Becky's Blog

When Sickness Hits....

2012-01-31T10:40:00.001-08:00

I guess it is that time of year again - when sickness hits. Before we had our two boys it wasn't a big deal when my husband or I got sick - we could pretty much medicate ourselves and get on with our lives. Now things are different. It's like a domino effect. When one child gets sick the rest are sure to follow including the parents. It is always worse when Mommy gets it - am I right? We have been battling a bacterial eye infection - very contagious! And to top it off cold and coughs! We are on the mend now, but I will be so glad to get out of the house and enjoy the pretty sunshine!

2012-01-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

I recently read this article about a young mother forced to kill an intruder in order to save herself and her son. I couldn't find the exact article, but this one tells the story well.

By KEVIN DOLAK and RYAN OWENS | Good Morning America – Jan. 5 2012

A young Oklahoma mother shot and killed an intruder to protect her 3-month-old baby on New Year's Eve, less than a week after the baby's father died of cancer.

Sarah McKinley says that a week earlier a man named Justin Martin dropped by on the day of her husband's funeral, claiming that he was a neighbor who wanted to say hello. The 18-year-old Oklahoma City area woman did not let him into her home that day.

On New Year's Eve Martin returned with another man, Dustin Stewart, and this time was armed with a 12-inch hunting knife. The two soon began trying to break into McKinley's home.

As one of the men was going from door to door outside her home trying to gain entry, McKinley called 911 and grabbed her 12-gauge shotgun.

McKinley told ABC News Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO that she quickly got her 12 gauge, went into her bedroom and got a pistol, put the bottle in the baby's mouth and called 911.

"I've got two guns in my hand -- is it okay to shoot him if he comes in this door?" the young mother asked the 911 dispatcher. "I'm here by myself with my infant baby, can I please get a dispatcher out here immediately?"

The 911 dispatcher confirmed with McKinley that the doors to her home were locked as she asked again if it was okay to shoot the intruder if he were to come through her door.

"I can't tell you that you can do that but you do what you have to do to protect your baby," the dispatcher told her. McKinley was on the phone with 911 for a total of 21 minutes.

When Martin kicked in the door and came after her with the knife, the teen mom shot and killed the 24-year-old. Police are calling the shooting justified.

"You're allowed to shoot an unauthorized person that is in your home. The law provides you the remedy, and sanctions the use of deadly force," Det. Dan Huff of the Blanchard police said.

Stewart soon turned himself in to police.

McKinley said that she was at home alone with her newborn that night because her husband just died of cancer on Christmas Day.

"I wouldn't have done it, but it was my son," McKinley told ABC News Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO. "It's not an easy decision to make, but it was either going to be him or my son. And it wasn't going to be my son. There's nothing more dangerous than a woman with a child."

Later news cast reported that the two perps thought there may be drugs in the home because the husband had cancer and was on medication. One perp got the fix of a lifetime!!!!

I want to be brave enough to do the same if my own children's lives are in danger. This young lady has inspired me, not just to know how to shoot, but to do it with out fear.

Last night my husband and I had a date. We have been planning to do this particular "date" for a while. We went shooting. This is us ...

Dealing with reality.

2012-01-26T13:43:00.000-08:00

I know that I am not the only one in the world dealing with circumstances good or bad. BUT when they become difficult or unbearable it is nice to know that I am not alone. When my youngest brother died almost 8 years ago, so many cards came in the mail as encouragement to me and my family. In recent years I have met countless other who also have lost loved ones in similar tragedies. Last week during our Super Conference at Church, the special music team (The Crumptons) gave testimony of losing their 15 year old son two years ago. It was sudden - like we lost our Johnny. What a blessing to my heart it was to see them still serving the Lord in song and music.
Recently we took our 1 year old to the allergist for a skin test. I felt that he might have allergies to our cat or to dairy because of some skin irritation he has been having for some time. Come to find out - it was not dairy nor the cat. I thought surely he must have an allergy to seafood like myself, but even that was negative. He is allergic to peanuts and wheat according to the skin test. Are you kidding me? Peanuts is no big deal. My niece is allergic to that so I wasn't surprised by that one. WHEAT is in so much stuff! I immediately began researching everything on the internet about wheat allergies and what foods don't have wheat and so forth. We purchased several snack foods at Earth Fare and planned a date to get lab work done. We knew a blood test would be more accurate. In the meantime, a simple post on Facebook invited several friend's comments and encouragement to remind me that I was not alone. Tho the blood test proved the wheat to be negative, we still need to be very cautious of peanuts. I am so grateful to know that even though the wheat turned out to be a false alarm, I know I have friends out there who are willing to encourage me. They remind me that in the worst circumstances I can probably find someone out there who can relate to me and even then I am sure to find others who are worse off. Thank you friends for bringing me to reality. AND thank you God for giving me such friends!

