Here Great Grandma & Grandma are ripping into something good.

We love them!

After our party we went home and enjoyed the rest of the evening.

Making cookies, playing games, having treats, etc.

And of course we had to open our traditional Christmas Eve jammies.

This has been such a wonderful and relaxed Christmas season.

They should all be this good.

The Ficus Killer

Plants do not usually have a long life expectancy in my house.

A couple of weeks or months tops.

Soungsik and I were given a ficus tree at our wedding 10.5 years ago.

I am now of the opinion that a plant is a horribly mean thing to give newlyweds. Let me explain why.

When we got it I thought it was such a great idea.  But as I have almost killed this ficus tree 20 times you can't imagine the guilt associated with almost killing something precious from your wedding.  It's not like breaking a bowl or a dish, it an actual living thing.  Somehow it turns into a testament to the strength of your marriage and your own maturity.  When I was pregnant with Isabelle and I almost killed the ficus I ran to my dad, a plant lover, and begged him to save it for me.  I was worried that if I couldn't even keep a plant alive, what was I going to do with a child?  My dad saved the tree for me and while it was under his care it miraculously even grew a few inches.  It hadn't grown at all under my careful love and attention.  It turns out you have to water plants every now and again.  Now my ficus tree looks like this.

Every time you walk past it 10 leaves fall off. 

So I could look at this 2 different ways.

It could be a bad omen that our marriage may be coming to an end and dying like this ficus tree.

Or I could be very happy that or marriage is so strong it has outlasted this tree. 

I'm going to go with the second option!

Maybe I'll go water it and see if love (and water) really can conquer all.  I still can't bring myself to throw it out.  Maybe when all of the leaves have fallen off I will throw it out. 

Maybe I will break down and go crying to my dad again.  

To sum things up,  don't give people plants for their weddings.  It's just a gift wrapped in guilt and doubt.  Unless it's a money tree, now that I probably would have watered more!

Primary Class Party

This year in primary I taught the Valiant 10 class.

It was a class made up of predominantly boys, and I learned something new about 11 years old boys.

It is a myth that girls talk more than boys, at least at this age.  All of the girls in my class would just sit quietly. 

The boys were non stop jesters, announcers, and auctioneers.  Not really, but it seemed like it some weeks!

Despite the rambunctiousness I have to say I really LOVED my class and the students this year!

They kept me laughing and thinking about things in a whole new way.

They give me hope that even though William might be a complete goofball when he is 11 his heart can still be as good as gold.

We had a pizza party last night to celebrate the end of the year.  

Our entire class couldn't make it, but here I am with some of them.

 

There are two depressing things about this picture for me.

First, I clearly look much, much older than my 11 year old students.

Secondly, without my high heeled shoes I am about the same size as my 11 year old students!

What can a girl do?  Nothing - I know!!!  I keep eating vegetables, but I just don't seem to grow!

We had pizza & tons of junk food.

If you want to have a really great time with lots of laughs you should invite a group of 11 year olds over, give them lots of sugar, then teach them how to play spoons!  We were laughing so hard and I had more fun with them than with adults, because like me, they are very uninhibited. 

We gave the losers of spoons 2 choices,

#1 - you could be eliminated from the game,

#2 - all of the other players get to hit you on your wrist 

(this is Korean style in games)

Most of the time they chose to get hit.

I am pretty sure hitting your students is against the church handbook

and I may be getting fired from my calling shortly after posting this!

Lets hope not, because I am looking forward to getting a whole new group of children next year!

Happy 6th Birthday Isabelle

Isabelle is officially 6 now! 

She is always the last of her friends to have a birthday, so she has been waiting anxiously for many months.

She decided she wanted a taekwondo party this year.  It was lots of fun!

Soungsik did a little TKD class for the kids and then they played a few games.

 

William was so excited to be a part of a "class".

Bethany (behind William) was a big help!

 

It's still unclear where Isabelle gets her competetive nature from.

Soungsik and I are truly baffled.

 

William doesn't weigh enough to pop a balloon,

but he can sit and bounce on one for a long time!

After the games we beat a pinata!

 

William really enjoys hitting things with sticks - scary!

 

Isabelle actually broke the pinata this year!

It was very exciting!

Soungsik claims it was all because of his superior rope swinging skills.

I think Soungsik is full of candy...or something else that rhymes with snot bear.

 

Pizza was enjoyed and devoured by all!

And then it was time for cake.

 

The biggest reason Isabelle wanted a TKD party was so she could cut her cake with a sword.

The funny thing is we have swords at home too, but she didn't seem to make that connection.

The concentration needed for cutting cakes with swords looks something like this...

 

Not to seem materialistic, but presents are always exciting and fun.

Karli wanted to do "heavy, heavy hangover" on Isabelle.

Isabelle had no idea what that was and I think she was 

afraid Karli might drop the present on her head.

Isabelle & Hannah

Isabelle & Sariah

Isabelle & Jessica

 Isabelle & Lily

Isabelle & Faith

Isabelle & Natalie

Isabelle & Joey

She had invited more boys, but Joey was the only one to show.

He really didn't seem to mind much!

Isabelle & Aubrey

Isabelle told me a few weeks ago,

"Mom when I started school Aubrey said she hated me, but now she likes me a lot."

I am not sure what girl drama went on at school, but I am glad they seemed to work it out on their own.

I don't like being a mom with a child old enough for girl drama!

Isabelle & Grandma & Grandpa

They got her the scooter that even Santa wouldn't be getting for her.

That's why Grandparents are the best - even better than Santa.

Isabelle is crying in this picture because she was using bratty talk with me right before I took it.
I informed her that even though she was 6 she is not too old to receive a spank when needed.
Luckily no birthday spanks were dished out, but just the thought of it was clearly disturbing.

Sorry to make you cry on you birthday kiddo!  Mean mommy moment.

Soungsik and I gave her presents earlier in the day.

 

A nintendo, so she will stop stealing Grandma's.

She has been playing this non stop for 2 days now.

And "Too Many Monkeys" which she loves and we'll be playing as soon as we can get William down for nap.

Happy Birthday Isabelle.

We are so blessed to have you in our lives. 

You are growing up to be such a great person.

Keep up all of your hard work, never stop being happy and loving, and we'll check back in with you in a year!

Love, 

Mom & Dad

In Our World: Death of a Tyrant

Kim Jong Il communist dictator and tryant leader of North Korea died on Saturday, December 17, 2011.

I am quite happy about this news even though the future of the country is so unsettled right now.  

I have to hold out the belief that the death of such an evil person is always a good thing. 

We are living in very uncertain times in this world right now. 

I am mostly concerned about China making some kind of power grab for North Korea right now because I don't believe the U.S. will do anything against China at this time.

We will have to watch and wait to see what the future holds for North Korea.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our family and friends in South Korea and we hope with all of our hearts that their economy and safety will be protected throughout whatever this new future holds.