I have found a fun job!

2012-01-25T10:36:00.000-08:00

Last year I joined Thirty-One as an Independent Consultant selling organizer, purses, and other cute stuff. I am so excited to be a part of this "Christian" business. Based on Proverbs 31 I am like the virtuous woman working to support the needs of my family while having the flexibility to stay home with my family. I love it! The products are so easy to sell - I just wear them! I am excited to push a little harder this season so I can go to the National Conference in Atlanta. I love being challenged by all the other consultants testimonies and I just want to see what amazing things God can do through me with this small business. Please look at my website - I want every one out there to know how much fun and how easy this is!
www.mythirtyone.com/beccacook

Bradley's Dol Janchi

2012-01-19T22:20:00.001-08:00

The first birthday is a big celebration in the Korean culture. This time I decided to do everything myself - I did some research to find out what all exactly is involved in a traditional Korean Dol Janchi and then I thought I would add my own flare. It is only as elaborate as you want it to be. My house being fairly small in size, I kept the guest list to a minimum 10 and planned to use one area for pictures. Bradley's birthday, being the day after Christmas, limited my color palate. I already had Christmas decor up so I used green and red for decorating. I am quite pleased with how everything turned out.
We served traditional Korean food: Korean BBQ ribs, chicken and stir-fry vegetables, tempura potatoes, egg rolls, and vegetable pancakes.
I decorated the table with candy and cookies stacked and filling trifle dishes to act as filler and decor for picture taking. I chose a simple Asian privacy screen as my backdrop behind the table. Balloons and a couple of hanging paper lanterns help hide my kitchen.
A traditional game is played where everyone predicts what the birthday child will choose to be when he grows up. Once votes are made, the child is brought to a table to choose an item that represents each occupation. It is interesting to know that my child chose the calculator. My husband says genious (he is a computer guru) and I say mathmetician (I am a math teacher).
I must say it was quite a task. My Korean mother helped me prepare the food so it really was quite low stress. Of course it is only as big of a deal as you want it to be. For me - it was perfect!

Time to catch up!

2012-01-18T12:33:00.000-08:00

I have been out of the blogging zone far too long - I plan to get back to it now that I am learning more about life and juggling kids with home, school, and career! i am so excited to join other blogs out there that have been an encouragement to me in so many ways! Beware - it's blogging time!

Bradley has arrived!

2011-01-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

Bradley Allen Cook
Born December 26, 2010
6 pounds 11 ounces
18 inches long
Proud parents Brian and Becky
Big Brother Brandon!

Exciting News!!!!!

2010-08-13T03:01:00.000-07:00

We are finally expecting our second baby!! We are happy to announce that Baby #2 will arrive sometime in January. Please keep us in your prayers for a healthy baby!

Does the heart really grow fonder the longer you are apart from the love of your life?

2010-03-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

I think so. All I really know is that I am in love with my husband. I have had a great weekend visiting him in Ohio. This temporary work arrangement for him is almost over, and I can not wait to have him back home again. It is so amazing how it feels like we are dating all over again. I look forward to each visit home and each session we chat by web cam. It's a crazy life, but it is our life and we are getting through it together. One more month to hang in there until he comes back home for good.

He's not a baby any more...

2010-01-28T19:06:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast the time has gone. My little baby is 3 now. What a blessing to our lives he has been. He has made our hearts happy when times seem rough. He gives each day new meaning with the funny words he says. We look forward to every expression and giggle. The words "I love you" just sound sweeter when he says it. What I wouldn't give to have more children in my life-But for now I just cherish the days I have with this one. I thank my Jesus everyday for the love He has shown me through my very own son.

Columbus Adventure

2010-01-26T07:08:00.000-08:00

I had a terrific time in Columbus visiting my husband this past week end. He spoiled me rotten. He took me out to eat at so many neat places. The food was excellent and the shopping was a shopper's paradise. We went to a Conservatory which was similar to our own Botanical Gardens. There was a huge display or glass art by Chahuly. It was amazing. The weather was perfect for little walks here and there. We had some rain so Brian bought me a pink umbrella with lime polka-dots - so cute. We went to church at High Street Baptist Church - and excellent church with great music and ministries. The preaching was great too. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Now I just wish my husband could be back home. Praise the Lord for safety and provision. He knows what He is doing even if we don't.

Here I go....

2010-01-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

I am taking Brandon to Grammy and Papa's for 4 days while I fly out to Ohio to see my hubby. I am looking forward to a great weekend with him. I miss him so much!

Birthday - the BIG "3"

2010-01-21T05:53:00.000-08:00

Brandon turned 3 on the ninth. He begged for a fire truck cake - so that is what I adventured to do this year. I was pretty pleased with the outcome. I could make this a hobby. Brandon was blessed with so many gifts from his dear (and many) grandparents. He makes us smile everyday - We love you Brandon Cook!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-19T13:47:00.001-08:00

This year was a very exciting Christmas. We were able to spend it with all of our family - on different days. It seemed to make Christmas last a lot longer. What a blessing to be able to share so many memories with family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T18:38:00.001-08:00

So I am making my first turkey tomorrow. We have been married 5 years, so I think it is time I made one for Thanksgiving. I am really exited about marinating it in Mojo Criollo (Hispanic Marinade) I got the idea from a friend in Puerto Rico. She made a turkey with it and it was so good!!! So Grammy and Papa are coming in the morning. I am picking Brian up from the airport in a couple hours. I am so thankful that he will be able to be here for the weekend. It has been a real learning experience living without him a couple weeks at a time. Brandon doesn't really seem to notice too much, but I am sure he will be happy to see his daddy. Happy Turkey Day everyone!!

That time of year again....

2009-09-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

I feel like lately it has been that time of year again for everything. Fall is upon us and that means a lot is about to take place. Kids Market started up again. I didn't to buy much - but of course I found a few interesting finds. I was looking for a sand box type toy for Brandon, and found a sand table - great because now Brian doesn't have to worry about it killing the grass! I looked for a super man out fit (since costumes are so popular this time of the year). I found a 2 foot superman figure - really funny - but I thought he might like it. Of course I bought winter clothes and and shoes. I am so thankful that the Lord allows me to participate in something like this - really saves money for our family. Everything is in great condition too.

Fall Festival is upon us as well. I am excited to be coordinator again this year. I found some neat games at the Kids Market that I would like to incorporate in the festivities. This year's theme is Team Spirit. It should be a lot of fun. Anyone interested in donating for the door prizes please let me know.

I have decide to help out with the girl's ensemble group this year as well. It should be fun and a learning experience at the same time.

Brandon and I will be spending a lot of quality time together since Brian is away. We miss him already, but we look forward to web cam chats and phone calls. Grammy and Papa may get some grandparent time as well.

School is going well, and my piano lessons are filling up all my time. I have taken one more student for the Fall, so my schedule is full. Looking forward to a great recital. Happy Fall Y'all!

A New School Year Begins...

2009-08-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I began my first day back to school teaching one class - Spanish. I am so excited to have this opportunity. I miss being around the Spanish influence, so I am putting myself back in the books to keep learning so I don't forget. I have 11 students this year. 3 are of Mexican descent. This should be fun. Yesterday they chose their Spanish names for the year. They pick some of the weirdest names - Godofredo? It makes me laugh - but I am looking forward to a good year. Today we learn greetings.

I begin piano lessons next week. I have 23 students so far - and I plan to keep them as long as I can. I love teaching piano, and I look forward to a great recital this year. So, far the school year looks full, but exciting. I ask the Lord to bless it and give me strength for each day. I know that I will need it as I continue this task in serving Him.

Brandon's Train ride...

2009-08-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

We finally took Brandon to the North Alabama Railroad Museum. He was so thrilled to ride the"real" train. It was about an hour long ride. It was a nice day for the trip too. Not too hot PTL! We think we might have increased his lust for trains with this trip though - he hasn't stopped talking about it since.

I learn so much everyday...

2009-05-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

Everyday I find myself learning so much from my mistakes. I fall short of God's holiness in every aspect of my life. How depressing it becomes when I feel that I will never be like He is. YET, there is always a new day coming. I look so forward to tomorrows that I often forget what happened today. I am so grateful that God's mercy is new every morning. I can look back and be happy that yesterday is passed and I can start fresh today. This week I experienced a humbling event in my life. I reacted so selfishly in front of my visiting family members, that I failed to see how I hurt some one's feelings. Although apologies come naturally for me, I had a difficult time with this one. My husband helped me remember that it is not important WHO was right, but rather that I DO right. All in all everything turned out fine. I can not fathom how God must think when He watches us daily as we fail Him miserably in so many areas of our lives. I am so challenged everyday to do better than the day before.

Piano Recital 2009

2009-05-14T20:32:00.001-07:00

I am so proud of every single one of my piano students. We had a great recital this year. It was bigger than ever and it went so well. I am looking forward to watching them improve over the next year. They have learned so much, and have done so well performing. I pray that every one of them will continue to use their talent to serve the Lord.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2009-05-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

I think it has been raining now for almost a week straight. I love rain! I just miss the sunshine. So I got my plants and flowers planted just before the rains came. Good thing! I have already cut so many peonies - the bush is overwhelmed with blossoms. My house was full of flowers, so I started giving them away - Everyone I shared them with was so excited to receive flowers. Maybe this was God's way of allowing me to be a blessing, and I didn't even have to spend any money to do it. It felt really good to share my blossoms with my friends.

My piano recital was May 2nd. It was great! The kids did a terrific job and I was so proud of all of them . I can't believe how many people showed up just to watch. I even received flowers from one of my students. Roses and white daisies - my favorite combination. I guess all that giving away of my own flowers helped my to reap the blessing of receiving some as well. Isn't it neat how God works!

Hello World! See what I have learned!

2009-04-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

So today marks the beginning of "Becky's blog". I have a lot going on in my brain and I just can't seem to get it all organized. I just spent about an hour trying to order trophies, ribbons, and medals for my piano recital in two weeks. I delayed a little in the order process. I just love recitals. My students have come such a long way from where they started. I am just so excited to award them for their hard work and good effort.

I recently went on a trip to Knoxville to visit with my sister. We had a good time, but I learned something very important from that trip. I will never travel alone with my son again. He is a very strong personality, and without my husband to help me, I just can't enjoy the trip as much as I would like. It's not that Brandon is so bad or anything. Sometimes teaching a child and growing him in the Lord takes more work than one parent can do on their own. For this I am grateful to be married to such a wonderful man who is also a terrific father. I know the Lord teaches me lessons through my experiences as a mother. This was definitely one that taught me to be grateful for the husband that I have.

I asked a mother of 3 boys how she plans her day to get things done around the house. She replied " Some days you just have to realize that there are some things that won't get done." This was very wise advice to me in my new experiences in motherhood. I try so hard to do all the things that are expected of a wife, but when a wife becomes a mother and is still working a full-time job, juggling all those responsibilities and expectations can become overwhelming. I asked my fellow-teacher lady friends at the school how they managed teaching when their children were young. The reply was the same from all of them -"I didn't work when my children were young." It wasn't that I had to work - I just enjoyed it, but let me tell you this - Not working full-time has been so rewarding for me as a mom and wife. I still teach piano and tutor on the side, but I love my flexible schedule and my one on one time with Brandon. I wouldn't change it for anything.

God knows why things work out the way they do. I just need to continue to trust Him, especially when I am unsure. I learn lessons everyday from others around me - please feel free to share your learning experiences with me.

New Blog Title

2009-04-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

So my hubby tells me that my blog is more personal than family oriented, so I am calling it "Becky's Blog" instead of the Cook Family - makes better sense to me if he is not really actively involved in keeping it updated. So now I feel that I can post more of my own personal thoughts rather than family news. So get ready to read some interesting stuff!

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T08:00:00.001-07:00

This year Brandon and I went with mom to visit my sister and her hubby in Knoxville for Easter. It was nice to spend time with them. Brian and Dad had to stay back in Madison to work. We missed them. I am looking forward to spending a few days with them. Hopefully we will be able to see Joe's family too while we are here. It is such a blessing to be able to travel a short distance to see family, and celebrate together the Resurrection of our Saviour.

"Papa" time

2009-04-07T09:30:00.001-07:00

This weekend the in-laws were in town. Brandon just loves his "Papa" so much. Home Depot happened to have their kids workshop on Saturday, so the guys went to make a bird house/feeder.I thank the Lord for godly grandparents who want to spend time with their grandchild.

Spring is here - or so we thought!

2009-04-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

I am so ready for spring. It seems that every day it is warm outside - I don't get the chance to spend much time out there. Then when I plan to be outside one day - that is the day it is rainy and 40 degrees. I did however, manage to get some pics of Brandon in his Easter suit Sunday. He was so eager to pose - I think he is beginning to think he is good at it or something.
Why did God give me such a funny boy? - I am not sure, but I laugh so much more than I cry. I am so grateful for my son. I have to be - We prayed for him and God answered. He brings us so much joy.

I've been tagged: 7 Things About Me

2009-03-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here are the rules: I need to link to the person that tagged me. I need to share 7 things people may not know about me. I need to tag 7 people to share 7 things and link to them. I need to let them know they've been tagged.

1. I am a big eater. I love food! Sometimes I feel like I munch all day long! So bad for me - I know, One day it is going to catch up to me.

2. Brian and I dated one summer 4 years before we dated to get married. I knew then that he was the right one for me. God had some things for us to do before tying our knot.

3. I hate having my head patted or rubbed - it's a hair thing.

4.I love getting pedicures or having a foot massage.

5. When I was 6 I liked a boy named "Barney"

6.The last vacation I had before I was a mom was in Memphis. Brian and I stayed at a B&B owned by a guy who went to school with Elvis. We had a super time.

7. My 8th birthday was all girls but 1 boy. (poor guy - there were 30 girls!)

My candy monster

2009-03-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am amazed how my 2 year old manages to get whatever he is eating all over his body. I guess I have learned my lesson. I gave him some green apple sugar candy- the kind that you lick the stick and dip into the sugar. He loved it as you can tell. I love being mommy to a boy - every day is just full of surprises.

Be not weary in well doing...

2009-03-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at how often I feel tired of doing the things that I do. I have been teaching piano lessons now for about six years. I have 24 students this year. Occasionally I will have a day when I just think a child is not trying and it makes me feel discouraged; but later in the day I will have a child come to class having practiced above his required time, memorized his recital piece, and just behaved exceptionally respectful. That makes it worth my effort. I love to see a child use his talents and do so well. I try so hard to encourage my students to learn well in order to serve the Lord better. I love what I do - I pray that the Lord helps me not to grow weary, but to endure my challenges as they come so I may see the fruits of my labor.

It is better to serve the Lord.

2009-03-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

So we have car trouble. My little red car I had since before we got married almost 6 years, is now in the garage jacked up and without the front wheels. It is kinda depressing to look at. But - My handy-man husband is working hard to find and fix the problem. He is a wonderful man. He love the Lord and he does so many things. I am so grated to have him in my life and to be called his wife. He went back to college last fall to finish his degree (paid for by his employer PTL!) So there are many evenings he comes home late or he is studying at the computer. I don't see him sometimes from 7am - 7:30pm ( and even at home I don't see him after dinner til we go to bed)
He does this for me. Every Saturday he visits the projects to invite boys and girls and their families to ride the bus to church on Sunday. He is gone from 10am - 4:30pm. He does this for the Lord. Every Sunday he leaves early in the morning to pick up children for church, and he comes home late afternoon after taking them back home. He does this from 8:30 -2:30. When I go out to Sunday lunch with my parents I feel alone - yet, He does this for the Lord.
Whenever I begin to feel sorry for myself I realize how better it is to have a husband who serves the Lord than not. I love him even more. I hope that Brandon will learn this from his daddy and know how better it truly is to serve the Lord.

2009-03-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

I can't believe we had snow on the first day of March. you would think it would be warm! I woke Brandon up early so he could get bundled up to play in it before it melted away! At first he acted a little scared about it. Once he stepped in it his feelings changed. He had so much fun! I got cold so I went in the house, but he stayed out for bit longer. We watched him from the window. I wish it would snow more often down here, just so we could enjoy it for more that a couple hours. Good bye snow!

Brandon goes to Lowe's

2009-02-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

So, recently I found out that Lowe's has a time for Kid's to come and build little things every month. Last Saturday was a special workshop to make a jewelry box for Valentine's Day. It is probably meant for Dad's to take their children, but Brian works the bus route on Saturdays, so I thought I would take Brandon to this event. It was fun and he looked so cute. We met our friends Annelle and Noah. They had a good time together. We might try to do this again!

Beginning of a new church

2009-02-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, we went to help my in-laws with their first Sunday service in their new church in Savannah, Tennessee. It was very exciting to see all those who came out to help with work and visitation. God blessed the first service by sending one couple ready to join and two other families with great interest to attend regularly. Pray for this work that God would continue to send families to join and couples to help in the ministry there.

Brandon turns 2!

2009-01-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my little baby is 2. He is no longer a baby anymore! Poor children born so close to Christmas! They are just too spoiled. I guess it should be Poor Parents of children born too close to Christmas!I guess by the time Christmas and Birthdays are over, I am just partied and gifted out! We just love to see our little guy happy, and he just loves being with his family.

I tried my hand at decorating the birthday cake. It wasn't too bad if I say so myself! We are not big cake eaters in my family, so I just made a 1 layer round Funfetti cake and decorated with my hand dandy Pampered chef tools. I might try to do it again some time.

Brandon is really in to Thomas the Tank Engine and Cars - It was a toss up. I went with Thomas. It was great - I found a big balloon and few table items. We didn't want a big party, just a few things to remember it by.
We celebrated his birthday with grandparents. It was a day for spoiling let me tell you.

Christmas at Home

2008-12-28T22:24:00.001-08:00

We thought we would try a memory game. He loves CARS and is pretty good at matching.

Brandon got his tricycle - and he loves it.

Here he is playing with his tool bench. This keeps him busy for hours - it is going in the garage so he can play while daddy is working in the garage. He likes to do what daddy does!

Christmas in Savannah, TN

2008-12-28T22:07:00.001-08:00

We spent Christmas with Brian's parents in Savannah, Tennessee. We had a terrific time. Brandon was so spoiled as were we. I am so fortunate to have such wonderful in-laws. They treat me so well, and I feel so much like a part of their family. They are the most wonderful grandparents to my son. He loves them so very much, and that is so evident when he is with them. Thanks Mom and Dad Cook for a great Christmas at your place. We had a lovely time.

Christmas Blessings!

2008-12-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

Every year I find that I am so blessed, yet I forget to be grateful to my Giver. This year I am especially happy to have my family altogether. We miss my brother, but we know that "the Lord hath need of Him in a better place". I have a beautiful son who is growing and learning. My husband and I are growing in the Lord as well. We enjoy our home that the Lord has given us. I want to remember all my friends that are serving the Lord where ever you are. Thank you for you kind words of encouragement and your testimonies of God's working in your lives. It encourages me to read about your love and desire to serve Him. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Merry Christmas, and may God bless you for giving up so much to live for Him.

Is it Christmas time already?

2008-12-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

I just love Christmas! I love the lights, the trees, the ribbons, and the smell. I especially love how BJ gets so excited about EVERYTHING! Christmas is going to be so much fun this year!!

Where has Autumn gone?

2008-12-09T07:03:00.001-08:00

It seems that Fall just came and went way too soon. I can't believe it is almost Christmas already and Brandon is soon to be 2. He has been a wonderful blessing to our lives. He has changes so much and is growing so fast. We thank the Lord for such a terrific boy! We just pray that we will be the best possible Christian parents that we can be for him.

2008-12-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

Have You Ever?

Okay, so I just saw this on a friend's blog and thought it was neat. So here goes...(*What I have done)

1. Started your own blog*
2. Slept under the stars*
3. Played in a band - church band*
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled out with only some local anesthesia
7. Been to Disneyland/world*
8. Climbed a mountain*
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang/played a solo*
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea*
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch*
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty*
18. Grown your own vegetables*
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight*
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill*
24. Built a snow fort*
25. Held a lamb
26. Bathed in a river *
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset*
31. Hit a home run- i think it was a lucky hit!*
32. Been on a cruise*
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community*
36. Taught yourself a new language *
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. Sung karaoke*
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt*
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight*
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling*
52. Kissed in the rain*
53. Played in the mud*
54. Gone to a drive-in theater*
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business*
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason*
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma*
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy*
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial*
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square *
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person*
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible*
86. Visited the White House*
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox*
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous*
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one*
94. Made a baby*
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone*
99. Been stung by a bee*
100. Lived through an earthquake*

Me,Myself, and I

2008-11-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

1. I love sour candy.
2. I have a scarf fetish.
3. I have a sensitivity to smells.
4. I like to wear knee socks (cute ones that is).
5. I like to cook when the pantry and fridge are full.
6. I have cut my hair 4 times since May - it is getting shorter and shorter - YIKES!
7. I am so behind on my scrapbooking because of this BLOG!!!

Catching up with old friends.

2008-11-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

I just love finding my old friends on line. It is so much fun to catch up and see photos of how much they have changed. I especially love seeing their families. I can't believe we have kids of our own! What is even more amusing is how much our kids resemble us!! I am so happy for all of you who are doing so well. I praise you for living your lives separated from the world to be a shining light for all to see God's glory and love. Keep serving the Lord where ever you are, and may God bless your for being faithful to him.

Johnny

2008-11-10T15:18:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I just think too much. Days like today just remind my of my brother Johnny. I miss him so much. I teach piano lessons at the school 2 days a week, and this was one of those days. I see the school kids, and I am reminded of my brother. He was a good student. He always wanted to make things better. I don't know why I am reminded of him at certain times. I think about him all the time. I know he is in a better place, but sometimes I just want to see his smile or hear his funny remarks. I wonder if any of you remember him as often as I do.

A Day at the Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-04T11:28:00.000-08:00

We went to the pumpkin patch last week with some friends. Brandon had a BLAST! He rode the corn train, played on the slide and swings, picked up his own pumpkin, and took really great pictures the whole day. Thanks Martin & Annelle for inviting us along.

Giddy-up!

2008-11-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

We went to a bonfire BBQ at a church members house. The had some horses, so Brandon wanted a ride - he didn't go anywhere, but he loved just sitting there!

Just smelling the mums!!

2008-11-03T08:04:00.000-08:00

I just love fall! Brandon loves the cool weather and the colored leaves. He has learned to smell the flowers and he makes funny faces when he does.

Cheese!!

2008-10-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

Brandon started saying cheese every time the camera came out. It is so funny to watch him smile so big and actually say"cheese".

The Lego-Master-Builder

2008-10-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Brandon loves to build with his legos. He is so creative!

My son the musician

2008-09-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be nice if he really did learn to play. He sees me teach my students and immediately wants to join them for a lesson. I pray that one day he will have a love for music like his Uncle Johnny.

2008-09-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful for my heritage. My Korean Grandparents came to visit last spring. It was so nice to see them and spend time with them.

Summer Fun

2008-08-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

Brandon loves to play on the porch. We could sit there for hours. He just climbs on the rails and walks through the yard. He is growing up so fast.

We are learning

2008-08-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

We are learning to color. Brandon showed interest on his own so we took some time to practice today. He is still trying to decide which hand to use. He is so smart! Of course we are biased!

Slideshow

2008-07-30T14:22:00.001-07:00

Brandon the Engineer

2008-07-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

I found some mega blocks for Brandon to play with, and he seems to never be bored. He is always creating something. Some times he sleeps with them. One day he wouldn't leave them in the house. We took them shopping with us. I love that he is so creative and imaginative.

Huntsville Air Show

2008-07-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

June 28th was the Air Show at Huntsville International Airport. Brian had been waiting a long time for an opportunity to go to one like this. It was great. Brandon loved every minute. It was just so HOT! Everyone we ran into from church was lathering themselves with sunscreen. We call Brandon our little Indian child because he got so dark - Of course I layered him with sun block, but he is so dark complected that he just tans so well. We enjoyed the afternoon in the sun. W e made some great memories.

Mother's Day

2008-07-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

This year Mother's Day was special because Brandon was able to walk up to me and give me my flowers. We took pictures at church and celebrated with lunch out. I look forward to this day every year! I love being mommy!

Brandon's birthday

2008-07-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

Jan 9,2008 Brandon Jonathon turned 1. We made it an event to remember. We had all our close friends and family over to enjoy the Korean traditional 1 year birthday celebration with food and games. It was a great time.

Our Family

2008-07-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

We married in July 2004 and settled in our hometown of Madison, Alabama where we currently work and attend Madison Baptist Church. I finished teaching my 7th year as a High school teacher at Westminster Christian Academy so I can stay home and be full time Mommy to my 18 month old Brandon. Brian works for a government contractor as an tech engineer, and will be going back to school this fall. We both serve in our church in the bus, children, and music ministries. God has been so good to us. We look forward to his blessings everyday.